Features

Posted on December 21, 2017 by indylite

Thankfulness and Gratitude

by Kelly L. Schafer, M.S., Executive Director, The Voice For Clinton County’s Children

The Voice for Clinton County’s Children is thankful and full of gratitude for what our agency experienced in 2017. Without you, our programs to serve children who have experienced abuse and neglect would not be possible.

Our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program continues to provide a voice to Clinton County who are in foster care. CASA Volunteer Advocates give an average of 10 to 20 hours a month advocating on behalf of ‘their’ CASA kiddos ensuring no aspect of a child’s foster care experience is overlooked.

The last Saturday in April, we hosted our 4th Annual Superhero 5K Run, Walk, or Fly! a family-friendly (and fun!) event for all ages and abilities. We are thankful for our generous sponsors and all who ran and walked in support of our services. We are looking forward to April 28, 2018 to host our 5th Annual Superhero 5K Run, Walk, or Fly!-will your cape be ready?
Throughout the Spring and Summer, with an amazing team of volunteers, we made our new office a welcoming, child-friendly facility. Through generous donations from groups, families, and individuals, our office atmosphere includes brightly colored murals painted throughout our building.

In November we experienced the launch of our Child Advocacy Center (CAC). A CAC ensures abused children are not further victimized by the systems designed to protect them. Through CAC services, our wonderful professional team from throughout Clinton County, works together through the investigation, treatment, and potential prosecution of child abuse cases.

We invite individuals and groups to take a tour of our office. A Tour of Hope offers our community the opportunity to experience and learn about our programs which serve children who have been abused or neglected.

There are not enough words to express our thankfulness and gratitude to our community for the support which wraps its arms around the children we are entrusted to serve. We invite you to contact our office (989-640-5681) to schedule a Tour of Hope or for more information about our services to kids in our community, please visit VoiceForClintonCountyChildren.org.

A Look Back – DAR Event

by Barry Clark Bauer

Kathy Boettger, center, daughter of Robert and Marilyn Boettger, receives an award from the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1972.

The award is unknown as are the ladies making the presentation. It may be she just became a new member.

DAR was founded in 1890 and members serve to promote historic preservation, patriotism, and educational ideals in communities across this nation.

Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Christmas Wishes

On behalf of our furry friends, we wish our readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Maralyn and Jesie and the Pet Corner.

Letters – Parking permit confusion

Dear Law Enforcement Professionals:

Attached please find a copy of a notification I found on the windshield of my car parked in the St. John’s municipal lot just north of the police lot behind Heritage Place. I had a parking hang tag hanging from my rearview mirror, just 18 inches from the placement of this notice. Based on the information I received from Heritage Place, I thought this was a valid parking spot for my stay.

I appreciate the fact that I only got a warning rather than a real ticket. But I wish you and Heritage Place were on the same page about this parking.

I visit the St. John’s area frequently, and was pleased to see local lodging appear, as the Comfort Suites in Dewitt is noisy and I cannot get a good night’s sleep there. I like to support local businesses, especially new ones that seem to be serving a needed function in an area. But if I have to worry about getting a ticket due to poor communication between the businesses and the local law, I do not want to be the man in the middle.

I was sufficiently piqued that I decided to eat breakfast in Dewitt rather than St. Johns.

Before discovering the ticket, I joked to my wife that the accommodations were nice, and all St. John’s needed was a reason for people to want to visit. This experience encourages me to return to the Comfort Inn in Dewitt for my stays and meals while in the area.

And as more local businesses fail, and the tax base decreases, there will be less of a tax base to support local law enforcement jobs. I hope your small town starts working together for the benefit of all there. In the future, I will stop in Dewitt and bypass St. Johns on the Highway.

Sincerely,
Roger Fleming

******

Mr. Fleming,

Thank you for your email and for visiting St. Johns. The “notice” that was left on your vehicle was not a warning but rather a reminder that the city parking permits including those the hotel utilizes will be expiring at the end of December.

The purpose of the notices is to provide a reminder to those persons who utilize them to renew their permits in hopes that parking violations are not needed to be issued when the permits expire. All of the permits issued for the city lots including those for the hotel you referenced are identical. Due to that fact, the officers who are providing the “notices” as reminders would not be able to differentiate permits provided from the hotel for nightly guests from those issued to other permit holders in the city including residents and other business persons in the city.

I’m sorry you misinterpreted our “notice” as a warning. We enjoy a great working relationship with our downtown businesses and take extra steps to assure that information on upcoming renewals is provided in advance to reduce the need for violations being issued.

I hope this clarification on what was placed on your vehicle makes you feel less disappointed with your visit to our city. If there is any other clarification that I could provide that would assist you, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Chief David Kirk
St. Johns Police Department

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – 5 Common Causes of Choking in Pets

When a dog or cat chokes, it can be a scary situation for any pet parent. Fortunately, if you know the most common choking hazards in pets, then you can get your pet the help she needs and, in some cases, prevent choking all together. Here are five common causes of choking in pets.

Foreign Objects

Curious dogs and cats explore their world by tasting and chewing, but sometimes they bite off more than they can chew. A dog can accidentally inhale whatever they are chewing on, and that can cause choking. Choking hazards include chew toys, balls, rawhides, bones, sticks, etc.—basically anything that is smaller than the windpipe or back of the throat can get stuck. It is a good idea to only let your dog chew on rawhides and toys under supervision, and take away the toy or rawhide when your dog chews it down small enough to swallow.

If your dog appears to be choking on a toy or rawhide, keep calm. A dog who is suffocating will panic and may accidentally bite. Avoid bite wounds and never put your hand in your dog’s mouth to retrieve the item. If your dog can still breathe, take your dog to your nearest veterinarian or veterinary emergency center immediately. If your dog can’t breathe, use the Heimlich maneuver to remove the item.

If your dog passes out, then and only then should you open the mouth and see if you can remove the item. Use both hands to open the mouth, and grasp the upper jaw while pressing the lips over the dog’s teeth so they are between the teeth and your fingers. Look inside your dog’s mouth and remove the obstruction if possible. If you can’t remove the object, try using a flat spoon to pry it out of the dog’s mouth.

Cats like to chew on and swallow string, which can cause choking if the string gets wrapped around their tongue. Veterinarians recommend storing all string and yarn out of reach of cats, and if you do play with your cat with feathered fishing poles or other string toys, store the toys out of reach when you are not actively playing with your cat.

Cats and dogs are also known to chew on electrical cords, and while electrocution doesn’t technically cause choking, it can cause pulmonary edema, which fills the lungs with fluid and restricts oxygen exchange. If you have a chewer, keep them safe by preventing any access to electrical cords.

Collapsing Trachea

Collapsing trachea is a common cause of choking in older small breed dogs. The trachea is the C-shaped cartilaginous windpipe that connects the nose and mouth with the lungs. In some small breeds, the windpipe becomes floppy, and the harder a dog sucks air in the trachea, the more collapsed it becomes, causing the dog to cough, sputter, and choke.

While there are some experimental procedures being tested at veterinary schools, at the time of writing, there is no cure for collapsing trachea. But if your dog has been diagnosed with a collapsing trachea, there are steps you can take to minimize the condition’s impact on quality of life. The most helpful recommendations are to keep a dog thin and cool, as excessive body weight and heat exacerbate the condition. If your dog is still struggling, talk with your veterinarian about getting cough medicine. If you are getting a puppy, talk with the breeder about the health of the mother and father, and ask if they have any problems. If the breeder doesn’t know, buy from a different breeder.

Infectious Disease

Kennel cough, also called infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious infectious respiratory disease in dogs that can mimic the signs of choking. Kennel cough is a catch-all term for several infectious organisms, and dogs catch it from other dogs or from sniffing up sputum coughed up by other dogs, much like you catch the common cold from somebody who sneezes on you. Kennel cough causes dogs to hack and cough like they have something caught in their throat. Sometimes affected dogs will spit up foam. Kennel cough is easily treated with antibiotics and cough medicine. You can prevent your dog from getting kennel cough by staying up-to-date on yearly bordetella vaccinations.

Another disease that can cause choking in dogs is puppy strangles. Puppy strangles is seen in young dogs, and the cause is unknown. Puppy strangles causes the swelling of the throat and lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms.

Feline Asthma

Cats can develop hacking, coughing, labored breathing, and choking from asthma, which causes choking from constricted airways. Feline asthma is an allergic disease, caused by reactions to environmental allergens, such as dust mites or pollen. Feline asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition and there is no cure, however, symptoms can be managed with medications and allergen avoidance.

Constricting Collars

An often overlooked cause of choking in dogs and cats is a collar that is too tight, or a collar that becomes tight when a dog pulls on the leash. Collars can quickly become too tight in fast-growing puppies and kittens, so make sure to check the collar often on puppies and kittens, and keep it loosened enough to slip two fingers under the collar. If your dog pulls excessively on the leash and then chokes and coughs, then she could benefit from being trained to stop pulling through the use of a head halter or harness that is specially designed to reduce pulling.

Features

Posted on December 14, 2017 by indylite

New business features something for everyone

by Maralyn Fink

The Blue Owl Boutique is a new store in downtown St Johns located at 314 N. Clinton Ave., next to Swany’s Resturant. It was opened in August of this year by Georgette McDill.

Georgette always had a dream to open this type of business. There is a mixture of new merchandise and gently used items. This is a boutique that has a little of everything. It’s a great place to shop for a gift or something for your home. Merchandise is added daily.

Store hours are Thursday 11-5, Friday 11-7 and Saturday 10-5. Stop in and browse the big selections, and say hello to Georgette and welcome her.

A Look Back – New Kroger’s Managers in 1972

by Barry Clark Bauer

New on the job as of last week as manager of the St. Johns Kroger store is Bob Gemmill, right, pictured with Donald U. Thelen, head of produce.

Gemmill, former co-manager of the North Grand River Kroger store in Lansing, has also been associated with Kroger in Dowagiac and Grand Rapids. He and his wife, Judith and three daughters, Michelle, 8, Kristin, 6, and Melinda, 1, are currently making their home in Williamston but plan to move to St. Johns in the near future.

Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – How Cold is Too Cold for Your Dog?

We all know that exercise and the mental stimulation being outdoors play are key to keeping our dogs healthy and happy, but what should we do when it’s cold outside? When do the risks of spending time in the cold outweigh the benefits of being outdoors? Let’s take a look at the dangers associated with winter weather and how we can still safely enjoy the great outdoors with our dogs.

All Dogs Aren’t Created Equal

Dogs are individuals. An outdoor temperature that feels downright balmy to one dog might send another in search of shelter. What are some of the variables that affect how dogs respond to the cold?

Coat type – Dogs with thick, double-layered coats tend to be the most cold-tolerant (think Siberian Huskies, Newfoundlands, or Samoyeds). In most cases, these breeds have been developed in Northern climates and may also have other anatomical, physiological, or behavioral attributes that allow them to thrive when it’s frigid. On the other hand, dogs who have exceptionally thin coats (e.g., Greyhounds and Xoloitzcuintli) suffer the most in cold weather.

Coat color – On a clear day, black, brown, or other dark-coated dogs can absorb significant amounts of heat from sunlight, keeping them warmer in comparison to their light-coated brethren.

Size –Small dogs have a larger surface area to volume ratio. In other words, the smaller dogs are the more skin they have (in relation to their “insides”) through which to lose heat. Therefore, small dogs get colder more readily than do large dogs… all other things being equal.

Weight – Body fat is a good insulator. Thinner dogs tend to get colder quicker than do their heftier counterparts. That said, the health risks of being overweight far outweigh any benefits, so don’t fatten up your dogs during the winter months in a misguided attempt to protect them from the cold.

Conditioning – We’ve all experienced this one. Fifty degrees feels quite chilly in October, but after a long, cold winter, a fifty degree day in April can make us break out the shorts and t-shirts. Dogs who are used to cold temperatures handle them much better than do pets who aren’t.

Age and Health – The very young, the very old, and the sick are not as able to regulate their body temperatures in comparison to healthy dogs in the prime of their lives, and they therefore need greater protection from the cold.

All Temperatures Aren’t Created Equal

The temperature as it registers on a thermometer isn’t the only environmental factor that affects how dogs feel the cold.

Wind chill – A brisk breeze can quickly cut through a dog’s coat and greatly decreases its ability to insulate and protect against cold temperatures.

Dampness – Rain, wet snow, heavy fog, going for a swim… any form of dampness that soaks through the fur can quickly chill a dog even if the air temperature is not all that cold.

Cloud cover – Cloudy days tend to feel colder than do sunny days since dogs can’t soak up the sun and warm themselves.

Activity – If dogs are going to be very active while outside, they may generate enough extra body heat to keep them comfortable even if the temperature is quite low.

Cold Temperature Guidelines for Dogs

In general, cold temperatures should not become a problem for most dogs until they fall below 45°F, at which point some cold-averse dogs might begin to feel uncomfortable. When temperatures fall below 32°F, owners of small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, and/or very young, old, or sick dogs should pay close attention to their pet’s well-being. Once temperatures drop under 20°F, all owners need to be aware that their dogs could potentially develop cold-associated health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.

The best way to monitor dogs when it’s cold is to keep a close eye on their behavior. If you notice your dog shivering, acting anxious, whining, slowing down, searching out warm locations, or holding up one or more paws, it’s time to head inside.

Letter – Remembering the Linotype

Barry’s Linotype article brought back memories of our country school touring the office of the Clinton County Republican News in the late 1950s. After the machine was demonstrated, each student was given a slug with their name on it. If you had an ink pad, you could use the slug to stamp your name.

The editor played a joke on my uncle George Cornell when he was part of a school group touring the news office in the 1930s. He asked George if he had ever seen printer lice? Answering “no”, George bent over to get a close look after the editor sprinkled some water on a tray of loose slugs. When George was close enough, the editor slammed the slugs together, spraying George’s face with water. I suspect that little trick was sprung on many unsuspecting school boys.

There is a wonderful video of a linotype machine in action, giving a detailed explanation of how each part works, on Archive.org. The video is in two parts, and can be found at http://archive.org/details/Typesett1960 and http://archive.org/details/Typesett1960_2. The videos are available in several formats, but if you select the “low res” mpeg4, each file is about 60 megabytes.

Glenn Schultz
St Johns, MI

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Winter Walking Dangers for Cats and Dogs

If your dog or cat spends any amount of time outdoors, winter can be a particularly dangerous time. While the freshly fallen snow can make the world appear as a winter wonderland, there are a lot of hidden hazards to be aware of. Ice covered sidewalks, chemicals scattered across driveways and walkways, these conditions can be hazardous to animals and humans alike. Keep yourself and your pet safe this winter season by being aware and taking precautions.

Chemicals on the Ground

It is common practice to apply chemicals to sidewalks and driveways so that the ice can be made to melt, or just to make it so that the feet can grip the ground easier. The problem with these chemicals is that they get onto animals’ unprotected feet, where they can irritate the skin or get into small abrasions in the foot pads. The animal may also lick the chemicals off of their feet and ingest them, resulting in stomach and intestinal problems. There are products that are relatively safe for animals, but not everyone uses a pet-friendly product for their sidewalks and driveways.

One solution is to outfit your dog with a set of booties, so that the foot pads are protected. Booties are also good for keeping hard snow and ice out of the spaces between the toes, something that can be very painful for an animal.

If your pet will not tolerate wearing booties, you will need to be vigilant about cleaning your pet’s feet and underside as soon as you return home from a walk. A simple rag that has been dipped in warm water will do the job.

It is also a good idea to make a habit of checking your dog or cat’s feet on a regular basis after they come in from outside to be sure that the footpads and toes are clean and free of abrasions.

Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze) Poisoning

Another common winter practice is the changing of antifreeze/coolant in the car engine. There will always be unintentional spills to watch out for, and not everyone is conscientious about cleaning up the spills in the driveway or on the garage floor. While a lot of companies have changed the formula of their antifreeze products so that they do not have a sweet taste, there are still plenty of antifreeze products on the market that do have that tempting sweet smell and taste to them. Dogs and cats, of course, do not know any better, and they lap up spilled antifreeze solutions when they find them on the ground.

The main ingredient of most antifreeze solutions is ethylene glycol, an extremely toxic chemical that leads to a lot of accidental illnesses and deaths in pets every year. If there is no one around to witness the pet ingesting antifreeze and the symptoms are not treated immediately, the animal may suffer severe nervous system and kidney damage within a short period after ingestion. Even the newer pet-safe products have a degree of toxicity, and the only way to avoid accidental poisoning is keep the products out of reach of pets, and off of the ground.

All antifreeze products need to be carefully secured in an area that is out of reach for pets – and children, for that matter. All spills should be cleaned immediately using a water hose or similar procedure. In addition, if you are out walking and see a puddle in the street or on a driveway, do not let your pet walk through it or drink from it.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested even a small amount of antifreeze, the best thing you can do is call your veterinarian or local emergency animal clinic immediately. Ethylene glycol is a fast acting chemical, and minutes can make a difference.

Frostbite

Your pet may not be complaining about the cold, and is probably even having a blast playing in the snow, but just like us, animals do not always notice that their skin has started to feel funny. As the body’s temperature decreases in response to the outdoor temperature, blood is diverted to the core systems, leaving the outer organ, the skin, at risk of freezing. Once the skin has been frozen by the ice and snow, there is tissue damage, basically causing a condition akin to burning. At highest risk for frostbite are the footpads, nose, ear tips and tail.

Upon returning home after being outdoors for an extended time, or when the temperatures are especially low, check your pet’s risk points (along with the rest of the body). Early symptoms of frostbite include pale, hard skin that remains very cold even after being inside. As the skin warms, it may swell and change to a red color.

Your pet may try to relieve the irritation by licking and chewing on the skin, in which case you will need to have the skin treated and covered immediately before permanent damage is done.

Never apply direct heat to the skin, water or otherwise. Only tepid to warm water should be used on the skin, and non-electric blankets to cover the animal. You may need to consult with a veterinarian to make sure that the condition is not severe.

In some cases of severe frostbite the tissue needs to be removed, or the limb removed before the dead tissue allows infection to set in.

Hopefully, this has educated you and not frightened you. These are just some of the ways you can protect your pet, so that you do not need to worry yourself over anything, and so that you and your pet can have a great time in the snow and on the ice.

Features

Posted on December 7, 2017 by indylite

SJPD escorts Hammer in Hand head out of town – an album

Ivan Iler’s sculpture “Portrait of a Dreamer” left St. Johns with a police escort on Thursday morning. It will be installed in Lansing.

Visit the Festival of Lights – an album

by Maralyn Fink

On Friday evening I attended the festivities for the St Johns Festival of Lights. Many people were in attendance as well as others participating from the Live Nativity, to the petting zoo. There were many food vendors and plenty of “characters” roaming the streets. The parade was superb in itself.

If you were unable to make it, enjoy the photos and maybe plan on being there next year. Thanks to Brenda and Jason and volunteers for all the hard work in putting this on, and I sure don’t want to forget the “Talking Tree” which was a big hit.

Santa Parade – an album

A Look Back -Linotype Machine

by Barry Clark Bauer

“The Linotype machine uses a 90-character keyboard to create an entire line of metal type at once. That’s how it got its name: ‘line o’ type’. This allowed much faster typesetting and composition than the original hand method with the Gutenberg-style system of letter, punctuation mark or space at a time. This machine revolutionized newspaper publishing and made it possible for a small number of operators to set type for many pages on a daily basis.”

Patty Hettinger Sutliff believes the operator is her grandpa, Herbert Splane, who as a typesetter worked for Clinton County News.

Stuart Fitzpatrick also remembered as a kid sweeping the floors at CCN and melting down old worn type.

The other two guys are unidentified.

Maralyn’s Did You Know – FDA warning about bone treats

The United States Food and Drug Administration has issued an important warning regarding store-bought bone treats for dogs.
The associated treats have already caused numerous illnesses and even death in at least 15 dogs. The FDA reports it has received about 68 reports of pet illnesses related to “bone treats”.

Bone treats differ from regular uncooked butcher-type bones because they’re processed and packaged for sale as “dog treats”.

A variety of commercially-available bone treats for dogs were listed in the reports including items described as:

“Ham Bones”
“Pork Femur Bones”
“Rib Bones”
“Smokey Knuckle Bones”

No specific brands are mentioned in the FDA bulletin.

The processed products may be dried through a smoking process or by baking. They may also contain other ingredients such as:
Preservatives
Seasonings
Smoke flavorings

According to Dr. Carmela Stamper, a veterinarian in the Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA, “Giving your dog a bone treat might lead to an unexpected trip to your veterinarian, a possible emergency surgery, or even death for your pet.”

So if you’re planning to give your dog a stocking full of bone treats this holiday season, you may want to reconsider.
Illnesses reported to FDA by owners and veterinarians in dogs that have eaten bone treats have included:

Gastrointestinal obstruction (blockage in the digestive tract)
Choking
Cuts and wounds in the mouth or on the tonsils
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bleeding from the rectum
Death

According to FDA, approximately 15 dogs have reportedly died after eating a bone treat. To date, reports submitted by pet owners and veterinarians have included about 90 dogs. Some reports included more than one dog.

In addition, FDA has received 7 reports of product problems such as

Moldy-appearing bones
Treats splintering when chewed by the pet

FDA has included the following tips to help keep your dog safe:

– Chicken bones and other bones from the kitchen table can cause injury when chewed by pets, too. So be careful to keep platters out of reach when you’re cooking or the family is eating.

– Be careful what you put in the trash can. Dogs are notorious for helping themselves to the turkey carcass or steak bones disposed of there.

– Talk with your veterinarian about other toys or treats that are most appropriate for your dog. There are many available products made with different materials for dogs to chew on.

Dr. Stamper adds the following advice. “We recommend supervising your dog with any chew toy or treat, especially one she hasn’t had before. And if she ‘just isn’t acting right,’ call your veterinarian right away!”

Letters – Cardio Drummers donate to Foster Closet and the Briggs says thanks

The Great Start Parent Coalition is so grateful to Michele Welch, one of our wonderful members and her amazing group of cardio drummers at St. Johns Cardio Drumming Workout Family. What an AMAZING group of drummers!

Pictured are Michele Welch presenting Brenda Martinez of The Foster Closet with many, many hygiene items for all ages of children collected by the St. Johns Cardio Drumming Workout Family. What a wonderful contribution!

******

Thank you to everyone who attended one of our Santa Programs this weekend. A lot of time and energy goes into these events, and we appreciate the support.

And we certainly couldn’t pull it off without the volunteers who lend a hand before and during the program. Thank you, all!

Staff of Briggs District Library

Features

Posted on November 30, 2017 by indylite

Christmas at the Briggs – an album

by Maralyn Fink

On Monday I went to Briggs District Library to check out the Christmas displays.

In the entrance way was a display of old cookie cutters that I remember some that my mother had and that I now have. This brought back some memories of the good old days.

There was a nice display of Snow Babies, Dept. 56 Village and more. Putting up the Village looked to be very time consuming as well as the other displays. As you can see by the photos, a stop at the library would be worth your while.

Health Department announces annual award winners

Mid-Michigan District Health Department held its annual district-wide meeting on November 3, 2017, at which outstanding performance and longevity awards were presented. The following employees received awards and are appreciated for their dedication to public health and for serving the residents of Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm counties.

Outstanding Performance Award – Environmental Health Division: Left to right: Adam Byrne, Environmental Health Specialist I, received the Outstanding Performance Award from Liz Braddock, Environmental Health Division Director.

Outstanding Performance Award – Community Health and Education Division: Shelley Treynor, Oral Health Coordinator, received the Outstanding Performance Award.

Outstanding Performance Award – Administrative Services Division: Left to right: Hailey Brewer, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, received the Outstanding Performance Award from Melissa Bowerman, Administrative Services Division Director.

Health Officer’s Award : Left to right: Sarah Doak, Community Health and Education Supervisor, received the Health Officer Award for outstanding performance from Marcus Cheatham.

Twenty-five years of service: Left to right: Health Officer Marcus Cheatham presented Linda Gronda, Public Health Representative III, with a longevity award for twenty-five years of service.

Twenty years of service: Left to right: Cindy Partlo, Executive Administrative Assistant, received her longevity award for twenty years of service from Marcus Cheatham, Health Officer.

Fifteen years of service: Kim Peters, Public Health Representative II, received her longevity award for fifteen years of service from Marcus Cheatham, Health Officer.

Ten years of service: Left to right: Melissa Bowerman, Administrative Services Division Director; and Leslie Kinnee, Public Information Officer; received longevity awards for ten years of service from Marcus Cheatham, Health Officer.

Five years of service: Left to right: Jennifer Stratton, Community Health and Education Supervisor; Eric Deford, Environmental Health Specialist I; Stacey Peterman, Hearing and Vision Technician; and Marcus Cheatham, Health Officer; received longevity awards for five years of service.

A Look Back – Clinton Memorial Hospital Board of Directors

by Barry Clark Bauer

Left to right: John Rumbaugh, Lorenz Tiedt, Alan Dean, and Earl Lancaster.

Mr. Rumbaugh was a banker, Mr. Tiedt was part owner of Wolverine Stockyards, Mr. Dean owned Dean’s Hardware, and Mr. Lancaster was superintendent of the St. Johns Schools.

Features

Posted on November 23, 2017 by indylite

A Look Back – It’s a Robbery!

by Barry Clark Bauer

It’s a robbery! That’s what Bee Appleby, played by Arlene Lounds, and Elizabeth Hatfield, played by Christine Brown, do in “Breath of Spring”, the First Nighters presented on April 21 and 22, 1972, in St. Johns.

They were rehearsing live in the Julie K Shop and drew quite a bit of attention. Miss Hatfield used a diversionary tactic while Dame Appleby ran off with the loot!

Tickets were available from MacKinnon’s and Discount House in St. Johns, Darling’s in Ovid or any First Nighter.

Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Can Pets Die of a Broken Heart?

We’ve all heard the stories of couples who die within weeks, days, or sometimes even hours of one another. The cause is often cited as a broken heart. In fact, the phenomenon is common enough that it’s been scientifically studied and goes by the name the “widowhood effect.” But romantic couples aren’t the only ones who are affected. Think of the death of Debbie Reynolds who died just one day after the loss of her daughter, Carrie Fisher. The death of any loved one can produce the widowhood effect.

What about pets? We know that they grieve when they lose a close companion, but can they, too, die of a broken heart? Let’s look at what we know about the widowhood effect and if it might also apply to animals.

One recent study involving elderly, married couples shows that when a wife dies, men have an 18 percent increase in their risk of death, while the death of a husband results in a 16 percent increase for women. The most common causes of death in the second spouse included lung disease, diabetes, accidents, infections, and cancer.

In cases like these, the term “brokenhearted” is a bit of a misnomer. Most of these people didn’t literally die of grief-related damage to the heart, but, I suspect, due to some combination of the adverse effects of stress and perhaps a lessening of self-care. On the other hand, medical doctors do recognize a condition called takotsubo cardiomyopathy (also known as broken heart syndrome) that develops after sudden stressors like the death of a loved one, receiving bad news, intense fear, or even a surprise party. Scientists suspect that the sudden surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones causes changes within the heart that prevent part of it (specifically the left ventricle) from functioning normally. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can usually be treated, but it is occasionally fatal in people.

How Grief Can Affect Your Pet’s Health

Grief is undoubtedly stressful for pets too, so it wouldn’t be surprising if it could have an adverse effect on their health, particularly if they were already dealing with a significant illness. Stress hormones can not only adversely affect the heart but also depress the immune system and reduce appetite, all of which could play a role in hastening a pet’s death.

In my many years in veterinary practice and as a pet owner, I’ve never suspected that the death of a pet was due to the loss of a beloved companion, but that certainly doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Keep in mind that the vast majority of people survive the loss of a loved one, but those stories just aren’t as newsworthy as are the ones involving people who die soon after one another. The same is probably true for our pets. Most will grieve but survive the loss a companion, but there are a few out there who may simply not be able to go on.

I leave you with the story of Liam and Theo, as reported by NBC News, as evidence that animals can, quite possibly, feel grief so deeply that it brings about their death:

Lance Cpl. Liam Tasker, a dog handler with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, was killed in a firefight with insurgents in Helmand Province on March 1 [2011] as he searched for explosives with Theo, a bomb-sniffing springer spaniel mix. The dog suffered a fatal seizure hours later at a British army base, likely brought about by stress.

Military officials won’t go so far as to say Theo died of a broken heart—but that may not be far from the truth.

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Excessive Cat Sneezing and Nasal Discharge

Why Is My Cat Sneezing a Lot?

Almost anything that irritates or tickles a cat’s nose can trigger a sneeze, but if your cat or kitten sneezes a lot you may start to worry that there’s something wrong. If sneezing is the only symptom your cat displays—i.e., no discharge from eyes or nose, good appetite, no change in behavior or activity level—then something as simple as an allergy or contact with irritants like cigarette smoke or air fresheners may be to blame. However, if your cat’s sneezing in accompanied by a runny nose and eyes, he might have an upper respiratory infection.

Do Cats Get Colds?

The viruses that cause colds in people are generally species-specific. Except perhaps under the rarest of circumstances, the viruses that make people sick with a cold are incapable of causing illness in cats. So if you’re wondering “can cats catch a cold from people,” the answer is almost always “no.”

On the other hand, several feline viruses (e.g., feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus) and even a few bacteria do cause clinical signs that look a lot like those that people with colds develop. Upper respiratory infections can occur in any cat but are most common in kittens or under-vaccinated adults who have had contact with other cats.

Cat Cold Symptoms

Some common symptoms of the infections that cause “kitty colds” include:

– Sneezing
– Discharge from the eyes or runny nose; this may be watery or thick and clear, white, yellow, or green.
– Excessive swallowing (if there is drainage into the back of the mouth and throat).
– Coughing
– Lethargy
– Loss of appetite
– Fever
– Dehydration
– Raised third eyelid

Primary Causes of Colds in Cats

“Colds” in cats are usually caused by infection with certain types of viruses. Feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus are the most common. In some cases, secondary bacterial infections can develop, which may lead to pneumonia.

Immediate Care and What to Give a Cat for a Cold

Keep the eyes and nose free of discharge using a soft cloth or paper towel moistened with warm water.
Offer warmed canned cat food or meat-based baby food to encourage your cat to eat.
Provide plenty of fresh water for drinking.
Do not try to give your cat any kind of medication without consulting your vet as many human medications are toxic to cats.
Cats who are not interested in food or have especially severe or worsening symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian.

Diagnosis

A thorough physical exam is usually sufficient to diagnose an upper respiratory infection. If your cat is not responding to treatment as expected, blood tests, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause(s) of a cat’s symptoms and plan more aggressive treatment.

How to Treat a Cat with a Cold

Using a vaporizer that produces warm moist air (or placing the cat in a steamy bathroom) will help the nasal passages and sinuses to drain. If your cat has been diagnosed with a bacterial infection, your veterinarian will probably prescribe antibiotics. The viral infection, meanwhile, will usually be dealt with by the cat’s own immune system.

If your cat is not eating or is dehydrated, he may need to be hospitalized to receive fluid therapy, nutritional support, and other treatments until it is safe for him to come home to continue his recovery.

Other Causes of Cold-Like Symptoms in Cats

Nasal polyps and foreign objects like grass awns—sharp grass seeds that can burrow into a pet’s tissues—can cause symptoms similar to a cold, although they often start on one side of the nose and then spread to the other. Allergies, respiratory irritants, chronic infections, and benign or cancerous tumors are other causes of cold-like symptoms in cats.

Living and Management

Once your cat returns home, continue any medications or other therapies as directed by your veterinarian. Also keep your cat’s eyes and nose clean of discharge. Make certain that your cat is eating. Cats who go without food for even a short period of time are at risk for developing hepatic lipidosis, a condition involving the liver that is potentially fatal. Cats who are infected with feline herpes virus or calicivirus may have occasional recurrences of their symptoms.

If your cat’s condition fails to improve as expected, make an appointment with your veterinarian. Additional diagnostic work may be needed.

Prevention

There are many viruses that can cause upper respiratory infections in cats. Fortunately, there are vaccines available for two of the most common: feline herpes virus and feline calicivirus. Be sure your cat receives the initial series of injections followed by any boosters that are recommended by your veterinarian.

Features

Posted on November 16, 2017 by indylite

Tale to Tail Program at the Briggs

The Briggs District Library staff members are excited to be continuing a Free Reading Program featuring Ruger, the Therapy Dog.

This is a read aloud program with Ruger a certified therapy dog for children ages 6 to 12 years old. Children can bring their choice of tale to read to the Tail Waggin’ Tutor.

The program offers the library’s Quiet Study Room in the from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Thursday evenings with each child having a 15-minute session with Ruger. This service can be used to encourage confidence and reading skills in a relaxing environment.

The last available date for 2017 is December 14. Registration is required and is open at this time. Ruger will also be available the second and fourth Thursday evenings starting in January.

New Domino’s® Pizza Theater in St. Johns now open

Domino’s new “pizza theater” store in St. Johns, located at 101 N. Clinton Ave., is now officially open for business, an the open-concept store looking to hire for all positions.

Domino’s in St. Johns is celebrating its opening by offering large five-topping Hand Tossed carryout pizzas for $9.99 each.

The locally-owned store features the pizza theater design which is open-concept and allows flexibility for a number of elements otherwise unheard of when it comes to the traditional Domino’s store. Highlights include a comfortable lobby, open-area viewing of the food preparation process and the ability to track carryout orders electronically on a lobby screen.

“We are excited to bring the first St. Johns pizza theater store to local residents,” said Eric Arntson, St. Johns Domino’s franchise owner. “The pizza theater design is an interactive experience where customers can actually watch and track their pizza being made, each step of the way. Domino’s is bringing the art and fun of pizza making to the forefront.”

Domino’s in St. Johns is also looking to hire for all positions, including delivery drivers, customer service representatives, assistant managers and managers.

Arntson actually began working at Domino’s as a part-time delivery driver in 1994 and worked his way up to becoming a franchisee in 1999. He now owns 10 Domino’s stores throughout Michigan. He is not alone – more than 90 percent of Domino’s U.S. franchise owners began their career as part-time delivery drivers or pizza makers.

Those who are interested in applying may do so at jobs.dominos.com. To place an order at Domino’s in St. Johns, visit www.dominos.com or call 989-403-7575.

Christmas Gifts for Outdoor Folks

courtesy of Bob Holzhei

The deer hunting season has come to a close in many states, the venison has been butchered and processed. Many outdoors men and women look forward to grilling excellent meals and making their own venison jerky and sausage during the holiday season.

As new products appear on the outdoor stage they are certain to satisfy a “Christmas Wish” list for outdoor enjoyment.

Outdoor Edge Grill-Beam Tongs are practical, innovative and have a “22-Lumen AA LED flashlights in the BBQ tongs to shine” the spotlight grilling venison backstraps and steaks. The Tong is supplied with a spatula and telescoping to expand the 14 5/8-inch tool to a full 17 inches adding safety to a flaming grill or campfire. A built-in bottle opener will keep the chef hydrated. Add to the tool a grill cleaning notch and serrated edge to cut into the meat to check for doneness. The tool is dishwasher safe.

In our travels I discovered a recipe for marinating a rib eye steak for 24 hours before putting it on the grill. To make Houston’s Hawaiian Ribeye combine the following ingredients, boil, simmer for 2 minutes and allow it to cool before marinating the steak overnight in the refrigerator. Take two thick cut rib eye steaks, and combine 6 ounces of pineapple juice, 1 cup low sodium soy sauce, (do not use regular soy sauce-it will ruin the steak) two cloves of minced garlic, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of fresh minced ginger. The flavor is outstanding and the marinate not only tenderizes the steak, but the presentation when cooked to medium rare is picture perfect.

For successful hunters, many sportsmen select Hi Mountains Seasonings to make sausage or jerky with their wild game. The kit is complete and includes everything needed including seasonings, cure and casings, and it’s up to the chef whether to finish the delicacies in an oven, smoker or dehydrator.

Narrowing down the selection of which Hi Mountain kit to purchase may pose a problem since there are 21 different Jerky Cure and Seasonings Kits, 14 Snacking Stick Kits, and 12 Sausage Making Kits.

The Hi Mountain Seasonings has also designed a new product called “The Ultimate Jerky Cutting Board.” The board is designed to make slicing jerky in uniform strips. It can also be used to slice fruits and vegetables. The ridges guide the knife blade for consistent cuts of meat. Add to the board a carrying handle and no slip rubber feet on each corner. This American made product is dishwasher safe and is made in Riverton, Wyoming, which also makes Hi-Mountain Seasonings. The products are available at many sporting goods stores, farm-ranch stores and grocery stores.
As our family gathers for the annual Christmas celebration each family brings their special wild game recipes for a culinary buffet that is unmatched. Of course, each successful hunter re-tells the story of the hunt. A Christmas celebration can’t get any better than that.

For More Information: www.hunteroc.com for a listing of 100 outdoor products/ www.outdooredge.com/www.himtnjerky.com to view the entire list of products, cooking tips, instructional videos and recipes.

A Look Back – Check Contest

by Barry Clark Bauer

The negative for this photo is labeled as the “Senior Citizens Check Contest Winners.”

The woman on the left is unidentified and Brandon White II, worked at Central National Bank before becoming President and CEO of Clinton National Bank & Trust in St. Johns.

Details of the contest are unknown.

Letter – Help Meals on Wheels Make the Season Brighter

As a volunteer for our local Meals on Wheels, I’d like to take the opportunity to let everyone know that we will be collecting items for holiday gifts for all the people to whom we serve meals. We would appreciate any help you can give us.

Things we are looking for include: Kleenex, hand cream, 100 piece puzzles, large print crossword or find-a-word books, small flashlights, small bags of candy, gloves, mittens, socks, large print adult coloring books and colored pencils. We do not give breakable items or candles.

Please know that we appreciate all that this community has given us for our holiday projects in the past. In these times, the value of your generosity is even more appreciated.

Items may be dropped off at the Meals on Wheels office which is located in the Senior Center at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns. Please mark items for Karen-Kitchen Coordinator. Thank you in advance for your help.

Phyllis Givins
Meals on Wheels Volunteer

Features

Posted on November 9, 2017 by indylite

How the Splash sculpture came about

http://www.ivaniler.com/splash

Let’s talk baseball

courtesy of Julie Musial

When your last name is Musial, people sort of expect you to be able to talk about baseball. But though the World Series has just ended, I’d rather not talk about whether the Dodgers have an advantage over the Astros because of the designated hitter, or whether paparazzi will be all over Kate Upton every time Justin Verlander takes the mound.

Instead, I’d rather discuss an issue that most fans of the game don’t know about — the hosing of 500 former players by both the league and the union representing the current players, the Major League Baseball Players’ Association (MLBPA).

I don’t know much about the business of baseball. My late uncle did, however. When he was the general manager of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1967, he was praised by the players for making fair offers to them during contract negotiations. Of course, life was simpler back then.

When he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, “Uncle Stan,” as he liked to be called, said during his induction speech that, “If a young man is college educated and goes into baseball, he’ll find many doors open to him. And incredibly, he could be only a few years away from eligibility for full rights under the finest pension plan in industry.”

That was when all you needed was four years to be vested in that plan. But now, Major League Baseball (MLB) and the union have slammed that door in the face of retirees who, through no fault of their own, aren’t pension eligible.

Over the 1980 Memorial Day Weekend, the league and the union averted a players’ strike when the league made the union an offer it couldn’t refuse. To prevent a strike, the league negotiator told the MLBPA officials that, moving forward, all any player would need to qualify for health insurance was one game day of service. And all that player would need to qualify for a pension was 43 game days of service.

In other words, let’s assume you’re called up to “The Show” in mid-August and stay on the roster till the end of September. You’ll not only qualify for health insurance, you’ll get a pension too.

And nowadays, the maximum pension is worth $210,000. Even the minimum pension for someone who only has 43 game days of service is a reported $34,000.

The problem for all the men who played PRIOR to 1980 was that this sweetheart deal was never made retroactive for them.

So a retired Tiger like Chuck Scrivener, who resides in Birmingham, Michigan, doesn’t get a pension. And he played a lot more than 43 game days.

In spite of the fact that the players’ welfare and benefits fund is valued at more than $2.7 billion, the union is loathe to divvying up more of the pie. Which I don’t really understand. The sport of baseball is flourishing, and the union doesn’t want to help senior citizens? And many of these guys are on fixed incomes too. What a shame.

The late A. Bartlett Giamatti, who was once MLB’s Commissioner, was often fond of saying that, “in matters of decency, baseball should lead the way.”

I couldn’t agree more. And I’m guessing my late uncle would feel the same way too.

St. Johns’ own Julie Musial, of Krepps Road, is the niece of the late Hall of Famer Stan Musial.

A Look Back – Football Physicals

by Barry Clark Bauer

This photo, taken in 1972, shows young football hopefuls getting their physicals from Dr. James Grost before being allowed to join the team.

The only player I recognize is Jim Hebeler, in the back. Jim was an electrician at Federal-Mogul before the plant closed.

Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Can I give my dog Benadryl and if so, how much?

Benadryl, also known by its generic name diphenhydramine, is one of the few over-the-counter drugs that veterinarians routinely have owners administer at home. While it is generally well tolerated and has a wide safety margin, there are a few things owners should keep in mind before dosing it at home:

1. What is Benadryl used for?

Benadryl is an antihistamine, blocking the H-1 receptors on smooth muscle and blood vessels. Some of its most common indications are the treatment of environmental allergies, allergic reactions to insect bites or stings, and pre-treatment of vaccine reactions. It also has some efficacy in the prevention of motion sickness in dogs and as a mild sedative.

2. When should I not use Benadryl?

Benadryl is contraindicated with certain conditions, such as pets with glaucoma, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. It’s always best to contact your veterinarian for guidance before administering any medication to your pet, including Benadryl.

3. How much Benadryl should I give?

The standard dosage for oral Benadryl is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times a day. Most drug store diphenhydramine tablets are 25 mg, which is the size used for a 25 pound dog. Always double check the dosage before giving an over the counter medication. In addition, many formulations are combined with other medications such as Tylenol so make sure Benadryl tablets contain only diphenhydramine.

4. When should I contact my veterinarian?

Oral Benadryl is considered a mild to moderately effective antihistamine. If a pet is having an acute allergic reaction with facial swelling or difficulty breathing, skip the oral medications and go straight to the vet. Many allergic diseases require a combination of medications and treatment of underlying infections; if your pet is not responding to the medication, talk to your vet for other options.

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – 7 Great Reasons to Adopt a Senior Cat

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Why might you want to consider adopting a senior cat? There are lots of good reasons. Here are seven of the best.

When you adopt a kitten, its personality is still developing. As a result, you won’t know whether your new friend is going to be a lap cat or an independent spirit. With a senior, that’s not true. Its personality is already fully developed, so what you see is what you get. You’ll know right away whether your new feline companion is going to be a cuddlebug or an independent thinker. But keep in mind that in a shelter environment, your new cat’s personality might not shine through quite as strongly because of the stress and fear associated with being in a strange place.

Senior cats, quite naturally, are already fully mature. By adopting a senior cat, you’ll avoid the rambunctiousness associated with kittens, who are frequently quite active, curious, and into everything, including things they shouldn’t be. Senior cats are typically more sedate, though they still often enjoy a good play session with their people, or with other feline companions.

In most cases, senior cats have already been housetrained. They’ll know how to use the litterbox and may even already be trained to use a scratching post, rather than using your beautiful couch or expensive chair to sharpen their claws.

Being older, senior cats often enjoy a good nap. Many seniors want nothing more than to curl up on your lap or rest near you while you read, watch TV, or sleep. What’s more comforting than having a purring cat resting nearby?

According to the feline life stage guidelines issued by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), cats are considered senior from 11-14 years and geriatric from 15 years onward. However, many cats live into their late teens or even into the twenties, so a senior cat may have many good years left. You shouldn’t pass up the chance to adopt a senior because you’re afraid your new companion won’t be with you for long.

In most cases, a senior cat will have already been spayed or neutered when adopted. In addition, a senior cat will not need to complete an entire series of vaccinations and dewormings such as those that a young kitten will require. That doesn’t mean that your new senior cat can go without regular veterinary care though. Most veterinarians advise an examination every six months to a year, depending on your cat’s overall health and age.

Senior cats are often among the hardest pets for shelters and rescues to place in a new home. By adopting a senior cat, in most cases, you’ll literally be saving the cat’s life. Your senior citizen will repay you for your kindness with friendship and appreciation. You’ll also be allowing your new cat to live out her senior years in the comfort and dignity that an older cat deserves.

Features

Posted on November 2, 2017 by indylite

Trunk-or-Treat

by Maralyn Fink

On Sunday I attended the St Johns Lutheran Church Trunk-or-Treat in the parking lot of St. Johns Lutheran Chruch.

There were contests with prizes for decorated pumpkins in different age groups as well as prizes for trunk decorating.

Many families turned out for the event, and a lot of happy little ones in costumes were having a great time. There also was some snacks and food for everyone. This was a very nice event for families to spend time together.

Redwing to Watch – SJHS Graduate Chad Wiseman

St. Johns High School Alum (‘98) Chad Wiseman has his Western Michigan University Men’s Soccer Team currently ranked 6th in the nation at Division I.

Graduating from St. Johns High School in 1998, Chad had an early passion for playing soccer. As a junior in high school, he was voted MVP and led the team in scoring. After graduation, Chad went on to attend Western Michigan University where he was a 4-year letter winner and led the team in scoring for 3 of the 4 years.

Completing his college soccer experience as a student did not dampen Chad’s passion for soccer. He went on to become the assistant soccer coach for Western Michigan University, a position he held for 6 years. Chad began his college head coaching career in 2009 at Olivet College. From 2009-2013, Chad’s teams excelled over any of Olivet’s soccer teams in the program’s 40 year history with a record of 53-25-6, earning them national ranking at Division III.

During this time Chad also coached girls soccer at Plainwell High School, leading the girls to winning seasons and the Division II state championship title in 2011. In recognition of his excellence, the Division II Michigan
High School Soccer Coaches Association named him Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2012 and led him to be a finalist in the National Coach of the Year in 2012.

Chad’s passion for soccer and the excellence displayed in his playing years and early coaching career were a solid background when Western Michigan University offered him the Head Coaching job for men’s soccer. The
University was already familiar with Chad’s playing and coaching abilities.

Chad describes his coaching philosophy as preparing his players to be tough in a lot of different ways so they are able to deal with whatever a given game will throw at them. “We are always going to be a blue collar
team,” he summarizes–consistently hard working and giving 100%. His players are taught to be opportunistic and be an attack team. Western Michigan’s Men’s Soccer record reflects this philosophy with consistently
excellent seasons under Wiseman’s direction. In 2013 the Broncos achieved 4-1-1 MAC record, best in the school’s history. In 2014 the Broncos advanced to the MAC Tournament for the second straight season. 2015
proved even better. The Broncos ended the season with 11-4-4 overall. The team set a new school record for 12 shutouts. Western Michigan went 3-1-1 during MAC play.

Chad Wiseman was then named Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year. 2016 continued Western Michigan University’s winning soccer streak. Chad Wiseman and his Western Michigan Men’s Soccer Team currently are ranked 6th in the nation.

Wiseman’s philosophy of playing fast, consistent rhythm, no careless turnovers, and a balanced team with depth is bringing Bronco Men’s soccer to new heights.

Chad Wiseman has developed his passion for soccer and achieved a dream come true at Western Michigan University. He persevered and honed his skills as a leader of young men working hard to win and consistently
become better at their skills and their attitudes. He has deep appreciation and respect for the schools and community of St. Johns.

Chad and his WMU team will compete in the MAC Conference Tournament on November 10, where they will hopefully compete in the championship on November 12.

A Look Back – School Days

by Barry Clark Bauer

You might think that Brandon White III and Diane Knight are fighting over a piece of electronics; but that’s not what’s happening here, I think.

Brandon remembers Diane, but he doesn’t remember the event. This photo was taken in 1972, and he thinks he was thirteen at the time.

Brandon and his wife, Sue Kiley White, currently live in Zebulon, N.C.

Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Frostbite in Dogs

Despite their thick fur, dogs exposed to extreme low temperatures run the possibility of freezing their extremities like the tips of their ears and tail. Also known as frostbite, it is not usually a life-threatening condition in and of itself, but does often proceed hypothermia.

What To Watch For

Frostbite is indicated by the skin becoming very pale and attaining a bluish/white hue due to a lack of blood flow. Ice may also form around the affected area. When the body part is warmed and blood flow returns, the skin becomes red and there is swelling accompanied with peeling.

Primary Cause

Frostbite often occurs when a dog is exposed to the cold for an extended period, though submersion in a cold body of water can also lead to frostbite.

Immediate Care

– Warm a towel on a radiator or in the clothes dryer.
– Apply the warm towel in the affected areas. Do not squeeze or rub hard, as this can cause more damage.
– Use tepid water to warm up the affected areas to a temperature of 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C), but no higher.

As the areas thaw, they will redden. If they become dark instead, seek immediate veterinary attention.

Prevention

Frostbite can be prevented by avoiding prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. In addition, dog clothes, boots, and other accessories may help breeds with thinner fur and those less used to cold weather.

Letter – Voting Yes on November 7 can save on car repairs

Four years ago, it was difficult to drive through St Johns without traveling on some pretty rough roads. With the completion of the Lansing St upgrade and the repairs of over 12 miles of pavement, paid for by the last 4 years of millage, driving conditions have greatly improved. The street project was fully completed, as promised, but the Job is not done. Voting YES on Tuesday, November 7 will guaranty that those streets that still need major work will get repaired.

I am a retiree living on social Security and a modest pension. I am more than willing to pay the few dollars being asked for to help fix our streets and keep them maintained. Compared to paying for struts, sway bars and shocks, which I have recently had to do, the millage costs are cheap.

Bob Petty
St Johns

******

Our street was repaired in 2015. It was great having all the utilities evaluated and worked on at the same time. We were able to coordinate our sewer line replacement along with the new road being put in so that we wouldn’t have to damage the nice new road. I love having our curbs fixed too.

I wish for the rest of the town to have the same nice new roads and service that we now have. It also improves the look of the neighborhood.

Eunice Link

******

CASA says thanks

The Voice for Clinton County’s Children would like to thank The Wheel Inn for hosting a Halloween Party to support our services. 10% of sales for a day were again dedicated to supporting our services to abused and neglected children in Clinton County.

We appreciate the support of the patrons and the costumes were fantastic! For more information about our services, please visit our website VoiceForClintonCountyChildren.org.

Kelly Schafer, Executive Director
The Voice for Clinton County’s Children

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Frostbite in Cats

Frostbite results from prolonged exposure to severe cold. Fortunately this doesn’t happen too often to the average house cat. Even though cats have a thick fur coat, the tips of the ears, nose, tail, and toes, or any area where the hair is thin is susceptible to frostbite. If your cat gets frostbite, she most likely also has hypothermia. Any area that suffers frostbite may be lost if not treated immediately.

What to Watch For

Affected areas will be pale to bluish white in color and much cooler to the touch than surrounding skin. This is due to loss of circulation to the area, brought on by the cold. If the circulation returns, the affected area will be red and swollen, sometimes with a distinct line between the healthy and damaged areas. Usually the area does not become painful until the circulation returns.

Primary Cause

Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure to severe cold. This usually happens from being outside in cold weather for a long period without shelter.

Immediate Care

– Warm the skin and stimulate the return of circulation to the affected area with warm (not hot), moist heat. This can be accomplished by immersing the area in warm water for 15 to 30 minutes, or applying a warm moist towel to the area.
– Do not rub the area as it will cause more damage.
– As the circulation returns, the skin will redden.
– Apply aloe vera to the skin.

If any of the red areas start turning dark, it is a sign of severe tissue damage and your cat should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Veterinary Care

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on physical examination and your cat’s history of exposure to cold.

Treatment
Initial treatment is to warm the tissue and restore circulation as already described. If it appears that normal circulation is returning, your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics. If the circulation is not returning, as determined by the tissue turning dark in color instead of red, your vet may attempt additional measures to improve circulation. However, these areas are usually dead or dying tissue and will need to be surgically removed.

Living and Management
It may take several days for evidence of dying tissue to become apparent, so inspect the affected areas at least once a day for darkening of the skin. As the areas of frostbite heal, they will probably become uncomfortable or itchy to your cat. It is important to keep your cat from licking, chewing, or scratching the area. The use of an Elizabethan collar may be necessary. If any tissue has been removed, your veterinarian may need to remove stitches after about 10 days. Otherwise, follow any additional instructions he or she may give you.

Prevention
It is best to keep your cat inside when the weather is cold. If your cat’s habits are such that she may be outside in severe weather, make sure she has access to shelter that protects from wind and snow (or rain), and has straw or blankets to hold warmth.

Features

Posted on October 26, 2017 by indylite

Now and Then – A farewell to St. Johns Furniture

by Jean Martin

After last weekend’s open house for the Heritage Place Hotel, we need to pause one more time to take a look back at the old St. Johns Furniture store.

For much of the 20th Century there were a few anchor businesses on Clinton Ave. Besides J.C. Penney, the Hicks department store and the Steel Hotel, there was always St. Johns Furniture sitting there year after year on the east side of the first block.

If you needed something, you might go over to Miller’s Furniture on East Walker; but chances are you would also check out St. Johns Furniture before you made your purchase. It was always an adventure to ride the old elevator to the top floors of the building. That elevator was the first one in town. It’s twin, the second elevator installed in St. Johns, resided in the old Osgood Funeral Home on Cass Street.

The main brick building of the furniture store was built in 1901 by E.I. Hull who was a local furniture dealer and undertaker. The two professions seemed to go together in those days. This new 3-story 25 by 100 foot building replaced the last wooden structure on the block. Hull closed the Hull Furniture Company in 1928 after 34 years in business.

In that same year Conrad Seim from Lansing purchased the business and renamed it St. Johns Furniture. And so it remained until and even after the business was sold to Ben Karlson in 1967.

Business dwindled over the years, and late in 2002. Other allied businesses occupied the storefront, but St. Johns Furniture was no more.

Community Resource Volunteers went to U of M October 7

A CRV trip to the University of Michigan included three students, Alexander, Robert and Andrew, who assembled and flew their own blimps.

During the time that an entire University of Michigan course was squeezed in a few hours, students were guided through the construction of each element of a homemade lighter-than-air craft. Stations were set up where students were able to construct wooden gondolas, build the propeller air ducts, seal the helium envelope and even see these elements produced by a laser-cutter. Each of these hands-on stations showed the students how each feature of a homemade blimp works, and how each component comes together to make the whole. University of Michigan students handled all electronics work.

Thank you to our volunteers, Kim, Gordon, GEMS (Girls exploring Math and Science) mentor Katie and the U of M students.

CRV’s next trip will be to the Abrams Planetarium on Sunday, November 12. Please go to crvonline.org for more information and to register by November 6.

A Look Back – Welcome Wagon

by Barry Clark Bauer

Left to right: Laura Mullaney, Sharon Fitzpatrick, unknown and Shirley Rasmussen. The rest of the ladies are unidentified.

New officers were elected to serve the Welcome Wagon organization in the early 1970s. They welcomed new homeowners into the community with gifts for the house. We were recipients of those gifts in 1969.

Letter – Calling all Veterans of Foreign Wars

My fellow comrades,

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read this letter. My name is Charles Hunter DeSander, and I am the new Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 41131n St. Johns, Michigan. I am a United States Army veteran of the Afghanistan Campaign, and I am pleased to have been chosen to lead our post to the best status we can possibly take.

As my very first act as commander I would like to extend my gratitude to every one of our members of our Post. I want to make our Post the brotherhood I have always envisioned a VFW post to be. I understand some unfortunate situations in the past have detoured some members from being active members. With that, there will be a new goal, to recognize all Veterans: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. It is my priority to reach out to as many people as I can while creating a open forum for an people to have a voice.

On Saturday November 4th, 2017 at 1600 hours (4:00 pm) we will be having a VFW Veterans Appreciation Dinner. This is an invitation for you to be a part of and be welcomed to the new phase of this VFW’s history. For our members that have been a part of our post, you will be recognized for the years of loyalty you have devoted to the organization, Members will be presented with a commemorative pin for your years dedicated to the VFW.

Food will be provided by Chuckie D’s. Family and friends are welcome.

I hope that you and other veterans you know can make it to this event and have a chance to meet and connect with your fellow veteran. If you do know of any other veteran that is not part of our VFW, please have them come. New members first year’s membership will be paid in full (If they have a copy of their DD 2-14 have them bring a copy to help with the paperwork).

We would appreciate your response to this letter if you are able or unable to attend so we can accommodate for catering as well as number of years for your pins. (Please Round Down to the nearest 5 or 0)

For more information please contact 989-307-8077.

The next year is going to be an eventful one for this post, and I hope that you are a part of it. Because this post to me is like a Unit, a Unit that together can take any mission thrown its path and overcome whatever our comrades are dealing with. Currahee!

Charles Hunter DeSander
Commander

Features

Posted on October 19, 2017 by indylite

Homecoming Parade lineup – an album

by Maralyn Fink

Celebrates 100th birthday

On October 25, 1917, Louis Frederick (Fred) Mayers was born in DeWitt, Michigan to Louis and Ethyl Mayers. The family moved to St. Johns and resided in Clinton County from then on.

Fred married Claribel Wilkie in 1940 and they remained married 73 years until her death in 2013. Fred was a dairy farmer and raised 3 children on the farm.

David (Carolyn) Mayers of Fairfield, New Jersey, Phyllis (Steve) Thornburg of South Bend, Indiana, and Darlene (Howard) Bowers of Luther, Michigan, will be hosting a birthday party to celebrate his 100th year of birth in Lakeland, Florida, where he presently resides. The celebration will be held at the clubhouse annex at Citrus Woods on November 4th from 2 PM to 4 PM.

If you will be in Florida, join the children to help celebrate Fred’s special day. If not, you can send a card to wish him well at: 1610 Reynolds Road #294, Lakeland, Florida 33801

Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – How to Stop Your Dog from Rolling in Poop

Your dog comes running up to you covered in mud. Then you take a closer look—and smell—and realize that mud would be preferable to what’s all over your dog. Yes, your furry best friend has rolled in poop, and it’s everywhere—even trapped in the folds of her collar. It’s not just time for a bath, it’s time for a decontamination.

So why do dogs like to roll in smelly things like animal carcasses and waste? While there’s no concrete evidence that points to a single reason, there are a number of theories as to why dogs anoint themselves with bad odors. It’s suggested that dogs might do it to mask their own scent in a throwback to their hunting ancestry, or as a way to bring the scent home to the rest of the pack to allow others to track back to it. But the most likely reason is that they like the stench. Remember, dogs are fascinated by things that we consider disgusting, like urine on the mailbox post and the nether-regions of other dogs. Much like humans wear scents that we enjoy, like rose or sandalwood, it’s possible that dogs like being associated with the smell of fox poop.

Preventing Poop Rolling Behavior in Dogs

It’s not easy to prevent poop rolling, particularly if you have a large yard or you allow your dog to hike off-leash. Wild animal waste can be well camouflaged, especially rabbit and deer droppings, which tend to be pellet sized and spread out. That said, most dogs have a few obvious “tells” that they exhibit right before they get ready to roll. The first step to preventing poop rolling is recognizing what happens right before it begins, and then short-circuiting the behavior.

Most dogs hone in on the odor before they dive on, so if you notice your dog focusing on a patch of ground with greater than usual intensity, it’s possible that a roll is imminent. Some dogs will even do a pre-roll pose, meaning, they rotate their face to the side and gradually descend down to the pile, almost in slow motion. (Although animal poop can end up anywhere on a dog’s body, most dogs start their roll by putting the side of their face and neck in it, which results in a very messy collar.) Once you see the signs of a potential poop roll, you need to act quickly with a strong “leave it” cue.

“Leave it” means “move away from the item of interest,” and is helpful in a number of everyday situations. If your dog picks up street garbage like chicken bones during your walks, you can ask him to “leave it” before he has a chance to put it in his mouth. If your dog wants to “help” on laundry day by grabbing socks and taking off, you can tell him to “leave it” rather than chasing her down to retrieve the contraband. And when it comes to poop rolling, a well-timed “leave it” will prevent a very messy clean-up.

Teaching Your Dog to ‘Leave It’

Before you can use “leave it” to prevent a poop dive, you need to train it in a variety of controlled situations. To begin the process, take a dry treat and present it to your dog at nose level in a closed fist so that he can smell it but can’t get to it. Your dog will likely nose and nibble your fist thinking it’ll make you open your hand, but ignore all interactions until your dog backs away from your hand. (It might take a few minutes the first time.) As soon as he moves away from your hand, say “yes!” or click with a clicker to mark the behavior, and give your dog an extra special treat like chicken or cheese from your other hand. The treat in your fist represents the contraband you want your dog to move away from, so never reward her with it.

When your dog is reliably backing away every time you present your closed fist, you can begin to name the behavior by saying “leave it” right as your dog moves away. It’ll take about 20 repetitions before the phrase is anchored to the behavior and your dog understands what it means. At that point, make it more challenging by placing the dry treat on the floor under your shoe. Your dog will probably go through the same nibble-lick-paw process initially, but the second she backs away, say “yes!” or click and reward your dog from your hand.

Repeat this process a dozen times, rewarding each success and work up to adding the phrase “leave it.” Once your dog is consistently moving away from the treat under your foot, try a few repetitions where you move your foot away from the treat so your dog can see it (but be ready to cover it back up again if your dog makes a dive for it). Reward your dog for the same movement away from the treat. You can also try a few surprise training sessions by dropping something your dog finds intriguing, like a crumpled up paper towel or sock, and asking her to “leave it.” These unexpected sessions help to generalize the behavior.

Finally, take your training outside. Set up a gauntlet of mildly interesting items a few feet apart like toys, used napkins, socks, and food wrappers. (If you’re concerned that your dog might grab the items before you have a chance to cue “leave it,” put her on a leash, and consider revisiting the initial training steps.) Stroll with your dog toward your planted items, and right as your dog starts to zone in on it, say “leave it.” At this point, the cue should have such a strong and positive association that your dog will quickly orient to you in order to get the reward. Don’t forget to praise your dog lavishly.

To finalize the training, envision what a preempted poop roll will look like in your yard or on the trail. More than likely, your dog will be at a distance from you, so practice this critical part of the process by cuing a “leave it” when your dog isn’t right next to you. Praise her when she looks up from the object of interest, then kneel down and encourage her to run to you for a goody. Because rolling in poop is so rewarding, preempting it is a big deal, so give your dog lots of love for a job well done, and try to find a poop-free zone to hang out to avoid further temptation.

Letters – Street millage and more from Sam Coffman

Improved Street Condition Reduces Clinton Transit Repair Costs

Clinton Area Transit System (Clinton Transit) needs good roads and streets to operate efficiently. There is a higher cost for repair and maintenance with poor streets and roads. As public transportation, we have no choice but to fix our buses and pay these higher costs. Clinton Transit services all of Clinton County with public transportation service, so it is difficult to determine the exact cost of maintenance due solely to the poor condition of streets in the City of St. Johns.

I am pleased that the City of St. Johns is continuing to repair their streets. Investment in maintaining good repair for the streets will not only help Clinton Transit, but also the homeowners and businesses in St. Johns. Good transportation and good streets encourage growth in our community.

I encourage voters to support the St. Johns Street millage on the November 7th ballot.

Sincerely,
Dawn Benson, General Manager
Clinton Area Transit System

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Taxes. No other word causes moans and groans from citizens like that one. Most of what we pay in taxes is spent in ways that we cannot easily see.

On Tuesday, November 7th we will be able to vote on something we can see – our streets. The modest (actually reduction) millage will continue the work to make our St. Johns streets safe and smooth. The money will be spent on the streets and related improvements and only for that. Ultimately it is a small price to pay for big improvements that benefit all of us.

Remember to vote on Tuesday, November 7th and join me in voting “Yes” for our streets.

Terry Clarke

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I attached a picture of myself speaking to 30 students in the SJHS auditorium last week. Teachers Kathy Heystek and Jaclyn Charneski had their classes attend my one hour talk on October 4.

Sam Coffman

Maralyn’s Pet Corner – 5 Ways to Help a Hiding Cat

It’s hard to say if Garfield started the stereotype of the mischievous, anti-social cat, but he certainly reinforced it, and to be fair, there’s some basis in truth.

While some cats are friendly and cuddly, many others spend their days in dark enclosed spaces and prowl the house at night.

“A lot of cats lead nocturnal lives,” says Myrna Milani, DVM, an author and veterinary scholar in the fields of pathology and anthrozoology.

If your cat usually spends its day hidden, that’s generally fine and normal, Milani says. The problem arises, however, when social cats suddenly start hiding. This behavior is often indicative of stress, fear, a medical issue, or some combination of these.

Continue reading for tips on identifying problematic forms of hiding behavior in cats and what you can do to resolve the underlying issue.

Allow Your Cat to Warm Up to Visitors

One of the primary causes of stress in cats is a change in their environments, and one big change that often induces hiding is the addition of a new person to the household.

Whether this is in the form of a temporary visitor or a permanent resident, cats are naturally inclined to assume a new person is a threat to their territory. (The same goes for the addition to a new animal.) As such, you might find your feline hiding or marking areas with her scent.

Milani says it’s important to give a cat time to adjust to the change and accept the new person on her own terms. “The worst thing you can tell the new person to do is play nice and ‘kissy face’ with the cat,” she says.

Instead, short-term visitors can sit near the hiding spot and let the cat come to them, maybe coaxing her out with a treat or a toy that will boost her confidence and make her feel more like predator than prey.

Milani suggests longer-term visitors or new permanent residents rub themselves all over with a dry towel or washcloth. Then, leave the towel in the middle of the floor overnight and allow the cat to explore the scent on her own time and at her own speed.

The cat should start feeling more comfortable the next day, though if the towel has been peed on, “That’s a message, and you need to keep being patient,” Milani says.

Try to Normalize a New Environment

Another cause of this type of stress is a move. It might take your cat a while to adjust to the new house, and that’s made worse, Milani says, the more you change things around. Trying to give your cat normalcy in a new house—whether that’s setting up her cat tree by a window or avoiding clutter with empty boxes—will help your cat adjust.

“I know it’s not what people who move want to hear, but the best thing you can do for a cat after a move is to unpack everything and settle in as quickly as possible,” she says.

Give Your Cat a Safe Space

It’s not uncommon for cats to be fearful of visitors or changes in their environments or routines. Fear in cats is often marked by prey behavior, which includes running away and hiding.

Dilara G. Parry, a certified cat behavior consultant, says “safe spaces” are an easy way for the owner to make sure that the hiding that’s taking place is healthy and safe.

“A sturdy cardboard box, turned on its side with a nice blanket placed inside, can be an alluring hiding space that is safe,” Parry says.

Milani adds that cutting a cat-sized hole in an upside-down cardboard box is another great DIY safe space because the cat can face the opening and know nothing is coming up behind her.

Monitor Your Cat’s Behavior Changes

Hiding behavior in cats could signal an illness or serious medical condition, and owners need to pay attention when this behavior emerges and is out of the ordinary.

Milani says if a cat begins hiding, it’s paramount that the owner monitors the cat’s eating, drinking, urinating, and defecating. She recommends blocking off the bathroom to the cat and marking his water dish with a marker so you know exactly how much water is being consumed every day.

Other easily observable signs of an illness or condition that’s forcing hiding are discharge from the eyes or nose, limping, and non-specific diarrhea.

Make an Appointment With Your Vet

If your cat is suddenly hiding, and seems more antisocial than normal, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended to rule out any medical issues. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Sometimes, the first indication to the guardian that their cat is sick is hiding behavior,” Parry says. “I have seen this in cases of urinary blockage, which can quickly turn fatal if untreated, so I definitely urge guardians to take hiding behavior seriously, especially if it is not ‘par for the course’ for that particular cat.”