April 21, 2012 • Vol. 133 No. 16 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News:
Small portion of Kalamazoo River in Marshall now open for public use Approximately 100 people turned out at Marshall High School April 17 to hear an EPA update on the oil recovery efforts along the Kalamazoo River and the status of the river itself. During the presentation, Calhoun County Public Health Department Health Officer Jim Rutherford announced that a three-mile segment of the river from Perrin Dam to Saylor’s Landing in Marshall would be re-opened as of April 18. See story on page 27
RoMa’s Café goes up in flames Thursday As a crowd started to gather outside of RoMa’s Café, 228 W. Michigan, after 10 p.m. on April 12, owner Ronda Masters stood in front of the restaurant in horror as she watched her business go up in flames. “When I saw the fire, my first emotion was panic, of course, and then I can’t even describe how I felt,” she said. “I was just devastated. Once they put holes in the walls and the roof and started breaking windows, all I could think was there goes all our blood, sweat and tears.” See story on page 33
Marshall Alternative High School student shares story of turnaround A year ago, 16-year-old Robert Johnson had had it with school after two unremarkable years at Battle Creek Central High School where he did just enough to pass. “I was at the point where I was thinking, ‘I ain’t going to get it, so just forget school’,” says Robert. A year later, what a turnaround. Today, as a 17 year old, Robert is thriving beyond his wildest dreams as a junior at the Marshall Alternative High School and Opportunity School near Albion, earning high marks and taking college classes through Kellogg Community College. See story on page 38
City Council looks to increase water rates and move timeline for increase At Monday’s work session, the Marshall City Council discussed increasing and moving up a water utility charge by six months. “When Campbell’s left it significantly reduced the water consumption, which means you have less revenue coming in the system,” said John Kaczor of Municipal Analytics. If these changes are approved at the May budget hearing, residents could see an increase of a few dollars on their monthly utility bill. See story on page 10
Awards presented by SAS at annual awareness month event Among recipients are Marshall’s Claire Loughrige and Cecilia McCaleb Each year, Sexual Assault Services of Calhoun County (Bronson Battle Creek) observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month with workshops, presentations and awards and on Wednesday, April 18, a number of awards were presented at the Annual Volunteer and Community Recognition Dinner. “The community support we have is incredibly vital to the work we do,” SAS Program Manager Joyce Siegel said. See story on page 40
Basketball coach Dan Coddens announces retirement after 16 seasons Marshall High School boys varsity basketball coach Dan Coddens announced his retirement April 18 after 16 seasons. “I just feel like it is time,” said Coddens. “It’s been a great 16 years.” See story in sports section
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World Book Night is April 23
M
arshall Middle School students Keegan Elliott (Peter) and Alix Curnow (Anne) are both in the upcoming Marshall Civic Players’ production of The Diary of Anne Frank. Reminding them that the staged version had its roots in a book is Albion’s Sue Kernish (Petronella van Daan). Prior to the show’s May 11 opening at Marshall’s Franke Center, the trio will be joined by other cast members next Monday, April 23, when Albion celebrates World Book Night, U.S. See story on page 34