11-28-2019 Watervliet zoning board to meet on church application

GALA-T-INN GOES OVER THE TOP FOR ST. JUDE’S KIDS! Owner Ken Jones (left) proudly presents Alliance Beverage Representative Randy Harmon a check in the amount of $2,020.67 as Gala T’s contribution to the Alliance/ Coor’s Light “Celebrate for a Cause” promotion in support of the renowned St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Jones credits his 15 employees for gently hammering his patrons into purchasing a pumpkin pin-up tag with their donation throughout the month of October. According to Harmon, many of his accounts in more affluent markets typically come up with only a few hundred dollars, while the “velvet hammer” applied in the tiny town of Hartford brought spectacular results. Once the ball or should we say pumpkin got rolling, Ken Jones committed to personally matching donations up to $500. As a world renown leading children’s hospital, St. Jude treats the toughest childhood cancers and pediatric diseases, with the simple promise that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food. The cost to operate St Jude’s is in excess of a billion dollars annually. Learn more or contribute by visiting www.stjude.org. (TCR photo by Jon Bisnett)

Watervliet zoning board to meet on church application

By Annette Christie

The Watervliet City Commission, which also serves as the Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a meeting on December 3, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. just prior to their regular meeting. The only agenda item will be the consideration for parking arrangements for a church asking for a special land use permit for a building on Main Street.

Freshwater Church would like to purchase a building on Main Street for the purposes of providing their church home as well as a future community center. The Planning Commission has been considering their special land use permit, which would allow for the church, however, the parking issue has been passed onto the Zoning Board of Appeals for consideration by the Planning Commission.

City Manager Tyler Dotson has said that with the permit request comes a lot of things to consider including the use of the building and the parking, and so the need exists to establish proper parking levels as it relates to the special land use permit.

At the last City Commission meeting where it was again mentioned, two members of the church spoke during public comments. They emphasized that they really want to move the process along so that needed improvements to the building could be made before winter. They reminded the City Commission that the church service is held on Sunday for a few hours only. For the rest of the time, however, they do hope to have the building open for the community’s use. The building at 115 N. Main St. is in need of some repairs and updates.

The Watervliet City Planning Commission was the first to discuss the special land use permit when they were greeted by the enthusiastic church congregation at their Monday, August 26 meeting.

Pastor Justin VanFerrari with the Freshwater Community Church told the Commission that Freshwater Community Church started in Coloma in 2010. Over the past nine years they have been meeting in the Coloma Middle School building. They are seeking to move into the property at 115 N. Main St. and to convert it into a community center and church where their congregation meets on Sundays.

“We want to love people, strengthen families and bring hope to the next generation. It’s these three focus areas that have helped us determine what exactly we are looking for in a building,” VanFerrari said.

He told the Commission that the structure they are interested in purchasing has both large and small spaces that will allow for multi-purpose usage. Currently they have about 75 adults and 25 kids in their congregation and the building will allow for the anticipated growth. VanFerrari said that they anticipate about $170,000 in renovations that will be done in phases. Up first would be a new roof, an update to the exterior of the building and then focusing on the smaller side before the larger side.

Congregation member Brian Smith whose family re-located to be near their church prefaced that the church will help people to come to the area and stay in the area. He grew up in Kalamazoo and came to this area through employment. Since originally coming here, he and his wife have moved once but determined that for their family it was best to live where they go to church. “We came here because of the church which is community centered and family centered,” Smith said.

At the last City Commission meeting, when Dotson announced that the ZBA meeting would be held, City Commissioner Luke Strunk asked that along with providing parking details that the City Commission ask the Planning Commission to have a special meeting instead of making the applicants wait until the end of December for what could be the final determination of the permit request. Dotson said he would not recommend anything hurried or rushed as the special land use permit stays with the property forever.

Strunk asked that the Planning Commission schedule a special meeting following the Zoning Board of Appeals so that a potential resolution could be made sooner. “I hate to drag this out any longer for these guys,” Strunk said.

Coloma seeks funding for new rescue equipment

By Nancy Albright

As reported in the Coloma City Commission meeting on Monday, Nov. 25, Coloma is upgrading emergency equipment on land and water in a big way. The North Berrien Fire Rescue Board approved the purchase of a Wolf’s Marine Package for $5,360 in the event of river rescue that includes a boat with inflatable ribs, throw ropes, life jackets, water-activated strobe lights, and a motor and trailer. The Bohle family contributed $435 in honor of deceased Coloma Fire Captain Todd Bohle.

The board is taking bids to purchase a new fire truck in 2020–21 to replace the current truck that has been in use since 1991. The rescue operation is considering a vehicle at an approximate cost of $670,000, which, according to Chief Mike Mattix, is in line with industry numbers. The truck will last for 20 years with regular maintenance, and serviceable equipment from the current truck like hoses will be preserved for use on the new vehicle.

The Michigan Public Safety Communication System handles rescue radio communications and is transitioning to an 800 MHz frequency spectrum that will require municipalities to purchase new pagers and mobile and portable radios at considerable cost. Additionally, if municipalities do not remove VHF equipment from state towers by the end of 2020, MPSCS will penalize each municipality $1,000 per month until the equipment is removed.

To fully equip the fleet, which serves the City of Coloma, and Coloma and Hagar Townships, the rescue needs 30 new pagers, and 24 portable and six mobile radio units. The County 911 Center has proposed a fifty-fifty match for the $21,000 price tag on the pagers and will allow the municipality to pay its half in two increments of $5,175 over the course of two years; half due up front. The cost of the radios is $16,000.

The fire department also plans to purchase new extrication equipment, as the tools they now use are obsolete because the metal used in new cars shatters Coloma’s thirty-five-year-old cutting blades. Coloma plans to purchase the equipment from Amkus of Valparaiso, Ind.—suppliers to NASCAR and Indy car crash rescue teams. A purchase price of $54,000 will net the department two sets of three tools—a cutter, a spreader, and a combo cutter-spreader. The units are battery powered, and the pump and fluids are built into the tools, eliminating the need for hose and pump connections, and making the equipment easier to use. The cost includes two DeWalt rechargeable 6-volt batteries and two chargers per tool.

Denied funding for two years running through the Berrien County Fire Chief Association’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to aid in the purchase, the Fire Board is considering a proposed capital purchase program to avoid asking the municipalities to pay for the new equipment. The board is also researching the possibility of financing the cost through the current fund balance.

Shop Small this Saturday

This Saturday, November 30 is Small Business Saturday in Coloma. Shop Small is a national campaign sponsored by American Express to promote shopping locally. The Coloma DDA paid for a full-page ad in the Tri-City Record to advertise the event, and Mayor Pro-Tem Marsha Hammond is delivering information to local businesses. Hammond said she hopes the event is successful and will continue to grow every year.

The council approved Christmas bonuses in the amount of $125 for all city employees. Bonuses are in the form of gift certificates that can be used at Coloma businesses to help promote the event.

Mayor approves city appointments

Mayor Jim Polashak has made the following appointments for 2020: Public Works–Kent Churchill, Julie Smith, Chair Marsha Hammond; Administrative–Kent Churchill, Linda Freitag, Chair Martha Darling; Finance–Linda Freitag, Kent Churchill, Chair Jason Hicks; Ordinance–Kent Churchill, Fred Reeves, Chair Julie Smith; Police–Linda Freitag, Jason Hicks, Chair Fred Reeves; Fire Board–Linda Freitag; Water Service Advisory Board–Marsha Hammond and Fred Reeves; Cemetery Board–Julie Smith and Chair Bobie Minor; Sewer Board–Martha Darling and Marsha Hammond; and Mayor Pro-Tem, Marsha Hammond.

In other news

City bills for November were approved, as were revisions to the Blight Ordinance as discussed at the Public Meeting held in October. Copies of the bills and ordinances are available at City Hall.

The city will purchase a commercial paper shredder in the amount of $279 and will hire a recycling service at an annual cost of $80 to pick up paper, corrugated cardboard, and plastic each month.

Commissioners also approved raising Public Works’ part-time employee Stephen Kolenko’s rate of pay to $12 per hour.

Maintenance is currently being performed on Coloma’s Well 1, and city leaf pickup has resumed but is subject to weather. Residents can purchase rain-resistant compostable bags for leaf disposal at True Value for a reasonable cost.

A reminder to residents that City Hall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, and Public Works will be on call in case of snow or other emergencies. Happy Thanksgiving!

Tri-City Record Thanksgiving Turkey winners for 2019 announced

There were 16 winners in the annual Tri-City Record Thanksgiving free turkey drawing sponsored by area businesses. Approximately 300 turkey coupons were turned into these sponsoring businesses, in hopes of winning a Thanksgiving turkey. The drawing sponsors notified the winners on Monday, November 25, to come by the business and pick up their turkey. Here are the sponsors and winners (please note the names are spelled as given on the coupons). Winners from Hartford: B. Blocker (Coloma Motorsports); Raul Galvan (Richter Insurance) and Myra Weberg (Calvin Funeral Home). Winners from Watervliet: Ronald Stineman (Centsible Heating); L.K. Davis (DiMaggio’s); Dawn Winnell (Four Seasons); Jackie Ballard (Hartford Harding’s); Tom Colman (Watervliet Pharmacy) and Bruce Kibler (Lifestyle Chiropractic). Winners from Coloma: Ernie Crowder (Tri-County Computers); Bill Whitney (Watervliet Hardware) and Avon Stowers (Tri-City Record). Other winners are Carol Ackerman of Bridgman (B&B Grocery), Stacy Davis (Brews 2 Me), Rich Rose (Don Young Insurance) and Kathleen Walter of Benton Harbor (Scotts Auto Sales).

Hometown Holiday Happenings

Shop Small Saturday this weekend in Coloma & Watervliet

Watervliet and Coloma business communities are participating in the national American Express campaign Shop Small this Saturday, Nov. 30. Both communities will be in holiday decoration for this Shop Small Saturday celebration. Many businesses are taking full advantage by promoting their businesses on this day offering great specials. Some businesses are even offering refreshments, drawings, live music and much more.

WBA Holiday Bazaar

As part of Small Town Saturday in Watervliet a Holiday Bazaar is taking place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cortez Flooring Inc. They has graciously offered a portion of their building at 348 N. Main Street, Watervliet to hold the bazaar.

Organizers of the Holiday Bazaar hope to have at least 20 vendors & crafters selling their items at a discount for that day.

Please plan on shopping local this holiday season and spending your Small Town Saturday in Downtown Watervliet and Coloma!

Decatur Holiday Arts & Crafts Show Nov. 30

The 39th annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Show will be held Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Decatur Jr. Sr. High School, 110 Cedar St.

One hundred fifty crafters will be selling a wide variety of arts and crafts. Lunch will be available. The show is sponsored by the Decatur Athletic Boosters.

Admission is non-perishable food items to benefit Decatur Human Services.

VFW Post 1137 annual Needy Family Christmas Drive

Watervliet VFW Post 1137 located at 8777 Red Arrow Hwy. in Watervliet is accepting donations to their annual Needy Family program to assist families in the Coloma, Hartford and Watervliet area for the Christmas season. Items needed are canned goods, non-perishable food items and monetary gifts. For any questions, please call Corky Openneer at 269-944-9501.

Collections are needed in time for a December 22 delivery. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Watervliet Business Window Decorating Contest

In celebration of Watervliet’s Hometown Christmas the organizers are offering a contest to business owners to create a magical Christmas store front using lights, trees and decorations to welcome Santa into town on December 8. Judging will be on Friday, Dec. 6 between 5 and 6 p.m. to accommodate lighted displays.

Business owners need to let Bethany know by November 29 if they will be entering, call 269-757-2903. Prizes will be awarded for the top three displays.

It’s a Hometown Christmas in Watervliet Dec. 7-8

Please join us Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 to celebrate the holiday magic in Watervliet! There are some great events planned.

Snowman Building Contest

The weekend fun starts at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, weather permitting, with a Snowman Building Contest until 3 p.m. at the city parking lot on Main Street by Jot Liquor.

Best Decorated Cookie Contest

On Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. Watervliet is the place for a fun afternoon of decorating cookies, enjoying hot cocoa and Christmas music. This event is being held at Arclight Brewery on Main Street. There will be cookies, frosting and sprinkles provided.

Contest will be divided by age groups and there will be a prize for each individual age group!

Arclight Brewing Company 5th Annual Chili Cook Off on Saturday

Arclight Brewery is offering their 5th annual Chili Cook Off Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 in celebration of Watervliet’s Hometown Christmas.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three contestants and it’s free to enter. Pick up a registration form in the taproom now. Not a cook? Attend and enjoy a free bowl of chili; open to the public at 6:30 p.m.

For entertainment Arclight is offering a free show with live music by Big Ben and the Burly Boys starting at 8 p.m. Arclight Brewing Company is located at 544 N. Main St. in Watervliet.

Live Mannequins on Main Street

Some businesses will have a live mannequin display in their windows facing Main Street Watervliet on Saturday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Stroll down the sidewalks to enjoy these displays and the festive decorations and lights dressing up our Hometown Christmas.

Snow Prince & Princess Contest

Voting boxes will be at Watervliet Wesco, Cool Tan, B&B Grocery, and Arclight Brewery leading up to the crowning ceremony for the Snow Prince & Snow Princess. A 4 p.m. crowning ceremony takes place this year on Sunday, Dec. 8 at Arclight Brewery for contestants in 6th through 8th grades.

Toys for Tots

From Thanksgiving until the second week of December there will be a drop box at Arclight Brewery for community members to make donations of new unwrapped toys to the Toys for Tots program.

Hometown Christmas Parade begins Sunday’s celebrating including a stop for formal tree lighting

There will be a parade downtown starting at 5:30 p.m. from Watervliet City Hall and ending at Arclight Brewery. Mr. Mattson and his Watervliet Elementary Choir will lead the parade. Winner of the best entry will receive a $100 award. The parade will make a stop at the city parking lot by Jot Liquor for a formal tree lighting ceremony with Santa. From there Santa will lead the parade to the brewery.

Returning to the holiday celebration this year is a pet contest for non-aggressive dogs dressed as reindeer. A grand prize of $25 for the most creative will be awarded at Arclight following the parade. Dogs and their humans should be at the Watervliet Fire Station no later than 5:15 p.m. on Sunday.

Live reindeer (the real thing) will be at the brewery from 5-7:30 p.m.

A photographer will be at Arclight from 6-8 p.m. to take pictures with Santa for purchase. During the Pictures with Santa from 6-8 will be hot chocolate and cookies for free.

For teens and adults, an Ugly Sweater Contest will begin 7:00 p.m. on Sunday with judging to follow. Prizes will be awarded in both teen and adult categories.

The Class of 2022 will conduct a fund-raiser on Sunday from 4-8 p.m. selling Wesco Popcorn Buckets for $12. In addition on Sunday from 6-8 p.m. during Watervliet’s Hometown Christmas Celebration Robert Michael Salon will be at Arclight with Holiday Hair and Glitter Tattoos for free.

Blossomland Learning Center to host holiday bazaar Dec. 6

Berrien Regional Education Service Agency’s (RESA) Blossomland Learning Center Holiday Bazaar in on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Holiday Bazaar will feature an assortment of items including various crafts, ceramic art, baked goods, ornaments and more! There will also be several raffle items as well as light lunch options. The public is invited.

Proceeds from the bazaar will benefit Blossomland Learning Center students by providing them with classroom materials, opportunities for social gatherings and community outings.

Blossomland Learning Center is located at 711 St. Joseph Avenue in Berrien Springs.

Christmas Carol Hymn Sing Dec. 7

Time to get in the Christmas spirit again! Mark Saturday, Dec. 7 on your calendar! That day, at 6:00 p.m. Watervliet’s Plymouth Congregational Church will host a Christmas carol hymn sing, with guest music provided by Calvary Bible Church choir.

In past years they’ve enjoyed great community participation with as many as 99 in attendance, with 17 churches represented. Now it’s time to pick it up again with a Christmas hymn sing at Plymouth. And, of course, they will serve cookies and ice cream afterward as everyone will be in the 2019 Christmas spirit.

Watervliet’s Best Lighted House Contest Dec. 8-21

Watervliet’s Best Lighted House contest is sponsored by the City of Watervliet in coordination with the Hometown Christmas Celebration. It runs December 8-21, 2019. Residents in both the city and township of Watervliet may enter to win!

To enter, participants must make ONE post with photo and/or video of their Christmas display on the Watervliet’s Best Lighted House Facebook event page. Then send the street address via Facebook Messenger to Katie Ann Muth so authenticity can be verified. Please do NOT post the address with the photo.

Entries can be made anytime between Dec. 8 and Dec. 21. No posts before Dec. 8 will be accepted.

Once the entry has been posted, share the event and post with all your Facebook friends. Be sure to “invite” friends and ask them to vote for your house on the event page. The posts with the most “likes” will be eligible to win.

At noon on Dec. 21, “Likes” will be counted on the event page ONLY. Prizes for this contest are 1st place: $100 cash; 2nd place: $50 gift card; and 3rd place: $25 cash.

To see more information about the prizes and to view the other contestants’ entries, be sure to RSVP on the event page as “going”.

Christmas Eve Service at

Plymouth Congregational

The public is invited to participate in a Candlelight Christmas Eve service on December 24, at 6:00 p.m., at Plymouth Congregational Church in Watervliet. There will be singing of Advent songs and a short devotional about the true meaning of the Christmas celebration. Everyone is welcome to come. The service usually ends with the singing of the traditional “Silent Night”, a cappella by candlelight.