10-17-2017 Coloma Homecoming; Watervliet City receives good audit; Coloma Library News Baby and Me

COLOMA HOMECOMING ROYALTY… Willie Donald II and Gabby Ezell were crowned as Coloma’s Homecoming King and Queen last Friday night at the football game.

Coloma Homecoming

By Christina Gelder

After a week of school spirit based events, Coloma Community Schools celebrated their homecoming last Friday with a pep rally, parade, football game and more.

Crowned during the football game, the Homecoming King was Willie Donald II, son of Charles and Mary Donald. Homecoming Queen was awarded to Gabby Ezell, daughter of Barbara and Donald Ezell.

The homecoming theme inspired creativity with all classes and was the “Happiest School in the World.” The freshmen used Toy Story and said, “Woody and Buzz would like to welcome you to a galaxy light years away where they will defeat the Eagles.” The sophomore class screamed, “Comets, Inc., scaring our way to victory.” Juniors told the Comets to “Just keep winning! And remember, fish are friends, Eagles are not!” Last but not least the seniors claim that “life under the sea is better than anything the Eagles have up there.”

Juniors were the winners of the float competition but sophomores won the dress-up days and traditional tug of war. The seniors rose victorious in the lip sync contest with a mash up of songs including Boogie Wonderland, Smooth Criminal, Baby Got Back, Hey Y, and Formation.

Watervliet City receives good audit

By Annette Christie

The Watervliet City Commission received their annual audit report at their Tuesday, October 10, 2017 meeting. They received an unmodified opinion, which is the best they can get.  Some discussion was held regarding the audit report and some of the comments in the report.  One commissioner asked about a discrepancy that was noted in the payroll vs. personnel file audit.  The auditor explained that the pay rate in the personnel file did not match the pay and that is why it was noted. Melanie Marvin explained that everyone was getting paid what they should but the documentation to support it may not have been in the file.  She noted that they are all accurate now.

The City Commission approved a permit for a fireworks display as requested by the Watervliet Athletic Boosters.  The display will take place during the Watervliet vs. Coloma football game being held on Friday, October 20.  Kevin Eyerly with RKM Fireworks was present to answer any questions. On the day of the display an inspection will be completed by Fire Chief Jones and Police Chief Sutherland.

The commission reviewed a quote for an air conditioner replacement in City Hall. They were presented a quote in the amount of $4,915.71.   A discussion was held and Mayor Brinker wanted two more competitive bids and wanted to know if it was in the budget. Commissioner Luke Strunk asked about a service plan and wanted to know if they can look at getting a service plan on the air conditioners throughout the facility.  Clerk Dena Yow will follow up getting additional quotes.

Chief Sutherland asked to have carpeting put in the police department. He obtained three quotes and Cortez Flooring was the lowest. The funding was put in the capital projects budget for this year. The City Commission approved the purchase.

Mayor Brinker informed the City Commission that Phil Mills, who served on the Planning Commission, was moving out of the area and would now create a vacancy on that board. Phil Mills resigned because he is moving. There were two applications on file with the city. Commissioner Muth asked that either the city manager or the mayor sit down with the applicants and talk with them.  The mayor said he would and he will follow up with the city manager for proposed action next month.

Brinker also read correspondence from the State of Michigan Department of Treasury.  There were some things in the city’s assessing records that didn’t meet state standards.  Once the city was aware of it, they submitted a plan of correction.  In the letter the state said that the plan that was submitted was accepted. The state will revisit it in 2018.

Coloma Library News Baby and Me

 The library will be offering a Baby and Me program on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. through November 17. This program is for babies, young toddlers and their parents/caregivers. Join Miss Holly for a short story, interactive play and songs as well as an opportunity to introduce babies to the library.

Story Hour

Story Hour meets on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Join Miss Amy for a craft, story and song time! Story Hour is for older toddlers and preschool-aged children. It is asked that all children be accompanied and supervised by an adult. There is no sign-up or fee required.

Book Club

The Coloma Library Book Club is meeting on Thursday, October 12 at 5:30 p.m. The title to read before the discussion is “Behind Closed Doors” by B.A. Paris.  Generally, depending on demand there are titles available for check-out at the front desk. The book club regularly meets every other Thursday and is always looking for new members.

Rosanne Bittner visit

On Thursday, October 26 at 5:30 p.m. the Coloma Public Library will host a Meet the Author Night with USA Today bestselling author, Rosanne Bittner, a Coloma native. During this event Bittner will be available to sign books and answer questions. Her newest book, “The Last Outlaw” and a short story titled “Chick-A-Dee Christmas” will be available for purchase and signing. In anticipation of her visit the Coloma Library has select titles available for check-out.

Book Sale

The annual Fall Book Sale will be Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Browse the great selection of gently used books, DVDs, magazines, puzzles, etc. for affordable prices. The book sale takes place in the library’s lower level.

If you have any questions about the sale or any of the activities, please contact the library at 468-3431.

PAW PAW LAKE ROTARY CLUB… invited Matt Quinn founder of the “Great Lakes Drone Company” to do a presentation on the Great Lakes Drone Company which is located in beautiful Southwest Michigan. Matt said, “We are an aerial video, photography and survey firm dedicated to recognizing our clients’ visual concepts and needs to produce the high quality imaging they need for their advertising film and inspection needs.” Matt Quinn’s interest in drones began a few years ago as a hob-by. At one point Quinn said he and a few others thought of using the drones they flew as a business model. These dreams were temporarily put aside when the FAA put a ban on all commercial drone operations in 2013. After three years of waiting and attaining a pilot’s license, the new FAA parameters were released, and Quinn’s business was born here in Watervliet, Michigan. Paw Paw Lake Rotary Meetings are held at Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet every Wednesday, at 12:15 p.m. Pictured (from the left): Gordon Noack, Rotary Program Chair, Matt Quinn and Regina Price of Great Lakes Drone Company.

Lakeland Hospital Watervliet Auxiliary Swiss Steak Dinner

 Lakeland Hospital Watervliet Auner Oxiliary will host their semi-annual Swiss Steak Dinner Saturday, October14, 2017, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The event will take place at the North Berrien Senior Center, 6648 Ryno Road in Coloma. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and children 7 years and older; $5.00 for children under 7.