08-09-2018 Former APL complex in Hagar Twp. is new home of Dicastal North America; China based comp

Former APL complex in Hagar Twp. is new home of Dicastal North America; China based company is world’s largest manufacturer of aluminum alloy wheels

By Jon Bisnett The cat is finally out of the bag regarding the sale of the former APL Logistics facility at the site located at 4412 Coloma Road. In an exclusive interview Hagar Township Supervisor Izzy DiMaggio shared the news first with the Tri-City Record.

“Cathy Tilly of Cornerstone Alliance was certainly right,” says DiMaggio, “…when she described the buyer as one of the biggest companies to come to Southwest Michigan in a long time.” On the other hand, the name Dicastal North America may not exactly resonate with local residents. Dicastal North America (DNA) was incorporated on August 29, 2014 in Greenville, Michigan; manufacturing aluminum alloy wheels for the auto industry utilizing the latest digital and core technology for melting, casting, heat-treating, machining, painting, and testing of the products. DNA is a subsidiary of CITIC Group, now called CITIC Dicastal, who in 1988, built the first aluminum wheel enterprise in China. Now based in Qin Huangdao City, China; the company is the world’s largest manufacturer of aluminum alloy wheels for the auto industry. CITIC Dicastal is a subsidiary of CITIC Group. They provide products to almost every OEM and supplier in China, Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea and Australia. Hagar Supervisor Izzy DiMaggio was first contacted months ago by Keith Edwards, who was acting as agent for DNA. DiMaggio put Edwards together with the Cornerstone Alliance who has since been instrumental in paving the way for the purchase. Cornerstone Business Development Manager Cathy Tilley previously gave clues only to the degree that the entity has two other facilities in Michigan and is tied to the auto industry.

DNA has a large manufacturing facility in Greenville, coupled with Dicastal Logistics Group, DLG, begun operations on April 3, 3017 in Canton, Michigan. They warehouse, distribute, provide logistics services and light assembly operations for the auto industry. The Coloma/Hagar site will actually house a second DLG warehousing and distribution operation that is projected to employ as many as 100 workers. The client list for CITIC is quite long and loaded with some very familiar names such as GM, Kia, Honda, Nissan, Ford, Toyota, Fiat Chrysler and many more. As the world’s largest manufacturer of aluminum wheels odds are there’s some of their work in your driveway right now! A special division builds high performance wheels used in F1 Racing in Europe along with OEM applications for many other extreme sports cars. Closing on the real estate was first scheduled for July 19 and has now been pushed back to August 19, while steps have also been taken to seek tax abatement project over $500,000 in repair and updates to get the site up and running. On Monday August 13, Hagar Township Board will conduct a hearing at the request of the Cornerstone Alliance to establish an Industrial Development District for 4412 Coloma Road at 7:15 p.m. during the upcoming August regular township board meeting.

Wendzel will face Andrews for State Representative – 79th District

By Annette Christie

EDITOR’S NOTE: Election results as of press time are as follows.

Republican Pauline Wendzel will face Democrat Joey Andrews in November for the 79th District Representative seat.

Wendzel, a lifelong Watervliet resident beat out Maria Moen, Troy Rolling, Bruce Gorenflo, and JoAnn DeMeulenaere.

Joey Andrews beat Marletta Seats.

Schuette vs. Whitmer for Governor

Four Republicans and three Democrats were narrowed down to one versus one for the Governor seat in November.

Current Attorney General Bill Schuette will face off with former state Senator Gretchen Whitmer for the Governor seat.

Upton to face Longjohn

Michigan’s U.S. House District 6 includes all of Van Buren and Berrien County as well as Allegan, Kalamazoo, Cass, and St. Joseph counties.  Fred Upton, our current Congressman will face Matt Longjohn, a physician from Portage in the November general election.

21st District State Senate – Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties

Kim LaSata will face opponent Ian Haight on the November ballot for the 21st Senate District which includes Berrien County.

26th District State Senate – Includes Van Buren and Allegan counties

Aric Nesbitt of Lawton, a former Representative will face Democrat Garnet Lewis in November for the 26th District Senate Seat.

Hinkelman re-elected for Berrien County District 2 Commission Seat; Chappell over Freestone for Van Buren County District 4

Voters in District #2 in Berrien County voted to re-elect Jon Hinkelman of Watervliet to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners.  District #2 consists of Watervliet City, Watervliet Township (south of I-94), Bainbridge Township, Pipestone Township, Eau Claire Village, and Berrien Township in Berrien County.

Richard Freestone of Bangor will end his term as a County Commissioner for Van Buren County District #4 at the end of this year.  He was defeated by Mike Chappell.  District 4 includes Bangor Township, Hartford City, Hartford Township, and Keeler Township.

Local Ballot Issues

Coloma Township approves Public Safety Millage Increase

Coloma Township voters supported an additional 1.5 mills for the period of four years (2018-2019-2020-2021) to be used exclusively for providing police and fire services.  The township currently has one millage of 4.75 for public safety that expires in 2020. The vote was 561 in favor and 354 against.

North Berrien Historical Society Millage Renewal

Voters in Bainbridge, Hagar, Coloma and Watervliet townships and Coloma City approved the renewal of the millage to support the North Berrien Historical Society. The millage is for .25 mills for another four years.  Voters first approved a millage in 2006. (The numbers for Watervliet City were not available).

Keeler Township renewals of Police, Fire, and Roads

Keeler Township residents voted to renew the millages for police services, fire services, and road improvements.

The fire services millage is 1 mill for four years. Votes in favor tallied 246, opposed, 129.

The police services millage is for .75 mills for four years. The township contracts with the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office for those services. This proposal received 245 yes votes vs. 131 voting no.

The road millage is for 1 mill for three years. It passed with 233 in favor and 142 against.

Hartford City

Voters in the City of Hartford increased the senior services millage for an additional .25 mills for four years.

Van Buren County Road Commission Millage Increase

An effort by the Van Buren County Road Commission to earn additional funding for roads was turned down on Tuesday. The proposal was a request of voters to approve a 3-mill County-Wide Road Millage for the next 12 years.  It was expected to raise $8.2 million for primary road improvements. The tally was 7,952 against and 6,316 in favor.

Coloma School Board picks Ehlers as Superintendent

By Annette Christie

The Coloma School Board of Education closed out their search for a new Superintendent on Tuesday night and did so by selecting the familiar candidate.  David Ehlers, Coloma High School Principal said yes when asked on speaker phone if he would accept the position.  Ehlers said that it was quite an honor to be selected and that he was proud but very humbled.  Ehlers and the other finalist, Ric Seager, both presented their 90-day transition plan and took questions prior to the board deliberating to make a decision.

Ehlers, Coloma High School Principal has served in that position since 2010.  He has also served the Coloma School District as its Maintenance Director since 2008.  Previously, Ehlers served as an Assistant Principal at Coloma Junior High School for five years and as a junior high math and science teacher for four years.

Seager is the Schoolcraft High School Principal and has served in that capacity since 2015.  Prior to Schoolcraft, he was the Director of School Improvement and Assessment with the Kalamazoo Public Schools for five years.  He has served as an Assistant Principal for two years; Elementary Principal for two years; and as a Junior/Senior High School Principal for two years with the Bronson School District.  He was the Technology Facilitator in Bridgman Schools for two years.  His teaching experience includes two years at Belding and ten years at River Valley Public Schools, along with being a Project Manager at River Valley.  Mr. Seager taught math and technology.

During his presentation Ehlers said that he was committed to the success of all students and that the 90-day plan he presented was a flexible plan based on feedback. He would schedule and conduct a retreat with the board and meet with each of the building principles as well as the non-instructional staff (such as transportation, athletics, food service, etc.).

He plans to examine the current organizational structure and functions and to conduct one-on-one meetings with staff to learn what barriers they have. He plans to review the central office workflow and procedures and rightfully admitted that there are some things that he doesn’t know because he did not have to deal with them as a principal. Ehlers used the example that as a principal he would select the individual for a job and then turn it over to Human Resources without learning what follows after that.

Ehlers admitted knowing the ins and outs of the high school and junior high but would need to get to know the staff and students at the elementary schools.  Ehlers spoke of support groups such as the Athletic Boosters, PTO, etc. and how they can be used to create parent involvement. “We need to get across that we are on the same team,” Ehlers said.  He plans on being out and about in the district and hopes to be out at open houses and back to school nights

As for the now vacant high school principal spot, Ehlers said he has a good network of staff that will do just fine if a principal isn’t hired by the beginning of the school year.

Ric Seager then provided his transition plan.

After a short break the board re-convened to begin the deliberation process.  Board Chairperson Heidi Ishmael said that the board would all agree that either of the two finalists would make a great candidate.

Board member Bill Stowers said, “As far as Dave, he has always excelled at what he has been given to task.” He then followed that with a motion to hire Ehlers as the Superintendent pending the outcome of contract negotiations.  The vote was unanimous.

The School Board used the guidance of the Michigan Leadership Institute to post the position and to lead them through the process.  They received 18 applicants for the position and narrowed in down to the original four that were interviewed.

LITTLE ROYALS… The Glad-Peach Prince and Princess were crowned at the opening of the festival Friday night. This year’s contest featured 35 contestants. Glad-Peach Royalty (from the left) is: 1st Runner-up Weston Carrels, 2nd Runner-up Grayson Muenchow, Prince Carson Case, Princess is Kinley Milnickel, 1st Runner-up Reagan Arndt, and 2nd Runner-up Madison Hardt.

Glad-Peach Festival closes following a great weekend

By Annette Christie

Coloma native Lindsay Zvonar served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the kickoff of the 51st Annual celebration of the gladiolus flower and peaches on Friday, August 3 in the downtown area. Coloma Township Supervisor Ken Parrigin and Coloma City Mayor Jim Polashak both took turns welcoming residents and visitors. The Grand Marshals of the Parade, the State Champion Lady Comets Softball team were present to be cheered on by their community and were presented medals in recognition of their achievement.

Prince and Princess

The coronation of the Glad-Peach Prince and Princess was held as 35 contestants were brought up on the stage for their community to see.  Event Chairperson Valerie Krieger told the audience that they raised $8,200 in donations in the event hosted by the Coloma Lioness Club.

READY FOR BATTLE… The CW Tech Robotarians took home the Best Organization Award from the 2018 Glad-Peach Parade. The program has members from several schools in Northern Berrien County and began in the fall of 2008. (TCR photo by Annette Christie)

Carson Case was selected as the Prince. He is the son of Chad and Heather Case and attends Coloma Elementary. First runner-up to the Prince is Weston Karrels, son of Jake and Amber Karrels. Second runner-up to the Prince is Grayson Muenchow, son of Nick Muenchow. He also attends Coloma Elementary School.

The Glad-Peach Princess is Kinley Milnickel. She is the daughter of David Milnickel and Sarah Schultz and attends Coloma Elementary. The first runner-up to the Princess is Raegan Arndt. She is the daughter of Jason Arndt and Ann Marie Orr and attends Watervliet South Elementary. Madison Hardt was selected as the second runner-up to the Princess.  She is the daughter of Carl and Kim Hardt and attends Lake Michigan Catholic Elementary.

Miss and Mr. Coloma cut the ribbon and the 51st Annual Coloma Glad-Peach Fest began.

Bake Fest

There were 15 entries in the Bake Fest with four different categories and a Best of Show recipient.  The awards were as follows: Sherry Bachman for cookies/bars; Sherri Ulleg for cakes/cupcakes; Kendell Bachman for pies/pastry; Mallory Spaulding for breads/muffins/cakes. The Best of Show Award went to Mallory Spaulding for her Peach Cheesecake.

Youth Parade

The Glad-Peach Festival Youth Parade began shortly after the opening ceremonies.  Awards were presented in the following categories: Best Costumed Individual with or without a pet went to Lila & Ellie Current for first place and Caden, Edward & Kylee Cottcell for second place; Best Decorated Wagon/Mini Car was awarded to Emma Clements in first place and Nathan, Gabriella, and Madelyn Layne in second place; Best Marching Unit was given to Coloma Youth Sports in first place and Beauty Shop Crew in second place; Best Float was Tenter; and the Best Overall Entry was Cole Brown & Cassidy Churchill.

Pancake Breakfast

The annual pancake breakfast at the North Berrien Fire Station in downtown Coloma occurred both Saturday and Sunday.  The pancakes and sausages with peach topping were especially delicious.  The station was filled with people both days as the community and residents alike supported this worthy cause.

Walk – Run – Bike

The Glad-Peach Run-Walk-Bike event drew in 285 participants. Active individuals had a choice between a 5K Walk – 10K Walk – 5K Run – 10K Run – 5K Bike and a 10K Bike. The event highlighted Alzheimer’s Awareness and was a part of the 2018 Michigan Fruit Belt Series.

The top three individuals in each category are as follows:  5K Bike 1st – Michael Gantt, 58, Dowagiac, 2nd – Martin Quigley, 56, Coloma, and 3rd – Kraig Palmer, 40, Stevensville; 10K Bike 1st Michael Saenz, 55, South Haven – 2nd Doug Kraemer, 47, Coloma – 3rd M. Kraemer, 10, Coloma; 10K Walk 1st Nada Kramp, 61, Stevensville – 2nd Jim Grabowski, 69, Watervliet – 3rd Jessica Greyerbiehl, 36, St. Joseph; 5K Walk 1st Gwen Doneruse, 50, Coloma – 2nd Christine Washington, 51, Stevensville – 3rd Michael Thomas, 62, Coloma;  10K Run 1st Mike Gorman, 32, Chicago, Illinois – 2nd Nick, 36, South Haven, – 3rd Gary Hagawill, 61, South Haven; 5K Run 1st Mr. Laubster, 52, Boulder, Colorado – 2nd Andrew Lawrick, 31, Stevensville – 3rd Adiel Grandos, 17, Benton Harbor.

LET TO FESTIVAL BEGIN… Coloma Community Royalty served as the “Hosts & Hostesses” to events all weekend long at the Annual Glad-Peach Festival. Cutting the ribbon to mark the start of the festival was Mr. Coloma Derek Plitt and Miss Coloma Micah Saxe. She is also the 2nd Runner-up to Miss Blossomtime. They are shown here with their courts at the event opening (from the left): Mr. Coloma Derek Plitt, 1st Runner-up Samantha Fischer, Miss Congeniality Mallory Spaulding, Mr. Nice Guy Adam Hearn, 2nd Runner-up Macayla Rodgers, Miss Coloma Micah Saxe, 1st Runner-up Robbie Schroeder, Miss Teen Chloe Williams, Teen Sweetie Allie Pleyer, 1st Runner-up Lilly Trapp to Miss Teen, and 2nd Runner-up Ryley Watson. (TCR photo by Annette Christie)

Library Book Sale

The library’s annual book sale was a huge hit based on the crowd that was found in the basement of the library Saturday.  The library holds the sale three times a year scheduled around major events in Coloma such as the St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Glad-Peach Fest, and again in October.  Wayne Binnington said that the event began when his wife Kerry was the librarian and they were looking for ways to share the many donations they receive. “We never throw a book away,” Wayne Binnington said.  Kerry Binnington added, “When we first started this book sale it was with one table in front of the library at the old location and I was literally carrying boxes of books out one at a time to refill the table,”  The response over the years has been beyond expectations. “We usually sell about 2,000 books every year,” Wayne Binnington said.  All of the money raised goes right back into the library operations.

Parade

One of the major highlights of the event is the annual festival parade.  For a smaller community, the number of entries was impressive.  From floats to huge tractors, there was something for everyone.  While the summer sun was beating down on the parade entries and parade goers, the enjoyment of the event shined just as bright.

GRAND TEAM… The members of the 2018 Division 3 State Championship softball team were selected as the Grand Marshals of the Parade on Saturday afternoon and had their very own float. The team includes: Mia Cole, Phoebe Brown, Julia Sternaman, Mika Andersen, Hannah Mathis, Sam Stewart, Megan Neubecker, Skylar Crisenbery, Mya Potter, Jaidyn Hutsell, Morgan Wagner, Kayla Yore, and Megan Koenigshof. Coach Wendy Goodline is assisted by Dave Ehlers and Rebecca Allen. (TCR photo by Annette Christie)

The parade awards are as follows: Best Historical Importance, Lest We Forget; Best Color Guard, American Legion Post #362; Best Marching Group, Coloma High School Marching Band; Best Unique Entry, Midway Baptist Church; Best Antique Tractor, Chris Cowgill with his 1936 John Deer “A”; Best Organizational/Civic Group Float, Coloma CW Tech Robotarians; Best Overall Float, Berrien Springs Royalty; Joe E. & Marjorie Wells Award for Best use of Glad and or Peaches, Hartford Royalty Float.

Peach Pit Spit

Using the theme “peaches,” in just one more way, the Peach Pit Spit Competition was held, hosted by Mr. Coloma and his court.  The winners in each category are as follows: Men – Adam Hearn of Coloma, 23’.3; Children 12 and under – Ty Dellay of St. Joseph, 13’; and Women – Courtney Churchill, 14’.5.

Business Decoration

Businesses took part in the festival as well by creating a window display.  This year’s winners are the Chamber of Commerce for Best Interior, Wesco for Best Exterior; Loma Theater for Best Theme; The Friendly Tavern for Best Usage of Glads/Peaches; and Cutting Corners for the Most Welcoming.

Peach Dunk

Fun for ages, the festival includes specific events for kids like the kids’ fun fair, family art fair, John Dudley Magic Show,   and the peach dunk. The peach dunk is similar to bobbing for apples.  The top dunkers were Zoey Reese (ages 3-5), Jolie Bertuca (ages 6-8), Bethany Rose (ages 9-11), and Paige Harper (ages 12-14).