{"id":7001,"date":"2020-01-02T20:57:47","date_gmt":"2020-01-03T01:57:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/?p=7001"},"modified":"2020-01-02T20:57:47","modified_gmt":"2020-01-03T01:57:47","slug":"features-97","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/?p=7001","title":{"rendered":"Features"},"content":{"rendered":"

St. Johns dairy project earns award
\nA Look Back Again \u2013 Chamber of Commerce Honorees
\nRemember when? \u2013 The Park store
\nLetters \u2013 Non-profits appreciate support
\nMaralyn\u2019s Pet Corner \u2013 Why You Shouldn\u2019t Let Your Dog Eat Table Scraps<\/p>\n

St. Johns dairy project earns award<\/strong>
\ncourtesy of Michigan Farm Bureau’s Michigan Farm News<\/font><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Once complete, the project is expected to convert approximately 8 million pounds of milk per day into cheese (primarily cheddar) and whey protein powder, creating a market for almost 25% of Michigan\u2019s daily milk production.<\/p>\n

First announced in August 2018, a project that includes two new world-class dairy processing facilities in St. Johns was recently recognized by the Mid-America Economic Development Council as the \u201cEconomic Impact Deal of the Year.\u201d<\/p>\n

The award was presented at the 2019 Mid-America Competitiveness Conference & Site Selector Forum in Chicago. The Economic Impact Deal of the Year Recognizes a project having a significant and measurable economic impact on a city, county and\/or region.<\/p>\n

The project must have already broken ground and be in the initial phase of implementation between January 2018 and June 2019. The measurable impact can include capital investment, jobs, supplier network, economic impact or new partnership initiatives that positively improved the community.<\/p>\n

The $470 million, 146-acre dairy processing facility in Clinton County\u2019s St. Johns, Michigan, is expected to dramatically improve the production, profitability, and long-term prospects for one of Michigan\u2019s top agricultural products, as well as create up to 259 new jobs.<\/p>\n

Glanbia, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), and Select Milk Producers partnered to form Mid-West Cheese LLC. Once complete, the project is expected to convert approximately 8 million pounds of milk per day into cheese (primarily cheddar) and whey protein powder, creating a market for almost 25% of Michigan\u2019s daily milk production.<\/p>\n

Proliant Dairy Michigan is investing an additional $100 million in an adjoining facility to convert the permeate, a byproduct from MWC LLC, into whey permeate powder. The facility will employ up to 38 new workers and process approximately 400,000 pounds of permeate solids per day for delivery to both human and animal food markets. Once operational, the Proliant site will be the largest permeate-drying facility in the world.<\/p>\n

According to economic development officials, the creation of the dairy processing campus will result in one of the largest value-added agriculture projects in Michigan\u2019s history. The new facilities will provide a dedicated outlet for milk that currently is transported long distances for processing, resulting in high transportation costs.<\/p>\n

\u201c(This) project represents the most significant non-automotive related business attraction effort to our region in 25 years,\u201d said Bob Trezise, president\/CEO of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership. \u201cThis world-class ag-tech project is going to dramatically re-strengthen the state\u2019s dairy farmers.\u201d<\/p>\n

DFA CFO Greg Wickham said the benefits will reach far beyond the dairy industry. \u201cMichigan is ripe for growth with a surplus of quality milk, so there\u2019s tremendous opportunity to not only benefit the dairy farm families in this area but also the local economy and region,\u201d Wickham said.<\/p>\n

St. Johns City Commissioner Eric Hufnagel is hopeful the new operation could help restore some of the 300 jobs lost when auto supplier Federal-Mogul Corporation closed its local plant more than a decade ago in the city. Jobs at the dairy campus will range from engineers to mechanics, with the bulk paying between $15 and $30 an hour.\u201d<\/p>\n

“(This is) a project that I think is certainly significant in moving Michigan’s economy forward, particularly as it (applies) to the agricultural economy,” Michigan Economic Development Corp. CEO Jeff Mason said. “We’ve been trying to grow the value-added side of the agricultural industry and keep more of the commodities here in the state.”<\/p>\n

The project was facilitated by many state and local partners, including Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development – MDARD, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Strategic Fund, the Michigan Department of Transportation, LEAP, and Consumers Energy<\/p>\n

Unprecedented collaboration among farmers, private investors, and state and local economic developers resulted in over $20 million in incentives from the MEDC, MDARD, MDOT, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (previously the Department of Environmental Quality), City of St. Johns, Lansing Area Economic Partnership and Consumers Energy.<\/p>\n

They include an Agriculture Processing Renaissance Zone, Community Development Block Grant funding, MDARD\u2019s Food and Agriculture Investment Funds, MDOT\u2019s Transportation Economic Development Funds, PA 198 property tax abatements and State Essential Services Assessment savings due to the Agriculture Renaissance Zone.<\/p>\n

Mid-America EDC is a multi-state association dedicated to being the leading resource for making contact with site selectors, advancing regional economic development programs, and accessing thought leadership.<\/p>\n

\n

A Look Back Again<\/strong> – Chamber of Commerce Honorees
\nby Barry Bauer<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

These 3 men have reason to be happy back in 1974. They\u2019ve just been honored by the St Johns chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n

Honored at the Chamber Annual Dinner were from left: Walt Cole, St Johns High School band director, who received the Distinguished Citizen Award for his involvement with the youth of the community; Ron Huard, the Past President\u2019s Award for his hours of work serving the Chamber as president; and Barry Dean, whose work with the Chamber earned him the Outstanding Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year Award.<\/p>\n

\n

Remember when?<\/strong>
\nfrom Sandra (Hyler) Wagar<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Millie and Squeak Hyler are shown here at the house and Park Store. Sandra lived there for 10 years. She points out the steps her dad made for short people like her to get up to the windows.<\/p>\n

Pop, ice-cream and candy bars were 5 and 10 cents, penny candy and 2 for a penny. All of this and more at the St. Johns City Park.<\/p>\n

\n

Letters<\/strong> \u2013 Non-profits appreciate support<\/p>\n

We at Habitat hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. As we say good-bye to 2019, let us revel in our blessings, our families, our friends and our faith. Let us also remember that there are still those in need.<\/p>\n

Habitat builds houses WITH partner families. One will be built in Ithaca and one in St Johns in 2020. We need your help (these families need your help) to make this happen.<\/p>\n

We will continue our house repair programs, wheelchair ramps and accessibility programs, our neighborhood revitalization programs and financial education. It is not enough for us to just build houses, but to make safe, decent and affordable housing available for everyone. Because we can all agree that everyone deserves, at minimum, a safe place to lay their head at night.<\/p>\n

Won\u2019t you be part of this mission?<\/p>\n

Here are some ways to help:
\n$21.99 buys a box of nails
\n$44.85 buys door knobs for all bedrooms and bathrooms in a Habitat house
\n$107.21 buys a sink and vanity for the bathroom
\n$125.72 buys hand rails for a wheelchair ramp
\n$148.00 buys a door
\n$251.79 buys drywall for the ceilings
\n$528.98 buys sheeting for a roof repair
\n$1507 buys prison-built cabinets for the kitchen
\n$3700 buys the siding for a Habitat house
\n$5000 sponsors the cost of a whole room in a Habitat house<\/p>\n

Every donation matters! Every donation helps someone in our community! You can be a life-changer!<\/p>\n

Donate Now<\/font><\/a>.<\/p>\n

– Clinton-Gratiot Habitat for Humanity<\/p>\n

******<\/p>\n

\"\"As 2019 comes to a close, we have had the privilege to celebrate and honor 5 years of service to our community.<\/p>\n

In 2013 planning began and in 2014 we were appointed to our first CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) foster care cases. In 2017 our CAC (Child Advocate Center) conducted its first forensic interview of a child.<\/p>\n

We are so proud of all our agency’s accomplishments; however, we are endlessly humbled by the children whose journeys we walk alongside.<\/p>\n

Thank you, our supportive community, for all you do to support services for Clinton County’s abused and neglected children.<\/p>\n

– The Voice for Clinton County’s Children<\/p>\n

\n

Maralyn’s Pet Corner<\/strong> – Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Dog Eat Table Scraps
\ncourtesy of Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM<\/p>\n

It may be tempting to let your dog eat table scraps, especially when they are staring at you throughout your meal. You may even think you are giving them a nice little treat.<\/p>\n

However, the high-calorie, high-fat foods we take such pleasure in are some of the worst foods for our pets. Just one generous helping of a fat-laden meal or seemingly innocent leftovers can have serious impacts on your dog\u2019s health.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s why you should think twice about letting your dog eat table scraps.<\/p>\n

What Can Happen to a Dog That Eats Table Scraps?<\/em><\/p>\n

Dogs that eat table scraps are at risk for a variety of health problems. Here are just a few.<\/p>\n

Pancreatitis<\/em><\/p>\n

Pancreatitis is a condition that\u2019s caused by eating fatty foods, and it can be fatal in dogs.<\/p>\n

Normally, the pancreas releases enzymes into the digestive tract when food has been ingested to help break all the fat down and promote digestion.<\/p>\n

Pancreatitis occurs when these enzymes are released prematurely\u2014before the food reaches the digestive tracts\u2014which causes the pancreas to start ingesting itself and induces inflammation.<\/p>\n

These enzymes can also leak into the abdominal cavity, causing damage to adjacent structures and other organs, like the liver, bile ducts, gall bladder and intestines.<\/p>\n

Though high-fat foods are not the only thing that can cause pancreatitis, they\u2019re thought to be one of the main causes of acute pancreatitis.<\/p>\n

The clinical signs that you see depend upon the severity of the pancreatitis, but they can include:<\/p>\n

– Severe abdominal pain
\n– Vomiting
\n– Diarrhea<\/p>\n

In very severe cases, pancreatitis can be fatal.<\/p>\n

The severity of the disease will determine the treatment, which sometimes can require the hospitalization of your pet.<\/p>\n

Gastrointestinal Upset<\/em><\/p>\n

Not every pet’s gastrointestinal (GI) system is capable of taking on new foods and digesting them properly.<\/p>\n

If you know your pet has had digestive sensitivities in the past, you should avoid introducing anything new into their diet, especially human foods.<\/p>\n

New foods have the potential to disrupt the balance of your pet\u2019s gastrointestinal linings and flora, which can cause inflammation in the GI tract.<\/p>\n

This can cause your pet to suffer from issues such as:<\/p>\n

– Stomachaches
\n– Vomiting
\n– Diarrhea
\n– Inappetence
\n– Lethargy<\/p>\n

If you see these signs, take your pet to the veterinarian right away. They will be able to help your dog recover safely and ensure there are no continued issues.<\/p>\n

Toxin Exposure<\/em><\/p>\n

While it may be well-intentioned, treating pets to tables scraps can lead to them ingest toxic foods.<\/p>\n

Human foods that contain raisins, grapes, chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute seen often in gum and candies) and onions can all be toxic.<\/p>\n

These foods might be introduced in seemingly harmless ways, such as in raisin breads, soups, brownies and any other food combinations with these ingredients.<\/p>\n

Many of these toxins can have serious ramifications. For example, raisins and grapes have been associated with kidney toxicity in pets, and xylitol causes extremely low blood sugar that can lead to death.<\/p>\n

Foreign Bodies<\/em><\/p>\n

Another concern is intestinal foreign bodies, which are foreign objects within the GI tract.<\/p>\n

Common foreign bodies that dogs ingest include pieces of toys, bones, peach pits, corncobs, pieces of blankets, socks, underwear, hair ties, carpet and ropes. Foreign bodies often cause a GI obstruction, which can be fatal if not treated.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of a GI obstruction include:<\/p>\n

– Vomiting
\n– Diarrhea
\n– Inappetence
\n– Lethargy<\/p>\n

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a foreign body, call your vet immediately. Sometimes, if you get to their office immediately, your veterinarian may be able to induce vomiting, but this is not always recommended.<\/p>\n

Some obstructions are easy to diagnose, while others are more challenging. Oftentimes, X-rays will need to be repeated, or an abdominal ultrasound will be recommended if it is unclear.<\/p>\n

Depending on diagnostics, your vet will advise you on the best treatment for a foreign body obstruction. The common recommended treatments are surgical removal or aggressive fluid therapy.<\/p>\n

Bone Splinters<\/em><\/p>\n

Bones are also potentially hazardous to pets.<\/p>\n

This applies to pork and steak bones, but it\u2019s especially true for bird carcasses and bones (e.g., turkey and chicken bones that you might have considered giving to your dog as scraps).<\/p>\n

The cooking process dries the bones, making it easier for them to splinter and get stuck in the passages of the digestive tract.<\/p>\n

The splintered pieces can be caught anywhere from the mouth to the throat (esophagus) or stomach. They can even become embedded in the intestinal walls.<\/p>\n

Larger chunks of bone can also become stuck in the small bowel, causing pain and distress to your dog because other items are not able to pass through the narrow passage.<\/p>\n

In fact, in some cases, internal bone fragments may require surgical removal.<\/p>\n

Talk With Your Veterinarian About New Foods<\/em><\/p>\n

While you may be tempted to fix your pet their own plate of leftovers, it is important to be aware of the potential hazards that table scraps pose for pets.<\/p>\n

If you have any questions regarding what is safe for your pet, always call your veterinarian. This will help you best avoid any potential problems and keep your pet safe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

St. Johns dairy project earns award A Look Back Again \u2013 Chamber of Commerce Honorees Remember when? \u2013 The Park store Letters \u2013 Non-profits appreciate support Maralyn\u2019s Pet Corner \u2013 Why You Shouldn\u2019t Let Your Dog Eat Table Scraps<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7001","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-features"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7001","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7001"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7001\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7001"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7001"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stjindy.com\/newindy\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7001"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}