June 27, 2015 • Vol. 136 No. 24 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News: Endicott coal plant to shut down; Marshall to look for other power sources The Midwest Michigan South Central Power Agency announced the closing of the Endicott Generating Station in Litchfield, Mich. on June 25. The coal plant provides energy for Marshall, Coldwater, Clinton, Hillsdale and Union City. “The primary reason for this decision is consistent with our mission in choosing the most economical solution for our communities,” said Glen White, general manager of MSCPA. “The cost of operating a small coal-fired generator is simply not competitive with other options. The original debt service is paid, but today’s market prices do not allow us to recoup our fuel costs.” See story on page 43 MPS Board approves general budget; names new high school principal The Marshall Public Schools Board of Education approved the 2015-16 General Fund budget at its June 22 business session. The 2014-15 budget saw revenues drop by $500,000 compared to the year before while expenditures increased by $1.7 million. Also at the meeting, Superintendent Randy Davis introduced Scott Hutchins as the new Marshall High School principal. See story on page 5 Ground to be broken for new dialysis center to serve Albion community Ground is expected be broken in the coming days for a new, 8,800-squarefoot, 12-chair dialysis center to serve patients throughout the Albion region. The facility will be constructed on property at the Oaklawn Medical Group's existing location at 300 B Dr. N, and is expected to open in December. “This new facility will have a positive change in the lives of so many residents in Albion,” said Albion Mayor Joe Domingo. “A local site will give them greater access to quality care closer to home.” See story on page 41 Council rescinds ‘for hire’ parking, asks Marshall Carriage Company to move At the June 15 Marshall City Council meeting, Mayor Jack Reed asked the council to reconsider traffic control order 98 that was approved by council in May 1 for two parking spaces to be reserved for ‘for hire’ vehicles, that would be used by Marshall Carriage Co. Last week, the council rescinded the order due to lack of parking on the “Golden Block” in downtown Marshall. The council created a similar traffic control order for the corner of Grand St. and E. Michigan Ave. for the Carriage Co. to use. “In theory, it makes sense,” said Brian Mason, owner of Marshall Carriage Co. “If it doesn’t work, you’ll know. We can be versatile to make this work for everyone.” See story on page 9
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eginning July 3, and continuing throughout the weekend, Marshall offers something for everyone. Festivities get underway with Cruise at the Fountain at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds on Friday, followed by Saturday’s Independence Day celebration at the Fountain beginning at 10 a.m. with the Oaklawn Pet, Bike and Wagon Parade. Patriotic music will fill the air as the Marshall Rotary Band performs its annual patriotic concert for visitors eating lunch served by area volunteers. Young Dezzy Brownell invites you, your family and friends to enjoy the upcoming holiday, Marshall style and will end with the annual Cruise at the Fountain downtown Marshall at 6 p.m. For more about the Cruise, Chamber picnic or details on other “around the Fountain” activities, see stories throughout issue