April 28, 2012 • Vol. 133 No. 17 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News: MHS Prom challenged by alternative prom
At the Marshall High School Winterfest Dance in March, numbers of students staged a walkout after students took issue with the music selection and styles of dance that were permitted by MHS staff. The walkout closed down the dance soon after it had begun. Two weeks ago, with the May 5 MHS Prom less than a month away, some students who took issue with MHS’ rules at Winterfest, have decided to hold an alternative prom on May 12. See story on page 18
Terry Lirones Memorial Horse Show held at fairgrounds on April 21 Denise Webber, owner of Nottawa Paint Horses of Marshall, said she feels a void in her life since losing her friend Terry Lirones, who died at age 68 from a closed head injury after being bucked from a horse in 2010. “I wasn’t the same person when this happened,” Webber said. “But I’m determined to do my part to make people aware of the need for helmets.” The first annual Terry Lirones Memorial Horse Show was held on April 21 at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds with more than 30 seniors participating in the event. “If [Terry] were here, she would have been the first one in line and in every class,” Webber said. “I felt good about the turnout. The largest group of riders was between ages 50-60, which is what we wanted.” See story on page 42
Marshall’s David DeGraw receives Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award On April 19, HandsOn Battle Creek held its annual Community Volunteer Awards luncheon at Burnham Brook in recognition of National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, where they awarded Marshall’s Dave DeGraw with the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award for his work with Oaklawn Hospital and Guardian Finance and Advocacy Services of Battle Creek. “I was flattered,” DeGraw said. “Volunteering my time is just one way I am able to provide some sort of community service that is meaningful.” See story on page 51
MPS Board takes next step with Albion Public Schools On March 26, the Marshall Public Schools Board of Education approved the formalization of a joint committee between Albion Public Schools and Marshall Public Schools to explore collaborative partnerships and at its April 23 meeting, the board approved a measure that would appoint six individuals from Marshall to the standing joint committee. Also at the meeting, Director of Finance Scott Blankinship updated the board on the current budget projections for 2012-13. See story on page 11
Historic Marshall launches self-guided walking tours On April 23, community members gathered outside Schuler’s Restaurant to paint the first of many symbols on the sidewalk as part of Marshall’s new walking tours that will highlight Marshall’s historic resources. “Our historic town is a virtual museum without walls and is available 24/7 for self-guided walks, rain or shine,” said Chamber Tourism Director Karen Hagerty. See story on page 22
Planning your
“SQUARE FOOT” GARDENS W
hat used to be called “Victory Gardens” during World War II have made a come-back in back yards and community gardens throughout the country as well as in Calhoun County. Pam Bosserd of Bosserd Family Farm in Marshall provides some farming wisdom and tips to help you grow your own vegetables. See story on page 28