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Council selects next city manager

Travis Silvas Contributing Writer Pending a successful background check and negotiated contract, Charlotte City Council voted 5-to-1 Tuesday, April 30 to select Rob Hillard as Charlotte’s next city manager. Councilman Anthony...

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Charlotte

Charlotte

Latest

Council selects next city manager

Travis Silvas Contributing Writer Pending a successful background check and negotiated contract, Charlotte City Council voted 5-to-1 Tuesday, April 30 to select Rob Hillard as Charlotte’s next city manager. Councilman Anthony...

Charlotte

Featured Story

Council selects next city manager

Travis Silvas
Contributing Writer

Pending a successful background check and negotiated contract, Charlotte City Council voted 5-to-1 Tuesday, April 30 to select Rob Hillard as Charlotte’s next city manager. Councilman Anthony Rodriguez cast the lone dissenting vote.

Hillard, currently the City Manager of Oberlin, Ohio, was chosen over Michael Landis, City Administrator for the City of Gibraltar. Council interviewed both candidates during Tuesday’s special meeting, before voting to offer Hillard the position.

Hillard brings 35 years of municipal administration to the position. His vast experience as city manager was the deciding factor for much of the council.

Mayor Pro Tem Michael Duweck said Hillard brings a depth of experience the city is going to need.

“We are going to have three or four new department heads who are going to need to orient themselves,” Duweck said during a lengthy council discussion on each candidate. “I think it’s going to take a stronger, more experienced person at the point to guide that process.”
Councilman Kevin Fullerton agreed, and said he knew Hillard was the right candidate fairly quickly given the disparity in experience between the two candidates. Fullerton added, however, that Landis would be a great fit for the city’s DPW Director/Assistant Manager position and could be the next in line for city manager.

Rodriguez said he felt Landis possessed the necessary experience for the job and felt he was the better choice for a long-term solution. In his closing remarks he did stress that Hillard has his 100 percent full support going forward.

Interim City Manager Doug Terry gave the council his support in their decision.

“He’s going to know how to walk through the mind fields and deliver with balance,” Terry said of Hillard. “I think council is spot on with their decision.”

Hillard is originally from southwest Michigan and has served in multiple municipalities in the state, including three stints in Allegan. He said he ultimately wanted to return to Michigan, and the position in Charlotte provided the perfect opportunity.

Olivet

Olivet

Featured Story

Remember Pawsibilities as the months grow cold

Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer

(Photo provided)

 

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, we can expect a cold winter with plenty of snowstorms, sleet and ice rain for the Great Lakes region, or as we call it: typical Michigan. This is a time when costs to house and feed animals increase astronomically. As you enter the giving season, consider giving to an organization that cares for our four-legged friends who need a home.

Pawsibilities Rescue, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, in Olivet knows all too well about displaced animals. The 16-acre farm rescues animals from Michigan and other states that have been surrendered by the owner and accommodates many animal controls. Pawsibilities rehomes dogs, cats, livestock, exotics, birds and reptiles. President Connie Friedly, who has been rescuing animals for over 50 years, is known for saying, “Don’t shop, always adopt. Rescue pets are the most grateful.”

While every animal that finds themselves at Pawsibilities Rescue gets placed in a loving home, the harsh facts are that there are more displaced pets than there is space. With temperatures becoming increasingly colder, consider fostering or adopting a grateful hearted companion from this loving rescue. Every animal that is rehomed makes room for others that need the rescue’s help, as Freidly states, “We only house what we can accommodate and care for properly.”

In addition to cold temperatures, the holidays often are a time that increases home displacement for pets. In order to prevent a pet needing rescue, Friedly says that it’s very important that prospective pet owners research the kind of pet that they are considering adopting. This includes their breed, their feeding and cleaning needs and the amount of space and equipment needed to house the animal. Also, being realistic about the time one has available to take care of such a pet.

Pawsibilities Rescue is 100% funded by public donation. “We are strictly a donation based non-profit. If people don’t donate, we don’t exist,” she said. Pawsiblilities is in need of financial help for spay and neutering, gas cards and a multitude of other expenses that the rescue incurs on a daily basis.

Pawsibilities Rescue provides to surrounding communities to help pet owners with the needs of their pet. They donate food to churches, food banks, other animal shelters and local families in need. “We do so much, and we wouldn’t be able to do it without the local community,” she said gratefully, “This little rescue does a lot for a lot of communities.”

Pawsibilities Rescue can be contacted at (517)652-9353, calling or texting first for an appointment is requested. Consider a loving pet that needs a home or volunteer to help an animal in need.This organization only accepts animals that are safe to rehome. Volunteers and community service help is needed. If it is in your heart to financially donate, checks may be mailed to Pawsibilities Rescue, 2200 W. Bellevue Hwy, Olivet, MI 49076.

Bellevue

Bellevue

Featured Story

Bellevue Community Schools announces Eric McCalla as the next superintendent

Submitted by Bellevue Public Schools

The Bellevue Community Schools Board is delighted to announce the unanimous decision to extend a contract to Mr. Eric McCalla, who is poised to become the district’s next superintendent pending contract negotiations. The decision was made after a thorough evaluation of an impressive candidate pool, with Mr. McCalla emerging as the standout choice due to his exceptional qualifications, vision for student success, and alignment with the community’s values.

Currently serving as the high school principal at John Glenn High School in Westland, Mr. McCalla brings a wealth of experience to the role. His extensive background as an educator and administrator in Manchester and Grass Lake, along with his dedication to education, has positioned him as an ideal candidate for the Bellevue Community Schools.

In addition to his educational leadership, Mr. McCalla holds the position of Chelsea Community Fair Board President, showcasing his commitment to community involvement and collaboration. Furthermore, his roots run deep, with his children being the fourth generation on his family farm, emphasizing his connection to the local community.

During the interview process, Mr. McCalla expressed his enthusiasm for joining Bellevue Community Schools, stating, “This feels like home and a place I can retire from.” The Board was particularly impressed with his vision for student success and his comprehensive roadmap to address the challenges facing the district.

President Seth Madry expressed his confidence in the Board’s decision, saying, “Mr. McCalla has a great vision for student success and provided us with a road map on how to meet the challenges as a district. He wants to make sure that we promote the district and all the successes of our students and staff. Mr. McCalla noted he has similar values to our community and will highlight the rich traditions and build a culture of excellence.”

After taking board action, Mr. McCalla was called to ask if he wanted to become a Bronco. He replied enthusiastically, “I am excited to join the team at Bellevue. I believe that as a team we can make strides for our students and greater community.”

Pending successful contract negotiations, Mr. Eric McCalla is expected to assume the role of superintendent and lead Bellevue Community Schools into a future marked by educational excellence, community engagement, and student success.

Welcome to Bellevue Community Schools. We are driven by a passion to ensure each student is successful. Knowing that a strong education will provide more options for a quality life beyond high school, we are committed to doing whatever it takes to lead Bellevue Community Schools, both academically and non-academically, by providing clear, consistent communication, strengthening relationships, and developing a cohesive and rigorous K-12 core curriculum.

We are proud to be Broncos! Because of the depth of our Bronco pride, our district continues to flourish. We have welcomed dozens of new families into our classrooms – many of which have lived in our community but chose other educational options for their children. At a time when others struggled to meet the demanding needs of their community in the midst of a global pandemic, we opened our arms and shined our Bronco pride to all. We believe this is one of the main reasons so many families are now Bellevue Broncos.

Our Bronco pride is also evident in the investment that our district is making in our Jr/Sr High School. For the first time is over 30 years, we are offering Agri Science courses to 7th-12th grade students. By adding these courses, our district has revived our FFA Chapter, allowing our students to be a part of opportunities that have been afforded to the students in our neighboring districts.

In addition, we continue to expand opportunities for each student throughout the district by focusing on strengthening the social, emotional, health, and nutritional supports by adding amazing new staff members.

We would love to share more about our district with you. If you are interested in learning more, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

 

Eaton County

Eaton County

Featured Story

Juror Appreciation Week Celebrates the Role of Juries in Michigan Courts

Renee Sevenski
Contributing Writer

Most of us know that May brings us May flowers. What you may not be aware of, is that May 1st marks a celebration of Law Day in the American legal culture and an opportunity to improve the public’s understanding of the judicial system. During this celebration, the importance of the role of juror is also celebrated.

The Judges of the Eaton County Trial Courts and Court Staff would like to extend their sincere gratitude and express thanks to those who answer the call of jury duty. Serving as a juror ensures the right to trial by a jury is guaranteed for all in our community. Jury service is a civic obligation, and the success of our jury system is impacted by those citizens who respond to their summons and questionnaire, check their reporting status and report to court when called to serve.

In March of 2024, all Eaton County Judges invited the public to attend a Judicial Outreach Event. This gathering was organized to welcome local residents to the courthouse and offer them an opportunity to interact with the judiciary and receive an overview of how the Judicial System functions. Building trust and confidence within the community is the foundation for this outreach. As the yearly recognition of Law Day, it is similarly important to highlight one of the largest impacts the community has within the judicial system is their participation in jury service.

I had the privilege to meet with Amy Etzel (Trial Court Administrator), Sydney Grosshans (Jury Coordinator/Clerk), and Gabby Wilkes (Assistant Jury Clerk). They have taken outreach a step further to make the juror process a less intimidating experience. You see, in the end of 2022, the courts implemented a change to the summons process in an effort to streamline and make being summoned for jury duty an easier to understand process. These changes came with a new look to the summons, a reduced term of service from four to two weeks and the ability to respond to a summons from a link on a computer or cell phone.

The summons comes to your home as a mailer, typically seven weeks prior to the start of a juror’s term of service that is identified on the summons mailer. Jurors have 10 days to go online and complete the questionnaire. Jurors unable to complete the questionnaire online can choose to call the jury clerk for assistance in completing the questionnaire over the phone. This simplified process eliminates jurors having to mail back or receive future mailers regarding their service term. The summons mailer has all the information needed, including a phone number to contact the Jury Clerk as well as instructions on deferring a service term date into the future. Included is a photo so you are aware of what this important envelope will look like when it arrives. For those individuals called for service, Eaton County Courts offer a unique Juror Assistance Program that provides support to jurors after their service is completed. These services are confidential and free to any juror who seeks additional support.

Reports of jury scams have been reported on occasion. Please know that the Eaton County Trial Courts will never call to demand a penalty payment for failure to appear for jury duty, nor will they ask for you to wire money. If you have a concern because you have failed to respond to your summons or appear for service, simply contact the jury office by email or phone and they will be happy to assist and put your mind at ease : Juryclerk@EatonCounty.org or call (517) 543-4318.

Vermontville

Vermontville

Featured Story

Sled Dog Race in Vermontville

Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer

(Photo provided – Pictured L to R: Matt Norton, Jessica Norton, Samantha and Sawyer Wawiernia.)

Sled dog racing has been a sporting event testing the relationship between man and his best friend, the dog, ever since 1908 in Alaska.

The typical setting for sled dog racing can be pictured in feet of snow as contestants race in arctic temperatures with husky dogs, but that is not the only form of the sport. Dryland racing is an emerging form of sled dog racing in the United States, with origins in Europe, and is becoming popular because it does not require any snow which allows for more teams and more races.

Although the sport may not be as popular as it once was, that does not mean it is no longer around. Coming up on April 13 and 14 will be your chance to be a spectator at a local sled dog race in Vermontville.

H&H Racing of Vermontville will be the hosts of the sled dog race, which is presented by Great Lakes Sled Dog Association (GLSDA) on their 2.7-mile sled dog track, The Farmer’s Loop, that has been sanctioned by the International Sled Dog Racing Association (ISDRA). H&H Racing is led by lifelong friends Jessica Norton and Samantha Wawiernia along with Norton’s husband, Matt, and Wawiernia’s 12-year-old son, Sawyer. Collectively the team, which started six years ago, has competed in races all over the country and are excited to be hosting their first race at The Farmer’s Loop. Wawiernia specializes in six-dog team and Norton specializes in four-dog team, which both mushers are placed first in per ISDRA rankings.

Registration is still open for mushers at The Farmer’s Loop sled dog race, where there are already entries rolling in. This race has all divisions of dog racing including one-dog up to six-dog teams: four dog rig class, six dog rig class, two dog scooter class; one dog classes, bike and scooter, will run the 1.5-mile trail. There will be a junior division at this race in mid-April, which can be teams of one to two dogs, junior mushers must be 16 years old or younger. H&H Racing, which stands for Hounds and Huskies, wants to feature the junior as much as they can because they are the future of the sport.

You can register yourself and your dog for the race on Facebook at The Farmer’s Loop Sled Dog Race, under the events tab where there is a link to register. The Farmer’s Loop is located at 7545 Brown Road in Vermontville. There will be parking available, and the event itself will be held on April 13-14 beginning at 8 a.m.

Potterville

Potterville

Featured Story

New and only barbershop in town

Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer

(Photo by Kelsey Klont/TCJ)

Potterville’s only barbershop is open and ready for business.

Cole Davis, a 2021 Potterville High School graduate, opened Cole Cutsss on Saturday, January 6, 2024. Specifically for men’s haircuts and beard upkeep, it is a true barbershop.

Growing up, Davis’s dad, Todd, would always cut his hair. When he was a freshman in high school Davis taught himself how and started to cut his own hair. He had done that for a couple years when his friends started asking him to cut their hair. Thinking that would be a nice hobby he started to realize that he had the potential when other people who he did not know from high school began to ask him to cut their hair too.

After graduating high school in the spring of 2021, he was not fully sure if there could be a steady income and career as a full-time barber, so over the course of the next year he worked as an electrician and a tree worker. During that time, he discovered that he knows what he does and does not like to do, and also that he wants to be his own boss to work for himself. Davis said, “I have been wanting to own a barbershop of my own but did not anticipate that it would happen so quickly. Throughout this whole experience my family, friends, and my parents’ friends have helped out a lot with the renovations and have also influenced me to go for it with my own barbershop.”

In May of 2022, Davis enrolled at Lansing Barber College to become a licensed barber. Davis finished the year-long program in June of 2023, and after that he rented a chair at a barbershop in Frandor Shopping Center.

In July of last year, Davis started the lease at his Potterville location. Things came together “sooner than he thought,” according to Davis, as he didn’t expect to have a business and his own building at the age of 20. Family friends Georgia and her late husband Ken Fry own the building, which was built in the late 1960’s where Ken had owned and operated K & G Barbershop years ago.
Davis already has plans for the future. He told me that he hopes to purchase the building and add another barber sooner rather than later to help with the large influx of appointments he has been getting. Cole Cutsss offers appointments as well as walk-ins and he asks everyone to please be patient as they figure out scheduling since they are newly opened. Services provided at Cole Cutsss include men’s hair cuts and beards, offering special pricing for seniors and boys. Davis specializes in fades with clippers saying, “The shorter the hair the better.”

You can find Cole Cutsss located at 121 S. Hartel in Potterville, where you can walk in or call ahead for an appointment at 517-881-4266. Hours are Monday, Thursday, and Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m. to Noon. Cole Cutsss is closed Tuesday and Sunday.

Eaton Rapids

Eaton Rapids

Featured Story

Capstone Family Practice is a new local family practice office located in Eaton Rapids

Kelsey Klont
Contributing Writer

(Photo Provided – L to R: Laura McNamara (medical assistant); Julie Teceno (NP), Wyatt Houck (Office manager/reception), Pamela Becker (NP), Judy Raymond-Rojas (medical assistant))

 

Board Certified Nurse Practitioners, Pamela Becker MSN, APRN, NP-C and Julie Teceno MSN, APRN, FNP-C opened Capstone in February this year. Becker and Teceno live in this community and are passionate about providing quality care for the region.

The name Capstone is faith based, which originates from the Bible verse found in Zechariah 4:7.

The personable medical team at Capstone Family Practice offers health care services for entire families from newborns to seniors.

When asked why they wanted to open this new practice, Becker said, “To provide an environment where patients can feel comfortable. A place where we can listen to our patients. A place that meets their primary health care needs.” Becker and Teceno both have extensive nursing and hospital experience working for local health care systems. Additionally, they have been friends for many years.

Together, Becker and Teceno have over 50 years of combined experience in health care, which they now bring to Capstone Family Practice. They offer a wide array of services that range from physicals to wellness checks, preventative care, and much more.

Capstone Family Practice is accepting new patients. If you are searching for a new primary care provider, you may consider looking at Capstone Family Practice where they accept most commercial insurance carriers as well as Medicare. You can visit their website at www.capstoneeatonrapids.com to see their full list of services provided. You may also call 517-836-2178 if you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment. The address is 2487 S. Michigan Rd., Suite E, Eaton Rapids. The office is located behind Independent Bank just north of Eaton Rapids.

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