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Part-time job rates for high school students decrease as course loads increase

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Spartan Newsroom Reporters Sean Gardner, Rachel Hitchcock, Chiehyi Tsui and Allison Smith examined the impact and prevalence of working a part-time job while in high school. Video Credit: Sean Gardner and Chiehyi Tsui

Students are less likely to work a part-time job today as opposed to a few decades ago for a number of reasons. A higher rate of high school and college attendance is the biggest contributor. Substantial course loads require more time set aside for schoolwork, but rising college tuition rates lead many students to work to save up in preparation for the costs. Other students work to pay for everyday expenses like gas and food.

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Williamston School District incorporates Be Nice Program

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The “Be Nice Program” is a student-run organization that has slowly made its way to the Williamston School District. According to benice.org, the program is a “mental health education, bully and suicide prevention initiative that creates a positive cultural change through simply daily actions.”

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Williamston Parks and Rec Commission discusses contract with Meridian

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Williamston Parks and Recreation Commission’s two-year
contract with Meridian Township is likely to be renewed this year; however, the question remains whether the contract will be renewed in 2021. In the end, less participation in the sports programs, which means less money coming from participant fees, means the city of Williamston would have to contribute directly to the Parks and Rec Program. “I have felt that we were going to get to the point where
this discussion would come up,” said Corey Schmidt, city manager and DDA director. “The way that the contract is structured, it is supposed to get as close as possible to breaking even. If we have other groups that are stepping
up to offer that sport and our numbers decline, all of a sudden that breakeven analysis might not work anymore.

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Williamston City Council approves the Fireworks Ordinance

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The Williamston City Council unanimously approved the Fireworks Ordinance on Feb. 25, which states “no person shall, within the city limits, ignite, discharge or use any consumer fireworks.”

The ordinance has an exception for certain days when consumer fireworks are allowed. These days include Dec. 31 until 1 a.m., June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m., and July 5 if that date is a Friday or Saturday until 11:45 a.m.

“I am not a fan of consumer fireworks within the city limits,” said Tammy Gilroy, Williamston’s mayor. “It’s
hazardous if people do not pay attention to fire bans and dry conditions.

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Williamston Schools faculty hope for change with new governor

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With Governor Gretchen Whitmer beginning her term, some Williamston faculty are wondering what Whitmer will do to improve schools. Some improvements examples include funding, improved classrooms and a better health care system.

Robert Watson, the Williamston middle school principal, said Governor Whitmer’s priority should be to allocate more funding and resources to the education budget.

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Williamston community supports Spartans at local bar

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With March Madness coming, Spags Bar is slowly approaching its next busiest time of the year.

Spag’s Bar and Grill is a local restaurant in Williamstown Township where residents gather for family dinner time and sports watching. Spags Bar may not be in East Lansing, but Spartan fans still come out to the Williamston bar to show their Spartan spirit.

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Williamston seeks grant to replace wooden sculptures in McCormick Park

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If Williamston receives a $10,000 grant from the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, it will put the funds toward replacing the wooden sculptures at the McCormick Park. LEAP is a “coalition of area leaders committed to building a prosperous and vibrant region where businesses can thrive” and is an economic organization that represents the Tri-county region of Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Every year we give out three $10,000 grants for placemaking,” said Keith Lambert, vice president of business attractions at LEAP, which has awarded 25-30 grants total. Lambert said the selection process regarding who receives the grant is decided by a placemaking committee review group that consists of 75 members. Holly Thompson, the clerk and DDA Director for Williamston, submitted the grant application to LEAP, and she is looking forward to the opportunity.