740 acres in Marshall Twp. considered for VW plant?

Local officials are not confirming nor denying rampant rumors that Volkswagen AG officials are considering Marshall Township's, 740-acre Gerholz farm property on C Drive North for its next North American assembly plant though Michigan is the only state of the three, which include Chattanooga, TN and Alabama that has not identified the city in which VW officials are reportedly considering for the plant that would employ up to 2,500 people, according to published reports. Township Supervisor Eugene Hamaker said three large companies have looked at the site recently but would not say whether VW is among them. Marshall Economic Development Manager Mike Hindenach also would not comment on prospects for the land that he and the township are heavily marketing for development. He did say, however, that the Gerholz family farm property is the largest available development property, already zoned for industrial use, between Detroit and Chicago. He is working with the firm McCallum Sweeney to get the land designated a state certified megasite which would make it even more desireable for large scale inustry. VW has confirmed (See Kalamazoo Gazette) that Michigan is one of the three finalist states for the plant, according to a variety of news sources. And, local officials contacted for this story said they could not comment because they are bound by a confidentiality agreement. See today's Chronicle front page for more on this story.

Brooks Field could get $157,000

State Senator Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) called for bipartisan cooperation on a measure to provide funding for four local airports.
The federal government has set a June 1 deadline for the legislature to approve matching funds or the federal portions of the projects could be stripped away. Schauer has voted multiple times to approve the airport funds, but disputes over other projects have kept the legislation from the Governor’s desk.
"This funding will help us put shovels in the ground right now, stimulate our economy, and position us for greater job growth and investment in the future," Schauer said. "Leadership on both sides of the aisle need to end the political game of chicken and get this resolved once and for all. I’m willing to work with any of my colleagues - Democrat, Republican, in the House and the Senate - to make sure this gets done."
The projects include:
W.K.KelloggAirport, Battle Creek - $2,016,000 total cost with $50,400 each coming from state and local sources and the balance from the federal government;
Brooks Field, Marshall - $157,895 total cost with $3,947 each coming from state and local sources and the balance from the federal government; and
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport - $6.7 million total cost with $167,500 each coming from state and local sources and the balance from the federal government.
Reynolds Field, Jackson County - $3 million effort, with $75,000 coming from the state, $75,000 from local, and the balance from the federal government.
Schauer has also supported efforts to include funding for projects at Kellogg Community College and Jackson Community College, but the airport funding with its looming federal deadline is a top priority.

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Legislative public hearing on business tax here Friday

State Reps. Lorence Wenke of Kalamazoo, and Mike Nofs of Battle Creek; and Sen. Mark Schauer will hold a legislative public hearing Friday, May 23, starting at 3 p.m. at Franke Center for the Arts, Downstage Community Room, 214 E. Mansion Street, Marshall.
Many businesses in Michigan are now paying up to 10 times more in state taxes due to the new state business tax.

Local business owners will testify in Marshall before a panel of three area state lawmakers about how they have been negatively impacted by the tax, and offer potential solutions.

The lawmakers will use the testimony as a way to strengthen their position in their attempt to change Michigan’s business tax structure.

Manistee officials to tour Marshall today

Marshall city officials will greet and entertain officials from Manistee in a Michigan Week Mayor Exchange Day event. City council members and administrators will lead the contingent of visitors on visits to the Marshall Riverwalk, power house, Town Hall and other features before gathering for a formal gift presentation and dinner at Schuler's Restaurant and Pub at 7 p.m. See coverage in Saturday's Chronicle.

Oaklawn Hospitality Classic RESULTS

Click here to find out how runners/walkers placed in the May 17 Oaklawn Hospital Hospitality Classic

Walters Dimmick out building destroyed by blaze

Photo by Shelly Sulser
A massive blaze at Walters Dimmick Petroleum Company on South Kalamazoo Avenue in Marshall destroyed an aluminum sided storage building. There was at least one vehicle inside the building but firefighters are still on scene. Watch for more information on this developing story.

City manager salary remains at $92,000; non-union city workers get 1% raise

While Marshall's non-union, salaried employees received a one percent wage increase in the next city budget when the Marshall City Council voted last night, Marshall City Manager of one year Chris Olson's salary remains at $92,000. He has received two evaluations by contract since joining the staff last year but no salary increases.
"We need to look at the city manager’s compensation in light of the overall evaluation of his work with us," said Third Ward Councilmember Brent Williams who made the motion to approve the compensation adjustments with Olson receiving zero increase. "And the last time we did an evaluation two-three months ago, we didn’t discuss anything specific regarding his compensation and it was just left and if we don’t discuss it and that means there’s no raise and I didn’t think it was proper for us to entertain a raise for the city manager without having the discussion specifically on that issue." Olson said following the meeting that he is not surprised.
"It was not unexpected," he said. "That’s actually fairly typical that the city manager would be handled separately."
When asked if he reads anything into the way the council handled his pay, he replied, "No, do you?" His next scheduled evaluation is in September.
First Ward Trustee Jim Dyer was the lone dissenting vote on the motion to approve the raises for everyone except for Olson. See more on the May 19 council meeting in the next issue of the Chronicle.

Hospitality classic, tourism day, Mayfaire make Marshall merry

From the early morning 10K and 5K runs and walks, to the many museum tours to sword fights and belly dancers, Marshall had much to offer Saturday and the fun continues today with the continuation of the Mayfair Renaissance Festival and the Battle Creek Corvette Club's annual Corvette Show, both at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds. Michigan week festivities continue this week with Commerce Day, Heritage Day and Education Day and includes a Mayor Exchange visit from Manistee officials. See this week's Chronicle and Ad-visor for more on the events and awards plus what's coming up over Memorial Day Weekend, May 24 and 26.

Schauer to join 5k run in Marshall tomorrow

Press Release

LANSING—State Senator Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) will join community members in a 5K run to promote fitness TOMORROW, Saturday, May 17 in Marshall. This marks the 25th Anniversary of Oaklawn Hospital’s Hospitality Classic and is a part of Michigan Week activities in Marshall. Schauer has been a strong advocate of measures to keep people healthy and lower health care costs through greater prevention and being more physically fit.

WHO: State Senator Mark Schauer
Community members and leaders supporting healthy living

WHAT: 5K run and activities

WHERE: Just North of the Brooks Memorial Fountain Circle
Old U.S. 27
Marshall

WHEN: TOMORROW, Saturday, May 17, 2008
9:00 AM start for 5K

Council favors revised budget proposal

A new version of the proposed Marshall city budget for next year cuts the price to other departments for motor pool services, freeing up $70,000 for the city to perform crackfill and microsurface work on 12 local and major streets. The new proposal also preserves all 91 jobs and includes a one percent anticipated wage increase in lieu of the original, three percent anticipated raise for workers. All five city labor unions are in negotiations with the city manager with contracts expiring June 30. The council, with Jim Dyer and Matt Glaser absent, favored Ron Goodwin's proposal to separate public safety into police and fire departments and eliminate the deputy chief position. However, the chief position, also vacant, has 30 applicants and seven potential candidates for interviews based on the advertised public safety director job. See Saturday's Chronicle for details on last night's budget discussions.

Arts, entertainment and other stuff to aid live music concert

The doors open at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 17, as the Marshall Activity Center (15325 W. Michigan Ave., Marshall) hosts "Arts, Entertainment & Other Stuff!!!" a Benefit Auction for "Swing, Jazz & Other Stuff!!!" and Keeping Live Music Alive. Popular Auctioneer Brent Belcher will be leading the fun as donations from throughout Calhoun County are displayed for Silent Auctions beginning at 7:00 p.m., and a Live Auction beginning approximately 9:00 p.m. With over 100 items up for auction, totaling over $13,000 in value, and tickets only $10.00, you're invited to come have a great time. Your ticket will not only give you entrance to the Auction, but cash bar, finger foods as a "Marshall Area Sampler" and live entertainment for those who want to listen or dance. Quint Essential BONES, or Q.E.B., a five trombone and rhythm group under the leadership of Keith Cole, are ready to play music to tap your toes, or dance across the floor.

Tickets are available at Hemmingsen's Drug Store, Marshall R.V. Center, Marshall Activity Center, or Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce. All proceeds will go toward "Swing, Jazz & Other Stuff!!!", looking ahead to 2009 for another great weekend of live, professional entertainment...The Four Freshmen headlined in 2007, looking at Manhattan Transfer for 2009. Now with an Executive Board and a Seriously Supportive/Working Auction Gang consisting of Denny Sheridan, Chairing Acquisitions; George Pendill, Chairing PR/Advertising; Keith Cole, Chairing Entertainment; Nancy Stulberg, Facilities; workers: Mark Adams, Dick Day, Mike Hindenach, Ken Jendryka, Diane Larkin, Mark Stuart, J. Day and Honorary Chair, Dottie Brown. Tickets are also available from all of these Committee Members.

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Prayer breakfast kicks off Michigan Week in Marshall Friday

The Mayor's Prayer Breakfast will once again kick off Michigan Week. The Breadfast is scheduled for Friday, May 16 at 7:30am.
The breakfast will be held at St. Mary's Parish Center and is opened to the public. This year's chairs are Russ and Mary Jo Byrne and Norm and Kathryn Kinney.
To make your reservation for this wonderful community event, please call the Chamber of Commerce office at 781-5163. This year's speaker is Jennfer Rupp, the Executive Director for the Marshall Histocial Society. Her speech will be focusing on how religion shaped Marshall's history and how it influenced the settlement of Michigan.
Jennifer Rupp was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She attended Western Michigan University where she earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Public History and Secondary Education majoring in History. While at WMU she was the feature twirler of the Bronco Marching Band for three years. She began twirling at the age of 5 and won several national titles and was invited to perform at the French Bicentennial celebration in Paris, France. Jennifer has also choreographed musical theatre and competitive marching band colorguards. She has held positions in the marketing department of WOTV-ABC 41 in Battle Creek and was a Senior Underwriter with State Farm Insurance Company at the Michigan Operations Center in Marshall. She is currently the Executive Director of the Marshall Historical Society. Jennifer first became involved with the Marshall Historical Society during her undergraduate internship in 1997 when she worked at Capitol Hill School and at the Honolulu House Museum. Now, more than 10 years later she has found herself back "at home" in her new position. Jennifer lives in Marshall with her husband, Chris, and their two young children.

MPS millage renewal passes

Voters have renewed or another year the 18 mills necessary to operate the Marshall Public Schools 809 to 394. For complete results of all area school elections, see Electionmagic.com or click the link to the right.

Council sends budget back to drawing board

Marshall city council members tonight expressed concern that the proposed 2008-2009 budget from City Manager Chris Olson does not contain funding for necessary capital improvements such as the repair of Brooks Fountain while acknowledging that some layoffs may be necessary. Council members also discussed cutting back on lawn mowing at the athletic fields and cemetery to help stretch city dollars and noted that at least $200,000 is needed for annual street repairs. Council members also expressed an apparent consensus that Olson's proposed property tax rate cut is not acceptable because, according to Brent Williams, he will not support a special millage to finance capital improvement projects as proposed by Olson. See this weekend's Chronicle for more on the budget debate and other city related issues.

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Editor's Note: Due to a mechanical breakdown during pre-press production of this week's paper, the plates that transfer ink to the newsprint were overexposed causing the dark images that appear in this week's paper. We apologize for any inconvenience and the matter is being addressed by our press department manager. The page appears here as it was intended.

School elections are May 6

Issues on the Tuesday, May 6 election ballot include the 18 mill operating renewal for Marshall Public Schools and the election of two board members to two seats. See this week's Chronicle for what's going in this and other areas.

Annual Michigan Week Celebration set

Marshall celebrates Michigan Week in a big way each year. This year, the event features a new twist with the city's participation in Mayor Exchange Day when Manistee officials tour Marshall May 22. Marshall officials return the trip to Manistee in June. Events include the annual Oaklawn Hospital Hospitality Classic 5k and 10K runs, Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, museum tours and Minuteman Awards to outstanding community individuals. The following is taken from www.marshallmi.org:

Michigan Week:

* Location: Marshall Area
* Hours: Varied
* Date: May 16-21
* Fee: Varied
* Contact: Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce 800 877-5163

The Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce serves the community in many ways such as sponsoring and promoting events. The Chamber is the coordinating organization for a longstanding tradition in Marshall - the celebration of Michigan Week. Each year in May, many segments of the community come together to celebrate our great state. This year’s celebration begins on Friday, May 16 and continues through Wednesday, May 21.

2008 MICHIGAN WEEK SCHEDULE
May 16 (Friday)
Spiritual Day

May 17 (Saturday)
Hospitality/Tourism Day

May 19 (Monday)
Commerce Day

May 20 Tuesday)
Heritage Day

May 21 (Wednesday)
Education Day


Funds are currently being raised to support the events during Michigan Week through the Chamber. Donations should be noted that they are for Michigan Week and sent to the Chamber office at 424 E. Michigan Avenue. For more information about any of the Michigan Week events, call the Chamber office at 269 781-5163.

Tenneco lauded for workforce training

The Michigan Works and Workforce Development Board along with Kellogg Community College awarded Tenneco of Marshall recognition for its efforts to partner with them to train workers for jobs at the automotive exhaust systems manufacturer. See this week's Chronicle for more on this story.

Top 10 seniors announced at MHS

Marshall High School's top graduating seniors were announced last week. See their senior portraits and read about their academic success and post high school goals on the front page of this week's Chronicle.

Damon guilty of second degree murder

A jury has convicted 21-year-old Chad Damon of Marshall of second degree murder after his trial on open murder and first degree child abuse charges stemming from the July 12, 2007 death of 4-year-old Mackenzie Vandenheede, the daughter of his live-in girlfriend Jill Vandenheede who supported Damon throughout the trial. Damon will be sentenced on the second degree murder and third degree child abuse convictions June 4. See today's Chronicle for more on the trial that spanned seven days in front of Calhoun County Circuit Court Judge Stephen B. Miller.