St. Peter School celebrates Third Sunday in Advent

St. Peter Lutheran Sunday School and Day School children in Riley Township joined the congregation to sing carols on third Sunday in Advent.

The costumes were out of the boxes. The shepherds, stable boy, angel, and Ruth and Naomi were ready for the the Savior to be born. How are your hearts and homes? Ready yet?

Snowy crash kills Ovid teen

A car-truck crash happened in snowy conditions on Shepardsville Road between Kinley Road and Faragher Road in Ovid Township just before 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 11.

The southbound car driven by 59-year-old Ida Bontrager from Ovid lost control on the snow covered roads and slid sideways into the path of a northbound pickup truck, driven by a 34 year old man from Elsie.

In the southbound vehicle along with the driver there were two passengers, a 15 year old boy in the front seat and 14 year old Anthony Bontrager in rear seat. Anthony was ejected from the vehicle and died on scene. (See obituary) The driver and 15-year-old William Bontrager were transported to Sparrow Hospital and listed in critical condition. They are expected to live.

The pickup truck was occupied by a 34 year husband as his 24 year old wife and their children, ages 2 years and 10 months old. They were not hurt.

Clinton County Deputies were assisted on scene Ovid Fire and Rescue, Elsie Fire and Ambulance, Mercy and MMR ambulance Services and Clinton County Central Dispatch. The incident remains under investigation by the Clinton County Sheriffs Office Crash Investigation Team.

Polar Express at the depot

The City of St. Johns Recreation Department hosted their second Christmas Event on Saturday, December 10, 2016.

Children had the opportunity to explore the St Johns Railroad Depot, including the real life outdoor railroad cars and small model train exhibit. Admission included kid friendly food, crafts, with a popular family friendly Christmas movie The Polar Express. Santa will also made a special appearance.

Help is here for winter roads conditions

If you are looking for real-time road condition and closure information check out MDOT’s interactive map. There are cameras that show live images as well.

https://mdotnetpublic.state.mi.us/drive/Default.aspx and enter the zip code to get started.

Downtown parking permits on sale

2017 parking permits are now for sale at the police department. A parking permit is required to park in any city parking lot overnight or for more than 2 hours during the day.

Permits are available for purchase during regular business hours at the Police Department, M-F from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Santa visits the library

https://www.facebook.com/BriggsDistrictLibrary/videos/1299755676732509/

NRTF includes Spray Park on its list of recommendations

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board recommended using $27.7 million from the trust fund to support 27 acquisition projects and $19.9 million for 87 development projects.

Clinton County would see $96,700 used to renovate a more-than-50-year-old bathhouse to provide a place for all users of the newly opened St. Johns Community Spray Park to change clothes or use the bathroom. The renovation would include adding two accessible family changing rooms, electrical and plumbing upgrades, a new roof and updated toilets.

The NRTF is supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. The trust fund is constitutionally restricted for natural resources improvements and land acquisitions across the state.

Learning Positive Ways to Deal with Stress and Anger – December 21

This series will give parents an opportunity to discuss, do activities, and learn strategies on each topic to enhance their parenting skills. In the first session, parents will increase their understanding of Nurturing Parenting, a proven approach experienced by hundreds of thousands of families worldwide.

MSU Extension in Clinton County invites interested parents of children birth to 8 years old to come to participate in this series. Sessions are from 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm, at the Bath Township Library Center (14033 Webster Rd) in Bath. Please call in advance to register at 989-224-5241. This is a free series open to the community; attend one session or all eight.

Area Students’ Technology Showcases displayed and demonstrated at State Capitol

Last week, students from Ovid-Elsie and Laingsburg Schools joined hundreds of others from across the state to present technology demonstrations to lawmakers at the state Capitol Building.

The 16th annual AT&T/MACUL/MVU Student Technology Showcase took place Wednesday, December 7 in the rotunda of the state Capitol Building.

MACUL Board President Gina Loveless, Ovid-Elsie High School students Kiernan Seagers, Joey McGroarty, Zach Morris and Dawson Coats

Presented by the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL), and underwritten by AT&T and Michigan Virtual University (MVU), the 2016 Student Showcase featured demonstrations from students representing three local area schools.

“Technology is changing the world and it’s crucial that children learn about how to use it both safely and creatively,” said Jim Murray, president of AT&T Michigan. “All of us at AT&T are proud to be a part of this showcase that demonstrates the great work being done in our classrooms to empower students with innovation and technology.”

Students displayed a wide variety of technology projects that blended science, mathematics, social studies and language arts with the latest digital tools. Their work featured paperless classroom and online learning demonstrations, coding, robotics, web design, and dozens of others.

Mark Smith, MACUL executive director, said, “This showcase highlights the best technology projects Michigan students have to offer. Giving students the opportunity to demonstrate their work for lawmakers represents the culmination of months of hard work, and a lifetime of learning.”

MVU is a private, nonprofit Michigan corporation established by the state of Michigan in 1998 to serve as a champion for online learning. Visit http://www.mivu.org/ for more information.

Briggs District Library News

Kids, Cartoons, & Crafts – Children ages 5-9 are invited to join us on Thursday, December 22 from 6:30-7:30 for a special Christmas edition of this festive program. We will have a snack, play a game, build a simple craft, and watch a special holiday-themed episode of the Animaniacs! Registration is required and is now available.

Pre-Reader Program – Shake It “UP!” Registration for this upbeat program for children ages 4 thru 6 years old began on Thursday, December 15th. We will enjoy stories, music, and some very creative movement! This 6 week session will be on Thursday evenings, 6:30-7pm and runs January 12th through February 16th, 6:30-7pm. We’re going to “MOVE IT MOVE IT”

Container Garden – During this new program participants will hear from a woman who makes container gardens, also known as Fairy Gardens. Each session will feature demonstrations, tips and tricks, and hands-on creation time. We will meet Mondays evenings, 6:30-7:45, January 23-February 13. This program is for adults and for children ages 8 and up who attend with an adult. More information about types of containers and suggested materials will be available as the program nears. Registration for this free program is required, and opens Tuesday, December 27.

Adult Coloring Club – The library will be offering adult coloring programs on the first Thursday of each month. Our first session is Thursday, January 5 from 6:00-7:30. Participants are welcome to use the materials we provide or bring their own at this self-directed, come and go as you please program. Registration for this free program is now available.

Bookaholics Book Club – Start the New Year off right by reading a great book! The January selection of the Bookaholics is My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman, a charming, warmhearted novel about a young girl whose grandmother dies and leaves behind a series of letters, sending her on a journey that brings to life the world of her grandmother’s fairy tales. It is a story about life and death and an ode to one of the most important human rights: the right to be different. Copies of the book are now available. The Bookaholics is an open club, and is always accepting new members, so all are invited to join us when we meet next on Thursday, January 19 at 6:30p.m.

Lap-sit Storytime “Busy with Family, Friends & More” – Children ages 12 to 24 months with adult participation are invited to enjoy story-time sessions on Friday mornings 10:30-11am, February 17th-March 24th OR Monday evenings 6:30-7pm, February 20th – March 27th. We will share age appropriate stories, fun creative movement, music and learn simple signs (sign language). Registration is required and opens Friday, January 20, 2017. This program is a great way for very young children to socialize with each other in a fun and casual environment.

Library Closure – The Library will be closed on December 24 and 26 for the Christmas Holiday and on December 31and January 2 for the New Year’s Holiday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout these closures.

Staff Picks – If you are looking for a good book to read here is a list of titles that Library staff enjoyed or found informative in the last month.

– Fiction: “The Wonder” by E. Donoghue, “Letter’s From Paris” by J. Blackwell, “Folly Cove” by H. Robinson, “A House Without Windows” by N. Hashimi, “Night Watch” by I. Johansen, “Manitou Canyon” by W. Krueger, “Victoria by D. Goodwin.
– Nonfiction: “Hamilton: the Revolution” by Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Gifts in Jars” by N. Wise, “Celebrate Everything: Fun Ideas to bring Your Parties to Life” by D. Miller.
– Miss Marie’s Juvenile Picks: “Wish” by B. O’Connor, “Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea” by B. Clanton, “Cook Me a Story: a Treasury of Stories and Recipes Inspired by Classic Fairytales by B. Kozlowski.

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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

Baker College continues 2017 winter enrollment

Enrollment for 2017 winter quarter is ongoing for new and returning students at Baker College’s Owosso campus, 1309 S. M-52, Owosso. On-ground classes begin Monday, Jan. 9; the two sessions of online classes begin Thursday, Jan. 5, and Thursday, Feb. 16.

Enrollment deadlines for new students vary; the earliest is Thursday, Dec. 22.

“Baker College’s unique focus on the employment market directly benefits students by preparing them to be job-ready at graduation,” said Aaron J. Maike, Baker College of Owosso president. “Our curricula are designed to meet the ever changing demands of the workforce and are taught by working professionals with real-world perspectives and understanding.”

Baker College has day, evening, weekend and online classes for degree and certificate programs in the areas of applied technology, business, education, engineering, health science, information technology and social science.

Bachelor’s, associate and certificate career programs offered at the Owosso campus include management, marketing, accounting, human resource management, elementary and secondary teacher preparation, early childhood education, criminal justice, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, medical assistant, diagnostic medical sonography, agriculture technology, computer programming, and information technology and security.

For information, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, @bakercollege, or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/bakercollege.

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.

For more information, please visit our website ClintonCountyCASA.org or contact our office at clintoncountycasa@gmail.com or 517-599-7145.

Clinton County Fill-A-Cop Car

by Maralyn Fink

On Saturday I wandered to Kroger’s to find the Fill-A-Cop car to see how things were going.

I met Officer Brendon and Officer Nick, and they reported that things were going well this year.

Officer Nick and helper were also collecting non perishable items for the drive.

It was a cold day, but residents had no problem with the donating. Thanks to all who came out to donate and tothe Officers and helpers who were there to accept the items.

Mailing letters to Santa at St. Johns Depot

In the middle of getting ready for the holidays, don’t forget there is a great place for children to mail their letters to Santa down by the St. Johns Depot.

One of the three historic train cars sitting on the tracks is a Railroad Post Office (RPO) and baggage car made in 1903. Just think how old it is now!

It always had a mail slot in its side when it worked as a moving post office for 50 years or more, and the slot is still there. The car doesn’t travel any more, but letters mailed there to Santa mysteriously get to him without even needing a stamp.

You can easily tell where this is because there is a very large painting of Santa standing by the steps that lead to the mail slot, and the steps have colored lights on their railing. In case you aren’t sure where the St. Johns Depot is, the address is 107 E. Railroad St. in St. Johns, right across from the library.

The historic railcars belong to the Railroad Museum branch of Clinton County Arts Council, which receives some operating funds from competitive grants from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Holiday Music Spectacular coming up Friday, December 9

The St. Johns Community Band presents the 2016 Holiday Music Spectacular on Friday, December 9, 2016 at the Wilson Center Auditorium.

Scheduled to appear are the Vivo Contando Children’s Choir, the Mint City Singers and the St. Johns Community Band.

The program begins at 7:00pm. Admission is free. Donations accepted for the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Project.

Christmas toys at Paine-Gillam-Scott House Museum

The Paine-Gillam-Scott House Museum invites you to Christmas at the Museum.

The toy top is just one of the many antique toys under the live Hemlock tree.

Don’t miss the 2016 Christmas season display and the Clinton County Farming Exhibit. The Museum will close for the winter after Sunday, December 18 and reopen in May of 2017.

The Museum is located at 106 Maple Street, west of the Courthouse and is open Wednesdays 2:00 to 6:30 pm and Sundays 1:00 to 4:00 pm through Sunday, December 18.

For further information, please contact the Museum at PGSMuseum@hotmail.com, call 989-224-2894 or 989-292-9096. The website is PGSmuseum.com.

Kiwanis takes kids shopping

Kiwanis believes that it’s always a great start of the Christmas season, to do what we do best – give back to our community, especially our young people.

The Kiwanis club took 21 kids Christmas shopping the other day. What a joy it was to see the happiness in their faces!

Sue Lounds, Tom Leonard, Jenell Leonard, Kimberly Jaworski Brzozowski, Katie Eccleton and Steve Heath were among the helpers.

Fred Meijer Rails to Trails celebrates bridge opening

How cool is this?

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Twin Rivers Bridge on Monday, November 28

When it became clear that the current bridge over the Maple River was unsafe for vehicular traffic, a new bridge was built in its place. But instead of tearing down the old bridge it was re-purposed into a trail spur, providing a pedestrian link from the Clinton Ionia Shiawassee Trail in Muir to Lyons.

Christmas Crafts and more

by Maralyn Fink

On Saturday, I attended the craft show at the RESA building. A large group of crafters were present with their goods along with a good crowd. A large assortment of wares were available, so some Christmas shopping was accomplished.

Stopping at the Second Cup Café is a must, and I met Shaun who was checking out the purchases. He was all business but very nice.

Last but not least, from there I ran into a cookie walk. There is a Santa Claus as I headed straight there.

So many cookies to choose from and there I met Kauly who was also helping out. Choices made, it was time to leave as I really needed a cookie.

I will be back next year.

Toys for Tots collection sites open – through December 15

The Marine Corp Toys for Tots campaign has begun in Clinton County. The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, which is the sponsoring organization for Toys for Tots in Clinton County has delivered over 35 collection boxes to businesses throughout the county that will collect toys through Thursday, Dec 15 for Clinton County children.

For anyone donating a toy, please consider this. The campaign always gets lots of games, generic baby dolls, Barbie dolls, generic cars and trucks, footballs and basketballs. Some of the most popular items requested this year are anything drawing, minecraft, Trolls and Beat Bo. We are also always in need of things like craft kits for older girls, current CD’s, DVD’s and books from recent movie releases, sports apparel (MSU hats and shirts), fishing or hunting items, etc.

If you place a toy in one of these boxes you can be assured the toy will go to a child that lives in Clinton County:

In Bath: Bath Township Office

In DeWitt: Bridge Street Hair, DeWitt City Police, DeWitt District Library, DeWitt Township Police and Fire (both locations), Mercantile Bank, New Beginnings Learn and Play and Verizon Wireless.

In Fowler: Dollar General, Journey Federal Credit Union, Ken’s Kar Kare and Main Street Pizza;

In Ovid: Dollar General, Journey Federal Credit Union and Main Street Pizza;

In St. Johns: Barber’s Floors and More, Big Boy, Briggs Public Library, Bruno’s Bar, Clinton County Chamber of Commerce, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, Dollar General, FirstMerit Bank, Journey Federal Credit Union, Mercantile Bank, Peebles, St. Johns Police Department, Tractor Supply, Walgreens and Walmart.

In Wacousta: Watertown Charter Township.

If your family needs assistance with clothing, food and toys for the holidays, please register with Capital Area Community Services at 989-224-6702. If you need assistance with just toys and you are not registered with another agency, call Clinton County Toys for Tots at 989-224-7248 or email ccchamber@4wbi.net.

If you have any questions about the Toys for Tots campaign, toys needs or toy distribution, contact Brenda Terpening at the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce at 989-224-7248.

Praising Children and their Behavior, Understanding Discipline – December 14

This series will give parents an opportunity to discuss, do activities, and learn strategies on each topic to enhance their parenting skills. In the first session, parents will increase their understanding of Nurturing Parenting, a proven approach experienced by hundreds of thousands of families worldwide.

MSU Extension in Clinton County invites interested parents of children birth to 8 years old to come to participate in this series. Sessions are from 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm, at the Bath Township Library Center (14033 Webster Rd) in Bath. Please call in advance to register at 989-224-5241. This is a free series open to the community; attend one session or all eight.

Sessions Schedule Wednesdays:

December 21: Learning Positive Ways to Deal with Stress and Anger

Beware of the silent killer

You can’t see, taste or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels, it can be deadly.

According to the Annual Report on Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, published in 2015 by Michigan Department of Community Health, 828 Michiganders were unintentionally poisoned by carbon monoxide, including 34 who died from the exposure. The leading causes were faulty furnaces, water heaters and generators; but anything that burns fuel, like cars, kerosene heaters, charcoal grills and camp stoves all produce carbon monoxide and can be dangerous.

Most people exposed to carbon monoxide are completely unaware, which is why it has been dubbed the “silent killer.” It quietly enters the bloodstream and cuts off delivery of oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues. The first symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the flu, and include headache, dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. Do not ignore these symptoms, especially if more than one person in the household experiences them. As more of the gas is inhaled, it can cause unconsciousness, brain damage and even death within a matter of minutes.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is completely preventable, so be sure you know how to protect your home and family:

· Place a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, with one near bedrooms.
· Have a heating professional clean and inspect wood and fuel-powered appliances, chimneys and vents yearly.
· Generators should be several feet from your home, away from open windows, doors and air intakes.
· Don’t use fuel-powered items indoors, like generators, grills, or camp stoves.
· Don’t use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
· Don’t run vehicles in the garage, even if the door is open.
If you suspect you or a family member has been exposed to carbon monoxide, go outside immediately, and go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

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.

For more information, please visit our website ClintonCountyCASA.org or contact our office at clintoncountycasa@gmail.com or 517-599-7145.

Mark Your Calendar

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The St. Johns Community Band presents the 2016 Holiday Music Spectacular on Friday, December 9, 2016 at the Wilson Center Auditorium.

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Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum open for the Christmas season on Wednesdays 2:00 to 6:30 pm and Sundays 1:00 to 4:00 pm through Sunday, December 18.

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Helping Hands Dinner Raffle will be held on Saturday, February 4 at Smith Hall