This week’s Mystery Photo

Where is this?

Can you tell us where this is located? Drop us a line at mail@sjindy.com.

511 S. Oakland St.

The current owners are Mark and Jamie Travis. Previous owners include Karen (Pohl) Knight, Randall Patton, Michael Drinkert, Wayne Peterson, Jeffrey Jones, and Alan and Leslie McCarrick. This house was the home of the Herman Pohl family for many years.

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A Look Back – Jaycees Fund Drive

by Barry Bauer

In the 1970s Wayne Woodbury (left) and Wayne Banner prepare for another fundraiser by the local Jaycees. This time they will be selling trash bag liners at sites throughout the city.

Wayne and Diana Woodbury are owners/operators of Woodbury Flower Shop and Wayne Banner was the long time manager of D & C Store before it closed. I know a lot of people who miss this store, my wife included.

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Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info – Healthy Snack Ideas for Dogs and Cats

Like buying candy for kids, we often think snacks that have been specially packaged for pets are the best treats in the world. Why would they want anything other than a tasty treat? But, a lot of those packaged pet snacks and treats are the equivalent of candy. They are not a big deal, as long as you don’t do too much of it, since they are mostly devoid of nutritional value.

And just as we encourage kids to eat their veggies rather than another candy, we can also encourage a love for veggies in our pets. These low calorie, low fat, vitamin and mineral-packed “treats” are a great alternative to the packaged dog biscuits and kitty chews.

Which Fruits and Vegetables Are Best, and Which Are Not Safe for Pets?

There are some plant foods that are toxic to pets, so you will want to be familiar with what to avoid and even prevent access to. If you are unsure, check with your veterinarian to make sure that your planned treats are not going to be harmful to your pet. Also keep in mind that while dogs are omnivorous, and therefore more open to trying different kinds of foods. Cats, on the other hand, are carnivorous. They are not just picky about what they eat; they are constitutionally incapable of digesting some types of foods.

Here is a brief list of healthy treats that have been found to go over well with a lot of pets, followed by a list of foods you will need to avoid.

Yes:

Apples – without seeds or core (apple seeds contain chemical compounds that are poisonous to animals)
Blueberries
Strawberries
Watermelon – without seeds
Cantaloupe
Frozen bananas
Green beans
Carrots – raw or cooked
Sweet potato – cooked, cubed or mashed without butter or seasoning; regular potatoes are also good, but in limited amounts since they are high in sugar and can increase weight
Squash, zucchini
Lettuce
Spinach
Popcorn – unsalted and un-buttered
Catnip or cat grass

No:

Grapes and raisins – contain chemical compounds that are toxic to dogs
Garlic and onions – both have chemical properties that can be toxic, and even life threatening to dogs and cats
Tomatoes
Avocado
Mushrooms – particularly wild mushrooms
Fruits with pits, such as peaches, cherries, and plums – in some cases the pit can be toxic, or can simply present a choking hazard
Nuts – particularly macadamia nuts, which are toxic to pets

What is the Best Way To Feed These Types of Treats?

The foods should be baked or steamed, cut up into smallish pieces, and only given in small amounts at a time. This will prevent both choking and an overload of carbohydrate- and calorie-rich foods. You can give the vegetables and fruits by themselves, or you might mash or puree them and mix them up with the prepared food and given at meal times.

Replacing your pet’s dense, high fat packaged treats with healthy treats like fruits and vegetables will be one of the most beneficial things you do for your pet. Over the long term, your pet’s health and immune system will be stronger, aging will not be as severe, its weight will stay steadier, and if weight is already an issue, you may even see your pet’s weight become more manageable — if you stick to it and include moderate exercise.

With any change in diet, it is important to observe your pet for issues that can arise in response to the change. If your pet begins to show digestive or behavioral changes, stop feeding the new foodstuff and consult with a veterinarian if the problem does not go away in the absence of the added food.

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Maralyn’s Did You Know? – Stella & Chewy’s Recall

Stella & Chewy’s is voluntarily recalling select lots of Frozen Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Morsels due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

According to a company release, Stella & Chewy’s was notified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development that it had issued a stop sale order on Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Morsels for Dogs because it tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

As a precautionary measure, the release said, the company is voluntarily recalling selected products from the affected lot.

The following Stella & Chewy’s pet food products are being recalled:

Frozen Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Morsels for Dogs 8.5 oz. 186011 001554 165-15 6/25/2016

Frozen Stella’s Super Beef Dinner Morsels for Dogs 4 lb. 186011 001370 165-15 6/25/2016 & 6/26/2016

Frozen Duck Duck Goose Dinner Morsels for Cats 1.25 lb. 186011 001455 165-15 6/25/2016

The company said they are also recalling the following products which may have come into contact with the affected lot:

Frozen Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels for Cats 1.25 lb. 186011 001448 160-15 7/2/2016

Frozen Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels for Cats 1.25 lb. 186011 001448 152-15 7/2/2016

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Listeria infection also can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

If you or your pet had contact with the recalled product, you are advised to watch for symptoms that may develop. Common symptoms associated with Listeria infection include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. If you, your pet or a family member is experiencing these symptoms, you are urged to contact a medical professional.

For more information, the release asked customers to email questions to info@stellaandchewys.com.

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Letters

From Superintendent Martin regarding the Facilities Study

Last night our Board of Education heard an extensive and comprehensive presentation from the Facilities Committee for the very first time. The charge of this committee originated from the Student Enrollment Trend and Facilities Impact presentation made to the Board of Education back in May of 2015. This May presentation chronicled multiple years of declining student enrollment in our state, county and our district.

Based on this information, the committee conducted an in-depth analysis of how our current facilities are utilized and provided recommendations for future needs and direction last night at the board meeting. During this meeting, the Board of Education did not take any action.

In my previous communications I informed everyone that we would make the presentation and all other supporting information that the committee reviewed available. This morning, the full presentation, along with a number of other documents, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) have been made public on the district website at the following link: http://www.sjredwings.org/facility-committee-/

After the holiday break, we will communicate several dates, times and locations where we will conduct community forums to review a shortened version of this presentation. During these forums we will allow ample time for questions and answers, as well as listening to concerns and other creative ideas that you may want to share.

While no final decision has been made, the district’s administrative team will review all information and considerations as we prepare for a final recommendation for the Board’s consideration. We invite you to look over the available information and share your questions, comments, suggestions or compliments with the district and/or Facility Committee as we move forward via Let’s Talk.

I again want to thank the committee of volunteers who spent a significant amount of hours studying current and past information to help our district think wisely about how we can best utilize our resources to support and enhance the high quality learning opportunities that St. Johns has provided for so many years.

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,
Dedrick Martin, Ed.D.
Superintendent – St. Johns Public Schools

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Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Gifted Pets Often Become Returned Pets After Holidays

For better or for worse, the holidays often bring new pets into our households. Your addition may have been well-planned and thoughtfully implemented, which is always the recommended course. However, many new pets end up in our homes either as gifts or as our own impulsive purchases or adoptions.

While I never recommend giving a pet as an unexpected (i.e., surprise) gift, it happens. And when it does, it often places a pet into a household where it may not be all that welcome. As a result, that pet often ends up surrendered to a shelter or rescue shortly after the holidays conclude.

Impulsive purchases are a bit different but the result is often the same. When the addition of a pet is unplanned, new pet owners may find themselves in a position where they are financially or physically unable to care for the new pet. Or they may simply have second thoughts about having the pet in the household.

Whatever the reason, the period immediately following the holidays unfortunately finds a lot of puppies, kittens, dogs, cats, and other pets being surrendered to shelters and rescues. For some shelters and rescues, this happens less frequently than for others. Shelters and rescues that screen adopters carefully and prohibit the adoption of a pet as a gift for someone else are probably less likely to see as many returns, I should think (though I admit I have no statistics or studies to back up this thought). However, not all shelters have the luxury of being so discerning.

What happens when a pet is returned to a shelter or surrendered to a rescue after the holidays? That animal, which may have already had time to begin to bond with its new family, is now placed back into a cage. He certainly does not understand what he did to deserve to be abandoned again. He does not understand that his “new people” did not plan adequately for him or never wanted him to begin with. For that animal, the situation becomes stressful, depressing, and frightening.

Can these animals be re-homed a second time? Yes, many of them will adjust to another home, which hopefully will be better prepared for the arrival of the new pet. Some of these animals may still need training, especially in the case of young or adolescent puppies, which may not have received adequate house training guidance and/or socialization in their previous, short-lived home. But they can still make good pets for someone willing to take the time.

Many of these pets will become loving and loyal companions. That is assuming, though, that a new home can be located. Unfortunately, that is often easier said than done, and too many pets end up meeting an unpleasant end when there are no new homes for them.

What is the moral of the story? If you did not adopt a pet this holiday season, hopefully you already know that the holidays are perhaps not the best time of year to adopt a new pet and, likewise, hopefully you will never make the mistake of adopting a pet you are not prepared to care for.

If you did adopt a pet, for yourself or for someone else, and now find yourself in a position where surrendering that pet is inevitable, accept that you made a serious mistake in judgment. Learn from that mistake and vow never to repeat it. After all, it is not really you that suffers for this transgression. It is the pet that pays the ultimate price.

Christmas at the Museum

The cedar tree is decorated with handmade cornucopias, flowers, and fans, as was the style in the Victorian Era. Many antique toys and artifacts are displayed throughout the entire house. Cedar greens tucked in around the artifacts are simple ways to decorate but look as if they would have been placed there by the original owners of the house.

Plan a visit to the 155 year old house decorated for Christmas on Wednesdays from 2 pm to 6:30 pm and Sundays from 1 pm to 4 pm through Sunday, December 20, 2015.

Beginning December 21, PGS House Museum will be closed until May, 2016.

For information on group tours, please call 989-292-9096 or 989-224-2894. You may also contact the museum via email at PGSMuseum@hotmail.com.

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Hallmark film features music of SJHS alumnus – December 20

St. Johns High School alumnus Chad Rehmann recently collaborated with the Hallmark Channel to compose music for their upcoming Countdown to Christmas film, Christmas Land, which premieres December 20th. This is Chad’s second holiday film for 2015, the first being The Christmas Gift, which is currently airing on Lifetime.

This year Rehmann also scored the widely popular Funhouse Massacre, which was released last month in select AMC theatres across the country and will be available on VOD and DVD this Spring.

More information about these films and others can be found at chadrehmann.com.

The son of Gery and Sheila Rehmann, and grandson of May and Jerry Pulliam of St. Johns, Chad is a graduate of St. Johns High School (1999) and Michigan State University (2003). He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife Kari (Wieber) and their three children.

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Community Christmas Concert – December 11

The annual Community Christmas Concert will be held on December 11th at 7:00 pm in the Wilson Center Auditorium.

Participants include the St. Johns Community Band, Bases Loaded Tuba Ensemble, the Mint City Singers and Vivo Contando, and the community children’s choir.

There will be a free will offering.

The Wilson Center Auditorium is located at 101 W. Cass St., St. Johns.

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Annual Toys for Tots Concert – December 12

The King of Country “Louie Longoria” and The King of Rock n’ Rock “Steve “Elvis” Hunt” will put on their 8th Annual Concert to benefit Clinton County Toys for Tots.

The Concert will be Saturday, Dec 12, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the VFW Post 4113, 2497 N US 27, St. Johns.

Admission is $10 or a new unwrapped toy of equal value. Special thanks go to Mckenzie Crosby Insurance Agency.

Santa Parade – a courtesy album

https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/151205?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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Briggs Library News

The Library would like to give a special Thank You to the Clinton County RESA Construction Trades Program under the direction of Ross Pope and RSI Home Improvement for their help and services.

Holiday Wishes – The Library would like to wish our wonderful patrons and the community that supports us a happy holiday season. We could not do what we do without your generosity, well wishes and support. The value you place in the Library is greatly appreciated. A special Thank You goes out to all the individuals who have volunteered their time for the betterment of the Library this past year. There are not words to express how lucky the Library is to be blessed with such a dedicated group of individuals.

Pre-Reader – “Reading Through the Alphabet” is the story-time theme for children ages 4-6 years old (independent listeners). This 6 week session is on Thursday evenings, 6:30-7pm, Jan. 14 – Feb. 18. Story-times include stories, games, music, movement and crafts. Registration is required and begins on Thursday, Dec. 17.

Holiday Cartoon Program – “Kids, Cartoons, and Crafts” is the Library’s new holiday movie program that will feature a short cartoon, a craft, a game, and a snack. Independent children ages 4-8 are invited to celebrate the Christmas season on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 6:30-7:30p.m. as we watch Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Registration for this free program is required.

Last in the Library Book Club – The January selection of the Last in the Library Book Club is “The Wednesday Wars” by Gary D. Schmidt. This wonderfully witty and compelling novel about a teenage boy’s mishaps and adventures over the course of the 1967-68 school year was a 2008 Newbery Honor Book. Holling Hoodhood knows his seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Baker, is out to get him – why else would she make him spend each Wednesday afternoon reading Shakespeare? 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.

All Ages Coloring Event – Coloring books aimed at adults, with intricate pictures of animals, landscapes, and geometric designs, have become increasingly popular as a fun way to relax and unwind. The Briggs Library has recently purchased some adult coloring supplies and is inviting people of all ages to join us for a night of stress-relieving, creativity-enhancing fun! A selection of coloring books, crayons, pencils, and markers will be available during this calming and fun program on Tuesday, January 12 from 6:30-7:30p.m. Registration for this free program is required and opens on Tuesday, December 22.

Library Closures – The Library will be closed on Friday Dec. 18 from 11:15a.m. – 1:15p.m. for the City of St. Johns Awards Luncheon. The Library will be closed on December 24, 25, and 26 for the Christmas Holiday and on December 31and January 1for the New Year’s Holiday. The drop box on the Library porch will be available for returns throughout these closures.

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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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Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation gets Matching Funds offer

Fundraising is now in full swing with the Wilson Center Auditorium Renovation Committee seeking all who are willing to help restore this mid-Michigan historical gem here in St. Johns. This auditorium has great acoustics, sightlines and intimacy. It will become a viable entertainment venue for mid-Michigan residents for many, many years to come.

They have just received a $30,000 matching grant. Now they need to raise $30,000 by the end of the year to receive those funds.

All donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations are eligible for this match. No matter what amount your donation is, it will be doubled by this grant, up to $30,000.

This offer is only good through the end of December, 2015.

The committee will be able to complete phase 2 of the renovation and purchase the rest of the seating, new stage lighting, and a projector to finish the renovation project.

Please donate now! Make your check payable to St. Johns Foundation for Excellence and mail it to: Wilson Auditorium Project, PO Box 331, St. Johns, MI 48879.

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Don’t give or receive the gift of influenza this holiday season

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means a lot of hustle and bustle, holiday parties and family get-togethers. During this flurry of activity you’re bound to exchange a gift or two; make sure influenza isn’t one of them!

The flu can spread quite quickly, especially in confined areas, like at grandma’s house during the holidays. You certainly don’t want to be the one who shares his germs with the entire family, nor do you want to be the recipient of such an unwanted gift, so protect yourselves and those around you – get vaccinated!

The absolute best way to prevent the flu and its potentially life-threatening complications is for everyone, including healthy people, age six months and older, to get vaccinated. Children less than six months of age are too young to get a flu vaccine, so the best way to protect them is to vaccinate those around them, including parents, family members, and those who care for them. For those at high-risk for developing serious flu complications, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, and people with certain health conditions, vaccination is especially important.

The vaccine is available at a variety of places, including your doctor’s office, many pharmacies, or the health department.

Mid-Michigan District Health Department participates with the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, as well as many types of insurance. The health department offers Flumist nasal spray, Fluzone High Dose, and preservative-free options, as well as the “regular” flu shot. Please call your nearest branch office for more information, to see if your insurance is accepted, or to schedule an appointment.

You may visit www.mmdhd.org for more information.

Around Town With Barry

https://picasaweb.google.com/110845930262453987007/151211?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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This week’s Mystery Photo

Where is this?

Can you tell us where this is located? Drop us a line at mail@sjindy.com.

709 N. Swegles St.

Jonathan D. Pulling writes: This week’s Mystery House is on the Northwest corner of Walker and Oakland streets. I believe that the house number is 209 East Walker Street. I used to go by it on my State Journal newspaper route during the late 50’s/early 60’s. The McMillan family lived there then.

The current owners are Rollin and Jeanette Huard. The Kaisers owned it in the 1950s, and they had an apartment on the west side.

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A Look Back – Perrin Palmer PTA Event

by Barry Bauer

In the early 1970s Mrs. Gary Biddinger and Mrs. Geraldine Whyman look over the items for a Perrin Palmer PTA raffle.

I had Mrs. Whyman as a sixth grade teacher, and she was also the principal. Mrs. Whyman had red hair, and I’m guessing that her favorite color was green because she wore that color a lot. She and her husband owned a late model Buick; and you guessed it, it was green.

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Benny and Jessie’s Pet Info –

We all have that friend, relative, or rival who walks their dog with expert leash-wielding skills. They aren’t being pulled down the block, tied ’round trees, or tangled up with the friendly neighbor dog who’s also out for an afternoon stroll. I don’t know about you, but I silently envy the person and pet that can walk side-by-side without breaking a sweat.

Good leash walking skills are important for more than just showing off your pet-parent talents.

“From a relationship perspective,” explains Sarah Fraser, a certified professional dog trainer and co-founder of Instinct Behavior and Training in New York City, “if your dog is walking nicely on a leash, it likely means that your dog is paying more attention to you, making it easier for you to provide direction and guidance as needed along your walk.”

A leash-puller can also run the risk of accidentally breaking away from your grip, which can pose multiple dangers to your pet if he or she continues to run, not to mention the danger for yourself if you end up face-first on the sidewalk. Having proper leash manners minimizes the risk that you will be pulled over in a moment of overzealous leash yanking and will make the time more about walking and less about tug-of-war.

“Teaching your dog to walk nicely on a leash allows you to take her more places and for longer walks, because it’s more comfortable and enjoyable for the both of you,” Fraser says.

Tips for Better Walking Behavior

Whether your dog is big or small, here are six ways to improve your dog’s behavior on a leash:

– Adjust your attitude.

First, ask yourself: “What would I like him or her to do instead?” Instead of teaching a dog to stop pulling, think of it as teaching your dog how to walk nicely beside you.

– Remember it’s all about the rewards.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to start teaching a dog to walk properly on a leash is to reward the dog for paying attention to you and for being in the desired position (next to you or close to you) when out for a walk.

“As the dog learns that walking next to you is a pleasant, rewarding experience, she’ll spend less time pulling and more time walking nicely beside you,” says Fraser. Try using very special treats in the beginning, like small pieces of boiled chicken or roast beef, to really get your dog’s attention, she advises.

– Play the “follow me” game.

Hold on to your leash and take several backward steps away from your dog. The backward movement is inviting, so your dog is likely to turn and follow you. Say “yes!” as your dog approaches you, then immediately reward him or her with a treat.

“The game helps your dog focus and move with you,” says Fraser. Then back away several steps in another direction. Once again, says “yes!” as your dog approaches and reward him or her with a treat. Repeat this pattern eight to 12 times, until your dog is actively pursuing you when you move away.

– Practice on your regular walks.

Once you’ve started your stride, each time your dog looks up at you or walks next to you, says “yes!” and immediately reward him or her with a treat.

– Reward often.

“Frequent rewards will help your dog figure out more quickly what behavior you’re looking for and make the learning process easier for her,” Fraser explains.

“The trick to making this work is using very special treats at first, and keeping your rate of reinforcement high, which just means that you are marking and rewarding often — maybe every 4-5 steps at first — for any and all ‘good’ leash behavior.”

Over time, you can thin out your rate of reinforcement, rewarding your dog less frequently throughout the course of the walk, Fraser adds.

Consider additional assistance.

“If your dog is already a practiced puller, consider purchasing a quality front clip harness to provide extra control on walks,” Fraser recommends. But if your dog already pulls hard on a front clip harness, consider working with a certified, positive reinforcement-based trainer.

Finally, remember that walking on a leash is a skill that takes time and practice for both the pet parent and dog, so celebrate incremental improvements and successes.

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Maralyn’s Did You Know? – Kroger Recalls Bakery Fresh Chocolate Brownies

The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) said today it has recalled Bakery Fresh Goodness chocolate brownies (16 oz, tub) sold in its retail stores because the product may contain walnuts not listed on the label.

People who are allergic to walnuts could have a severe reaction if they consume this product. For consumers who are not allergic to walnuts, there is no safety issue with the product. One Kroger customer has reported a possible allergic reaction in connection with this product.

All stores operating under the JayC and Smith’s names, as well as Kroger stores located in Georgia; South Carolina; Auburn, Alabama; Greater Cincinnati (including Northern Kentucky and Dayton, Ohio plus South Eastern Indiana); Central and Northwest Ohio; Northwestern West Virginia panhandle; Michigan; Hopkinsville and Bowling Green, Kentucky; Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee; Huntsville, Alabama; Indiana (except SE Indiana and Evansville); Illinois; Eastern Missouri; Texas and Louisiana; no other Kroger locations are included.

Kroger has removed this item from store shelves and initiated its customer recall notification system that alerts customers who may have purchased recalled Class 1 products through register receipt tape messages and phone calls.

Bakery Fresh Goodness Brownies 11110-09172 Lot numbers beginning with 15307
Purchased between Nov. 7, 2015 – Nov. 16, 2015; 16 oz

Customers allergic to walnuts who have purchased the above product should not consume it and should return them to a store for a full refund or replacement.

Customers who have questions may contact Kroger at 1-800-KROGERS.

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Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Feline Hyperthyroidism

Excess thyroid hormone has a number of effects on your cat’s body. Symptoms commonly seen in cats with hyperthyroidism include:

– An increased appetite (sometimes described as a voracious appetite)
– Weight loss (often despite an increase in appetite)
– Increased thirst
– Increase urination
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Restlessness/hyperactivity

Besides these symptoms, several other complications can occur in cats suffering from hyperthyroidism. Heart disease can occur as a result of the toxic effect of the circulating thyroid hormones on the heart. High blood pressure (hypertension) is another potential complication.

Kidney disease is also commonly diagnosed concurrent with hyperthyroidism in cats. Cats suffering from both diseases may need treatment for both and the diagnosis of kidney disease in a cat with hyperthyroidism can affect the cat’s prognosis.

There are several options for treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism.

Radio-iodine treatment, or I131 treatment, uses radioactive iodine to kill the diseased tissue in the thyroid gland. Most cats undergoing I131 treatment are cured of the disease. However, these cats must be monitored for hypothyroidism after treatment.

Surgical removal of the diseased thyroid gland is another potential treatment. Like I131 treatment, surgical treatment is curative but these cats also must be monitored afterward for hypothyroidism.

Medical treatment with methimazole is probably the most common treatment choice. This medication can be administered by mouth or can be formulated into a transdermal gel which can be applied to your cat’s ear. Methimazole is effective in controlling the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. However, it does not cure the disease and, if this treatment option is elected, your cat will need to receive the medication for the rest of his life.

Feeding a diet restricted in iodine is a newer alternative for treatment of feline hyperthyroidism. Like methimazole treatment, this alternative is not curative and your cat will require lifelong treatment.

According to Dr. Ellen Behrend, who presented some new facts and knowledge about feline hyperthyroidism at the 2013 American Animal Hospital Association conference, cats undergoing curative alternatives for hyperthyroidism (I131 or surgical treatments) tend to have longer survival times than those cats undergoing medical or dietary therapy alone. This finding is particularly important for cats that are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at a younger age.

Another finding that Dr. Behrend reported is that compensatory hypothyroidism is more common in treated cats than previously believed and treated cats need to be monitored accordingly. She also mentioned that correcting compensatory cases of hypothyroidism where applicable can improve kidney function and help resolve some cases of kidney disease, in turn giving these cats a higher quality of life and potentially prolonging their lives.

Another potentially more disturbing finding reported by Dr. Behrend is the possibility that sarcomas, an aggressive form of cancer, may be responsible for more cases of feline hyperthyroidism than previously reported. This finding was reported in one study and needs further validation and exploration. At this point, the significance of the finding is questionable and we’ll have to wait to see whether further research supports the findings in this study. Hyperthyroidism caused by sarcoma of the thyroid gland could be significantly more difficult to treat than that resulting from other causes and this finding raises serious concerns about survival rates for these cats.

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Remember When? – The Phone Company

By Maralyn Fink

Back in the day, the phone company was located on E. Walker St not far from the Municipal Building. That is where the operators”were located, and you could pay your bill there also.

There were stairs to climb to the 2nd level, and it was fun to watch the operators pushing and pulling all their cords.

Later the building shown in the picture was built on State St. and became General Telephone. The step up was that they had a drive-up window where you pulled up to paid your bill. I remember doing that in the late 60’s and 70’s.

This was still a time in our life when you could make a phone call to any business and Not get a recording of a mysterious voice telling you to push 1 for this, or two for that, etc. etc. etc.

I guess back in the day in my mind, most things would stay as they were not knowing what I know now. Oh how I long to go back the simpler way of life if just for a day!

Obituaries

David John Gaffney

David John Gaffney, 64, of Elsie lost a valiant battle with cancer on Monday, December 7, 2015. He was a loving father and grandfather. Throughout his life, he was an outstanding golfer, youth coach, and woodworker. More than anything, he was a very compassionate person. A trait which shone through in his love for animals, and concern for the very young and old alike. As an avid Michigan State and Detroit Tigers fan, Dave cheered on the Spartans this fall in their memorable victories over Michigan, Ohio State, and Iowa.

He is survived by his partner/girlfriend of 20 years, Terry Moore. She faithfully took care of him at home during his final four-month fight. Their days together were marked by laughter, love, and a genuine joy for life and each other. They spent much of their time together traveling to area craft shows, where they enjoyed spending time with the other crafters and meeting the many people who stopped at their booth.

Other survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Aaron and Karrie Gaffney of Charlevoix; son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Carrie Gaffney of Bay City; grandchildren Gwendolyn, Caleb, Ella, Jack, Joe, Gabrielle, Elijah, and Lucas; sister, Kathy Gaffney of Salem, Arkansas; and brother, James Gaffney of St. Johns.

A graveside memorial service will be held in the spring at Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton, Michigan. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Clinton County or Sparrow Home Hospice.

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Florence C. Wickham

Florence C. Wickham died on December 6, 2015 at the age of 91. She was born November 25, 1924 in Evart, Michigan, the daughter of Hugh and Winifred (Booth) Ellsworth. She married Kermit A. Wickham on May 28, 1952 in East Lansing, MI. He preceded her in death on March 2, 1964.

Florence is survived by her children, Judy (David) Spooner of St. Johns, Gene (Gwen Wentworth) Burnham of Muir, Roger Wickham of Fairbanks, Alaska and Randy Wickham of St. Johns; stepsons, Douglas Wickham and David (Claudia) Wickham, both of Florida; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; sisters, Betty (Fred) Fleischer and Patricia Wilson and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Kermit, she was also preceded in death by two sisters, three brothers and a granddaughter.

Funeral Service will be on Thursday, December 10, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Osgood Funeral Homes, 104 East Cass Street, St. Johns, MI with burial following at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 9 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

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Lance E. Ouellette

Lance E. Ouellette died Friday, December 4, 2015 at the age of 58 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born July 3, 1957 in Midland, MI the son of Floyd and Mary (DeChantal) Ouellette. Lance was a graduate of Dow High School, Class of 1976 and served in the U.S. Navy. Lance was active in the St. Johns community in many ways. He served on the DDA Board, was active in the development of the Clinton County Veteran’s Memorial and a member of DAV Chapter # 63. Lance had a great sense of humor and two of his favorite sayings were, “Just another day in paradise” and “I am Spartacus”.

Surviving is his wife, Susan; children, Johnathon (Jasmine) Ouellette, Marie (C.J.) Lowe, Christa and Laurel Ouellette; grandchildren, Preston Schreiber, Noah Ouellette, Camryn Lowe, Mackenzie Lowe, and Elizabeth Hansen; his father, Floyd; brothers and sisters, Candace (Keith) Paige, Robin (Jim) Secrist, Cherie Athanasoulias, Forest (Karen) Ouellette, Pascal (Jan) Ouellette, Jeffrey, Laurel and Loren Ouellette, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 10, 2015 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns with Pastor Samuel Graham officiating. Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI. The family will receive relatives and friends 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 9th at the funeral home.

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Keith Edwin Wood

Keith Edwin Wood, 85, of Asheville, N.C., died peacefully on Dec. 1, 2015. He was married to Johnnie Louise Cossitt on Nov. 27, 1954, to whom he was a wonderful husband for 61 years. They raised two daughters, Kimberlee Wood Colby, Fairfax, Va., and Susan Wood Johnson, Hoffman Estates, Ill. They lived in Ottumwa, Iowa, and Moline, before moving to Asheville in 1989. He was born in Grass Lake, Mich., on Aug. 23, 1930, to Henry Wayne and Revella Barnes Wood.

Mr. Wood graduated from Michigan State University in 1959 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering, after which he began his 30-year career with Deere & Company, where he was manager of reliability at John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline. Mr. Wood also worked for Haworth Inc., in Holland, Mich., and Dayco Corporation in Waynesville, N.C. He held numerous patents for mechanical design improvements.

Mr. Wood served four years in the Navy during the Korean War. He contributed to his community in numerous ways, including election to the Ottumwa Board of Education and president of his neighborhood civic association. He was a member of Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, where he had served as an elder. He was clerk of session for Broadway Presbyterian Church in Rock Island, and taught Sunday School at First Presbyterian Church in Ottumwa. Mr. Wood was devoted to his wife, daughters, grandchildren and large extended family. His passion was his antique cars, one of which he restored himself. He was a highly skilled bridge player and traveled to all 50 states.

Survivors include his wife, Johnnie Wood, Asheville; their daughter, Kimberlee Wood Colby, and her husband, Robert Lee Doughton Colby, Fairfax; and their daughter, Susan Wood Johnson, and her husband, Robert Humphrey Johnson, Hoffman Estates; Mr. Wood’s nephew, Mark Wood, and his wife, Lisa, West Chester, Ohio; five grandsons, who are Robert Colby, his wife, Erin, and great-granddaughter, Jane Leigh; Douglas Colby and his wife, Shelby; Elijah Johnson and his wife, Kaitlin; Gabriel Johnson; and Zachary Johnson; grandnieces, Allison Wood, Pamela Wood and Jennifer Wood; sister, Marjorie Bast (Jerry Bast), St. Johns, Mich.; brothers, Richard Wood, Lewiston, N.Y., and Clifford Wood (Sally Wood), Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; brothers-in-law, Bob Cossitt (Paulette Cossitt), New Albany, Miss., and Bill Cossitt, Tupelo, Miss.; and dozens of nieces and nephews whom he loved. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles Wood.

A memorial service will be held today at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, Black Mountain, N.C. Burial will take place Dec. 7 at Ebeneezer Presbyterian Church, Cotton Plant, Miss. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Ebeneezer Presbyterian Church, 601 County Road 713, Blue Mountain, MS 38610; or Riceville Fire Department, 2251 Riceville Road, Asheville, NC 28805.

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Marilyn Catherine Ford

Marilyn Catherine Ford “Lyn”, died Thursday December 3, 2015 at the age of 85 after a brief illness. She was born on September 9, 1930 in Detroit, MI the daughter of Francis and Bernadine (Collins) Ford. After High School Lyn graduated from nursing school as a registered nurse. Lyn had worked in Labor and Delivery at St. Lawrence Hospital for many years and had also worked for the American Red Cross. Lyn was a devoted parishioner at St. Mary Cathedral and enjoyed traveling and visiting with her neighbors and many friends.

Lyn is survived by cousins: Virginia Rolfe of Owosso, Michigan; M. Cathy Borton of Ovid, Michigan; Rosemary Roach of Toronto, Canada and Clair (Bud) Gorman of Stanton, Michigan as well as her god daughter, Denise Frisbee, and many second cousins, special neighbors and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Cathedral in Lansing on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. with Msgr. Bernard Reilly as celebrant. Committal Services will follow at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, Owosso, Michigan at 1:00 P.M. Lyn will lie in state one hour prior to the Funeral Mass at St. Mary Cathedral.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933.

Arrangements by Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, Michigan.

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Marriage licenses filed the week of November 30, 2015

Quinn Stephen Shooltz, 25 of DeWitt and Kristal Marie Edie, 21 of Lansing

David James Chase, 56 of St. Johns and Rae Lynn Hammer, 49 of St. Johns

Tyler Robert Wagonschutz, 29 of DeWitt and Kaela Erienne Marchlewicz, 22 of DeWitt

Ralph William Carmichael, 52 of DeWitt and Erengul Carmichael, 51 of DeWitt