March 23, 2013 • Vol. 134 No. 12 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News:
Council begins process for new police building, renovations The Marshall City Council gave the unanimous go-ahead on March 18 to begin the process for the Marshall Regional Law Enforcement Center and Marshall Fire Department/City Hall renovation projects. The council approved a resolution to enter into a contract with the Marshall Building Authority for $5.5 million prior to issuing the bonds to pay for the projects. “Adoption of these resolutions does not authorize the projects or expenditures of any cost or expenses for the project,” Mayor Jim Dyer said. “This is simply the first step in that process.” If the public disagrees with the council’s decision to not put the issue the ballot, there is a 45-day referendum period to gather a petition of signatures from at least 10 percent (545) of registered voters. See story on page 7
YOUR HOME IS YOUR
Community weighs in on elementary school restructuring Approximately 75 community members turned out at Marshall High School on March 20 for the Marshall Public Schools’ Community Forum on the possible configuration of the district’s three elementary schools. Superintendent Dr. Randy Davis, prior to his presentation on the district budget situation and elementary school enrollment and capacity, asked participants to answer two questions: the first to choose one option of the eight models given on what type of configuration they would like to see, while the second question asked when they would like to see such a change implemented - either in time for the 2013-14 school year or the 2014-15 school year. After Davis’ presentation, participants were assigned a group to discuss the configuration models. Each group included a school board member and building administrator. See story on page 34
BIGGEST FAMILY INVESTMENT!
Remodeling may (or may not) increase your home’s value It may not feel like it, but spring is officially here. Spring being here also means that home improvement projects are just around the corner. Stephen Hanway, a certified residential appraiser in Marshall (Hanway Appraisal P.C.) says there are several variables that come into play when determining if home improvement equals an increase in home value. “The cost of remodeling does not always add the same dollar amount to the value of the home,” says Hanway, an appraiser since 1986. “‘Contributing value’ may be a great deal less depending on the type of improvement, size of home and the neighborhood. Are you already adding onto the largest house in the area or the smallest house?” See story on page 14
Plans underway for another Veterans monument near Fountain Circle An additional memorial wall has been planned for the memorial park across from Brooks Memorial Fountain. Anyone interested in purchasing a memorial brick must have their request placed by June 1 so that bricks can be ordered. The wall will be built in August under the supervision of professional brick layer Bob Misener. See story on page 52
‘Townie’ Alice Townsend continues her commitment to Marshall Among her volunteer efforts with Oaklawn Hospital and The Fountain Clinic, Alice Townsend was one of the founders of the Marshall’s Women’s Philanthropic Circle. Since 2007, the local group has collected more than $110,000 and dispersed it to local not-for-profits. See story on page 42
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Special Section Inside
he onset of spring heralds the beginning of home improvement undertakings. Some plan and complete projects out of necessity; others do so in hopes of having more living space and/or increasing the value of their property. Whatever the reason, see the special section inside filled with tips on how to make your house a home. Section starting on page 13