March 24, 2012 • Vol. 133 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:
City Council looks to discuss budget recommendations at April 2 meeting The city of Marshall will be making some tough decisions in the coming months as the deadline to approve the 2012-2013 fiscal year budget looms. At the upcoming April 2 meeting, the Marshall City Council will discuss recommended changes for the budget, including an increase of Dial-A-Ride’s fares and millage. “Dial-A-Ride is struggling,” said Marshall City Manager Tom Tarkiewicz. “In a couple years there is going to be no fund balance if we don’t do something.” Also at Monday’s meeting, the council approved an Industrial Facilities Tax abatement for Progressive Dynamics that will be investing $309,032 in equipment. Progressive Dynamics will save approximately $21,000 in taxes over the period of the abatement while the city will forego $8,100. See story on page 12
Middle school secretaries Barb Gary and Sue Petty wear many hats When one thinks of a secretary, what comes to mind? Someone sitting at a desk answering phones and organizing file folders? Maybe, but the job of a secretary is so much more, especially for Marshall Middle School secretaries Sue Petty and Barbara Gary. “People say you could just sit here and watch all day,” Gary said about life in the office. “We’ve heard comments like, ‘This is the best entertainment I’ve had all year.’ And it’s true. It’s non-stop in here.” Petty, of Marshall, has been working at MMS for six years while Gary, of Battle Creek, has been with MMS for 12 years. Petty and Gary share the ins and outs of a day in the life of a secretary. See story on page 34
Superintendent Randy Davis earns highest evaluation ranking Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Randy Davis earned an overall “highly effective” rating by the MPS Board of Education, the highest ranking achievable for this year’s evaluation. The Board’s evaluation of the superintendent included an assessment of the progress toward the educational goals of the school district. “The Board is pleased with Dr. Davis’ performance,” said Board President Vic Potter. See story on page 22
‘March for Babies’ to take place April 29 The March of Dimes’ signature spring event, March for Babies, will take place on Sunday, April 29 at Binder Park Zoo. This will be the first time the event will be held at the zoo. In past years, the event had been held at Battle Creek Health System (now Bronson Battle Creek). “The event is geared towards children and families and is a celebration of life and the hope to reduce premature births,” said Claire Kolumban, March of Dimes community director for the Kalamazoo division which includes Calhoun County. Registration will take place at 9 a.m. and the three-mile walk will begin at 10 a.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided and the event will also feature a family fun tent with activities, games, clowns and face painting. See story on page 16
Spring sports athletes take advantage of warm weather Last week’s unusually warm weather allowed Marshall High School athletes to get a full week of practices in as season-opening contests get underway this week. See sports section
P
roject designer Tim Banfield explains the City Hall landscape plan to Marshall’s Environmental Program Coordinator Cheryl Vosburg. “Currently, landscaping elements are sparse and the few features that remain are overgrown. The architecture of this beautiful building is hidden behind unsightly landscaping. The new design will enhance the beauty and history of this building,” says Banfield. The project should be completed this spring.