In December’s snowy days and crisp weather, the Lady Eagles varsity basketball team brought some heat to the opponents and caught fire on the court. The girls are heading in the right direction toward success with guidance from Coach Max Kulczyk.
The first game of the season was a 51-36 loss to Plymouth Christian Academy on December 4 at Kalamazoo Central. The setback was followed by three straight wins.
The first was against rival Vicksburg High School, with a close final score of 48-43, followed by a dominant performance against Parchment High School, with a final score of 31-8.
The game following Parchment was scheduled to be against Bronson High School at home on December 14. It was canceled and won’t be rescheduled.
Their third and final game of the year came against Galesburg-Augusta High School at home on December 17, resulting in a 45-24 win. Lead scorers for the Lady Eagles were seniors Mackenzie Miller and Maddy Ingle, with 16 points each. Team captains are seniors Allie Walther and Mackenzie Miller, both four-year varsity players.
“We showed signs of being really good, but couldn’t seem to put four quarters together. For us to be where we want to be, we need to be able to play four quarters,” said Coach Kulczyk. “I told the team we need to play like Caley Kerwin. Caley is the hardest working player on the team and, for that reason, I find it difficult to take her out.”
Coach Kulczyk said he looks forward to getting better and working toward the team’s ultimate goal of winning championships.
The Eagles face their first opponent of the new year at Coloma High School at 6 p.m. Friday, January 7.
Varsity Basketball Front row, left to right: Nolan Strake, Luke Housler, Malachi Sampley, Asher Puhalski, Tucker Walther, Beau Onken, Tyler Perez Back row, left to right: Coach Derrick Small, Coach Randy Small, Tyler DeGroote, Shane Rykse, Eli DeVisser, Coach Adam SziedeVarsity Basketball Back row, left to right: Coach Kristin McNally, Jason Jarrett, Mackenzie Miller, Allison Bailey, Madison Ingle, Coach Max Kulczyk Front row, left to right: Hannah Thompson, Liv Ellison, Allie Walther, Mia Mulder, Caley Kerwin, Baylee ClarkJV Basketball Front row, left to right: Jack Curtis, Mason Simonds, Bennet Ellison, Jared Feller, Keegan Winkel, Jaden Reiber Back row, left to right: Coach Tom Sportel, Fischer Holmes, Luke Rykse, Thomas Rutkoskie, Coach Aaron Beery Not pictured: Colin Hotrum, Jaden VanderWiereJV Basketball Front row, left to right: Alexa Priest, Lauren Evans, Clara Ledlow, Payton Watts, Addison Blodgett, Sydney Drenth Back row, left to right: Coach Kendra Cook, Madison DeYoung, Adele DeVries, Brenna McDonald, Megan Dykema, Natalie GlerumVarsity Bowling Front row, left to right: Lukas Rinderspacher, Nate Earles, Eder Prado, Shaun Sampsell Back row, left to right: Simon Sheen, Coach Mark Blentlinger, Corban Piorkowski JV Bowling (not pictured): Ethan Denhartigh, Hunter Barkalow, Logan RinderspacherVarsity Bowling Front row, left to right: Alayna Meade, Molly Pearce, Haley Earles, Catie Wright Back row, left to right: Clair McIntyre, Coach Mark Blentlinger, Breanna Trimble Not pictured: Brynleigh MacInnes JV Bowling (not pictured): Jessi Parker, Sarah Hampton, Annika Munson, Addison Haley, Brenna Crofoot, Emma Peterson, Caroline DeLoof
Margaret Irene Chapin.Nancy Jane Cohrs.Charles Edward Goodwin.Derek J. Guthrie.Janet K. Haas.Rollin Hildebrand JR.DeMaris Elaine Holmes.Laurie A. Ivens.Anthony “Tony” P. Sehy.Cathy Vanatti.Timothy A. Wolf.
Margaret Irene Chapin, 87, Schoolcraft, passed away December 24, 2021 at her home. Margaret (Margie) was born March 26, 1934, to Frank and Maude (Heath) Fuller in Avoca, Michigan. She graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1952 and married Irvin N. Chapin in 1954. She worked as a journalist and writer for the Vicksburg Commercial and the Schoolcraft Express and raised five children who survive her: Debra Hilsbos, Lori Michael, Scott Chapin, Dana Wiley and Pam Krieg. She also is survived by 25 grandchildren, multiple great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by siblings Francis, Gerald, Ralph, Harvey and Calvin Fuller and Shirley Smithe. She attended KVCC and was interested in genealogy. She was also a member of the Schoolcraft Ladies Library Association and the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church. She managed Lakeland Reformed Church’s South County Clothing Shop for almost 20 years. She enjoyed gardening, antiques, canning and freezing, quilting, ceramics and basket weaving. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may go to the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church.
Nancy Jane Cohrs, 64, Charlotte, Michigan, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away suddenly on December 9, 2021. She was born in Vicksburg, on October 12, 1957, to Fred Robert and Maxine Muir Cohrs. Nancy graduated from Vicksburg High School, attended MSU, and worked for 41 years at Meijer Distribution Centers in Lansing. Nancy was dearly loved by her family and friends. She expressed her love through loyalty, generous gifts, and volunteering. Her cheerful sense of humor during even the toughest times made those around her feel important, loved, and special. Nancy was devoted to her nieces and nephews, whom she treated as her own children. The family will remember her with love and laughter, and with a commitment to honor her warmth, strength, determination and work ethic. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William Robert Cohrs. She is survived by siblings and in-laws Fred and Ann Cohrs of Springfield, Virginia, Dan Cohrs of Vancouver, B.C., Mary Ann (Cohrs) and Phillip Weaver of Caledonia, Mich., Tim and Linda Cohrs of Kalamazoo, and Susan Cohrs of Coppell, Texas, and by her best friend of 40 years, Charlene R. Crabtree of Charlotte. Nancy’s nieces and nephews include Jeff Cohrs, Laura (Cohrs) Anthony, Philip Cohrs, Suzanne (Cohrs) Rogers, Daniel Cohrs, Mark Cohrs, Phillip Weaver, Matthew Weaver, twelve great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and many more loved ones. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Nancy’s life in the summer of 2022.
Charles Edward Goodwin, 79, Vicksburg, passed away on December 10, 2021. Charles “Chuck” was born on June 22, 1942, in Paris, Ill., the son of Robert and Berniece (Ward) Goodwin. He graduated from Paris High School. After high school he became a system analyst programmer in the banking industry. He retired from First Source Bank. Charles married Kathy Harding on July 2, 1982, in Muncie, Ind. Kathy learned that she ranked third in Chuck’s life behind fishing and watching college basketball. Chuck was very proud of his two children. He was a lover of wildlife and his pet cats and dogs. Chuck will be remembered by his family as a social jokester and storyteller, but most of all being a good husband, father, and grandfather. Charles Goodwin is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathy; daughter Dawna Bird of Indiana; five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Larry (Carolyn) Goodwin of Illinois. Charles was preceded in death by a son, Douglas Goodwin, and his parents, Robert and Berniece Goodwin. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to Centrica Care (formerly Hospice Care of SWMI).
Derek J. Guthrie, 46, Vicksburg, passed away on December 21, 2021. He was born January 28, 1975 in Kalamazoo, the son of Reubin and Linda (Nash) Guthrie. In 1994, he graduated from Three Rivers High School and attended Glen Oaks Community College before going to the police academy at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. He worked for the St. Joseph County Reserve and the Centreville Police Department before working for Vicksburg in 2017. He served as a patrol officer, ran the reserve unit, and was also a school resource officer for Vicksburg Schools. Derek and Angie were married on January 12, 2001. Their family grew to include two children, Summer and Bryce, in addition to Derek’s daughter from a previous relationship, Kasmin. Derek is survived by his wife of 20 years, Angie; children Kasmin, Summer and Bryce Guthrie; his mother, Linda Guthrie of Constantine; siblings Melissa (Joseph) Long of Constantine and Jessi McCarroll of California; his mother-in-law; brothers and sisters-in-law Peter and Karen Asakevich of Kalamazoo, Patrick (Rachel) Asakevich, of Watervliet, Christopher Rousch of Battle Creek; aunt and uncle Steven Nash, of Constantine and Mary Nash of Vicksburg; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Pyper Elizabeth in 2002, father Reubin and his grandparents, Otto and Pauline Nash. Services have been held. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to the Village of Vicksburg Shop with a Cop.
Janet K. Haas, 80, Vicksburg, passed away on December 21, 2021. Jan was born on November 5, 1941, in Marcellus, the daughter of Walter and Lovella Haas. Jan loved her pets and all living creatures. She was passionate about her faith and regularly attended mass at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. She served her church many times as an altar server. Jan loved the Vicksburg community and enjoyed going to local diners to be around people. She will be remembered by those that knew her as social, faithful, loving, and a little outspoken at times. Janet is survived by her sister Barb Haas, of Vicksburg, several cousins, and her pets. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Lovella Haas and two sisters, Mary Ann Haas and Adeline Dewing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5855 East W Ave, Vicksburg. A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. that day at the church. A burial of Janet’s ashes at Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Gardens will follow. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.
Rollin Hildebrand Jr, 95, Vicksburg, passed away on December 17, 2021. Rollin was born in LaGrange, Ind. October 1, 1926 to Rollin Sr. and Bessie (Weirch) Hildebrand. After graduating from Vicksburg High School, Rollin married Mary Lou Miller on June 6, 1947. Rollin owned and operated R. Hildebrand Builders and was a church pastor. He enjoyed photography, hunting, fishing, reading, traveling, and was a Kiwanis Club member. Rollin is survived by his wife of 74 ½ years, Mary Lou; daughters Linda (Bob) Mohr of Lawton, Sharon Richey of Vicksburg, Sue (Dale) Arndt of Scotts and Lynn (Bill) McCarty of Vicksburg; nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; sisters Virginia Bogema of Schoolcraft, Ruth Fritz, of Pennsylvania, and Margaret (Richard) Fifer of Florida; sister and brother-in-law Joyce Hildebrand of Vicksburg and Mike (Jan) O’Halloran of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Howard (Maribel) and Robert Hildebrand; and brothers-in-law Albert Fritz and Bill Bogema. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to ChapNaz Church or Generous Hands.
DeMaris Elaine Holmes passed away December 18, 2021. DeMaris was born January 14, 1938 in Three Rivers to Arlo and Hazel (Shingledecker) Schug. She moved to Schoolcraft as a young girl and graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1955. She went to work in the office of Latex Compounders. In 1956, she married her classmate, Leonard Holmes. The first three years of their marriage they lived in California where Leonard was stationed with the Navy. After his discharge, they returned to live near Schoolcraft. DeMaris worked for 25 years as a seasonal greenhouse worker. She enjoyed crafts, needlework, gardening, and reading. For several years she delivered meals on wheels. Dee and Leonard were members of several square dance clubs and attended many national conventions. After retirement, they spent winters on the Gulf Coast in Alabama. She was a member of the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She enjoyed watching her sons and grandchildren in both school and sporting events. After 60 years of marriage, Leonard preceded her in death in 2016. Surviving are her sons Steven (Chris) Holmes and Gregory (Nancy) Holmes; grandchildren Ashley Holmes and Bryan Holmes; brother Lloyd (Nancy) Schug; brother-in-law Gordon (Martha) Miller; and many cousins and extended family. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may go to Schoolcraft United Methodist Church (Building Fund). Visit her page at langelands.com.
Laurie A. Ivens, 59, Vicksburg, passed away on November 28, 2021. She was born April 19, 1962, in Vicksburg, the daughter of Bernard and Janet (Hambright) Foster. Laurie graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1980. She was blessed with three children, Melissa, Shaina, and Josh. She worked as a subcontractor in telecommunications at Upjohn Company, then for over 20 years as a technician for CTS. Laurie enjoyed reading, knitting, playing dice and solitaire, and tending to her yard. For 20 years, Laurie enjoyed a loving relationship with Roy Schoonhoven. Roy passed away in 2020, shortly before they were to marry. She is survived by her children, Melissa (Michael) Snyder of Vicksburg, Shaina (Jamal) Collins of Kalamazoo, and Josh Ivens of Vicksburg; 10 grandchildren, Xzavier, Zoey, Skyler, Ace, Sandy, Chevontae, Armani, Camila, Carter and Cassavelie. She is also survived by her father, Bernie Foster, of Portage; and siblings Sonda Vickery of Kalamazoo and Randy (Linda) Foster of Vicksburg. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Foster, and fiancée, Roy Schoonhoven. Services have been held. Visit her page at mcccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the family c/o Bernie Foster.
Anthony “Tony” P. Sehy, 51, Schoolcraft, passed away on December 15, 2021. He was born November 28, 1970, in Kalamazoo, the son of Paul and Dorothy (Hitzeman) Sehy. He graduated in 1989 from Vicksburg High School where he played football and ran cross country and track. He attended Eastern Michigan University and KVCC. On August 21, 1993, he married Kelly Boyer, and together they raised eight children. For over 30 years, Tony worked as a DJ. He also owned Key Media and was a successful real estate agent. He loved NASCAR and board games. One of his favorite pastimes was announcing for the Hackett Catholic Prep High School Band. Tony was a hard-working, kind, and generous person. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Kelly; children Logan (Jewelee) Sehy of Portage, Collin Sehy of Washington, Nathan (fiancée, Zoe Gibbs), of Florida., and Gavin, Ethan, Noel, Holden, and Calista Sehy, all of Schoolcraft. He is also survived by his parents, Paul and Dorothy Sehy, of Ohio; siblings Joe (Cheryl) Saul-Sehy, of Texas, and Nicole (Eric) Meli, of Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the family c/o Kelly Sehy.
Cathy Vanatti, 63, Vicksburg, passed away December 15, 2021. Cathy was born March 5, 1958, the daughter of Wayne and Dora (Warner) Coble. Cathy worked for Eaton Corporation until it shut its doors and then worked for FEMA. She was known for her Sunday family dinners. She loved bowling, golfing, and Lions football. Cathy is survived by her children, Stephanie (Joseph) Bragg, Heather (Michael) Adkins, Matthew Wolfe, Heidi Stevens, and Naomie Wolfe; grandchildren Anthony, Alexia and Adriel Younger, Chase Chmiel, and Asher, Alton and Aiden Bragg; sisters, Donna Coble and Nancy (Don) Roberts; and nieces and a nephew. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Dora (Warner) Coble, and her husband, Roger Wolfe. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com.
Timothy A. Wolf, Mattawan, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away December 20, 2021, at his home. Tim was born January 14, 1978, in Kalamazoo, the son of Michael and Waneta (Kershner) Wolf. Tim grew up in Vicksburg and attended Vicksburg Community Schools, graduating in 1996. Growing up, he loved soccer, football, swimming, and camping. As he grew older, he enjoyed motorcycles, golf, and grilling. Tim was employed the past 11 years at Parker Aerospace. In 2014, Tim reconnected with his high school classmate, Amanda Wynn. On April 7, 2021, Tim was united in marriage to Amanda, who survives. Also surviving are his stepson, Mason Gilkey; parents Michael and Nita Wolf; brother and sister, Christopher (Bethany) Wolf and Beth (Jason) Boogholt; parents-in-law Ken and Sue Wynn; sister and brother-in-law, Dana (Andy) Cooper and Sean (Liz) Wynn; several nieces and nephews; and fur babies Chubbs and Cash. Services have been held. Donations may go to the SPCA of Southwest Michigan. Visit his page at langelands.com.
The Schoolcraft Village Council invited Tom Wheaton of Prein & Newhoff, the village’s engineering consultants, to talk about infrastructure at the December meeting.
Its primary concern: the 360 water service lines that contain lead, which must be replaced by 2040 according to a state mandate. Wheaton estimates that the cost of this project will be $2.5-3 million.
If the village were to install a sewer system, it would add $10-12 million to the price tag.
“If you’re doing lead service line replacement, you’ll be tearing up the roads,” the engineer said, suggesting that there would be value in coordinating the projects.
There will likely be funds for drinking water and sewer systems in the recently passed federal infrastructure bill, Wheaton added. He said that the funds will primarily come in the form of low-interest, long-term loans.
In other action, the village council again covered the cost of utilities for Eagle’s Nest, which houses the Schoolcraft Friday Pack and the Food Pantry. Expected utility costs are $2,040 for the 2022 calendar year. The council invited it to return for more funding if energy costs exceed that amount.
Schoolcraft Village became the latest municipality to reject approval of the South County Fire Authority budget.
Village manager Cheri Lutz indicated that she has not received a response from the SCFA finance director on questions posed by the village council. “I’m not going to vote for approval of the (fire authority) budget without answers to our questions, and I’m disappointed in their lack of response,” said council member Kathy Mastenbrook.
In a surprise announcement, Village Manager Cheri Lutz said Police Chief Scott Boling submitted his resignation after a year of heading up the police department. She indicated that the village is currently seeking a replacement.
Downtown Schoolcraft’s portion of 131 will be rebuilt, including some utility work.
By Kathy Oswalt-Forsythe
A 13-mile stretch of US-131 from Shaver Road north of Schoolcraft to Hoffman Road north of Three Rivers is scheduled for a two-year rebuilding and repaving project starting in 2023. Nick Schirripa, a spokesperson from the Michigan Department of Transportation, provided an overview of the project in mid-November to the Schoolcraft Lions Club.
Work done within the Schoolcraft village limits will be extensive, Schirripa said. The road’s surface will be rebuilt, including some utility work. A left turn light will be added at the Lyons Street signal. The Eliza Street signal will be upgraded and will include a pedestrian crossing.
Many adjustments are planned for the miles of highway outside the village limits. MDOT is removing almost all the median crossovers, creating “Michigan lefts.” They require a driver wishing to turn left onto a divided highway to turn right, cross over to a lane next to the median, make a U-turn through the median and left onto the desired direction. Because Johnson Road, midway between Schoolcraft and Three Rivers, is a T-intersection, it will be the only intersection left with a cross-through.
The only intersection with an indirect left-turn or Michigan left that will be signalized will be Shaver Road-U Avenue. The intersection will be redesigned: Northbound US 131 traffic will be stopped for right-turning Shaver Road traffic, then US 131 south-bound traffic will be stopped to allow the Michigan left from Shaver Road. The gaps in traffic will help U Avenue traffic movement.
Many attendees raised concerns about the Shaver Road-U Avenue intersection. Schirripa recognized the concerns and the complexity of the problem. He said that studies have been conducted and the exact location of the loops and signals is still being studied.
Schirripa said improvements will also be made to ditches and culverts. The highway will be repaved with asphalt over the existing concrete. Most of the existing concrete will be repaired and left in place. Some will be replaced.
Schirripa was questioned about business disruption in the downtown district. He stressed that the goal is to “maintain access to homes and businesses throughout construction.” He explained that often on projects of this size, traffic is reduced to two lanes instead of four, allowing work on one side of the highway while cars can pass on the other side.
Schirripa said he didn’t have a final cost for the project, adding MDOT is only about 60 percent done with the project design. The current estimated cost is $45 million dollars, but that is subject to change.
Project plans will be made available to the public in advance of the project. Once construction starts, real-time updates will be available at http://www.Michigan.gov/Drive.
Mae Pfost receives a resolution from President Keith Gunnett that honors her years of service to Schoolcraft.
By Rob Peterson
The Schoolcraft Village Council presented long-time volunteer Mae Pfost with a resolution thanking her for many years of service to the community, including her work leading the Planning Commission and the Village Council.
The resolution honoring Pfost lists a range of her work locally, from her support of infrastructure upgrades and business development to her service through the United Methodist Church, the Jaycees and Schoolcraft Community Schools.
“She is a good leader; she steps in when work needs to be done” said council President Keith Gunnett. “I’ve really come to like her, even when we’re on opposite sides of an issue.”
In other action, the council renewed its support for local merchants by again implementing the matching gift card program that was started during the 2020 holiday season. Community members can purchase $50 gift cards through the Village. The Village will match those purchases with an additional $50 gift card. To fund the program, the Village is using $1,500 from its business promotion account. Chem Link has provided an additional $1,000.
There are a limited number of certificates per business. As the South County News goes to print, the participating merchants are Craft+Grand, Hardings, Lovell Auto, Dirt Buster Car Wash, Pizza Hut, Biggby, Grand Antique, 131 Auto Care and Heirloom Rose. The cards will go on sale in early December. Check the Village Facebook page for more information.
Most parking citation fines were reduced from $75 to $20, with the amount increasing every seven days that a fine goes unpaid. The primary exceptions to the reduction in fines are parking in a handicap zone or commercial vehicles parked in a residential area. Those two infractions still carry the $75 fine.
The Village was informed that Craft Precision is closing its doors. The business had been granted an Industrial Facilities Exemption, which relieved 50% of its real estate taxes, in 2013. The exemption was set to expire in 2025, and the agreement allowed the Village to request a refund of abated taxes if the business closed before then.
The council was unanimous in its decision to request that the money be repaid. “We have a contract,” said council member John Stodola. “I feel like our hands are tied to abide by it.” Council member Mike Rochholz agreed, adding that other businesses hadn’t received a tax abatement, so it would be unfair to not request the repayment.
The amount due to the Village is expected to be $18,000 plus interest and attorney’s fees. The Village received $81,000 from the State through the American Rescue Plan Act; with another $81,000 coming next year. The funds must be dedicated to projects by 2024 and spent by 2026. The conversation about how to spend the funds will occur in upcoming meetings.
There is a plan coming together for the 2022 July 4th festivities, but they may not include fireworks. The former location is now under construction for new school facilities and won’t be available. The person who has been putting on the fireworks in recent years is retiring, and finding someone who is licensed can cost much more than organizers say they can reasonably raise in sponsorships.
