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Articles by Brad Minor
Etsy Launches "Shop Other Jeffs," Celebrating the Non-Billionaire Sellers Behind Its Latest Campaign
It’s a pivotal moment for shopping. Consumers increasingly want their purchases to mean something by reflecting their values, their taste and the people they want to support. And yet, convenience has become the loudest voice in the room, making it hard to hear much else over it. Now, ahead of one of the biggest shopping weeks of the year, when the conversation is dominated by speed and price, we’re reminding shoppers that there is an alternative.
Stores try to weather ‘panic’ buying
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY — Area stores are struggling to keep stock of essential items as shoppers panic buy staples, leaving some shelves completely empty. Wednesday morning, Kroger, Meijer and Walmart in Caledonia Township all were completely out of toilet paper, hand sanitizer and other items. Photos shared online from VG’s showed the bread aisle nearly bare.
No positive tests in county
CORUNNA — County officials Monday said there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Shiawassee County — but they are continuing to monitor and test people under the assumption that the virus is already here. Officials said about 50 people are being monitored, but none are positive for the virus.
VFW Auxiliary donates books to school children
OWOSSO — The Owosso VFW Auxiliary 9455 has begun what it hopes is a new tradition of donating books to Owosso schools. Members say they hope the effort will teach kids the importance of the country’s history and military. The Auxiliary has been fundraising and taking part in a program the national VFW is sponsoring. Thursday, Linda Teu and Claudette Ebe, both members of the Auxiliary, dropped off books to schools.
STUDENT OF THE WEEK: Morrice senior enjoys choreographing musical performances
MORRICE — Alina Stinson has been playing music most of her life — and recently began choreographing some of the Morrice High School band’s performances. Stinson has been playing alto saxophone in the school’s band since fifth grade. She said she enjoys the challenge pairing the marching and movements with music. Band, she said, has become like a second family to her. “It’s really that sense of community and we’re like a little family.
Making new plans
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY — Area businesses and organizations are already starting to feel the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Events are being canceled or postponed, and people are being asked not to gather in crowds. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Friday signed an executive order banning gatherings of more than 250 people, just one of several statewide actions taken in the past few days.
Officials: Durand fire millage to fund key services
DURAND — Voters in the city will decide Tuesday whether or not to authorize a new fire and ambulance millage. The proposal, if passed, will add 1.65 mills to property owners’ taxes for 10 years and generate $104,647.40 in the first year. According to Durand Fire Chief Nick Spaniola, the city plans to do two main things with the money if the millage is approved: purchase a new fire truck and help fund the city’s ambulance services provided by Mobile Medical Response (MMR).
Long way to the top
By BRAD MINOR Argus-Press Staff Writer CHESANING — Roger Callard’s life and career have taken him all over the world, but he’s glad to be back where it all started — in Chesaning. Callard is a former world-class bodybuilder and has appeared in many Hollywood films. In addition to weightlifting and acting, Callard also regularly performs R&B music. Callard graduated from Chesaning Union High School in 1968.
Long way to the top
CHESANING — Roger Callard’s life and career have taken him all over the world, but he’s glad to be back where it all started — in Chesaning. Callard is a former world-class bodybuilder and has appeared in many Hollywood films. In addition to weightlifting and acting, Callard also regularly performs R&B music. Callard graduated from Chesaning Union High School in 1968.
Sanders supporters hold rally in Owosso
OWOSSO — On Saturday, supporters of Bernie Sanders held a rally in front of Owosso City Hall in anticipation of Michigan’s presidential primary election Tuesday. The rally featured a crowd of roughly 30 to 40 people and kicked off at 2 p.m. The event was organized by Owosso resident Hannah Zatkovic and former Owosso resident Miles Winchester, who currently resides in Pontiac. “I don’t think candidates focus enough on rural areas, Zatkovic said.
New Haven Twp. voters to consider SATA millage
NEW HAVEN TWP. —On Tuesday, New Haven Township residents will decide whether or not to approve a Shiawassee Area Transportation Agency (SATA) millage that, if approved, would allow township residents to receive increased services from the agency. SATA provides bus rides to county residents within its service areas. If the millage passes, New Haven Township will levy about 0.3 of a mill over four years.
Durand police: Drunken drivers beware of more enforcement
DURAND — Durand Police Chief Jason Hartz wants people who may drive after drinking or using drugs to know that if they drive in the city there’s an increased chance they will end up behind bars. “Its springtime and so we’re making sure all the officers are up to date on all their training surrounding the issue. We want everyone to know that we’re going to be out, especially at night looking for impaired driving,” Hartz said.
Bringing history back
BANCROFT — Burns Grange members are attempting to raise funds to reinstall a historical marker near Knaggs Bridge that was stolen in September 2013. The marker near the Knaggs Bridge area on Cole Road was the first in Shiawassee County, club members said. Peggy Johnston the secretary of Burns Grange 160 said the group wants to raise the funds to replace the marker because of its historical significance to the area and the number of people who would stop and see it and learn about its history.
KFC planned for Perry
PERRY — It won’t be long before Perry area residents will be able to enjoy Kentucky Fried Chicken without driving to Caledonia Township. The Perry Planning Commission recently approved a site plan submitted by Lucky Dining Inc. to build a new KFC restaurant between the Taco Bell and Subway restaurants in Perry, near the corner of South M-52 and Lansing Road. Lucky Dining Inc. is owned by Glen and Angelica Flewelling of Hartland.
Home of accused killer sells at auction
CORUNNA — The home where Mark Latunski allegedly killed 25-year-old Kevin Bacon in December 2019 was sold for $104,000 at public auction Wednesday at the Shiawassee County Courthouse to an undisclosed buyer. According to Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Doug Chapman, four bids were submitted for the property. The opening bid was just more than $83,000. The winning bid was tendered by an individual representing the actual buyer.
Lume lights up Owosso
OWOSSO — People lined up Tuesday for a chance to be among the first customers at Owosso’s first recreational marijuana store. Lume, 116 N. Washington St., which opened at 10 a.m., was also Owosso’s first medical marijuana dispensary to open on Jan. 22. Owosso City Council member Dan Law was the first person to make a purchase. “I took the morning off work so I could be here,” Law said. “I think it’s something that’s been a long time coming. It’s almost like the prohibition on alcohol.
Company upgrades electrical towers, lines
CALEDONIA TWP. — About 4 miles of electrical transmission lines and towers are being replaced and upgraded in the eastern part of Shiawassee County. ITC Michigan, a subsidiary of ITC Holdngs Corp, owns and operates a system of transmission lines throughout Michigan. The firm moves electricity for utility companies, such as Consumers Energy and DTE Energy.
Home Office Realty celebrates 20th anniversary
OWOSSO —On Thursday The Home Office Realty celebrated 20 years of business. The company is owned by husband and wife team John and Morgan Beilfuss. The name “The Home Office Realty” didn’t come by accident, John Beilfuss said. For the first five years of its existence, the couple operated out of an office located in their home.
Memorial Healthcare recognized by MS Society
OWOSSO —On Thursday Memorial Healthcare was officially recognized as a center for comprehensive care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “For nearly a decade now Memorial Healthcare and our Chief of Neurology — Dr. Rany Aburashed — have worked diligently to expand our neurology practice in this area,” Memorial Healthcare President/CEO Brian Long said.
Blooming bronze
OWOSSO — A local artist’s work has the potential to be seen by millions of people at its new home. Owosso resident Gary Mulnix was commissioned by the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) in Washington, D.C., to create a corpse flower sculpture. The 7-foot bronze is on display at the USBG, which Mulnix said was a “dream come true for an artist.” “Corpse Flower” is part of a special exhibit: U.S. Botanic Garden at 200: Deeply Rooted, Branching Outward, which runs from today to Oct. 15.
Baker event highlights often overlooked history
OWOSSO — Baker College of Owosso invited visitors Tuesday to view “American History through the Eyes of African-Americans” during a Black History Month Expo in the college’s student center. Students from Baker College and local high schools chose prominent African-Americans from throughout the country’s history and told their stories through visual displays.
MONDAY SPOTLIGHT: Going the extra mile
CORUNNA — The average Michigan driver travels about 14,000 miles every year. Duane Rose drove more than half of that in 2019 just taking veterans to and from doctor’s appointments. Rose is in his fourth year volunteering with the Shiawassee County Veterans Affairs Office. In 2019, he volunteered his time to drive more than 7,500 miles to help veterans reach appointments they otherwise might not have been able to get to.
Perry council names new member
PERRY — At the city council’s Feb. 3 meeting, Mayor James Huguelet appointed Genevieve Contrel to the Perry City Council to replace Michael Queen, who is moving out of the city. Contrel has served on the Perry Planning Commission since last year. Huguelet said the choice was easy, given Contrel’s work experience. He said he was pleased to work with her on the planning commission and looks forward to doing the same on city council.
Perry group quits talks with city over MacQueen home
PERRY — The city of Perry and the Perry Historical Society have been unable to reach a new agreement on an ownership structure for the Calkins-MacQueen house, but, according to Perry Mayor James Huguelet, the door for talks remains open. The city and the Perry Historical society currently have in place a use agreement dating back to the 1970s in which the city owns the house and the Perry Historical Society can operate a museum in the historic building.
Illustrating Curwood’s legacy
OWOSSO — It was fitting, perhaps, that on a cold, snowy Saturday afternoon, James Oliver Curwood’s niece presented the city with a wintry painting of an outdoorsman to hang inside the late author’s writing studio.
Sharing some pet love
PERRY — Lori Loves Pets, a pet grooming business in Perry focuses on making pet grooming as easy as possible for pets — and their owners. Lori Robertson and Bob Jordan, a couple who live in Perry operate the business at 122 S. Main St. Robertson has been grooming pets for more than 25 years. In the past, she worked for other grooming businesses and, for a long time, ran a business out of her home. As her clientele grew, Robertson said it was always her dream to have a storefront location.
VA officer outlines process of controversial van transfer
CORUNNA — Veterans Affairs Director Mike Reeve Thursday sought to clarify how a van was transferred from the county’s Veterans Affairs Office to the Shiawassee County Probate Court for use. Reeve told county board members that an individual on the Veterans Affairs Committee was upset they were not consulted over the transfer and has been suggesting the transfer was possibly illegal. He outlined for the county board how the vehicle was transferred legally.
County officials approve public defender grant funding
CORUNNA — The Shiawasse Board of Commissioners Thursday approved annual funding for the Shiawassee Public Defender office that includes nearly $1 million in state funding. In a unanimous vote, commissioners approved a grant contract with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) totaling $945,865. The state contribution will be $839,784 and the county will pay $106,082. That total covers the public defenders’ budget from Oct. 1, 2019, to Sept. 30, 2020.
County officials advance grant funding for public defender
CORUNNA — Tuesday the Public Safety and Courts Committee advanced annual funding for the Shiawassee County Public Defender’s Office that includes nearly $1 million in grant money. In a unanimous vote, commissioners advanced approval of a grant contract with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) totaling $945,865. The state contribution will be $839,784 and the county will pay $106,082. That total covers the public defenders’ budget from Oct. 1, 2019, to Sept. 30, 2020.
County workers complain about loss of insurance payout
CORUNNA — A pair of county employees Monday urged commissioners to do away with a new policy that prevents them from receiving a health insurance payout because their spouses are county employees and their spouses’ plan covers them as well. Sara Edwards, an administrator with the Shiawassee County Family Court, and Charles Quick, an assistant prosecutor, both have spouses who also are employees of the county.
Municipalities team up for economic development plan
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY —Three local municipalities are putting their heads together to develop a strategic plan for their respective communities going forward. The city of Durand, Village of Vernon and Vernon Township are coordinating to create a joint economic development and regional marketing strategy. The impetus behind the push to create a strategic economic plan is all three communities want to be certified as Redevelopment Ready Communities by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
Total Resale, dental office make downtown Perry moves
PERRY — Total Resale, which operates downtown Perry, recently completed the sale of one building and the purchase of the former Don’s Dune Buggy Shop building that will allow the business to consolidate its operations and make way for another area business to expand. Total Resale, owned and operated by Laingsburg-area residents Kevin and Lori Johnson, currently operates out of three downtown buildings, one of which is across M-52. The 105 N.
Area man seeks Second Amendment affirmation from county board
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY —Three counties in Michigan now consider themselves “Second Amendment sanctuaries” for gun owners, and one local man wants Shiawassee to become the fourth. The counties, Cheboygan, Mackinac and Oscoda, all in northern Michigan, recently passed similar resolutions that affirm their support for the Second Amendment. The group behind the effort, Michigan 2A Sanctuary Counties, has been pushing similar legislation in many counties across the state.
Whitmer: I’ll fix the roads myself
LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Wednesday, during her second State of the State address, revealed she plans to bypass the Legislature and borrow $3.5 billion to begin fixing “the damn roads.” Whitmer told legislators assembled in the state House chamber that because she has been unable to reach a deal with Republicans on road funding, starting today she plans to take executive action and ask the State Transportation Commission to issue street bonds to fund repairs.
Expanding demand
PERRY — Soon there will be more “Real Michigan BBQ” to go around — and a few beverages to help customers cool down if it gets too spicy. Johnny’s V’s Smoke Shack is undergoing a major expansion that, when complete, will more than double its capacity, according to co-manager Charles Spring. The eatery, 3062 W. Britton Road, is constructing the addition on the west side of the current takeout-oriented business. The new dining area will add about 75 seats to bring the total to more than 100.
Comedians highlight Dem fundraiser
BENNINGTON TWP. — Democrats hoped to raise money for political campaigns Saturday during an unusual fundraising event, “Stand up Shiawassee,” Fortitude Outdoor Fitness and Events. Comedians from across the state took part in the event, including some from Shiawassee County. Will Green and Nick Leydorf, both graduates of Ovid-Elsie, offered their comedy to the crowd of about 100. Leydorf is a lawyer and recently launched a podcast called “Free Consultation” about his life in the legal field.
Fighting fake news
SHIAWASSEE COUNTY — At first glance, the Shiawassee Times website and Facebook page make it look like a normal, legitimate news outlet — but the true intentions of the outlet and its owners are not so innocent. The Shiawassee Times website is filled with what looks like different sections of news regarding business, local government, schools and more. It also includes press releases from municipalities and elected Republicans. The articles mostly have authors with unfamiliar names and publications.
2020 brings votes on political races, millages
CORUNNA — The Michigan Secretary of State has approved Shiawassee County’s 2020 presidential primary ballots, according to Clerk Caroline Wilson, and area voters will face a slew of Democratic nominees — as well as several millage proposals, some of which are renewals, while others seek new tax money. Durand is seeking a millage to subsidize its fire and ambulance services. The proposal, if passed, will levy add an additional 1.65 mills to property owners for 10 years.
Business is blooming
OWOSSO —On Wednesday, Owosso’s first medical marijuana dispensary officially opened. Lume Cannabis Company, located at 116 N. Washington St., lanched with a focus on quality, security, and convenience. “We really excited, when we decided to come to Owosso, we didn’t just want to open a store. We wanted to be part of the community. What attracted us to Owosso is being right downtown, and we’re excited to help revitalize this corner of the block.
Legal expert discusses pot use among employees
OWOSSO — A statewide legal expert this week told area employers people who use medical marijuana don’t have any particular special protection in the workplace.
Warm community
LAINGSBURG — The Laingsburg Clothesline is often mistaken for a typical clothing store — but the organization’s mission is much more than retail. The volunteer-run nonprofit started in 2004, according to founders Tom and Lisa Jelenek. Lisa Jelenek said the inspiration behind the Clothesline was her students. “I was a first-grade teacher in Laingsburg and my first year teaching, I started realizing some of my little first-graders were coming to school in some of the same clothes.
'Pro-level prank'
OWOSSO — According to developer Randy Woodworth, a banner hung outside the Matthews Building in downtown trumpeting a Panera Bread restaurant coming to the city was nothing more than a prank. “Somebody put a sign up as a prank. I think somebody thought it would be funny to put it up there so they took it from somewhere else,” Woodworth said Monday morning.
Health department honored for perfect score
CORUNNA — The Shiawassee County Health Department (SCHD) has received its second straight perfect accreditation score from the state. The honor was announed Wednesday during the Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners’ Committee of the Whole meeting. “To my knowledge, Shiawassee County is the only program that has actually gotten back to back 100 percent perfect scores,” said Laura De La Rambelje, the director of local health services at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
County board resumes streaming meetings
CORUNNA — The Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners Thursday resumed recording and live-streaming regular meetings. According to county officials, in early December, a free trial of the software Wirecast, which is used to record and stream the meetings, ended — leaving them without a backup plan. The board meetings were posted on YouTube in full without interruption until Dec. 12.
Woman sought on warrant captured after chase, car crash
LAINGSBURG — A police chase that started in downtown Laingsburg ended in a high-speed collision between the fleeing suspect and a DeWitt Township police officer Wednesday morning in Clinton County. According to Laingsburg Police Chief Dan DeKorte, the chase started when he was driving on Grand River in Laingsburg and he saw a 33-year-old female Laingsburg resident driving a 2005 Dodge Caravan.
County sees health progress, struggles with obesity
OWOSSO — A community health assessment this year is showing positive changes from past efforts, officials said Tuesday as they unveiled results of the 2019 study. Area residents gathered at Memorial Healthcare to view the results of the 2019 Shiawassee Community Health Needs Assessment, which was completed by Memorial Healthcare and the Shiawassee Health Department, with input from multiple area agencies, nonprofits and other organizations.
Commissioner alleges payback, conflicts in committee changes
CORUNNA — Commissioner Marlene Webster, R-District 1, Tuesday alleged she was removed from the Economic and Physical Development Committee, Community Corrections Advisory Board, and demoted from chairwoman of the Public Safety and Courts Committee in retaliation for voting against Commissioner Jeremy Root, R-District 5, for board chairman. Webster was replaced earlier this month by Commissioner Dan McMaster, R-District 2, as chairman of the Public Safety and Courts Committee.
Warm and fuzzy feeling
OVID — From among thousands of 4-H participants in Michigan, Caleb Hall recently was selected as the 2019 4-H Animal Science Sportsperson of the Year. Hall, 17, has been participating in 4-H for more than 10 years and mostly shows goats and rabbits. During the 2019 Shiawassee County Fair, Caleb received the John and Joan Spingler Sportsmanship Award. After winning at the county level, Hall competed at the statewide level and won. He said it was a surprise and honor to receive the award.
Commissioners consider meeting video production
CORUNNA — The Shiawassee County Board of Commissioners’ meetings currently are not being live-streamed, but officials hope to reinstate video in the near future. According to Casey Wilder, the executive assistant to the Shiawassee County Clerk, the county was using a streaming service called Wirecast that would record and post the meeting videos to Youtube on a free trial basis. After updating the software on a computer used for the live-streaming in December, the free trial was lost, Wilder said.
Kregger named as Chamber Citizen of the Year
OWOSSO —Kevin Kregger, a senior partner at Nelson-House Funeral Homes was named the 2020 Citizen of the Year by the Shiawassee Chamber of Commerce. Kregger was honored during a surprise ceremony Thursday that featured his friends, family and co-workers. Each year, the winner of the Citizen of the Year is chosen by past winners of the award “What an honor to be recognized with the rest of the people who have won this award — it’s very special.
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