March 14, 2015 • Vol. 136 No. 11 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News: Monarch Bank slated to become Chemical Bank April 1; Two locations to close, but employees to stay Chemical Bank, which announced in November that it would be buying Monarch Bank, is now shooting for an April 1 acquisition closing date, pending Monarch Bank shareholder approval at a March 26 meeting. “In addition to expanding our banking and products services, we are excited to bring Monarch Bank into the Chemical Bank family,” said First Vice President and Director of Marketing for Chemical Bank John Hatfield of the Midland office. “We will be communicating with our customers about any and all changes.” Chemical Bank is planning the conversion of customer accounts in May. See story on page 5
Superintendent earns highest rating from MPS Board At its work session on March 9, the Marshall Public Schools’ Board of Education conducted its annual evaluation of Superintendent Randy Davis and unanimously voted to evaluate Davis at the Highly Effective (top rating) in each of the areas evaluated. “I am pleased that the Marshall Board of Education and the Marshall administrative team value my leadership in this way,” said Davis. “The work we are doing together on behalf of our students, families and communities is leading the way on a number of initiatives in our region and across the state. This would not happen without the courage and strength of purpose that our board exhibits.” See story on page 3
Reading gets extra attention during March is Reading Month The emphasis on reading in the Marshall elementary schools is enhanced each year during March is Reading Month. A recent visit to Gordon Elementary highlighted a few of the activities that are added this month to students’ ongoing language arts activities. See story on page 45
First Baptist Church of Marshall to mark 175th year The First Baptist Church of Marshall will be celebrating its 175th anniversary on Sunday March 22, the closest Sunday to its founding on March 21, 1840. The church is located downtown at 305 W. Michigan Avenue. The public is invited to join the congregation for the 11 a.m. worship service which will have a 1840s theme. See story on page 44
Albion Chamber announces award nominees The Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau has announced this year's Chamber Awards nominees. Honorees will be recognized on Tuesday, March 24, at the Chamber’s annual meeting at the newly-restored Bohm Theatre in downtown Albion. See story on page 34
MHS boys and girls basketball teams see seasons come to an end Both the Marshall High School boys and girls basketball teams saw their seasons end last week with close defeats. The boys lost a heartbreaker in the district final, 75-74 to Harper Creek, while the girls lost to Plainwell, 37-35 in the regional semi-final. See sports section on pages 37-39.
elebrate the second day of spring by attending the 2015 Garden Path Arts and Crafts Show next Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marshall High School. This year, the Fountain Clinic fundraiser features 55 vendors displaying and selling a variety of spring treasures for home and garden. Kathleen Oerther, left, will offer succulents, fresh flowers and terrariums, while first time participant Bobbi Jean will be on site to sign her book, Chills. Pottery, lawn art, knitted items, soap and scents - if you can imagine it, you can find it on the Garden Path next weekend. See story on page 2
C