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CHAMPLIN: This Michigan victory over MSU was personal
The Wolverines demolished the Spartans Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor, 44-10, on a sunny and brisk November day, and if you’re unfamiliar with the rivalry, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh throwing the ball in the fourth quarter while up 27 points tells you everything you need to know. This one felt personal. Michigan defeated MSU for the second consecutive year and third time in the last four years, meaning the Paul Bunyan Trophy will be sticking around Ann Arbor.
PIGSKIN PICKS: When it comes to football, Minor roots for the home teams
You know the guy everyone hates in their fantasy football league? The one who forgets (or refuses) to set their lineup, starting injured quarterbacks and the like? Well that guy is me. Heck, I might even trade your opponent all my good players the week you are playing him just to ruin your season. I take joy in watching people (failed athletes) get worked up about the horse race in fantasy football.
City Council approves Owosso roadwork
OWOSSO - Two roads are another step closer to getting upgraded after the city council Monday approved their necessity following public hearings. The projects are Abrey Street from Melinda Avenue to Allendale Avenue and Seventh Street from Oliver Street to King Street. Both ventures are part of the city’s original five-year plan to upgrade roads around town. “This is just part of our 2019 Streets Program,” Owosso City Manager Nate Henne said. “We’re just going to continue on with that.
PIGSKIN PICKS: Red-hot McKinnie seeks more success in Week 13
The tides have turned a bit for me since my last column. I have finished in first place twice in the past month thanks to some impressive wins by the Michigan State football team and some predictable losses by the lovable Lions. The Spartans have also fallen at times during that stretch, but I’m hopeful that they can finish the regular season strong going into their bowl game.
CHAMPLIN: Michigan State gambit backfires
Two hours before kickoff, Michigan State poked the bear, with their players playing mind games with Michigan linebackers Devin Bush and Khaleke Hudson. They should have left well enough alone.Bush tore up the Spartan “S” at midfield. And then he and the rest of the Wolverines tore up the Spartans on the field, winning at Spartan Stadium 21-7.
PIGSKIN PICKS: McKinnie ready to make a move in Week 6
If you remember my column from a few weeks ago, I said it was way too early in the season to get a big head about hanging with the leaders. So much for following my own advice.I now sit seven games behind the leader, Jerome Murphy, and three games behind the defending champ, Ryan Weiss.I’ve finished in last place twice in the last three weeks, so now even the stragglers are only within three games of me.
PIGSKIN PICKS: Champlin ready for perfection in Week 6
There’s a movie you may have seen, called “Friday Night Lights.”In the opening scenes, a high school football team is preparing for the start of the season, and Billy Bob Thornton’s character, the head coach, is dodging questions about whether or not his team can win the state title.Speaking with his team, however, he had one question for them: “Can you be perfect?” That can mean a lot of things. I asked myself Sunday whether I could be perfect.
Vet clinic marks 50 years in area
BENNINGTON TWP. — Kay Boggs remembers some lean times after she and her husband, George, founded the Clay-Mar Veterinary Clinic in 1968.“When we came here, we were right out of college,” she said in an interview last week. “We had a 2-week-old baby and we moved here. We didn’t have money or nothing. We were threadbare and running out of food.“(George Boggs) got this call from one of the farmers, and he came back and I was so hoping he’d have something we could buy food with,” she recalled, smiling.
VB Chesaning approved for license
LANSING — Up to 6,000 pot plants will soon grow in Chesaning, after the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) on Thursday awarded its first medical marijuana licenses to businesses throughout the state.Though some local governments have already issued permits for marijuana operations and businesses have been operating for some time, this marks the first time the state has approved licenses.VB Chesaning is expecting to soon begin growing operations at 624 Brady St.,...
Making memories in sand
OVID — The sand-sculpting life of Lisa Fewless began at 50, and there’s no stopping her.Over the past five years, the Ovid resident has racked up eight medals for her sand sculptures in competitions held on beaches in Michigan, Florida, Nebraska and Texas.Just last weekend, she took fourth place in the annual Blue Water SandFest in Port Huron, advanced amateur division. Not bad for a hobbyist who essentially taught herself the temporary art form.
GOING FOR GREEN: Owosso city council vote allows pot entrepreneurs to move ahead with plan to revitalize old sugar beet factory
OWOSSO — Four of the six main partners in Owosso Greenery attended the Owosso City Council meeting Monday for an expected vote on an ordinance that would allow medical marijuana facilities in the city.The partners’ hopes dipped when Owosso Mayor Chris Eveleth suggested postponing a decision until November, after Michigan residents vote on a referendum to make recreational marijuana legal.The Owosso Greenery group had been attending council and planning commission meetings for the past 1 1/2...
Rossman-McKinney hopes to bring balance to State Senate
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY — Having operated a successful, statewide public relations firm with a partner who has an opposite political persuasion, Kelly Rossman-McKinney has experience in coming up with bipartisan solutions to issues in Michigan.Rossman-McKinney hopes this experience will translate to an election victory in November, as she pursues State Sen Rick Jones’ (R-Grand Ledge) seat in the 24th District.
WATER WOES: Caledonia Twp. apartment dwellers fed up with problems in community well system
CALEDONIA TWP. — Residents in Greenwood Apartments, a low-income senior citizen complex at 1055 E.
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.
New owner at Lance’s
OWOSSO — Let’s put a stop to a rumor flying around town: Lance’s Bakery isn’t going anywhere.Here’s what’s really happening: After a successful seven-year run, the bakery is getting a new owner, and she is dedicated to keeping things the same.“The triangles will stay,” said Lance Ellenberg, referring to one of the bakery’s most popular and unique confectionery creations.
A matter of record
CORUNNA — It may be hard to believe, but until recently people who were born to unwed parents between 1934 and 1978 could only obtain a copy of their birth certificate from the state of Michigan, not from the county in which they were born.Others have to go to the state for a copy of their birth certificate, too, including those applying for certain types of passports.But now, anyone born in Shiawassee County can obtain a state birth record from the county clerk’s office for any reason...
Crest Marine building new, $1-million warehouse
OWOSSO TWP. — Pontoon manufacturer Crest Marine is riding a wave of growth that is spurring the construction of a million-dollar warehouse.Not only are the numbers of employees hired and boats made increasing each year, the company is growing physically. Last year, Crest added 20,000 square feet in manufacturing space.Currently, work crews are excavating land to make way for a 12,000-square-foot warehouse at Crest, located at 2710 M-52. The price tag: about $1 million.
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.
Owosso First UMC welcomes new pastor
OWOSSO — The Rev. Calvin Long is leaving Owosso First United Methodist Church and retiring (sort of) after 35 years as a United Methodist pastor in Michigan.Taking over from Long on July 1 is the Rev.
County board approves bid for Capitan addition
CORUNNA — The Shiawassee County Health Department hopes to move its personal and community health division — currently located in the basement of 66th District Court — into a new, 8,000-square-foot addition to the Capitan Building in Corunna by the start of 2019.The county board of commissioners voted unanimously at a special meeting Thursday to approve a bid from Durand-based Perrin Construction Company to build the addition for a cost of between $900,000 and $1.2 million.
‘Kingpin’ sentenced to more than four decades behind bars
CORUNNA — With the judge declaring him “toxic to this community,” an Owosso man has been sentenced to up to 41 years in prison on a conviction for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to deliver.At a court hearing in 35th Circuit Court Friday, Judge Matthew Stewart sentenced David Morence, 46, of Owosso to serve from 21 to 41 years in prison.
SEDP highlights business growth at annual meeting
BENNINGTON TWP.
‘Everybody loves ice cream’
VERNON — Local residents in search of a summer ice cream fix won’t have to travel far as new ownership takes hold at Sweets & Treats. And the newly remodeled shop serves more than just dessert after its two-year hiatus.Cindy Wood and her husband, Del Wood, of Morrice, on Father’s Day quietly reopened the village fixture after its previous owners listed the property for sale.
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.
Music festival coming back to Showboat Park
CHESANING — Evan Rupple thinks village residents yearn for a musical revival.And the local musician — co-founder of the band The Rupple Brothers & Company — intends to give it to them. Village council members at their bimonthly meeting Tuesday unanimously greenlighted Rupple’s plans to lease space at Showboat Park for the inaugural, weekend-long Handmade Music Festival, officials said.“We’d like something to be here again,” Rupple said.
‘Astronomical’ drug bust nets felony charges
CORUNNA — A pair of suspected drug dealers could face decades in prison on felony charges after authorities said a local duo carted more than a quarter-pound of meth into Shiawassee County.Savannah Mae Vandiver, 19, of Owosso, earlier this year was charged in 66th District Court with delivery or manufacturing methamphetamine — a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Owosso considers building new public safety facility
OWOSSO — Lack of space, poor insulation and drainage, security and safety deficiencies, and other issues at the Owosso Public Safety building prompted city officials to commission an assessment of the structure last year.On Monday, two representatives from Mt. Clemens-based Partners in Architecture presented Owosso City Council members with their analysis and this conclusion: Renovation won’t solve all the problems.
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...
Owosso council approves broker deal for Osburn Lakes
OWOSSO — The city of Owosso is still in the housing development business — reluctantly — but a new deal with a real estate broker is offering hope that lots might start selling more quickly in the city-owned Osburn Lakes residential development. At a regular meeting Monday, Owosso City council members unanimously approved a two-year brokerage agreement with Century 21 Looking Glass in Owosso to sell the remaining 23 vacant lots in Osburn Lakes, located near Gould and North streets.
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?
Optometry practice marks 100 years in Owosso
OWOSSO — Once while vacationing up north, famous author James Oliver Curwood sent a letter to his hometown optometrist, Dr. Madison Gilbert, asking for a new pair of glasses to replace ones he had broken. “His signature read, ‘I am, James Oliver Curwood.’ It might be a little pretentious. Only he could get away with that,” Dr. Steve Hass said.
County looks at developing on Griffin Home property
CORUNNA — Shiawassee County officials made their first steps this week toward constructing a new building to house its buildings and grounds and drain commissioner’s departments — a move hastened by the city of Corunna’s announcement last month that it would begin charging the county for rent in its county offices on South Norton Street, which had previously been rent-free.
James Oliver Curwood exhibit offers taste of Hollywood
OWOSSO — Many area residents know Owosso native James Oliver Curwood was a famous adventurer in the early 20th century, but few could name the major movies based on his novels and short stories. They might be surprised to hear that Hollywood produced 234 Curwood movies and the author had a hand in making 163 of them.
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:?
Duehring wins Mr. Owosso contest
OWOSSO — There’s a new Mr. Owosso and his name is Gary Duehring. Duehring raised $23,709.20 for the Child Advocacy Center of Shiawassee County, edging out rival candidate Patrick Began, who collected $22,067.18 for the ARC Shiawassee. kAm“x’> :? D9@4<[ x C62==J 2>] xE’D 6I4:E:?8[” sF69C:?8[ eg[ D2:5 >@>6?ED 27E6C 2 =:E\FA 4C@H? H2D A=2465 @? 9:D 9625 2?5 2 8:2?E EC@A9J 92?565 E@ 9:> uC:52J ?:89E :? E96 rFCH@@5 u6DE:G2=’D ~FEA@DE %6?E]k^Am kAmq67@C6 E96 “A2862?E[” H9:49 :?4=F565 2 DH:>DF:E 4@>A6E:E:@?
Stylist marks 50 years of caring for clients
OWOSSO — Elaine Azelton has been styling hair for half a century, and many of her original clients still come to her for a cut, style, color or perm. They have watched each other grow up, get married, and have children and grandchildren. They have been there for each other through all of life’s ups and downs. kAm“x’G6 366? 4@>:?8 E@ t=2:?6 D:?46 `hfd[ ?62C=J 2D =@?8 2D D96’D 366? 5@:?8 :E[” D2:5 !2EC:4:2 t5H2C5D @7 ~H@DD@ 2D D96 8@E 96C 92:C DEJ=65 3J pK6=E@?
Laingsburg woman to serve probation for theft charge
CORUNNA — When people appear before 35th Circuit Court Judge Matthew Stewart for sentencing on theft crimes, the judge usually gives them two options: Pay back the stolen money or serve time behind bars. For Lauren Ashley Miller, a 28-year-old Laingsburg woman convicted of stealing nearly $3,000 from the Valero Gas Station at 1740 W. M-21 in Owosso Township, Friday’s sentencing hearing was a step toward making restitution and avoiding jail time. But her work isn’t done.
Faith in his writing
OWOSSO — Jim Edward Hill, a longtime writer, actor and Indian Trails bus driver, has just published his first novel, a faith-based adventure tale for children ages 10 to 14 called “Incipience: The Legend of William’s War.” In the book, the first of an expected trilogy, 14-year-old William Baxter has no idea he has royal blood and is the subject of a much-anticipated prophecy.
Owosso parking, building fees to change
OWOSSO — A newly approved fee schedule for the city of Owosso will eliminate leased permit parking downtown and “warning” parking tickets, charge a fee instead of a deposit for park pavilion rentals, and reduce some building fees while increasing others. During a regular meeting Monday, Owosso City Council members approved the new master fee schedule, which hasn’t been updated since 2013. It takes effect July 1. Water and sewer rates are not part of the schedule. kAmx? 5@H?E@H?
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.
Phishing scam costs Shiawassee County $50,000
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.
Riding the pink wave
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.
Corunna OM team finishes fourth in world finals
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.
Owosso crystal meth dealer to serve up to 10 years in prison
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.
Venice Twp. couple: ‘Hands off our asparagus!’
VENICE TWP. — A few years ago, Carol Higgins saw a man picking asparagus spears in the ditch next to her road. She asked him to please stop, but he wouldn’t. “This is public property,” the man said, and kept right on picking. kAmp7E6C >2?J J62CD @7 H2E49:?8 A6@A=6 >2<6 @77 H:E9 E96 2DA2C28FD D96 2?5 96C 9FD32?5[ v2CJ w:88:?D[ 6?;@J 4F=E:G2E:?8 2?5 62E:?8[ E96 4@FA=6 H@F=5 =:<6 6G6CJ@?6 E@ <?@H E92E E96 =2?5 ?6IE E@ E96:C C@25 — 2?5 H92E 8C@HD @?
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?
Moore bids farewell
CORUNNA — In 2013, Corunna Public Schools convinced Dave Moore to leave his superintendent’s post with Saginaw Swan Valley Schools — a job he liked very much — to come back and do the same job at the district where he spent the majority of his educational career. Moore agreed, but told the school board he intended to work no more than five years before retirement. kAm(6==[ |@@C6 :D 2 >2? @7 H@C5] pE E96 6?5 @7 E9:D D49@@= J62C[ E96 eb\J62C\@=5 (2CC6?
Community cuisine
OWOSSO — Shiawassee Hope’s LINC Community Food Pantry, which opens Tuesday inside Lincoln High School, isn’t a typical pantry. For one thing, the year-round pantry will be open three days a week instead of the usual one day a month. For another, patrons can select which food items to take instead of being told what they can have. Finally, patrons don’t have to prove they live in Shiawassee County, the size of their household or income. kAm“(6 H2?E A6@A=6 E@ 49@@D6 E96:C @H?
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