July 28, 2010

Campus Connection| City Commission puts hold on Plans, 2A

Central Michigan Life

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

[cm-life.com]

Man faces attempted murder charges Allegedly ran down Mount Pleasant resident Tuesday

By Joe Borlik Senior Reporter

A 23-year-old Texas man allegedly tried to kill a Mount Pleasant man by running him down with a vehicle Tuesday morning.

Brandon Lovell Goodwin is currently lodged in Isabella County Jail and is charged with assault with intent to murder and operating while intoxicated causing serious injury. His bond is $500,000.

The Mount Pleasant Police Department responded to a hit and run injury at about 2:04 a.m. in the parking lot of a business in the 600 block of North Mission Street.

The 23-year-old victim suffered serious head injuries and was transported to Central Michigan Community Hospital and later Saint Mary’s of Michigan Medical Center in Saginaw.

An investigation revealed Goodwin intentionally hit the victim with his vehicle, according to police.

He was arrested after fleeing the scene.

The suspect allegedly got into an dispute with the victim and his friends at a local business earlier in the evening.

Goodwin left the business while threatening the victim and his friends, police said.

The victim and his friends left on foot shortly after Goodwin did.

Alcohol is believed to have been a factor in the incident.

Attempted murder carries a penalty of up to life in prison and operating while intoxicated causing serious injury is a fiveyear felony.

The Tribal Police and Mobile Medical Response, Inc. assisted the MPPD in the investigation.

Mount Pleasant Police Public Information Officer Jeff Browne could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon. metro@cm-life.com

chris bacarella/staff photographer

Midland resident Cliff Wentworth hits a slider box at Board Nation, a wakeboard park located in Midland. Wentworth is the owner of the park and has been wakeboarding for 4 years.

boarding pass New business will offer wakeboarding and family fun

By Ryan Taljonick | Staff Reporter

C

liff Wentworth’s business plans have not gone exactly to plan, but that hasn’t stopped him.

Wentworth is creating a future haven for wakeboarders, snowboarders and skateboarders alike.

“I’ve always wanted to bring the snowboarding atmosphere to wakeboarding,” Wentworth said. “This is my passion, this is my life.”

Wentworth, owner of Board Nation, 2829 W. Isabella Rd. in Midland, hopes to share with surrounding communities his passion for all boarding sports by providing safe, family-oriented services when the business opens Friday.

Boarding and more The Midland resident said his business will initially open as a wakeboarding park.

Board Nation covers 12 acres of land with a pond measuring about 4.5 acres in diameter.

Wentworth built water obstacles throughout the pond, such as jumps and a mini box, for anyone interested in attempting some wakeboarding tricks.

Wentworth added a beach area to the pond and plans on building rustic camping sites so families can camp out and enjoy the park’s amenities including horseshoe pits and grilling areas.

As finances become available, Board Nation will eventually include a snowboarding hill for the winter months and an indoor skateboard park, he said.

“There will be all sorts of boarding there, all year round,” he said.

he said. “None of the banks would finance me, I’m doing everything out of my own pocket. It is really tough, but I’ve had a lot of help from my family and what not, and that’s saving me for sure.”

Calvin Wentworth, Cliff’s father, said he is proud of his son.

“At first, to be honest, I was excited for him but I kind of was hoping he didn’t set his dream too big and that it was something he could achieve,” Calvin said. “He went to banks for loans and they all were telling him no. I’m pretty proud of him that he stuck to his guns and he wouldn’t let people take it from him.”

Calvin helped his son excavate the land for his business. He said they have a lot of plans for future growth, but money is limited.

“I just want to see him succeed,” Calvin said. “As hard as he’s worked on this, I sure hope it becomes a reality for him.”

Financing Struggles Bringing his vision of a board rider’s paradise to reality has not been easy, Wentworth said.

“I’m a new company and no one really knew what I was talking about,”

Getting by with a little help Ashly Haggart, Cliff’s girlfriend of about ten years, has supported him throughout the process. She shares A boarding | 2A

New Korean restaurant opens Lots 33, 62 will see

parking changes in fall

Shin’s features fresh vegetables, eastern entrées

New entrances, directional change

Ryan Taljonick Staff Reporter

A dove-shaped sign with Korean writing hangs on the wall of Shin’s Korean Restaurant.

The sign wishes all restaurant patrons to have peace of mind and parallels the new business’s ultimate goal: to satisfy customers, leaving them with peace of mind, said Sophia Chong, a manager of the restaurant.

Shin’s Korean Restaurant, 1620 S. Mission St., had a very successful first day when its doors opened July 9.

“We were excited, but a lot of customers were excited,” Chong said. “People waited a long time, but they never complained. Most of all, we were so happy that people were very satisfied with our food.”

Chong helps run the business along with her sister Joy and her brother-in-law Tom Shin, the owner of the restaurant.

Shin recently moved to America from Ko-

By Maria Leone Staff Reporter

Amelia eramya/staff photographer

Dan Woods, electronic technician at the Health Professions building, and Susan Woods, associate professor of communication disorders, eat their meals at Shin’s Korean Restaurant, 1620 S. Mission St. Monday. “I’m approaching half a dozen,” Dan said about how many times he has eaten at Shin’s. “The food is wonderful.”

rea. He runs the business and cooks with his wife.

Asian variety Chong said they decided to open the sit-down restaurant in Mount Pleasant to provide a

selection of Asian cuisine.

“This town had only Chinese restaurants, not much variety,” she said. “My sister is a natuA Shin’s | 2A

Students coming back to Central Michigan University in the fall will have to get used to several changes in parking lots.

The Central Michigan University Board of Trustees approved the changes at their July 15 meeting.

CMU Police Chief Bill Yeagley said two of the most important parking lots are Lot 33 on East Campus Drive near Moore Hall and the Music Building and Lot 62 by the football stadium.

Yeagley said several one-way signs will be placed in Lot 33. He said these new additions should

create a safer path for people to cross and not condense with cars in the lot.

“We need to establish a safer way for people to get to the building,” Yeagley said.

Steve Lawrence, associate vice president of facilities management said the reason for the change to Lot 33 is to minimize the traffic entering the parking lot from the west end. He said there will be several entrances and exits added to Lot 33 and the project should be done by the beginning of the fall semester.

This will reduce the conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles, Lawrence said.

He said the road in front of Moore Hall and the Music Building will be reserved for buses and

A Parking | 2A

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

VIDEO

SPORTS

facebook.com/cmlife TALK WITH US: What do you think about the parking changes?

@CMLife Follow us and get up to date news all the time.

Mount Pleasant residents celebrate Street Fest and listen to blues music downtown.

Watch for updates Friday from the 2010 Mid-American Conference Football Preview in Detroit.

cm-life.com | News, sports, updates and multimedia all summer long!

2A || Wednesday, July 28, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

www.cm-life.com

[News]

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

EVENTS CALENDAR Wednesday w The Mountain Town Singers will perform at 7 p.m. in Warriner Mall as part of Music on the Mall. The group is a men’s a cappella chorus.

In the event of rain, the free event will be held in Plachta Auditorium. w A Zumba Master Class takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Spinning Wheels Arena, 1241 N. Mission Road.

Zumba is a high-energy dance fitness program.

The class is $20 a person.

Thursday w A farmers market selling locally grown produce takes place in the morning at Island Park, 331 N. Main Street.

Friday w Rock bands Creed and Theory of a Deadman perform at 8 p.m. for an outdoor concert at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, 6800 E. Soaring Eagle Blvd. Tickets cost $40, $75 and $85. For tickets call 1.800.585.3737.

Saturday w “American Indian Dance – Awaken Your Spirit,” takes place at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. at the Ziibiwing Center, 6650 E. Broadway Road. The free program will feature dancing with symbols of nature including animals and trees.

Corrections Central Michigan Life has a long-standing commitment to fair and accurate reporting.

It is our policy to correct factual errors. Please e-mail news@cm-life.com. © Central Michigan Life 2010 Volume 91, Number 95

shin’s |

Chris bacarella/staff photographer

Mid Michigan Cycling Club riders head west down Baseline Rd. in Mount Pleasant during their beginner ride. The Mid Michigan Cycling Club is a local community club whose goal is to provide safe group rides, networking and improve fitness in the community. A complete ride schedule and more information about the Mid Michigan Cycling Club can be found at www.MidMICycling.org

Downtown Connection project proposal benched Ryan Taljonick Staff Reporter

Plans to improve conditions for biking and walking between downtown Mount Pleasant and Central Michigan University have been shelved for lack of funds.

The city commission decided to temporarily bench the proposal for a “Downtown to Campus Connection” project Monday.

The plan is meant to utilize traffic calming mechanisms on Main and Washington streets between Illinois and Bellows Streets and turn both streets into two-way streets to make the passage between Central Michigan University and the city more bike and pedestrian friendly.

The main issue with the program is funding, several of the commissioners said.

“What seems to be most prudent now is not necessarily the best, but the best we can afford,” said City Manager Kathie Grinzinger.

Plan options The presentation included options for varying degrees of street improvements, including a basic plan estimated at $72,000, an enhanced plan at $298,000 and an implementation of both plans in small steps costing approximately $308,000.

The basic plan is comprised of turning both Washington and Main streets into two-way streets and narrowing the lanes to make traffic slower on those streets, said Jeff Gray, director of planning and community development.

He said the enhanced plan would also include adding

boarding | continued from 1A

continued from 1A

rally good cook, I thought it would be nice to serve the community with diverse food.”

Chong said Korean food is healthy and most Korean dishes use of a lot of vegetables. A main course and several side dishes are included with each meal and various spices are used to add authentic Korean flavor to each dish.

“Korean food takes lots and lots of preparation,” Chong said.

Shin’s Korean Restaurant also offers authentic Korean drinks, some of which are rice-based, while others are comprised mainly of cinnamon and ginger.

Customer satisfaction Chong said her sister and brother-in-law had been talking about opening a restaurant for about two years. The business stays pretty busy, especially during lunch hours, she said.

“We’ve had really good feedback from the customers,” she said.

Chong said their customers have been overwhelmingly patient and supportive.

She recalled the first time her receipt printer ran out of receipt paper during a busy lunch hour.

A couple eating at the restaurant volunteered to help her and went to Staples to buy more receipt paper for her.

“They are super nice, they are one of our regulars already,” she said.

She said Shin enjoys the peace and quiet Mount Pleasant has to offer compared to the bustling cities in Korea.

his boarding passions and the two enrolled in small business courses at MidMichigan Community College to learn to write up a business plan and get the venture started.

Haggart said Cliff was discouraged by banks’ refusals to lend him funds and he nearly gave up on his hopes of transforming

Board Nation from plan into reality.

“We had already come so far as taking the classes and writing the business plan, and I just knew how much this meant to him that I just couldn’t let him give up on something he was so passionate about just because things weren’t going the way we needed them to,” she said.

Though Cliff hopes to attract some investors,

service vehicles.

“Only buses and service vehicles will be allowed to drive through these areas,” he said.

Yeagley said an additional stop sign will be added at the northeast side of

he said he’s going to start small and build Board Nation into the family-oriented park he dreams of.

“I wanted to be in charge of my own financial future,” he said. “This is it for me, this is where my heart’s at. I’ve been turned down, I’ve been shut down, I almost just gave up and said ‘forget it.’ Finally, I’m getting close to being able to open, and hopefully it will take off for me.”

there,” she said. “I’ve got to tell you, it would be a hard sell for some voters when we’ve got roads that need resurfacing and we go and put in mini-circles.”

Commissioner David McGuire said a decision should not be hastily made.

“If we’re going to change those streets after four years, we should probably hear from the public,” he said.

Parking sign concerns Four Highland Street residents expressed concern during a public comment portion of the meeting regarding the commission’s final approval of a traffic control order that placed “No Parking” signs on the street between Preston and Crescent streets.

The signs, which prohibit parking between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on school days, were put in place three months ago.

After hearing from the residents, Commissioner Kathleen Ling said she was not prepared to finalize the traffic control order without first hearing from more residents of Highland Street.

“I’m looking for more input,” she said. “At this point, it’s not clear to me what the residents of the street want.”

Vice Mayor Bruce Kilmer disagreed.

“Unless there is a compelling reason, like the street is narrow, we should allow parking,” he said. “It’s as simple as that.” metro@cm-life.com

WEATHER FORECAST Today

60 percent chance of precipitation

High 82/Low 62 Scattered T-Storms

Thursday

0 percent chance of precipitation

High 80/Low 57 Mostly Sunny

Friday

30 percent chance of precipitation

High 78/Low 61 Isolated T-Storms

metro@cm-life.com

For Tee-Times:

parking | continued from 1A

bike lanes and inset parking to both streets, as well as miniature traffic circles on Main street to reduce traffic speeds.

Grinzinger said neither plan is viable for 2010 and the commissioners will have to make a decision within the next few weeks so changes can be made to the 2011 budget if necessary.

She said if the 2-mill road millage passes, the project may be feasible.

Commissioner Sharon Tilmann said she was concerned city residents may become confused if the city adds mini-traffic circles to Main Street.

“I’m thinking if we went with a mini-circle as a traffic calming mechanism, I‘m certainly hoping we do a lot of explaining to the public about what we’ve done

Lot 62 by the Kelly/Shorts stadium on East Campus Drive due to demands with traffic flow, especially during football games.

“It will help increase flow of traffic and decrease the amount of time to sit and wait,” Yeagley said.

Lawrence said moving

the entrance and exit from East Campus Drive of parking lot 62 to the north side will also reduce the conflict between pedestrians and vehicles.

“In both cases, we are looking to improve pedestrian safety,” Lawrence said.

772-5726 2 mi. W. of CMU on Broomfield

STUDENT SPECIAL OPEN PLAY ONLY

FREE GOLF

2-for-1

university@cm-life.com

Greens Fees

9 Holes Walking

WHAT COULD YOU DO IN 85 MINS?

Catch up on a favorite book.

Surf the internet.

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE TODAY!

SAVE A LIFE.

Donate plasma.

7.50

$

SAVE SOME TIME TO SAVE A LIFE. Schedule your appointment today and receive up to $180 per month!

989.773.1500

4279 Bluegrass Rd Mt Pleasant, MI 48858 www.biolifeplasma.com

p.p. Mon.-Th.

9.50 p.p. Fri.-Sun.

$

w/ coupon & student I.D. Exp. 8/31/10

ROCK & BOWL Fri. & Sat. 9p.m.-12

2

$ 00 OFF

18 HOLES with cart

25

$

p.p.

p.p.

w/ coupon & student I.D. Exp. 8/31/10

2-SOMES/ 4-SOMES CALL FOR TEE TIMES

w/ coupon & student I.D. Exp. 8/31/10

Voted People’s Choice Three Years in a Row!

www.riverwoodresort.com

www.cm-life.com

[News]

Aug. 3 primaries around the corner

downtown mount pleasant

By Ryan Taljonick Staff Reporter

Amelia Eramya/staff photographer

Cherise Riley, 25, of Lake Ann uses soft pastels to draw a picture of a friend’s son at the Downtown Mount Pleasant Street Festival Saturday. Riley spent more than four hours working on the drawing. “It’s really neat to interact with people while you’re doing your own art,” she said.

Street Fest brings out the blues

By Joe Borlik Senior Reporter

Kevin Nichols has been playing blues since he was a teenager.

Nichols is the singer and guitarist for 6 Hands Down, a blues rock band from Jackson. He was one of several performers at the Mount Pleasant Blues Festival downtown over the weekend.

“A lot of people that don’t know about the blues think the blues is all depressing and stuff, but it’s actually some of the best feeling feel-good music you’ll find,” Nichols said. “It’s got every emotion you could want.”

The Blues Festival was part of the 2010 Downtown Mount Pleasant Street Festival.

Thousands of people attended the weekend-long festival which included sidewalk sales, arts and crafts and chalk art in addition to the live music.

Various artists created huge elaborate paintings of babies and Renaissance art.

Musicians such as Laith

“A lot of people that don’t know about the blues think the blues is all depressing and stuff, but it’s actually some of the best feeling feel-good music you’ll find.”

Kevin Nichols, Jackson resident Al-Saadi, McCray and 6 Hands Down attracted hundreds to the corners of Broadway and Main Streets.

“We have blues bands from all over the state and America,” said Minard Shattuck, who produced the blues festival. “Blues is really the only real American music.”

Nichols walked around the audience playing guitar solos and standing on tables for an enthusiastic crowd.

His lively performance caused dozens of hands to come together for 6 Hands Down.

Nichols said playing at festivals is one of his true passions.

“It’s nice to get out in the crowd and take it to them,”

Nichols said. “When we can look out in the crowd and see them having fun, it lets us know we’re during our job.”

Guitarist Greg Nagy, a 1990 Central Michigan University alumnus, also performed.

Nagy said playing for large crowds is like a form of meditation.

“When its going halfway well, its hard to think about anything other than playing,” Nagy said.

Tyler Mac plugged in his guitar and took the stage following 6 Hands Down.

“I love everything about playing,” Mac said. “It’s the only thing I know how to do so I have to love it.” metro@cm-life.com

Mini-circle on Bellows and Arnold nearly complete Mistake cost about $2,500

By Joe Borlik Senior Reporter

Several Mount Pleasant residents do not understand why a new mini-circle is being constructed on the corners of Bellows and Arnold Streets.

Jenison junior Mike Isberg lives on Bellows Street. He said the addition confuses drivers.

“It doesn’t slow down traffic, people just drive over it,” Isberg said. “I’ve seen three people drive over it with a truck.”

“Why should I be making a 90 degree turn to go down a straight road?”

Director of Public Works

Duane Ellis said the construction is almost done and the road should be open by the first week of August.

He said the construction cost about $75,000 and was paid for with city funding.

He said when the circle was originally tested, it was not accessible to ladder trucks and had to be redone.

It cost an extra $2,500 to fix the problem and was redone about three weeks ago.

Ellis said it may take a while for people to adjust to the mini-circle out the location is great for one.

He said it was installed to create a safer environment for people walking and riding their bicycles in the area.

“The goal is to get people to

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, July 28, 2010 || 3A

drive slower so it’s safer,” Ellis said. “People who are used to rushing down Bellows Street will have to adjust.”

Kalkaska senior David Rios said the roundabout does not belong there.

“A lot of people don’t even know how to use it,” Rios said.

“I think it’s going to cause more trouble than good.”

Construction on Bellows Street started in mid-June and also includes installing bike lanes from Mission down to Washington Streets.

Ellis said the mini-circle was positively reviewed by Dan Burden, who specializes in making communities more “walkable” for bicyclists and pedestrians. metro@cm-life.com

Mount Pleasant residents will have an opportunity to vote for Republican or Democratic leadership in a variety of offices with the Aug. 3 primaries only a week away.

The primary elections will determine which candidates move on to the next round — the general election in November.

“We’re voting on who is going to represent the different parties in select races,” said Deputy City Clerk Sue Jones. “We’re going to be selecting somebody from the Democratic party and the Republican party to run for governor in November.”

For the gubernatorial race Republicans Mike Bouchard, Mike Cox, Tom George, Peter Hoekstra and Rick Snyder are aiming to face off against either Andy Dillon or Virg Bernero, both Democrats.

In addition to gubernatorial candidates, city voters will vote for a number of state and local representatives.

One race will feature the 4th district congressional representative covering the area including Clare, Gratiot and Grand Traverse counties. Republican Dave Camp and Democrat Jerry M. Campbell will be on the primary ballot.

The race for the 33rd district state senator representing Clinton, Ionia, Montcalm and Isabella counties involves Republicans Michael Trebesh and Brian N. Calley and Democrat James Hoisington.

In the race for the 99th district state legislature representative for Mount Pleasant Democrats Peter Gallinat, Carl L. Hamann and Toni Sessoms will run in the primaries while Republican’s Cristine Alwood and Kevin Cotter will face off.

Locally, voters can decide on a primary candidate for the positions of Isabella County road commissioner between Republicans Steve J. Jackson and Terry L. Turnwald, as well as voting on a partial term for Republican Dave Livermore after Kathie Elliott’s resignation in 2009.

Democrat Frances B. Lichtman will run for County Commissioner and a precinct del-

egate will also be on the ballot.

“This is a primary, so that means when people go to the polls to vote, they must vote either all republican or all democrat,” Jones said. “You can’t cross-vote. That’s why we don’t have a very good turnout for a primary a lot of times, because people don’t really like that they can’t cross-vote.”

Millage rates Voters can also submit their decision on a proposal that will appear on the ballot.

“We do have one proposal on the ballot for inside the city for roads and highway maintenance and repair,” Jones said.

“That’s the only proposal on the ballot inside the city.”

The proposal consists of a 2-mill tax increase for Isabella County residents which stems from the county road commission.

The proposed millage has a lifespan of eight years and the revenue from the tax increase will be put towards road maintenance and repair if approved.

The City of Mount Pleasant expects to receive about $869,000 a year in revenue from the tax if it passes, said Tony Casali, the current Isabella County Road Commission manager. metro@cm-life.com

4A || Wednesday, July 28, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports]

MEN’s BASKETBALL

W o men ’ s ba s ketball

Van signs with Irish pro team after spending ‘09-10 season in Germany

Cherry Hill, N.J., guard fourth member of 2010 recruiting class

By Aaron McMann Senior Reporter

By Aaron McMann Senior Reporter

A former Central Michigan basketball player will continue to play at the next level.

Chris Kellermann recently signed a one-year contract with BBC Heffingen, a professional basketball team in Luxembourg’s Diekirch League, for the 2010-11 season.

“This is beginning the next stage for him,” said CMU head coach Ernie Zeigler. “I wish him the very best. We will always be indebted to him for helping us build our program from the beginning stages.”

Kellermann said he was presented with an opportunity to play overseas after last season.

After working on a highlight tape and sending it to several teams in Europe, Heffingen showed interest and signed him at the end of June.

He reports to the team on Aug. 14.

“I’m pretty excited about heading over there,” Kellermann said Tuesday. “I’ve never played in another country before. I’m really looking forward to continuing my career as long as I can, as long as I’m healthy.”

Recruited out of O’Fallon (Ill.) High School, the 6-foot-8, 245-pound forward was named third-team Class AA by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association during his senior season.

Upon arriving at CMU, Kellermann made an immediate impact. He averaged 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game during the 2005-06 season and was named to the Mid-American Conference All-Freshman team.

A foot injury during the 200607 season kept Kellerman out of 12 games and limited his production for the rest of his college career.

He posted numbers similar to his freshman year during the 2007-08 season while remaining injury free, but another foot in-

While other college basketball coaches are out recruiting for future seasons, Sue Guevara recently secured her fourth recruit for next season.

Kyra Holiday, a 5-foot-6 guard from Cherry Hill East High School (N.J.), has joined the Central Michigan women’s basketball team for the 2010-11 season.

As a junior at Cherry Hill East, she averaged 14.2 points per game and was a two-time all-conference selection.

“Kyra’s just very fast, ath-

Kellermann signs pro contract Guevara lands recruit for ‘10-11

FILE PHOTO BY MATTHEW STEPHENS

Former CMU forward Chris Kellermann recently signed to play overseas professionally.

jury forced him to miss most of the 2008-09 season.

He averaged 6.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game during the 2009-10 season.

Kellermann is the fourth player to sign a professional contract under Zeigler, who said former players Jordan Bitzer, Robbie Harman and Marko Spica are also close to signing pro contracts.

Van TO IRELAND Former CMU forward Marcus Van will also continue his professional career next season, but in another country.

Van signed a contract July 16 with the UCC Demons of the Irish Superleague for the 201011 season.

The 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward from Chicago spent last season playing for the ETB Wohnbau Baskets in the German professional league. He averaged 9.3 points and 9.5 points in four games.

Van transferred to CMU from

Wabash Valley Community College (Ill.) for the 2007-08 season.

During his first season at CMU, he averaged 5.8 points per game and led the Chippewas with 5.3 rebounds per game.

Van ran into legal trouble off the court prior to the 2008-09 season and was originally dismissed from the program by head coach Ernie Zeigler. After a change of heart, Zeigler reinstated him with a six-game suspension.

He would go on to lead the MAC in rebounding with 8.6 boards per game and lead the team in scoring with 13 points per game.

“I’m extremely proud of him for being able to battle through adversity,” Zeigler said. “For him being able to establish himself overseas after going through his time, the ups and downs while he was at Central, hopefully it’s shaped him and prepared him for his life.” sports@cm-life.com

letic, strong and gets to the basket,” said CMU head coach Sue Guevara.

“She sees the floor very well and, with the type of Sue Guevara system that we have, she’s going to fit in very nicely.”

But unlike most college players who have standout senior seasons in attempt to solidify their spot with a team, Holiday missed most of her senior season due to a broken fibula she suffered away from the court.

“I was really upset when I got hurt,” Holiday said.

“Initially, when I was in the emergency room, they told me I’d be out 6-8 weeks so I thought I’d be able to come back. (Then) they told me I’d have to get surgery and

all that and said I wouldn’t probably be back until April.”

She returned in February to play the last few games of the season, but by then interest from schools began to wane. Marshall, who she had been talking to, looked elsewhere.

“It was really rough dealing with it, but initially I knew that if I just kept positive and kept working hard, I would get back there eventually,” Holiday said. “I had a feeling that I would always play basketball – it was something that I was meant to do.”

Because of the injury, Holiday was forced to re-recruit herself and created highlight tapes of her play, hoping to garner some attention. Guevara said she was tipped off to the video by AAU coach Darren Neil.

A RECRUIT | 6A

6A || Wednesday, July 28, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

www.cm-life.com

[News]

Bluegrass Fest brings old-time fun First Bank now looking “Anyone that hasn’t tried bluegrass to complete new building needs to try it.” on Mission by November

By Ryan Taljonick Staff Reporter

The First Bank construction site on Mission Street has been stalled for a several months.

Construction began at 2013 Mission St. back in March, said Fay Cole, office manager of First Bank, but was delayed for a few months.

“There was a very long delay, something to do with paper work,” she said.

Construction is now back on track.

Jeff Gray, director of planning and community development, said the construction was not held up on the city’s side of things.

“They’ve been issued all their approvals from the city, we went through normal review processes,” he said.

Gray said the holdup was likely in dealing with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

“They’re the federal agency that oversees banking, so they issue whatever federal-level permits are required for a bank branch,” he said. “They started construction and the FDIC review was required, so they’ve been working with them to try and get that resolved.”

The bank is constructing a new building next door to its existing location to allow for more accessibility for its customers.

By Maria Leone Staff Reporter

Cole said the new branch is supposed to be completed by November.

The new building is all about accessibility, Cole said.

“It’s going to be a smoother in and out, not necessarily a bigger building, just more user-friendly,” she said.

The back drive of the parking lot will be widened, allowing for more parking.

Additionally, access to the bank from Mission Street and Broomfield Road will be added, as well as access from Kmart.

“We are hoping that the easier accessibility to get in and out will be more convenient for our customers,” Cole said.

Doug Ouellette, president of First Bank in Mount Pleasant, said he is excited for the completion of the new building.

“We’re making a significant investment in the community of Mount Pleasant and are excited about the additional services and efficiencies this branch will offer,” he said.

The existing First Bank building has been sold to the Fast Eddie’s Car Wash and Oil Change franchise, Ouellette said and is currently being rented by First Bank until the new building is complete. metro@cm-life.com

Bluegrass may have its roots in the south, but it’s growing strong in Shepherd.

Bluegrass aficionados and musical explorers are invited to check out the 32nd Annual Bluegrass Festival this weekend from July 29-31 at Salt River Acres in Shepherd.

Karen Lemaster traveled from southern Michigan to set her tent up Monday and is already brimming with excitement for the festival to begin. She has come to the festival every year since 1987 and does not plan on ever stopping, she said.

“Anyone that hasn’t tried bluegrass needs to try it,” Lemaster said.

Kris Carr, who jointly owns Salt River Acres with her husband, George Carr said she loves seeing all different types of people come together and share a common interest in music.

“I feel very safe with these

Recruit | continued from 4A

“I watched it and made the call to have her come to the (CMU) Elite camp,” Guevara said. “I told her I couldn’t make a decision based on that, but I was intrigued. She came to Elite camp

Karen Lemaster, Bluegrass Fest attendee

people and I enjoy the campsite,” Lemaster said.

Kris said this year will hold the title for the most artists to appear at the annual event, with 15 bands performing. She said artists to be on the look out for are the Air Benders and Charlie Lawson and Oak Hill This is the only bluegrass festival Charlie Lawson takes part in, so it is something people do not want to miss, she said.

She said Saturday morning will be dedicated to gospel music and children’s activities, including old-fashioned outdoor games like three-legged races, penny scrambles and gunny-sack races. The children in attendance will also have the opportunity to perform in a private concert talent show during intermission,

Kris Carr said.

“Children are very special for us at Salt River Acres, they are the future of the genre since it is not main stream,” she said. ”We are nurturing and developing the love of bluegrass in the young children that attend.”

Carr said ticket prices for the weekend are $55, with an addition of $40 for camping which includes electricity and water.

Daily costs are $25 for Thursday and $30 for Friday and Saturday.

Parking is free and those interested in attending may bring their own food and beverage if they wish, she added.

For more information regarding artists and a full schedule, visit www.saltriveracres.net.

(and) did a really nice job.”

Holiday is the fourth recruit of Guevara’s 2010-11 class. Lauren Bellamy (6-foot forward, Davison High School), Nichole DiGuilio (5-8 guard, Mount Vernon (Ohio) H.S.) and Taylor Johnson (5-11 guard, Belding H.S.) committed during the early signing period in November.

Holiday replaces one of three open scholarships after off-sea-

son departures, from Lima, Ohio, twins Rachel and Stefanie Mauk and 6-2 forward Cheritee Green.

CMU suffered a second round exit from the Mid-American Conference tournament after losing 68-55 against Kent State in March.

The Chippewas finished 12-18 overall and 8-8 in the MAC.

metro@cm-life.com

sports@cm-life.com