Farmland threatened in Eagle Township
by Jean Martin
Down in the south end of Clinton County and along either side of M-100 as it comes out of Grand Ledge sits some prime Michigan farmland just south of Grand River Highway.There residents of Eagle Township are up in arms over plans by Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), to move forward with the development of the Michigan Manufacturing Innovation Campus.
Back in 2005 well-known local farmer Dave Morris donated 1,400 acres to Michigan State University, and the agreement required that the university maintain the crop lease for 25 years. The land is currently listed as agricultural land by the Clinton County Zoning Ordinance, and it is farmed by Clark Farms. MSU deputy spokesperson Dan Olsen says he cannot comment on or identify potential buyers at this time or verify if MSU will even sell the land at all.
Besides losing farmland residents have concerns about infrastructure upgrades, water quality and general quality of life should large manufacturing move into the area. That’s why many residents attended an open house a week ago at Eagle Township Park to discuss their concerns with developers.
“I attended the Eagle Township Mega Site ‘informational’ open house,” says Marti Howe who grew up on the family farm on State Road. “The information consisted of placards arranged around the hall. There was no presentation and no opportunity for Q & A.”
Instead residents were asked to fill out a survey. See the survey here.
Dana Burghdoff who grew up there and now works as a city planner in Fort Worth says, “The survey is clearly trying to get people to identify mitigation measures for when (not if) the mega site develops. None of people’s preferences for housing types, recreation, transportation improvements, and retail options should be driven by IF a major development occurs.”
“Ultimately, as I understand it, the zoning will be decided at the county level. Clinton County needs to know what is happening,” concludes Marti’s sister Marguerite Howe.
For more information on this issue see
– MSU’s State News story
– Stop the Mega Site, Eagle MI on Facebook.
– Eagle Township Comprehensive Plan
Lions serve at Culvers fundraiser
It was Dean Hartenburg and crew at your service at Culvers in Dewitt on Monday night. Dean is currently president of the St. Johns Lions club. Proceeds from the fundraiser help to support local community projects.
Remember When – More photos from the Jilka family album
Now Suzie Jilka Albin digs deeper into the family albums to bring us photos from as early as 1955.
Here we find photos taken by Ron Higgins and Alan Smith, both member of the class of 1961. Camp counselors from this time include vocal music teacher Rita Fuszek, and teacher Bob Marble and his wife. We even get a look at Doug McDowell dancing the Twist.
Letters – The Voice for Clinton County’s Children grateful for quilts
Thank you to the St. Peter Lutheran Church Quilters for the wonderful donation of quilts.
-The Voice for Clinton County’s Children
Maralyn’s Pet Corner – Which Flowers and Plants Are Safe for Cats?
courtesy of Cheryl Lock
Did you know that certain plants and flowers can actually be dangerous for your cat?
“While any plant material can cause mild stomach upset, some plants are much more dangerous,” says Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
It’s also important for cat parents to know that some plants and flowers that are relatively safe for dogs can be deadly for cats. “Members of the Lilium (true lilies) or Hemerocallis (day lilies) can cause kidney failure in cats, but only mild stomach upset in dogs,” says Wismer.
If you’re considering an eco-conscious revamp of your home décor, check this list to find out which flowers and houseplants are safe for cats.
Flowers That Are Safe for Cats
Avoid bringing dangerous flowers into your home with this list of safe flowers for cats:
Alstroemeria
Asters
Freesia
Gerber Daisies
Liatris
Lisianthus
Orchid
Roses
Snapdragon
Statice
Sunflowers
Wax Flower (Madagascar Jasmine)
Air-Purifying Plants That Are Safe for Cats
Houseplants cleanse the air we breathe from toxins found in many household products—formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, just to name a few.
Here are some air-purifying plants that are also safe for cats:
Areca Palm
Bamboo
Basil
Boston Fern
Cilantro
Dill
Dwarf Date Palm
Friendship Plant
Hens and Chicks
Lady Palm
Lemon Balm
Old Man Cactus
Painted Lady
Reed Palm
Rosemary
Sage
Shrimp Cactus
Spider Plant (Spider Ivy)
Venus Flytrap
Zebra Haworthia
Even Safe Plants Can Pose Dangers to Cats
Wismer suggests that you keep these plants and flowers out of reach of curious cats even though they are considered safe, because there are other dangers to watch out for.
Most cut flowers come with a powdered flower food to keep them fresh, and this can be toxic to cats. Even the vases could pose a problem. “Cats especially like to drink from vases, so make sure the cat cannot overturn heavy vases and hurt themselves,” Wismer adds. “Breakable vases can also be a hazard for your pets…and you, when you have to pick up the pieces.”
Karen Lawrence, director of The CFA Foundation and manager of the Feline Historical Museum, suggests using hanging planters as a way to keep plants out of the reach of your pets.
What to Do If Your Cat Eats a Plant That Might Be Poisonous
If your cat nibbled on a flower or plant, and you are unsure whether it may be toxic, call your emergency vet, or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
You should call even if you just suspect that your cat might have eaten part of a plant or flower.