Chief Kyle Knight moving on
5th Grade Students Earn President’s Award
Special Olympics Area 28 Golf Scramble – June 10th
Concert in Park summer music series begins June 14
Eat Healthy-Eat Local Organic Products – an album
CRV Sponsors Booth at Spring Festival
Spring Flower Sale is Saturday, May 20
Celebrate Our Armed Forces – Sunday, May 21
Young at Art, an Early Childhood Workshop – May 23
Memorial Day services scheduled for Eureka Cemetery – May 29
Be on the lookout for ticks as you head outside
Treating A Lack Of Insight in Mental Illness- June 5
CRV collecting empty ink cartridges
Area student receives degrees from Michigan Tech
Touch A Truck – an album
Program helps kids with special needs
A Look Back – Turn of the Century Shuttle Vehicle
Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – The Ultimate Guide to Responsible Pet Adoption
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – CPR and Artificial Respiration for Kittens
Obituaries – Albert Flak, Wesley C. Davis, Eugene William Simon, Janet Mae Glowacki, Carl L. Chatfield Sr.,
Marriage licenses filed the week of May 8, 2017
Last Friday morning the City of St. Johns learned that Chief Kyle Knight will be resigning from the St. Johns Police Department and taking a new position as the police chief in Harbor Springs, MI.
As many of you know, Chief Knight has been deeply involved in our community in many different ways; and we’re saddened that he is leaving our community. The community is also excited for Chief Knight because he is moving closer to his family in northwest lower Michigan.
Please congratulate Chief Knight on his new opportunity and thank him for all of his years of dedicated service to St. Johns and Clinton County.
******
[This comes to us from the Petoskey News]
Kyle Knight, who most recently was the police chief in St. Johns, has been announced as the new police chief in Harbor Springs.
Knight was introduced to city council members during their meeting on Monday night. City manager Tom Richards said Knight was selected from five finalists for the position.
Knight, 53, said he has spent his entire 28 year career with either the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office or the St. Johns Police Department.
Knight said he previously visited the area with his family, his grandchildren live in Petoskey, and called the Harbor Springs position his “dream job.”
“It’s an area I feel that I would like to work in and continue my career until I retire,” he said.
Knight is expected to begin work in Harbor Springs in mid-June. He will work with Dan Branson, the current police chief, before Branson’s retirement.
“It’s a great department,” Knight said. “Everything is in place but it would allow me the opportunity to work with (Branson) and move forward and continue that good work he’s got done.”
Knight added that he is looking forward to starting work in Harbor Springs.
“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to come up here and work,” he said. “I’m from a community of almost 8,000 people but we share a lot of the same beliefs and I share the same beliefs that Chief Branson does.”
5th Grade Students Earn President’s Award
Fifty-six St. Johns Public Schools’ 5th grade students earned the President’s Award for Educational Excellence this year. These students earned a GPA of A- or better and have earned an “advanced” or “proficient” rating on the reading, math, and writing on the most recent graded standardized state assessment.
East Olive Elementary : Nathan Klein, Thomas Voisinet, Joshua Wood, Lillian Sackrider, Thomas Reddish, Keirstyn Pifer, Alexis VanNote, Natalie Reddish, Christopher Stewart, Ella Scranton, Savannah Prince
Gateway North Elementary : Isabella Boyer, Alexis Ferrall, Anna Hagerman, Adriannah Ingleright, Payton Marrison, Matthew Pearson, Alivia Simi, Mia Skorna, Nolyn Steiner, Hunter Walker
Oakview South Elementary : Cullen Black, Isabelle Branch, Johnny Deuel, Karissa Greider, Pierce Hansen, Lily Howell, Maya Hunt, Payton Hutchinson, Allyse Johnson, Kate Patterson, Parker Beebee, Allison Clarke, Josie Heystek, Ella Koenigsknecht, Eli Mallory, Charlie Miller, Mara Nobis, Ella Schafer, Georgia Willis
Riley Elementary : Ryan Dimmick, Margaret Falor, Elise LeBaron, Olivia Peterson, Charlotte Rippke, Camden Armbrustmacher, Kenzee Dunham, Quinn Fedewa, Clara Fletcher, Alexandra Hiner, Paige Thelen, Abigail Young
Special Olympics Area 28 Golf Scramble – June 10th
Mark your calendars for June 10, 2017, the 21st annual Special Olympics Area 28 Clinton County Golf Scramble at the Emerald Golf Course. Continental breakfast, 18 holes with cart, luncheon, raffles, prizes are there, all for only a $70 entry fee.
They are looking for golfers and sponsors to make this outing a success. The money raised helps pay for equipment, uniforms, transportation and much more. Area 28 wants to reach out and include as many children and adults with intellectual disabilities in Special Olympics as possible. In order to do so, we need community support.
Sponsorships are available. All sponsors names will be posted at the golf scramble.
Platinum Sponsor: $100 or more. Gold (Hole) Sponsor: $75-$99. Silver (Tee) Sponsor: $50-$74. Bronze (Cart) Sponsor: $25-$49. Donation/Item Sponsor: $_____ (Item value or $ under $25).
They will also raffle off a handmade 8” Chef knife made by a local craftsman, who is also a parent of an Area 28 athlete. Tickets are $5 each.
All Special Olympics programs and activities are provided at no cost to the athletes and their families. There is no state or federal funding. Area 28 is run strictly by volunteers and relies upon the generosity of contributions.
For further information, to reserve your team or to become a sponsor, please contact Area 28 Representative Robyn Monville at 989.224.7021, or Area 28 Director Debbie Cornell at 517.669.7704 or via email at area28@somi.org.
Concert in Park summer music series begins June 14
The 14th annual Concert in the Park summer music series is set and ready to go with another great lineup in 2017. Concerts are held every Wednesday evening, June 14 through Aug. 30, at the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the St. Johns City Park. The music begins at 7 p.m., rain or shine.
“St. Johns is definitely the place to be on Wednesday evenings in the summer,” says Bill Tennant, concert coordinator. “We have outstanding performers lined up again this year for our mid-Michigan audiences. The quality of performers along with the great variety of music makes this one of the best series we’ve ever put together.”
A quintet of the series’ most popular groups return from last year, beginning with The Sea Cruisers who open the 2017 season June 14 with their outstanding renditions of “good old rock and roll” hits. Other repeat performers include Matt King and his tribute to Elvis (August 30); Toppermost and their tribute to the Beatles (August 9); local favorite Louis Longoria and his band (August 9); and the Mountain Town Singers, an award-winning barbershop chorus from Mt. Pleasant (August 16).
The Lansing Concert Band (June 28) is another favorite that has been part of the series line-up in previous seasons. “This is one of our favorite concert bands,” Tennant says. “The band performed at the Gala Concert that opened our first season, playing a commissioned piece by local composer, Chad Rehmann, and they have performed here several other times. A special performance of Gershwin’s beautiful “Rhapsody in Blue” performed by St. Johns’ own Jeff Richards is part of the band’s program this summer.”
Six new groups on the 2017 schedule bring their unique performance styles to audiences: a Lansing favorite Root Doctor(July 26) plays its brand of classic soul, blues and rhythm & blues; the Lansing Concert Jazz Band (June 21) plays many classics from the big band jazz era; local community theatre group, Homegrown Productions presents an encore performance of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “A Grand Night for Singing;” a new group, Miranda & the M80’s with local favorite Jeff Dietrich (August 2) play great hits of the 1980s; popular Lansing group, the Roaring Twenties Band will take audiences on a trip through the great music of the “Flapper Age;” and three-time Detroit Blues champions from Detroit, the Flying Lantini Brothers with John Lantini (August 23), bring their award-winning sound of blues, soul and great rock and roll to the stage with songs from their newest album “The Blues Makes Me Feel So Good.”
“Bring a chair, a blanket and head to the beautiful St. Johns City Park to partake of a wonderful feast that will fill your musical palette with many delights throughout the summer,” Tennant says.
The St. Johns Lions and Lioness Club staff a concession stand each week offering light refreshments; all concerts are held rain or shine. Concert in the Park is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council (CCAC) and the City of St. Johns with support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
For information on Concert in the Park visit the CCAC web site, http://www.clintoncountyarts.org/ and check out the William E. Tennant Performance Shell page on Facebook.
Eat Healthy-Eat Local Organic Products
an album by Maralyn Fink
In my travels around town last Saturday, I stopped downtown to visit this event. There was a great turn out for this first one.
Many vendors were on hand to show their healthy products for everyone to try. Tables were set up for a place to eat for the youngest to the oldest. This event was sponsored by OH MI Organics which does a fantastic job with healthy candy.
It was a great place to visit and even meet your neighbors. If you missed this one, maybe there will be a repeat in the near future.
CRV Sponsors Booth at Spring Festival
Community Resource Volunteers sponsored a booth at the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce Springtime Community Festival/ Touch a Truck on May 13th. Volunteers from the group conducted robot demonstrations and gave out 250 oak seedlings.
Community Resource Volunteers is a nonprofit working with middle school students in Science. They welcome all students and adults to our programs. They work with astronomy, Aerospace, robots, chemistry and many more science related programs.
Check out and register for our summer programs at www.crvonline.org or call 517-672-4226 to register or answer any questions.
The next trip is a “Girls Only” to the Computer Science Engineering and 4-H gardens at MSU on June 13th. They will then have a trip for both Guys and Gals on June 27th to the Board of Water and Light for an Energy Awareness Program and a Solar Array. You must register ahead of time and the room is limited.
Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary is having a Spring Flower Sale on Saturday, May 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clinton County RESA in the Southpoint Mall in St. Johns.
SCH Auxiliary offers a wide variety of beautiful blooms – just in time for Memorial Day! The flower sale features hanging baskets, cocoa baskets, and square and round planters as well an assortment of bedding plants.
All proceeds help fulfill the Auxiliary’s $100,000 pledge for construction of the Emergency Services Department at Sparrow Clinton.
Celebrate Our Armed Forces – Sunday, May 21
Visit both museums in St. Johns on Sunday afternoon, May 21, 2017, the last day of Armed Forces Week, to celebrate and honor the men and women from this area who have risked their lives to keep us free. Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum (PGS) will be open 1 – 4 pm, and Clinton Northern Railway Museum (CNR) will be open 1 – 3 pm.
There will be displays and activities for all ages that afternoon. Weather permitting, there will be games on the Depot lawn for children and quieter activities for them inside the depot.
Young at Art, an Early Childhood Workshop – May 23
Art experiences are more than just fun and creative outlets for young children, they are learning opportunities. Visual art, music, drama and pretend play, dance and creative movement all play an important role in the development of skills that will set children up for future academic success. This workshop will help you learn how early art experiences support healthy development and academic success for young children.
This workshop is offered by MSU Extension for interested parents, child care providers, and preschool teachers on May 23, 2017, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at the Clinton County MSU Extension Office, 100 E. State St. in St. Johns.
Please call 989-224-5241 to register. This workshop is free for parents or $10 for child care providers who need hours for licensing. Two hours approved for star rating system.
Memorial Day services scheduled for Eureka Cemetery – May 29
Memorial Day services will be held at Eureka Cemetery in Greenbush Township on Monday May 29th at 10am.
Pastor Keith Whipple will be the speaker. Services will be held under the flag, an important symbol for that day.
Be on the lookout for ticks as you head outside
The Mid-Michigan District Health Department encourages residents to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather, and to be on the lookout for ticks.
Ticks can sometimes go unnoticed if you don’t know what you’re looking for. That’s because the average adult tick is only about the size of a sesame seed and a juvenile as small as a poppy seed. Yes, ticks may be small, but don’t let their size fool you; they can transmit numerous diseases to people and pets, with Lyme disease being the most common.
Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and a bull’s-eye rash at the site of the bite. If not properly diagnosed and left untreated, infection can spread to the joints, the heart and the nervous system.
The best defense against Lyme disease is prevention. If possible, it’s best to avoid shady, moist areas in woody and grassy locations, as these are the preferred hiding spots for ticks. If you do need to venture into these areas, walk on well groomed trails and avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush and leaf litter.
Other prevention tips:
· Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
· Wear enclosed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
· Tuck pants into socks or boots.
· While outside, check clothes and exposed skin frequently for ticks.
· Apply insect/tick repellent containing DEET, following manufacturer’s instructions.
· Use tick prevention products on your pets
Upon returning from potentially tick-infested areas, check yourself and your pets for ticks and bathe or shower immediately to wash off and find ticks that may be on you. Ticks can attach to any part of the body, but are commonly found in the hairline, ears, waistline, groin, armpits and sock line.
Prompt removal of a tick is the best method to decrease the chance of infection. If you find one attached to your skin, follow these instructions: Using fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Slowly and gently pull upward with steady, even pressure. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the area and your hands with soap and water and apply an antiseptic to the bite wound.
If the tick is alive after removal, place it in an airtight container with a blade of grass or moistened piece of paper towel and contact the Mid-Michigan District Health Department for further instructions (989-224-3111 in Clinton County, 989-875-1019 in Gratiot County and 989-831-3615 in Montcalm County). Testing of the tick may or may not be necessary; the health department will be able to tell you for sure. It is important to note that dead ticks cannot be tested.
If you experience a fever, rash, or muscle or joint aches within several weeks of removing a tick, be sure to see your doctor. Patients treated with appropriate antibiotics in the early stages of Lyme disease usually recover rapidly and completely.
For more information about Lyme disease, visit www.cdc.gov/lyme.
Treating A Lack Of Insight in Mental Illness– June 5
NAMI Lansing, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Mental Health Association of Michigan, and Community Mental Health Authority- Clinton, Eaton, Ingham are sponsoring a free educational event, Treating the Lack of Insight in Mental Illness on the Revised Michigan Assisted Outpatient Treatment law also known as Kevin’s Law on Monday, June 5, 6:30 p.m. at the Ingham County Human Resource Building 5303 S Cedar St Lansing. Enter Door 3 Conference Room A on the upper level.
A lack of insight or the inability to recognize one’s illness is a common symptom in depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and other neurological disorders. Accordingly, the Legislature revised Michigan Assisted Outpatient Treatment Law ( also known as Kevin’s Law) in November 2016 which became effective February 2017 and now a part of the Mental Health Code. Passed in 2005, Kevin’s Law was meant to improve access to outpatient treatment, however the law was confusing and seldom implemented. The revisions, signed into law by Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, provide for easier access to treatment.
Mark Reinstein, PhD, President and CEO, Mental Health Association of Michigan, will discuss the new parameters of the law, and how it can be used to access treatment. Topics will include: What is the rationale for the law, What changes have been made, How does it work, and How can one access it.
Dr. Reinstein was significantly involved with Michigan’s first law on accessing treatment in 2005 and in the revisions of 2016. He has been an active advocate for mental health treatment for 30 years.
We invite the public to come and learn how they can help obtain access to treatment for someone with mental illness of any diagnosis. Any person can assist a person with a lack of insight due to mental illness; does not need to be a parent, guardian, or relative. Recently a student continued on with his life because his college friends took action. Please come and learn how to help. For more information please call 517 484 3404 or email info@namilansing.org or visit our website, www.namilansing.org.
CRV collecting empty ink cartridges
Community Resource Volunteers, a non-profit agency who works with youth to teenagers will be collecting empty ink cartridges to help fund science and robotic projects.
Please drop off the cartridges at the following locations: St. Vincent DePaul, S. US 27, Huntington Bank, 200 W. Higham and Clinton Transit, 304 N. Brush St., all in St. Johns.
For more information about CRV, go to our web site: www.crvonline.org.
Area student receives degrees from Michigan Tech
Wyatt Hurst of Elsie, earned a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from at Michigan Technological University’s spring commencement held on the Houghton, Michigan campus. He is the son of Shannon Hurst and Thomas Hurst.
Amanda Shaffer and her husband, Willis, have four beautiful children, all of whom have various types of special needs, including scoliosis, chronic lung disease, cerebral palsy, autism, asthma, sleep apnea, oppositional defiant disorder, and attention deficit disorder, just to name a few.
Having a child with special needs can be overwhelming for any family, but having four kids with serious health issues can leave a family in emotional and financial ruin. Luckily for the Shaffers, they have been blessed with an outpouring of support from family and friends, who lend a hand when they can, a shoulder to cry on, or a listening ear.
Amanda also credits a little-known program for helping her and Willis keep their sanity and stay out of bankruptcy: Children’s Special Health Care Services. The program covers over 2,600 health care diagnoses and is for Children’s Special Health Care Services children from birth to age 21, and some adults with certain conditions.
The program assists the family with things they wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise, like medication and equipment costs. It also helps ease the family’s financial burden by helping to cover co-pays, hospital stays and travel costs when visiting out-of-town doctors. In addition, CSHCS helps with specialty medical bills and deductibles, finding specialty services and providers, coordinating services from multiple providers, locating support groups, identifying community-based services to help care for the child at home, and much more.
“We simply would not be able to treat our kids without CSHCS,” said Amanda. “The program has given us something invaluable- peace of mind. It allows us to concentrate more on our children and less on medical bills and related expenses.”
Helping other families in the same type of situation is a passion of Amanda’s, and as Parent Liaison for the program, something she’s proud of.
“As CSHCS Parent Liaison, I have the great pleasure of working with families just like my own. I’m the point of contact for moms and dads looking for answers. I help them through the tough times and support parents new to the program. We share similar experiences, and that helps me connect with them on a deeper level. I understand what they’re going through, where they’ve been, and what they need.”
It’s her mission to make as many eligible families aware of the program and encourages them to apply, regardless of how much money they make, or if they are insured. That’s because the child’s medical condition, not family income, determines if they qualify. Families with higher incomes, like the Shaffer’s, may be asked to pay a small yearly fee, but she says it’s well worth it in the long run.
Amanda’s working hard to support every member of special needs families and is especially excited about two opportunities coming up.
Children’s Special Health Care Services staff Back row: Laurie Finn, Peggy Fox, Laureen Simon, Intern Hanna Hengesbach. Middle row: Cheryl Thelen, Jennifer Stratton, Sue Corrigan, Jacque Strack. Front row: Amanda Shaffer. Missing: Jamie Sawdy and Wendy Currie.
All families currently enrolled in the program are reminded of the 4th annual CSHCS Family Fun Day Picnic, being held on
May 20 at the Ithaca High School Football Complex from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This year’s festivities will include crafts, games, a photo booth, door prizes, sensory activities, pizza and community resource information. Those who think their child might qualify for CSHCS, but just aren’t sure, are also invited to attend. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and help determine eligibility.
Shaffer is also coordinating Sibshops, which are fun events filled with games and laughter, just for siblings ages 8 to 13. It’s a great place to talk about the good and not-so-good aspects of having a sibling with special needs with others who “get it.”
Amanda said it’s important to acknowledge that being a brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many, somewhere in-between, and that it’s okay to have those feelings.
The other thing Shaffer wants clients to know is that she and the rest of the health department’s CSHCS staff really care about them and work hard to help families achieve the best possible outcome. If you think your child may qualify for Children’s Special Health Care Services, have questions about the picnic, or would like to sign your kids up for a Sibshop, call:
Clinton County: 989-227-3121
Gratiot County: 989-875-1004
Montcalm County: 989-831-3643
A Look Back – Turn of the Century Shuttle Vehicle
by Barry Clark Bauer
This photo has suffered a lot of damage but it’s still interesting none the less. It’s a turn of the Century shuttle vehicle apparently running in St. Johns and Maple Rapids.
Weather permitting it was an open air shuttle; otherwise they had canvas sides that rolled down. Above the rear of the vehicle stood the Steel Hotel.
Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – The Ultimate Guide to Responsible Pet Adoption
Adding a cat or dog to your family is a big decision, and these days there are many ways for you to do so. Adoption is an option for folks looking to possibly save a little money—and more importantly, save a life.
Adopting a cat or dog shouldn’t be taken lightly—after all, you’ll hopefully have this pet in your home for years to come. Luckily, when it comes to pet adoption, you’ll have plenty of good options when deciding on the best pet for your household.
“I think that people don’t realize the great variety and quality of animals that are available for adoption,” says Carol Novello, president of the Humane Society Silicon Valley. “I think there’s the perception that there’s something wrong with shelter animals, and in many cases they’ve just found themselves in circumstances where the cards haven’t fallen in their favor.”
There are multiple things to consider before you adopt, including what kind of pet you’re seeking, where you might find that pet, how much your new furry friend will cost up front and in the long run, and more. Read on to learn everything you need to know about responsible pet adoption.
Pet Adoption: Picking the Right Family Member
You might already have your ideal pet in mind, based on what you know about certain breeds or your interactions with them in the past. While that’s perfectly fine, you should realize that you might change your mind once you meet a few cats or dogs.
“While certain breeds do tend to have certain characteristics, there is a lot of variation of personality within individual dogs or cats within a breed, so it’s much more useful to focus on [your] lifestyle and expectations, and then to think about the individual pet,” says Aimee Gilbreath, executive director of the Michelson Found Animals Foundation.
Think about how a pet will fit into your life and your schedule. Do you want a dog that’s good with children? Do you have the time to devote to training a puppy? Do you have the space to accommodate a larger dog? Figuring out those types of questions will be more important than honing in on a specific breed or being swayed by an adorable face.
“Knowing what you’re looking for in terms of activity level, play level, all of those types of things are really important,” says Jim Hanophy, CEO of Operation Kindness, a no-kill shelter in Texas. He says that some breeds come with special considerations like high exercise, mental stimulation, or grooming needs, and it’s important to keep such things in mind when picking out a cat or dog.
You can narrow down your options if you know whether you’re looking for a cat or a puppy or an older dog. Looking closely and honestly at your lifestyle can help determine if you have time to put the work into a puppy.
“A lot of people love to adopt puppies because they’re cute,” Novello says. “Puppies are also a ton of work. You’ve really got to invest in training and it’s a huge time commitment versus lots of great older dogs.” And while cats, and especially kittens, do require your attention, giving them the care they need generally takes less time and effort than with dogs.
Where to Adopt a Pet
If you’ve already done a search to see what kinds of pets are available in your area, you might’ve been surprised to find how many options you have when it comes to where to adopt from. Depending on where you live, municipal shelters, rescue groups, no-kill shelters, or a local Humane Society might be an option.
“There’s a huge range of options and you can’t use one paintbrush to say, all municipal shelters work like this or all rescue groups work like that,” Gilbreath says. “If the animal’s been in a foster home obviously you’re going to have information about whether or not they’re housebroken, any interesting habits or quirks they might have, potentially how they are with other animals or children. In a shelter in a kennel setting, a lot of times, you aren’t going to have as much information.”
Rescue groups and foster programs typically have higher adoption fees and a longer adoption process than shelters, Gilbreath says: “It can work out great, wherever you adopt from, it’s just a matter of understanding that the process may be different.”
Hanophy suggests asking friends with adopted animals where they adopted from and what the experience was like. Depending on your area, online review sites like Yelp might also give you an idea of a shelter or rescue group’s reputation.
“Make sure you’re dealing with the people and organizations that care for animals,” Hanophy recommends. “Most municipal shelters are reputable and have the best interest of the public at heart. With the freestanding shelters, look at the reputation of the organization, talk to people who have adopted from them. Then it’s just using your own best judgement.”
In addition to being lifesaving for animals, most places that offer adoption want to make sure you and your chosen pet will have a happy life together, Novello says: “A lot of shelters and rescue groups will really take the time to determine what your needs are and create a match that will work for the family looking to adopt.” Most also will accept pets back should a match not work out as expected.
Adopting a Pet: Cost Considerations
Any time you get a pet, whether through adoption or other means, you’ll also need to buy supplies for that pet. Common expenses include those for food, bowls, treats, litter boxes, bedding, crates, collars, leashes, and toys, Hanophy says.
You’ll also have to budget for medical expenses. Although it’s a common misconception, shelter pets aren’t necessarily more expensive than others when it comes to medical costs.
Some pet medical expenses are likely to be covered for you before you even adopt, depending on the facility. At the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, for example, a health exam, spay or neuter, vaccines, and a microchip are all included in the adoption fee. Learn more about what to expect from adoption fees here.
“There are a lot of added services that you get when you adopt a dog from a shelter as opposed to getting a dog from Craigslist or a breeder where you have to incur those additional expenses for vaccines or veterinary care,” says Dr. Cristie Kamiya, chief of shelter medicine at the Humane Society Silicon Valley.. “Probably about three-quarters of the animals that come through our doors need some level of medical or behavioral support, These are dogs that might have an injury or an illness that needs to be treated and we spend a lot of time fixing these guys. If we have animals that have chronic conditions we might take a little bit longer to find a home for them.”
If it’s not included with your adoption fee, Gilbreath recommends looking into microchipping your pet, noting that one in three pets will go missing in their lifetime. While a collar with an ID tag is essential, a microchip can be a good backup option should the pet become separated from its tag.
“We want all pets to get a happy, loving home and keep that happy, loving home, but things happen,” she says. “Pets are animals, they naturally have an instinct to wander. A microchip is the only form of permanent identification.”
Consider Dog Breed Restrictions
No matter how much you love a certain breed, check to make sure your city or town doesn’t have a law preventing that breed before you adopt. While it may seem unfair to prospective pet owners, these laws (known as breed-specific legislation) may ban breeds such as Pit Bulls, American Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, and more according to the ASPCA. More than 700 cities have such laws.
Breeds may also matter for homeowner associations and for homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Some insurance companies will deny coverage if you adopt a dog of a specific breed. These rules vary by homeowner association and insurance company, so check with yours before you adopt a dog.
Not Ready for Pet Adoption? Try Fostering
Many organizations have limited space and many animals to care for. Or they may have dogs or cats who do better in a home setting than in a kennel day after day. Whatever the case, many shelters and rescue organizations seek foster, or temporary, families for the animals in their care.
“The beauty of fostering is it can be for as little as a weekend or as much as 10-12 weeks,” says Hanophy. “We have some fosters that love to take the pregnant moms, deliver the puppies, and help the puppies grow.”
By fostering you can “try out” having an animal in your home and see if it’s a good lifestyle fit for your household. If you’re unsure about what type of animal you eventually want to adopt, most shelters have cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies available for foster programs. As a bonus, most organizations give you all the pet supplies and food you need while fostering, so it’s more of a time commitment for foster families than a financial one.
“It’s a lower commitment way to get pets in your home and get your feet wet,” says Gilbreath. “At the end of fostering, if you don’t want to keep the animal, that’s fine, and if you do want to keep the animal, that’s great, too.”
If you do end up adopting the animal in your care, that’s called a “foster failure”—and it’s not a bad thing.
“Fostering is fantastic,” says Kamiya, who is a foster failure herself. “It’s a win-win for everyone. It’s a win for the adopter and it’s a really nice entry into pet ownership for people who are interested in getting a cat or a dog, but aren’t quite ready to make that commitment yet.”
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – CPR and Artificial Respiration for Kittens
How to Perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Artificial Respiration
Artificial respiration (AR) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are emergency procedures that hopefully you will never need to use. It is better to take your kitten to your veterinarian before problems become severe enough to require CPR. But, when necessary and if performed correctly, CPR may give you time to get your kitten to your veterinarian.
What to Watch For
These signs are all reasons to get your cat to your veterinarian immediately:
– Difficulty breathing
– Weakness or lethargy
– Unconsciousness
– Any sudden onset of illness
– Any sudden unexplained change in behavior
– Severe injury or trauma
Before you begin AR or CPR, make sure the kitten is truly in need. Talk to the kitten. Touch and gently shake him. You risk serious injury by trying to perform either AR or CPR on a kitten that is startled awake while sleeping. Here are some vital signs you can check to help you decide if AR or CPR is necessary:
– Check breathing – Watch for movement of the chest, or feel for it with your hand. Put your hand in front of your kitten’s nose to feel his breath; if mist forms on a piece of clean glass or metal placed in front of your kitten’s nose, CPR is probably not necessary.
– Check the color of his gums – Bluish or gray gums are a sign of not enough oxygen; white gums are the result of poor blood circulation.
– Check for a pulse on the inside of the thigh, near where the leg meets the body.
– Listen for a heartbeat by putting your ear or a stethoscope on the left side of the chest near the elbow.
Immediate Care
If possible, perform the following steps en route to your veterinarian.
– Check for breathing.
If there is none, open the mouth and remove any obstructions in the airway.
Pull the tongue to the front of the mouth, then close the mouth and gently hold it shut.
Make sure the neck is straight and breathe short puffs of air into the nose – one breath every 6 seconds (10 breaths/minute). (If you have been trained in CPR for human infants, use a similar strength of breath.)
– Watch for chest movement; the chest should both rise when you give a breath and relax after the breath.
If the cat’s heart stops, use both artificial respiration and CPR (steps 7-10)
– Check for a heartbeat and pulse.
If there is none, lay your cat on his right side on a flat surface.
– Place your thumb and fingers from one hand on either side of his chest behind his elbows and give a quick squeeze to compress the chest to about 1/3 to 1/2 of its normal thickness.
– Compress the chest about 100-120 times per minute; give two breaths for every 30 compressions.
Veterinary Care
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will give your kitten a brief physical exam to assess heart and lung activity before beginning resuscitative efforts. If your veterinarian can revive your kitten, appropriate testing will be done to determine the underlying health problem.
Treatment
While your veterinary team continues with CPR, some or all of the following may be done to aid in reviving your cat:
An endotracheal tube will be placed and oxygen used for artificial respiration. (An endotracheal tube is a tube placed in the trachea – the large airway that connects the throat to the lungs – that can be used to deliver oxygen to the lungs.)
An intravenous catheter will be placed to allow for easier administration of emergency medication and to give fluids.
Epinephrine and other emergency medications will be given in an effort to stimulate the heart and breathing.
Living and Management
Unfortunately, most kittens that reach the point of needing CPR do not survive. If your kitten survives, expect him to stay in the hospital until a diagnosis is made and his condition is stabilized.
Follow all your veterinarian’s aftercare instructions, and if your kitten shows no improvement or relapses, be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Prevention
Accidents do happen, in spite of our best efforts, and some can be severe enough to require cardiopulmonary resuscitation or artificial respiration. Regular check-ups and prompt care of health problems will diminish the chances your kitten has a serious issue which requires artificial respiration or CPR.
Albert Flak, age 91, of St. Johns, MI, went home to be with his Heavenly Father and was reunited with the love of his life, on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, St. Johns, MI, on Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:00 A.M., with Pastor Quentin Nuttmann officiating. Burial will take place at St. Peter Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Albert was born in Middleton, MI on January 31, 1926, the son of John and Mary (Misovic) Flak. He graduated from Rodney B. Wilson with the class of 1944. He married Neva L. Marten on June 25, 1947 in St. Johns, MI; they celebrated 63 years of marriage together. Neva passed away on October 6, 2010.
Albert retired from Motor Wheel in 1976. Albert and Neva spent many years as sextons at the Riley Township Cemeteries. They also were janitors and performed the lawn maintenance at the St. Peter Lutheran Church. Albert enjoyed his summers spent at family cottages in Evart, MI and Harrison, MI. He loved gardening, being outdoors, time spent in the Upper Peninsula, and tinkering with his lawn mowers and vehicles. He enjoyed listening to his old country music and eating sweets. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his children; Charlene Kennedy of St. Johns, MI, Phyllis and Vincent Moran of Lansing, MI, Rita and Thomas Hollis of St. Johns, MI, Joanne and Ronnie Montgomery of Lansing, MI, grandchildren; Joshua and Shannon Kennedy, Matthew Kennedy, David Kennedy, Michelle Moran, Renee and James Terpening, Leslie Rue, Lindsay Rue, Ashlie Hollis, great grandchildren; Ashley, Chandler, Clair, Ethan, Evan, Danielle, Logan, Kaden, Payton, Anthony, Amare and Darian, brother Paul and Betty Flak and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Neva, son in law Dennis Kennedy, grandsons; Charles Moran and Derek Hollis, sister Anne and Frank Adamski, brother John and Dorothy Flak, and sister in law Virginia and Leonard Jastram.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church and School. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Wesley C. Davis
Wesley C. Davis, 92 of rural St. Johns, MI passed away on Monday, May 15, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital. Wesley was born on January 9, 1925 in Palo, MI the son of David and Pearl (Fish) Davis. Wes served his country with the United States Navy during World War II. He worked at General Motors as a spot welder for over 36 years and on February 14, 1948 he married Doris M. Helfer in Ithaca, MI. Wes loved gardening and had lots of beautiful flowers around his home.
Survivors are his wife, Doris and daughters, Carol (LeRoy) Dunsmore of St. Johns, MI Linda (Terry) Adams of Wyoming, MI and grandchildren, Jeff Rozen, Tisha (Mike) May, Terri Paseka, Jesse (Jennifer) Dunsmore and Chad (Connie) Adams; 10 great grandchildren; a brother Basil Davis of Maple Rapids and sister Alice Sherwood of Wyoming. He was preceded in death by a sister.
The family will receive friends and relatives at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. with Elder Earl Barks officiating. Burial will follow at Duplain Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Rochester Colony School.
Eugene William Simon
Eugene William Simon, age 78 of Houghton Lake Heights, MI, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI. A Vigil and Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the Funeral Home.
Eugene was born in Fowler, Michigan on November 20, 1938, the son of Gilbert H. and Marie (Sontag) Simon. Eugene married Lynda Heinlen on June 23, 1962. Lynda passed away on October 1, 2013. Eugene resided most of his life in St. Johns.
Eugene served as the City Treasurer for St. Johns for over 30 years. He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially bragging about his 8 kids and 23 grandchildren. Eugene also enjoyed playing cards, watching sports and going to Florida with his wife. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns.
Eugene is survived by his eight children, Brent and Carrie Simon of McKinney, TX, Curtis Simon of Folley Beach, SC, Tamie and Dennis Parks of Maple Rapids, MI, Jamie and Rob Benbow of Fortville, IN, Kari and Rick Pieters, of St. Johns, MI, Heidi Martens of St. Johns, MI, Chad Simon of St. Johns, MI, Chip and Jaclyn Simon of Suwanee, GA; grandchildren Taryn, Makenzie, Brooke, Shelby, Tessa, Cody, Presley, Cassidy, Colten, Masen, Mariya, Carson, Hunter, Logan, Lexi, Jayci, Gracyn, Kenadi, Sophie, Brady, Lukas and Landry; a great-grandson Simon; brothers Larry, Jim, Ted, Denny and Neil also sisters Mary Ann, Theresa, Diane and Susie. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, grandson Brandon, brother Kenny and sisters Janet and Arlene.
Memorials may be made to support Jayci Simon in the 2017 World Dwarf Games. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.
Janet Mae Glowacki
Janet Mae Glowacki, age 76 of St. Johns, MI, passed away peacefully Friday, May 12, 2017 at her son’s home with her children present.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 15, 2017 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI. A Vigil and Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. on Monday at the funeral home.
Janet was born in Ovid, MI on July 31, 1940, the daughter of Louis and Cora (Schmidt) Hines. She was a graduate of Ovid Elsie High School and resided most of her life in St. Johns. Janet married Francis Glowacki on August 18, 1962 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI. He passed away on April 12, 2016.
Janet enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She and her husband Frank enjoyed snowmobiling and going on motorcycle trips across the country. Camping with her family at Lake Michigan Recreation area was one of her favorite things. Janet also enjoyed polka dancing and listening to polka music. Janet volunteered her time for Meals on Wheels in St. Johns. She worked for many years as a Letter Carrier for St. Johns Post Office. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns.
Janet is survived by her daughter Theresa and Tim Owen of St. Johns, MI; son Tom and Jean Glowacki of Brighton, MI; son-in-law Frank Scarchilli of Sterling Heights, MI; 13 grandchildren: Tyler, Emilie, Frankie, Sophie, Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth, Alex, Joseph, Dominic, Julia, Annika, and Cole; 2 great-grandchildren: Riley and Maddie; sister Helen Traugott of Denver, CO; brother Richard Hines of Steamboat Springs, CO. She is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son in infancy Steven Francis, daughter Sue Scarchilli, brother Walter Hines, sister Loretta Hartman, brother Edward Hines, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clinton County Senior Center. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Carl L. Chatfield Sr.
Carl L. Chatfield Sr. died Friday, May 12, 2017 at the age of 81. He was born July 29, 1935 in Coldwater, MI the son of Albert “Red” and Mary (Latta) Chatfield. Carl and his wife Kay have lived in St. Johns for only a short period of time coming from Saranac, MI. He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and formerly was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Saranac. Carl was a member of the Knights of Columbus and loved bowling, hunting, fishing, traveling, coin collecting and playing cards. He was an entrepreneur for most of his working career and at one time was the owner of the St. Johns Dog N Suds. Carl retired from the State of Michigan, Department of Corrections. On July 30, 1955 he married Kay Andrews and she survives him.
Also surviving are his children, Theresa (Edward) Dobson of Coldwater, MI, Carl Jr. (Kristal) of Lewisburg, TN, Diane (Bill) Glowacki of St. Johns, Kelly (Harold) LaLonde of Traverse City, Sharon (David) Zebell of Battle Creek, Dawn (Barry) Woodhams of Niceville, FL; 15 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; one sister, Dorothy Ernst of Adrian; one brother, DeWayne of Coldwater. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Kenneth.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, May 15, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church 109 Linden, St. Johns with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams as Celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns. There will be a vigil service followed by a rosary at 7:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Diocese of Lansing Outreach Mass 1500 E. Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48906 or Sparrow Clinton Hospital Infusion Center 805 S. Oakland, St. Johns, MI 48879.
Marriage licenses filed the week of May 8, 2017
Lee Bernard Cotton, 45 of Lansing and Jamie Sue Smith, 41 of Lansing
Adrian Jesse Nelson, 22 of St. Johns and Sandra Marie Feldpausch, 22 of St. Johns
Jacob Henry Johnson, 28 of Bath and Rebecca Leigh Abel, 24 of Bath
Delora Lynn Andrews, 65 of Lansing and Kathleen Joyce Nicoll, 47 of Lansing
Nolan Frank Lienhart, 27 of DeWitt and Hillary Lynn Psychas, 24 of DeWitt
Michael Lee Armbrustmacher, 48 of Fowler and Robin Renee Follick, 45 of Fowler
Update: Chief Kyle Knight moving on
Enjoy a fun-filled day on May 13
Celebrate Our Armed Forces
Hubbapalooza returns for its 6th year in July
Museum opens with transportation exhibit
Friends of the Maple River to meet – May 17
LAFCU, Lugnuts expand Community Champions program
SJHS Class of 1964 to hold reunion – August 27
Impression 5 Event – deadline May 15
Soup Kitchen makes stops in area – All are welcome
Briggs District Library News
CRV collecting empty ink cartridges
Senior Center Available for Weekend Rentals
CASA Volunteer Advocates Needed
Trash to Treasures – an album
2017 Redwing Hall of Fame inductees named
Loving families needed for local kids in foster care
A Look Back – 1956 Centennial Bonnets
Obituaries – James R. Ritter, Kimberly A. Wagner, Judith L. McCue, Milan E. Plesko, John Wesley Cecil
Marriage licenses filed the week of May 1, 2017
Divorce decrees filed on May 1, 2017
Friday morning the City of St. Johns learned that Chief Kyle Knight will be resigning from the St. Johns Police Department and taking a new position as the police chief in Harbor Springs, MI.
As many of you know, Chief Knight has been deeply involved in our community in many different ways; and we’re saddened that he is leaving our community. The community is also excited for Chief Knight because he is moving closer to his family in northwest lower Michigan.
Please congratulate Chief Knight on his new opportunity and thank him for all of his years of dedicated service to St. Johns and Clinton County.
Enjoy a fun-filled day on May 13
If you can’t find something interesting to do on Saturday, you just aren’t trying.
If action is your thing, consider entering the Heart of the Trail 5K race. Run/Walk through the streets of beautiful downtown St. Johns. Then continue through different neighborhoods and along the new scenic Rails to Trails. Certified course maps provided by Spicers Group will be available to participants.
Custom designed T-shirts are guaranteed to pre-registrants and post registrants while supplies last.
For more information contact Dan Redman at 989-224-8944 Ext. 233
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If you’re hungry, check out the Eat Healthy Eat Local Festival at Oh Mi Organics at 115 E. Walker St. where 30 local farms, healthy food producers and wellness professionals will be on hand to offer their wares and educate people wanting to live a healthier lifestyle.
Custom Embroidery of St. Johns has donated festival t-shirts which will be given away for donations. The money collected will be put into a grant to be used to open a health food store or farm-to-table restaurant in downtown St. Johns.
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Meanwhile lunch will be served at the Clinton County Senior Center just down the street. They will be serving BBQ Pork Sandwiches, Nachos and Hotdogs. They will also be hosting a Bake Sale throughout the day.
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Of course don’t forget that the 15th Annual Chamber Springtime Community Festival and Touch a Truck will be held at the CC RESA Building, across from McDonalds and Burger King on S. Business US-27, and will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Craft vendors will be on hand, and kids of all ages will enjoy the Touch-a-Truck where there will be fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and a race car. Kids can make free crafts throughout the day inside the RESA Building.
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And on your way, you could drive around town and admire the Spring Clean-up collection set out at the curb of most residences. But be sure to come early because those big old Granger trucks will be out early clearing away the debris.
Celebrate Our Armed Forces – Sunday, May 21
Visit both museums in St. Johns on Sunday afternoon, May 21, 2017, (the last day of Armed Forces Week) to celebrate and honor the men and women from this area who have risked their lives to keep us free. Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum (PGS) will be open 1 – 4 pm and Clinton Northern Railway Museum (CNR) will be open 1 – 3 pm. There will be displays and activities for all ages that afternoon.
The Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum, just west of the Courthouse, plans to have their front porch decorated for the event, along with special displays inside. Those include uniforms from different branches of the armed forces and from different wars and conflicts; military guns and medals including the Purple Heart, Victory Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross; and early photos of local military units plus more recent photographs of those who have served our country.
The Railway Museum at the St. Johns Depot will feature Dick Root with one of his World War II vehicles in the parking lot. Inside the Depot will be Dennis Scott signing and selling his book: A Journey in the Vietnam War through Letters Home, and Keith Mino talking about his recent trip to Iwo Jima with fellow Marines. There will be additional opportunities to interact with past and hopefully current members of the armed forces.
A special highlight of the day will be a kazoo parade down the Rail-Trail from the Depot to the Veteran’s Memorial at 2:00 pm. This will be lead by Charles Shore, top high school trumpeter; kazoos will be given to up to 50 children ages 4 and above to play along with Charles, thanks to a donation from the Kiwanis Club of St. Johns. At the Veteran’s Memorial Al Nelson will talk about the significance of that beautiful area.
Weather permitting, there will be games on the Depot lawn for children, and quieter activities for them inside the depot.
Clinton Northern Railway Museum is a branch of Clinton County Arts Council, which receives a portion of its operating money from a grant from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Hubbapalooza returns for its 6th year in July
Hubbapalooza returns for its 6th year, taking over downtown Hubbardston.
The event kicks off Friday night July 14th with The Hope Floats LED balloon launch and culminates with a live outdoor concert on Saturday night, July 15th with many local acts performing. Last year 2016 Hope Floats set off over 750 balloons in memory of lost ones.
Returning this year is The Color Run, Redneck Olympics, and a Co-ed Softball tournament as well.
Organizers hold events all throughout the year. Just recently they had Dueling Pianos at the American Legion.
Hands on Hubbardston is a 501c3 nonprofit organization made up of compassionate people who raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer. They also make financial contributions to other Michigan-based organizations. https://www.facebook.com/HandsonHubbardston/
Museum opens with transportation exhibit
The Clinton County Historical Society Museum opens May 17.
This year’s featured exhibit “Horses, Bonnets and Devil Wagons” will focus on anything relating to travel and transportation in Clinton County from settlement days up to about 1940. There will be very early Michigan highway and railroad maps on display. See a fascinating photo collection of early Clinton County gas stations, hotels and many other transportation related artifacts. A revamped Lansing-St. Johns Interurban Railway exhibit will also be shown.
The museum complex consists of the Paine-Gillam House, Swegles General Store and the Carriage House, all located directly west of the Courthouse at 106 Maple Street, St. Johns.
For questions or information on group tours, please call 989-224-2894 or 989-292-9096. E-mail pgsmuseum@hotmail.com.
Friends of the Maple River to meet – May 17
The Friends of the Maple River (FOMR) will have their Bi-Monthly meeting at the pavilion at Motz Park on Wednesday May 17th. The meeting will start at 6:00 PM. Motz Park is located approximately 3.5 miles north of highway M-21on Dewitt Road northwest of St. Johns.
The FOMR was not able to host a farm tour as part of the May meeting because this May is a busy time for the farms that offer tours.The Farm tour will be re-scheduled to a date in June.
Kelcie Sweeney from the Clinton Conservation District will present a summary of the District’s findings from an E. coli monitoring project on the Maple River. In general, E. coli, including that associated with humans, seems to be present throughout the watershed and river system.
A representative from the Clinton Lakes Pheasant and Wildlife Cooperative will provide a brief update of their efforts including the tentative results of the Pheasant crowing survey that estimates how many pheasants there are in in/near the cooperative area. As a follow up to this presentation, there will be a short hike to view the prairie grasslands recently planted in the park. Please wear appropriate attire for the hike.
A business meeting will follow the presentations to take care of routine FOMR business matters. There will also be a discussion about the extent of the annual spring river cleanup project that was hampered due to high water conditions.There will be a discussion of the scheduled quiet waters float in June on the Maple River and to finalize the arrangements for the June Farm Tour.
As always, check our website at friendsofthemapleriver.org and on Facebook at Friends of The Maple River.
LAFCU, Lugnuts expand Community Champions program
Nominations are open for the LAFCU Community Champions program, which has been expanded this year to honor police, fire and medical first responders as well as current and veteran members of the military at Lansing Lugnuts games this summer.
“The LAFCU Community Champions program is back for its fourth season with the opportunity to recognize those who help us every day locally – our first responders,” said Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU senior vice president of marketing. “Our partnership with the Lansing Lugnuts offers the ideal location for community recognition of those who selflessly serve or have served our country far away and at home.”
Community Champions receive four free tickets to a Lansing Lugnuts LAFCU Fireworks Spectacular, the opportunity to throw the first pitch and in-game recognition on the ballfield’s videoboard.
Selection of LAFCU Community Champions honorees will be made throughout the summer prior to individual LAFCU Fireworks Spectaculars. Nominations will continue to be accepted through August 18.
“Including our own local first responders as Community Champions makes perfect sense,” said Nick Grueser, Lugnuts general manager. “Our military members protect us on the battlefield, and our first responders protect and care for us right here at home. They are all deserving of our gratitude and recognition.”
Nominations of deserving Community Champions should include their employing organization or branch of service; rank, rank at time of discharge or position held; awards and other recognition received; and community work.
Submit the information via email at LAFCUcommunitychampion@gmail.com or mail it to LAFCU Community Champions. P.O. Box 26188, Lansing, MI 48909. For more information, contact Ashley Loudan, Lugnuts community partnerships manager, at 517.827.2480 or aloudan@lansinglugnuts.com.
The 3rd Annual Picnic for the St. Johns High School Class of 1964 will be held on the last Sunday of August, August 27, 2017.
The event will be potluck. Please plan to arrive at 12:00 noon at the Main Pavilion at the St. Johns City Park. Bring a dish to pass. Table Service, bottled water, Ice Tea, and Coffee will be provided. There will be lots of electrical outlets in the Pavilion making it ideal for Crock-Pots.
Please note: This is open to all Class Members and Spouses and /or Guests.
For more information please contact Jan at 989-630-9021.
Impression 5 Event – deadline May 15
Community Resource Volunteers will be going to Impression 5 to make slime and to do hands on exhibits on Saturday, May 20th. This event is for Middle School students.
Please go to crvonline.org or call 517-672-4226 for more details and to register. Deadline is May 15th.
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, May 16, and at
– Middleton Community Church, 223 S. Newton, Middleton, from 5 p.m to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 16, and at
– Carson City Linden Apartments, 320 E Linden St., Carson City, Thursday, May 18 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, May 18.
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.
Briggs District Library News
Briggs District Library is pleased to announce the availability of the digital magazine service Zinio for Libraries. Zinio features full-color, digital editions for instant desktop reading, mobile streaming, and mobile-app download. Patrons are able to select both new and back issues, adding them to personal reading libraries with no holds, no checkout periods, and no limits to the number of magazines checked out and downloaded. And with personal notifications for their favorite magazines, patrons never miss an issue! Please see a library staff member for more information on how to access this service, or go to www.briggsdistrictlibrary.org.
Summer Story-time/Program Dates:
– Lapsit (ages 12-24 months with participating adult) Fridays, June 9 – July 14, 10:30-11am, includes age appropriate stories, music, simple movement, early sign language, fingerplays, and take-home activities.
– Toddler: (ages 2-3 with participating adult) Wednesdays, June 7 -July12, 10:30-11am, includes stories, music, movement, and take-home crafts.
– Pre-Reader: (ages 4-6, independent listeners) Thursdays, June 22-July 27, 10:30-11am, features stories, games, music, activities, and crafts.
– Primetime: (ages3-5, independent listeners) Tuesdays, June 6-July18 (no session on 7/4), 7-7:30 pm, includes stories, music, and crafts.
Registration is required for all Story-time Programs listed above and opens Tuesday, May 9.
– 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, August8, 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. Registrations is required and opens Wednesday, July 5. This information is also available on our website wwwbriggsdistrictlibrary.org. and brochures at the circulation desk.
Summer Reading Program “Building a Better World” – Children complete bingo sheets for prizes. Teens and adults complete tasks to earn scratch tickets that reveal prizes. Program runs June 1st thru August 31st.
Summer Reading Kick-Off Event! – Mark this free family event on your calendar now…you won’t want to miss it! Join us on Monday, June 5th from 4-7:30pm. at the Rotary Park across from the library. Featured will be a bounce house for younger children, an inflatable baseball game and bungee run for older kids and teens, a dunk tank, “Face Painting by Sharon” and you can visit with books characters “Piggie and Gerald”. No registration is required for this program.
Maker Electronics Program – We will offer the opportunity to “Deconstruct” old electronic equipment. There will be tools and safety glasses provided. Let’s find out what made it work by taking it apart. Ages 8-12, Monday, June 12th from 6:30-7:30pm. Registration is required and opens on Monday, May 15th.
S.A.M. in the Summer – Hands-on-fun in Science, Art and Math! We will be starting off with Art (Monday, June 19, grades going into 1st thru 3rd and Monday, June 26, grades 4-6). 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 and Monday, July 31st, grades 4-6). All sessions are from 3 to 4 pm. Registration is required and opens Monday, May 22nd. All programs are free.
Author Visit – The library will be hosting Phil Stagg, author of the popular “Waterfalls of Michigan” series on Monday, June 26. Phil will share stories about the waterfalls and their surrounding areas, as well as his beautiful photography. Registration for this event is appreciated and begins Tuesday, May 30.
Garden Buddies – Spring is in the air and we at the library are thinking about gardening. Youth ages 7-12 are invited to join the Briggs District Library Garden Buddies to learn what it takes to grow the food they love to eat. We will be meeting Thursday evenings starting May 18 and going through June 29. There will be no session June 15. This program will be occurring from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Registration is required and is now open.
Library Closures – The Library will be closed Saturday May 27 and Monday May 29 in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout this closure.
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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
CRV collecting empty ink cartridges
Community Resource Volunteers, a non-profit agency who works with youth to teenagers will be collecting empty ink cartridges to help fund science and robotic projects.
Please drop off the cartridges at the following locations:
– St. Vincent DePaul, S. US 27,
– Huntington Bank, 200 W. Higham and
– Clinton Transit, 304 N. Brush St.
For more information about CRV, go to our web site: www.crvonline.org.
Senior Center Available for Weekend Rentals
Are you looking for a location to hold a high school graduation, birthday party, family reunion or shower? Then come and take a look at the Clinton County Senior Center, located at 201 E Walker Street in St. Johns. It is available for rent most weekends of the year.
The center has two large rooms (one with dining tables and chairs) available for use. The center rents for $100 – $150. The price depends on whether you use the kitchen or just the large rooms.
If you would like a tour of the facility, stop in any Mon, Tue, Wed or Fri between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. If you have any questions you can also call them at 989-224-4257.
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.
City pick-up is occurring this Saturday so I thought I would travel around town to see what I could find, after all someone’s trash is someone’s treasure.
I found a large assortment of things, but for me there was no treasure.
It is a nice thing for the City to hold this event yearly because it is a great way to have the right place for it.
Well, I guess I will have to wait another year to find my treasure.
2017 Redwing Hall of Fame inductees named
The St. Johns High School Hall of Fame Induction will take place on Friday, August 25.
– Amanda Becker (’96),
– Gary Boyce (’67),
– Andy Schmitt (’05),
– Al Werbish (’65) and
– Luke Wilcox (’92)
We congratulate the newcomers on their selection for Hall of Fame Induction into the Class of 2017.
Loving families needed for local kids in foster care
May is Foster Care Month in Michigan. Nearly 13,000 Michigan children of all ages need loving foster parents while the state works to reunite them safely with their biological parents or find them permanent adoptive homes.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in May is highlighting the crucial role that foster families provide in protecting children who were abused or neglected. Gov. Rick Snyder proclaimed May as Foster Care Month.
To show support for these foster families, and the thousands of children in foster care, MDHHS is encouraging Michiganders to change their profile picture on Facebook to show their #IFosterCare heart: https://actionsprout.io/FE72F6.
“We hope others will join us in raising awareness about the great need for foster families in Michigan,” said Nick Lyon, MDHHS director. “We are always looking for more foster families so that we have the best fit to meet the unique needs of every child. Our state is fortunate to have foster families who selflessly provide stable and safe care for these children.”
In addition, MDHHS’s Foster Care Navigator program is featuring some of the many outstanding foster parents and kinship caregivers all month on its website at www.fcnp.org.
May is also a good time to recognize adoptive families, employees of state and private agencies, the courts and community and faith-based organizations for the support they provide to children in foster care and to their biological and foster families.
Anyone interested in becoming a foster parent can call a Foster Care Navigator at 855-MICHKIDS. Navigators are experienced foster care parents who can answer questions and guide prospective foster parents on their journey. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/hopeforahome or by texting MDHHS FOSTER to 64468 to receive updates about fostering.
A Look Back – 1956 Centennial Bonnets
by Barry Clark Bauer
During the celebration of the 1956 St. Johns Centennial many women and young girls dressed up in period wardrobe. One thing that always stood out to me was the Bonnets they wore.
Although the faces in this photo look familiar I can only identify one, Myrtle Tolles, 2nd from left. Myrtle’s husband, Fred, was a woodcarver and we have a few of his pieces in our collection of “old” things.
James R. Ritter, 84 of Chelsea, MI formerly of St. Johns passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at his home. Jim was born on January 22, 1933 in St. Johns the son of Arthur and Lillian (Jackway) Ritter. He was a veteran serving in the US Army serving in Korea and on July 15, 1951 he married Rose Wilkes in St. Johns. Jim worked at Saylor-Beal for several years. He was a member of the American Legion, loved fishing and going to the casino.
Surviving are his wife Rose, children, Randy (Connie) Ritter of Chelsea, MI, Michael (Devona) Ritter of Ovid, David (Genny) Ritter of St. Johns and Larry Ritter of Missouri. 11 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Russell.
There will be no services and memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI.
Kimberly A. Wagner
Kimberly A. Wagner, 35 of Charlotte, MI formerly of St. Johns passed away on May 3, 2017. Kim was born on June 3, 1981 in Carson City, MI the daughter of John H. and Debra L. (Brown) Wagner. She was a 2000 graduate of St. Johns High School and was employed at General Motors Corp in Lansing as a truck driver. Kim loved golfing, going to the casino and spending time with her nephew Carter and going to Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Survivors are her father, John (Patty) Wagner of Ovid, mother, Debra (Donald) Hansen of St. Johns, sister, Kari (Steve Brooks) of Muskegon, nephew Carter Brooks, grandmother, Joan Wagner of Holt, MI, step-siblings, Emily Hicks of St. Johns, John Hicks of Mason, Nathan Hicks of Mason, Calvin Hansen on Interlochen, MI, David Hansen of Hemlock, MI, Jessica Hethorn of DeWitt and Troy Looney of St. Johns.
A celebration of Kim’s life will be held Sunday, May 7, 2017 12 noon at The American Legion Post, 110 E. Walker St., St. Johns, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Brighton Center for Recovery.
Judith L. McCue, 74 of Ovid, MI passed away at Sparrow Hospital on Thursday, May 4, 2017. She was born on June 18, 1942 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Joseph and Margarie (Weir) Martin. An Ovid High School graduate she worked as a Supervisor for the State Of Michigan, Social Services Dept. Judith loved making quilts, genealogy, collecting, cross stitch and traveling.
Survivors are her children, Denise (Denny) McCue of Florida, Robert McCue of Ovid and Kelly McDermott of Florida; grandchildren, Abby McCue and Keegan McDermott; sisters, Rose Mary (Ed) Larkin of NM and Marlene (Leon) Stewart of FL and brother Tim (Carrie) Martin of TX; many special nieces and nephews; special friends Donna Slone and Marilyn Hartsuff. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Joanne Martin and brothers James and Thomas Martin.
A special celebration of Judith’s life will be held towards the end of June. Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home.
Milan E. Plesko
Milan E. Plesko, 81 went to be with the Lord on May 5, 2017 at his home in Perrinton. Milan was born on March 12, 1936 in Ashley, MI the son of Steve and Katherine (Dudash) Plesko. Milan served in the US Navy and worked at Saginaw Steering for 34 years. On December 19, 1959 he married Beverly A. Harris in St. Johns. He loved the out of doors especially hunting, camping fishing, gardening, his plants and flowers. Milan loved traveling out west and to Alaska and he loved his family and was very giving of his time to help all his children with their projects.
Milan is survived by his wife, Beverly, sons Mark Plesko of Greenville, Pat Plesko of Ashley, and Paul of Perrinton; daughter, Lori Saylor of St. Johns and Annette (Brian) O’Dell of Ashley; 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, his dogs Mandy, Tiffany, Jo-Jo and his rabbit Bunny; brothers Stanley , Ed and John. He was preceded in death by brothers Mike and Tony and sisters Helen Mason and Irene Kunik, also son in law, Rick Saylor and sister-in-law Carol Feldpausch.
John Wesley Cecil, age 85 of St Johns, MI, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday May 2, 2017.
A Memorial Service will be held June 3rd, 2017 in the Detroit area.
John was born May 23, 1931 in Highland Park, MI, the son of Lee and Alice (Stover) Cecil. John was married to Rosemary Cascaden, November 6, 1982 in CO. John and Rosemary resided in Creede, CO; Prescott, AZ and St Johns, MI. John served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. John worked most of his career at Ford Motor Company, retiring in 1982. John was one of the modelers on the original Ford Mustang. After retiring from Ford, John worked at C&C Automotive Specialties until 2005.
John was a kind and loving individual. He was strong-willed and compassionate at the same time. Thoughtful, prayerful and generous to the people he loved. John loved the outdoors and was a volunteer Boy Scout leader for many years. Truly a talented and skilled individual, he loved hand-crafted projects and was especially skilled at woodworking. His personal faith was important to him, a committed church member and a strong supporter of the work of the Salvation Army.
He is survived by his wife Rosemary Cecil of St. Johns, MI; daughter Beth Cecil-Hanna of Detroit, MI; son Brad and Suely Cecil of Ft. Worth, TX; son Brian Cecil of Wheatridge, CO; daughter Laura and David Detloff of Naples, FL; step-daughter Gail and Bob Brown of St. Johns, MI; step-daughter Judy Mann of St. Johns, MI; step-son Chuck and Nancy Cascaden of Commerce Twp, MI; 20 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter. John was preceded in death by his parents; step-son Richard Cascaden; brother Bob Cecil; son Scott Cecil and Carol Cecil.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.
Marriage licenses filed the week of May 1, 2017
Colton Andrew Peterson, 24 of St. Johns and Emily Sue Santrucek, 25 of Bannister
Jason Lee Thelen, 25 of Westphalia and Danielle Marie Bengel, 25 of Westphalia
John David Lehtonen, 36 of East Lansing and Jennifer Lynn Kennedy, 32 of East Lansing
Divorce decrees filed on May 1, 2017
Ecker, Kenneth and Tonya Ann
Hissong, Stacy Lynn and Protasiewicz, Lawrence Joseph
Last Friday morning the City of St. Johns learned that Chief Kyle Knight will be resigning from the St. Johns Police Department and taking a new position as the police chief in Harbor Springs, MI. 
Mark your calendars for June 10, 2017, the 21st annual Special Olympics Area 28 Clinton County Golf Scramble at the Emerald Golf Course. Continental breakfast, 18 holes with cart, luncheon, raffles, prizes are there, all for only a $70 entry fee.
“St. Johns is definitely the place to be on Wednesday evenings in the summer,” says Bill Tennant, concert coordinator. “We have outstanding performers lined up again this year for our mid-Michigan audiences. The quality of performers along with the great variety of music makes this one of the best series we’ve ever put together.”
Albert Flak, age 91, of St. Johns, MI, went home to be with his Heavenly Father and was reunited with the love of his life, on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.
Wesley C. Davis, 92 of rural St. Johns, MI passed away on Monday, May 15, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital. Wesley was born on January 9, 1925 in Palo, MI the son of David and Pearl (Fish) Davis. Wes served his country with the United States Navy during World War II. He worked at General Motors as a spot welder for over 36 years and on February 14, 1948 he married Doris M. Helfer in Ithaca, MI. Wes loved gardening and had lots of beautiful flowers around his home.
Eugene William Simon, age 78 of Houghton Lake Heights, MI, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.
Janet Mae Glowacki, age 76 of St. Johns, MI, passed away peacefully Friday, May 12, 2017 at her son’s home with her children present.
Carl L. Chatfield Sr. died Friday, May 12, 2017 at the age of 81. He was born July 29, 1935 in Coldwater, MI the son of Albert “Red” and Mary (Latta) Chatfield. Carl and his wife Kay have lived in St. Johns for only a short period of time coming from Saranac, MI. He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns and formerly was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Saranac. Carl was a member of the Knights of Columbus and loved bowling, hunting, fishing, traveling, coin collecting and playing cards. He was an entrepreneur for most of his working career and at one time was the owner of the St. Johns Dog N Suds. Carl retired from the State of Michigan, Department of Corrections. On July 30, 1955 he married Kay Andrews and she survives him. 
If you can’t find something interesting to do on Saturday, you just aren’t trying.
Hubbapalooza returns for its 6th year, taking over downtown Hubbardston. 
James R. Ritter, 84 of Chelsea, MI formerly of St. Johns passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at his home. Jim was born on January 22, 1933 in St. Johns the son of Arthur and Lillian (Jackway) Ritter. He was a veteran serving in the US Army serving in Korea and on July 15, 1951 he married Rose Wilkes in St. Johns. Jim worked at Saylor-Beal for several years. He was a member of the American Legion, loved fishing and going to the casino.
Kimberly A. Wagner, 35 of Charlotte, MI formerly of St. Johns passed away on May 3, 2017. Kim was born on June 3, 1981 in Carson City, MI the daughter of John H. and Debra L. (Brown) Wagner. She was a 2000 graduate of St. Johns High School and was employed at General Motors Corp in Lansing as a truck driver. Kim loved golfing, going to the casino and spending time with her nephew Carter and going to Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
Judith L. McCue, 74 of Ovid, MI passed away at Sparrow Hospital on Thursday, May 4, 2017. She was born on June 18, 1942 in St. Johns, MI the daughter of Joseph and Margarie (Weir) Martin. An Ovid High School graduate she worked as a Supervisor for the State Of Michigan, Social Services Dept. Judith loved making quilts, genealogy, collecting, cross stitch and traveling.
Milan E. Plesko, 81 went to be with the Lord on May 5, 2017 at his home in Perrinton. Milan was born on March 12, 1936 in Ashley, MI the son of Steve and Katherine (Dudash) Plesko. Milan served in the US Navy and worked at Saginaw Steering for 34 years. On December 19, 1959 he married Beverly A. Harris in St. Johns. He loved the out of doors especially hunting, camping fishing, gardening, his plants and flowers. Milan loved traveling out west and to Alaska and he loved his family and was very giving of his time to help all his children with their projects.
John Wesley Cecil, age 85 of St Johns, MI, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday May 2, 2017.