Lioness Easter Egg Hunt

by Maralyn Fink

With a sunny day on Saturday, I decided to attend the Lioness Easter Egg Hunt at the City Park. Am I taking my life into my own hands, I wondered.

Upon my arrival I parked where I could, which happened to be across from Officer Chad Pierson. I’ll be fine I thought; I’ll just stick with him.

The Lioness Club has been doing this for 5 years according to Sandy Witgen, Chairman, when they took over from the Jaycees. They start planning in January and have expanded over the years.

The Goodwins Club from St. Johns High School also help out with stuffing eggs, preparing the site and help police site. This year they had special eggs for under 3 years without small toys along with pastel colored bags with goodies.

Balloons and face painting by Sharon Shutes and a craft table were available in the pavilion, and clowns helped with that. Tootsie Rolls were provided by the K of C group. All eggs had a prize and candy inside.

A unique thing is that Stephanie Heins and her family who raise bunnies bring them to the event and walk with them in their arms for some extra petting from the kids, and me.

For Easter I’ve included a picture from Back In The Day of my mother, sister and me. Every Easter it was the way of the time that we have a new coat, patent leather shoes and a hat. In this case I loved my white tam. Then we were off to St. Joseph Church. We did get candy back then, and then it was dinner at my grandparents farm in Fowler.

Thanks, Sandy and everyone I spoke with, for pictures I took and the interview.

Nicely done.
Maralyn@sjindy.com

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City Manager’s Newsletter

Street Reconstruction For 2016: Year three of the City’s dedicated millage street improvement program will kick off during the first week of April. The specific streets designated for repaving and/or reconstruction can be found on the City’s street reconstruction map, which is available on the City of St. Johns homepage: cityofstjohnsmi.com. More than 3 miles of local roadway will be resurfaced in 2016 as part of the street millage program. Some streets will also undergo significant improvements to curb and gutter. Drainage and curb issues will be addressed before repaving is initiated.

North Lansing Street Project: In addition to the street improvements that will be funded through the dedicated street millage, the City will improve a portion of North Lansing Street (between Higham and Gibbs) using Michigan Department of Transportation Small Urban grant. These grant funds were applied for and awarded during the 2015 grant application cycle. This project will be initiated in the very near future. Consumers Energy is already working on Lansing Street to make upgrades to their underground system, which is described in more detail below. As a result, sections of North Lansing Street will be under various phases of construction from the present up until approximately June 30, 2016. This area will be open to residents that live on this street, but there will be a detour plan for all other traffic.

Consumers Energy Gas Project: In conjunction with the City’s street reconstruction projects for 2016, Consumers Energy will be in neighborhoods upgrading underground natural gas lines. CE will make every effort to minimize any inconvenience to private property owners during this important project. We are pleased that we can coordinate our street improvement efforts with Consumers’ upgrades to gas supply lines servicing residences and businesses.

-courtesy of Guven Witteveen

Yard Waste Bags: As the weather warms, residents begin their annual post-winter yard cleanup in preparation for summer gardening and yardwork. The City has resumed its program where it picks up bagged yard waste placed curbside by residents. This method of disposal is encouraged by city staff, as it an integral part of the City’s composting program. We commend our residents for their widespread use of leaf bags in both spring and fall. Brush and branches are also picked up curbside by City staff. If a resident needs yard waste bags they can be obtained at no charge from the City Offices, Briggs Public Library or by contacting DPW Supervisor Jeremy Ritter at 989-224-8944, ext 229.

Spring Clean-Up Set For Saturday, May 7th: Big Trash Day will be upon us before we know it! That means it’s time to begin scouring your home, garage and shed for items that have outlived their usefulness. The annual Big Spring Clean-Up, conducted again this year by Granger, will begin promptly at 7:00 a.m. on May 7, 2016. Residents can begin placing unwanted articles curbside seven days before the clean-up date (April 30th). Granger may be coming through neighborhoods throughout the week prior to May 7th to do early pick-ups. Please be reminded that this service is paid for by City residents and is therefore restricted to those items owned by City residents. Also, for those who drive through town looking for curbside treasures, please do not leave a mess after going through discarded items. Refer to the City’s website, the City newsletter, or call City Offices at 224-8944 for additional information regarding the 2016 Big Trash day. The cost for this curb side spring cleanup day is $45,134.00. As an alternative to placing gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories and building materials for curb side pick-up the Clinton County Habitat for Humanity Re-Store would be interested in your donation. Contact them at 989-227-1771 or habitat.org/restores for more information.

Curb-Side Recycling: Currently our refuse contractor Granger picks up curbside recyclables every week. Residents now use the much larger Curby recycling bins. The city is exploring going to every-other week curbside recycling to reduce costs and to save wear and tear on local streets. Your input in the near future will be helpful. Garbage pick-up would continue on a weekly basis.

DRB Transport Site Plan Approval: DRB Transport, a bulk milk-hauling company, recently had its site plan approved by the St. Johns City Commission. DRB purchased a building and two acres of land located in the industrial park from the City in late 2015. This particular site will be used by DRB as a washing station to clean and sterilize the interior of milk-hauling tanks. DRB trucks and bulk tanks are used to transport milk from local commercial dairy operations to milk processors.

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Community Fund to discuss Wilson Center – May 10

The Annual Meeting of The St Johns Area Community Fund will be held at The Wilson Center on May 10 with the business meeting beginning at 6:30 pm and the program beginning about 7:00.

The topic of the program is to get a discussion started on the future of the Wilson Center. Dave Ivan has offered to show how other communities have repurposed their old schools, and they expect to hear from Bill Tennant with an Auditorium update and other school personnel with their ideas.

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SJHS Senior Named National Merit Finalist

St. Johns High School senior Vincent Jandernoa has been selected as a National Merit Finalist.

By being only one of 15,000 US High School Seniors to be selected for this honor, Vincent is now considered to be part of the top 1% of high school seniors in the United States.

Vincent entered the competition as a junior when he took the College Board’s PSAT test. This past fall he was announced as a “SemiFinalist” and needed to confirm his scores by taking the SAT test which he successfully accomplished. Being selected as a “National Merit Finalist” is a huge honor for Vincent and our school.

Now Vincent awaits notification to see if he is chosen as one of 7,600 students who will be named a “National Merit Scholar,” thus receiving part of $33 million in scholarships. National Merit Scholars will receive notification in April.

St. Johns Public Schools celebrates with Vincent on this distinguished honor.

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Art exchange wraps up Saturday at 3 p.m.

The art installation of SJ elementary school students’ art and the Japanese kids’ art of our Friendship City is on display until the library’s closing time at 3 p.m. this Saturday, April 2.

Heavy snow cancelled school and the original reception of March 1, so the next opportunity at the library was on March 21. Parents, grandparents, teachers and the general public attended the performance of six children’s and popular songs in Japanese by the 4th graders from Riley Elementary School.

The opening song was Opening song was “Somewhere it’s Springtime.”

For more go to http://mishigan.blogspot.com/2016/03/scenes-from-2016-art-exchange-opening.html

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Clinton County Farm Bureau Scholarship Program

It is a goal of the Clinton County Farm Bureau to support the industry of Agriculture, including the education of youth for future careers in our industry.

Financial support for youth pursuing careers in agricultural related occupations is a planned annual effort of our organization. Therefore, the Clinton County Farm Bureau has developed the following scholarship program.

Eligibility:

1. Youth must be from a Clinton County Farm Bureau Member family.
2. Youth must be pursuing a 2 or 4 year degree program in an agricultural related field with the intent of a lifelong career in agriculture.
3. Youth must possess the qualities of scholarship, leadership and community service.
4. Youth must be entering the 1st or 2nd year of study to apply.

Award Procedures:

1. Clinton County Farm Bureau is giving away monetary awards for outstanding applications
2. Applicants must submit their application by May 1, 2016.
3. The awards will be presented at the county annual meeting.
4. The check will be processed only after submission of a paid registration receipt from an accredited agricultural institution.

For an application visit: http://www2.michfb.com/counties/custom/19/1

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City to begin siren testing

As spring and summer approaches so does severe weather. Beginning at noon the first Saturday of each month, April – October, Central Dispatch will be conducting tornado siren testing. This testing will not take place if stormy weather is in the area.

An actual tornado warning will have the siren sounding a solid tone for a full three minutes. If you hear this three minute solid tone, you are to seek immediate shelter.

Central Dispatch does not send out “all clear” tones. You should listen to your local radio or TV for the status of the storm in your area.

Mint Country Garden Club

The monthly meeting of Mint Country Garden Club will be held Thursday, April 7 at 7:15 pm.

Daedre Craig, MSU Horticulture Department will present the Best New Annuals. Join us to learn about the top-performing plants.

Meetings are held at Clinton Commons Community Center, 1105 S. Scott Rd, St. Johns.

For further information about this meeting or how to become a member, email mintcountrygardenclub@gmail.com or call 517-599-6307.

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Soup kitchen to make stops in area

His Cup Runneth Over, a mobile soup kitchen, is hosting an open house on Sunday, April 3 from 1pm to 3 pm at the St. Johns Depot, Rotary Pavilion at 107 E. Railroad St.

They will be collecting canned goods and serving a meal to anyone who comes.

They will be making a stop at
– First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Ave, St. Johns 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5

– Middleton Community Church, 223 S. Newton, Middleton, 4:30 p.m to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 5, and at

– Pompeii United Methodist Church, 135 W. Burton, Pompeii, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 7.

Soup, bread, fruit and dessert will be served to all who come free of charge. All are welcome.

For more information call 989-533-9535 or 989-544-5764.

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Boater Safety Classes

The Marine Patrol Division of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting Boater’s Safety Courses during the month of April.

The Boater’s Safety Course is designed to teach safe boating skills, basic water safety and rescue, legal issues, and other marine safety concerns. Students who complete the course and pass the final examination will receive a Department of Natural Resources Boater Safety Certificate.

Contact the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office at boat@clinton-county.org to register for a class. Please include class date, name, age and telephone number for each person wanting to attend.

Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited.

There is no fee for the class. You must be present for the entire class period to be able to take the exam and receive your certificate. Students will need to bring a sack lunch.

April 16, 2016 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Dewitt Area Fire Station
911 W. Main
Dewitt, MI 48820

April 30, 2016 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Clinton County Sheriff’s Office
1347 E. Townsend Road
St. Johns, MI 48879

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Fire Hydrant Flushing Program

The City of St. Johns Water Department personnel will be flushing all fire hydrants in the city. Flushing of the hydrants is done in spring and fall.

The schedule for flushing will be:
M-21 North from April 4-15, 2016
M-21 South from April 18-29, 2016

Flushing will be done between the hours of:
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call the Water Department at 224-8944 ext. 235 or ext. 282 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Election workers needed

The City of St. Johns is looking for election inspectors.

Registered voters of Clinton County interested in serving as an Election Inspector for the City of St. Johns on election days should fill out an Election Inspector Application at the City Clerk’s Office, 100 East State Street, Suite #1100, St. Johns. It is also available on the City website.

The Clinton County Clerk will be conducting training this summer that is required every two years.

If you have questions or would like more information, you may contact the city clerk’s office at 224-8944 extension 223.

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Mark Your Calendar

Welcome veterans home – Saturday, April 2

It’s that time again; please invite your favorite veteran.

Come spend an afternoon honoring our veterans. Please join St. Johns American Legion Post 153 in welcoming veterans home on Saturday, April 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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Superheroes for Children Return to Clinton County

April 30, 2016 Superheroes return to the St. Johns City Park for CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children 3rd Annual Superhero 5K Run, Walk, or Fly

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Leonard to host April office hours

In St. Johns at the Big Boy, 1408 S. U.S. 27, Friday, April 8 from 8 to 9:30 a.m

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Annual Spring Wetlands Conservation Banquet – April 15, 2016

The Clinton County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (DU) will host it’s 35th Annual Wetlands Conservation
banquet on Friday April 15, 2016. The event will once again be held at Smith Hall on the 4-H Fairgrounds in St Johns.

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Euchre Tournament Fundraiser – April 15

Euchre Tournament Fundraiser for Nathan’s Methodist Relay for Life Team at Lowe United Methodist Church, 5485 W. Lowe Rd. April 15th 6:30-10:00 pm

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Spring Clean-Up scheduled – May 7

Please do not place items out at the curb earlier then Saturday, April 30, 2016.

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MMDHD Calendar – April, 2016

Family Planning Clinic Schedule

The Mid-Michigan District Health Department’s Family Planning Clinics provide confidential care to men and women in need of contraception and reproductive health services. Charges for services and supplies are based on income. The Family Planning Clinics are scheduled as follows:

Mid-Michigan District Health Department
1307 E. Townsend Road
St. Johns, MI 48879

April 5: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
April 12: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
April 19: 8 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m
April 26: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m
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For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.

Hearing & Vision Screening Clinic

Vision screening is required for all children entering kindergarten. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department offers free vision testing, as well as hearing screening tests for all children ages 3 to 21. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 227-3125, Monday through Friday.

WIC Benefit Pick-Up Schedule

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to 5 years old may be eligible for free food through the WIC (Women, Infants & Children) program. The Mid-Michigan District Health Department WIC Benefit Pick-up Clinics are scheduled as follows:

April 6,
April 11: at Mid-Michigan District Health Department, 1307 E. Townsend Road in St. Johns, from 9 a.m. to Noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.

“In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

Immunization Clinics

The Mid-Michigan District Health Department Immunization Clinics are to be held as follows:

Mid-Michigan District Health Department
1307 E. Townsend Road
St. Johns, MI 48879

April 4: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

April 11: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m

April 13: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

April 18: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

April 21: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

April 25: 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Immunizations will be available for adults and children eight weeks of age through adulthood, appointments are preferred. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (989) 224-2195, Option 5, Monday through Friday.

Bruiser visits St. Joseph School

At a recent assembly at St. Joseph Catholic School students met Bruiser, is a miniature horse and a service animal. Farm Bureau took him out to share with the kids and teach them about service animals. Pam Fabus for arranged the visit.

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Logan honored as Educator of the Year

During National Agriculture week, March 13-19, Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) announced the winners of its 2016 Educator of the Year awards. DJ Logan of St. Johns Public Schools was honored as the K-12 Educator of the Year. The award will be formally presented at MFB’s 97th State Annual Meeting in November.

As a 37 year veteran teacher, DJ Logan was an unexpected leader as Gateway North Elementary embarked on a new learning adventure – becoming an agriculture-based Science, Engineering, Technology and Math (STEM) school. Teachers were required to revamp their lessons to incorporate a focus on these concepts, including teaching a minimum of one agriculture lesson per trimester all with little to no additional funding. DJ took this challenge head-on, revamping her tried and true lessons to include STEM-focused agriculture concepts. She sought out partnerships with the county Farm Bureau to learn more about local agriculture, creating programs to bring farmers into classrooms.

“As a city girl herself, it is beyond exciting to see DJ take the lead on this endeavor,” wrote nominator Erin West of Clinton County Farm Bureau. “She’s taken so much of her personal time to attend agricultural meetings to learn and grow her program. She’s learning what agriculture means right along with her students.”

DJ has worked with other teachers to add an agriculture spin to current events such as the school’s field day, adding straw bale crawl, rolling squash through field tile pipes, and egg and spoon races. She attended the 2015 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, bringing back lessons to share across all grade levels in her school. Even creating “Ag News” a newsletter for her colleagues to help distribute lessons, resources and facts to assist in teaching about agriculture at their school.

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Superheroes for Children Return – April 30th

On April 30, 2016 Superheroes return to the St. Johns City Park for CASA-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children 3rd Annual Superhero 5K Run, Walk, or Fly!

Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m.; the Kids’ Super Dash begins at 8:30 a.m.; and all Superheroes take off at 9:00 a.m. This family-friendly event for all ages and abilities includes a 5K course of groomed trails and pavement. Event participants are encouraged to dress in Superhero attire.

During registration time enjoy kids’ activities and fun pictures. A DJ will get everyone ready for the race and chip timing will reveal our age-bracket medalists. New this year are free professional race photos and a costume contest. Costume categories include Most Authentic Superhero, Most Creative Superhero, Best Group, and Cutest Superhero.

Online registration is open. Register today as the fee goes up and t-shirt availability may change after April 6th.

For more information or to register, please visit ClintonCountyCASA.org. For event questions, please contact our office at clintoncountycasa@gmail.com or 517-599-7145. Don’t forget your cape!

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Verizon awards school supplies

Through the “Culture of Good” project, The Cellular Connection Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer, ten lucky teachers in the St. Johns Public School District each received a “Teachers Rock Pack” filled with school supplies.

We know that every year teachers spend money out of their own pockets to buy more supplies for their classrooms, because school districts just don’t get funded enough by the state. So this is Verizon’s way to help pay that back just a little bit. Here are about $400 worth of school supplies that they won’t have to pay for out of their own pockets.

Thank you to all of our teachers; you all do a great job and Al Nelson says he wishes he could afford to give a box to every teacher because you all deserve it!

Below is a list of all the winners. Congratulations to our 10 winners and all their students.

– East Olive: Brenda Munger and Beth Lepper
– Eureka: Sara Hill and Stacy Somerville
– Gateway: Becky Spangler and Theresa Sopocy
– Oakview: Jennifer Smith and Kelly Nofzinger
– Riley: Kris Ely and Julie Gill

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Habitat accepting applications

Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County is accepting applications for affordable housing. If you, or someone you know, is in need of decent, safe, affordable housing, go to the website at www.habitatclinton.org.

Habitat is seeking folks of low-to-moderate income. This is not a hand out; it’s a hand up!

Everyone knows someone who takes care of us or the folks we love; the CNA who cares for Mom, the bagger at the grocer’s who securely bundles our purchases; senior citizens on a fixed income- perhaps a pension or Social Security.

Recipients need not live in Clinton County.

Don’t wait! They are gearing up to build. Go to www.habitatclinton.org. You could change your life, or the life of someone you know!

We build families, lives, and hope. -Jimmy Carter, still building Habitats for Humanity at 91 years young.

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Lady Redwing Basketball Highlight Video

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Spring Clean-Up scheduled – May 7

The City of St. Johns residential spring clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2016. Please do not place items out at the curb earlier then Saturday, April 30, 2016.

All items must be placed out by the curb by 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2016. Items placed after the contractor has passed through will not be picked up.

This annual event is available to city residents who live in a one to five unit dwelling. Items suitable for pick-up are appliances (doors must be removed from refrigerator or freezer unit), electronics, lawn mowers, hub caps, copper or brass tubing or wire, large toys, bicycles, furniture, scrap metal, lumber (pieces cut in 4 foot lengths and bundled), carpeting (bundled in 6 foot lengths).

The used tire collection is on Monday, May 9, 2016. Households are limited to 8 tires and must be out be by the curb by 7:00 a.m. No large truck or tractor tires will be collected. For further information, please call (989) 224-8944.

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Election workers needed

The City of St. Johns is looking for election inspectors.

Registered voters of Clinton County interested in serving as an Election Inspector for the City of St. Johns on election days should fill out an Election Inspector Application at the City Clerk’s Office, 100 East State Street, Suite #1100, St. Johns. It is also available on the City website.

The Clinton County Clerk will be conducting training this summer that is required every two years. If you have questions or would like more information, you may contact the city clerk’s office at 224-8944 extension 223.

CMH retirees gather

by Maralyn Fink

On Wednesday I met friends from Clinton Memorial Hospital at the Roadhouse. At one time we all worked together. Four of them are still employed there.

Don Roesner, Pharmacist, Ruth Roesner, RN and Joyce Freed, Cardio

Talking about the past is our thing, from good times to bad and how everything has changed from the early 70’s medically and about things that are required today. I started in 1972, and we were all in the same time frame.

Martha Saxton, Cardio, Nancy Barnes,LPN

Co-workers that we could think of were phoned with the date, and some we missed. After our first gathering it was unanimous that we will be doing this again.

Marge Simon LPN, Jeanne Byrd LPN and Sharon Jegla

We have also lost some of our crew: Mary Ellen Buggs, Mary Ewing, Bea Isbell and Bev Sosebee to name a few. They are gone but not forgotten, but their leaving has left a void.

Thanks for the good food and memories, guys, and we will get together again.

The Dream Team: Sharon, Martha, Maralyn

Maralyn@sjindy.com

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Ducks Unlimited Banquet – Friday April 15

For those who have suffered through a long, cold and snowy Michigan winter, Ducks Unlimited has the perfect tonic. Break out of your “Cabin Fever” with a fun night out on Friday April 15th at the Clinton County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (DU) 35th Annual Wetlands Conservation banquet.

Join with your conservation minded friends to have a relaxing evening, starting with complimentary beverages, hors d’oeuvres, and a catered dinner.

There will be door prizes, a silent and live auction, and raffle tables that will include limited edition art prints, wildlife sculptures, firearms, crafts, collectible items, decoy carvings, and many other special DU and local craft items. There will also be a special Green Wing drawing for the boys and girls who are under 18, with every youngster winning a prize.

Chairman Chris Mikula says the Clinton County DU banquet is for the entire family. Bring your wife and youngsters, or that special friend.

For banquet information on how you can become a DU volunteer or how you can become a sponsor by donating items, buying an ad in our banquet program, or for purchasing banquet tickets, contact Kurt Hufnagel at 989-224-2072. or Chris Mikula at 989-224-3654. Also check out our Face Book page on the internet at: Clinton County Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

Available Now! Online ticket sales, buy now, online at, www.ducks.org/michigan/events/41607/clintoncounty-dinner Online ticket sales end on 4/13/2016.

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Mobile Soup Kitchen Open House to kick off season – April 3

His Cup Runneth Over, a mobile soup kitchen will be starting it’s FREE soup days in April. They are hosting an Openhouse/kick off event on Sunday April 3, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at St .Johns Train Depot Rotary Pavilion, 107 E Railroad St., St. Johns.

Free meals served to everyone. Come and see what the mission is about. They will be collecting canned goods and paper products that can be used for our upcoming season.

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Habitat to host Gala

Habitat for Humanity’s DreamBuilders Gala is a signature event that will help build two houses in Clinton County this year. The Gala is held at Eagle Eye Banquet Center in Bath and will have a casually elegant denim and western theme – strolling supper, silent auction, “Dancing with the Stars” event – local musicians – and lots of fun!

The theme this year is a Taste of Country, so you know the food will be good (none of that bland, dry chicken dinners, here), the music will keep your toes tapping and the silent auction will feature items that you will definitely want! Plus, you’ll want to come out and see our “local celebrities” cut a rug with professional dancers from Spartan Dance Center in our “Dancing with the Stars” part of the evening.

Tickets are $55 each or 2 for $100 – $25.00 of each ticket is a tax deductible donation.

If you need more information, call the Habitat office at 989-227-1771 or go to our website: habitatclinton.org

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Fire Hydrant Flushing Program

The City of St. Johns Water Department personnel will be flushing all fire hydrants in the city. Flushing of the hydrants is done in spring and fall.

The schedule for flushing will be:
M-21 North from April 4-15, 2016
M-21 South from April 18-29, 2016

Flushing will be done between the hours of:
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please call the Water Department at 224-8944 ext. 235 or ext. 282 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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Briggs Library News

Children’s Garden T-Shirt Contest – This summer the Briggs Library will be starting a children’s garden! We are asking for help in designing the t-shirt that will be used during our garden programs. Children in grades 1-5 can submit a garden-themed picture or design that will be used on our shirts! The pictures should fit on a regular-size piece of paper (8 ½ x 11), and be submitted to the Circulation Desk by Friday, April 15. The chosen design will be announced at our Garden Groundbreaking on Friday, April 22.

Make It and Take It – A selection of crafting materials will be available to spark creativity on Tuesday, April 5 from 10:00-11:30a.m. and from 2:30-4:00p.m. All children must be accompanied by an adult; no registration is required.

LEGOs – The Library will have our LEGO and Duplo blocks available for some free building time during Spring Break. On Wednesday, April 6 from 10:00-11:30a.m. and from 2:30-4:00p.m. children are invited to the Library for some creative free play. Children must be accompanied by an adult; no registration required.

Last in the Library Book Club – The April selection of the Last in the Library Book Club is “Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller” a graphic novel by Joseph Lambert. This parent/child book club is recommended for children in grades 4-8, though any who can read the material and would like to discuss it are welcome. Copies of the book and registration are now available.

Tween – Youth ages 10-12 are invited to a Spring Break ‘Tween Event! On Tuesday, April 5 from 7:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. we will be hosting a life-size game night with giant versions of your favorite games! Registration is now available.

Comic Book Library – Michigan State University has the world’s largest library comic collection, and Randy Scott, Assistant Head of Special Collections at MSU, will be at Briggs Library Tuesday, March 29 at 7:00p.m. to talk about it. Mr. Scott will discuss the work that goes on at this special type of library, and will even share some of the rare and interesting comic books it houses. All ages are welcome, but the program format may not suit younger listeners. Registration is appreciated and now available.

Great Michigan Read – The Library is hosting a community-wide book discussion on this year’s Great Michigan Read, “Station Eleven,” by Emily St. John Mandel. Set in the time after a devastating flu pandemic ends civilization as we know it, this is a spellbinding story of a Hollywood star, his would-be savior, and a nomadic troupe of actors and musicians roaming the scattered outposts of the Great Lakes region, risking everything for art and humanity. Any interested individuals or book clubs are invited to join us on Thursday, April 21 at 6:30p.m. for discussion and refreshments. This is also the Bookaholics book club selection for April. Copies are now available at the circulation desk.

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: “Orphan X” by G. Hurwitz, “Scandalous Behavior” by S. Woods, “The Tears of Dark Water” by Corban Addison, “Girls She Left Behind” by S. Graves, “Breakdown” by J. Kellerman, “Brotherhood in Death” by J.D. Robb, “No Ordinary Life” by S. Redfearn and “House on Primrose Pond: by Y. McDonough. Nonfiction: “How to Retire With Enough Money: and How to Know What is Enough: by T. Ghilarducci, “Negative Calorie Diet: Lose Up to 10 Pounds in 10 Days with 10 All You Can Eat Foods” by Rocco Dispirito and “Never Too Busy to Cure Clutter by E. Doland. Miss Marie’s Juvenile Picks: “Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics” by C. Grabenstein.

Library Closure – The Library will be closed on Friday March 25 in observance of Good Friday and on Saturday March 26 for the Easter 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: smorrison@briggspubliclibrary.org
Street address: 108 E Railroad * Saint Johns, MI 48879

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Summer Softball League Sign-up approaching

Registration packets for the 2016 City of St. Johns Men’s, Co-ed, and Church softball leagues are available and can be picked up between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday at the City Offices.

Registration is now through April 15, 2016 and requires a $250 team fee to hold your spot. Leagues are limited. There will be a $15 late fee for any team fees paid after April 15, 2016. The roster, waiver form, player and capital improvement fees are due no later than Monday, April 25, 2016 (see registration form for details). Rosters, waiver forms and player fees must be received by April 27.

The season will begin the week of May 11, 2016 with men playing on Wednesday nights and co-ed on Thursday nights. Players can play in multiple leagues, but player and capital improvement fees still apply.

Church league sign-up deadline is May 6, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. with rosters and waivers due May 23, 2016. The co-ed church league is a six-game season, played on Sunday nights, starting June 5, 2016. Church league teams are co-ed with 7 males and 3 females playing the field at a time. Game times will be 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 depending on the number of teams that sign up. The cost for the league is $150.00 per team plus additional player and capital improvement fees. All registrations need to be associated with a church.

If you have any questions about the softball league or any other recreation program please call the Recreation Department at 224-8944 ext. 228 or e-mail rfaivor@ci.saint-johns.mi.us. Team registration forms, rosters and waivers are available on the website www.cityofsaintjohnsmi.com. Check us out on Facebook at St Johns Recreation.

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Euchre Tournament Fundraiser

The Euchre Tournament Fundraiser for Nathan’s Methodist Relay for Life Team will be held at Lowe United Methodist Church, 5485 W. Lowe Rd. on April 15th from 6:30-10:00 pm.

Snacks and Beverages Provided. Just Bring Yourself!

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Mark Your Calendar

Easter Egg Hunt date set

St. Johns Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, March 26th at 1:00 p.m.

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Welcome veterans home – Saturday, April 2

It’s that time again; please invite your favorite veteran.

Come spend an afternoon honoring our veterans. Please join St. Johns American Legion Post 153 in welcoming veterans home on Saturday, April 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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Konan Art Exchange Exhibit – month of March

Step into Briggs Public Library in St. Johns during the month of March and you will be surrounded by art

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Watercolor Technique Classes at Gallery – begin Thursday March 31

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Leonard to host April office hours

In St. Johns at the Big Boy, 1408 S. U.S. 27, Friday, April 8 from 8 to 9:30 a.m

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Annual Spring Wetlands Conservation Banquet – April 15, 2016

The Clinton County Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (DU) will host it’s 35th Annual Wetlands Conservation
banquet on Friday April 15, 2016. The event will once again be held at Smith Hall on the 4-H Fairgrounds in St Johns.

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Ferris Graduates

Saint Johns: Kyle McKeown, ARCH-Architectural Technology AAS

Bath:

Nathan Horan, CJGO-Criminal Justice – Generalist BS

Antonio Rodriguez, BUAD-Business Administration BS

Jessica Ruthig, BSN-Nursing BS Cum Laude

Dewitt:

Michelle Andrews, ELED-Elementary Education BS Summa Cum Laude

Ryan Carey, ACCT-Accountancy BS Summa Cum Laude

Ashley Roof, CJGO-Criminal Justice – Generalist BS Magna Cum Laude

Scott Thurber, ISIN-Info Security and Intelligence BS Summa Cum Laude

Ferris Dean’s List

St. Johns: Rylie Dumond, Elizabeth Vincent, Cathrine Hunt, Autumn Mirkle, Rebecca Wilson, Kari Randolph, Jason Luce, Kurt Thum, Kayla Maki, Samantha Dick, Angela Herrera, McKayla Keener, Lora Rademacher, Holly Rogers, Nicole Stine, Jake Smith, Janie Hyde, Maria Farrar, Zachary Martens, Alexis Morton, Madison Lake-Wickham

Bath: Nathan Horan, Jessica Ruthig, Aaron Ewart, Megan Rahall, Jourdan Seelye

Dewitt: Dana Lamacchia, Jordan Lee, Scott Thurber, Michelle Andrews, Abigail Nakfoor, Ryan Carey, Zachary Peters, Amanda Baugher, Ashley Roof, Peter Sperry, Ethan Leppanen, Crystal Thayer,Chelsea Hemenway, Joshua Whiteman, Kelly Teska, Aidan Yetsko, Hillary Womboldt, Edward Peters, Meridith Davison, Brittany Stratz

Fowler: Kenneth Schafer, Nicholas Frechen, Rachel Schmitt

Ovid: Sarah Dobski

Westphalia: Brooke Platte, Ericka Martin, Jacob Nurenberg, Aaron Rademacher, Scott Spitzley, Megan Smith