11-30-2017 Hartford Commission ignores bid to save Huffman building, says goodbye to outgoing Mayor

Hartford Commission ignores bid to save Huffman building, says goodbye to outgoing Mayor Johnson and OKs medical marijuana ordinance

By Jon Bisnett

Monday, November 20, 2017 was Mayor Ted Johnson’s final meeting in office; the Hartford City Commission moved on with demolition as it rebuffed yet another Huffman Building hopeful, honored its’ outgoing mayor, received a thumbs up financial audit and approved a controversial ordinance paving the way for state regulated Medical Cannabis Businesses within the city limits.

Guests

KUDOS TO HARTFORD MAYOR TED JOHNSON… came in the form of a Gover-nor’s proclamation delivered by 66th District State Representa-tive Beth Griffin Monday, No-vember 20, recognizing his dec-ades of service to the citizens of the City of Hartford in the role of mayor. The presentation was the first of two such awards on the evening as City Manager Yemi Akinwale also presented Johnson with a plaque on behalf of the city saluting the Mayor on his final evening presiding over City Commission proceed-ings. (TCR photo by Jon Bisnett)

Bob Gerbel of Gerbel and Company PC, made his annual appearance to deliver the results of the City’s financial audit. The determination of a clean and unqualified opinion is what Gerbel calls the “Cadillac of opinions.”

The city retains an equity fund of 87.3% which is the equivalent to 10 months of an unfunded operational budget.

Regan Cronin, who appeared before the council to pitch her concept to save the Huffman Building, presented herself as a 5th generation Hartford family. She shared her vision to restore the building into second story office space and a first floor retail coffee shop in the style of the Good Earth Café she currently operates in River Forest, Illinois.

With a demolition order already in process and countless unsuccessful attempts by City Manager Akinwale to work with current owner Aaron Blaylock, the Commissioners were not interested in any vision not accompanied with a formal business plan, a timetable and some proof of financial ability to tackle a project previously estimated to be between a $500,000 to a $1,000,000 renovation.

Cronin presented the city with a short 3-page document containing only a brief conceptual overview and two of the three pages containing a floor plan and photo of her River Forest coffee shop.

Commissioners took no action to stave off the demolition. “She gave us nothing… No business plan… Nothing,” said Commissioner Frank Dockter. His counterparts agreed. A previously bid asbestos study will take place next to be added to the requirements of remediation for demolition bids.

Lastly, former mayor Dan Danger spoke of his extreme displeasure of recent inspections by the office of the contracted City Assessor firm for a representative showing up in his back yard with a camera and not identifying himself, no ID nor even responding to Danger’s questioning, rather just to walk away. A short discussion resulted in the City’s apology and that the firm would be contacted immediately and required to come up with ID badges as are the standard with public utility workers before performing any more assessments in the city.

Communications

 The December City Council Workshop/ Business Meetings will be combined on Monday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9 will be Christmas in Hartford with the Lighted Parade at 6:00 p.m. followed by Santa’s visit to the Library jointly sponsored by the Lions Club.

City Manager’s Report

 City Manager Yemi Akinwale began as he addressed recent social media criticism of the failure of the city to display flags on Main Street on the Saturday of Veterans Day. Akinwale formally apologized for the oversight and was joined by Public Works Supervisor Dan Staunton, who also regrets the oversight having no intention to offend those who have served.

Red Arrow Building

Akinwale is still waiting on estimates from Wightman and Associates for the rehab of the former Red Arrow Elementary as a site for the Hartford Library and Senior Services, which are expected sometime in mid-December.

Ambulance Service RFP

 Akinwale reported the Request for Proposals for the replacement of Medic 1 Ambulance Service has been posted in the Herald Palladium and Kalamazoo Gazette (MLive,) plus additionally been mailed directly to the local providers.

Responses expected in mid-December.

Demolition process 1 East Main

 The prior bid from De Lisle and Associates LTD for Asbestos Assessment has been confirmed at $3,165.

Consumers’ gas work

 Consumers Energy continues gas main work throughout the city until first snowfall and is expected to be formally completed in spring. The commissioners trust this comes as a minimal inconvenience to the residents, but is also totally out of the control of the city.

Treasurer’s Report

 Treasurer Pam Shultz presented a written report for the month of October with expenses in the amount of $149,039.61, with the notable expense of $40,000 plus for the new replacement leaf vacuum unit.

Fire Report

 The Hartford Fire Department responded to near record 47 calls in the month of October, including 35 medical calls, three structure fires, four vehicle accidents, one false alarm, one power line down and two mutual aids. Chief Robbie Harting reported two new hires out of the cadet program whereby students receive their training through a program at the VBCISD.

The local roster is back up over 20 including nine Medical 1st Responders.

Carole Kiernan of Watervliet has been recently hired as the new Bookkeeper/ Administrative Assistant to the HFD.

It was noted that HFD responded to 35 medical calls, while Medic 1 reported only 13 Ambulance Transports for the month, indicating the importance of local Medical 1st Responders.

Ambulance Report

 Medic 1 Board Representative Pete Sinclair filed a written report of 28 calls for the month of October with 13 being ambulance calls and 15 were wheelchair transports. An 8:20 average response time for Priority 1 calls was noted. Commissioner Dockter voiced his displeasure that Sinclair was not in attendance pointing out that, “He is the city’s rep, not Medic 1’s and I expect he should be here.”

Police Report

 Chief Tressa Beltran presented a written report detailing activity of 740 duty hours with 18 foot patrol hours which included 145 complaints for the month of September, resulting in eight arrests including two felonies.

Beltran commended the work of both the department’s Reserve Officers and the Hartford Fire Department for keeping the Trick or Treaters safe on yet another zero incident Halloween.

Ordinance Officer Report

 A written report from Ordinance Officer Jim Coleman noted five property inspections for the month of October. Blight postings for the month totaled 21 violations resulting in 21 follow-ups.

Public Works

 A written report by Superintendent Dan Staunton noted standard maintenance tasks as his department is all ready for winter while currently in fall leaf pickup. One water turn-off took place with one new service turn-on. The city pumped 5.406 million gallons for the month.

Wastewater Treatment Plant

 A written report from Operator Tom Strand indicated that all State of Michigan reports for the month have been filed. A violation did occur in terms of a high phosphorus level exceeding the 1.5 mg/l standard. Strand reported routine tasks.

Chris Cowgill of Wightman and Associates was in attendance and expressed the ongoing frustration as they tune the system performance within legal specifications. The plant has failed to operate within spec since the multi-million dollar upgrade three years ago leading the commissioners to demand action, calling into question all aspects of the equipment, the installation and even the operator.

New Business

 The Commission voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2017-12 formally accepting the audit performed by Gerbel and Company PC.

Medical Marijuana Resolution

 The commission took to task to vote on the Medical and Marijuana Ordinance 315-17. Commissioner Dennis Goss, himself the father of a stage 4 cancer survivor, made the motion to approve the ordinance that would allow Medical Marijuana establishments to do business in the city. With zero additional discussion and a full seated Commission, the roll call vote was taken, approving the measure 5 votes to 2. The two dissenting votes came from Mayor Johnson and Commissioner Terry Tibbs.

The measure opens the possibility for multiple state licensed business models to operate, provided they subscribe to the detailed provisions of the resolution. Those licenses being three different sizes of Grow Operations, Secure Transport, Testing Facility, Production Facility and Dispensary.

The ordinance rule regarding location prohibits the establishment within 500 feet of a church and 1,000 feet of a school. After viewing a city map of those limitations that was unofficially provided by Wightman and Associates, it was made clear that the only properties that would qualify were all located west of the railroad tracks that cross Main Street. Prior discussion had suggested the vacant McKinder Law Office and the former Huffman Appliance Store along with several other vacant Main Street buildings will not qualify.

Applicants must pass both the State of Michigan and the City to obtain a license. Strict guidelines from the State will allegedly track the marijuana from “seed to smoke.”

The City and State both stand to receive significant revenue in the form of licensing fees and ongoing taxation of the businesses.

Former Mayor Pro-Tem Rick Hall will preside for the first time as the new Mayor of Hartford when the Council next meets in a combined workshop/ business session on Monday, December 18.

Watervliet county park project going out to bid in December

By Annette Christie

Progress has been made in the future Paw Paw River County Park, located in the City of Watervliet.  Berrien County Parks and Recreation Director Brian Bailey provided an update to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners in early October.

Bailey said that the project will go out to bid in December of this year.  They will be opened in January and should be awarded in February of 2018.  The construction calendar is to begin in March and be completed in the summer of 2018.

The original estimated construction cost of the project was $550,000.  As of right now, the estimates of the construction are running slightly higher at $572,000.  If at the time of bid the project does run higher than estimated, there are a couple of aspects to the project that could be cut to accommodate the cost.

EXCITING NEWS… the sign is in place to identify the home of the fu-ture Paw Paw River County Park coming in the summer of 2018. Bids for the work on the project are set to go out in December. (TCR photo by Karl Bayer)

Bailey said that one or two of the outlooks planned for the island could be eliminated from the project to come in closer to budget.  The first one is estimated at $30,905 and the second is estimated at $18,700.  A third option that includes trees lining the drive into the park could also be cut if necessary at the cost savings of approximately $11,050.

Berrien County was awarded a grant in December 2016 from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund as Berrien County started the process of establishing a county park in the northern part of the county, a first.

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 paper mill 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.

Additional property of the 52-acre project will be deeded over to Watervliet Township and Watervliet City 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.

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, was 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.

Berrien County Commissioners will be finalizing action authorizing deeding the property over to Berrien County and to completing the agenda.

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.  Other access points will be included in the Paw Paw River County Park.

Tri-City Angel Tree, a way to help those in need this Christmas

What is the Angel Tree? It is a Christmas tree in the Tri-City Record office at 138 N. Main Street in Watervliet that will be loaded with hanging tags. Each of those tags will have a gift request written on it for a child in need. We are asking readers to stop by and select a tag or two off of the tree, then go out and buy the item listed on the tag. Return the new item, unwrapped with the tag by Friday, December 15. Tri-City Angel helpers will then wrap the gifts and deliver them to the families prior to Christmas.

The Tree is up and information is being gathered about the Tri-City families that will be adopted. Interested readers should start to see some tags appear on the tree in the next couple of days. The goal is to have all tags on the tree no later than Monday, December 4.

Please join in giving a local child a little hope this Christmas. Please join in giving a hand up to a family that is struggling. Please join in showing that love and kindness do still exist, especially in the Tri-City Area.

A challenge this Christmas season is to take a moment to do something nice for someone else. It can be as small as holding a door for someone while out shopping, smiling at someone passed on the street, or taking cookies to a neighbor. Whatever the case may be spread some kindness. Be surprised at how it will not only make someone else’s day, but will also put a smile on your face too!

Feel free to write in to the Tri-City Record Angel at PO Box 7, Watervliet, MI 49098 or e-mail at record@tricityrecord.com with any ideas, suggestions, talents you would like to share, etc. Make sure to put it to the attention of Tri-City Angel. We look forward to hearing from you.

Community Soup

& Salad Supper this Friday

A Community Soup & Salad Supper will be held from 5-6 p.m. on Friday, December 1, at the North Berrien Senior Center, 6648 Ryno Road in Coloma.

The menu includes soup, salad, bread, dessert and beverage.

The public is invited. Cost for adults is $5; $3 for children up to 12 years of age; and free for children under three.

Proceeds go to the Hope Resources Food Pantry, formerly North Berrien Food Pantry, located at Coloma United Methodist Church. This month’s supper is hosted by the North Berrien Senior Center.

Co-ed Snowball Softball Benefit for Haiden Edelberg Saturday at Watervliet’s Hays Park

This Saturday, Dec. 2, as part of Watervliet’s Home Town Christmas celebration, the City of Watervliet is holding a Co-ed Snowball Softball tournament. All proceeds from this event are going to benefit Haiden Edelberg Striking out Leukemia.

The tournament starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 for 10-person teams.

Entry fee of $50 per team for ages 5-18.

Age categories are 5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18. Adults can enter for a fee of $100 per team. Make checks payable to Cory Edelberg.

Please contact Julie Querfurth at jmouse269@gmail.com or Erica Kinzler at ericadkinzler@gmail.com for more information.

It’s a Home Town Christmas in Watervliet on Sunday

Everyone is invited this Sunday, Dec. 3 to celebrate the holiday magic! There are some great events planned.

The celebration begins at 4:00 p.m. with the crowning ceremony for the Snow Prince & Snow Princess. The ceremony takes place this year at the Watervliet Fire Station for contestants in 6th through 8th grades. Voting is taking place now until 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 1 at B&B Outlet, Arclight Brewery, Cool Tan/ Watervliet Laundry and Watervliet Wesco. Votes are $1 with proceeds going to the Home Town Christmas Celebration. A donation of half the proceeds for this year will be made to Haiden Edelberg Striking out Leukemia.

Events taking place at Arclight Brewery, 544 N. Main St. on December 3 include a chili cook-off from 4-8 p.m. All entries must be set up by 4 p.m.; entry forms and information are available at the brewery. The winner will be announced at 7:30 p.m.

There will be a parade downtown starting at 5:30 p.m. from the Watervliet Fire Department and ending at Arclight Brewery. Mr. Mattson and his Watervliet Elementary Choir will lead the parade and joining them will be Miss Watervliet and court along with Mr. & Miss Firecracker. Santa will end the parade arriving in a fire truck.

Registration for the parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the fire station with line-up on Pleasant Street. Pre-registration is taking place by contacting parade chairperson Rose Smith at 269-325-8230. Parade organizers are still accepting entries and encourage community members to participate in the 2017 Lighted Parade.

Live reindeer will be at the brewery from 4-8 p.m. for anyone wanting to take photos. Photographer Shawn Mead will be there to take pictures with Santa for purchase. The cost is $5 for digital download, $6 for printed 5×7 or $8 for both. The line to see Santa and get pictures with him will enter through the back of the brewery.

Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Anyone that wishes to donate cookies please drop them off at Arclight on Sunday between noon and 3:30 p.m. Panthers Grill food services will be available for celebration attendees to purchase food during the event.

Colored hair pieces and colored hair spray will be available at Arclight during the celebration.

Other celebration events include: citywide house lighting/ decorating contest; business window decorating contest; and Toys for Tots drop box at Arclight Brewery.

Watervliet’s Best Lighted House Contest Dec. 3-16

Watervliet’s Best Lighted House contest is sponsored by the City of Watervliet for residents in the city and township of Watervliet. It runs December 3-16.

To enter, participants must post a photo 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. 3 and Dec. 16. No posts before Dec. 3 will be accepted.

Once the entry has been posted, then share the event and photo with all your Facebook friends and ask them to vote for your house on the event page. Photos with the most “likes” and “shares” total will be eligible to win. Prizes for this contest are 1st place: $100 cash; 2nd place: $50 B&B Outlet gift card; and 3rd place: $20 Mill Creek Charlies gift card.

At midnight on Dec. 16 “likes” and “shares” will be counted on the event page only. Winners will be contacted.

RSVP on the event page as “going” to see more information and view other contestants’ entries.

Celebrate Christmas the old-fashion way at the Flywheelers Museum

Bundle up the kids, pull on your boots and head out to the Michigan Flywheelers Museum as it kicks off the holiday season the old-fashion way with “Christmas at the Flywheelers.” The event will be held from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and Dec. 15.

Lighted outdoor displays throughout the property will greet visitors as they take a ride on a tractor-pulled “Holly Trolley” through Old Towne. There will be several stops along the way where guests can get off and watch the blacksmith at Over The Hill Forge pound iron, go inside the holiday decorated Farm History Building for a game of checkers or visit the log cabin decorated pioneer style.

“We’re trying to make this as old-fashioned as possible,” explains museum president Patrick Ingalls. “While we know that it is not entirely historically correct, we wanted to make this unique. And, we wanted to do this at no charge so that everyone can come. This is our gift to the community for all the great support we have received.”

It’s been five years since the museum last held the holiday event and museum members have been busy since September decorating the grounds, expanding displays and adding more lighted exhibits.  “We’ve added more outdoor lights and some new features,” Ingalls added. “You’ll see things like lighted tractors and other farm implements lit up plus we have some new buildings that will be decorated.”

Ingalls advises visitors to dress warmly as most of this is an outside event. In the restored Stephenson Barn, holiday music, refreshments and craft workshops for kids will be going on. Rumor has it that Santa will be riding his tractor to the museum and will stay and visit with kids.

Holiday shoppers may want to stop at The Wooden Nickel which will be open. The old-fashion general store serves as a gift shop for the museum, and will be filled with tractor-themed items, museum souvenirs and old-fashion toys.

The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is located at 06285 68th Street, South Haven. A non-profit organization, the museum is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of antique farm machinery. For more information, call 269-639-2010, email michiganflywheelers@yahoo.com, visit www.michiganflywheelers.org or Facebook.

Breakfast with Santa

Coloma FOP Lodge #147 is hosting breakfast with Santa for area families on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 9-11 a.m. The cost to attend is $6 per person; kids age 10 and under are free.

The lodge is located at 3470 Angling Road, Coloma.

Santa Claus is comin’ to Hartford Saturday, Dec. 9

By Jon Bisnett

Whether naughty or nice everyone better watch out for Santa Claus’ pre-Christmas visit to the community of Hartford. The jolly ol’ elf will land on Saturday December 9 thanks to a joint effort of the Hartford Lions, Chamber of Commerce and Public Library plus some help from the City, Township DDA and Hartford Fire Department.

Festivities begin with a lighted Christmas Parade coordinated by the Lions Club. Units will line up at Hartford High School and step off promptly at 6:00 p.m.

The parade will make its way down Main Street culminating with the official arrival of Santa high aboard the Hartford Fire Department ladder truck. Immediately following the parade, Santa will hold court at the Library where the Lions will provide free photos while the jolly visitor meets each and every child to double-check their Christmas list.

On display at the Library will be the Lego Christmas Village and the colorful Festival of Trees from around the world.

Grab some free refreshments and sing along with the Children’s Choir performing all your Holiday favorites.

Special holiday lighting is on display at the Library and Ely Park thanks to joint funding from the City, Township and Downtown Development Association, working with the Lions Club.

And it is also important to remember there are a few townsfolk that need a little help around the holidays. For the 71st consecutive year, the Lions will be distributing over 100 of their signature holiday baskets to brighten the season of needy families and senior citizens with referrals coming from local churches and schools.

Sarett Nature Center hosts holiday events Dec. 9 & 10

Sarett is hosting a greens wreath-making workshop on Saturday, December 9 at 2:00 pm. Cost is $10 and includes greens and instructions. Call 269-927-4832 to register.

Santa will be visiting Sarett on Sunday, December 10 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Bring your camera to take photos with Santa, and cash for naturalist provided crafts for $1-$2. Crafts will be available from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

The center is located at 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor.

Studio Dance Theatre is celebrating its 42nd season presenting “The Nutcracker” featuring Tri-City students

The Studio Dance Theatre (SDT), a southwestern pre-professional Michigan dance company, will be presenting “The Nutcracker” on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. at the Lakeshore Community Auditorium in Stevensville.

The Nutcracker will delight young and old alike! A wonderful family story written by E.T.A. Hoffman and set to the brilliant music of Tchaikovsky, it will fill your holiday season with magic!

This season’s charity is The Good Fellows Fund, to help those in our community.

Tickets are available by phoning 429-5711. Adult tickets are $10.00 and children 12 & under, $5.00.

Plan to bring the entire family for this great show. The box office will open 30 minutes prior to show. Tickets may be purchased at Dance Arts, Monday thru Thursday 4-9 p.m. or by calling to make an appointment.

The students performing in this event come from Elkhart to Coloma. Together as a dance family, they are serious dancers continuing their education, while enjoying the opportunities to perform for the area. The Nutcracker Prince will be played by Rudoph Davis, a sophomore at Coloma High School; the Sugar Plum Fairy by St. Joseph senior, Camryn Lane. Madeline Davis of Coloma dances the Chinese part in The Land of Sweets; and Claire Duris of Watervliet is also in The Land of Sweets dancing the Russian part as well as The Waltz of the Flowers. They are part of the cast of 60 dancers this year.

The Nutcracker Ballet was first produced in St. Petersburg, Russia on December 18, 1892. Its first season was in New York by the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in 1940, and has now become an American tradition. Since the SDT’s first production of “The Nutcracker” in 1981, it has grown to a full scale ballet using the entire score. Costumes and sets have grown each year with the help of dancers and their parents volunteering time and talents to produce a wonderful opportunity for live theatre entertainment.

Make your holiday a special one by enjoying this family friendly, heartwarming show!!!

O come, let us adore Him: a Christmas celebration, Dec. 9

On Saturday, December 9, the Riverside United Methodist Church at 4365 Fikes Road in Benton Harbor invites you to a benefit soup supper and Christmas musical cantata. The cantata features seasonal songs, both old and new, performed by members of the Coloma United Methodist Church and the Riverside United Methodist Church choirs.

All are welcome. Soup supper begins at 5:00 p.m. The musical program follows at 6:30, with cookies and light refreshments afterward. A freewill offering will be accepted. All proceeds will go to benefit the family of Haiden Edelberg, an eighth grader at Watervliet Middle School who is battling acute promyelocitic leukemia (APL). Haiden is the daughter of Cory and Regan Edelberg, and big sister to Makena. As her medical bills pile up, ’tis the season to remember that miracles do happen.

Hartford community holding King and Queen Contest this Sunday By Annette Christie Blossomtime community contests are making their first appearance this Sunday in the community of Hartford. Eight young ladies and three young gentlemen are vying for the Miss and Mr. titles and an opportunity to represent their community in the Blossomtime Festival and events. The contest will be Sunday, December 3 at 3:00 p.m. at the Hartford High School Auditorium. Tickets will be available at the door for $20. Tickets sold in advance are $15. The theme of the contest is “A Fair to Remember” as they highlight the Van Buren County Youth Fair held annually in Hartford since 1913. Co-emcees for the event are Ally Sinclair and Timothy Taylor. The chairperson is Taylor Prestige. The contest features contestants Bobby Johnson, Adam Wheeler, and Garrett Brandt for King and Angela Saldana, Hailey Marbut, Mariah Chancellor, Adriana Davila, Cecilia Perales, Arianna Dolge, Olivia Ziemer, and Kaylynn Owens for Queen.