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Articles by Anamaria Dickerson
Laingsburg kids take up challenge to be kind
LAINGSBURG — After a challenge from their local church leaders, a Laingsburg brother and sister set out to do acts of random kindness.Similar to a Kindness Rocks Project that took place a year ago, 12-year-old Noah Brewer and 10-year-old Taylor Brewer said they were inspired to spread kindness by The Rev. Brian West, of Laingsburg United Methodist Church, after his worship service June 10.“(Our worship service) focused not only on our praise to God, but on a dare,” West said via email.
SRI hosts antique tractor club this weekend
OWOSSO — The Steam Railroading Institute is partnering with the Heart of Michigan Antique Tractor Club this weekend to host the inaugural Trains and Tractors event as a way of highlighting the impact of railroads and agriculture on Shiawassee County.Beginnng at 10 a.m. Saturday, families can visit the SRI to view antique tractors, historic steam trains, vintage equipment and more.
Shiawassee Search and Rescue takes the initiative
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY — Ron and Debi Adkins don’t forget people’s names, especially those of the dead.Ron Adkins, 72, the Shiawassee Search and Rescue (SSAR) search manager and Debi Adkins, SSAR family liaison, became involved as a way to give back to the community after both retiring from their full-time careers.“We were sitting around looking at each other like, “OK, now what do we do?’ Every day is a Saturday and Sunday for us,” Debi Adkins, 62, said. “This gives us something to do.
Embezzler’s conviction reduced to misdemeanor
CORUNNA — A Flint man who pleaded guilty in 2017 to embezzling from a local trucking firm saw the felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor Friday by 35th Circuit Court Judge Matthew Stewart.“I don’t want to go to jail,” Antwaine Jathrel Poplar-Bey, 50, told Stewart. “I did everything that you asked me to do, your honor.
Lennon receives donation to finalize factory purchase
LENNON — Eager to see a long-standing blighted building demolished, the Village of Lennon Volunteers donated $15,550, which will allow the village to complete the purchase of a former window factory site and give it to the state land bank.Thursday, the council unanimously voted at a special meeting to accept the donation for the one-time factory, formerly Continental Vinyl Window Company, at 11705 Lennon Road.The council also approved a resolution to deed the parcel to the Michigan Land Bank...
Sentimental display
OWOSSO — For Jill Campbell, her acrylic art piece, “L’ecole” — the school — holds history, and sentimental value.Campbell, of Lansing, is showcasing her art as a member of the Shiawassee Artists’ Guild in the Shiawassee Arts Center July exhibit, which opens today and runs through Aug. 5.“This is actually to honor my stepfather, who was born in Paris in 1914. There’s a lot of history (in this painting) from having been there many, many times,” Campbell said.
Leaving a lasting impression
LAINGSBURG — After more than four decades preaching at St. Isidore Catholic Church, the Rev. Duaine Pamment is retiring and starting the next chapter of his life.“(I started here) the same month and year Elvis Presley died,” Pamment said with a laugh. “I like (the church) and nobody threw me out (any sooner).”After suffering a stroke two years ago, Pamment considered retirement then but realized he wasn’t ready yet.
Perry schools approves budget
PERRY — Perry Public Schools is continuing to trend upward with its budget after battling with budget deficits in the past and completing the requirements of its deficit elimination plan two years ago.Board members on June 12 voted unanimously to approve the proposed 2018-19 budget, which shows a surplus of $49,534. The budget includes $10,963,096 in revenues and $10,913,562 in expenditures.“We’ve resolved our budget issues,” Superintendent Mike Foster said Tuesday.
Laingsburg Girl Scout earns prestigious award for FFA project
LAINGSBURG — For the second year in a row, a local Girl Scout has received the highest honor members can earn.Laingsburg native Paden Graham of Girl Scout Troop 30277 in May was recognized as a recipient for the Gold Award for her dedication of 80 hours to a project she completed for the Laingsburg High School FFA — adding storage, hitching posts and a stainless steel work table, and remodeling barns at the high school.“I thought for the project I would put together two things I am...
Police top Lennon budget priorities
LENNON — The village of Lennon will start the 2018-19 fiscal year with a balanced budget, officials said this week. The council voted 5-1 Monday to approve a budget that balances at $192,200 in revenue and $191,960 in expenditures. The vote followed a public hearing during which no one spoke.
An emotional reunion
OWOSSO — It was a dream decades in the making — two brothers wanted to meet their biological sister, who was placed for adoption at 5 months old. Bryan and Duayne Thayer made that dream come true Friday night, finally meeting Wendy Erskine, born as Susan Thayer, at Roma’s Back Door in Owosso, just a few miles from where they were all born at Memorial Healthcare. kAm“x’> DE2CE:?8 E@ 766= 2 =:EE=6 2?I:@FD 2?5 ?6CG@FD] x H2D 7:?6 @? E96 5C:G6 :? 3FE ?@H :E’D DE2CE:?8 E@ 9:E >6[” qCJ2?
New free car show coming to Durand
DURAND — In an effort to draw people downtown, three local businesses are teaming up to offer something fun and free for residents this summer. Beginning at 5 to 8 p.m. June 20, the Greater Durand Area Chamber of Commerce, Ed’s Standard and Jim’s Pizza will host a new event, “Wednesday Nights in Durand.” The event will include cars, music and food on Saginaw Street, between Clinton and Genesee streets. kAm“!6@A=6 2C6 2=H2JD =@@<:?8 7@C 2 A=246[ A6@A=6 H:E9 42CD[” y:>’D !:KK2 @H?6C vC68 |2CE:?
Laingsburg community expresses support for school bond
LAINGSBURG — Community members present Wednesday night voiced support for a possible bond proposal next year for Laingsburg Community Schools. About 50 people attended a community meeting at Laingsburg High School to discuss what they would like to see bond money used for if approved during the May 2019 election. kAm$FA6C:?E6?56?E |2EE $92DE2= D2:5 |@?52J E96 5:DEC:4E :D D66<:?8 2 3@?5 AC@A@D2= E@ >2<6 :>AC@G6>6?ED H:E9:? E96 5:DEC:4E E92E 2 D:?<:?8 7F?5 42?’E 4@G6C]k^Am kAm$92DE2=[ r9C:DE>2?
Lennon Council advances plan to demolish eyesore factory
LENNON — The village of Lennon is one step closer to removing a long-standing blight property — a project delayed by changing owners for the one-time window factory throughout the years. On Monday, the council voted to seek an environmental assessment by AKT Peerless Environmental Services at the window factory site, formerly known as Continental Vinyl Window Company, which could lead to the village purchasing the site. kAm“%96 G:==286 92D DECF88=65 H:E9 E96 H:?5@H 724E@CJ 2D =@?8 2D x 42?
MONDAY SPOTLIGHT: Ready to say goodbye
NEW LOTHROP — Roger Farris credits a higher power to his becoming a teacher. That, and coming from a family of educators, played a major role. kAm“|J 525 H2D 2 E62496C 2?5 x 24EF2==J 5:5?’E @C:8:?2==J H2?E E@ 36 2 E62496C 3642FD6 @7 E92E[” E96 }6H {@E9C@A w:89 $49@@= >2E9 2?5 D4:6?46 :?DECF4E@C D2:5 uC:52J]k^Am kAmqFE 27E6C 8C25F2E:?8 7C@> $AC:?8 pC3@C r@==686 :? `hfb[ {F>6? r9C:DE: r2E9@=:4 $49@@= :? y24<D@? C624965 @FE E@ E96 D49@@= :?
Coney dog restaurant set to open downtown Owosso
OWOSSO — Steven Zwolinski’s dream of opening up a coney island restaurant dates back to 2002, when he entered and won an online chili dog contest sponsored by Koegel. “Everybody was asking, ‘Where’s your restaurant?’ And we didn’t have one. All we had was a good recipe,” Zwolinski said Tuesday. kAmp 42CA6E :?DE2==6C 3J EC256[ +H@=:?D<: AFE 9:D 5C62> @7 @A6?:?8 2 4@?6J C6DE2FC2?E @? 9@=5 7@C >@C6 E92?
Perry auto dealer expands service center
The Corunna High School Construction Trades program collaborated with Great Lakes Rental and Supply recently. Construction trades instructor Dave Harrison and Great lakes representative Joe Libby worked together to develop a plan to build storage sheds. Great Lakes Rental and Supply covered all the costs for the sheds, while Harrison’s students built the sheds. The sheds will be sold at Great Lakes Rental and Supply.
Back to where it all began
The Corunna High School Construction Trades program collaborated with Great Lakes Rental and Supply recently. Construction trades instructor Dave Harrison and Great lakes representative Joe Libby worked together to develop a plan to build storage sheds. Great Lakes Rental and Supply covered all the costs for the sheds, while Harrison’s students built the sheds. The sheds will be sold at Great Lakes Rental and Supply.
A starring role for Perry teen
LeMay, a Perry native, wanted to do something special for Nutter-German, who has cerebral palsy. “Upon discovering Anna wanted to make a superhero movie, I couldn’t say ‘no’ and immediately bought an airplane ticket to help her make her dream come true,” LeMay said via email. The film, titled “Me, Being A Boy, With Super Powers,” is based on a book Nutter-German began working on in seventh grade.
A night of comedy benefits veterans, children
OWOSSO — Veterans and children were the beneficiaries Saturday of a comedy show at American Legion Post 57 featuring actor and U.S. Army veteran Bobby Henline. The show was a fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Center’s Mr. Owosso nominee, Legion Commander Gary Duehring, and the Red, White and Blue Project — a nonprofit founded by Corunna native Anthony (Tony) Hornus. About 40 people attended. kAm%96 #65[ (9:E6 2?5 q=F6 !C@;64E’D >:DD:@?
A day for remembrance
VFW Post 9455 Senior Vice Commander Larry Thayer is seen Monday at Oak Hill Cemetery, following the Memorial Day parade in downtown Owosso, placing a flag among wreaths, which symbolize remembrance, for departed comrades. Elsie American Legion Post 502 Commander gene Nethaway is pictured Monday in downtown Elise next to Abigail as she performs the national anthem in honor of Memorial Day. Members of the Elsie American Legion Post 502 are seen walking in the Memorial Day parade in downtown Elsie.
Frozen yogurt shop set to open in Durand
DURAND — Bonnie Emmerling’s sweet tooth prompted her to open up a frozen yogurt business in downtown Durand. The 21-year-old and her parents, Larry and Jennifer Emmerling, purchased the building at 107 N. Saginaw St., which formerly housed Bill’s Shoes and Repair, in February. kAm(9:=6 @C:8:?2==J 9@A:?8 E@ 36 @A6? :? E:>6 7@C #2:=C@25 s2JD 62C=:6C E9:D >@?E9[ E96 72>:=J =62C?65 C6?@G2E:?8 E96 DA246 H@F=5 E2<6 >@C6 E:>6 E92?
Visiting all 50 states, one yard at a time
OWOSSO — What once was a chore for Rodney Smith Jr. as a boy has become his passion. This spring, Smith is traveling to all 50 states for the second time, mowing lawns for free, in order to promote the importance of community service as part of his group Raising Men Lawn Care Service (RMLCS).
Curtis appointed Woodhull Twp. clerk
On May 2, Curtis was appointed as the township clerk, taking over for Carol Maize, who retired after 22 years in the elected office. “I wasn’t really familiar with what was going on (at the time) so I started having a conversation with my neighbor (Maize) and said to her, ‘If there’s anything I can do to volunteer my services to help you with mailings or whatever, I have free time,’ so it all started off with offering to volunteer,” Curtis said Monday.
Corunna officials announce home development plans
The Shiawassee Community Foundation awarded over $156,000 in scholarships Monday at its Scholarship Awards Night, held at D’Mar Banquet and Conference Center in Owosso. The scholarships, ranging from $500 to $4,000, were awarded to 121 students from across Shiawassee County. While most of the scholarships were geared toward college or trade school, several scholarships were also awarded for band camp tuition and golf memberships at the Owosso Country Club.
Durand insurance agent plans move, expansion
The Shiawassee Community Foundation awarded over $156,000 in scholarships Monday at its Scholarship Awards Night, held at D’Mar Banquet and Conference Center in Owosso. The scholarships, ranging from $500 to $4,000, were awarded to 121 students from across Shiawassee County. While most of the scholarships were geared toward college or trade school, several scholarships were also awarded for band camp tuition and golf memberships at the Owosso Country Club.
A new place to call home
DURAND — Amber Sears said she ended up moving to Durand by accident, but starting her new venture in downtown was a conscious decision. Sears, an Ann Arbor native who grew up in Chelsea, moved to the area last fall after purchasing her first home. kAmU=5BF@jx 564:565 H96C6G6C x 6?565 FA x H@F=5 =:<6 E@ 92G6 2 D9@A WE96C6X 2D H6==[UC5BF@j $62CD D2:5] U=5BF@j{2DE 72==[ x AFE U=DBF@jsFC2?5UCDBF@j :?
New Lothrop teacher retiring on a high note
NEW LOTHROP — Tim Howard has worn many different hats throughout his career at New Lothrop Area Public Schools, but he said his favorite has been as a music instructor. Howard, who teaches kindergarten through 12th-grade music at New Lothrop Jr./Sr. High and Elementary schools, will retire at the end of the school year after 30 years with the district.
Boxcars full of fun
The biggest change this year is the addition of an event tent in the parking lot near the water tower, between Main and Clinton streets. The tent will host activities throughout the weekend and replaces the former wine- and beer-tasting event. “(The wine and beer tasting) didn’t seem to be as popular as it once was and we wanted to change things up,” said Kent Edwards, Railroad Days president for the past 26 years.
Durand officials working to build new park
DURAND — The city of Durand hopes its efforts of beautifying a downtown area in front of the Durand Union Station will draw people to enjoy what the area has to offer. The field between Railroad and Hagle streets on Main Street will transform into an area filled with trees, flowers, hardscaping and fences once the project is completed by mid-June. An old caboose, which currently sits at the back of the field, will remain there and become a focal point of the area.
Chapman named Railroad Person of the Year
VERNON TWP. — Growing up in a railroad family, it seemed likely Jerry Chapman would become a railroader, too, after high school graduation. But the Durand native first took a try at something else — attending Northern Michigan University for one year after graduating from Durand Area High School in 1971 — before finally deciding to join alongside his family. kAmw:D =@?8E:>6 42C66C 2D C@25 6?8:?66C 62C?65 9:> E96 a_`g #2:=C@25 !6CD@? @7 E96 *62C 2H2C5[ 2 56D:8?2E:@? 36DE@H65 @?
Durand Council sets budget for 2018-19
DURAND — Big changes are in store for the city as it heads into the 2018-19 fiscal year with a healthy, balanced budget, officials said this week. The city council voted 7-0 Monday to approve a budget that balances at $2.186 million in revenues and expenditures. The vote followed a public hearing during which one person spoke. kAm~?6 762EFC6 @7 E96 3F586E :?4=F56D 2 ?6H 2AAC@249 7@C AC@G:5:?8 >F?:4:A2= D6CG:46D] p ?6H 5:G:D:@? @7 >2:?E6?2?46 2?5 724:=:E:6D H2D 4C62E65 E@ E2<6 A=246 @7 E96 5:G:D:@?
Laingsburg Springtime Festival set for May 17-20
LAINGSBURG — Drawing people from in and around Shiawassee County to Laingsburg, the city’s annual Lions Club Springtime Festival kicks off May 17. The 36th annual event, which runs through May 20, kicks off at 6 p.m. May 17, with carnival rides by Arnold Amusements, based in Traverse City. Bracelets are available for $20, which allows riders to go on everything that is offered during certain times throughout the weekend. kAm$E2J:?8 ECF6 E@ EC25:E:@?[ E96 76DE:G2= H:== @776C 2?
Perry Twp. company starts major expansion
PERRY TWP. — As a result of continued growth over the past several years, Spartan Fence in Perry Township is expanding its facility. The company, which manufactures and installs fence gates throughout Michigan and the northern regions of Indiana and Ohio, hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday. kAm%96 Sh__[___ 6IA2?D:@? H:== 762EFC6 2 a_[___\DBF2C6\7@@E 3F:=5:?8[ 7@FC E:>6D E96 D:K6 @7 E96 4@>A2?J’D 4FCC6?E 724:=:EJ 2E `_g_g q6??6EE sC:G6] %96 6IA2?D:@?
Teens try life-saving simulation
MORRICE — It only takes a few seconds for a distracted driver to suffer or cause serious consequences, organizers of a distracted driving program say. Morrice Junior/Senior High School students Tuesday participating in an augmented-reality distracted-driving education simulation conducted by the Grand Rapids-based Professionals Encouraging Education and Reform (PEERS) Foundation. kAm“(6 D9@H E96> 9@H BF:4<=J E9:?8D 42? 492?86 @? E96 C@25 :?
SAC opens May exhibit
“I never thought there would still be icebergs on Lake Michigan in April,” Tomasek said Monday. “We don’t think about that down here. I thought, ‘Everyone paints beaches in the summertime,’ so I thought it would be interesting to capture that solitude of the off season with the icebergs gently washing up on the shoreline.” Tomasek, of Ovid, is among more than 75 artists participating in the Shiawassee Arts Center May exhibit, which opened Tuesday and runs through June 24.
Inside look at the law
Inside look at the law Attorney Matt McKone is pictured Tuesday in 35th Circuit Court showing defendant Harold Potter, portrayed by Brendan Dewley, a piece of evidence during a mock trial celebrating Law Day with judge Matthew Stewart presiding. Potter was accused of making a verbal threat of shooting up students at his school.
Morrice senior called a leader by educators
MORRICE — Morrice High School teachers describe Bryce Robertson as a “lead-by-example student who takes pride in everything she does.” “She is paving the road to an outstanding future for herself,” Morrice Jr./Sr. High principal and superintendent Scott Williams said via email.
Perry area Wesleyan churches prepare for merger
The churches have served families in the rural Perry, Williamston and Webberville areas for more than 100 years each. Rowley lead pastor, the Rev. Ron Walker, came to the church in June 2017 and will continue in his role. He said he was inspired to merge the two churches after realizing how close together they were. “It got my intrigue to start looking at things and I thought to myself, ‘Why are there two Wesleyan churches only 4 miles apart?
Local reaction mixed as Boy Scouts admits girls
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY — Seven-year-old Ethan Sebenick, a tiger in Laingsburg Cub Scout Pack 205, doesn’t see anything wrong with the prospect of girls joining his group, and neither does his mom, Jessica Sebenick. In an effort to offer a “one-stop shop” for scouts, packs across the country are inviting girls into the organization through the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) early adopter program. The program will officially launch during the 2018-19 program year.
Sentencing delayed due to jail reports
CORUNNA — A sentencing hearing for a 33-year-old Owosso man who pleaded guilty to charges of absconding on bond and felonious assault was adjourned Friday morning after prosecutors said they needed more time to look over newly presented jail reports about the defendant. Derec Shears was scheduled for sentencing before 35th Circuit Court Judge Matthew Stewart after pleading guilty to both charges, which are both four-year felonies, March 2. Shears will now likely be sentenced next week.
Group planning veterans home seeks volunteer support
MEMBERS OF Venture Crew 212, of Fenton, are pictured Saturday at the third annual “Camporee” at McCurdy Park in Corunna. From left are Chris Harper, Nadia Ford and Henry Tilton Jr. Scouts from more than 20 troops across Michigan are attending the event, which started Friday and concludes today. “Camporee” is highlighted by nature related merit badge work and outdoor jobs to improve the park.
Helping their city measure up
MEMBERS OF Venture Crew 212, of Fenton, are pictured Saturday at the third annual “Camporee” at McCurdy Park in Corunna. From left are Chris Harper, Nadia Ford and Henry Tilton Jr. Scouts from more than 20 troops across Michigan are attending the event, which started Friday and concludes today. “Camporee” is highlighted by nature related merit badge work and outdoor jobs to improve the park.
Durand Chamber lauds businesses, volunteers
Kelly Rossman-McKinney, center, this week announced her campaign for the State Senate’s 24th District as a Democrat. She is seeking to replace term-limited Sen. Rick Jones. “We sit down at the kitchen table to solve problems, pay bills, discuss the events of the day, play cards, make cookies, finger-paint and ultimately understand each other better,” Rossman-McKinney said, calling for a return to long-term problem-solving in the legislature.
Ovid-Elsie robotics team heads to worlds for first time
State Rep. Ben Frederick of Owosso, left, joined Holocaust survivors Simon Binke, Barbara Cohen, Anna Fein and Jack Gun in lighting the first memorial candle at the Holocaust Commemoration Ceremony at the Capitol April 11. More than 40 survivors who reside in Michigan attended the ceremony. “The essential truths and warnings of the Holocaust must never be forgotten,” Frederick said.
Perry middle schoolers to compete at world robotics
PERRY — For the first time, the Perry Middle School Blazing Rambots robotics team is heading to Louisville, Kentucky, to compete in the VEX IQ Challenge at the VEX robotics world competition. The Blazing Rambots qualified for the world competition after earning enough points at VEX Ia state competition at Charlotte Middle School March 4. kAm%96 ~H@DD@ |:55=6 $49@@= %C@;2?D 2=D@ 4@>A6E65[ 3FE 5:5 ?@E BF2=:7J 7@C E96 H@C=5 6G6?E]k^Am kAm%96 q=2K:?8 #2>3@ED[ @?6 @7 ?:?6 |:49:82?
Freshman’s play is tough act to follow
“I was really happy. I was jumping for joy,” Scanlan, 15, said of finding out he was a finalist. Scanlan will perform his play, “Change of Hearts,” at 1 p.m. May 12. The event is free and open to the public. “Change of Hearts” centers around four characters — Ramsey, Hamilton, Colbat and Cook. Cook is sent to prison after being convicted of murdering his family, even though he claims he is innocent.
Tech to the test
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY — Students from three local high schools competed Thursday at the First Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics state championship at Saginaw Valley State University — opening a three-day event that concludes Saturday. The Perry High School Rambots, Corunna High School Fridgebots and Ovid-Elsie High School Marauderbots qualified for the state competition after earning enough points at two FIRST regional competitions earlier this year.
Owosso man will serve up to 14 years for child porn
CORUNNA — A 45-year-old Owosso man was sentenced to prison Friday on charges of possessing and distributing child pornography and using a computer to commit a felony. Judge Matthew Stewart of 35th Circuit Court sentenced James Randall Haines, who in January pleaded guilty to the three charges. One count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct was dismissed as part of the plea agreement. kAmw2:?6D H2D D6?E6?465 E@ 36EH66? ab >@?E9D 2?5 7@FC J62CD 7@C A@DD6DD:@?
Former NL PTO treasurer gets delayed sentence
CORUNNA — Shawna Renae Birchmeier received a delayed prison sentence Friday in 35th Circuit Court on embezzlement charges. Birchmeier, 35, who according to police kept proceeds from concessions at various New Lothrop sporting events for herself, was ordered to repay $7,017 by Friday and serve one year of probation. kAmx7 D96 5@6D ?@E G:@=2E6 AC@32E:@?[ 96C 4@?G:4E:@?
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