Communities
Latest
Happy 105th birthday to Eaton Rapids’ Mary Minnich
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Deb Malewski/FAN – Birthday woman Mary Minnich celebrates...
More
Latest
Eaton Rapids Social District adds to downtown options
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Deb Malewski/FAN – Natalie [left] and Shawn Norton, owners...
Click and watch our Community Highlights interview with Mike Dedman and the Selling team.
Celebrating John Gaedert
Read The County Journal Online
Click to open a full digital copy of the newspaper that you can “flip” through online. Works on mobile devices!
Eaton County
Eaton County
Latest
Happy 105th birthday to Eaton Rapids’ Mary Minnich
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Deb Malewski/FAN – Birthday woman Mary Minnich celebrates...
Eaton County
Featured Story
Happy 105th birthday to Eaton Rapids’ Mary Minnich
Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
(Deb Malewski/FAN – Birthday woman Mary Minnich celebrates with family members [from left] Meg Minnich, grandson Brian Minnich, and son Bill Minnich. Imagine 105 on this planet and calling the one and only Eaton Rapids your home.)
Turning 100 is a remarkable milestone and a privilege few are fortunate enough to reach. But Mary Minnich (Frazier), a longtime Eaton Rapids resident, has gone well beyond the centenarian milestone.
She celebrated her 105th birthday on Oct. 6.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 10,946 people in the United States were age 105 or older. As the nation’s population ages, that number is expected to grow, but reaching 105 remains a rare achievement.
Mary grew up in Indiana and married John Minnich in 1941. John served in the Navy during World War II and later worked at the REO Motor Car plant in Lansing. Together, they raised three sons, Bill, Randy, and Jack. Mary has called Eaton Rapids home since 1947, living for decades in the family home on Michigan Road.
Five years ago, Mary joined many of her friends at Island City Assisted Living, where she has continued to take part in community activities and special events.
At Island City, there is a remarkable trio of centenarian residents: 105-year-old Mary, 100-year-old Nina Gulliver, and another centenarian who prefers to remain anonymous.
“Mary is the oldest resident that we’ve ever had here,” said Stephanie Hall, CEO of Island City Assisted Living. “Together, these three women form the most remarkable example of longevity this place has ever known!”
“Mary is an inspiration to all of us,” Hall added. “She comes to every special event we have, and her family is so supportive and caring.”
Hall recalled seeing Mary enjoying one of the community’s activities just this summer, throwing Velcro darts in the community room.
“She is the best mother-in-law in the world,” Meg Minnich commented about Mary. “She gives everyone unconditional love”
Mary’s special birthday was celebrated with a party in the Island City ice cream parlor. A fancy Cake Shake, served in a wine glass, was enjoyed by everyone, but especially Mary. Family and friends gathered to celebrate, and as Mary recognized familiar faces, she smiled and waved while enjoying her birthday treat. The group then serenaded her with the birthday song.
Mary has spent much of her life as part of the Eaton Rapids community. In her younger years, she worked at the Miller Dairy Store, serving up scoops of the city’s famous ice cream. She also worked at Ken Powers Insurance, Webb’s Department Store and an investment firm.
One of the great joys in Mary’s life has been creativity and sewing. She still has a small sewing machine in her room at Island City. An avid quilter, she was a longtime member of the Congregational Church quilting group. She also participated in Bell Choir, Women’s Chorus, and the Garden Club.
For 105 years, Mary has witnessed an extraordinary amount of change. She has seen Eaton Rapids grow and change, watched generations of families come and go, and built a lifetime of memories along the way. Through it all, she has remained connected to the people and community she has called home since 1947.
Charlotte
Charlotte
Latest
Charlotte teachers picket for fair treatment as negotiations continue
Justin Passick Contributing Writer (Justin Passick/TCJ – Dozens of Charlotte Public Schools...
Charlotte
Featured Story
Charlotte teachers picket for fair treatment as negotiations continue
Justin Passick
Contributing Writer
(Justin Passick/TCJ – Dozens of Charlotte Public Schools teachers and supporters gathered on the Courthouse Square lawn on Oct. 5 to make the community more aware of ongoing contract negotiations.)
For several weeks, red signs have been appearing around the community with the slogan “Support Charlotte Teachers.” The signs are the creation of the Charlotte Education Association (CEA) as part efforts to help finalize a new contract with the school board.
CEA co-presidents Jennifer Wood and Becky Carter said it all comes down to “fair treatment.”
Horns echoed through downtown Charlotte on Monday, Oct. 5, in support of CEA demonstrators at the Courthouse Square. An initial group of just over 30 teachers grew as elementary school let out and more teachers joined, waving signs, handing out stickers, and drumming up support and awareness for their contract dispute.
“This isn’t about money. That’s already been settled,” said Jim Manning, a retired Potterville teacher and current UniServ director for the Michigan Education Association. As he noted, “There is a grievance procedure when there is a breach of contract that ends in arbitration.” Manning said much of the wording around arbitration was removed from school contracts during Gov Rick Snyder’s administration in 2011 but has since been reinstated in many districts. Manning said that the Charlotte school board has agreed to reinstate most of the language but “not give us the right to arbitration.”
The three main areas arbitration affects for teachers are discipline, placement and evaluation. Placement issues came up in many discussions. Wood provided the story of Miranda Steward, a former elementary reading teacher who was shifted to middle school math by the school board with no option for arbitration. Steward left Charlotte for another district.
“Charlotte teachers deserve the same right of arbitration, just like all the other teachers in Eaton County,” said Carter, flanked by fellow teachers and supportive relatives. Manning also noted that paraprofessionals within the district “currently have the right to arbitration.”
The “outside agitator” referred to on the picket signs is the Charlotte Public School’s lawyer, Ray Davis, of Thrun Law in East Lansing, who has more than 25 years in labor relations law.
Charlotte Public Schools Superintendent Mandy Stewart could not be reached for comment by press time. She has been with the district since July 2019 and was part of a successful 2020 bond proposal for $35 million for district projects.
School Board President Mark Byers released a statement on Sept. 30 that stated the board “feel that we are close to an agreement with the CEA.” The statement mentioned that the “use of a third-party negotiator is not a sign of negative relations, but rather a way to work toward resolution.
Charlotte teachers typically work under a three-year contract. Approximately 130 full-time teachers have been without a contract since June. Third-party mediation between the CEA – which represents teachers – and the schools started last month.
Another meeting was held between the CEA and the school board on Oct. 6. Legally, no specifics could be shared at the time of writing.
According to Wood, there will be another meeting Monday, Oct. 12, and “both sides feel good about where we are.”
Administrators on Wednesday indicated an Oct. 6 meeting produced the agreement for more negotiations this week and before the next school board meeting.
“Pack the board meetings,” was the advice from former Charlotte teacher Michelle Swarbrick on how the average citizen can show support should negotiations continue.
The next school board meeting on Monday, Oct. 12 at 6 p.m. in the high school media center.
Olivet
Olivet
Latest
OHS Class of 1971 gifts bench to school as part of 55th year
Joanne Williams Editor (Joanne Williams/TCJ – Members of the OHS Class of 1971 present a...
Olivet
Featured Story
OHS Class of 1971 gifts bench to school as part of 55th year
Joanne Williams
Editor
(Joanne Williams/TCJ – Members of the OHS Class of 1971 present a bench to the school to celebrate their 55th-graduation anniversary.)
When is a bench more than a bench?
When it’s made in Mulliken and donated with love from grateful alumni.
The Olivet High School Class of 1971, celebrating their 55th year, gathered at Eagles stadium on Friday, Sept. 18 to present the bench, tan-colored with OHS Class of 1971 engraved in green. The dozen or so classmates came from around the country to celebrate together and witness Olivet football’s thrilling 21-20 win over Lansing Sexton.
Before the game, the graduates gathered, hugs and kisses and hellos, around the bench, just to the side of the stadium’s inside entrance. Superintendent Bob Vaught was on hand to represent the schools.
Wendy Morgenstern Hoekje helped plan the presentation and the get-together. She said classmates came from as far as California and Florida. One said, “I never miss anything.” Another chimed in, “I make every effort to attend every gathering,” which takes place every five years for this class.
The gatherings now include those “marrying into the class” one alum said.
Andy Weaver read a statement as they gathered, and said, “As we celebrate 55 years since our graduation, we felt this was an appropriate time to remember our years at Olivet Schools and to recognize the lasting impact this school and its staff have had on our lives.”
Weaver thanked Adam Harris of Polly Products in Mulliken for helping to bring the project together.
Harris wrote, “This bench is being made here in Mulliken from 100% recycled HDPE, so something that was once part of the waste stream is being turned into something that can stay in the community for decades.”
Polly Products can be seen all over Eaton County, from benches to tables, planters and bike racks in schools, parks and communities, here and across the country.
The Class of 1971 hopes people look at the bench as a statement of the importance the high school still holds in their lives.
As Weaver read, “While our journeys have been different,” he said of his classmates, “we remain thankful for the education, encouragement, guidance and support we received during our years at Olivet.”
And with that, the group headed to the stands to sit together and cheer on the alma mater.
Bellevue
Bellevue
Latest
Bellevue’s Plue provides music for children’s ears, development, fun
Tracy Shick Contributing Writer (Tracy Shick/TCJ – Child educator Lachelle Plue brings...
Bellevue
Featured Story
Bellevue’s Plue provides music for children’s ears, development, fun
Tracy Shick
Contributing Writer
(Tracy Shick/TCJ – Child educator Lachelle Plue brings music, engagement to children through her Little Ones program in Bellevue.)
For Lachelle Plue, bringing music to Bellevue’s youngest residents is about much more than singing songs. It is a chance for children to learn, move, socialize, and discover a love of music in the community where her own roots run deep.
Plue grew up in Bellevue and has strong family ties to the area. Her mother, Karen Haigh, taught preschool in Bellevue for 36 years, and Plue later spent two years working alongside her mother as an assistant teacher. “I have really close ties here,” Plue said.
A graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in early childhood education, Plue has been teaching young children in some capacity since 1997. After stepping away from a traditional teaching career to raise her own children, she found a way to combine two things she loves: young children and music.
More recently, inspiration came from another generation of her family: her granddaughter, Daisy Mae. Plue said Daisy’s fascination with music, from music boxes to songs played at home, helped inspire her to bring Little Ones Music Time to Bellevue. She connected with Bellevue Christian Church after seeing a Facebook post about its Monday Playgroup and thought a Tuesday music program would complement it perfectly.
Little Ones Music Time is designed primarily for children age four and younger, accompanied by a parent, grandparent or other caregiver. Each session combines music, movement, stories, and hands-on activities. Children explore rhythm using instruments such as egg shakers, rhythm sticks and jingle bells, along with dancing scarves and larger instruments introduced during class.
Lessons teach concepts including fast and slow, loud and quiet, high and low, steady beat and vocal pitch. But the learning extends beyond music. Children practice listening, taking turns, sharing instruments, following directions, and interacting with others. Plue also selects a story for each class that connects with the day’s lesson. Repetition is especially important at this age, she explained, so songs and activities may continue for several weeks as children become familiar with them and build new skills.
The class provides an opportunity to meet other families and observe their children interacting with others and participate directly in the learning experience.
For Plue, the greatest reward remains simple: helping instill a love of music in children while they are young. “Music is so important,” she said
Little Ones Music Time is held Tuesdays from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. at Bellevue Christian Church, 734 W. Capital Ave. For information, contact Lachelle Plue at 517-231-1024.
Vermontville
Vermontville
Latest
Vermontville team ready to help folks see their buildings rise, floor to roof
Sheryl Oswalt Contributing Writer (Cindy Gaedert-Gearhart/TCJ – Freeman Coblentz [left] and...
Vermontville
Featured Story
Vermontville team ready to help folks see their buildings rise, floor to roof
Sheryl Oswalt
Contributing Writer
(Cindy Gaedert-Gearhart/TCJ – Freeman Coblentz [left] and Tal Gearhart have teamed up to form C & G sales, getting sheds built from top to concrete floor for their customers.)
It’s a great time of year for cider and doughnuts. It’s also a good time to think about getting vehicles, equipment and other valuables under cover before winter arrives. For local residents considering a storage shed, carport or larger building, a new Vermontville business can help put the pieces together.
Freeman Coblentz and Tal Gearhart have teamed up to form C & G Sales, LLC. The two Vermontville residents are dealers for Northedge Steel and can help customers plan projects ranging from a small garden shed or “she shed” to a building large enough to house farm equipment.
The partnership began with Gearhart’s own search for a storage building. He had worked with many local contractors over the years, but for the basic building he needed, he found a Northedge Steel building to be the most cost-effective choice. His 24-by-40-foot storage barn went up in two days.
Gearhart then called his friend Coblentz for a concrete quote. As they talked about the project, they saw an opportunity to make the process easier for other customers. By working together, they could offer a local place to begin, for both the building and the work needed to get the property ready for it.
Coblentz brings more than 30 years of experience with Coblentz Construction, a business that builds spec houses and specializes in concrete work. Through C & G Sales, customers can discuss a package that includes site preparation, concrete footings, poured floors and driveway materials. Depending on the project, that might mean a concrete approach, a milled asphalt drive or a limestone drive.
Northedge Steel has more than 20 years of experience in manufacturing and construction, with manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Indiana. The company offers standard buildings in a variety of shapes and colors, as well as options for customers who want to design a building for a specific use.
Coblentz and Gearhart can help customers choose a building that fits the job, whether that’s a carport or RV shelter, a place for lawn equipment and recreational vehicles, or more room for a growing business. They can also help customers who prefer a traditional wood-frame pole barn. Once a plan takes shape, the two can coordinate the site work, concrete and driveway materials needed to complete it.
C & G Sales is taking orders for installation to be completed in 2026 and is also scheduling projects for next spring. For a quote or to discuss a project, contact Gearhart at talgearhart@gmail.com.
Potterville
Potterville
Latest
New Potterville superintendent arrives to ballot issues, bond project
Joanne Williams Editor (Joanne Williams/TCJ – Breakfast and business were on the menu at a...
Potterville
Featured Story
New Potterville superintendent arrives to ballot issues, bond project
Joanne Williams
Editor
(Joanne Williams/TCJ – Breakfast and business were on the menu at a recent meet and greet with new Potterville Superintendent Dan Gilbertson [right], seen here with Clark Construction’s Dave Warner [left], and school board member Jon McNett.)
Dan Gilbertson is used to challenges and change.
Now, as superintendent of Potterville Schools, as of July 1, he is encountering more, as his new community is being asked to renew two school millages on the Aug. 4 ballot.
“There is great work being done here, exciting work,” Gilbertson said, as he held a third community meet and greet at Joe’s Café on July 22.
Gilbertson was recently interim superintendent at Olivet Community Schools, and before served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, superintendent and program director, all in Michigan schools.
He has three degrees, from Wayne State, Central Michigan and Saginaw Valley State University, and continues his studies through Walden University.
Gilbertson arrived to find a whirlwind of work being done throughout the school buildings.
These projects are being undertaken with funds from a Bond proposal, backed by 61% of the city, in 2021. It provided $28 million for the projects, which are wide-ranging and some, cost saving in the long run, including LED lighting and other energy efficient systems.
Dave Carlson, who has been director of facilities for the district for almost five years, is excited about the current and future improvements and maintenance of the schools.
Carlson has lived in the district since 2001 and has had his three children graduate as Vikings, with grandchildren now in the schools. He is also softball coach for the high school.
These voter-approved funds support the building projects, he said, as other monies, especially from the state, can only be directed toward student learning and curriculum. With 30 years in maintenance work, he knows the life-cycle of mechanical systems. Money for building improvements, replacements and updates is “crucial” Carlson said, to keep buildings secure and maintained.
The bond work will continue no matter the outcome of the two millage renewals on the ballot.
School Board President Sarah Vandenboss said she has not had a lot of questions about the renewals from voters. There is extensive information on the schools website, ppsvikings.org, and Gilbertson carries literature to help explain the proposals.
The millages have to be two separate votes because of when they were first approved and for what purposes. The millages would not increase what taxpayers pay if approved; the vote is for a renewal of the millages. With a renewal, the district says it would be able to continue with maintenance, repairs and improve school safety, security and access, as well as add to technology, including student devices and classrooms.
From bathrooms to learning spaces, school drop-off access to playground equipment, folks returning to school on Sept. 8 will see results and works in progress in this third and final phase of the bond project.
Representatives from Clark Construction Company, at work on the current bond proposal improvements, have been documenting the work and progress on the schools website.
Senior Project Manager Dave Warner said safety has been a priority and will be as students and staff return.
Clark personnel have visited neighboring residents with information and updates recently as well.
Gilbertson said he is impressed with the “stewardship” of Carlson and others as the work has progressed.
Eaton Rapids
Eaton Rapids
Latest
Happy 105th birthday to Eaton Rapids’ Mary Minnich
Deb Malewski Contributing Writer (Deb Malewski/FAN – Birthday woman Mary Minnich celebrates...
Eaton Rapids
Featured Story
Happy 105th birthday to Eaton Rapids’ Mary Minnich
Deb Malewski
Contributing Writer
(Deb Malewski/FAN – Birthday woman Mary Minnich celebrates with family members [from left] Meg Minnich, grandson Brian Minnich, and son Bill Minnich. Imagine 105 on this planet and calling the one and only Eaton Rapids your home.)
Turning 100 is a remarkable milestone and a privilege few are fortunate enough to reach. But Mary Minnich (Frazier), a longtime Eaton Rapids resident, has gone well beyond the centenarian milestone.
She celebrated her 105th birthday on Oct. 6.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 10,946 people in the United States were age 105 or older. As the nation’s population ages, that number is expected to grow, but reaching 105 remains a rare achievement.
Mary grew up in Indiana and married John Minnich in 1941. John served in the Navy during World War II and later worked at the REO Motor Car plant in Lansing. Together, they raised three sons, Bill, Randy, and Jack. Mary has called Eaton Rapids home since 1947, living for decades in the family home on Michigan Road.
Five years ago, Mary joined many of her friends at Island City Assisted Living, where she has continued to take part in community activities and special events.
At Island City, there is a remarkable trio of centenarian residents: 105-year-old Mary, 100-year-old Nina Gulliver, and another centenarian who prefers to remain anonymous.
“Mary is the oldest resident that we’ve ever had here,” said Stephanie Hall, CEO of Island City Assisted Living. “Together, these three women form the most remarkable example of longevity this place has ever known!”
“Mary is an inspiration to all of us,” Hall added. “She comes to every special event we have, and her family is so supportive and caring.”
Hall recalled seeing Mary enjoying one of the community’s activities just this summer, throwing Velcro darts in the community room.
“She is the best mother-in-law in the world,” Meg Minnich commented about Mary. “She gives everyone unconditional love”
Mary’s special birthday was celebrated with a party in the Island City ice cream parlor. A fancy Cake Shake, served in a wine glass, was enjoyed by everyone, but especially Mary. Family and friends gathered to celebrate, and as Mary recognized familiar faces, she smiled and waved while enjoying her birthday treat. The group then serenaded her with the birthday song.
Mary has spent much of her life as part of the Eaton Rapids community. In her younger years, she worked at the Miller Dairy Store, serving up scoops of the city’s famous ice cream. She also worked at Ken Powers Insurance, Webb’s Department Store and an investment firm.
One of the great joys in Mary’s life has been creativity and sewing. She still has a small sewing machine in her room at Island City. An avid quilter, she was a longtime member of the Congregational Church quilting group. She also participated in Bell Choir, Women’s Chorus, and the Garden Club.
For 105 years, Mary has witnessed an extraordinary amount of change. She has seen Eaton Rapids grow and change, watched generations of families come and go, and built a lifetime of memories along the way. Through it all, she has remained connected to the people and community she has called home since 1947.
Sunfield
Sunfield
Latest
Good Soil Academy takes root in Sunfield
Joanne Williams Editor (Joanne Williams/TCJ – The kindergartners at Good Soil Academy had...
Mulliken
Mulliken
Latest
Harvest Run reaps funds for food pantry
Joanne Williams Editor (Photo provided – Planning for the Harvest Run are [from left] Amber...
Dimondale
Dimondale
Latest
Dimondale’s Barber Rick hands over the reins after 35 years in the business
Joanne Williams Editor (Photo provided – Barber Rick Hicks [left] received a proclamation...
