Memorial Day: A day to learn more about those who fought for us

While at the Cit Pat these past two weeks I had the opportunity to write stories about two families who had loved ones in the Korean War. They talked about the loss of their brothers, their character and what it meant to be a soldier. One family finally found closure, while another is just glad to be able to honor those who died in the war.

Story #1 was unbelievable to me. After 59 years the remains of Roy Head had been identified. The Korean government handed over 34 boxes (coffins) of remains to the United States in 1993. His remains were in box #25. His two brothers were then given details of what Roy went through up until his death in 1951. They were relieved, and on June 5 Roy will finally be given a full military funeral.

Brothers can finally lay Roy Head to rest after he went missing in action in 1951
By Sarah Schuch

Captured after an enemy ambush in 1951, Roy Head was taken to a North Korean prisoner-of-war camp — though exactly how long he lived there or under what conditions no one really knows.

But now, at least, his brothers know they can finally lay him to rest.

On March 11, John Head of Cement City received a call he had been anticipating for 59 years. Roy's remains had been identified via a DNA match.

"I was floored. I couldn't believe it," John said. "After all these years, I kind of gave up."

Keep reading about Roy Head here.

The second story was about two twin brothers who fought together in the Korean War. One was killed in action, forcing the other to write home to the family about the tragic news. I can't even imagine having to do that. Their sister, 90 years old, went to put flags on their grave in honor of what they did.

Read about Richard and Robert Curran's Story.

Thank you to all those who served this country!

Michigan International Speedway's new suites are sweet

As the official feature reporter of NASCAR this summer (If you're thinking that's interesting, you're on the right track), I had the opportunity to tour the new suites, along with about 30 other male reporters and photographers. Let's just say I stood out. But it was a cool experience to see what they were all excited about. We were shown the new suites and media center that together cost $17 million. And they were pretty fancy with lots of gadgets. If you think I look a little out of place in the picture below, you're probably right, but it was a fun experience either way. Boys and their cars... I may never understand it.



Photo by Katie Rausch

Anyways, my story explained the new look at MIS. And it must be a big deal to the people of Jackson, because it was front page news.

Michigan International Speedway unveils $17 million project
By Sarah Schuch

Michigan International Speedway has a new, upscale rustic look to its pit road suites and media center.

The $17 million project that began in August will be complete next week, in plenty of time for the track’s first event weekend June 11-13.

The NASCAR brand can be seen throughout the project. There is a feeling of being outdoors, with earth tones and added touches of a national park, MIS President Roger Curtis said.

Check the rest of the details here.

An elephant in Jackson?? Yup!

Jake and I had the opportunity to take an assignment together, and it was a random one. All that was said was people think there is an elephant in someone's front yard... My first question: How does someone get an elephant in their front yard.
These kinds of assignments make my job a lot of fun. She put on a show for us and tried to steal my pen I think, but she was sweet. Enjoy the story of the Laura the elephant.



Photos by Jake May



Laura the elephant makes a visit to Leoni Township
By Sarah Schuch
Jackson Citizen Patriot

There was an 8,000-pound elephant in the room.

Or in this case, a Leoni Township front yard.

Laura, a 27-year-old elephant, was hanging out with owners Chuck and Sonya Walters at a friend's house Friday on the way to a Hindu wedding today in Dearborn.

She stood 9 feet tall with a trunk about 10 feet long.


Read the full story and bring some traffic to my story : )

A very rainy day to walk to work

I covered the Smart Commute event that was put on by the Fitness Council of Jackson at 7 a.m.... and my luck it was raining. I had made plans to walk with the assistant city engineer from his home to work at City Hall. So picture this: I'm walking down the road at 7 a.m. holding my pink umbrella in my left hand and trying to write with my right hand while resting the notebook against the left hand, all while trying to walk and write. It was 1.8 miles. Needless to say I eventually gave up and turned on my recorder. But the traffic and rain was so loud that luckily I got enough writing before I started recording. Anyways it was an eventful morning. Luckily the photographer, Katie Rausch, gave me a ride back to my car.

Want to read the story? Of you course you do!
Here you go.

Righting a wrong

My first story published in the Jackson Citizen Patriot was a community based one, which are my favorite. It's great to see people doing something nice just because they think it is a good thing to do. When I went out to the house that some men were re-siding they were so happy and joking around. I even held the tape measurer so I could say that I helped. : ) They were a sweet group of guys who volunteered for the Great Jackson Habitat-Humanity.

Here's the story:

Habitat for Humanity volunteers put new siding on house that was spray-painted with graffiti

Five men helped right a wrong Thursday morning for a Leoni Township homeowner.

A crew of volunteers with Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity put new siding on a portion of David Smith’s house after it was spray-painted with graffiti in April.

“No crime. No blacks” had been painted in large, green capital letters across the vinyl siding on the front of the light gray house. Smith purchased the house in early April and had been making some repairs before moving in.

Read the rest of the story here.

Welcome to my first blog : )

Hey everyone!

I finally decided to get my own blog. My goal is to keep it updated with stories I'm working on and photos I take. I hope during my time this summer I can improve on my photography skills, as well as my video skills while in Jackson. Hopefully life will take me on some fun adventures to make my life a little bit more exciting so I can share it with you.
Being that this is my first blog, please be patient as I learn the ins and outs of blog creating.

Enjoy!!