The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
7 stories that made the highlight reels in 2007
By Edward Freundl, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: January 3, 2008
It was in many ways an ordinary year, but in other ways, 2007 will be remembered as the year Chelsea underwent some extraordinary changes.
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Changes at the top
Among the most important were changes in administrative leadership within city government, as one city manager left his post, an interim manager was named and another manager was hired.
March 1
Steklac out ascity manager
Following a closed session on Feb. 15 in which Chelsea City Council members informed Mike Steklac that his contract would not be renewed, the city manager resigned his position effective Feb. 23.
Steklac, whose three-year contract was set to expire March 1, informed his staff Feb. 21 of his decision.
Council members, according to the city charter have to give the city manager a six-month written notice that his or her contract would not be renewed or the contract automatically would extend for another three years.
Steklac, 47, called the decision an "involuntary resignation."
"They told me (Feb. 15) that they wanted to make a change so we talked about it and I said I would resign," he said.
Clearly it wasn't a surprise. In June, Councilman Frank Hammer stated in Steklac's evaluation: "It is my suggestion that Mike be told at the end of this process that his contract will not be renewed."
Mayor Ann Feeney said it wasn't an easy decision, calling it "agonizing." But the council felt that "things were accumulating and things weren't getting done in a timely manner."
March 15
John Hansen named interim city manager
The Chelsea City Council approved the appointment of John Hansen as the interim city manager, replacing Mike Steklac, who resigned from the position in February after being told his contract would not be renewed.
The announcement was made during the March 13 city council meeting.
Hansen, who said he is not interested in the full-time position and will not apply for the opening, is well known in and around Washtenaw County.
The longtime Dexter resident spent years in the Dexter Community School District, including long stints as Dexter High School principal (1974-84), and superintendent (1984-98).
He also served Chelsea and the surrounding areas in the Michigan Legislature as a state representative from 1999 to 2002.
Hansen, who will have the same authority as a full-time city manager, will handle the day-to-day operations of the city.
For payroll purposes Hansen will be considered a consultant, and paid a fee of $400 per day.
"As consultant I don't get vacation days, holidays or sick days," he said. "The city does not pay my FICA (Social Security contribution) or pay anything for benefits or retirement."
May 10
Dexter's Hanifan named city managerin Chelsea
The Chelsea City Council conducted a national search to find a new city manager, but the candidate they chose was found right in their back yard.
On May 8 the council officially offered a contract to John Hanifan, who has been Dexter's assistant village manager for the past three years.
"I've been in some form of municipal management for 10 years, and this was a natural, logical progression in my career," Hanifan said.
Interim City Manager John Hansen, also a Dexter resident, said the council voted unanimously to designate Hanifan as the "lead candidate."
"(Hanifan) earned the nomination in the presence of others," Hansen said.
"He has the potential to provide very good, very long-term service to the city of Chelsea."
Hanifan said Chelsea and Dexter are more alike than different, which will make his job easier.
"There are a lot of similarities between the two communities; they're facing the same growth and development issues. But they are different enough," he said. "This is a humbling and tremendous opportunity."
Changes on the council
The changes in leadership extended to the city council. The seeds of change were planted mid-year with a tax increase, which gave rise to a citizens group upset with the council's financial decisions. Those seeds bore fruit when the group put candidates in November council elections who ultimately were successful in replacing two incumbents.
June 21
City Council approves budget despite outcry over tax rate increase
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
A public hearing on a proposed increase in the city's millage rates and 2007-08 budget brought several residents to Chelsea City Council chambers June 12 to voice their concerns.
The proposed increase of 1.25 mills — more than 10 percent — would bring the operating fund to 12.4994 mills.
The total tax rate would become 16.7490 for taxpayers within the Downtown Development Authority district and 15.0609 for other residents.
In presenting her report, City Administrative Services Director Kim Garland noted that the city is ending the current fiscal year in better shape than the previous one.
At the new millage rate the projected balance would be an estimated $400,000, an increase of about $50,000 from the current year.
Projected general fund revenues will rise from $3.7 million to $4.3 million, while projected expenses will grow from $3.7 million to $4.2 million.
City resident Rod Anderson questioned a number of items in the draft budget.
"I want to understand what's behind this," Anderson said, looking at budget figures Garland prepared for council members and the public.
"Were there any ongoing estimates of population this year before salary increases were approved? It goes to a question of affordability."
July 26
Citizens group discusses strategies to confront city issues
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
The first public meeting of a Chelsea citizens group dedicated to better oversight of city government operations drew almost 60 residents July 23 at the McKune Memorial Library.
The group, Chelsea Citizens For Accountability, was formed in response to the City Council's vote in June to raise the basic millage rate for city taxpayers, but their concerns reach much further.
"The overall outcome is to get more people involved," said Tom Lynn, the group's communication chairman.
The group came up with several "working groups," each dedicated to researching a specific area of concern: real estate, the Water Department, the Chelsea Area Fire Authority, sanitation and solid waste, tax base analysis, and others as they arise.
"We don't mean to fly off into accusations, but (the city has) done a lot of things and people have made mistakes," said CCFA organizer Jeanne Olinyk.
Rod Anderson, another CCFA leader, also was unwilling to make specific allegations.
"There has not been malfeasance; we just have questions that need to be answered," he said.
"We have to be part of the solution."
Nov. 8
Anderson, Holmberg in; Merkel, Bollinger out
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
Chelsea voters made their feelings clear Nov. 6, handing a decisive upset victory to two City Council newcomers and leaving two incumbents without a seat when the music stopped.
Representing the grassroots fiscal-responsibility organization Chelsea Citizens For Accountability, Rod Anderson and Bill Holmberg received the most votes, at 744 and 680 respectively.
Incumbent Jason Lindauer was returned to the council with 554 votes, but former Chelsea Village Council member Jim Myles fell just short with 549 votes.
Rounding out the slate of candidates, incumbents Joe Merkel and James Bollinger will be unable to maintain their agenda of continuing municipal projects started on their watch.
Merkel garnered 417 votes, while Bollinger polled 364.
Anderson was obviously pleased with the turnout.
"This election clearly shows, especially with the plurality Bill and I got, that Chelsea is ready for a change," he said.
"But we're still two voices out of seven; the CCFA is not going away just because the two of us got elected."
Nov. 15
New council members take oath of office
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
The two newest members of the Chelsea City Council took their oaths of office Nov. 13, crossing the boundary from the watchers to the watched.
Rod Anderson and Bill Holmberg joined incumbent Jason Lindauer in raising their hands and pledging to do their best to make decisions on behalf of the residents of the city.
The two are key members of Chelsea Citizens For Accountability, a grassroots group formed in response to the council's approval of a 1.25-mill tax increase earlier this year.
Holmberg said he was "honored that the people of Chelsea have selected me."
"The saw something in the way things were run, they felt it was time for a change," he added.
Anderson said that the CCFA will continue to be involved in city issues.
"It will still be around, keeping track of issues important to the residents of this city," he said.
"This was my ideal outcome. Our group impacted the election."
Schools score high marks:
Chelsea has long been recognized for having outstanding schools, and this year was no exception.
Feb. 1
October 2006 MEAP scores prove Chelsea has 'top tier' schools
By Terry Jacoby
Editor
Some Michigan school districts don't exactly run to the mailbox when the postman delivers the latest MEAP scores.
But Chelsea school officials not only run to the mailbox, they can't wait to see how their students fared.
Judging by the latest scores, Chelsea fared pretty well.
"Michigan Educational Assessment Program test results for students in grades 3 through 8 confirm that Chelsea is a top-tier school district," said Shawn Lewis-Lakin, executive director for student performance in the district.
The results, from MEAP tests that students took between Oct. 9 and Oct. 27, 2006, were released in late January.
Chelsea's overall scores were 17.6 percent better than the state average.
"MEAP test results are one data set from an array of assessments that the school district uses to measure student achievement," Lewis-Lakin said.
He said he was pleased with the numbers his students put up on the MEAP tests.
"Students, staff and parents all work hard, and these scores are an affirmation of their efforts," he said.
Dec. 6
Chelsea High School makes the grade on federal benchmarks
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
Chelsea school administrators were reminded of how their students feel when getting an "A," after the state issued its "Michigan School Report Card" Dec. 4.
As a bonus, Chelsea High School was found to have met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), a benchmark set by the federal government as part of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law.
However, school officials' euphoria was tempered by the knowledge that NCLB also requires year-to-year improvement.
"We're both elated and surprised — we had reason to believe we might not make AYP," said Chelsea High School Principal Ron Mead.
"We resigned ourselves that we never get an 'A' rating because you need a significant improvement over the previous year, and our scores have been pretty high all along."
The Michigan School Report Card is designed to provide parents, teachers, school administrators and the general public with a comprehensive view of school performance and student achievement.
The composite grade of 'A' was determined by scoring 153 out of 160 possible points for student achievement.
The results were based on scores in the areas of English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies on the Michigan Merit Exam last spring.
Law enforcement:
The Chelsea area is fortunate not to be plagued by crime, but every once in a while a case surfaces that deserves particular attention.
April 12
Ottoman arrested on federal offense
By Edward Freundl and Sandi Kasha
Staff Writers
Dexter Township Trustee Marcia Ottoman was arrested and arraigned April 10 on a federal charge of impersonating a U.S. Justice Department official.
An arrest warrant was issued Monday and Ottoman, 43, a Chelsea resident, surrendered to the FBI that morning.
Court documents allege that Ottoman committed the offense of falsely assuming or pretending to be an assistant federal prosecutor.
She was arraigned on that charge that afternoon before a federal magistrate in Detroit.
"This type of conduct by an individual impersonating a federal official undermines the public's trust and confidence in the criminal justice system and will not be tolerated," said Andrew G. Arena, FBI Special Agent in Charge.
According to an affidavit filed by Special Agent James Brennan of the FBI's Ann Arbor office, Ottoman used the name of Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Varner in a letter she wrote to her in-laws, Joe and Dorothy Ottoman, in an attempt to have tenants evicted from a home owned by the couple.
Marcia Ottoman sought the assistance of Ypsilanti-based attorney John Forczak to deliver the letter to the tenants.
According to the affidavit, Ottoman told Forczak that she is friends with Varner and that he is reportedly pursuing drug charges, illegal immigration and other federal violations against the tenants.
Forczak contacted the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department seeking an escort to the property to deliver the letter.
Reading the letter the deputy sensed something was not right and turned it over to the FBI, said Cmdr. Dave Egeler, Sheriff's Department public information officer.
Ottoman admitted to the FBI on Dec. 19, 2006, that she created the letter and also sent e-mails to Forczak pretending she was Varner.
Aug. 9
State troopers stop trucker, discover $1.4 million in cash
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
Michigan State Police troopers made a stunning discovery of more than $1.4 million in cash concealed in a truck during a routine traffic stop on Aug. 1.
According to police, troopers with the Second District Hometown Security Team stopped a semi-tractor-trailer at westbound I-94 and Kalmbach Road for speeding.
"Nothing made sense — he had been running empty without a load since he was in New York," said Trp. Steven Temelko, community service officer with the Sylvan Detachment.
"He stated he was in New York, went to Toledo, then to Detroit, and now was on his way to Chicago to look for a load to go back to Arizona."
According to the report, a Home Depot box in the cab of the truck contained a large sum of money, so additional troopers and the Ypsilanti post's K-9 unit were called to the scene.
The K-9 found another box and a suitcase that were both filled with cash, Temelko said.
The total amount was about $1,430,000. The money was seized for forfeiture and the investigation is ongoing.
"Every indication shows he had just delivered a load of unknown narcotics to the Detroit area and was transporting the money back west, toward Mexico," Temelko said.
Nov. 22
Lima Township man arrested in shooting
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
A 53-year-old Lima Township man faces five felony counts in connection with a shooting early Nov. 18 at his home on Dexter-Chelsea Road that left a Dexter teen hospitalized.
Gershom L. Avery was arraigned Nov. 20 on charges of assault with intent to commit murder, assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder, felonious assault, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and delivery and manufacture of marijuana.
Michigan State Police were called to Avery's home in the 9000 block of Dexter-Chelsea Road at about 1 a.m., where they found an 18-year-old Dexter man who had been shot in the chest but managed to call 911 from his cell phone.
Troopers determined the Dexter man and two other Dexter male teens had attempted to break into Avery's house.
According to a state police report, Avery fired eight shots at the three intruders as they fled. One shot struck the victim in the back and exited his chest.
State troopers, assisted by Chelsea police and Washtenaw County Sheriff's deputies, located the victim and then took Avery into custody.
The State Police Bomb Squad team, MSP aviation unit and MSP Emergency Services (SWAT) team were called to the scene and executed a search warrant.
A fragmentation-type improvised explosive device, later found to be inert, was located in the residence, as well as a second detonated IED, the report stated.
The residence had several "booby traps" prepared, and the materials for future IEDs were also found.
A second search warrant was served by LAWNET (Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team) officers regarding a large amount of suspected marijuana located in the residence.
Avery was lodged at the Washtenaw County Jail awaiting a preliminary examination on Nov. 27.
Community history:
One of the things that makes Chelsea such a unique community is its efforts to remember and maintain ties to its past.
June 14
Timber Town restoration project finishes with big smiles
By Terry Jacoby
Editor
While the weather didn't always cooperate during the Timber Town restoration project, the sun was shining June 10 when the final nail was hammered and the final barrel of mulch was spread out.
Not only was the sun out, but so were the smiles on the faces of the kids as they experienced the "new" Timber Town.
As live music played in the background, kids tried out the new police car and fire truck attractions, parents walked their kids over to the swings and many others sat back and watched, enjoying food and the rewards of a job well done.
"I knew we were all working to make sure it was safe and structurally sound, but I just didn't expect it to be so beautiful," said Amy Mitchell, one of the organizers of he project.
"It was really inspiring. While we were there working, we saw birds, butterflies and even deer. It is such a nice place to play, to be with nature and to spend time with your family. And that's what it's all about."
Tracie Faupel, marketing coordinator of Friends of Timber Town, couldn't have agreed more.
"Not only the volunteers at the park, but there were also many people behind the scenes helping out. The Mitchell family in particular, were there every step of the way. Amy's determination to get this done was really inspiring. She took the impossible and made it happen."
There were close to 100 volunteers working the weekend of June 9 and 10, and another 30 worked in the pouring rain at the Hardware Restoration Weekend.
June 14
Tales of living history part of museum's 'grand reopening'
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
The grand re-opening ceremony of the Chelsea Historical Museum on June 9 was an oral history guided tour of the Chelsea area.
From accounts of its earliest settlers who arrived by way of the Erie Canal to folks who are prominent in the community today, the speakers told stories that were engaging, fascinating, funny and many times all three.
About 60 people attended the ceremonies in the courtyard of the historic Clocktower Commons on North Main Street.
The Chelsea Historical Museum found a new home inside the Gourmet Chocolate CafÈ, thanks to owner and Historical Society President Tom Diab, who donated the space in September.
The museum previously had been located inside the historic Chelsea train depot, the renovation of which was the Historical Society's first major undertaking.
Unfortunately it was only open to the public during limited hours, and partnering with Diab's chocolate shop means people will have access to the displays seven days a week.
"Those people who are not interested in history put themselves at a disadvantage," Diab told the crowd gathered in the gazebo.
The speakers narrated the town's history in roughly chronological order, and Chelsea attorney and native history buff John P. Keusch was able to confirm, through nearly a century of personal experience, many of the details.
Oct. 4
Clocktower centennial marked by celebration, speeches
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
Frank Glazier, a visionary in his own time more than a century ago, likely would be proud of what his modern-day counterpart, Ronald Weiser, has created at Glazier's former industrial complex.
Now known as the Clocktower Commons, the collection of retail, commercial and office space on North Main Street is anchored by the historic clocktower.
Completed in 1907, the tower became Chelsea's most enduring and familiar landmark.
On Sept. 29 the history of that landmark and the economic significance of the subsequent $15 million development undertaken by Weiser and the company he founded, McKinley Associates, was celebrated in speeches, proclamations, music and magic.
The centennial celebration got under way at noon, featuring free walking tours of the complex led by volunteers with the Chelsea Area Historical Society.
A small crowd gathered at the gazebo at midafternoon to hear remarks by several local dignitaries.
"We are grateful Frank Glazier chose this place to operate his business," Chelsea Mayor Ann Feeney said, then read a proclamation from the City Council celebrating "Chelsea Clocktower Day" and expressing appreciation to Glazier, Weiser and McKinley.
Other speakers included Washtenaw County Commissioner Mark Ouimet, R-District 1; Kent Brown, husband of state Rep. Pam Byrnes, D-District 52; and U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-District 7.
Walberg congratulated Chelsea and McKinley for an "entrepreneurial spirit" that "wants to go against the flow of the rest of Michigan."
"This is a community that decided years ago that it's going to succeed and become a place you can enjoy living in, not just make money in," Walberg said.
Community pillars:
The community is lucky to have supporters like those named below. Without them — and others like them — Chelsea would be just another small town.
Aug. 30
Chelsea Chamber, newspaper team up for community awards
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
The Chelsea Standard and the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce have selected three well-deserving candidates for individual recognition.
The 2007 Citizen of the Year is Ronald Weiser, founder and former CEO of McKinley Associates and the driving force behind the spectacular redevelopment and rebirth of Chelsea's historic Clocktower complex.
"What's really special about this award for me is, Chelsea has been a special place for my family," Weiser said Aug. 25. "I've been honored in a lot of places, but this is the most special."
Weiser said it has been a "real thrill" for him to make the Clocktower project a reality.
The Clocktower project began in 1998 when McKinley Associates bought the defunct industrial property, and after demolition and new construction, in 2001 the first commercial tenants moved in.
Two other Chelsea residents were honored by the newspaper and the chamber with Lifetime Achievement awards for their community service, not over the past year or so, but over a much longer term and for different reasons.
Don "Digger" O'Dell was chosen for his many years of volunteering on behalf of military service, and Fred Mills was honored for his long service as teacher and administrator with the Chelsea School District and other community organizations.
"This sure caught me flat-footed — this came out of left field," said O'Dell.
Mills and his wife Neeta said they were surprised and grateful for the recognition.
"It's humbling," Fred Mills said. "There are wonderful people in Chelsea, and a lot of people who deserve this."
Nov. 22
Chelsea celebrates outstanding citizens
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
It was more than an awards ceremony: it was a celebration of a community and its people.
"What has made Chelsea so special is the people," said Chelsea Lumber Co. President Bob Daniels, whose description came during the 2007 Citizen of the Year celebration on Nov. 14, honoring three people who helped make the city such a special place.
The 14th annual event was co-sponsored by the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce and The Chelsea Standard, and took place at the Comfort Inn's Village Conference Center.
First on the agenda was presentation of the Citizen of the Year award to Ronald Weiser, founder and former CEO of McKinley Associates and former U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia.
Chamber President Steve Olsen, master of ceremonies, said the Citizen of the Year award is given "to honor a citizen for his or her contribution to the community over the past year."
Washtenaw County Commissioner Mark Ouimet, R-District 1, introduced Weiser by saying he has been proud to call Weiser a friend for more than 30 years.
Weiser was chosen for the award due to his work with McKinley to develop the Clocktower complex as a major tourism and shopping destination in the city.
Next came the Lifetime Achievement awards for Donald "Digger" O'Dell and Fred Mills.
O'Dell, a retired Marine, was acknowledged for his tireless work on behalf of veterans; and Mills was honored for his decades in the Chelsea School District as a teacher, coach and administrator.
O'Dell thanked the chamber and the newspaper for selecting him for the award.
"I feel humbled and honored for receiving this award," he said.
Mills first thanked his wife and family for standing by him during the long hours of his school career.
"I always felt that if you had an opportunity to do something for the school or the church or the community, you had to give back," Mills said. "I've been fortunate to work with a number of people who made me look good."
Passings:
Chelsea began and ended the year on a melancholy note, with news of the deaths of well-known and well-respected individuals.
Jan. 11, 2007
Businessman, volunteer Walt Zeeb helped Chelsea bloom
By Terry Jacoby
Editor
In 2001, Walter Ray Zeeb and his wife Sandy were named Chelsea Citizens of the Year.
What's ironic about the award was that 2001 was no different than any other year for the Zeebs.
A more fitting honor would have been a lifetime achievement award because the Zeebs spent a lifetime being citizens of the year.
That lifetime of achievement and contributions and dedicated service to the community he loved came to a sad end on Jan. 5 when Walt Zeeb passed away in his home at the age of 74.
Gloria Mitchell of the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home was one of many who nominated Zeeb for the award in 2001.
"It is difficult to find out exactly what all they have done for the community because they do it lovingly and quietly."
Some of the groups and events Zeeb was involved with included the Kiwanis Club, where he was a member since 1963, even serving as club president. In 1993, he was given the Legion of Honor award, recognizing him for 30 years of service.
Zeeb also counseled young inmates at the Cassidy Lake boot camp, served on the Chelsea Community Fair Board, and was a frequent volunteer all around town.
He and Sandy were perhaps best known as the longtime owners of the Chelsea Greenhouse.
Jan. 11, 2007
George Staffan, 'credit to community,' ran local funeral home
By Sheila Pursglove
Special Writer
Chelsea's New Year started on a sad note with the passing of a local legend: George L. Staffan, who died Jan. 1 at his cabin in Luzerne at the age of 95.
He was laid to rest Jan. 5 in Mount Olivet Cemetery after services at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea, the business founded in 1853 by his grandfather, Frank Staffan.
"He was a lifelong true friend," said Staffan's cousin and fellow nonagenarian John Keusch. "He was a real credit to his family and community."
Staffan, who as a boy of 13 dragged caskets up the stairs of the old building on Main Street which is now Merkel's Home Furnishings, not only continued the family business when he took it over in 1950, but went on to become the oldest living funeral director in Michigan.
He sold the business to John and Gloria Mitchell in 1981.
"He made it possible to buy the business beyond dollars and cents," said John Mitchell Sr. "That's why we will carry the Staffan name. He and Kathryn have been very kind to us. It was a wonderful relationship."
Mitchell said the relationship with "GL" was like father and son, and called Staffan "the fairest, kindest person."
"I guess it was his honesty and his kindness that stood out," he said. "Not just to Gloria and me, but to the community, and he was a very kind, dedicated funeral director."
Staffan gave back to the community by serving on the Chelsea Village Council and as a member of the Kiwanis Club
He and his wife, Kathryn, also helped the Chelsea District Library take shape when they agreed to move their Orchard Street home one lot over to allow the historic McKune House on Main Street — willed to the city by Catherine Staffan McKune — to renovate and expand.
July 12
Longtime Chelsea Fire Chief Dan Ellenwood dies at 64
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
Leaders of area fire departments were united in their reactions after learning that retired Chelsea Fire Chief Daniel T. "Danny" Ellenwood passed away July 8 at the age of 64.
Ellenwood had been a firefighter for more than three decades, and had served as Chelsea's fire chief for 12 years before retiring on March 31, 2005.
He was universally liked as a person and respected as a fire officer, according to his colleagues.
"Danny was a good friend of mine; I've known him for more than 20 years," said Chelsea Area Fire Authority Chief Jim Payeur. "He was just a fabulous individual."
Loren Yates, Chief of the Dexter Area Fire Department, said Ellenwood was "quite a guy."
"He was always very dedicated, always easy to get along with; he was basically a friend to everybody around here."
Ellenwood is credited with training a majority of the county's current fire department leaders during his long career.
"He probably trained three-quarters of the firefighters in the county," said Saline Fire Chief Craig Hoeft, who is also president of the Mutual Aid Association.
"That was his gig, and he was proud of being an instructor."
Funeral services took place July 5 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Dr. William J. Turner officiating.
Burial followed at Oak Grove Cemetery, attended by members of fire departments throughout Washtenaw County and beyond.
Jan. 3, 2008
Community leader Sue Starkey, 60, loses battle against cancer
By Edward Freundl
Staff Writer
The Chelsea community lost a "staunch advocate" and "a good friend" when Susan M. Starkey died Dec. 24 after a four-year struggle with pancreatic cancer.
She passed away at her home in Chelsea, surrounded by her loving family. She was 60.
She was an elementary teacher in several states, a member of the Chelsea Community Hospital Auxiliary, former executive director of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Community Advisory Board of the St. Louis Center.
Starkey is survived by her husband of 39 years, Stan; her sons Todd (Beth) Starkey of Chelsea and Chad (Mara) Starkey of California; several grandchildren and numerous extended family members.
She was laid to rest Dec. 29 following services at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.
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