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The 5K course will begin at Memorial Healthcare at 9 am on King Street in Owosso and meander through the charming residential areas surrounding the hospital. Each participant will receive a t-shirt and be eligible for awards in many age categories. Early registration for the event is due by April 10 and is $15 per person. Registration after that date will be $20. Registration forms can be found at the hospital website MemorialHealthcare.org, Playmaker's website or in the Four Seasons Gift Shop at the hospital. For information, contact Bobbi Bruckman at 989.666.6953 or Pam Starkweather at 989.725.8465. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for any individual or business wishing to participate.

Voter registration deadline nears for May 6 election

Residents also reminded of identification requirement at polls

LANSING -- Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land reminds residents that Monday, April 7 is the last day to register to vote for the May 6 election.

"Many of these elections directly impact your local community, whether it's your local government or your area school district," said Land, the state's chief election officer. "If you are not yet registered to vote in Michigan, I encourage you to do so as soon as possible."

To register, applicants must be at least 18 years old by Election Day and be U.S. citizens. Applicants must also be residents of Michigan and of the city or township in which they wish to register.

Voters may register in person or by mail. The mail-in form is on the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos. First-time voters who register by mail must vote in person in their first election, unless they hand-deliver the application to their local clerk, are 60 years old or older, are disabled, or are overseas.

To check their registration status, residents may visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote. Residents can find information on voting by absentee ballot, Michigan's voter identification requirement, using voting equipment and contacting their local clerk. They will also find a map to their local polling place.

Voters are again reminded of the identification requirement. They will be asked to present acceptable photo ID at the polls, such as a Michigan driver's license or identification card.

Voters who don't have a Michigan driver's license or identification card can show the following current forms of photo ID:

Driver's license or personal identification card issued by another state ï Federal or state government-issued photo identification ï U.S. passport ï Military identification card with photo ï Student identification with photo from a high school or an accredited institution of higher education, such as a college or university ï Tribal identification card with photo.

Anyone who does not have an acceptable form of photo ID or is not carrying one can still vote. They will sign a brief form stating that they're not in possession of a photo ID. Their ballots will be included with all others and counted on Election Day.

Additional information is available on the Department of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos.

Community State Bank is celebrating National Community Banking Month

ST. CHARLES -- Community State Bank will join community bankers throughout the nation during April to celebrate Community Banking Month. This year, as in the past, community bankers across the state will make a combined effort to discuss with the public the important economic and social contribution their banks make in their hometowns.

As part of this month-long celebration, Community State Bank will be holding Customer Appreciation Days in the lobbies of each branch on Friday, April 4th and Friday April 18 and will have treats for its customers. In addition to this, CSB wants to encourage kids to develop good money saving habits and is giving away free piggy banks to children 10 years and younger when they open an account at any branch location.

Also during the month of April, Community State Bank will be celebrating the merging of Montrose State Bank into Community State Bank, and customers will be able to enter a drawing to win one of two $50 VISA gift cards at each of the branches.

"Community State Bank focuses its attention on the needs of local families, businesses and farmers," said Bank President and CEO Robert M. Wolak. "We are proud of our community and we are dedicated to serving our community and the citizens and businesses that reside and operate here."

"Our bank has a different philosophy than larger financial institutions. We are uniquely committed to the local area and our focus lies in helping our community to grow and prosper."

Community banks are independent, and locally owned and operated institutions. The over 8,300 community banks across America today are recognized for personalized individual service, low fees, and focus on the local economy.

Community State Bank is headquartered in St. Charles and has seven neighboring branches - Thomas Township, Chesaning, Birch Run, Montrose, Flushing, Albee and New Lothrop. CSB has been serving the community for over 65 years.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

SAGINAW - In the United States, an average of three children die each day as a result of abuse or neglect. Prevent Child Abuse America has designated April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month to raise the awareness of such statistics.

The Saginaw Board of Commissioners has similarly declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Saginaw County. In Saginaw County in 2006, there were 5,341 reports of child abuse and neglect. PCA Michigan estimates a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.

The Saginaw Board of Commissioners kicked-off the months activities on Tuesday by tying blue ribbons and planting pinwheels on the Courthouse lawn to represent and honor the county's children that have experienced abuse and neglect.

PCA America encourages individuals to raise the issue, reach out to children and families, recognize the warning signs and respond by being part of the solution and becoming involved with child abuse prevention efforts. The group also encourages those who suspect cases of child abuse or neglect to contact Children's Protective Services at 989-758-1791.

For more information and dozens of ways to make a difference, contact the Child Abuse and Neglect Council of Saginaw County at 989-752-7226 or visit www.cancouncil.org.

Salvation Army "Seeds of Hope" Auction now part of Oprah's Big Give

SAGINAW - The Salvation Army's 5th annual "Community Salute" Dinner and "Seeds of Hope" Auction has a new twist this year, thanks to WJRT ABC 12 and Oprah's Big Give reality television program.

This year, the local ABC affiliate, WJRT ABC 12, was able to obtain a $10,000 grant from the national ABC network. The funds will be divided among Genesee, Saginaw and Bay counties to be used as seed money for youth summer camp programs. The goal is for each Salvation Army Corps to raise $12,000 to either start or enhance the camps. Grassroots groups holding their own fundraisers, such as bake sales or jean days in schools, churches or offices, and donating the proceeds to The Salvation Army will accomplish part of the goal.

The "Seeds of Hope" auction is also a Salvation Army designated event to help reach the $12,000 goal for summer camps. This year's dinner-auction will be held on Thursday, April 17 at Apple Mountain. Social hour and auction viewing begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. The live auction begins at 8:30 p.m. Net auction proceeds will go towards the camp cause. Attendees can also purchase, without bidding, special certificates that sponsor a child for $45, the cost of one week at camp.

The Salvation Army subsidizes the youth summer day camps because of efforts to keep the costs affordable for working parents. The fee includes all day, Monday through Friday, activities, including food, transportation fees and at least two field trips per week. For families who cannot afford the fee, a limited number of partial and full scholarships are available. The summer camp program offers parents a safe, fun alternative to leaving children home alone during the day while parents are at work throughout the school's summer vacation.

The Salvation Army is also converting their former child day care into a youth recreation center and now offers "exer-gaming" with two Nintendo Wii games, a large screen television, movies, indoor golf and floor hockey, an outdoor golf academy held at Saginaw Golf Centre, electronic basketball and more. The recreation center will be available to the summer camp attendees.

Auction-goers can vie for one-of-a-kind live auction items including a personal free throw and three-point shooting instruction from Saginaw County's own Brad Redford, recent winner of Michigan's Mr. Basketball title. Redford is second in national ratings in consecutive free throws and holds state records in free-throw percentage and three-pointers.

Also available at the auction is "Feeding the Penguins" at the Saginaw Children's Zoo, a three-hour train ride on the Michigan Star Clipper with a musical show and three course luncheon, and a two-day NASCAR experience with pre-race hospitality and pit tours at Michigan Speedway. Back by popular demand is "The Sheriff and the Chef" lobster dinner experience, prepared by Horizon's own Willy Schipper and served by Saginaw County Sheriff Charles Brown. Also returning to the live auction will be a full spa experience from the newly remodeled The Willows Saloon and Day Spa and the Party Package complete with tent, tables, chairs and gift certificates.

Silent Auction items include entertainment, floral, dining and many garden type items.

Table sponsorships ranging from $300 up and individual tickets prices at $40 each are still available by contacting Ann Bierman at The Salvation Army office, 989-793-8371. Additional event information is also available the office number.

Conservation Dist. tree sale pick up April 12

SAGINAW -- The Saginaw Conservation District is having its annual tree seedling and fruit tree sale. The district is selling apple, peach, pear, plum and cherry trees.

Asparagus, strawberry plants, numerous conifer and deciduous tree seedlings, wildlife shrubs, flowering trees, packets and more are also available.

Tree pick-up will be on April 12 at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds in Chesaning. Some extra trees will also be available for cash and carry.

The district will take orders from now through March 31. Call 989-781-4077 ext. 4 for a catalog or log onto www.saginawcd.org to print off a catalog.

Volunteers are needed for tree packaging at Saginaw County Fairgrounds on April 10 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., April 11 from 8 a.m. to finish, and on April 12 from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Lunch will be provided- Come join the fun!

As always trees will be available for cash and carry- all volunteers will receive a few seedlings for helping out and first chance to purchase extras at cost.

Please call and volunteer to help at (989) 781-4077 ext. 4.

Hands-on Tree Grafting Workshop

SAGINAW -- The Saginaw Conservation District will host a Hands-on Tree Grafting workshop on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Abele Greenhouse & Garden Center, 3500 Wadsworth Road, Saginaw.

The workshop will be presented by Sidney Grinnell, nurseryman and plant breeder. The cost is $25 per person, $35 per couple, $10 per youth.

The fee includes lunch, one-two root stock (edible nut or fruit trees), pots, and soil.

This will be a hands on workshop. Participants will graft their own trees.

Reserve a space by April 21 by calling (989) 781-4077 ext. 4.

The district will also be taking orders for a variety of edible nut trees. Watch the website at www.saginawcd.org or call the office for an order form at (989) 781-4077 ext 4.

The "Backyard Series" Workshops coming this spring

SAGINAW -- The Saginaw Conservation District in conjunction with the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge are pleased to announce the "Backyard Conservation Series".

This is a series of free workshops that will cover a broad array of topics from small woodlot management to establishing native plants in your backyard.

Registration is needed at least three days prior to the event. Please call the Saginaw Conservation District to register at 989-781-4077 ext. 4.

All workshops will take place at the Greenpoint Nature Center, 3010 Maple Street, Saginaw, MI.

April 21 -- "Small Woodlot Management", Conservation District Forester, presented by Dan Keane, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

May 19 -- "Native Grasses and Prairies", presented by Michelle VanderHaar of the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

June 9 -- "Native and Beneficial Plants", presented by Design's by Nature's Verne Stephens, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Plants will be available for cash and carry).

Directions to Green Point Environmental Learning Center: From M-46 in Saginaw, take Michigan Avenue south to Maple Street. Turn left onto Maple and proceed to the nature center parking lot on the right.

Chesaning walk raises funds to fight breast cancer

Hillary Darling

The Tri-County Citizen

CHESANING - A Chesaning trio is continuing efforts to raise funds to fight breast cancer by giving the community an opportunity to take steps for the cause. Boob Camp, a 5K run and walk, invites community members to join the cause at Chesaning's Showboat Park on May 3.

Rob Krupp and Kristen Krupp began the Chesaning event with their mother Linda Krupp, who is battling the cancer. The run/walk began in dedication to Linda Krupp as well as Rob and Kristen Krupp's grandmother, who passed away after battling the cancer, and cousin, who is in remission from the cancer.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, part of the Avon Foundation. The organization supports, through funding, the education, awareness, screening, diagnosis, treatment access, support services and scientific research for breast cancer.

"We figured this was just another way people around Chesaning could help," said Kristen Krupp.

The Krupp trio also conducts a Lent-season fish fry and raffle for the cause. The first Boob Camp Chesaning walk began two years ago; this is the second Chesaning event.

Race Day registration begins at 7:15 a.m. Participants can also register prior to the day; registration received by April 25 is $16 or $18 to also receive the race's shirt; registration after that date is an additional two dollars. Forms are available at Full Moon Fitness and Tanning Center, located at 226 West Broad in Chesaning.

Runners will take their first steps for the cause at 8:30 a.m., walkers begin at 8:40.

The raffle winners for a Nintendo Wii, overnight stay at a Frankenmuth indoor water park and other prizes will be drawn after the race. Tickets are $5 or a trio of tickets can be purchased for $10; winners do not need to be present.

The beneficiaries for the Avon Foundation range from leading cancer centers to community-based non-profit programs. Funds reach all 50 states, but the majority of the proceeds remain in the areas where walk events are held.

In a fourteen-year span beginning in 1992, the organization-which currently supports 122 community-based organizations-raised over $450 million worldwide. In 2006, almost 80 percent was directed towards the mission programs and services, 17.5 percent covered fundraising expenses, and three percent covered management and general activities.

The Chesaning run will take participants on steps through Chesaning, beginning and completing the 5K circle at Showboat Park to raise funds for the Avon Foundation's fight against breast cancer.