City Commission approves Wilson Center documents
Last week was full of exciting milestones for the City of St. Johns. At the October 10 special meeting the City Commission unanimously approved documents that will move the Wilson Center project forward.
The City will purchase a portion of the Rodney B. Wilson Center, which once served as the local high school and junior high, from Dymaxion Development. Under the approved agreements, the City will own the Wilson Center’s gymnasium, auditorium and additional space for a community room and kitchen/concession area.
This approval cues Dymaxion to begin remediation work on the building. Pending completion of the work and a successful inspection, the City will take possession of the property in the spring.
“Owning part of the Wilson Center allows us to ensure that the gym and auditorium remain public spaces available to the community,” says Commissioner Jean Ruestman. “These spaces have many uses including community sports programs, theatrical and musical performances and private events. In addition, we have a unique opportunity to preserve one of the City’s most treasured historical landmarks.”
Still to be determined is the City’s exact level of investment in renovations. City Manager Chad Gamble presented three options at the October 10 special meeting and anticipates that the Commission will reach a decision at the regular meeting on October 23.
Learn more at cityofstjohnsmi.com.
Tickets on sale for November’s Mean Girls
Tickets are now on sale for the St. Johns Public Schools Theatre Department’s offering of Mean Girls at sjdrama.ludus.com. Performances are scheduled for November 10-12.
Adapted from Tina Fey’s hit 2004 film, Mean Girls was nominated for a staggering 12 Tony Awards. This queen-bee story took Broadway by storm and has now joined the musical in-crowd. And now so can you.
Like the movie, Mean Girls High School Version is rated PG-13 and may not be suitable for all audiences.
City receives Grant for Fantasy Forest
On October 9 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that the Fantasy Forest renovation project has been awarded a $694,400 Spark Grant.
“The Wilson Center and ‘Fantasy Forest 2.0’ are just two of the many ways we’re working to enrich the quality of life here in St. Johns,” explains City Manager Chad Gamble. “Both of these projects will provide opportunities for residents to enjoy recreational activities and experience community together.”
Receipt of the DNR Spark Grant for the Fantasy Forest begins the journey to replace the current wooden play structure in St. Johns City Park with a cutting-edge, universally accessible playground designed to accommodate children of all abilities.
“This funding will have a tremendous impact on our community, creating a vibrant space for all residents to enjoy,” shares Mayor Scott Dzurka. “It will breathe new life into our beloved Fantasy Forest, offering our children a safe and enriching place to play, learn and grow.”
The project involves collaboration between the City and various stakeholders, including the St. Johns Area Community Fund (SJACF), Parks and Recreation Board, Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club. So far, the City and SJACF have secured more than $919,000 in grants, donations and financial pledges.
Information about contributing to the project is available on the SJACF website.
Sparrow Clinton Hospital extends hours for CT scans
Sparrow Clinton Hospital is responding to the community’s needs by extending hours for CT scans to 8 p.m. Patients can now schedule a CT scan at Sparrow Clinton from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., making it much more convenient for those who can’t take time out during normal works hours.
CT scans can be used to identify disease or injury within various parts of the body, detecting possible tumors or lesions or checking the heart for disease or abnormalities, among other things.
“We often hear patients’ comments on how hard it is to take time off work or for students to miss school for an appointment. Offering evening hours for a CT scan is one way we can better accommodate our patients’ lifestyle,” said Shawn Galecka, Clinical Diagnostics Manager.
With Sparrow Clinton’s 80-slice CT, we can capture bright, clear images for physicians to make informed decisions on the best care path for patients.
Sparrow Clinton provides comprehensive diagnostic radiology and imaging services, including bone density, diagnostic x-ray, 3D mammography, mobile wide bore MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasounds.
To learn more, visit Sparrow.org/Clinton.
r autumn and Halloween
Autumn and Halloween are in the air at the Clinton County Historical Museum.
Take a peek at the creepy vintage Halloween decorations that they have on display including rare papier-mâché bobble heads.
Come and join them on Sunday afternoons from 1-4 PM or Wednesdays from 2 -5 PM for a walk around the Museum and the General Store. You will be amazed at what they have to share.
The museum is located on the west side of the courthouse square in St. Johns.
SJPS looking to future needs with bond proposal
St. Johns Public Schools are evaluating all school buildings and sites to provide both a snapshot in time and a look forward to the district’s anticipated needs. Their goal is to have a complete overview of the current and projected needs, which will allow the district to continue to plan effectively and efficiently to manage these great resources.
The bond planning process has included stakeholder engagements including the Board of Education, District administration, St. Johns staff, and the community. A Community Survey including over 700 individuals was facilitated in April, 2023. A Community presentation was held on June 5, 2023.
After the building evaluations, stakeholder engagements, and community survey, St. Johns has identified potential projects for further investigation and consideration. The District is working with the architect and construction manager partners to evaluate the cost and feasibility of these potential projects. Additional information will be shared this fall.
For more information and frequently asked questions visit: https://www.sjredwings.org/bond2024/
Briggs District Library receives grant, plans fundraiser
The Briggs District Library has received a Public Space Place-Based Infrastructure Award of $550,000 from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The grant will help fund renovations to modernize the facility and better serve library patrons.
“Though the library hasn’t been run by the City since it became a district library in 2016, we realize its incredible importance to St. Johns residents,” says City Manager Chad Gamble. “Congratulations are certainly in order, and we look forward to celebrating yet another enrichment for our community.”
In November the Briggs District Library will host an online silent auction to raise funds for our up-coming facility renovation project. Many items are being donated by local businesses and organizations, making this the perfect opportunity to acquire unique holiday gifts while supporting the library.
All auction items will be available for viewing online and at the library starting Monday, October 30. Bidding will begin Saturday, November 4 and close at noon on Saturday, November 11.
To view or place a bid on auction items, visit http://bidpal.net/briggslibraryfundraiser. Library staff will also be available to accept bids for those wishing to place their bid in person.
A reception for auction winners and those who donated items will be held at the library from 4:30-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 11.
For more information on the library’s renovation project, visit briggsdistrictlibrary.org.
Vintage collectables on offer October 20, 21
Jackie Mosher’s Mom and Dad lived long and happy lives. They enjoyed the holidays, family dinners and events and collecting various items. Family members love all their home decorations, fancy glassware, holiday apparel and numerous vintage collectables. But those things are only objects, and they can store the fond memories of family so much easier than they can store all their stuff.
A sale will be held at 1104 E. Roosevelt Rd., Ashley MI on October 20 from 9-6 and October 21 from 9-3 in hopes of finding new families that will use and enjoy the items as much as the family once did.