Tri-County Citizen

NEWS BRIEFS


STAFF RESIGNATION – On Monday, Feb. 10, the Chesaning Union Schools Board of Education accepted the resignation of Chesaning High School math teacher William Germain. Germain joined the teaching staff in fall of 2016.

BUS ENGINE – During its Monday, Feb. 10 meeting, the Chesaning Union Schools Board of Education approved the purchase of a replacement school bus engine for the full-size school bus with handicap lift capabilities. School board president Martin Maier explained that they had initially planned to rebuild the engine, but it wouldn’t have had a warranty and would’ve taken a month of staff time to do the work. It’s estimated that the bus body has another 180,000 miles on it, so it was decided to buy a new engine with a warranty for $15,130. The school board approved.

MAINTENANCE TRACTOR – The Chesaning Union Schools Building and Grounds Director Brian Gross is in the process of trying to purchase a grounds and maintenance tractor capable of pulling and operating the 16-foot-wide mowing unit. Gross explained that the mowing unit needs more horsepower than the 32-yearold maintenance tractor can provide. The board gave Gross the authority to purchase the tractor with money from the capital improvement bond, if he can get it at the approved price.

SCHOOL FUNDING – During the Chesaning Union School Board’s Monday, Feb. 10 retreat, Superintendent Mike McGough reported that Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently came out with a budget proposal. “Hopefully we’ll have the numbers by May. Last year it was October,” McGough said. Last year, school boards across the state had to prepare their annual budgets without any numbers from the state.

ANIMAL SHELTER APPEAL – During the Wednesday, Feb. 12 meeting of the St. Charles Village Council, veterinarian Joseph Kline called on the council to do what it takes to bring the Saginaw County Animal Care and Control facility to St. Charles. Kline believes that if located in St. Charles, the animal shelter would bring a lot of people into town, which would be a significant benefit for the local economy. “We’ve got water, sewer, gas and the rail trail,” Kline said. Councilwoman Diana Kutz said, “They (county officials) want it in the city.” Village Manager Hartmann Aue said the county wants at least five acres for the facility and they want it to be given free of charge. Among the places the county has considered is the old Saginaw County Jail. Trustee Jim McPhail pointed out that the old jail isn’t five acres either. Aue has been in contact with Saginaw County Controller Robert Belleman.

NO SCRAPS – Spicer Group engineer John Olson informed the St. Charles Village Council that the scrap tire grant for rubberized asphalt didn’t go through again this year. The council was hopeful to use the grant to help pave asphalt on Fulton and Hosmer streets where watermain repairs were made in 2019. Despite not receiving the grant, Olson has the plans ready for paving those streets this summer. The project will go out for bid soon.

ST. CHARLES POLICE OFFICER – During the Wednesday, Feb. 12 meeting, the St. Charles Village Council recognized Officer Church for her recent heroic efforts that saved a man’s life; when he went into cardiac arrest. Church was called out of the village limits to respond to the call. She said, “Often we’re the closest first responders when roads are bad.” She worked with a Marion Township firefighter who also responded. They took turns performing CPR and breathing for the patient until an ambulance arrived; a significant amount of time later. Councilman Jim McPhail commented that village residents need to understand that sometimes village officers have to leave the village to respond in an emergency. Councilwoman Sarah Theile said, “It’s completely understandable for cardiac arrest. I think the people who complain don’t understand.” Church believes the community needs to see a professional police department that cares. Councilwoman Lois Theile told Officer Church, “We appreciate you.” The village also received a thank you letter from the patient’s family addressed to Officer Church.

VILLAGE OF CLINTON LAWSUIT – Recently, both villages of Chesaning and St. Charles received letters from the Village of Clinton asking them to contribute toward the cost of bringing a lawsuit against the State of Michigan for implementing the lead and copper pipe replacement law, which requires municipalities to inspect and replace lead and copper pipe water service lines on private property. Municipalities have always been responsible for municipal services up to the property lines. But to require municipalities to bear the cost of inspection and replacement of water lines on private property goes beyond what is generally required. During the Feb. 12 St. Charles Village Council meeting, village manager Hartmann Aue said, “In my years, I’ve seen many municipalities fight the state and lose.” He recommended against going in on the case. Village DPW Superintendent Don Ackerman said, “We’re doing the things we have to do. There were a lot of large cities that fought the state and lost.”