Greetings from the South County News team. We are proud of this issue, which features not only many area happenings and regular columns you’ve come to expect, but also our student athletic teams.

Rotary beef raffle proceeds support STRIVE

STRIVE is a mentoring program, sponsored by the Vicksburg Rotary Club, designed to encourage senior high school students who need some extra support. Rotary’s raffle tickets are $10 each and available at Vicksburg High School, Vicksburg Administration Building, or any Vicksburg Rotarian. Four winning tickets will win a beef quarter, compliments of Oswalt Family Farms. The drawing will be held Friday, February 10 at Vicksburg’s homecoming basketball game.

Laverne Swinehart to celebrate 100th birthday

Longtime community member Laverne Swinehart will celebrate her 100th birthday on February 20th. On February 19th, the Vicksburg United Methodist plans to sing “Happy Birthday” and send best wishes to her during the 11:15 a.m. service livestream. Please plan to attend if you would like to participate. Birthday cards can be sent to the following address:

North Woods Village Memory Care
Laverne Swinehart—Room 343
6203 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009

1st Annual IceBURG Festival, February 11 from 2-6

Vicksburg Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting this outdoor event. Area restaurant and bars will compete in the “Best Grilled Chez” contest. Live ice carving begins at 3. A Snowsuit Fashion Show (contestants can register at the tent before the event) begins at 4, a DJ will provide music, and the South County Fire Authority will offer hot chocolate and s’mores. Wow! The Chamber hopes residents will join the fun!

Former VHS grad continues publishing

In his retirement, Dr. Bob Ike, VHS ’70, has penned a number of books and shared them with the Vicksburg District Library. His fifth and latest, “Musing through a Pandemic,” reflects on various aspects of life under coronavirus. As a physician and trained virologist, Dr. Ike brings a unique perspective to these issues. His latest includes something he suggests we all enjoy: Eat and drink! Expect a few 3 x 5 card ready recipes, but that’s not the only focus. Dr. Ike indicates he has a couple more books in the works.

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Happy New Year from all of us at the South County News!

We hope you enjoyed your holidays and a reprieve from the bitter cold. This edition features the 3rd January cover by Jeanne Church, Picture Walks columnist and regular contributor. Many of you have expressed your appreciation of Jeanne’s photographs and column. Thank you, Jeanne!

For many of us, January means soups, starry and cold nights, regular visits to the library, and more time in the warmth of our homes. This month, some of us begin looking at garden and seed supply catalogs or dreaming of getaways. Some of us try new recipes or television series. And some of us just take a deep breath and wait for spring. I hope we all find some joy during this season.

Seeking a reporter for Schoolcraft coverage

We are looking for a writer interested in covering Schoolcraft events and helping with sports coverage. The ideal candidate is familiar with and connected to the Schoolcraft community. If interested or would like more information, please email kforsythesouthcountynews@gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued support of the South County News. Our readership partners and advertisers make this publication possible.

Schoolcraft Library news

Wednesday Jan. 4, 2-3 p.m., Book Club, Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney
Monday, Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, 11-11:30 a.m., Story Time All Ages
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 5:30-7 p.m., Art Open House for Schoolcraft High School
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 5:30-7 p.m., Adult Craft
Friday, Jan. 20, closed for staff training
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 3:30-5 p.m. Nailed It! Grades 6-12
Cake decorating Contest
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6-7 p.m. board meeting