Flag-raising and donations highlight Stockbridge McDonald’s grand reopening

Clyde Whitaker and Chief of Police Johnnie Torres launch the grand re-opening with a flag-raising ceremony in tribute to fallen Ingham County police officer Grant Whitaker. Photo credit Amy Haggerty.

by Amy Haggerty

As our nation remembered the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, our local community celebrated the grand reopening of the Stockbridge McDonald’s restaurant with the recognition of one of our fallen, Ingham County Sheriff’s Deputy Grant Whitaker.

The event began with parents Clyde and Mary Whitaker raising the flag at McDonald’s in honor of their son who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on Dec. 7, 2014. Representatives of the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department were on hand, as were members of the Stockbridge Police Department, Stockbridge Fire Department and SAESA, and Stockbridge Community Schools.

McDonald’s Owner/Operator Scott Karns indicated the restaurant would donate 20 percent of the day’s sales to the Deputy Grant Whitaker Scholarship Fund. In addition, he presented a $1,000 check for Stockbridge Community Schools to Superintendent of Schools Karl Heidrich. The funds for the school were generated from artwork auctioned in the restaurant before renovation began. The artwork included original photography by local photographer, Dale Fisher.

Local resident Audra Mahler wrote that even Chad Johnson of the construction company redoing McDonald’s became involved. “He donated $750.00 to the Grant Whitaker Scholarship Fund when he heard the story during his company’s time on the job and wanted to contribute,” she said.

The Stockbridge High School band joined in the celebration, playing inspirational music.

The restaurant, whose interior was closed for several months due to construction, had kept its drive-through window open throughout most of the refurbishing process in order to accommodate customers.

“We had fun.” Tim Erisman, father of an employee, posted on Stockbridge Community News Facebook page. “They did a very nice job.”

School Board President Carrie Graham, Superintendent of Schools Karl Heidrich, McDonald’s franchise owner/operator Scott Karns and Chief of Police Johnnie Torres proudly display a $1,000 check awarded to Stockbridge Schools. Photo credit Amy Haggerty

Clyde and Mary Whitaker share a moment with McDonald’s franchise owner/operator Scott Karns. Photo credit Amy Haggerty

Student members of the high school band and director Patty Pniewski brave 20-degree temps to add festive music to the celebration. Photo credit Amy Haggerty

Photo credit Amy Haggerty