10-29-2020 Hartford Schools suspend in person classes; Election 2020 preview; COVID

HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE last year, was a bit blustery, but was still great fun for the youngsters. There should be more of the same for the Watervliet Downtown Sidewalk Parade Friday afternoon. See the Halloween Hometown Happenings for the local “begging times” on Page 3

Hartford Schools suspends in-person classes over COVID concerns

By Jon Bisnett

Officials at Hartford Public Schools (HPS), working in concert with the Van Buren Health County Health Department, have suspended face-to-face, in-person classes from Friday, Oct. 23 to Friday, Nov. 9, 2020.

The decision comes following the discovery of two Redwood Elementary staff members and one unrelated middle school student that have tested positive for the virus.

The health department protocol of a 14-day quarantine led Superintendent Andy Hubbard to move the entire district to remote learning. Hubbard went on to explain the need to allow the V.B. Health Department to complete their contact tracing investigation and with an increased number of students and staff expected to be quarantined, the situation leaves the district short on staff to safely and properly run the district. The area pool of substitute teachers is quite low as well.

Custodians will immediately go to work and conduct a deep clean sanitizing of the buildings. Although the high school is essentially unaffected, Hubbard says he recognizes the community dynamic whereby older students often look after their younger siblings after school in households where both parents work, thus prompting the decision to close the campus as well.

Teachers were prepared for the temporary closure working two weeks ahead on lesson plans, and will be distributing paper work packets while the district waits on a back order of an additional 1000 Chromebook computers from the manufacturer.

HPS Food Services are ramping up to offer multi-location meal pickup for students.

In a joint communication to the residents of Van Buren, area school superintendents said the following in part: “A report shared from the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department shows the county has gone from High Risk to the Very High Risk Determination Level in just the past week. The consideration of school closures for face-to-face learning has increased exponentially. The actions we all take in the next few weeks and months will have a direct impact on our schools. Following mitigation protocols now, and throughout the upcoming holiday season, will help us keep students in school. Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Election Nov. 3; from president to trustee candidates previewed

By Annette Christie

On November 3, 2020, voters are able to participate in the general election. Although Michigan’s Secretary of State offered the option of absentee voting for all registered voters due to COVID-19, polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Presidential candidates

The 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump is looking for re-election to the Office. The New York born businessman and real estate developer has leant his name to casinos, hotels, golf courses, a television show and ultimately the White House.

Trump, 74, married wife Melania in 2005. Together they have a son and President Trump has four other children from previous marriages.

In his first bid for an elected office, he defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 general election.

His Vice President, Mike Pence, was born in Columbus, Indiana. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in history and a law degree. In addition to serving in private practice, he was a Congressman in 2000 followed by being the Governor of Indiana.

Former Vice President Joe Biden is the Democrat challenging Trump. He was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He attended college and majored in history and political science prior to earning a law degree. He served the public as a County Councilman before being elected as a Senator in 1973. He served eight years as the Vice President to President Barack Obama.

Since the Vice Presidency, he returned to his home in Delaware and concentrated on the Biden Foundation, the Biden Cancer Initiative, Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy & Global Engagement, and the Budget Institute at the University of Delaware.

California native Kamala Harris is joining the Democratic ticket with Biden. She was the second Black and Indian American woman to represent California in the Senate. She also served as the State Attorney General. Early on, she was one of the Democrat candidates challenging Biden before dropping out of the race in December 2019.

U.S. Senator

Gary Peters, Democrat, faces challenger John James for the Senator seat.

Peters, born in Pontiac, is a college graduate with degrees in political science and finance. He received his law degree from Wayne State University. He has experience as an investment advisor and volunteered for the U.S. Naval Reserve where he rose to the rank of Lt. Commander.

Peters was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2008 and has also served as the Michigan State Lottery Commissioner. He and his wife live in Oakland County with their three children.

John James, a Detroit native, is a graduate of West Point. He served his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned a Combat Action Badge and two air medals. After his eight years of service, he returned to Michigan and joined the family business, James Group International.

James has served on Rick Snyder’s Mobility Council, the Veterans Trust Committee and on Detroit Mayor Duggan’s Workforce Development Council. He has a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Michigan. He and his wife live in Farmington Hills with their three sons.

Representative in Congress

Fred Upton has represented Southwest Michigan for the last 34 years. He is a Republican. Prior to his election to Congress, he worked for President Ronald Reagan in the Office of Management and Budget.

Upton has served as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, he has a bipartisan track record of successful initiatives including over 130 pieces of legislation into law and over 40 bipartisan bills being signed into law during the previous session of Congress.

Upton is a graduate of the University of Michigan. He and his wife have two children.

Jon Hoadley, a Democrat, is seeking to replace Upton. He and his partner Kris reside in Kalamazoo. Hoadley has served as the State Representative for the 60th District (Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo Township) for the past five years. He has served on the Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for building the State’s budget.

Representative 79th District

Berrien County

Pauline Wendzel is seeking re-election as the representative for the 79th District. Wendzel is a lifelong Watervliet resident from a 4th generation Bainbridge Township farming family. She is a graduate from Watervliet High School and Michigan State University.

Her experience prior to seeking an elected office includes Programs Director at the North Berrien Historical Museum, Assistant Deputy Clerk for Bainbridge Township, and a Product Brand Development Manager at Coloma Frozen Foods.

In Wendzel’s time in Lansing, she has supported or sponsored legislation that would allow licensed child care homes to care for more children during the hours before and after school; changed the expungement policy; adjusted civil forfeiture laws that prevents law enforcement from keeping personal property for an individual who is not charged with a crime; and helped local brewers by allowing them to distribute more of their own product.

Chokwe Pitchford, 20, of Benton Harbor is challenging Wendzel. He was born in New Orleans; however, his family moved to Atlanta prior to returning to his parents’ hometown of Benton Harbor. He is a student at Lake Michigan College and recently finished his degree in political science.

Pitchford describes the State’s threats to close Benton Harbor High School as the thing that prompted him to want to make change happen. He wants to be the representation for his community. If elected, he hopes to unify the community and wants to work on the costs of prescription drugs and to fix the injustices in the criminal justice system.

Representative 66th District

Van Buren County

Beth Griffin is seeking to be re-elected to the seat that she won four years ago. Griffin, who resides in Mattawan with their two children, was previously a Van Buren County Commissioner and a teacher. She has a master’s degree from Old Dominion University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University-Purdue University of Ft. Wayne.

In her two terms at the state level, Griffin has promoted or sponsored action that supports responsible budget decisions, supporting job creators, and investing in children’s education.

She hopes to continue to work on maintaining funding for local government and schools, working to expand transparency to include the Governor’s office and state elected officials; and to continue the support of local police departments and specialty courts.

Abigail Wheeler, also of Mattawan, hopes to take her experiences from the fire house to the state house. Wheeler is a 3rd generation growing up in Mattawan. She became an EMT/Fire Fighter in 2017 and is employed by Texas Township. She is also a volunteer fire fighter for the Mattawan Fire Department. She was elected for the Mattawan Village Council.

Her priorities if elected include lowering prescription drug costs, protecting water, and creating a more transparent government.

Berrien County Offices

Many of the offices for Berrien County government have only one candidate to vote for at this general election.

Steve Pierangeli is seeking the position of Prosecuting Attorney. Pierangeli, a Republican, has been the Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney since 2018. Mike Sepic, current Prosecutor, is not seeking re-election.

Sheriff L. Paul Bailey is seeking another term as Sheriff.

Christopher Quattrin is seeking another term as Drain Commissioner.

John Kamer is seeking another term as Surveyor.

Treasurer Shelly Weich and Register of Deeds Lora Gnodtke Freehling were victorious after the August primary, and face no opposition at this election.

Clerk Sharon Tyler, Republican, is facing Democratic challenger Gwen Swanigan.

Tyler, of Niles, is seeking a third term as County Clerk. The Berrien County Clerk’s Office has three major functions: to manage County elections; to manage the County’s vital records; and to process and maintain all Circuit Court files. The Clerk, by statute, also serves on the following boards and commissions: the Board of Commissioners; County Election Canvassers; the Election Commission; the Jury Board; and the Clerk of the Plat Board.

Tyler told the Herald-Palladium that under her direction, the office has become more modernized and thus, more accessible.

Prior to being elected as the County Clerk, Tyler was the State Representative for the 78th District.

Swanigan of St. Joseph told the Herald-Palladium that she was seeking positive change and to remove the lack of trust and transparency that is currently among the Berrien County elects. She wants to remove voter suppression and systemic racism and cited the lack of minorities in jury panels as just one case.

Swanigan, 56, is the CEO of SHARP (Society Harmonizing Against Racial Profiling) Foundation and owns a staffing company. She and her spouse have six children and 17 grandchildren. If elected, this would be her first political office.

District one Berrien County Commissioner Dave Vollrath is facing challenger Kevin Holmes. District one includes Coloma City, Coloma Township, Hagar Township, and the portion of the township north of I-94.

Vollrath sits on the Personnel and Human Services Committee of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners and serves as the Committee Vice-Chair. He also serves on the Area Agency on Aging, County Public Safety Communications Center Operations Committee, 911 Advisory Board, Local Emergency Planning Commission, Southwest Michigan Alliance Region Three (SMART), and on the Michigan Association of Counties General Government Committee and Judiciary & Public Safety Committee.

Vollrath is a lifelong resident of the Coloma area and had previously served on the Coloma School District Board of Education for 18-1/2 years. In that capacity, he held the positions of president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. He is retired from APL Logistics where he was employed for 20 years. He has volunteered for many years as a coach for Coloma/Hagar baseball, rocket football, and youth basketball programs as well as having leadership positions with those organizations. He recently turned his hobby of attending Coloma Comet athletic events into a part-time career as a sports writer/photographer for the Tri-City Record.

Vollraths are members of the Coloma United Methodist Church.

Kevin Holmes, also of Coloma, is seeking the County Commissioner seat. His Facebook page states that he wants to build a strong community through local power and that electing him would give the working class a voice.

The Herald-Palladium reported that Holmes, 36, was self employed in carpentry and home repair.

District two Berrien County Commissioner Jon Hinkelman faces no opposition. District two consists of Berrien Township, Pipestone Township, Bainbridge Township, Watervliet City, and the portion of Watervliet Township south of M-140.

Judges

Voters will see a choice of seven names for Justice of the Supreme Court, an eight-year term. They are to choose two:

Susan L. Hubbard, Grosse Pointe Farms; Mary Kelly, Fort Gratiot; Bridget Mary McCormack (Incumbent); Kerry Lee Morgan, Redford; Katherine Mary Nepton, Lansing; Brock Swartzle, Lansing; Elizabeth M. Welch, Grand Rapids.

The remainder of the Judges on the ballot faces no opposition. They are as follows:

3rd District Court of Appeals, 6-year term – Mark Thomas Boonstra and Jane E. Markey

3rd District Court of Appeals, partial term expiring 1/1/2023 – James Robert Redford

2nd Circuit Court, 6-year term – Jennifer L. Smith-DenDooven

2nd Circuit Court, partial term expiring 1/1/2023 – Donna Bacolor Howard

Berrien County Probate Court, 6-year term – Mabel Johnson Mayfield

5th District Court, 6-year term – Arthur J. Cotter and Gordon Gary Hosbein

Van Buren County Offices

All of the candidates on the ballot for Van Buren County offices are running unopposed. They are as follows:

Prosecutor Susan Zuiderveen, Paw Paw; Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott, Bangor; Clerk Suzie Roehm, Decatur; Treasurer Trisha Nesbitt, Lawton; Register of Deeds Paul W. DeYoung, Paw Paw; Drain Commissioner Joe Parman, Paw Paw; Surveyor Donald Gilchrist, Paw Paw; and District four County Commissioner Mike Chappell, Hartford.

SCHOOL BOARDS

Coloma

Coloma School Board members are seeking another four-year term and face no opposition. They are as follows: Robert Hirsch, Doug Kraemer, William Stowers, and Apryl Watson. Board member Steve Groendyk, who was appointed, is seeking election for a partial term expiring 12/31/2022.

Hagar Township School District No. 6 Board Member Brandy Lewis is seeking a two-year term.

Watervliet

There will be some new faces on the Watervliet School Board post-election, especially, with the recent resignation of incumbent Matthew Clay. Clay was presented with a great career opportunity and though his heart is here in Watervliet, the Clay family have moved out of state. So while Clay’s name is on the ballot, he would not be able to serve on the School Board for that term. In addition, long standing board member Ted Tees is retiring and Andy Dehaven also stepped down. That essentially leaves three seats and three candidates. Seeking a 6-year term are Bill Spaulding (incumbent), Kimberly Adams and Brian Gruszczyk. Voters will be asked to vote for not more than three.

Spaulding, who has served on the board since 2004, is currently the Board President. He and his wife raised their children in the Watervliet School District.

Gruszczyk and his wife moved their family here five years ago. They have two children, one in the district, and one that graduated from the district. He has had a sales career with a large company for 27 years. If elected, he looks forward to working with the community and helping out where he can.

Adams, as it was reported, has three children attending in the district.

In addition there is a partial term position, expiring 12/31/2022, that has a write-in option, as no candidates are on the ballot. Wendy Hart has filed with the County Clerk’s office to be a write-in for the partial term.

Hart has been a resident of the district for 14 years. She resides in Bainbridge Township with her husband Grant and their two daughters, both attending Watervliet High School.

She has a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in elementary education and a Masters’ Degree in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. She is currently in her 17th year of teaching fourth grade at Lybrook Elementary in Eau Claire.

Hart is seeking a position on the school board to have a more active role in continuing to build on the tradition of excellence at Watervliet Public Schools and she believes her experience as an educator will help her make a meaningful contribution to the board of education.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my career as an educator is seeing students realize their full academic potential. As a board member, I would work to ensure that every student is equipped with the proper tools, resources, and opportunities to maximize their success both within and beyond the classroom,” Hart said.

Hartford

There are four individuals seeking two positions for Hartford School Board, two of which are incumbents.

Kurt G. Kuehnle has served on the board since 2013.

Fidel Mireles, II, began on the board in 2020, appointed to fill a vacancy. He is the youngest of five children and was born and raised in Hartford. He is a 1998 graduate from Hartford High School.

Following high school, Mireles attended Grand Rapids Community College and earned a degree in law enforcement. He has served in that role for 16 years, most recently at the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety.

Joseph Morsaw is a lifelong resident of Hartford and a Class of 1992 Graduate of Hartford. His wife Lindsy is a teacher at Redwood Elementary. He also has four children, who are attending and are very active in sports and clubs at Hartford Schools.

After graduating from Hartford, he went on to get both a Bachelor of Science degree in Math Education and a Master’s Degree in Science Education from Western Michigan University. He is currently a teacher and football coach in a neighboring school district.

The answer to why Morsaw wants to be on the school board is simple, yet complex. He wants to be an advocate for the students of Hartford. Serving on the School Board would also allow the opportunity to represent the community that he grew up in and ultimately decided to raise his family in. “I have a genuine interest in seeing that all students who graduate from Hartford Schools are ready to accept the challenges that life next presents to them, whether that be college preparedness, entering career specific training programs or becoming a part of the workforce,” Morsaw said.

Robert Jones is also running for the School Board.

Berrien County Townships and Cities

WATERVLIET CHARTER TOWNSHIP

Voters will see a familiar name on the ballot; however, the votes for him will not result in a victory. Sadly, Watervliet Charter Township Supervisor Dan Hutchins passed away earlier this month. While his name is still on the ballot, two candidates have filed paperwork with the County Clerk so that they may be considered as a write-in vote.

Rich Quinn was a challenger to Hutchins on the August primary ballot. He is seeking the write-in vote. Quinn, who resides at 4702 M-140, Watervliet, has previously served as a township trustee for Watervliet in 1990. He has served on the Township Cemetery Board, Planning and Zoning Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Watervliet Area July 4th Committee.

He and his family have lived in Watervliet Township for over 40 years. Quinn and his wife Pam have three grown children, four grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and three four-legged grand doggies. He has served as a firefighter and an EMT until his retirement.

Quinn hopes to earn the vote of the residents, earn their respect and take the communities voice as a guide for the decisions that are made for Watervliet Charter Township and its future. He has three main goals for the position and the township as a whole; to be transparent to the community, to engage the community to become more involved, and to be fiscally responsible through transparency.

Joe Stepich, who is currently a trustee and also on the ballot to be re-elected to that position, has also filed the necessary documentation to be considered a write-in candidate.

Stepich, 5780 N. Watervliet Rd., Watervliet, has been a trustee for 12 years. He looks forward to continuing to provide good services for the township residents and believes that is crucial. He would like to see progress in obtaining the goals in the new master plan. He hopes to see the parks and recreation development continue to grow for the residents and would like to establish more partnerships with surrounding communities to provide as many services as possible in the most cost effective way.

Following the passing of Hutchins, Stepich penned this letter to the editor announcing that he would seek that position. “It’s with a heavy heart that I am announcing my candidacy to be a write-in for Watervliet Township Supervisor as a result of the passing of Dan Hutchins, my friend, mentor for the past 12 years, and a great Supervisor who is a role model for anyone in this position.

“Continuity in Township government is important. Therefore, it’s important that a new Supervisor have up to date knowledge and experience in the township’s issues and governance. As a Trustee for 12 years, I have this background. I have served on the Planning Commission, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Board, the Watervliet Joint Fire Board, the Brownfield Authority Board and have worked on a variety of township projects, including sewer upgrades, ambulance service and Airport Park.

“The Supervisor position requires being accessible to township residents, listening to them and working with them to resolve their issues. Further, the Supervisor should have a vision of the township’s future, be straightforward in expressing his position on issues, and doing what he believes is in the best interest of the township. If elected I will do my best to do these.

“I would appreciate your considering me when you vote. In any event, however, please vote.”

Those interested in being considered as a write-in had to file a Declaration with Intent with the County Clerk by Friday, October 23, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.

Patricia Bambrick, 8223 Pokagon Rd., Watervliet is running unopposed for Clerk.

Tom Scheid, 7608 Forest Beach Rd., Watervliet is running unopposed for Treasurer.

New to the Trustee candidates is Karl B. Bayer, who resides at 9384 Red Arrow Hwy., Watervliet with his wife Anne. They have lived in the Watervliet area since 1984. They are the owners of the Tri-City Record newspaper. Bayers are the proud parents of three children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Bayer has served as the mayor of the City of Watervliet, on the Charter Committee, the City Planning Commission and Downtown Development Authority, as well as being on the airport and hospital boards in the past.

He is running for this office, as he has always been interested in the success of the Watervliet area and wants to do his part. As a Watervliet Charter Township Trustee, areas of interest include infrastructure and the beautification and growth of the township’s parks areas.

Bob Wallace, 8454 Lake Ave., Watervliet, is pleased to have served in the position of trustee for eight years and looks forward to continuing in this role.

Glen Giannetti, 8402 Lake Ave., Watervliet ran in 2016 but nearly missed enough votes for selection as a trustee. Upon the resignation of Matt Clay, township officials appointed him to finish Clay’s term.

If Stepich were selected as the Supervisor, the township board would then fill the trustee position that he would vacate.

COLOMA CHARTER TOWNSHIP

In addition to the four trustee seats on the Coloma Charter Township Board, voters will have a choice for Supervisor as Ken Parrigin will face Democrat Jeffrey Webber.

Ken Parrigin, Coloma Charter Township Supervisor for 17 years, resides at 6610 Brunden Place, Coloma. He is the owner and operator of Quality Paving and has been for over 51 years. His township experience also includes the Township Road Committee, Planning Commission, and Review Board.

Some of the accomplishments that have occurred during his tenure are a sanitary sewer system upgrade, establish the SAW Grant for sewer and lift station upgrades, helped obtain a grant to upgrade the sewage treatment plant, helped establish a Brownfield Authority, and managed the purchase of the Washington School property to create a township park.

Parrigin has worked with Indiana and Michigan Electric to develop a kayak park in the township and established a Parks Committee to specifically work on parks options for township residents. He worked with the State of Michigan on the extension and upgrade of the municipal water system. He continually works to protect township citizens’ rights, property, safety, and values.

Webber resides at 5909 Johnson Road, Coloma. He told the Herald-Palladium that he would like to be the voice of the people because he doesn’t see a lot of things getting done for the residents. A graduate of Benton Harbor Area Schools, Webber is currently the facilities and operations director for that school district. Previously he worked for Niles Community Schools. He also has experience in operating the Benton Township’s Water Department and was previously a Watervliet City Commissioner. It was reported that he would like to bring high speed internet into the areas that do have it.

Webber has lived in the township for 12 years. He expressed that he sees a lot of stuff getting done for the out of town people that have property around the lake and he would be a voice for the full-time residents also.

Sheila Hickmott resides at 147 Sassafras St., Coloma. She bought her first home in Coloma Township over 20 years ago, raised her son in the community and worked locally. With her son now grown and with the support of her husband, family, and friends, she would like to give back to the community of Coloma that has given so much to her and her loved ones.

She is a 1992 graduate of Grace Christian High School. She worked at Phil’s Video for 9-1/2 years before starting a career in the banking industry, where she remained for 19 years. She has experience assisting families with their finances, maintained accounting records, built communication skills, and learned to listen effectively and solve problems. She hopes to use those traits for the betterment of the citizens of Coloma Township as its clerk.

Treasurer Jim Fulton faces no opposition. His address is 6005 Paw Paw Lake Rd., Coloma.

Running for trustees are Bryan Duffield, Jerry Willmeng, Kendyl Adams, Lance Becht, and Nathalie Johnson. There are four trustee positions to fill.

Incumbent Duffield, resides at 7039 Little Paw Paw Lake Rd., Coloma and Incumbent Willmeng, resides at 7068 Paw Paw Ave., Coloma.

Becht was the former Coloma Township treasurer for 18 years before deciding not to run again four years prior. He is retired from Lane Automotive. He has re-activated his CPA license and does contract work in that field.

He looks forward to being involved in parks, especially Washington Park, and in expanding on the kayaking/canoeing opportunities in the township.

Kendyl Adams currently serves the township on the Cemetery Board in the office of secretary/treasurer. She is a lifelong resident and graduated from Coloma High School in 2012. She attended Southwest Michigan College as well as Cincinnati College, obtaining degrees in business and applied science. She is employed as a funeral director at Duffield & Pastrick Funeral Home.

She and her husband have a two-year-old daughter and reside at 7210 Little Paw Paw Lake Rd., Coloma. She looks forward to providing a fresh mindset to the board and believes the position will provide experience that will assist her with her future plans while she is serving her community.

Nathalie Johnson, residing at 5356 Interlochen Road in Coloma, is also seeking a trustee position.

Road Millage

Voters will be asked to impose an increase of up to 0.50 mills ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) in the charter township tax limitation imposed under MCL 42.27 and levy it for four years, 2020 through 2023 inclusive, for the purpose of public road construction, improvements, rehabilitation and maintenance, which 0.50 mills increase will raise an estimated $110,739 in the first year of the millage. This millage replaces a road millage of 1.5 mills which expired in December 2019.

Police Millage

The ballot language reads, shall the authorized charter millage for Coloma Charter Township, as reduced by any required millage rollbacks, be renewed at and increased up to the original 4.75 mills ($4.75 per $1,000 taxable value) for the years 2020 through 2023 inclusive, for equipment and general operating expenses for police and fire protection services, which levy will raise an estimated $1,052,016 in the first year?

BAINBRIDGE TOWNSHIP

Bainbridge Township Treasurer Nancy Weber, Clerk Patty Hiler-Molter, and Trustees Don Baiers, and John Yetzke are seeking re-election. Rodney Winkel is seeking the seat of Supervisor as current Supervisor Bill Hodge is not seeking re-election.

Winkel resides at 7901 Territorial Rd., Watervliet. He has resided in Berrien County ever since college. He attended MSU and graduated with a degree in horticulture. He farmed with his uncle on the family farm on North Branch Road for 49 years before retiring four years ago.

He and his wife have three grown daughters. Now that he is retired, he is looking for a way to give back to his community by serving, thus running for the office of supervisor.

Hiler-Molter resides at 6808 Territorial Rd., Benton Harbor is seeking re-election as Clerk.

Nancy Weber, treasurer, resides at 6439 North Branch Rd., Benton Harbor.

Donald Baiers and John Yetzke round out the board.

HAGAR TOWNSHIP

Hagar Township Supervisor Izzy DiMaggio, Clerk Sarah Rodriguez, and Trustee Andy Ulleg have all filed to be re-elected. Peter Colovos will also be seeking a trustee seat. Two new names are on the ballot for the treasurer position.

Izzy DiMaggio resides at 6420 M-63 N. Coloma and faces no opposition in the general election.

Sarah Rodriguez, 2787 Coloma Rd., Benton Harbor, faces no opposition in the general election for the clerk position.

Peter S. Colovos of 3190 Eaman Rd., Benton Harbor and incumbent Andrew Ulleg of 4210 Taube, Coloma are seeking two trustee positions.

Susan Broderick Hermann resides at 2785 Pier Rd., Benton Harbor and Kimberly Schmuhl resides at 3542 Kerlikowske Road, Coloma. Both are on the ballot for treasurer and neither have a party affiliation.

Operating Millage Renewal and Increase

Hagar Township officials are asking voters to renew the .3655 mills ($.3655 per $1,000 taxable value) in the years 2020 through 2023 inclusive, for general operating purposes which will raise in the first year of the levy, the sum of approximately $65,914. (If passed, this millage, combined with the current millage of .6345, which has been reduced due to the Headlee reduction, will restore the total combined millage rate levied by Hagar Township for operating purposes to the previously authorized rate of 1.00 mill.)

COLOMA CITY

On another sad note this November 3, 2020 election will carry the name of another candidate that will not receive the victory. Clerk Martha Darling had intended to run again and she would have been the only candidate for the position, however, she passed away earlier this month as well. She had served the City of Coloma and its residents for 31 years.

A special meeting was held of the City Commission to determine the best way to handle the situation. Mayor Pro Tem Marsha Hammond stated that their attorney has confirmed that the City Charter states that they have 60 days to appoint someone to the position.

Seeking the treasurer position is Roseann Clements. She had recently retired from the City of Coloma after 23 years as a deputy clerk/deputy treasurer. She has lived in Coloma all of her life. This will be the first time that she is seeking elected office.

Jason Hicks, a current Commissioner and Marsha Hammond, Mayor Pro-Tem are both seeking the Mayor position. Hicks’ Commission term expires this year, as where, Hammond’s does not expire until 2022. They serve four-year terms. Hammond has been in city government for 19 years. Hicks became a commissioner in 2012.

There are six candidates running for City Commissioner; however, voters should not vote for more than three.

Julia Smith and Kent Churchill are both seeking re-election.

Challenging are Jamie Balkin, Harold Bragg, Jeffrey Krolzick, and Taylor Prestidge.

Balkin is running for public office for the first time. She says that she wants to give back to the community as the purpose of running, as well as providing a fresh perspective. She has been a lifelong resident of the Coloma/Watervliet area.

She attended Lake Michigan Catholic High School followed by St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana. Balkin spent 18 years at Cornerstone Alliance before becoming employed by Wightman. She feels that her professional background could help her to benefit the City of Coloma.

Harold Bragg has previous City Commission experience. He is a retired history instructor but overall, he served 52 years as an educator. He has taught in Ohio, North Carolina, and at Coloma High School. In addition, he has done a lot of volunteer work in the community and is the President of the Berrien County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel.

Bragg was present at the March on Washington for Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech and spoke fondly of the experience. “Everybody there was just Americans wanting jobs, democracy, and justice,” Bragg said.

Taylor Prestidge, 30, is seeking her first political office. Both she and her husband Matt grew up in Watervliet, and other than a little bit of time traveling, have called this there home. They have two children.

About two years ago she opened up Soulard’s in downtown Coloma; however, she has been baking out of her home for 10 years. It is that experience as a business owner that Prestidge feels she can bring to the Commission. “I’m a business owner and a young female and I can bring that to the table,” Prestidge said.

Prestidge has volunteered with many community activities including Glad-Peach, Recreation Council, and in the schools. She recently received the Moody on the Market 40 under 40 award given to community minded business owners under 40. She also received recognition as a small business owner with the 15 under 15 award.

Jeff Krolzick, 31, is an employee for Coloma Township in the Public Works Department. While his family was originally from this area, they re-located to the Grand Rapids area until after his graduation. He returned here and studied public safety at Lake Michigan College. He is a reserve with the Benton Township Fire Department and a reserve with the Watervliet Police Department.

Krolzick has run for office previously but has not served in that capacity. He believes his willingness to help out the community, being family oriented, and open to other’s ideas could really help to better the community of Coloma.

WATERVLIET CITY

Watervliet City Commissioners Duane Cobb and William Whitney Jr. are both running for renewed 4-year terms. While the ballot will ask voters to vote for not more than 3, there are only two candidates as Commissioner Deah Muth is seeking the Mayoral position as is David Brinker, the current Mayor.

Muth was born and raised in Watervliet. She is a graduate of Watervliet High School. Her son is currently a student at Watervliet High School.

Muth, like the example set by her late grandfather, has a vested interest in the community. She has taken on the annual Christmas event, was creative and worked with her team for the Hometown Christmas event as it has grown and became an event that is self-sufficient.

She has been on the City Commission since 2012. During that time, she has worked on the Finance and Park Committees and been involved with downtown development. She is interested in repairing and replacing and maintaining the infrastructure, while being mindful of the expense and affect it will have on taxpayers. She was instrumental in fund raising for the upgraded skate park.

Muth is very motivated to work with the City Manager to develop Main Street and to make Watervliet a destination rather than a “pass through” town. She will continue to support and work with the City Manager in relation to all the accomplishments that he has made in the areas of infrastructure and capital improvements.

“I will continue to work with the City Manager to repair and replace infrastructure in the most economical way to ensure the best utilization of tax dollars while providing quality products and services to the people who live in the community,” Muth said.

Brinker has been on the City Commission for 13 years; three as a Commissioner and the remaining 10 as the Mayor. Brinker was born and raised in Watervliet, graduating from Watervliet High School. With the exception of when he served in the military, he has always called this home. He and his wife, married in 1968, raised their family here also.

Brinker attended Michigan State University until he was drafted. He finished his education by obtaining a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In 2012, Brinker retired from Hanson Mold after a flourishing career.

The thing that Brinker is most proud of during his years at Watervliet is working together, putting a plan together, and making it happen to bring a water filtration plant to Watervliet. “It had been talked about for years but just never happened,” Brinker said.

Watervliet District Library Millage Renewal

Watervliet City voters will be asked if the expired previous voted increases in the tax limitations of .5000 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) reduced to 0.4990 mill on property located in the City of Watervliet be renewed at the original .5000 mill and levied for four years, beginning with the 2020 tax levy year, inclusive, which will raise in the first year of such levy and estimated revenue of $14,537 to be used for the Watervliet District Library services?

Watervliet Township voters will be asked if the expired previous voted increases in the tax limitations imposed under Article IX, Sec. 6 of the Michigan Constitution in Watervliet Charter Township, of 0.5 mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) reduced to 0.4948 mill, be renewed at the original voted .5000 mill ($.50 per $1,000 of taxable value) and levied for 4 years, 2020 through 2023 tax levy inclusive, for the Watervliet District Library services, raising an estimated $82,577 the first year the millage is levied.

Van Buren County

KEELER TOWNSHIP

Keeler Township Clerk Carl Davis is the only familiar face that will remain after the votes are counted next Tuesday. Don Blackmon is seeking the Supervisor seat, Sharon Kay Rudel-Clupper is seeking the Treasurer seat, and Jerry E. Morin and Kenneth C. Rahn are both seeking the two trustee seats on the board.

Blackmond of 94888 62nd St., Dowagiac grew up in the South Bend area. He is a 1991 graduate of Michigan State University and went on to graduate from the Valparaiso School of Law in 1994. He has resided in Michigan for the last 26 years, 18 of that in Sister Lakes.

Blackmond is the current Deputy Township Supervisor and is a lawyer by trade. He and his wife have two grown children.

Sharon Kay-Rudel Clupper, 65681 80th Ave., Hartford, is seeking the Treasurer position. She is the current Chairperson of the Election Committee for Keeler Township.

She was born and raised in Hartford and attended Southwest Michigan College. Her careers include experience in administration, bookkeeping, accounting, and now in being a farmer with husband Bill.

On the ballot for one of the two trustee seats is Jerry Morin, who resides at 68554 Hillside Dr., Dowagiac. Morin is a co-owner of Sister Lakes Brewery, which is in partnership with his three sons.

While he grew up in Illinois, his grandfather was raised in the Riverside area. Through the childhood experiences of his mother being here in the summers growing up followed by him being here, he and his wife decided to move here permanently six years ago.

He and his sons decided to open the brewery to expand the options of things for people to do in the area. He and his wife also have a daughter and four grandchildren.

The other trustee candidate for Keeler Township is Kenneth Rahn of 67217 Victory Shore Dr., Dowagiac. He has lived in the area for 22 years, following a 30-year career as a police officer in Lansing, Illinois. They discovered the Keeler Township area by visiting friends from Illinois that had moved there, and once he retired, he and his wife decided to re-locate there permanently. The two have four children, 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Rahn has served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for three years. He has long had an interest in township government and decided to run when he found out the two previous trustees were not running for office again.

CITY OF HARTFORD

City of Hartford Commission seats up for re-election are Ronnie F. Burleson, Frank A. Dockter, and John Miller. All are seeking re-election.

HARTFORD TOWNSHIP

Hartford Township Supervisor Ron Sefcik will be seeking another term as Supervisor. In similar fashion, Clerk Julie Sweet and Treasurer Steve Starner will also seek re-election. As a result of the August primary, Mike Phillips and John McLellan will be the two candidates on the ballot for trustee.

Mike Phillips, 71350 60th St., Hartford, was appointed as a trustee in April 2020 and is running for his first elected term. He and his wife Shannon have been married for 31 years and have two grown children that continue to reside in the Hartford area.

Phillips grew up in Hartford and graduated from Hartford High School. He graduated with an Associate in Science along with Airframe and Powerplant Certification from Southwestern Michigan College. He has been working on corporate aircraft for 32 years and is currently an aircraft inspector. He grew up on the family farm “Phillips Sunshine Farms”, and still owns and operates the family farm.

He has previously served as a Trustee and a Deacon at church. He is running for the Hartford Township Trustee position with an aim at keeping Hartford Township a safe, and great place to live and raise a family.

Incumbent John F. McLellan resides at 62785 Red Arrow Hwy., Hartford. He has served three terms as a Hartford Township trustee.

A graduate of Western Michigan University, he and his wife ended up in Hartford after selecting someplace within a 30-mile radius of Western in Kalamazoo. He has taught, worked in the graphic arts field, and worked for Lane Automotive for 25 years before retiring in 2014. He and his wife have three grown children and three grandchildren.

STATEWIDE PROPOSALS

Proposal 20-1

A proposed constitutional amendment to allow money from oil and gas mining on state-owned lands to continue to be collected in state funds for land protection and creation and maintenance of parks, nature areas, and public recreation facilities; and to describe how money in those state funds can be spent.

This amendment would allow the State Parks Endowment Fund to continue receiving money from sales of oil and gas from state-owned lands to improve, maintain and purchase land for State parks, and for Fund administration, until its balance reaches $800,000,000; Require subsequent oil and gas revenue from state-owned lands to go into the Natural Resources Trust Fund; Require at least 20% of Endowment Fund annual spending go toward state park improvement; Require at least 25% of the Trust Fund annual spending to go toward parks and public recreation areas and at least 25% toward land conservation.

A yes vote supports making changes to how the revenue in the state’s park-related funds can be spent including making projects to renovate recreational facilities eligible for grants and allowing increased funds to be spent on park development and renovation while also removing the cap on the size of the Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Proposal 20-2

A proposed constitutional amendment to require a search warrant in order to access a person’s electronic data or electronic communications.

This amendment would prohibit unreasonable searches or seizures of a person’s electronic data and electronic communications; Require a search warrant to access a person’s electronic data or electronic communications, under the same conditions currently required for the government to obtain a search warrant to search a person’s house or seize a person’s things.

The Michigan Constitution currently prohibits the unreasonable search and seizure of a person, house, papers or possessions without probable cause and a warrant. It does not specifically prohibit the search and seizure of electronic data and communications. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution also provides protection from unreasonable search and seizure. How those existing laws apply to electronic data and to cell phone data in particular has been a topic of increasing interest as the volume and detail of digital information increases.

After a proposed constitutional amendment has been approved by at least a two-thirds majority in each chamber of the Michigan Legislature, the state constitution requires that it be put to a vote of the people.