MARATHON GOAL MET… On Sunday May 7, the Cullitan and Krenek families got together to support marathon runner Joe Cullitan of Sherrill’s Ford, NC, previously of Watervliet in his goal to run a marathon in every state. Joe Cullitan was in Kalamazoo this past weekend to complete his goal of having run a marathon in all 50 states. Joe had decided years ago that he would save the Borgess marathon in Michigan as his final run so that he could finish with family. Joe had brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews all running along with in support, some coming from as far away as Texas and Arizona in addition to many more relatives from Indiana and Michigan. Over 25 of Joe’s relatives ran full marathon, half marathon, 10K or 5K races in support. Joe is pictured in the front wearing shorts.

Watervliet City Commission receives public request for help; resident wants to keep chickens, woman injured by Main St. banner

By Annette Christie

At the May 9 Watervliet City Commission they were asked to help a couple of citizens who spoke during public comments. One city resident who has two chickens asked for the commission’s help in keeping his chickens. Previously the resident had received two letters regarding the subject that referred to complaints of stench and noise. The resident asked Chief Sutherland to come and check it out and the resident said he didn’t find either of those problems. He said that he spoke with Mrs. Householder and he said he was told to disregard the whole thing. That was in January.

On April 28, the resident got another letter referencing problems with the chickens and it referred to a few different statutes and ordinances; however, the resident said that no one that he spoke to has ever said there is a ban on chickens. He’d like to keep his chickens. Mayor Brinker said the city commission would have to refer to the ordinance. Brinker said they have dealt with this in the city previously. He told the resident, “I can’t sit here and tell you that you can keep your chickens. I could ask the Safety and Ordinance Committee to look at it and they can make a recommendation to the commission,” Brinker said. The mayor told the resident that he would get back to him.

Sandra Fleming said that she has been into city hall previously to talk about the signs (banners) hanging in the city along Main Street and an injury she received from hitting her head on the part of the post that holds the athletic signs featuring community athletes. Fleming said that she wanted to alert the community, stating that she won’t be the last one to hit their head on a piece of medal, non-covered, and unprotected. Fleming referred to lost time from work as well as the medical expenses she had. City Manager Michael Uskiewicz said that if she wanted to be reimbursed, as she had asked for, she would need to file a claim with the city’s insurance company. Fleming suggested a rubber cap on the ends of the raw metal that is just waiting for someone to lacerate themselves on. The city commission agreed to look at taking care of the pipes so they are not as dangerous.

In an unfinished item from last month’s meeting, the Watervliet City Commission voted to approve up to $2,000 for a Baseline Environmental Study to be completed on the old paper mill property. Prior to making the motion, Commissioner Cobb mentioned that since the price of $2,000 was advertised it was not really fair to the vendor, Wightman, who is also the civil engineer for the city by choice. Therefore, his motion was to accept the $2,000 bid with Wightman completing the work. The motion carried unanimously.

The Clerk got approval to apply for an Election Equipment Grant. The new election equipment is being required due to a change at the state level. When the city is most likely approved for the grant they should receive approximately $5,000 which will cover the tabulators and a special voting apparatus for the disabled. Clerk Dena Yow said there will be additional expenses for miscellaneous items to accompany this changeover but that it should be less than $2,000, which she has budgeted for.

The first reading of an amendment to the zoning ordinance was held. The amendment will allow for farmer’s markets to be held in B1 Zoning which is on Main Street. This being the first reading, the ordinance amendment was not finalized but will be following the next reading.

Commissioner Deah Muth announced that the ribbon cutting will be held this coming Saturday, May 13 from 11 a.m. – noon for the new skate park at Hays Park.

The city commission then went into a budget workshop to work on next year’s budget. The budget has to be approved before July 1.

Coloma KOA celebrates new ownership and updated look

By Christina Gelder

At a recent ribbon cutting local business and municipal leaders from the Coloma and Watervliet areas came out to support the new owners of the Coloma KOA campground located in Riverside. What started as a blueberry farm turned campground by Ginter and Ursula Bansen 43 years ago will continue the KOA tradition with its new ownership.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS… The new owners at the Coloma KOA located on Coloma Road in Riverside recently celebrated the start of a new season with a ribbon cutting. Pictured (from the left) is staff of the campground: Wayne Brown, Caitlyn, Mark, Karla and Courtney Lemoine, Lisa Taylor, Charis Lemoine, Mark Taylor and Brenda Brown. The Le-moine family also received a special tribute from State Rep-resentative Kim LaSata for their commitment to Southwest Michigan. (TCR photo by Christina Geld-er)

Mark and Karla Lemoine purchased the campground in August of 2016 and have been working hard to make it even better than it was. They have remodeled the office space and store. The store has a little bit of everything from toys and gifts to food and camping supplies. Karla says she is trying to focus on keeping as many Michigan made and themed items as she can in stock.

They have also added some hot food options including Hunt Brother’s Pizza. This way if campers roll in too late to start a fire to cook over they can simply order a hot and delicious pizza. Both the store and food options are open to the public as well.

The campground has 135 sites total. That number includes everything from rustic tent camping to pull through full hookup sites, 10 basic cabins and two deluxe camping cabins. There is also a pool, playground, game room, laundry and more to help guests enjoy their stay.

They see travelers from many different states as well as countries. Mark reported that last year 13% of the guests staying on the grounds were international.

The Lemoine family is from the Rockford, Michigan area and is “tremendously grateful to be able to stay in Michigan.” Mark and Karla met in college in the Grand Rapids area and will soon celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Over the years, Mark has worked in government in several different capacities and this has been a “life reset” for them. They are passionate about camping and look at this as a challenging and fun adventure. They are committed to providing a great environment for other families to make wonderful memories together.