July 7, 2012 • Vol. 133 No. 27 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News: Marshall initiates collaborative efforts for development with new alliance On July 2, the Marshall City Council set the ball rolling for a organizational collaboration for the newly formed Marshall Economic Development Alliance. Mayor Jim Dyer said the city has been working on the alliance, between the city of Marshall, Downtown Development Authority, Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce and Local Development Finance Authority, for a little over a year and a half. “This is the only way we can proceed with good economic development downtown,” Dyer said. “I didn’t look at this as trying to tweak something that exists now, but a creation of something new...I see a lot of possibilities for this organization.”
See story on page 10.
Civil penalty enforcement action to be taken against Enbridge On July 2, The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) proposed a record $3.7 million civil penalty and 24 actions against Enbridge Energy for the July 25, 2010, crude oil spill near Marshall. “We will hold pipeline operators accountable if they do not follow proper safety procedures to protect the environment and local communities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
See story on page 9.
Marshall Middle School adopts ‘junior high’ schedule Marshall Public Schools recently passed its 2012-13 budget which saw the district use $1 million of its cash reserves in an attempt to balance the budget. Included as a cost-saving measure was changing the teaching model at Marshall Middle School to a junior high schedule, a move that will save MPS $110,000 through a reduction in staff. “We were so used to the middle school model; this year, it’s a paradigm shift,” said Principal Dave Turner. “This style model we’ll be using has been around, but for us, when we’ve been used to thinking about how we make teams and what’s the best way to group students to keep it balanced concerning gender, ability, etc. It’s just a little different.” The move affects seventh and eighth grades.
See story on page 19.
Humane Society seeks local volunteers When some people think of a Humane Society, they think it’s a sad place. But Humane Society of South Central Michigan Executive Director Jessica Gilbert says that’s just not the case. “We are not the sad place that everyone sees on the TV commercials,” said Gilbert. “When you come in, our cats are playful and our dogs are happy to see you. They receive incredible care and love here.” Gilbert said the Humane Society is looking for more volunteers from the Marshall area as well as to expand its services throughout Calhoun County.
See story on page 30.
‘Stichin’ Sisters of Michigan’ surprise U.S. Navy Shop with quilts During the Civil War, quilts were made to help raise money and send to soldiers for warmth and support. It was something the women could do to help support the troops and be a part of the cause.This was also the inspiration for the local quilting group Stichin Sisters of Michigan. Marshall’s Becky Ivey is one of the 11 members of this group who recently sent 14 quilts to her daughter Tressa Williams’ U.S. Navy unit. “I will bring this quilt with me on every deployment from here on out because it not only represents what we are fighting for... it also represents who we are fighting for,” said Navyman Bryce Nelson.
See story on page 46.
M
uch of the hard work is done for those preparing for the 2011 Welcome to My Garden tour hosted by the Marshall Area Garden Club. Homeowners Rose and Charles Tidey take a moment to enjoy their backyard, wondering if there is anything left to do before the July 14 and 15 event. The 22nd tour showcases some of the community’s most beautiful gardens, each unique and interesting in its own way. Inside, take a sneak peak at what awaits you next weekend. See cover story on page 6.