May 5, 2012 • Vol. 133 No. 18 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News:
Marshall High School Top 10 seniors honored Nothing says high school graduation is just around the corner more than when the Top 10 academic seniors from Marshall High School are honored by the Marshall Exchange Club and Marshall Rotary Club. The chapters held their annual joint luncheon May 1 to honor Top 10 seniors Jonathan Baxter, Shane Fitzsimmons, Michael Graves, Laura Peterson, Nicholas Ramon, Anna Seifert, Victoria Sell, Andrew Stevens, Patrick Stillson and Christopher Wilson. See story on page 60
911 Yes Committee holds kick-off event to discuss surcharge option on Aug. 7 ballot On May 1, the 9-1-1 Yes Committee hosted a county-wide kickoff event with three presentations in Calhoun County regarding the funding options for the Calhoun County 911 Consolidated Dispatch Center. “No one is going to argue we have to have 911 and it has to be paid for,” Yes Committee member Kelli Scott said. “Regardless of which way the voters decide, it will be covered by phone bills or property taxes. We feel the more equitable way is with phone bills. The alternative is you leave it to your local government to figure it out for you. It just depends on which method are people are willing to support. I think it’s a good thing to ask the voters.” See story on page 7
Marshall Alternative High School student Ann Sutherland Ann Sutherland admits to being a quiet person and doesn’t think she’d be a good interview. “I’m not a very interesting person; sorry,” says Ann, 18, a soon-to-be- graduate of the Marshall Alternative High School. A year ago, as a sophomore at Marshall High School, Ann was struggling, getting low marks and wondering if she’d even be able to stay in school, let alone graduate. See story on page 16
The truth to the aftermath of trauma No one but ourselves can free our minds - late Reggae singer Bob Marley. That was the message spread by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky at a recent trauma exposure workshop held April 18 in Battle Creek during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. “As humans, we are exposed to suffering and trauma and there is a cumulative toll,” Lipsky said. “It changes you, your business and the lives you’re living.” Lipsky explained the 16 signs of trauma and what to do to combat them to a group of more than 120 officials who work in the fields of law enforcement, health, judicial and sexual assault. See story on page 54
PRESERVING THE PAST
Interns assist Marshall Police Department The Marshall Police Department has been receiving a little extra help over the last few months thanks to two local interns who have been completing some area studies in Marshall. “We are here for them to further their education, but as part of their internship we want them to do one project that will benefit us as well,” said MPD Det./Lt. Scott McDonald said. “We are trying to make it a win/win for both sides. Having the interns here allows us to get done some of the extras we want to get done and are not capable of doing.” See story on page 56
M
ay is National Preservation Month and this year’s theme is “Discover America's Hidden Gems.” Communities from coast to coast are filled with unexplored historic treasures—and May’s the month to celebrate them! One way to enjoy the artful beauty of preservation is to visit EastEnd Studio and Gallery at 143-145 W. Michigan Avenue, downtown Marshall. Now in its sixth year, the local initiative is managed by Pamela Rudd (pictured). Another local Preservation Month event happens on Saturday, May 12, when volunteers give Main Street a ‘Clean Sweep.’ See story on page 37