City of St. Johns selects new Mayor
The St. Johns City Commission selected the a new mayor and vice mayor at its
regular meeting held Monday, June 26. In a united front, the commission unanimously approved Scott Dzurka as mayor. Brad Gurski was subsequently chosen to fill the vice mayor position vacated by Dzurka, also with unanimous approval.
“It is a great honor to serve on the commission and as mayor. We have a strong, dedicated and experienced team,” says Mayor Dzurka. “We are all excited about collaborating to guide the City of St. Johns forward in a clear, strategic direction.”
The selections come on the heels of the commission’s May 22 meeting where Chris Hyzer was unanimously approved to fill the commission seat left vacant by Roberta Cocco’s resignation.
Hyzer is a 23-year resident of St. Johns, and brings a depth of knowledge and experience to his new role. Hyzer has served as a governmental auditor, finance officer, controller, administrator and presently as finance director for the City of Ionia. He was also active as an appointed member of the City of St. Johns Finance Committee.
Dzurka, Gurski and Hyzer along with Eric Hufnagel and Jean Ruestman, complete the five-member commission. Collectively, the team serves as the community’s legislative and policy-making body.
In their roles, Dzurka and Gurski are responsible for presiding over meetings, representing intergovernmental affairs, facilitating communication, appointing citizens to boards, and guiding the commission in goal setting and policy decisions.
St. Johns City Commission meetings are held once per month in the Clinton County Courthouse, 2nd Floor, Suite 2200. Visit cityofstjohnsmi.com/meetings/ for the commission’s meeting schedule, agendas, minutes and more.
Learn more at cityofstjohnsmi.com.
Don’t miss Independence Day at the Park
On Tuesday, July 4th the community will gather at the St. Johns City Park.
Music will begin at 7:00 p.m. with The Kathy Ford Band at the Performance Shell. Chuckie D’s Food Truck and the Hot Dogs and Lemonade Food Truck will be on hand to keep you going.
The Fireworks will begin as soon as it gets dark enough, usually around 10 p.m. Get there early to get a good seat. Meanwhile enjoy the spray park as well.
Thank you to all of the sponsors for making the Fireworks show possible.
The flags will fly at Mt. Rest Cemetery from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m.
When can you shoot off fireworks in St. Johns?
Dates/Times fireworks are allowed within the City of St. Johns.
The day preceding. the day of. or the day after a national holiday. This includes:
– New – Year’s Day
– Birthday of Martin Luther King. Jr.
– Washington’s Birthday
– Memorial Day
– Independence Day
– Labor Day
– Columbus Day
– Veterans Day
– Thanksgiving Day
– Christmas
The following additional dates/times as allowed by the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act:
11:00 a.m. on December 31-1:00 a.m. on January 1
11:00 a.m. -11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. on June 29 and 30 and July 1, 2, 3, and 4
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. on July 5, if that date is a Friday or Saturday
11:00 a.m. -11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day
Note: The Fire Chief has issued a ban on open burning due to dry conditions and lack of rain. This means no burning of brush, yard debris, bonfires, campfires, etc. This ban will be in effect until further notice.
This ban covers Bingham Twp., Greenbush Twp., the east half of Bengal Twp. (east of Francis Road) and the City of St. Johns.
The City urges extreme care and caution due to the dry conditions. If you cause damage to someone else’s property while using fireworks, you can be held liable.
Rock out with Miranda & the M80’s on July 5
If you’re looking to spend an evening with one of the most energetic and entertaining bands in mid-Michigan, mark on your calendars for Wednesday, July 5 as the day to make that happen. That’s when Miranda & The M80s will hit the stage at the William E. Tennant Performance Shell in the beautiful St. Johns City Park.
“This group, formed in 2015, has been a statewide favorite for a number of years,” said Bill Tennant, Concert in the Park coordinator. “Jeff Dietrich, the group’s leader and drummer, is a graduate of St. Johns High School. He and the band do a great job of playing all of that wonderful 80s music. You will thoroughly enjoy this evening of rocking out with Miranda, Jeff, and their friends.”
Miranda & The M80s consists of Miranda, who brings a background of classical training and musical theater experience to her amazing vocals, Len, “The Axe” who studied guitar at MSU, Drew “The Bass Melter” has a few years of classical training and Jeff who has a vast background of drumming experience in many different genres. This group of unique individuals come together to form this amazing cohesive band, a band you’re going to want to spend some time with.
The concert in the Park series is co-sponsored by the Clinton County Arts Council and the City of St. Johns. The concerts are open to the public free of charge – donations are graciously accepted.
The Lion’s Club food trailer will be available this year and as always, all concerts are presented rain or shine.
So set your GPS to: 801 W Park St, St Johns; bring a chair or blanket and enjoy! The CCAC receives funding from the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Food items needed
Kelly Schafer, the director of The Voice for Clinton County’s Children says,
‘Our little pantry could use a few items. Some suggestions are: canned tuna and chicken, dry pasta, canned green beans and corn, oatmeal packets, hot cocoa, and baking mix.
“We have limited storage space and appreciate whatever fits in the pantry.”
The free pantries are located in front of their office, 1207 N US 27 in St. Johns, just west of Sundance.
Alzheimers caregivers meet July 10
Ordinarily the Alzheimers Disease caregivers group meeting is held on the first Monday of each month from 7-8:30 PM at Clinton County Senior Center. Due to the July 4th Holiday the meeting will be held this month on July 10.
Come share your situation, ask questions, realize you are not alone and maybe find some answers.