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Odyssey of the Mind is the world's oldest international creative problem-solving competition among students kindergarten through college. The purpose of Odyssey of the Mind is to promote creativity and problem-solving in a variety of areas from building mechanical devices and balsa wood structures to presenting dramatic and technical performances.

Six Chesaning teams competed in the regional competition in Perry on March 16. Five of the teams took first or second place in their respective divisions, which earned them medals and the honor of moving on to state competition.

Three Chesaning Middle School teams competed in Division II.

Solving the long-term problem "DinoStories" the team of Heather Shephard, Matt Sutter, Jack Somers, Alan Henning, Branden Tripp, Tyler Corbin and Rebekah Andrews took second place. They are coached by Linda Shephard.

In "The Wonderful Muses" category, Jonathan Turner, Anthony McCall, Adam Mark, Shauni Nixon, Amber Howlett, Matthew Moffit and Alec Vondrasek finished in second place. Their coaches are Deb Hunt and Diane Turner.

In the "Eccentrics" category, the CMS team coached by Deb Hunt and Dawn Roshette took second place. Team members are Kimberly Hunt, Matt Wicke, Ahmbroshia Marks, Kate Byers, Cora Labelle, Brandon Fall and Samantha Turner.

Two Chesaning High School teams took honors in Division III. Both are coached by Linda Shephard.

The "DinoStories" problem was solved by Alex Shephard, Kristy Hankins, Brandi Thiel, Brandi Fredericks, Luke James and Thomas Kimball. The team took first place.

In "The Wonderful Muses" category, the team of Brittney McCall, Tasha Reed, Kelsey Adelberg, Ashley Bremmer, Janelle Emmendorfer and Alex Shephard came in second place.

Members of the Division I team representing Albee Elementary School earned medals for their third place finish in the "DinoStories" category. Coached by Nancy Birchmeier, Mike Olk and John Lewis, team members are Danyelle Myers, Sarah Minnis, Katherine Hafner, Danny Nicol, Danny Lewis, Alexa Olk and Trent Graham.

In Odyssey of the Mind competition, teams of up to seven members form to solve a long-term problem and develop skills in spontaneous problems. Teams are guided by a coach who must not be involved in anyway with the problem solution but may help the team logistically by providing practice locations, materials and instruction in techniques, not solutions. Teams compete in each problem against other teams in their division. Divisions are divided according to school grade.

Chesaning teams have been working on their problems for several months and continue to prepare for state competition. If they succeed at the state level, they will compete at World Finals at the University of Maryland, May 31 - June 3.

The 28th Annual Odyssey of the Mind State Finals will be held on April 19 at East Kentwood High School in Kentwood.

To help fund hotel costs and other state competition expenses, the Chesaning Odyssey of the Mind teams are planning several small fundraisers. Watch future editions of the Tri-County Citizen for fundraising information and support opportunities.

To learn more about Odyssey of the Mind, visit www.odysseyofthemind.com.

'Job well done'

STC superintendent granted contract extension

DEB MILLER

The Tri-County Citizen

ST. CHARLES - "Job well done."

That is the comment St. Charles Board of Education President Dr. Ron Gonzales had for school Superintendent Mike Wallace following his annual job performance evaluation that took place during the board's March meeting.

For the fourth consecutive year, board of education members awarded Wallace above average scores in all areas evaluated.

Scores were based on a 5.0 scale, with five being outstanding-performance is exceptional and superior, four being very good-performance exceeds requirements and is of high quality, and one being unsatisfactory.

Once again, the top score for Wallace came in the area of business and finance. Members rated him at 4.76 noting that they appreciate his expertise in this area and that, "The board appreciates Mr. Wallace's forward thinking and attributes this for the fact that we have been able to keep the district afloat during these difficult times."

Wallace received a 4.57 in the area of board/community relations and a 4.53 for educational leadership.

Board members noted that they particularly appreciate his dedication to the community and students he serves.

"A particularly admirable quality attributed to Mr. Wallace is that he does an outstanding job at being visible in the community and at state functions. All the kids know him and he is present in the buildings and around the kids," stated Gonzales.

Wallace's tenure with the district is now set to last until 2011.

Following presentation of the evaluation scores Wallace was granted a one-year contract extension to run through June 30, 2011. Salary and benefits will be negotiated later this year.

Wallace, who came to the district from the Belding School District, started at St. Charles in June of 2004.

Rehmann Health Center April Schedule

The following services will be offered in April at the Rehmann Health Center, 147 South Saginaw Street in Chesaning.

Immunization Clinics

Immunization clinics will be held every Wednesday from 9-11:15 a.m., with one afternoon clinic on Wednesday, April 23 from 2-3:30 p.m. All clinics are held on a walk-in basis. Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, and Healthplus insurances are accepted except for some BC/BS auto group members.

Tuberculosis Testing

TB testing will be offered each Wednesday during the immunization clinic. Individuals must return on Friday to have the test read. The cost is $15 or Medicaid.

Dental Clinics

Dental clinics are provided for Head Start check-ups, preschoolers, and K-12 children. Call 989-758-3835 for an appointment and request the Chesaning clinic. Medicaid and donations are accepted.

Birth Control Clinic

A birth control refill clinic will be held on Monday, April 14 from 9-11:15 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Appointments are required for the physical exam clinic, which will be held on Monday, April 28. Call 989-758-3870 for an appointment and specify the Chesaning clinic. Birth control services provided are based on a sliding fee scale. Medicaid and insurances are accepted. Services are provided regardless of ability to pay.

Blood Pressure Clinic

A blood pressure clinic will be held on Wednesday, April 23 from 1-2 p.m. on a walk-in basis.

Healthy Futures Clinic

Health assessments and primary care treatments, along with counseling and referrals to other health care agencies, will be provided by professionals from the Healthy Futures program on the second and fourth Tuesdays. For appointments, call 989-845-3911.Clinic staff will help individuals apply for the Saginaw Health Plan, HealthPlus, or Medicaid. Referrals to mental health, substance abuse and social service agencies are provided, along with blood pressure and diabetes screening and more. This program is open to Saginaw County residents only.

Vision Services

Individuals with no insurance for eye check-ups may qualify for care through the Andersen Eye Institute. Call Colleen at the Healthy Futures office for information and scheduling at 989-907-8775 and request an appointment for the Chesaning clinic.

For more information on any of the above services call the clinic, Monday through Friday, at 845-3911.

St. Charles Health Center April Schedule

The St. Charles Area Health Center, located at 120 North Vine Street in St. Charles, announces the following clinic services for the month of April.

Blood Pressure Clinic

A blood pressure clinic will be held on Friday, April 4 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. for ages 18 and over. There is no charge for this service and no appointment is necessary.

WIC Program

Registration for the WIC program is held every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 989-758-3733 for information or appointments, however, walk-ins are welcome.

Immunization Clinics

Immunization clinics will be held on Thursday, April 3 from 9-11:15 a.m. and Thursday, April 17 from 9-11:15 a.m. and 12:30-3:30 p.m.

Dental Clinics

Dental clinic will be held on Wednesday, April 16, February 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 989-758-3835 for an appointment.

For more information call 989-865-9400