March 3, 2012 • Vol. 133 No. 9 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News: Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi set to take over operations of FireKeepers Casino The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi announced Feb. 23 that a tentative buyout agreement of the FireKeepers Casino management contract has been reached. Since its August 2009 opening, the casino has successfully operated under a management agreement with Full House Resorts. The early buyout of $97.5 million will be complete on or before May 1 eliminating the remainder of the agreement that was to continue until August 2016. See story on page 6
Change in traffic pattern at Marshall High School goes into effect March 12 Parents and students could be in for surprise when they try to get to Marshall High School and Walters Elementary beginning Monday, March 12. That’s when traffic patterns will change to accommodate the demolition of the current high school auditorium and music wing as well as the construction of the new auditorium, set to open in approximately 18 months. See story on page 45
Marshall Main Street Manager Diane Larkin to make a move to Howell March 9 will be Marshall Main Street Manager Diane Larkin’s last day following her decision to take a similar position as the Howell Downtown Development Authority Director and Main Street Manager, which will begin on March 20. “I am excited about beginning a ‘new adventure’ in Howell,” Larkin said. “It’s time for a change.” Larkin, who began her career in Marshall on Oct. 1, 2006, said she will be leaving Marshall with mixed feelings, but great memories. See story on page 11
Tenneco expands into old Lear building With the former Lear Corporation building vacant the past six years, local officials say they are happy to see that Tenneco has put the building to use again. “It’s great to see the Lear building coming back to life,” said Marshall Economic Manager Mike Hindenach. “We’re excited for Tenneco and are supportive of this great expansion.” Tenneco Automotive’s expansion of a tube mill, which was placed in the Lear building in November, was supported by the Marshall City Council on Sept. 19 with the approval of a tax abatement for a $6.6 million investment that would create 135 jobs. See story on page 46
Family Bible Church members making a difference in South Africa
Celebrating
For a third straight year, Marshall’s Family Bible Church has sent a team to the village of Matipane in the South African province of Limpopo to offer care and support to children who have lost their parents to AIDS. A group of 13 left Marshall on Thursday and will spend 12 days in South Africa. A second group will head over there at the end of March. See story on page 32
100 YEARS of learning and growing
Marshall grad saves choking man’s life For most, Feb. 7 was just another day in Marshall, but for an 89-year-old man from Homer it was the day his life was saved. Austin Lord, 21, of Marshall and a 2008 Marshall High School graduate, came to the rescue of the man when he was choking on food during a meal at the Country Kitchen on Old 27. “I didn’t have a second thought about if I could do it or not,” he said. “My only reaction was that hopefully I could get there in time.” Because of Lord, the man lived to see another day. See story on page 35
F
or 100 years, the Girl Scouts of the USA has worked to turn young girls into civic leaders. Beginning with Daisy Scouts (Emily Kozub) and continuing through to the Ambassador Scout level (Jessica Vosburg) the program has inspired thousands with the ideals of courage, confidence and character. When girls succeed, so does society. See stories inside.