December 22, 2012 • Vol. 133 No. 51 514 S. Kalamazoo Ave. in Marshall, MI • Phone 269-781-5444 and FAX 269-781-7766 • www.advisor-chronicle.com
In The News:
Marshall coalition tackles problem of prescription drug abuse After a couple of years’ hiatus following its failed effort to obtain grant funding, the latest incarnation of the Marshall coalition of the Substance Abuse Council held its first meeting Dec. 13 to address ways they could make inroads in the community to raise awareness of substance abuse, especially prescription drug abuse among teens. “We don’t have to make this about the money; we want to do a few things in Marshall, something the community can get involved in,” said SAC Executive Director Dawn Smith. She said law enforcement officials have seen a huge increase among young adults using Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as Meth, in Marshall, but prescription drug use is the big concern among teens. See story on page 28
City Council recognizes ‘downtown lady’ for clean up efforts At the Marshall City Council meeting on Dec. 17, the council gave a certificate of recognition to Sharon Linklater for her community service efforts to clean up Marshall’s downtown. “I’ve got to tell you, this lady doesn’t stop,” said Councilwoman Kathy Miller. “She’s a one woman department. I think every time the public sees her, they need to tip their hat to her because this lady does it all.” See story on page 50
Nearly 50 kids team up with authorities to shop Battle Creek and Calhoun County area law enforcement agencies teamed up with local youth on Dec. 15 to help each of them spend an $86 gift card at Walmart in the first local “Shop with a Cop” program. “Next year, and this might be premature to say, but I hope it goes countywide so other departments like the Homer Police Department, the Marshall Police Department, the Tribal Police and maybe even all of the fire departments can get involved, too,” said Calhoun County Office of the Sheriff Deputy Jeff Edwards, who served on the committee organizing the event. See story on page 32
Marshall City Council continues building discussions The Marshall City Council meeting began its meeting Dec. 17 with the lone public comment from realtor Jerry Clifton regarding the discussion to build a new police facility and renovate the fire department. “The economy has put this venture in the garbage can,” he said. “This building project has taken precedence over the needs and the welfare of the servants of this community...Brick and mortar will not solve any of the community’s problems at this time.” See story on page 17
City recognizes employees at holiday luncheon During the city’s annual luncheon on Dec. 18, Marshall City Manager Tom Tarkiewicz and the City Council recognized employees for their service with a potluck lunch and awards ceremony. Tarkiewicz presented the 2012 “Beyond the Call of Duty Award” to Jim Schwartz for completing fire staff and command school, while working his fulltime job as police chief with the Marshall Police Department.” It was a surprise,” Schwartz said. “I was very appreciative of the recognition. I know all the staff of the city of Marshall are all very dedicated employees, and to be singled out is quite humbling.” See story on page 22
Brooks Memorial Fountain in Marshall. Photo by Perry Hardin
If there is righteousness in the heart, There will be beauty in the character. If there is beauty in the character, There will be love in the home. If there is love in the home, There will be order in the nation. If there is order in the nation, There will be peace in the world. The message of Christmas is one of peace and goodwill. Together we pray, “Let there be peace on earth -- and let it begin with me.”
Word on the Street
What is one of your favorite Christmas memories? Editor’s Corner
When many people think of the holiday season, they remember time spent with family and friends, picking out that perfect Christmas tree or a gift that was unforgettable. When asked, these six people reminisce about their own Christmas memories and share why this time of year is memorable for them.
by John Hendler Within hours of the Connecticut school massacre, the usual players took the stage in their usual roles, just like they do after every high profile mass shooting; those on the left calling for more restrictive gun laws, those on the right stating why more guns are needed to prevent tragedies like this and the big TV news networks breathlessly playing up the horror, complete with the dramatic theme music in the background. There they were, doing what they do best, as the bodies of 20 children and six adults lay dead. How about all those players take a deep breath and shut up. For once. As a parent, I cannot imagine the anguish and pain the parents of those children are going through. The day after the shooting, I heard a song on the radio that gets more play during the holiday season, although it’s not necessarily a holiday song; Angels Among Us, by the country group Alabama. Halfway through the song, the voices of young children join in the refrain. The song always brings tears to my eyes, but last week, the song took on a more pronounced and more profound meaning:
Irma Lillrose, Haslett
Alissa Kinsey, Coldwater
Dan Thelen, Marshall
“On our way home from getting a Christmas tree, we stopped at Hot ‘n Now. We (the kids) were all yelling and my dad got angry. After ordering our burgers, the lady on the speaker said to be careful of the clearance. My dad grumbled, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah.’ We all burst out laughing. It totally broke the bad mood.”
“I went to Ollie’s Tree Farm a few years back to get a tree for Christmas. I picked out this tiny tree because I want space between the branches. They felt sorry for me and only charged me $5. It was a true Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.”
“We were on our way home from Grandpa and Grandma’s (about 10 miles away) and my kids spotted Santa walking down the street. They were so excited. They told us to rush home because they were worried Santa wouldn’t come if they weren’t in bed at home.”
Don Lillrose, Haslett
Megan Davis, Arlington, Va.
Mark Sabo, Salisbury, N.C.
“Our first year in our home in Hillsdale, our daughter and son-in-law were coming from Florida to visit for Christmas. I knew they were coming, but my wife didn’t. The smile on her face said it all when they walked through the door. They had on snowsuits because it was freezing out and their heat was broken in their car.”
“I was around age 7, and I was questioning if Santa was real or not. That Christmas Eve, we went to church for a candlelight service and on our way home, we went around looking at all the Christmas lights. I happened to look up at the sky and saw a red dot moving. It didn’t look like a plane and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s Santa.’ When we got home, all the presents were under the tree, so I knew Santa was real because my parents were with me the whole time.”
“I always enjoyed skiing with my family on Christmas. We’ve done it for at least three years.”
I was walking home from school on a cold winter day. Took a shortcut through the woods, and I lost my way. It was getting late, and I was scared and alone. But then a kind old man took my hand and led me home. Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there. And I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers. Oh I believe there are angels among us. Sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours. To show us how to live, to teach us how to give. To guide us with the light of love. When life held troubled times, and had me down on my knees. There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me. A kind word from a stranger, to lend a helping hand. A phone call from a friend, just to say I understand. And ain't it kind of funny that at the dark end of the road. Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope. Oh I believe there are angels among us. Sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours. To show us how to live, to teach us how to give. To guide us with the light of love. They wear so many faces; show up in the strangest places. To grace us with their mercy, in our time of need. Oh I believe there are angels among us. Sent down to us from somewhere up above. They come to you and me in our darkest hours. To show us how to live, to teach us how to give. To guide us with the light of love. A peaceful and joyous Christmas to you all, and until next week, may the good news be yours.
Letters
cont. to next page
Horrified by the nightmare in Newtown, Conn. To the Editor: Like you I’m horrified by the nightmare slaughter of those little tots at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The photos on the Internet are numbing and no words can describe the horror. I’m cold with shock, and one thought keeps running through my mind. How sad, how evil,
how senseless for all concerned. Last Sunday, in front of her famous holiday house, Holly Harnden, and I were talking and sadly reached the same conclusions. The loved ones are gone, and their parents, family members, grandparents and schoolmates lives
are ruined, scared forever. They will never recover. Families will always remember, and during the holidays, face that empty dinning room chair, but the image of the little ones will always be with them. It’s time to put God back in schoolrooms, and no matter how much Washington
and its goon squads scream, begin each day with a prayer. It’s time to teach ethics, morals, values and virtues to students and that human life is precious. If done, perhaps the horrors of Sandy Hook Elementary School will be a thing of the past. Emerson Shelby, Marshall
There’s a lack of cooperation at state, federal level To the Editor: I am writing in regard to Jason Toney’s letter in the Dec. 15 issue of the ad-visor&chronicle about the Right to Work legislation. Have we have become so polarized that we believe that our Michigan Republican legislative branch is passing laws to punish Michigan Democrats
for what the president is doing? Are we at a place where we hate each other based on our political beliefs? If we are, where do we go from here? Does each “side” continue to pass laws to punish the other “side?” Who gets hurt in the process? I believe that we are all being hurt by the current lack of cooperation at
both the state and federal level. I respect Mr. Toney’s right to believe that the Right to Work law is a good one. I hope that he can respect my right to disagree without insulting my intellect. Tresia Gillett, Marshall
Reinstate the federal band on assault weapons To the Editor:
The slaughter of innocent first-graders in Newtown, Conn. on Dec. 14 has shown us all too horrendously that using semi-auto-
matic assault weapons expresses their shooter’s fear and hate far more destructively than using ordinary guns. Let’s lower the level of
destructiveness by reinstating the federal ban on assault weapons, which was allowed to expire in 2004. Let’s lower the level of fear and hate by reaching
out to everyone around us with acceptance and respect. Robina Quale-Leach, Albion
5:00 pm Service for families with children in the Sanctuary. Familiar songs and carols and an interactive Christmas story.
Angels and Shepherds “Praising, Pondering and Proclaiming� 7:00 Contemporary Service in the Great Room 11:00 Service of Carols and Communion in the Sanctuary
Marshall United Methodist Church 721 Old US 27 North Marshall, MI 49068 www.umcmarshall.org 269-781-5107
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ad-visor&chronicle – December 22, 2012 – Page 19
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Boys varsity beats Sturgis, Albion to go to 3-1 Marshall to play Olivet at Breslin Center Dec. 27
photos by John Hendler
Behind Robby Ranville’s (above left) 21 points, the Marshall High School boys varsity basketball team improved its record to 3-1 following a 45-39 home win over Albion on Dec. 18. The victory was the Redhawks’ second in a row. On Dec.14, Marshall defeated Sturgis 52-40. Tony Wimberly, center, drives the lane through the Sturgis defense. Trevor Travis, right, hits the first quarter jumper versus Albion. Albion was led by Matthew Skinner’s 14 points. Marshall was scheduled to play at Coldwater Dec. 21, weather permitting. On Thursday, Dec. 27 Marshall will play Olivet at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 at the door.
Above: The Marshall High School Dazzlers perform at halftime of the Sturgis game Dec. 14. The dance team also per4formed at halftime of the Albion game Dec. 18. Left photo: Landry Reynolds pulls in the rebound in the Sturgis game Dec. 14.
MHS girls varsity runs past Sturgis 61-21
photo by Lisa Ragan
The Marshall High School girls varsity basketball team improved ts record to 4-1 with a 61-21 home victory over Sturgis on Dec. 14. Marshall was led by Tierra Orban’s 13 points. Also in double figures were Sarah Huffman with 11 points; Katie Jarvis, above left, 10 points; and Logan Kiessling, center, 10 points. Right photo: Chelsea Tobias drives the baseline. The team was scheduled to host Coldwater Friday night, Dec. 21, weather permitting. Next week the team plays at Olivet on Saturday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m.
MHS wrestlers fall in home quad meet Bobby Owens records Marshall’s only wins on the night
photos by John Hendler
Bobby Owens, above following his victory over Battle Creek Central’s Deandre Webb, recorded Marshall High School’s only wins of the night Dec. 19, going 20 in a home quad meet that also featured Battle Creek Central, Harper Creek and Lakeview. Above right: Jared Etter takes on BCC’s Jallen Johnson. Right: Erik Doane, left, grapples with BCC’s David Smith.
MHS swimmers defeated by Portage Central
photoo by John Hendler
The Marshall High School boys swimming and diving team lost its home meet versus Portage Central by a score of 107-77 on Dec. 18. The team returns to competition on Jan. 8 at Albion. Above left: Brice Banfield, during the breaststroke in the 200-yard medley relay. The team of Banfield, Levi Graves, Collid Pelfrey and Henry Swett was third with a time of 2:02.7. Above right: Mac Preston, on his way to winning the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:04.17, edging out teammate Stuart Murch by just over over half a second.
photo by Daniel Wolin
Matt Dowell, during the 200-yard individual medley.
photoo by John Hendler
Collid Pelfrey, during the butterfly portion of the 200-yard medley relay.
photo by Daniel Wolin
Henry Swett was the winner of the diiving competition with a score of 263.45.
Students, teachers come together to support Andrew Shippell $1,650 raised to help student diagnosed with leukemia A student assembly was held Dec. 20 at Marshall High School to help raise funds and show support for classmate Andrew Shippell, who was diagnosed with leukemia in October. The assembly was organized by teacher and girls cross-country coach Steve Wissink. Originally a promise to his team that he would cut his famous long hair if the girls team made state, Wissink decided the haircut would also take place to help raise funds to aid the Shippell family. Also at the assembly, there were performances by the Marshall Singers, The Dazzlers and members of the MHS Orchestra. Students in Melanie Snodgrass’ Spanish classes sang Eres Tu Also, teachers Diane Long and Adrian Harkey donned costumes.
photos by John Hendler
Steve Wissink, hampered by a broken leg, is brought in to the Marshall High Schooll Gym by members of the girls cross-country team, including Tristamn Tobias.
Kilee DeBrabander is first with the scissors to cut Steve Wissink’s hair. Each member of the cross-country team, left, took part in the haircut, which was then completed by Nicole from Z’s Salon.
Steve Wissink and Andrew Shippell meet for the first time at the Dec. 20 assembly.
Teacher Diane Long does her part to help raise funds for the Shippell family as a dancing gorilla. Inset: A get well card for Andrew Shippell, signed by the MHS student body.
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