2002 in review - Random Thoughts

January	February	March	April
May	June	July	August
September	October	November	December
Barry's columns	Outdoors with Dick Bradley	FWIW	Random Notes

People, places and issues of all kinds found a spot on the pages of The Independent in the year that is quickly drawing to a close. Here's a quick look back at what made the headlines in 2003.

Matthew Scruggs rang in 2003 in grand fashion as the New Year's baby at Clinton Memorial Hospital. The son of Felicia and Douglas Scruggs of St. Johns made his appearance at 4:26 a.m., Jan. 1.

Fire service took on a new look in the New Year with the official formation of the DeWitt Area Emergency Service Authority. The authority serves residents in the city of DeWitt, Olive Township and all but the northwest quadrant of Riley Township.

Jane Clarke assumed the position of Clinton County magistrate, following the retirement of Tony Hufnagel. She is the first woman to serve as county magistrate.

Caledonia Farmers Elevator opted not to renew its lease agreement on the buildings and property on Railroad Street and Clinton Avenue in downtown St. Johns, owned by Central Michigan Railroad and Land O'Lakes. CFE's departure left a void in the grain commodity market for area farmers.

Brenda Terpening was named as new director of the St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce, succeeding Linda Curtis.

St. Johns Public Schools continued to struggle with resolving technology issues that plagued the district during the 2001-02 school year.

Winners in the annual Voice of Democracy speech contest, sponsored locally by VFW Post 4113, included Maddie Mohre in the senior division and Lisa Kelly in the junior division.

A group of area families came together to provide aid on a state-wide basis by forming Colors of Love, a support group for families with children of transracial adoptions.

Area residents were saddened by the loss of two young people, Carlie Smith, 19, of Westphalia and Chris Spitzley, 19, of Fowler who were killed in a four-car accident in Montcalm County.

Nurse Fuzzie Wuzzie, aka Muriel Gilson, was feted on her 90th birthday, Feb. 19.

St. Johns resident Dennis Scott was the recipient of a Bronze Star - 33 years after action in Vietnam that earned the medal of valor.

John Salemi was named as new St. Johns city attorney, following the retirement of Paul Maples who served the city for 33 years.

A failure by Wal-Mart to sign all documents by the Feb. 19 deadline brought to an end a lengthy legal wrangling with the city of St. Johns on the proposed expansion of its existing store into a 'Supercenter.'

Clinton Area Fire & Rescue went 'on-line' at midnight March 6, serving residents in Bingham and Greenbush townships. Start-up in Victor Township, the third unit of government represented by CAFR, was set to begin April 1.

Clinton Memorial Hospital kicked off its 75th anniversary events with recognition of the CMH Auxiliary at the Founders Day Dinner. Denise Young-Bean was named as Employee of the Year at the dinner.

A native son, Ron Simon, was named as the new superintendent of the Pewamo-Westphalia School District.

Clinton County Probate Judge Marvin Robertson became the longest-serving adjudicator on the county probate bench - 23 years and counting.

Eight Clinton County residents were among soldiers in the 144th Military Police Company headquartered in Owosso who were called to serve at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. for homeland defense.

Annette Devereaux left the Clinton County treasurer office to take a job in the private sector. She had served the county for 15 years.

The Fowler varsity boys basketball team enjoyed a championship season, defeating Covert 75-72 in double overtime at the Class D state quarterfinals and beating Centerline St. Clement 76-47 at the semifinals before falling to Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian 45-63 in the championship game. Coach Scott Pischea was named the AP Class D Coach of the Year for the 25-2 Eagles.

Mindy Seavey was named as the new St. Johns city clerk, having served as acting city clerk since the retirement of Rick Coletta in 2001.

Relief After Violent Encounter (RAVE) garnered support from the male population via the Men's March Against Violence that was held as part of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month events.

The death of Patrick Holey, 19, of Lansing and attempted suicide of his wife, Jennifer Holey, 19, put Clinton County in the national spotlight when his mother, Kathleen Holey, was charged with criminal assisted suicide. Holey's body was found in an abandoned farmhouse in Ovid Township.

State legislators signed legislation dedicating a portion of US-127 from the Clinton County boundary north to Price Road in memory of DeWitt Township police officer, Gary Priess, who died in January 2000 as a result of an auto accident during a traffic stop.

A series of city ordinances in the city of St. Johns dealing with everything from 'pooper scoopers' to pygmy goats got mixed reviews from residents.

Clinton Memorial Hospital began its "Let’s Get Healthy" campaign as part of 75th anniversary events.

An open house of the renovated Grand Trunk Depot in downtown St. Johns drew hundreds of guests.The event featured refreshments, carriage rides and an assortment of historic displays including GT memorabilia of Chris Cook.

A final public hearing was held in the continuing process of updating the Clinton County Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

St. Johns Public Schools began the search for a new superintendent after Dick Tait announced plans to retire at the end of the 2001-02 school year.

Michigan Works director Doug Stites was the special guest speaker at the annual Government Day Luncheon, hosted by Clinton Area Planning for Intergovernmental Teamwork and the St. Johns Rotary Club.

Downtown St. Johns escaped a potentially devastating fire May 19 when quick response by firefighters saved buildings in the second block of Clinton Avenue. Primary damage was limited to 216 N. Clinton Avenue where the blaze of unknown origin started.

Fr. Ray Rademacher, parish priest at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler, died May 18 after a battle with cancer.

Bath area residents observed the 75th anniversary of the Bath School bombing at a memorial service May 18 that paid tribute to students and adults who lost their lives in the worst school tragedy in the history of the U.S.

Bill Tennant was honored at several events on his retirement from St. Johns Public School where he served as a teacher and orchestra director for 36 years.

Tina Ward was appointed as new Clinton County treasurer. She had served as assistant treasurer prior to the retirement of Annette Devereaux.

Voters approved a 1 mill proposal for dedicated funding of vocational educational programming in Clinton County. The Clinton County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) is the administrative body for the approximate $1.1 million in annual revenue that goes to county school districts.

Dick Tait was honored on his retirement as superintendent of St. Johns Public Schools; Bob Kudwa, former director of operations for the district, was named as the new superintendent.

Hicks Farm Service LLC opened for business at the former CFE site in downtown St. Johns - and new owners, Tom and Monique Hicks of Bengal Township, prepared to accept truckloads of wheat from area farmers.

RESA moved into its new home - the renovated Fisher Big Wheel building at the Southpoint Mall in St. Johns. Along with RESA's administrative offices and instructional space, new tenants include the St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce and Lansing Community College Clinton County Center.

Gayle Miller left her position with the Clinton County Department of Waste Management for a similar job in her 'old stomping grounds' of Grand Traverse County.

A quintet of local Clintonaires were in the spotlight at Comerica Park in Detroit. Don and Hilary Schmitt, Ben and Bob Bierstetel and Pat Klein wowed Tiger fans with the Star Spangled Banner and other songs.

St. Johns High School alumnus Ben Miller began a cross-country cycling trip as a participant of Bike Aid to promote peace and understanding.

RAVE began plans for a capital campaign that would raise funds for the construction of a new administrative office and counseling center by 2005-06.

Clinton County farmers enjoyed a wheat harvest that produced high yield and good prices.

The 65th anniversary edition of the Clinton County 4-H & Youth Fair offered fun for everyone at the fairgrounds in St. Johns.

Much needed rain revitalized crops and farmers' hopes for the pending fall harvest of corn and soybeans by alleviating drought conditions.

Voter turnout was 'above average' for a primary election in the Aug. 6 affair that included a sweep of county and state races by GOP candidates, and passage of the Gratiot County COA millage.

The new Monroe Road bridge opened for traffic over the Looking Glass River in Eagle Township. The bride replaced a Pratt through-truss bridge that had been built in 1894.

Melissa Curtis and Emily Havens were crowned as the queen and 'little miss' of the 18th annual St. Johns Mint Festival.

County commissioners approved the site plan for Bingham Farms development in Bingham Township. The three-phase residential development of the Morningstar Group Investments LLC includes 109 lots.

Volunteers working on the Clinton County cemetery restoration project coordinated by Betty Driscoll received commendations of appreciation from the Michigan Legislature for their efforts.

"Positive progress" was reported on the technology issues of St. Johns Public Schools as the start of the 2002-03 school year approaches.

There were lots of pretty faces on the farm of Lee and Marilyn Thelen in Greenbush Township - a 20-acre field was filled with 600,00 sunflowers.

Kathleen Holey entered a guilty plea to one count of attempted assisted suicide in the death of her son, Patrick Holey, and attempted suicide of her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Holey.

Clinton Memorial Hospital transfered its home health services to Sparrow. The hospital board said the action is due primarily to federal cutbacks in Medicare reimbursements.

Commemorative services were held at a variety of locations around the county in tribute to 9-11. "May your strength give us strength; may your faith give us faith; may your hope give us hope; may your love bring us love."

Voters at Ovid-Elsie Area Schools passed two bond proposals totaling $24 million, funding the district's largest capital improvement project since the middle school was built in 1996. The proposals include renovations and additions to elementary school buildings in Elsie and Ovid, and remodeling of space at the high school.

RESA hosted tours of the facility at the Southpoint Mall in a grand opening event that included the St. Johns Area Chamber of Commerce.

Pewamo-Westphalia voters approved a $6.4 million bond issue to upgrade athletic facilities in the school district.

Clinton Memorial Hospital continued its 75th anniversary celebration with a community picnic attended by more than 500 guests.

Construction began on the new Save-A-Lot distribution center at the St. Johns Industrial Park. The $15 million, 342,750 square-foot building is sited on a 37-acre parcel which includes room for future expansion.

Michael Cain resigned as St. Johns city manager. His letter of resignation cited the termination as being "in the mutual interest" of both parties. He was hired in February 2001, following the retirement of Randy Humphrey. St. Johns city assessor Cindy Warda was named as acting interim city manager.

Edna Flegler received the prestigious Bill Patton Award from the St. Johns Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors.

Construction began on the new Firstbank-St. Johns branch office in the Fieldstone Village Development on the south side of St. Johns near Glastonbury and Townsend roads.

Soybean and corn yields were reported as being "just average" by county farmers. Dry summer weather had an adverse effect on the crops.

Nick Rasmussen, a junior at Ovid-Elsie High School, won the International Powerlifting Federation Sub-Junior Championship in the 275-pound weight class. The competition was held in Chai Pi, Taiwan.

The Lowell Road bridge over the Looking Glass River in Watertown Township is "saved" from replacement following the intervention of the state's Historical Preservation Division. The bridge remains closed to traffic.

A RAVE Teen Summit during Domestic Violence Awareness Month provided information to area youth on dating violence and date rape drugs.

The GOP ruled Clinton County in the Nov. 8 General Election where voter turn-out is below average.

Clinton County commissioners adopted a "status quo" budget for 2003 - $16,785,825 in the general fund. A planned $2.5 million expansion of the Clinton County Jail is the major capital improvement expense.

LCC dedicated its new Clinton County Center at the RESA building in the Southpoint Mall.

Clinton Memorial Hospital concluded its 75th anniversary events with a special ceremony on Veteran's Day that follows a similar pattern of the hospital's opening ceremony at 11-11-11 in 1927.

Monica Rehmann joined the elite 1,000 point club for girls basketball teams at St. Johns High School. The daughter of Bob and Sue Rehmann tallies 1,000 midway through the fourth quarter of a game versus Ionia.

The city of St. Johns reorganized its public safety department. Police chief Mike Madden was named as director of the department; fire chief Dick Cornwell saw his responsibilities reduced from a paid part-time position to on-call status. The move generated criticism from a number of area residents.

MDOT said it's waiting for funds to complete the US-127 freeway from St. Johns north to Ithaca. The state continues to purchase properties as they become available, but no funds for construction are allocated for the multi-year project.

A fine season came to a close for the Fowler football team in a loss to Gaylord St. Mary's at the Division 8 state semifinals.

RESA students worked on collaborative project with students from Ohio for the annual Festival of Trees holiday event.

The Tomorrow's Youth Academy leadership program got off to a fast start with a team-building retreat and mentor dinner.

Clinton County commissioners adopted the new Clinton County Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Clinton County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan and approved the Clinton County Farmland Development Rights ordinance.

The Lady Pirates from Pewamo-Westphalia closed out a stellar season with a trip to the Class C state semifinals, losing 58-36 to St. Ignace.