The long-running issue – whether to build a sewer system in Schoolcraft – continued at the village’s October council meeting. Councilmember Michael Rochholz said the council needs to decide if it is serious about installing a sewer system, because if it is not, “We’re just spinning our wheels.”
Councilmember John Stodola agreed. “We must be committed to sewer as a strategic priority with a budget and a timeline.” President Gunnett clarified that the council isn’t committed to sewer, but that it is “committed to exploring sewer.” Council members were in general agreement.
Village Manger Cheri Lutz recommended that the Council should ask its engineering consultants, Prein & Newhof, to return to give the council an overview of options for a community the size of Schoolcraft.
“If there are dollars in the federal infrastructure package,” she said, “We won’t be prepared to take advantage of it” unless we do the work.
In other matters, the council approved a zoning update which takes effect in November. “The Planning Commission put a lot of effort into this and I want to thank them for their service to the community,” said Rochholz. Changes to the zoning ordinance will be provided to residents in the fall community newsletter.
Stacey Sherman, owner of Craft + Grand and the Beauty Bar, is organizing the village Christmas Walk for 2021. She requested money from the village for advertising, which will include ads in the South County News and Facebook. She also requested use of the park for a petting zoo.
The council agreed to allow a petting zoo in the park and approved $400 out of the Village’s advertising budget to help promote the event. The Christmas Walk is traditionally held on the first Friday and Saturday of the month, Dec. 3-4 this year. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page by searching “Schoolcraft Christmas Walk.”
As another effort to help boost holiday shopping in the village, the gift card program is up to $4,000 thanks to donations. The program will match gift cards purchased through the village offices, allowing residents to double their spending power at local merchants. The date of the sale will be announced through the village’s newsletter and social media.
The council appointed Joe Beck, a regular attendee of village council meetings, to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
The village has had difficulty filing volunteer positions, so much so that it is considering the consolidation of the Downtown Development Authority and the Planning Commission.
Resident Doug McMillon asked if the Village is able to implement an ordinance against semi-trucks using their “Jake brakes” within the village limits. Jake brakes, compression-release engine brakes, use engine exhaust to help slow the trucks when the driver lifts a foot off the accelerator. This release of exhaust makes a loud growl as trucks reduce their speed coming into the village.
Village Manager Cheri Lutz said that she had tried to stop the usage several years ago, but MDOT would not permit “No Jake brake” signs.
The 2022 community garage sales are scheduled May 13-14. The spring cleanup is scheduled for the following week on May 21, 2022.
President Keith Gunnett requested that the council consider meeting virtually for the remainder of the year due to concerns of rising COVID-19 rates. Stodola countered that, while he is following the data as well, he believes that it is their job to meet in person until the federal, state, or county government recommends that meetings switch to virtual.
Stodola feels comfortable with their social distancing policy and indicated that members could wear masks if they felt uneasy with the rising cases of the disease.
Beck pointed out that the council had just approved funds to advertise an event that is intended to bring people to the community. The motion to take the meetings virtual failed, 5-2.
At left: An aerial view of the newly-constructed Miracle Field. At the right: A Miracle League player and his buddy.
A new baseball league is playing its first innings on a new diamond in Schoolcraft.
The Southwest Michigan Miracle League started its first season Sept. 18 and will continue on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and noon through Oct. 23. The Miracle Field is on US-131 adjacent to the Dome Sports Center.
It’s open for kids from 5-19 to play regardless of abilities. The field has a flat rubberized surface to eliminate barriers to players using wheelchairs or who are visually impaired. Dugouts are wheelchair-accessible. Volunteers – “buddies” – work one-on-one with each player, helping them run or wheel around bases or helping them swing a bat.
“We partner every player with a buddy to ensure the player remains safe and has a good time,” said co-founder Jud Hoff. Buddies are over 14 unless they’re from a player’s family. The opportunity to assist players attracts volunteers. “It’s the experience of most miracle fields,” Hoff said. “They have long waiting lists. High school baseball and softball players, church groups and employee groups – they want to be buddies.”
One of the more memorable sights may be the joyful faces of the players.
Hoff saw that before the fundraising for the Schoolcraft field began. “When we were considering building this field, we visited one in Rockford. A kid clearly was suffering physical disabilities. He couldn’t swing a bat. He was in a wheelchair. As his buddy was pushing him down to first base, the look on his face was similar to any kid who hit a home run – a beaming smile!
“I turned to my partner. ‘We’re building one of these!’”
In early 2018, Hoff and three others formed a board of directors and sought and received a 501c3 non-profit designation to receive tax-deductible contributions. He recalls some initial resistance. “People thought it was just sports. It wasn’t just sports.” The kids “formed bonds, relationships, shared experiences. It provided a place in the community for people who don’t participate in sports.”
The fundraising netted $1.2 million, and Hoff and his partner, co-owners of the Dome, donated the adjacent property.
It can accommodate more activities. “We’ve got an additional 15 acres” perhaps for golf, soccer and volleyball. “We’re filing for a nonprofit community center.”
The Miracle League so far has fielded four teams of 10-12 players. “We hope to have 10 or 15 teams that play on the weekend” for an eight-game season. After the kids’ teams are “up and running, we’ll open to other groups, disabled veterans and elder groups.”
The range of disabilities to be accommodated in the Miracle League is wide. “Any kid can play.” And for a quadriplegic youngster? “A robotic bat,” Hoff said.
More information is available at the league’s web site: swmimiracle.org
Preschool Story Hour – Tuesday Oct. 26, Nov. 23 and Dec. 14, 11-11:30 a.m., ages 3-6 years – Join us for a fun-filled morning of stories, finger plays, movement and a take-home craft. Must be potty trained. Masks will be required for this program. Please register at 679-5959 or misspam@schoolcraftlibrary.org
Pumpkin Decorating Contest – All Ages. The library is providing pumpkins to the first 10 decorators beginning Monday Oct. 4 through Sat. Oct. 23 – or you may use your own. Paint it, dress it or carve it! Bring back your free decorated pumpkin to the Library by Monday Oct. 25 for our outdoor display. All others are welcome to bring in their masterpiece or submit a photo to missroxanne@schoolcraftlibrary.org Winners will receive a prize! One free pumpkin per family please. Register Oct. 4 at https://wandooreader.com/schoolcraftlibrary/pumpkin-decorating-contest.
Adults
Prairie Page Turners – Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1, 2-3 p.m. Book club will meet outside in the Reading Garden in October and in the Robert Crissman Community Room in November and December. Look at our online calendar for book titles. Masking is recommended.
Watch our website for upcoming 3D print and teen programs!! Don’t forget about 3D printing, discovery kits and Hot Spots available for check out!
Schoolcraft Township Clerk Virginia Mongreig is reminding township residents that voting locations will change for some residents beginning with a county-wide ballot question on Nov. 2.
All township residents in the Schoolcraft school district will vote at the Township Hall, 50 East VW Avenue at 18th St. All township residents in the Vicksburg school district will vote at Vicksburg United Methodist Church, 127 S. Main St in downtown Vicksburg.
Kalamazoo County residents in the Nov. 2 election will decide on renewal of a tax of .3124 mills, 31.24 cents per $1,000 taxable valuation, for the Kalamazoo County Transportation Authority. The agency provides transit services including Metro Connect and Metro Share vans. Voters first approved the tax in 2016. It expires this year.
Although voters in three other Kalamazoo County communities will vote Nov. 2 on local ballot issues, there are no elections for local, state or federal offices.
The Eagles in action. Photo by Stephanie Blentlinger, Lingering Memories Photography.
By Mark Blentlinger
With longtime Eagle Volleyball Coach Erin Onken taking a new position at Portage Northern, Schoolcraft was on the lookout for new leadership.
The 2021-22 season started with Jill Bisset at the helm. Early in the season she decided not to continue. Christina Duchene, who led the freshman team last season, stepped up to lead both varsity and junior varsity teams.
The Eagles faced off against Kalamazoo Christian September 28 at Schoolcraft High School. The Comets are presently ranked 4th in the state. The Eagles took them into a fifth game where they fell short by 5. Duchene said the team played great, and is planning on seeing the Comets again in the districts. Presently, the Eagles are 3-1 in conference play. The coach talked about some of the key players that are helping the Eagles on the court:
Junior Heidi Sheen, a middle hitter in three conference games has 31 kills, eight serving aces and nine blocks. She is a force on the floor, is very coachable, is powerful in the middle and hits the ball extremely hard. Junior Abbi Curtis plays as a defensive specialist and left side outside hitter. She is very court-smart and is all over defensively. Curtis has 23 kills, 47 digs and 7 aces. Duchene can count on her to communicate very well on the court. Senior Sophie Ridge is the team’s libero. She is a captain and an excellent passer. She has 54 digs and 7 served aces. Senior Allie Walther is an outside hitter, has 18 kills and 6 blocks. She gives 110 percent every time, Sheen said.
The Eagles will travel to Galesburg Augusta October 5 to take on the Rams.
Coach Chris Kato is happy with the talent of his young Eagles team. The girls’ team is currently ranked fourth in the region, led by junior Caley Kirwin, freshman Ariana Pillot, senior Maleah Hampton, freshman Addison Blodgett, senior Annika Peterson, sophomore Jenna VanDussen and Alyssa VanDusen. The highlight so far was the team finishing as runner up at the Sept. 11 Centreville Invitational.
With a much younger boys’ team, the coach has some great mentors for his younger runners. Junior Rylan Osborn and senior Simon Sheen are leading by example and teaching underclassmen like freshmen Dante Pillot, Connar Candler, Dylan Danner and Ty Edwards. Kato said it’s been great fun watching his runners grow and drop faster times this season. The team’s focus is working to bring times down and getting ready for regionals. They’re to be hosted October 30 at the Portage Invitational course at Portage West Middle School.
