Members of the CHS Class of 2013 stand for the Pledge of Allegiance before the beginning of their graduation ceremony on May 24. (Click on photo to enlarge)

Graduate Tim Eby welcomed guests. “It’s here. It’s now. We made it!” he said.

In opening remarks, CHS principal Chris Barnes gave five suggestions for success.  “First, express thanks every day. It produces positive thoughts. Second, learn something new every day. Be a lifelong learner. Third, respect differences in other people. Variety is the spice of life. Fourth, be kind whenever possible… and it’s always possible. Fifth, remember where you came from.  You are a part of us. The road always leads home to Constantine. Represent our school with pride,” Barnes said.

Valedictorian of the CHS Class of 2013 – Ashlee Wogan

Ashlee Wogan gave the valedictory speech.  “Remember where you came from, the little village of Constantine. Always call this place home. The faculty gave a lot of their time to help students. This is the real world now, no turning back. You made it. Congratulations Class of 2013!” she said.

Nate Petoskey gave the salutatorian speech.  “I came here a year and a half ago. Constantine is different than any other school in the area. What we have you can’t find anywhere else in the state of Michigan. The teachers are amazing. They go beyond your expectations. Coaches pour their hearts into teaching. They push students to become better athletes and students. Constantine is the best place in the world and this has been the greatest, most memorable time in my life,” Petoskey said.

Diplomas were presented by members of the school board.

Superintendent Chuck Frisbie commended the school board to parents and guests. “It’s a great team, and they’re concerned about what’s best for the kids. We wish each of the graduates success,” he said.

Plaques were presented to retiring teacher Laura Withers for 30 years (16 in Constantine) and Dave Cherry for 34 years. A PowerPoint presentation “Memories of Us” with photos of graduates when they were little was shown. A band consisting of Tim Eby, Dylan Geisler, Andrew Johnson and Cody Mallo played  “Times Like These” by the Foo Fighters. Exchange students were recognized with a flag for their respective countries being posted. Exchange students are Helena Bildl-Germany, Rajchakorn (Sam) Chatjanyaporn-Thailand), Ziqi (Caroline) Chen-China, Uy Wii Danh Khuat Nguyen-Vietnam, Charlotte Preussler-Denmark and Li (Jerry) Xuodong-China. A moment of silence was observed in memory of classmate Steven Whitmore. Graduates exited to “Fanfare and Recessional” and refreshments were served in the cafeteria.

Coach Shawn Griffith poses with members of the football team who graduated this year. Shown (left to right) are Dom Rogers, Nate Petoskey, Coach Griffith, Ben Mallo, Jeff Steiner and Jake Dingess. (Click on photo to enlarge)

Graduates of the class of 2013 include Chlo’e L. Anderson, Kaitlyn M. Bailey, Logan K. Balcom, Joseph T. Barnes, Jessica A. Bienz, Justin L. Bontrager, Ashley M. Brown, Robert A. Bupp, Caitlyn R. Burch, Whitney R. Butler, Joshua E. Cantrell, Maxwell J. Chiddister, Zackery W. Coburn, Caitlin E. Connelly, Laurana N. Cook, Kailyn L. Cookson, Dylan I. DeWitt, Jacob e. Dingess, Jessica L. Dolister, Haylee M. Dombrowski, Walter D. Drag, Timothy D. Eby+#, Tyler J. Eley, Evan K. Evans, Rebecca M. Fetch, Caleb S. Foura, Jason A. Gagliardo, JOanna Garcia, Roberto Garcia, Dylan M. Geisler, Amanda C. Giles +#, Courtney A. Giles+, Kristin N. Grant, Hailey J. Haines, Tayler M. Haney, Michael J.P. Harris, Nichole S. Harris, Jeffery M. Heign+, Brandon L. Helbling, Riley R. Hibschman, Devin C. Hires, Aaron L. Hochstetler, Chelsea N. Howe, Bryan W. Hughey, Andrew R. Johnson, April A. King, Heavin N. King, Shane E. King, Adam J. Kinser, Hannah L. Knight, Katelyn J. Kuhlman+, Brittney M. Kustron, Taylor A. Langworthy, Ashley A. Lee, Maegan A. Leeth, Phillip A. Lorenz, Chelsea T. Lucas, Lance V. Lumadue, BenjaminJ. Mallo, Cody A. Mallo#, Corey D. McDonald, Heather A. McDonald, MIranda L. McGlothlen, Brooke L. Miller, Breeanna N.L. Mott, MOrgan L. Neff, Nathan G. Petoskey+#, Zachary N. Pittenger, Thomas T. Reed, Devon L. Robinson, Megan K. Rodewald, Dominick M. Rogers, Anthony L. Rudloff, Benjamin T. Rudloff, William J. Ryan, Madeline N. Sanderson, Bo B. Seman, James A. Sequin, Ashlyn M. Snodgrass, Jeffery D. Steiner, Curtis J. Treacher, Andrew T. Turner, Phillip R. VanZile, Courtney M. Wagner, Jeremiah J. Waterman, Amber R. Webb, Hailee R. Weinberg, Payton M. White, Ashlee M. Wogan+#, Brooke C. Wyant

+National Honor Society
*Academic High Honors
#Academic Honors

Source:  Story and photos contributed by Angie Birdsall.  Thanks, Angie!

“The Farmers Market brings a spark of vitality to our historic site every Sunday,” said Laurie Perkins, site manager at Walker Tavern. “We appreciate all the hard work that goes into making the Farmers Market a rich and varied experience for our visitors.”

Attendance set records in 2012, with crowds reaching over 400 each Sunday despite soaring temperatures and drought conditions. This year may top that, according to market organizer David Brainerd. He anticipates the return of over 40 vendors and growers and looks forward to adding more participants this season.

“Our growers and vendors are fantastic folks to work with and produce some of the highest-quality produce in southeast Michigan,” said Brainerd.

“Farmers Markets are fast becoming a feature of many of our state parks,” said Sandra Clark, director of the Michigan Historical Center. “We are pleased that the Farmers Market at Walker Tavern Historic Site is a leader in promoting locally grown produce and outdoor cultural and natural recreation. It’s a perfect fit for our historic sites.”

For a complete Farmers Market schedule, go to www.michigan.org. If you would like to become a vendor at the Walker Tavern Historic Site Farmers Market contact David Brainerd at 517-467-7793 or brainerdfarms@frontiernet.net.

Walker Tavern is one of 11 nationally-accredited museums administered by the Michigan Historical Center, an agency within the Department of Natural Resources. It is located at the junction of US-12 and M-50, southeast of Jackson. For more information, call 517-467-4401 or visit www.michigan.gov/walkertavern. To learn more about the rest of the state’s historical museum sites, go to www.michigan.gov/michiganhistory.

Source:  News release from Michigan Department of Natural Resources

“Regional jobless rates decreased slightly throughout Michigan in April, although these seasonal reductions were somewhat below the typical April rate declines,” said Michael Williams, acting director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives. “However, the majority of local areas continued to record over-the-year jobless rate reductions.”

From March to April, regional jobless rate decreases ranged from 0.1 to 1.3 percentage points with a moderate median decline of 0.4 of a percentage point. The median March to April seasonal rate reduction for the state’s regions over the prior ten years was around a full percentage point. The largest April 2013 rate cuts were recorded in the Northeast Lower Michigan region and the Detroit-Warren-Livonia Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), with drops of 1.3 and 1.0 percentage points respectively. The next largest jobless rate reduction was 0.6 of a percentage point posted in both the Northwest Lower Michigan region and the Niles-Benton Harbor MSA. The jobless rate rose slightly by 0.3 of a percentage point in the Lansing-East Lansing MSA in April, while the rate in the Ann Arbor MSA was unchanged.

County Jobless Rates Down Over Month, Mixed Over Year

Seventy-two of Michigan’s 83 counties recorded seasonal unemployment rate reductions in April, with a median decrease of 0.6 of a percentage point. Jobless rates increased in eight counties over the month, while rates were unchanged in three.

From April 2012 to April 2013, jobless rates declined in 40 counties, increased in 37 and were unchanged in six. Most county unemployment rate changes were moderate over the year.

April jobless rates down seasonally in all Southwest Michigan counties

In April, business hiring often begins to ramp up in industries such as construction and recreational services. In April 2013, despite less than ideal weather conditions, there was some initial hiring in seasonal industries, which led to slight reductions in unemployment rates throughout the region. The twelve counties of Southwest Michigan recorded an average unemployment rate decline of half a percentage point in April. The jobless rate drop was highest in Cass County (-1.5 percentage points), followed by Van Buren (-1.0).

In Branch County the unemployment rate in April was 7.7 percent, down from 8.2 in March and a bit less than the 7.9 percent figure in April of 2012.

In Cass County the jobless rate in April was 5.8 percent, a decrease from 7.3 in March and lower than the 6.8 percent rate recorded in April of 2012.

In St. Joseph County the April unemployment rate was 6.9 percent, down from 7.3 in March and less than the 8 percent rate in April of 2012.

For detailed information about Southwest Michigan, click on the following link:  April 2013 labor market analysis – Southwest Michigan.

Source:  News releases from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget

They forecast that Michigan’s improving economy will result in a total $702 million surplus. The state will have an additional $483 million in revenue for the current fiscal year and an extra $219 million in Fiscal Year 2014, which begins Oct. 1.

The projected surplus is great news and there is no shortage of ideas on what to do with it.

I believe the surplus should be used to improve both our roads and our schools. Both these investments will yield substantial returns as we continue building a strong economy.

Education has always been one of my highest priorities. In fact, the Senate-passed School Aid budget for next year spends more than $13.2 billion on our schools — by far the most the state has ever spent on educating our kids.

It is a $281 million increase over the current year, but more than $555 million of the funds are dedicated to pay for school employee retirees who have been promised pensions and health care benefits.

We should use part of the surplus to put more resources directly into the classroom — where it can be used to help prepare our children for success.

This preparation must also be more open to career and technical education. Many skilled-labor jobs are currently left unfilled in Southwest Michigan, and vocational education can play a critical role in filling these positions and training our children for rewarding careers. I have long been a strong advocate for this type of education and have sponsored Senate Bill 66, which promotes these programs throughout the state.

Quality roads are critical for protecting drivers and attracting tourists and job providers; yet Southwest Michigan residents are keenly aware of the poor condition of Michigan’s roads compared to those of our neighbors.

Last year the governor signed my legislation to dedicate $100 million — already paid by consumers at the pump — for our roads. A federal matching rate of roughly 4 to 1 meant that my reform brought about $400 million in transportation funding to Michigan — without raising taxes.

I introduced Senate Bill 6 this year to make this funding permanent.

Our current transportation funding levels are inadequate to maintain our infrastructure system. Until a long-term solution can be reached, we should invest surplus revenues in ensuring our roads and bridges are safe. This will help reduce accidents and costly car damage and also help us compete for jobs in an increasingly mobile economy.

I am encouraged to see revenues are coming in better than expected. It’s a strong indicator that our efforts to revitalize Michigan are working to energize our economy and help put people back to work.

Since I took office in January 2011, Michigan has added more than 180,000 private sector jobs. This is the fourth-fastest employment growth in the nation and the fastest among the Great Lakes states.

The state’s unemployment has fallen from 13.8 percent in 2010 to 8.4 percent last month, and a University of Michigan economist predicts Michigan will see a “sustained, moderately paced recovery through 2016,” resulting in the unemployment rate dropping to 6.9 percent.

But these are only projections that could change at any time due to circumstances beyond our control.

We must be cautious and responsible with spending, and I will work to pass a budget that saves for those rainy days, improves government efficiency, provides verifiable positive results and invests in priorities — like our roads and schools.

John Proos
State Senator – 21st District

Source:  News release from state Senator John Proos

The invocation was given by Rev. Dennis Smith, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church.

CTHS director Dale Wentela said remember our servicemen and women on Memorial Day. He invited former USAF airman Heather Harrison to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Constantine Tech High School held its graduation ceremony on Thursday in the LGI room at Constantine High School. School board president John Schuler presented diplomas to Shawna Pifer, Deanna Chupp, Jessica Tackett, Danielle Copas, Alycia Carpenter, Elizabeth Robinson, Brandi Fry and Alex Wood. Also graduating but not attending the ceremony was Pam Connelly. (Click on photo to enlarge)

Opening remarks were made by Wentela.  “This is a fun night. Enjoy this moment, and let your family take pleasure in seeing you in your cap and gown. This night is also about the people in your life who motivate you,” he told graduates.   “We want every student to achieve something before they move onto the next phase of life. It’s been a difficult year, but when we look at these graduates, it’s worth it,” he said.

Wentela said the relationship between CTHS staff and students is important.  “Staff at alternate ed. is second to none. They’re mostly retired, but when they come in it is with a love for helping kids learn.”

Wentela added a special thank you to facilitator Judy Elliott, who was unable to attend due to health reasons.

CTHS activities during the year were shown in a Power Point presentation by administrative assistant Kari Gonder, These included a prom held May 17, “Rake My Day,” a trip to Wright’s Beauty Academy, putting out luminaries on Christmas eve, a Thanksgiving party, and making Christmas cookies with the Level 5 students at the Middle School, among other things.  The Power Point message was, “While most are dreaming of success, the winners wake up and achieve it.” Academic success is posted on the school “Wall of Fame.”

Jason Portinga, a faciliitator at CTHS, holds a sign from the prom held May 17.

“One successful program is assisting with reading at Eastside. We helped four classes of kindergarteners read and take comprehension tests on 4,000 books this school year. It’s simply amazing,” Wentela said.  Graduate Danielle Copas put on a “Clifford the Dog” costume to entertain children at Eastside, he said.

Each graduate was given the chance to speak.  “I want to thank my family for keeping me in school. A lotta days I wanted to stay home and a few times I contemplated dropping out. Now I’m glad I didn’t, “Alex Wood said.

“I dropped out. I thought about quitting, but I didn’t want to disappoint people, and now I’m glad I stayed,” Danielle Copas said.

“I never thought I’d be graduating in a million years. It’s awesome we’re here. It’s really special,” Alycia Carpenter said.

A reception was held for graduates and their families following the ceremony.

Source:  Story and photos contributed by Angie Birdsall.

The action came Tuesday evening (May 21st) when the commission awarded the work to the low bidder on the project, Northern Construction Services Corp (NCSC), at a cost of $9,100.

The manhole was the source of a Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO) into the river that began on April 21st and stopped on April 24th.  The SSO occurred during high water and flooding and resulted in a “no contact” health advisory issued by the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency on April 22nd.  The “no body contact” advisory between the river crossing at Broadway Street and the dam in Constantine was cancelled on April 29th.

The Three Rivers City Commission has authorized improvement of this manhole on the east bank of the St. Joseph River, just south of Broadway Street. (Click on photo to enlarge)

A city staff report to the commission noted that the manhole “has a history of discharges” and said, “The manhole was reconstructed in years past which alleviated problems with sewage leaking from the structural base at ground level.  The completed manhole was constructed with a buried eccentric cone and a rim elevation of 787 feet above sea level.  A topographical survey and subsequent design engineering identified the need to raise the manhole rim elevation to 794 feet above sea level.”

The report went on to say, “The flooding in April 2013 confirmed the need to raise the manhole.  City staff worked alongside Jones & Henry Engineers to design and solicit prices from contractors to raise the manhole immediately.  The MDEQ surface water division engineer has been consulted with and no permitting is required to move forward with raising the manhole.”

According to the report, money for the manhole improvement has been budgeted for within the scope of the budget for Fiscal Year 2014.  The commission, which was asked whether to do the project now or hold off until the new budget year that begins on July 1st, opted to move forward now.  Prior to the vote, Mayor Tom Lowry said, “I agree with this motion.  I think it should be done now, rather than wait two months.”  (Tom Lowry audio clip – :33)

Larry Nichols commented on a recent Sanitary Sewer Overflow from a manhole across the St. Joseph River from his property and told the Three Rivers City Commission the city should foot the bill for cleanup.

In the course of public comments on the issue, Larry Nichols of 920 South Constantine Street addressed the commission and said the manhole is directly east of his property, just across the river from his house.  He shared handouts with the commission regarding the history of the manhole and said, “This has been leaking on my property the last eight years” and indicated it had caused contamination.  Nichols asked, “What am I going to do with my property now that it’s contaminated.  Who’s going to clean up the sewage and stuff that’s left over from that spill?  . . .   Who’s going to clean up my 350 feet of river frontage that I’m paying high property taxes on?  What do I do with all the sewage and stuff left over on mine?”  And he said, “I’ve put up with sewage leaks for 35 years.  I don’t think I should have to foot the bill to have this cleaned up off my property this time.  I think the city should foot the bill.”  (Larry Nichols audio clip – 1:41)

Despite his critical comments, Nichols spoke highly of James Baker, superintendent of the Waste Water Treatment Plant.  He said, “I’ve got nothing but praise for this guy.   This guy’s talked to me.  He’s come down and looked.  He’s actually doing something.   You guys have stepped in the right direction.  Don’t get me wrong.  I’ve been negative tonight, but this guy knows what he’s doing.  This guy’s going to make a big improvement to the city, but I want to know who’s going to clean it up.”

In response to Nichols’ comments, Lowry proposed that he (Nichols) get together with City Manager Joe Bippus and take a walk through the property.

Former Commissioner Larry Matson, of 627 South Constantine Street, offered support for Nichols and, in describing the impact of the sewage overflow on Nichols’ property, said, “It was a real mess.  It was a real, stinking mess.”

Before the unanimous vote to proceed with the manhole improvement project, Third District Commissioner Diane Clay asked, “Would we be responsible for cleaning that up?  . . .  Could we do something for cleaning it up?  I think we should.”  Lowry said, “It could be.  We’ll look into it.”  And Bippus said, “I’ll talk with our insurance company.”

According to Baker, the contractor expects to have the manhole improvement project completed “by the end of August.”

“It is a great honor to join with fellow Americans in paying special tribute to the selfless individuals who serve and protect our country,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “On this day, and every day, we say ‘thank you’ to the courageous and vigilant men and women who sacrifice much to ensure our safety, and we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in carrying out their sworn duties.”

Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.

When flown at half-staff or half-mast, the U.S. flag should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff or half-mast position.

Source:  News release from Governor Rick Snyder

During an interview with the River Country Journal, Schirripa said the three MDOT bridges are:

• Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River between Port Huron and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
• International Bridge over the St. Mary’s River between the twin cities of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
• M-86 Bridge over the Prairie River east of Centreville.

The Michigan Department of Transportation is exploring the possibility of moving this bridge on M-86 in St. Joseph County to Cass County. The bridge, located east of Centreville, carries traffic over the Prairie River. (Click on photo to enlarge)

Schirripa said the M-86 Bridge, utilizing a ‘pony truss’ design, has been reviewed by MDOT bridge personnel and is “only remotely similar” to the collapsed bridge in Washington State.  (Nick Schirripa audio clip – 1:17)

The M-86 Bridge – built in 1923 – is historic and was moved and re-built at its present site in 1938-1939.

An April 11th public informational meeting at the Cass County Road Commission office in Cassopolis noted that MDOT and the Cass County Road Commission are exploring the possibility of restoring the M-86 Bridge and relocating it approximately 50 miles away at Crystal Springs Street over the Dowagiac River in Cass County.  The session included an indication that the bridge was originally located on Telegraph Road in Detroit.

M-86 Historic Bridge relocation meeting at the Cass County Road Commission on April 11, 2013 (Click on photo to enlarge)

According to an Early Preliminary Engineering (EPE) Bridge Structure Relocation Study, the M-86 Bridge “is scheduled for replacement.  The bridge does not meet current geometric standards and is in need of repairs.  The truss bridge is a historic bridge and in generally good overall condition.  The bridge geometry does meet the local road service level standards; therefore the bridge is an excellent candidate for restoration and relocation to a local road crossing.”  The study says the Crystal Springs Street location in Cass County “has been identified as a good candidate for the relocation site.  That setting is scenic, on a local road and has community and adjacent property owner’s support.”

For additional insights regarding MDOT’s review of Michigan bridges following the bridge collapse in Washington State and more information about the M-86 Bridge, click on the following link to hear the interview with Nick Schirripa, recorded by Bruce Snook of the River Country Journal:  Nick Schirripa interview (5:06 – 4.67)

To view a map showing the proposed ‘haul route’ for moving the bridge from St. Joseph County to Cass County, click here.

For information about the M-86 Bridge from the MDOT website, click on the following link:  MDOT – M-86/Prairie River.

 The House on Wednesday (May 22nd) approved a package of bills that would eliminate regulatory hurdles that burden job creators who are providing access to new technology through the installation of advanced home monitoring systems. The measures were approved with strong, bipartisan support.

House Bills 4591 and 4737, introduced by state Rep. Aric Nesbitt, would exempt a homeowner from being required to obtain a permit when a licensed electrician installs equipment, like a dimmer switch, for these advanced home monitoring systems.

“Many of the new high-tech home-monitoring systems allow homeowners to not only protect their homes with fire and intruder alarm systems, but also include the ability to control temperature and electric use via a wireless connection, like your smart phone,“ said Nesbitt, R-Lawton. “These are common-sense reforms that remove needless expense and an unnecessary regulation and allow homeowners access to more effective ways of conserving energy, while at the same time maintaining all the needed protections.”

HB 4592, sponsored by state Rep. Bradford Jacobsen, R-Oxford, also won House approval. That bill eliminates the licensing requirement for technicians installing thermostats, that are simple low voltage devices, for advanced home monitoring systems.   Current law requires the thermostat installer to have, or be supervised by someone with an HVAC license.

Simplifying and streamlining state government by cutting red tape and unnecessary regulations is one of the key goals included in the 2013-14 House Republican Action Plan.

The bills now go to the Senate for consideration.

Source:  News release from state Representative Aric Nesbitt

(Click on image to enlarge)

The accompanying graphic from the River Country Tourism Council provides a brief and colorful overview of what’s planned.

For additional information covering a broader area, click on the following link to an MLive story by Tom Haroldson:   Memorial Day to be observed in some 30 Kalamazoo-area communities with parades, ceremonies.