Coming up in the April 2 Chronicle

A sighting at Hughes Elementary school Thursday caused Marshall police to respond in force with an assault weapon. See what they found in this week's lead story. There's something new brewing on South Kalamazoo Avenue where Aaron Morse is always taking the eclectic approach to his business. And, Find out where MHS Principal Ron Behrenwald is going this July and how much he'll be paid at his new job. It's grass fire season and last week, Marshall, Fredonia and Marengo townships fire depts. scrambled often. See where they went in full color photos and in photos on page 3, learn what rare species for this area visited Stuart Lake! See local predictions on the NCAA tournament on page 4. And, on our sports pages, the now undefeated MHS baseball team celebrated a BIG win to kick off their spring season. Find full coverage of all Marshall High School varsity sports plus news on local athletes, schedules, stats and great, stop action photography by Chronicle Sports Writer and Columnist, John Hendler.

Phillips gets 3.8 score

A press release from the MPS board indicates that Dr. Joyce Phillips was given an average score of 3.8 out of five, a score Board President Vic Potter said is acceptable during her annual performance review March 27. "The board had a very thorough discussion of each of the six evaluation areas, first as a board and then with the superintendent," Potter said in the prepared statement. "In almost all areas, the board felt that the superintendent is doing a good job. We also had a frank and honest discussion about some areas where the board would like to work with the superintenent to improve her performance." He went on to say that her fiscal management has been exemplary, her relationship with the board, community, educational ledership and in the area of personal qualities are good, that her visibility and professionalism were praised and her work on the facility needs assessment drew thanks from the board. Regarding staff and personnel relationships, Phillips was given a two out of five.
Her direct subordinates gave her a 4.6 overal performance rating, he said.
"The board thanked Dr. Phillips for her tireless efforts on behalf of the district children. We made a pledge to the superintendent that we would partner fully with her in the coming year to continue the tradition of excellence in our school district," he said.

The evaluation meeting

The Chronicle's reporter at the meeting to evaluate Supt. Dr. Joyce Phillips said Phillips has told him she will not ask for an extension of her contract beyond 2009 at which time she will pursue other professional opportunities. Reporter John Hendler reports that about 10 people attended the opening of the 6 p.m. session in addition to Finance and Operations Director Amy Jones and Dr. Brian Metcalf. One woman, Nicole Wright, said she is the spouse of an MPS employee. She addressed the board during public comment saying again that staff "morale is at an all time low." She said there are a lot of issues and questions about Dr. Phillips leadership and that she hopes the board takes the time to consider the issues. Others at the meeting declined to identify themselves. Citizen Gardy Berezonsky, however, asked the board why its posting for tonight's meeting did not list the purpose. As of 9:48 p.m., the meeting was still closed to the public. Check back for a report on how the board voted and a preview of our complete coverage coming up in the April 2 edition.

Also, according to the posted agenda for the Cedar Springs Public Schools March 26 meeting, http://www.csredhawks.org/uploaded/Board_Of_Education/Files/2007-03-26_agenda.pdf, Marshall High School Principal Ron Behrenwald was recommended for their principal position. Watch for more information on this in the Chronicle.

Phase 3

The Marshall Public Schools Board of Education met again last night to hammer out the next phase of facility improvements in the district master plan last night. Phase 1 is the $8.7 million bond proposal on the May 8 ballot, along with the school board election in which only two incumbents are seeking re-election. Phase II is the use of sinking fund money to repave the high school track. Phase III is being crafted as a follow up. Also last night, board members convened into closed session to consider contract negotiations. The district is also preparing a telephone survey of voters to take place in May to guage voter support of the facility improvement plans. And, tonight marks the annual performance review of Dr. Joyce Phillips, superintendent in another closed meeting of the board. Marshall so far has not announced any major cuts though Phillips has presented a proposed contingency plan of action in response to any state aid cuts that could occur. Are students in MPS getting a good education? What are your priorities as parents? Should that plan include closing schools? Paring down staff? Cutting music and/or sports? Can the district get more money out of an economically stressed community like Marshall where more houses are on the market and foreclosures are on the rise?

Marines return from Iraq

U.S. Marines were scheuled to return to Battle Creek from service in Iraq Saturday, March 24. If you know anyone from Marshall who returned from war, please let us know! The Heritage in Fabric quilt show was Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church. Was it a good turnout? Feel free to review the show here in our comment section. The King and I wraps up its final weekend today. What did you think of the performances? And, the latest editions of the Chronicle and Ad-Visor are on news stands now. As you'll see, new city manager Chris Olson will receive $92,000 plus added bonsuses and reimbursements for becoming Marshall's next city manager. The fourth grades will now be part of the MPS reproductive health curriculum as they are taught good personal hygiene habits and the last Eaton landmark - familiar, blue water tower - on its former Hanover Street site is now history. What are your thoughts on the news?

Coming up in next week's Chronicle

Sports writer John Hendler has been working hard all week to prepare our annual Spring Sports Preview, featuring all the names and faces of MHS Redhawk baseball, softball, track, tennis, soccer and golf. Find schedules, photos and coach interviews in the March 26 edition of the Marshall Chronicle. Also in Monday's paper, you'll find an interview with the teachers' union president about the "state of the union" five months after the anonymous, glowing survey of some district administrators and scathing reviews of others. And, find out what the Marshall City Council will pay incoming City Manager Christopher Olson to assume the city's helm. They decide at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow in Town Hall council chambers. As always, watch for any public safety news you need to know about in order to better protect your family and your property. Find out what Spartan CEO Craig Sturken had to say about his company's purchase of Felpauch during his visit to the Marshall store Thursday.

How would you review Dr. Joyce Phillips' leadership?

Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joyce Phillips will receive her Board of Education job performance evaluation Tuesday, March 27 in closed session. Board President Vic Potter has said the board could convene into open session following the review and vote on whether to increase her $108,000 salary and contract duration. Dr. Phillips was the subject of a lengthy, informal survey conducted by unionized staff last spring concluding that morale was at an all time low. And, she and some of her administrative staff have received harsh criticism on a local web log. Today, the unionized staff has said their morale has improved as her efforts to garner their input has improved. Board members have supported Phillips' ability to restore fund balance and keep the district in the black. What do you think about the kind of leadership Marshall needs to lead the district through the uncertainty of the state budget shortfall? Is Dr. Phillips the right kind of fiscal steward you want in charge or does the district need a less aggressive personality in that office? How likely is it that the 4.45 mil, three year bond issue extension will pass in the May 8 election? Please, share your thoughts.

From the Chronicle editor...

My St. Patrick's Day evening was spent downtown, first with a lovely dinner followed by a spectacular performance by Marshall's talented community of performers, the Marshall Civic Players. The King and I was an elaborate, three-hour production with opulent sets and costumes, makeup and performance. The music, the scene changes, the blocking, the dancing, the singing, choreography and the direction were outstanding for a community theatre production. Kudos to Alan Elliott, Kim Byrens, Ben Hendler, Stacy Root, Irene Pizzimenti, John Hendler, Dave Byrens and the rest of the cast for sharing your talents with your audience. I was surprised to see this story being told on stage in this day and age but you gave it redeeming value. The play within the play, well, made the play! You all deserved the standing ovation you got and I hope you get more in your subsequent performances. -Shelly Sulser

Why is this wall hanging so special?

The Heritage in Fabric Quilt Show returns to the Marshall First Presbyterian Church this Saturday, March 24. A very special wall hanging made by Phylis Rosenau will be among the many folk art pieces on display. Read today's Chronicle to find out why this particular piece is extra special.

Fourth anniversary of OIF

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the U.S. led effort at that time to disarm Saddam of weapons of mass destruction. Today, no WMDs have reportedly been found, Saddam has been tried and executed for pre-invasion crimes and more than 3,000 American troops have died with more than 24,000 injured. What to do about Iraq is shaping up to be the main issue of the 2008 presidential campaign as the Democratic led congress wrangles with the Bush administration over how and when to withdraw. Why are we there? How should we get out? Let us know what you think.

Police seeking armed robber

Heritage Cleaners at the corner of Eagle Street and Michigan Avenue in downtown Marshall was robbed early Thursday by a masked man who claimed to have a weapon hidden in his waistband, according to the Marshall Police Department.
Police said the man was about 5'3" tall, between 40 and 60 years old and may have been driving a blue or gray conversion van. He left with an undetermined amount of money. No one was hurt.
Anyone who may have seen the suspect in the area at about 7:15 a.m. or thereafter is urged to call the Marshall Police Department at 781-2596.

Staffing, service cuts not ruled out

At a budget meeting Thursday night, Marshall City Council members met with city staff to get their first snapshot of projected revenues and expenses for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.
With staffing, capital projects and services at current levels, Marshall could be facing an $847,000 shortfall, Marshall City Interim Clerk Tracy Hovarter and City Manager Chet Travis told the city council at a special meeting Thursday.
“The directors cutback even more and I went over the numbers again and right now, we’re looking at a $386,000 shortfall,” said Hovarter at a meeting to seek direction from council on how to proceed with planning on the path to an April 2 balanced budget proposal.
By city charter, the city must present a balance budget to the city council by the fist meeting in April.
Though the council agreed without voting that raising taxes is not an option, service cuts and layoffs are not out of the question.
See the March 19 Chronicle for more on the grim budget picture facing city leaders this next fiscal year.

A message from John Hallacy, county prosecutor:

"On Wednesday, March 28th 2007, Fran Smith will be celebrating her 50th Anniversary working for the Calhoun County Prosecutors Office. We are planning a potluck lunch for Staff and Friends and then cake, punch and awards at 3pm at the Hall of Justice in the cafeteria.

Fran is from Marshall, and has seen many changes in the Prosecutor's Office and the Justice system during her career. She has worked for 9 different elected Prosecutors and has worked with many Assistant Prosecutors (some now Judges and local lawyers) and many support staff. She has been a cornerstone for the Prosecutor's Office through the years."

Balloon Launch

The family, friends and loved ones of missing Marshall woman Mary Lands launched one balloon for every month she's been missing over the past three years this afternoon on Fountain Circle. For more on the status of the investigation and an interview with Marshall Public Safety Chief Mike Olson, see the March 19 edition of The Chronicle.

Budget meeting is Thursday

The Marshall City Council will meet Thursday, March 15 to get a first look at the expected revenues for the next fiscal year, not Wednesday, March 15 as reported in the March 12 paper. New city manager hopeful Chris Olson said he would be willing offer guidance to council while honoring his 30-day departure clause with Lyon Township. See the March 19 Chronicle for more on that the council learned.

New city manager chosen

In a unanimous vote Saturday, Lyon Township Superintendent Chris Olson was chosen to enter into contract negotiations with the Marshall City Council to be the city's next city manager.
Trustee Jim Dyer wanted a unanimous vote, he said after the meeting, to hopefully dissuade people who may have chased away its last choice last year, Erik Wilson of Plainwell.
Citizen Jerry Baremore said he was pleased with the council's decision and the smooth way the search was handled.
City Attorney Paul Beardslee and Michigan Municipal League Search Consultant Bob Hamilton will begin contract talks with Olson and council hopes to vote on the pact Monday, March 19.
For more on what the council and Olson had to say, see the March 19 Marshall Chronicle.

Pfc. Adam Lafferty

Some of you may recall a feature piece we published a few weeks back on
Pfc. Adam Lafferty
of Marshall, son of Tracy Reuss and Lemo Lafferty.
He is now one of the many, new boots on the ground as part of George W. Bush's troop
surge, announced in his Jan. 10 State of the Union address.
Adam is a member of the Army's 1-4 Cavalary Scouts and in a phone
call to the Chronicle from Baghdad Monday, March 5, announced he is on the move
for the second time since deployment Feb. 6.
Below is a message from his mom:

Here is Adam's new address.....his 3rd so far:

PFC Adam R. Lafferty
1-4 Cavs Raiders B-Troop
Unit #42535
APO AE 09361

"He called us yesterday morning (5:30 a.m.) 1:30 pm his time.  All is well.  They are
keeping very busy. They will be moving to their unknown address the end of this week.
From what he could tell me, will be in S.E. Baghdad setting up new FOB
(forward operating base.) Apparently
not the best part of Baghdad, but he seems to think it will be okay. They have
checked out all their equipment and all is brand new and state of the art.....he
was very impressed as he thought they would be using all old equipment.  You know
guys and their toys.....ha ha.
"Anything that has been sent to him at the old addresses will still get to him!
Thank you all, and will keep you updated as I know."

Adam said yesterday he can also receive email to lafferty_recon1@yahoo.com.
Watch next week's Chronicle for more on what Adam had to say about his military
mission in Baghdad.

Home and Garden Section

With spring on the horizon, it's time to start thinking about those gardening and spring cleaning projects. Get some great tips and find out what local businesses can help you with your needs by turning to the Community Ad-Visor Home and Garden section next week!

In next week's Chronicle, find out who the Marshall City Council has chosen as its top two finalists for the job of Marshall City Manager. The two contendors will be featured guests at a 9 a.m. reception at the Franke Center for the public to meet and greet.

And, get updates on the latest in police drug interdiction efforts in an upcoming issue of The Marshall Chronicle.

What are YOU hearing on the streets? The Chronicle was contacted last week by a concerned citizen who questioned the legality of maligning people on newspaper sponsored blogs. Should the host company be held accountable if someone is libeled on the net? Or, is the net the last bastion of totally free speech?