by Jason Antoniewicz
Union Township's decision to work without a superintendent and delegate the office's duties to the supervisor and treasurer is going without a hitch so far.
Newly elected supervisor John Barker has been holding staff meetings previously delegated to the superintendent, and has been getting on the ground floor with the utilities in Union.
"We hope this will be a short term situation," he said. "And by short term, that could mean a matter of a couple of months or longer."
Barker hopes to have a position similar to the superintendent return for handling the administrative details of Union Township's government.
"There's a lot to do," Barker said. "Thousands of transactions take place every month. Those administrative details could and perhaps should be handled by a professional manager."
Barker plans on visiting other townships to assess their governments, and create a system that will meet the needs of Union Township.
"My preferred model, just because of my background, is the township manager model," Barker said.
At the first meeting of the new Board of Trustees, Barker talked about wanting to keep the policy making side of Union separate from the administrative side. A township manager would function like the city manager of Mount Pleasant.
"A lot of townships have superintendents," he said. "A lot fewer have professional township managers. It's a different kind of approach to managing local government."
Barker and the rest of the Board of Trustees start training this week. The township will soon renegotiate its service contract with the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, as well as begin talks with the county.
"They're all anxious to sit down with us," Barker said. "We have opened our arms to the concept that when we all work together, the taxpayers are better served."
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A peaceful Black Friday in Mount Pleasant
Black Friday came and went with no problems in the Mount Pleasant area. You can’t say the same thing around the country.
According to the Daily News website, a Wal-Mart worker died early Friday after an "out-of-control" mob of frenzied shoppers smashed through the Long Island, NY, store's front doors and trampled him, police said.
This was not the case for the stores in Mount Pleasant.
“The stores were not as bad as I thought they would be,” said Brian Hampshire, Bay City. “I was in town for the holidays and thought I would go out and catch some of the sales real early and the lines were long, but no problems in them. Nothing like it has been in the past.”
Some of the stores in town didn’t want to take any chances with problems on this normally crazy shopping day. Target was one of those stores.
Target officials asked the Isabella County Sheriff's Department to have a deputy on hand for crowd control on the busy shopping day, according to The Morning Sun.
Some other shoppers didn’t have as great of an experience.
“The lines were crazy to wait in,” said Jake Sproul, Redford senior. “Too many people trying to get deals. This was my first time going out shopping for Black Friday and will probably never do it again.”
The longer lines were a good thing for local stores. Many were worried with the economy being so bad that Black Friday would not turn out as expected.
“It was good to see people out shopping and spending money,” Hampshire said. “The businesses needed the support and it was a great show of support by the people in Mount Pleasant.”
According to the Daily News website, a Wal-Mart worker died early Friday after an "out-of-control" mob of frenzied shoppers smashed through the Long Island, NY, store's front doors and trampled him, police said.
This was not the case for the stores in Mount Pleasant.
“The stores were not as bad as I thought they would be,” said Brian Hampshire, Bay City. “I was in town for the holidays and thought I would go out and catch some of the sales real early and the lines were long, but no problems in them. Nothing like it has been in the past.”
Some of the stores in town didn’t want to take any chances with problems on this normally crazy shopping day. Target was one of those stores.
Target officials asked the Isabella County Sheriff's Department to have a deputy on hand for crowd control on the busy shopping day, according to The Morning Sun.
Some other shoppers didn’t have as great of an experience.
“The lines were crazy to wait in,” said Jake Sproul, Redford senior. “Too many people trying to get deals. This was my first time going out shopping for Black Friday and will probably never do it again.”
The longer lines were a good thing for local stores. Many were worried with the economy being so bad that Black Friday would not turn out as expected.
“It was good to see people out shopping and spending money,” Hampshire said. “The businesses needed the support and it was a great show of support by the people in Mount Pleasant.”
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
A large crowd gathered Wednesday night to watch a variety of acts perform at the annual Beal City Schools Talent Show.
The 2008 Talent Show was held in the small gym at Beal City High School and began at 7 p.m. The show lasted a little more than an hour and guests were entertained with singing, dancing and even some stand-up comedy.
The audience was treated to a special bonus in the lobby when they were greeted by Beal City students’ artwork proudly displayed.
Though many acts turned up and wowed the crowd, only three were awarded the top spots.
There were two second place finishes. Kelsi Karcher's rendition of "Girls Lie Too" by Teri Clark and the trio of Alisha Chamberlin, who sang beautifully, and Karly Schafer and Amy Finnerty, who performed an interpretive dance they choreographed, earned there places at the top.
The 2008 Talent Show was held in the small gym at Beal City High School and began at 7 p.m. The show lasted a little more than an hour and guests were entertained with singing, dancing and even some stand-up comedy.
The audience was treated to a special bonus in the lobby when they were greeted by Beal City students’ artwork proudly displayed.
Though many acts turned up and wowed the crowd, only three were awarded the top spots.
There were two second place finishes. Kelsi Karcher's rendition of "Girls Lie Too" by Teri Clark and the trio of Alisha Chamberlin, who sang beautifully, and Karly Schafer and Amy Finnerty, who performed an interpretive dance they choreographed, earned there places at the top.
The first place prize went to McBride for her comedic act, "Finding Talent."
These talented young students will be moving on to represent Beal City High School in the Isabella County Talent Show, sponsored by The Morey Foundation, at the Broadway Theatre in Mt. Pleasant on Feb. 18th.
The Faux Fur Shift
In the 1960’s owning a Mink fur coat was the dream of every American housewife. However, as the years pass more and more designers are ditching real fur and using faux fur in their couture lines. As more and more designers and celebrities make the switch from real to faux fur, it has become widely accepted change.
Some famous fur foes include Christy Turlington, Dennis Rodman, Ellen Degeneres, Marc Bouwer, Martha Stewart and many others.
“People dress based on their role models, the people they see on TV.” Nyesha Butler a Detroit Freshman said, “If someone’s style icon chooses real or faux fur, then the idolizer is more likely to do the same.”
Real fur has lost its popularity for numerous reasons from the environmental effects to the mere high cost. However, the most frequent reason people forgo fur is a result of the cruelty involved in order to attain an animal skin.
“I would never wear real fur. The only thing that needs real fur is the animal that was born with it. I don’t care what the fashion trends are, I can wear faux fur and look twice as good as someone who has blood on their hands,” said Clarkston Senior Kayla Pappas.
The faux fur transition is being made in big cities known for fashion. The city of Mount Pleasant however is not known for making a contribution to the world of fashion.
“I think people are going to buy what they like. If they like the real stuff, they’re going to get it regardless of where they live.” Laura Czupinski a Frasier Freshman said.
Although the faux fur transition seems to be sweeping the country, Mount Pleasant and even Michigan, a state on the low end of the fashion totem pole, seem to be lagging behind.
Some famous fur foes include Christy Turlington, Dennis Rodman, Ellen Degeneres, Marc Bouwer, Martha Stewart and many others.
“People dress based on their role models, the people they see on TV.” Nyesha Butler a Detroit Freshman said, “If someone’s style icon chooses real or faux fur, then the idolizer is more likely to do the same.”
Real fur has lost its popularity for numerous reasons from the environmental effects to the mere high cost. However, the most frequent reason people forgo fur is a result of the cruelty involved in order to attain an animal skin.
“I would never wear real fur. The only thing that needs real fur is the animal that was born with it. I don’t care what the fashion trends are, I can wear faux fur and look twice as good as someone who has blood on their hands,” said Clarkston Senior Kayla Pappas.
The faux fur transition is being made in big cities known for fashion. The city of Mount Pleasant however is not known for making a contribution to the world of fashion.
“I think people are going to buy what they like. If they like the real stuff, they’re going to get it regardless of where they live.” Laura Czupinski a Frasier Freshman said.
Although the faux fur transition seems to be sweeping the country, Mount Pleasant and even Michigan, a state on the low end of the fashion totem pole, seem to be lagging behind.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thanksgiving without the turkey
Not all American households celebrate Thanksgiving with a turkey, but most still do. An estimated 49 million turkeys were raised this year in Minnesota, the leading state in turkey production, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
With raising concerns of health and weight in America, it is interesting to see that 144,086 organic turkeys were raised as of 2005. This still doesn’t get in the way of a traditional turkey dinner on thanksgiving for most families.
CMU student Sara Bloomberg went home for a great traditional thanksgiving dinner including turkey.
“Thanksgiving is not only a great break from school before finals, I also enjoy yummy food with family and friends,” said Bloomberg.
Cranberries are also a great American side dish that is widely consumed at Thanksgiving. Cranberry production in the U.S. was up five percent since 2007 to 689 million pounds in 2008.
“Homemade cranberry dishes are the best,” said Bloomberg. “This year my grandmother made brandy cranberries and my aunt made a cranberry relish.”
A healthy diet does concern some people and have an affect on Thanksgiving. For example, people with allergies may need to make changes to the traditional meal.
Another factor involved in planning the Thanksgiving dinner is an individual’s values or religion. Thanksgiving doesn’t need a turkey and Ann Marie LaFlamme believes your dinner is better off without it.
“My family helps me in many ways to comply to my vegan choices,” said LaFlamme.
“ My mother makes me healthy and delicious stuffing, yams and my grandmother brought me green bean casserole for dinner,” said LaFlamme.
“Thanksgiving dinner is a great reminder of the reason we celebrate Thanksgiving,” said Bloomberg. “It reminds me of how thankful I am to spend time with my friends and family.”
With raising concerns of health and weight in America, it is interesting to see that 144,086 organic turkeys were raised as of 2005. This still doesn’t get in the way of a traditional turkey dinner on thanksgiving for most families.
CMU student Sara Bloomberg went home for a great traditional thanksgiving dinner including turkey.
“Thanksgiving is not only a great break from school before finals, I also enjoy yummy food with family and friends,” said Bloomberg.
Cranberries are also a great American side dish that is widely consumed at Thanksgiving. Cranberry production in the U.S. was up five percent since 2007 to 689 million pounds in 2008.
“Homemade cranberry dishes are the best,” said Bloomberg. “This year my grandmother made brandy cranberries and my aunt made a cranberry relish.”
A healthy diet does concern some people and have an affect on Thanksgiving. For example, people with allergies may need to make changes to the traditional meal.
Another factor involved in planning the Thanksgiving dinner is an individual’s values or religion. Thanksgiving doesn’t need a turkey and Ann Marie LaFlamme believes your dinner is better off without it.
“My family helps me in many ways to comply to my vegan choices,” said LaFlamme.
“ My mother makes me healthy and delicious stuffing, yams and my grandmother brought me green bean casserole for dinner,” said LaFlamme.
“Thanksgiving dinner is a great reminder of the reason we celebrate Thanksgiving,” said Bloomberg. “It reminds me of how thankful I am to spend time with my friends and family.”
Fans not present for Wednesday nights upset
Last Wednesday CMU faced Ball State in a close football game, but not all students made an appearance at the game.
For those who didn’t make it to the game, there were many reasons involved.
“I really wanted to support the team,” said senior Mary Ruttman. “But I couldn’t make it due to having a class late Wednesday evening.”
With the semester coming to an end, this is the time for everyone to buckle down and get some work done.
“Even though I really wanted to make it to the game, I couldn’t miss my class, because it is imperative that I be there,” said Ruttman.
Final exams are closing in, but that wasn’t the only reason for absence at the game.
“I would have gone to the game if it weren’t for my class,” said Ruttman. “The cold doesn’t bother me and wouldn't stop me from supporting the team.”
“However, I did have friends that said they wanted to go, but wouldn’t venture out into the cold,” said Ruttman.
Late Wednesday night saw terrible weather for attendees of the game. It was cold, wet and snowing. The weather, however, did not stop those over-enthused fans that attend every game with their tops off and bodies painted.
The reasons for missing Wednesday’s upset don’t stop there.
Another popular excuse was money. Usually to attend a football game you tailgate first with a beverage of choice, then winter the game for something warmer like hot chocolate or a hot dog to warm you up.
All of these have a certain cost and with the semester coming to the ends, so does financial aid.
Since the game was being broadcasted on ESPN 2, it was much easier and cheaper to just view the game from home.
For those who didn’t make it to the game, there were many reasons involved.
“I really wanted to support the team,” said senior Mary Ruttman. “But I couldn’t make it due to having a class late Wednesday evening.”
With the semester coming to an end, this is the time for everyone to buckle down and get some work done.
“Even though I really wanted to make it to the game, I couldn’t miss my class, because it is imperative that I be there,” said Ruttman.
Final exams are closing in, but that wasn’t the only reason for absence at the game.
“I would have gone to the game if it weren’t for my class,” said Ruttman. “The cold doesn’t bother me and wouldn't stop me from supporting the team.”
“However, I did have friends that said they wanted to go, but wouldn’t venture out into the cold,” said Ruttman.
Late Wednesday night saw terrible weather for attendees of the game. It was cold, wet and snowing. The weather, however, did not stop those over-enthused fans that attend every game with their tops off and bodies painted.
The reasons for missing Wednesday’s upset don’t stop there.
Another popular excuse was money. Usually to attend a football game you tailgate first with a beverage of choice, then winter the game for something warmer like hot chocolate or a hot dog to warm you up.
All of these have a certain cost and with the semester coming to the ends, so does financial aid.
Since the game was being broadcasted on ESPN 2, it was much easier and cheaper to just view the game from home.
Dickens Christmas a fun two days
Once again downtown Mount Pleasant will be full of holiday fun and Christmas cheer.
For more than 20 years the Dickens Christmas has been a time for fun in downtown Mount Pleasant.
The two day event will kick off Friday night. There will be everything from familiar Christmas characters wandering the downtown streets to horse drawn carriage rides.
There will be fun the little ones too, with Santa’s workshop opening Friday night at 5 p.m.
Downtown resident, Chase Dicken expects the weekend to be a great family fun weekend for the whole family.
Dicken who has been to the festival for the past few years says, “It was a lot more fun than I expected the first time I went, and the great downtown atmosphere keeps drawing me back.”
The fun and events will continue on Saturday with a run put on by Mount Pleasant striders.
After the run there will also be a pancake breakfast at the Sacred Heart Middle School from 8 a.m. to noon.
The downtown will have several other events going on throughout the day, everything from children’s games to quilt raffles and concerts.
Chase Berry, a Brass Café employee expects it will be a busy weekend for the Brass.
“I know there are sleigh rides that you can sign up for at the Brass and I look forward to it being a busy weekend.”
For more information go to www.downtownmtpleasant.com.
For more than 20 years the Dickens Christmas has been a time for fun in downtown Mount Pleasant.
The two day event will kick off Friday night. There will be everything from familiar Christmas characters wandering the downtown streets to horse drawn carriage rides.
There will be fun the little ones too, with Santa’s workshop opening Friday night at 5 p.m.
Downtown resident, Chase Dicken expects the weekend to be a great family fun weekend for the whole family.
Dicken who has been to the festival for the past few years says, “It was a lot more fun than I expected the first time I went, and the great downtown atmosphere keeps drawing me back.”
The fun and events will continue on Saturday with a run put on by Mount Pleasant striders.
After the run there will also be a pancake breakfast at the Sacred Heart Middle School from 8 a.m. to noon.
The downtown will have several other events going on throughout the day, everything from children’s games to quilt raffles and concerts.
Chase Berry, a Brass Café employee expects it will be a busy weekend for the Brass.
“I know there are sleigh rides that you can sign up for at the Brass and I look forward to it being a busy weekend.”
For more information go to www.downtownmtpleasant.com.
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