Vicksburg’s continuing effort to replace its lead water pipes infrastructure is getting a considerable boost thanks to anticipated funding of nearly $4 million secured by U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg.
Village President Tim Frisbie announced the $3.9 million windfall during the council’s June 3 meeting.
“Thanks to the efforts of our village manager and to the unwavering support of Congressman Tim Walberg, the village of Vicksburg has been listed as one of Congressman Walberg’s member-designated projects for 2025,” Frisbie said.
Michigan municipalities are required through a state mandate to replace lead lines by 2038.
Frisbie said Vicksburg has an estimated 650 lead service lines. He said 95 of the village’s lines were replaced in 2021. An additional 110 will be replaced with work starting this summer north of Vicksburg Middle School.
Another 160 will be replaced in 2025 in an area bordered by Washington Street to the north, Michigan Street to the west, Kalamazoo Street to the east and Highway Street to the south. Cost of the task is expected to exceed $5 million, Frisbie said.
“We anticipate once the full year 2025 federal budget is signed into law, $3.9 million will be identified as congressional-directed spending on this Vicksburg project,” Frisbie said. “I’d like to thank Congressman Tim Walberg for his advocacy and support, and identifying this project as one of the 15 projects he submitted within the member-designated projects for 2025.”
Frisbie said Walberg’s commitment to addressing Vicksburg’s infrastructure needs is greatly appreciated and will have a lasting impact on quality of life for all Vicksburg residents.
Council member Wendy Pheils said the village is fortunate to have Walberg’s support.
“Congressman Tim Walberg picked Vicksburg – one of 15 projects that he had to do and he picked Vicksburg for one of those,” she said. “That is very telling to the things that Vicksburg has been doing, that has put us on the map with a lot of people.”
Trustee Gail Reisterer called the impending grant “so unbelievable.”
“I know most of the people in the community don’t know about these things,” she said. “But we’re very fortunate.”
Council member Carl Keller recognized village staff and Village Manager Jim Mallery for their efforts in working with Walberg.
“This is an unfunded mandate.. We have to do it, there are a lot of communities that have not gotten on board and tried to secure funding,” he said. “We have been way ahead of the curve on that.”
Three significant pieces of Vicksburg’s budget puzzle were addressed by Village Council members during a special meeting June 24 which included approval of a budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Funding for major and local streets, Angels Crossing Golf Course and employee compensation were addressed by Village Manager Jim Mallery.
Major and local streets
There are about 21 miles of roadways in Vicksburg, a third of them major streets which are funded through the state from gasoline tax and other sources.
Mallery said the village expects to receive $363,500 for the major streets from the state in the 2024-25 fiscal year. Projected spending on major streets over the next 12 months is $334,250.
Mallery said he was asked recently about changing truck routes in the village to keep trucks off Kalamazoo Avenue. That would be a tough sell, he said, because Kalamazoo Avenue is a major roadway and a critical north-south link through the village.
It’s probably the street in most need of improvement throughout the village, he said. “We know that within the next five or six years, we’re keeping our radar open for external funding sources to improve the sewer system under Kalamazoo and part of that project would be replacing that roadway.”
Mallery added that the village is looking at timing of the traffic signal at Kalamazoo Avenue and East Prairie Street to allow more green-light time for Prairie Street in order to keep its traffic flowing.
Mallery said the village local streets budget will start the fiscal year with a balance of $365,000. Projected expenditures for the 14 miles of local/neighborhood streets over the next year amount to $326,250.
The village plans to focus on street-sign replacement this fiscal year.
“We’ll coordinate through the police and DPW department to identify street signs, whether that’s the street-name signs, stops signs or any traffic-control sign in the village to update those,” he said. “Our goal will be over the next 12 months to (replace) any of the outdated or aged signs with new ones.”
Angels Crossing Golf Course
Mallery said the village-owned Angels Crossing course is expected to generate more than $1.6 million in revenue this fiscal year, about $25,000 more than anticipated.
“We did have a 10 percent rate increase for this golf season,” Mallery said. “But the golf course ratings on the three major (course-rating) apps are incredible for Angels Crossing on conditions of the golf course and the value.”
Employee compensation
“We have an exceptional group of employees,” Mallery said. “Our front-line DPW staff, our officers … I have not spent enough time expressing my gratitude for what’s accomplished, so I’ll try tonight.”
Mallery acknowledged the village has an obligation to represent financially the best interest of its residents. Conversely, he said, employee retention is essential to the village’s day-to-day operations and overall success.
Mallery said Vicksburg’s team of municipal employees is unmatched for a community its size. With that, he proposed a 4% salary increase for Village Treasurer Michelle Morgan, Clerk Christian Wines, Police Chief Scott Sanderson, Public Works Director Jimmy Meyers and the five-member DPW staff.
Mallery noted police department officers operate on a contract that netted them a 3.5 percent raise.
“It is my recommendation to implement a half-percent increase for Vicksburg police officers to ensure their percentage-rate increase stands at 4 percent, as well,” Mallery said.
He also recommended each village employee receive $1,500 into their health-care savings plan. The proposal and recommendation for staff raises were approved by village council members.
Mallery then singled out Sanderson, Morgan, Meyers and Wines, calling them “pillars of commitment, tirelessly working for the betterment of our community.”
“With a deep-rooted belief in the potential for Vicksburg, they invest wholeheartedly in its growth and prosperity, ensuring every decision is made with the village’s best interest at heart,” Mallery said. “Their professionalism sets a standard fostering an environment of respect and accountability within their teams and across the community. They are not just directors, they are champions for this village (and) it’s for these reasons and more I am recommending a one-time merit payment of $1,500.”
Mallery’s recommendation for the merit payment to Sanderson, Morgan, Meyers and Wines was approved unanimously.
Village Council members later recommended a 13 percent pay raise for Mallery. He declined the full amount, though the two sides eventually compromised on a 10 percent raise for Mallery. He requested the 3 percent be divided equally between Sanderson, Morgan, Meyers and Wines. Council members approved.
Village President Tim Frisbie said Mallery showed his commitment to village staff by essentially increasing their one-time merit pay from $1,500 to $2,300 each.
“Jim, that just shows your integrity, your character and your concern for your staff,” Frisbie said. “That is undeniable. Thank you.”
Canoe and kayak rental
At an earlier council meeting, Mallery said a canoe and kayak rental at the village’s Sunset Lake beach was a part of the proposed budget.
Mallery said the watercraft rental is included in the village’s Parks and Recreation Department’s budget. The plan calls for a three-year, $8,500-per-year contract with a company to oversee the rental business.
“We think it will be a service to not only residents of Vicksburg but a potential draw into Vicksburg,” he said. “There is a cost to the individual user, so there would be some (incoming) revenue.”
Mallery said as the state’s DNR occasionally offers a “Free Fishing Day,” he would like to consider a similar promotion early in warm-weather season to help promote the rentals.
Mallery said he would like the village to update its Parks and Recreation long-range plan. The current plan was assembled in 2014. Developing a new plan comes at a cost of $12,500, he said.
An additional $37,500 has been earmarked for maintenance and work at the Historic Village.
Mallery’s focus shifted to funding for Clark Park in 2024-25. He said the village would like to make a substantial investment in perennial flowers as a visual enhancement. Mallery said he envisions the investment yielding a flowering area ideal as a backdrop for senior pictures, for example.
He also proposed continuing the village’s investment in dog-waste stations at municipal parks.
Other allocations for the 2024-25 fiscal year:
Vicksburg Police Department: Mallery said the $775,600 allocation is consistent with 2023-24 fiscal year and allows the village to provide a 24-hour police presence.
“It includes contractual salary and step-pay increases; there are some seniority step raises of officers now entering their fifth year of service,” Mallery said, noting the budget also includes funding for reserve officers who maintain a presence at special events throughout the year.
He said the agency currently has one part-time officer, two fewer than he would prefer. Mallery said he anticipates asking to add a full-time position later in the fiscal year.
The department has a full-time chief and five full-time officers, including a school resource officer whose salary is shared equally with Vicksburg Community Schools.
Utilities and maintenance at village hall and other properties owned by the Municipal Building Authority. The $31,450 is an 11 percent increase from 2023-24, the result of increase in utility costs.
Department of Public Works: An investment of $575,775 for the current fiscal year represents a 24 percent increase from 2023-24.
Mallery attributed the increase to budgeted capital-improvement project expenses centering on the purchase of a new leaf truck and updating a plow truck recently purchased from the city of Kalamazoo.
Mallery said smart budgeting is critical, as Vicksburg had the highest percentage of growth from 2022 to 2023 of the 24 cities, villages and townships in the county.
“People are not only coming and visiting Vicksburg, but there is a desire to live in our community, as well,” he said. The village added a fifth position with DPW to accommodate Vicksburg’s growth.
Downtown Development Authority: Mallery said $20,000 has been allotted to update the village’s DDA long-range plan. In addition, he said he anticipates revenue of $164,500 and expenses totaling $151,000.
“We’re anticipating entering January 2025 to identify $125,000 of DDA funds to assign to the parking lot in back of the hardware,” he said. “That’s our goal and it has come back as the No. 1 item in all the surveys to be able to pull that off in the 2026-27 fiscal year.”
Mallery said the village plans to continue using DDA funding for ‘Burg Days of Summer weekly social events.
The Schoolcraft Township board at its June meeting agreed to provide financial support to the Underground Railroad Museum, maintained by the Schoolcraft Historical Society, and to close the township office on the Juneteenth holiday, celebrated on June 19, to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States.
Historical Society Vice-president Barry Visel told the Board about recent activities at the museum. He said that tour revenues have gone up as over 120 students and 80 adults have toured the museum. “We have initiated a survey at the end of the tours and we are getting good, positive results.”
He also reported that three fifth-grade classes from Schoolcraft had a fundraiser recently and donated $1,500 to the museum.
“The school kids appreciate the tours,” he said. “We are all excited about that.”
He also outlined the improvements that have been made at the museum, which was the home of Dr. Nathan Thomas and used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Improvements include stabilizing the foundation and planned replacement of windows and siding.
After Visel’s presentation, the Board voted to donate $500 to the Historical Society.
Regarding Juneteeth, Supervisor Don Ulsh questioned whether the Township offices should be open on June 19, which is a federal holiday. He had checked with other townships and found that only two are open on that day. The Board voted to close on June 19 each year.
In other presentations to the Board, Dave Pawloski, vice chairperson of the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County, updated the Board on various road projects. Board members also questioned him about projects and asked for help with some issues.
Trustee Tamra Stafford asked about the status of the U Avenue project. At the February Board meeting, the Road Commission had reported that U Avenue had been rated as in poor condition and was scheduled to be pulverized, rehabilitated with a structural overlay, and have the shoulders widened at a cost of $1.05 million.
Pawloski said he would email Stafford a timeline of the project.
Board members also asked the Road Commission to address speeding on the various detours in the Township such as those on XY and Y Avenues. The detours are due to the road construction on US-131 in Schoolcraft.
Pawloski said he would bring that to the Commission’s attention and also cautioned drivers not to drive around the orange barrels.
In other business, the Board approved a budget amendment for the Sunset Lake Special Assessment District for 2024-2025 in the amount of $23,800.
It also approved a draft audit for 2023-2024.
Trustee Stafford reported from the Planning Commission that after one more round of corrections on the Master Plan, a public hearing will be held regarding the document. And after months of discussion, the Planning Commission has decided on the definition of a fence which will be presented at the Commission’s July meeting.
Treasurer Teresa Scott gave an update on the TextMyGov.com program which had been approved at the Board’s April 9 meeting.
The program recently went into effect and to date only 121 residents have opted out of the program, she said.
“People are automatically opted in and have the option of opting out,” she said. “I think people are testing the waters.”
Trustee Jennifer Sportel reported on the issues in Schoolcraft due to the road construction such as businesses losing customers. She noted that some people’s GPS systems don’t give the alternate routes.
“Every time I can I smile at the workers,” Sportel said. “I’m sure they’re getting all kinds of comments.”
Supervisor Ulsh brought up the issue of the Township not having any police patrols and having to rely on Schoolcraft or Vicksburg police departments.
“They don’t want to send their guys out here because they’re paying for it,” he said.
He noted that the Township has three options: hiring a full-time deputy, hiring a deputy for specific patrol hours, or sharing with another Township. Currently, the Michigan State Police cover accidents, he said.
The Board asked Ulsh to research the costs of the various options and report back at a later date.
Marjorie Lee (Hoyt) Baughman, Richard Dean Burgess, Jr., Roger Gordon “Chip” Cree, Jr., Robert John Dinzik, Susan Harper-Grieger, Milo “Mike” Lude, Dayla Delain (Nutting) Mackinder, Sara Jean Masse, William Charles McVeigh Jr., Mary Kathryn Neuens, Charline Lucile Lance Patnoude, Paul Sehy, Dennis “Denny” VanWeelden.
Marjorie Lee (Hoyt) Baughman, 88, Vicksburg, passed away on June 19, 2024. She was born in Richland on March 11, 1936, to the late Leo and Ida (Brown) Hoyt. She graduated from Climax High School in 1954, and on July 31 of that year married Karol Baughman. They resided on their family farm in Climax and were married for 67 years until Karol’s passing in 2022. Marjorie had several jobs in her lifetime, including Consumers Power Company, Pease Packing, and First National Bank in Climax. She was instrumental in keeping records of the family farm. Marjorie enjoyed gardening, painting, sewing, quilting, cooking, photography, and family genealogy. She was active at the Prairie Historical Society. Marjorie and Karol in their retirement years did a lot of touring in their motorhome and attending Model T tours with the Boiling T’s. They attended parades and car shows and wintered in Avon Park, Florida and summers at their cottage on the Croton River. In her final years she resided with Larry and Dawn at their residence in Vicksburg. Marjorie is survived by her son, Larry and Dawn Baughman; grandchildren Sally Franklin, Mary Rugh, Clayton Baughman, Klinton Baughman, Rachel Baughman, Jamie and Rusty Bennett, Erin Matlock, Travis and Faith Baughman; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; brother, Charles; and son, Steven. Donations may go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visit her page at langelands.com.
Richard Dean Burgess, Jr., 64, Vicksburg, passed away at Bronson Hospital on June 2, 2024. Richard was born in Vicksburg and was the son of Richard and Claudia Burgess. Richard was preceded in death by his wife Terri, son Alexander Burgess, and his best friend, Sarge. Richard is survived by his children, Joseph Burgess, Lauren Burgess and Grace Grimm, and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother Claudia; sister Peggy Gonzales; brothers Thomas Burgess, Robert Burgess and Peter Burgess; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Roger Gordon “Chip” Cree, Jr., 64, Vicksburg, passed away June 25, 2024, after two decades of various health concerns. Chip was born to parents Rodger and Ruby Cree on October 26, 1959, in Kalamazoo. He graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1977 where he enjoyed school activities and played football and baseball. Chip married Jamie Brock in 1984, and together the couple raised their children, Travis and Samantha. Chip worked at Simpson Paper Company, Fox River Paper Company, American Axle and Manufacturing, and General Motors throughout his professional career. He was a hard worker driven to succeed in his career and had many successes in his years, and yet his greatest success was his 40-year marriage to the love of his life, Jamie, along with raising his children. Unfortunately, Chip suffered many health challenges in his years that slowed him down enough to take his next role as jovial Papa to his grandchildren, Mae and Liv, as well as many dogs the family has had through the years. Chip loved spending time with friends and family. If he wasn’t putzing around the yard or in the shop, you could find him on his motorcycle for a ride or shooting the breeze at a diner around town. Chip is survived by his wife, Jamie; children Travis (Kelly) Cree and Samantha Cree; grandchildren Mae Cree and Liv Cree. He is also survived by his siblings Michael (Carrie) Cree, Sharon (Gary) Schmidt, and Tami Cree. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visit his page at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Donations may be directed to Generous Hands.
Robert John Dinzik, 80, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away June 7, 2024. He was born September 7, 1943 in Chicago to the late William Dinzik and Sylvia Simone. Robert faced challenges in life, having contracted vascular dementia at a young age. He was raised by his parents and later cared for until his passing by his brother, William. Despite his struggles, Robert was known to be helpful, courteous and spirited. He found joy in playing Polish-style music and watching Lawrence Welk on Saturday nights, a tradition he shared with his late mother. In his free time, Robert enjoyed watching Cubs baseball, NASCAR races and listening to music. Robert is survived by his brother, William J Dinzik, formerly of Vicksburg, and nephews Matthew (Dorothy) Dinzik and Marcus (Kathleen) Dinzik, both of Vicksburg, along with great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place, and private family services will be planned. Donations may go to William J. Dinzik, 225 Broadway Ave. Ste 7 PMB 191, South Haven, Michigan 49090. Special thanks to White Oaks Assisted Living, Lawton, Michigan, Region IV Area Agency on Aging, Milestone Senior Services, Kalamazoo, Michigan, Sue’s Loving Care AFC, Kalamazoo, and Centrica Hospice.
Susan Harper-Grieger, 79, Vicksburg, passed away on June 3, 2024, in Kalamazoo. She was born September 20, 1944, in Ann Arbor, the daughter of James and Victoria (Gellatly) Harper. James passed away when Susan was young, and her mother remarried Arthur Spang, who embraced the role of her father. Susan was an educator and world traveler and held a deep appreciation for different cultures and people. She earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching from WMU and master’s degrees in library science and geography. In her leisure time, Susan dedicated herself to working out, even completing the Chicago Marathon. She also enjoyed gardening and reading. Susan was preceded in death by longtime companion Jerry Yearling, and her parents, James Harper and Victoria and Arthur Spang. She is survived by daughters Chrissy (Scott Thomas) Hamlin of Three Rivers and Jeny (Mike) Dentler of Indiana; grandchildren Kiera (Mike Kruppenbach) Sandoval of Portage, Brandon (Kenzie) Dentler of Indiana and Delaney Dentler of Indiana; and her great grand dog whom she affectionately called Penny Poo Poo. She is also survived by her sister Mary “Harpo” Dake, of Louisiana; nephew Eric Dake, of Louisiana; and great-nephew Huey Dake, of Louisiana. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Milo “Mike” Lude, formerly of Vicksburg, was born to John and Doris Lude in Fulton on June 30, 1922, and died at 101 years old in Tucson, Arizona. He grew up on a farm in Fulton and graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1940. He attended Hillsdale College where he excelled in football, joined Alpha Tau Omega and eventually coached the baseball team. He joined the Marine Corps during WWII. Upon return, he graduated from Hillsdale on June 2, 1947, and married Rena Pifer three days later. Mike’s chosen career became college athletics. In addition to Hillsdale, he coached football at the University of Maine, University of Delaware and Colorado State University. In 1970 he transitioned to athletic administration as athletic director at Kent State University, then on to the University of Washington and Auburn University. Mike was president of National Athletic Collegiate Directors Association and inducted into the KSU, CSU and UW athletic halls of fame. He also received the National Football Foundation’s John L. Toner award, James Corbett Award (given to the nation’s outstanding athletic director) and more. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Rena, in 2017 and his brother, Ron, in 2016. Survivors include Cynthia and Gary Crose, Janann, Mark and Michael Nelson and Jill and Jim Thompson.
Dayla Delain (Nutting) Mackinder, 88, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2024, at Evergreen Senior Care Center, Battle Creek. Dayla was born June 26, 1935, to the late William and Elva Nutting in Bangor. On July 17, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, Larry, who preceded her in death. She was a 4-H leader, a secretary to two optometrists, transplanted for Posthumus Bros. Greenhouses for over 30 years, worked in the celery fields, and was the breakfast hostess at the local Hampton Inn. She was a member of Portage Chapel Hill UMC for 60 years, and a loving caregiver to Larry for over 25 years. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren’s activities, gardening, traveling, tending her blueberries and shopping. She was also a wonderful cook. Dayla is survived by her daughters, Tonda (Leon) Dimond and Tammy (Terry) Ridenour; granddaughter Deanne (Brent) Austin; grandsons Travis (Ashlee) and Tyler Ridenour; great-grandchildren Clayton and Makayla Austin and Ellie Hinch; sisters-in-law Ann Mackinder and Ruth Ann Nutting; brother-in-law Ron Prentice; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Susie and Clare Kuiper and Carolyn Sopher. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, step-parents, brothers Dwight and Darold, and her sister, Daliene. Donations may go to charity. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Sara Jean Masse, 81, went to be with the Lord on June 16, 2024. She was born on March 21, 1943, to Paul and Jane (Herrold) Koehler, in Elkhart, Indiana. She met her husband, Richard “Dick” Masse, in 1961 during a concert at Elkhart High School. She attended North Central College for a year in pursuit of a clerical degree and married Dick on June 6, 1964. After Dick finished pharmacy school, they moved back to Elkhart, and in 1976, they moved to Vicksburg where they eventually owned and operated Hill’s Pharmacy. In 1993 they also opened Global Travel in Kalamazoo. Sara handled the clerical, financial and legal duties while raising three boys. Sara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son Kevin, and sister Sue Sauer. Sara is survived by her children Jeff (Michelle) Masse, Joshua (Christy) Masse, and daughter in-law Melissa Masse; and grandchildren Jason, Ethan, Kayla, and Joshua Jacob or “JJ.” She is also survived by sister Martha (Mike) Manthey, sister-in-law Margaret (Joe) Morgan, brother-in-law Robert (Sue) Sauer, and many nieces and nephews. Celebrate Sara’s life with family and friends on Saturday, July 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Avink, McCowen, & Secord Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter.
William Charles McVeigh Jr., 82, Vicksburg, went to Heaven on June 11, 2024. Bill was born June 4,1942 in Melrose Park, Illinois, the son of William Charles and Ruth McVeigh. Bill grew up near Jackson before moving to Battle Creek where he attended and graduated from Battle Creek St. Philip. He enjoyed many activities and owned two sewing machine stores in Portage, operated a monogram and embroidery business, and eventually opened a knitting mill and moved to Parkville, Michigan. He and Jean eventually moved to Texas and established Afterglo Awning. After suffering a stroke in 2010, Bill returned to Michigan to live with his son, Denny, in Vicksburg where he enjoyed taking in the abundant wildlife in the backyard pond, and the local nature trail. Bill is survived by sons William Robert McVeigh (Jo Carolyn) of Arlington, Texas, Dennis Bernard McVeigh of Vicksburg, Geoff Ondrus (Sherrie) of Conroe, Texas; grandchildren Courtney, Zach, Jamie, Ryan, Shelby, Nikki; great-grandchildren Caelyn, McKenna, Adalyn, Ronan, Mahrle, Eve; and close friend Brittany Baldwin (Travis); siblings Pat Baker, Michael McVeigh (Carol), Anne Webb (Dan), Thomas McVeigh, Joseph McVeigh (Robin), Robert McVeigh (John), Charles McVeigh (Barbara), Mary Nowlin (Berry), James McVeigh (Cindy); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jean Marie McVeigh; sisters Jeannie Casterline, Kathy Coffman, and Margaret McVeigh (infant); and brothers John McVeigh and Steve McVeigh. The family would like to thank Milestone Senior Services, Fresh Perspectives, the community, Vicksburg United Methodist Church, and the Police and Fire Department that stopped by often to help him when he fell. Additionally, a warm, special thanks to Denny for all of his care to make sure Dad had the best quality of life possible. Donations may go to Vicksburg United Methodist Church or Battle Creek St. Philip.
Mary Kathryn Neuens, beloved wife to Gordon and dedicated executive secretary and Cablevision employee, passed away May 15, 2024 leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness. Born September 21, 1939, in Niles to Lawrence and Eloise Carter, Mary led a fulfilling life filled with love and compassion. She excelled in her career as an executive secretary at Cablevision, where her professionalism and work ethic shone brightly. Outside of her professional life, Mary found joy in simple pleasures like camping in the great outdoors, expressing her creativity through sewing and knitting beautiful pieces, and immersing herself in the pages of countless books. Her curious mind and adventurous spirit were evident to all who knew her. Mary is survived by daughters Becky (Mark) Colyer and Joanne (Jack) Wiley; grandson John Doremus and other cherished grandsons by marriage; niece Barb (Mike) Krug and additional nieces and nephews by marriage; as well as sisters-in-law Alice (Pete) Mohr and Penny (Marv) Pruett. She is reunited in heaven with her lifelong love, Gordon, parents Lawrence and Eloise Carter and three half brothers. Mary has requested no funeral services. Donations may go to American Diabetes Association. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
My name is Charline Lucile Lance Patnoude. I was born in a home in Vicksburg, on October 14, 1927, to Lina Angeline Barber Lance and Charles Peter Lance. I started school in a little country school called Maple Grove, between Fulton and Leonidas. We moved back to Vicksburg when I was just entering the 4th grade. I graduated from there in 1944. All my high school years were war years, but we still managed to have a good time. In 1942 I met my husband-to-be, Donald Edwin Patnoude. He was a sailor home on survivor’s leave. We were married three years later in Vicksburg on October 20, 1945, and we had 64 happy years together. I graduated from American Beauty School and worked at it for about two years. From there I worked at Three Rivers Hospital and the office at the Three Rivers Medical Clinic for about 13 years before retiring. I was preceded in death by my parents, Charles and Lina Lance; my husband Donald E. Patnoude; my sons Mark E. Patnoude and Dean E. Patnoude; my sister Geneva L. Davis; and my brother Lyle Lance. I am survived by grandchildren Lance and Nancy Patnoude, Monica Lynn Patnoude, Preston and Tamra Patnoude, Jason and Traci Patnoude, Daron and Tracy Patnoude and Brian Mustchler; and a bunch of great grandchildren, great greats and several wonderful nieces and nephews. Now if it’s true that you meet again in heaven, I am now a very happy person. Visit my page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Paul Sehy, 77, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away peacefully at his home in Solon, Ohio June 25, 2024. Paul was born on September 7, 1946, to Leonard and Esther Sehy. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, carrying out chores on his family’s large fruit farm. At 18, Paul joined the Navy and bravely served his country during the Vietnam War, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. In 1967, he married Dorothy Hitzeman, and together they enjoyed 57 wonderful years of marriage. Paul retired from General Motors in 1999. An avid outdoorsman, Paul cherished hunting, fishing, golfing, gardening, and spending time on any tractor. Known for his playful spirit, he would cheat mercilessly at cards—unless money was involved, in which case he played fair. Above all, Paul loved spending time with his three children and eleven grandchildren. His friendly nature earned him the affectionate nickname “Mayor” from his neighbors, a testament to the high regard in which he was held by all who knew him. Paul was preceded in death by his parents Esther and Leonard, son Tony, sister Christine and brother Andrew. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Dorothy, son Joe (Cheryl), daughter Nikki (Eric), daughter-in-law Kelly and eleven grandchildren. The family will host a celebration of life bonfire in Ohio this October. Donations may go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Dennis “Denny” VanWeelden came to this world in 1954. Denny was a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area. He grew up in Parchment and was active in multiple sports. He loved the water, boating, fishing, and skiing. He enjoyed weightlifting and bodybuilding with his wife, Pam, and many friends; a hobby he took part in until his passing. He loved to socialize. He retired from Lawton Middle School where he taught science, math and physical education. He also coached many of the girls’ teams. The treasures Denny held dearest to his heart were his family, close friends and neighbors. He loved spending his time with Pam, and his son was the apple of his eye. Denny loved doing anything and everything with Jeremy. Most recently, big lake boating and fishing filled their weekends. Nothing made him happier than supporting his family’s interests and creating fun memories to cherish. Dennis was a wonderful father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He will be missed. Dennis was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 46 years, Pam “Drenth” VanWeelden. Their son, Jeremy, who survives, will miss them both greatly. Denny is also survived by his loving parents, Wayne and Bea VanWeelden; his sister and brother-in-law Cindy and Brad Boven; sister Linda Moed; and seven nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
The 43rd Old Car Festival comes to Vicksburg June 7-8.
By Skip Knowles
Once again the streets of Vicksburg will become a trip down memory lane as we welcome thousands of visitors and more than a thousand old cars to our Village. It is always interesting to hear the stories people tell, the memories they have about cars in their lives. Many times, they see a car like they took on their honeymoon, or the first car they remember as a kid and even perhaps their first car. Cars are a part of the American dream and opened up travel to the masses.
The Vicksburg Community Association has hosted the festival from the very first year. It came about when people such as Sue Moore, Mike Wunderlin, Dick Masse and others came together to help the Village which was struggling. The goal was to host an event that would bring people to discover us. Community activities and volunteerism were down and the town needed a reason to give it a little spit and polish.
Historic-vintage vehicles like the Model T, brass era cars, hot rods and special-interest cars will once again find their way to Vicksburg. Friday night will host the cruise in a low-key event to just bring car guys together to put their hoods up and talk cars and share stories. Hundreds of cars are expected to show up Friday as a warm up for the car festival on Saturday.
We are pleased to announce that Larry Garden, a frequent visitor to the car festival, will be bringing a special guest car. It is a 1930 Cadillac 353 Convertible Coupe with a 90-hp V8 and 140” wheelbase. This is an award-winning car and high point restoration. We are extremely happy to have Larry showing this car.
We are also happy to have Darryl Salisbury bringing his 1969 AMX factory promotion vehicle which is a one of a kind and possibly another of his rare AMX promotion cars. For those that don’t know, the AMX was a two-seater produced by American Motors to compete in the muscle car market at that time.
Dutchboys Hot Rods will also have a display of some of their recent projects. We are extremely happy to say that Vicksburg is the home of Dutchboys, an award-winning builder known nationally as one of the best!
We’re also extremely happy this year to be hosting the Continental Base Ball Club of Kalamazoo. They play baseball according to the 1860 rules, in vintage uniforms with replica vintage hard balls and with no mitts. They will be playing games at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. against other vintage baseball clubs on the old El field at the corner of Kalamazoo and Washington just down the block from the Fire Station. Stop by and see how baseball began!
Our message to the community is that the Old Car Festival is meant to be a very special day of fun in the Village. From the very first year the message has always been to have a place where people interested in cars can gather and celebrate their hobby and share it with our community. The festival is about life in a small town and the beauty of that.
The outside activities will be much the same as in years past. The Historic Village will have its building and museum open with special displays. The Village will again host the antique tractor, gas and engine show which is always a big hit. Downtown you can view an antiques beer delivery truck and visit the NABA Beer Advertising and Collectible swap meet in the big tent adjoining the entertainment tent.
Chuck Schippers will return to Vicksburg for the Old Car Festival with his dragster. He and brother Jim Schippers will be allowing kids the opportunity to sit in a real dragster for a small donation that will be going to the Vicksburg Food Bank. This is great opportunity for pictures and also does a good thing for our local food bank!
