The PulseMt. Pleasant’s Weekly Community News

Vol. 1, No. 16 Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015www.centralmichiganpulse.com

SHEPHERD JOURNAL pg. 16

COUNTY NEWS pg. 14

CITY NEWS pg. 4

CALENDAR OF EVENTS pg. 2

SPORTS pg. 24

ENTERTAINMENT pg. 21

SCHOOLS pg. 20

CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT pg. 18

COMICS pg. 31

OUTDOORS pg. 29

BUSINESS pg. 28

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CROSSWORD pg. 30

“Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom

of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble...

Editorial: Mt. Pleasant City Commission Votes to Ban

1st Amendment Rights. (pg. 6)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS2THURSDAY - December 17th

5:30p; 7p - Shepherd Boys Fresh & JV Basketball vs. Alma6:30p - Love, Compatibility and the Zodiac ($20) @ VML8p - The Anti-Claus Murder Mystery Dinner @ Soaring Eagle

FRIDAY - December 18th

8a - 2p - Red Cross Blood Drive @ Mt. Pleasant high School12p - 2p - CMU Surplus Sale @ 275 W. Bellows4p; 5:30p; 7p - MPHS Boys Basketball - Fresh; JV; Varsity vs. Midland High @ HOME6p - Bella Arte class @ The Dreamer Coffee Shop7p - MPHS Hockey vs. Port Huron

SATURDAY - December 19th

8:45a - Urban Boot Camp Instructor Training @ Victory Church10a - Shepherd Competitive Cheer - Shepherd Invitational @ HOME10-2 - Michigan Cheese & Chocolate Tasting Day @ the Market on Main10:30a - Multiple Sclerosis Support Group @ Immanuel Lutheran Church (320 S. Bradley)1p - 4p - Santa, Mrs. Claus, and reindeer @ Veteran’s Memorial Library3p - MPHS Hockey vs. Marysville4p - Bella Arte class @ The Dreamer Coffee Shop5p - SCIT Parks & Rec Ugly Sweater Family Christmas Bowling Tournament @ Chippewa Lanes9p - Ugly Sweater Party @ Weaver’s Village Inn in Weidman

SUNDAY - December 20th

2p - Bella Arte KIDS Classes @ Veterans Memorial Library2p - The Chain of Inspiration hosts Christmas Kids Night @ MPHS Cafeteria

MONDAY - December 21st

5:45p-7:15p Solstice Practice @ Kula Yoga Outreach6p - Shepherd Middle School Counseling Department Parents Only 5 love languages @ Media Center

TUESDAY - December 22nd

12p - 6p - Red Cross Blood Drive @ Sacred Heart Parish6:45p - Central Michigan Sangha (Dharma practice group - all are welcome) @ UUFCM

WEDNESDAY - December 23rd

9a - Elders Breakfast for all SCIT Tribal member elders @ Andahwod

Email your event to The Pulse’s community calendar at centralmichiganpulse@gmail.com.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 3LOOKING AHEAD

December 27th8p - Cameo & Morris Day @ Soaring EagleDecember 28th7p - Mt. Pleasant City Commission Meeting8p - Rick Springfield & Eddie Money @ Soaring EagleDecember 29th6:45p - Central Michigan Sangha (Dharma practice group - all are welcome) @ UUFCM8p - Mike Epps & D.L. Hughley @ Soaring EagleDecember 30th7p - Nancy Carey Support Group for women who have or have had cancer @ Canterbury East Community Room8p - Tanya Tucker & Collin Raye @ Soaring EagleDecember 31st6:30p - 8:30p - New Year’s Eve Kid’s Gala @ Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum8p - 1st Annual New Year’s Eve Party w/ Girls on the Run - Performance by Jedi Mind Trip @ Comfort Inn

January 2nd9a - MPHS Wrestling - Oiler Invitational12:30p - 2p - Jimmy John’s Lego Building Competition @ Veterans Memorial LibraryJanuary 5th4p; 5:30p; 7p - MPHS Boys Basketball vs. Heritage HSJanuary 6th7p - MPHS Hockey vs. LapeerJanuary 8th8a - Isabella County Parks and Recreation opening day for 2016 camping reservations4p; 5:30p; 7p - MPHS Boys Basketball vs. Powers Catholic7:30p - CMU Hockey DIII vs. Aquinas College9:30p - Crazy Babies (Ozzy Tribute Band) @ Rubble’s

Email your event to The Pulse’s community calendar at centralmichiganpulse@gmail.com.

THIS WEEK’S COMMUNITY CALENDAR BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

CITY NEWS4Broadway Theatre Safe to Reopen

According to a Mt. Pleasant Department of Public Safety press release today, The Broadway Theatre is now safe for public use.

Two weeks ago there was a carbon monoxide leak that sent multiple people seeking relief at McLaren Central Michigan for flu-like symptoms. DTE Energy was called in to help isolate the source of the leak, and according to the release, “a furnace that was not functioning properly was identified and immediately shut down.”

It was reported that final repairs to the heating system took place yesterday, followed by two separate inspec-tions by the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department. Neither inspection showed any presence of carbon monoxide.

When the Mt. Pleasant Fired Department originally responded to the December 2nd call of a possible car-bon monoxide leak at the Broadway Theatre, the depart-ment’s atmospheric test recorded a reading of 80 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide. Readings above 70 ppm are considered to be dangerous.

The Broadway Theatre has made all necessary repairs, and now the theatre is ready to once again be open to the public.

Santa at the Library

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at Veteran’s Memori-al Library this Saturday, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

“We’re glad to be able to provide a chance for children to meet with Santa,” said Rebecca Bundy, family programming coordinator at CRDL. “All kids deserve that magical moment of sitting on Santa’s lap and letting their wishes be know.”

In addition, Santa’s Workshop will be open and children will be able to make holiday decorations and crafts.

“There will be lots of crafts for the kids to make,” Bundy said. “We want to make sure everyone has that opportunity, regardless of their abilities.”

Families can also participate in trivia and games during the event, and parents are encouraged to take photos.

The event is free and open to the public.

VML is open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 - 5 p.m.

Santa in downtown

If you haven’t yet had a chance to tell Santa what it is you would like for Christmas this year, you still have a little bit of time to catch him downtown Mt. Pleasant at Town Center.

Remaining Visiting Days and Times:

Friday, Dec. 18 from 5:00 – 8:00p.m.Saturday, Dec. 19 from 12:00 – 4:00p.m.Sunday, Dec. 20 from 12:00 – 4:00p.m.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

CITY NEWS 5The Pulse was first made aware of the possible weather damage to the lower Pickens field on Tuesday by the picture to the left from Mt. Pleasant resident Karen Walma. The picture, taken by Walma, shows her dog Dingo sniffing around the damaged area.

We took our additional photos (below - taken by S. R. Covieo) to the city of Mt. Pleasant’s Parks and Recreation department to report the damage on Tuesday afternoon. The department had not been previously informed of the damage, which was most likely caused by the recent winds and thun-derstorm.

The damage occurred to the right field back fence in the lower Pickens field - Field #4. It appears that the recent storms uprooted the tree, which then fell across the outfield fence. The tree extends about thirty feet into the field of play.

By mid-day Wednesday the city of Mt. Pleasant had removed the felled tree, making the oft-used walking route safe for community members.

Keeping community members safe and informed is our priority. If you have a safety concern or you see something damaged, email pics and info to centralmichiganpulse@gmail.com - or call our tip line at 989-444-9121

Pickens Lower Ball Diamond Incurs Weather Damage

EDITORIAL6

The Mt. Pleasant city commission held its regular-ly scheduled board meeting on Monday. The meet-ing was the last for outgoing commissioners Jon Joslin and Matt Sous, as well as Vice-Mayor Rick Rautanen, as the commission voted unanimously to cancel the regularly scheduled December 28th board meeting.

The newly elected commissioners, Lori Gillis, Nicholas Madaj, and Allison Quast-Lents, will start their tenure at the first regularly scheduled meeting of 2016, which is on January 11th at 7:00 p.m.

During the commission meeting a Public Hear-ing was held on proposed changes and additions to the Code of Ordinances for the City of Mount Pleasant to “update regulations of offenses affect-ing the public peace.” The proposal was to amend section 131.01 and add two new sections (131.14 and 131.15). Both new sections are included here, in their originally proposed entirety:

Section 2. Addition. Section 131.14 is added to Code of Ordinances for the City of Mount Pleasant to read as follows:

§ 131.14. DANGEROUS AND OFFENSIVE INTERAC-TIONS IN PUBLIC PLACES.

(A) Definitions. The following words, terms and phras-es, when used in this section, shall have the meanings provided in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(1) Accost means to approach or speak to a person in such a manner as would cause a reasonable person to apprehension for his or her personal safety, of immi-nent bodily harm or of the commission of a criminal act upon his or her person, or upon property in his or herimmediate possession.

(2) Display a sign means to hold, affix to oneself, or stand within 3 feet of an object conveying meaning through words or images. Wearing an item of clothing with words or images does not qualify as displaying a sign for purposes of this section.

(3) Force oneself upon the company of another means, after engaging or attempting to engage a person in conversation in a public place: (a) blocking the passage of the person addressed; (b) pursuing and continuing to address the person for at least 10 feet as the person attempts to walk away; or (c) otherwise engaging in conduct which could reasonably be construed as intend-ed to compel or force a person to accede to a request or demand.

(4) Public place shall have the same meaning a provid-ed in Section 13.01.

(B) Violations. It shall be a violation of this ordinance for any person to:

(1) Accost another;

(2) Force oneself upon the company of another;

(3) Enter onto the paved traveled portion of the road-way to address, seek payment or donation from, or perform services for a person in a motor vehicle that is in traffic or stopped at a traffic light; or

(4) Stand, sit, or otherwise remain within 50 feet of the intersection of 2 roadways while displaying a sign other than an official traffic sign authorized by a governmental unit with jurisdiction over the roadway.

§ 131.15. AGGRESSIVE AND DECEPTIVE SOLICITA-TION.

Editorial: Mt. Pleasant City Commission Votes to Ban

1st Amendment Rights.

EDITORIAL 7(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to deter aggressive and deceptive solicitation techniques de-signed to take advantage of citizens in places where they are particularly vulnerable, or through false statements designed to maximize the solicitor’s profit. Specifically, it is the purpose of this section to:

(1) Prevent solicitors from targeting individuals where the individual cannot easily leave;

(2) Prevent solicitors from targeting individuals where engaged in obtaining or exchangingmoney (such as an automated teller machine);

(3) Prevent solicitors from collecting donations based on lies; and

(4) Protect the rights of property owners.

(B) Definitions. The following words, terms and phras-es, when used in this section, shall have the meanings provided in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(1) Misleading conduct means knowingly making a false statement or visual representation or intentionally omitting information from a statement in a way that causes the statement to be misleading. Misleading con-duct includes, but is not limited to, the following:(a) Stating that a donation is needed to meet a specific need, when the person already has sufficient funds to meet that need and does not disclose that fact;(b) Stating that a donation is needed to meet a need that does not exist;(c) Stating that the person is from out of town and stranded when that is not true;(d) Wearing a military uniform or other indication of military service, when the person is neither a present nor former member of the service indicated;(e) Wearing or displaying an indication of physical disability when the person does not suffer the disability indicated;(f) Use of any makeup or device to simulate any defor-mity; or(g) Stating that the solicitor is homeless, when he or she is not.

(2) Solicit means and includes, without limitation, the spoken, written or printed word or such other acts as are conducted in furtherance of the purpose of obtain-ing donations. Solicitation does not include the sale of goods or services.

(C) Violations. Except as otherwise provided in Subsec-tion (D), it shall be a violation of this ordinance for any person to solicit money or other things of value:

(1) On private property if the owner, tenant or law-ful occupant has asked the person not to solicit on the property or has posted a sign clearly indicating that solicitations are not welcome on the property;

(2) Within 15 feet of the entrance to or exit from any public toilet facility;

(3) Within 15 feet of an automated teller machine, pro-vided that when an automated teller machine is located within an automated teller machine facility, such dis-tance shall be measured from the entrance or exit of the automated teller machine facility;

(4) Within 15 feet of any pay telephone, provided that when a pay telephone is located within a telephone booth or other facility, such distance shall be measured from the entrance or exit of the telephone booth or facility;

(5) Within any public transportation vehicle, or within 15 feet of any bus stop, taxi stand or rapid transit stop;

(6) From any person who is waiting in line for entry to any building, public or private, including, but not limit-ed to, any residence, business or athletic facility; or

(7) Within 15 feet of the entrance or exit from a build-ing, public or private, including, but not limited to, any residence, business or athletic facility.

(D) Exceptions. Notwithstanding Subsection (C), the following acts shall not be considered violations of this ordinance:

(1) Soliciting money or other things of value on private property with the consent or invitation of the property owner; or

EDITORIAL8 (2) Soliciting money or other things of value from the occupant of a residential unit, when such solicitation occurs at the front entrance of the residential unit and the occupant has not asked the person not to solicit on the property or posted a sign clearly indicating that solicitations are not welcome.

Section 3. Publication and Effective Date. The City Clerk shall cause to be published a notice of adoption of this ordinance within 10 days of the date of its adoption. This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its adop-tion.

Not one city resident went to the podium during the Public Input section. The commission voted 4-2 for the proposed ordinance amendments, with commissioners Ling and Sous opposed. Before the vote on the motion commissioner Ling made a motion to postpone until they have had adequate time to discuss and review whether the result of the language of the amendments would actually line up with their intended purpose. Commissioner Sous seconded the motion to postpone, which was de-feated by a vote of 4-2 with Ling and Sous the only two voting for the postponement.

Commissioner Kathleen Ling voiced concern over the new sections (131.14 & 131.15), stating that the purpose was to deal with solicitation at intersections. Ling questioned Section 131.15 (B) (1) (d). Subsection (B) (1) states “Misleading con-duct means knowingly making a false statement or visual representation or intentionally omitting information from a statement in a way that causes the statement to be misleading. Misleading conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:” and (d) states “Wearing a military uniform or other indication of military service, when the person is neither a present nor former member of the service indicated.” Mt. Pleasant City Attorney Scott Smith suggested removing subsection (B) (1) (d) altogeth-er, which the commission agreed upon.

If the committee had not removed that subsec-tion, I could, theoretically, have been held to a mis-demeanor charge for wearing my deceased father’s

military jacket. My father served in the military, I did not. Although this example (B) (1) (d) of lazi-ly-written language was limited to military attire and indicators, it is indicative of the language that continues throughout the new sections.

Ling had further concerns about the language and whether if as it’s currently written the changes / additions address the original concerns, whether the commission could be creating some unintended consequences, and whether 1st amendment con-cerns could be avoided if the wording was tightened up.

Some of the unintended consequences were brought to light in the meeting as it was pointed out by city attorney Scott Smith that the new language “shouldn’t be applied selectively.” Smith went on to state that the new language would mean several charities and organizations that hold annual fund-raisers at street intersections would no longer be allowed to do so. The language is, unfortunately, that ill-conceived.

131.14 (B) defines what is now considered a violation. Subsection (B) (4) states that it is now a violation for any person to “Stand, sit, or otherwise remain within 50 feet of the intersection of 2 road-ways while displaying a sign other than an official traffic sign authorized by a governmental unit with jurisdiction over the roadway.” Goodbye 1st Amendment, hello lawsuits.

While the intentions of these amendments to the city’s Code of Ordinances might have been well-in-tended, they were certainly not well-conceived. Un-less, of course, the amendments were also intended to eradicate all of the peaceful protests that happen at Town Center throughout the summer, as the entirety of it is “within 50 feet of the intersection of 2 roadways.”

Also, if you live within 50 feet of an intersection don’t you dare even consider putting up a sign for your garage sale next year! Sorry corner lot owners.

This gets rid of all of the store mascots holding signs on the corners. It also makes it a misdemean-or for the violin player who pops up from time to time. No more car wash signs at the auto parts

EDITORIAL 9store. Goodbye to girl scouts selling cookies in pub-lic spaces. So long Lion’s club carnations. Adios Fire Station fill-the-boot. Get lost Kiwanis club news-boys. The city says tradition be damned; goodbye to the lot of you. And lastly, and certainly least in the eyes of the commissioners who voted in support of this in their final meeting before Christmas, this will get rid of all panhandling at or near intersec-tions.

Basically the city commission found a way to seemingly passively-aggressively get rid of what they seem unable, or unwilling, to deal with, name-ly panhandlers and businesses who promote their causes in ways the city doesn’t like. After all, pro-ductively addressing those issues would require actual consideration and an attempt to understand.

So from the kind-hearted folks of Mt. Pleasant I leave you with this: Have a Merry Christmas. Un-less of course you are truly down on your luck and

need a little hand. In that case, take it to the next town. We don’t want your kind here. And don’t you dare think about protesting, because we don’t respect your freedom of speech in our town either. Move along. Nothing to see here. Nevermind that pesky 1st Amendment that seems to be hanging out below.

1st Amendment“Congress shall make no law respecting an estab-

lishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Mt. Pleasant, we can do better than this; we must do better than this.

The Pulse

The Pulse is published weekly in digital edition on Thursdays

Community Contributions are welcomeDeadline: Tuesdays at Noon

Editor/Publisher : Steve CovieoPulse Photo Galleries at: WeAreMtPleasant.com

Email us at: centralmichiganpulse@gmail.com

Central Michigan Pulse, llc623 E. BroadwayMt. Pleasant, MI 48858Phone (989) 444-9121Fax (989) 317-8777

Office Hours:Tues & Wed 10-12 & 1-4

Mailing address: P.O. Box 674Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804

www.centralmichiganpulse.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS!SUPPORT THE PULSE

AS LOW AS .25 CENTS / WK.

The Pulse is free to read, down-load, and print! You can help us keep it that way. Visit our websitewww.centralmichiganpulse.comand click on the ads/support tab

You can contributestarting at .25 cents / week

SUPPORT THE PULSE

AS LOW AS .25 CENTS / WK.

WHO TO CALL - REPRESENTATIONIsabella County Board of CommissionersD1 - George Green (Chair) (989) 588-4216 [Farwell (R)]D2 - John Haupt (989) 644-3390 [Mt. Pleasant (D)]D3 - Jerry Jaloszynski (989) 330-4890 [Shepherd (R)]D4 - Jim Horton (989) 621-1534 [Mt. Pleasant (R)]D5 - James Moreno (989) 773-5797 [Mt. Pleasant (D)]D6 - David Ling (Vice-Chair) (989) 773-7823 [Mt. Pleasant (D)]D7 - Michael Fisher (989) 860-1807 [Mt. Pleasant (D)]

House - 4th DistrictJohn Moolenaar (R)(989) 631-2552(202) 225-3561

Midland Office:200 East Main Street Suite 230Midland, MI 48640

Washington D.C. Office:117 Cannon House Off BldgWashington, DC 20515

SenateDebbie Stabenow (D)(517) 203-1760(202) 224-4822

Mid-Michigan Office:221 W. Lake Lansing Rd.Suite 100East Lansing, MI 48823

Washington D.C. Office:731 Hart Senate Office BldgWashington, DC 20510

SenateGary Peters (D)(517) 377-1508(202) 224-6221

Mid-Michigan Office:127 West Allegan StreetSuite 1810Lansing, MI 48933

Washington D.C. Office:724 Hart Senate Office BldgWashington, DC 20510

Isabella County Meetings:Board of Commissioners.............................(1st & 3rd Tues - 7:00p)Board Committee Work Sessions...............(1st & 3rd Tues - 4:30p)Parks & Recreation...................................................(1st Wed - 7:00p)Road Commission........................(2nd Th - 8:30a & 4th Th - 6:30p)

Mt. Pleasant City Meetings:City Commission........................................(2nd & 4th Mon - 7:00p)Airport Advisory Board............................................(2nd Th - 5:30p)Downtown Development Board...............................(3rd Th - 8:00a)Historic District Commission..............................(2nd Tues - 5;00p)Parks & Recreation..................................................(4th Tues - 7:00p)Planning Commission................................................(1st Th - 7:00p)TIFA & DDA*...........................................................(2nd Th - 10:00a) *Tax Increment Finance Authorities & Downtown Development AuthorityZoning Board of Appeals.......................................(4th Wed - 7:00p)

Township Board Meetings:Broomfield Twp......................................................(3rd Mon - 7:00p)Chippewa Twp.........................................................(1st Mon - 7:00p)Coe Twp..................................................................(2nd Mon - 7:00p)Coldwater Twp........................................................(3rd Mon - 7:00p)Deerfield Twp..........................................................(3rd Mon - 7:00p)

WHEN TO GO - MTGS

Governor - Rick Snyder (R)(517) 373-4000Mail to: P.O. Box 30013Lansing, MI 48909

House - 99th DistrictKevin Cotter (R) - Speaker(517) 373-1789Mail to: P.O. Box 30014Lansing, MI 48909

Senate - 33rd DistrictJudy Emmons (R)(517) 373-8661Mail to: P.O. Box 30036Lansing, MI 48909

STATE

COUNTY

NATION

MT. PLEASANTMt. Pleasant Board of CommissionersMayor - Jim Holton (989) 817-4288 [member since 2006]Vice Mayor - Rick Rautanen (989) 944-5383 [member since 2012]Commissioner - Jon Joslin (989) 772-7381 [member since 2001]Commissioner - Tony Kulick (989) 289-7098 [member since 2014]Commissioner - Kathleen Ling (989) 773-7823 [member since 2008]Commissioner - Matthew Sous (989) 714-9253 [member since 2013]Commissioner - Mike Verleger (989) 621-2384 [member since 2015]

POLITICS & MEETINGS10

Township Board Meetings (cont.):Denver Twp......................................................(3rd Th - 6:00p)Fremont Twp.................................................(4th Tues - 7:00p)Gilmore Twp................................................(2nd Wed - 7:00p)Isabella Twp...................................................(1st Mon - 7:00p)Lincoln Twp.................................................(2nd Tues - 7:30p)Nottawa Twp.................................................(1st Mon - 7:00p)Rolland Twp.................................................(2nd Tues - 7:00p)Sherman Twp................................................(3rd Mon - 8:00p)Union Twp.........................................(2nd & 4th Wed - 7:00p)Vernon Twp...................................................(1st Mon - 6:30p)Wise Twp..........................................................(3rd Th - 7:00p)

Rosebush, Shepherd, Lake Isabella Meetings:Rosebush Village Board.............................(2nd Mon - 7:00p)Shepherd Village Council.................(1st & 3rd Mon - 7:00p)Shepherd Planning Commission.................(1st wed - 7:00p)Shepherd Board of Appeals........................(meets by request)Lake Isabella Village Council......................(3rd Tues - 7:00p)Lake Isabella Planning Commission.........(2nd Tues - 7:00p)Lake Isabella Zoning Board.........................(4th Tues - 7:00p)Lake Isabella (LIPOA).................................(2nd Wed - 7:00p)

COMMUNITY POSTINGS 11

National Suicide Prevention Line1 (800) 273-8255

www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

24/7 Crisis HotlineIsabella County

1 (989) 772-2918

Winter Shelter

The Isabella County Restoration House provides a rotating shelter open every night from Sunday, No-vember 1st, through March 2016. Shelter seekers must check in nightly at the Unitarian Universalist Fellow-ship, 319 S. University (next door to the public library, downtown Mt. Pleasant) between 4:30-5:45 p.m. Transportation is provided to the shelter each night. A hot meal and warm bed will be ready. Transportation from the shelter to the Soup Kitchen is provided each morning.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

Alano Club 1201 N. Fancher (989) 772-4955Mondays thru Fridays - 9a, 12p, 5:30p, 8pSaturdays & Sundays - 9a, 11a, 5:30p, 8p

Other Meeting LocationsCentral Michigan Christian Church3433 S. Lincoln Rd. - Mondays - 7p

First Presbyterian Church1250 Watson Rd. - Tues - 7p & Wed - 8p

St. Mary’s Parish1405 S. Washington - Wednesdays - 12p

Westlawn Church of Christ (Shepherd)222 Dearing Drive - Thursdays - 7p

Al-Anon Meetings

Alano Club 1201 N. Fancher (989) 772-4955Sundays 6:30p - Mondays 7p - Fridays 7p

Behavioral Health 2800 S. Shepherd Rd.Tuesdays 5p

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

Wesley Foundation 1400 S. WashingtonTuesdays 6:30p

First United Methodist Church 400 S. Main St.Thursdays 6:30p

24-hour Alcoholics Anonymous Hot-line1-800-821-3014

Additional Community Meetings

Refuge Recovery @ Saginaw Chippewa Behavioral Health (2800 S. Shepherd) - Wednesdays 6:30p

Gambler’s Anonymous @ First United Methodist Church (400 S. Main) - Mondays 6:30p

HELP AND SUPPORT12

Additional Community Resources

Community Mental Health 301 S. Crapo(989) 772-5938

1016 Detox 2885 Health Parkway(989) 775-0604

Listening Ear 107 Illinois St.(989) 386-2774

Mt. Pleasant Police Department 804 E. High St.(989) 779-5100 (FOR EMERGENCY DIAL 911)

HOLIDAY TIPS 13Holiday Tips to Prevent Food Borne Illness

Keep food safety in mind this holiday season. Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.

The holidays are fast approaching and excitement is in the air. When making plans for your holiday feast, food safety should be on the top of your list. Most guest lists include people who are especially vulnerable to food borne illness – older people, young children, pregnant women, and anyone with a compromised immune system. To keep your family gathering from being memorable in the wrong way, it’s important to take steps to protect your guests from food borne illness. “To ensure our holiday foods are not only delicious, but safe, the following suggestions of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are provided to reduce the risk of the most common foodborne illnesses” stated Michelle Patton, Director of Environmental Health Services for Central Michigan District Health Depart-ment.

Cooking: Cook to proper temperatures. Foods are properly cooked when they are heated for a long enough time and at a high enough temperature to kill the harmful microbes that cause foodborne illness. Follow temperature guidelines provided with the food packaging and if in doubt visit www.cmdhd.org for a handy temperature chart you can use for reference. Chilling: Refrigerate promptly. Public health officials warn people to refrigerate foods quickly because cold temps keep most harmful microbes from growing. Place leftovers in shallow containers, leaving the cover loose to vent steam. Don’t stack the cooling food containers so there is plenty of air circulation. Refrigerators should be set at 40 degrees F and the freezer at 0 degrees F to keep stored food at safe temperatures. Whatever you do, don’t rely on the natural outdoor temperature on the porch to keep foods at proper temperature.

Baked goods: The FDA warns people not to eat uncooked cookie dough, homemade or premixed; or batters made with raw eggs, because raw eggs may contain microbes that can cause illness. Proper cooking kills the microbes that cause illness.

Eggnog: Eggnog made with raw eggs also presents disease risk to consumers. While cooking can destroy the dis-ease-causing microbes, people can still get sick when the eggnog is left at room temperature for several hours before drinking. Other options are pasteurized eggnog brands sold in grocery dairy cases; these should also be kept refrig-erated.

Turkey: Thawing the turkey fully before cooking is important to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. If a turkey is not fully thawed, the outside of the turkey will be done before the inside, and the inside will not be hot enough to destroy disease-causing microbes. Allow the correct amount of time to fully thaw and cook a whole turkey. Allocate 24 hours per 5 pounds to defrost in the refrigerator, and whatever you do, don’t defrost the turkey on the kitchen counter. Refer to temperature guidelines for stuffed turkeys which need to be cooked longer. To check a turkey for doneness, insert a food thermometer into the inner thigh area near the breast of the turkey (thickest part), being careful not to touch the bone. The turkey is done when the temp reaches 165 degrees F. If the turkey is stuffed, the temp of the stuffing and turkey must be 165 degrees F to assure that it is completely cooked and safe to eat. It is rec-ommended to cook the stuffing separately from the turkey.

“Following these simple guidelines will ensure you have a happy and safe holiday season!” says Director Patton. “Re-member the golden rule: Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.”

This article has been brought to you by Central Michigan District Health Department, which serves the counties of Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola and Roscommon. Visit our website at www.cmdhd.org, LIKE Central Michigan District Health Department on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @CMiDHD.

COUNTY NEWS14

Around 1:00 p.m. last Thursday the Deerfield Township Fire Depart-ment responded to a car fire on W. Deerfield road. The fire had extended to the dry grass surrounding the vehicle located just West of Vandecar road.

The Deerfield Township Fire Department brought fire engine #810 and two Water Tenders to quickly put out the fire before it had the chance to spread to the owner’s home. The fire was extinguished without the need of the additional Tenders.

Deerfield Township Fire Chief Ryan Martin said they used about 500 gallons out of Engine #810, which holds 1000 gallons. Each of the Tenders holds an additional 3500 gallons.

According to Martin the owners noticed something was wrong with their Ford Escape so they returned home where they then saw smoke coming from underneath it. The vehicle was located a safe distance from the house and propane tank on site. Martin said that what caused the ground fire was whatever had overheated in the engine, leaking possibly gas or transmission fluid.

The Deerfield Township Fire Department responds to about 80 calls per year.

Deerfield Township Fire Department Responds to Car Fire

STATE NEWS 15State Redistricting Update

The League of Women Voters of Michigan recently conducted several presentations in various cities, in-cluding Mt. Pleasant, concerning voter area redistricting policies and procedures.

During the presentation there was much talk about the concern over gerrymandering, which is the redraw-ing of voting districts or areas to create an advantage for the political party who is in power.

On this past Monday the League of Women Voters of Michigan announced that they believe there is currently not enough support to put a proposal on the ballot for 2016.

The LWV sees this as an “opportunity for the League and other organizations to continue to educate on the issue and raise public awareness.”

“We plan to continue our efforts and as soon as we know more from the work we are doing with our coali-tion partners,” the email continues.

Gerrymandering is a process that has been happen-ing in the United States since the 18th century, and is named after Elbridge Gerry, while he was the Governor of Massachusetts.

Gerry went on to be the 5th United States Vice Presi-dent, presiding under James Madison.

Consumer Food Warning

Consumer Food Warning - cont.

If you have purchased any of the food products list-ed below from the Onaway, Michigan, based company ‘Lock Stock & Barrel Ranch,’ you are urged to discard the items due to potential health risks.

Foods Included in the recall:

• Beef Vegetable Soup• Tomato Basil Soup• Bacon Cauliflower Soup• Mama Splans Medium Salsa• Mama Splans Hot Salsa• Sweet Salsa• Tomatillo Salsa• Mango Salsa• Peach Salsa• Dilly Beans

• Pickled Beets• Pickled Carrots• Pickled Mushrooms• Pickled Asparagus• Pickled Cauliflower• Pickled Garlic• Bread & Butter Pickles• Sweet & Hot Pickles• Dill Pickles• Dill Relish• Bloody Mary Mix• Spaghetti Sauce

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is warning customers to discard the prod-ucts because they were “manufactured without using the required controls for the safe production of processed foods.”

The MDARD reports that these products may pose a potential health risk such as Botulism, which they state is “a potentially fatal form of food poisoning, can cause the following symptoms: General weakness, dizziness, double vision, and trouble with speaking or swallowing, Difficulty in breathing, weakness of muscles, abdomi-nal distension, and constipation may also be common symptoms. The very young, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most sus-ceptible to foodborne illness. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.”

The MDARD has so far identified no illnesses in rela-tion to the products.

The Lock Stock & Barrel general store is located in Onaway, Michigan, and the porducts themselves were also sold at various farm markets throughout northern lower Michigan.

MDARD suggests that to throw away the food items, consumers should “Double bag the products in plastic bags that are tightly closed and then place in a trash receptacle for non-recyclable trash outside of the home.”

Anyone who has health concerns from consuming the products should contact their health care provider.

Additional information and questions should be ad-dressed to MDARD at 1-800-292-3939

SHEPHERD JOURNAL16Shepherd Journal Updates brought to you by JON MORGAN

Claude Lemmer’s Service to the Community Recognized during Holiday ConcertPhrases like “pass the baton” and “heart felt good byes” do not adequately capture the amount of emotion in the room on

Sunday, December 13, 2015 as Claude Lemmer conducted the Central Michigan Area Band for his last time during its Holiday Concert.

In between performances, Claude was recognized via the reading of notes sent in honor of his retirement, and stories shared by friends and former students. Claude himself recognized current Shepherd Public Schools band director JoAnn Gross by giving her the baton he had used during practices leading up to the holiday concert.

Just before the CMACB’s last song, Claude literally passed a baton to incoming concert band director Joseph Radtke.

Returning to that Galaxy Far, Far Away How many people in the Shepherd area are planning on seeing “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” when it comes to theaters at

the end of this week?How many people will be avoiding it like the plague?I definitely fall under the first category. I already have my ticket for the very first showing Thursday night at Celebration Cin-

emas. You see, “Star Wars” and I go back a long time.But, before I share my story, I wanted to invite you to share yours. How old were you when you first became interested in

“Star Wars?” Was it after seeing the films? Did someone else influence you?You can share your story by responding to this article. Or, email it to shepherddigest@gmail.com. Either way, I’ll be reviewing

the submissions and publishing the best stories on Facebook and in The Pulse.And, I want to hear from both fans and non-fans. Why do you like Star Wars? If you don’t like Star Wars, why not?

My Star Wars StoryMy introduction to “Star Wars” came in two waves. I remember seeing “Star Wars” during it’s initial re-release when I was

still really small. I’ve seen every movie in theaters since then. But, I also remember getting my first Star Wars toy when I was around four years old. My dad gave me an R2D2 action figure. From that point forward, I was hooked.

My youngest son, Elijah, will be three-years-old in February. He’s too young to see “The Force Awakens,” when it comes out this month, but I’m sure he will watch it on DVD, and then when the second or third sequel comes out he’ll definitely be ready to see them in the theater. I think it’s cool that he will be almost the same age as I was when I was experiencing Star Wars for the first time.

It’s also exciting because it sounds like “The Force Awakens” will take Star Wars in an entirely new direction, with a new director, and a new approach with the special effects and costumes.

Shepherd Schools Choirs Perform at Pathways Masonic HomeThe Shepherd Middle School Choir and the Shepherd High School Concert Choir performed at the Pathways Masonic home this week. Here are two videos which were posted by choir director Kyle Howard:• Shepherd Middle School Choir - https://youtu.be/hGIDqVm8OQo• Shepherd High School Choir - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOi4DUBuEN4&feature=youtu.beFor more information, check out the Shepherd Schools Choirs Facebook page.

SHEPHERD JOURNAL 17Shepherd Journal Updates brought to you by JON MORGAN

Shepherd Middle School Counseling Department to host “Coffee Talk” for ParentsThe SMS Counseling Department will be hosting a “Coffee Talk” on Monday, December 21 at 6 p.m. in the Media Center. The subject of discussion will be the Five Love Languages.For more information, contact Julie Wright at (989) 828-6605 ext. 3354

SHS Counseling Office launches new websiteThe Shepherd High School Counseling Office announced this week that it has launched a new website located at www.onwardshepherd.weebly.com. The website contains a blog and information for HS Seniors.Grant helps Shepherd Community Library expand DVD and Audio Books sectionThe Shepherd Community Friends of the Library shared this week via Facebook that they’ve recently used a grant from the Shepherd Community Foundation to expand the DVD and Audio Books section of the Shepherd Commu-nity Library.

Dates set for Mother-Son Activity Night and Daddy-Daughter DanceSave the date for two upcoming nights of fun (both events are free):• Daddy and Daughter Dance - Friday, February 12th - 7 - 9 p.m.• Mother and Son Activity Night - Friday, January 15th - 7 - 9 p.m.

Community CalendarDo you have an upcoming special event you would like to have included inside the Community Calendar? Submit your event information via email at shepherddigest@gmail.com or online at https://shepherdjournal.wordpress.com/submit-a-news-tip/

January• Shepherd High School Talent Show Auditions - Second Week of January• Mother and Son Activity Night - Friday, January 15th - 7 - 9 p.m.

February• Shepherd High School Talent Show - February 11• Daddy and Daughter Dance - Friday, February 12th - 7 - 9 p.m. March• “The Addams Family Musical” - High School Drama Club and Choral Department - Mid-March

Submissions of News and Information are Welcomed• Email- shepherddigest@gmail.com• Online Form - https://shepherdjournal.word-press.com/submit-a-news-tip/• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/shep-herdjournal/• Shepherd Community Blog (Medium) - https://medium.com/shepherd-community-blog

CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT18Kevin Dush

By RYAN GRIFFUS

This edition’s citizen spotlight recognition was provided via submitted nominations on the heels of another very prestigious accolade earned by an individual who is an unrelenting force of positive action for their community. Kevin F. Dush was selected for the citizen spotlight after nominations arrived, emphasizing the efforts of a very deserving man who has impacted his community with overwhelming diligence toward ensuring the protection of Central Michigan’s most vulnerable children. A truly phenomenal advocate for child victims, Kevin F. Dush has earned this week’s citizen spotlight.

Kevin was recently bestowed the inaugural Dan Denslow Advocate of the Year award from the Child and Family Enrichment Council in Mt. Pleasant. A committee elected Kevin the recipient for the determination that he has shown toward upholding the legacy of child advocacy and protection of the victims of child abuse and child sex-ual assault that his predecessor, Detective Sergeant Dan Denslow of the Isabella County Sheriff ’s Department had proven during his esteemed professional career.

Kevin began his career in law enforcement as a part-time corrections officer in 2001. After completing the po-lice academy in 2003, he ultimately landed with the Isabella County Sheriff ’s department as a road patrol officer in 2004. In 2006, Kevin volunteered to become trained and certified for forensic interviewing of child abuse and child sexual assault victims and at this time began to assume dual responsibility for road patrol activities as well as those related to child abuse and child sexual assault cases. Kevin’s assignment to these cases utilized his immense talent for interviewing and harnessed the compassion that Kevin acknowledges caused him “heart ache” for the victims along the way. However, resilient as he is noble Kevin didn’t waver on his mission for the advocacy of child victims that ultimately led to his being named Advocate of the Year.

True-to-form of a “champion for the children,” Kevin’s additional assignments during his career thus far include serving as the youth services liaison officer for two years (2007-2009) in the Beal City, Weidman elementary, and Rosebush elementary schools. It was during this tenure that Kevin was supervised by, and privy to learn more directly from Denslow. During this time, Kevin immersed himself in education and training toward enhancing his skills for forensic interviewing and investigation while still under the esteemed guidance of Detective Sergeant Denslow. In 2009, the Central Michigan community lost Detective Sergeant Dan Denslow, who was truly inspira-tional in the work that he provided and a pioneer in the field of child abuse and child sexual assault investigation. Kevin proudly recalls that Detective Sergeant Denslow was “ahead of the curve” regarding his investigatory tech-niques and perspective regarding the cases that Kevin now oversees and assists with, as he has since been promoted to Sergeant at the Isabella County Sheriff ’s Department.

Kevin’s take on his work is intriguing as he clearly identifies a more grand-scheme regarding his work that only exemplifies the selfless attitude he maintains in serving his community. He humbly identifies that the police investi-gation in his cases are only a “piece of the puzzle” and his objective no matter what the outcome is to “help the child and their family move forward.” Kevin’s professionalism is matched only by his humility as he identifies his goal for the work he encounters. “Providing the best possible services for child abuse and child sexual assault victims and to

CITIZEN SPOTLIGHT 19honor Detective Sergeant Denslow’s memory” is what Kevin says he sets out to accomplish with every case. He cred-its Detective Sergeant Denslow and “his role in improving the way we protect children in this county” as the reason that Kevin and his team are able to be as effective as they are today. Of all the fanfare involved with the presentation of the award, Kevin recalls the most memorable part of the ceremony being when Detective Sergeant Denslow’s grandchildren served as presenters of the honor.

Kevin F. Dush was born and raised in the Central Michigan area and maintains roots deeply planted in the com-munity with family and a distinguished career. He is an avid outdoorsman that appreciates the area for the bountiful natural resources including the natural lakes that Kevin enjoys fishing on. Kevin notes the ample opportunities for families and individuals alike to partake in the outdoor activities the area provides, as one of the many things he enjoys about Central Michigan.

Kevin engages in work that so few are willing or able to do and stoically endures the most emotionally-charged, difficult investigations with a mindset focused only on serving the victims and honoring the memory of his mentor. The astonishing resilience of Kevin F. Dush to repeatedly venture into investigations of the most disturbing nature while focusing on healing and justice for children and their families is indescribable. The Dan Denslow Advocate of the Year award, could not have been awarded to a more deserving recipient (I don’t care of that, there are several deserving of it). Kevin F. Dush personifies the spirit of the award and has indeed bestowed honor toward the legacy of Detective Sergeant Dan Denslow with the work he continues to do. Today the Pulse fondly remembers Detec-tive Sergeant Dan Denslow and extends respect, admiration, and incredible appreciation for Kevin F. Dush, the first annual honoree for the Dan Denslow Advocate of the Year award.

Kevin Dush is shown receiving the first ever Dan Denslow Advocate of the Year Award from Detective Sergeant Denslow’s grandchildren.

SCHOOLS20Mt. Pleasant West Intermediate First Trimester Honor Roll

Seventh Grade

Drew Adkins, Juliua Albee, Matthew Alton, Rena Angera, Logan Bandlow, Nickolas Beadle, Paige Beebe, Kyle Borody-chuk, Margaret Brockman, Griffin Brookens, Caroline Brown, Joseph Bryant, Lillian Buerkel, Brooklyn Burden, Emilie Burkhart, Hailey Burrows, Kloe Campbell, Sam Cassavaugh, Alysse Clark, Michael Coffland, Amber Collins, Emily Cone, Ella Connors, Dakota Converse, Taylor Cook, Bennett Cox, Jasmine Dannenberg, Landon Ebels, Ibrahim Elgammal, Andrew Elliot, Austin Ellis, Kaleb Flint, Owen Foust, Andrew Funnel, Ethan Gilbert, Ana Gonzalez, Matilda Graham, Madison Griffin, Satori Griffin, Colin Gross, Mahmoud Hamdi, Justin Hill, Madison House, Brody Hovey, Arick Johnson, Nicholas Kelliher, Alana Kelty, Caleb Kequom, Marisa Knight, Owen Kole, Andrew Kuiper, Emily Langworthy, SiHyung Lee, Kaitlyn Lendzion, Brody Leonard, Jillian Levesque, Shane Lewis, Ashton Lindow, Marcus Linville, Ivy Little, Niviyah Lonon, Lauren Loveberry, Kendra McGuire, Benjamin Melton, Jack Methner, Carson Mitchell, James Montoya- Pego, James Morgan, Marco Munoz-Fortino, Joshua Nieporte, Emma Oebel, Tanner Payton, Kate Peless, Mason Peterson, Elle Pietrantonio, Brady Pifer, Abigail Pittman, Carlos Platte, Chase Preston, Jasmine Prussner, Larae Pulley, Austin Reid, An-ton Ricumstrict, Jenna Rios, Celeste Rocha, Isaiah Rollins, Joshua Schell, Caden Schlicht, Zachary Seeley, Jace Selvidge, Paul Shaner, Drew Sharrar, Hazen Shinos, Peter Sladek, Austin Spayd, Augustus Strachan, Taylor Strom, Anoushka Tegur, Isaiah Teswood, Alexander Theison, Kenneth Vaillancourt, Trent Vogel, Troy Vogel, Alexander Wahl, Demetrius Walk-er, Preston Walton, Nicholas Webster, Alaina Wheeler, Andrew Wilson, Magdalyn Wilson, Madelyn Wood, Alexander Woodworth

4.0 Honor Roll: Phoebe Defeyter, Sierra Doss, Mackenzie Egger, Olivia Geisthardt, David Hoffmeyer, Iris Hwang, Joseph Jarrard, David Jensen, Savannah Limarenko, Lauren Lindstrom, Allayna Maurer, Lauren McIntyre, Anna Miller, Madison Morey, Elizabeth O’Dell, Kaitlin Otteman, Lauren Rupe, Emma Russell, Riley Sponseller, Brevin St Onge, Sophia Stevens, Ashley Trost, Ren VanderMey, Matthew Wilson

Eighth Grade

Salma Abdelgawad, Rafqa Abou-Zeid, Memas Alkasasbeh, Nathan Allen, Jodi Balser, Emily Bergman, Robin Berk, Paige Birchmeier, Briana Bixby, Maleah Blake, Giovanni Bonamego, Kolbey Boyd, Brigid Boyle, Elizabeth Brigham, Amanda Brown, Evan Brown, QuinnIan Burger, Tolby Busch, Maliyah Carey, Andrew Chivas, Duncan Christiansen, Kaitlynn Cra-ven, Malaak Dabas, Steven Davidson, Cindeyia Debruine, Jessica Dimaria, Jasmine Dortch, Charles Driessnack, Connor Dunn, Azaryah Dye, Lucas Dye, Emma Elmquist, Raegen Epple, Jonah Ervin, Maezie Ervin, Jolee Esch, Turner Felton, Chiron Finn, Julea Fisher, Christian Fitzek, Atreyu Franks, Adam Friedlein,Keegan Gadbury, Cory Gaskill, Abbie Geiger, Emma George-Griffin, Dena Gibson, Demetri Griffin, Katelyn Griffis, Paige Hassen, Callista Hirsch, Julia Hoffman, Tyler Huenemann, Georgia Humphrey, Walker Jackson-Pelcher, Keghan Jensen, Jenessa Johnson, Treazure Jones, Jacob Knight, Krista Kobylarz, Noah Koster, Stephanie Kourteva, Lilly Kowalczyk, Samuel Linton, Erin Lundsted, Tyler Martin, Brian-na Mata, Jaycee Maxon, Maddison McBride, Elissa McDonald, Robert Miller, Alec Mills, Connor Mindel, Willem Miret, Zachary Mogg, Madison Morrow, Amanda Nguyen, Steven Nguyen, Taylor Northrop, Carter Nostrant, Nicholas Pappas, Olivia Parks, Margaret Pashenee, Jack Payton, Mackenzye Pettit, Cooper Phillips, Margaret Pope, Mackenzie Purtill, Ashley Rautanen, Makia Robinson, Abigail Rowden, Angelica Rusztowicz, Hannah Sanders, Erica Scully, Michael Sedell, Brett Seelye, Catherine Sexton, Hannah Shaner, Ashley Shellenbarger, Mason Slusher, Jocelyn Strandskov, Luke Taylor, Allison Tewari, Blake Tice, Kyra Trofatter, Alex Wetherbee, Sadie Wheaton, Emily Wilczak, Malachi Wilson, Mason Woj-tusik, Benjamin Wroblewski, Alexis Zimmerman

4.0 Honor Roll: Salma Abdelgawad, Rachel Bloomfield, Kaitlyn Bootz, Roman Damer-Daigle, Madison Halfmann, Dana Hayes, Adam Keeler, Grace McIntosh, Tellena Nystrom, Dhruv Patel, Elizabeth Richards, Landon Schumacker, Alina Swaney, Andrew Wittbrodt

ENTERTAINMENT 21A Celebration of ChristmasBy SAM VILLARREAL

On December 12, 2015, The Broadway Players and Broadway Playhouse Kids hosted their last show of the Christmas season. There were separate shows on December 4, 5, 6, 11, and 12.

Due to a carbon monoxide leak from a broken furnace the show could not be held at Broadway Theater. The directors, Janet Sowle and Laura Strait, ex-plained that more than 20 of the cast members had to go to McLaren hospital due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This year’s show was held at Mt. Pleasant High School. When purchasing tickets kids were allowed to see Santa and par-ents participated in a raffle drawing.

The show was titled A Celebration of Christmas and contained two acts filled with colorful settings and characters. People of all different ages filled the stage and urged the audience to get in the Christmas spirit.

The first act appeared on the set of a television show that showcased different people and their talents. Viewers were able to see a violinist and ukulele player perform, hear kids recite poetry and jokes about Christmas, and even see a wacky rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

The second act took place in church and in heaven. We had angels telling the story of when Jesus was born. They had their rendition of what was going on in heaven the night that a baby laid in a manger in Bethlehem. The cast rejoiced in song at the conclusion.

The entire cast added up to 58 members without counting the production team that produced, directed, and creat-ed the set. The large production was entertaining for all ages.

ENTERTAINMENT22MAC TV Network Channels Schedule

SUNDAY1:00 AM IWE Battlezone TV - Wrestling 191-MAC13:13 AM Isabella County Work Session 191-MAC17:00 AM Mt. Pleasant Planning Comm. 188-Gov9:00 AM Faith Community Church 191-MAC19:00 AM Mt. Pleasant FUMC 9 AM 187-MAC210:00 AM Grace Church Live 191-MAC111:00 AM Mt. Pleasant FUMC 11 AM 187-MAC212:00 PM Mt. Pleasant City Commission 188-Gov1:00 PM AUMC 191-MAC11:00 PM Trinity Church 187-MAC22:00 PM U. Tshp Zoning Board of Appeals 188-Gov3:00 PM Clare Ment. Health - EMT 191-MAC13:00 PM Sacred Heart Parish 187-MAC25:00 PM AUMC 187-MAC25:00 PM MP Zoning Board of Appeals 188-Gov7:00 PM Mt. Pleasant FUMC 11 AM 191-MAC17:00 PM Grace Church 187-MAC27:50 PM Clare Ment. Health - Mindful... 191-MAC18:00 PM MP Zoning Board of Appeals 188-Gov9:00 PM Faith Community Church 187-MAC29:30 PM Trinity Church 191-MAC19:39 PM FCC Promo 2 187-MAC211:00 PM Grace Church 191-MAC1

MONDAY7:00 AM Trinity Church 191-MAC17:00 AM Mt. Pleasant Planning Comm. 188-Gov8:00 AM Democracy Now 191-MAC19:00 AM Faith Community Church 191-MAC19:00 AM Sports Attack 187-MAC29:27 AM UT Board of Trustees 188-Gov11:00 AM Christian Music Videos 191-MAC112:00 PM News Central 187-MAC212:00 PM Mt. Pleasant City Commission 188-Gov1:00 PM A2 to TC Train Presentation 191-MAC11:00 PM News Central 187-MAC21:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC22:00 PM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC12:00 PM Art Review 187-MAC22:30 PM Volleyball - Alma vs Shepherd 187-MAC24:00 PM What Should I Be... - Farmer 191-MAC14:00 PM News Central 187-MAC25:00 PM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC15:00 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC26:00 PM Christian Music Videos 191-MAC16:00 PM News Central 187-MAC26:30 PM Art Review 187-MAC27:30 PM Alma String Fall Concert 191-MAC17:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC28:00 PM Football - Ithaca vs Shepherd 187-MAC210:00 PM Democracy Now 191-MAC110:00 PM Volleyball - St Louis vs Ithaca 187-MAC210:50 PM Football Highlights - STL v ITH 187-MAC211:00 PM Grace Church 191-MAC1

TUESDAY12:54 AM MAC TV Zombie Film Fest. ‘14 191-MAC17:00 AM Trinity Church 191-MAC17:00 AM Mt. Pleasant Planning Comm. 188-Gov8:00 AM Democracy Now 191-MAC19:00 AM Faith Community Church 191-MAC19:00 AM Sports Attack 187-MAC2

WEDNESDAY12:39 AM IWE Battlezone TV - Wrestling 191-MAC16:00 AM Mt. Pleasant FUMC 11 AM 191-MAC17:00 AM Mt. Pleasant Planning Comm. 188-Gov8:00 AM Democracy Now 191-MAC19:00 AM Sports Attack 187-MAC210:00 AM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC110:00 AM U. Tshp Zoning Board of Appeals 188-Gov11:00 AM Sacred Heart Parish 191-MAC112:00 PM News Central 187-MAC212:00 PM Mt. Pleasant City Commission 188-Gov12:30 PM Clare Ment. Health - EMT 191-MAC11:00 PM News Central 187-MAC21:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC22:00 PM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC12:00 PM Art Review 187-MAC22:00 PM UT Board of Trustees 188-Gov2:49 PM Mt. Pleasant FUMC 9 AM 191-MAC13:00 PM Dueling Pianos (Clean) 187-MAC23:57 PM Sacred Heart Parish 191-MAC14:00 PM News Central 187-MAC25:00 PM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC15:00 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC25:15 PM What Should I Be... - Farmer 191-MAC15:30 PM A2 to TC Train Presentation 191-MAC16:00 PM News Central 187-MAC26:30 PM Christian Music Videos 191-MAC16:30 PM Art Review 187-MAC27:05 PM Alma Strings Fall Concert 191-MAC17:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC28:00 PM Christian Music Videos 191-MAC1

10:00 AM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC111:00 AM Clare Ment. Health - Mindful... 191-MAC112:00 PM News Central 187-MAC212:00 PM Mt. Pleasant City Commission 188-Gov1:00 PM Clare Ment. Health - Yoga 191-MAC11:00 PM News Central 187-MAC21:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC22:00 PM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC12:00 PM Art Review 187-MAC22:00 PM UT Planning Commission 188-Gov3:00 PM Veterans Update 191-MAC13:56 PM AUMC 191-MAC14:00 PM News Central 187-MAC25:00 PM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC15:00 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC25:00 PM MP Zoning Board of Appeals 188-Gov5:30 PM Clare Ment. Health - Music Ther 191-MAC16:00 PM News Central 187-MAC26:30 PM Art Review 187-MAC27:00 PM Mt. Pleasant FUMC 9 AM 191-MAC17:00 PM ‘15 HF: Alma Mid. Jazz Band 187-MAC27:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC27:45 PM The Vanisher 187-MAC28:00 PM Volleyball - Alma vs Shepherd 187-MAC28:00 PM Mt. Pleasant Planning Comm. 188-Gov9:10 PM Football Highlights - STL v ITH 187-MAC29:30 PM Stupid Laws 187-MAC210:00 PM Democracy Now 191-MAC110:00 PM FMP - Live & Lessons 187-MAC211:00 PM Grace Church 191-MAC1

ENTERTAINMENT 23MAC TV Network Channels Schedule

THURSDAY12:54 AM MAC TV Zombie Film Fest. ‘14 191-MAC17:00 AM Trinity Church 191-MAC17:00 AM Mt. Pleasant Planning Comm. 188-Gov8:00 AM Democracy Now 191-MAC19:00 AM Faith Community Church 191-MAC19:00 AM Sports Attack 187-MAC210:00 AM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC110:00 AM UT Planning Commission 188-Gov10:30 AM Veterans Update 191-MAC111:00 AM Clare Ment. Health - Music Ther 191-MAC112:00 PM Clare Ment. Health - Yoga 191-MAC112:00 PM News Central 187-MAC212:00 PM Mt. Pleasant City Commission 188-Gov1:00 PM Disability Network 191-MAC11:00 PM News Central 187-MAC21:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC22:00 PM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC12:00 PM Art Review 187-MAC23:01 PM Uncle Ducky 191-MAC13:49 PM AUMC 191-MAC14:00 PM News Central 187-MAC25;00 PM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC15:00 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC26:00 PM News Central 187-MAC26:06 PM Alma City Commission 191-MAC16:30 PM Art Review 187-MAC27:00 PM Democracy Now 191-MAC17:00 PM ‘15 HF: Alma Mid. Jazz Band 187-MAC27:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC27:45 PM The Vanisher 187-MAC28:00 PM Volleyball - Alma vs Shepherd 187-MAC28:30 PM H.A.T.S. 191-MAC19:00 PM Isabella County Reg Meeting 191-MAC19:10 PM Football Highlights - STL v ITH 187-MAC29:30 PM Stupid Laws 187-MAC210:00 PM Clare Ment. Health - Mindful... 191-MAC110:00 PM FMP - Live & Lessons 187-MAC211:00 PM Grace Church 191-MAC1

FRIDAY1:00 AM IWE Battlezone TV - Wrestling 191-MAC13:13 AM Isabella County Work Session 191-MAC17:00 AM Trinity Church 191-MAC17:00 AM Mt. Pleasant Planning Comm. 188-Gov8:00 AM Democracy Now 191-MAC19:00 AM Sacred Heart Parish 191-MAC19:00 AM Sports Attack 187-MAC210:02 AM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC112:00 PM News Central 187-MAC212:00 PM Mt. Pleasant City Commission 188-Gov1:00 PM News Central 187-MAC21:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC22:00 PM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC1

SATURDAY12:54 AM MAC TV Zombie Film Fest. ‘14 191-MAC17:00 AM Mt. Pleasant Planning Comm. 188-Gov9:00 AM Uncle Ducky 191-MAC19:00 AM Sports Attack 187-MAC29:30 AM Trinity Church 191-MAC110:00 AM U. Tshp Zoning Board of Appeals 188-Gov10:50 AM Sacred Heart Parish 191-MAC111:52 AM Clare Ment. Health - Music Ther 191-MAC112:00 PM Mt. Pleasant City Commission 188-Gov1:00 PM Alma City Commission 191-MAC11:00 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC22:00 PM Clare Ment. Health - Yoga 191-MAC12:00 PM Art Review 187-MAC22:00 PM UT Planning Commission 188-Gov2:30 PM Volleyball - Alma vs Shepherd 187-MAC23:00 PM Veterans Update 191-MAC14:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC25:00 PM Dueling Pianos (Clean) 187-MAC25:00 PM MP Zoning Board of Appeals 188-Gov5:30 PM H.A.T.S. 191-MAC16:00 PM Art Review 187-MAC26:30 PM Mt. Pleasant FUMC 9 AM 191-MAC17:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC27:45 PM The Vanisher 187-MAC28:00 PM Clare Ment. Health- EMT 191-MAC18:00 PM Mt. Pleasant City Commission 188-Gov9:30 PM Stupid Laws 187-MAC210:00 PM Faith Community Church 191-MAC110:00 PM ‘15 HF: Chelsea House - Sat. 187-MAC211:00 PM Grace Church 191-MAC1

Subject to change - Visit www.mactvnetwork.org for most up-to-date schedule

8:00 PM Football - Ithaca vs Shepherd 187-MAC28:30 PM Trinity Church 191-MAC110:00 PM Democracy Now 191-MAC110:00 PM Volleyball - St Louis vs Ithaca 187-MAC210:50 PM Football Highlights - STL v ITH 187-MAC211:00 PM Grace Church 191-MAC1

2:00 PM Art Review 187-MAC22:00 PM UT Board of Trustees 188-Gov3:00 PM Isabella County Reg Meeting 191-MAC13:00 PM Dueling Pianos (Clean) 187-MAC23:50 PM What Should I be... Farmer 191-MAC14:00 PM Uncle Ducky 191-MAC14:00 PM News Central 187-MAC24:30 PM Christian Music Videos 191-MAC15:00 PM Pleasant Chat 191-MAC15:00 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC25:00 PM MP Zoning Board of Appeals 188-Gov5:30 PM Alma Strings Fall Concert 191-MAC16:00 PM News Central 187-MAC26:30 PM Mt. Pleasant FUMC 11 AM 191-MAC16:30 PM Art Review 187-MAC27:30 PM Sports Attack 187-MAC28:00 PM AUMC 191-MAC18:00 PM Football - Ithaca vs Shepherd 187-MAC28:00 PM Mt. Pleasant City Commission 188-Gov9:10 PM A2 to TC Train Presentation 191-MAC110:00 PM Democracy Now 191-MAC110:00 PM Volleyball - St Louis vs Ithaca 187-MAC210:50 PM Football Highlights - STL v ITH 187-MAC211:00 PM Grace Church 191-MAC1

SPORTS24MPHS Lady Oilers get Downed by Dow

The Mt. Pleasant girls varsity basketball team hosted rival Midland Dow on Tuesday night in a close contest that was ultimately decided by a ten-point unanswered stretch in the final minutes of the first half.

The visiting Chargers applied pressure from the outset, posting full-court pressure on the Oilers. Mt. Pleasant worked through the pressure and the first quarter ended in an 11-11 tie.

The second quarter saw more of the same back and forth action as the two teams traded baskets, neither allowing the other to get too far ahead. With only the last few minutes left in the second quarter, Mt. Pleasant held on to a slim lead until Dow High erupted for ten unanswered points and headed into the locker room with a 31-23 lead over the Oilers.

Both teams were mostly silent in the third quarter, as they combined for a total of only ten points. With that the Chargers increased their lead to 37-27.

Heading into the final quarter in regulation, Mt. Pleasant was facing a difficult assignment – either outscore the Chargers by a half-dozen baskets or lose to the visiting squad.

Both teams perked up a little in the fourth quarter, combining for nineteen points, only nine of which were scored by Mt. Pleasant.

When the final whistle blew, the Oilers were on the losing end of a 47-36 final tally. Other than the Chargers scor-ing spurt near the end of the first half, this game was a pretty even match.

Freshman Logan Ingram (#10) lead the scoring for the Oilers with 14, followed by Junior Kallena Ricketts (#20) with 6 points, and Senior Erica Lybeer (#40) with 5 points.

For their next game the Lady Oilers will travel to Midland High on Friday to take on the Chemics. Game time is at 7:00 p.m.

SPORTS 25MPHS Boys Varsity Defeats Rival Midland Dow

The boys took to the court following the girls Tuesday night as both varsity squads took on the Midland Dow Chargers.

The boys team scored only seven points in the first quarter of play, but it was enough to take a 7-6 lead in to quarter number two.

Mt. Pleasant junior Obie Ricumstrict scored 13 of the team’s 20

first-half points, including three baskets from behind the 3-pt. arch.Outscoring the Chargers by a single point in each of the first two quarters sent the Oilers into the locker room with

a 20-18 half-time edge.Throughout the third quarter the Oilers stifled several of the Chargers’ attempts to stay close, but it was the fourth

quarter that saw the Oilers really take control of the game.Heading into the final quarter with a 29-24 lead, Mt. Pleasant found themselves just eight minutes from another

victory. The Chargers tried to keep it close, but Oiler junior Noah Ingram landed four three-point buckets in the final quarter to push Mt. Pleasant to a double-digit win.

The final score saw Mt. Pleasant on top 56-41, as Ingram scored fifteen in the fourth quarter. Ingram lead the team with 19 points, followed by Ricumstrict with 15. The rest of the scoring was divided among five players: Daniel Keller - 7, Zach Colores - 6, Warren Ricketts - 4, TJ Black - 3, Grant Trepanier - 2.

The Oilers will host Midland High School this Friday at 7:00 p.m. as they look to increase their record to 3-0.

SPORTS26

With nearly eighty partici-pants, Mt. Pleasant’s first ever cyclocross event, held on Saturday, was a success.

Cyclocross, a form of timed bicycle racing that combines loops of multiple surface styles within each race. In Mt. Pleasant’s course the racers had to navigate through trails that included barriers which they had to either “bun-ny hop” their bike over or quickly dismount, carry, and remount, as well as multiple tight turns that some riders carried their bikes through.

Cyclocross is often referred to simply as CX, and the inau-

Local bike enthusiasts L to R: Drew MacCullough (Mt. Pleasant), Mike Seaman (Mt. Pleasant), and Mike Ring (Clare).

Photos: S. R. Covieo gural Le Frost Cross was this year’s final race in the Michigan Cyclocross (MiCX) series.

Le Frost Cross is closely associated with the Le Tour de Mont Pleasant which occurs in the summer. This past June Mt. Pleasant hosted its 7th Le Tour de Mont Pleasant.

The Le Frost Course was designed by local bike enthusiasts Mike Seaman (Mt. Pleasant) and Mike Ring (Clare), with assistance and late additions added by Drew MacCullough (Mt. Pleasant). Both Mike’s participated in the day’s event as well.

Even the youngest riders, in the Junior 10-14 age division, liked the course layout and terrain diversity, responding with “it was fun” and “I liked the barriers,” while the overnight / early morning rain added to the course’s surface diversity and difficulty, but as a Fall / Winter race series this year’s weather may be as good as we get.

An event like this, with a temporary course of over a mile in length, requires a lot of help from several local volun-teers. At the Pickard street entrance participants and spectators were welcomed and given directions to race course parking by the city of Mt. Pleasant’s Vice-Mayor Rick Rautanen. Le Tour de Mont Pleasant race director Lisa Had-den continued her role with Le Frost Cross.

The local businesses and organizations that donated / helped make this event happen include: Pleasant City Coffee, Motorless Motion, Cops and Doughnuts, Central Michigan University, Isabella Bank, The Morey Foundation, Isa-bella Community Credit Union, Mt, Pleasant CVB, and Meijer.

You can view the entire (200+) photo gallery from the day’s races at www.wearemtpleasant.com

Mt. Pleasant’s inaugural Le Frost Cross Cyclocross

SPORTS 27Mt. Pleasant’s inaugural Le Frost Cross Cyclocross

Some riders successfully “bunny hopped” over the barricades, while most riders carried their bikes across. A select few happened upon a less conventional route.

BUSINESS28

By ERICK FREDENDALL A new gift shop specializing in handmade consigned items is open for business this holiday season. A Shabby Chic Boutique, which opened in October, specializes in handmade items made by Michigan artists. Lisa Austin, a Shepard resident, owns A Shabby Chic Boutique, which she started after four years of crafting prod-ucts in her garage to sell on social media.“I decided to open up a shop for more things to be included,” Austin said. “It’s been a fun and exciting transition.” The boutique offers gifts ranging from small ornaments to large furniture, but including products like honey, beard oils, and chalk paints as well. Austin said she also plans to offer classes on chalk painting at the beginning of next year, along with general crafting classes. Potential consigners interested in displaying their merchandise at the store are invited to visit the storefront or contact Austin at (989) 304-1539. A Shabby Chic Boutique is located on the corner of Mission and Lincoln, at 316 N Mission, Suite 3. Hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

New Gift Shop Opens on N. Mission St.

BUSINESS BRIEFS COMING IN JANUARY - GET RECOGNIZED IN THE PULSE

The Pulse wants to recognize local businesses for their efforts in our community.Send us your updates on employee promotions, new product lines, free trainings,

new locations, and other business news that helps you stand out in our community.Email your business brief to centralmichiganpulse@gmail.com

OUTDOORS 29The Accidental Outdoorsman - Follow on Twitter @pulseoutdoors50

By KYLE HOWARD

The Night Before Deer Camp Twas the night before season, and all through the land,Not a hunter was sleeping, not one woman, child or man.The hunters were nervous, all wake in their beds,While visions of the “big one” danced in their heads.The plans had been made, the coolers all packed,The tools were all ready, there were plenty of snacks.The books had been read, magazines all perused,The traditions all followed, the rituals all used.But sweet sleep would not come, not one little wink,For a year full on planning, was right on the brink.Then all at once, there arose a loud banging,Like the sound of church bells, and oh the loud clanging.It was merely the alarm, and despite lack of sleep,The hunters rolled out, they’d an appointment to keep.They slunk toward the kitchen, barely awake,And despite heavy eyes, the coffee did make.Then bragging began, and old tales were rehashed,There was good natured ribbing, and talking of trash.And at just the right moment, the hunters departed,And headed for their blinds, and the vigil was started.They eased through the woods, to their spot they crept,It was long before day light, but the woods they still slept.Alone in the dark, they sat there just waiting,They thought of the deer they had been diligently baiting.There were sounds all around, as the creatures awoke,But the hunters remained silent, and no one spoke.Then from somewhere near, the leaves began crunching,And soon deer gathered, and beets they were munching.But the bucks were all small, and the rest were all does,and when it comes to hunting, that’s just how it goes.But then there he was, a buck large and great,And his antlers were well spread, with points numbering eight.Towards the bait pile he moved , slowly and wary,And by the size of his chest he was a brute, and really quite scary.The prize ate his fill, then up the low hill he crept,While this hunter sat clueless, and finally slept.

(989) 224-1500Appointment only

Trusted. Insightful. Experienced.

• Business• Estate Planning• Probate• Real Estate

(989) 317-9600

bpg@thegallagherlawfirm.comwww.thegallagherlawfirm.com

64649 Sign.indd 1 9/23/2015 4:06:29 PM

WORD PUZZLES30

COMICS 31

COMICS32

COMICS 33

As the weather gets frosty and sparkling lights line downtown streets and local businesses, it becomes clear that the holiday season is upon us. It is a great time of the year for community togetherness. However, it can also be a difficult time for members of our community. Christmas Outreach of Isabella County strives to ensure that everyone has a happy and meaningful Christmas.

In its 37 years of existence, Christmas Outreach of Isabella County has continued to grow, serving 742 families in 2014. They coordinate with local churches and organizations to donate items, as well as enlist hundreds of volunteers during their distribution days in Finch Fieldhouse. This year, they have changed their focus to address the needs of our changing community. They will provide every child with a new book, offer each person a Christmas stocking filled with personal care items, distribute coats of all sizes, and continue their partnership with the Community Compassion Network to make supplemental food available.

Christmas Outreach received a grant through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation from the Kellogg Youth Fund to purchase children’s books and the Community Impact Fund to purchase adult coats in larger sizes, as these are the most needed and least often donated. By addressing the most critical needs, Christmas Outreach of Isabella County will be counted on to coordinate the community for Christmas giving for years to come.

Christmas Outreach

Visit mpacf.org for more information

HUMOR 35

Local retailer implies holiday intentions of Dio’s 1983 debut album ‘Holy Diver.’

In a recent trip to finish up Christmas shopping for this year, or rather start shopping for Christmas gifts, one shopper noticed that someone had placed the 80s heavy metal cd in with the store’s large selection of holiday music.

The cd cover shows the band’s mascot, Murray, and a man of the cloth. Back in the 80s heavy metal was often called ‘the devil’s music’ which makes this bit of visual irony even more delightful.

For those who may be concerned, the shopper continued on with their shopping and left unharmed by this obvi-ous display of anarchy from those heathens who celebrate Festivus.

Local Retailer Puts the ‘HOLY’ in ‘HOLY DIVER’

The Pulse - Current Advertising RatesPrice$15

$25

$40

$80

$150

$40$80

$25$15$10

Submit ads as high-res PDF files or JPEG files, at 300 DPI. Prices are for camera-ready art; ad design extra.

ContactEmail: Centralmichiganpulse@gmail.com

Phone: (989) 444-9121

Mailing / Payments: Central Michigan Pulse llcP.O. Box 674Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804

Repeat Ads: 30% off

Prepaid Ads: 5% off

Ad Size1/16 page color

1/8 page color

1/4 page color

1/2 page color

Full Page color

Interior Banner colorFront Page Banner color

Community PostingsLocal SupportersChurch Directory

Ad Dimensions1.9” W x 2.5” H (Vertical)

3.85” W x 2.5” H (Horizontal)

3.85” W x 5” H (Vertical)

7.75” W x 5” H (Horizontal)

7.75” W x 10.25” H (Vertical)

7.75” W x 2” H (Horizontal)

3.85” W x 4.75” H3.15” W x 1.8” H1.90” W x 2.2” H