Terry Mahr Is Running for Columbia Township Supervisor

Terry Mahr Is Running for Columbia Township Supervisor

Editor’s note:  Three individuals are running for the office of Columbia Township Supervisor.  Because of the importance of the role, this website is offering each candidate an opportunity to tell their story in their own words.  All three were provided...
Ray Kuzminski Is Running for Columbia Township Supervisor

Ray Kuzminski Is Running for Columbia Township Supervisor

Editor’s note:  Three individuals are running for the office of Columbia Township Supervisor.  Because of the importance of the role, this website is offering each candidate an opportunity to tell their story in their own words.  All three were...
Police Chief Scolds Governor

Police Chief Scolds Governor

David Elwell recently concluded 15 years as Columbia Township’s Chief of Police.  He is now a candidate for the office of Jackson County Sheriff.  In addition, he is a nine-term Jackson County Commissioner.  By David K. Elwell The Governor has...
Proposed ROLA Ordinance Gets Attention

Proposed ROLA Ordinance Gets Attention

by Bill Leutz In reference to your recent article on the above subject, (9/19/2018), I would like to express my opinion. Some of you may recall that there was a somewhat similar discussion a few years ago, which was presented at a Zoning Commission meeting in February...
Reach Out

Reach Out

by John Karkheck Reach out and touch someone during the season of Thanksgiving.  I had a conversation with one of my good buddies at a function today.  The topic included how we are regretfully attending more and more final event celebrations for our...
Property Tax Increase for County Parks

Property Tax Increase for County Parks

On June 11th, this website published the news that Jackson County Parks are seeking a property tax increase.  To read about it, please click here.  In this Viewpoint, Bill Leutz weighs in on the this proposal that voters will be decide upon in August 7th...

Speed Limits Near Your Home

If the governor signs specific bills on his desk before the end of the year, things could change near your home. This legislation, in a series of bills that are “tie-barred” (meaning all must pass together), removes a provision that allows local government some say in...
Leaves in the Lake

Leaves in the Lake

by John Karkheck I watched in total amazement, today, someone in our area use their leaf blower to blow their leaves into the lake. I would rather they blow them into our yard than change the quality of OUR lake. Perhaps this is acceptable if you are daft, but it is...
John Karkheck on “Giving Back”

John Karkheck on “Giving Back”

After working with different non-profits for years it amazes me just how many people don’t understand the value and benefits of “giving back”.  Obviously not a foreign concept to my family.  Let me share one notable recent exception to the rule,...
Clark Lake County Park Update

Clark Lake County Park Update

Columbia Township Treasurer John Calhoun reports on discussions regarding the future of the County Park at the east of Clark Lake: On Thursday, January 30, 2014, the new Jackson County Parks Director, Scott Robbins, met with Columbia Board members Flip Reynolds and...

Tax Assessors Inside Your Home

The following is from State Rep. Mike Shirkey of Clark Lake: A package of bills sponsored in part by State Rep. Mike Shirkey was heard in the House Committee on Tax Policy today. The bills deal with an increasing trend by some property tax assessors to want to go...
Rep Mike Shirkey Announces Surplus Revenues

Rep Mike Shirkey Announces Surplus Revenues

The state has a revenue surplus of almost $1 billion, announced state Rep. Mike Shirkey, who was recently appointed to Michigan House Appropriations Committee. With his new appointment, Shirkey is one of only a handful of House lawmakers who serve on both the budget...