By Travis Smola
The Schoolcraft Board of Education in a brief March meeting went into a closed session to give Superintendent Ric Frens his first evaluation. Board President Jennifer Gottschalk said the board had many positive comments on his first year in the district. The board gave him a good evaluation, then formally adopted it and signed it.
By Jordon Buell
In last year’s season, the Schoolcraft boys varsity basketball team had a goal: recapturing a state championship. They fell just short of their goal in the semi-finals against Iron Mountain.
With redemption in mind, a veteran head coach, and a determined team, the Eagles headed into the 2021-2022 with the same goal: winning a state championship.
This year, they did it.
The team, led by Coach Randy Small, captured the Class C state championship against Menominee High School at the Breslin Center with a final score of 59-49.
It was their second state title win since 2011. This year, with a record of 25-2 overall on the season, it seemed easy to envision the Eagles putting themselves back in a position to attempt to grasp the thing they wanted most.
Key contributors to the monumental victory over Menominee were senior Ty Ryske, who provided 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists; senior Tyler Degroote, who added 7 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists; sophomore Shane Ryske, scoring 15 points along with 5 rebounds; and junior Eli Devisser, scoring 14 points along with 4 rebounds.
This team from the beginning of the season was on a mission. With hard work and dedication, these Eagles ended up with a 23-game winning streak, sending a message that Schoolcraft basketball is to be respected.
Congratulations to Coach Randy Small and the Schoolcraft Eagles on an incredible season and a state championship!
By Mark Blentlinger
Schoolcraft’s Riley Cochran and Nolan Strake didn’t come out on top at early-March state wrestling championship matches in Detroit. But they put up good fights.
Cochran in the 160-lb weight class was matched with Shenard Foster of Detroit Loyola, last season’s state runner-up. At the end of period one, the score was 2-1 with Foster leading. Foster held the lead 4-2 in the second period. When it was over, Foster topped Cochran 9-3 and later became the 2022 state champion.
In the 171-lb class, Nolan Strake faced Noah Entyre of Lutheran Westland, who finished the weekend as the Division 4 state runner-up in the class. At the end of period one, Strake was in the hole, 0-6. He fell in the 2nd period and with Cochran headed into the consolation rounds.
There, Cochran faced Brice Stanley of Carson City-Crystal. On an adjacent mat, Nolan Strake wrestled Noah Reisner of Ithaca.
Cochran pinned his opponent with 1:21 left in period 2 advancing onto the “blood round”.
After the first period of Strake’s match, the score was 0-0. By the third period, Strake was down by 1, 2-1 needed to continue on. He went into a tie breaker where he advanced by winning, 13- 5.
That “blood round” was next. Winners would return Saturday to wrestle for a spot on the finalists’ podium. Losers would come back on Saturday as a spectator.
For the second time in the day both Strake and Cochran wrestled at the same time on adjacent mats. Strake faced Garett Pope of Manchester; Riley wrestled Matt Riehle of Springport. Strake was tied at 2 in the beginning of period 3 and lost a hard-fought match 4-3. Cochran lost 12-5.
The championships at Detroit’s Ford Field included a first: The girls competed in their own division. It included 215 girls in 14 weight classes from 100 to 255 pounds.
By Jordon Buell
The Schoolcraft Lady Eagles basketball season ended earlier than expected in a hard-fought game against Kent City in the quarterfinals of the Class C MHSAA playoffs. The score: 34-33.
It was a defensive clinic, to say the least.
Senior Mackenzie Miller scored a team-high 11 points in the contest, with senior Madison Ingle and sophomore Liv Ellison providing 6 points as well. Miller had a chance to win the game when the ball was inbounded to her with 5.6 seconds on the clock. Her contested baseline jumper fell short when the final buzzer sounded.
Even though the Lady Eagles came up a little short of their championship aspirations, the team displayed dominance throughout the year and may be expected to return to the title picture in the 2022-2023 season.
It was still a season of success in many ways for the Schoolcraft girls. The Lady Eagles finished the regular season going undefeated in league play with a record of 13-0 and a record of 23-2 overall. They even went on a dominant 23-game winning streak, led by Coach Max Kulczyk.
With seniors Mackenzie Miller, Madison Ingle, Hannah Thompson and Allie Walther leaving after this year, there are big shoes to fill for the incoming players.
With this season’s playoff experience under their belt, and a heartbreaking loss, the Lady Eagles may be hungrier than ever next year. Congratulations to Coach Max Kulczyk and the girls on a hard-fought season.
Schoolcraft Eagle girls’ and boy’s bowling teams headed east to Jackson on a late February weekend to compete in the Division 4 Region 21 championships. They didn’t win, but coaches saw high points and looked forward to next season.
A total of 15 boys’ teams and 14 girls’ teams competed for a Michigan-shaped wood trophy. The top three teams would qualify for the Division 4 state championships the next weekend.
The Eagles boys’ team, with so many new bowlers, faced an uphill battle against teams like Grass Lake, Bronson, Vandercook Lake and Burr Oak, with bowlers returning from the previous season and some with averages in the 200’s. The Eagles finished the day in 14th place with a high Baker game of 148, a team series of 630 and a total of 2,600 total pinfall. That compared to Grass Lake, the eventual regional champion, with a high Baker score of 205 and team series of 996.
The weekend included the singles event where 77 boys competed to make the top 10 and advancement to the singles portion of the Division 4 state championships the following weekend. Just one on the team had bowled in a singles competition: senior Simon Sheen. Senior exchange student Eder Carrasco-Prado turned out to be the highest Eagle finisher, in 44th place with a six-game series of 922 and a high game of 198.
The girls’ team finished 10th with a high Baker game of 151 and a high team series of 677, finishing the day with a 2,590 total pinfall. The girls were also facing some stiff competition with the likes of Grass Lake, Bronson and Jackson Lumen Christi, all top three finishers qualifying for the state championships the next weekend. Grass Lake was the eventual winner of the Regional Championship, topping Bronson with a total pinfall of 3,427 to Bronson’s 3,328. Grass lake had a high Baker of 163 and team series of 991; Bronson had 189 Baker and an 827 series.
In the girls’ singles, Eagle Alayna Meade finished highest, in 28th place, with an 858 total and a high game of 165.
Coaches are looking for big things from the two teams next season. With so many bowlers in the 2022 season the school was able to add junior varsity to both teams. It hopes to do so again next season.
David J. Boucher, 70, Vicksburg, died on March 27, 2022. He was born on April 24, 1951, in Kalamazoo, the son of Robert and Mary Louise (Angell) Boucher. He graduated from Bronson High School and attended Glen Oaks Community College. On March 20, 1971, he married his junior high sweetheart, Constance “Connie” Locey, and they just celebrated their 51st anniversary. He worked for Consumers Power and spent over 25 years at Upjohn. More recently he worked at Bronson Hospital. Over the years he was active in Vicksburg Little League with his children and grandchildren. David enjoyed being the daycare grandpa for his grandchildren. His family includes his wife, Connie Boucher; children Michael (Holly) Boucher and Kellie (Marty) Thomas; grandchildren Kyler Ridenour, Will Thomas, Delaney Thomas, and Cameron Boucher; brother Tom (Carol) Boucher; sister Carol Boucher; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Jeffrey and Lon Boucher. Donations may go to the Little Help Big Difference Fund. Please visit his page at langelands.com.
Mary “Faith” Connors Chapman passed away March 7, 2022. Faith was born February 22, 1969 to Tom and Margaret Connors. She was a 1987 graduate of Vicksburg High School. She loved her family and many friends. She enjoyed her job at Walters-Dimmick Petroleum in Vicksburg, then more recently in Mendon for many years. Faith received her wings surrounded by those who love her. She was preceded in death by her infant brother Chad, her parents, and nephew Chance Connors. She is survived by her husband, Mike Chapman, son Dustin Pearson, brother Tom Connors, sister Chris (Ken) Warwick, and brother Mike (Kelley) Connors.
Shirley Fay Cole, 91, Vicksburg, passed away January 26, 2022. She was born July 27, 1930, in Dayton, Ohio, the daughter of Charles and Bessie (Robinette) Hipple. Shirley married Clifford R. Cole on June 29, 1945, and together they had three children, Margaret, Carolyn, and Clifford. She loved visiting with family and friends. Shirley lived in Ohio until moving to Vicksburg in 1999 to live with her daughter, Carolyn, and son-in-law Dave Fagaly. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford, her parents, siblings, and one great-grandson, Xavier Jaden Fagaly. Shirley is survived by her three children, Maggie Girton of Williamsburg, Ohio, Carolyn (Dave) Fagaly of Vicksburg and Clifford Cole of Houston, Texas; grandchildren Brad (Angie), Jeremy (Angie), David, Bob (Piera), Kelley, Steve (Nicki); 14 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will take place later in the year at 12th Street Baptist Church in Kalamazoo. There will be another Celebration of Life in Ohio. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Thomas Earle, 67, Vicksburg, passed away February 23, 2022. Tom was born to Raymond and Dorothy (Harker) Earle on June 19, 1954. Tom is survived by his siblings, Joe Earle, Fred (Maryann) Earle, Billy Earle, Teresa Earle, and Gloria (Dennis) Meloche; Aunt Betty; and many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy (Harker) Earle. He retired from Stewart & Sutherland after 44 years. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Helen J. Goldsmith, Kalamazoo, died February 11, 2022. She was born September 10, 1927, in Kalamazoo, to Clayton and Lillian (Norris) Palmiter. In 1947, Helen married David J. Goldsmith. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister Frances Perry; brothers-in-law Bob Perry and Lou Meinert; and grandson, David Goldsmith. Helen is survived by her son, Gregory (Donna) Goldsmith; daughter, Gayle (Jack) Mahieu; grandchildren Shelley Munson, Jeffery Mahieu, and Natalie Goldsmith; great-grandchildren Jarid (Hannah) Rial, Jocie Rial, Zachary (Brittany) Mahieu, Emmalee Mahieu, Jackson Mahieu, and Nona Mahieu; great-great-grandson, Fenix; and sister, Janis Meinert. Gifts may go to Animal Rescue Project. Visit her page at langelands.com.
Klaus Kardys, Portage, passed away at home on March 12, 2022. Klaus was born in Dieburg, Germany to Jan and Maria Kardys on June 12, 1948. As an infant, he moved with his parents to Carleton, Michigan where they became U.S. citizens. Klaus graduated from Monroe Catholic Central High School and then moved to Marquette where he graduated from Northern Michigan University and met his future bride, Mary Ann Copenhafer. In 1976, Klaus and Mary Ann moved into their home overlooking Austin Lake. Klaus was an avid historian and gardener. Klaus’ greatest joy and love came in 1982 when the couple welcomed their son, Philip, and in 1985, a daughter, Mandy. Klaus was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; son, Philip (Veronica) Kardys; daughter, Mandy (Anthony) Davis; granddaughters, Paisley and Paige; great-grandson, Alec; sister, Sylvia (Dale) Ford; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He will be remembered for his quick wit and fun spirit. Please consider planting a tree, or donating to arborday.org. Visit his page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Susan Kipker, 74 of Schoolcraft, died peacefully February 24, 2022, surrounded by her family, including her grand dogs, in a room filled with prayer and love. Sue was born January 23, 1948, in Kalamazoo to Rex and Iva (Case) Gettys. Sue was preceded in death by her parents. Surviving are her husband, Jerry; children Jason Kipker and Josh (Julie) Kipker; granddaughter, Olivia; sister Nancy (Rick) Ullrey; and several nieces and nephews. Services have been held. Visit Susan’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to SPCA of Southwest Michigan or Kalamazoo Humane Society.
Barry C. Lehmkuhl, 70, formerly of Vicksburg, died October 22, 2021. Barry was born in Allegan on September 24, 1951, to Elaine and Karl Lehmkuhl. He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1969. He enjoyed and collected music, and he could not only recall names of songs, but the artist and the year a song came out back to the early 60’s. His other passion was cars; over the years, Barry bought and restored many. He kept in close contact with several of his closest friends from high school until near the end of his life. He treasured those friendships and loved to kick back, laugh and share stories of the good ol’ days in Vicksburg. He also loved his cats and had several that he treated like his kids. Barry worked many years for the Stryker Corporation. He was preceded in his death by both his parents and his brother Brad. He is survived by his sisters, Kris Hill-Moyer of Portage and Marilee Furlong of Three Rivers, and brother, Brent Lehmkuhl of Bloomington, Ind. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who remember him as being the life of the party. Donations may go to South County Community Services.
Charles Arno “Butch” McClish, 76, Vicksburg, passed away February 27, 2022. He was born in Battle Creek October 8, 1945, the son of Arno and Wilma McClish. When he was 14, his family moved to Colon. Following high school, he worked as a farm hand in the area and he met Rita Roberts at a township dance hall. The two were married April 4, 1964. He began working for H&H Farms. In 1965 he transitioned to Rheems Manufacturing and began his career in welding. He continued his career working at Clarks Manufacturing and Checker Motors before retiring from Bentler in 2011. In his free time, he enjoyed farming, ice fishing, woodworking, and most of all, spoiling his grandchildren. He was preceded in his passing by his parents, sister, and son-in-law Jeff Daughtry. Left to cherish his loving memory is his wife of 57 years, Rita McClish; children Chuck McClish, Sherri Daughtry, Cricket McClish, Rick (Carla) McClish, and Robin (Joe) Peck; 14 grandchildren and 12 grandchildren with one on the way. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Lois A. Minnis, 79, Fulton, passed away March 27, 2022. Lois was born February 17, 1943, the daughter of Fred and Lois (Pansch) Borgens. She loved to quilt, garden, and play Yahtzee. Above all else, Lois was a wonderful mother, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren meant the world to her. Lois is survived by her children, Willard Herbert Minnis of Fulton, LouAnn (Forester) Prater of Fulton, LeAnn Prater of Sherwood and Lori Grinage of Colon; grandchildren Sara Bradford of Battle Creek, Brian (Sheila) Dodson of Schoolcraft, TJ (Samantha) Latta of Indiana, Amanda Hart of Addison, Brady Hallock of Battle Creek and Heather Prater of Sherwood; and 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Steve (Pauline) Borgens of California; sister Sue Dale of Oshtemo; brother-in-law Norman (Lois) Minnis of Fulton; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard, parents, and grandson Matthew. Services have been held. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Wakeshma Community Church or the Humane Society of Kalamazoo.
Robert (Bob) Morren, 88, Frostproof, Florida, passed away December 27, 2021. He was born on December 2, 1933 to Willis and Agatha (Van Eck) Morren of Portage. He married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean (Hobson), and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korea War. When he came home, he was a firefighter in Kalamazoo for 28 years. On his days off, he worked his farm in Vicksburg. Bob, Bonnie and their family enjoyed camping all over the USA. He was able to expand his hunting trips to include Montana, Africa, and Alaska. In 1987, Bonnie and Bob moved permanently to Frostproof, Florida. He was preceded in death by wife of 63 years, Bonnie. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Ronald (Diane) Morren; children Sheri (Herbert) DeMeritt, Sue Hoeksema, Steven (Denise) Morren; and a very large and extended family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Please join the family for a memorial celebration Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 1 p.m. at 8258 Victory Street, Vicksburg. The service will be held at the Learning Center at the Nazarene Indian Lake Campgrounds. All friends, family and colleagues are welcome.
Sylvanus “Skip” Franklin Reed Jr. passed away March 14, 2022. He was born February 20, 1940, in Yankee Springs, the son of Sylvanus Reed Sr. and Maxine Gile. After his father died in the Korean Conflict in 1950, he was raised by his mother, Maxine, and stepfather Leighton Sage. Skip earned a journeyman license and completed his apprenticeship at General Motors of Kalamazoo, working there for 22 years. He was a member of UAW Local 488 and the Kalamazoo Corvette Club. He volunteered with the Mounted Division of Kalamazoo County and worked at the Kalamazoo County Fair. Skip was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather; and brothers James and Kenneth Reed. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patsy Reed; children Brenda (Mike) Ward and Michael (Dawn) Reed; grandchildren Erik Ward and Jennifer (Jacob) Brechtel; siblings Sandra (Lisa Wilkinson) Griffin, Ronald (Sue) Sage, Bruce (Sheryl) Sage, Wayne (Marcia) Sage, Terry (Laurie Haner) Sage and Kevin (Sun) Sage; nephew Andrew “Andy” Sage; friends of 56 years Linda and Phil Hearld; as well as many dear friends, nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Hospice Centrica Care Navigators.
Rose M. Reiter, Schoolcraft, passed away at home March 22, 2022, with her family by her side. She was born November 29, 1938, in Kalamazoo, the fourth child of Floyd and Eva (Amyotte) Norwood. On June 11, 1958, she married the love of her life, Jay C Reiter. Together they had three daughters. Rose is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 63 years, Jay; three daughters, Theresa O’Leary of Schoolcraft, Diane (Joe) Prior of Schoolcraft, and Christine (Randy) Bennett of Kalamazoo; grandchildren Tyler, Jennifer, and Megan O’Leary, Kimberly (Bryce) Ingram and Michael (Andrea) Prior; great grandchildren Barrett and Bennett Ingram and Presley Prior; and one brother, James (Connie) Norwood. Rose was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Barbara Ellison, Robert Norwood, Mary Lou Hotchkiss, and Richard Norwood. Donations may go to the Schoolcraft Food Pantry c/o Schoolcraft Presbyterian Church. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Virginia Ann Shaw passed away on March 23, 2022 at Maple Lake Assisted Living in Paw Paw. Virginia was born in Muskegon on January 27, 1927, the eighth child of Frank and Mary Cady. Her mother passed away days after her birth, and she was adopted and raised by her aunt and uncle, Merritt and Josie Baxter. Virginia was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking (famous for her sugar cookies), traveling and camping with her husband, Eldyn, and friends, playing games, hunting mushrooms and watching John Wayne movies. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eldyn Shaw, son Ronald Shaw, daughter-in-law Jackie Shaw and her siblings. Surviving is her family, Keith (Cheryl) Shaw, Gordon (Tamara) Shaw, Donald (Jill) Shaw, and daughter-in-law Brenda Shaw, nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 30, visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at Gobles United Methodist Church. The service will start at noon and be followed by a luncheon. Donations may go to Centrica Care Navigators hospice. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Michael John Zimmerman, 58, passed away November 23, 2021, at Duke Hospital in Durham, N.C. Michael was born in Vicksburg September 12, 1963, to Theodore and Mary Zimmerman. He enjoyed fishing at Mud Lake and deer hunting. Michael served in the U.S. Army and started his career at Upjohn as a chemical operator. Michael and Wendy were married May 18, 1991, and raised their children Brock and Baileigh. In 2007, his career with Pfizer took him and his family to St. Louis and in 2020, he moved his career with Pfizer to Chapel Hill, N.C. In August of 2021, he was able to take one final road trip in his Chevy Camaro where he was able to see all his old friends. During that trip he was in a bass fishing tournament with his brothers Ken and Steve at Austin Lake. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Wendy Dempsey-Zimmerman; children Brock and Baileigh, another daughter, Mindy, from his first marriage, and his beloved dachshund, Buddy. He is also survived by his brothers Kenneth (Melody) Zimmerman of Goodrich, Mich. and Steve Zimmerman of Vicksburg. He was preceded in death by his parents. Donations may go to the Duke Cancer Institute Head and Neck Cancers Fund.