Special meeting examines plans for City offices
At a special open meeting on Monday evening the St. Johns City Council discussed upcoming goals for the Wilson Center including plans for their new offices.
Wilson Center Goals:
For the Auditorium
1. Replace windows and doors and select lighting updates (2023)
2. New carpet (2023)
3. Replace stage deck (2023-2024)
4. Replace curtains – memorialize old SJHS emblem (2024)
5. New HVAC system (2023)
6. Construct new changing room adjacent to auditorium (2023-2024)
7. City’s formal acceptance of all donated equipment (2023)
In the Gymnasium
1. Select repair of window blocks (2023)
2. Select ceiling tile replacement (2023)
3. Replace doors (2023-2024)
4. Sand and finish floor (2023)
5. Remove old bleachers (2023-2024)
6. Remove large sliding door (2023)
7. Paint the walls (2023)
8. New HVAC system (2023)
In the City office space
1. Finalize floor plan (2022) See a floor plan
2. Office space construction (2023-2024)
d. Site improvements
1. Construct new parking infrastructure (2024)
2. Remove select trees from front yard area (2023)
3. Construct new Cass Street entrance (2023-2024)
4. Construct intersection improvements including new lighting to match downtown poles
(2023-2024)
5. Build storm water detention pond and disconnect roof discharge from sanitary sewer
(2023)
6. Remove concrete/asphalt surfaces on the south side of the building and replace with
greenspace (2023-2024)
An Event So Good It’s Scary and more Halloween news
The Event So Good It’s Scary, sponsored by the St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held downtown from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. The evening door to door trick-or-treat hours are from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Both events are scheduled for Monday, October 31, 2022.
Area Trunk or Treat opportunities
– Eureka Sunday, October 30, 2022 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Costume Contest – Adult and Child Pumpkin Carving Contest (Bting your own pumpkin), Trunk or Treat begins a 7 p.m.
– St Johns Off Road Park Trunk or Treat (2710 W. Townsend Rd) October 30 12-6 p.m.
– Trunk or Treat St John’s Lutheran Church October 30 2-4 p.m.
– Haunted Trick or Treating (Grace Haven 1507 Glastonbury Dr.) October 31 4:30-6 p.m.
– Candyland World of Sweets (GracePointe: South Pount Mall) October 31
6-8 p.m.
– Duplain Church Trunk or Treat (5565 E. Colony Rd.) October 31 6:30-8:30 p.m.
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Trick-Or-Treating Hours
The St. Johns City Commission has set the hours for Trick-or-Treating within the City of St. Johns on Halloween, Monday, October 31, 2022 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to be signaled by the blowing of the fire whistle.
As in the past, the city commission asks that all residents light their porches and drive carefully on Halloween night.
The Blue Bus drives economic development
Clinton Transit has been essential to economic revitalization in Mid-Michigan, and recent data shows the role that the public transit agency has played in the region’s employment and economic vitality. In the time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, ridership on the Blue Bus has not only recovered but has surpassed pre-pandemic numbers. From 2019 to 2022, the number of riders using Clinton Transit to get to work, visit local businesses, attend healthcare appointments, and other everyday activities has increased by 27%, thanks in part to the agency’s expanded service offerings and safe, convenient, reliable service.
In 2021 Clinton Transit added Saturday service, and today 80% of Saturday rides are employment related. Reliable public transportation to and from work eliminates a potential barrier for workers and provides peace of mind for employers. Work-related trips on the Blue Bus increased from 14% of rides to 34% of rides over the course of the last two years, a strong sign of Clinton Transit’s role in the region’s workforce.
Access to employment isn’t the only sign of positive economic impact. Area residents have seen the Blue Bus making frequent trips in the central business districts around the county as riders visit local shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and other community hot spots. Put simply, people ride the Blue Bus on their way to earn money and spend money. This connection to local businesses, jobs and resources not only improves the quality of life for residents of Clinton County but also boosts the economic vitality of the entire Mid-Michigan area.
“When people think about their local economy, thriving businesses and good jobs for residents, it’s important that public transit also comes to mind,” said MaLissa Schutt, Executive Director of Clinton Transit. “A community’s economic power is its people, and public transit is the connective tissue that keeps people connected to all the places they want to go.”
Without accessible, affordable transportation for all, a community’s resources cannot be utilized to their full potential. Clinton Transit is making sure that people in Clinton County have access to the services, businesses and connections that contribute to a high quality of life.
Established in 2001, Clinton Transit has been providing curb-to-curb service to meet the needs of all Clinton County residents. Fondly known as the Blue Bus, the on-demand transit system responds to ride requests and provides safe, reliable transportation to all county residents. This creates a more connected, accessible and vibrant Clinton County.
For more information on the Blue Bus, visit mybluebus.com.
Painting class a success
Last Friday night the Clinton County Arts Council held their “Glow in the Dark Bat” painting class. They will be having another painting class in November.
They also will be adding more drawing classes to their schedule in the upcoming weeks and months, so make sure you check out the website for classes like Color Theory, Perspective, Light and Shadow and much more.
Sheriff’s Office sponsoring concert November 19
Come out and support the Clinton County Mounted Division by enjoying a concert with Country Music legend Ronnie McDowell at the St. Johns High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. on November 19.
The Mounted Division is a volunteer organization that is only funded through donations and the annual Country Music Concert Fundraiser. They provide vital support services to many organizations and events throughout the county.
Tickets available by calling 1-800-810-7410, or go to www.wolverineproductions.org.
Lowe UMC veterans dinner
The annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner at Lowe United Methodist Church will be held on Friday November 11 at 5:30 p.m. Veterans and a guest are invited to join them for a free meal.
Organizers ask that you RSVP by November 3 to 989-224-4460. Please leave a message if no one answers.