01-04-2018 Weather; News and Newsmakers 2017 revisited; Miss & Mr. Coloma 2018 Candidates

SHORELINE COUNTIES ARE IN THE RED… on this chart courtesy of the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids showing many SW Michigan snowfall totals exceeding 24” in many coastal communities along Lake Michigan. Combined with near record temperatures there has been no reprieve as the lake-effect snow continues to accumulate in the Tri-Cities. Following a mild October and November, Christmas week alone accounted for well more than the historical monthly average 18” of December snow throughout the area. Long range forecasts predict more of the same with “warm up” to around 30 degrees scheduled for next weekend while midweek temps fall in the single digits with dangerous wind chill all accompanied by an additional 12” plus of snow. According to extended forecasts the much anticipated “January Thaw” is currently nowhere in sight.

News and Newsmakers of 2017 revisited

By Angela Stair

 In the first weeks of the New Year it is an annual tradition of the Tri-City Record to recall the headline stories of the past year.

 Following the News and Newsmakers feature, the Record will publish noteworthy stories and photos from the Press Box columns of 2017.

 Complete pages of each issue are archived at www.tricityrecord.com. They are also available for viewing on the Coloma Public Library website resources in newspaper archives at colomapubliclibrary.net.

 Continued from last week…

APRIL 13, 2017

$1.7 million left over; Watervliet School District completing more projects with bond proceeds from recent building improvements

Due to the lower cost of projects the Watervliet School Board will be able to complete additional facility improvements with the previous bond proceeds. Superintendent Kevin Schooley told the Board at their April meeting that the staff, facilities committee, and the architectural engineers have reviewed a list of potential projects for the possibility of being included in the bond package and ensuring that they fell within the language of the original bond proposal.

Some of the projects include replacing the gym floors at the North and South Elementary Schools (these are the original floors installed in 1954); an additional cooler for the kitchen area; adding more security cameras in areas needed in the middle and high schools; replacing the old heavy restroom doors for the students at the elementary schools, replacing 11 sinks at the elementary schools (originals); adding another classroom at the high school, upgrading the science labs, replacing additional lighting at the high school for better efficiency; upgrading the boys locker room at the high school; addressing the drainage problem at the North Elementary School; and replacing the exterior doors of the computer labs.

Schooley did address the need for an auxiliary gymnasium. While he doesn’t argue that there is a need, Schooley said that with all of the other priority things needed as well, the district will have to look at other ways to address that issue. The estimated cost of that project alone is $2.1-$2.5 million.

OTHER APRIL HEADLINE NEWS

WHS graduation rate 4th highest in state

Michigan education; classes, conferences, mascots, and graduation requirements… how issues impact local schools

Art show at Red Arrow Elementary a hit

Hartford elementary schools hold framed art shows

CAJIR CrossFit opens in Hartford

Final payment calls for a party at Coloma Lanes April 15

Area Agency on Aging seeks music CD donations for Music & Memory Program

Millage proposal on May 2 ballot to expand Van Buren County court complex

Developers to build Dollar General in Hagar Township; Zoning Board of Appeals approves numerous variances

Reorganization begins at Watervliet City Hall; Manager makes hourly jobs salaried positions

Hagar Township appoints interim township clerk, Sarah Cook; Supervisor presents schedule for roadwork

Keeler Township gets county and state updates

Consumers Energy interest in Palisades plant misreported; power giant looking for a natural gas fired plant to generate electricity

Budding business opportunities present themselves to City of Hartford; Huffman building eyed as pot dispensary; Thomas Mansion as a bed & breakfast; Red Arrow School as a community center

Exhibit celebrating 50 years of Glad-Peach Festival now open at North Berrien Historical Museum

Coloma Township considers request for allowing late night softball games at Washington Park

Watervliet Township finalizes support of Skate Park

Coloma School District stays School of Choice

Michael Van Horn publishes book on Christianity

County donates paper mill property to City, waives payback of $92,000; Watervliet Mayor says there is some interest for an event center on the site

Van Buren County Courthouse millage proposal on May 3 ballot; tour and Public Forum set for April 27, 2017

HOPE Resources seek support of Coloma City Commission for use of the old Lion’s Park building to assist those in needs

Bainbridge Township finalizes annual budget

Hartford adopts middle school math program

Watervliet City Commission approves School Resource Officer agreement; Mayor and Township Supervisor clash over terms

MAY 4, 2017

Vanderlyn Community Center million-dollar infusion breathes new life into idled Red Arrow school building; Library, Senior Services and adult education stated as tenants.

When Hartford voters narrowly approved the recent school construction bond, many expressed deep concern over the disposition of the Red Arrow Elementary building to be idled at the close of the school year this June (2017). “Who will buy it?” “How would the property be maintained?’ “Would it fall into disrepair?” “Hope they don’t tear it down? -At what cost?” …On and on the list of questions went.

But with vision for the good of the community and the philanthropic checkbook to back it up, the coming of the new Arthur and Bonna Vanderlyn Community Center now stands to preserve the integrity of an iconic Main Street building fueled with new purpose to better serve the community.

“Who would have ever thought we’d still be here after all these years,” mused Bonna during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of her local Harding’s store back in 2013, then went on to reveal the secret, “It was all about following Art’s dream.”

A young ambitious Art Vanderlyn graduated and went to work at the Hartford Kroger Grocery at the bottom as just a kid. Hardworking Vanderlyn found he had a real knack for the business and quickly became a rising star and in his early 20s became, if not the youngest Kroger store manager, then one of them. At this time, he met and married the love of his life, local farm gal Bonna Modro. They built a home in Hartford in which Bonna still lives.

Vanderlyn went on to join forces with Mel Harding, built Watervliet’s Harding’s and went on to build the Harding’s store in Hartford where they settled. His dream was to give back to the community that had supported him over the years. The duo worked side-by-side until the late 60’s when Art was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away in 1970 at the young age of 40-years old.

Bonna now found herself at a crossroads. “It would have been so easy to just walk away,” said Bonna, “But I just couldn’t let Art’s dream die with him.” She was given the opportunity by Mel Harding to buy the store outright and she did. “I think I made the right decision,” she said with a wink.

Now as the undisputed Tri-City Queen of Retail enters her twilight years, it is with the full knowledge and feeling of contentment that she and her beloved Art will forever have left their mark on the hearts of those small-town folks that supported their remarkable success all these years.

OTHER MAY HEADLINE NEWS

Lakeland Health named one of the nation’s 15 top health systems

Hartford Township takes measures to stabilize annual budget

Blossomtime Festival: A life that Blossoms; Grand Parade is Saturday

Van Buren County rejects millage for courthouse, jail renovation project

North Berrien Fire Rescue will wait longer for a chief; Fire Board splits on options, could vote at next meeting

Watervliet Skate Park to reopen May 13 with ribbon cutting; boarders rejoice

Sun shines on Grand Floral Parade; Hartford and Watervliet win float awards

Gladiola contest returns for Glad-Peach 50th Anniversary

Coloma commissioner seeks volunteers to help plant 5,000 glad bulbs this Saturday

In their honor…Hartford High School seniors Mariel Hallgren, Miss Hartford 2017, and Hunter Ackerman, Mr. Hartford/Mr. Blossomtime 2017 attended a luncheon at His Place Outreach Center held in honor of this year’s Hartford Royal Court

Coloma schools investing in students; purchases 314 Chromebooks for 6th and freshmen classes

Watervliet Commission gets requests for help; resident wants to keep chickens, woman injured by Main Street banner

Watervliet Township OKs School Resource Officer; accepts former paper mill property from county

Coloma Township wants rate study on water system, “We’re losing money”

“He raped me” Non-consensual sex is sexual assault is the message to WHS juniors & seniors

The “Perfect Mom” (Betty Lull), wins the annual Tri-City Record Best Mom contest

Club Soccer, Spain, and a new sound system: Watervliet’s Board of Education has a busy meeting

Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet proud to be part of a top 15 Health System

Hagar reviewing proposal for formal purchasing procedures; parks gearing up for summer season

Hartford City Council continues to explore possible medical marijuana dispensary

Medical marijuana investor wants to come to Coloma

Bainbridge Township OKs maintenance bids

Places to explore and family activities for summer fun in the Tri-Cities

Watervliet City Budget approved for next year; $1,035,455 revenues versus $936,365 expenditures

Coloma Glad-Peach Festival turns 50 this August 4-6

Tri-City parks seeking grant funds; making improvements for residents

Tri-City Area farm markets offer a wide variety of options

Hartford Lions Club takes over Concerts in the Park

Hartford Lions host summer fun with the 39th annual Strawberry Run

Kick off summer at the Hartford Strawberry Festival, June 9 and 10

Get ready to celebrate the 4th of July in Watervliet with classic events plus Pro Wrestling, 4-wheeler mud runs and golf cart parade

When the name of the game is outdoors, look at the Tri-City summer sports guide

JUNE 1, 2017

June is the time of year for graduations, awards, and a glimpse of our future community leaders

First Team All-Conference Duffers… Three Watervliet golfers were named First Team All-Conference in the Southwestern Athletic Conference – West Division. They are Issac Workman, Trevor Townsend and Matt Lambrecht.

Watervliet High School held their graduation ceremony in Panther stadium on June 2. The outstanding boy and girl of the Class of 2017 were named as a traditional part of the ceremony. WHS Class of 2017 Outstanding Girl and Boy are Karli McClendon and Aaron Nance.

The Hartford High School band warmed up as graduates of the Class of 1967 visited while waiting to witness the commencement ceremony of the Class of 2017, similar to one the alumni group had experienced 50 years earlier. Honors graduates Leonila Hurtado and Paul Chapple spoke for their classmates.

Coloma High School graduated 100 seniors and presented the Green and Gold Award to Coloma High School graduate Grant Kroschel. Coloma Senior Greg Olsen wins the 2017 Noack Scholarship. Brad Kelley, Coloma graduate, wins the John Phillip Sousa Award and the Louis Armstrong Award for 2017.

Van Buren Technology Center students recognized at BPA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.

OTHER JUNE HEADLINE NEWS

Hartford officials discuss joint committee to help Medic 1 improve service

MISS COLOMA 2018 CONTESTANTS… Four young ladies will be vying for the title of Miss Coloma this weekend at the Coloma High School Auditorium. Pictured (from the left) are: Mallory Spaulding, Samantha Fischer, Micah Saxe, and Macayla Rogers.

The Tri-City Area honored our Memorial Day Heroes

Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan moving forward with new animal shelter

Hartford Strawberry Festival fun is Friday and Saturday

German POW camp in Coloma revisited

Hartford High School athletes join SW10 Conference leadership retreat

Keeler Township works on ordinance violators

Watervliet native appointed to Trump Administration

Watervliet Board of Education OKs Middle School Soccer Club; retirees recognized with Golden Apples

Coloma school year ends on high note, Principals report

North Berrien Fire Board scheduled special meeting to select chief; hiring committee to recommend Michael Mattix of Dowagiac

Watervliet City puts budget in place, with two no votes

Hartford Strawberry Festival was sweet and sticky barrel of fun

Final cost of the E. St. Joseph Street project discussed at Coloma Commission meeting

Larry and Mary Lou (Arent) Eckoff celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary

A grand guy gets a grand honor, Mike Zehner named Grand Marshal of Watervliet Independence Day Parade; 3-day celebration of family fun runs June 30-July 2

Busy times for emergency responders and police with vehicle accidents, airplane crash, and embezzlement by sexton

MR. COLOMA 2018 CONTESTANTS… Six young men will be vying for the title of Mr. Coloma this weekend at the Coloma High School Audi-torium. Pictured (from the left) are: Riley Watson, William Church, Adam Hearn, Derek Pitt, and Matthew Davis. Not pictured is contestant Robbie Schroeder. Tickets are still available. For ticket information contact Beth Stroder at 269-468-3731.

Lou Brule named Tri-City Record “Top Pop”

Bainbridge continues reviews of township policies; approves adopting Principles of Governance

Hartford Commission holds public hearing on possible marijuana dispensary, commissioners and citizens voice their objections to the issue; proponent says, “Marijuana is already here, people grow it in their homes”

North Berrien Fire Board votes in favor of Mattix for Fire Chief

Watervliet Township Board takes first step in allowing chickens

Theology discussions at Arclight Brewery

Community mourns retired Hartford Fire Department Chief, Harold “Cocky” Walker Jr.

Bill Smith appointed to Berrien County Road Commission; court decision on Hodge seat still pending, stays on BCRC but can’t vote

Watervliet City Planning Commission needs members

Fabulous Independence Day Celebration weekend on tap for Watervliet

School of Choice; the jury is still out

Timberbrook residents want sidewalks fixed; Coloma Commissioners approve road work

The Paw Paw River Water Trail finally a reality; 30 miles of river open to paddlers, more soon

Paw Paw Lake Rotary Club offers mentoring to local students

Cemetery improvements underway in Hartford