Inside or Outside? Find
local
fun ways to stay warm or cold at www.lsj.com/events
Grand Ledge
Independent Your very own newspaper serving Grand Ledge since 1869
© 2011 Lansing Community Newspapers
Vol. 161 - No. 1
TM
www.GrandLedgeIndependent.com
January 2, 2011
Local leaders resolve for a better new year By ALAN MILLER
alanmiller@lsj.com
Photo courtesy of Randy Wilkes
Andrew Kreiner, his cousin Alexis Kreiner and neighborhood friend Kyra Dennis in the home of Randy and Jackie Wilkes of Grand Ledge after the trio went caroling in the neighborhood to aid their young friend, Jacalyn Wilkes, who is suffering from cancer.
Kids carol in name of pal By BARB MODRACK bmodrack@lsj.com
GRAND LEDGE Shortly before Christmas when many kids may have been focused on what to expect under the tree for themselves, a trio of children with Grand Ledge ties were thinking of someone else.
Owner Randy Preston - over 26 years driving education instruction.
LJ-0100057321
On Wednesday, Dec. 22, Anthony Kreiner, 9, of Eagle, his cousin Alexis Kreiner, Jacalyn 10, of Pontiac, and Kyra Lambrix-Wilkes Dennis, 10, a fifth-grad-
er at Beagle, decided to help out a young friend, Jacalyn Lambrix-Wilkes, 8. Jacalyn of Delta Township had recently been struck with a recurrence of cancer. Surgery and a stay at University of MichiganMott Hospital has forced her to postpone a Makea-Wish Foundation trip to
Go with the best, your kids deserve it! CALL TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY AT 517-627-6467
Disney World, scheduled for Jan. 8. She was going to stay in the castle. Anthony and Alexis know Jacalyn because her grandparents, Randy and Jackie Wilkes, live near their grandparents in Grand Ledge. Kyra lives in the Wilkes’ See
Carol/page 5
GRAND LEDGE — The hopes and resolutions offered by a number of local leaders reflect a cautious optimism for 2011, coupled with a resolve to work harder to make their community a better and safer place to live. “I am feeling quite positive,” said Eaton County Commissioner Blake Mulder (R-Oneida). “I know we have bottomed out. We have been through tough times and weathered it well.” Mulder said his own A & W Restaurant business has seen an uptick in sales after a couple of flat years. He sees the political swings from the last election as likely to help an economic resurgence in the new year. “I feel a little more comfortable in the political scene,” he said. “I’m looking for some changes that will be more business friendly” Grand Ledge School Superintendent Steve
I’m hoping we can continue to avoid layoffs and program cuts through 2011. That’s my number one wish for the city in the new year.” – Kalmin Smith, Grand Ledge mayor Matthews plans to make one change in style while continuing to work to move the schools forward. “I resolve to listen more and speak less,” he said. “I resolve to advocate for the students of the Grand Ledge Public Schools, and I resolve to foSee Resolve/page 11
Preston’s Driving School, Inc. • Segment I - Classes Start Monday, January 3rd (Winter Hours: 3-5pm) • Segment II - Classes Start Monday, January 24th (Winter Hours: 3-5pm) www.prestondriving.com Grand Ledge High School Room 105
How to reach us: Advertising: 517-377-1141 Circulation: 866-226-1812 News: 517-377-1084 Classifieds: 877-475-SELL or 877-391-SELL