Schoolcraft’s #51 Aiden Flinton and #4 Ryan Ling. Photo by Stephanie Blentlinger, Lingering Memories Photography.
By Mark Blentlinger
After starting the 2021 season at 0-5, the Eagles are hoping to get the engine running on all eight cylinders. The Eagles have lost to Cassopolis, Centerville, Kalamazoo United, Constantine and Saugatuck. The team had COVID issues that forced it to forfeit to the Falcons September 17. With such a young team, it is a rebuilding year. The team has many young players that are playing at the varsity level for the first time. The Eagles were to face the Rams of Galesburg Augusta October 1 at Roy Davis field for Homecoming.
Varsity Football Front row: Trent VandenAkker, Carsten Svoboda, Calib Lipscomb, Isaac Noora, Huston Hodge, Nolan Strake Middle row: Shaun Sampsell, Ryan Ling, Brennan Gerow, Andrew Taylor, Ian McDonald, Trey Schneider, Kyle Quick, Kolby Lloyd Back row: John Zinsmaster, Aiden Flinton, Coach Nathan Ferency, Coach Jim Thompson, Coach Tracey Branch, Coach Brian DeVries, Canaan Pavey, Kanaan Burgess Photo credit: Visual Sports Network
JV Football Front row: Connor Flinton, Taylor Cook, Colin Pace, Elijah Nishizawa, Gavin Knowlton, Jonah Pavey Second row: Jaden Reiber, Brenna McDonald, Hayden Crouch, Thomas Dodson, Carter Miller, Jonathin Kirk Third row: Caleb Goldschmeding, Aiden Remmert, Ethan Goddard, Lucas Hamelink, Riley Reed, Tucker Walther, Drew Hamlin, Gavin Hart Back row: Broedy Dunham, Coach Travis Wycoff, Coach Randy Blankenship, Coach Dan DeVries, Jake Bailey Photo credit: Visual Sports Network
Varsity Volleyball Front row: Alayna Meade, Sophie Ridge, Abbi Curtis Middle row: Paige Outman, Alexis Candler, Allie Walther, Brooke Medema Back row: Camden Bruner, Allison Bailey, Heidi Sheen, Johanna Bennett, Cassidy Bruner Not pictured: Coach Christina Duchene Photo credit: Visual Sports Network
JV Volleyball Front row: Elle Ellison, Lauren Evans, Gabby Adams Middle row: Laci Shaw, Livia Ellison, Jenna Tone, Molly Evans Back row: Treasure Fox, Adele DeVries, Sophia Orton, Danielle Watterson, Madalyn DeYoung Not pictured: Coach Christina Duchene, Assistant Coaches Lilli Curtis and Hannah Duchene Photo credit: Visual Sports Network
Freshman Volleyball Front row: Ella Flinton, Alexis Whitcomb, Chloe Vanderploeg, Joslyn Sheteron, Abby Sutton, Sydney Drenth Back row: Ella Stull, Paige Metzger, Madalynn Ackerman, Hope Storm, Carli Dailey Not pictured: Coach Breanna Staton Photo credit: Visual Sports Network
Cross Country Front row: Alexa Priest, Samantha Pavlak, Caley Kerwin, Alyssa VanDussen, Maleah Hampton, Annika Peterson Second row: Jenna VanDussen, Lauren Shane, Dante Pillot, Ty Edwards, Kaitlyn Clark, Connor Candler, Addison Blodgett Third row: Jackson Parker, Reese Lambe, Ariana Pillot, Coach Anna Kruizenga, Coach Chris Kato, Megan Dykema, Hunter Barkalow, Dylan Danner Back row: Dan McGehee, Isaac Murray, Lio Bragagnini, Simon Sheen, Mackenzie Miller Not pictured: Hannah Willoughby Photo credit: Visual Sports Network
Soccer Front row: Jaden Blodgett, Ethan Popp, Wyatt Stull, Nyan Wonders, Lucas Dickman, Jacob Pena, Jack Curtis Middle row: Ronan Thompson, Eder Prado, Alex Stoner, Ryley Bruner, Cody Gillaspie, Nate Earles Back row: Coach Chad Earles, Jacob Ryder, Drew Webb, Simon Sheen, Nathan Riddle, Kaleb Copeland, Coach Jeremy Mutchler Photo credit: Visual Sports Network
Marching Band Front row: Alyssa McMillan, Olivia Pavlak, Abby Hulinek, Lauren Shane, Kelsei Rossman, Alayna Meade, Carrisa Reiber, Catie Wright, Riley Danner Second row: Brenna McDonald, Warren Bailey, Brenna Crofoot, Sara Harrington, Em McMillan, Emma Peterson, Justin Parker, Addison Haley, Kerstin Rhoades, Faith Westfall Third row: Brynleigh MacInnes, Mike McGehee, Rylan Osborn, RJ Whaley, Keegun Weiler, Brayden Kroetsch, Hunter Barkalow, Annika Munson, Garret Dzierzyc, Dylan Danner, Danielle Watterson Fourth row: Sophie Orton, Jackson Parker, Kalib Lipscomb, Riley Zimmerman, Cole D. Bailey, Lukas Rinderspacher, Alex Betancourt, Megan Dykema, Sam Miller, Heidi Sheen Back row: Jesse Keim, Riley Reed, Logan Rinderspacher, Corban Piorkowski, Ian McDonald, Simon Sheen, Lucas Hamelink, Remy Kasten, Band Director Paul Stanton Photo credit: Visual Sports Network
Equestrian Clara Ledlow, Faith Westfall, Brooklyn Hamelink Not pictured: Mariah Flynn and Riley Reed, Coaches Christine Rosey, Rylie Damm and Morgan Hamelink Photo credit: Visual Sports Network
Golf
No photo available: Annika Peterson, Avery Eddy, Haley Earles, Molly Evans, Morgan Beehler, Head Coach Jason Evans, Assistant Coach Tyler Eddy
Coralee Pearl Behr, William F. Brumleve, Eric L. Crawford, Beverly Anne (Jones) Goldsmith, Mel E. Payne, Ronald Roger Rhoades, Jennifer Rowe, Deborah I. Shannon, John H. Skinner II, David Weyenberg, Cindy Jo (Decker) Wilson, Joyce E. Wolthuis.
Coralee Pearl Behr, 67, Vicksburg, passed away September 14, 2021. She was born on July 24, 1954 in Lansing, the daughter of Robert and Lois (Evert) Fulton. Coralee married Daniel Behr; together they raised sons Aaron, Andrew and Adam. Daughters Lydia, Danae, and Stacey were added to her family, followed by grandchildren Lillianna, Autumn, Willow, Olivery, Gabby and Jeremiah, continually influenced and guided by Coralee and her faith. Above all else, Coralee’s faith and relationship with God was the guiding influence in her life. Those who knew her well could be confident she taught the lesson to love one another with no expectation for return. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com.
William F. Brumleve, 78, Vicksburg, passed away on September 27, 2021. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, to Frank and Leona Brumleve. He attended Trinity High School and Bellarmine College (now University) in Louisville and served in the U.S. Air Force for four years. While stationed at Empire Air Force Station in Empire, Mich., he met the love of his life, Patricia “Patt” Hittle. They were married at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Traverse City in June of 1964. In 1966, they moved to Portage, where he worked for General Motors as a steel system analyst for 38 years. Bill served on the Vicksburg Village Council and Planning Commission. He did volunteer ground work for the Vicksburg District Library. He was an active member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patt; children Douglas (Aimee) Brumleve, of Manistee; and Theresa (Jon) Sabo, of Virginia; grandchildren Sean (Abbey) Sabo and Allison Sabo; sisters Carol (Jimmy) Neece and Margaret (Jim Ed) England, both of Kentucky; brothers-in-law Dick Hittle, of Detroit and John Hittle, of Lake Orion; and his beloved dog, Sophie. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Jeannie Brumleve. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to Kairos Dwelling and St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.
Eric L. Crawford, 41, Vicksburg, passed away at home surrounded by his family following a battle with colon cancer. Eric was born February 9, 1980, the son of Michelle “Missy” Crawford and Timothy Laboch. Eric was a 1999 Vicksburg High School graduate and grew up at Lemon Park, Indian Lake. Eric enjoyed all the typical water activities, trick skiing, and riding his wave runner. Eric played hockey and was an avid hockey fan. Eric was a member of the Low Down Custom Car Club and was proud of his 1996 Jimmy. Eric was employed at Hertz Rent-a-Car at the Kalamazoo Airport and then at JRS Rettenmaier as a material handler. Eric enjoyed restoring cars, fire trucks and military equipment with his Papa. He also enjoyed flying in his Papa’s seaplane off Indian Lake, a nightly tradition for them. He and Cindy Sherburn were married on October 1, 2005. Eric’s family includes his wife, Cindy Crawford; daughter Hayden; mother Michelle “Missy” Crawford (Armando Blanco); uncle Dean (Vivian) Crawford; his parents-in-law Vada and Dale Sherburn; grandmother-in-law Laurel Sherburn; sisters-in-law and their families Shelli (Mark) Candey and their kids Griffin (Susan), Taylor, Nicolas, Lindsey (Jim) and Tracy (Dan) Abbott and their kids Kayla, Kyle (Megan), and Nik; his special friends Dick VanLinder and Maurice and Judy Hovious. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Richard “Dick” and Shirley Crawford. Donations may go to the Colon Cancer Coalition. Visit his page at langelands.com.
Beverly Anne (Jones) Goldsmith passed away in Portage on September 27, 2021. Bev was born on September 16, 1933 in Boonville, Ind. to Homer (Jack) and Margaret (Davis) Jones. The small family lived in Indiana during Bev’s early years and then moved to Portage. Bev excelled in school, graduating from Portage High School in 1951, receiving her varsity letters in basketball, volleyball and tennis. Bev attended Western Michigan College (WMU), where she met John Alton Goldsmith of Vicksburg, and they were soon married. They eventually settled in Portage and started a family. John and Bev divorced a few years later, and Bev raised both her sons alone. Bev worked for many years as a paralegal for the Legal Aid Bureau of Kalamazoo County. Bev enjoyed a long life of social activities, family time and working in her gardens, and she loved spending time with her granddaughter, Jessica. Bev had many health problems the last several years of her life, but her fierce determination, fortitude and resilience never left her. Bev is survived by her granddaughter, Jessica Eleanor Goldsmith; daughter-in-law Carol (Resseguie) Goldsmith-Moore; as well as her cousins’ children. She was preceded in death by her parents; sons Chip and Kevin; cousins Robert and Gary; and other aunts and uncles. Donations in Bev’s memory may be made to Kindred Hospice. Visit her page at langelands.com.
Mel E. Payne, 70, Vicksburg, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2021. Mel was born on November 7, 1950, in Kalamazoo, the son of Marie (Kinser) and Clifton Payne. He was married to Coleen Payne (Campbell) on August 7, 1976. Mel joined the Salvation Army and served in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed singing and playing the guitar, was an avid bowler and fisherman, and played cribbage. Left to cherish his loving memory is his spouse of 45 years, Coleen; children Kevin (Teresa) Payne and Colette (Andy) Axe; brother Terry Payne; very special cousin Larry Warner; grandsons Josh Axe, Bryton Payne, and Kaeden Payne; in-laws Kat Campbell, Barb (John) Krueger, Jim (Terri) Campbell, and Kevin Campbell; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as his canine companion, Honey. Mel was preceded in passing by parents Marie and Clifton Payne. Donations may go to Glenn Arbor Hospice of Battle Creek. Visit Mel’s page at mccowensecord.com.
Ronald Roger Rhoades, 65, Schoolcraft, passed away July 30, 2021. Ronald was born in Dowagiac on February 9, 1956, the son of Clarence Nelson Rhoades and Dorothy Marie (Reish) Rhoades. On July 23, 1977, in Marcellus, he married the love of his life, Pamela Joyce Stuck, who survives him. Ronald was a foundry worker for many years, although his true passion was farming. Ronald loved spending time with his family and anything to do with the outdoors. Ronald is survived by his wife, Pamela Joyce Rhoades; daughter Amanda (Michael) Grunwell of Schoolcraft; Jason (Janice) Rhoades of Marcellus; granddaughters Kerstin and Keiauna Rhoades; siblings Sandy (Dale) Davidhizar of Jones, Don (Cindy) Rhoades of Lawton, Jeff (Lisa) Rhoades of Marcellus, Bruce Rhoades of Schoolcraft; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Dorothy Rhoades; father-in-law Pete Stuck; and uncles Ken and Maynard Reish. Donations may go to CurePSP for the awareness, education, care and cure for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Visit his page at materralstonfuneralhome.com.
Jennifer Rowe, 35, passed calmly in her loving family home on September 9, 2021. Jennifer was born December 26, 1985, the daughter of Scott Andrew and Mary Lynn Rowe, and grew up with her two sisters, Amanda Stone and Karrie Johnson. Jennifer graduated in 2005 from Vicksburg High School. She was a Special Olympics gold medalist and became a well-known local Michigan artist. She was a hard worker, loved music and was full of joy. She was preceded in death by her Grandma Delila, C.B. and Bertha Smith, and her great-grandmother, Mable Rowe. Jennifer is survived by her parents, her Grandma Faith, her sisters, aunts, and loving family member Amanda Conklin. Donations may go to Special Olympics – Kalamazoo County Area 16. Visit her page at langelands.com.
Deborah I. Shannon, 66, Schoolcraft, passed away September 9, 2021. Deb was born on June 11, 1955 to Duane and Evelyn (Yonokvitz) Soderquist. Deb is survived by her husband of 47 years, Rick; children Sarah (Mike) Zavoral, Joseph (Jolene) Shannon and Mary (Richard) Ditson; grandchildren Emily (Travis), Avery, Kaelen, Addison, Evelyn, Griffen, Gage, Garret, Grey, Aislyn and Olivia, Sophia, Evangeline and Daniel; father Duane; brothers David Soderquist and Richard Soderquist as well as several nieces and nephews. Deb was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn, her brother, Wayne Soderquist and son Daniel. Deb was a faithful follower of Jesus. She was a loving mother and a devoted grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She has bookcases full of books and would use books to minister to people. She was a charitable, humble woman who gave without expecting anything in return. Donations may go to Catholic Charities of Kalamazoo. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com.
John H. Skinner II, 79, Schoolcraft, passed away August 31, 2021, with his wife and daughters by his side. John was born February 17, 1942 in Sault Saint Marie to Jean (Palmer) and John Skinner. John graduated from Newberry High School in 1960 and proudly served in the US Army from 1967 to 1969. On December 20, 1967, he married the love of his life, Jacklyn (Maile) Skinner. John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jackie; children Amy Kweton of Libertyville, Ill., Beth (Carl) Vause of Concord, Mass., Gary and Tim Brundige, both of Three Rivers; grandchildren Maya and Emmett Kweton, Catherine and Max Vause, Erika (Randy) Gose, Staci (Bryant) Haas, and Leah (Keith) Salzman; great grandchildren Lucas and Hayden Salzman, Miles, Deakon, Areanna Gose, and Connor, Landon, Bayleigh and Brayden Haas; sister Jean (Ed) Brondyke of Newberry Mich.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother. Donations may go to Hospice of Southwest Michigan. Visit his page at avinkcremation.com.
David Weyenberg, 74, Vicksburg, passed away on September 8, 2021. He was born April 17, 1947 in Kalamazoo, the son of Theodore and Maxine (Derhammer) Weyenberg. He graduated from Portage Northern High School. He was an amazing mechanic, and his love of cars lasted his whole life. He enjoyed traveling and was happiest when surrounded by his family. David is survived by his wife of 53 years, Edie (Gasaway) Weyenberg; children Amy (Rick) Manchester and Melinda (Steve) St. Clair; grandchildren Ethan (Gabby), Alex (Shannon), Merrick (Falco), Hannah, and Parker; bonus grandchildren Erika from Finland, Kathi from Germany, Rebecca from Germany, Simone from Germany, and Jeremy from Germany; great grandchildren Nora and twins on the way; siblings Ronald (Alice) Weyenberg, and Mary Lou (Don) Oman; sister-in-law Irma Fox ; brother-in-law Ed (Pat) Gasaway; sister-in-law Terri Gasaway; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. David was preceded in death by his parents; brother Paul Weyenberg; brothers-in-law Dale Fox and Bert Gasaway. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com.
Cindy Jo (Decker) Wilson, 63, Vicksburg, passed away peacefully September 2, 2021. She was born August 10, 1958, in Vicksburg, the daughter of Carl and Elizabeth Decker. Cindy began her career as a math tutor in the 80’s at KVCC. She earned an MBA and master’s in education and retired in 2016 as a tenured professor teaching statistics and finite math. She loved her family, friends, and dachshunds. Matt and Cindy regularly went to Eldora to watch NASCAR races. She owned and operated a NASCAR store, the Checker Flag, in Vicksburg. She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law Jean Wilson, and older sister Carol Plantier. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Matthew Wilson of Vicksburg; son Joe (Heather) Glidden; grandchildren Liam and Grace Glidden of Portage; mother and father-in-law John and Linda Wilson of Vicksburg; siblings Cheri (Mike) Rogers of Tennessee, Carla (Jim) Cox of Portage, Caryn (Dan) Zonyk of Vicksburg, and brother-in-law Loyd Plantier of Vicksburg; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Details regarding a celebration of life will be coming. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com.
Joyce E. Wolthuis, 89, Schoolcraft, passed away September 12, 2021. Joyce was born in Kalamazoo on May 11, 1932, the daughter of John and Wilhelmina (Wiessner) Kroll. On May 23, 1952, she married John Wolthuis, who survives her. She worked for many years at the Upjohn Company. Joyce was an avid reader who especially liked Christian fiction. She was a devoted follower of Jesus and looked forward to worship every week at Texas Corners Bible Church, where she was a member. She was a collector of dolls and Holly Hobby figurines. Besides her husband, Joyce is survived by sons Steven (Deborah), Mark (Michele) and Timothy (Lynette) Wolthuis, all of Vicksburg; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and countless friends. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and an infant granddaughter. Donations may go to Kalamazoo Gospel Mission or Kindred Hospice, c/o Joldersma & Klein. Visit her page at joldersma-klein.com.
With one police officer on duty at a time, Schoolcraft isn’t able to enforce traffic rules as much as residents might like, Village Manager Cheri Lutz said at the Council’s September meeting.
She responded to Kim and Mark Parker, owners of Marks Sales and Service, who complained about speeding in front of their business on US-131. “I see it here every day,” said Kim Parker. The village police “are not enforcing it. It didn’t used to be like this.”
“We do the best we can with the resources we have,” said Lutz. “We have some of the same problems as larger cities, like drug addiction and domestic violence, that take precedence. All of these require court dates and administrative time” which takes away from the village’s ability to enforce speed limits.
Village police wrote 33 citations on 52 traffic stops in August, according to a report from Police Chief Scott Boling. The department answered calls for 101 complaints, six traffic accidents, and 17 ordinance violations. The report is provided to the council every month and includes details of each incident.
Lutz said that the village is applying for a grant to put up a flashing speed sign to display to drivers their current speed compared to the speed limit. The hope is that making drivers aware of their speed will improve compliance.
In other business, the council had a first reading of two proposed ordinances in the village.
The first would regulate how addresses are displayed on buildings, which the council deemed necessary to ensure that first responders are able to identify buildings quickly.
The second would regulate use of the village’s right of way, which is generally 33 feet on either side of the center of a road. The regulations limit the width of driveways and restrict parking along most roads in the village.
These restrictions are meant to improve traffic safety and allow access to municipal utilities in emergency situations.
Village staff proposed a new process for enforcing the code of ordinances which will start with an informal conversation with a property owner who is not in compliance. If the violation is not corrected, the village will start the formal procedure of enforcing the ordinance, which may include fines.
The village president praised the new process, stating “This is a nice approach to a big ordinance change, and I think we’ll get good compliance.”
The council set trick or treating for Halloween, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 31.
The village will bring back a holiday gift card program from 2020, where the village matches gift card purchases to local merchants. Staff may seek sponsors to augment the $1,500 set aside from the Downtown Development Authority promotions budget for the 2021 holiday season.
Visitors to the September 20 meeting asked why the village has such a hard time recruiting volunteers for open positions, particularly the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission. The village manager explained that the volunteers must be village residents by state law, and few people have come forward despite several calls for volunteers.
“There just isn’t fresh blood – people willing to step up and serve,” said council president Keith Gunnett.
“I think some people don’t care for politics,” added council member Mike Ruchholz. “It doesn’t have to be local politics; it’s local service.”
Anyone interested in serving on village committees may contact the Village Manager Lutz.
Correction: in the August issue, village council member Kathy Mastenbrook was quoted as being disappointed in the village finance director. Mastenbrook was referring to the finance director of the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority.
On May 1, 2020 Abby Chapin graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering magna cum laude, earning a place on the Dean’s List every semester it was compiled. Abby graduated from the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center and Schoolcraft High School in 2015. During her college years she created and implemented the original Science Friday summer reading program at the Schoolcraft Library; worked at the Air Zoo for a summer; was a STEM camp counselor at a University of Michigan camp for young girls interested in science; spent four years on a student sub-team promoting wind energy including a year as president; spent parts of two summers in Malawi, Africa, teaching math, science and English to secondary students preparing for university entrance exams, volunteered on a coffee plantation in Guatemala learning sustainable farming practices there. She spent her spring breaks volunteering with a group that did hurricane clean up in Texas and North Carolina; worked as a tutor in the U-M honors office and as a private tutor in thermodynamics and completed an internship at Whirlpool Corp. On May 1, 2021, Abby graduated with a master of science degree with distinction in design science. This 2020-2021 school year she worked as a graduate student instructor teaching freshmen engineering students while doing her own coursework on a screen from her small apartment. Both of her in-person graduations were cancelled so she had a “front yard” graduation with family attending a private, personalized graduation for the first graduation and a family walk through the U of M campus for the second graduation. She is one of five scholars awarded a global health fellowship at Rice University in Houston, where she will work with a team on global health solutions for low-income countries that have low health resource solutions. She left Schoolcraft the morning of August 12th with her parents, John and Cyndie Chapin, to begin a new adventure.
Farm Depot of Schoolcraft, an agricultural equipment sales and service center, recently achieved a five-star rating from AGCO Corporation’s Dealer Excellence Program, an annual dealer evaluation review.
Farm Depot was one of 19 dealers to receive the rating. Bill Hurley of AGCO presented Farm Depot with a plaque and financial award as recognition of its high marks in the program.
“We’re honored to receive this recognition and designation from AGCO,” Mike Laethem, manager of Farm Depot said. “I’m proud of the work our entire staff has done to earn it. We’ve worked hard to provide the highest-quality customer service, and we’re proud to stand among the best dealers in the U.S. and Canada.”
Farm Depot, a family owned and operated business, has been in business for over 77 years as an agricultural dealership. It maintains locations in Caro, Ionia and Schoolcraft.
Farm Depot has come a long way from the day Dick Laethem opened the doors in 1944 as the Laethem Farm Service Co., in Fairgrove, Michigan. Times were different: The phone number was 17 and the John Deere and Caterpillar tractors sat on the dirt floor of the store. Today, the showrooms are large and equipment includes Fendt, Challenger, RoGator, TerraGator, Massey Ferguson, Krone, Kubota and Kioti. Brothers Mark and Mike Laethem, Dick’s grandsons, carry on the tradition of running the family owned business today. Mike’s son, Blake, is now the fourth generation of Laethems in the family business.
