April 4, 2015 • Vol. 136 No. 13 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News: Social media sparks controversy at Marshall High School Last week, Marshall High School students gathered to show support for transgender students following the removal of a bulletin board promoting International Transgender Day of Transparency, which was March 31. “Given the circumstances surrounding this decision, we believe that our display was removed not as a result of it reaching a recently enforced two-week limit for display board privileges, but because a few parents on Facebook objected to the message it was sending,” said Gay-Straight Alliance President Kate Samra. Samra, along with Marshall Public Schools Board of Education President Richard Lindsey share their views on the matter in this issue.
See stories on pages 20 & 42
Marshall Chamber celebrates community with annual dinner For nearly seven decades, the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce has hosted an annual dinner and awards banquet. Tuesday, March 31, marked the 2015 event. Board Chair Vic Potter greeted guests and introduced staff members. He then turned the microphone over to director Keith Kehlbeck who served as emcee for the evening and named winners of the Charles F. Hayes Award; Key Member Award; Above & Beyond Award; Tourism Award; Project of the Year; and Ambassador of the Year.
See story on page 34
Community asked for input Master Plan update A draft of the Master Plan update was recently approved by the Marshall Planning Commission and Marshall City Council. The Master Plan’s goals focus on maintaining and enhancing the unique historic character of the community; achieving and maintaining high standards for aesthetics and design throughout the city; ensuring long term stability of Marshall’s neighborhoods; ensuring the longterm viability of Marshall as a commercial center; ensuring the longterm strength of the city’s employment base; strengthening cooperation and coordination with neighboring townships and community partners to ensure the longterm success of the city, its neighbors and institutions; and maintaining a transportation network that facilitates safe, efficient circulation within and through the city for all users and modes in accordance with Complete Streets principles. Marshall residents will have until the public hearing on June 11 to submit comments on the Master Plan.
See story on page 33 Marshall Alternative High School students take part in etiquette banquet On March 20, Marshall Alternative High School students were dressed to the nines for the Second Annual Etiquette Banquet held at Starr Commonwealth. Keynote speaker and former gang member Ron Glodoski stressed to students the importance of believing in themselves as well as pointing out that each student was brilliant in their own way. “If you wake up in the morning remembering how smart, how brilliant, how creative you are, you will be; I promise,” said Glodoski. “Do you realize your thoughts create reality every moment of every day? If you wake up in the morning thinking it’s a lousy, rotten, stinking day, what kind of day are you going to have?”
See story on page 36
n the United States, the population age 65 years and older is growing rapidly. In 2010, these older Americans comprised 13 percent of the nation’s population. Projections for 2030 show a marked increase with older adults comprising 19 percent of the population, an estimated 72 million older adults. Enjoying this particular chapter of their lives are Albion District Library patrons, back, Clarence Watkins, Jr., front from left, Robert Wall, Erika Flores, and Gloria Fisher. Other options for volunteering, recreation and good health are available April 9 at the Calhoun County Senior Health Fair, where the Albion District LIbrary is one of the participants. See story on page 2
I