Watervliet Public Schools Board of Education received a finance update from Finance Director Joe Bergthold at their monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at the Watervliet High School media center. Board President Bill Spaulding called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. He also led the Pledge of Allegiance and a Moment of Silence.

DEBATE TEAM RESULTS… Watervliet High School’s Debate Team competed in their first league meet that was held at Wayland Union High School. With over 70 competitors from Grand Rapids, Ionia, Caledonia, and Wayland, Watervliet’s team pulled out victories within their chambers. Makenzie Birmele, Landon Schlipp, Lily Collins, Kaden Conklin, Brianna Shriver, all received 1st through 5th place rankings in their chambers, with Makenzie Birmele earning a 7th place victory overall in t

Deputies were dispatched to the area of 5870 Erie Street in Hagar Township for an active breaking and entering in progress after a neighbor reported suspicious activity in the early morning hours of Sept. 27, 2025. Upon arriving in the area, deputies observed a U-Haul box truck leaving a residence at a high rate of speed. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop; however, the driver refused to stop, leading deputies on a short pursuit.

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK… selected at Hartford High School on Oct. 17, 2025 are: (from the left) 10th Grade Melody Bennett, 12th Grade Ethin McGrew, 11th Grade Elliott Spangler and 9th Grade Enrique Cruz. (Contributed photo)

A regularly scheduled meeting of the Coloma Community Schools Board of Education was held on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. Prior to the regular meeting the board met in closed session to handle a student discipline issue. Board President Heidi Ishmael called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 2025 STUDENTS OF THE MONTH! These outstanding Watervliet High School Panthers were honored at a special breakfast alongside their families for demonstrating excellence in character, effort, and leadership. Pictured (from the left) are: Gabe Shotts, Mila Sirk, Destiny Stenson, Shelby Schlipp, Jane Rudell, Brayden Gettys, and Jeremy Morton. Not pictured is Abigail Klopp. (Contributed photo)

FIFTH STRAIGHT BOYS SOCCER DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP… Celebration was the theme of the night, as the Hartford men’s varsity soccer team captured another district championship, thanks to a thrilling victory over Berrien Springs, 3-2. The Huskies are used to bringing home trophies this time of year, as this was the fifth consecutive district title for the team. Their reward was a trip to the regional round, being held this week in Fennville. See Press Box on Page 8 for game details

PROOF THAT DREAMS RISE… Our very own Amy Loshbough celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of her new bakery, Amy’s Kitchen, surrounded by family and friends right next door to the Tri-City Record. The Coloma Watervliet Area Chamber of Commerce joined in the celebration as the community gathered for a successful kickoff alongside Watervliet’s Fall Festival on Saturday, October 11. Amy extended her thanks to the City of Watervliet, The Berrien Community Foundation, CWA

FALL FUN FILLS DOWNTOWN... Watervliet’s downtown was bustling with activity during the annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 11, featuring haunted businesses, hayrides, pumpkin bowling, games, fire pits, caramel apples, and plenty of seasonal treats. Highlights included pumpkin painting at Tried and True and live music at Tim’s Birdies & Bullseyes, both celebrating their grand openings that day. The Watervliet Business Association extends its thanks to all who helped make

HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL… Students of the Week for October 10, 2025 are: (from the left) Mason Mireles (11th grade) volunteered to stay after and help put away chairs after class. He is also a hard worker, polite and always willing to go above and beyond; Alivia Mautz, Aiden Ovalle and Joel Garcia, (12th grade) all three volunteered to work in the concession stand during Homecoming. These seniors sacrificed their final homecoming and made thousands of dollars in sales. Alivia wo