May
City Commission votes to purchase Congregational Church Building
At Monday evening’s regular meeting of the St. Johns City Commission members approved a Purchase Agreement to buy the Congregational Church property. The vote was 3 -2 with Mayor Eric Hufnagel and Commissioners Jean Ruestman and Brad Gurski voting in favor of the motion and Commissioners Bob Craig and Tammy Kirschenbauer dissenting.
Ruth Nihart and other individuals who had hoped to save the building as a church were upset with the outcome.
“We are hanging on by a thread,” she said after the commissioners voted 3-2 to purchase the property. “People are heartsick. It’s unbelievable.”
The brick church building and grounds serve as a landmark for thousands of people who have passed through its doors.
The Congregational Society of St. Johns decided to build a new church in 1899, five years before St. Johns became a City.
It was said that the members were convinced that their original building was inadequate for good, active, progressive Christian work. Besides, the public had begun to indicate that the present building was no longer an ornament to the village.
The cornerstone was laid on October 13 of that year. The cost of the building and lot amounted to $24,000.
Eat Your ART Out Celebration is June 5
The Clinton County Arts Council will be engaging our Clinton County community in their first major event of the year. The first annual Eat Your ART Out! festival will take place on Saturday, June 5, 2021 in downtown St. Johns from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This new event will include booths being set up on Clinton Ave featuring artists and crafters from around mid-Michigan. Food trucks and vendors will allow people to grab some delicious items while they wander through the downtown area.
There will be an edible art contest that will take place as well as a coloring contest for the youth, along with a best booth contest. Local businesses have been asked to extend their hours to allow the community to check out new places that have opened in the last year along with viewing new items in businesses that have lined the streets for years.
SJHS and Strive Academy graduations set for June 2, 4
At Monday night’s regular meeting of the St. Johns Public School Board of Education Superintendent Mark Palmer announced that both the Strive Academy and High School graduations will take place outdoors. Because of the State of Michigan’s loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, graduation exercises will be open to all friends and family.
The Strive Academy graduation will take place at the William Tennant Performance Shell in St. Johns City Park on June 2 at 6 p.m.
St. Johns High School will hold their graduation ceremony on the football field at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 4 with a weather date of June 5 should it be needed.
When the Class of 2021 receives their diplomas, they will do so on a stage that will be set up at the north end of the field. This will allow family and friends to view the exercises from the bleachers on either side of the field.
CAASA honors Team during Michigan EMS Recognition Week
Clinton Area Ambulance Service Authority has 31 dedicated EMS Practitioners serving the north half of Clinton County.
CAASA is honoring these dedicated men and women for their lifesaving work as Michigan celebrates EMS Recognition Week. Lynn Weber, Director of CAASA had this to share.
Many are calling them heroes for the service they have provided during this pandemic. Many of them are uncomfortable with that term because they are doing what they signed up to do, which is caring for our communities. No one is exempt from the effects of this pandemic; we all have had our challenges. But they would ask you to take a moment and look at the additional role your EMS agency, through these dedicated Paramedics and EMTs, has played over the last several months.
Related to COVID, they have used hundreds of sets of PPE, spent countless hours sanitizing their ambulances and equipment after calls, and transported dozens of critical patients while wearing respirators, masks, face shields, and gowns. They have mastered new equipment formerly used only in hospitals to continue lifesaving treatment of these critically ill patients during transport. They have assisted at vaccination clinics, and are assisting in vaccinating homebound patients against COVID as well. We are prepared to administer monoclonal antibody therapy in the home to those who have COVID and are at a high risk for serious illness or death. CAASA has been an active partner in our County EOC, and has worked hand in hand with the many agencies that have supported and filled the needs of our most vulnerable County residents during this pandemic.
All of this happened while the rest of the world just kept spinning. Meaning all the many other roles that an EMS Practitioner fills were still in play and being performed every shift. Falls, accidents, heart attacks, strokes, difficulty breathing, and a whole host of other calls continued no matter the pandemic, time of day, weather conditions, or any other variable that can be tossed into the mix.
Please remember these emergency medical professionals who care for our communities’ day in and day out. They need to be creative problem solvers and a jack of all trades, a master of our protocols but able to think outside the box. They are willing to put their own physical and mental well-being at risk to help someone in their time of need. They must be able to make decisions based on half of the needed information, delivered by frantic patients or family, in uncontrolled environments, 18 hours into their 24 hour shift. This Team is truly amazing, and taking care of our communities is just what they do.
Clinton County Historical Museum getting a facelift
The Clinton County Historical Museum is well on their way to repairing and refreshing the museum’s for a Grand Post-Covid Reopening.
Please call 989.292.9096 if you have any interest in historical preservation.
The Clinton County Historical Museum is located on the courthouse square at 106 Maple in St. Johns.
Relay for Life holds annual event on Mother’s Day Weekend
with an album by Maralyn Fink
Through the American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life of Clinton County the community to rallied together to help save lives from cancer. Due to the pandemic, the Relay For Life event might looked different but the passion and commitment to fight cancer was unchanged.
“No matter what Relay looks like this year, we still rally together in the fight against cancer and make a difference,” Katie Jones, ACS Staff Partner. “We envision a future where we no longer live with the threat of cancer. Unfortunately, that future is at risk and there is a mission urgency since COVID-19 forced the postponement of fundraising activities this past year. We want you to help us give hope the advantage for the future to be cancer free.”
Over Mother’s Day Weekend, all registered participants were able to participate in a fun scavenger hunt around town. There were two route options based on if participants wanted to drive or walk between stops. The scavenger hunt included favorite Relay For Life components at each stop and gave the chance for Relayers to visit favorite local businesses and landmarks. On Friday, a beautiful Drive Thru Luminaria was hosted at the Downtown Depot. Teams set out luminaria bags in honor and memory of loved ones affected by cancer.
Even though the weekend is over, fundraising continues throughout the spring and summer as they work towards their $100,000 goal by September 1. You can support them by going to RelayForLife.org/ClintonCountyMI. Every dollar fuels the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.
The Relay Event Planning Committee is looking forward to coming together for a more traditional event in 2022. For more than 35 years, participants and volunteers across the world have come together to honor and remember loved ones and take action for lifesaving change. Funds raised help the American Cancer Society conduct breakthrough research, provide 24/7 support for cancer patients and access to lifesaving screenings.
Newest SJPD officer sworn in
Officer Ryan Collier, the newest St. Johns Police Department officer, was sworn in on Monday morning.
June
Where are the class pictures?
The old school is closed, and many graduates and other community members enjoyed this week’s walk through. The question remained in many minds: What happened to the class photos that hung for many years in the main hallway?
Well, we have the answer.
With the sale of Rodney B. Wilson High School, later known as the Junior High and Wilson Center, the Clinton County Historical Society has obtained the class collage framed photos that graced the halls for many years.
“The collection of class pictures has been kept intact and safely removed from RBW,” says Jan Upton of the Clinton County Historical Museum. “The school system had taken them down before the free day, so they would not be taken individually. They are much bigger and heavier than they looked when high on the wall!”
The Society is in the process of determining what next steps of maintenance are needed. They know that the community has a great interest in this part of St. Johns history, and they want to assure the community that they will update us with their progress to make them accessible to the public. This is an exciting acquisition for the Historical Society and for the whole community.
Most people probably don’t know that without the care these photos received a few years ago, we might not have anything to be talking about. It was a member of the Class of 1961, the late Mary Ritz Elsea, who noticed that the collection was falling into disrepair. As a custodian at the school, Mary took it upon herself and on her own time to take each item down and repair and reposition the the photos that had fallen out of place. Then she rehung the restored pictures, placing them back where they belonged.
“They will have a good home,” Upton assured us.
St. Johns Lioness Club dissolving
After 39 years of serving the St. Johns community and supporting Lions Club International projects, the St. Johns Lioness Club is dissolving. This is not a choice that they made but rather a decision of Lions Club International Board of Directors which voted to end the Lioness program effective June 30, 2021.
The club members have decided not to charter a new Lions Club; however their official sponsor, the St. Johns Lions Club, remains active and serving the community. We are happy to report that the annual Easter Egg Hunt will continue under their direction, with support from several former Lionesses and other community volunteers.
Since 1981 club members have held countless fundraisers and contributed many thousands of dollars to the community and to Lions-supported organizations. Some of the local organizations that have benefited from our donations include Basic Needs Center, Beacon of Hope, Clinton County CASA, Clinton County Senior Center, Habitat for Humanity , Safe Center, Special Olympics, St. Johns Baby Pantry, and more.
They have hosted or participated in numerous activities, most notably the annual Easter Egg Hunt. This year in addition to handing out eggs in a drive-through event, they also distributed $1,000 in gift cards to support area businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Another event they previously co-sponsored with the St. Johns Lions Club was the annual Pumpkin Festival that included a pumpkin decorating contest and a “Pumpkin Trot” 5K run. They also have assisted the Lions Club with its fundraisers including the White Cane Sale and food trailer sales at the Concerts in the Park series.
They say that it has been a privilege to serve the St. Johns community and that they want to thank the business community, organizations, and others who have supported them for nearly four decades. For members and for the community the end of the Lioness program and the club is bittersweet. They almost made it to 40 years.
Members of the St. Johns Lioness Club include Eric and Nikita Becks, Dean and Carrie Hartenburg, Laurie Blackmer,
Cheryl Hickey, Jeff and LuAnn Cannell, Cathy Kelley, Gloria Carnicom, Nancy Presocki (charter member), Pat Dickson, Paul and Sandy Witgen and many former members who left the club for various reasons, including those who passed away while serving.
Public invited to walk through the Wilson Center June 22, 23
The historic Rodney B. Wilson Center ownership will transition to Dymaxion Development on July 1, 2021. The district looks forward to new development within the building.
To prepare for the transfer, the district is offering an opportunity for the community to take from some selected items that remain in the building. These selected items are no longer needed in the district and were not purchased when offered for sale. Items are free but must be removed immediately from the building. First come, first served basis.
Please note: The auditorium, gymnasium, and Little Wings Childcare Center remain leased spaces and will remain intact.
Plan would name portion of US-127 in memory of Pfc. James Fitch
State Rep. Graham Filler of DeWitt is spearheading a plan to honor a Clinton County native who was killed in 1967 while deployed with the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam.
Pfc. Ronald James Fitch was born on Feb. 10, 1947 and grew up in St. Johns. He enlisted in the Marines after he turned 18 and was deployed to Vietnam as part of the 3rd Motor Transport Battalion. Pfc. Fitch was tragically killed just shortly after his 20th birthday on April 5, 1967, during a resupply run in Thua Thien Province.
Filler’s plan would designate a portion of US-127 in Clinton County as the “PFC Ronald James Fitch Memorial Highway.”
“Naming the portion of U.S.-127 that runs by Pfc. Fitch’s hometown in his honor will ensure that his life will never be forgotten,” Filler said. “It is my hope that everyone who drives this stretch of road will pause and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice Pfc. Fitch gave for our country.”
If enacted, House Bill 4735 will name the portion of highway US-127 between Wildcat Road and Livingston Road in Pfc. Fitch’s honor.
Outdoor Prince and Princess Tea a success
by Maralyn Fink
On Saturday I attended the Prince and Princess tea held at the park. It was oh, so cute with all of the little princesses there. This was held on Saturday and Sunday on a warm day.
Congratulations Michelle Lundquist and girls of the St. Johns High School Dance Team for the spectacular show. Thanks also to the volunteers who helped in any way, and of course thanks to the parents of the girls.
A Job Well Done!
Strive Academy students celebrate graduation
with an album by Maralyn Fink
Friends and family joined graduates on a fine spring evening to celebrate their completion of their studies at STRIVE Academy, the St. Johns Alternative School. The setting for the ceremony was the William E. Tennant Performance Shell at the St. Johns City Park.
At STRIVE Academy all of the classes are computer based. These classes use multimedia, animations, simulations exploration activities, videos and vocabulary activities to engage students.
Educators believe that everyone can learn in STRIVE Academy. Their purpose is to provide an atmosphere that creates a sense of belonging and ownership. And they encourage students to discover their potential and to develop skills which allow them to overcome personal, social, academic, and technological barriers to success that will allow them to redirect their lives and become cooperative, self-sufficient, and responsible citizens in school and in the community.
Students can work on classes any time, anywhere. Students that are working towards credit recovery, do not need to be slowed down due to weather delays, a day off from school or even waiting until teachers are at school. Classes can be worked on any time day or night.
The Assistant Principal of the Academy is Jason Gnegy, and the school secretary is Traci Zampaloni. The teachers are Corr Arts, Stanley Bauer and Dorice Steiner.
Best wishes to all of the graduates and their families.
Eat Your ART out Event Canceled
The Clinton County Arts Council regrets that theymust cancel the event, Eat Your ART Out.
With Covid-19 concerns still prevalent, the CCAC does not believe that there are enough participants to run a successful event. They still feel that Eat Your ART Out is a great event to introduce to our community and will plan to reschedule it for next year.
Thank you for your understanding as we navigate these difficult times and your continued support of the Arts.
New Brown Bag Concert Series begins July 9
A new concert series will be presented in downtown St. Johns beginning on July 9 and extending to August 27. The concerts will take place in the Rotary Park Pavilion next to the Railway Depot.
This noon special “Brown Bag Concert Series” will be held on 8 consecutive Fridays in July and August with each concert lasting an hour in length.
Several downtown food establishments will be offering luncheon specials for people to pick up and take down to the concerts. This concert series will include some Grammy Award winning musicians.
City explores suitability of Congregational Church property for public use
The St. Johns City Commission, at its May 24, 2021 regular meeting, approved an agreement for the purchase of the St. Johns Congregational Church. As part of the agreement, final sale is contingent on the City determining that the property is suitable for use as a public building.
Though a split decision, the decision was made to move forward with the purchase agreement so that the City could pursue its due diligence in assessing the feasibility of space configuration, build-out costs, and general occupancy and regular maintenance costs associated with operation of City offices at that location.
While the City had not been actively pursuing alternate space to relocate its administrative offices, it was determined that the public listing of the property presented a unique opportunity that was worth full examination. Based on fiscal considerations of existing occupancy costs associated with our current office space, the City has from time to time considered relocating its administrative offices to a site outside of the Clinton County Courthouse building.
As new construction doesn’t appear prudent in the current market, the availability of the church property has provided an unique opportunity when considering its close proximity to the central business district, the attractive sales price, ample on-site parking, potential for shared space with other community partners such as the Chamber of Commerce, public meeting space similar to the 2nd floor of the previous Municipal Building, and the ability to meet the City’s space needs now and in the future.
An architectural firm is being engaged to undertake a feasibility study to assess the viability and associated costs of retro-fitting and upgrading the church building to provide administrative offices for the City as well as other functional space for other community needs.
The City Commission only moved forward with its formal offer to purchase the property after the church had chosen not to pursue another offer extended by a potential buyer group and then having taken action to accept the City’s proposed term in principal. Per the terms of the purchase agreement, the City will now have 75 days to explore the suitability of this property for public use purposes through the work of the architectural firm and other
internal and external research relating to administrative space needs and potential community partnerships.
St. Vincent de Paul Store celebrates 25th Anniversary
The St. Vincent de Paul Store in St. Johns is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. They began on Clinton Avenue on June 1, 1996. The store continues to be a remarkable journey in their mission to serve their Neighbors in Need.
Since 1996 the local St. Vincent’s has helped thousands of families with emergency assistance exceeding $2.2 million dollars. This amount of assistance couldn’t be possible without their small paid staff and over 100 dedicated volunteers that make it all happen.
The community has been very supportive as well, donating clean, usable merchandise that they can sell to provide the resources to serve others. They are also blessed to collaborate with several local agencies to jointly serve others.
Special thanks go to Kroger of St. Johns for donating the balloons for the celebration!
July
Independence Day fireworks return to St. Johns City Park
The Rotary Club of St. Johns Board made a last minute decision; and with the financial help from several local businesses and the Kiwanis Club and Sparrow Clinton Hospital, the fireworks will return to the City Park on July 4th as usual.
The band Revival will start playing at the Performance Shell at 7 p.m.
Fireworks will begin once it is dark enough.
Denver Duo kicks off Concert in the Park series July 7
Alright Alright, a husband-and-wife duo from Denver, Colorado, will kick of this year’s Concert in the Park series.
This opening concert will take place on Wednesday evening, July 7 starting at 7:00 in the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the beautiful St. Johns City Park.
“Seth and China Kent will present a program focusing on deep rooted Americana songs in a distinctive folk style,” comments Bill Tennant, series coordinator. “Their songs often bear a deep sense of tradition, with their love of words being very evident. This is will be a different opening concert this year as we feature a wider variety of unique groups this season.”
Part of the appeal of Alright Alrtight’s sound comes from the contrasting vocal styles: Seth’s Dylan-esque warble feels like a throwback to a brighter, purer moment in folk music’s past, while China’s lush alto tempers that brightness with a husky richness. Their songs incorporate many elements of everyday life.
The concert is sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns. It is open to the public free of charge, but donations will be gratefully accepted.
All concerts are presented rain or shine. The Lion’s Club food trailer will be available this year/ Social distancing and safety precautions are strongly encouraged. The CCAC receives funding from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Thank you, Barry
by Jean Martin
The passing of Barry Bauer this week marks the end of an era at the SJ Indy. Although Barry had not been an active contributor in the past few years, longtime readers will remember him for his talent with a camera. Besides being a local photographer, Barry will be remembered for his columns.
After his love for his family, Barry had a special place in his heart for the men and women who worked at Federal Mogul whom he documented in his albums over the years.
SJPD welcomes new officer
Last week the St. Johns Police Department welcomed the newest member of the department, Officer Mahar. He is seen here receiving the oath of office from St. Johns Clerk Mindy Sevey.
New web address, same offerings and more
Clinton County Historical Society consists of the Museum and the Archives. The mission statement of the Clinton County Historical Museum is to maintain the complex related to and typical of the Clinton County history, to provide education, and encourage community involvement.
Any skills and time you have that would fit the mission like computer skills, publicity, community awareness, document sorting and cataloging, textile preservation, displays, presentations, cleaning, outside and inside maintenance, docent duty would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact pgsmuseum@gmail.com or call 989-292-9096.
The Archives is the keeper of documents and photos that represent the history and residents of Clinton County.
If you have free time and an interest in keeping history available and accessible, please contact Julie Peters at 989-501-0599 or petersj@msu.edu. There is always a need for computer skills, from home or at the Archives, filing, copying and research.
You can check out the webpage at www.dewittlibrary.org/CCHS to see the types of things they do.
To assist the mission, donations and membership are needed. Dues for the Museum are $25.00 and the Archives $20. Both can be mailed to PO Box 174, St. Johns, MI 48879.
This strictly a volunteer group, and the reward of knowing you are helping history stay alive is great. Thank you for your consideration and support.
Briggs plans outdoor learning space
They are making an outdoor learning space at the Briggs District Library, and the first couple sections of the fence are in.
AgroExpo returns as biggest agricultural trade show in Michigan
After going virtual last year, AgroExpo is returning on August 17 and 18 as the biggest agricultural trade show in Michigan.
This will be the fifth time AgroExpo has been held at the North Central Research Station in St Johns. The show is designed for production farmers, as it features agricultural demonstrations, speakers, vendors, and exhibits. “We’re excited to bring the agricultural community together again for AgroExpo. While the virtual option worked fine for last year, we’re glad our sponsors, vendors, and farmers are all working together to make this a valuable in-person show,” said Burt Henry, AgroExpo Industry Relations and Promotions Manager.
This year’s demonstration will show tillage options and corn silage choppers. There are over 120 vendors and exhibits, which include equipment manufacturers, seed companies, and chemical and fertility providers.
Seven speakers over the two days will focus on issues related to succession planning, irrigation technology, and other focused agronomic solutions. They include Kristin Poley, Clayton Irani, Mike Fraleigh, Mark Torregrossa, Jeff Schussler, Stephanie Smith, and Andy Stroop. Attendees can also receive CCA and RUP credits.
The Michigan FFA Crop Management Challenge, where FFA students compete on growing soybeans and corn, is also held at AgroExpo. FFA students will also compete in a tractor driving contest, where they will showcase both their operational skills and knowledge.
As always, AgroExpo attendees can evaluate the over 80 varieties of soybeans and 80 different corn hybrids on the grounds. Food trucks, vehicle test driving opportunities, and attendee networking will also run over the two days.
“The mission of the show is to connect, discover, and innovate. We want to thank all of our loyal participants and team of industry professionals, volunteers, and farmers who are making this possible,” said Jay Eccleton, AgroExpo site manager.
August
St. Johns fire chief retires
State Rep. Graham Filler of DeWitt recently honored retiring St. Johns Fire Chief Dean Mazzolini with a state tribute.
Chief Dean Mazzolini has served for 39 years. During that time he has responded to fire and rescue calls, attended training events, meetings, and fundraisers and volunteered thousands of hours of his time in service to the St. Johns community.
Braddock named Health Officer
Mid-Michigan District Health Department’s (MMDHD) Board of Health has named Liz Braddock as its new Health Offer following the retirement of Marcus Cheatham. Her first day on the job was July 5.
Braddock is no stranger to MMDHD, having served as the department’s Environmental Health Division Director for the past four years.
Braddock’s public health career spans 20 years. Prior to coming to MMDHD she spent 15 years at the Oakland County Health Department in three different roles: as a sanitarian, the supervisor of Environmental Health Services, and the Chief of Field Activities in Environmental Health Services. She also spent one year at the Berrien County Health Department as an Environmental Health Sanitarian.
Braddock is ready for the challenges that come with the job and is very excited to be serving Clinton, Gratiot, and Montcalm counties in this capacity.
Braddock replaces former Health Officer Marcus Cheatham who had postponed his retirement to help see the district through the worst of the pandemic.
Daily Events at the August 13-15 Mint Festival
2021 Mint Festival Court: Mint Queen: Lauren Schafer, 1st Runner Up: Maggie Hallead, Junior Miss Mint: Katie Rozen, Little Miss Mint: MacKenzie Colley
Copies of Rodney B. Wilson High School collage photos available
The Clinton County Historical Society has decided to make copies of the photo collages from the Wilson Center accessible to the community. The photos have been digitized, and for a donation you may obtain a digital file to use as you wish.
After the sale of the former Rodney B. Wilson High School and Junior High School building, the Clinton County Historical Society was fortunate to obtain the framed collage photos from the graduating classes of 1925, 1941, 1945-1967, that had been hanging along the hallways for so many years.
Central School was the high school before Rodney B. Wilson was built for the 1925 graduating class. They also have the whole school photo from 1921 taken at Central School.
The frames are well worn and of the many individual photos they contain, fewer than five are missing.
To obtain a file, you will need to contact CCHS to arrange the file transfer. Contact the Museum at pgsmuseum.com, or 989.292.9096 or the Archives at petersj@msu.edu.
City rescinds Purchase Agreement for Congregational Church
At their August 9, 2021 meeting the St. Johns City Commission voted unanimously to rescind the Purchase Agreement for the St. Johns Congregational Church. They agreed that they found that it was not financially feasible for the City to remodel the historical Church for City Administrative Offices. Thus the City of St. Johns Offices will remain part of Clinton County Courthouse.
There were several concerns with Congregational Church being remodeled including the high cost of remodel at $250 per square foot for an estimated minimum price tag of $2.4 Million. The building also had no fire suppression and no sprinklers which seemed risky. A State requirement called for installing a new passenger elevator to reach three levels of church, and a new HVAC system would need to be installed throughout the building since there is no air conditioning in the Church. Security requirements and several other reasons led the Commission to decide not to purchase the building and redevelop it.
Over the past months city staff members have been working with Mr. Ken Jones, AIA, from Studio Intrigue to assess the City’s current office space. Among the other options being considered are construction of a new City Hall on a new site, new construction on the Police Department Site and renovation of existing city offices.
MMDHD recommends masking in high-risk counties
Cases of COVID-19, including the Delta variant, continue to increase in Michigan, and in the Mid Michigan District. Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm counties are all now classified as high-risk transmission areas.