Text to 911 now available
It’s real Country when Louie Longoria Band plays July 19 at Concert in the Park
Most Holy Trinity Parish Festival, Fowler – July 27 – 30
Get ready to join Briggs Reads!
SJHS Athletic Hall of Fame induction is August 25
New Events at the 2017 St. Johns Mint Festival
July 24-28 VBS to be a family event
St. Johns Concert in the Park – 2017 Schedule
Deadline Approaching for Late Summer Softball League Sign-up
Mint Festival Adult Tournament Registration Deadlines Approaching
Maple Rapids and Lowe UMC to host VBS
Legion sponsors Casino Bus Trip
Ice cream social to benefit fire department
A hot car is no place for a child or pet
Soup Kitchen makes stops in area
CASA Volunteer Advocates Needed
Deb’s Sereni-TEA Lounge – with an album
New Rails to Trails “Comfort Station” coming soon
Help Wanted – Clinton Northern Railway
Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Airedale Terrier
Letters – CASA says thanks
Clinton County now offers Text-to-911 services from four major US cell phone carriers. Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T customers in Clinton County can now send a short message service (SMS) text message to 911 for emergency help when unable to make a 911 voice call.
Text-to-911 is intended primarily for use in specific emergency scenarios:
• For an individual who is speech or hearing impaired;
• For a person who is unable to call 911 due to a medical emergency that renders them unable to speak
• In the event of a crime such as a home invasion or active shooter situations where speaking might give away the location of a person hiding;
• Or in domestic violence situations where it’s not safe to make a voice call.
When determining whether to make a voice call or send a text keep the following in mind:
• Text-to-911 is for emergencies only.
• Callers should only text 911 when calling is not an option.
• Texting is not always instantaneous, which means it may take slightly longer to dispatch emergency services in a Text-to-911 situation.
• Providing location information and nature of the emergency in the first text message is imperative, since Clinton County 911 may not receive accurate location information and will not be able to speak with the person sending the text.
• Text abbreviations or slang should be avoided so that the intent of the message can be as clear as possible.
• Those who use the system must have a cell phone that is activated and capable of sending text messages in order to reach 911 via text. There is no charge to the customer for sending a text to 911.
How to text 911 in an emergency:
• Enter the numbers “911” in the “To” field;
• The first text message to 911 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and the type of help needed – push the “Send” button.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 911 Dispatcher.
• Text in simple words – do not use abbreviations.
• Keep text messages brief and concise.
If any component of Text-to-911 is not operational, subscribers attempting to Text-to-911 will receive a bound back message: Texting to 9-1-1 is not available and a voice call should be utilized. Citizens should also remember that texting while driving is not safe.
It’s real Country when Louie Longoria Band plays July 19 at Concert in the Park
Traditional Country music in its purest form – that’s the Louie Longoria Band. The talented performers take the stage of the William E. Tennant Performance Shell July 19 in the weekly St. Johns Concert in the Park summer music series. There is no admission charge for the show that begins at 7 p.m.
Part of the traditional Country music scene for more than 25 years, Longoria has always been around Country music and brands his style of music “Real Country.” His style ranges from Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard to George Strait and brings small-town America to the big stage. Longoria has a versatile voice that can handle a wide variety of music including both old and new Country music.
Longoria’s talent and relaxed humor have never failed him at winning the hearts of his audience as well as some of Nashville greatest who gave him the opportunity to open shows for Grand Ole Opry Legends like the late Little Jimmie Dickens, Jeannie Seely, the late Jack Greene, the late Jim Ed Brown, the late Ray Price, the late Billy Joe Royal, Baillie & The Boys, Michael Twitty, Neal McCoy – and his friend Tommy Cash, brother of the late Johnny Cash. Longoria had the honor of singing two duets with Tommy titled “Six White Horses,” a #1 song for Tommy, and “Walk the Line Revisited,” a #1 song for Louie.
Longoria’s band mates include some of Michigan’s finest: Barry Glenn, formerly of the Kikker Band, on steel guitar; Pat KcNeally on lead guitar; Dan Gokee on bass; and Kirk Hetherington on drums.
Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns with support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Concerts are held each Wednesday evening; rain or shine. The St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club staff a concession stand offering light refreshments.
For detailed information on the Concert in the Park series visit the CCAC web site, http://www.clintoncountyarts.org/ and check out the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell page on Facebook
Most Holy Trinity Parish Festival, Fowler – July 27 – 30
Thursday: Classic Car Show, downtown Fowler beginning at 5:30 pm
Friday: 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm Adult Social Tent, happy hour from 6 – 7 pm, with all drinks one-half off; 7:00 – 11:30 Adult Social Tent (drinks, pulled pork, pizza) 7:00 – 11:00 pm Las Vegas Tent (Blackjack, Let it Ride, Money Wheel)
Saturday: 8:00 am Volleyball Tournament. Registration forms can be found at http://www.mhtparish.com/ (click on the MHT Parish Festival event image); 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Mass;
7:00 – 8:30 pm Touch-A-Truck (on Kent St. in front of church); Dusk: Family Movie Night at Fink Field—“Wreck It Ralph” (if rain, movie will be canceled);
Sunday: 8:00 am Boys & Girls 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. Registration forms can be found at http://www.mhtparish.com/ (click on the MHT Parish Festival event image); Mass at 10:00 am; Purchase home-baked delicacies at the Country Store beginning at 10:00 am; Children can start their energetic day beginning at 11:00 am at the Inflatables; also at 11:00 am, the Food Court opens featuring hamburgers, pulled pork, pizza and BBQ chicken.
The “Video Games” Parade begins at 11:30 am. After the parade, enjoy Children’s Games, Arts and Crafts Wheel, Bean Bag Toss, Saw Dust Pit, Bingo, Dunk Tank, a Free Throw Shooting contest and more!!
New this year, from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm, is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in church, followed by Mass at 5:00 pm.
Raffle drawings for cash prizes totaling $6,000 and quilts and afghans will begin at 6:30 pm.
A complete schedule of events, contact information, and registration forms for Volleyball and Three-on-Three Basketball can be found at the parish website: http://www.mhtparish.com/ (click on the MHT Parish Festival event image).
Everyone is welcome to join us for Festival 2017. Further questions: please contact the Parish Office at 989-593-2162.
Get ready to join Briggs Reads!
The Briggs District Library is in the middle of its annual Briggs Reads! program, where they invite all library patrons to read the same book and then attend an event with the book’s author. This year’s selection is Becoming Amish by Jeff Smith.
This is the true story of Bill and Tricia Moser, who left their life in Grosse Pointe, to join an Amish community. One of the first places the Mosers lived during this transition is with a family in the Ovid area.
Both the author and Bill Moser will be at the library to discuss the book and their individual stories on Thursday, September 7 at 7:00 pm.
Author, Jeff Smith is a journalist and editor who has written extensively about the environment, outdoors and lifestyle during the course of his 30-plus year career. He currently edits Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine, an award-winning monthly regional publication focused on life near the shores of the Great Lakes. In his previous position, Jeff wrote for nearly a decade about federal and state environmental law and policy related to the world of hazardous waste.
Jeff first wrote about his lifelong friends the Mosers following the economic crash of 2008. The magazine story folded into a growing national conversation about people looking for more intentional lives based in simplicity and balance as a way to find greater fulfillment.
The St. Johns Mint Festival is excited to welcome back a Mid-States IPRA Championship Rodeo. The Rodeo will be held in the Horse Arena on the Clinton County Fairgrounds on Saturday, August 12, starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets will be $12 for adults and $8 for children with 4 and under free. Family packs (2 adults and 2 children) will also be available for $35. Go to the Mint Festival webpage at www.clintoncountychamber.org/mint to find the link to order tickets. Events will include Bareback Riding, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Team Roping, Calf Roping, Cowgirls Barrel Racing and Bull Riding. During intermission there will be a little comic relief with a Bouncy Horse Relay.
On Sunday, August 13 there will be a High School Rodeo at 2:00 pm. Tickets for this Rodeo will be $5 each. If you have any questions about either of the Rodeos, you can email mintfestival.rodeo@gmail.com.
Also on Saturday, August 12 from Noon to 5:00 pm there will be a Jeep Event with Optional Obstacle Course. The event will be held on the old BMX track on the west side of the County Fairgrounds. This event should bring together people that like to discuss, photo shoot and drool over Jeeps. Participating Jeeps will pay a nominal $5 fee.
The festival is also excited to have Inflatables for the weekend. The inflatables will be located across from the High School by the County Fairgrounds entrance and on the grounds north of Peck Hall.
If you have any questions about the festival call 989-224-7248 or email ccchamber@4wbi.net.
July 24-28 VBS to be a family event
A summer family event called Rome: Paul and the Underground Church will be hosted at First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Street, from July 24-28. Families step back in time at Rome, exploring the life of the apostle Paul and the underground church. Kids and adults make memorable Bible-times treasures, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, dig in to Roman eats, visit Paul while he’s under house arrest. Activities are designed to teach God’s Word. Each day begins and ends at Extollo—a time of upbeat worship that gets everyone involved.
Kids and adults at Rome will join nearly a million participants in Operation Kid-to-Kid—a project to help provide clean water to people in Peru. With this service opportunity, families’ donations will change the lives of other families across the globe by helping provide them with safe drinking water.
Rome will run from 9:00 A.M to 11:30 A.M each day.
Early registration at the church website ends July 23. Walk-in registration begins July 24. For more information, call 989-224-2636.
July 19: Louie Longoria Band; Great Country
July 26: Root Doctor; Classic Soul/R&B/Blues
Aug. 2: Miranda & the M80s; 80s Hits
Aug. 9: Toppermost; Beatles Tribute Band
Aug. 16: Mountain Town Singers; Barbershop Chorus
Aug. 23: Roaring Twenties Band; Vintage ’20s
Aug. 30: Matt King; Elvis Impersonator
William E. Tennant Performance Shell; St. Johns City Park, Wednesday evenings; 7 p.m.; Rain or Shine
Deadline Approaching for Late Summer Softball League Sign-up
The deadline to receive 50% off for the City of St. Johns Mid-Summer softball league is quickly approaching. Register your team by June 16 or be one of the first 6 teams to register, and receive 50% off player fees. Teams will be playing in our new Tuesday night league that will be starting July 11th and will run until August 15th or 22nd (depending on the number of teams).
If you have any questions about the softball league or any other recreation program please call the Recreation Department at 224-8944 ext. 228 or e-mail bblackmon@ci.saint-johns.mi.us. Team registration forms, rosters and waivers are available on the website www.cityofsaintjohnsmi.com. Check them out on Facebook at St Johns Recreation.
Mint Festival Adult Tournament Registration Deadlines Approaching
Time is running out for you to show off your skills at the 2017 Mint Festival Kickball and 3 on 3 tournaments. There is still time to register your team for the Adult Co-ed Kickball and the 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament for adults and youths. Registrations deadline for all tournaments is August 2nd.
Registration for the adult kickball tournament is $125. Each team is guaranteed 2 games, and the games will be played on the Main Softball Field in the City Park starting on Saturday morning. Games will be played on Saturday and Sunday depending on the number of teams.
Registration for the 3 on 3 basketball tournament is $60. Games will be played on the basketball courts in the City Park starting Saturday morning. Separate men’s and women’s adult divisions of 18 and older, boys and girls 17 and under will be offered. Games will tentatively take place Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning and afternoon. Schedule may change depending on the number of teams that sign up. Mixed teams are not allowed. A three-point shootout will take place Saturday afternoon for participant of a registered team that are aged 14 and over for an additional $5.00 per player. Participants must be part of team playing in the tournament. Winner of the 3-point shoot-out will receive a trophy. Team will be contacted via email as to when they play.
Vacation Bible School will be held at Maple Rapids UMC, 330 S. Maple Avenue on July 25, 26, 27 from 5:30 pm until 8:15 pm for children ages 4-12.
Legion sponsors Casino Bus Trip
The American Legion Post 153 Lounge Inc. is sponsoring a day trip to Soaring Eagle Casino. The trip will be Sunday, August 20 from noon until 6 pm at a cost of $35 with $35 in casino givebacks.
All are welcome; sign-up at the Lounge 110 E. Walker St., St. Johns by Monday July 24.
Any questions please call 989-224-7282.
Ice cream social to benefit fire department
Lowe United Methodist Church, 5485 W. Lowe Rd., is hosting their annual Ice Cream Social on August 22 from 2-5 pm. Homemade Ice Cream and food will be provided.
All proceeds will go to the Maple Rapids Fire Department.
A hot car is no place for a child or pet
Sitting in a hot car for just ten minutes can be unbearable, but when summer temperatures soar, it can be more than uncomfortable, it can be dangerous and deadly.
That’s why it’s so important for everyone to understand just how quickly the temperature inside an enclosed car can rise and how it can impact the occupants inside.
The temperature inside a car can increase twenty degrees in as little as ten minutes, thirty degrees after twenty minutes and can ultimately double the temperature outside.
This scenario is dangerous for anyone, but especially for children, whose body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s, making them more susceptible to heatstroke.
Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher within just ten to fifteen minutes, which can lead to permanent disability and even death.
Even on a relatively cool day, the temperature inside a car can quickly spike to life threatening levels if the sun is out.
To help prevent tragedy from occurring, follow these simple steps:
– Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute.
– Make sure to keep your car locked when you’re not in it so kids don’t get in on their own.
– Create reminders by putting something in the back of your car that is needed at your final destination, like a work bag, purse or cell phone. This is especially important when not following your normal routine.
– Create a calendar reminder for your electronic devices to make sure you dropped your child off at daycare.
– Make sure to lock your vehicle, including doors and trunk, when you’re not using it. Keep keys and remote entry fobs out of children’s sight and reach.
– Teach kids that trunks are for transporting cargo and are not safe places to play.
– If you see or hear a child alone in a car, call 911. One call could save a life.
Pets are just as susceptible to heat stroke as children, so never leave them in a parked car when things heat up… not even with the windows partway down, not even in the shade, not even for a quick errand. Dogs and cats can’t sweat like humans, so they pant to lower their body temperature. If they’re inside the car, recycling hot air, panting gives no relief, and heat stroke can occur very quickly.
So the next time you’re tempted to leave your child or pet in the car, just for a few minutes while you run into the store, remember that a few minutes is all it takes for tragedy to strike.
Soup Kitchen makes stops in area – All are welcome
His Cup Runneth Over, a mobile soup kitchen, will be making a stop at
– First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Ave, St. Johns 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday, July 18, and at
– Middleton Community Church, 223 S. Newton, Middleton, from 5 p.m to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 18, and at the
– Meadows of St. Johns, 2265 W. Parks Rd., St. Johns from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday July 19 and at
– Carson City Linden Apartments, 320 E Linden St., Carson City, Thursday, July 20 from 11 a.m to 1 p.m, and at
– Pompeii United Methodist Church, 135 W. Burton, Pompeii, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, July 20.
Soup, bread, fruit and dessert will be served to all who come free of charge. For more information call 989-533-9535 or 989-544-5764
CASA Volunteer Advocates Needed
CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children is currently accepting applications for our next CASA Volunteer Advocate Training.
Those interested in serving as a CASA Advocate must submit a volunteer application, completely pass a criminal and personal background check, and participate in our 30-hour pre-service training.
Applicants should have ample time to visit their appointed child every 7 to 10 days (activities during visits may include playing games, playing outside, helping with homework, coloring, etc.). Our program continues to work toward our goal of having enough CASA Advocates for every Clinton County child who is in foster care.
There’s a new tea store in St Johns. It is located in the Southpoint Mall near RESA and Secretary of State.
Debi Daoust, the owner, began making her own herbal teas five years ago after having a lumbar fusion. While researching the medicinal benefits of herbs, she designed nine tea blends. These blends represent the Fruits of the Spirit. Beginning at the local Farmers Market and many craft shows, today her Fruits of the Spirit – Herbal Teas are sold in St Johns at Postal Connections, Clinton County Art Gallery, Andy T’s and three pharmacies in the Harrison and Clare area.
With the love, support and encouragement from her husband, Jim, she is now able to share her passion for tea and fellowship of her community through the Sereni-TEA Lounge. Her vision is to offer a relaxing, atmosphere for you to gather with friends or simply exhale with an enjoyable book. Free WIFI is available if you are needing to catch up on work, research or social media relations. They offer black, green, rooibos and herbal teas. They have a tea for your mood. Iced teas are also available; Wild Orange Blossom, Peach Oolong, Blackberry Mojito, Key Lime Pie – to name a few.
Deb’s Sereni-TEA Lounge also offers a retail selection of bulk herbs, bulk teas, herbal supplements and many all natural beauty products. Like them on Facebook and check out the website www.debsserenitealounge.com for hours, specials and events.
New Rails to Trails “Comfort Station” coming soon
by Maralyn Fink
The Rails to Trails “Comfort Station” has been under construction.
Located on Railroad St. just East of the depot, it will accommodate a rest area for everyone using the trail.
Sit and relax a spell before continuing on your journey.
Help Wanted – Clinton Northern Railway
Clinton Northern Railway, a branch of Clinton County Arts Council, is looking for workers ages 21 and above who are willing to give 6-8 hours a week to help restore the historic rail cars in St. Johns. Some background in carpentry preferred, but not necessary. The hours are 9:00 – noon on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Benefits include opportunities to learn the intricacies of restoring old buildings including wood-working, painting and especially problem-solving. Participants will be guided by seasoned workers who have accomplished wonders with the railcars already.
This volunteer work serves as a resume-builder or a retirement-filler, while providing the opportunity to give back to the community.
Those who are interested are asked to submit a brief resume including name, contact information, and relevant experience. Resumes should be sent to Jenny McCampbell, Clinton County Arts Council at 215 N. Clinton Avenue, St. Johns, MI 48879.
The Airedale Terrier is the largest and toughest of the terrier family. Its coat is dense and wiry, with a softer undercoat, and comes in both tan and black and tan and grizzle. This breed was one of the first used for police duty and has also been popular among U.S. Presidents (e.g., Theodore Roosevelt, Calvin Coolidge, and Warren Harding).
Physical Characteristics
The long-legged Airedale Terrier has strong round bones that effectively combine power and agility. This enables the breed to hunt difficult game. The wiry, hard, and thick coat lies close and straight with the body, while a few hairs remain crinkled.
Personality and Temperament
This protective and lively companion is one of the most versatile terriers. The playful, adventurous, and bold Airedale is intelligent, and yet headstrong and stubborn at times. Though some dogs are dominating, most of them are responsive to the wishes of the owner and are reliable.
As long as the Airedale is provided with daily physical and mental exercise, it is a well-behaved house dog. It likes to be a leader and dislikes being challenged by other dogs. Smaller dogs and terriers, however, get along well.
Care
Being an active breed, the Airedale Terrier requires vigorous exercise on a daily basis. Long walks, energetic games, and romping and hunting in safe areas, can meet the dog’s requirements. The wiry coat has to be combed three times a week, in addition to shaping and trimming once or twice a month. Clipping is useful in layering the color and texture of the coat. The ears of puppies need to be “glued” so that they are properly shaped when they become adults. The Airedale can live comfortably outside in cool climates, but should be allowed to sleep indoors.
Health
The Airedale Terrier, which has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years, sometimes suffers from colonic disease. Other serious health issues this breed is prone to include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), gastric torsion, and hypothyroidism. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run thyroid and hip exams on the dog.
History and Background
The Airedale or “King of Terriers” is the tallest of the terriers. Thought to have originated from the Black and Tan Terrier or English Terrier, the medium-sized Airedale was bred by hunters in Yorkshire to hunt small game such as fox and water rat. The dogs were also good at retrieving and finding birds.
In the mid-19th century, some terriers near South Yorkshire’s River Aire were interbred with Otterhounds to enhance their scenting ability and hunting skills around water. This attempt resulted in bred known as the Waterside Terrier or Bingley, which was an expert in otter hunting. It was, however, only in 1878 that the breed was accepted as the Airedale Terrier.
After becoming a show dog, it was crossed with Bull and Irish Terriers, to remove the traits of the Otterhound cross that was not very popular.
By the 20th century, Champion Master Briar, the breed’s patriarch, popularized the dog and his child achieved the same outcome in the U.S. The hunting ability and the size of the Airedale helped the dog earn huge renown as a big game hunter. The dog managed to become a good family pet and a police dog for its manner and smart looks. The period after World War I saw a decline in the dog’s popularity, but today many dog fanciers are fond of the Airedale Terrier.
Letters – CASA says thanks
The Voice for Clinton County’s Children extends our sincere appreciation to community members who have helped us move in to our new office. Nearly everyday since our move in early June, community support has shined.
From those who have helped paint, move, clean, donate supplies and time, assisted with setting up our office, and all who are contributing to making our office welcoming to children, we thank you!
We hope everyone will join us on Thursday, September 21st from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. to see what you have supported for Clinton County’s Children.
Carroll Scott Ramsay died Monday, June 5, 2017 at the age of 92 and met his Savior face to face. He was born in Lansing, MI to the late Clayton Ross Ramsay and Gladys (Scott) Ramsay on September 29, 1924. He married Norma Younglove, his beloved late wife of over 50 years, on February 14, 1951. Carroll was born again on March 24, 1955 when he embraced Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He had been a member of East Dewitt Bible Church, Church of the Open Bible, and a long time member of the First Baptist Church of St. Johns. He enjoyed being a Sunday school teacher, AWANA leader, and a Deacon on the Church board. He was a WWII veteran serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific war zone as a Gunners Mate. He was retired from Oldsmobile product engineering as an experimental machinist with 37 years of service.
Surviving are his sisters Marilyn Barna, and Joyce (Eddie) Richmond; children, Lavonne (Philip) McKerihan, Kurt (Angie) Ramsay, and Craig (Karen) Ramsay; grandchildren, Lisa (Miles) Kayfish, Brad McKerihan, Andy (Brenda) Ball, Sara (Pat) Boettger, Nick (Heather) Ball, Shannon (Manny) Moreno, Heidi Ramsay-Geller, Melissa (Ed) Phillips, Rachel (Joe) Hergenrather, Jenny Ramsay, Carl Ramsay, and Amy (Eddie Moinet) Ramsay; great-grandchildren, Daly and Taylor Kayfish, Cameron, Cayden and Carter Ball, Colton and Clayton Boettger, Gabriella Geller, Gavin Moreno, Sidney, Drew, and Liam Phillips, Cole, Brooke, Seth, and Jase Hergenrather; and many nieces and nephews. Carroll was also predeceased by a son Marvin Ball.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on July 21, 2017, at the First Baptist Church of St. Johns. The family is being served by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.
Robert D. Cole
Robert D. Cole of Fowler, passed away peacefully at The Meadows of Owosso on Thursday, July 6, 2017. He greatly enjoyed his stay there. A celebration of Bob’s life will take place Sunday, July 16, beginning at 2:00 pm, at the Fowler Conservation Club, 3580 S. Wright Rd. Fowler, Michigan.
Bob was born June 24, 1941 in Charlotte to the late Clarence “Lucky” and Velma (Shumaker) Cole. He attended Fowler High School, graduating in 1960. Bob worked for the State of Michigan Treasury for over 30 years, retiring in 1997. He was a past member of the Jaycees of Westphalia, Michigan. Bob was an avid reader, enjoyed the LSJ and Carson City Gazette’s daily crossword puzzles, sketching and pickin’ a guitar. He was a life-long cloud gazer, country boy, and wanna-be-cowboy. He was a jokester until his final day with us.
Mr. Cole is survived by his 4 children: Shirley (Robert) Walsh of Bay City, Karen (Jeff) Pung of Pewamo, MI, Duane (Joyce) Cole of Westphalia, Victoria (Rob) Witherell of Durand; 10 grandchildren: Trevor, Claire, Kelsey, Jason, Jenny, Jordan, Jacob, Vanessa, Olivia, Jonathon; 6 great grandchildren; 7 siblings: Dale, Sheila, Donna, Kay, Lois, Phyllis, Chuck and step-sister, Gloria; step-mother, Katherine Cole and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Cole was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Hubert Janousek; brother, C. David Cole and David’s wife, Agnes (Weber).
Gale Lee Avery, age 69, of Bath, formerly of Middleton, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Gale was born in Alma, the youngest son, of Orlie and Leona (Harroun) Avery. He graduated from Fulton High School. Gale served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He married Kimberly Smith on November 15, 2002 in Ithaca. He worked for 33 years at Federal Mogul in St. Johns. He was a life member of the Fowler VFW and a member of the Bath American Legion. He loved woodworking and made many things for Kim. He enjoyed mowing the yard.
Gale is survived by his wife Kim, adopted daughter Marisa Avery, children Chad Avery, Adam Avery, Eve Peters, Jamie (Cijay) Avery, Shasta Lalonde, their mother Linda, step-children Brandon (Karrie) Hadley Levi (Amy) Hadley, Noel Hadley and Heather Hadley and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also sister Ruth (Josh) Rumsey and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded death by his parents, brothers Billy, Dean and sister Leona.
Funeral services with Military Honors will be held Monday, July 10, 2017 at 11 am at the Dodge Funeral Home, Middleton. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm and Monday from 10 am until time of service all at the funeral home. Interment will be held in Ferris Center Cemetery at a later date.
Marriage licenses filed the week of July 3, 2017
Jerid Alan Minich, 33 of Lansing and Alexandra Mae English, 24 of Lansing
David Duane Wood, 56 of Laingsburg and Penny Sue Reitz, 54 of Laingsburg
Timothy Allen Dunford, 51 of St. Johns and Geraldine Olivares San Juan, 47 of St. Johns
Thomas Robert Merkle, 28 of DeWitt and Allison Elizabeth Van Loon, 33 of DeWitt,
Jeffery Kane Gross, 39 of St. Johns and Kathlein Marquarette Mitchell, 37 of St. Johns
Donald Van Guthrie Jr., 76 of DeWitt and Kay Lorraine Hamlett, 69 of DeWitt
Jeffery Wayne Brown, 46 of St. Johns and Amelia Ann Steffens, 39 of St. Johns
Nicholas Paul Howing, 23 of St. Johns and Colleen Elizabeth Drabek, 23 of St. Johns
See the Spray Park Mural
It’s a “Grand Night for Singing” July 12
Visit the Museum’s new carriage
Community Resource Volunteers Robotics Class – deadline July 10
Legion sponsors Casino Bus Trip
Chesaning Amphitheater features area bands
St. Johns Concert in the Park – 2017 Schedule
Lansing City Band – an album
Help Wanted – Clinton Northern Railway
Fluoride varnish helps fight tooth decay
Local men graduate from MCTI
Local student earns distinction at Wichita State University
Area students graduate from Spring Arbor
Soup Kitchen makes stops in area
Leonard announces July office hours
Area students graduate from Grand Valley State University
Briggs District Library News
Moolenaar announces July office hours
Sunday Funday – an album
Before the fireworks – a St. Johns 4th
A Look Back – School Safe Robbed
Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Why Losing a Dog Can Be Harder Than Losing a Relative
Letters – Rotary says thanks
Update: The Spray Park mural unveiling has been postponed due to the weather we have been having lately.
We will try to stay on top of this and give you the new date when it becomes available.
See the Spray Park Mural
Come down and find your tile at the grand unveiling of the CCAC’s Community Spray Park Mural.
Come to the St. Johns Spray Park on Wednesday, July 12th, to see the big reveal! The celebration kicks off at 6:00 p.m. with a family-friendly art project and one more chance to guess what the mural will be before the big unveiling.
Headed by the CCAC Council Member and owner of the Whimsical pARTy Gallery, Tracie Davis, the Spray Park Mural has grown leaps and bounds beyond our wildest imaginations. This project has been one of the CCAC’s biggest forays into creating public art. We could not be more proud or excited for the final realization of this project.
It’s a “Grand Night for Singing” July 12
It will truly be a “A Grand Night for Singing” when Hometown Productions brings the Broadway musical revue to the William E. Tennant Performance Shell July 12 as part of the St. Johns Concert in the Park summer series. The music begins at 7 p.m.; no admission charge.
Timeless musical numbers penned by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein will fill the evening air as vocalists and musicians perform songs from theatre and motion picture productions like “Oklahoma!” “The Sound of Music,” “South Pacific,” “Carousel,” “The King and I” and more.
“Grand Night for Singing” cast members Kelly Bitz, Bob Murrell, Beth Webb, Darryl Schmitz, and Marci Balogh are ready to deliver Rogers and Hammerstein tunes to area residents.
Hometown Production cast members include Marci Balogh, Kelly Bitz, Beth Webb, Bob Murrell, and Darryl Schmitz. The show is directed by Susan DeRosa with musical direction by Jeff Richards and choreography by Fran Ludington. Joining Richards (piano) in the pit orchestra are Rachael Short on keyboards; Ellen Hoard, flute; and Kelly Sandula-Gruner, French horn. “Grand Night for Singing” is produced by Tom Webb. Stage Manager is Jan Ross.
Homegrown Productions supports community theatre in Clinton County. The group presents plays, musicals and variety shows, and since 2009 has raised funds to renovate the Wilson Center Auditorium in St. Johns. The company takes “Grand Night for Singing” on the road this fall, performing at the Star Dinner Theatre in Lansing.
Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns with support from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Concerts are held each Wednesday evening; rain or shine. The St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club staff a concession stand offering light refreshments.
For detailed information on the Concert in the Park series visit the CCAC web site, http://www.clintoncountyarts.org/ and check out the St. Johns City Park Performance Shell page on Facebook.
Visit the Museum’s new carriage
Volunteers at the museum have refurbished an Amish carriage for display. A carriage or buggy is another mode of transportation featured in the 2017 Early Transportation and Fashion Exhibit.
Visit the museum complex to see the means of transportation through 1940.
Paine-Gillam-Scott House, Swegles Store and the Carriage House are all part of the museum complex located west of the Courthouse at 106 Maple St., St. Johns, MI. They are open Wednesdays, 2:00 pm-6:30 pm and Sundays, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.
For further information or group tours, please contact us at pgsmuseum@hotmail.com or call 989-292-9096. Check out our website psgmuseum.com or the Facebook page.
Community Resource Volunteers Robotics Class – deadline July 10
Community Resource Volunteers will be holding a robotics class for all children ages 5 through 15 to learn how to build and program robots.
The class will be held July 17 through July 20 at the CRV facility located at 304 Brush Street, St. Johns. There is a charge of $10 per student and students can choose to spend part or all day.
There is a limit of 20 students. Please go to crvonline.org or call 517-672-4226 for details and to register. Deadline to sign up is July 10.
Legion sponsors Casino Bus Trip
The American Legion Post 153 Lounge Inc. is sponsoring a day trip to Soaring Eagle Casino. The trip will be Sunday, August 20 from noon until 6 pm at a cost of $35 with $35 in casino givebacks.
All are welcome; sign-up at the Lounge 110 E. Walker St., St. Johns by Monday July 24.
Any questions please call 989-224-7282.
Chesaning Amphitheater features area bands
Area artist bands are returning to the Chesaning Amphitheater July 14th at 7:00 pm with exciting new performers. They include Alex Floury, high school band director with a community jazz band; Alex Schofield a young Country Music Artist from St Charles who hopes to make music his career; the Par 3 Band from Owosso, guys over 50 who perform Classic Rock from the 60’s & 70’s and do it well; Mary Ellen Kenney “ME” And The Boys Band from Chesaning; and B’z N’ E’z Rock Band consisting of younger local guys and an instructor who is the lead singer. This has potential to be a good show. Tickets to see the Local Artists are $5 and available at the gate only.
On Saturday, July 15th Elvis Tribute Artist Jake Slater from Bellaire, MI returns for his 7th Chesaning performance. Jake is a popular young Elvis Tribute Artist who still has family in the Chesaning area. He is twice winner of the Saginaw King Fest competition and has competed internationally and in other states. Jake sings from 8:00 to 10:00 pm.
The Saturday show opens at 7:00 pm with toe tapping gospel music by the Chesaning St Peter band and choir. They have come a long way since the band joined the choir over a year ago.
General Admission Tickets for Jake Slater are $10 for adults, $6 for students, and are available in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com (search for Jake Slater). Tickets can also be purchased at the gate.
July 12: Homegrown Productions; A Grand Night for Singing
July 19: Louie Longoria Band; Great Country
July 26: Root Doctor; Classic Soul/R&B/Blues
Aug. 2: Miranda & the M80s; 80s Hits
Aug. 9: Toppermost; Beatles Tribute Band
Aug. 16: Mountain Town Singers; Barbershop Chorus
Aug. 23: Roaring Twenties Band; Vintage ’20s
Aug. 30: Matt King; Elvis Impersonator
William E. Tennant Performance Shell; St. Johns City Park, Wednesday evenings; 7 p.m.; Rain or Shine
Lansing City Band – an album
Help Wanted – Clinton Northern Railway
Clinton Northern Railway, a branch of Clinton County Arts Council, is looking for workers ages 21 and above who are willing to give 6-8 hours a week to help restore the historic rail cars in St. Johns. Some background in carpentry preferred, but not necessary. The hours are 9:00 – noon on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Those who are interested are asked to submit a brief resume including name, contact information, and relevant experience. Resumes should be sent to Jenny McCampbell, Clinton County Arts Council at 215 N. Clinton Avenue, St. Johns, MI 48879.
Shelley Treynor, Registered Dental Hygienist and Mid-Michigan District Health Department’s Oral Health Coordinator, loves kids and she loves her job.
As a mother and a dental professional, Treynor knows the important role that good oral health plays in the overall wellness of a child. She knows that cavities can cause pain and prevent kids from eating, speaking, sleeping and learning. She knows that tooth decay is one of the most common diseases in children and that kids as young as one can and do get cavities. She’s seen the devastating effects that poor dental health can have on a child,
Shelley Treynor (right) plays peek-a-boo with but she also knows that tooth decay in children is preventable.
Carmina Guerrero after applying fluoride varnish
to her teeth.
Good brushing and flossing habits are obviously critical to having a healthy mouth, but Treynor wants parents to know that there are a number of other steps they can take to make sure their child has a smile to last a lifetime.
“I can’t stress enough how important it is for parents to encourage healthy meal, snack and drink choices and to limit sugary foods and drinks, like juice and soda,” she said. “Parents can also help fend off tooth decay by not sending their kids to bed with a bottle and making sure their kids visit a dentist by their first birthday.”
Treynor sees a fair amount of decay in the youngest of mouths and wants parents to know that when it comes to protecting their child’s teeth, they have one more weapon at their disposal: fluoride varnish treatments.
Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is “painted” on the teeth with a small disposable brush. The coating makes the outer layer, or the enamel, harder, helping to prevent cavities and stop cavities that have already started. The process is quick, painless, safe and effective.
Mid-Michigan District Health Department relies on Treynor to apply just under 900 fluoride varnish treatments each year to eligible children in Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm counties. Fluoride varnish is recommended for children of all ages, including infants, but the health department’s program focuses on kids in Early Head Start, Head Start and those in the WIC program.
According to Treynor, most all kids benefit from fluoride varnish treatments, but they are especially beneficial for those who are at-risk for dental decay or live in communities without fluoridated water.
Treynor says most parents are very thankful for the free fluoride varnish program, which also includes a dental screening to check for signs of decay, as well as parent education and resources.
There is no charge to receive fluoride treatments through the health department and the Varnish! Michigan program. If a child is covered by Medicaid or other dental insurance, their insurance company may be billed. Otherwise, grant funds cover the cost.
If your child is not eligible to participate in the fluoride varnish program through the Health Department, Treynor recommends checking with your dentist to see if it is something they offer.
Local men graduate from MCTI
Nicholas Meaton and Travis Ladisky of St. Johns graduated in from the Michigan Career and Technical Institute on Saturday, June 24, 2017. Meaton studied Culinary Arts and Ladisky studied Cabinetmaking.
Operated by Michigan Rehabilitation Services within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MCTI provides vocational training in 13 career areas for adults with disabilities. Students have the opportunity to be enrolled in technical training programs in automotive technology, cabinet making/millwork, certified nursing assistant, culinary arts, custodial, electronics, graphic communications, grounds maintenance/landscaping, machine technology, office automation, pharmacy technician, retail marketing and weatherization.
MCTI also offers health, psychological and social work services, sports and activities, housing, student government and much more. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/MCTI.
Local student earns distinction at Wichita State University
Wichita State University has announced the names of more than 2,700 students who were on the WSU dean’s honor roll for spring 2017.
Among those honored was David C Elzinga from Saint Johns, MI.
To be included on the dean’s honor roll, a student must be enrolled full time (at least 12 credit hours) and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
Area students graduate from Spring Arbor
Spring Arbor University is a Christian liberal arts university located in Spring Arbor, Michigan.
Saint Johns: Amanda Parker, Nursing
DeWitt: Julie Ashi, Master of Business Admin
Monica Nickovich, Nursing, Cum Laude
Fowler: Lauren LaVoie, Music, Magna Cum Laude
Ovid: James Ladiski, Christian Min Leadership, Magna Cum Laude
Westphalia: Halie Platte, Family Life Education
Bath: Kreg Bawks, Master of Business Admin
Christene Blower, Master of Business Admin
Soup Kitchen makes stops in area – All are welcome.
His Cup Runneth Over, a mobile soup kitchen, will be making a stop at
– First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Ave, St. Johns 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesday, July 11 and at
– Beacon of Hope/First Baptist Church, 512 S. US 27, St. Johns, from 5:30 p.m to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 11 and at
– Suntree Apartments, 1100 Sunview Dr., St. Johns, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, July 13 and at
– Ithaca Church of God, 624 Barber St., Ithaca, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, July 13.
Soup, bread, fruit and dessert will be served to all who come free of charge. For more information call 989-533-9535 or 989-544-5764.
Leonard announces July office hours
Speaker of the House Tom Leonard, R-DeWitt, will host office hours to meet with local residents and discuss their concerns about state government. Speaker Leonard represents Michigan’s 93rd District.
The coffee hours will take place at the following locations and times:
Friday, July 14, 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at the Big Boy, 1408 Old U.S. 27, St. Johns, MI 48879
Area students graduate from Grand Valley State University
Dewitt: Austin D. Dietz, BS; Elaina M. Earl, BS; Rachel M. Fraley, MSW; Lindsay P. Garascia, BBA; Cody W. Grice, MBA; Audrey L. Kahler, BA; Andrew G. Rolls, BS
Saint Johns: Brianna L. Auten, BS; Nicole A. Fransted, BS; Ashlyn R. Korienek, BA; Jenna R. Schumaker, BS; Madison A. Shutes, BA
Briggs District Library News
“Flying Aces Professional Frisbee Team” Save this Date – Tuesday, July 25th, 7-8pm! Our Summer Reading Finale will feature the athletic skills, fun, humor and instruction of a professional Frisbee team. This FREE program will take place at the Rotary Park across from the library. Face Painting by Sharon will be available under the pavilion. No registration is necessary.
Briggs Reads! – Becoming Amish by Jeff Smith has been chosen as the 2017 Briggs Reads! selection. This is the true story of Bill and Tricia Moser, who were living in one of America’s wealthiest communities – Grosse Pointe, Michigan – when they stepped away and began a journey that led to full immersion in a horse-and-buggy Amish life. The Briggs Reads! program is the library’s annual event that allows the entire community to read the same book, and then come together for a discussion with the work’s author. As an extra treat, this year both the author and Bill Moser will be joining us at our concluding event! More details on that special event will be announced over the summer, but for now, copies of this fascinating book are available for check out at the library.
Bookaholics Book Club – There is no official July selection for the book club, but we will still meet on Thursday, July 20 at 6:30p.m. Each member is invited to share the good (and bad) books they have been reading outside of book club, so we can help each other build our summer reading lists. New members are always welcome, so stop by and hear what other book lovers have been reading!
Summer Movie Series –Family Movie Fridays are back in July, with a different family-friendly movie being show each Friday afternoon. Shows start at 2:00p.m. More information on specific titles and registration can be found at the library or on our website.
Brunch Bunch – Tweens ages 9-12 looking for their next great read can join us on Wednesday, July 26 from 11:00-11:45a.m. for the next session of our Brunch Bunch program. This new summer program mixes a book talk with crafts, activities, and food! Our next book is The Warden’s Daughter by Jerry Spinelli, the story of 13-year-old Cammie, who has a reputation of being a little wild. Most people let it slide since not only is she living in the local prison as the warden’s daughter, but she also lost her mother when Cammie was very young. But, during the summer of 1959, Cammie decides it is time for her to have a mother, so she turns to the women she knows best – the women in the prison. Copies of the book will be available the day of the program. Registration is required and is now available.
Briggs Garden Buddies– *NEW* Session: Youth ages 4-6 are invited to join the Briggs District Library staff to participate in hands-on learning and stories in the Rae Johnson Children’s Garden. Children must be able to participate independently. We will be meeting Thursday evenings starting July 6 and going through August 10. This program will be occurring from 6:30-7:30pm. Registration is required and open now.
S.A.M. in the Summer – Hands-on-fun in Science, Art and Math! The kids had lots of fun being artists in June. Next we will offer Science (Monday, July 10, grades going into 1st thru 3rd and Monday, July 17, grades 4-6). And last but not least we end with Math (Monday, July 24th, grades going into 1st thru 3rd & Monday, July 31st, grades 4-6). All sessions are from 3 to 4 pm. Registration is required and is now open. All programs are free.
Summer Story-time/Program Dates: Chapter Chatter: (ages 6-8, independent listeners) Mondays, August7-28, 7-7:45pm, Library staff selects and reads chapter books over the course of 4 weeks (sometimes the kids vote on which title will be read). Includes snacks, crafts and games. Registration is required and opens on Monday, July 10. ‘TWEENS: (ages 9-12) Hands on activities and fun on Tuesday, August 8, 6:30-7:30pm. Registration is required and opens on Tuesday, July 11. Toddler: (ages 2-3 with participating adult) Wednesdays, August 2-23, 10:30-11am, includes stories, music, movement and take-home crafts. Registration is required and opens Wednesday, July 5. This information is also available on our website briggsdistrictlibrary.org. and brochures @ the circulation desk.
Library Closure- The Library will be closed Saturday August 12 during the Mint Festival. Railroad Street in front of the Library will be closed to traffic starting Friday evening and all day Saturday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout this closure.
******
Contact Information:
Library Director: Sara Morrison
Phone: 989-224-4702 * Fax: 989-224-1205
E-mail: director@briggsdistrictlibrary.org
Street address: 108 E Railroad * Saint Johns, MI 48879
Moolenaar announces July office hours
Congressman John Moolenaar announced office hours to be held by constituent relations representatives at locations throughout the Fourth District. The purpose of the office hours is to help residents in need of assistance with a federal agency, like the IRS and the VA.
July 13
12:00-1:00 PM
Clinton County Courthouse
Garden Level Conference Room “A”
100 East State Street
St. Johns, MI 48879
On Sunday, July 2 I headed down to the Depot where Sunday Funday was held.
A great turnout of youngsters and parents came armed with bikes and decorations furnished by the Arts Council. There was a bike parade down the trail, with kazoo’s in hand, and music was made by everyone on the trail.
There were also different games set up for kids of all ages to join in.
All in all, it was a nice time along with weather for everyone to enjoy.
Before the fireworks – a St. Johns 4th
A Look Back – School Safe Robbed
by Barry Clark Bauer
Sgt. Lyle French is on the scene investigating a 1972 robbery of the St. Johns school safe.
Lyle used to work at Federal-Mogul before becoming a St. Johns Police officer. He eventually became the Police Chief after Chief Everett Glazier retired.
Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Why Losing a Dog Can Be Harder Than Losing a Relative
I was 20 years old when I got my first dog. Of course, there were family dogs growing up, but this was my dog. I was living on my own for the first time, and he was mine to care for, love, and teach. It was like having a child. He relied on me for his basic life needs, like feeding, walking, and love. I relied on him for emotional support, entertainment, and love.
Though unlike a child who would grow up, move out, and start a life of his own, my dog was always going to be by my side, needing me as much as I needed him. We did everything together—we were inseparable. He meant more to me than most people in my life did, and we had a bond that no one could break. Our lives revolved around each other, in the most co-dependent kind of way. I had to plan my days around him, and he had to wait for me for anything he needed. And we gave each other our all.
Twelve years went by, and our bond only grew stronger with each passing day. We traveled, explored the world, and grew up together. We moved to new places and went on so many new adventures—some of which were intimidating and scary, but we faced them together. And then…he was gone. Cancer took him away from me in a very short time. I felt like half of me died that day. I felt lost, like I was alone in the world and had no one to turn to. Of course, all of my human friends and family were there to support me, but it wasn’t the same. I wanted my dog.
I have lost many friends and family members over the years, but nothing hurt as bad as losing my beloved canine companion. No relative ever relied on me the way my dog did. He needed me, and only me. People would be able to fulfill their needs in another way. No relative ever required so much of my time, energy, and love. No friend ever showed me such non-judgmental, pure, unconditional love.
Upon his death, I couldn’t function. I couldn’t work, eat, or sleep. Everything reminded me of our daily routine. The sun didn’t shine as bright without him walking next to me. My lunch didn’t taste as good, because I couldn’t share it with him. I didn’t sleep well knowing he wasn’t curled up by my side, keeping watch over me while I slept. The human-animal bond has been proven to change lives. I know he changed mine.
Most people didn’t understand how or why I shut down when Moosh died. He was “just a dog.” I had had other dogs and didn’t “take it so hard.” I knew what to expect going into it, that dogs don’t live very long. Why would I put myself through it? These were all responses to my devastation. I can’t explain or answer any of these questions, but I do know this: I will always have a dog, even knowing that it’s guaranteed heartbreak some day. Research shows parallels between grief following human death and that of a family pet. You can’t replace a family member or a dog when he dies, but you can add a new member to the family. There is always love to give, and always love to get.
Is it wrong that I hurt more over the loss of my pooch than some friends and family members? Maybe. But the relationship I had with Moosh was unique to us. He was my responsibility, my protector, my friend, my crying towel, and my court jester. He made me laugh, cry, yell, and smile. The mere thought of him makes me happy. He never judged me or thought poorly of me, and he always wanted me around. He was always there for me, which is more than I can say for a lot of humans out there. So no, I don’t think it’s wrong that I was more affected by losing him than some people. After all, he was my dog.
Natasha Feduik is a licensed veterinary technician with Garden City Park Animal Hospital in New York, where she has been practicing for 10 years. Natasha received her degree in veterinary technology from Purdue University. Natasha has two dogs, a cat, and three birds at home and is passionate about helping people take the best possible care of their animal companions.
Letters – Rotary says thanks
A very special Thank You to all of the sponsors of the Rotary Club of St. Johns 4th of July fireworks celebration…
Platnuim Sponsor: Spice Group
Gold Sponsors: Allaby & Brewbaker Insurance, Consumers Energy, Edward Jones Investments, Ferrall’s Tree Trimming, Journey Federal Credit Union, Koenigsknecht Dentistry, McKenzie Crosby Agency, Michigan Graphics, RSI Home Improvement, Sparrow Clinton Hospital
Silver Sponsors: Clinton County Medical Center, Dr. Jansen, Hub Tire Center, Jackson, Jackson & Hayes, Koenigsknecht Physical Therapy, Little Caesars of St. Johns, Martin Brower, McDonalds, Michigan Veneer, MLT Trucking,
One Call Restoration, Quest, The Cellular Connection-Verizon Premium Retailer, Sundance, Surv Pro of Eaton, Clinton and Gratiot Counties
Bronze Sponsors: AgroCulture, Applebee Oil, Avery Eye Care Center, Back Alley Pet Grooming LLC, Big Boy’s,
Bob Craig Associates, Bob’s Auto Body, Canfield Jenkins Photography, Car Quest Auto Parts, Clinton Ophthalmology, PC,
Dr. Mark Connelly DDS, Dru Mitchell, Foster Wheel Inn, Gilroy’s Hardware, Kevin & Dana Sue Kirk
Edward J. Mikula, “Mr. Ed” went to be with the Lord, Sunday, July 2, 2017 at the age of 89. He was born August 7, 1927 in Traverse City, MI the son of Joseph and Meta (Schroeder) Mikula. Ed was an Army veteran of WWII after graduating from Traverse City High School in 1945 and returned to earn his Bachelor’s degree from MSU. He was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where he served on several committees. Ed also was an active, long time member of the St. Johns Lions Club, Ducks Unlimited, Friends of the Maple River and other civic groups. He loved the outdoors, enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking and taking care of his flowers and gardens. In 1989 Ed retired from the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources with 39 years of service. He served in many roles at the DNR and at one time was Chief of the Wildlife Division.
Surviving are two sons, Chris Mikula of St. Johns and Mark (Dawn) Mikula of Hudsonville; four grandchildren, Jason (Angie) Mikula, Christen (Josh) Swartz, Kristin Vliem and Matt Vliem; three great grandsons, Jordan, Brody and Vance and one brother, Warren Mikula of Traverse City. He married Adelaide Koeppe in December of 1961 and she preceded him in death in 1994. He was also preceded in death by his parents and sister, Miriam Howen.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns with Pastor Quentin Nuttmann officiating. Military honors will be provided by the St. Johns Honor Guard after the service at the funeral home. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, St. Johns Lions Club or Ducks Unlimited.
Henry B. Howard, 81 of rural Ovid passed away at his home on Saturday, July 1, 2017. Henry was born on October 20, 1935 in Gratiot County the son of James and Orpha (Landis) Howard. He graduated from Elsie High School in 1954 and served his country in the US Army. On April 6, 1957 he married Sharlyn Thornton in the Duplain Church. Henry worked as a heating and plumbing contractor for several years. In 1988 he went to work for the State of Michigan as a Mechanical Inspector from which he retired in 2004. After that he became the plumbing and heating inspector for Clinton and Shiawassee Counties, as well as for AGS inspection services. As an avid sports fan, Henry especially enjoyed cheering on the Spartans. He was a WWII buff, officiated high school football and basket ball for 20 years and was a member of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Posse.
Henry is survived by his wife Sharlyn, daughter, Debbie Howard of Columbia City, IN and son, Craig (Leslie) Howard of Petoskey. Grandchildren, Joshua (Kacey) Howard and Danielle (Cheyenne) Smith both of Petoskey; great grandchildren, Makija Howard and Mila Smith and sister Willann (Bud) Casler of Ovid. He was preceded in death by his 5 siblings.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Brendan Holmquist and Pastor Larry Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Duplain Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Youth Haven Ranch, 3796 Perrine Rd., Rives Junction, MI 49277, Grove Bible Church or Sparrow Hospice.
Kenneth D. Doten
Kenneth D. Doten, 76 of Ovid, MI died unexpectedly during a fishing and camping trip with friends at Aloha State Park. Ken was born in Elsie, MI to Harvey Edgar and Anna Mae (Crawford) Doten. He graduated from Elsie High School in 1959 and served his county in the U.S. Navy. Ken retired from General Motors and loved hunting, fishing, camping and all things outdoors.
Surviving are his children, Kathy (Kevin) Warner of Holt, MI; Kurt (Laura) Doten of Wilmington, Delaware; and Kris (Andy Cooper) Doten of Round Rock, Texas; grandchildren, Reina and Dominic Doten; and brother Robert Doten of Ovid. He was preceded in death by his brothers Harold and Jim and sister, Helen Bidwell. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Vicky Doten.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating.
David Wismar Herman
David Wismar Herman, age 70 of St. Louis, Missouri passed away Thursday, June 22, 2017.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Christ Church, United Church of Christ, 2200 Bellevue Avenue, Maplewood Missouri 63143, on Thursday July 6, 2017 at 1:30 P.M., with Chaplin Mark Schmalz of Hope Hospice officiating.
David was born December 5, 1946 to Louis Martin Herman and Olga Dorothy (Wismar) in Saint Louis MO. His parents resided in South Saint Louis city and he attended Epiphany Lutheran Church with them. David graduated from Cleveland High School and acquired a liberal arts degree at Saint Johns College in Annapolis, Maryland. He established life-long friendships through both schools and recalled his exploits in street football and Johnnie vs. Middie croquet at St Johns. After experiencing life in New York City, Chicago and the wilds of Maine, David returned to Saint Louis and began work at Defense Mapping Agency in 1983.
David aspired to and attained mid-level bureaucracy with rumpled tweed and bow-tied fashion as a systems programmer and Y2K solutions man. David enjoyed bread making, preparing rosemary rotisseried pork loin and stir fry. He lived at risk consuming Julia Child’s The Way to Cook reposed in pre-drowse reading. David turned regularly to his Norton Anthology of Poetry, quoting Chaucer, and sometimes A.A. Milne or Rilke. But he loved theology and dreamed to hang out at Concordia Seminary in University City.
Always the perfect gentleman, he was a reflection of his father Louis and mother Olga, polite even in the deepest stages of his verbal tangles. And David was a devoted carer, bringing Weaver our dog back from his multiple strokes, and coddling his puppy Kleine Bruno Destroyer of Worlds See Him and Weep. And how can his morning deliveries of fresh brewed coffee latte in bed be overlooked?
David traveled with family and friends. He adored “Camp” on the Tahquamenon River in Michigan and travels to Europe with college buddy Craig Freedman, with Laura to England and Japan. Or simply hosting John Morse and Kurt Schulz for armchair travels of the philosophical and theological. David was kind and soft handed, sometimes nicking himself with sharp knives in his vegetable chopping mantra of good food made well and displayed for the eye. After retirement from government work in 2002, he became prudent and drew back on activities when driving meant losing his way and the stove was abandoned left on. And when the microwave became an operational challenge. We are all fortunate and grateful his impaired cognition caused him to adopt prudence over anger and denial. We are all blessed that he sustained good humor and moments of delight.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife Laura Moore; sister Judith Roeder and brother-in-law David Roeder of Webster Groves MO; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sharlyn (Moore) and Douglas of Owosso MI, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jacqulyn (Moore) and Wayne Spillner of Leland NC; nephew Jeffrey Spillner of Columbus OH. Preceding him in death were his grandparents, aunts, uncles, mother and father and his mother-in-law and father-in-law Ruth and William Moore of Elsie MI.
David was treated with kindness and respect during the days of his illness. Thank you to the staff of Dolan Memory Care Homes/ Frontier and Hope Hospice. Thank you also to Tailored Senior Services for helping David stay active, engaged and safe while he was at home. Donations will be distributed to Saint Louis University Brain Bank in support of brain disorder research and David’s autopsy report. What it the point? What was the point, to bring on disease of the brain that debilitates one so, threatens to strip them of all dignity and succumb when the brain stem ceases directing the organs to sustain life.
Cognitive impairment robs people of their lives, entire communities of their contributions, and our National medical funds. Support brain disorder research and treatment. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.
Marriage licenses filed the week of June 26, 2017
Douglas Michael VanBelkum, 54 of St. Johns and Jennifer Mae Reynolds, 46 of St. Johns
Michael Patrick Soos, 26 of Bath and Nicole Marie Barrett, 28 of Grand Ledge
Levi Dexter Harmon, 20 of St. Johns and Colette Emilia Dufrin, 20 of Williamston
Raymond Allen Putmon Jr., 31 of St. Johns and Nikki Marie Washburn, 30 of St. Johns
Richard Ray Kimball, 27 of DeWitt and Hannah Leigh Hilton, 21 of DeWitt
Eric Allen Newman, 45 of Mecosta 49332 and Monica Lynn Nickovich, 32 of Eagle
Ricky William Rademacher, 37 of Bannister and Misty Renae Atherton, 22 of Bannister
Damon Mitchell Pline, 23 of Westphalia and Kambria Jo Schneider, 23 of Westphalia
Daniel Matthias Downes, 26 of Westphalia and Grace Ann Esch, 21 of Pewamo
Randall Morris Wickham, 63 of DeWitt and Trina Marie Chesebro Braman, 53 of DeWitt
Fidel Salome Guerrero, 31 of St. Johns and Margarita Fabiola Reyes Hernandez, 29 of Westphalia
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Part of the traditional Country music scene for more than 25 years, Longoria has always been around Country music and brands his style of music “Real Country.” His style ranges from Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard to George Strait and brings small-town America to the big stage. Longoria has a versatile voice that can handle a wide variety of music including both old and new Country music. 
This is the true story of Bill and Tricia Moser, who left their life in Grosse Pointe, to join an Amish community. One of the first places the Mosers lived during this transition is with a family in the Ovid area. 
Carroll Scott Ramsay died Monday, June 5, 2017 at the age of 92 and met his Savior face to face. He was born in Lansing, MI to the late Clayton Ross Ramsay and Gladys (Scott) Ramsay on September 29, 1924. He married Norma Younglove, his beloved late wife of over 50 years, on February 14, 1951. Carroll was born again on March 24, 1955 when he embraced Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He had been a member of East Dewitt Bible Church, Church of the Open Bible, and a long time member of the First Baptist Church of St. Johns. He enjoyed being a Sunday school teacher, AWANA leader, and a Deacon on the Church board. He was a WWII veteran serving in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific war zone as a Gunners Mate. He was retired from Oldsmobile product engineering as an experimental machinist with 37 years of service. 
Robert D. Cole of Fowler, passed away peacefully at The Meadows of Owosso on Thursday, July 6, 2017. He greatly enjoyed his stay there. A celebration of Bob’s life will take place Sunday, July 16, beginning at 2:00 pm, at the Fowler Conservation Club, 3580 S. Wright Rd. Fowler, Michigan.
Gale Lee Avery, age 69, of Bath, formerly of Middleton, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Gale was born in Alma, the youngest son, of Orlie and Leona (Harroun) Avery. He graduated from Fulton High School. Gale served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He married Kimberly Smith on November 15, 2002 in Ithaca. He worked for 33 years at Federal Mogul in St. Johns. He was a life member of the Fowler VFW and a member of the Bath American Legion. He loved woodworking and made many things for Kim. He enjoyed mowing the yard.
Edward J. Mikula, “Mr. Ed” went to be with the Lord, Sunday, July 2, 2017 at the age of 89. He was born August 7, 1927 in Traverse City, MI the son of Joseph and Meta (Schroeder) Mikula. Ed was an Army veteran of WWII after graduating from Traverse City High School in 1945 and returned to earn his Bachelor’s degree from MSU. He was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church where he served on several committees. Ed also was an active, long time member of the St. Johns Lions Club, Ducks Unlimited, Friends of the Maple River and other civic groups. He loved the outdoors, enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking and taking care of his flowers and gardens. In 1989 Ed retired from the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources with 39 years of service. He served in many roles at the DNR and at one time was Chief of the Wildlife Division. 
Henry B. Howard, 81 of rural Ovid passed away at his home on Saturday, July 1, 2017. Henry was born on October 20, 1935 in Gratiot County the son of James and Orpha (Landis) Howard. He graduated from Elsie High School in 1954 and served his country in the US Army. On April 6, 1957 he married Sharlyn Thornton in the Duplain Church. Henry worked as a heating and plumbing contractor for several years. In 1988 he went to work for the State of Michigan as a Mechanical Inspector from which he retired in 2004. After that he became the plumbing and heating inspector for Clinton and Shiawassee Counties, as well as for AGS inspection services. As an avid sports fan, Henry especially enjoyed cheering on the Spartans. He was a WWII buff, officiated high school football and basket ball for 20 years and was a member of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Posse. 
Kenneth D. Doten, 76 of Ovid, MI died unexpectedly during a fishing and camping trip with friends at Aloha State Park. Ken was born in Elsie, MI to Harvey Edgar and Anna Mae (Crawford) Doten. He graduated from Elsie High School in 1959 and served his county in the U.S. Navy. Ken retired from General Motors and loved hunting, fishing, camping and all things outdoors.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Christ Church, United Church of Christ, 2200 Bellevue Avenue, Maplewood Missouri 63143, on Thursday July 6, 2017 at 1:30 P.M., with Chaplin Mark Schmalz of Hope Hospice officiating.