Friends Community Owosso Corunna

06/11/2025

Corunna, MI - The Christmas Decorations are almost up in McCurdy Park.

05/11/2025

Menominee Voters Approve Measure to Cap Ma*****na Stores at Nine

MENOMINEE, Mich. - Friends Community News Group, November 5, 2025, 1 pm ET — Voters in Menominee have approved a ballot measure to cap the number of ma*****na retail stores in the city at nine, bringing an end to months of legal disputes and community debate over cannabis expansion.

The vote, certified Tuesday night, comes after rapid growth in the city’s cannabis industry — with nine stores already operating and at least four more awaiting approval. The new cap means no additional licenses will be issued once the existing stores are operational.

“This is about finding balance,” said Menominee Mayor Casey Hoffman. “We’ve seen strong economic activity from cannabis businesses, but residents made clear they want limits to protect community character and manage growth responsibly.”

The vote follows a series of contentious city meetings and legal challenges from dispensary owners seeking additional licenses. The four additional applicants who had begun the permitting process may now be unable to open unless courts rule otherwise.

Local officials said enforcement of the cap will take effect immediately, with the city attorney reviewing pending applications to determine which, if any, remain valid.

Supporters of the measure said the cap preserves fairness and prevents market saturation. Opponents, however, argue it stifles competition and could prompt further lawsuits from would-be operators who invested heavily in anticipation of new approvals.

Menominee, a city of roughly 8,400 residents on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula border with Wisconsin, has become one of the state’s most concentrated hubs for cannabis retail. With the cap now in place, officials expect a stabilization period as the city assesses tax revenue, zoning impacts, and traffic concerns.

To put this in some kind of perspective, Owosso cannabis stores (4) and Corunna (2) serve an area of approximately 35,000 people.

By: Tom Manke

05/11/2025

Owosso Public Schools Bond Proposal FAILS
Owosso, MI - With all precincts in
Yes - 2,292. 44.32%
No - 2,879. 55.68%
All Precincts Listed Below.
It only won in two out of ten precincts
Owosso precincts 1 and Owosso Twp 2
In every other precinct it was defeated by a wide margin.

05/11/2025

The Shiawassee YMCA has what many would say great news to share...
Huge thanks to the Owosso Rotary volunteers who spent their time picking over 550 pounds of fresh apples! These apples were generously donated by Joy Welty and will be distributed to local food pantries across Shiawassee County this week.

Partnerships like this show the power of our community, neighbors helping neighbors, ensuring everyone has access to fresh, healthy food.

05/11/2025

Itsa Deli Thing says, It's almost that time of year again! We will be making Thanksgiving dinners for the community again this year. Please call 989-725-5511 if you would like a meal

05/11/2025

Owosso Public Schools Millage Request - As of 9:30 pm 2 of 10 precincts have reported. Below is an image of the preliminary count. More will be posted as it is released

05/11/2025

Owosso, MI - The Shiawassee Conservation Association states, Winter Archery Leagues are 2 months away! We have a couple changes to our leagues this year. We have moved Ladies Night to Wednesday and added an all new league to Tuesday nights, Vegas Night Money League.

05/11/2025

BREAKING - MEET THE CAST, LISTED IN THE STORY BELOW

Experience a magical theater performance of "The Christmas Story" by the Shiawassee River Players!

OWOSSO, MI - The show will run for two weekends at The Z Hall in Owosso: November 14th, 15th, 16th, and November 21st, 22nd, 23rd. Friday and Saturday showings begin at 7:00 p.m., and Sundays enjoy an earlier start at 2:00 p.m.

Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd and the beloved movie of the same name, The Christmas Story follows Ralphie Parker during the time leading up to Christmas. Ralphie spends his time dodging the school bully and dreaming of finding a Red Rider air rifle under the tree. As the time gets closer to Christmas, Ralphie finds himself in different situations and struggles that everybody who was ever a kid can understand. This show is filled with humor, good feelings, holiday spirit and the best gift of all - family.

The Shiawassee River Players is a nonprofit organization that provides a fun and enjoyable atmosphere for our audience and actors. For over a decade, the SRP has been entertaining audiences throughout our community.

Our full service bar will be open featuring seasonal drink favorites and delicious concessions to enjoy throughout the play.

Doors will be open one hour prior to curtain call. There will be general, theater-style seating for this event (NO seat assignments). So, come early, grab your seat and a few snacks when you arrive!

Tickets are required in advance and can be purchased at

Www.theZhall.com/events

A Christmas Story cast list:
Narrator -Scott Stapp
Ralphie Parker- Gideon Harrington
Mother -Krystal McCoy
Old Man - Jonah Harriger
Flick -Elliot Harrington
Scutt Farkus -Gabrill Harrington
Black Bart/elf -Allison Jokinen
Ms. Shields -Chloe Harrington
Desperado/elf- Sierra Davis
Desperado- Lynn Culp
Santa/Cowboy/tree salesmen/ neighbor/delivery man-Kaleb Jokinen
Schwartz- Rayland Kieffer
Helen Weathers -Olivia Sivyer
Esther Jane -Anna Gates
Randy Parker- Reed Williams

Production Team:
Director- Nicole Davis
Assistant Director- Mike Cole
Set Design- Amy Golombisky
Producer- Mike Kruskowski
Light and Sound Director- Jess Harriger
Spotlight- Charles Williams and Eric Davis
Front of House- Paul Peters, MonaLisa MacLaughlin
Stage Managers- Allison Jokinen, Lynn Culp
Special effects- Sierra Davis
Backstage management- Alisa Peters
Stage crew- Sierra Davis, Lynn Culp
Costume Mistresses- Ann Hall, Jael Harrington
Props- cast and crew
Set construction- cast and crew
Musical direction- Russell Beaudion
Program and poster design- Jael Harrington

Looking for something to do in Mid-Michigan? Choose Z Hall. The Z Hall proudly hosts a wide range of entertainment and social events year-round.

05/11/2025

Owosso, MI - The tabulator went down Tuesday afternoon at Emerson Elementary School. We are advised that all ballots filled out today were put into a locked device and after the voting has completed at 8 pm a tabulator will be brought to the school. We are advised several people will be on hand watching the person feeding the ballots into the machine. This may slow down the final count.

05/11/2025

BREAKING LOCAL NEWS - SAPORI RESTAURANT COMING TO DOWNTOWN OWOSSO.

Owosso, MI - Sapori has announced that it has purchased one of the most distinctive buildings in Owosso. Sapori purchased 101 N. Washington St. and plans to open a full-service sit-down restaurant in the building.

Sapori states, "It goes without saying — this wouldn’t have been possible without the many people who’ve bought, shared, and loved our food. Your support and enthusiasm continue to be the reason we grow."

Sapori continued, "As we shift our focus toward bringing this vision to life, our Saturday–Tuesday operations will pause while we work through the process — floor plans, reviews, and all the red tape that comes with opening a permanent location."

"We’ll still be available for catering, and we hope you’ll continue to support the amazing local businesses that share our building in the meantime. Thank you for believing in us and helping Sapori grow. We can’t wait to open our doors downtown and become a lasting part of Curwood Country."

Click on the link below to learn more about Sapori
https://www.facebook.com/share/19rmR2Q7f8/

04/11/2025

The Mature in Age Are Out in Droves Today to Vote at Owosso Twp.

Owosso, MI - It is Tuesday, November 4th - Election Day. For People in the Owosso School District, this is the day that voters will decide whether to give the Owosso Public Schools $35 million, which OPS is requesting.

The original Millage is scheduled to be paid off not far in the future. When the existing Millage is paid off, that tax burden will no longer be owed by the voters, and taxes will decrease.

The voters are being asked to add the 35 million onto the existing Millage and to extend that payment out for a long period into the future.

04/11/2025

Owosso, MI - The 37th annual SAC Holiday Along the River opened to the public Sunday, November 2, and runs through Wednesday, December 31. Over 90 Michigan artists are displaying and selling their original artwork, unique gift items, and holiday decorations. In addition, artists will again be offering their popular $50 mini-paintings in the Hebert Gallery. Shoppers are sure to find gifts at affordable prices for everyone on their gift lists.

The Shiawassee Arts Center, located at 206 Curwood Castle Drive in Owosso, is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 12-3pm. The Arts Center features the artwork of local and statewide artists in eight galleries, including the Frieseke Gallery and a specialty Gift Shop. The public is welcome, and admission is free. SAC, which is celebrating its 53rd anniversary in 2025, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, entertain, and enrich the quality of life in our community.