Secretary of State Ruth Johnson says laws will help protect consumers, ensure integrity
LANSING ‒ Secretary of State Ruth Johnson applauded new laws signed by Gov. Rick Snyder today that tighten regulations for the breath alcohol ignition interlock devices issued to motorists convicted of drunken driving offenses.
The laws revise requirements for the sale, installation, regulation and removal of an ignition interlock device. They also increase the regulatory scope of the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office as the administrator of the state’s ignition interlock program.
“These laws close loopholes and toughen licensing requirements for ignition interlock mechanics and facilities,” Johnson said. “It is good news for consumers, who can now be confident that the ignition interlock installer they’ve chosen is certified by the state and will do the job correctly. I would like to thank Sen. Schuitmaker for shepherding this issue through the legislative process.”
An ignition interlock device connects with a motor vehicle’s ignition and other control systems. The interlock device measures the driver’s bodily alcohol content and keeps the vehicle from starting if the BAC is 0.025 or higher. The device also will ask for random retests while the person is driving.
“The ignition interlock program allows individuals with drunken driving convictions to seek the help they need while putting their life back on track,” said Schuitmaker, R – Lawton. “Currently, the program lacks integrity, which has compromised public safety. I proudly worked with Secretary Johnson on this legislation to ensure drivers with interlock devices are obeying the law and our loved ones are safe on the road.”
If the device records three start-up test failures in a monitoring period, or one rolling retest failure while the vehicle is being driven, or if it detects tampering, the vehicle must be taken to a service center immediately. If that service is not done, the interlock device will go into a “lock-out” mode, and the vehicle cannot be operated.
Tampering with an ignition interlock or interfering with the testing process may result in the suspension or denial of the driver’s license, or may increase the time that drivers must wait before requesting a driver’s license appeal hearing.
Some of the highlights from Public Acts 32, 33 and 34 that affect the sale, installation and certification of the ignition interlock industry include the following:
• Only state-approved ignition interlock device manufacturers and vendors may install, service or remove an ignition interlock device in Michigan.
• Mechanics must hold a specialty mechanic’s certificate in ignition interlock service to work on such devices.
• The Secretary of State’s Office is authorized to inspect repair facilities that provide ignition interlock services, and may suspend, revoke or deny a repair facility or mechanic’s ignition interlock certification when violations of state law are found.
• Ignition interlocks must be able to provide a digital image of the person providing a breath sample and record the time and date the sample was given. This provides state officials with documented proof that the individual providing the sample is the verified driver of record.
• Installers convicted of a felony or alcohol-related driving offense within the previous five years will be precluded from ignition interlock approval eligibility.
“Under these new laws, dishonest individuals who attempt to defraud customers with fly-by-night ignition interlock operations, unlicensed mechanics or unscrupulous business practices will quickly find themselves facing serious legal consequences,” Johnson said.
For media questions, please call Gisgie Dávila Gendreau or Fred Woodhams at 517-373-2520.
CCS to Earn 3rd Consecutive Term of ACSI/NCA Accreditation.
Calvary Christian Schools is in the final stages of renewing their long-standing dual accreditation with organizations that are well known and respected within the educational community: the North Central Association (NCA), and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
The accreditation process gives CCS credibility with their stakeholders and the community. It also qualifies their SEVIS status to host international students. This data-driven process provides a structure of rigorous standards focused on continual school improvement.
Every facet of their program is assessed: Governance, Mission, Resources, Instruction, Facilities, Personnel, Safety, Student Performance, and more. In response to hundreds of questions, the administration and faculty produce countless pages of evidence in support of their answers, but more importantly, the process sharpens their focus on better serving the individual and collective needs of their students and parental partners.
Here are just a few examples, in preparation for the coming accreditation visit, taken from the CCS website:
Curriculum Guides/Scope and Sequence were revised and republished by teams of teachers after evaluating our entire K-12 curriculum. They looked at what we teach (scope) and the order in which we teach it (sequence). This on-going process prompts adjustments and provides a basis for prioritizing new textbooks as the budget allows.
Stakeholder Surveys were completed with parents, students and staff members in November. We have been evaluating these results, listening to the input from our stakeholders, and addressing concerns while building upon our achievements and strengths.
A Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP) has been reviewed and published by a cross-section of CCS stakeholders based on input from the Stakeholder Surveys and the expertise of our teachers and administration. The CSIP was submitted to the School Board for review in February. Part of the board’s oversight role is vision casting and assisting the administration in ongoing implementation and stakeholder involvement.
Emergency Protocols have been updated with the on-site direction of the County Emergency Management Director. This process included emergency drill training, publishing of safety procedures and protocols, and the purchase of equipment through grants and other individual donations.
Updates of all governing documents are now complete: Board Policy Manual and Bylaws, Staff Manual, Parent/Student Handbook, and all Enrollment Materials.
Technology Upgrades have taken place in classrooms. E-911-compliant phones have been installed in all classrooms and offices. The school website has been redesigned, and teachers now have their own webpages accessible through the school website. Additional security cameras (24 now in place) and other upgrades are in process. In February, our internet speed was quadrupled and moved to an unshared dedicated-service line.
Integration of Mission: The ACSI accreditation process is very specific in confirming that the CCS Statements of Faith and Mission are at the core of everything we do. We have revised the same longstanding goals of our Mission Statement down to 18 words which were the subject of this space in the fall and have been on display in signage and communication on a regular basis.
Student Performance Data Analysis helps us improve our instruction for individual students and whole classes as well as providing plan for ongoing staff development in this area.
By the time you read this, hundreds of pages of reports will have been submitted to ACSI and NCA. On March 20-23 an External Review Team will be at CCS for three and a half days to examine policies, observe classrooms, interview staff and constituents; review files, procedures and documentation. When finished, these visiting experts will produce a list of commendations and recommendations which will, in short, determine if CCS has earned accreditation for what will be their third consecutive cycle since 1999.
CCS Administrator thanks their faculty and Mrs. Shelley Watkins who has served as their accreditation facilitator for eighteen years. Together with many other volunteers, their team has devoted thousands of hours to this project over the last two years. They do it because they love CCS and the children of the community, and they want to make this school the best it can be.
Why is pi 3.1415…? What if it was just 3? –Anonymous
Dear Curious Readers,
It’s almost March 14. You know what that means: Pi Day, as in 3/14, or 3.14159265359 and so on.
I met up with my friend Nathan Hamlin, a mathematician and instructor here at Washington State University, to explore your question about this never-ending number.
We calculated Pi with some of my favorite items: yarn and a tuna can. You can try it at home, too.
We cut a piece of yarn that was just long enough to go around the circumference of the tuna can. Next, we straightened the yarn out and measured it with a ruler.
Then, we took a piece of yarn and laid it across the top of the tuna can. That gave us its diameter.
Then we did some division. If you try this at home and are still working on your long division, you can use a calculator.
We took the circumference and divided it by the diameter. We tried our yarn measurements again with a plate and a clock. We had to be very precise, but every time we divided the numbers, we got the same answer: about 3.14.
“Pi is part of the nature of the circle,” Hamlin said. “If the ratio was different, it wouldn’t be a circle.”
So, that makes your second question a bit tricky. If Pi wasn’t 3.1415 and so on, circles wouldn’t exist as we know them today.
I also found out there was a mathematician in Indiana who was convinced Pi was actually 3.2. He even tried to make it a law so all the students in the state would have to use that number in their math classes. Of course, it didn’t pass.
Hamlin said if Pi really were 3.2 or 3, it would mean Pi was a rational number.
Rational numbers include fractions, counting numbers, negative numbers, numbers with decimals that end (ex: 3.0374), and numbers with decimals that repeat (ex: 0.33333).
“This kind of goes back to one of the things in the ancient world, which was when math was first developed,” Hamlin said. “People thought that the world was a more rational place than it was.”
People thought the universe—and math—would be more orderly or logical than it turned out.
“There’s a story that’s told by math teachers that when the Pythagoreans discovered there was an irrational number, they were all on a ship together,” Hamlin said. “The person who figured it out, well, they through him overboard!”
Pi is an irrational number. Unlike the rational numbers that have sections of repeating digits after the decimal, Pi’s digits look a little different. To give you an idea, here are just the first hundred digits of Pi: 3.1415926535897932384626433832795028841971693993751058209749445923078164062862089986280348253421170679.
You can find Pi in nature, too. For example, you can find it in the pupil of our eyes or ringed splashes in ponds. Albert Einstein even found Pi in the shapes of rivers. It just so happens Pi Day falls on Einstein’s birthday, March 14. OK, he was born in 1879, not 1592.
I think I’ll celebrate math and science with a nice slice of tuna fish pie.
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe
Got a science question? E-mail Dr. Wendy Sue Universe at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu. Ask Dr. Universe is a science-education project from Washington State University.
Hi, Dr. Universe, Can you hear in space? -a curious reader
Dear curious reader,
Your question reminds me of an experiment: You put a ringing alarm clock in a jar and use a hose to slowly suck out all the air. As the air escapes, the ringing gets quieter until there’s no sound at all.
The inside of the jar becomes what scientists call a vacuum. It’s empty. Just like space.
Despite any zooms and explosions you may have heard in movies about outer space, sound actually can’t travel through empty space. That’s why on the moon, where there is no air, astronauts have to use radios to talk with each other.
But here on Earth, all kinds of sounds are traveling through air, water, and other objects. The molecules that make up these objects help the sound travel.
That’s what I found out when I visited my friend Allison Coffin to learn more about how sound moves. Coffin is a brain scientist here at Washington State University. In her research, she investigates hearing and hearing loss.
She explained that when you hear a sound, somewhere around you an object was moving, or vibrating. If you’ve ever strummed a rubber band you’ve probably heard, and maybe even seen, this at work.
The molecules that make up water or air sort of bump into each other as they vibrate. They pass on their motion to neighboring molecules.
While sound doesn’t travel through empty space, there are other places off our planet where scientists have detected sound waves. For example, some scientists have used different machines to pick up sound waves from gas clouds beyond our atmosphere.
“In general, the sounds are probably so low a frequency, a mega bass, that our ears can’t hear it,” Coffin said. “In fact, I don’t know of any animal on Earth that could hear sounds so low.”
Meanwhile, in Earth’s atmosphere, animals can hear a range of sounds. Sound that travels through air moves about 1,114 feet in a second. Underwater, sound moves about four times faster.
Coffin explained how sounds beneath Earth’s water tend to have a low frequency. The sounds travel a lot farther and reach their destination faster than high frequency sounds.
“Think about songs of baleen whales, like humpbacks and blue whales,” she adds. “Higher frequency sounds don’t travel as far because they bounce off things and get reflected back (by) things like corals, rocks, and boats.”
The songs of baleen whales can travel so far that some scientists have found that whales can hear each other from nearly a thousand miles away. That’s farther than the distance from Seattle to Los Angeles.
The next time you hear a sound, think about all of the molecules that helped carry it to your ears. Think about how far it traveled and what it traveled through. And remember, it’s quiet out there between the planets and stars.
You can try your own experiments in sound and explore other projects at pinterest.com/AskDrUniverse. Send a picture of your project to Dr.Universe@wsu.edu for a chance to be featured on my website.
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe
Got a science question? E-mail Dr. Wendy Sue Universe at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu. Ask Dr. Universe is a science-education project from Washington State University.
Muskegon – Shoreline Vision Ambulatory Surgical Center has once again achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Accreditation distinguishes the Shoreline Vision ASC from many other outpatient facilities by providing the highest quality of care to its patients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation.
Status as an accredited organization means Shoreline Vision ASC has met nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care as set by AAAHC. More than 6,000 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by AAAHC. Not all ambulatory health care organizations seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous on-site survey process are granted accreditation.
“We believe our patients deserve the best,” stated Michelle Cassens, RN, Executive Director of Shoreline Vision. “When you see our certificate of accreditation, you will know that AAAHC, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has closely examined our facility and procedures. It means we as an organization care enough about our patients to strive to provide the highest quality of care.”
Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by AAAHC undergo an extensive self-assessment and on-site survey by AAAHC expert surveyors – physicians, nurses, and administrators who are actively involved in ambulatory health care. The survey is consultative and educational, presenting best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.
“Going through the process challenged us to find better ways to serve our patients, and it is a constant reminder that our responsibility is to strive to continuously improve the quality of care we provide,” said Cassens.
In addition to its main campus and eye surgery center on Sherman Boulevard in Muskegon, Shoreline Vision has convenient locations in Fremont, North Muskegon, Norton Shores, Grand Haven, and Spring Lake. For more information, call Jennifer Scofield, Shoreline Vision Marketing Manager at 231.737.4717.
Donate your tax refund for a world without Alzheimer’s disease!
As a Michigan taxpayer, you can quickly and easily help a family living with Alzheimer’s disease by donating all or part of your tax return to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Call us for information or ask your tax preparer about Tax Form 4642 to donate.
Samantha West | Communications Director | Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter | Office: 734.369.2716 | swest@alz.org | www.alz.org/mglc | 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
* Dear readers, what kind of science are you up to this week? Tweet @AskDrUniverse or tell me in an e-mail for a chance to win a Dr. Universe shirt.
Dear Dr. Universe, How does a chameleon change colors? -Jasmine B. 12, Nepean, Canada & Marie F., 11, Ghana
Dear Jasmine and Marie,
There’s something about a chameleon’s darting eyes, long tongue, curled tail, and ability to climb that makes it a fascinating animal to watch. Especially when it’s changing colors.
And the latest research on your question suggests that how a chameleon changes has more to do with light than scientists once thought.
That’s what I learned from my friend Paul Verrell, a biologist at Washington State University who studies animal behavior and works with reptiles. He said not all chameleons change colors. They also don’t necessarily use their colors to hide from predators. Since many are green, they often naturally blend in with plants in their environment. Instead, changing colors can help chameleons maintain their temperature or communicate that they’re interested in a mate.
“The big question is, how can chameleons change their colors so hugely, sometimes in very short periods of time?” Verrell said. “Well, let’s think of a different animal that can change its color. Octopuses are very famous for being able to change their color. They can change their color according to their moods.”
If we zoom into the cells that make up octopus skin we find tiny particles, called pigments, that give them their natural color. Depending on whether those pigments are packed closely together or farther apart, the color of the octopus changes.
For many years, people thought chameleon skin was very similar to that of octopuses. But now we know it’s not that simple.
Chameleon skin has quite a few layers. Underneath its scales are layers of cells with different pigments. The next layers are made up of crystals that create a crisscross pattern, or lattice.
The Swiss scientists who discovered these structures actually described them as selective mirrors, Verrell said. When light shines through a chameleon’s scales, it goes through the different layers and hits the lattices. The lattices reflect the light back out.
And they reflect the light out in different colors, depending on how closely the crystals are packed together in the lattice.
If the crisscross pattern is tight, we’ll usually see blue. But as light travels through the chameleon’s skin it may hit those tiny mirrors and bounce through some yellow pigments in the layer above. As it does this, we see green.
It’s almost like mixing blue and yellow paint to get green. But instead of paint, chameleons use light and their skin layers.
If the crisscross pattern of particles is looser, we’ll usually see more red. If the red passes through the yellow layer above, we’ll see more orange colors.
Another big question that remains is how exactly chameleons change these structures in their cells.
“I think the answer is we aren’t really sure,” Verrell adds. “The color changes are pretty rapid. I would hypothesize that it has something to do with its control by nerves, but we haven’t really worked out the details.”
As is often the case, the answer to your question leaves us with, well, even more questions.
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe
Got a science question? E-mail Dr. Wendy Sue Universe at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu. Ask Dr. Universe is a science-education project from Washington State University.
Grand Valley State University announces the names of our most recent graduates completing their degrees at the conclusion of the Spring/Summer 2015 semester in August.
Grand Valley is dedicated to providing a rich learning environment for students, offering a wide range of majors and hands-on research opportunities. Highly credentialed and responsive faculty and individual advisors and mentors promote a liberal arts emphasis that teaches students critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Students who graduated at the conclusion of the Spring/Summer 2015 semester in August include:
Fruitport: Kristine M. Harig, BS; Meghan M. Marshall, BSN
Muskegon (49444): Brenden T. Cooper, BS; Melissa S. Stark, MS
Nunica: Jennie A. Paggeot, BS
Ravenna: Autumn L. Brodeur, BS
Spring Lake: Stephen A. Annese, BS; Derek J. Barrett, BS; Skylar R. Bench, BA; Lindsay A. Bogi, BA; Jordan A. Coleman, BBA; Michael R. Dodge, MED; Sarah N. Krebs, BS; Timothy D. Leete, BA; Karen T. Lomeo, BA; Kurt M. McCool, MED; Thomas J. Meerman, MED; Caitlin A. O’Neill, MSW; Whitney R. Wells, BS; Jennifer L. Woods, MED
Sterling Heights: Vlad Borza, MED; Brittney S. Gibson, MS; Katelyn M. Smith, BS; Emily Stewart, BA; Jacob R. Szocinski, DPT; Darren M. Washington, BS
Muskegon, Mich—The Muskegon Museum of Art announces that it will be open every day during the area’s K-12 spring break, Sunday, April 3 through Saturday, April 9 and will offer half off each admission (regularly $8) for each adult accompanied by a child Monday, April 4 through Friday, April 8. Admission will be free all day Saturday, April 9. Three family-friendly exhibitions will be open at the MMA during Spring Break and the MMA will offer three special programs during the week.
PROGRAMS
Monday, April 4 through Thursday, April 7, 9:00 am to noon
Spring Break Art Camp
Artist, Architect, Designer
(ages 7-11) Instructor: Ellen Sprouls
Cost per day: $20/$17 MMA member/Cost for the week: $75/$65 MMA member
MONDAY: Character creation • TUESDAY: What’s their story? WEDNESDAY: Design & build the space • THURSDAY: Finishing touches
Creative types wanted! This art camp will tap into the artist, architect, and designer in each child. Students will create stories for their own buildings and the characters within them, then design and construct their buildings and characters. Inspiration will come from visiting the MMA galleries, brainstorming with each other, and, ultimately, from their own imaginations. To register for the week or by the day: Call 231.720.2571.
Thursday, April 7, 5:30 pm
Kid’s Quick Art Crash Course
Learn and have fun at this gallery walk and talk geared toward kids! MMA Curator of Education Cathy Mott will guide families through I, Too, Am America: The Art of Bryan Collier and Expressions 2016: 34th Annual Muskegon County Student Art Exhibition. Kids will experience their fellow students’ artwork to emphasize that the leap between what they are capable of now, and what they can achieve, is not as far as it seems. Refreshments will be served. Part of FINDING COMMON GROUND series of free community programs. Sponsored by the Michigan Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
April 9, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Action Figure Super Saturday
Free Family Fun Day: Admission and activities are free all day!
Zoom, zap, or fly your way into the MMA for this action-packed Super Saturday. Dress as your favorite action figures or, even better, make one up! Super Saturdays are underwritten by MMA Education Partner, Alcoa Foundation/Whitehall Operations.
11:00 am & 1:30 pm Film The Avengers (143 mins.) Watch your favorite action heroes as they learn to work together as team in order to conquer the evil Loki.
11:00 am–1:00 pm Guided Look: Superheroes move fast! Find works of art in the MMA’s permanent collection that show lots of movement.
11:00 am–2:00 pm Make & Take: Invent and create your own mini superhero. Don’t forget the best part—what is your superhero’s super power?
EXHIBITIONS
March 29 through April 24
Expressions: 34th Annual Muskegon County Student Art Exhibition
Celebrate the artistic talents of Muskegon County K-12 students! Underwritten by the MAISD with additional support from Old Orchard and Comerica Bank.
See it through April 17!
I, Too, Am America: The Art of Bryan Collier
The original art of Bryan Collier, created for his picture book I, Too, Am America. Underwritten by the Folkert Family Foundation.
Through May 22
Native Visions
Indian Painting of the Southwest, 1920s–1940s, from the Collection of Charlotte Mittler
Artwork by Indian School students depicting memories of home life, craft-making, ceremonial dances, hunting, animals, and landscape. Underwritten by Hines Corporation with additional support from Frontier Communications and Legacy Trust. Media sponsor is Blue Lake Public Radio.
The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave. in downtown Muskegon, Michigan, next to Hackley Public Library. Visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org or call 231.720.2570 for visitor information.
SPRING BREAK HOURS: MTWFS 11-5, Thursday 11-8, Sunday 12-5
ADMISSION: $8 adult/$5 college student with I.D./FREE for ages 17 & under & MMA members.
FREE Thursday nights 4-8pm, compliments of Meijer.
A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 22, 2016, in the township board room.
Members Present: Brian Werschem; Carol Hulka, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Ron Becklin, Dave Markgraf, and Marjorie Nash
Member Absent: Trustee Chuck Whitlow–excused
Also Present: many residents; Public Safety Director, Michelli and DPW Director, Farrar
At 7:00 p.m., Supervisor Werschem opened the regular meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance followed with a prayer.
The meeting minutes of February 8, 2016, regular meeting, were approved as presented.
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Carol Hulka, was carried unanimously, to amend the meeting agenda of February 22, 2016, by adding Public Comments after Badge Presentations.
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1) Michigan Townships Association legislative updates
2) Planning Commission minutes dated February 16, 2016
3) Muskegon County Chapter of Michigan Townships Association quarterly meeting will be held at Fruitport Township on February 29th
4) Bike Time is scheduled for July 16 – 18
16-023 Badge Presentations
Badges were presented to three Township employees in their new positions during a badge presentation. Brian Michelli, Public Safety Director, was presented his badge from Supervisor Werschem; David Mayette, Battalion Chief, was presented his badge from Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli; and Adam Morse, full time fire fighter, was presented his badge from Public Safety Director, Brian Michelli.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – PART 1
The following residents voiced their opinions concerning the township superintendent issue-
Linda Corinti, Oak Street
Mac McKenna, Silver Birch
Ron Cooper, E. Pontaluna
Greg Dillon, Josephine
Marty Hulka, East Broadway who also gave an overview of a legal opinion on this issue of a township superintendent written by resident and Attorney James Waters
Mariann Cooper, E. Pontaluna
Laura Oldt, 1st Street
Sandra Engle, E. Ellis
Greg Hulka, Romedius
Mark Carmean, E. Fruitport
Kim West, N. Point Drive
Ruth Vanderstelt, 6th. Street
Julie Wright, Vandenberg
Bruce DeVries, Pontaluna
County Commissioner, Marv Engle, Sheridan, handed out statutory duties of Township Supervisor, Township Clerk, Township Treasurer, and Township Board
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 16-024 Consideration of Township Superintendent
(a.) Marjorie Nash moved, Dave Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to un-table the consideration of a township superintendent.
Ayes: Nash, Markgraf, Becklin, Dillon, Hulka, Werschem
Nays: None
(b.) Marjorie Nash moved, Dave Markgraf seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to remove the topic of township superintendent from the agenda for good with no further discussion.
Ayes: Nash, Markgraf, Becklin, Dillon, Hulka Werschem
Nays: None
16-025 2016-2017 Budget
Further discussion took place concerning the 2016-2017 budget with adjustments added including new voting machines and a new cemetery map.
NEW BUSINESS: 16-026 Fruitport Lions OFD Event Agreement
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Dave Markgraf, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the Fruitport Lions Old Fashioned Days agreement as presented.
Ayes: Dillon, Markgraf, Hulka, Nash, Becklin, Werschem
Nays: None
16-027 Truth in Taxation Public Hearing
(a.) Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Dave Markgraf, MOTION CARRIED, to open the Truth in Taxation hearing at 7:57 p.m.
Ayes: Dillon, Markgraf, Hulka, Nash, Becklin, Werschem
Nays: None
(b.) Public Hearing: The Supervisor announced the proposed millage rates as follows: General Fund at the millage rate of .9965, Public Safety at 1.50 mills, Police at 1.00 mills and street lighting at .45 mills. Supervisor Werschem added that the rates are the lowest in Muskegon County.
Sandra Engle, E. Ellis, questioned the police and fire percentages on the budget.
Marty Hulka, East Broadway, commented on the street lights.
The Board discussed the police and fire renewal millage and the police renewal millage that will be on the May ballot.
No further discussion was heard. Budget adoption of the 2016-2017 townships budgets will be done at the next meeting on March 14, 2016.
(c.) The motion by Dave Markgraf, supported by Ron Becklin, was Carried Unanimously, to close the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. and return to open session.
16-028 Liquor License Application West Star Management LLC
Brian Werschem moved, Rose Dillon seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to deny the application from West Star Management, LLC for a Class C and Specially Designated Merchant license to be located at 1720 E. Sternberg Road, Suite 80, Muskegon, MI 49444. It was recommended that the business owner further talk with officials regarding potential building and fire code violations.
16-029 Payoff of Fire Truck 562
The motion by Ron Becklin, seconded by Marjorie Nash, was Carried Unanimously, to table this issue until the next board meeting.
16-030 New Fire Truck to Replace Outgoing Truck
The motion by Ron Becklin, seconded by Marjorie Nash, was Carried Unanimously, to table this issue until the next board meeting.
16-031 Payment of Bills
Dave Markgraf moved, seconded by Carol Hulka, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills for payment in the following amounts: General Fund & Parks $15,995,73; Public Safety $24,939.12; Totaling: 40,934.85
Ayes: Markgraf, Hulka, Dillon, Nash, Becklin, Werschem
Nays: None
REPORTS – None
PUBLIC COMMENTS – PART II
Ruth Vanderstelt, 6th Street, expressed the desire to have a Citizens Committee in Fruitport Township. Resident Chuck Larson agreed and offered to be on the committee.
Laura Oldt, 1st Street, commented on a use for the township marquee located in front of the township hall, would be to post when meetings are held.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
A work session of the Fruitport Charter Township Board began at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2016, in the township board room.
Members Present: Brian Werschem, Supervisor; Carol Hulka, Clerk; Rose Dillon, Treasurer; Trustees Ron Beck and Marjorie Nash
Members Absent: Trustee Dave Markgraf and Trustee Chuck Whitlow–excused
At 7:05 p.m., Supervisor Werschem opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.
Also Present: 0– residents; 0–guests; 0–employees; DPW Director, Farrar; Public Safety Director, Doctor and Deputy Fire Chief, Michelli
The December 14, 2015 meeting minutes—regular meeting—were approved as presented.
The January 25, 2016 meeting agenda was approved as presented
CORRESPONDENCE / REPORTS
1) Michigan Townships Association (MTA) legislative up-dates
2) Fruitport Township Parks & Recreation meeting minutes of August 25th
3) Notice of Hearing—DTE Gas Company. DTE requests Michigan Public Service Commission approval to increase its annual natural gas distribution revenues. A typical residential customer’s average natural gas distribution bill may increase by about $7.63 per month.
4) Notice of Hearing—Michigan Gas Utilities. Michigan Gas Utilities requests Michigan Public Service Commission approval to implement a gas cost recovery plan to compute its natural gas customers’ bills.
5) Fruitport Drinking Water, Lead Information Sheet, supplied by Matt Farrar, Fruitport Township Utility Director
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS– None
NEW BUSINESS 16-001 Purchase of Police Vehicles
2016-2017 is the year to cycle out old police vehicles and bring in new replacement vehicles.
Ron Becklin moved, supported by Marjorie Nash, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the purchase of three police cruisers and one police SUV from Borgman Ford Motor Leasing and dispose of the three older cruisers in form of a trade-in when the new cruisers come in. The recommendation came from the Public Safety Committee, Chief Doctor, and Supervisor Werschem.
Ayes: Becklin, Nash, Dillon, Hulka, Werschem
Nays: None
16-002 Revision of Cemetery Rates for Pine Hill Cemetery, Fruitport Township
Discussion took place on revision of cemetery rates for Pine Hill Cemetery as prices have not been increased since 1998. This constitutes the first reading. Final action will be taken at the February 8, 2016 board meeting.
16-003 Budget Adjustments
Carol Hulka moved, Ron Becklin seconded, MOTION CARRIED, to approve the budget adjustments as presented.
Ayes: Hulka, Becklin, Nash, Dillon, Werschem
Nays: None
16-004 Retirement Request from Public Safety Director, Ken Doctor
The motion by Rose Dillon, supported by Ron Becklin, was carried unanimously, to accept the retirement of Ken Doctor as Public Safety Director, effective end of business day February 12, 2016.
16-005 Public Safety Director
With the retirement of Ken Doctor as Public Safety Director, discussion lead to Deputy Chief Michelli, who has been in training for several years as the next Public Safety Director for the Township.
Ron Becklin moved, supported by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, to authorize the Supervisor to negotiate a potential contract with Deputy Chief Michelli and present it as a possible contract for approval at the February 8, 2016 board meeting, with the effective date of the contract being February 15, 2016. The recommendation came from the Public Safety Committee and Supervisor Werschem.
Ayes: Becklin, Dillon, Nash, Hulka, Werschem
Nays: None
16-006 Vacancy in Fire Department
In the event that Deputy Chief Michelli accepts a contract as the next Public Safety Director, this will create a vacancy in the fire department.
Rose Dillon moved, seconded by Ron Becklin, MOTIONCARRIED, to (1) promote a Battalion Chief from within the fire department and present a candidate and (2) authorize the fire department to do an internal posting to the paid on call firefighters to fill a full time fire fighter vacancy. The promotion and candidate are to be presented at February 8th meeting.
Ayes: Dillon, Becklin, Nash, Hulka, Werschem
Nays: None
16-007 Public Safety Millage Renewals
Marjorie Nash moved, supported by Carol Hulka, MOTIONCARRIED, to request the County Clerk to place the following two millage propositions on the May 3, 2016 Election ballot.
PUBLIC SAFETY RENEWAL MILLAGE PROPOSITION
Shall a renewal of the present voter-approved increase in the statutory limitation on taxes levied on all property in the township be approved in the amount of 1.5 mills ($1.50 per $1,000) on the taxable values for a five year period with the levy to commence on December 1, 2016, to provide police and fire protection services? The Township estimates that it would receive approximately $664,568.00 each year. This proposed millage is a renewal of an existing millage.
POLICE DEPARTMENT RENEWAL MILLAGE PROPOSITION
Shall a renewal of the present voter-approved increase in the statutory limitation on taxes levied on all property in the township be approved in the amount of 1 mill (1.00 per $1,000) on the taxable values for a five year period with the levy to commence on December 1, 2016, to provide police protection services and maintaining the Township police department? The Township estimates that it would receive approximately $443,045.00 each year. This proposed millage is a renewal of an existing millage.
Ayes: Nash, Hulka, Dillon, Becklin, Werschem
Nays: None
16-008 Public Works Ordinance Update
Ron Becklin moved, seconded by Rose Dillon, MOTION CARRIED, for the adoption of the Revised WATER Rate Resolution and the Revised SEWER Rate Resolution that will establish various water system charges and fees which are authorized by the Fruitport Charter Township Water System and Administration Ordinance.
Ayes: Becklin, Dillon, Hulka, Nash, Werschem
Nays: None
16-009 MADL Agreement
Rose Dillon moved, Ron Becklin supported, MOTION CARRIED, for the adoption of the Intergovernmental Agreement and authorize the Supervisor and Clerk to execute the Agreement. The Agreement is entered into by the Village of Fruitport, the Charter Township of Fruitport, the Muskegon Area District Library, the Clerk of Muskegon County, and the County of Muskegon.
Ayes: Dillon, Becklin, Nash, Hulka, Werschem
Nays: None
16-010 2016-2017 Budget
Discussion took place on the 2016-2017 Budget. The Truth in Taxation hearing will tentatively take place at the meeting held on February 22, 2016, with adoption of the budget on March 14, 2016.
16-011 Reappointments on Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals
The motion by Rose Dillon, seconded by Carol Hulka, was carried unanimously, to reappoint the following positions:
Jeff Jacobs to another 3-year term on Planning Commission
John Winskas to another 3-year term on Zoning Board of Appeals
Joe DeMarco to another 3-year term on Zoning Board of Appeals
16-012 Payment of Bills
Marjorie Nash moved, seconded by Carol Hulka, MOTION CARRIED, to approve bills for payment in the following amounts: General Fund & Parks: $62,029.25; Public Safety 63,224.21$ Water: $19,167.73; and Sewer: $3,639.00 – Total: $148,060.19
Ayes: Nash, Hulka, Becklin, Dillon, Werschem
Nays: None
AGENDA
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP HALL
5865 AIRLINE ROAD, FRUITPORT, MI 49415
09/28/2015
5:45 Public Safety Committee
6:30 WORK SESSION
7:00 P.M. BOARD MEETING
01. Pledge of Allegiance
02. Roll Call
03. Approval of Board Minutes: 09/14/15 Regular Meeting
04. Approve / Amend Agenda
05. Correspondence / Reports
06. Public Comments
07. Unfinished Business
A.None
08. New Business
A.Fiber Technologies L.L.C. METRO Act Permit
B.Zone Change for Parcel 61-15-630-028-0006-00 from R4 to R1 – 1st Reading
C.Resignation Request from Morris Dadd from Planning Commission Effective October 31st , 2015
D.Resolution of Recognition – Morris Dadd
E.Recommendation to fill Planning Commission Vacancy
Engineer: Brett Suchecki Effective November 1st , 2015
09. Approval of Bills
10. Reports
11. Public Comments
12. Adjournment
The Township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services for this meeting to individuals
with disabilities by writing or telephoning the following Township Clerk: Carol Hulka, Fruitport
Township Hall, 5865 Airline Road, Fruitport, MI 49415 – (231) 865-3151
03/14/2016 – 4th Annual Winter Lecture Series The USS Silversides Submarine Museum is proud to present the 4th Annual Winter Lecture Series! Please join them for this wonderful New York Times recognized celebration of our American heroes. All presentations begin at 6:00pm. The cost is $7 per person or free with a USS Silversides Submarine Museum Membership. March 14, it’s “Just War Theory in the 21st Century” with Professor Durham of Aquinas College. For more information, call 231-755-1230.
03/16/2016 – Honoring Our Veterans Dinner The USS Silversides Submarine Museum is proud to present the 7th “Honoring Our Veterans Dinner” in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen including the Presentation of the Dr. Robert E. Garrison Award, happening March 16 at 5:30pm. This special evening will include dinner, a presentation of the Robert E. Garrison Award to Paula Tillman in recognition of faithful and diligent service to country and community, and the chance to view an exhibit on US Navy Divers featuring Carl Brashear.
Tickets are $25.00 and seating is limited, so please call soon to make your reservation. Tickets may be purchased individually or tables may be sponsored by you or your organization to help them honor this wonderful community of veterans. Tickets will not be held beyond 4:00pm Monday, March 11, 2016 without payment. To make reservations, please contact Teresa Folkmier at 231-755-1230 ext. 225 or email tfolkmier@silversidesmuseum.org.
03/17/2016 – Lumberjacks Hockey Home Game! After finishing second in the chase for the USHL’s top prize – the Clark Cup, the Lumberjacks are back this season again to play tonight against the Waterloo Black Hawks as the Jacks celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! The puck drops at 7:15pm. Be there to support our hockey. GO JACKS! LC Walker Arena is located at 955 Fourth Street, downtown Muskegon.
03/18/2016 – 03/19/16 Junk to Jewels Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19 from 9:00am-3:00pm, you’re invited to the Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club for the “Junk to Jewels” sale! This indoor garage sale will have an amazing variety of clothes, furniture and everything in between! Donations are being accepted by contacting Dianne at 231-241-0007.
03/18/2016 – International Women’s Day/ Half The Sky As part of the continuing collaboration between MCA/Red Lotus and Red Tent West Michigan to celebrate International Women’s Day, they will be viewing the documentary “Half The Sky”.
“Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” is a four-hour series shot in 10 countries: Cambodia, Kenya, India, Sierra Leone, Somaliland, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Liberia and the U.S. Inspired by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn’s book, the documentary series introduces women and girls who are living under some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable – and fighting bravely to change them. Traveling with intrepid reporter Nicholas Kristof and A-list celebrity advocates America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union and Olivia Wilde, the film reflects viable and sustainable options for empowerment and offers an actionable blueprint for transformation.
Since this is such a long film in two parts, they will be viewing the first half at the gallery only.
They are not charging for tickets, however they are asking for donations to raise money for Every Woman’s Place, a local women’s shelter.
03/18/2016 – Lumberjacks Hockey Home Game! After finishing second in the chase for the USHL’s top prize – the Clark Cup, the Lumberjacks are back this season again to play tonight and tomorrow for back to back games with the Youngstown Phantoms. The puck drops at 7:15pm both nights. Friday is $1 beer and hotdog night. Saturday is Minion Night with a trading card giveaway! Be there to support our hockey. GO JACKS! LC Walker Arena is located at 955 Fourth Street, downtown Muskegon.
03/18/2016 – 03/19/16 Flanagan’s Wake March 18-19, the Muskegon Civic Theatre presents “Flanagan’s Wake”, an interactive comedy with music at the Hackley Administration Building locate at 349 W. Webster Ave. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show begins at 7:30pm. General admission is $15 at the door and there will be a cash bar. For more information, visit muskegoncivictheatre.org.
03/19/2016 – Hippity Hop ..here comes the Bunny! On Saturday, March 19 (at the Easter/Bunny Photo Set) the Lakes Mall will be handing out free goodie bags to shoppers. The goodie bags will contain coupons, special offers, stickers, bounce backs, swag items, and product information. They will be handed out to the first 200 shoppers at the Bunny Set (no purchase necessary). For more information, visit the lakesmall.com.
03/19/2016 – Easter Egg Drop Saturday, March 19 starting at 1:00pm, come to Walker Memorial Library for the Easter Egg Drop! The Easter Bunny, with the assistance of the north Muskegon Fire Department and Northside Lions, will drop approximately 5,000 candy-filled eggs for the children of the community collect! Age groups are 0-4, 8-10 and 10 & up. The younger children will start first. There’ll also be activities, prizes, snacks and games in the Community Center. In case of stormy weather, the event will be moved to March 26 at 11:00am. For more information, call 231-744-6080.
03/19/2016 – Cooking With Pasta Part 2: Sauce Like a Boss with Chef Char Saturday, March 19 at 1:00pm, you’re invited to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the class “Cooking With Pasta Part 2: Sauce Like a Boss with Chef Char!” While you will be making fresh pasta in this class, you will also be serving up some interesting and delicious sauces for a variety of healthy meal possibilities at home. Learn to make homemade pesto, red wine marinara sauce and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce to serve over fresh egg pasta. This class is for adults and older teens. Register by visiting the website below.
03/19/2016 – Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 19 children aged 10 and under are invited to First Presbyterian Church for refreshments at 2:00pm, along with an opportunity to decorate an Easter Egg cookie and make a bag to collect their eggs. At 2:30pm, children will be divided into age groups to hunt for eggs. For more information, call 231-730-0887.
03/19/2016 – Open Mic Night hosted by Hannah Cater Saturday, March 19 from 5:30-7:30pm, The Coffee Factory is looking for Muskegon’s inspiring singers, songwriters and musicians to perform at their open mic nights. Hannah Cater will host. For more information, call 231-747-9896.
03/19/2016 – Lumberjacks Hockey Home Game! After finishing second in the chase for the USHL’s top prize – the Clark Cup, the Lumberjacks are back this season again to play tonight and tomorrow for back to back games with the Youngstown Phantoms. The puck drops at 7:15pm both nights. Friday is $1 beer and hotdog night. Saturday is Minion Night with a trading card giveaway! Be there to support our hockey. GO JACKS! LC Walker Arena is located at 955 Fourth Street, downtown Muskegon.
03/19/2016 – Concert @The Block: Goran Ivanovic Trio Saturday, March 19 at 7:30pm, The Block is thrilled to welcome back Chicago based jazz guitarist Goran Ivanovic. A native of Croatia, Ivanovic embraces his traditional Balkan folk music with an amalgamation of flamenco, Balkan, classical, blues and jazz. His trio (guitar, bass and drums) performs a fusion of foreign folk music with the improvisational aesthetics of American jazz. For tickets or more information, call 231-726-3231 x223.
03/19/2016 – Ben Bedford in Concert Saturday, March 19 at 7:30pm, come to the Howmet Playhouse for Ben Bedford in Concert with Special Guests Karen and Eric Smith! Ben Bedford delivers intriguing sketches of America, its individuals, their victories and their struggles. Poignant, but never sentimental, Bedford’s portrait-like songs capture the vitality of his characters and draw the listener deep into the narratives. With three albums to his credit, his latest album, The Pilot and the Flying Machine, is set to release soon. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. For more information, call 231-894-4048.
03/20/2016 – West Michigan Ironmen Professional Football Game West Michigan’s only professional football team is coming to Muskegon LC Walker Arena. This is your team West Michigan! General admission upper bowl tickets are just $8 each or you can get the VIP -hottest tickets in town for $25.00 each. These tickets will put you in the action every week! This week the Ironmen VS North Kentucky Nightmare at 3:15.
03/21/2016 – Muskegon Community College Job Fair More than 40 different employers will be at the Job Fair being hosted by Muskegon Community College on Monday, March 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Collegiate Hall at 221 S. Quarterline Rd. The event, which is coordinated by the MCC Student Life Office, is free and open to the public. Participants are asked to bring resumes and to dress appropriately for interviewing. For more information, contact (231) 777-0216.
03/21/2016 – 4th Annual Winter Lecture Series The USS Silversides Submarine Museum is proud to present the 4th Annual Winter Lecture Series! Please join them for this wonderful New York Times recognized celebration of our American heroes. All presentations begin at 6:00pm. The cost is $7 per person or free with a USS Silversides Submarine Museum Membership. March 21, it’s “How Do We Memorialize War Through Art?” with Art Historian, Tim Norris. For more information, call 231-755-1230.
Ongoing Events:
Storytelling through the Mail: Tall Tale Postcards The Lakeshore Museum Center invites you to explore the exhibit “Storytelling through the Mail: Tall Tale Postcards.” Imagine a land where corn grows to the size of tree trunks; where the lakes are so cold the trout have fur coats; where deer have become the hunters and men are their prey. These assorted oddities come vividly to life in this exhibit at the Lakeshore Museum Center. Tall tales are humorous stories of exaggeration that often involve ludicrous or absurd imagery. The exhibit features over 80 tall tale postcards demonstrating this unique form of popular humor. The exhibit is on loan from the Michigan State University Museum. The Lakeshore Museum Center is located at 430 W. Clay Ave. Hours are weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from Noon to 4:00pm. Admission is free. For more information, visit lakeshoremuseum.org.
A Bridge Between: Whitehall and Montague . The Lakeshore Museum Center invites you to view the exhibit, “A Bridge Between: Whitehall and Montague.” Artifacts and photographs tell the story of the early days of Montague and Whitehall when the cities got their start during the lumbering industry. Lumber mills attracted workers who needed housing, food, and supplies so stores and hotels were built. Businesses like tanneries and shingle mills which made use of the excess bark and wood from lumbering also moved into the community. Hours are weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from Noon to 4:00pm. Admission is free. For more information, visit lakeshoremuseum.org
Marsh Field: 1916 – 2016 The history of Marcs Field is explored in a small display at the Lakeshore Museum Center. Photographs and text recount 100 years of baseball played at this Muskegon park. Marsh Field has hosted everything from community events to Major League affiliate baseball teams. Baseball Hall of Fame Players, like Satchel Paige, have played there as well as hometown heroes like Earl Morrall. Learn more about the history of Marsh Field now through June of 2016. The Lakeshore Museum Center is located at 430 W. Clay Ave. Hours are weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and Saturdays from Noon to 4:00pm. Admission is free. For more information visit lakeshoremuseum.org.
88th Regional Exhibition Artwork Entry Registration Through March 19, 2016, the 88th Regional Exhibition Artwork Entry Registration is open. The Muskegon Museum of Art has established a digital artwork entry process for its 88th Regional Exhibition, for the first time in the competitive Regional’s long history. Online entry is available through the callforentry.org (CaFÉ) website. Search keyword “Muskegon” to find the show. Free CaFÉ registration is required for entry. The 88th Regional will run from May 12 through August 3, 2016. The deadline for entry is March 19, 2016. Hand delivery days for accepted artwork will be April 21, 22, and 23.
Easter Bunny at the Lakes Mall March 12 through March 26, the Easter Bunny will be at the Lakes Mall. For more information, call Chrissy at 231-798-7104 ext. 221 or visit the website below.
Reading by Any Means Necessary You’re invited to the James Jackson Museum of African American History for the “Reading…by any means necessary” program, every Monday through Saturday from 2:00-5:30pm. The museum is located at 7 E. Center St. in Muskegon Heights. Call 231-739-9500 for more information.
Solar Superstorms A fury is building on the surface of the sun, with high-velocity jets, a fiery tsunami wave that reaches 100,000 kilometers high, and rising loops of electrified gas. What’s driving these strange phenomena? How will they affect planet Earth? Find the answers as we venture into the seething interior of our star with “Solar Superstorms,” which takes viewers into dramatic flares, violent solar tornadoes, and the largest eruptions in the solar system: coronal mass ejections. This NEW 30-minute program at Muskegon Community College (room 135, 221 S. Quarterline Rd, Muskegon) will be at 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 12 – March 31 (except: closed Mar 1 & 3 for spring break), and will be followed by a brief constellation demonstration projected on the planetarium dome. As always, the show is free, and no reservations are needed. Doors open for seating at 6:45pm. For more information, or to schedule a private show for groups of 15-44, please call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.
COMMON GROUND: African American Art December 10, 2015 through March 20, 2016, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the exhibition, “COMMON GROUND: African American Art from the Flint Institute of Arts, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, and the Muskegon Museum of Art”! Common Ground is a collaboration between three Michigan art museums showcasing the best of each institution’s renowned collections of African American artwork combined in one exhibition, including some of the most important African American artists from the nineteenth century to present day. Common Ground is divided into five thematic areas that will give a broad overview of the history of African American art, showing its diversity as well as its commonality. The exhibition includes more than 60 top-rated works in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, and works on paper. Common Ground is underwritten by DTE Foundation with additional support from Fifth Third Bank and the Nancy A. Waters and Mark Waters Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. MLive/Muskegon Chronicle is the Common Ground media sponsor. For more information, visit muskegonartmuseum.org.
I, TOO, AM AMERICA: The Art of Bryan Collier January 18-April 17, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the exhibition, “I, too, am America: The Art of Bryan Collier.” This exhibition features 15 large scale original artworks created by Bryan Collier for his picture book, I, Too, Am America, which illustrates the seminal poem, I, Too by Langston Hughes. Collier graduated from the Pratt Institute and was a former Program Director at the Harlem Horizon Institute. His accolades include the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, Caldecott Medal, and Jane Addam’s Children’s Book Award. He was also a nominee for an NAACP image award for Outstanding Children’s Literary Work. Underwritten by the Folkert Family Foundation. For more information, visit muskegonartmuseum.org.
Art Talk: Regional Ekphrastic Poetry Competition All adult/college area writers residing within the state of Michigan are invited to create original ekphrastic poems based on one of 10 artworks selected from the permanent collection and the Common Ground exhibition. Cash prizes, Muskegon Museum of Art memberships, and gift certificates will be awarded to the winning poets. Guidelines, images of selected works, and entry forms are available at the MMA gift store or may be downloaded from the MMA website at muskegonartmuseum.org. Entries must arrive at the MMA by March 24. Award winners will read their poems and be recognized at a ceremony on April 21. Questions? Call the MMA Education Department at 231-720-2587 or email: cmott@mpsk12.net.
Native Visions: Indian Painting of the Southwest Native Visions: Indian Painting of the Southwest, 1920s-1940s, from the Collection of Charlotte Mittler will open at the Muskegon Museum of Art on March 3, 2016. Guest speaker Bruce Bernstein, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Ralph T. Coe foundation for the Arts, Santa Fe, will give a talk, “Modern by Tradition: American Indian Painting of the Early 20th Century,” at 7:00 pm. Event admission is free. For more information, visit muskegonartmuseum.org.
After School Movie Madness! Kids are invited to Walker Public Library at 3:15pm every Thursday (except for when there is a half-day or no school) for “After School Movie Madness!” Age appropriate movies are shown and popcorn is provided while supplies last! Call 231-744-6080 or visit the library to find out what movie is playing each week!
Art & a Glass: Thursday Happy Hour at the MMA Every Thursday from 4:00-8:00pm, you’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for “Art & a Glass!” Bring your friends to a museum-style happy hour! Take a break and enjoy the art with a glass of wine or a great craft brew. General admission is free Thursday evenings from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, so take advantage of the opportunity to discover your Museum at no cost. There will be a cash bar. You must be 21 or older to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. For more information, call 231-720-2570.
Muskegon Civic Theatre Saturday Classes The Muskegon Civic Theatre offers wonderful enrichment classes for kids every Saturday from February 20-March 26! There are three different levels based on your child’s age:
Kreative Kids and Characters
Grades 2–3
Saturdays 10:00-11:00am
$75 per 6-week semester
Characters Create
Grades 4–6
Saturdays 10:00-11:00am
$75 per 6-week semester
Exploring Characters
Grades 7–12
Saturdays 9:00-10:00am
$75 per 6-week semester
They accept cash, check or credit card for tuition payment. Bring or mail your registration and payment to:
Muskegon Civic Theatre
425 W. Western Avenue, Suite 401
Muskegon, MI 49440
For more information, call (231) 722-3852.
Taco Saturday at Mona Lake Boating Club The public is invited to the Mona Lake Boating Club every Saturday September 5 – May 28 from 11:30am-2:00pm for their famous homemade tacos, taco salads and nachos! Call 231-798-4011 for more information.
3/19 – Blue Chip and Four Winds Casino- $50/Up to $52 back (St. Patty’s Day celebration)
4/2 – Soaring Eagle Casino – $35/$35 back
4/15-4/17- Kewadin Casino Run – $209/Up to $169 back, includes 2 nights @Saulte Ste. Marie Kewadin Casino,& 2 breakfast, baggage and handling and a great time!!!!
4/28-5/3 – Washington DC- $1029 per person double occupancy – 6 days/5 nights and the sights, monuments, White House Tour – Deluxe package – 2 dinners and breakfast each morning!
5/14 – Fire Keepers & Gun Lake – $45/$40 back
6/14 -Shipshewana – $69 – flea market, downtown, cheese factory and bulk food store and dinner at Amish home!
6/25 – Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Indians – $109 approximately ( 7:00 game)
7/16 -Greek Town Casino and Motor City (Detroit) – $65/$45 back
8/ 12-8/14 – Door County Wine Tour and Cheese Tasting – $379 per person Dbl- includes all wine tasting, cheese tasting, 2 nights @Stone Harbor Hotel in Sturgeon Bay (all balcony rooms) and fish boil!
8/20 – Detroit Tigers vs Boston Red Sox – $109 approximately (7:00 pm game)
9/16-9/18 – Kewadin Casino Run- $239 per person /up to $169 back
10/8-10/9 – Wine Tasting Traverse City – $179 includes all Wine Tasting, hotel, breakfast and a great time11/13-11/11-11/13 – Chicago Shopping, downtown and outlets $199 per person double
11/ 26- Woodfield and IKEA Shopping – $55 one day.
Please call soon to make reservations some trips there are just a few seats left and others are filling fast!!!
All Michigan artists, 18 years and older, are invited to submit up to two artwork entries for the chance to show in the Muskegon Museum of Art’s juried 88th Regional Exhibition.Entries must be submitted at www.callforentry.org and are due by March 19, 2017. Over $5,000 in cash prizes and purchase awards will be distributed to artists this year.
Entries of two-and three dimensional works created over the past two years by professional and amateur artists are eligible. For the first time in the history of the museum’s long-running Regional Exhibition, entry registration will be done by an internet submission system. Jurying will be done from digital images of the artwork. Register entries at www.callforentry.org (Café website). Search keyword “Muskegon” to find the show. Free Café registration is required for entry. Fees to register for the MMA’s Regional are $35 for up to two entries or $20 for MMA members.
Artists will be notified of the jury results via e-mail. Only artworks accepted by the juror will need to be delivered to the MMA. Artwork delivery days are April 21, 22, and 23, 2016.
This year’s juror is Tom Lundberg, a professor of art at Colorado State University. He coordinates fiber programs and teaches weaving and surface design courses. Lundberg has lectured and taught widely. His work has been seen in solo, group, and invitational exhibitions around the world and has appeared in many publications.
The Regional opens on May 12 and will fill two large galleries at the museum through August 3, 2016. The Muskegon Museum of Art’s juried RegionalExhibition was one of the first regional art shows established in Michigan and holds a respected position among the state’s regional art exhibitions. A long list of recognized Michigan artists has exhibited in the MMA’s RegionalExhibition, at the beginning and throughout their careers.
The 88th Regional Exhibition is underwritten by Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP and Shape Corporation, with additional support from WGVU Public Broadcasting and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs with the National Endowment for the Arts
The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave. in downtown Muskegon.
AGENDA
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP HALL
5865 AIRLINE ROAD, FRUITPORT, MI 49415
3/14/2016
6:15 WORK SESSION
7:00 P.M. BOARD MEETING
01. Pledge of Allegiance
02. Roll Call
03. Approval of Board Minutes: 2/22/16 Regular Meeting
04. Approve / Amend Agenda
05. Correspondence / Reports
A. Tim Burgess – Muskegon Land Bank
06. Public Comments
07. Unfinished Business
A. March Budget Adjustments
B. Payoff Fire Truck 562
C. New Fire Truck to replace outgoing Fire Truck
D. 2016 – 2017 Budget
E. 2016 – 2017 Capital Allocations
F. West Star Management Liquor License Amended Application
G.
08. New Business
A. Muskegon Bike Time Agreement
B. 2016 – 2017 Planning and Zoning Fees
C.
09. Approval of Bills
10. Reports
11. Public Comments
12. Adjournment
The Township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services for this meeting to individuals
with disabilities by writing or telephoning the following Township Clerk: Carol Hulka, Fruitport
Township Hall, 5865 Airline Road, Fruitport, MI 49415 – (231) 865-3151
It was great weather for the St. Patrick’s Day parade yesterday (March 12). It began at 11:00am, running from Fourth to Jefferson Streets along Clay Ave. Great to see everyone there!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Saturday, March 12 in downtown Muskegon begins at 11:00am and will run from Fourth to Jefferson along Clay Ave! Enjoy Irish floats, bands, families, organizations, business entries and much more!
Muskegon’s Own DAVE LORENZ
TRAVEL MICHIGAN
As the head of Travel Michigan, Dave leads the state’s tourism branding, advertising the public relations efforts. Learn about one of the country’s most impactful campaigns!
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BOB LUKENS
MUSKEGON COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
Bob will join Dave to talk about how Muskegon is partnering with the award-winning Pure Michigan campaign.
Event Details:
Friday, March 25, 2016
7:00 a.m. Registration Opens7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Program
Downtown Muskegon Holiday Inn and
Conference Center
$18/member
$225/corporate table of 8
The Alley Door Club welcomes the Indie Folk band, The Crane Wives! Paired with Vandermill Cider from Spring Lake, it’s sure to be a great night in downtown Muskegon!
Don’t forget, Smash Wine Bar and Bistro (231-722-9463) is available for take-out food that you may bring up to the Alley Door. Mention the Alley Door Club and get $1 off their flatbread pizzas – trust me, they’re delicious! See you there!
Dr. Universe: How do leaves make themselves? –Francesco R.
Dear Francesco,
Last fall, my friend Lee Kalcsits and I went exploring in the apple orchards of Wenatchee. The apples were ripe and the leaves were changing from green to gold. We plucked a few leaves and took them back to his lab.
“You know, if you take a stem, pull away all the mature leaves, and slice it from the top down, you can look at it under the microscope,” said Kalcsits, a scientist at Washington State University in Wenatchee who studies all kinds of trees.
He slid a tiny piece of the stem under his microscope and took a closer look.
“What it looks like is these tiny, moon-shaped leaves,” he said. “They get smaller and smaller until you get this dome-shaped structure and that’s the meristem.”
The meristem is the part of a plant where leaves begin to form, he explained.
It contains a bunch of building blocks, or cells. In a way, these cells are a lot like the ones animals have. Some of our cells will form into parts like our liver and muscles. Others will form into nerves and blood.
The meristem is a growing point for other plant parts like buds and flowers, as well as leaves, Kalcsits said.
While the meristem tells leaves to grow, sometimes trees get a signal to stop growing, too.
As the days get shorter and colder, some trees’ cells will start to act like scissors. They start “snipping” the leaves. The leaves fall and the tree gets ready to hibernate to survive the cold winters.
The meristem will also send a signal to the tree to form a small bumpy bud. A layer of scales will form around the bud to help protect it from the cold.
“Within that bud will be all the leaves and flowers ready for the next year,” Kalcsits explained.
In spring, as the weather warms up, new life emerges. Tiny green leaves start to sprout from the buds.
While the answer to your question can most often be traced back to the meristem, some leaves form in more unusual ways.
Some plants can use their leaves to clone themselves. If just one leaf drops, a whole new plant will grow from it.
In another example, leaves of pea plants can form into tendrils: curly leaves that start climbing and grabbing onto things. Other plants will grow thorns and stickers in place of their leaves to protect them from animals. Some leaves will even grow their own leaves. These are called leaflets.
Leaves are important because they help plants turn sunlight into their own food. The process helps the plants survive, which is good for other living things, too.
For one, plants give us food, like the apples I picked after I left Kalcsits’ lab. Of course, leaves also help give us the air we need to breathe. Without them, life on Earth wouldn’t exist as we know it.
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe
Got a science question? E-mail Dr. Wendy Sue Universe at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu. Ask Dr. Universe is a science-education project from Washington State University.
Is there any way to tell what color of eggs a chicken will lay? -Isabella, 8, Pullman, WA
Dear Isabella,
If you want to find out what color eggs a chicken will lay, you might just want to take a look at its earlobes. You read that right. Chickens have earlobes.
At first, I wasn’t even sure where I might find a chicken’s ears, let alone the lobes. And as a cat, working with birds can sometimes be a bit, well, awkward.
Fortunately, my friend Rocio Crespo offered to help out. She’s a Washington State University veterinarian who investigates diseases in birds, including chickens.
Crespo pointed out that a chicken’s ears are located on each side of its head, just below the eyes. Their ears don’t stick out like ours do, she explained.
“The ear is inside the head,” Crespo said. “It’s hidden behind some feathers.”
And the earlobe is just below the ear, marked by a slight thickening of the skin. It is bare of feathers. The earlobes can give us clues about the egg colors. Crespo said that if a chicken’s earlobes are white, the eggs it lays tend to be white.
After a bit of research, I discovered that all bird eggs start out white. But sometimes, while the egg is developing, certain pigments give the shell color.
Birds are actually the only animals that lay colored eggs. As you may know, some chickens lay brown eggs. If a chicken lays brown eggs, it is likely that she has red earlobes.
As usual, there are some exceptions to the rule. Some chickens with red earlobes may also lay greenish eggs or blue eggs.
While there seems to be an earlobe–egg correlation, scientists aren’t entirely sure why. But it might be because the genes that hold the instructions for earlobe and eggshell color are close together, Crespo adds.
Crespo said the key to really understanding egg color goes back to a bird’s genetics.
Scientists can learn more about birds as they look at the genotype, or the genetic makeup, of the organism. It’s like exploring a set of instructions for how an organism will develop.
They can also look at the phenotype, or the physical traits we can observe. For example, feather and eggshell color.
“It’s all part of the genetics,” Crespo said. “That’s part of why your skin is white or brown, or why your hair is red or blonde or black. It’s the same thing with the chickens. The egg color is part of their breed.”
Depending on the breed, a hen will lay about 500 eggs in her lifetime. And whether an egg is brown or white, it’s still the same on the inside. They taste the same and are equally nutritious.
A few readers have also been wondering which came first—the chicken or the egg. It’s a good question. But we’ll save that one for another time.
In the meantime, try making a bouncy egg and explore other experiments at pinterest.com/AskDrUniverse. Send a picture of your project to Dr.Universe@wsu.edu for a chance to be featured on askDrUniverse.wsu.edu.
The Muskegon Y’s Club will hold its 53rd Annual White Elephant Sale at 640 Seminole Road – Norton Shores, (Folkert Community Hub), on Friday, May 20th and Saturday, May 21. (NOTE: One weekend later than last year) We will begin pick-ups the week of April 18. Thank you for your past and continuing support. Our 24/7 answering machine phone number is 231-727-9900. A more detailed email comes out in early April.
This year the Muskegon Home, Garden + DIY show welcomes, national speaker J Schwanke to the show. Schwanke is a flower expert, flower content producer and professional speaker, known throughout the flower industry and beyond. He is regarded as the most trusted voice in the flower industry. He will be presenting “Fun with Flowers and J” – six unique seminars during the two day event. Schwanke has written numerous books which will be on sale during the event with an opportunity for personal book signing.
After a successful first year, the Muskegon Home, Garden + DIY Show is returning to Fricano’s Event Center March 25 and 26, 2016. This year’s show will feature 40+ local businesses exhibiting their best home and garden information, an expanded yard and garden section, educational and DIY sessions, celebrity guests and more!
“Adding a national speaker to this event, really helps bring the caliber of the show to the next level,” says Carla Flanders, Show Director. “This year we are also expanding the yard and garden section for the event and currently seeking local businesses and individuals such as; garden nurseries, landscapers, architectures, floral experts, tree/shrub designers and anyone with a green thumb willing to show off their talents.”
In addition to an expanded garden section, the Home + Garden Show is continuing its seminar series with educational speakers and hands-on “Do It Yourself” (DIY) sessions. These seminars feature local and national experts sharing their knowledge including time and money saving techniques. Back by popular demand, Wasserman’s Flowers and Gifts will be featuring a DIY seminar on bouquet arrangements. Guests will be provided with fresh cut flowers and Wasserman’s will provide step-by-step instructions on how to create a beautiful arrangement that you get to take home!
With the show’s successful first year, exhibitor space is going fast! To reserve a booth at the show, businesses should fill out the registration form located at www.muskegonHGS.com. General admission tickets are also available online at muskegonHGS.com for $3. Each ticket is also valid for $3 off Fricano Pizza during the Home Show. Advance tickets are recommended. Tickets will also be sold at the door.
The Home, Garden + DIY event is a production of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce with support from the Lakeshore Home Builders Association, Fricano Place, Shepherd Shoreline Gutters and Garage Doors, Keene Lumber and Staples. For sponsorships or additional information about the show, contact Carla Flanders at 231.724.3176 or cflanders@muskegon.org.
Recently Planned Parenthood released their 2014-2015 Annual Report. The report gives statistics on several Planned Parenthood programs. Comparing their latest report with the previous year’s report poses an important question:
Why is Planned Parenthood getting more tax funding while serving fewer clients and providing fewer health services?
Planned Parenthood had 2.5 million clients in 2014, a 7 percent decrease from 2013. Their family practice services declined 49 percent. Their sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatments declined 6 percent.
Planned Parenthood most often defends itself as a committed provider of birth control and breast cancer prevention services, even to the point of spreading misinformation about providing mammograms. Their birth control services declined 18 percent and breast exams were down 25 percent according to their own report.
What didn’t decline? The number of abortions they did was largely the same. They did 323,999 abortions, down from 327,653 the previous year (a 1 percent decrease). Their tax funding did increase 5 percent, to $553.7 million, which is 43 percent of their total budget.
The 2014-2015 report also shows Planned Parenthood continues to be a profitable non-profit as their income over expenses was $58.8 million.
Why are prolife citizens forced to give their money to Planned Parenthood to provide less of everything except for abortions?
For a better perspective let’s compare their recent 2014-2015 Annual Report to their 2004-2005 Annual Report. Over the last 10 years, Planned Parenthood’s total clients are down 14 percent. The number of clients receiving contraception is down 14 percent as well. Breast exams are down 61 percent.
Can you guess what increased?
If you guessed abortion and tax funding, you’re right! Abortions are up 27 percent, from 255,015 to 323,999. Tax funding has more than doubled, increasing 103 percent.
Reasonable people would assume that when an organization repeatedly receives increases in government grants, they are improving or expanding their services offered to people in need, not losing clients.
STI tests, pregnancy tests, contraceptives and breast exams are not unique services. Those are simple things that can be provided without controversy at one of the more than 9,000 community health center locations in America that serve 23 million people. Some of them can be purchased at your pharmacy or grocery store.
What is the one specialty and unique “service” that Planned Parenthood provides? Abortion.
Learn more about Planned Parenthood’s abortion agenda at www.RTL.org.
How is chocolate made? –Lydia, 6, Bedfordshire, England
Dear Lydia,
A few thousand years ago, humans discovered that beans inside the bright green pods of cacao trees could be made into a real treat.
In South America, people harvested the beans to make a warm, chocolaty drink. Ever since, we’ve found ways to make all kinds of chocolate from cacao beans.
“Chocolate is both a science and an art,” said my friend Jessica Murray. She’s an expert on chocolate and a graduate student in food science and business at Washington State University.
She explained that cacao beans can be separated into a couple different parts. We can extract the fat, or cocoa butter, from the beans. The rest of the bean can be ground up into solids. When we mix these two parts back together, we can make dark, white, or milk chocolate.
In Murray’s kitchen here at the university, she takes 10-pound bricks of chocolate and melts them to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. It turns into a nice, chocolaty liquid.
“Making chocolate is a lot like the experiment where you grow sugar crystals in a jar,” she said.
If you’ve ever tried this experiment, you know that sugar crystals grow on a string inside a jar full of sugar water. In a couple weeks, as the crystals multiply, a giant crystal is left in the jar.
Cocoa butter actually contains crystals, too. It has thirteen different kinds.
“You can’t see the crystals unless you look under a microscope, but that’s what makes the chocolate set correctly and all shiny,” Murray said.
If you’ve ever let a chocolate bar melt on a hot summer day, then later noticed it had a bunch of white spots, you’ve seen some of these crystals in action.
As a chocolatier and a scientist, Murray is after one particular crystal to make the chocolate look and taste the best: the beta crystal.
“But crystals have to have something to grow off of. They don’t just miraculously happen, they have to form,” she said.
When making chocolate, Murray will add more solid chocolate to the liquid chocolate, to help the beta crystals form. The solid chocolate is added into the batch when the temperature of the melted chocolate reaches precisely 105 degrees.
Once the conditions are right, a beta crystal will form. Then, the chocolate is ready to be poured into molds.
“You fill the mold, let it cool, then tip (the mold) upside down, you kind of spin it around and it flings chocolate everywhere and makes a giant mess. But it’s really fun,” she said.
Once the chocolate cools and becomes a solid again, she can add fillings or creams. This year she’s starting her own line of chocolate. She’s calling it WSU Crimson Confections.
As much as I’d like to try Murray’s new chocolates, we cats can’t taste sweets. I’ll have to leave the taste-testing experiments up to those of you with a sweet tooth.
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe
Got a science question? E-mail Dr. Wendy Sue Universe at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu. Ask Dr. Universe is a science-education project from Washington State University. Visit askDrUniverse.wsu.edu to watch the making of chocolate video.
MUSKEGON, MI – Downtown Muskegon is launching into 2016 with new leadership and a continued focus on development of Muskegon County’s central business district.
Downtown Muskegon Now’s Board of Directors has hired longtime retired MLive Muskegon Chronicle journalist Dave Alexander as its new executive director. Alexander began Jan. 4 directing the non-profit agency focused on downtown Muskegon economic development, promotion and events.
Dave Alexander
Alexander takes over from former Executive Director Jonathan Seyferth who left Downtown Muskegon Now in the fourth quarter of 2015 to become the Coopersville assistant city manager. Seyferth headed downtown development in Muskegon since the summer of 2013.
Alexander comes to the downtown manager’s position after 34 years of reporting and editing at MLive Muskegon Chronicle. He was business editor for more than 20 years, a political and local government reporter and most recently the community engagement specialist, in part handling the traditional role of the editorial page editor.
“There is a lot of excitement about what’s possible in 2016,” said Carla Hill, outgoing chairwoman of Downtown Muskegon Now and president of the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra. “Having a director as passionate as Dave Alexander will keep momentum moving forward. We are fortunate to have him downtown.”
There are many initiatives underway in downtown Muskegon — residential, commercial and office developments announced and yet-to-be announced, Alexander said.
“I come into the downtown manager’s position at a dynamic time for downtown Muskegon,” Alexander said. “Jonathan Seyferth and our board have built a tremendous foundation for the premiere urban downtown along the Lakeshore to continue to progress.”
Along with Alexander’s appointment, the leadership of the Downtown Muskegon Now is transitioning as the board chairmanship will move from Hill to Andy Maciejewski, partner with Revel – the branding, marketing and web design company located in downtown Muskegon.
“For downtown Muskegon, 2016 is going to be an exciting year,” Maciejewski said. “Dave is deeply connected to the Muskegon community and has been telling the story of downtown for over 30 years. He’s the right person at the right time for this position.”
Downtown Muskegon Now also provides staff services to the Downtown Muskegon Development Corp., the consortium of local foundations that purchased the former Muskegon Mall property in the heart of downtown, and the newly created Muskegon Business Improvement District, which is designed to provide snow removal, landscaping, marketing and events for the downtown district.
Meanwhile, Downtown Muskegon Now’s community celebration – The Taste of Muskegon – is in its 10th year with all proceeds going to beautification and promotion of downtown. This year’s event is Friday-Saturday June 18-19 in Hackley Park.
from the Newsletter of the Jefferson Highway Association
Hello, my name is Jerry Alger. I have in recent years become an enthusiastic fan of the Jefferson Highway and in 2015 was elected delegate-at-large to the JHA board of directors. But before explaining how I “found” the highway, I’ll say a little bit more about myself. I was raised in Fruitport, a small western Michigan village of about 1,300 people, and have lived there ever since. This was a great place in which to grow up. I’ve been a trustee on the village council for many years and am proud of my accomplishments there.
I have also lived along a vintage two-lane highway all my life—US 16, which carried travelers from Detroit to Yellowstone Park. After 1963, the highway bypassed Fruitport, but the village didn’t die, and we now have more cars passing through than ever before, many originating in nearby towns and suburbs.
Fruitport has a lot of interesting history, some of which I’ve undertaken to tell with stories inscribed on interpretive panels placed around the village. Fruitport’s name came from all the fruit (mainly peaches) shipped from the shores of Spring Lake, whose waters reach Fruitport. My pride and joy is a steel “peach tree,” about eight feet in height, for which I raised donations and that was constructed by a local craftsman in a park fronting the lake.
But now, on to my discovery of the Jefferson Highway. Every year since 2004 my wife Lynda and I have taken a month-long road trip along a historic highway. Our trips have taken us through all 48 lower states.After driving the length of Route 66 for the fourth time in 2011, we went on to San Francisco to begin our return trip following the route of the Lincoln Highway. Lynda had done a lot of research on places and sights along that route, and we greatly enjoyed our journey eastward. Eventually we came upon some intriguing cement markers with Lincoln’s bust on them out in the corn fields . . . we were in Iowa. It was also time to eat, so we were looking for a restaurant. The next one up happened to be Niland’s Café at Reed/Niland Corner in Colo. We pulled up and went inside.
The first thing that caught my eye in Niland’s was the 1939 Cadillac coming out of the corner of the dining room. I owned a 1939 Cadillac 60 Special just like that one! Then we looked around at the pictures and historical exhibits on the walls. At that point, I had never heard of the Jefferson Highway, so the Jefferson Highway stuff still didn’t sink in. But while waiting for my Reuben sandwich to be served, I picked up a JHA brochure from the counter and began to read it. Finally it dawned on me to look into the Jefferson Highway. We loved Reed/Niland Corner, and once we were back home, we joined JHA, I began to research the highway, and Lynda began to lay out a plan for a future trip along the highway.
In 2012 we finished the Lincoln Highway trip to Times Square and then drove down the Jersey Shore to Ocean City, MD, where we picked up US 50 and followed it to Indiana. In 2013 we finished US 50 to its end in Sacramento, returning via Route 66 (our fifth complete trip on that highway). But in 2014 the time had come for a tour of the Jefferson Highway. We had only the map from the JHA brochure, which didn’t tell us what roads were the old Jefferson alignment, but Lynda prepared a route guide by listing all the cities and towns on the Jefferson and then identifying the two-lane roads connecting them. This is what we used as our basic map, but I had also succeeded in locating some JHA members—first, Glenn Smith, who hooked us up with Scott Berka, who in turn put us in touch with Lyell Henry—who provided additional information about portions of the old route.
In September, 2014, we drove to Winnipeg, found the beginning marker of the Jefferson Highway, soon were on our way, and . . . three weeks later, we were in New Orleans. That trip down the Jefferson Highway was about as exciting as it gets. Lynda and I agree: this was one of our favorite road trips, and it certainly has left us both as enthusiastic fans of the Jefferson Highway. I now look forward to helping the highway become better known so that more people will jump in their cars and enjoy driving portions or the full length of it.
Ryan Hendrickson, of Fruitport, has joined Farm Bureau Insurance as a new agent serving this area. He is working out of the Farm Bureau Insurance office at 16844 Robbins Road, Grand Haven, MI.
Hendrickson recently completed an extensive career development program for new agents, which prepared him for the state licensing examination and provided instruction in all areas of property/casualty and life/health insurance.
Hendrickson also attended training at the Farm Bureau Insurance home office in Lansing. Farm Bureau Insurance agents are licensed to sell all lines of insurance, including life, home, auto, farm, retirement, Lake Estate® and business.
Prior to joining Farm Bureau Insurance as an agent, Hendrickson held a career in finance at Veurinks RV Center.
Hendrickson joins a statewide force of nearly 450 Farm Bureau Insurance agents serving nearly 500,000 Michigan policyholders.
President Obama’s Final State Of The Union A Missed Opportunity
Prior to President Obama’s speech, I released a video detailing the three items I hoped to hear the President address: first, a comprehensive strategy to restore American leadership across the globe; second, a plan to fix our nation’s broken VA system (so our veterans can get the best care available); and lastly, a commitment to ensuring an open and transparent government. Unfortunately, I believe the President fell well-short on all three of these critical issues and missed an important opportunity to move our nation forward.
For the first time ever, Congress put a bill on the President’s desk to defund Planned Parenthood & repeal ObamaCare.
This important reconciliation legislation eliminates funding for Planned Parenthood and instead invests those dollars into federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics that do not put their financial interests ahead of women and children
In Michigan, there are 20 federally qualified health clinics for every Planned Parenthood location. This will ensure women receive high quality medical care while protecting the life of the unborn.
Last Thursday, I spoke on the House floor about promoting a culture of life and this historic legislation. You can watch the video here.
AP Government: How Does Planned Parenthood Receive Taxpayer Dollars?
I have heard from many constituents across West Michigan who were disappointed that the recent year-end government funding legislation did not “defund” Planned Parenthood.
Like the overwhelming majority of families across West Michigan, I do not believe abortion providers like Planned Parenthood should be eligible to receive Title X grants, which are funded by the annual appropriations process.
However, Planned Parenthood’s primary source of funding is not through the traditional appropriations process, which is also known as discretionary spending. The bulk of taxpayer dollars that Planned Parenthood receives comes from a category known as mandatory spending, which is outside the traditional power of the purse held by Congress. This is very similar to how ObamaCare is funded.
The government shutdown in 2013 demonstrated that programs funded via mandatory spending, like Planned Parenthood and ObamaCare, would continue to operate while our troops and border agents would go without pay and life saving research is put on hold.
By passing the Restoring Americans’ Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act, Congress defunded nearly 90% of the federal dollars Planned Parenthood is currently eligible for. “Defunding” Planned Parenthood through the appropriations process would have only addressed approximately 10% of the funding the organization receives from Title X grants.
While the President vetoed this measure, it marks a historic victory for the pro-life movement. It also demonstrates that Congress has found a way to navigate the arcane rules of the Senate in a constitutional manner to repeal the burden that is ObamaCare.
Let’s not forget, if there was a Republican in the White House, ObamaCare would be repealed and the vast majority of taxpayer dollars flowing into Planned Parenthood would be eliminated. Moving forward, I will be supporting the effort to override the President’s veto.
Protecting the 2nd Amendment
By making the decision to use executive actions, the President is clearly attempting to politicize tragedies to advance his gun control agenda as he said he would do in an October 2015 speech.
I am a proud cosponsor of Rep. Tim Murphy’s Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. This legislation will overhaul our nation’s inadequate and outdated mental health system so people who need treatment can receive it. Simply throwing more money at the issue without these reforms is like giving the VA more money without demanding better care for our veterans.
Friday, January 22, 1973, will mark 43 years since the U.S. Supreme Court handed down Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. Since that day, abortion has ended the lives of more than 56 million children in the womb.
Following the decisions many expected the prolife movement would eventually disappear and abortion on-demand through all nine months of pregnancy would become the new normal. Instead, the opposite has happened.
Right to Life of Michigan Barbara Listing said, “The prolife movement continues to face many challenges. But for decades, we have boldly stood for the right to life of every person, and our voice continues to grow stronger.”
Recently some major milestones have been reached by the prolife movement.
The Centers for Disease Control released their 2012 abortion report, showing the fewest number of national abortions since 1973.
For the first time ever Congress passed legislation to end most taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood. Undercover journalists exposed to the public Planned Parenthood’s practice of selling the organs and tissues of unborn children. Planned Parenthood’s current annual report confirmed their pattern of receiving more tax funding despite their non-abortion services and clients declining.
In Michigan Life Uninvited, a groundbreaking new television documentary on the issue of rape and abortion, will debut the weekend of January 23. The documentary builds on a year of television advertisements and short films featuring the stories of four women and how their lives have been personally affected by the issue. The channels and schedule for Life Uninvited can be found at www.RTL.org.
Listing said, “The response to our ads in 2015 was very positive. There’s never been anything like Life Uninvited before, so I invite people to tune in and learn how women can overcome even the most difficult situations.”
On January 22, tens of thousands of prolife citizens will gather once again for the March for Life in Washington, D.C. The size and scope of the march has continued to expand in recent years, including new regional marches across the country.
The message tomorrow of the growing voice of prolife advocates is that it’s time for an end to Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton. It’s time for the American people to once again have a say on our most fundamental right, the unalienable right to life.
Why is yawning contagious? –Grant, 10, Pullman, WA
Dear Grant,
When I got your question, I met up with my friend Hans Van Dongen, a scientist at Washington State University in Spokane. He works in a research lab where they study sleep. As a cat who appreciates naps, it’s one of my favorite places to visit.
He explained that while yawning is common for lots of animals, we still don’t know why it happens. We do know that once you start a yawn, there’s no stopping it. And as you’ve observed, yawns can be quite contagious.
If someone yawns, people who see the yawn may soon start yawning, too. Some scientists think that the contagiousness of yawns might actually be a way for humans to communicate.
Van Dongen said a lot of people used to think that yawning was a sign of boredom. But after a while, they weren’t so sure about that theory. If you are watching a movie or listening to a long lecture, you might start to yawn, but it might not mean you’re bored.
When you stretch your jaw, breathe in, and let out a yawn, it might be that you’ve slowed down long enough to realize an important fact: You might need to be getting some more sleep.
If a friend catches the yawn, they just might be saying, I could probably use some more sleep, too.
“And this is not an insignificant issue,” Van Dongen said. “Because we mask our sleepiness by being busy all day.”
People generally have a lot of work to get done, so they have to keep busy. Working together in a group was especially important for human survival a long time ago.
While people don’t rely on one another for survival as much these days, yawning still may be a way to communicate among the whole group that everyone needs sleep to be successful.
“Really the only theory that gets circulated much at the moment is that it is a social signal to say, ‘You know what—we should maybe all time out and sleep a little bit more’,” Van Dongen said. “Maybe take a nap or make plans to go to bed earlier tonight.”
After all, the survival of the group often depends on the survival of an individual person. So, it’s important to make sure that the individual people aren’t tired, cranky, or distracted.
“And if yawning is alerting us to that and we are ignoring it because we don’t think much of it, maybe we are losing a lot of money and lives because of drowsiness that could have been avoided,” Van Dongen said.
Catching a yawn could help humans let each other know they should be catching some more Z’s. But maybe there’s more to the story, too. Perhaps you could be a scientist and help us get to the bottom of it.
Sincerely,
Dr. Universe
Got a science question? E-mail Dr. Wendy Sue Universe at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu. Ask Dr. Universe is a science-education project from Washington State University.
Process for Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ Muskegon Area Gaming Project Moves Forward
Washington D.C. – The U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has released a Scoping Report regarding the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ application for a proposed casino and economic development project at the former Great Lakes Downs racetrack site in Fruitport Township. The Scoping Report outlines the areas to be studied in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the potential environmental consequences of the Little River Band’s application for a proposed 60-acre fee-to-trust transfer and casino project.
“This is another big step for the Little River Band and the Muskegon community to bring economic development to the region,” said Tribal Ogema Larry Romanelli. “The tribe was encouraged by the large turn out and positive feedback at the public scoping hearing last fall. The community feedback was important to the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ ability to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the project.”
The Scoping Report describes the EIS process, explains the purpose and need for the Proposed Action, describes the Proposed Project and alternatives, and summarizes the issues identified during the scoping process. All comment letters received by the BIA and the public hearing transcript are included in the appendices to the Scoping Report, which is now available on the project website at http://www.littlerivereis.com/
The BIA issued a Notice of Intent on September 21, 2015, which opened a public scoping period to identify potential issues, concerns, and alternatives to be considered in the EIS. There was standing room only at the October 15 public scoping held at the Fruitport Middle School. Representatives from the Fruitport schools, business community, labor organizations and local public officials spoke out supporting the Little River Band’s application.
The EIS will take a hard look at the potential environmental impacts of the project, including land use, geology and soils, water resources, agricultural resources, biological resources, cultural resources, traffic, air quality, noise, public health/environmental hazards, hazardous material and waste, public services, and socio-economics.
The Draft EIS and a public comment period are anticipated in Fall 2016. The Little River Band filed an application in February 2015 requesting the BIA to place 60 acres in trust for a $180 million casino and economic development
project. The project is expected to create more than 1,200 new jobs in Muskegon County.
Muskegon County is the home to the Little River Band’s largest population base. Muskegon is one of the Tribe’s service areas and the Tribe maintains governmental offices in Muskegon to serve its members.
“The Tribe has filed an application to place land in trust to develop a casino and economic development project to improve the economic status of our tribal government,” said Tribal Council Speaker Virg Johnson. “A Muskegon County casino will enable the Little River Band to better provide housing, health care, education and other services to our elders and youth, particularly those based in the Muskegon area.”
The Little River Band’s proposed gaming and economic development project would include:
• Approximately 69,000 square feet of gaming floor space
• 1,700 slot machines and 35 table games
• 220-room hotel
• Conference and meeting room space
• Dining and entertainment options
The proposed Muskegon casino will play vital role in bringing new jobs and business opportunities as casinos have in other communities including:
• Attracting about 1.88 million visitors annually.
• Create nearly 1,500 jobs, more than 1,000 directly at casino.
• Generate more than $60 million annually in total wages.
• Approximately $60 million annually in purchasing for goods and services.
• During construction, generating more than 1,200 local construction jobs.
• Construction workers’ income should top $70 million.
The proposed casino has received wide support from the community including support from Fruitport Township, Fruitport Public Schools, Muskegon County, West Michigan trade unions, The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. Both Fruitport Township and Muskegon County reaffirmed support for the Tribe’s Muskegon casino project with resolutions of support in June 2014.
The Little River Band has signed a Municipal Services Agreement with Muskegon County and Fruitport Township that consists of the Tribe making payments for public safety, sanitary sewer, public water construction and other services.
ConsumerAffairs.com analyzed FBI and Census Bureau data to create an interactive map displaying the safest cities in the United States, and Fruitport is ranked number 6 in MI for most police officers per capita!
The FBI’s annual report Crime in the United States revealed the estimated number of violent crimes reported by law enforcement during 2014 dropped by 0.2% and the estimated number of property crimes decreased 4.3% when compared with 2013 data.
Here are some additional highlights from Crime in the United States, 2014:
• An estimated 1,165,383 violent crimes and an estimated 8,277,829 property crimes were reported by law enforcement
• Financial losses suffered by victims of these crimes were calculated at approximately $14.3 billion
• Larceny-theft accounted for 70.8% of all property crimes reported, burglary for 20.9%, and motor vehicle theft for 8.3%
Even though crime rates are dropping, those numbers are still alarming. So where’s the good news? Fruitport, MI is one of the safest cities in the U.S.
Play, learn and grow together!
A progressive educational program.
Social interaction as well as directed instruction.
A great learning environment with lots of smiles!
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Enrolling Now!
**For more information contact: Calvary Christian School 5873 Kendra Rd., Fruitport 231-865-2141 www.calvaryeagles.org
Michigan’s historic places drive economic development, attract businesses, draw tourists and new residents, create a sense of place, and enhance our quality of life. Keeping these historic places is so important that historic preservation has been upheld as a public purpose under the U. S. Constitution—preserving historic resources is a valid governmental goal and local historic district ordinances have been upheld as an appropriate means to secure that goal. Local historic districts are the only way for communities to manage and protect their historic assets, and 78 communities to date have chosen to enact ordinances to protect their historic assetsat the local level, under current state law. The bill to amend 1970 Public Act 169 jeopardizes the efficient and fair process for establishing local historic districts already in place under PA 169, reduces protection given to resources in local historic districts, and diminishes the authority of local historic district commissions and local legislative bodies.
Weakens Protection for Historic Resources
• This bill would dispose of the current process for dissolving historic districts, allowing local legislative bodies to eliminate local historic districts without guidelines or justification, and without community input.
• This bill would reduce reliance on accepted, best-practice Standards used nationwide for commission decision-making, introducing uncertainty into the process.
• This bill would change the appeals process for an aggrieved property owner within a district. Instead of appealing to a neutral state board, which has appellate jurisdiction because of its expertise, appeals would be heard at the local level where political and development pressures could affect the outcome.
Reduces Local Control
• This bill would make it impossible for local legislative bodies to act quickly to head off a sudden development threat to a community landmark. Currently, in municipalities with a historic district ordinance, a local legislative body can place a threatened resource under study for local designation and delay development in that area for up to 6 months. This bill proposes to petition local property owners and acquire a 2/3 majority in support before a historic district study committee could even be appointed, wiping out the local body’s ability to act quickly under threat.
• This bill would mandate that after a local legislative body decides to establish a local historic district, the public in that unit of government must vote in support of the district in a general election to make it official. Further, the electorate will have to vote on its local historic districts every 10 years, even in communities with long-standing historic districts, imposing unnecessary and substantial costs upon municipalities in staff time and community education. These inefficient processes undermine local representative democracy. Why would the State impose a sunset clause on local decisions?
Boys and girls grades 3-12 may sign up for the American Youth Basketball Tour for summer basketball tournaments. This is 5 on 5 competition with tournaments in Muskegon-Fruitport Area on June 11-12 (Saturday and Sunday), Ludington area on July 15-16 (Friday and Saturday), with a national tournament in Grand Rapids from July 21-24. Check out all of the opportunities at www.aybtour.com or contact Jim Goorman at jimwmc@gmail.com.
FRUITPORT CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP HALL
5865 AIRLINE ROAD, FRUITPORT, MI 49415
2/8/2016
6:00 WORK SESSION
7:00 P.M. BOARD MEETING
01. Pledge of Allegiance
02. Roll Call
03. Approval of Board Minutes: 1/25/16 Regular Meeting
04. Approve / Amend Agenda
05. Correspondence / Reports
06. Public Comments
07. Unfinished Business
A. Ken Doctor Retirement Resolution
B. Public Safety Director Contract
C. Fire Department Battalion Chief
D. Fire Department Vacancy
E. Cemetery Rates – 2nd Reading and Consideration
F. 2016 – 2017 Budget
08. New Business
A. Local Library Millage
B. 2016-2017 Board Schedule
C. Consideration of Township Superintendent
1. Supervisor Salary
2. Employment Agreement
3. Supervisor Resignation
09. Approval of Bills
10. Reports
11. Public Comments
12. Adjournment
The Township will provide necessary reasonable aids and services for this meeting to individuals with disabilities by writing or telephoning the following Township Clerk: Carol Hulka, Fruitport Township Hall, 5865 Airline Road, Fruitport, MI 49415 – (231) 865-3151
