St. Johns has next official State Christmas tree
The official 2022 State Christmas tree, a 63-foot spruce selected by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, will be harvested in St. Johns.
The tree is located on East State Street near the corner of Oakland Street. It has been donated by mother and daughter business partners and new homeowners Mary Ann and Caitlin Beck.
This is the first tree from Clinton County and just the 12th from the Lower Peninsula to grace the capitol lawn since 1987. The tree will be harvested on October 28, and it will arrive at the Capitol grounds on October 29.
The tree lighting ceremony will take place as part of Silver Bells in the City on Friday, November 18 in downtown Lansing.
Non-Homestead operating millage up for renewal
The St. Johns Public Schools has a proposal on the November 8, 2022 election. On the ballot will be a proposal to ask voters to renew a Non-Homestead Operating Millage for the district.
This operating millage was last voted for SJPS in 2012. It does not impact most
homeowners and is not an added tax for anyone. It is important to the district in order to be able to operate the school district at the level expected by the community. The millage generates approximately $3 million annually for the district’s operations.
Information on the proposal, an FAQ, and the ballot language can be found by going to the St. Johns Public Schools webpage or clicking on this link.
www.sjredwings.org/millage-renewal
The District’s goal is to keep you informed about proposals that affect the school district and encourage you to exercise your right to vote. If you have any questions regarding the proposal, please call (989) 227-4050.
Historic Wilson Center to be restored in Public/Private Partnership
The City of St. Johns has partnered with Dymaxion Development, LLC to restore and renovate the historic Rodney B. Wilson Center. The City Commission unanimously voted to approve a purchase agreement for space on the first floor of the building from the Lansing-based development company. The City will own the gymnasium, auditorium and office space for municipal and community use, and Dymaxion plans to develop housing units in the building while also restoring the structure’s exterior.
As part of the project, the Wilson Center property at 101 West Cass Street has been approved for rezoning to become part of the Central Business District, and the adjacent parking lot at 101 West McConnell Street has been rezoned as high-density residential and will also be developed by Dymaxion.
The Central Business District is home to many local small businesses along Clinton Avenue, and the two-block extension will allow for mixed-use and multi-family development in highly desirable, walkable proximity to downtown St. Johns.
“We are excited to bring new life to a treasured community landmark,” says City Manager Dave Kudwa. “The Wilson Center has long held untapped potential to better serve residents, and our partnership with Dymaxion will allow the story of this building to continue long into the future.”
Many area residents will remember the nearly 100-year-old building as Rodney B. Wilson High School, and later Junior High. Once students moved to the current St. Johns Middle School in 1998, the building has been home to a mix of office spaces, childcare and alternative education classrooms. The renovation of these spaces and restoration of the exterior’s large arched windows and prominent masonry will complement the recent auditorium updates and bring life back to a community landmark.
The City of St. Johns is an historic community founded in 1856. Known as the Mint City due to its unique agricultural heritage, St. Johns honors its roots while also planting the seeds for thriving small businesses and industry hubs. The best of both worlds, the city offers a charming, small-town feel with an easy commute to downtown Lansing. St. Johns serves as the Clinton County seat and provides a full range of municipal services to about 8,000 residents. Learn more at cityofstjohnsmi.com<.
SJHS Dance Team 2nd annual Superhero Party is October 22
The St. Johns High SChool Dance Team is holding their second annual Superhero Party for super girls and boys on Saturday, October 22, starting at 3:00 p.m.
There will be photo opportunities with all of the superheroes. Each superhero has a challenge for the little ones to complete, and then there is a musical introduction at the end. You’ll see Batman, Batgirl, Superman, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, The Hulk, Spiderman, Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, St. Johns HS Football players, a Policeman, a Fireman and a representative from the military.
If the little ones complete their challenges, they earn an official superhero medal and certificate. You can also visit the Cryptonite Cafe for Hulk punch, pizza, and cupcakes.
Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at www.sjhsdanceteam.ludus.com. Up, up, and away….. they guarantee you’ll have a great day!
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.
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.
Homegrown Productions is supported by Clinton County Arts Council, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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
Fire hydrant flushing began October 5
Fall fire hydrant flushing began on October 5. The City of St. Johns Water Department is scheduled to start north of M-21 which will be from October 5 – 14.
South of M-21 will be from October 17 – 28.
If you experience discolored water during this time, it will clear up quickly. If you have questions, please contact the St. Johns Water Department at (989) 224-8944.