More News

Museum unveils new salute to Bicycle Band October 1

The Clinton County Historical Museum, Paine-Gillam-Scott House is pleased to announce an unveiling ceremony of “The Drummer”, on the grounds of the museum located on the west side of the Courthouse Square in St Johns, MI. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 1 at 11:00 a.m. on the grounds of the museum; and some seating will be available.

Designed and created by well-known, local artist, Ivan Iler, “The Drummer” pays homage to the St. Johns Bicycle Band that performed in parades and shows from 1886 to 1891. The thirteen young men all from St Johns and the surrounding area, played their band instruments while riding high wheeled bicycles. At the time, the band was thought to be the only one of its kind in the world.

Bill McCarthy, a long-time volunteer at the museum, had spent several years in pursuit of an authentic high wheel bicycle to display at the museum but discovered that the bicycles are in high demand and difficult to find. After the death of his wife Rosemary in May 2021, Bill decided to use donations made to the museum in his wife’s memory to create a reproduction of a high wheeled bike. He approached Iler to design and create the sculpture and as they say, “the rest is history.”

Iler was immediately intrigued about the project. “I had no idea that the SJ Bicycle Band even existed and was honored that Bill included me on this project. Its exciting to create art that represents history and I am so pleased I am able to be a part of this.”

Although Bill passed away unexpectedly in June, his family and museum volunteers were determined to see the project through to completion. Local St Johns company, Smith Lawnscaping is creating the concrete base as well as the landscaping around the sculpture to complete the project.

Refreshments will be available. For those interested in more information about the SJBB, the Museum will also be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 1.


Homegrown Productions presents Musical Comedy in October

Homegrown Productions presents The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 written by John Bishop and presented by permission of Dramatists Play Service will be o the following dates:
Friday, October 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 9 at 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 16 at 3:00 p.m.

It’s not a musical, it’s a comedy. A little music, a little mayhem, a murder here or there.

Starring Kallie Marrison, M.D. Nelson, Sandy Thomasson, Ralph Sims, Michelle Hill, Bob Murrell, Debbie Lundeen, Darryl Schmitz, Marci Balogh, and Christopher Hibbs, all performances will be held at the Wilson Center Auditorium, 101 W Cass Street in St. Johns.

Tickets are $15 general admission and $12 students and seniors. Tickets will be available at the door.


Annual Chocolate Walk is October 7

The 2nd Annual Chocolate Walk is planned for Friday, October 7, 2022
from 5 – 8:30 p.m.

The Chocolate Walk is sure to be a night of sweet fun for everyone. Enjoy a night touring St. Johns businesses while collecting a chocolate treat at each stop. Complete the map for a chance to win a prize. Be sure to stop at bonus locations outside of the downtown area for additional chances to win.

Tickets start at $15 per person, with the option to upgrade to a $25 Golden Ticket and receive a commemorative wooden box to collect your chocolate treats.

The number of tickets is limited to 210 for this sweet event, so be sure to order your tickets early. Ticket sales began on Monday, August 22. For more information visit https://clintoncountyarts.org/chocolate-walk/


Forum to introduce local candidates for November election

A forum is being held to inform St. Johns residents of the candidates seeking City Council seats and allotted terms on the school board of education. Their names, certified by both the city clerk’s office and the office of the chief deputy clerk/register of deeds for Clinton County, will appear on the ballot of the November 8 general election.

The event, hosted by the St. Johns Call-In Coalition, is set for Thursday, October 13, beginning 7 p.m. in a conference room at the RESA building, next to the Southpointe Mall, N. US-27.

City residents in attendance are encouraged to ask questions to the candidates about their platform and qualifications, and a facilitator will ask questions as well. The forum will also be streamed live on the SJ Call-In Coalition Facebook page for persons who cannot attend.


Senior Center 20th Annual Rock-a-Thon is October 13

On Thursday, October 13 senior citizens and other supporters of the Clinton County Senior Center will participate in the center’s 20th annual Rock-a- Thon. Prior to the event participants will be collecting donations from family and friends to see who can collect the most money for the center.

During the Rock-a-Thon participants will play games, bingo, tell stories, make a craft or two and have breakfast and lunch all while ROCKING In a rocking chair.
If you have any questions call the center at (989) 1224-4257 or email clintoncountyseniorcenter@gmail.com


St John’s Lutheran hosts 3rd Annual Oktoberfest October 14

You are invited to the 3rd Annual Oktoberfest Celebration at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Friday, October 14 from 6-9 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 511 E. Sturgis St. in Saint Johns.

Included with your ticket is a full traditional Oktoberfest meal, including brats, hot dogs, potato salad, mac and cheese, sauerkraut, applesauce, desserts and beverages. Beer and wine will be for sale.

Tickets are $15 and are available at the church office. Just call 989.224.6796 or visit the church office Monday – Thursday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. to order your tickets.


Paint Your Poison at the Art & Souls Gallery

Join them at the Art and Soul Gallery at 7:00 pm on Friday, October 14 for a night of spooky, painting fun and spirits. (Bring your own boos!)

The Gallery is co-hosting with Paint Your Poison for a fall themed painting party. If you would like to join them, please vote on which piece you’d like to paint below. The winner will be announced next week. Stay tuned to sign up and reserve your spot.

For more painting projects, visit Paint Your Poison’s Website for more creative fun! https://www.paintyourpoison.com/.


Moolenaar accepting applications For Service Academy nominations

The Office of Congressman John Moolenaar is accepting applications from high school seniors for nominations to the U.S. military service academies. Members of Congress nominate candidates for appointments to the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY.

Students and parents who are interested in learning about the application process can find more information online at moolenaar.house.gov.

Applications should be submitted to Congressman Moolenaar’s office by U.S. mail:

Congressman John Moolenaar
200 East Main Street
Suite 230
Midland, MI 48640

The deadline for applications is October 21, 2022. Additional questions regarding nominations can be directed to the office in Midland at 989-631-2552.