Beal City to win against Northern Michigan Christian

Erin Hillard

Beal City Varsity Boy’s Basketball won against Northern Michigan Christian Thursday night, 59-56 in overtime.

Before the game, Coach Tom Ramon seemed confident about his team.

“I think the boys are prepared,” he said. “The game Tuesday was canceled, so we haven’t played in a week. We might be a little bit rusty, but we’re prepared.”

Still, he realized his team would have to work hard to win.

“We really have to create some turnovers and get some easy buckets. [NMC] is a big team,” Ramon said.

Tyler Lutke, of NMC, was the first to score in the game, with a three point shot. After two unsuccessful three-point shots by Beal City, Kevin Lucka was the first to score for Beal City with a free-throw shot.

After falling behind in the beginning of the first quarter, with the score 4 to 15, Beal City Junior Alex Barnes caught his team up with two consecutive shots. The first quarter ended with a score 8 to 17.

In the second quarter, Beal City passed NMC, with Junior Justin Sharrar scoring a three-point. The second quarter ended with a score of 23 to 22. Beal City defended well, only allowing NMC to score five points.

During halftime, fans were excited for their team.

Mary Kay Maas, of Beal City, came out to support her son-in-law, who is the coach. She also came to watch her grandson, Jake Ramon.

“I think they’ll do well if they keep up a good defense and good rebounding,” she said.

Beal City fell behind in the third quarter, with the score 31 to 36. They tied the game with less than two minutes to go, and then took the lead, after two successful free-throw shots from Junior Kohl Bechtel.

In the last eight seconds of the game, NMC Senior Jordan Oudman scored a three-point shot, making the score 46 to 48. In the last four seconds, Beal City Junior Kendall Gross tied the game with a two-point shot.

The game ended in overtime with Beal City winning 59 to 56, on foul throws and a three-point shot by Sharrar.

Edited by Mariah Richards

New credit union bound for Isabella Road

By: Dan Schultz

Edited by: Noah Sheperdson and Alexis Kowaleski

Land has been cleared and plans have been made for a new credit union located on the southwest corner of Isabella and Broadway Roads in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

Central Michigan Community Federal Credit Union, a staple of the central Michigan economy for 59 years, will break ground Monday, February 4.

Grady Graham Construction will oversee building for the Clare-based credit union, with sights set for a grand opening in the early summer.

“We hope to be there by July 1, Wanda Rawson said. Rawson and her fellow credit union employees could not be any happier with the progress.

“We’re coming down!” she exclaimed. Rawson, the CEO of Central Michigan Community Federal Credit Union, was ecstatic to talk about the new credit union, and why not – plans for a project of this proportion have been going on for years.

“It’s taken a little over six years,” she said. “We finally got aggressive in the real estate market in the last two years.”

The Union Township planning commission has seen the process from its beginning, and has not met any difficulties.

Woody Woodruff, Union Township zoning administrator, said the process has moved rather quickly and “everything matches up.”

“This means that the project is not subject to public scrutiny, even though other zoning ordinances can be,” he explained. The community usually has a say in controversial establishments, but a credit union requires no public deliberation.

The Union Township planning commission will decide the exterior features of the building, taking into consideration parking, traffic flow and even landscaping possibilities.

According to reports, Isabella Road may be widened and connected to U.S. Highway 127, but that remains to be seen by the planning commission.

As a community charter, Central Michigan Community Federal Credit Union will be open to all citizens of Mount Pleasant, including students and faculty of Central Michigan University.

Wintery mix of weather delays Central Michigan University again.
By Noah Shepardson
Edited by Trisha Vankoughnett and Alexis Kowaleski

Yesterday, for the second time in two weeks, Central Michigan University suspended operations until noon due to bad weather. A combination of snow, freezing rain and winds gusting up to 53 mph forced school officials to postpone the start of classes four hours.

A cold front moving across the area brought cold temperatures, which froze the already wet streets, making roadways a sheet of ice. The cold front also brought with it high winds, which coupled with the falling snow created whiteout conditions in some areas.

“The National Weather Service had been forecasting this for the last couple days”, said Plymouth Senior, Phil Whitman. “That’s why I went out, stayed out late and didn’t bother to set my alarm”.

He was right! Central Michigan University Director of Media Relations, Steven Smith, sent out the school wide email notifying students and faculty of the delay just before 6 a.m.

“I was so happy”, said Mount Pleasant Junior, Tyler Rhoades. “I really didn’t want to go to class because I had a ton of homework I had due in other classes. The delay gave me a chance to catch up.”

This is not the end however; the National Weather Service is calling for at least a chance of snow until Saturday with an accumulation of four to eight inches expected Thursday night. Temperatures will remain below freezing throughout the Superbowl weekend.

Why Starbucks?

Alexis Kowaleski

Edited: Noah Shepardson, Trisha Vankoughnett
Coffee is for the most part the same everywhere you go; hot, full of caffeine and a good companion to the Sunday edition to your local newspaper.
Starbucks somehow has become the most popular brand in the country.
There is no typical Starbucks customer. Starbucks is home to the North Face enthusiast, gossipy women, tree huggers, nervous students and business meetings via lap top computers, student customers said.
Whether it is plain coffee, white chocolate mochas, soy chai latte with no whip cream or the ever popular caramel macchiato with skim milk, an extra shot of espresso and fat free whip cream, coffee is the nation’s conversation starter.
But the question remains, why Starbucks? The coffee is highly priced, their piano-based music fights the sound of the cappuccino machine and their endless lines don’t give the answer as to why they are so successful among all walks of life.
However diverse Starbucks is, typical customers always have a few similar qualities to them. True Starbucks customers always know the people working there, they >remember to talk on their phone while waiting in line, they prefer going in the store rather then using the drive-thru and most importantly they always bring reading material because a true trip to Starbucks never seems to last less than two hours.
Starbucks also becomes common ground among people that don’t really seem to have anywhere else to go. The coffee shop offers a common bond where people can enjoy good conversation and good coffee.
When growing an attachment to Starbucks, there then becomes a loyalty to the company, and because there seems to be a store popping up at every corner, the company is then making sure that their customers don’t have to look far to get their coffee.
With the ever growing chain of locations, Starbucks is virtually ‘on the way’ to any location you have in mind. The company then becomes just another stop on Americans to-do lists.
According to Starbucks.com there are over 6,566 company-operated stores in the United States alone. This would average out to be over 131 Starbucks locations per state. That may seem like too many locations to create an actual profit; however in 2006 the company was up 21 percent to the previous year with $6.2 billion in total revenue.
However, Starbucks also finds a home in local grocery stores, making it one step easier to getting their coffee to their customers at any time of day. The company’s convenience is another reason that they landed the number two spot on Fortune magazine’s Most Admired Companies List.
The company’s wide availability is what makes them popular to all types of coffee lovers. Starbucks brings students and business people, and everyone in between, together under one roof.
Some Starbucks locations are also subject to atmospheric change depending on the day and time. Of course not all Starbucks locations are exactly the same in every town, the overall flow of customers seem to carry similar stereotypes for the different periods during the day. During the weekdays Starbucks resembles a bee hive, customers coming and out at rapid paces. Some staying and working at their laptops, others leave with their hands full of coffee and pastries for what seems like their entire work staff.
Week nights are a bit slower. There are the college students that seemingly could spend the night at Starbucks only to wake up and start working on their dissertation hours later with another few cups of coffee.
The weekends however bring new life into the facility. During the day there are the usual weekenders, the church crowds, the early birds beginning their shopping sprees. The weekends bring a higher volume of diversity, longer stays and more gossip.
Now in some Starbucks locations, more noticeably in higher populated cities, the weekend nights bring a largely younger crowd to the hip coffee scene. Not old enough to go to the bar but just old enough to stay out past dark, young people fins sanction in 24 hour Starbucks locations that offer caffeine and good conversation.
Starbucks night life also brings a hip scene of dating adults that seem to wind their nights up with coffee and people watching. The night owl adults seem different then the day time Starbucks crowd, the coffee is the same but the attitude is different.
Day time Starbucks customers seem more awake, upbeat and ready to seize their day. Night time customers seem mellower, a bit more hip to fashions and night life activities.
It seems however that no matter the location; whether it’s in the middle of a big city or on the edge of a small town; there will always be extra shots of espresso in the morning, gossip over mid-day lattes, and extra hot tea with a side of flirting in the evening because Starbucks offers a little personality and comfort in every cup.

Plachta honored at funeral service

By Benjamen Evers

Edited by Jason Baird and Sherri Krotzer and John Kennet

            A church full of people stood in applause Friday morning to honor and remember the love, the friendship, and the accomplishments of Central Michigan University’s 11^th president, Leonard E. Plachta.

“We gather to give thanks for all he has done for our community.”  These were words of a eulogy spoken by the chair of the Central Michigan University school of Accounting, Phillip Kintzele, at the Mass of funeral held at Sacred Heart Parish 302 S. Kinney Blvd.

         “He encouraged us to use our high quality attributes to enhance to lives of others,” Kintzele said.

         Leonard Plachta, who died Tuesday morning, was named interim president in 1992 and then in 1994, given the permanent job.

Rev. Thomas McNamara, priest of Sacred Heart Parish, asked, “Didn’t he [Plachta] exemplify justice and fairness . . .and friendliness?”

         “Leonard had a lot of titles,” said McNamara, “but do you know what his most important titles were?  Faithful husband and devoted father.”

         Lines of people formed in and outside of the church to comfort and embrace Leonard Plachta’s wife Louise. In the hall of the church, there were photos of Plachta with his family, friends, and students publicly displayed.

         Plachta’s sister-in-law Catherine Russell still remembers the first time she met Leonard on the Thanksgiving of 1956.

         She recalled, “We sat down to a meal with a man whom I had considered to be the best.”

         “He was fastidious about his appearance,” she said, sharing that she once witnessed him painting a fence while wearing spotless dress slacks and a neatly pressed white collared shirt.

         She said, “He was intelligent, honest, gentle and kind.”

         That morning, Plachta was remembered for being perseverant, scholarly, loyal, genuine and a true gentleman.

         “There is so much to celebrate in his life today,” McNamara said.

         Leonard and Louise were given the Distinguished Service Award, a non-academic award given by CMU intended to acknowledge and appreciate long-term and devoted volunteer efforts toward the university. Plachta was also a key facilitator in expanding and reconstructing the Charles V. Park Library.

         Russell concluded her eulogy by quoting the musical, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat.”  She said,  “There is one more angel in heaven.  There is one more star in the sky.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CMU hosts forums for dean finalists

By: Kelly Morse
Edited by: Amanda Crabtree, Meredith Mayberry and Sarah Schuch
The three finalists running for the new dean position in The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions will be holding open forums on campus this week.
“We had an extremely strong pool of applicants for this position,” said Sue Ann Martin, dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts and chair of the search committee. “[We are] looking for a leader who can build on the fine reputation of the college and shape a vision for the future.”
The new dean would be responsible for continuing the reputation of Marvis Lary, the former Health Professions dean. She left the position last summer. Currently, Tom Masterson, chairman of the school of Health Sciences, is serving as interim dean.
In the final steps of searching for the next dean the three finalists, Joyce L. MacKinnon, David M. White and Daniel Bernadot, traveled to Mount Pleasant to participate in interviews and forums to help determine the best candidate.
Two of the three forums were completed earlier this week. On Monday, MacKinnon spoke, followed by White on Wednesday.
“Dr. White is a highly qualified applicant who seemed to respond well to his audience,” said Heather Hannons, a freshman from Lexington.
Featured Thursday is Bernadot. He will speak at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday in room 2255 of the Health Professions Building.
“I hope we get a couple hundred people to come to the forums,” said Martin.
Attendance, however, was moderate among faculty and very low from students for the first two forums.
“The turnout was what I expected. Many professors had classes to teach and students had classes to attend,” said Hannons. “It’s really too bad that more students couldn’t come.”
The applicants began by giving a brief overview of their lives and qualifications. After the introduction, audience members were allowed to ask questions of the candidates.
The new dean will be announced in a couple of weeks.

Prospective Medical School to come at CMU

By Sheri Krotzer
Edited by John Kennett, Justin Marr and Ben Evers

The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees decided by unanimous vote to continue looking into building a medical school at CMU.

The main facilitator of the project is CMU's key consultant and medical education leader, Michael Whitcomb, M.D.

With the help of Dr. Whitcomb, President Michael Rao will take the next steps in the planning process for the new school by bringing together some of CMU’s basic scientists, health scientists, ethicists and other faculty members who can assist in development.

"This phase of the planning process involves bringing together a group of my faculty colleagues to advise me in the development of a vision for the proposed medical school's academic program," Rao said.

Dean of Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences Gary Shapiro volunteered to chair the CMU Medical Education Vision Committee. This committee will present a vision of what the medical school will hopefully establish in 20 years.

"Dr. Whitcomb will develop a strategic planning document that will outline in some detail the steps that the university should pursue in order to achieve our vision," said Rao. "We anticipate completion of Dr. Whitcomb's roadmap document by the end of March.

Students are optimistic about the prospective school and hope for future enrollment possibilities.

"The medical school is a good idea. I think it will attract more people to CMU," said Grayling freshman Nick Parkinson. "Once the school becomes established it will have a chance with the competition. Though it depends on the facility, the faculty, and the quality of the students it turns out."

Once Dr. Whitcomb completes the roadmap document it will be easier for the committee to make further decisions and continue in the planning process nearing the end of March.

by Jason Baird

MOUNT PLEASANT-"Probable cause exists," was the decision handed down Monday by Isabella County Trial Judge William R. Rush.

A Circuit Court trial over the New Years beating of James Ronald Williams, 21, outside of O’Kelly’s Sports Bar and Grill is scheduled for Feb. 1.

James Jerome Hunter, 19, and Raymond Demetrius Jones, 22, are being held in jail on a $1 million bond, bound over for trial. They face charges of assault with intent to commit murder, assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder and armed robbery.



The two men were implicated in the assault by Hunters ex-girlfriend Marla
Hoag. Hoag and Hunter were dating at the time of the assault and
both men on trial were living with her.

“Hunter said he had to kill Williams so he couldn’t tell on him, or he would go to jail for a long time,” Hoag testified on the stand.

After being pulled outside by Hunter, Hoag was taken within ten feet of Williams’ body. She recalled seeing someone laying face down in the snow.

“They were really drunk,” Hoag said of Hunter and Jones.

After convincing Jones to leave the bar, the three of them got into Hoag’s SUV.

“He was in his own mindset almost,” said Hoag about Hunter. “He was screaming and mumbling to himself, hitting the dashboard.”

Instead of leaving, Hunter drove the vehicle over to Williams’ body.

Both men proceeded to add to the resulting trauma on Williams’ head and abdomen. Hunter took an ice scraper from the vehicle to use as a weapon.

It was later found that Williams also suffered a collapsed lung and a body temperature between 84 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Not a temperature that is survivable for a long period of time,” emergency room physician Leslie Starnes said on the stand.

On Jan. 1, Hoag realized the identity of the beaten victim. Hunter presented her with a picture of her friend Tia Williams. Asked where he got the picture, Hunter replied he got it from the guy’s wallet last night. James Williams was someone she knew.

Hoag still did not call the police.
“They told me I needed to act normal and keep it together,” she said. “They said just the three of us knew and if anyone found out, they would know where it came from.”

Later, Tia Williams entered a room at the police station where Hoag was seated. After being questioned by her friend, Hoag told her story.

Hunter and Jones are facing three felonies. The intent to commit murder and armed robbery charges are felonies and are punishable by life in prison or any number of years. The charge of intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder is also a felony, punishable by 10 years in prison or $5,000.

Hoag testified that her physician has diagnosed her with memory problems. Hoag told officers the combination of medication and alcohol “wipes out” her memory sometimes. It was also her testimony that she had not been on medication for the period of a month surrounding the incident.

Hoag said she expects to have charges brought against her. She has heard nothing about being tried for the murder of Williams. She also said she expects no leniency for her cooperation with Prosecuting Attorney Larry Burdick.

Williams was transferred to Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw on Jan. 1. After more than a week in serious, but stable condition he has been released. He is undergoing therapy at a rehabilitation center according to CM Life reporting.

Central Michigan University students slide to class after four-hour delay

By: Amanda Crabtree

Edited by: Meredith Mayberry and Sarah Schuch

Due to the inclement weather, Central Michigan University shut down its operations for the third time this semester, re-opening again at noon Wednesday.

Students received e-mail from Steven Smith, director of media relations, near 5:30 a.m. this morning, stating classes were going to be delayed.

“I didn’t see a reason to close campus today, the roads were bad, but we ended up having to trek in by noon anyway,” said Tyler Farrent, Novi senior, who went to class at 9 a.m. this morning only to find out it was canceled.

All of mid-Michigan was struck with snow and ice last night, as temperatures fell from almost a record-setting 43 degrees during the day to a frigid 1-degree, with wind chills in negative teens last night, according to the National Weather Service.

According to the National Weather Service, high winds with gusts reaching 50 mph, mixed with snow, caused whiteout conditions making driving almost impossible Tuesday night, which impacted driving through the day and will continue again tonight.

“I enjoy not having class until noon, however, I did not see any salt or clearing of the commuter parking lots,” said Alyssa Strickland, Grand Rapids senior, “I slid from my car door, to the door of Moore Hall at noon. Strickland decided campus should have been closed all day.

Mary Gust, from Consumers Energy, said 726 customers in the Isabella County region were without power as of 11 a.m.

“The problem was definitely the wind. Utility and contract crews are spread around the area today the problems are so widely scattered,” Gust said.

Isabella County and the Mount Pleasant road commissions had almost all of their staff out trying to make the roads as safe as possible, according to a representative from the Isabella County road commission.

Another winter storm could impact most of the region, with up to 6 inches of snow accumulation, according to the National Weather Service.

Ice Storm Creates Dangerous Conditions, Cancels Classes

By Mariah Richards
Edited by Erin Hillard, John Morelli

Mid Michigan residents suffered through a second winter storm last night, making travel difficult and forcing Central Michigan University to delay the start of classes.

Blowing winds and snow contributed to hazardous driving conditions, as some residents of the area found out when they left home for work and school.

. “It took me an hour to get to work,” said Tammy Morris of Rosebush. “Usually it takes twenty minutes, so I was late, but at least I didn’t go off of the road.”

Her boss, Diane Recker, was not so lucky. “I was probably going too fast,” the Weidman resident said. “I hit my brakes at an intersection and slid off of the road. I had to call my husband and have him come out with his four wheel drive truck to pull me back onto the road, so I was late for work too.”

Central Michigan University delayed classes until noon, according to the Central hotline, which students can call for updates. At 9:15 a.m. the hotline reported that classes would be resuming at noon.

Central Michigan University student Miranda Walker said, “I wish they had canceled classes for the whole day. I live on the outskirts of Mt. Pleasant and the roads were just a mess. I have a noon class and I had to leave at eleven, when I normally leave my house at, like twenty to noon.”

“It took me ten minutes to get into my car,” explained Lansing senior Erin Hillard, who also has a noon class and had to crawl through the rear passenger door of her car because the driver’s door was frozen shut. “They should have canceled school.”

Central also notified its’ students of the school re-opening at noon through email.

“I love how they sent the email about school opening at noon at 12:02,” said Mount Pleasant junior, Elisha Richards. Richards made the decision to skip her organic chemistry lab rather than make the drive into Mt. Pleasant at noon. “I’d rather download a few slides and have to go over them at home than have an accident,” she said.

Mother Nature may not have finished with Mid-Michigan yet. According to the National Weather Service’s website, more winter weather may be on the way, and the area is under a winter storm watch from Thursday evening to Friday morning. “Snow is expected to develop across the area,” warns the National Weather Service, and “greater than six inches is possible.”

And The New Dean Is…

By: John Morelli

Edited by: Mariah Richards

The interviewing process for Central Michigan University’s new dean of The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions is continuing for at least one more day.

The job, which was originally posted on www.HigherEdJobs.com on Oct. 3, 2007, has had two interviews thus far and will continue with a third tomorrow.

“The search is going well,” said Dr. Herm Triezenberg, Director of the Graduate Program in Physical Therapy, “all the candidates are qualified… and what we’re looking for.”

Some of the qualifications required of the dean are evidence of effective communication skills, knowledge of a wide-range of health disciplines, and evidence of outstanding administration and leadership experience.

According to Dr. Triezenberg, all the candidates provide different skills and backgrounds, all of which will help the College of Health Professions.

The responsibilities of the dean include reporting directly to the Executive Vice President/Provost of the university, serving on the Council of Deans, and working as the chief academic officer of the College of Health Professions.

The dean would be in charge of the College of Health Professions which currently has a budget of $12.5 million and enrolls approximately two thousand students between undergraduates, graduate students, master’s and doctoral students both on and off campus.

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions is located in a 170,000 square foot, state-of-the-art, $50 million building which was constructed in 2003.

Barack Obama South Carolina victory

Amber Brown
Obama’s S.C. victory


After Senator Barack Obamas South Carolina victory, political analysts say that youth plays a huge role in the outcome of his next victory.

As his campaign continues, Obama continues to hit big with America’s youth for a number of reasons.

“Obama talks about issues that are important to young people. When we graduate, we are all going to need health care, and providing health care for everyone is important to him,” said Jennifer Frazier, CMU junior.

The last African American to run for president was Rev. Jesse Jackson, two decades ago. Frazier is excited about Obamas campaign because he is a fresh African American face.

“Obama shows America the positive side of black people that isn’t portrayed on a regular basis. I think it’s time for a change in culture and a different face,” said Frazier.

One of the reasons Pierre Vinson, recent CMU graduate is voting for Obama is because he doesn’t want another Clinton in office.

“If Hilary gets elected, it would be like Bill being back in office, and I think that he would influence her decisions too much,” Vinson said.

Edited By: John Morelli and Mariah Richards

Barack Obama South Carolina victory

Amber Brown
Obama’s S.C. victory


After Senator Barack Obamas South Carolina victory, political analysts say that youth plays a huge role in the outcome of his next victory.

As his campaign continues, Obama continues to hit big with America’s youth for a number of reasons.

“Obama talks about issues that are important to young people. When we graduate, we are all going to need health care, and providing health care for everyone is important to him,” said Jennifer Frazier, CMU junior.

The last African American to run for president was Rev. Jesse Jackson, two decades ago. Frazier is excited about Obamas campaign because he is a fresh African American face.

“Obama shows America the positive side of black people that isn’t portrayed on a regular basis. I think it’s time for a change in culture and a different face,” said Frazier.

One of the reasons Pierre Vinson, recent CMU graduate is voting for Obama is because he doesn’t want another Clinton in office.

“If Hilary gets elected, it would be like Bill being back in office, and I think that he would influence her decisions too much,” Vinson said.

Edited By: John Morelli and Mariah Richards

Wind causes hazzardous conditions

By John Kennett

A cold front swept through Central Michigan last night causing power outages, school closings and slippery roads.

Approximately 20,000 people were without power today in the Mid-Michigan area, including 674 in Alma, 494 in Clare and 777 in Midland.

Almost all area schools were closed due to blowing conditions and dangerous driving conditions.

Central Michigan University delayed classes until noon today. Today marked the third time this semester that classes had either been delayed or cancelled. Classes were cancelled on Jan. 8 due to a power outage while classes were delayed on Jan. 22 because of snow.

The area saw a little more than 1 inch of snow; combined with wind gusts of up to 56 mph, making a hazardous morning commute with very slippery roads and poor visibility.

A winter storm warning is in effect until noon today with near blizzard conditions expected to also remain through noon.

Expect snow showers and flurries through mid afternoon, with winds up to 26 mph through 8 p.m.

Tonight the temperatures are expected to dip below zero.

Temperatures on Tuesday reached a high of 43 degrees, which nearly equaled the record high of 46 degrees in 1970.

The cold front saw temperatures plummeting to eight degrees Wednesday morning, with wind chills of minus 14.

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a winter storm watch from late Thursday night through Friday evening with the potential of six or more inches of snow.

Edited by Sheri Krotzer and Justin Marr

James Hunter and Raymond Jones trial

By John Kennett

MT. PLEASANT – The testimony of a defendant’s girlfriend was enough evidence for Isabella County Trial Judge William Rush to order two men to stand trial Feb. 1 for the beating of James Williams.

James Jerome Hunter and Raymond Demetrius Jones allegedly assaulted Williams, 21, outside O’Kelly’s Sports Bar and Grill on Jan. 1. Hunter, 19, and Jones, 22, were bound over for trial on charges of assault with the intent to murder, assault with the intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and armed robbery.

Rush continued each man’s bond at $1 million.

Marla Hoag, who began a romantic relationship with Hunter in December 2007, testified that first she witnessed Hunter, and then Hunter and Jones striking Williams behind O’Kelly’s, 2000 S. Mission St., Mt. Pleasant.

During the evening, Hunter approached Hoag, grabbed her by the arm and took her outside near the Central Animal Hospital, located to the south of O’Kelly’s.

“I saw someone lying on the ground face down,” said Hoag. “Mr. Hunter told me that he was the one who hit the victim with a beer bottle.”

Hoag got within 10 feet of the victim and froze.

“Then I saw Mr. Hunter kick the victim with his foot,” said Hoag.

Hunter, who is currently on probation for an adult domestic violence conviction, climbed into Hoag’s car while Hoag went into O’Kelly’s to retrieve Jones.

With Hoag, Hunter and Jones in the car, Hunter drove the car from the west side to the south side of O’Kelly’s and parked near the victim. While in the car, Hunter and Jones discussed what had occurred.

“Mr. Hunter was telling Mr. Jones what had happened,” said Hoag. “That he had beat up a guy with a beer bottle.

“Mr. Hunter said that he had to kill the victim or go back to jail for a long time,” added Hoag. Hoag then testified that Jones and Hunter got out of the car and went over to the victim.

“Mr. Hunter and Mr. Jones got out (of the car) and began hitting and punching (Williams),” said Hoag. “Mr. Hunter took out an ice scrapper from the back of the car, went over to the victim and brought up his arm. Then I stopped looking.”

It was Jan. 1 when Hunter showed Hoag a wallet-sized picture of Tia Williams, sister of the victim.

“Mr. Hunter said that the picture came out of the wallet from the guy last night,” said Hoag.

Isabella Prosecuting Attorney Larry Burdick asked Hoag why she failed to call 911 or report the crime.

“I was extremely scared,” said Hoag. “I also know the things that Jones and Hunter have done in the past. They told me that only three people know (what happened) and if it leaks, they know who did it.”

Under cross examination from Tom Bromell, Hunter’s court-appointed attorney, Hoag testified that she expects to be charged with crimes and does not expect leniency from her involvement.

Bromell also questioned Hoag about the amount of alcohol she had consumed during the evening.

“I had four beers before we went to O’Kelly’s,” said Hoag. “I had multiple shots at the bar, two mixed drinks and two or three beers.”

Hoag also testified that she takes Paxil for Fibromyalgia and was told by a doctor that the combination of alcohol and medication could wipe out her memory. Hoag stated that she did not take Paxil on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1.

Before Hoag took the stand, Williams’ father, James Franklin Williams, took the stand.

The elder Williams testified that he could barely identify his son when he arrived at the Central Michigan Community Hospital early Jan. 1.

“He was barely recognizable,” said Williams, a nurse since 1983. “His face looked like a basketball.”

At the beginning of the preliminary exam, both Bromell and Anne McLellan, court-appointed attorney for Jones, asked Rush to adjourn the hearing to allow their clients time to hire their own attorneys. Rush stated that he believed the defendants were making the motion on ‘a wing and a prayer’ and denied the motion.

Williams was transferred to Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw on Jan. 1. He has been released and is undergoing therapy at a rehabilitation center.

Edited by Ben Evers.
Edited by Jason Baird.

Students participate in religious celebration

By Sarah Schuch
Edited by Meredith Mayberry and Amanda Crabtree


Sacred Heart Academy students celebrate their faith this week with more than 2 million other Catholic students all over the United States.

Jan. 27 through Feb. 2 marks Catholic School Week.

“We celebrate who we are, what our strengths are and what we represent,” said Denny Starnes, principal at Sacred Heart Academy.

Starnes said this week brings new activities for the students and a break from the norm.

The week was kicked-off with the Bishop Robert J. Carlson and four other area priests celebrating Mass for the elementary students from Sacred Heart Academy, Beal City, Clare and Alma, Monday. There were more than 400 students, Starnes said.

“It lets them see that they are not the only one at Catholic school in a uniform,” said Mary Kay Reetz, admissions director for Sacred Heart Academy.

The high school celebrates Mass in Saginaw with two other schools on Tuesday, having more than 800 students in attendance.

Catholic School Week allows the schools to celebrate what they have, compared to public schools, Starnes said. They have faithful sharing along with celebrating during the school week.

Rachel Jaksa, Sacred Heart Academy senior, said this week is important because it’s good to know about other people who are Catholic.
“It’s different to have a whole week dedicated to your religion,” Jaksa said.

On Thursday Dan LaFevour, a player for Central Michigan University’s football team, will speak to students from seventh to 12th grade. Reetz said the younger kids idolize him.

LaFevour, who attends the Sacred Heart Perish, will talk about his faith in his life, Starnes said.

“It shows you can be cool and still celebrate religion,” Reetz said.

The theme this year is “Catholic Schools Light the Way.” The school has guest speakers and activities throughout the week.

The biggest event this week is the SHAGALA, Starnes said. On Feb. 2 there will be an auction dinner to raise money for the school to go towards general funds and help reduce cost of tuition. They hope to raise $30,000, he said.

This week will also mark the beginning of a school wide food drive.

Plachta remembered by friends and family

By Meredith Mayberry
Edited by Kelly Morse and Sarah Schuch

There was a quiet hum in the Sacred Heart Parish this morning. People shuffled in from the cold, gathering near the doorway in their winter coats and dress shoes. Acquaintances hugged each other and smiled. A few people cried.

The funeral mass for Leonard E. Plachta, Central Michigan University’s 11th president, was held at 11 a.m. in the Parish, 302 South Kinney Blvd.

More than 300 of Plachta’s friends and family attended the funeral, filling the center pews. Louise Plachta, Leonard Plachta’s wife, greeted visitors with embraces and soft smiles as the Parish filled to honor Plachta.

He was 78.

Father Thomas J. McNamara presided over the service. He spoke of Plachta as an educator with great influence over the people he helped through the years.

“His legacy lives on through the progress made by the university, through the advice he gave to students and through his faith and his family,” the Father said.

Plachta, born on April 23, 1929 in Detroit, was a professor at CMU from 1972 to 1977. In 1977, he assumed the position of assistant dean of the College of Business Administration. In 1979 he became acting dean.

He was university president from 1992 to 2000.

“An educator really feeds the hungry day by day. Students thirst for knowledge,” Father McNamara said. “When we honor Leonard, we really honor all of the educators at Central Michigan University.”

Father McNamara called upon Plachta’s sister-in-law, Catherine Russell, to speak about Leonard.

Russell recalled meeting Plachta on Thanksgiving of 1956.

She said she was 17-years-old and remembered watching from the living room window as her sister, Louise, walked toward her house holding the hand of a handsome man.

“I opened the door and went to meet the man that my sister chose to be her life-long boyfriend,” Russell said and paused to let a few tears fall on the paper she read from.

“Leonard was a man that I considered to be one of the best,” she said.

Russell remembered Plachta having the longest legs she had ever seen. She had to run to keep up with his walking pace.

She said she could not recall seeing Plachta without a tie.

“I remember Leonard painting a fence in his dress trousers, his white shirt and his polished shoes,” she said. “And there was not one spot of paint on him.”

Father McNamara said when Plachta became interim president in 1992, a special service was held at the church to honor him.

“On that day, 16 years ago, the people in this church stood and applauded to wish him well,” the Father said. “Now, let us stand and applaud his life and the difference he made in the community.”

With that, Plachta’s friends and family rose and gave CMU’s 11th president a standing ovation.

A private family burial followed the service.

Snow suspends campus; frees students and personnel

By: Dan Schultz

Edited by: Noah Shepardson

In the midst of a snowstorm throughout Monday night and Tuesday morning, Central Michigan University students and personnel alike found relaxation.

“I woke up late and I had three text messages from friends that said we had class canceled until noon,” Emily Brown said. “I did my homework that I didn’t do the night before,” chuckled Brown, a Grand Rapids Junior.

Snow came slowly but steadily overnight, revealing almost a foot of fresh powder in the early morning, according to the National Weather Service.

Students received an e-mail from Steven Smith, Director of Media Relations at Central Michigan University, at 6:36 a.m., notifying them of class cancellations: “The university is closed until 12 noon… but a final decision [to re-open campus] will be made no later than 10 a.m.”

Unfortunately, not everyone got the memo.

“I didn’t have a choice… I had to be here!” Tonia Price joked. Price, a Switchboard Administrator at Central Michigan University had to report to work like any other day – at 7 a.m. Only this particular morning the phone was ringing off the hook with students, faculty, and personnel inquiring about the cancellation.

Bonnie Denman, a Service Maintenance employee at Central Michigan University, agreed with the campus closing. “The snow was so deep that they would freeze to death,” she said. “It was the best decision for the students.”

Denman, a native of Mount Pleasant, spent her free morning shoveling out of her driveway, only to get onto a road that was not plowed.

Snow plows around campus were sent out Monday night, according to Denman. They took a break Tuesday around 4 p.m., were sent out several hours later, and are still working through Wednesday.

“Either they don’t have enough machines, or they were sent out too late,” Debra VanLiew said. VanLiew, a Senior Specialist Clerk for Central Michigan University noticed the plows arrived at Woldt Hall’s parking lot late Wednesday morning. “Took them almost two days to plow us out,” she explained.

The forecast for Wednesday night calls for another 1 to 2 inches of snow, and another 1 to 2 inches through Thursday, according to www.weather.com’s forecast.

Keeping that in mind, students, faculty and personnel at Central Michigan University can call (989) 774-7500 for school closing information.

Snow gives students a few extra hours

Alexis Kowaleski

After Monday night's continual snow fall, Central Michigan University students were given an extra few hours of sleep before starting their day.

Central delayed classes till noon on Tuesday to allow campus and side streets to clear paths for commuting students.

“I rushed back up to school only to find that my morning classes were canceled,” senior Trystyn McCarthy from Wixom said.

Like other students McCarthy had taken the long weekend, due to no classes on Monday for Martin Luther King Day, to go home and relax.

“The university is closed until 12 noon… but a final decision will be made no later than 10 a.m.” Students at Central were informed of the class delay via email.

The National Weather Service reported that nearly a foot of snow covered the mid-Michigan area over the course of Monday night.

“I was more mad that I had to go to my 12:30 class than anything…only 10 people showed up and our teacher still conducted class as if nothing was wrong,” senior Erin Kluska said.

This school delay follows two weeks after Central closed their campus on Tuesday, January 8, because of a power outage that knocked out electricity in several dorms and campus buildings.

Monday night’s extensive snow fall is just the first of many to come, this week alone there is snow predicted for every night of the week.

Central Snowed In

By Mariah Richards

Edited By: John Morelli, Erin Hillard and Amber Brown

Central was forced to close school for the second time this semester, due to an unexpected amount of snow fall.

According to the National Weather Service, a foot of snow was deposited on Lower Michigan overnight.

CMU decided to delay classes until noon, according to the Central hotline and an email sent to faculty and staff.

"I was definitely happy with the delay," said Brooke Helm, an academic advisor in the East Campus Success Center. "Normally I work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and this morning I got to stay home with my daughter for an extra couple of hours."

Not everyone was happy with the delay though.

"I got to campus in time for my 8 a.m. class just to find out that everything was cancelled...for the second time this semester," said Elisha Richards, a Mount Pleasant Junior.

Across town Mid Michigan Community College elected not to cancel classes, even though it is a commuter college.

"I have an 8 a.m. class I had to go to," said Kyle Judge, a Mid student. "It was a little slippery getting there, and most of my classmates didn't make it in."

Fellow Mid student Anita Doneth was one of those who didn't make it to class at all. "I got stuck in my driveway," the Rosebush resident admitted.

Snow storm drops a load on mid-Michigan

By: Kelly Morse

Edited By: Meredith Mayberry and Amanda Crabtree

Mid-Michigan residents had to shovel themselves out of the snow Tuesday morning to make it out of their driveways and some didn’t even make it that far.

The Morning Sun said a little over 10 inches of snow had accumulated beginning Monday night and continuing through Tuesday morning.

“With 10 inches of snow in my driveway, even if I could make it to the end, the road was not plowed until very late in the day,” said Edmore senior Darrel Farmer. “This was problematic because students like myself who have a long commute to campus could not make the journey.”

CMU delayed all classes and activities on its main campus and its Profed headquarters in Mount Pleasant until noon, according to Steven Smith, director of media relations for CMU. “In addition, all offices, buildings and events, [were] closed or cancelled with the exception of residence halls.”

The CFX website listed almost 20 schools and organizations such as Mt. Pleasant High School, Northwood University and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College that were either closed or delayed for the day. A complete listing can be found at the CFX website.

"I couldn't believe my classes were canceled this morning. This is the second time in three weeks that my Tuesday and Thursday classes have been called off," said Sara Rimer, Constantine junior.

The first week this semester for CMU, Tuesday courses were canceled because of a power outage caused by a thunderstorm.

The National Weather Service estimates Mount Pleasant will receive less than a half-inch of snow overnight. Tomorrow, wind chill will feel like minus 4, but the actual temperature will be around 13 degrees.

Heavy snowfall tramples mid-Michigan

By Amanda Crabtree

Edited By Meredith Mayberry and Sarah Schuch

After a weekend of the coldest temperatures this season, Mt. Pleasant was hit with a large snowstorm overnight on Monday. The storm gave many students in the area another day off of school.

Central Michigan University’s campus operations were delayed until noon, putting this semester’s classes another day behind after a power outage caused the University to close it’s doors earlier this month.

The snow piled to a total of 10.5 inches, according to www.themorningsun.com.

A string of text messages and phone calls were sent among many students and faculty who read the e-mail from Eric Lorenz, director of infrastructure and security at CMU, saying campus was delayed until at least noon.

Sara Bloomberg, Farmington Hills senior, was very happy when she realized someone sent her a message saying classes were delayed until noon, even though it came in at 7:15 this morning.

Connie Camp, an employee at the University Center, did not realize campus was closed until she arrived on campus to see it was pretty quiet.

Northwood University, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, and many other night programs in the area have been cancelled, according to www.nbc25online.com.

Classes delayed due to winter storm

By Meredith Mayberry

Edited by Sarah Schuch and Amanda Crabtree



Central Michigan University delayed classes for the second time this semester due to Tuesday morning's winter storm.

Snow showered Mount Pleasant throughout Monday night and continued Tuesday morning, piling to 10.5 inches, according to Morning Sun’s website, www.themorningsun.com.

University classes were delayed until noon.

Ann Laszczyk, Sterling Heights sophomore, said she woke up this morning unaware of the conditions outside.

“I was getting ready for class in the bathroom when I looked at the mirror and saw that my roommate wrote me a note in eyeliner,” Laszczyk said. “It said to call 774-7500, the campus information hotline. I called and heard about the delay.”

Some students were not fortunate enough to have notes on their mirrors.

Aliscia Leo, Hastings sophomore, said she trekked her way through the snow this morning to get to a class that had already been cancelled.

“I thought it was strange that the University Center was locked,” Leo said. "When I got to my class, there were a few of my classmates waiting around. We figured that class must be cancelled."

An early morning email was sent to students and faculty of CMU from Eric Lorenz, director of infrastructure and security at CMU. Lorenz informed recipients of the delay and additional cancellations.

“There were a lot of people around campus this morning on their way to class, though,” Leo said of her 8 a.m. class.

Mount Pleasant High School was not scheduled to attend school today because of teacher professional development, according to the school’s official website, www.mphsknights.com. The faculty's development day was cancelled.

Along with Mount Pleasant High School and CMU, Northwood University and Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College were cancelled due to weather, according to www.wnem.com.

Weather forces Central Michigan University to close until noon

By: Erin Hillard

Edited By: John Morelli and Mariah Richards

Central Michigan University’s campus was closed until 12 noon today after inclement weather forced the campus to close.

The snow storm happened overnight and, as reported by the National Weather Service, produced nearly a foot of snow.

Even after campus re-opening at noon, students still found the weather to be an inconvenience.

“It took me longer to get around because of how slippery it was outside. I fell a couple of times,” said CMU student, Andria Moscynski.

The CMU Police Department also had to work harder today because of the weather.

“When the weather is like it was today, it really inhibits my ability to do my job,” said Alyssa Anderson, employee of the CMU Police Department, “because instead of driving past cars, I have to scrape the snow off of car windows to make sure they’re valid.”

“Also, I’m short, so it’s hard when the snow comes up to your knees, she said.”

According to the National Weather Service, more snow can be expected to fall Wednesday through the weekend, with the most additional snow fall occurring Wednesday night.

The additional snow fall could be anywhere from 2 to 4 inches, which could leave snow on the road and make driving difficult for a couple of days.

This marks the second time since class started January 7 that the campus has closed due to the weather.

Snowstorm affects mid-Michigan

By Sarah Schuch

Edited by Meredith Mayberry
and Amanda Crabtree

A heavy snowstorm takes its toll on mid-Michigan Monday night closing some schools and delaying others.

As of 9 a.m. Tuesday Mt. Pleasant received 8.3 inches of snow, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service.

Central Michigan University delayed operations on its main campus and its Profed headquarters in Mt. Pleasant until noon on Tuesday. All offices, buildings and events are closed until noon as well, except for the residence halls, according to Kevin Smart, director of relations.

Early Tuesday morning it was decided that CMU would reopen at noon, according to an e-mail from Bruce Roscoe, dean of students.

Mt. Pleasant High school was cancelled Tuesday due to the winter weather the night before, even though exam week was in progress, according to 95.3 CFX’s Web site.
Northwood University and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College were also closed.

Angela Schlafley, Clare sophomore, said she enjoyed her break from classes. She missed three of her classes and instead watched a movie with her roommates and made the most of her time.

Tuesday, Jan. 8, CMU’s campus was closed due to a power outage causing classes to fall behind schedule.

Larry Burditt, assistant professor of art, is frustrated that now he has to make adjustments in his classes.
"I’ve lost a whole freaking week of my class," said Burditt.

Unlike most students, Burditt fortunately has a garage, but he still had to spend 30 minutes shoveling out his driveway, he said.

Lindsey Nickels, Byron Center sophomore, said she only had one class to go to after the delay and she skipped it because she didn’t want to go outside.

Heavy Snow Causes Canceled Classes

By: John Morelli

Edited by: Erin Hillard

Mariah Richards

An overnight snowstorm forced Central Michigan University to cancel all morning classes today for the second time in two weeks.

“The university is delaying operations on its main campus… until 12 noon today due to an overnight snow storm,” said Kevin Smart, Central’s Director of Employee Relations.

According to the National Weather Service Forecast Office, a foot of snow fell across southern Lower Michigan during the night.

“I really dislike the snow, it makes everything more difficult,” said Central undergraduate Mike Mueller, “but I like the fact that class got canceled.”

“I do think they should cancel classes for the whole day, though, I don’t think that’s very fair,” he continued.

The last time Central canceled morning classes on Jan. 8^th of this year came after a thunderstorm caused a power outage for the campus and parts of Mt. Pleasant. Eventually, classes were canceled for the entire day.

Weather.com projects temperatures ranging from 10 degrees Fahrenheit to 21 F for the next 2 days, with a 60 percent to 70 percent chance of snowfall over the same time period.

“The snow is unprofessional,” said Central grad student Matt Bush, “it forces changes for everyone and their schedule.”

A winter snow warning has been declared for Mt. Pleasant for the rest of the day, according to the National Weather Service Forecast Office.

Hi, Im Amber Brown. I am contnributing to this blog!

First post

Hi, I'm Sheri, I am one of the contributors to this blog.

About this blog

This is a blog created and maintained by students in Central Michigan University's Journalism 312 class, taught by adjunct faculty member Mark Ranzenberger.
This is student work -- students are learning the fine art of meeting deadlines in the 24/7 news cycle.
Students are responsible for their own work. Welcome to the real world, guys.