WINTERFEST FUN… Sophomores in the Watervliet High School Class of 2022 had fun decorating the hallway representing country music for this year’s Winterfest theme of “Music Genres”. Students pictured are (from the left): Back row – Mia Ryan, Addison Riley, Andrew Chisek, Hannah Hart, Parker Lanning, Drew VanLente, Jodi Prillwitz, Jake Kroepel, Avery Openneer, Madison Harvell, Ryan Knapp; Front row – Luis Mesa Del Castillo Santaella, Allison Pline, Tommy Sando, Haiden Edelberg, Alyssa Melcher and Taylor Harris.
Bainbridge Twp. hires new Ordinance Enforcement Officer; approves 2% cost of living pay increases
By Angela Stair A special Bainbridge Township Board Meeting was called on February 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bainbridge Township Hall. The meeting was called to decide on the Ordinance Enforcer position that was open due to the retirement of David Dent, current Ordinance Enforcer. Present at the meeting was Township Supervisor Bill Hodge, Treasurer Nancy Weber, Clerk Patty Hiler-Molter, Trustees John Yetzke and Don Baiers. No one was absent. After a brief discussion a motion was made to hire Tracy Newman for Ordinance Enforcer. Newman will be trained for up to six weeks by David Dent, the current Ordinance Enforcement Officer. Additionally, the Supervisor will prepare a contract and secure the proper hiring paperwork. The motion was passed unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m. The regular Bainbridge Township Board Meeting was held on Monday, February 10. An announcement was made of the hiring of Tracy Newman as the new Ordinance Enforcement Officer as of February 11, 2020.
Salary increases approved The Board reviewed the final budget, but no action was taken at this time. They reviewed and approved a Salary Adjustment of a 2% cost of living increase for all employees. The Supervisor’s salary was approved in the amount of $16,696.38, Clerk Salary $17,461.38, Treasurer Salary $17,868.36, and Trustee salary at $1,507.56. All were also 2% cost of living increases. Approved also were Letters of Renewal for the Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator, Building Official, Mechanical Inspector, Electrical Inspector and Plumbing Inspector. The Board reviewed the Road Department estimates and will ask for a breakdown of the $44,000 that was quoted to the Township. Supervisor Hodge said they are looking to work on one mile of Hill Avenue, half a mile of Hochberger Road, and one mile of Empire. Approval was given to accept and sign a contract with AEP for a design and monthly cost of $24.70 for a street light at M-140 and Territorial Road. The Board approved other items in anticipation of the coming new fiscal year such as approving a Letter of Renewal to the Coloma Library and a $4,000 payment. Mowing service for the Township Hall and the cemeteries went to Fadello Mowing Service. Carpet Cleaning went to Heaven Scent in the amount of $450 to clean the Hall’s carpeting. It was announced that the March 9 Regular Board Meeting has been changed to March 2, due to the election on March 10. Board of Review dates will be March 9 and March 13. The last day to pay winter property taxes at the Township will be February 28. After that penalties are assessed.
Irish Stew Dinner Mar. 14 at Coloma UMC Coloma United Methodist Church located at 144 S. Church St. (church with bell tower) is serving an Irish Stew Dinner on Saturday, March 14 from 5-6:30 p.m. Dinner includes stew, salad, roll, dessert and beverage. Take-out is available. Dinner donations go to the church’s General Fund. For more information, call 269-468-6062.
Coloma Community Schools Calendar of Events Friday, February 28 Bowling Team Regionals at M66 Bowl, 11:00 a.m.; Varsity Girls/Boys Basketball at Watervliet, 6:00/7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 28 Middle School Wrestling HOME tournament, 9:00 a.m.; Bowling Individual Regionals at M66 Bowl, 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 4 Freshman Orientation for Students and Parents in the High School, 6:00 p.m.
WHS WINTERFEST QUEEN AND KING… Candidates for Winterfest 2020 Royalty are Watervliet High School seniors (from the left): Front row – Maddie Wilkinson, Anina Coleman, Susanna VanLente, Raelyn Statler, and Jayna Rodgers; Back row – Jay’Shawn Scruggs, Noah Weber, Brennan Dygert, Jacob Loomis and Gus Hinch. Royalty will be crowned on Fit & Fabulous Friday, Feb. 28. Winterfest is celebrated with varsity basketball games against the Coloma Comets. Tip-off times are 6 p.m. for the girls and 7:30 for the boys. A dance until 11:30 p.m. will follow the games.
WHS WINTERFEST PRINCE AND PRINCESS… Class representatives are (from the left): Freshmen Tyson Williams and MJ Flowers, sophomores Ethan Fish and Mia Ryan, and juniors AJ Klein and Gwen Durham. Winterfest 2020 is being celebrated at Watervliet High School February 24-28. The theme is Music Genres and the slogan is: “Panthers Can’t Stop the Music”.