THESE “KUTE MERMAIDS” are… McKenna (10) and Emma (6) Kirksey, from Keeler. McKenna attends 5th grade at Watervliet North Elementary School and Emma attends 1st grade at Watervliet South Elementary. Their parents are Tyler and Erica Kirksey. Their grand-parents are Rodney and Vicki Pletz (Vicki works at North Elementary), and Michelle Siegert and John Krogel.

Bainbridge Twp board hears LMC millage proposal

By Angela Stair

Bainbridge Township Board of Trustees held their monthly meeting on Monday, September 12.  Barbara Craig from Lake Michigan College (LMC) addressed the Board with information on the Capitol Millage Proposal they will put before the public in the November 8 election.   Craig described the Capital Millage Proposal as a millage of 0.48 for ten years that would be a cost to property owners with a $50,000 taxable value ($100,000 market value) of $2 per month, or $24 per year.  LMC has never had a capital millage before and their last increase was in 1996 (0.25 mills).  Their current millage is 1.78 mills, which is the 24th lowest of 28 Michigan community colleges.   The millage proposal is to support making safety and security improvements at all three of the campuses located at South Haven, Benton Harbor and Niles.  The millage would also support the modernization of classrooms and technology and equipment upgrades.  The third area of support would be to student success centers and facility upgrades.  The first and main campus located in Benton Harbor still has its original carpet and shows the wear with the many feet that have passed over it.   For more information about the millage, go online at lakemichigancollege.edu/millage or email, growinglmc@gmail.com.

Pipestone Lake Assessment; Appointments

  Township Supervisor Jerry Jollay said the Pipestone Lake Assessment roll will be revised to reflect the residents’ wishes, that everyone across the board share the cost evenly.  The Board passed a resolution to hold a new Public Hearing on October 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the Township Hall.   The mechanical/plumbing report Supervisor Jollay related to the Board was the last they would receive from Inspector Ed Wainright, as his retirement took place August 15.  To fulfill the position for the Township, Jollay said they had two young men willing to step in.   Supervisor Jollay said that both Zoning Administrator Ross Rogien and he had interviewed them and felt they would do just fine.  The Board approved the appointment of Rodney Wilder as the new Mechanical Inspector and approved Ken Benjamin as the new Plumbing Inspector.  Their contract terms will be the same as Wainright’s had been.

Sheriff’s report and other business

  Officer R. Mazreuk from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department reported to the Board on their activities in Bainbridge Township for the month of July.  There were 47 complaints that were worked in the Township, four tickets issued and 13 arrests made.   Of the 47 complaints handled, there were four traffic accidents, one burglary-forced entry, one weapon’s offense-concealed, and six suspicious situations and events.   The Board approved the payments of bills in the amount of $41,989.60, payroll in the amount of $9,563.17, and payroll taxes in the amount of $1,806.88 for a total of $53,359.65.   Supervisor Jollay reported he does not have any further information on the completion of Territorial Road.  He said he heard rumors that they have decided not to make the culvert concrete, but to put in a tube, but he has called and not received a response as of yet, so they are just rumors.  Jollay said he personally does not expect to see it done until after the first of the year.   In answer to a resident’s question on the boat launch and parking situation at Pipestone Lake, Jollay said he has not heard anything more than what was going to be done last month, but it does take time to move forward on any

WHS Class of 2019 Pulled Pork Dinner fundraiser

 Watervliet Class of 2019 is hosting a pulled pork/brisket dinner before and during the home football game September 30.  Dinner is an $8 donation to the Class of 2019; tickets may be purchased in advance or on site at the dinner.  Come out and enjoy a great meal and watch your Panthers take on Constantine or take your meal to go.  Thank you for supporting the WHS Class of 2019!

Watervliet Public Schools Calendar of Events

Thursday, September 22

First Day for Preschool; JV Volleyball Quad at Lawton w/ Schoolcraft, Varsity Volleyball Quad Home vs. Lawton & Schoolcraft, 5:00 p.m.; JV Football Home vs. Fennville, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, September 23

Elementary PTO Walk-A-Thon (details TBA); Varsity Football at Fennville, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 24

Cross Country at Bangor Invitational, 10:30 a.m.

Monday, September 26

MS Volleyball at Lawrence

Tuesday, September 27

JV Volleyball at Coloma, 5:00 p.m.; Varsity Volleyball at Coloma, 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, September 28

Cross Country at Eau Claire SAC Meet,

MS Football  Home vs. Bangor, MS Volleyball at Bangor, 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 29

JV Football at Constantine, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, September 30

Varsity Football Home vs. Constantine, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 1

Cross Country at Berrien County Invitational, Madeline Bertrand Park in Niles, 9:00 a.m.

Community Hospital Auxiliary fundraising events

 Lakeland Hospital Watervliet Auxiliary has a busy schedule of fall fundraising activities that the local communities are invited to participate in.  The Linen Sale is Thursday, Oct. 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Friday, Oct. 7 from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lakeland Hospital,  Watervliet. High quality sheets and blankets, including baby blankets, can be purchased just in time for Christmas shopping.  The Arts, Crafts and Vendors Show is Saturday, Oct. 15 at Watervliet Middle School from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., featuring a variety of handmade treasures.  The popular Swiss steak dinner is back on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the North Berrien Senior Center from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance from a volunteer or at the hospital gift shop.  All proceeds from all of these events benefit our local hospital, such as the beautiful pavilion across from the ambulance entrance. The generosity and support of the entire community is sincerely appreciated.

Community Calendar sponsored by Orchard Hill Landfill

 Saturday, Sep. 24, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. “BERRIEN RESA FESTIVAL OF FAMILIES” at BCY Fairgrounds, Berrien Springs. Free event for countywide families. More info at www.berrienresa.org.  Saturday, Sep. 24, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. “WIRX BIKE BASH” at LMC’s Mendel Center. More info at wirx.com  Sunday, Sep. 25, 10:30 a.m. “TEEN CHALLENGE” at Central Assembly of God, 6801 Ryno Rd. Coloma. Everyone is invited. Cookout following service.  Friday, Sep. 30 “PULLED PORK DINNER” at Watervliet High School before/during the Varsity Football game. Fundraiser hosted by the Class of 2019. $8 donation; tickets can be purchased in advance or at the dinner.  Thursday, Oct. 6, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. & Friday, Oct. 7, 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. “LINEN SALE” at Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet. Hospital Auxiliary fundraiser.  Thursday, Oct. 6 “NORTH BERRIEN FIRE DEPT. LADIES AUXILIARY QUARTER AUCTION” at the North Berrien Fire Rescue Station 1, 170 Washington, Coloma. Preview from 6:00-6:30 p.m.; auction starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 available in advance or at the door. For more information contact Julie Carter (269-876-0910) or Michelle (269-332-7229).  Saturday, Oct. 15, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. “ARTS, CRAFTS & VENDORS SHOW” at the Watervliet Middle School. Lakeland Hospital Watervliet Auxiliary fundraiser.  Saturday, Oct. 22, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. “SWISS STEAK DINNER” at the North Berrien Senior Center. Lakeland Hospital Watervliet Auxiliary fundraiser; tickets are $10, must be purchased in advance from a Hospital Volunteer or at the hospital gift shop.  Sundays, 8 a.m. to noon “BREAKFAST” at the Coloma Rod & Gun Club.  Tuesdays through November, 10:30 a.m. “TODDLER TIME” at the Watervliet District Library. 30-minute class for toddlers, 18 to 36 months old. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. “STORY HOUR” at Coloma Public Library for preschool aged children accompanied by an adult. No sign-up or fee required. For questions, call 468-3431.  Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. or Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. “STORY HOUR” at Watervliet District Library for 3-5 year olds. Sign-up required, call 463-6382 for information.  Wednesdays through December 14, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. “GRIEF SHARE” at Midway Baptist Church, 7517 Red Arrow Hwy, Watervliet. Cost is $20/book. Child care available. Meets every week until December 14.  Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. “TINY TOTS LEGO STORYTIME” at Hartford Public Library for children four and younger. Every week during the school year.  Thursdays 6 p.m.–10 p.m. “Trap shooting” at the Coloma Rod & Gun Club.  Third Monday of every month, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. “FOOD BANK” at Central Assembly of God, 6801 Ryno Rd., Coloma, 468-8422.