06-25-2020 Police and Fire Reports: Community Calendar; Berrien RESA Board promotes Eric Hoppstock

Police and Fire Reports By Annette Christie Man dies saving child in river incident On June 19, 2020 at approximately 7:15 p.m., the Berrien County Dispatch Center received a 911 call of an individual in distress and missing in the St. Joseph River approximately one-mile down river from the Jasper Dairy boat launch. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, the State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Royalton Township Fire Department, and the Berrien Springs Oronoko Township Fire Department sent personnel and/or boats to search the river for the individual. The initial investigation reveals that two adults and three juveniles were enjoying a summer day on a pontoon boat and were swimming in the water, when one of the juveniles began to struggle in the water. One of the adults jumped into the water and successfully rescued the juvenile; however, the adult went under water and was not located. On Sunday, June 21, 2020 at 8:47 a.m. a body was recovered from the St. Joseph River by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit. It’s believed to be the body of the 45-year-old male, who was reported missing on June 19, 2020. He was identified as Matthew Ryan Kihlstrand of St. Joseph. He was found approximately 1/2 mile down river from the location where the incident happened and he was last seen. An autopsy will be performed at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office appreciates all the support and cooperation provided by multiple public and private agencies that worked together to locate Mr. Kihlstrand.

Community Calendar

Thu, June 25, 7 pm “CONCERT IN ELY PARK” hosted by Hartford Lions Club featuring VanDyke Revue (4-pc variety band); Free popcorn Fri, June 26, 10:30-11:30am “REP. GRIFFIN OFFICE HOURS” in Ely Park, Hartford Sat, June 27, 9-11pm “FIREWORKS DISPLAY” at Sister Lakes Lions Park; Rain date: Sunday, June 28 Thu, July 2, 7 pm “CONCERT IN ELY PARK” hosted by Hartford Lions Club featuring High Life Band (classic country & rock); Free popcorn Thu, July 9, 7 pm “CONCERT IN ELY PARK” hosted by Hartford Lions Club featuring Diane VanDeurzen & Lisa Otey (blend of jazz, blues & boogie-woogie); Free popcorn Thu, July 16, 7 pm “CONCERT IN ELY PARK” hosted by Hartford Lions Club featuring Jared Knox (country); Free popcorn Wed, July 22, 6pm “BACCALAUREATE” for WHS Class of 2020 in the high school auditorium Thu, July 23, 11am “SCIENCETELLERS: DRAGONS” Watervliet District Library program via Zoom. Library will post link to participate. Thu, July 23, 7 pm “CONCERT IN ELY PARK” hosted by Hartford Lions Club featuring Jimmy & the Mortals (classic rock); Free popcorn Fri, July 24, 6:30pm “WATERVLIET HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION” in Panther Stadium Thu, July 30, 7 pm “CONCERT IN ELY PARK” hosted by Hartford Lions Club featuring Elvis Tribute – Tim Dudley; Free popcorn Thu, Aug 6, 7 pm “CONCERT IN ELY PARK” hosted by Hartford Lions Club featuring Joe Jason (acoustic 70s); Free popcorn Thu, Aug 13, 7 pm “CONCERT IN ELY PARK” hosted by Hartford Lions Club featuring Wyatt & Shari Knapp (folk music); Free popcorn

Berrien RESA Board promotes Eric Hoppstock to Superintendent During a special Board of Education meeting the Berrien RESA Board unanimously appointed Eric Hoppstock, Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer, to be the district’s next superintendent. Hoppstock will assume his new role on July 1. For over three decades, Hoppstock has provided educational services to schools and students across Berrien County. Beginning his career at Berrien RESA in 1987, Hoppstock was a school psychologist, went on to become the supervisor of the district’s Special Education Department and most recently became the district’s Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer. Eric has also served as a state and national leader, helping shape special education legislation and policy. “Eric has already been leading the district for a number of years,” said Berrien RESA Board of Education President Cathy Bair. “His in-depth educational background, understanding of ISD-level operations, his management skills and his leadership abilities will serve our staff and constituents well. I am excited to watch our district thrive under Eric’s innovative and visionary style of leadership! I am confident he will do an exceptional job.” Dr. Kevin Ivers, Berrien RESA’s current leader, will retire effective June 30. He has served as the superintendent for 10 years.