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Charlotte

Charlotte

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Charlotte

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Charlotte social district, the first in Eaton County

Posted by Design | December 5, 2024

Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Kelsey Klont/TCJ – Charlotte social district is now open!)

In 2020, the state of Michigan passed bill MCL 436.1551, which allows of the open carry and consumption of adult beverages in a designated space in towns and communities across the state, known to be called a social district. Which by definition is a designated area deemed suitable by the local government where consumers are able to enjoy spirits in designated commons area that is outside of a licensed establishment. Since then, 140 municipalities have adopted this legal acceptance for social interaction purposes, allowing for all adults to enjoy each other’s company with a refreshing adult beverage in a public space.

Social districts, while enjoyable by the masses, take a lot of dedicated work by the CharlotteRising’s Executive Director, city officials, and other reputable organizations behind the scenes in determining and establishing the ground rules, boundaries, and all the necessary details to properly ensure the public a positive experience with a social district.

Charlotte is now home to the first social district within Eaton County, provided from the collaborative efforts of CharlotteRising alongside City Council. CharlotteRising, a Michigan Mainstreet organization that is completely volunteer based, sees the importance of a social district in the aspect that is allows for socialization in a fun and relaxed setting.

This has been a longtime in the making, with the initial work beginning well over a year ago and now the wait is finally over. On Monday, November 25, CharlotteRising held the ribbon cutting of the social district, which allows for open carry of adult beverages only from participating bars and restaurants. Those being Acapulco Mexican Grill, Riedy’s Tavern, T Caps Tavern, and Charlotte Brewing Company.

Since the opening of the social district there has been some voiced questions and concern regarding the function of the social district. Below Annie Williams, CharlotteRising’s Executive Director, has kindly provided those answers and relief below to help provide more information.

What purpose does CharlotteRising see in bringing a social district to downtown Charlotte?

CharlotteRising is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization focused on expanding the economic capacity of Charlotte and its downtown area, and has a mission of cultivating a strong, creative, and diverse economy, while investing in Charlotte’s future. Social districts and municipal downtowns have demonstrated since 2020, that having a social district increases their economy, drawing additional and new patrons to businesses, concerts, festivals, etc. Often events in a social district provide fund raising opportunities to reinvest back into the downtown in forms such as beautification and safety features, that otherwise would come from tax revenues.

How was this idea approved and were potential issues vetted?

Over a period of nearly two years, the social district for Charlotte was discussed and evaluated by city council members representing the Charlotte citizenry. Numerous public meetings as well as council meetings were held, issues were discussed that were brought before the council through interaction by council members and the public they represent. The city’s attorney, familiar with social district law and other municipalities experience, also evaluated the city’s plan. Additional vetting occurred by council members reaching out to several of the 141 communities that have established a social district for insight and guidance to potential issues, and best practices to address these matters. In addition to the city council, Charlotte’s Police Department reviewed the social district plans and contacted law enforcement agencies with social districts for insight. The result is that having a social district has not shown to increase problems, accidents, or DUI’s.

At a higher level, Charlotte’s social district plan and boundaries were reviewed by the State of Michigan before giving the go ahead for Charlotte.

What procedures are in place to ensure orderly conduct and enjoyment within the social district?

Drinks can only be purchased at “approved” and “social district licensed” bars/restaurants. Outside alcohol is not allowed. Drinks must be in designated, clear cups – limited to 16 oz. serving size. Alcohol may only be purchased and consumed within the boundaries of the social district – identified by signage around the boundaries of the district. All laws pertaining to public intoxication, legal drinking age, drinking and driving, etc., apply to the social district. Purchased drinks cannot be taken from bar to bar nor outside of the social district. Downtown businesses within the social district may choose whether or not they participate, meaning they can prohibit social district drinks within their establishment. Signage in either the window or door of a business will indicate if the business allows drinks or not. The hours of the district are limited to Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Olivet

Olivet

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Olivet

Featured Story

My Happy Place thrift shoppe

Posted by Design | December 5, 2024

Stacy N. Holbrook
Contributing Writer

(Photo Provided)

Let’s take a journey to My Happy Place, in Olivet, MI. Introducing Dawn Bennett Davis, a 1981 Graduate from Eaton Rapids Schools, a woman with a passion in crafting, antiquing, and refinishing furniture. After accumulating a lot of items in many areas of interests and decided to share her passion with others.

Starting over 12 years ago, Dawn opened her first shop in the Antique Mall area in Mason, MI. During this stretch of Dawn’s path, she was working strictly with antiques. Refinishing items, repository furniture or converting items like sewing machine tables into vanity tables and flipping items. Then the winds of change came and the move to the Olivet area proved to be a long commute to the Antique Mall.

Dawn than ventured West to the Charlotte area and rented space from the Needful Things. Here Dawn found she had been placed in the right place at the right time. Another crafter renting within the Needful Things Boutique, became a very good acquaintance.

This crafter had a similar passion as Dawn, had enjoyed the business end for a time, had a building that was recently vacated, there had not been any specific intentions intended and no offer extended. At the start of this wonderful blooming relationship, there was some Devine intentions planned. Dawn’s interest, in this building, the location, the prospect of opening and building a new thrift store was spinning through her mind.

Within two weeks, Dawn said yes! To her new adventure and a fresh start for her interests and passions in life. Expanding from Antiques to a larger variety of items. Antiques, many crafts covering many interests such as baby items to clothing for adults, seasonal items and general interests like clocks and nick-nacks. My Happy Place opened her doors October 10th.

Dawn has many interests such as crocheting, knitting, bracelets, braiding, and paper flowers. With many ideas both in her mind and on paper, Dawn is looking toward the future. The building extends back into additional rooms. With plans to expand into the other areas to have an office/storage room and an area to continue crafting. Dawn is looking at other possibilities to offer small areas to other crafters as well, but this will be a future endeavor.

Dawn’s life reflects the name of her shoppe. It is truly “My Happy Place” for her and she creates a warm and inviting environment for every person that walks through her doors. Dawn and her Husband have stayed connected for over 25 years. Dawn’s life has been blessed with three children, wonderful church families where her husband is the worship leader.

My Happy Place, located on 160 N. Main St., is worth visiting and has a wonderful selection to shop, I personally will be returning in the future. Dawn opens her doors on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Bellevue

Bellevue

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Bellevue

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Bellevue 9/11 Memorial Challenge

Posted by Design | September 26, 2024

Renee Sevenski
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Grandma With A Camera)

We all remember exactly where we were and what we were doing at 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2001, when the Twin Towers and the Pentagon were attacked, in addition to the heroic story of United Airlines Flight 93. The attacks killed 2,977 innocent people that day including 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 police officers and 37 port authority police officers.

Stephen Siller, a fireman that had just completed his shift the morning of 9/11 and was off duty when the first tower was hit. He was on his way to the golf course to meet his brothers for a round of golf, something they rarely had the chance to all do together. He heard the call over the radio and turned his vehicle around to head back to his fire station. By the time he arrived back at the station his crew had already left on the call to the Twin Towers. He grabbed his gear from the firehouse and began driving towards the towers. Before Stephen was able to reach the towers, he was caught in a traffic jam caused by the chaos of the morning. Witnesses reported seeing a fireman get out of his truck caught in traffic and proceed to put on all his gear, and then began jogging through the traffic jam. Additional witnesses verified the story as they reported him running through the tunnels leading into Manhattan Island as he attempted to get to the towers to support his station. The tunnel he ran through was almost two miles by itself, and in total Stephen ran almost miles miles in his full gear so that he could help others. Unfortunately, Stephen never made it out of the towers that morning and he is remembered through this incredible organization. “Tunnel to Towers” was created by his brothers to honor his memory. They host an annual run through New York City each year, jogging the exact route Stephen took that fateful morning. With the money they raise each year they help families impacted by the events of 9/11, in addition to military veterans in need.

Danny Brininstool, a Bellevue teacher started the Bellevue 9/11 Memorial Challenge in 2023. He would have his students participate in climbing the bleachers a few times and check their heart rate. Then they would discuss how firefighters in full gear and helping people down flights of stairs would have felt. The students asked last year, “Why don’t we do this for real and climb the level of stairs they would’ve climbed?” Quite an extraordinary question coming from students that 23 years ago did not exist. With the help of the Bellevue Fire Department Danny put the challenge in action. His challenge now is to make The Bellevue 9/11 Memorial Challenge not only community wide, but his hope is that other schools would adopt the memorial in a way to honor and remember all those firefighters, police officers, and emergency service personnel that sacrificed it all on that fateful morning.

The Challenge starts with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. in honor of all fallen heroes from 23 years ago. The students are given the choice of three activities: Climb up and down the entire length of the bleachers-24 laps in total nearly 2,200 steps the equivalent of the 110 stories of the Twin Towers. Option two is to walk four miles on the track. This option is to remember Stephen Siller that ran through the closed NYC tunnels to get to the Towers. The remaining option was to watch a 9/11 remembrance movie and discuss the impact of that day. Each student chose a badge with the name of a fallen first responder to carry that badge to the finish line.

Brininstool will continue this Challenge every year with hopes of growing the donations that go to the Tunnel to Towers Organization and that other schools start their challenge and keep the ongoing reminder to recognize all first responders. “The Kids exceeded our expectations with their participation and the sense of honor that they approached this with, and we couldn’t be more proud of how well they represented the community of Bellevue. It was one of my proudest moments I’ve ever been a part of during my time in education,” shared Brininstool.

Quoted from J. Steele, a Bellevue Firefighter that participated in the 2024 Challenge, “It is Incredible to see the kids push through and give it all they have.”
“it is inspiring to see the impact on the students and how well behaved and respectful each student was,”said M Flood,  Bellevue Firefighter.

Eaton County

Eaton County

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Eaton County

Featured Story

Charlotte social district, the first in Eaton County

Posted by Design | December 5, 2024

Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Kelsey Klont/TCJ – Charlotte social district is now open!)

In 2020, the state of Michigan passed bill MCL 436.1551, which allows of the open carry and consumption of adult beverages in a designated space in towns and communities across the state, known to be called a social district. Which by definition is a designated area deemed suitable by the local government where consumers are able to enjoy spirits in designated commons area that is outside of a licensed establishment. Since then, 140 municipalities have adopted this legal acceptance for social interaction purposes, allowing for all adults to enjoy each other’s company with a refreshing adult beverage in a public space.

Social districts, while enjoyable by the masses, take a lot of dedicated work by the CharlotteRising’s Executive Director, city officials, and other reputable organizations behind the scenes in determining and establishing the ground rules, boundaries, and all the necessary details to properly ensure the public a positive experience with a social district.

Charlotte is now home to the first social district within Eaton County, provided from the collaborative efforts of CharlotteRising alongside City Council. CharlotteRising, a Michigan Mainstreet organization that is completely volunteer based, sees the importance of a social district in the aspect that is allows for socialization in a fun and relaxed setting.

This has been a longtime in the making, with the initial work beginning well over a year ago and now the wait is finally over. On Monday, November 25, CharlotteRising held the ribbon cutting of the social district, which allows for open carry of adult beverages only from participating bars and restaurants. Those being Acapulco Mexican Grill, Riedy’s Tavern, T Caps Tavern, and Charlotte Brewing Company.

Since the opening of the social district there has been some voiced questions and concern regarding the function of the social district. Below Annie Williams, CharlotteRising’s Executive Director, has kindly provided those answers and relief below to help provide more information.

What purpose does CharlotteRising see in bringing a social district to downtown Charlotte?

CharlotteRising is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization focused on expanding the economic capacity of Charlotte and its downtown area, and has a mission of cultivating a strong, creative, and diverse economy, while investing in Charlotte’s future. Social districts and municipal downtowns have demonstrated since 2020, that having a social district increases their economy, drawing additional and new patrons to businesses, concerts, festivals, etc. Often events in a social district provide fund raising opportunities to reinvest back into the downtown in forms such as beautification and safety features, that otherwise would come from tax revenues.

How was this idea approved and were potential issues vetted?

Over a period of nearly two years, the social district for Charlotte was discussed and evaluated by city council members representing the Charlotte citizenry. Numerous public meetings as well as council meetings were held, issues were discussed that were brought before the council through interaction by council members and the public they represent. The city’s attorney, familiar with social district law and other municipalities experience, also evaluated the city’s plan. Additional vetting occurred by council members reaching out to several of the 141 communities that have established a social district for insight and guidance to potential issues, and best practices to address these matters. In addition to the city council, Charlotte’s Police Department reviewed the social district plans and contacted law enforcement agencies with social districts for insight. The result is that having a social district has not shown to increase problems, accidents, or DUI’s.

At a higher level, Charlotte’s social district plan and boundaries were reviewed by the State of Michigan before giving the go ahead for Charlotte.

What procedures are in place to ensure orderly conduct and enjoyment within the social district?

Drinks can only be purchased at “approved” and “social district licensed” bars/restaurants. Outside alcohol is not allowed. Drinks must be in designated, clear cups – limited to 16 oz. serving size. Alcohol may only be purchased and consumed within the boundaries of the social district – identified by signage around the boundaries of the district. All laws pertaining to public intoxication, legal drinking age, drinking and driving, etc., apply to the social district. Purchased drinks cannot be taken from bar to bar nor outside of the social district. Downtown businesses within the social district may choose whether or not they participate, meaning they can prohibit social district drinks within their establishment. Signage in either the window or door of a business will indicate if the business allows drinks or not. The hours of the district are limited to Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Vermontville

Vermontville

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Vermontville

Featured Story

John McEuen and Stranded Hobos Band to perform in Nashville

Posted by Design | October 17, 2024

Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer

(Photo Provided)

John McEuen, fiddler of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, will be collaborating with local band, Stranded Hobos Band, for a once in a lifetime country-bluegrass concert that you do not want to miss. Come to Nashville on Saturday, November 9, for a great concert with a good cause.

Over the last couple of years, McEuen and the Hobos have performed at a handful of bluegrass shows together including Frankfurt, Shipshewana, and Ann Arbor. They have a song together called “Bluegrass Banjo Boy,” which was a benefit for the Wounded Warrior Project when it was released two years ago. That collaborative work came about when Mike Madill, lead singer of the Stranded Hobos Band, pitched to McEuen, to play banjo on the song, which he accepted.

McEuen, a critically acclaimed banjo player with songs like “Mr. Bojangles”, “Buy for Me the Rain”, “Long Hard Road”, and the infamous “Fishin in The Dark” on his catalog have earned him accolades from Grammy, ACM, IBMA, CMA, Western Heritage. Coming up at the end of the month, McEuen will be honored with the Musician Lifetime Achievement Award at the Josie Awards, for his dedicated work to the music industry.

As a co-founding member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for 50 years, McEuen was on 35 of the Dirt Band’s albums, which is the coined name of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Then five years ago, set out on his solo career, now having four solo albums, including the release of his latest album: “The Newsman: A Man of Record.”

This highly anticipated concert came to fruition when Madill had asked McEuen about doing a concert together because of their friendship over the years that has formed from their collaboration with “Bluegrass Banjo Boy.” McEuen’s response, “absolutely let’s do it, closest to where you are.” Partnering with FoxView in Nashville, Stranded Hobos Band found a venue for the upcoming concert. McEuen, as a musician living in Nashville, Tennessee, said that he is looking forward to visiting another Nashville. “This situation is rare and one of a kind, but I am really looking forward to it. Anything to help veterans is a good thing.” McEuen tells me.

Stranded Hobos Band is a four-member band, three of which have sacrificially served our great country in the armed forces, are also very excited for the upcoming concert with McEuen. Based out of Delton, Madill started Stranded Hobos Band five years ago soon after having met the drummer, Sean Koglin, who also served in the Air Force like Madill, at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center; and lead guitar player, Tim Fields, while serving together in the Army. Being veterans themselves the Stranded Hobos Band know the importance of giving back to organizations that help veterans, so every concert that they do part of the proceeds go to the VFW. The collaborative concert with McEuen is a benefit for the VFW National Home, located in Eaton Rapids.

McEuen will kick things off at the concert on November 9, starting at 7 p.m., with a solo performance singing songs off Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle be Unbroken” album with songs from country iconic legends like “Mother” Maybelle Carter, Roy Acuff, and Merle Travis and storytelling, as heard on his new album. Also telling me, “Make sure you come with questions. I always ask the crowds what questions they have because this is their time to ask what they have always wanted to know.”

Stranded Hobos Band will be on after performing some songs off their 17-track album. Then McEuen and the Stranded Hobos band will perform together, including their song “Bluegrass Banjo Boy.”

Before the concert, at 6 p.m. there will be a dinner provided at FoxView, for an additional cost. This concert with the incredible John McEuen and the Stranded Hobos Band, with their deep military roots, is something that you do not want to miss. Get your tickets today by contacting FoxView today.

Potterville

Potterville

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Potterville

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Potterville football staying busy this summer

Posted by Christi Whiting | June 27, 2024

Ben Murphy
Contributing Writer

The official start of the high school football season isn’t until August, but that hasn’t stopped the Potterville football team from working hard this summer, preparing for things to come. The Vikings have been busy with summer workouts and are training hard for an upcoming camp and of course their first live action in August.

“It’s going good,” head coach Jason Baker said. “What we do is hard, we put them through a lot, we expect a lot out of them, and we have a lot of potential there this season to be competitive in a lot of games that Potterville hasn’t been competitive in historically. We have a pretty unique opportunity to change that this year. We aren’t going to win every game, but there’s games we will win that the school hasn’t won the last 14-to-15 years.”

The Vikings played a mix of varsity and junior varsity games last fall due to their youthful roster. Jump ahead to this season and the team plans to play a full varsity schedule; with a complete slate of Central Michigan Athletic Conference games.

“Aside from beating Saranac in 2020, that was the last real CMAC win that they had, but I feel like we can change that this year if the boys continue to work hard and we develop as a team like we did last year,” Baker said. “There’s a lot of excitement with what we were able to do and we just have to build on that and keep moving forward.”

Potterville opens the season with three straight home games: opening with Maple Valley and then taking on Dansville and then Bath.
Maple Valley has a new head coach and is also making a transition back from 8-player to 11-player football this fall.

“They will be a challenging match-up for us, we don’t know what their offense will look like or their defense,” Baker said of their week one foes. “It will be interesting, but we will do our best to scout and we will see what we can find out about them.”

Their week three home match-up against Bath will double as their military appreciation night. They’ll have special uniforms and paint markings on the field; but that’s just scratching the surface for what they have planned.

“We are trying to get as many active duty and retired military members there as possible, so we can say thank you,” Baker said. “We have a lot of things that we are doing to try and show our appreciation for the military. There’s a lot of excitement for that this year.”

Baker is also hoping to have his hand in more than just football at Potterville. With three open spots on the school board, he is throwing his hat in for that role too.

“Ultimately, I just want what is best for the school,” he said. “I’ve invested a lot of time and resources into improving the school and I want to make sure that the district is in the best situation moving forward. There has been a lot of negative press on the school board recently, and I want to get rid of that… We don’t have to agree on every topic but we have to be rational with things and do what is best for the district and not having our personal agendas in there. Ultimately the education of the students is what is most important.”

As for the football season, they’ll take some time off in early July and then it is all systems go.

“We take a week off for the Fourth of July and then we go back to our three day a week schedule with weightlifting and conditioning,” Baker said. “We are excited, but conditioning wise we have to be ready to go, we have to be ready to play a full game of football.”

Eaton Rapids

Eaton Rapids

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Eaton Rapids

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Devin Milheim named Eaton Rapids Athletic Director

Posted by Design | October 31, 2024

Dan LaLone
Contributing Writer

(Photo provided – Devin Miheim, ERPS Athletic Director & H.S. Wrestling Coach, son Braxton & wife Ashley.

Eaton Rapids Public Schools has appointed Devin Milheim as the district’s new athletic director, combining his leadership experience, community roots, and dedication to student-athletes. A 2008 graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, Milheim has been with the district for the last six years, previously serving as the MTSS coordinator at the middle school and assisting with both middle and high school athletics. He also continues to serve as the high school’s wrestling coach.

Milheim’s connection to Eaton Rapids runs deep. During his time as a student-athlete, he competed in football, wrestling, and baseball, later continuing his athletic career at North Central College, where he wrestled at the collegiate level. His extensive background in sports and education makes him an ideal fit to lead the Greyhounds’ athletic programs into the future.

Before joining Eaton Rapids Public Schools, Milheim spent three years with Ann Arbor Public Schools. His experience in Ann Arbor helped him develop a holistic understanding of student development, which he now applies to his role in athletics. This unique blend of classroom and athletic experience allows him to focus on the growth of student-athletes both on and off the field.

A major focus of Milheim’s early tenure as athletic director is improving athletic facilities. Recently, new weight room equipment was installed at the high school, marking a significant upgrade for the athletic programs. The state-of-the-art equipment is expected to greatly enhance training opportunities for student-athletes, helping them reach their full potential.

In addition to the improvements at the high school, the district is repurposing the previous weight room equipment to create a new facility at the middle school. This expansion will provide younger athletes the opportunity to begin building strength and conditioning skills earlier, which will aid in their overall athletic development. These improvements reflect Milheim’s commitment to establishing a culture of health and fitness within Eaton Rapids athletics.

Milheim’s vision for the athletic department extends beyond the physical resources. He is dedicated to creating an environment where student-athletes can thrive both athletically and personally. He wants the athletic program to be a place where students form lasting memories and friendships while competing at the highest levels.

“My goal is for our student-athletes to create lifelong memories and friendships, while competing for championships here at ERHS,” Milheim said, highlighting his belief in the value of relationships and teamwork in athletics and life.

Under Milheim’s leadership, the new weight room facilities are expected to play a crucial role in the future of Eaton Rapids athletics. The combination of enhanced resources, dedicated staff, and Milheim’s commitment to the success of student-athletes positions Eaton Rapids for continued athletic excellence.

With his strong community ties, coaching experience, and vision for the future, Milheim is set to guide Eaton Rapids athletics to new heights, ensuring that every student-athlete has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

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