Bernice DobrowolskiShannon Kay GlascockJames Terrell KeeneKim LathwellDeanne “Deanna” Armstrong LunardiniMonalene L. MansmithMarilyn Virginia Woodworth MoiseWilliam “Bill” Sanford Northrop
Bernice Dobrowolski Memorial A memorial for Bernice Penar Dobrowolski, who died Jan. 6, will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Church in Three Rivers. Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. followed by mass at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Parkville Cemetery.
Shannon Kay Glascock, 52, Vicksburg, passed away on May 10, 2022. Shannon was born September 27, 1969 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Jack and Diane (Scofield) Budrow. Shannon graduated from Schoolcraft High School with the class of ’87. After high school, Shannon attended KVCC, then cosmetology and beautician school. She married Charlie Glascock on October 16, 1993 and together they had three children: Zach, Madison, and Christian. She was a salon owner at Salon Pura Vida in Portage for 10 years. Holidays and family were special to her, and this past Christmas, while ill, she made sure to be there with her kids. Her hobbies included shopping, crafting, and the Cooking Channel. Shannon’s family will remember her as being loving, strong, powerful, caring, brave and selfless. Shannon is survived by her husband Charlie; children Zach Glascock of Lansing, Madison Glascock of Lansing and Christian Glascock of Grand Rapids; granddaughter Harper; parents Jack and Diane Budrow of Kalamazoo; sisters Jenny (Steve) Huskey of Bowling Green, Ky. and Renae (Jason) Schug of Schoolcraft. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Alcoholics Anonymous.
James Terrell Keene, 91 of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully at Rose Arbor February 15, 2022. He was born March 20, 1930 in Kalamazoo to Bernice Lucille (Terrell) and Leo Eldon Keene. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and WMU. On July 27th, 1951, he married Marilyn Marie Mason. Jim served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He worked at the Upjohn Company, retiring in 1988. He was a family man who liked flying airplanes, hunting and woodworking. Jim is survived by daughters Suzanne (Brian) Rucker, Lori (Floyd) Phalen; grandchildren Lindsey Rucker, James (Maggie) Rucker, Emily (Kyle Waite) Rucker; great-grandchildren Marilyn Waite, Eric Waite, Max Rucker and Charlie Rucker; sister-in-law Janis (Jack) Loomis and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; parents; brother and sister-in-law Richard and Avis Keene; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Ed Vanden Akker; nephews Ron Keene, Brian Loomis, and nieces Diane Burhans and Sharon Loomis. Celebrate Jim’s life at a gathering June 11 at 2 p.m. at the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church. Beverages and dessert to follow. RSVP to 517-930-2975 or phalensfarm@gmail.com by June 4. Donations may go to Doctors Without Borders.
Kim Lathwell, son of Clarence and June Lathwell, left this earth May 3, 2022. He was born and raised in Benzie County on Lathwell Farms, raising beef cattle and harvesting cherries. He graduated from Benzie Central Schools in 1966. Kim graduated from CMU in 1971, majoring in education. He spent most of his teaching career at Vicksburg High School. After receiving his master’s degree from WMU, he became principal at Schoolcraft High School and Portage Northern High School. Kim and his wife, JoEllen, traveled to Avon Park, Florida in the winter months. Kim leaves behind his wife of 52 years, JoEllen; daughters Amy (Chuck) Kositzke of Commerce Township, Mich., Kristi (J.R.) Belmore of Battle Creek, and Kari (Dan) Martin of Mount Pleasant; grandchildren Elizabeth, Michael and Matthew Kositzke, Mason, Madalyn and Katelyn Belmore and Brendan, Kyle and Collin Martin; siblings Gary (Mary) Lathwell, Larry (Deanna) Lathwell, Melanie (Wayne) Brock, BJ (Kathy Lathwell) and Julie (Rick) Zych as well as many nephews and nieces. Donations may go to the Benzie County Central Schools Educational Foundation or to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation for Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, or Portage schools. Visit his page at bennett-barzfuneralhome.com.
Deanne “Deanna” Armstrong Lunardini, 83, passed away peacefully April 30, 2022 at Alamo Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 14, 1938 in Monroe, Deanna was daughter of the late Percy J. Armstrong and Eudora (Bates) Armstrong DuRocher. She graduated in 1955 from St. Mary Academy in Monroe. She was happiest dancing, playing cards or Scrabble, and cheering on her grandchildren. Deanna is survived by her children, Karen (Gary) Theisen of Hickory Corners, Mich., Robert C. (Carol Aspros) Lunardini, Jr. of Tallahassee, Fla., William P. Lunardini of Ocean Springs, Miss.; Kathleen (Yancy) DeMott of Vicksburg, and Michael (Gay) Lunardini of Brandon, Miss.; sisters Lynette (Daniel) Nash of Marysville and Cheri Mruzek of Tecumseh; and sister- in-law Joanne Armstrong of Monroe. Deanna was blessed with 24 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Deanna was preceded in death by her beloved son, Thomas Lamar Lunardini, and loving brother, Richard W. Armstrong. Donations may go to Woman’s Life Chapter 831, with memo “Logan” to help a local boy with medical needs.
Monalene L. Mansmith, 91, Coldwater, died May 15, 2022, at Drew’s Place in Coldwater. She was born near Fulton on January 5, 1931, the daughter of Holly R. and Myrtie (Springer) Wilson. Monalene graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1949 and married George Allen Mansmith July 26, 1952 in Fulton. Monalene was an active mother, serving as a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Blue Bird mother. She worked briefly at Coldwater Schools and was involved helping out at Little Leggs Daycare for several years. She was an immaculate housekeeper and homemaker, and she enjoyed working in her flower garden. Monalene is survived by her son, Robert Mansmith of Coldwater; grandchildren Danielle Tompkins, Breanna Mansmith, and Matthew Mansmith; great-grandchildren Madelyn, Sebastian, and Gabby; and daughter-in-law Georgia Mansmith. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband George; son Allen; daughter Diana Tompkins; and in-laws Harvey and Evelyn Mansmith. Services have been held. Donations may go to Coldwater ProMedica Hospice. Visit her page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Marilyn Virginia Woodworth Moise passed away on May 4, 2022. She was born February 8, 1929 in Kalamazoo, to Thomas Bishop Woodworth and Dorothy Louise Crittenden. She and her young family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1957, where all four of her children were raised. Marilyn returned to Michigan in 1978 with her beloved husband, Jesse Allen Mann, and worked in the family business, Graff Trucking Company. In 1992, she took over the trucking company and remained there until it closed in 2002. Marilyn is survived by daughters Sharon (Tom) O’Connor of Albuquerque, Jacque (Marty Enright) Moise of Placitas, N.M., and Becky Moise of Vicksburg. She was also blessed with 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. Marilyn was preceded in death by her son, Brad Moise of Albuquerque, and her husband, Jesse. Marilyn will always be remembered for her generosity, kind heart and outspoken, unsolicited opinions. At Marilyn’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. She may be remembered by making a donation to your favorite charity. Please visit Marilyn’s page at langelands.com.
William “Bill” Sanford Northrop, 92, Marcellus, passed away March 9, 2022. Bill was born March 26, 1929, to Howard and Doris Northrop in Lansing. After graduating from Eastern High School in 1947, he went on to work at Michigan Millers Insurance where he met his wife, Jean. They raised six children in Vicksburg. Bill was a successful insurance salesman who achieved the honor of “Man of the Year” and was a guest speaker at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in 1968. Bill loved to hunt, fish, golf and bowl. He played softball into his 50s. He enjoyed playing cards and had quite the sweet tooth. He built a life doing what he liked best. After retiring, he moved to a farm and cared for almost 100 head of cattle and 240 acres. Bill is survived by children Bill, Cheri (Steve) Ryan, Sandy (Bob) Jones, Robin (Dick) Engel, and Joel. He is also survived by a sister, Connie, 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, son David and daughter-in-law Karen. A memorial will be held for family in the spring where his ashes will be spread on the property that he so loved. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.hohnerfh.com.
Due to a shortage of volunteers, the village Council discussed combining the Planning Commission and the Downtown Development Authority.
The Planning Commission is charged with recommending zoning ordinance changes to the Council regarding what property owners may do with their property. They determine what uses are allowed in which part of town and review site plans for proposed buildings.
The Planning Commission also plays a key role in developing the community’s master plan.
The Downtown Development Authority is responsible for increasing investment in the downtown area. A DDA typically has its own budget that increases as property values increase, and it may spend the money on events, promotions and business development.
Members of both groups are appointed by the village president. Most but not all of the volunteers are required to be village residents.
Currently, the village is required to have five members of the Planning Commission, but has just four. The DDA is required to have eight members, but it also has just four members.
State law allows a community of fewer than 5,000 residents to combine the Planning Commission and the DDA, as Vicksburg has. Doing so would reduce the total number of required volunteers from 13 to nine, reducing the shortfall of volunteers.
The council asked village Manager Cheri Lutz to review combining the two groups as a potential solution to the lack of volunteers.
While combining the two groups would allow the village to operate with fewer volunteers, it was not seen as a viable option by staff or the council.
“The Planning Commission and the DDA are two different groups with different perspectives,” said President Keith Gunnett. “The DDA is a group of businesspeople talking about how to grow our downtown, and the Planning Commission is people making rules.”
There was also a concern about having “a small group of people leading the town,” added Gunnett. “We really need more people involved.”
The council decided to keep the Planning Commission and the DDA separate, with a 5-member Planning Commission and an 8-member DDA. It is actively recruiting new members for both groups.
Correction: The May issue of the South County News misidentified the new Schoolcraft police chief. His correct name is Scott Smith.
The Southwest Michigan Miracle League kicked off its spring season April 30 with an invitation to the community to visit the field and support the players.
The field at 12935 US-131, adjacent to the Dome Sports Center, offers opportunities for youngsters age 5-19 to play baseball regardless of abilities. The field has a cushioned rubberized surface to prevent injuries, wheelchair-accessible dugouts and a flat playing surface to eliminate barriers to wheelchairs or to visually impaired players.
Volunteers, “buddies,” work one-on-one with each player, helping them swing a bat or run or wheel through the bases. Buddies are 14 or older unless they’re a member of the player’s family.
Spring-season games have been played on Saturdays starting at 10 a.m. and noon. They’ll conclude on June 4 and 11.
Jud Hoff, president of the league, encouraged attendance. “I can tell you that attending a game is one of the most rewarding and amazing experiences I’ve ever had. Seeing the community come together and watching the players’ faces as they hit the ball and run or wheel the bases for the first time is indescribable.”
The League is a non-profit organization which accepts tax-deductible contributions.
Sitting on school grounds during Fourth of July fireworks was discussed by the board.
By Travis Smola
High School Principal Matt Dailey officially recognized the top 10 2022 graduates of Schoolcraft Community Schools at the Board of Education’s May meeting.
Topping the list was Tyler DeGroote, followed by Marisa Faulk, Maleah Hampton, Haley Matthews, Sophie Ridge, Shayla Strake, Hannah Thompson, Allie Walther, Sam Woodhams and Tyler Zito. Dailey noted this year’s seniors faced a bevy of challenges the last couple years as Covid-19 complicated the challenges of education.
“Think about two years in a pandemic out of 12 years or 13 years of education, a significant percent of what these kids have done, and they’ve weathered that storm, and not just survived, but thrived academically,” Dailey said. “I’m really proud about what they’ve been able to accomplish, and I’m really excited about what they’re going to do in the future.”
It was a short meeting in May with only a few items on the agenda. Superintendent Rick Frens noted costs for dairy and bread bids has gone up. The district is also looking at a $13,000 increase for the cost of a new bus. The district tries to purchase a new bus every year to keep its fleet updated and in good shape. This is a purchase that is currently slated for January. However, Board President Jennifer Gottschalk brought up the prospect of purchasing a new bus sooner rather than later. She wants to get ahead of rising costs.
“Can we put the order in so we can get it and we’re not getting nailed with price increases? I mean, there’s going to be more (increases),” Gottschalk said.
Frens noted there’s a lot of variables to current supply chain and inflation issues factoring into the decision of when they make their next bus purchase. He also noted the district passed its last bus inspection “with flying colors.” However, he agreed with Gottschalk it was worth looking into, and he told the trustees he would be back to them with more information later.
Gottschalk also informed the other trustees that she has had further communication with the Fourth of July committee. It has supplied insurance and applications for fireworks to the district. The committee additionally made a request for people to sit on portions of the lawn in front of the school, at the soccer field, and football field as viewing areas for the display.
“They wanted to know if people could sit on the football field. I don’t know that we’re too excited about that,” Gottschalk said.
The committee did promise to have people come to clean these areas the following day, including local boy and girl scouts. Trustee Rudy Blankenship said he thought the soccer field was fine, but he didn’t want anyone on the football field and bleachers due to safety concerns. Gottschalk also clarified for Trustee Adam Haley that it was only for seating purposes. No traffic will be allowed on the fields.
Except for the football field, the board agreed to allow seating in the other areas. Gottschalk noted it will need to pay attention to construction process as the holiday approaches. It plans to make work areas off-limits during the display.
Grace Wujkowski, Wonder Woman (Schoolcraft Jr./Sr. High School Art Teacher, Jaime Hilaski), and Jillian Kessler. Cody Copeland and Batgirl (Schoolcraft High School English Teacher, Kim Klocke). Batman, Schoolcraft Elementary teacher, Todd Allgor, speaks with students. Photos by Shannon McDonald.
By Amy Green, Common Bond Advisor
On May 12th, nearly 20 real live superheroes from around the galaxy came swooping, flying and swimming into Schoolcraft to talk to students about the importance of kindness and inclusiveness. This event, the Superhero Kindness Crusade, was sponsored by Common Bond, an extracurricular club at Schoolcraft Community Schools for students of all abilities.
The event started at Schoolcraft High School with introductions and speeches by a few of the superheroes. This was followed by a meet and greet with students with lots of photo opportunities and an opportunity to meet the superheroes — many Schoolcraft teachers and administrators.
The band then led a parade featuring the superheroes riding in Corvettes with drivers from the Kalamazoo Corvette Club and one of the Girls on the Run team, ending at the football stadium. There the 3-6th grade Common Bond group welcomed the members of the parade. Students sat in the stands and listened to messages from a few superheroes about kindness and fresh starts.
The event ended with Captain America — 7th-12th grade principal Matt Dailey — leading a kindness pledge, followed by another meet and greet session in the stadium.
This is Common Bond’s 24th year at Schoolcraft Community Schools, but the first time it’s held the Superheroes Kindness Crusade. This event was a fun way to remind students about treating each other with kindness, to respect each other’s differences and to provide a fun way for students to celebrate the end of the year.
Left: Cassidy Bruner winds up a pitch. Right: Brenna McDonald makes a run for it. Photos by Stephanie Blentlinger, Lingering Memories Photography.
By Mark Blentlinger
With the advancement from assistant softball coach last season to the head coach position this year, Rebecca Shemberger and assistants Katie Parker, Len Rothrock and Steve Peters are making a big statement. The young team has just four seniors: Sophie Ridge, Olivia Pavlak, Faith Westfall and Maddie Ingle. All the underclassmen are learning from the senior leadership daily.
And the team is sporting a record of 18-8.
After rain-canceled games on May 4, the Eagles took a double header from Bridgman, 9-0 in game one and 8-4 in game two. The next two double headers were postponed against Delton Kellogg and Gull Lake. They were able to take on Division 1 Portage Northern, dropping both games 2-3 and 2-7. They then went on an eight-game winning streak with wins over Constantine and Delton Kellogg. Over the May 14-15, the Eagles headed to the east side of the state to Canton. They played in the Michigan Challenge, and these Division 3 Eagles were able to post big wins against Division 1 schools like South Lyon East 6-1, Sterling Heights Stevenson 5-1, Novi 11-1 and Grand Blanc 5-0. In the championship game, the Eagles finished in second place, falling to Whiteford High 0-2.
The Eagles were to finish off their regular season against Kalamazoo Christian, Portage Central and Gull Lake before they begin the district tournament against the Blue Devils of Lawton on June 4.
