Vicksburg’s Village Council was scheduled to hold a special meeting June 28 to consider approval of a 2021-22 budget with an unchanged tax rate of 15.163 mills, $15.163 per $1,000 taxable valuation.
Village Manager Jim Mallery provided a copy of the proposed budget to the South County News. He said the council has reviewed requests for funding the necessary projects, programs and operations for the 12-month period covering the fiscal year beginning July 1.
The proposed budget, Mallery said, supports the village’s 2015 master plan, its parks and recreation plan of 2014 and its downtown development plan adopted in 2014. It was prepared based on input from the seven-member council, Mallery himself, sub-units of government and citizen input through five public meetings held via Zoom. Mallery said more than 60 people participated.
Here’s a breakdown of the proposed 2021-22 fiscal year budget:
Mallery said the general fund is set for about $1.4 million in expenditures, while revenues are anticipated to be more than $1.6 million. He said the village’s general fund amount has increased by 35 percent since 2016.
Other proposed expenses include $249,850 for its Major Street Fund, $109,625 the for Local Street Fund, $832,900 for Department of Public Works, $116,000 to Downtown Development Authority, more than $1.1 million to Angel’s Crossing Golf Course, $3.6 million to its Sewer Fund and more than $1.5 million to its Water Fund. Several of those funds are supported from outside funding sources.
The average household will realize a slight increase in sewer and water rates. Mallery said the new rate will reflect a 3% increase for sewer services and 7% for water. On average, Mallery said, that amounts to an added $1.57 per month for sewer and $1.51 per month for water.
He said the village’s property tax revenue, $702,400 in the 2016-17 fiscal year, is projected this year at $1.1 million. The increase is due to the growth of the industrial park and residential properties – most along 22nd Avenue, Mallery said.
Mallery explained the budgeting process started in February and was subject to many levels of input.
“We do it differently than most … we work off a ‘needs, wants and wishes’ list, where department heads turn in their needs, wants and wishes, and we do that with public works, parks and recreation, and planning commission – which is also the Downtown Development Authority,” Mallery said. “We sent a survey to all the businesses in the DDA, held five neighborhood Zoom meetings, the Historical Society had input and some ideas we hadn’t thought of have been implemented from those neighborhood sessions.”
Despite all the construction in downtown Vicksburg, it is still possible to visit and support village businesses. Three parking areas are available to the public and are close to downtown shopping: a lot north of the post office, a lot behind the laundromat and Main St. Pub and a lot behind the hardware store and The Distant Whistle.
While the construction project is inconvenient for customers, continued support for businesses is vital. Residents just need to take a few more steps to provide the continued support village businesses need.
James “Jim” Barrett, Elsie L. (Wolthuis-Desness) Carvell, William A. “Bill” Couchenour, Ronald L. Eaton, Harold Heikes, Marilyn J. Kozar, Rusty Wire Shelburne, and Caroll Emaline Wise.
James “Jim” Barrett, passed on June 23, 2021, after a long battle with dementia. Jim was born on September 27, 1938, to Delbert J. and Mary A. (Clancy) Barrett in Kalamazoo. Jim attended St. Augustine Elementary, Milwood Junior High and graduated from Portage High School in 1956. In February 1960, he married Sharon Golyar and had three children. Jim retired after 36 years with the Upjohn Company. In October 1989, he married Phyllis Norris. They had 32 years of marriage together. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, football, baseball and bowling. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Eleanor, Jack, Bob Pat, Dennis, and Gerry; and special friend Ed Hageman. He is survived by his wife Phyllis; children Phillip (Deb) of Scotts, Monica (Paul) of Delton, and Chantal (Jack); brother Nick; and stepchildren Julie (Gary), Jerry, Shelley (Lou), and Steve. A memorial will be held on Friday, July 2, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church with a visitation at 10 a.m. and a mass at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Vicksburg Cemetery. Donations may go to Rose Arbor Hospice or a charity of one’s choice. Visit his page at avinkcremation.com.
Elsie L. (Wolthuis-Desness) Carvell, 92, passed away peacefully June 1, 2021 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Elsie was born February 24, 1929 in Vicksburg, the daughter of John R. and Myrtle (Hendricks) Wolthuis. Elsie grew up on the family farm on “Dutchman’s Road” with her five siblings. Elsie graduated from VHS in 1947, married Willis R. “Bill” Carvell on June 28, 1947, and raised three sons. Bill died in 1956. Elsie married William A. “Bill” Desness on June 7, 1961. They retired from Upjohn and became snowbirds, living between Kline’s Resort and Stuart, Fla. When Bill died in 1993, Elsie settled near Lawton before a final move to Amber Place. Elsie is survived by sons David (Karen) Carvell of Portage and Richard Carvell of Kalamazoo; daughter-in-law Catherine Carvell of Goodlettsville Tenn.; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; siblings John Wolthuis, Betty Wheeler and Bill Wolthuis. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, her son Michael and siblings MaryAnn Klimek and Louis Wolthuis. Donations may go to Rose Arbor Hospice or the charity of one’s choice. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com.
William A. “Bill” Couchenour, 87, Vicksburg, passed away at his home on May 11, 2021. Bill was born in Uniontown, Pa. on August 5, 1933, the son of William and Gladys (Waltonbaugh) Couchenour. He was a member of Saint Petersburg High School’s State Championship basketball team and graduated in 1951. He served in the US Army for two years. He then attended Eastern Nazarene College where he met Ruth Andrews. They married in Royersford, Pa. on August 31, 1957 and raised five children: Diane, James, William, Kathleen and Kenneth. Bill is survived by his wife, Ruth; children Diane Bosworth of Vicksburg, Jim (Dixie) Couchenour of Eaton Rapids, Rev Bill (Rhonda) Couchenour of Sterling, Colo., Kathy Demaray of Mason, Mich., and Ken (Cheryl) Couchenour of Mason; grandchildren Briana (Dustin), Brooke, Tyler (Julienne), Austen (Melanie), Kaylee (Kamron), Jonathan, Will, Rachael, Christina, Joshua, Michael (Bansari), Daniel, Caleb, McKenna; 10 great grandchildren with one on the way; his brother, Jim Couchenour of Columbiana, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Melvin Couchenour, sister Gladys “Sis” Hofacker; sisters-in-law Pat and Betty Couchenour; brother-in-law Chauncy Hofacker; and grandson-in-law Caleb Starr. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the William A. and Ruth Andrews Couchenour Scholarship Fund at Olivet Nazarene University.
Ronald L. Eaton, 74, passed away with his son by his side on June 1, 2021. Ron was born January 28, 1947, to Kenneth and Dorothy (Born) Eaton. Ron married the love of his life, Karen Oswalt, September 25, 1971. Ron served his country proudly along with his brother as a Navy corpsman, acquiring the nickname “Doc”. He served in Vietnam and was awarded two purple heart medals. Ron retired from the Post Office after 30 years as a letter carrier. He had a passion for softball and golf, and he began building golf clubs. Ron loved his family and adored his cat. He was a huge Notre Dame and Cubs fan. He was a gifted storyteller. He is survived by his son, Jason (Tracy) Eaton; grandchildren Shan (Mollie Hageman) Pileri, Taylor (Emily Nachtegall) Misel, Brooke (Chase Fricke) Misel, Jarrett Eaton and Jaden Eaton; great-grandchildren Brenden and Noah; siblings David (Viola) Eaton and Robert (Sue) Eaton; several nieces and nephews and his favorite cat, Millie. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Karen. Donations may go to Give Kids the World in honor of Cambri Dorko or Section 1776 in honor of veterans. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com.
Harold Heikes, 96, Kalamazoo, died on May 29, 2021. He was born on August 1, 1924, in Vicksburg, the son of Harry and Esther (Dalton) Heikes. He graduated in 1942 from VHS and served in the US Army Air Corps. He was a top gunner on a B-25, serving in the south Pacific. He began work as a millwright at the paper mill and retired after 38 years. He married Eleanor Woodhams on November 29, 1968, and her five children became his own. The family enjoyed many holidays together on Pine Lake. Harold and Eleanor enjoyed dancing and traveled extensively. Since Eleanor’s death in 2013, he focused on hobbies and family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Members of Harold’s family include children Terri (Scott) Dunlop, Gary Heikes, and Bonnie Heikes; and grandson, Brian. In addition to his children, he is survived by Eleanor’s children: Ronald Woodhams, Alan (Cynthia) Woodhams, Barbara (Gregory) Deibert, and Robert (Margaret) Woodhams; 10 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. Besides his wife, Eleanor, he was preceded in death by his brother, Everett, and stepson, Michael Woodhams. Visit his page at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Donations may go to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes.
Marilyn J. Kozar, 85, Schoolcraft, passed away June 6, 2021, at Rose Arbor Hospice with her family by her side. Born November 30, 1935 in Kalamazoo, she was the middle child of George and Gladys (Werner) Kozar. She married Edwin David Wood. She was preceded in death by her husband; son Michael Wood; parents Gladys and George Kozar; and sisters Geraldine Povenz and Shirley Heuser. Marilyn leaves behind children Eddie Wood, Jennifer (Wood) Duff, and Wendy (Wood) Boutell; grandchildren Edwin (Woody) Wood, Matheson Wood, Alex Andrea (Wood) Bond, Zachary Wood, Jenny (Duff) Dines, Lauren (Chapman) Bienemann, and Shannon Chapman; and many great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind Russ Povenz, who was married to Geraldine, and John (Jack) Heuser, who was married to Shirley. Marilyn was a longtime member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Vicksburg. Her Catholic religion was an important part of her life, and she was looking forward to being reunited with her family in Heaven. Donations may go to the American Cancer Society. Visit her page at avinkcremation.com.
Rusty Wire Shelburne, 61, Scotts, formerly of Rochester, passed away June 11, 2021 from injuries sustained in a fall at home. Rusty was born in Noblesville on August 3, 1959, the son of Howard Dale and Rebecca Jacquelyn “Jackie” Wire Shelburne. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1977. Rusty married Laurie Drenth on June 3, 1978, in Kalamazoo, and they shared 43 years of adventures. Rusty earned an associate degree in law enforcement from KVCC and began a nearly 40-year career with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department. His badge #131 was retired in October 2018. Since retirement, he wintered near Apache Junction, Ariz. where he and Laurie could be near their son, Derek, and the grandchildren. Rusty enjoyed riding his motorcycle, racing his remote-control car, golfing. Rusty is survived by his wife Laurie, of Scotts; son Derek Shelburne of Phoenix; grandchildren Devereaux, Deklan, Audriana and their mother, Juanita; sisters Tammy Shelburne-See of Rochester, Betsy Shelburne of State College, Pa., Misty (Timothy) DePoy of Rochester, and Mindy (Hector) Navarro of Rochester; brothers Jeffery (Jeanie) Shelburne of Rochester, Rodney (Darla) Shelburne of Warsaw, Randy (Carol) Shelburne of Rochester, and Barney (Lorraine) Shelburne of Stillman Valley, Ill.; numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, many friends, as well as his Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department Family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Gary D. Shelburne and Scott B. Shelburne. Visit his page at langelands.com.
Caroll Emaline Wise, 94, Scotts, died June 11, 2021 at her home. She was born in Wibaux, Montana on Nov. 2, 1926, the daughter of Hezekiah and Laura (Harkins) Keller. After graduation from high school, she went to cosmetology school. She worked briefly as a hairdresser in Athens, and for over 34 years at Margo Shick’s Salon in Vicksburg. Caroll and her late husband, George, operated a dairy farm in rural Vicksburg and were active at the Kalamazoo and St. Joseph County Grange Fairs. She enjoyed square dancing, gardening and playing cards. Many enjoyed her homemade pies and peanut brittle. Caroll is survived by her son and daughter in law, Richard (Carolyn S.) Wise of Scotts; grandchildren Scott (Jill) Wise and Shellie (Bill) Gibson, both of Battle Creek, and Alisha Wise of Climax; great-grandchildren Gavin and Allison Wise and Grace and Emma Gibson; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George Wise; daughter, Carolyn L. Wise; two brothers and four sisters. A memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 10 at the Prairie Baptist Church followed by a luncheon. Donations may go to the St. Joseph County Fair, Dairy Department. Visit her page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
June 11 may have been the final day of class for students at Vicksburg Community Schools, but for several staff members, it marked a new beginning.
Ten district employees are retiring. Superintendent Keevin O’Neill said the employees collectively made Vicksburg Community Schools a better district because of their commitment to its students.
“I can’t thank this group of VCS employees enough for all the years of service, dedication and commitment to our precious students and families,” O’Neill said. “They will be missed and I hope they enjoy their well-deserved retirement.”
The retirees are:
Gary Boyle-Holmes, 37 years, all at Vicksburg High School.
Angie Getsinger, 30 years in all. Getsinger was hired as part-time physical education teacher at Sunset Lake after coaching volleyball and softball. Getsinger moved to Illinois and taught there through 2007. She moved back to Michigan and taught the balance of her career at Sunset Lake.
Ruth Hook, 23 years total. Hook started her career as a fifth-grade teacher in Illinois before spending 12 years at The Gagie School in Kalamazoo. She joined Vicksburg Community Schools as an instructional consultant starting in 2010 and was named principal at Indian Lake Elementary in 2012.
Tammy Iobe, 25 years, all at VCS. Iobe started as a substitute bus driver in the fall of 1996 and became a regular driver the next year.
Dave Nette, 27 years, all at Vicksburg High School.
Krista Ragotzy, 22 years in all. Ragotzy worked at Croyden School in Kalamazoo until securing teaching-certificate credentials. Ragotzy went on to work at Vicksburg High School her entire teaching career.
Patty Stoll, 22 1/2 years at Vicksburg Community Schools. She was hired in 1995 as a part-time middle school band teacher and resigned in 2002. Stoll was re-hired in fall 2005 in the same position until retirement. She spent six years before that teaching at Lawrence Public Schools and Marcellus Community Schools.
Jenny Taylor, 23 years, all at Vicksburg Community Schools. Taylor was hired as a kindergarten teacher at Sunset Lake, where she later taught third grade.
Toni Thole, 25 years. Thole was hired as a part-time health sciences teacher. Thole continued to teach health at both the middle school and high school until retirement.
Bob VanderStraaten, more than six years at Vicksburg Community Schools. VanderStraaten worked as a custodian for six months. He was rehired as a mechanic in 2015 and began driving a bus in 2018.
Members of the relay teams, from left, are Avalee Goodman, Emma Steele, Molly Young, Megan Kendall, Sam Richardson, Megan Zahnow, Hannah Fenwick, Amelia Ruger, and Amanda Laughery. Missing from the picture is Sawyer Barton.
After a competitive season, members of Vicksburg’s track and field team continued to shine at the state competition. The 4×100 relay team of Megan Zahnow, Megan Kendall, Sam Richardson and Emma Steele earned All-State honors and placed 5th with a season-best 51.31. This is the second-fastest time in the school’s history.
The 4×200 team of Zahnow, Kendall, Richardson and Steele placed 13th with their 4th fastest time of the season. Their season-best was 1:48.79 and the second fastest time in school history.
Vicksburg’s 4×400 relay of Amelia Ruger, Megan Kendall, Sam Richardson, and Emma Steele placed 14th with a time of 4:20.81 which was their second fastest time of the season.
The 4×800 relay of Hannah Fenwick, Avalee Goodman, Amanda Laughery, and Sawyer Barton wrapped up their season with a time of 10:33 (20th) which was 2nd best time of the season for the relay team.
Senior Levi Thomas is the Division 2 300-meter hurdles state champion with a time of 40.10 seconds.
Sophomore Michael Wright qualified for the state meet in the 200 and finished 15th out of 320 competitors.
The Vicksburg varsity baseball team had a solid season to remember, winning a district title for the first time since 2017 before being eliminated in the regional semi-final against Marshall. The season came down to a tight game against the Redhawks that could have gone either way.
The Bulldogs gave up a run early to Marshall, but pitcher Cole Gebben helped keep the game close with some solid pitching. In the fourth, Marshall scored again to make it 2-0, and the final run of the game. It briefly looked like Vicksburg might get something going in the fifth and sixth innings as Logan Cohrs, Drew Habel, and Parker Wilson all got on base. Unfortunately, they were left stranded.
Vicksburg played some solid defense towards the end of the game, particularly from Brendan Monroe, who picked off a base runner and struck out a few runners to keep the score close. In the end, the Bulldogs failed to get a runner on base in the seventh and were eliminated.
The week prior at Districts turned out much more favorably for the team as they defeated archrival Three Rivers 7-1 and then Harper Creek 11-1. In the finals, Harper Creek’s pitcher kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard for the first five innings before the bats came to life.
“They couldn’t get us out and we hit the ball all over the place,” Deal said. “Next thing you know, it’s 11-1 and we get a mercy in that district championship game against Harper Creek. Again, our pitching did a great job in both of those games defensively to make the plays, and to only give up one run in 13 innings, that was a great Saturday.”
Next season will be a little more challenging for the Bulldogs because they are losing most of their major sluggers. Senior Parker Wilson had over 40 RBIs, over 20 doubles, seven home runs, and a batting average of nearly .500 on the season.
“You can’t replace a guy like that,” Deal said.
Deal also noted Jacob Conklin’s .455 batting average and 37 RBIs, and Monroe’s .412 average as major factors to their success this year. He expects the team will be okay with the defensive players and pitching they have returning, but he expects they will have to get creative with the batting order a bit in 2022.
At the end of the day, it seems Deal and the team were happy they even had a season after losing 2020 to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Thanks to all the parents and the fans that have come out in support of the kids and got them to things, and taking care of all the things they needed,” Deal said. “This season, with all the COVID stuff at the beginning, they had to fight through a lot. So, my hat’s off to the players, to the families, and our school administration for allowing us to have this season and just to go with the ever-changing world that was the COVID baseball season.”
