Where did the time go?

John Hendler
Chronicle Editor

Well, it’s another year to check off the calendar.
2008 is just about history, caput, gone. Put a fork in it.
The fat lady has sung, at least for this go ‘round.
As you can see, we at the Chronicle have given our readers a recap on the past year.
And as you can see, there were a lot of stories to write about.
Boy, do I have writer’s cramp.
As I looked through the back issues from the past year, I couldn’t help but think, “I wrote that?”
I mean, “I wrote all that?”
Partly because of my rapidly approaching middle age and also because of the sheer number of articles I’ve written, I look back in wonder and amazement of what I did this past year because a lot of it I don’t remember writing.
But thanks to the newspaper, I can see and read all that I had forgotten.
All the stories, all the pictures, all the drama, I was there.
Thankfully I have this newspaper to document what I’ve done, because up to my own devices, I have yet to chronicle my life.
I’ve never keep a journal or a diary, but at the start of every year, without fail, I buy a journal, determined that this will be the year.
But, alas, it turns into nothing more than an expensive pad of scrap paper, where I jot down little reminders, phone numbers and drawings that I fondly call art.
So, here we are at the end of another year and for 2009, I’m determined to keep a journal of my days, which by the way, total 16,338 as of today.
That’s a lot of days to do a lot of great things, but if pressed, I can truly remember what I did on maybe 100 of those days or .006 percent of my life.
As is the case for a lot of us, a New Year means new resolutions that last a few weeks.
Instead of resolutions, I’ve heard that if you speak of your goals in the present tense, you have a greater chance of achieving those goals.
For example, instead of me saying I’d like to lose 30 pounds, I should proclaim that I weigh 180 pounds.
Okay, 190 pounds.
Instead of saying that I want to be a better friend, I should state that I am a great friend already.
And instead of wanting to keep a journal, I should say that I write an entry into my journal everyday.
Hey, fake it ‘til you make it.
At any rate, we here at the Chronicle will continue to do our very best to keep you informed and entertained about the comings and goings of Marshall and the surrounding area.
I wish you all a happy, peaceful 2009.
Until next year, may the good news be yours.

Sports images of 2008

Former Marshall High School tennis coach Paul Rauth hit the honorary first serve at the dedication of the high school tennis courts in May.




Dylan McMillan just after the release of the discus at a meet at Lakeview High School.


Marshall baserunner Brittany Despins takes a seat while Harper Creek players hold a conference on the mound.

Sean Brisson brought a horseshoe pitching world championship home to Marshall in July.












Marshall High School girls' cross-country coach Steve Wissink poses with Karissa Kalisz, Lucy Morrison, Jillian Thompson, Kate Belew. Jules Hinske, Danielle Hicks and Amanda Weaver prior to their second straight appearance at the state championships in November.






Redhawk varsity goalkeeper Kelsie Wood makes the leaping save.


James Wimberly gets airborne trying to block a Niles' punt.

Jamar Wimberly eyes the end zone in Marshall's playoff game at Goodrich, Nov. 8.

Images of 2008

The Dec. 27 Chronicle featured the 'Year in Review' which included photos from the past year. Here are some that appeared in the paper and some that did not because of space limitations.

In September, Fred Weberling, longtime owner of Fred's Standard passed away; The fire truck carrying the casket of longtime Marengo Fire Chief Sam Bosserd passes by the Marengo Township Hall as firefighter Nick Young salutes with Bosserd's gear at his side; On Dec. 3, Dottie Brown, at her going away party, gets a farewell sendoff from Santa Claus, Chuck Christner; Last summer, the Brooks Memorial Fountain was inspected and the restoration process started in the fall; The new FireKeepers Casino broke ground in May and Tribe chair Laura Spurr was on hand when the final external beam was raised; After Dick Day died in an automobile accident Nov. 10, his wife Jarryl thanked the approximately 200 people that turned out Nov. 14 for a musical celebration of Day's life at the Marshall Activity Center.

Chris Olson explains upcoming departure

Marshall City Manager Chris Olson contacted The Chronicle Tuesday to explain his decision to resign effective June 30, 2009.
Olson stated that he had been at odds with the mayor and city council over which direction Marshall should be headed in.
Olson said the six-month period before he leaves office was necessary in order to allow a sense on continuity.
"The period of time will allow for a professional transition to a new city manager, as well as the completion of several projects and the budget for the next fiscal year," he explained. "I plan to be fully engaged and responsible as City Manager during this transition."

How will City Manager Chris Olson's upcoming departure impact Marshall?

With Marshall City Manager Chris Olson informing the City Council late Monday of his intention to resign from office next June, how will the city fare in the next six months? Will his impending departure impede city business and progress or will the coming months usher in a new attitude and working relationship within the council and the city? We'd appreciate your comments and also like to hear who you think should be the next city manager.

Hughes students brave elements for Toys for Tots

Despite single-digit wind chills, first-graders from Hughes Elementary didn't let the elements stop them from dropping off presents at Wacky Willy's for "Toys for Tots" Monday.

MHS varsity girls' basketball fall in OT

The Marshall High School girls' basketball teams opened their 2008-09 seasons on Tuesday at home against Loy Norrix. The varsity squad lost to the Silver Knights in overtime, 65-60. PIctured are Brittani Mackey driving to the hoop and Emily Townsend puts up a shot. Both the MArshall freshman and junior varsity teams were victorious.

Marshall High School Media Center ribbon cutting

The newly renovated and expanded Marshall High School Media Center had its official opening Tuesday evening. On hand for the ceremony were Marshall PUblic School Superintendent Dr. Joyce Phillips, Media Center Director Shannon Clark. Board of Education President Vic Potter as well as representatives from Kingscott Architecture and CSM, who helped design and construct the new media center that was part of the May 2007 school bond issue.

Marshall Holiday Parade

Parade-goers braved below freezing temperatures and icy sidewalks to watch the 44th Annual Marshall Holiday Parade Monday night. The event emcees were Dottie Brown and John Marsh. For Brown, this was her last parade before she leaves Marshall in the coming weeks. A host of bands, floats and organizations made their way down Michigan Ave. Also pictured are the Mar Lee School Marching BAnd and Brownie Troop 265.