Dozens turn out to support Hulkow

Over 100 people turned out Monday night at Gordon Elementary School for the Marshall Public Schools regular meeting, many to support Marshall High School Assistant Principal, Athletic Director and Varsity Football Coach Rich Hulkow. Although not on the evening's agenda, many spoke out on behalf of Hulkow, whose two-year contract with Good Marks For Schools is coming to an end. In 2007, Hulkow retired from MPS and worked out a deal with Good MArks For Schools and the district to stay on in his current positions. Many of Hulkow's supporters said they had been informed that Hulkow might have to choose between being only athletic director or head coach. Hulkow told the board that he had complied with his request for renewal in by Jan, 1. "I haven't had a conversation, other than with (Trustee) John Coulter," said Hulkow. "Not from the superintendent, not from anybody on the board since...asking for the renewal." For more on this story check out the Jan. 18 edition of the advisor&chronicle.

Prater looks to the future

By JOHN HENDLER
News Editor

While many people still are leery of the current economic recession, at least one man is looking in the other direction and is preparing for the day when things turn around.
Floyd Prater, who has had his photography studio in Marshall for than 20 years, has decided to remodel his business for, what he feels, is the influx of business to come when the economy finally turns the corner.
“People think everything’s slower now, but it’s a great time to re-do your business,” he said. “To make the changes and to prepare for what’s coming.”
Some might say that Prater is bucking conventional wisdom.
“People say that money’s tight and you can’t invest,” said Prater. “You have to and this is the best time. There is business out there; you just have to make adjustments for it.”
Another reason for remodeling, he said, is the changing face of photography.
“The way we do business is changing,” said Prater. “Because of digital, we need more computerized work stations.”
Changing gears is nothing new to him, as he pointed out that he’s been forced to reevaluate his business on several occasions over the years.
“We have to re-do how we do business and we’ve done it before,” he said. “Over the past 20-plus years, we’ve had to stop and say, ‘O.K. which way is the business going and what do we need to do to stay competitive and keep our business growing?’”
Prater said he’s bought new printers, ID card machines and work equipment to be able to give his customers the products they need.
As digital cameras have pushed film to the brink of extinction, Prater said that although he enjoyed working in the darkroom, digital has expanded what he can do.
“I loved the darkroom and it used to be really fun, but digital, to me, is an extension of that,” he said. “It gives us more opportunities and you can do so much more with digital.”
One plus with digital is the instant feedback one gets by being able to view the picture just taken.
“Digital cameras have made it easier to see what you have,” said Prater. “With film, you had to be much more prepared so that there’d be fewer mistakes and you had to make sure the lighting was right, you had to make sure that your settings were right because you didn’t get to look at it and see.”
Still, he said that he loved film and that it is still a great medium, pointing to how film still records light better than digital.
“The artistry of film, especially the large format, like the 8X10 negative or the 4X5 negative, produce pictures that are almost impossible reproduce with digital,” he said.
With digital allowing more flexibility and options, it also gives the photographer more room for error, thanks to applications like Photoshop, but only to a certain point, said Prater.
“If you’re a good photographer and you do photography the way you’re supposed to, you shouldn’t be fixing things in Photoshop, you should be enhancing it,” he said.

Starting out primarily in portraits in weddings in the 1980’s, he went in a different direction about seven years ago, when he got involved with area schools and “event” photography.
“We made the choice to go to event pictures because we thought senior pictures and portrait pictures would get slower, (because of digital)” said Prater. “We didn’t realize it would happen as much and as fast as it did. We had no idea it would drop off.”
Today, event photography, yearbook pictures, sports team pictures, band pictures, etc. makes up about 90 percent of Prater’s business.
Prater said he takes pictures for “about a dozen” schools from Grand Rapids to Bronson.
“We’ve thought about expanding, but we’re comfortable with what we’ve got,” he said.
Prater feels that the entire world of photography has changed in the last decade as people have taken it upon themselves to photograph special occasions and events, such as weddings, themselves.
“You can buy a really nice camera for $600, instead of paying some guy $2,000,” he said.
That high price tag, Prater believes, is the reason business has changed.
“I think photographers priced themselves out of senior pictures, wedding pictures,” he said. “Many photographers, they want a $1,000 for senior pictures. A wedding is the same way. That might work in a place like Sterling Heights, but not here anymore.”
Prater said he used to do as many as 40 weddings a year.
“I did it for 20 years and we did a lot of them in those 20 years and it got to be that I didn’t enjoy working on Saturdays,” he said. “But, I got to meet a lot of wonderful people and some really stressed out ones…If you’re well organized and can handle a little stress, it’s a fun job.”
The best part of his job through the years, he said is seeing children grow up.
“I see kids and I took their school pictures,” he said. “Then, I took their high school graduation pictures; I took their wedding pictures and now they’ve got kids in school.”

Leaving something behind after you're gone

By JOHN HENDLER
News Editor

Last Wednesday was “Buddy Day” at the Secretary of State Offices throughout the state where families of those who were donors or have been an organ recipient were on hand to ask people coming into the office if they wanted to become an organ donor.
The event was part of April being “Donate Life Month” in Michigan and throughout the nation.
Frankly, I’d only thought about being an organ donor two years ago on Buddy Day when I was asking people what their thoughts were on organ donation outside the Secretary of State Office here in Marshall.
I had gone down to the Albion office to meet the “Buddy” and get a “quick” picture for this today’s paper.
And then I met Ralph Moody, who was waiting for me with a smile and a handshake when I walked into the office.
Ralph was wearing a Cleveland Clinic sweatshirt with his name on the front along with the date, 12-14-95, the day he received the heart that saved his life.
He asked what was stopping me from becoming a donor and honestly, I couldn’t come up with a good excuse.
I hemmed and hawed, saying things like I’d have to talk to my family or I didn’t like the idea of being cut open after I died.
Ralph made his case and his point quite succinctly- “When you’re gone, you won’t know about it.”
When I thought about that, I then thought about those who would know about it: the person or persons I could save and give life to by donating my organs.
I then thought about my family and prayed that we would never need to count on someone to die so they could live.
And then I thought about those thousands of people and their families that pray every day for an organ to save their loved ones.
After all those thoughts, which took not even 20 seconds, I made what had become an extraordinarily easy decision.
I decided to become an organ donor and put that heart sticker on my driver’s license.
Out of pure self-preservation, I hope that I live long enough until my organs have completely worn out.
But, if that should not be the case, and even if I don’t accomplish anything great or do another thing right, I know that when I go, I might just save someone’s life.
Until next week, may the good news be your.

Marshall girls' win district

The Marshall High School girls' varsity basketball team won the Class B District 36 title Friday night after defeating Brooklyn Columbia Central, 59-44. Emily NIelsen was Marshall's leading scorer with 14 points and Danielle Hicks scored 13 points in the win. Marshall now moves on to the regional round at Pennfield and will play Tuesday evening.

The tax assessment's in the mail

By John Hendler
News Editor

Most homeowners have or will receive their tax assessment change notices by next week and for many, they will see that their property values have dropped but will be paying higher taxes as their taxable value has increased by 4.4 percent.
As a result, local cities and townships are bracing for a higher number of people that will come before their respective boards of review in the coming weeks to voice their concerns.
In 1994, Michigan voters passed Proposal A, which placed a limit on the value used to compute property taxes. In 1995, property taxes were calculated on taxable value, whereas, prior to that year, taxes were calculated on a property’s State Equalized Value or SEV, which is approximately 50-percent of a property’s market value.
“Part of Proposal A was that you were not paying your taxes on the SEV any longer, you were going to pay it on the taxable value,” said Marshall Township Zoning Administrator Susan George. “The taxable value is interesting and that is where all the fuss is. The taxable value can only go up a maximum of five percent a year or what the cost-of-living index is whichever is less. Typically, that’s been around 2.5 percent.”
The “fuss” that George mentioned has to do with this year’s 4.4 percent increase in an owner’s taxable value, even though home values have been on the decline over the last couple of years.
George said that not all people understand that they are not paying on the SEV and that adds to the confusion and points out that Proposal A, at least in the long run, has been a good thing.
“Let’s say you’ve been in your house for 20 years,” she said. “Well, it wouldn’t matter because it will go back to when Proposal A started in the mid ‘90’s. At that point your SEV and taxable value were the same number and hopefully your SEV would have jumped, which is a good thing. But, the taxable can only go up with the cost-of-living index. So, the longer you own your house, the better a deal it is.”
The might be of little solace to those who have purchased a new home recently and George said they are the ones who have been hit hardest.
“They say, ‘If I can’t sell my home for what it’s worth, then why are my taxes going up at all?’” she said. “Then, if they see their SEV go down, then, they’re really wondering why their taxable value is going up.”
George said she understands where homeowners are coming from, especially in a recession economy.
“They’re having tax issues and money problems,” she said. “They’re scared to death.”
George said the calls have started to come in with those unhappy about paying higher taxes.
“Their only option is to talk to the assessor and if they can’t resolve the issue, go to the board of review,” she said.
She said that the board of review could help if someone disputes their property’s value and gets an actual appraisal.
George said that citizens think that the assessment process is a subjective one, but pointed out that that is far from the case.
“It’s all plugged into an equation,” she said. “If someone really has an issue, the assessor will tell them to get an appraisal and if it turns out that it’s valued wrong, then she’ll change it. She doesn’t have a dog in the fight.”
Robyn Kulikowski is the assessor for Marshall Township as well as for Convis, Sheridan, Marengo and Clarendon Townships.
“We always encourage people to come in and see their assessor,” she said. “If there is a real problem, I can take care of that if there’s a problem, a mistake, an error or something like that. If I’m saying one thing and you’re saying another and we can’t come to a decision, then they should go to the board (of review).”
Kulikowski said that all assessment notices came with an explanation of why taxable values had increased in hopes that she and the boards of review of each township won’t be “bombarded” with upset citizens.
“A lot of residential properties are seeing a decrease in their assessed value, but their taxable value is going up 4.4 percent and I let them know that I can’t change that and neither can my board of review,” she said. “At each one of my townships, I’ll have a list of all legislators that they can call and try to change this law because I agree with them; we should not be taxed 4.4 percent on our taxable value when our (home) values are going down. I can’t change it, but I give them an avenue to try to.”
Kulikowski said citizens can check out two Web sites to help them understand how the rate was calculated: www.michigan.gov/propertytaxestimator and www.michigan.gov/treasury/0,1607,7-121-1751---,00.html.
“They’re good Web sites and they will also have a list of all the people that make the laws,” she said. “People can write or e-mail those that make the laws, and they can use their voice and put it to work. The only way I can help them is to educate them.”
Kulikowski said this is a classic case of not directing anger at the messenger.
“I’m just trying to help them to get past their anger and go through their legislators,” she said. “We’ve got to educate the public to make a change. And it’s not by yelling at us.”
Fredonia Township Supervisor Dave Sebring said he’s expecting a lot of angry people to come before the board of review, but hopes they might not come in if they understand he has nothing to do with the tax increase, but can see how people still would want to discuss the matter.
“Our local board of review has no control over that and the local assessor has no control over that,” he said. “I’m hoping to cut down the door traffic. Normally, we’ll have 75-80 people come in during the two days. This year, we’re probably going to have to add an extra day.”
Even though Sebring said the board or review couldn’t help someone with the 4.4 percent tax increase, those with unique circumstances can be helped.
“Say half your house burned down,” he said. “There, the board of review can do something for you.”

These are exciting times

By John Hendler
News Editor

Excitement was in the air after the Marshall Public Schools Board of Education selected Dr. Randy Davis to be the district’s next superintendent Feb. 19.
While Board Vice President Paul Beardslee and several other members called Davis to tell him the good news, those waiting in the hallway- a mix of teachers, administrators and public citizens seemed genuinely excited.
One told me that for the first time in a long time, she was excited about all facets of the school district coming together and working together.
These are exciting times- all the board needed last week was to play “I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters in the background when they called Davis.
Have I used excited, excitement or exciting enough times?
Believe it or not, when I was Best Man at my friend Haydu’s wedding, I used those words some 20 times in a two-minute toast that I had failed to prepare for.
It went something like this: I’m so excited for you guys and all of us here are excited for you and I’m sure you’ll have an exciting life and exciting honeymoon.
Well spoken, eh?
Anyhow, during the meeting, school board members said that they enjoyed riding to the site visits for finalists Bruce Burger and Davis with teachers, administrators and citizens and that everyone seemed to get along really well and had an appreciation for what the other was doing.
One of the board members, Beardslee, I believe, joked that they should take more of these “road trips” to improve communication and morale.
Maybe he’s onto something.
Getting out of one’s comfort zone and placing oneself in situations where they’re not on guard sometimes can leave you seeing things or someone in a different light.
Having a chance to talk to someone out of their element gives people a chance to get to know one another without the auspices of rank- i.e. when you meet someone on an airplane or when you’re stuck in an elevator or something like that.
Speaking of rank, I once had a chance to play a round of golf with a Navy Admiral in Naples, Italy and we had a great time just talking and being outdoors.
We were just two golfers out on a Saturday morning.
So often, we’re caught up in our worlds with our guard up that we truly miss the essence of one of life’s greatest pleasures: talking and listening to each other.

Dr. Randy Davis is the next MPS Superintendent

By John Hendler
News Editor

When the Marshall Public Schools (MPS) Board of Education on Feb. 19 finally decided on Athens Superintendent Dr. Randy Davis to be the district’s next superintendent to replace the outgoing Dr. Joyce Phillips, whose contract is up June 30, Vice President Paul Beardslee made the call to give Davis the good news.
Davis, with his wife Pam, were attending a girls basketball game at Athens High School when the call came in.
“The game had just ended and a good friend of mine was telling me that he just bought a 1972 vintage GTO convertible,” said Davis, 51 and Athens Superintendent for six years. “My phone started to vibrate and I knew they (the board) were calling and my friend kept talking and I didn’t want to interrupt him.”
By the time Davis got to his phone, he had missed the call and after trading voice mails with Beardslee, finally got connected.
“I had to excuse myself and go back stage where nobody was at to have this conversation,” said Davis, who admitted being nervous. “It was so much fun and the board seemed to be really enjoying the decision and celebrating along with me on the offer and they put me on speakerphone.”
During the call, Davis told the board that he was “totally stoked” at being selected.
The Web site urbandictionary.com defines “stoked” as "stoked" being completely and intensely enthusiastic, exhilarated, or excited about something.
“The phone call was wonderful and I had a lot of fun on my end, but my wife was down in the concession area, waiting on pins and needles because she figured that was the phone call,” said Davis, who formally celebrated the selection two nights later with his wife and two daughters.
Davis and Morrice Area Schools Superintendent Bruce Burger were the two finalists for the position and during the Feb. 19 meeting, board members commented on how difficult it was to choose between the two men, both of whom, they said, were deserving of the position.
Davis said he was impressed with the way the search was conducted and had high praise for the Michigan Leadership Institute, the firm that assisted MPS with their superintendent search.
“I can’t say enough about Kathleen Booher and Craig Misner and what they were able to do in helping the board reach their decision,” he said.
Davis said that since the board’s decision, there’s been “a lot” going on and not only on the issues related to the job he will be leaving and the new one he will be taking.
“You’ve got the personal side of things and all the things you have to do with your friends and colleagues and what Pam and I have to do about selling the house and moving and buying a house in Marshall.”
Davis and his wife, who have been married for 24 years, have lived in their home for 12 years and have two daughters, Maggie, 24, and Kali, 21. Both live in East Lansing.
“I know the MPS Board is anxious for me to get over to Marshall,” said Davis. “And I’m anxious to be there and be part of the community.”
Davis was in Marshall last weekend to meet with some board members to work out contractual matters and felt everybody was on the same page.
“We’re pretty much in agreement,” he said.
One of the factors that the board mentioned in choosing Davis was his familiarity with the Calhoun Intermediate School District and how he could step right in and get to work.
“Somebody told me the other day that I wasn’t going to have a honeymoon period,” said Davis. “Because I already know everybody and that I’m already working with everybody and that I should just roll up my sleeves and get into it…In a way that makes me feel better because I need to be involved and I need to help the direction that we are going to go in Marshall as soon as possible. You can’t really afford to sit back on your laurels.”
Davis said that he will stay at Athens until the end of the school year, but pointed out that until then, he will be working in Marshall one day a week and will also be in the district for certain events such as board meetings.
“I can’t leave until after my kids have finished the school year and my teachers have been released for the summer,” Davis said he told the MPS Board. “Once that’s down and I feel closure about that, then I can be completely available for Marshall.
One of the more pressing challenges Davis will face when he arrives will be the budget for 2009-10, already projected to be $1 million in the red.
“That’s why I need to spend time in the district between the time I sign a contract and formally get there,” he said. “The decisions right now for districts are what they’re going to do for next year’s budget and that’s a crystal ball a lot of times. Financially, every district is wrestling with what are you going to do operationally that is going to be able to be sustainable over a period of time.”
Davis added that whatever funds the district receives from the recently passed stimulus bill can’t be factored into the budget.
“Even though the stimulus package is out there, kind of looming on the horizon, you can’t really count on that and you can’t build it into your budget,” he said. “You have to do what you need to do based on what you’re currently getting, because that (stimulus funds) might be a flash that comes and goes while you still have to maintain expenses.”
Aside from the budget, Davis said one of the first things he’ll do when he arrives is to talk to as many people as he can and also check out the district’s facilities.
“Generally, the first thing I do is get introduced to people and spend some time listening to what their thoughts are,” he said. “I’ll try not to get too much into the past and I’ll want to know what they hope to see happen…I’ll also get into the facilities right away. The facilities coordinator will be really important for me to walk around with and take stock of our assets and how we’re operating them.”
Another goal, Davis said, is to get in step with the community.
“I want to see where the formal roles are for the superintendent that are already established and also to take a look at informal roles that need to be there,” he said. “Those are priorities for me and it will take some time. It takes time in relationship building to get to the level of community impact that I’ve been able to do here(Athens), and so it’s going to take that time in Marshall. Hopefully, people will not think the world is going to change because I’m showing up because it’s not just one person. It’s what’s going on with the system.”
Davis emphasized that one of main objectives he will have will be what’s best for students and for those who work in the district as well as the district’s place in the business community.
“That’s where I’m grounded at and also not only what’s in the best interest of kids but also, secondly, how do I support our organization to provide that and that includes the people who work in that environment,” he said. “Schools have to be an integral part of economic development in the region. We’re all vested in that. The health of the community, whether it be recreation, social, economic, commerce, all of that, relates to the schools and the schools relate to that. We live and die on whether or not we have the enrollment that we need which means that we have families choosing Marshall as a place to raise their children. On the flip side, people rely on the schools for quality. That’s what primarily draws people into the community. If we’re providing quality service and quality education and we’re taking care of our children and letting them be all they can be, then people see that and they gravitate to that. That then helps the business community and commerce. It’s a symbiotic relationship between the two and I have to be an advocate for that kind of development and growth. For me, when I talk about weaving ourselves into the fabric of the community, it is a tapestry for Marshall and everybody has a role or a piece of that tapestry and that makes Marshall.”

Girls see their eight game win streak snapped with 35-25 home loss to Lakeview

The Marshall HIgh School girls' varsity basketball team had their lowest point total of the season Friday night as they saw their eight game winning streak snapped with a 35-25 home loss to division rival Lakeview. The loss was Marshall's first in the SMAC East this season as a victory would have given them the division title. This week, the girls travel to Benton Harbor on Thursday, Feb. 19 and the following week play at Mattawan on Feb. 24 before closing out the regular season at home against Sturgis on Friday, Feb. 27.

Number three-ranked Kalamazoo Central beats Marshall, 69-53

The Marshall High School boys' varsity basketball team kept the game close in the first half Thursday against number three ranked Kalamazoo Central and trailed by two at the half. But, the Maroon Giants' defense forced several Redhawk turnovers at the start of the third quarter and opened up an 11-point lead. Marshall regained their composure and pulled to within six points late in the game, but ended up losing, 69-53, after the Giants hit several free throws down the stretch after the Redhawks resorted to fouling. This week, Marshall plays at Coldwater on Tuesday, Feb. 17 and will be home on Friday, Feb. 20 against Lakeview.

Marshall boys' fall at Harper Creek, 52-48

The Marshall High School boys' varsity basketball team lost their second SMAC East game of the season Friday night, losing at divisional rival Harper Creek, 52-48. Next up for the Redhawks is a Tuesday night clash against Albion at MHS. Photos starting clockwise from upper left: Joe Jeffreys puts a shot up in the lane; B.J. Konkle converts the layup; Jamar Wimberly goes for the steal.

Girls' beat K-Zoo Central, 58-49

The Marshall High School girls' varsity basketball team won their seventh straight game to improve their season mark to 13-2 with a 59-48 victory over visiting Kalamazoo Central on Thursday night. Emily Nielsen and Danielle Hicks each scored 20 points in the winning effort. Clockwise from top left: Kaitlin Frazier stretches for the offensive rebound; Haley Dalzell puts up the three-pointer; Emily nielsen hits the lay up for two of her 20 points; Danielle Hicks puts up the baseline jumper.

Chris Olson extends offer to Ken Morgan to become new Public Safety Chief

City Manager Chris Olson issued this statement Friday afternoon:
I am pleased to announce that I have selected, with the assistance of an interview committee, one final candidate for the position of police chief at this point in time. His name is Ken Morgan, and he has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a master's degree in criminal justice administration, and a second master's degree in professional counseling. He is also a graduate of the FBI national academy. Ken has twenty-three years of overall experience in law enforcement, with positions ranging from his start as a patrol officer up to serving as deputy chief (twice) in larger communities. Ken's overall command-level experience (from sergeant to deputy chief) totals 13 years.
Ken has been decorated twice with distinguished service awards for risking his life in the line of duty, and is a recipient of the American Red Cross Heroes Award. Ken has worked with three police departments for CALEA national accreditation. He has also volunteered time with an Explorer Post with the Boy Scouts of America, on DARE foundations, with teen alcohol prevention efforts, with the Big Brothers program, Alzheimer's Association and Red Cross. He has also taught criminal justice classes at the community college level.
Ken has not yet accepted the position, as he and his family are fully considering their needs in making their decision. We would be fortunate to have him join the City, and we are continuing with the hiring process accordingly.

Vic Potter in critical, but stable condition

Marshall Public School Board of Education President Vic Potter remained in critical, but stable condition late Friday after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday in the northbound lanes of I-69 near the Calhoun/Eaton County line.
Potter, 55, who owns Bud’s Towing in Marshall, was in the process of hooking up an accident vehicle Wednesday when he was struck by a car that had spun out of control on the icy interstate.
Potter was taken by ambulance to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.
Potter’s wife Sandra, said Friday that her husband was “doing better” but was still “not out of the woods.”
She wanted to inform the community of her husband’s condition because she knows how many people are concerned, as evidence by the “hundreds” of phone calls she has received.
“I’m just exhausted.” she said.
Sandra Potter said that her husband suffered a broken left femur and broke his pelvis in three different places and broke nine ribs on his left side and two ribs on his right side and also suffered a collapsed lung.
As of Friday morning, Potter was on life support, but Sandra Potter said that he was scheduled to come off the ventilator by the end of the day.
“They’re planning to put a tracheotomy tube in his throat,” she said. “They started feeding him Thursday in a feeding tube in his throat, but that will be moved to his stomach.”
Potter underwent leg surgery Thursday and Sandra Potter said the operation went “fabulous.”
“The doctors said that he could have been in there three to eight hours, but it took just two and a half hours,” she said. “That was very, very good.”
Sandra Potter said that the surgery went as smoothly as it did because of her husband’s good health.
“He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke,” she said. “He has good bones.”
Following surgery, Sandra Potter said that her husband opened his eyes after doctors called his name.
Just after noon on Wednesday, a two-car property damage accident took place on the northbound lanes of I-69, according to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
One of the accident vehicles along with a County Sheriff patrol car and Potter’s wrecker were on the left shoulder of the interstate when the second accident occurred.
“Traffic was merging into the driving lane (right lane) of northbound I-69 and there was a vehicle that was going approximately 50-55 miles-per-hour that lost control,” said Capt. Matt Saxton of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. “The vehicle did a180 (spun around) and slid into the passing lane (left lane) and into the previously damaged vehicle where Potter was kneeling down towards the passenger-side front tire and hooking that up to the wrecker.”
Saxton said it was possible that due to the position and angle Potter was in while hooking up the vehicle, the car that hit him may not have been able to see him.
Saxton added that the accident is still under reconstruction and investigation and that criminal charges are still possible, but alcohol was not a factor.
Brian Miller, who works with Potter at Bud’s Towing, said Friday that Potter had “made some major steps.”
Miller added that he expects Potter to fight his way through his serious injuries.
“Vic’s too tough and ornery to go out like this,” he said. “He’s a tough old bird.”
Miller added that it was business as usual at the Bud’s, but it was a difficult time for all the workers.
“This has affected all of us,” he said. “ We just have to band together and get the job done.”
Board of Education Vice President Paul Beardslee said he went to see Potter Thursday and added that the board had Potter in their thoughts.
“We’re going to try and do what we can to be supportive of Vic and his family,” said Beardslee. “We’re praying for him.”
Sandra Potter said that despite her husband’s serious injuries, he was still concerned about others.
“When I got to Bronson, they said Vic needed to talk to me,” she said. “He wanted me to make sure the guys at the shop got a car taken to Jackson and another car to a local dealership. What Vic was most concerned about was getting his payroll out that day and he has those directions for me…He continued to do his job and worry about getting things done…Those were some of the things that said to me that Vic is going to overcome this.”
Sandra Potter said that those wanting to send get-well wishes to her husband can do so by utilizing Bronson’s ‘Caring Bridge’ web site where people can leave a message.
She said she has been appreciative by the outpouring of support from so many in the community.
“Everybody is offering to do something to help,” she said. “Right now, I don’t know what we need. I think what we need is privacy… We’re just going to take it day by day.”

Happy New Year 2009

A new year is upon us and the Chronicle would like to know how you rang in the new year and what your hopes are for 2009.

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.