09-07-2017 Hartford Public Schools to open September 11; Paw Paw River County Park progress waiting

Paw Paw River County Park progress waiting for permits; County moves to return remaining paper mill lands to Watervliet City & Township

By Annette Christie

The future Paw Paw River County Park, located in the City of Watervliet, is still in progress as county officials await the permit applications to be issued.  Following a grant award in December 2016 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Berrien County started the process of establishing a county park in the northern part of the county, a first.

MOVING FORWARD… work is expected to begin in 2018 to develop the new Paw Paw River County Park in Watervliet. Pictured is the entrance to the area on M-140 built with grant money for the present canoe launch and parking lot. The signage includes historical information on the papermill site and the dam removal project. The County project includes fishing sites, more parking and a pedestrian bridge to the island on the river. (TCR photo by Karl Bayer)

The park development includes approximately 20 acres on the east side of M-140 with one mile of Paw Paw River frontage, directly across the river from Hays Park.  The plans for the park include improvements to the river frontage, a pedestrian bridge connecting to the island, mature trees, birding, fishing, and other recreational opportunities.  The park will connect Watervliet directly to the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan on the designated Paw Paw River Water Trail.  This location will be a trailhead for the water trail with an ADA kayak launch, hard surface walkways, a parking area, security lighting, trash and recycle bins and bench seating which will enhance recreational opportunities for the region.

The grant amount awarded was $296,000 with matching funds being provided by the Berrien County Parks Department as well as private donations in the amount of $25,000.

The property is currently owned by the Berrien County Brownfield Authority and was obtained when the Brownfield cleaned up the old papermill property and its surrounding properties. Some of the property was used to establish an industrial area off of Red Arrow Hwy.; however, the Brownfield Authority has been unable to sell the remainder of the property, for one reason or another. In an effort to turn the property over for a public purpose, this property will be deeded over to Berrien County for the purposes of providing the public park.

Originally, Berrien County had developed a park master plan for all 52 acres of the Brownfield property; however, the other areas will now be turned over to Watervliet City and Watervliet Township accordingly.

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund receives its funding from royalties from the lease and sale of State owned mineral rights. No tax dollars are used for the grants that are provided.  All grant recipients are required to provide 25% in local matching funds.  In this year’s grant cycle there were 144 applications.

Original estimations were that construction would likely begin in the spring of 2018 with an anticipated completion in the fall of that year for the Paw Paw River County Park.

Berrien County has been very successful in receiving these types of grants. The renovation and improvements at Rocky Gap County Park, which sits on Lake Michigan, were the most recent grant funded completed park. At Rocky Gap the County added barrier free access to the beach, restroom buildings, an overlook seating area, and a shade shelter with picnic tables on the lower level.  On the upper level they were able to add a lake view overlook deck, picnic pods with tables, and a parking area.

The permit applications that are pending are through the DEQ due to the placement of a bridge to the island and additional work on the island.  The county is also waiting for the final environmental test results before completing the deed transfer to the park and officially naming it.

The park project coming to Watervliet nicely compliments the local and state initiative to clean debris out of the Paw Paw River Water Trail.  In June of 2016 it was announced that a $100,000 grant would be made available to help clear debris in the Paw Paw River Water Trail and provide access sites for canoes and kayaks.

The grant was awarded through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and provided the funding to the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and local communities in an effort to fund the clearing of the river from Paw Paw to Benton Harbor.   It was a plan to help attract outdoor enthusiasts from near and far.

The 62-mile water trail begins in Waverly Township in Van Buren County and flows through Berrien County converging with the St. Joseph River just above its mouth at Benton Harbor.  The Paw Paw River offers a scenic view to kayakers or canoeists through heavily wooded areas. Currently there are 22 access points where paddlers can get on the river, including the Maple Lake Dam, the Paw Paw River campground, and Watervliet’s Hays Park.  Another access point will be included in the Paw Paw River County Park.

Watervliet’s plan for the papermill property

The Watervliet DDA recruited the students in the Western Michigan University Haworth College of Business for ideas on ways to make the City of Watervliet, a destination location.  As a class project the students developed proposals with the main five goals being to divert drive-by-traffic from Paw Paw Lake, increase visitor traffic, provide value to its residents, bring in investments, and increase the quality of life for its residents.  The main focus was on what was previously known as the papermill property.  The presentations were given at a public meeting held on Wednesday, December 7, 2016,

The ideas ranged from a Cork and Brew Museum to a “Papermill Park” which would include basketball courts, tennis courts, splash pads, and playground with walking areas throughout.  It would also include a band shell for concerts and events as well as kayak and tubing rentals for utilizing the Paw Paw River.  An event/reception center was also proposed.

With the exciting ideas presented from the WMU students, city officials continued to work with county officials on the possible transition of property on the west side of M-140 where the actual papermill facility was housed.

The Brownfield Authority earlier this year agreed to forgive the $93,000 owed by the city, and to transfer the property free and clear to the city (the part that lies within the city).  The environmental studies on that property are still underway but once those are complete, that deed transfer can be finalized as well.

A similar offer was made to Watervliet Township for the papermill project property that lies within its borders.  At their last meeting, it was announced that they had completed all their environment testing and the transaction would be completed very soon.

Hartford Public Schools to open September 11

By Nancy Albright

Redwood Elementary School construction is expected to be completed in time for teachers to set up their classrooms and welcome students to the 2017-2018 school year on Monday, September 11.

Due to scope changes to renovate and expand Woodside Elementary to accommodate the combined student body of both Woodside and Red Arrow Elementary students, all Hartford Public School students will have an extra week of summer this year.

Using funds generated from the bond proposal that was approved in November 2014, Woodside has undergone extensive renovations and two wings have been added to collectively house both Red Arrow and Woodside student bodies on one site.

According to HPS Superintendent Andy Hubbard, unforeseen issues such as additional asbestos found in the existing structure and poor soil conditions in surrounding parking lots impacted the budget and set the project back. Inspections that took place on Friday, September 1 did not allow ample time for workers to complete the project on time.

In a written statement posted on the HPS website Superintendent Hubbard said, “When finished, Redwood Elementary WILL BE FABULOUS! Thank you for your continued support and patience. We look forward to the official start of the 2017-2018 school year being Monday, September 11, 2017.”

Those with questions are asked to direct them to the principal of each building: Hartford High School, Principal Dave Janicki, (269) 621-7159; Hartford Middle School, Principal Ken Mohney (269) 621-7259; Redwood Elementary School, Principal Ed Dickenson (269) 621-7359. Call the HPS Central Office with district-wide questions, (269) 621-7000.

For updated information check the HPS website at www.hpsmi.org and the Hartford Public Schools Facebook page.

BOARD OF EDUCATION… Trustees Lisa Johnson and Gin-ny Wesaw-Rice, and Board President Ben Chambers work their triceps serving up 15 tubs of Sherman’s ice cream in the Middle School cafeteria at the HPS Back-to-School Bash on August 31.

2nd annual Hartford Back-to-School Bash fun for all

By Nancy Albright

Hartford Public Schools administration, teachers and staffed hosted hundreds of Hartford students and their families on August 31 at the 2nd Annual Back-to-School Bash to celebrate the upcoming 2017-2018 school year.

Guests were treated to free popcorn, Sno-Cones, 15 tubs of Sherman’s ice cream and 1,000 hot dogs. There were games and kiddie rides for the little ones. Local businesses and community organizations such as the Hartford Lions Club, Hartford Public Library and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts promoted awareness of activities and services available to the community.

Representatives from Western Michigan and Michigan State universities, and the Van Buren Technical Center promoted higher education. The Hartford Fire Department promoted fire safety and prevention. The Hartford Band Boosters and organizers of the eighth grade’s annual trip to Washington D.C. sold raffle tickets to raise money. And local salon Pati’s Shear Styles even offered free haircuts.

HPS Superintendent Andy Hubbard commented, “This is a great opportunity to bring the schools and the community together.” While Board of Education V.P. Mike Banic beamed, “The crowd is huge, this is just great!”