“Kute Kids”… THIS “KUTE KID” is… Bailey George Hauch, son of Monica & George Hauch of Oak Park, Illinois. Bailey is the grandson of Denise & Kevin Hauch of Coloma and the ninth great-grandchild of Jackie & Merlin Hauch of Watervliet.

W-A-Y Watervliet High School

Students of the Month

The W-A-Y program recognizes two students each month for their dedication to their educational goals. Although they feel that all of their students are awesome, they simply wanted to recognize two students each month for their accomplishments. Sometimes a little recognition can go a long way.

These students were selected by the W-A-Y staff in recognition of recent progress, attendance, communication, attitude and overall devotion to themselves and their educational goals.

The two students for January 2017 are Tori Osborne and Trisha Miller.

Tori joined the program in the fall of 2014 as a first semester sophomore and has quickly risen to senior status. Tori is expecting to graduate this May 18, in the WAY Program’s 9th graduation ceremony. She has worked diligently over the past two years and picked up over 10.50 credits.

Tori is the daughter of Karen Rose and Dave Osborne. In her spare time, she loves to hang out with her friends and really enjoys drawing. Her future plans are to attend college and become a veterinary technician.

Trisha Miller has been selected as one of the January students of the month. Trisha’s parents are Sarah Miller and David Miller.

Trisha earned 1.7 credits in the month of January alone. That is awesome! She joined the program this past summer with 1.5 credits and is now over 6 credits. She is on a record pace.

In her free time she enjoys hanging out with friends, texting, and playing video games. Her future plans include graduating and entering the workforce, living in her own apartment, and earning her license before her 18th birthday.

Watervliet High School

Winterfest 2017

Watervliet Panthers celebrate Winterfest the week of February 20 – 24 culminating with a basketball game on Friday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m. against the Bangor Vikings.

This year’s theme is “Panthers are Out of the World” (an outer space theme). Each school day throughout the week has a dress-up theme pertaining to the overall theme. Monday: Black Hole Blackout. Tuesday: Star Wars Wear. Wednesday: Wacky Alien. Thursday: Through the Galaxy with Seniors – blue, Juniors – white, Sophomores – gray & Freshmen – purple. Friday: Panther Fan – dress in maroon & white.

A pep assembly is planned for Friday, February 24 with games following the theme and the crowning of Winterfest 2017 Prince and Princess.

King and Queen will be crowned during intermission of the varsity boys’ basketball game and a dance will follow the game in the Watervliet High School Cafeteria until 11:00 p.m.

Watervliet Public Schools

Calendar of Events

Thursday, February 16

1/2 DAY – ELEMENTARY ONLY

Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences, Afternoon & Evening; MS/HS Parent Teacher Conferences, Evening Only; MS Wrestling, SAC Meet at Home, 5:00 p.m.; Freshman Boys Basketball at Hartford, 5:30 p.m.; JV Boys Basketball at Hartford, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, February 17

1/2 DAY – ALL BUILDINGS

Varsity Boys Basketball, Home vs. Hartford, 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 18

Individual Wrestling Regional Contests, Kent City MI; MSVMA HS District Solo & Ensemble at SMC in Dowagiac

Monday 2/20 – Friday 2/24: WINTERFEST WEEK

Monday, February 20

Freshman Boys Basketball, Home vs. Fennville, 4:15 p.m.; JV Boys Basketball, Home vs. Fennville, 5:30 p.m.; JV Girls Basketball, Home vs. Fennville, 7:00 p.m.; Pre-Festival MS/HS Band Concert, Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 21

8th Grade Girls Basketball at Grace Christian, 5:00 p.m.; Varsity Girls Basketball at Fennville, 5:30 p.m.; Varsity Boys Basketball at Fennville, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 22

1/2 of 5th Grade Students to Sarett Nature Center

Thursday, February 23

JV Girls Basketball at Bangor, 5:30 p.m.; Pre-Festival MS/HS Choir Concert, Auditorium, 6:30 p.m.; JV Boys Basketball at Bangor, 7:00 p.m.

Friday, February 24

WINTERFEST

1/2 of 5th Grade Students to Sarett Nature Center; MS Dance, 3:00-5:00 p.m.; Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Bangor, 6:00 p.m.; Halftime Presentation of 1992 teams; Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Bangor, 7:30 p.m.; HS Winterfest Dance following the game

Upcoming Calendar Events

Girls Basketball District Games at Watervliet – 2/27, 3/1, & 3/3

Panther MS Wrestling Tournament at Watervliet – 3/2

Grand Valley State University Fall 2016 Dean’s List

Grand Valley State University announces the names of students who were placed on the dean’s list for the Fall 2016 semester concluding in December. The list includes those students who have maintained a 3.5 grade point average and been enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits. The honor is noted on the students’ official records.

Students honored for the fall semester include:

Coloma: Andrew D. Buchele; Madison A. Cullitan; Sarah E. Czuba; Yaneli G. Perez; Hannah M. Woods

Watervliet: Valentin Casiano; Stephanie E. Cluster; Matthew D. Kaley; Taylor M. Krieger; Jenna L. Wess

GVSU announces Fall 2016 Commencement

Grand Valley State University held a commencement ceremony on December 10 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids.

Included in the list of students eligible for graduation at the conclusion of the Fall 2016 semester is Andrew D. Buchele of Coloma. Andrew received a Bachelor of Science degree.

Thursday, Feb. 16, 1:00-6:45 p.m. “RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE” at Watervliet South Elementary School, 433 Lucinda Lane. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767 to make an appointment.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 1 p.m. “LEARN ABOUT BLUEBIRDS” at Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd. Presentation only $6/adults, $1/children 12 and under. Bluebird house workshop $20/house; pre-registration required, call 269-927-4832.

Sunday, Feb. 19, 2:00-3:30 p.m. “NELSON THE ANIMAL GUY” from Wildlife Safari at Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd. Fee is $6/adult and $2/children 12 and under. Register by calling 269-927-4832.

Monday, Feb. 20, 6 – 8 p.m. “HARTFORD REC SUMMER BALL SIGN UP” at Red Arrow Elementary School, Hartford. For more information, go to www.hartfordrecreation.org or their Facebook page.

Monday, Feb. 20 & Tuesday, Feb. 21, 5-7 p.m. “2-DAY EXCEL CLASS” at Hartford Public Library. Space limited; registration required; no cost. Call 269-621-3408 for more information.

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. “EDEN PARK RESTORATION” presentation at North Berrien Historical Museum, 300 Coloma Ave., Coloma. Free admission; no RSVP. For more information, call 269-468-3330.

Thursday, Feb. 23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. “MID-WEST FAMILY JOB FAIR” presented by Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce at Grand Upton Hall, LMC Mendel Center, Benton Harbor. More info at www.myjobfair.com.

Thursday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. “PRESENTATION ON IDENTITY THEFT” by the Michigan Dept. of Attorney General, hosted by the Coloma Lions Club at Coloma FOP Lodge #147, 3470 Angling Rd., Coloma. Open to the public.

Friday, Feb. 24, 9-10 a.m. “OFFICE COFFEE HOUR WITH KIM LASATA” at Sidetrack Café, 315 N. Main St., Watervliet. Visit www.RepLaSata.com.

Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. “WING KING” at Hidden Pointe Hall, 1062 Nickerson Ave., Benton Harbor. More info and tickets at www.radiosupersaver.com.

Saturday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m. “16TH ANNUAL HUNTING HERITAGE BANQUET” at Pebblewood Banquet Hall, 9794 Jericho Rd. Bridgman. Contact Dale Jasper at 269-921-3474 or email kkdjasper1992@sbcglobal.net; or Jerry Flenar at 269-240-5371 for more information.

Fridays, Mar. 3 – April 14, 5:30-8:00 p.m. “LENTEN FISH FRY” at Coloma American Legion Post 362, 351 E. St. Joseph Street, Coloma. Fish dinner $8/all you can eat $10/children 4-12 $4/under age 3, free. Take outs available, call 269-468-5501.

Saturday, Mar. 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. “ST. PATRICK’S BOOK SALE & STORY TIME” at Coloma Public Library. Special Story Time at 1 p.m. for all children. Call 269-468-3431 with any questions.

Monday, Mar. 27, 2-6 p.m. “HOSPITALITY JOB FAIR & TALENT SHOWCASE” at Lake Michigan College Mendel Center. For more info, contact Debbie Gillespie at gillespie@lakemichigancollege.edu or Samantha Gizzi at gizzis@kinexus.org.

Friday, Mar. 31, 9-10 a.m. “OFFICE COFFEE HOUR WITH KIM LASATA” at The Hot Spot, 361 E. St. Joseph Street, Coloma. Visit www.RepLaSata.com.

Saturday, Apr. 8, 9 a.m. “SPRING STAMPEDE” 5k run and walk at Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd. Registration and packet pick-up will be open at 7:30 that morning. Pre-register by March 24 for $20, at www.sarett.com.

Sundays, 8 a.m. to noon “BREAKFAST” at the Coloma Rod & Gun Club.

Monday – Friday, 10 a.m.-noon “PLAYTIME” at Hartford Public Library, 15 Franklin St. Babies and toddlers accompanied by parents are welcome for interactive playtime. Call 269-621-3408 or visit hartfordpl.michlibrary.org for more programs available.

Tuesday and Thursdays, 7 – 9 p.m. “PICKLEBALL” at St. Joseph Catholic School gymnasium on Lucinda Lane, Watervliet. Extra paddles are available, beginners are welcome.

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. “STORY HOUR” at Coloma Public Library for preschool-aged children accompanied by an adult. No sign up or fee required. For questions, call 269-468-3431.

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. “STORY HOUR” at Watervliet District Library for children 3-5 years old. Sign up required, call 269-463-6382 for information.

Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. “TINY TOTS LEGO STORY TIME” at Hartford Public Library for children 5 and younger; every week during the school year. Call 269-621-3408 for information.

Thursdays, 6 – 10 p.m. “Trap shooting” at the Coloma Rod & Gun Club.

Third Monday of every month, 3 – 6 p.m. “FOOD BANK” at Central Assembly of God, 6801 Ryno Rd., Coloma, 269-468-8422.