05-18-2017 Tri-City Area Sports

Truex Jr. claims second victory of the season while Almirola suffers fractured dreams

Martin Truex Jr. won his second NASCAR race of the 2017 season, but it was a fiery wreck late in the latter half of race at Kansas Speedway that had everyone talking.

With 67 laps to go in the 267 lap contest, Joey Logano’s #22 Ford tapped into Danica Patrick’s ride, which sent her into the wall.  As the two were tangled up with parts arcing off both vehicles, Aric Almirola’s ride came flying through the melee, appeared to get loose, and hit both vehicles… hard.

Patrick’s vehicle burst into flames as it trickled down the track, while Logano and Almirola’s vehicles continued to slowly make their way along the track.

The race was red-flagged for 27 minutes as Almirola had to be extricated from his car; he was then transported to the infield care center. From there he was flown by helicopter to a local hospital.

Word was issued Sunday by Richard Petty Motorsports that Almirola had a “compression fracture to his T5 vertebra.” Almirola is up and around but you won’t see him in a race car for a while as he heals.

Truex Jr. started the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling 400 in third place. He led a race-high 104 laps on his way to his ninth career victory.

Brad Keselowski, who also has two wins this year, finished in the runner-up spot.

Kevin Harvick led 10 laps en route to a third place finish. He earned his fourth top five of the season.

Ryan Blaney led the second highest number of laps in the race with 83. The driver had his best qualifying laps as he landed in the pole position for the first time ever in his four-year career. He also earned his second top five finish of the season.

Kyle Busch took fifth place after he led 59 laps.

Other drivers who led laps but did not finish in the top five included: Clint Bowyer (3), Trevor Bayne (1), Kurt Busch (3), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2), and Erik Jones (2).

Twenty-five drivers finished on the lead lap, and the race featured 15 caution periods.

The teams are preparing for another rip roaring race at Charlotte Motor Speedway Saturday. It’s the Monster Energy Open and NASCAR All-Star Race! The prize is $1 million and the stage is set for a heck of a go-round!

Coloma softball 12-0 and SAC – Lakeshore Champions

 Coloma faced conference foe Bangor Thursday, May 11 at home. The Lady Comets claimed victory in both contests and earned the Southwestern Athletic Conference – Lakeshore Division championship.

Coloma shut out Bangor 17-0 and 15-0.

In the first game, Skylar Crisenbery earned her 14th win of the season. She struck out seven batters and was perfect on the day – she did not allow a hit or run.

Coloma was led at the plate by Jenna Walter. Walter smacked a triple and two singles and had three RBIs.

Crisenbery hit a single and triple and scored two runs. Kayla Yore singled twice and hit a double. Megan Koenigshof and Morgan Wagner both hit two singles.

WAITING… Watervliet’s Cam Rendo waits on the ball at second base as a Gobles runner tries to pick up the bag. Watervliet won the two-game home stand Thursday versus Gobles, 6-3 and 4-1.

In the second game, Jaidyn Hutsell took the mound for Coloma. She earned her ninth win of the season for the Comets. Her effort garnered no runs or hits and she struck out nine batters.

Julia Sternaman cracked two singles and drove in three runs. Wagner hit a single and double with two RBIs. Walter belted a triple and scored two runs. Yore hit a double and had two RBIs.

Alyssa Dillenbeck contributed a single and double, while Hutsell and Koenigshof hit two singles apiece.

By taking two games from Bangor, Coloma won the SAC – Lakeshore Division crown. The team was undefeated in the conference this season and is 23-3 overall. What a great effort this year by the Lady Comets!

Local teams fare well at SAC divisional championship track meet

 Coloma, Hartford, and Watervliet participated in the varsity track divisional championship meet at Saugatuck on Wednesday, May 10. Results include anyone who finished in the top three of each event.

HERE’S THE PITCH… Colo-ma shortstop Grant Kroschel gets ready to take aim at a Bangor pitch Thursday. The Comets topped Bangor 21-5 and 12-1. With the victories, Coloma claimed a share of the South-western Athletic Conference division title with Lawrence. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

Coloma had a stellar outing as the boys’ team finished second overall with 104 points. They trailed meet champion Saugatuck, who tallied 223.5 points.

Derek Plitt continued to put together a fantastic season as he scored two first place wins in the 100 and 200 meters with times of 11.40 seconds and 23.29 seconds, respectively. Plitt’s time in the 200 meters was a personal record.

Coloma went 1-2 in the 400 meters as Josh Young ran the event in 53.05 seconds and was followed by teammate Caleb Ellis at 53.52 seconds.

Plitt and Ellis teamed up with Kobe Hunter and Brandon Bower in the 4×400 meter relay. The foursome notched a first place win with a time of 3:35.20.

The 4×800 squad of Hunter, Greg Olsen, Ellis, and Young took second with a time of 8:33.21.

Jonah Jones finished third in the shot put with a throw of 41’ 1/2”.

Gabe Doggett’s skill in the pole vault earned him a third place finish. He cleared 10’.

Watervliet put together a third place team finish. They trailed Coloma by 33 points.

Watervliet’s Sheldon Tobar finished third in the 100 meters with a time of 12.26 seconds.

Lamarrius Smith took second place in the 200 meters. His time was 23.40 seconds. Smith finished third in the 400 meters with a time of 54.69 seconds. The third time proved to be a charm as Smith took second in the high jump with a leap of 5’ 8”.

Jobe Kerr raced to a second place finish in the 800 meters. His time of 2:03.91 matched his season best. Kerr claimed a second silver medal in the 1600 meters. He again matched his season best time of 4:39.23.

Coloma’s girls’ varsity squad finished fifth overall with 38 points.

Destiny Motton used her super speed for a first place finish in the 100 meters with a time of 13.56 seconds. Motton also claimed silver with teammates Divine Parker, Virginia Wendzel, and Alexia Saucedo in the 4×100 relay. The group ran the event in 56.07 seconds.

Samantha Scott matched her season best in the high jump by leaping 4’ 6” for third place.

The Lady Panthers finished sixth overall with 30 points.

Jade Miller earned a silver medal in the 200 meters. She set a new personal record with her time of 28.75 seconds. Miller earned bronze in the 400 meters; she ran the event in a time of 1:05.56.

The Indians of Hartford finished sixth overall. Hartford’s 4×100 relay team of Moses Beraza, Rolando Contreras, Robert Ledesma, and Juan Sandoval took third place with a time of 48.09 seconds.

In the girls’ division, Hartford finished third. Brynn Duffy set a new personal record as she jumped the 100 meter hurdles in a time of 18.09 seconds. Duffy earned a first place finish in that event.

Teammate Amber Martin took first place in the high jump as she cleared 5’. Martin took third in the discus. Her throw of 88’ 8” matched her season record.

Hartford’s Janell Babcock pole vaulted her way to a third place finish. She cleared 7’ 6”.

Coloma baseball has busy week; shares division championship title

 Coloma’s varsity baseball squad split with Saugatuck Monday, May 8. The Comets lost the opener 1-0 but won the second game 7-3.

MAKING A STATEMENT… Coloma’s varsity softball team was crowned Southwestern Athletic Conference – Lake-shore Division champions after finishing 12-0 in the conference and 23-3 overall. On Thursday, Alyssa Dillenbeck got ready to slide into third base. The Lady Comets would go on to shut out visiting Bangor 17-0 and 15-0.

In the early outing, the game remained scoreless and a pitchers’ duel through five innings. Saugatuck scored their lone run in the sixth inning.

Calvin Starnes took the loss for Coloma. He allowed one run on one hit. He struck out seven batters and walked three.

Ethan Price led Coloma at the plate with two singles.

In the evening contest, the squads opened with a 1-1 tie after the first inning. Saugatuck took the lead 2-1 in the third.

Coloma scored two runs in the fourth, and Saugatuck added another run to tie the game at three all.

Coloma made their mark in the fifth inning by scoring four runs to take the lead. The Comets would not allow another Saugatuck run and won 7-3.

Mathew Kelley pitched six innings and got the win for Coloma. He allowed three runs on five hits. He struck out four batters and walked five.

Dylan LeClear came on in relief. During his one inning of work he allowed just one hit. He struck out one batter. LeClear led the Comets offensively. He scored two runs and hit one single. Danny Najacht hit a single and double for Coloma.

The Comets took on Southwestern Athletic Conference foe Bangor Thursday, May 11. After sweeping Bangor, Coloma claimed a share of the SAC division title, with Lawrence claiming the other half.

In the early contest, Coloma outscored Bangor 21-5 in the decisive victory. Coloma scored in each of the four innings of play. The Comets scored two, seven, three, and nine runs, respectively.

LeClear pitched two and one-third innings for Coloma. He allowed two runs on one hit. He struck out two batters and walked four and tallied the win.

Anthony Abbott pitched one and two-thirds innings. He allowed three runs on three hits. He walked two batters.

Kelley hit three singles and a double with three runs batted in.  Grant Kroschel hit three singles and had two RBIs.

Price scored three runs and hit two singles.  Najacht hit two singles and drove in two runs.  Abbott hit two singles.

LeClear stroked a single and double and scored three runs. Nathan Wilder hit two singles. Starnes had three RBIs and hit a single. Nick Eastman scored three runs and two singles.

In the second game, Coloma scored four runs early in the first to take the lead. The squad would never relinquish it. Coloma scored six runs in the second inning and two in the third in the 12-1 win.

Hunter Crist earned his first pitching victory of the season with his three innings of work. He allowed one run on one hit while striking out two. He walked one batter.

Ethan Price pitched two innings for Coloma. He did not allow a run, struck out two batters, and walked one.

Kelley and Kroschel hit two singles apiece.

The Comet squad traveled to the Carleton Airport Invitational on Saturday, May 13, going 2-1 for the day.

Coloma shut out Ann Arbor Huron 10-0, as LeClear picked up his fourth win of the season. He allowed six hits, struck out one, and walked one.

Coloma scored four runs in the first inning and three in the second to take a 7-0 lead. The Comets added one run in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to clinch the victory.

Najacht led the Comets at the plate with three singles and three runs batted in.  LeClear and Starnes both hit two singles.

Coloma faced Westland John Glenn and continued to work the business end of their bats. The Comets won 12-7, as Coloma sent three pitchers to the mound.

In Kelley’s two innings of work he allowed four runs on three hits. He struck out one and walked two.

Crist took a spin on the mound for two innings. He allowed one run on one hit and struck out three. Crist gave up one base on balls.

Eastman finished the game for Coloma, pitching three innings. He allowed three runs on three hits and walked one.

Crist took the win for Coloma.

The score made the game look closer than it really ever was. Coloma scored five runs in the first inning, while Westland tallied one. In the second inning, Westland added three but Coloma scored two more runs. The game was 7-4 before a big five-run third inning for the Comets.

Robbie Schroeder blasted a double and picked up two RBIs. LeClear and Starnes each had two singles with two runs batted in. Crist and Kelley hit two singles each.

Against Carleton Airport Coloma lost 7-4. The Comets’ opponent scored two runs in the first inning to take an early lead.

Carleton added one run in the third to make it 3-0.

Coloma got on the scoreboard in the fourth inning with three runs, but Carleton added one more to reclaim the lead, 4-3. The sixth inning saw Coloma tack on one run and Carleton added three to ensure their victory.

Starnes went five and one-third innings from the rubber. He allowed seven runs on six hits. He struck out five and walked five. Starnes dropped his second game of the season.

LeClear pitched two-thirds of an inning. He didn’t allow a hit or walk.

Kelley and Kroschel led Coloma at the plate with two singles each.

Hartford baseball drops two to LMC

 Hartford traveled to St. Joseph to face LMC on the diamond Tuesday, May 9. In the opening contest, LMC topped Hartford 9-3.

Hartford led LMC 2-1 after the first inning, but big five-run third and three-run fifth innings propelled LMC to the lead. Hartford scored one last run in the seventh inning but lost 9-3.

Garrod Johnson had two hits for the Indians. Jared Henslee scored two Indian runs.

The second game proved to be a nail biter. LMC led 1-0 after the first inning. In the fourth inning, both squads scored one run. Both teams repeated their scoring effort in the fifth inning. Hartford trailed 3-2 and ran out of game.

Hunter Ackerman and Jake Griffith combined on the mound for Hartford. Ackerman pitched two innings and gave up one earned run. Griffith threw four innings and also gave up one earned run.

Ackerman led Hartford with two hits.

Watervliet outfoxed by Fennville, keeps pace with Comstock

THIS GIRL’S GOT KICKS… Watervliet’s Casie Gohr kicks the ball during first half action against Fennville Wednesday, May 10. Although Gohr scored one goal and had one assist in the conference matchup, Water-vliet lost 5-2. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

The Watervliet varsity soccer team participated in two games last week. On Wednesday, May 10, the squad was topped by Fennville 5-2. Then on Friday, May 12 the Lady Panthers played to a 1-1 tie against Comstock.

In Wednesday’s outing, Watervliet got on the board early in the first half with a goal by Emma Kraklau. Casie Gohr was credited with the assist on the shot.

Fennville got their own offense going and scored four consecutive goals midway through the half to lead 4-1 at intermission.

In the second half, Watervliet’s Gohr kicked a goal with an assist courtesy of Emma Armstrong. The rally was short-lived, however, and Fennville won 5-2.

Watervliet welcomed Comstock Friday and what a contest it was! Comstock took a 1-0 lead into intermission.

Kraklau scored the lone Watervliet goal in the second half. Vicki Smith had the assist.

The game ended in a 1-1 tie. The Panthers currently hold a 3-5-2 record this season.

Traver tops Hartford track effort at Bangor

Hartford’s Riley Traver’s performance Friday, May 5 was nothing short of exemplary. Traver won medals in each of the four events in which he competed.

Traver took gold in the high jump, silver in the 100 meter dash, and bronze in two relay events.

The relay squad consisted of Traver, Robert Ledesma, Juan Sandoval, and Rolando Contreras. The young men joined forces for their bronze medal runs.

Bob Johnson finished second in the discus. He set a new personal record by launching the disc 115’ 7”.

Watervliet baseball earns two wins over Gobles, wins LMC tourney

 Watervliet put a balanced pitching and batting effort up against visiting Gobles Thursday, May 11 and walked away from the baseball diamond with two wins.

WATCHING… As her team-mates watch from the dugout and on deck circle, Ariana Rowe’s eyes are on the incom-ing ball Thursday during Wa-tervliet’s doubleheader against Gobles. The Lady Panthers won both contests, 7-5 and 13-3.

Watervliet won the early game 6-3. The Panthers scored three runs in the first inning to jump out to a 3-0 lead.

Watervliet increased their lead to 4-0 in the second inning and 6-0 in the third.

Gobles scored one run in the fifth inning and two in the sixth before the game ended in Watervliet’s favor.

Garrett Matthews pitched for Watervliet and got the win. Ryan Chisek stepped in for the save.

Tyler Brant led Watervliet at the plate with a single and double. Bryant Kieft and Ben Myas hit two singles apiece.

Game two saw Watervliet take a 1-0 lead in the second inning. The Panthers scored another run in the fourth and two in the sixth to take a 4-0 shutout effort into the seventh. But, Gobles got one run on the board. No harm, no foul as Watervliet got the 4-1 win.

Jakob Aldrich pitched a complete game for Watervliet. He struck out six batters in seven innings of work.

Cam Rendo hit two singles. Chisek stroked a double.

On Saturday, May 13, the Panthers traveled to LMC for tournament action. In their first game, Watervliet beat Buchanan 4-2.

Buchanan led 1-0 after the first inning, but Watervliet tied the game up in the second. The Panthers took the outright lead in the fifth inning as they scored two runs and limited the Bucks to just one. Watervliet added an insurance run in the sixth inning for good measure.

Tommy Swanson pitched for Watervliet, and he got the win.

Chisek hit a double and two singles, while Rendo had three singles. Aldrich banged out a double.

In game two, Watervliet faced LMC and lost 4-3 in extra innings.

The Panthers led 1-0 after the second inning and held onto their lead after both teams scored two runs in the third inning.  LMC added one run in the fifth inning to tie the game at 3-3.

It wasn’t until the eighth inning that LMC drove a run across the plate and notched the 4-3 victory.

Rendo took the loss for Watervliet.

Zack Pickens hit two singles for Watervliet.

All three teams ended the day 1-1, but it was Watervliet who walked away with the championship title. They gave up the fewest runs during the tournament.

Coloma soccer shut out by Kalamazoo Christian

 The Coloma girls’ varsity soccer team struggled Wednesday, May 10 against a strong and solid Kalamazoo Christian squad. Coloma was shut out 8-0 as the conference game ended early.

Kalamazoo Christian kept Coloma keeper Emma Watson busy in the net. She saved 30 of 38 shots on goal by Kalamazoo.

Hartford hit for three losses on the softball field

It was a rough week for the Hartford Indians softball team. The squad went 1-3 for the week.

The Indians traveled to LMC Tuesday, May 9 and split the doubleheader with the Lakers.

Hartford won the first game 21-13, while LMC took the second match 11-7.

In the early contest, Hartford scored eight runs in the first inning to lead 8-2 after one. The Indians added four runs in the third, while LMC put up one. The Indians increased their lead to 12-3. Hartford added one run in the fourth, three in the sixth, and five in the seventh in the victory.

Hartford’s 21 runs came off 21 hits. Megan Nelson was five for five at the plate. She scored three runs.

Sarah Rice, Amara Wesaw, Mikenzie Chambers, Madisyn Earls, and Regan Sinclair drove in three runs each.

In the late game, Hartford fell behind early, trailing 3-1 after the first inning. Hartford scored one run in the second inning to close the gap before an eight-run fifth inning by LMC blew the game wide open. Hartford scored two runs in the sixth inning and three in the seventh but was unable to recapture the lead.

The Indians traveled to face Three Oaks-River Valley Friday, May 12 for two games. Three Oaks topped Hartford in contests, 7-1 and 13-3.

Nelson led Hartford at the plate with two hits.

In the late game, Three Oaks led 2-0 after the second inning. Hartford got on the board in the third inning with two runs and added one run in the fourth. Unfortunately, Three Oaks scored three runs in the fourth to maintain their lead.

Hartford snagged five stolen bases during the game.

The Indians were led at the plate by Jaelyne Galvan, Nelson, Sinclair, and Madison Birmele.

Watervliet softball takes two from Gobles

 The Watervliet softball team continued to scorch opposing teams for runs this season. On Thursday, May 11, the Lady Panthers hosted the Tigers of Gobles and dropped two more “W”s in the scorebook.

In the Southwestern Athletic Conference – Lakeshore Division doubleheader Watervliet won 7-5 and 13-3.

The early contest featured Celina Klimkiewicz pitching her way to her first varsity win from the rubber. She allowed five runs on nine hits; she struck out six batters and walked one.

Watervliet scored three runs in the first inning, while Gobles put one on the board. The Tigers added a second run in the third inning and continued to trail 3-2 through the fourth inning.

Watervliet scored four runs in the fifth, and Gobles scored three in their half of the card. With their rally falling short, Gobles lost 7-5.

Watervliet’s Logan Mizwicki hit three singles and scored two runs.  Kara Liles belted a triple for one RBI. Ariana Rowe hit a single and had one RBI. Klimkiewicz scored two runs and hit one single.

Watervliet stole eight bases during the contest with Zoe Smith leading the way; she collected three bags.

In game two, Watervliet walloped Gobles 13-3, as the Panthers took an early 8-2 lead after two innings.

Both teams scored one run in the third. Watervliet continued to add to their treasure trove of runs by scoring one run in the fifth and three in the sixth.

Taylor Shafer hit four singles with two RBIs for Watervliet. Rowe stroked a triple and two singles with one RBI. Zoe Smith blasted a triple and single and scored two runs. Liles hit four singles and one RBI.  Mercede Daugherty scored five runs and hit a double. Grace Smith hit two singles. Sabrina Klimkiewicz scored one RBI and had one single.

Liles hit the mound for Watervliet. She pitched six innings and allowed three runs on three hits.

Watervliet’s 13 runs came off 18 hits.

Both teams had four errors.

Watervliet currently holds a 17-7 overall record and is 10-2 in the SAC – Lakeshore Division.

Indians split week of shut outs on soccer field

Hartford hosted Schoolcraft Tuesday, May 9 for a battle on the soccer field. The Indians shut out the Schoolcraft Eagles 7-0.

Hartford scored four goals in the first half of the game and followed with three in the second half of play.

It was a different story the following day as the Indians faced Kalamazoo Hackett on the road Wednesday, May 10 and were shut out 8-0.

Kalamazoo scored six goals in the first half and two goals in the second to take the win.

Little Guys Invitational yields medals for Watervliet

 Both the boys’ and girls’ varsity track teams of Watervliet participated in the Gobles Little Guys Invitational Friday, May 12.

For the Lady Panthers, Jade Miller earned a seventh place finish in the 400 meters with a time of 1:07.46.

Miller, Stephanie Cox, Allie Pazera, and Kate Sutherland ran the 4×400 relay in a time of 4:47.65, good for sixth place.

Sheldon Tobar took sixth place in the 100 meters (12.33 seconds).

Lamarrius Smith earned the top spot in the 200 meter run with a season best time of 23.39 seconds. He also got gold in the long jump after he leapt 21’ 2”. Smith also took second in the high jump. He topped 6’ 1”.

Austin Roberts finished fifth in the 400 meters (55.13 seconds) and set a new personal record.

Jobe Kerr took fourth place in the 800 meters (2:05.11) and fifth in the 1600 meters (4:39.93).

Haydon Richards legged out most of the competition as he finished fourth in the 110 meter hurdles (17.03 seconds). He followed that up with a sixth place finish in the 300 meter hurdles (44.10 seconds).

Will Ford, Rick Ertman, Tobar, and Roberts take eighth in the 4×100 meter relay (48.68 seconds).

Ford, Roberts, Tobar, and Smith put together a fifth place finish in the 4×200 meter relay (1:37.42).

World of Outlaw tickets now on sale

 For you dirt track race fans, World of Outlaw tickets for the “Battle of Michigan” are now on sale. The race will feature the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series at Hartford Speedway on Friday, July 28.

Tickets to the battle are available for purchase online at slspromotions.ticketforce.com. Or, you can call SLS Promotions at (815) 344-2023.

Last year Shane Stewart grabbed the checkered flag at the Speedway. The race marked the first time the series had been hosted by Hartford since 2011.

Pre-Season tourney correction

 In last week’s Press Box, the caption of the Watervliet Minors baseball team photo should have stated the team finished second in the Watervliet pre-season baseball tournament at Hays Park.

Ladies Monday Night Happy Hour Golf League

 Monday, May 15 golf report from the Paw Paw Lake Golf Club:

Weekly Event winners – Sandra Johnson and Penny Hanks; Low Gross – Kathy Osborne with 57; Low Net – Ursela Bansen with 37; Low putts – Ursela Bansen with 15; Pars – Sandra Johnson #5, Carol Klass #1 and #2

Skate Park is open again

By Annette Christie

With the summer approaching youth in the Watervliet area will once again have a skate park to use for their recreation.  On Saturday morning, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to open it up to the public. Miss Blossomtime Kaylee Chapin of Watervliet and Co-Mr. Watervliet Haydon Richards and Brent Simmons did the honors of cutting the ribbon.

Since early 2016, the Watervliet City Commission has been working on how to remedy the unusable skate park, built some 10 years ago with lumber that has not held up and often times was deemed unsafe for use.  The city was faced with the reality that if they did not return the skate park to at least its original condition, they may have to pay back the State of Michigan for grant funds used to build it.

With contributions from the city, the township, and many area sponsors, the efforts of all involved paid off as the park was revealed Saturday morning.  City Commissioner Deah Muth said that the cost of the new construction was $83,000 with $50,000 from the City of Watervliet, $25,000 from Watervliet Charter Township, and the remainder from donors.  That list of donors was posted as it was revealed and included: Watervliet DDA, City Mayor Dave Brinker, Watervliet Township Supervisor Dan Hutchins, Watervliet City Manager Michael Uskiewicz, City Commissioner Deah Muth, City Commissioner Bill Whitney Jr., former City Commissioner Barb Schofield, former City Commissioner Melanie Marvin, Donna DeMay, Patty Poole-Henagan, Mark Vanderboegh, Matthew Melvin, Watervliet Firefighters Association, Watervliet Firefighters Ladies Auxiliary, Wightman & Associates, Whirlpool Corporation, Getman Corporation, Blossomland Accounting, Sharon Yoder (State Farm Insurance), Frosty Boy, Darlene Getz, DDS, Dr. & Mrs. David Terhune, Orchard Hill Landfill, Trident Dock & Dredge, the Tri-City Record, and Chicken Coop.

The new construction was purchased, set up, and will be maintained through American Ramp Company out of Joplin, Missouri.  It is constructed of steel and powder coat and carries a 20-year warranty.  Muth said that this is phase one and the way that it was designed will allow for additions to be made over the years as the funds are available.

Aislin Henagan and Mattie Henagan were the designated first skaters following the ribbon cutting.  The girls attend Watervliet Public Schools.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY… “Look at all our archery shooters at Watervliet Rod and Gun Club’s Mother’s Day Archery Shoot,” states Julie Holtsclaw, National Certified Basic Archery Instructor. Pictured (from the left) front row: Gage Ballard, Darlene Mattson, Colleen Rosser; Back row: Don Carroll, Dovie Downey, Kim Ballard, Zach Gilfoyle, Olivia Gilfoyle, Vince Gilfoyle, Herman Matt-son (instructor) and Will Gilfoyle. “They all looked like they had a great time, I know I did! Thank you Herman and Darlene for helping teach the class; could not have done it without you!” said Holtsclaw. The next archery class will be held June 25, 2017 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. You must register to attend. The class is almost full; they are working on more instructors to allow for more students. Please call to sign up at 269-277-2233.