Chief Kyle Knight begins a new chapter in a stellar law enforcement career

By Rhonda Dedyne

Chief Knight is leaving the Mint Festival City – but he’s taking lots of good thoughts and memories with him.

It’s true that St. Johns Police Chief Kyle Knight will soon wear a different uniform serving as chief of the Harbor Springs Police Department, but that doesn’t mean he’s leaving people here behind. A lifetime of memories both personal and professional have created lasting friendships that will never go away.

“Just like a seed, I was planted here and the experiences I’ve had and connections I’ve made with so many people have helped me grow and develop,” Chief Knight says, displaying the strong but quiet emotion that’s characteristic of his leadership style. “I’ve learned from so many people throughout my law enforcement career and have had the opportunity to serve people here and at the same time be an athletic coach and volunteer at events for a variety of community organizations. I’ve been blessed.”

The sentiment works both ways. Hundreds of people who attended a farewell open house June 9 for Chief Knight clearly felt equally blessed. There were lots of handshakes, pats on the back, smiles – and more than a few tears – as stories were told of shared experiences. The guest of honor acknowledges making a new start in a new setting was “a hard decision,” but he’s also confident it’s the right one at this point in time. “Hopefully what I’ve learned in St. Johns and Clinton County will be beneficial to the people of Harbor Springs, and I will also learn from them.”

Given the importance of family to Chief Knight, it’s not surprising that an event last year may have foretold the future. “My wife, Denise, and I were visiting our daughter, Brooke, who lives in Petoskey with her husband, Ben Carlson, and their children, Olivia and Evan,” he says. Brooke was running in a half-marathon from Bay Harbor to Harbor Springs and I remember saying to Denise, ‘This is a place I would consider working someday.’ We had no way of knowing at that time Chief Branson would be retiring a year later, and that I would apply for the position and be hired.”

A career that spans 28 years – and still counting – provides ample evidence of Chief Knight’s dedication to law enforcement. He has demonstrated success in every job title on a long resume of accomplishments with SJPD and the Clinton County Sheriffs Department. He began as a SJPD part-time dispatcher in 1987; was a SJPD patrol officer from 1988-1991; served as a road patrol deputy and in other law enforcement positions including community police officer, sergeant, detective and administrative sergeant at the CCSD and SJPD from 1991-2014; and as SJPD Chief from December 2014 to the present date.

“I’ve been privileged to have great mentors every step of the way, beginning with Chief Lyle French who hired me as a part-time dispatcher and gave me a chance,” Chief Knight says about the respected former chief – who may have had more people shake his hand at the open house than Knight. “I remember asking him when I was in dispatch, ‘How can I become a police officer?’ He said the department would sponsor me for training at the Lansing Community College Police Academy. So, I enrolled in January 1988; graduated that June; and started with SJPD in July. My career in law enforcement began with Chief French”

Knight’s relationships with other “chiefs” in the ensuing years has been equally rewarding. “I’ve learned something from all of them – Don Hengesh and Wayne Kangas at Clinton County and Mike Madden here in St. Johns,” Knight says. “It’s been great working with current CCSD Chief Larry Jerue in the past year, who was also a big help as the undersheriff when I was with the county. He is a man of great integrity and cares a lot about the people who work with him. I have tremendous respect for him and will miss our friendship.”

Chief Knight expressed a similar sentiment in regard to other law enforcement co-workers both past and present, noting that Steve Nobis is a good example of those friendships. “Steve really helped open doors for me when I became the Administrative Sergeant at the sheriff’s department in 2005,” he says. “That experience prepared me to take on the job of chief here in St. Johns.”

There’s no doubt that his interaction with St. Johns Public Schools as a law enforcement officer and a volunteer has always been a priority for Chief Knight. He’s “the voice” of Redwing athletics as an announcer at games. His presence – and those of all SJPD officers – at school events is a big part of community policing that’s a trademark of the department. Whether he’s speaking to groups of students or school organizations about safety and other issues or just walking the hallways at the district’s school buildings talking with students and staff, Chief Knight demonstrates law enforcement in a positive light. He genuinely enjoys being with people of all ages – but maybe especially youth.

“I will really miss being part of the schools here,” Chief Knight says. “I have nothing but praise for the way we all are able to work together and I know that everyone in our department feels the same.”

SJPD personnel also get rave reviews. Chief Knight singles out a long-time staffer as a prime example of the overall excellence of the city’s police team. “Our administrative assistant April Wilson understands what needs to be done and the importance of taking care of people who call or come into the office – she’s sets a great example,” he says, citing even greater respect to some other folks he knows well. “I am most blessed to have great parents, Doug, and my mom, Jane, who is deceased, and especially a wonderful wife. I am grateful for their support.”

“I do want to acknowledge and thank the entire community for its support. Even though I am leaving, St. Johns will always be home to me.”

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Random Notes – Remembering Mr. V

by Rhonda Dedyne

It’s impossible to measure the impact someone like Gordon Vandemark had on the lives of people in our community. He was an educator who enjoyed working with young people, passing along his love of music and vocal performance to so many students at Rodney B. Wilson High School – myself included.

It was a pleasure to be able to continue a relationship with Mr. V in the years following graduation in 1970 from the “new” St. Johns High School. I recall talking with him when he was honored with the William Patton Award, taking the photo of him and Judy, the love of his life, and writing the story. Perhaps my favorite article about Mr. V came at the time of his retirement from St. Johns Public Schools. That story is reprinted below.

There’s no doubt but that he’s singing with the angels right now. If we listen closely, that music will fill our hearts and minds. That would be a fitting tribute to Mr. V.

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A singing bulldozer operator – that was C. Gordon Vandemark’s dream occupation when he was growing up in the ’50s on a farm near Byron.

Okay – the ‘singing’ part lies in the future, but the idea of working with heavy construction equipment is true.
“I always wanted to be a bulldozer operator,” the veteran educator and administrator confesses on the eve of his Dec. 29 retirement date from St. Johns Public Schools.

“I love the outdoors, and growing up on a farm you have an opportunity to work with all kinds of equipment – I really wanted to run a bulldozer.”

While he may yet get his wish, fortunately for the thousands of St. Johns students and community members whose lives Mr. V has touched in the past 36 years, his parents had a different vision for their son.

“My mother and father insisted that I go on to get more schooling in one form or another,” the graduate of the Byron Agricultural School District says, adding that’s where formal music training entered his career equation. “Music was what I loved, so I enrolled at Central Michigan University as a instrumental music major – and a tuba player.”

It didn’t take long for the golden-voiced tenor to make the switch to vocal music – and the rest, as they say, is history.
“I found there was a need in my heart to express music with my voice and eyes – I’ve stayed with music all my life,” he says.

It was through his involvement with CMU choirs that Gordon was hired in the fall of 1964 as the vocal music director for junior and senior high classes at St. Johns. Walt Cole, the well-respected former band director at SJ schools, had followed Vandemark’s singing career through high school and college, and suggested that he apply for the open vocal music position.

“I came here scared to death,” Gordon says with a smile, recalling his interview with RBW Principal B. Stanley Pocus and Superintendent Earl Lancaster. “I grew up in a small community and had just three years as a teacher and principal at Breckenridge – moving up to a ‘big’ school district like this, with teachers like Bob LaBrie and Gary Kingsley, was taking a step to a higher level.”

As he has throughout his life, Gordon proved equal to the challenge. His drive and determination coupled with a sincere desire to provide the best education possible for all students was a trademark of his years as a vocal music teacher, and continued from 1968 to the present time in various administrative capacities.

“Gordon is an extremely hard-working individual and very much a professional,” says SJ Middle School Principal Bob Kudwa – who will attempt to fill his mentor’s shoes and assume the position of Director of Maintenance and Community Education upon Gordon’s retirement.

“He can always find a way to solve a problem – whether it’s roofs, drainage, maintenance, educational issues or whatever. If it wasn’t for his creativity, the district would not have been able to do many of the things it has over the years.
“Gordon’s contributions to the school system are immeasurable.”

Facing – and conquering – challenges have been a constant in Gordon’s administrative career, beginning with his stint as principal at the rural school buildings of Riley, East Olive, and Olive Center when they opened in 1968.

“It was definitely a time of transition for the school district,” Gordon recalls of his debut year in administration, and the ones following when he moved up to assume the job as principal at the brand-new St. Johns High School.

During that period of change and growth, and in the years since that have culminated with the recent construction of the new middle and elementary schools and renovations to every other building in the district, Gordon’s ‘broad vision’ has served the district well.

“Gordon’s not afraid to get his hands dirty,” says a music compatriot, Bill Tennant, director of orchestras for SJ schools. “Over the years, I can’t think of another single person who has done more for our school system.”

The man who was Tennant’s first administrator back in ’68 certainly doesn’t agree with that assessment – but he does admit to being inventive in finding ways to make things work across the district.

“People have often said that I’m a ‘baling wire’ man, and I guess I am,” Gordon says. “When the district didn’t have a lot of money, we found a way to create a new soccer field, or renovate a room for a different purpose, or add a new education program – there’s no such word as ‘can’t.'”

In each scenario, however, praise for the accomplishments is spread around.

“They certainly weren’t all my ideas – they were other people’s,” Gordon says. “You can do the sorts of things we’ve done here over the years with equipment and maintenance projects when you’ve got good people like we have who can make the repairs and know what they’re doing.”

That may be true, but it still takes an individual with vision to get the job started – and follow it through.
“In terms of education, Gordon is very forward-thinking – his creativity is always challenging everyone to look forward, beyond the next year,” Kudwa says.

The next year for Gordon and his wife, Judy – whom he calls his “greatest asset along with our faith” – will feature a somewhat slower pace of activity that includes time traveling to the visit the four Vandemark children and two grandchildren who are spread across the country in Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, and California. The couple has no plans to relocate from St. Johns, however.

Gordon Vandemark was the recipient of the Patton Award. He is shown here with his wife, Judy, and her parents, Luella and Rev. Gordon Showers.

“This is our home – it’s been a wonderful community to live in and raise our children, and we’d like to thank everyone for all they’ve done for us over the years,” Gordon says, adding a personal wish for the future of the community and school district.

“I’m concerned that we’re becoming so intent on individual wants and comforts that it will be difficult in the future to stay focused on cooperating and sharing with each other. We need to be the most honest and caring individuals we can be for our kids – I would hope the school district can be that.”

And, true to his nature, the ‘music man’ is ending his career in just that fashion. He is helping conduct a ‘Holiday Chorus’ made up of students in the alternative education program at the Wilson Center, and will accompany the SJHS orchestra in a farewell solo of “O, Holy Night” at the holiday concert this afternoon.

“Gordon has always been so supportive of all the music programs here, it just seemed very fitting to have him sing at this concert,” Tennant says.

His friend appreciates the honor.

“I guess I’ll go out singing,” he says.

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A Look Back – St. Johns Hospital

by Barry Clark Bauer

Located at 108 Spring St. was the hospital before Clinton Memorial Hospital was built. It was also known at one time as the Hart Clinic. Today it serves as an office building and has changed in appearance.

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Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Recalls Rawhide Chew Products for Dogs

United Pet Group, a division of Spectrum Brands, Inc. is voluntarily recalling multiple brands of packages of rawhide dog chew products that were distributed to retail outlets and sold online in the U.S. The recall involves the brands and products described below.

The recall was initiated after United Pet Group identified that certain of its rawhide chew manufacturing facilities located in Mexico and Colombia, as well as one of its suppliers in Brazil, were using a quaternary ammonium compound mixture as a processing aid in the manufacturing of rawhide chews. The compound is an anti-microbial chemical that is approved for cleaning food processing equipment, but it has not been approved in the U.S. as a processing aid in the production of rawhide chews for dogs.

United Pet Group received very limited reports of pet illness based on the volume of possibly affected rawhide chew products manufactured and distributed. The primary complaint received from consumers was that the affected product had an unpleasant odor. Diarrhea and vomiting were also reported.

Exposure to quaternary ammonium compounds through direct ingestion may cause the following symptoms in dogs: reduced appetite, and gastric irritation including diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms may require treatment by a veterinarian depending on severity.

The affected product was distributed nationwide from United Pet Group’s Edwardsville, Illinois distribution facility and was delivered to consumers through various retail establishments including online outlets. All of the dog chew products included in the voluntary recall identify an expiration date ranging from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020 located on the back of the package.

This recall is limited to dog chew products that contain rawhide. Only products with lot codes listed on the back of the package that start with AH, AV, A, AI, AO, or AB and which list expiration dates from 06/01/2019 through 05/31/2020 are affected by this recall. This includes all package sizes and/or weights.

If you have these products, please contact the United Pet Group consumer affairs team at 1-855-215-4962 between the hours of 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Eastern Standard Time for a refund.

SJHS Graduation 2017 – an album

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New weather cam installed on Clinton Ave.

by Maralyn Fink

If you have noticed something on top of Dean Mazzolini’s Endzone, that would be the WLNS TV 6 weather cam that was installed a short time ago.

In speaking with Dean, he said that with the co-operation of the City of St Johns, the Chamber Commerce and himself, we will now be broadcasting in a live shot on the News 6 weather report.

I have seen this several times and is worth taking a look at. This is great for St. Johns.

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Celebrity sighting

Piggie from the Mo Willems books surprised the Begindergarteners from St. Joseph School on their recent field trip.

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A Look Back – Union School

by Barry Clark Bauer

This is the original Union School. It stood where Central School was later built.

This photo was taken after 1880 when the two-story wing was added. That is the school that burned and prompted them to build Central. The fire in 1885 began in an unrepaired crack in the chimney.

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Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – 5 Mistakes People Make When Feeding Pets a Raw Food Diet

Raw food diets might be the oldest form of pet food; after all, they are very close to what ancient dogs used to eat. As more people become aware of the benefits of raw food diets for humans, more pet owners are switching their dogs to raw diets, as well, for a variety of reasons.

“As pet owners investigate what builds their own good health, they realize good food applies to the whole family—including the four-legged family,” explains Dr. Cathy Alinovi, DVM, a holistic veterinarian who is also certified in Veterinary Food Therapy and Chinese Herbal Therapy.

In fact, many dog owners switch to a raw diet because their dogs have health problems. This is exactly why dog owner Jessica Winstead put both her Chihuahua mixes on a diet of raw food mixed with canned pumpkin and sweet potato, even though the diet has had different, though positive, effects on the dogs.

“My older dog moved in along with my boyfriend about five years ago and he was slightly overweight, but the raw diet leaned him out,” Winstead says. “He also seems to have more energy.”

Her other dog, a four-year old rescue, went on a raw diet to address hair issues. “He was missing hair on the back of his spine and was slightly underweight, but since he’s been on the raw diet his hair has evened out and he even gained a little weight,” Winstead says.

“Our older chi-mix weighs about five pounds more, so we feed him a half portion more than our other mix—but he still leaned out and our smaller guy still gained weight!”

Switching to a raw diet, however, is not always that simple. Here are five common mistakes owners often make when switching their dogs to a raw diet.

Mistake #1: Not Understanding the Basics of Nutrition

In simple words, a raw diet consists of uncooked meals. In reality, though, it’s a bit more complicated than that.

“Some pet owners consider throwing a pound of raw hamburger in the bowl as being a raw diet,” says Dr. Judy Morgan, DVM, who is certified in Acupuncture and food therapy and is a member of the Botanical Veterinary Medical Association. This type of feeding, however, doesn’t provide complete nutrition and can lead to health problems later on.

Ideally, a raw diet consists of uncooked meat plus what Alinovi calls additives.

“The additives range from bone to organ meat to vegetables and supplements,” Alinovi says. In addition, raw diets can also include some cooked grains or veggies. “And many people combine freeze dried products (base mixes of veggies, vitamins, and minerals) with raw meats,” explains Morgan.

The one problem with raw diets, according to Alinovi, is that there are no vitamin/mineral standards established for them.

“The 2006 NRC (National Research Council) guidelines are based on a dry dog food diet,” Alinovi says. “The possibility exists that supplementing a raw diet to meet NRC standards for kibble may provide excessive, possibly dangerously so, nutrients that may build up in the dog’s body.”

What exactly does that mean for pet owners? It means that owners who are interested in raw diets should talk to a professional rather than just feeding their dogs uncooked meat.

“The difference is not so much in how a nutritionist and an owner define raw, the difference is more in what is considered balanced,” Alinovi says. For example, some dogs lose too much weight on raw food diets and might need the help of a nutritionist to figure out what to add to the mix (such as cooked grains or additional fat) to solve the problem.

Mistake #2: Thinking a Raw Diet is All About Raw Meat

While raw diets do contain a large amount of meat, they are often complemented by other ingredients. For example, Morgan says she likes to see muscle meat, organs, bones, eggs, veggies, and sea creatures (cooked mussels or oysters) in a raw diet.

“It takes variety to cover all vitamins and minerals that are needed and to get the proper balance of omega 3:6,” Morgan explains.

Even commercially manufactured raw diets contain “extras.” The most famous example is BARF (Biologically Active Raw Food), a diet pioneered by Dr. Ian Billinghurst. According to Alinovi, a BARF-based meat patty is 50% raw meat, with an assortment of additions making up the other 50% of the ingredients.

“These additions may include eggs (raw), cheese, kelp, liver, vegetables (minced, raw), cod liver oil, and salt,” Alinovi says. “Obviously, the cheese in the BARF diet is processed.”

Other variations of a raw diet may include cooked vegetables.

“Vegetables are more difficult for dogs to digest than for humans,” Alinovi says. “Therefore, vegetables should be minced, juiced, or cooked to aid digestion.”

Mistake #3: Forgetting Fruits

Fruit can be a great addition to a raw diet for a number of reasons. For example, Morgan likes to add berries to raw diets because of their antioxidant content, while Alinovi uses large chunks of apple or watermelon as chew treats. “Fruit provides fiber, vitamins, flavor and variety,” Alinovi says.

Fruit can be added to a raw diet whole (after removing the pits), diced, puréed, stewed, or any other preparation method.

“Like vegetables, it’s best to keep under 30% fruit as the majority of a dog’s nutrition comes from meat,” says Alinovi. “Do not feed grapes or raisins as they can cause kidney damage, and avoid fruits canned with sugar.”

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Potential Need for Supplements

While not all dogs eating raw food diets will need supplements, some will.

“Calcium is probably the most important nutrient to be sure there is enough of in a raw diet,” according to Alinovi.

Fortunately, calcium is quite easy to add to the diet.

“For those who purchase commercially prepared raw diets, the calcium is already balanced,” Alinovi says. “For those preparing raw food at home, ground egg shell or oyster shell can provide the dietary boost in calcium that is needed beyond what is provided in bone.”

Dogs on raw diets can also benefit from a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil or flax seed oil. “Both of these oils are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits,” says Alinovi.

Most other supplements are based on owner preference and the dog’s individual needs, according to Morgan, although she recommends the addition of kelp and seaweeds, as they are rich in trace minerals.

“Depending on the pet and the problems, additional joint supplements, vitamins, or minerals might be necessary,” says Morgan. “It’s very individual, at least in my hands.”

The FDA warns about potential risks of feeding and handling raw meats, as they can be contaminated with Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli.

“The concern is not only that animals will become ill from contaminated food, but, more importantly, humans will become ill from handling the food,” says Alinovi.

However, these dangers might be exaggerated.

“With good handling practices, raw dog food diets are no more dangerous than handling raw hamburger meat before cooking it on the grill,” says Alinovi. “Good hygiene, frequent hand washing, and using food in a reasonable time period prevent human (and dog) illness.”

Still worried? Purchasing meat from a reputable source and using thawed meat within three days will keep bacterial levels low, according to Alinovi.

“Minimal bacterial levels do not present health issues for most dogs,” says Alinovi. However, she adds, “for the owner of a dog with a compromised immune system, raw feeding may be inappropriate.”

One thing to keep in mind: Some dogs do develop gastrointestinal issues—including diarrhea—when first switched to a raw diet. This is especially true of dogs with a sensitive intestinal tract, although the problem is usually not permanent.

“In some cases, the owner will need to add one new ingredient at a time to the diet until the dog can handle a full formula raw food meal,” Alinovi says. “In other cases, adding digestive enzymes or slightly cooking the food for a few days will help sensitive dogs transition to the new food.”

This article was verified for accuracy by Katie Grzyb, DVM

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Habitat makes a home accessible

Imagine if you will having a house that you can neither enter or exit without help. Imagine struggling to get to the doctor or grocery store because you can’t easily leave your house.

Clinton-Gratiot Habitat for Humanity to the rescue. You can see the before picture and the after pictures of a ramp that was built this week.

If you or someone you know needs a ramp, call Habitat for Humanity to help you increase your quality of life.

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Maralyn’s Pet Corner – What’s Ailing Your Cat?

Cats may have nine lives, but you want to make sure kitty hangs on to all of them for as long as she can. No matter how much love and care you give your furry companion, things happen. But by knowing how to recognize the most common conditions affecting cats, you may just be able to save your pet’s life.

10. Hyperthyroidism. The most likely cause of hyperthyroidism is a benign tumor on the thyroid gland, which will cause the gland to secrete too much of the hormone. Take your cat to the vet if it starts drinking and peeing a lot, shows aggressive and jittery behavior, suddenly seems hyperactive, vomits and/or loses weight while eating more than usual.

Treatment depends on other medical conditions but can range from using drugs to regulate the overactive gland, surgical removal of the gland, and even radioactive treatment to destroy the tumor and diseased thyroid tissue.

9. Upper Respiratory Virus. If your kitty is sneezing, sniffling, coughing, has runny eyes or nose, seems congested and has mouth and nose ulcers, chances are it has an upper respiratory virus. The two main forms of the virus are the feline herpesvirus and calicivirus. Once at the vet’s office, the cat may receive nose drops, eye ointments and antibacterial medication, especially if it has a secondary infection.

8. Ear Infection. Ear infections in cats have many causes. These might include mites, bacteria, fungi, diabetes, allergies and reactions to medication; some breeds are also more susceptible to ear infections than others. So it’s definitely a good idea to have your kitty checked if it’s showing symptoms such as ear discharge, head shaking, swollen ear flaps, stinky ears and ultra sensitivity to ears being touched. Treatment, of course, depends on the cause, but will include eardrops, ear cleaning, ear and oral medications and in severe cases, surgery.

7. Colitis/Constipation. Colitis is a fancy word for inflammation of the large intestine. While the most obvious sign of colitis is diarrhea, sometimes it will hurt the cat to poop. Thus, in trying to hold it in, the cat may develop constipation.

There are many causes of colitis, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, allergies and parasites, among other diseases. Signs include straining to poop, lack of appetite, dehydration and vomiting. Your vet will test for the underlying cause and treat it accordingly. This may include a more fiber-rich diet, de-worming, antibiotics, laxatives and/or fluids.

6. Diabetes. Like humans, cats suffer from diabetes, too, though this is usually seen in older, overweight cats. Symptoms include increased thirst and peeing, peeing outside the litter box, lethargy and depression.

While causes of feline diabetes are not really known, there is a link with diabetes and being overweight. Treatment, therefore, includes daily health monitoring, diet changes, exercise, and depending on the cat’s needs, either daily oral medications or injections.

5. Skin Allergies. Kitties, like you, are known to suffer from allergies, although their allergies show on the skin. If your cat scratches, or chews on its skin a lot, has a rash or loses hair in patches, a trip to the vet is a good idea.

Causes of skin allergies vary from reactions to food, fleas, pollens, mites, and even mold and mildew. Treatments may include allergy shots, diet changes, medication and antihistamines.

4. Intestinal Inflammation/Diarrhea. Diarrhea is a sure sign of an intestinal inflammation. It affects either the cat’s small or large intestine and may due to a variety of factors, including diet changes, eating contraband foodstuffs, allergies, bacteria overgrowth, worms and even kidney disease.

Symptoms include diarrhea, lack of appetite and vomiting. A visit to your vet will sort out the cause, and treatment may include hydration therapy, a bland diet, dietary changes and anti-diarrhea medications.

3. Renal Failure. This is a serious condition, which is common in older cats. While the underlying causes are not yet understood, recent research suggests a link with distemper vaccinations and long-term dry food diets. Make sure you request blood tests on your regular wellness checkups, since symptoms often don’t show up until 75 percent of the kidney tissue is damaged.

The main symptom is excessive thirst and peeing, but the cat may also show signs of drooling, jaw-clicking, and ammonia-scented breath. While it’s not curable, renal failure (when not severe) can be managed through diet, drugs and hydration therapy. Kidney transplants and dialysis can also be used.

2. Stomach Upsets (Gastritis). An inflammation of the cat’s stomach lining is simply referred to as gastritis. This condition may be mild or severe, but regardless of its type, make sure you bring your cat to visit the vet if it doesn’t show improvement in a day or two, or if the symptoms are severe.

Gastritis has many causes, from eating spoiled food to eating too fast to allergies or bacterial infections. If your cat is vomiting, belching, has a lack of appetite or bloodstained poop or diarrhea, a visit to the vet will help straighten things out. Treatments depend on the cause, but generally include medication, fluid therapy and even antibiotics.

1. Lower Urinary Tract Disease. Coming in at No. 1, lower urinary tract disease can turn very quickly into a life-threatening illness for your cat, especially if there’s a blockage caused by crystals, stones or plugs. When total blockage occurs, death can occur within 72 hours if left untreated.

Therefore, whisk your cat off to the vet or emergency center ASAP if you see any of the following signs: peeing outside of the litter box, straining, blood in urine, crying out while attempting to pee, not being able to pee, excessive licking of genitals, not eating or drinking, yowling while moving and lethargy. These signs will generally occur regardless if the urinary tract disease is due to stones, infection or urethral plugs. Treatment includes catheterizing to drain the bladder, medication to dissolve stones or blockages, and in recurring cases, surgery.

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SJHS Senior Awards

Department Awards
Art
– Artistic Achievement Award: B. Leila Thirat, Mark Vanostran
Business
– Accounting Student Of The Year: Arielle Barlage
– Programming Student: Cole Smith
– Business Management Student: Brady Falor
– Digital Design Student: Olivia Langdon
Communication Arts
– Senior English Award: Outstanding Senior English Student Award: Rachel Ely
– Robert L. Koger Theatre Student Award: Carson Gill
Industrial Technology
– Outstanding Senior Engineering CAD Student: Jacob Suidgeest
– Outstanding Senior Architecture Student: Brianne Moore
– Outstanding Senior Interior Drafting And Design Student: Taylor Howes
– Outstanding Senior Woodworker: Rachel Ely
Journalism
– Bates Journalism Award:Hallie Neller, Richele Kniff and Kylee Hasbany
Mathematics
– Mercantile Bank – Outstanding Senior Mathematician: Brady Falor
– Leslie Wesner Math Scholar Award: Jacob Suidgeest
Music
Orchestra
– Bill Tennant Honorary Orchestra Award: Arielle Barlage And Jacob Ernst
Band
– Walter P. Cole Award: Jacob Halitsky and Emily Thelen
Science
– Sparrow Clinton Medical Staff Science Scholarship: Chelsie Smith, Quinn Keilen
Social Studies
– Outstanding Social Studies Student: Social Studies: Damian Martinez
World Language
– World Language Advanced French Award: Damian Greenman
Career And Technical Education
– Breaking Traditions Award: Richele Kniff
– St. Johns Automotive Program Cruise-In Scholarship: Nolan Wirth
Student Activities Awards
– Marines Distinguished Athlete Award: Jamie Carroll And Bret Fedewa
– Marines Scholastic Excellence Award: Quinn Keilen and Damian Marinez
– Earl R. Lancaster Award: Caleb Paksi and Emily Thelen
– James McCarthy Memorial Scholarship: Emma Schaefer, Brett Post
– Mhsaa Farm Bureau Scholar-Athlete Award:
Megan Curtain
Hayden Dyer
Brady Falor
Eric Nunn
Emma Schaefer
Emily Thelen
– Caac Senior Scholar Athletes:
Jacob Ernst
Brady Falor
Ross Feldpausch
Megan Gust
Brandon Huhn
Katelyn Kelly
Brock Petrak
Brecken Simon
Megan Soros
Emily Thelen
– 12 Season Athletic Excellence Award: Caleb Paksi and Emily Thelen
– Outstanding Senior Athletes: Ross Feldpausch, Caleb Paksi and Brecken Simon
– St. Johns Youth Athletic Association Volunteer Award:
Sydney Padgett
Emily Thelen
Brock Petrak
Hayden Dyer
St. Johns High School Athletic Boosters:
Noelle Cramer
Clay Purtill
Caleb Paksi
Brock Petrak
Callie Labar
Emily Thelen
Megan Gust
Damian Martinez
Hayden Dyer
Jacob Pope
Katelyn Kelly
Erika Ballingar
Tanner Motz
Matthew Stewart
Thomas Jury
Ethan Webster
Ben Feldpausch
Ross Feldpausch
Emma Schaefer

Community Awards
1. Alumni Scholarship Award: Quinn Keilen
2. Red Cross Scholarship: Kaleb Kirby and Damian Martinez
3. The Gleaner Life Insurance William and Mary Kleinhas Scholarship Award: Emily Thelen
4. Secura All-College Scholarship: Alore Niemi
5. Dewitt Chamber Of Commerce Trades Scholarship: Emily Thelen
6. Michigan Education Association: Hannah Wells
7. I Move For Hal: Quinn Keilen and Kaleigh Schneider
8. Stuart Openlander Kiwanis Scholarships: Mariya Pieters, Rachel Ely and Cole Smith
9. Kiwanis – Student Of The Month:

Arielle Barlage
Anthony Garza
Cole Smith
Jacob Suidgeest
Brady Falor
Chance Timm
Quinn Keilen
Ross Feldpausch
Adam Proctor
Leila Thirat
10. Lions Service Award: Megan Curtin and Sydney Kroll
11. Rotary Club Of St. Johns Scholarship: Hayden Dyer and Kaleigh Schneider
12. Sparrow Clinton Hospital Foundation Wyman Health Careers: Lauren Bates, Megan Curtin, Callie Labar And Shannon Sturgis
13. Greenstone Farm Credit Services Scholarship: Miriah Dersham
14. The Michelle Boog Memorial Scholarship Award: Emily Thelen
15. Matthew Bendele Memorial Award: Jacob Pope, Hannah Kurncz
16. The Family Of Roberto Rositas: Megan Curtin and Eric Nunn
17. Andrew H. Nelson Scholarship: Rachel Ely and Brock Petrak
18. Diane Moss Memorial Scholarship: Mason Berridge
19. Rodney B. Wilson Memorial Scholarship: Brady Falor , Emily Thelen, Arielle Barlage and Hannah Wells
20. Terry Cornwell Award: Alyssa Thompson
21. Jean M. Harte Memorial: Sydney Padgett and Karissa Hannahs
22. Juanita O’Leary Scholarship: Jessica Harless
23. The LaBrie Scholarship: Noelle Cramer
24. Higcup Service Award, In Memory Of Terry And Dennis Henning: Eric Nunn
25. Senior Scholars

Abigail Arnston
Mary Ballor
Brynn Balogh
Arielle Barlage
Lauren Bates
Andrew Briggs
Autumn Brown
Nathaniel Brown
Jamie Carroll
Noelle Cramer
Alyssa Croker-Elsea
Madison Crum
Megan Curtin
Wenda Dexter
Carolyn Duguay
Hayden Dyer
Rachel Ely
Jacob Ernst
Brady Falor
Bret Fedewa
Ross Feldpausch
Danielle Flynn
Carson Gill
Megan Gust
Karissa Hannahs
Bryce Harger
Elizabeth Howard
Taylor Howes
Brandon Huhn
Gabrielle Jones
Thomas Jury
Kelsey Karasek
Quinn Keilen
Katelyn Kelly
Kyleigh Langdon
Olivia Langdon
Trenton Lashuay
Damian Martinez
Matthew Mccarthy
Alore Niemi
Eric Nunn
Peter Olson
Alexis Padgett
Brock Petrak
Benjamin Rumney
Emma Schaefer
Kaleigh Schneider
Abigail Schuelke
Cody Scrivner
Derek Selden
Cody Semrau
Natalie Sillman
Brecken Simon
Chelsie Smith
Cole Smith
Molly Sochor
Megan Soros
Shannon Sturgis
Jacob Suidgeest
Thane Sutfin
Emily Thelen
Chance Timm
Olivia Trombley
Emma Vandeberg
Hannah Wells
Justin Woodbury
(Mark Palmer) Foundation For Excellence/Top “10” Academic Performers
Megan Curtin
Jacob Ernst
Brady Falor
Ross Feldpausch
Taylor Howes
Katelyn Kelly
Damian Martinez
Peter Olson
Chelsie Smith
Jacob Suidgeest