May 16, 2015 • Vol. 136 No. 19 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News: Deal reached between Michigan, Enbridge over 2010 oil spill A company responsible for one of the largest inland oil spills in U.S. history will restore or create 300 acres of wetlands as part of a sweeping agreement to improve the Kalamazoo River watershed in southwestern Michigan, state officials said. A settlement between the state and Enbridge Energy filed in Calhoun County court May 12, nearly five years after a broken pipeline released more than 800,000 gallons of oil, requires the company to continue to monitor the impacts of the spill on the environment. The company also agreed to spend $75 million, much of it on various projects, including a dam removal and improved access to boating and fishing on the river.
See story on page 3 City Council to hold public hearing on 2015-2016 budget On May 18, the Marshall City Council will hold a public hearing on its 2015-2016 budget at 7 p.m. in the City Hall chambers. This year’s proposed budget is approximately $29.2 million and would include two new operating budgets for the Marshall Area Farmers Market and the Marshall Regional Law Enforcement Center.
See story on page 10 Marshall holds fire station dedication On May 9, nearly 150 people gathered at the new Marshall Fire Department station No. 12, 1201 Arms St., for a ribbon cutting, tours and an open house to celebrate the new facility. “Certainly, this is a very special day here in Marshall,” said Marshall Mayor Jack Reed. “All of us, especially our firefighters, past and present, have dreamed of this day, never losing faith and always positive that we would one day be standing here.”
See story on page 30 Disc golf course coming this summer to Ketchum Park Disc golfer Richard Williams has been to all the surrounding courses in Albion, Battle Creek, Charlotte, Jackson and Kalamazoo and now he wants to start one here in Marshall. “It will be a nice connector piece to the other ones locally,” said Williams. “I think the people in Marshall will really enjoy this addition.” An 18-hole disc golf course will be built this summer at Ketchum Park. It will begin behind the skate park and wrap through the wooded areas of Ketchum Park.
See story on page 54 Marshall girls win ninth straight, league title The Marshall High School girls varsity soccer team defeated Harper Creek 4-0 on May 13 as the team won its ninth straight game and completed a 7-0 record in the Interstate 8 Athletic Conference. See sports section on pages 43-45
fter a year of researching the best practices of farmers markets around the state, the Marshall Area Farmers Market Advisory Committee is ready to open the area’s relocated and expanded market on May 16 in the city parking lot on Green St. across from the Marshall District Library. The market is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The number of opening day vendors has doubled since last year. From left are Bruce MacDonald, Pamela MacDonald, Farmers Market Manager Kitty Knoll and Amiee Coury. See story on page 2
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