January
Why is MMDHD not able to schedule more clinics?
The amount of vaccine coming into Mid Michigan District Health Department’s three counties, Clinton, Gratiot, and Montcalm, is fairly small; and the majority of it is going to the hospitals.
What does this mean for those who are eligible to receive the vaccine? Unfortunately, it means that even though you may be eligible to receive the vaccine now, it may be some time before you are actually able to get vaccinated.
A few things to keep in mind
– MMDHD asks that you please help family, friends, and neighbors who are having difficulty scheduling their own appointment, and those with no internet access. Those who need help with scheduling an appointment can also call 211.
– If you have a COVID-19 vaccination appointment scheduled with MMDHD and you end up getting vaccinated somewhere else, or you change your mind about getting vaccinated, please let them know by emailing covidclinicforms@mmdhd.org so that they can cancel your appointment.
– If you receive your first dose at MMDHD before the second week in February, you do not need an appointment to get your second dose. Please return to the same location on the date written on the back of you COVID-19 vaccination record card. You may arrive any time from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
– MMDHD is experiencing a high volume of calls to our COVID-19 information line. If you need to speak with someone on this line, expect delays.
A new epidemic order goes into effect on February 1. It allows indoor dining at restaurants with certain requirements; concessions at casinos, movie theaters and stadiums; personal services requiring mask removal; and non-residential gatherings of up to 10 people from two households. The new order will last until February 21.
Author with hometown roots releases new book in time for Black History Month
Janet Kloeckner Halfmann who grew up on a farm in the St. Johns and Fowler area has released yet another nonfiction picture book, The Clothesline Code: The Story of Civil War Spies Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker.
One year after escaping slavery, Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker used a clothesline code to steal Confederate military secrets and send them back to the Union army at great risk to themselves. This true story of sacrifice and bravery shows us that when we have courage and compassion for the world around us, even the simplest items can become powerful tools for change.
Janet Kloeckner Halfmann is a multi-award-winning children’s author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. Many of her picture books are about animals and nature. She also writes picture book biographies about little-known people of achievement.
Janet has written more than forty fiction and nonfiction books for children. Before becoming a children’s author, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children’s magazine managing editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of six. When Janet isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living-history museums, and spending time with her family.
She grew up on a farm in Michigan and now lives in South Milwaukee, WI. You can find out more about Janet and her books on her website https://www.janethalfmannauthor.com
Clothesline Code is scheduled for release on February 1, 2021. Signed copies of her books are available locally at Becker Furniture on Main Street in Fowler and the Clinton County Art Gallery in downtown St. Johns.
The Voice for Clinton County’s Children updating building
The staff and volunteers at The Voice for Clinton County’s Children have been working hard as they continue to update their beautiful building to make things even more welcoming and safe for children and families.
They look forward to welcoming you in person when it is safe to do so. They say they will hold a great party.
Keck-Coleman Funeral Home sold and renamed
Ken and Ashley Kutzli of McGeehan Funeral Homes have joined Curt Keck to continue serving the St. Johns Community. Joe Coleman will join Pat Goff in retirement.
As of December 30, McGeehan Funeral Homes acquired Keck-Coleman Funeral Home in St. Johns, Michigan. Ken and Ashley Kutzli are making St. Johns their home to manage McGeehan Funeral Homes Keck-Coleman Chapel. Ken and Ashley are both said to have a heart for serving people, a natural integrity, and a sincere commitment to care for others when we need it most.
McGeehan Funeral Homes serve the Michigan communities of Chesaning, New Lothrop, St. Charles and now St. Johns.
February
Historic local church set to be demolished
photos by Maralyn Fink
According to the Facebook page for Divine Mercy Parish, “For the past couple of years, Holy Mass has been prayed in our traditionally appointed Pastoral Center Chapel, as we continue with the gradual process of salvaging our 127-year-old church building and preparing it for demolition. Maintaining our old Church structure has been an expensive commitment for the past 10 years. As much as we have desired to keep up with our historic building’s needs, present reality has made it very difficult and more than our small congregation has been able to afford.
“It is sad to see this building go,” the post continues. “It has had an active worshiping community since 1854. Our present church erected in 1894, was constructed in a basilica style – that is, if you look at it from the top, you readily recognize that the worship area is constructed in the form of a cross. This was a prevalent form of architecture in years gone by. So, when it is demolished, there will be a great loss, both historically and architecturally, for this community.”
SJHS Teatre production places 5th in the State
St. Johns Competition Theatre’s production of “The Internet is Distract- Oh Look a Kitten!” placed 5th in their division at their virtual State competition on Saturday, February 13.
Excellence awards were earned by:
– Nevaeh Toepler for program design
– Lexsey Pulver, Abby Kloha, Parker Lee, Elayne Lucas, Ella Koenigsknecht, James Gonzales, Nevaeh Toepler, Anna Hagerman, and Jacob Glew for their roles as the Internet Ensemble
Superior awards were earned by:
– Halie Riojas for set logo painting
Jacob Campbell for the roles of Netflix and Jenny Madison Nofzinger, Lily Thelen, and Emily VanElls for Costume Design and Execution
Congratulations to all!
The streaming of their show has been extended through Sunday, February 21.
Snow around town
by Maralyn Fink
On Tuesday afternoon I decided to go out and see what I could find with all the snow we had.
It had snowed the night before and into Tuesday, so there was a good amount of snow banks to choose from. This is what I found as I braved the cold.
Clinton Area Ambulance shows off new ambulance
Clinton Area Ambulance Service Authority has a new ambulance, and thanks to Michigan Graphics & Signs their new ambulance is almost ready.
With the final touches on the inside, they will be helping their communities with this beauty.
Dine in off to a slow start
by Maralyn Fink
On Wednesday I stopped by Big Boy to see Dave Hunt and his crew.
It was a slow night, but I snapped some pictures while I was there. The restaurants are open now and it was indeed a slow night since this was 5:15 p.m. They are open daily from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
I hope these businesses can pick up their business as it is their income that counts. Please shop local and eat local!
Safety protocols at Clinton Transit go beyond Mask Mandate
Mask mandates issued at the federal level don’t require a change in protocol for Clinton Transit. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public transit agency serving Clinton County residents has been implementing a variety of health and safety protocols to keep passengers and drivers safe, including masks at all times.
“The safety of our riders and operators has always been our top priority,” says MaLissa Schutt, Executive Director of Clinton Transit. “That has always meant making sure our vehicles were well-maintained and our drivers were well-trained – but in the wake of COVID-19, our commitment to safety has expanded to include practices like mask wearing, physical distancing and increased disinfecting.”
Clinton Transit has required all operators and passengers to wear masks at all times while on the buses since April 2020. In addition, the agency has installed plexiglass barriers to separate operators and passengers, and has remained fare-free to eliminate the need for contact during the transfer of money or passes.
During the middle and at the end of each shift, all contact points in the transit vehicles are wiped down, and all transit vehicles are treated with electrostatic disinfection applications on Tuesdays and Fridays.
“We know how important it is for public transit to keep people connected to essential services like medical care, grocery shopping, employment and more,” says Schutt. “When you see a Blue Bus on the road, you can be confident that we’re doing all we can to keep people safe.”
Clinton Transit is a public transit system that keeps people connected throughout Clinton County. Fondly known as the Blue Bus, Clinton Transit’s demand response system responds to ride requests and provides safe, reliable transportation for all county residents. Learn more at clintontransit.com.
March
Special Fish Fry a great success
The Clinton Area Care Center sponsored a Take Out Fish Fry on Friday, March 19 to benefit Kim Huguelet. Kim was diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer on February 2, 2021. She has been a devoted employee at Hazel I Findlay County Manor for 11 years. She is now on medical leave and is beginning treatment.
US-127 North construction underway
The Michigan Department of Transportation is undertaking a US-127 safety improvements project in Clinton County which were slated to begin on Monday, March 15.
MDOT is investing about $2 million to perform these improvements on US-127 at the French Road, Mead Road, Marshal Road, Hyde Road and Maple Rapids Road intersections in Clinton County.
Improvements will consist of indirect left turns with loons (Michigan Lefts), extending concrete left-turn lanes to crossroads, and building concrete right-turn lanes.
This work will require single-lane and shoulder closures from French Road to Maple Road. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes.
The work is expected to be completed by Mid-July, 2021.
Hometown man is back in the area with a new book
Thom Paseka who graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School with the class of 1962 has led quite a life, and now he has returned to the area to share some of his thoughts with us.
Just Thoughts, published by Balboa Press, is kind of a distillation of some of his musings in the form perhaps of prose poetry.
The book begins, “All we need is in front of us.”
Fellow author Janet Halfmann says of the book:
A wonderful book for helping one to realize what are the most important things of life and for finding peace. I especially like Thom’s advice to “Look through your heart, not your eyes.” I will be rereading the thoughts in this book often.
Another reviewer says, “This book is wonderfully thought provoking. I enjoy reading a page each day and then reflecting on the message throughout the day. The author has great personal insight.”
After high school Thom graduated from Michigan State University where he majored in English, Philosophy, Psychology and Business. Over the years he was a hair designer for 52 years, owning two salons, Innervision Hair Studio in Honolulu, Hawaii and Riccardo Hair Salon in Lansing.
“I am a Street Psychologist,” he says. “My clients are my Hair clientele.”
Thom’s book is available in paperback and Kindle ebook format from Amazon.
Drive-Thru Easter Egg Event is April 3
The St. Johns Lioness Club will be hosting a Drive-Thru Easter Egg Event on Saturday, April 3 at 1:00 p.m. at the St. Johns City Park.
Following recommended health and safety precautions, workers will be distributing bags of plastic eggs to children through the age of ten. Eggs will contain toys, wrapped candy, or coins. There will be special eggs provided for children under age three.
– Children ages 4 to 10 will receive a bag of plastic eggs containing toys, candy, or coins.
There will be special eggs for children under 3. Workers passing out the bags will be following
all recommended health and safety precautions.
– A few children will be awarded prize baskets, and many cars will be surprised with gift cards!
This is strictly a drive-thru event; passengers must remain in cars and no walk-ups will be permitted.This community event is made possible through the support of the City of St. Johns and local businesses and groups.
Man arrested, charged in fatal shooting on E. State Street
The St. Johns Police Department has arrested a 24-vear-old St. Johns man for a fatal shooting that took place on February 27 at approximately 8:30 p.m. in the 500 block of East State St. in the City of St. Johns.
The initial investigation indicates that several subjects had gathered at the residence where the shooting occurred. During the course of the evening, the resident had taken out several firearms to display them to his guests. At some point, a firearm which was assumed to be unloaded was discharged striking a person in the residence.
St. Johns Police Officers and Clinton Area Ambulance Service rendered emergency aid, but the victim succumbed to his wounds.
The victim has been identified as 21-year-cld Brandon William Chunko of DeWitt Township.
The suspect in the fatal shooting has been formally charged by the Clinton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Jesse Xavier Osga-Groves of St. Johns has been charged with one count of Homocide-Manslaughter-Death by Weapon Aimed With Intent But Without Malice. Suspect Osga-Groves remains lodged at the Clinton County Jail under a $200,000.00 cash/surety bond.
The incident remains under investigation. The St. Johns Police Department were assisted by the Clinton County Sheriffs Office, the Michigan State Police and the Clinton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
April
Group hopes to save local House of Worship
A St. Johns group is hoping to preserve the church building located at 100 Maple currently known as The First Congregational Church of St. Johns, Michigan, as a House of Worship. The building has historical significance to the community dating back to the 1800s.
The building has recently been listed for sale. The goal of the group is to purchase the building and continue a ministry in the Congregational tradition welcoming all Christians, young and old, who are looking for a place of worship. Through this the membership hopes to provide community services and support cultural activities in the greater St. Johns community.
Named group members include Barbara Bullard, Eugene and Carole Livingston, Ed and Suzanne Martis, Ruth Pasch, Ken and Karen Pontius and Richard and Charlotte Shoup.
They are seeking support for this endeavor. If you have an interest in joining their cause, or for more information, please call (989) 224-6986.
Thank you for helping Howe’s ReGrow
Howe’s Greenhouse and Flower Shoppe would like to invite you to an open house on Sunday, May 2 from noon until 4 p.m. They are located at 8160 S. Old 27 in DeWitt.
Stop by to enjoy the beauty that has come from the ashes as they thank the community for your support in helping them renovate and rebuild after the fire. There will be raffle prizes with light snacks and beverages provided.
In the early morning of Sunday, August 2nd, two young men noticed a fire in the rear of the greenhouse at Howe’s Greenhouse & Flower Shoppe, LLC. Their quick response in calling 911 and the quick response of the area fire departments were the reason they didn’t have a total loss. The fire that started with a fan motor that burned out during that early morning which tragically caused damage to four of the six greenhouses, but thankfully didn’t reach the main building that encompasses the flower shop, design area, and office.
They know it’s been a tough time for everyone this last year, but please know that they appreciate all of the support, prayers and love that has been shown to them during this tragedy. They are glad to be back on their feet and to be able to continue serving the wonderful community that has generously supported them for nearly 5 generations.
So much beauty has come from the ashes.
Introducing: Peter’s Musical Garden
Peter’s Sunny Day Foundation able to receive two grants that allowed them to work with the St. Johns Park and Recreation Department on starting a Musical Garden in memory of Peter.
The garden was designed to be accessible to all children, and currently they have three drums placed. They would love to buy additional instruments for the garden and make a fun place for families to enjoy music together.
Special thanks to: St. John’s Area Community Fund, Youngstrom Contracting, St. Johns High School Youth Grant, and Michigan Graphics & Signs for their help making the garden possible.
Peter’s Sunny Day Foundation was started to honor a beloved son, Peter. Peter was a sweet and spunky 3 year old, fun loving and full of energy. That all changed one February day when he was diagnosed with cancer. He fought one heck of a fight for three and a half years. With this foundation organizers are hoping to help and impact those children still fighting and their families. They want to bring a little joy to their lives and lessen their financial burden, allowing them more time to make memories, something they will forever cherish.
His Cup Runneth Over begins 7th season
His Cup Runneth Over, a mobile meal ministry, will be starting it’s 7th season of giving out Free meals on Tuesday, April 20.
Free meals will be given out from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 100 Maple Ave. in St. Johns. They will be located in the back southwest corner of the parking lot. Everyone is welcome to come and it is free for all who come.
For those unable to pick up lunch, please call to arrange for delivery by Monday, April 19.
His Cup Runneth Over is a 501 (c)3. If you would like to get involved in volunteering or need delivery call or text 517-388-2005 or 989-544-5764.
Music in the Park plans 18th season
It’s that time of year again to start talking about and making plans to attend an 18th season of Music in the Park.
After a successful 17th season last year even with the obstacles and challenges that were met and overcome, they are excited to be talking about this summer’s shows.
The lineup has not been finalized yet, and the exact first show has not been put on paper definitively, but we know that every Wednesday evening’s show this year will be featuring Top Notch entertainers and groups. Organizers base this on the number of acts that have been vying for the limited openings.