St. Johns Mayor announces resignation
At Monday night’s regular City Commission meeting, Mayor Roberta Cocco announced her resignation and stepped down from the commission. Cocco was elected last November and was sworn in as mayor on November 28, 2022. Her term was set to expire in November, 2026.
“I’m sorry we got to this point,” says Vice Mayor Scott Dzurka, who will assume Cocco’s leadership duties. “We are at a unique time in politics at all levels of government, and change is often fraught with challenges. Our goal is to move forward in a positive direction, always working in the best interests of our residents. While there will not always be agreement between individuals, we remain committed to respect and integrity.”
According to the City of St. Johns Charter, the vacancy left by Cocco will be filled either by appointment until the next municipal election or by calling a special election. This decision will be made by the remaining commissioners within the next 20 days. Updates will be available at cityofstjohns.com.
In her resignation statement, Cocco cited “the reluctance of staff to provide me with the basic information and material necessary to perform my duty, as well as their reluctancy to share standard processes, communication norms or financial records, and I was surprised that my inquiries were met with hostility.” She also said, “While I remained committed to my role as a public servant, at this time I realize there isn’t much more I can accomplish in this role.”
“It’s unfortunate that Ms. Cocco felt hostility regarding these inquiries,” explains Dzurka. “This situation has, however, shown us that we need to provide more clarity about roles and responsibilities. The commissioners and City staff have been, and will continue to be, a team in pursuit of the best interests of our residents.”
Dzurka, an affiliate consultant at Public Sector Consultants, was also elected to the Council last November.
Cocco’s resignation and the departure of former city manager David Kudwa earlier this year are not connected. “Each resigned for different reasons,” says Dzurka.
It’s Superhero race week
If you aren’t running, you can still come out to the St. John’s City Park Saturday morning Saturday April 29 and cheer for the runners. Fun and games will be available for the children.
Let’s get the band back together
Some local musicians have contacted Roy Davis about the community band. He has agreed to the recommissioning of the Community Band. He also has said that he would be happy to host the band at the high school and conduct the group as well.
Former band member Sid Lounds says, “I would like to encourage everyone to think outside the box and start beating the bushes to recruit as many instruments as possible to really make this kick-off a spectacle.
“I’m playing my French Horn in a church orchestra currently, but can play my trumpet in community band if that’s needed more than Horn,” he adds. “I have to admit it is getting harder to maintain quality sound as I age. Less air control and volume (after COVID), thinning lips, etc. I still enjoy it, but it takes time and dedication.”
Janet Halfmann does it again
Janet Kloeckner Halfmann, who grew up in rural St. Johns/ Fowler, has won the Children’s Fiction Award in the prestigious 2023 Midland Authors Awards for her picture book How Can We Be Kind? Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom. The annual awards recognize the group’s choices for the best books written by Midwest authors, with winners in each category chosen by three literary judges.
How Can We Be Kind? shows kids everyday ways that they can be kind by mirroring the caring behaviors of animals throughout the world. Illustrated by Darla Okada, the book was released in July 2022 by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books/Quarto Kids.
The awards will be presented May 9 in Chicago at an awards dinner hosted by the Society of Midland Authors, founded in 1915. The competition is open to authors living in, or with strong ties to, twelve Midwest states, including Michigan and Wisconsin, where Janet now lives with her husband Tom, a native of Fowler.
Janet is the author of fifty fiction and nonfiction children’s books. Signed copies of her books are available locally at the Art & Soul Gallery in St. Johns and at Becker Furniture in Fowler, as well as at bookstores and online. Find out more at https://www.janethalfmannauthor.com
Mother’s Day Flower Sale coming up May 13
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Team is having their annual Mother’s Day Flower Sale on Saturday, May 13 in the parking lot of former Barbers Floors & More 2321 S. Bus US-27.
The event starts at 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. or until the flowers are gone.
South Bingham Cemetery Association meets Monday, May 8
Current and future lot owners of South Bingham Cemetery can meet with
the Board at the annual meeting on Monday May 8 at 7:00 p.m. at the
cemetery on 1324 West Taft Rd.in St. Johns.
The New Cremation Garden is completed with several lots available.
Visitors are Welcome. For more information call 989-224-7629
Union Home Cemetery annual meeting is May 8
The Annual Meeting of the Union Home Cemetery Association will take place on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Greenbush Township Hall at 1883 E French Road, Saint Johns. All interested parties are invited to attend.
If you have ownership of lots or spaces in the cemetery, you are eligible to vote for the office of Trustee of the Cemetery Association. You are also eligible to hold an office on the Board of the Association. They will be holding the annual election and reviewing and/or voting on items that require Board attention.