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News Summary - July 1, 2009 Edition
MediLodge of Hillman named Michigan Facility of the Year
- by Yvonne Swager
MediLodge of Hillman has been named facility of the year by the Health Care Association of Michigan. The etched statue for the Calvin Monfils Facility Excellence Award will be presented in September.Justin Moreau, facility administrator, said he applied for the award in March. After 2½ months, a call came in informing him the facility had made it through the third stage of the selection process, he said.
He had about two weeks notice four judges would be visiting, he said, but not much was done in preparation for the event. Moreau said the employees even wore jeans because it was a casual dress day.
"All I did was put flowers in front of the nurses’ stations," he said.
Moreau said he didn’t mask his enthusiasm when he got the call his facility had been chosen.
"I was very excited and ran from one end of the building to the other," he said. "We’re going to have a 24-foot banner. You’re going to be able to see it from deep space."
He credited the award to the 115 employees who contributed and specifically credited Laura Dziesinski, director of nursing. Dziesinski agreed the staff earned the award.
"It’s not about us, it’s about the staff on the floor," she said. "It’s the care, compassion and love the staff has for the residents that make it home for them."
Criteria for the award included review of best practices, facility operations, quality of life, quality of care, resident counsel, food services, environmental services and human resources.
Hillman’s MediLodge features a main lounge with flaming fireplace and big screen TV, a LapTop Lounge reading room, a JavaLodge with muffins, danishes, bagels and coffee, and a solarium that offers private dining.
Residents can relax in the Tranquility Garden or take part in arts and crafts, exercise class, beauty group, birthday parties, bingo, board and dice games, or baking. Some enjoy private rooms with flat-screen TVs.
Moreau said he made a career change in 1996 and started working at MediLodge as a certified nursing aide. He worked his way up to dietary manager before becoming certified for administration. He said he’ll someday be able to retire now with great satisfaction.
"It’s huge to be acknowledged as the best," Moreau said.
Many Fourth of July weekend events planned around the county
Atlanta: On July 4 from 8 a.m. to noon will be the Lions Club pancake breakfast in the Briley Park pavilion. The parade with the theme, Lazy Days of Summer, will kick off from the courthouse at noon and end at the post office. The Elk Country Animal Shelter grand opening is from noon to 6 p.m. with refreshments and door prizes. From 1 to 3 p.m. activities in Briley Park will include a waterball tournament, crafts, games and free books from the library. The bump and run will be at the Montmorency County 4-H Fair starting at 4 p.m. A concession stand will open at 6 p.m. at the high school where there will be parking for the fireworks that start at dusk.Hillman: The celebration of Mill River Days will be Friday through Sunday, July 3-5 with many special activities. On Friday the Brush Creek Mill will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with refreshments available. A pig roast and opne house is planned at MediLodge from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cruise-in begins at 6 p.m. in the village parking lot behind Hi-Way Inn. Trophies for the event will be awarded at 8:15 p.m. The cars will cruise the village starting at 8:30 p.m. There will be music by Chester’s Habit from 7 to 11 p.m. at the mill. Fireworks will end the Friday events starting at dusk or 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 4 starts with an arts and crafts show at the mill from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pet show is at Emerick Park from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The bridge walk begins at noon at Tripp Field. Kids games start at 1 p.m. at Brush Creek Mill. This event is sponsored by the library. Thunder Bay Resort is offering elk viewing horse drawn wagon rides from 1 to 3 p.m. at the resort. The VFW will have an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Post Home. There will be music in the Hi-Way Inn parking lot with a DJ from 7 to 11 p.m.
The Hillman Street Drags will take place on Sunday, July 5 on Progress Street from noon to 5 p.m. Spectators may watch from the elementary school playground. Admission to the street drags is $4 for those over 12 years old. The Brush Creek Mill will be open from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Johannesburg: For the July 4th parade decorated bikes and floats need to be in place by 10:30 a.m. for judging. The parade begins at 11 a.m. Following the parade is the grand opening ceremony where veterans are honored and awards are given for best bikes and floats. After the ceremony is the crowning of the king and queen. In the afternoon there are old-fashioned games with prizes, food concessions and the Uncle Sam booth. There will be a fireworks display at dusk.
Lewiston: The Historical Museum will be open on Saturday, July 4 from noon to 3 p.m. There will be a rib cook-off at the Moose Lodge at 1 p.m. Those who are going to be in the parade need to be at the elementary school at 3 p.m. The parade with the theme, The American Dream, will march through downtown Lewiston at 4 p.m. On Sunday, July 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the American Legion is sponsoring a pancake breakfast with the proceeds going to the Montmorency Veterans Monument Fund. St. Francis of Assisi is also sponsoring a pancake and sausage breakfast to benefit Habitat for Humanity, which will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the church parish hall.
Montmorency County: Kevin, Mike and Kevin’s first annual Montmorency County garage sale scavenger hunt will start on Saturday, July 4 at 9 a.m., and will end Sunday, July 5 at noon. Items must be from Montmorency County garage sales only, and you will get a list of 22 items to hunt for. Registration fees are individual hunter, $12 or team of four hunters, $50. You will get full details when you register at Trophy Class Real Estate or Laura Applewoods Café in Atlanta, Independent Bank in Hillman or My Sister’s Stone Cottage in Lewiston. There will be prizes and food.
The Elk Country Animal Shelter will host their grand opening on Saturday, July 4 from noon to 6 p.m. There will be refreshments and door prizes.
Cell construction at landfill will move forward sooner than planned
- by Yvonne Swager
The next phase of a cell will be needed at the landfill sooner than expected. The board already anticipated bumping the start date for phase II from 2011 to 2010, but, at the regular meeting June 26, the decision was made to build the rest of the cell this year."It looks like we’re going to need space by next summer," said Sandy Cunningham, landfill administrator.
Lyle Vanwormer, board chair, said the budget accounted for lagoon and force main projects, but not another cell. He said he didn’t want to see the landfill borrowing money in order to make it happen.
"It’s just a question of putting our heads together so we can work this out," VanWormer said.
Ken Cordes, Cordes Excavating, offered board members a deal. Since his company is onsite doing a project already, he offered to do the new phase of the cell for the same rates as his company charged for doing a cell in 2007 with the exception of the liner. He said payment would be deferred until Aug. 1 of 2010 and no interest would be charged.
He said the job would have to be done right away, because nobody wants to work in clay in October. Cordes also said the landfill board would have to accept the offer quickly, because his company may soon have too many other projects scheduled to fit the landfill project onto the agenda.
"On July 10, we will bid on more work in one day than we did last year," Cordes said, indicating stimulus money is currently providing numerous opportunities.
After awarding the piping and lagoon projects to Cordes as low bidder, the board also approved Cordes for the cell phase project at 2007 rates with payments deferred and no interest. Cam Habermehl voted against the motion, earlier stating he thought the decision to build the next phase now was hasty.
Also discussed at the meeting was the 2008 audit. Tom Zick, auditor, said the landfill has an over-funded pension plan, the first he has seen in 39 years of accounting. He said the $20,000 overage in contributions was the result of the early death of a former employee.
The year reflected revenues of $2,860,000 and expenditures of $2,342,000. Zick recommended putting money set aside to cover expenses after the existence of the landfill into multiple bank accounts in the form of CDs.
In another matter, the board passed motions of intent to secure legal counsel and an accountant if the plans for the gasification plant proceed.
Obituaries
Karen Lynn Johnson, 40, of Lewiston
Ruth G. Harris, 90, of Atlanta
Donald Kirk Parrish, 78, of Hillman
Richard Kendall Schook, 79, of Richmond
Mark Lloyd Kinsey, 49, of Lewiston
Rose Hanna Jones, 66, of Hillman
Vera L Horne, 85, of Lewiston
News Summary - June 24, 2009 Edition
County commissioners hear from DTE on proposed gasification plant at landfill
- by Yvonne Swager
Commissioners from Montmorency, Oscoda and Alpena counties gathered at the Hillman Community Center on June 17 to learn about gasification. The informational meeting was an opportunity for board members to ask questions about the power plant project they will eventually vote on.The plant is proposed for the landfill and, if constructed, will convert municipal solid waste into electricity. DTE Energy Services (DTEES) will own and operate the $25 million plant. Bill McPherson, director of DTEES, said an enclosed tipping floor will allow haulers to easily dump loads and leave.
"We expect that’s going to expedite dumping of trash and should be something that the haulers will find desirable," McPherson said.
Combusting landfill gas in air-starved conditions, he said, makes the process less hazardous for the environment.
"It allows us to get a clean gas for combustion, so we’ll be well within any state guidelines," McPherson said.
The gas will then be used to fuel a boiler that will generate steam which will go to a turbine for the generation of power. The plant is expected to operate on revenues from the sale of renewable energy, recycling of steel and aluminum and from a portion of tipping fees at the landfill.
The plant is expected to create 15-20 new jobs. Since landfill operation will become less labor-intensive if the plant is constructed, Commissioner Tom Mullaney, Alpena County, asked what will happen to displaced workers at the landfill.
"We would anticipate that we would transfer any unneeded employees at the landfill to the facility," McPherson said.
Commissioner Cam Habermehl, also of Alpena County, expressed concerns about the current reduction in the demand for power in Michigan. McPherson said the economy will be in recovery at the time the plant begins operation.
"This project’s not going to come online until 2011," he said. "We anticipate we’ll be through the worst of this economic disaster."
Despite economic conditions, he said new legislation regarding renewable energy has made the demand for it very large, and the amount of renewable energy required for use is scheduled to increase.
An agreement proposed to the landfill allowing DTEES to pursue in-depth feasibility of the project had not yet been signed by the energy entity. McPherson said he hopes to have an agreement ready for execution in 7-10 days.
Such an agreement would afford DTEES six months to determine if the project is feasible. McPherson said it shouldn’t take six months to make a determination.
"We’re hoping to be back in late September with a proposal to the landfill authority," he said. "One of the most important things we’ll be doing is confirming construction costs."
Concern over split classes expressed to Hillman School Board
- by Yvonne Swager
Hillman School Board members heard concerns about split classes at a special meeting on June 22. The meeting was scheduled for the purpose of adopting a budget.Split classes for first and second graders as well as third and fourth graders will save the district $160,000. Some in attendance indicated their children have had negative experiences with split classes, and Matt Noffze, board member elect, said there must be options other than split classes.
"Let’s educate these kids now, the right way," Noffze said. "Kids are going to keep falling through the cracks."
Loraine Chappa, teacher, said eight subjects are taught to each grade level. Because Title I teachers who would be assisting aren’t allowed to introduce concepts, she said the lead teacher would have to introduce 16 concepts in a split class.
"With the amount of curriculum we have with the state, it’s impossible," Chappa said.
Tom Banks, board president, said the district is facing a per student decrease in state funding next year of $450-$600. The exact figure won’t be known until October, he said, and the board needs to plan conservatively.
"We’re sitting here trying to figure out how to keep the district operating for as long as we can," Banks said. "What we had is what we want, but we’re also responsible for the entire school district."
Tribal fishing and population monitoring on inland lakes raises concerns for residents
- by Yvonne Swager
Some area residents have expressed concerns about the amount of fish being taken out of inland lakes by Native American tribal members. Doug Morrison, Hillman, said he was suspicious of some fishing activity on Long Lake.He said it appeared to him tribal members were shocking fish and taking them out of the lake while stunned. According to Morrison, small fish washed up dead on his property after the shocking of fish took place.
He’s aware tribal members can take a percentage of walleye out of Long Lake, he said, but he has concerns the fish population will be depleted for future generations of anglers. He also questioned what policing methods are protecting populations.
"Let them do their thing on the Great Lakes," Morrison said.
Douglas Craven, natural resource department director for the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, said shocking methods haven’t been used to take fish from the inland lakes. He said shocking fish is used as a means of measuring the amount of fish in a lake.
"We did a Long Lake assessment in April," Craven said. "We were in there for a two-week period. When we were doing the shocking, we didn’t see any mortality."
Tribal members are required to obtain fishing permits from the tribe and report any harvesting. Craven said no permits have been obtained yet this year for the inland lakes. Fish netted after shocking, he said, are counted and returned to the water where they recover.
"The information taken from that population assessment will be used to develop a walleye population model," he said.
Attempts are made to notify residents and the local Department of Natural Resources office prior to conducting an assessment, Craven said.
"We understand people have concerns about their natural resources. We’re concerned too," he said. "We don’t have an interest in decimating populations."
Nicholas Popoff, natural resource manager for the DNR, said he gets calls every day questioning fishing practices of tribal members. Since the Treaty of 1836, tribal members have reserved certain hunting, fishing and gathering rights.
"The tribes are a sovereign nation. They have rights to do this intrinsically," Popoff said.
Because Long Lake is less than 1,000 acres, tribal members are entitled to five percent of the walleye population in the lake. Popoff said that amount is minimal in the big picture.
"State licensed anglers will take more fish out of Long Lake than the tribe will," he said.
Tribal members are allowed to shine for fish and spear outside parameters of the normal fishing season, Popoff said, and he thinks the special rules are more the issue.
"People focus on the method and don’t realize the amount of harvest is so minimal, it doesn’t matter," he said.
In order for tribes to exercise fishing rights on an inland lake, he said they have to first notify the state. All five Michigan tribes as well as the state have law enforcement officers who monitor fishing activity. Popoff said anybody suspicious of fishing activity is encouraged to report poaching at 800-292-7800.
Obituaries
Merle Max Klein, 89, of Atlanta
Mayme L. Fultz, age 89, of Lewiston
Mary Louise Frost, 75, of Hillman
John E. Gardner, Jr., 75, of Atlanta
Jerry Lee Studnicka, 58, of Atlanta
Alma Jean Hilleary, 80, of Lewiston
News Summary - June 17, 2009 Edition
Survey shows strong support for landfill’s recycling program
- by Yvonne Swager
Of those who responded to the recent recycling survey, 72 percent indicated they would be willing to pay for a recycling program. At the regular landfill meeting June 12, Rick Deuell, planner for the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments, summarized the survey results.Almost 1,000 survey responses were received, Deuell said, with 285 of them coming online. Of those offering feedback, 89 percent said they recycle and 96 percent would like to see a recycling program continue.
"There are several ways to fund it," Deuell said. "It should be up to your customers how it gets funded."
Funding mechanisms in other areas include paying when recyclable materials are dropped off or increased tipping fees for garbage in general. Louis "Corky" Hubert, landfill board member, reminded those in attendance it cost $70,000 last year to fund the recycling program. Lyle VanWormer, board chair, said abandoning recycling isn’t an option.
"We have to do recycling in the solid waste plan," VanWormer said. "It’s not something we can push aside and say we’re not going to do it."
Also discussed was cell construction that will have to take place sooner than planned. The newest cell has 400,000 cu. yds. of capacity, but Sandy Cunningham, landfill administrator, said that figure is based on the next phase’s elevations.
"We’re going to have to construct next year as opposed to 2011 as planned," Cunningham said.
About 90,000 yards have been taken in at the gate and compacted to 63,000 yards in the new cell. Some board members questioned the quality of the compacting and VanWormer said building a cell next year isn’t in the budget.
"We can’t afford it. It’s going to cost $1.5 million," VanWormer said.
According to Cunningham, beginning the project in advance may be necessary just to keep the project on schedule. Because of a short construction season and a 90-day licensing period, she said waiting too long won’t be an option.
"We’ll be good for space, but we need to be online and ready," Cunningham said.
Cunningham sentenced to life without parole for the murder of Teresa Ulanski
- by Yvonne Swager
Richard A. Cunningham, Lewiston, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Teresa L. Ulanski, also of Lewiston.The sentence was handed down at a hearing in 23rd Circuit Court in Mio on June 15 by Judge William F. Myles. Cunningham was previously found guilty by a jury for beating and strangling Ulanski to death.
At the sentence hearing, Thomas Schaiberger, defense attorney, made a second attempt to have the judge reverse Cunningham’s conviction, saying the elements of first-degree murder weren’t proven.
Myles said he had listened to the trial after sitting through it and found the elements were more than present. Before sentencing Cunningham, Myles heard from a representative of the family who read a letter written by Ulanski’s daughter.
"I hope you spend the rest of your life in prison suffering just as my mother did," the individual read.
The letter indicated the death penalty would be the easy way out for Cunningham. Myles said he based the sentencing on the multitude of injuries inflicted on Ulanski and her "vicious death."
"This is one of the most heinous cases this court has ever been involved in," the judge said.
The sentence of life without parole, he said, was an effort to protect the public as well as punish Cunningham for his crime. Kathleen Solomon, prosecutor, said Cunningham’s sentence was appropriate.
"He’s a poor excuse for a human being," Solomon said.
In addition to serving his sentence, Cunningham was assessed costs and fines of $2,936.
Veterans’ memorial planned in Johannesburg
- by Jim Young
July 4, 2010 will mark the dedication of a new veterans’ memorial in Johannesburg. The planned memorial will stand in the park area just north of the library, near the main intersection in town.A flag pole will be surrounded by benches, with three vertical marble slabs beyond. The center slab of polished black granite will bear wording commemorating veterans. The slabs of grey granite at each side will list the names of veterans buried in the two Charlton Township cemeteries.
The memorial will be constructed in conjunction with a streetscape project being planned and paid for by the township and the Michigan Department of Transportation. Sidewalks and streetlights will be installed as part of this project.
Funding for the memorial, however, will be largely through donations from the community. Paving bricks can be purchased for $150 each and can be engraved with a message or memorial. Also polished granite benches can be donated, at a cost of $2,200 each. Two of the eight benches have already been paid for by local donors.
Donations of any value can be made at the Charlton Township offices, or by mail to: Johannesburg Veterans’ Memorial, c/o Charlton Township, P.O. Box 367, Johannesburg, MI 49751. For more information, please call (989) 786-2677.
Obituaries
Bernice Lavina Lalone, age 83
David James Johnston, 70, of Lewiston
Patrick Joseph LaValle, 87, of Lewiston
Lois Florence Quinn, 71, of Lachine
News Summary - June 12, 2009 Edition
Project Connect is June 16
Project Connect, a free day of services for those in need is Tuesday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Atlanta Elementary School gym. Lunch will provided free of charge. No appointment is necessary. You will be able to get your eyes and hearing tested and blood pressure checked. Clothing, food and personal hygiene products will be given out. Haircuts will be given free of charge. Helpful information on other services will also be available.For more information, contact Brenda Kann at 785-6014.
Early retirement offers may save Hillman school band program
- by Yvonne Swager
Hillman residents attended the school board meeting, June 8, to show support for the band program. The board is considering eliminating music at the schools.A Hillman student stood with friends and read a letter expressing desire for the band program to continue.
"If you’re worried about not having enough students in the high school band, then why not put the junior high and high school bands together," the student read. "We really need this. Save our music."
Kim Pesonen, acting band boosters president, said a petition supporting continuation of the band program circulated at the elementary school produced 155 signatures when only 95 were necessary. The petition she read to board members stated the band program opens options for students.
After going into closed session in order to discuss contract negotiations, the school board members voted to offer $5,000 to eligible teachers opting for a volunteer severance plan. If enough teachers retire early, Jack Richards, superintendent, said the music program may be saved.
Those with 25 years of service in the district would qualify. According to Richards, three staff members will have to take the offer in order for the plan to take effect. If three staff members retired, only two of those positions would be filled.
"If the plan goes through, it will be my recommendation to put the music program back into place," he said.
Eligible teachers will be notified of the severance offer, but it may be July or later before a final determination is made regarding whether the plan will take effect. Board member Jim Zavislak said, even if the plan takes effect, it may only help the band program for one year. Richards agreed, saying the issue could be back on the table next year.
Atlanta school board approves favorable 2009-2010 budget
The Atlanta Schools will see no major program cuts next year, so long as tentative numbers for state and federal aid remain unchanged. The school board approved a budget for the 2009-2010 school year Monday evening, which included a reduction of $59 per student in state aid, as well as an estimated loss of 28 students, when averaged across three years.Revenues will see some reductions as well, however. Savings will be seen as a result of the closure of the alternative education program, as well as the choice to combine the K-12 principal and superintendent into one position. The overall fund balance next year is planned to be $241,697, or 7.6 percent of the district’s planned revenues. Another $50,000 will be banked for future building repairs.
Depite the optimistic budget, board members took issue with tentative plans for the state to make changes to the per-student funding numbers. Last year the Atlanta district received $7,316 per student. Currently the per-student contribution is scheduled to be $7,257 next year, however school administrators around the state have heard of possible plans to reduce next year’s contribution by as much as $600 per student. Additionally the state may be considering a retro-active reduction of up to $260 per student in the 2008-2009 budget.
These funding reductions could be recouped by applying for federal funding grants, probably from the stimulus package passed by Congress earlier this year. Atlanta board members objected to the idea of the state changing funding at this late date, and are concerned about where school funding will be after the stimulus monies run out in two years. A letter will be drafted to lawmakers in Lansing and Washington regarding the issue.
Luther Community manor provides affordable housing option for seniors
- by Yvonne SwagerIf you’re a senior looking for affordable housing, Luther Community Manor in Alpena has some vacancies. The complex has 65 apartments and features community rooms, an exercise area and laundry facility.
For 20 years, the apartments have been available through Lutheran Social Services of Michigan. The cost of rent is based upon income, and Ella Malace, administrator, said deep subsidizing is helpful to residents.
"They pay 30 percent of their adjusted income," Malace said.
The state of the economy has changed situations for some area seniors, she said.
"We are finding some sad cases this year," Malace said. "A lot of single women are losing their homes."
Utilities and maintenance at the manor are included in the rent. Amy Ferguson, office assistant, said there’s no reason for seniors to have to struggle in order to maintain.
"There shouldn’t be anybody out there suffering or having their heat shut off," Ferguson said.
Officers of the active resident association meet monthly and regular activities at the manor help keep residents informed and entertained. Monthly breakfasts and dinners help residents get acquainted, and some also enjoy the Bible studies, birthday parties, support groups, foot clinics, health screenings, movie night, exercise programs and bingo.
The manor offers a service coordinator who assists residents with connecting to available services as well as with answers to questions concerning prescription needs, bills, Medicare, income tax preparation, drug plans or social security benefits.
Cats and small friendly dogs are welcome. Residents can relax in outdoor gardens and view wildlife or stroll to the neighboring museum where they are admitted for free. The apartments are conveniently located near the hospital and shopping, and two residents once found a neighboring church convenient.
"One couple ended up getting married," Malace said. "She was in her 70s and he was in his 80s."
After marriage, the couple remained residents of the complex for about 10 years, according to Malace. Elsie Miller, current resident, said she wouldn’t live anywhere else.
"I get the most beautiful sunsets from the second floor. For me, it’s perfect," Miller said.
Miller is 90 years old and has lived at the manor for 13 years. She said, before moving there, she was a widow on a farm.
"When I got here, I was so happy because everything was right there," Miller said. "Everything is nice and clean and the people are very friendly and accommodating."
Some residents stay busy surfing the internet or utilizing computer programs while others prefer to exercise by participating in sports via a Wii game system. Those interested in more information about Luther Community Manor can call 989-356-6725.
Obituaries
Herbert "Bud" Bryce, 80, of Johannesburg
Frank Craig O’Neil, 61, of AlpenaMichael Johnston, age 68, of Johannesburg
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