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January
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Ever wonder who clears the snow away from the Veterans Memorial on Clinton Avenue? Sometimes Rex Ferguson can be seen out there 2 or 3 times a day when the need arises.
Local woman begins St. Johns Community Resource Guide
Danielle Dershem Schrader is creating a St John’s Community Resource Guide as an easy go-to directory of all local community services.
You may see the Guide here: SJ Community Resource Guide
Unseasonably warm weather last week made for bad skating and hard sledding at the City Park.
St. Johns High School moved to online learning this week. According to Superintendent of Schools Mark Palmer, the school saw numerous new cases of COVID-19.
The Health Department and St. Johns Public Schools continue to recommend that all students and staff wear masks whenever they are in district buildings.
Relay for Life Kickoff to go virtual
Relay for Life is moving to a virtual Kickoff due to COVID numbers, but they are planning a Relay Rally in March.
Chamber of Commerce head retires
After 20 years of dedication, Brenda Terpening has retired from the Chamber of Commerce.
The board of directors has expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation for her years of service. We will find Brenda still serving down at the Clinton Senior Center. Please take a minute to express thanks for her years of service.
Name change now official
The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce is now officially back to being named The St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce.
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February
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Forget the Groundhog: Folks in and around St. Johns spent Groundhog Day digging out and hunkering down.
Non-denominational church purchases Congregational building
Community Church, a multisite non-denominational church with campuses in Mount Pleasant and Alma has announced the purchase of the historic former Congregational Church in Saint Johns. The congregation paid $150,000 and closed on the 15,000-square-foot building in mid-January.
In the later part of 2021 Community Church was approached by representatives of the First Congregational Church at 100 Maple Street, Saint Johns about the prospect of purchasing their historic building, first built in 1899. Community Church will be able to continue its use as a place of worship for the Saint Johns community and beyond.
State Champs: Congratulations to our Competition Theatre troupe on securing a Division 2 Studio State Championship and a 4th place finish in Division 2 Mainstage, their second Innovation in Theatre Award.
Three community leaders retire From CCAC Board
Three St. Johns residents who over the years have promoted art activities in the St. Johns area have retired from the Clinton County Arts Council Board. Jenny McCampbell, Ruth Reynolds and Bill Tennant arrived in St. Johns from other cities and states to have an impact on our mid-Michigan community.The greater St Johns community is better for having Jenny, Ruthie and Bill make St. Johns their home. At the CCAC’s December meeting the three members were thanked for their years of service to the arts council and to the community for basically helping to raise the quality of life by presenting fine art opportunities to mid-Michigan residents.
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March
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Community Church holds first Vision Night in former Congregational Church building
Saint Johns Campus Vision Night Recap from Community Church Video on Vimeo.
Lutherans accepting donation for Ukrainian Relief
Donations are being taken at this time for the Ukrainian Refugee Relief Effort by St. John’s Lutheran Church in St. Johns. Due to the invasion of the Ukraine by Russia, millions of Ukrainians have had to flee their homes to countries such as Poland, Romania, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic. To put it simply, displaced Ukrainians are suffering, and they desperately need your help.
Brya wins State Wrestling Championship
Jacob Brya of St. Johns High School is a State Wrestling Champ at 140 pounds. Brya (42-0) won by a decision over Carsen Richards of Goodrich.
Published: Benjamin Prince, shown here with Renee Thelen, Clinton County RESA’s Special Education Director, is now a published illustrator. Through Benjamin’s artistic talents and attention to detail, the story of Trenton the Turtle comes alive on the pages of this book.
Presentation and tour of the Wilson Center scheduled for March 22
Dymaxion Development of Lansing is giving a short presentation and tour of the Wilson Center on March 22 at 6:00 p.m. The company is proposing to convert the majority of the building into new apartments while preserving the gymnasium and auditorium for community use.
Kudwa named City Manager
Community Development Director for the City of St. Johns and Deputy City Manager Dave Kudwa has been named the new St. Johns City Manager. Kudwa has been active in the community for many years.
Soap Box Derby set to return June 12
The St. Johns Soap Box Derby has announced its 2nd Local Championship Race, set for Sunday, June 12, 2022. The event will be held in Downtown St. Johns. Boys and girls ages 7 to 19 build with assistance from an adult then race in their gravity powered cars.
Briggs Library plans for building upgrade
The Briggs District Library is getting set to begin a renovation project. The library moved to its current location 23 years ago. The library has maintained its facility over the last two decades, but very few updates or modifications have been made. The community’s needs, how the space is used and library services themselves have, however, changed. The current facility needs to be adapted to reflect current and future use patterns, to accommodate changing demographics and to be able to better serve the public.
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April
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A City Welcome: Officer Traci Sperry, a 12-year law enforcement veteran, is shown here with Chief of Police David Kirk and City Manager Dave Kudwa. St. Johns Police Department Welcomes Officer Traci Sperry. Sperry has joined the St. Johns Police Department as its newest patrol officer. Sperry was sworn in on Monday, March 7, 2022 and will be responsible for investigating criminal complaints, traffic enforcement, responding to disturbances, enforcing state law and city ordinances and other related duties.
Lana Hufnagel receives certificate of appreciation
Lana Hufnagel was lauded recently for facilitating the Alzheimers Association support group of St. Johns at the Pilgrim Methodist Church for the last 20 years. On her last night she was presented with this certificate from the Alzheimers Association.
Good News Kitchen, a ministry of St. John’s Lutheran Church, will be serving free lunches starting May 3, on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. His Cup Runneth Over started serving free meals in St. Johns and the surrounding communities back in May of 2015. His Cup Runneth Over is thankful for the support over the years from the community and all who came and got meals. You will see many familiar faces serving at the Good News Kitchen.
Photo Op: The Easter Bunny made a rare personal appearance last Saturday to give fans a chance to visit while hunting for eggs and surprises.
Officer Chad Pierson retires, looks back
Open letter from Officer Chad Pierson – written on April 17, 2022:
It’s Easter Sunday. Today I came into work and put on a uniform for the last time. It will be my last shift patrolling, protecting, and serving the city of St. Johns. The last Holiday and weekend I will spend away from my family. It is bitter sweet. I have been truly blessed to be able to come back home and spend my career here.
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May
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Roof Sit and beyond: Kelly Schafer, Executive Director of The Voice for Clinton County’s Children accepts a $1,000 plus donation from Big Boy’s Dave Hunt.
Roadwork spruces up City Park – photo courtesy of Darryl Schmitz
Village of Pewamo welcomes Native Americans
Descendants of Chief Pewamo from the Kickapoo Tribe of Horton, Kansas were in the Village of Pewamo recently. They were excited to see that the Village proudly bears the name of their ancestor and hope to return again.
Hazel Findlay Country Manor celebrates 40th Anniversary
By Maralyn Fink
Hazel Findlay celebrated their 40th Anniversary Celebration during Skilled Nursing Care Week May 9 – 13.
CAASA dedicates new building, celebrates EMS Week
by Maralyn Fink
On Thursday, May 19 the Clinton Area Ambulance Service hosted a small celebration honoring their crew members during EMS Week and officially dedicating their new garage.
New CASA Volunteers welcomed
The Voice for Clinton County’s Children welcomed new Court Appointed Special Advocates Volunteers to their team. They were sworn in by Judge Lisa Sullivan. Sullivan is the Judge of Probate Court Assigned to the Family Division of the Circuit Court.
St. Johns Kiwanis builds beds
Our St Johns Kiwanis 707 donated $1000 to add to the district’s funds, and the combined clubs joined forces this week to build 50 beds at $250 cost each for Sleep In Heavenly Peace. Sleep In Heavenly Peace is dedicated to keeping kids from having to sleep on the floor or a couch.
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June
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Concerts in the Park kick off 19th Season
The popular summer Concert in the Park series, sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns, will open its season on Wednesday, June 15 this year with an incredible Bluegrass Band out of Ann Arbor. The series will include 12 concerts this summer, for the first time in 2 years, ending the season on August 31 with a concert featuring the King himself, Elvis! In between will be a nice variety of performances featuring excellent musicians from throughout Michigan.
St. Johns physician recognized
Sparrow Medical Group St. Johns physician Kay McLaughlin, D.O., received a resolution of thanks from the Sparrow Clinton Hospital Board of Directors in recognition of her years of service as a hospitalist.
Theatre Department names 2022 Koger award winner
Congratulations to Justin Thelen on receiving the 2022 Robert L. Koger Theatre award. The Robert L. Koger Theatre award is named for a longtime director of theatre at St. Johns High School, Mr. Bob Koger. His passion for theatre and standards for excellence have made him legendary both in our community and in the world of high school theatre in the state of Michigan.
Dedicated: Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor has named their recreation center in honor of retired Activity Leader Heidi Scranton. Heidi’s friends and work family say that she still supports them tirelessly, sends ideas and gifts and helps plan events.
SJHS Graduation, 2022
By the numbers: People from throughout the community gathered Saturday to help paint a lasting tribute to local First Responders on the east side of the firehall.
Police chief returns from leave
A large number of St. Johns residents attended the regular June 13 meeting of the City Commission. Many of the people in the crowd were there to learn more about the reinstatement of St. Johns Police Chief David Kirk. Although many in the community had not been aware of it, Kirk was just coming off a six-week paid leave of absence. In his absence Lieutenant Eric Verlinde served as Acting Chief.
City Council passes Pride Month resolution
The LGBTQ+ community of St. Johns was united in its effort with the St. Johns City Council to recognize and proclaim the month of June as Pride Month. The St. Johns Call-In Coalition, an organization native to St. Johns that advances the culture of equity, diversity, inclusion and safety within the community, submitted a Request for Resolution Proposal. The approval came at a June 13 City Commission meeting.
Pride: The 2nd annual St Johns Pride Fest was celebrated last weekend. The St. Johns Call-in Coalition is raising money for continued community education.
Big changes coming: Fr. Mike Williams has been the spiritual shepherd of St. Joseph Parish in St. Johns for the last 10 years. Now the parish is making some big changes to their church building which has been located on the courthouse square since 1908.
Renovation work begins on St. Joseph Catholic Church
The familiar St. Joseph Church interior is getting a complete makeover beginning this week. The project is expected to take the better part of a year to complete. Meanwhile regular services will be held in the nearby Wilson Center. The Parish offices and meeting rooms will be accessible through the two north entrances. A day chapel will be located in the school off the northwest parking lot.
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July
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City looks at Wilson Center for new office location
The Wilson Center is being considered as the new home for City of St. Johns Offices. In this plan the Wilson Center Gymnasium and Auditorium would also be owned by City for community use.
Dershem celebration to raise funds for recycling July 9
The community is celebrating the life of Roger Dershem and the great impact that he has had on our area. Roger was very passionate about the Lions Club Recycling Center, and this event will help raise funds to keep Roger’s hard work going.
Brewbaker named next Rotary President
At this week’s St. Johns Rotary meeting the current President Alan Nelson and the past St. Johns Rotary Presidents completed the passing of the gavel ceremony to the incoming 2022-2023 St. Johns Rotary, president Chris Brewbaker.
Ah, Smell the Mint: Candidates in the Mint Pageant visited Tom Irrer’s Mint farm in preparation for Thursday evening’s pageant.
We can’t celebrate the Mint Festival without celebrating mint. Candidates got to learn all about mint farming from Tom Irrer and Andy T during a visit to Irrer Mint Farm. Even the rain couldn’t dampen the fun evening learning about our mint heritage.
SJHS 2022 grad tapped for University’s new lacrosse program
by Maralyn Fink
Vanessa Bailey has been awarded a scholarship for ladies lacrosse at the University of Health Science and Pharmacy in St. Louis Missouri. She will be studying bio-medical science and has aspirations of being a dentist.
Brown Bagging It: Bill and Joi Tennant were on hand at the Depot’s Rotary Park Pavilion for the weekly Friday concert.
St. Johns Mint Festival crowns 2022 Royalty
The 2022 Mint Queen is Andrea McPherson, a St. Johns High School graduate pursuing a degree in architectural technology at Ferris State University. The first runner up to the Mint Queen is Sarah Bovee, a junior at Grand Ledge High School. The 2022 Junior Miss Mint is Anna Glew. Anna will be entering 7th grade at St. Johns Middle School. Little Miss Mint for 2022 is Rylee White. Rylee is a fifth grader at Oakview South Elementary in St. Johns.
Safe Center and police agencies meet
Safe Center Executive Director, Hannah, and Legal Advocate, Alyse, had the pleasure of meeting with the Clinton County Police Chiefs, Sheriffs and Prosecuting Attorney recently.
St. Johns Middle School gets new flooring
Workers are finishing up the brand new flooring project in the hallways of the St. Johns Middle School later this week. This beautiful LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) floor will feel softer underfoot and have better sound-blocking properties than standard vinyl flooring. This new floor should serve the middle school students well for many years to come.
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August
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It’s all for show: For one week a year the 4-H Youth Fairgrounds comes alive with kids and animals. Celebrate our mint farming heritage August 12-14
The 2022 Mint Festival is coming up August 12, 13 and 14 in St. Johns.
This year’s festival theme is Celebrating Our Roots – an invitation to reflect on our history, connections, and agricultural heritage. You also can snag the commemorative 2022 shirt at the official souvenir booth.
National Night Out draws happy crowd
by Maralyn Fink
Grand Mint Parade, 2022
Collaboration to prioritize Traffic Safety in St. Johns Area
A joint agreement has been established between the St. Johns Police Department (SJPD), Bingham Township and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office to improve traffic safety and simplify patrol zones in the greater St. Johns area. The collaboration will allow for cooperative traffic enforcement between the three entities.
Longoria inducted into Michigan Country Hall of Fame
Well it’s official. On August 20 hometown favorite Louie Longoria became the newest member of The Michigan Country Music Hall Of Fame.
Elvis returns with season-ending Concert in the Park August 31
Do you remember what you’ve been doing on the Wednesday evening before Labor Day for the past 12 years? A lot of you will because that’s how long Matt King has concluded the St. Johns Concert in the Park series over the years.
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September
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Just Passing Through: Head Groundskeeper Justin McConnell used a new template for the Redwing logo in preparation for Thursday’s home football opener vs Reeths-Puffer.
Superhero 5K Run, Walk, or Fly! Postponed
Staffers for The Voice for Clinton County’s Children have tried very hard to bring back their annual Superhero 5K after the world has changed. Due to unforeseen circumstances the Superhero 5K scheduled for Saturday, September 17 is postponed until April, 2023.
Local Legion Auxiliary member named to State office
The local American Legion Auxiliary Unit #153 has announced that on June 26, 2022 Marcy Jorae was sworn into the highest office at the Department level as the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Michigan President for the 2022-23 year. Several years ago Marcy began the process at the State (Department) level to become the President one day.
Remembering Doug Pardee
This week we learned of the death of C. Douglas Pardee from his son, Scott. It came as bittersweet news to those of a certain age who remember both Doug and his father, St. Clair Pardee. Many of you might not know the name; but if you’ve been around St. Johns for any length of time, you know his work.
If we have the photo, it’s official
Clinton County Sheriff Sean Dush’s department photo was recently completed, and now they would like to officially introduce him. Sheriff Dush was appointed to replace Sheriff Jerue who retired earlier this year. Sheriff Dush was sworn in and took office as of May 1, 2022 to serve the remainder of the term ending in December of 2024.
First Responders mural to be dedicated Sunday
On Sunday, September 11 at 9 a.m. there will be a gathering held at the St. Johns Fire Department, 109 E. State Street in St. Johns to dedicate First Responders mural to honor all who work to keep community members safe and healthy.
Friday is Homecoming at SJHS
Homecoming, 2022 will kick off with a parade on Friday, September 16. The Parade will follow the traditional route on Clinton Ave. in downtown St. Johns starting at 5:00 p.m.
Start time for the football game against Fowlerville will be 7 p.m. Come on out and cheer on the Redwings to a victory. The King and Queen will be crowned at halftime.
The dance will take place following the football game. Doors open at 9 p.m. Attire is “come as you are”. Some students will dress up, others will be more casual, and some will be in game day attire. All are welcome.
Facelift: The Clinton County Historical Society’s Paine-Gillam-Scott House Museum is getting a facelift inside and out.
Homegrown Productions presents Musical Comedy in October
It’s not a musical, it’s a comedy. A little music, a little mayhem, a murder here or there.
Homegrown Productions is supported by Clinton County Arts Council, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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October
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Gathering: Last Saturday the family of Rosemary and Bill McCarthy joined with artist Ivan Iler on the Museum lawn with the sculpture dedicated to their parents.
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.
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.
First Congregational Church liquidates assets and donates to Marching Band
As you may or may not know, First Congregational Church of St. Johns has ceased operations and is liquidating their assets. Barb Sherman and the First Congregational Church in St Johns donated $30,650 to the St Johns Redwing Marching Band in memory of Nate Sherman, a dedicated former band member.
Redwing Marching Band receives highest rating for 37th year in a row
Nicole’s Salon & Day Spa renovates 1876 storefront
Nicole’s Salon & Day Spa wants you to be sure to look at their exterior renovation. There is lots of life and love left in this beautiful building from 1876.
Official State tree to be harvested October 28
The official State Christmas Tree Harvest will take place on Friday, October 28 at 9:00am. A ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. near M-21 across the street from Wieber-Green Law Firm. Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer will be on hand for the ceremony as will the Redwing Marching Band and the Fowler Band. At the appropriate time someone will announce that everyone should say “Cut that tree.”
Meet the 2022 St. Johns High School Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
Casey Rost-Danzy ’01
John Brown ’91
Sandra (Terrell) Jacobs ’87
Richard Vitek ’69
Douglas Knight ’54
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November
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Tri-County Office on Aging’s Executive Director retiring
Marion Owen, the Executive Director of the Tri-County Office on Aging (TCOA), is set to retire on November 18, 2022 after over 48 years of continuous service.
As the state-designated Area Agency on Aging serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties, TCOA has been the leader of assistance, advocacy, and planning for older adults to remain independent in their own homes and communities since 1974.
Clinton Community Thanksgiving Celebration and Dinner scheduled
The in-person dinner is served between noon and 3 p.m. Location – St. John’s Lutheran Church
Local man scores a piece of the Official State Tree
Dean Dollarhite stayed after last Friday’s harvesting celebration to get more pictures the band, and he was given a piece of the State Christmas Tree.
He counted the rings, and determined that there are 53. So according to his reckoning, this tree was planted about 1969.
Annual Remembrance Tree Lighting Ceremony is Wednesday, November 16
The community is invited to come together for quiet time of reflection and remembrance honoring the memory of their loved ones who have passed away. Each light on the tree represents the life of someone who received compassionate care at Sparrow Clinton.
Local Relay for Life Volunteers receive state award
The word is out. We have amazing ELT volunteers in Clinton County. Congrats, Ruthie; and thank you to all of the amazing ELT members.
Hometown tree makes good: The spruce that was harvested from State Street took center stage last weekend at Lansing’s Silver Bells in the City.
St. Johns shines at Silver Bells in the City
Thanks to outgoing City Commissioners
Mayor Eric Hufnagel thanks the outgoing City Commissioners, Bob Craig and Tammy Kirschenbauer, for their years of service on the commission.
Weber awarded NOSORH’s 2022 Community Star
Michigan Center for Rural Health congratulated NOSORH’s 2022 Community Star from Michigan, Lynn Weber EMT-P/IC, Director of Clinton Area Ambulance Service Authority in St. Johns, Michigan.
Lynn is a devoted advocate for EMS education and payment reform. He also started one of Michigan’s first Community Paramedicine Special Study programs.
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December
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Congratulations: Jayci Simon of St. Johns (second from left) took home a Silver medal in Women’s singles and a Silver medal in mixed doubles with her partner, Miles Krajewski during the recent Colombia Pan Am Para Badminton Championships.
City Commission welcomes new members
New Commissioner Roberta Cocco was chosen as Mayor, and new Commissioner Scott Dzurka was elected Vice Mayor. They were sworn in by City Clerk Mindy Seavey.
Standing Vigil: The WWII era cannon at the Veterans Memorial remained a quiet onlooker this week during Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. – photo courtesy of Ed McDowell
Fill a Cop Car reminds us to lend a help hand
by Maralyn Fink
Local police officers were at Krogers in St. Johns on Saturday during the annual Festival of Lights with the purpose of helping to fill our local food banks with non-perishable food items. During this time of year officers often experience families in need, but they don’t have the ability to help directly. By filling the cop cars they can see to it that those who need a helping hand can get it.
Museum to host children’s Victorian Christmas December 14
The Clinton County Historical Museum, Paine-Gillam-Scott House is hosting a children’s Victorian Christmas party on Wednesday, December 14 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. They will have a tour of the House, make a Victorian Christmas craft, and listen to a story teller who will share a Christmas in the past. They may even sing some Christmas carols along to the music of the pump organ.
2022 Festival of Lights
