St. Johns seeks new City Manager
The St. Johns City Commission announces an upcoming search for a new city manager following the resignation of Dave Kudwa.
“We are seeking a strong administrator who is qualified to handle a variety of growth opportunities,” says Mayor Roberta Cocco. “Our ideal candidate also has a strong background in managing thriving municipal departments and exciting projects.”
Kudwa’s career led him to St. Johns in 2001, where he worked on a diverse set of engineering projects throughout the area. He joined the City staff in 2012 as Community Development Director, coordinating street improvement initiatives, planning and zoning reviews, and leading several community projects. As City Manager, he oversaw the overall administration of project development, assisted the City in achieving Redevelopment Ready Community Certification and worked extensively with the Principal Shopping District. He also spearheaded the $500 million site development project for a milk processing facility that provided 200 local jobs, managed a five-year, $3.4 million street improvement plan, and initiated the first city-wide capital improvement plan.
“My time with the City of St. Johns has been filled with amazing people and meaningful projects. It’s been an honor to serve the community in so many ways over the years,” says Kudwa.
Kudwa’s last day will be in mid-March. The search process is a top priority for the City Commission, who will focus on a smooth transition and work with an outside party to identify potential candidates. “We are eager to move forward and maintain positive momentum on our many community initiatives,” says Cocco.
Updates on the search process will be available at cityofstjohnsmi.com.
Free MI Bridges Community event on March 8
Clinton Great Start and MDHHS are co-hosting a free MI Bridges Community Event on March 8, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Clinton County RESA, 1013 South U.S. 27 in St. Johns across from McDonald’s. Registration is not required.
You’ll hear about the MI Bridges online portal for Michigan residents to apply for and manage MDHHS assistance programs: Medicaid, Food, Cash, Child Day Care or State Emergency Relief. Find and explore resources, too.
Community Partner Navigators will be available as needed to assist individuals in creating a MI Bridges account and walk you through the features to manage your case. Bring your smartphone or laptop for real-time help.
For additional online information, please visit www.michigan.gov/mibridges. If you have event questions, please email Sheri at MandevilleS@michigan.gov.
Please note: individuals with specific questions about their MDHHS benefits should call Client Connect at 1-844-464-3447.
SJPD Lieutenant retiring
After 13 years with the St. Johns Police Department, Lieutenant Verlinde hung up his duty belt for the last time. LT Verlinde served the citizens of St. Johns as a patrol officer and a sergeant before being promoted to lieutenant five years ago. If you see him around town, be sure to thank him for his service to the community he loves.
Special Olympics Area 28 meeting is February 25
Area 28 wants to send a delegation to Summer Games being held May 30-June 2. There will be a Summer Games meeting on February 25 at S,t Johns Lutheran Church from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Please enter via the side door along US-27.
They plan to offer athletics, bocce, horseshoes, and hopefully bowling if we can arrange a location.
Area 28 delegation will be limited and our time schedule is tight. Practice is scheduled to start March 4.
It is fish fry time again beginning February 24
With Lent just around the corner the St. Johns K of C 3281 is sharing this year’s Fish Fry Schedule
A limited menu will be available from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. on Fridays February 24 March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
Meals will be $15.00 each (cash/check only)
Limited Menu includes:
Baked Fish with baked potato or Fried Fish with French Fries
Sides Include:
Green beans, coleslaw, applesauce, and dinner roll.
Public welcome, no advance orders, Drive thru only. Columban Hall is located at 1108 North US-27 in St. Johns.
Duplain Church of Christ to host Easter Fair April 1
On Saturday, April 1 the Duplain Church of Christ from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The event will feature and Egg Hunt, Inflatables, Petting Zoo, Concessions and more.
Everything is free. Duplain Church of Christ is located at 5565 E. Colony Road north and east of St. Johns.