{"id":2785,"date":"2016-05-12T20:59:19","date_gmt":"2016-05-13T00:59:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/miserybay.usanethosting.com\/indylite\/?p=2785"},"modified":"2016-05-12T20:59:19","modified_gmt":"2016-05-13T00:59:19","slug":"latest-news-27","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/indylite\/2016\/05\/12\/latest-news-27\/","title":{"rendered":"Latest News"},"content":{"rendered":"

SJPS Board votes to close and reconfigure elementary schools<\/strong><\/p>\n

After nearly a year of study, which included information and recommendations from the Facilities Committee of parent and teacher volunteers and from the administrative team, the St. Johns Public Schools Board of Education voted Monday night to support the recommendation to restructure the elementary buildings in the summer of 2017. There were two dissenting votes.<\/p>\n

This decision was said to be primarily a culmination of a multi-year trend of a shrinking school-aged population within the county and state and the lost revenue from this slow but steady decline. <\/p>\n

With Monday night’s decision the following will occur: <\/p>\n

1. East Olive will close during the summer of 2017 unless the district experiences a significant increase at the elementary level before that time.<\/p>\n

2. The East Olive attendance zone boundary will be revised allowing for the elimination of multi-age\/split classrooms at Riley and currently at East Olive.<\/p>\n

3. The two town elementary buildings, Gateway and Oakview, will be converted to Preschool through 2nd and 3rd through 5th grade buildings. The level at each building will be announced later. <\/p>\n

Over the next 16 months the administrative team, with the assistance of school level staff, will implement the following: <\/p>\n

1. Use funding available from the closure to help eliminate the need for multi-age\/split classrooms currently impacting students at both East Olive and Riley.<\/p>\n

2. Revise the internal scheduling of elementary schools to provide consistent opportunities for teachers to plan together and share best practice instructional strategies.<\/p>\n

3. Reinvest in ELA\/Reading Specialists and Supports that were recently reduced due to budgetary pressure.<\/p>\n

4. Develop and utilize Math Specialists positions to help improve overall instructional opportunities for all elementary students.<\/p>\n

5. Reduce class sizes at the lower elementary levels so that students can develop an even stronger foundation. <\/p>\n

In light of Monday night’s meeting, the Board will reopen and extend the intra-district schools of choice transfer window for all elementary students through May 31, 2016. If you would like to take advantage of this extended opportunity, please contact Mark McKeown at (989) 227-4002 or email at mckeownm@sjredwings.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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City Manager’s Newsletter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Public Hearing Set For Fiscal Year 2016-17 Proposed City Budget<\/em>: The annual City operating budget has been submitted by the City Manager to the City Commission for consideration and approval. As part of the budget ratification process a public hearing must be held so that members of the public have the opportunity to comment on budget issues and expenditures. This hearing will be part of the City Commission’s public meeting agenda on Monday, May 23rd at 7:00 pm. The Commission will then deliberate and vote on the budget following the public hearing. A balanced budget has been proposed by the City Manager and his staff. The City Commission thanked staff for their efforts as the City remains fiscally responsible while providing essential services.<\/p>\n

Local Roadwork Underway<\/em>: Road work funded by the dedicated street millage is now underway. The first round of improvements will take place on sections of Railroad Street, Kibbee Street, Traver Street, Higham Street, Vauconsant Street, and Walker Street. This reconstruction project involves some limited curb and gutter replacement, sidewalk ramp improvements, and asphalt surface replacement. These improvements are anticipated to be completed by early June.<\/p>\n

Traffic circulation for residences in the construction zone will be maintained, including access to driveways, except when work is being done directly in front of the driveway. The street can be used for routine deliveries and trips but expect to use more time since it is a construction zone. Trash pick-up and mail delivery will not be affected during construction. Please be mindful of workers in our streets while driving through sections of our city undergoing road construction.<\/p>\n

Ordinance Regarding Off-Street Parking In Residential Areas<\/em>: Residents are reminded that the City regulates the parking of vehicles on residential properties. St. Johns City Code section 155.341 requires that vehicles can be parked out in the open only if they are on a paved driveway or parking area. Not more than three vehicles can be parked on a residential lot unless in a garage-like building. Violators can be cited for a civil infraction with fines starting at $50.00 per day. Additionally, inoperable and\/or unlicensed vehicles cannot be stored in the open on private property within the city per St. Johns City Code 94.02. A violation of this code section is a misdemeanor, which carries up to a $500 fine plus court costs.<\/p>\n

Tornado Warning System\/Tornado Season<\/em>: The City tests its tornado sirens (early warning system) at noon on the first Saturday of each month beginning in April and running through October. These tests will be conducted on this schedule unless there is severe weather in the area. Tornado sirens are located at the City Park, Clinton Memorial Hospital and just east of Federal Mogul. <\/p>\n

Families are encouraged to establish a home safety plan for severe weather events. Suggested family safety plans for weather emergencies can be found in brochure form on the internet at: www.nws.noaa.gov\/om\/brochures\/ttl.pdf<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kroger Fuel Station Begins Site Demo Work<\/em><\/p>\n

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Japanese Gardens at the Briggs in full bloom<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The sakura (cherry) blossoms are in full color this week. Stop by to view the garden just west of Briggs District Library for some quiet time, or for a good photo opportunity. <\/p>\n

Volunteers just combed the rocks free of litter for your enjoyment. <\/p>\n

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In 2003 The St. Johns – Konan Friendship Society asked Pete Motz of Plum Line Landscape and Design to design the Japanese-style garden. The community chipped in for the cost of the plants and trees, and the Garden was established in 2004 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of our Friendship City relationship with Konan, Japan. You will see that the plants and trees have matured nicely over the 12 years.<\/p>\n

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Health department announces ACE Award winner<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mid-Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD) is pleased to announce that Mario Lucchesi, Management Information Systems Coordinator, was chosen by his peers to receive the ACE (Achievement, Character, Excellence) Award for the period January through March, 2016.<\/p>\n

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Lucchesi received multiple nominations and was described by his peers as someone who goes above and beyond in managing the agency’s technology and addressing problems and concerns with a smile. He is also credited with overseeing a major upgrade to the agency’s phone system, and making it feel seamless.<\/p>\n

Mid-Michigan District Health Department would like to thank Lucchesi for his dedicated service to the agency and congratulates him on winning the ACE Award. <\/p>\n

ACE Award recipients are chosen by their colleagues and have proven to demonstrate achievement, character and excellence in all they do at MMDHD. <\/p>\n

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Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum opening May 18<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do your roots go back to the farm? It goes without saying that Clinton County is a farming community and many, if not most of us, either grew up on a farm or our parents or grandparents did. A hundred years ago a farmer could support his family on the food and small income derived from a forty or eighty acre farm. Farming has changed unbelievably since those days, and looking back at life on a Clinton County farm when horses were used to till the soil and huge steam traction engines threshed the grain is a fascinating experience. <\/p>\n

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Take a journey back in time with us at Paine-Gillam-Scott Museum as we present “Down on the Farm” as our featured exhibit for 2016. <\/p>\n

The Paine-Gillam-Scott House, Swegles General Store and the Carriage House are located at 106 Maple St. in St. Johns, MI 48879. Their hours are Wednesdays 2 – 6:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 – 4 p.m. Open from May 18 through mid-December. <\/p>\n

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<\/a> or visit the website at PGSMuseum.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Take A Taste of Michigan with the SCH Auxiliary<\/strong> – Thursday, June 9<\/p>\n

Sparrow Clinton Hospital Auxiliary’s A Taste of Michigan fundraiser gives patrons a chance to sample some great craft beers and wines on Thursday, June 9.<\/p>\n

The Auxiliary partners with Andy T’s Farm Market on Business-127 in St. Johns from 5:30-8:30 p.m. to present this special fundraiser, which includes light snacks, a souvenir glass, a 50\/50 raffle, and door prizes.<\/p>\n

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Call Gay Baker at 517.896.0936 for more information or to purchase tickets.<\/p>\n

Proceeds from A Taste of Michigan help fulfill the SCH Auxiliary’s $100,000 pledge for construction of Sparrow Clinton Hospital’s new Emergency Services Department.<\/p>\n

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SJHS Hall of Fame induction scheduled<\/strong> – Friday, September 9<\/p>\n

The inaugural class of inductees for the St. Johns High School Athletic Hall of Fame has been selected. This group, chosen by Hall of Fame committee, includes individuals and teams that made significant contributions to the success of the school’s athletic program.<\/p>\n

The inductees include: Jim Makarauskas, Paul Sternburgh, Beth Swears, the 1949, 1950 and 1951 football teams, the 1978-79 boys swim team, Dale Knight, Gina Mazzolini, Anne (Brocker) Pierson, Jenny (Poff) Pruett and Levi Rost. <\/p>\n

“The Hall of Fame will recognize both individuals and teams for exemplary accomplishments, contributions and service to St. Johns High School Athletics,” said Director of Athletics Chris Ervin. “We look forward to enshrining this impressive inaugural class and many more in the future to celebrate the history and tradition of St. Johns athletics.”<\/p>\n

The inaugural class will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Friday, September 9. The event will begin with a “Welcome Back Ceremony,” followed by recognition at the football game against Mason.<\/p>\n

Tickets for the induction ceremony will go on sale in August through the St. Johns Activities Office.<\/p>\n

Information on the inductees below were provided by St. Johns athletics:<\/p>\n

Coaches<\/strong><\/p>\n

Jim Makarauskas<\/em>: Former swim and dive coach who coached the boys for 25 seasons and the girls for 16 seasons; coached a combined 49 seasons as head coach and assistant coach over a 40 year stretch; honored with MISCA’s Matt Mann Award (’98); inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame (’09).
\nPaul Sternburgh: Current golf coach who has coached the boys for 36 seasons; inducted into Michigan Intercollegiate Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame (’11); previously coached softball for 19 years earning a 363-140 overall record.<\/p>\n

Beth Swears<\/em>: Former basketball coach who coached the girls for 26 seasons earning a 380-199 overall record; Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Coach of the Year (’90); inducted into the BCAM Hall of Fame (’07). <\/p>\n

Teams<\/strong><\/p>\n

1949, 1950 and 1951 Football Teams<\/em>: Completed three consecutive undefeated seasons with a 26 game winning streak; inducted into the Greater Lansing Sports Hall of Fame (’06). Team was coached by Terry Carey.<\/p>\n

1978-79 Boys Swim Team<\/em>: Completed 11-1 season and earned first conference championship in school history; outscored its opponents by average of 42 points per meet; finished in 7th place in the state. Team was coached by Jim Makarauskas. <\/p>\n

Student-Athletes<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dale Knight<\/em> (Football, Basketball): Earned 13 varsity letters during high school; four-year starter in football; member of the 1952 Michigan State University Football national championship team; member of the 1953 MSU Big Ten and Rose Bowl championship team; 1950 SJHS graduate.<\/p>\n

Gina Mazzolini<\/em> (Girls Basketball, Volleyball): First ever SJHS Female Athlete of the Year (’74); four-year letter winner at Central Michigan University in basketball and volleyball; inducted into the CMU Athletic Hall of Fame (’92); 1974 SJHS graduate.<\/p>\n

Anne (Brocker) Pierson<\/em> (Girls Basketball, Track and Field): SJHS Female Athlete of the Year (’89); All-State basketball player (’88); four-year letter winner at Canisius College; inducted into the Canisius Athletic Hall of Fame (’05); 1989 SJHS graduate. <\/p>\n

Jenny (Poff) Pruett<\/em> (Basketball, Softball): SJHS Female Athlete of the Year (’05); Current SJHS record holder in assists, steals, 3-point field goals, free throw percentage and second in points scored; Runner up in Miss Basketball Award (’04); two-time All-State in softball; played basketball collegiately at Michigan State University and Ohio University; 2005 SJHS graduate.<\/p>\n

Levi Rost<\/em> (Basketball, Baseball): Basketball standout who played two years at Lansing Community College and earned junior college All-American honors; played two years at Western Michigan University earning All-MAC honors; played professionally in Europe for 10 seasons; 2001 SJHS graduate. <\/p>\n

Donations to the Hall of Fame:<\/p>\n

Although associated with St. Johns Public Schools, the St. Johns High School Athletic Hall of Fame is privately funded with the support of local community members and businesses. <\/p>\n

Individuals and businesses interested in making a donation to this effort are urged to contact the SJHS Activities Office at (989) 227-4134 or view the Hall of Fame website at www.sjredwings.org\/athletics<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SJPS Board votes to close and reconfigure elementary schools After nearly a year of study, which included information and recommendations from the Facilities Committee of parent and teacher volunteers and from the administrative team, the St. Johns Public Schools Board of Education voted Monday night to support the recommendation to restructure the elementary buildings in Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2785","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/indylite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2785","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/indylite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/indylite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/indylite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/indylite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2785"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/indylite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2785\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/indylite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/indylite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2785"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/indylite\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}