by Justin Gibson | Jan 11, 2019 | Community, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg
The South County EMS shown in the photo, ceased to exist on Jan. 1. It was replaced by Pride Care EMS ambulance service on that date. Shown from left are Wes Schmitt, former board president of South County EMS; Vicki White, administrator; Lea Bailey, paramedic; Chris Koeneke, emergency medical technician.
By Sue Moore
Pride Care Ambulance service made it official on New Years Day: It replaced South County Emergency Medical Service for the Vicksburg, Schoolcraft and Fulton areas, ending a decades-long tradition of local ambulance service in the area.
South Kalamazoo County residents were notified of the coming change in postcards sent in December.
The home-grown service had seen many ups and downs in its existence over the last 30-plus years. In the early years, volunteers were trained in first aid life-saving techniques.
The state tightened the licensing procedures for volunteers and eventually insisted that ambulance services must have licensed emergency medical technicians aboard. That made operations more costly. The South County EMS was formed in answer to the need to upgrade in the 1990s. It invested in staffing and equipment and operated as a nonprofit organization run by a volunteer board.
An issue has been the cost of operating within a population base that didn’t have enough demand for services to meet the overhead costs, according to Wes Schmitt the former board president. Also, Medicare and Medicaid gradually stopped reimbursing for services at their actual costs. Two entities were formed to meet the need: South County EMS contracted with the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority for service and when it appeared the ambulance service might have to file for bankruptcy two years ago, the authority put out feelers to established, for-profit ambulance services in the area.
The Fire Authority had the task of choosing a helpmate to the local service. The authority received four bids and chose Pride Care in early 2017. Pride immediately used its purchasing power to help reduce costs and took other measures to get the service on a sounder financial basis.
Local ambulance service has now come full-circle, with Pride Care taking over completely and South County EMS ceasing operations. There are advantages to these changes, said Pride Care CEO Bill Mears. “We feel that response time can improve even further, especially on second calls when one vehicle is already out,” Mears said. “Staff will not change. We have plans to purchase the building that houses the vehicles in the near future. That is being worked out with the bank and our attorney. In the meantime, we are renting the building behind the hospital in Vicksburg.”
by Justin Gibson | Jan 11, 2019 | Government, Vicksburg
Carl Keller, Julie Merrill and Rick Holmes are sworn in at the December Vicksburg Village Council meeting.
By Sue Moore
Marijuana Resolution Decision
The Vicksburg Village Council voted what amounts to a wait-and-see approach on whether it should license companies to grow and sell marijuana. Retail sales of pot were approved by the voters in November in the state of Michigan.
The ordinance the council passed lets the village government make a more informed decision. It would do this by listening and surveying residents, conducting public meetings and keeping people informed via their website. A decision could be made in January 2020 on an ordinance, Village Manager Jim Mallery told the trustees.
“There are too many unknowns right now,” Mallery said. “The safest way right now is to opt out. We can always come back in. The state doesn’t have its guardrails – rules and regulations – out yet.”
Air Scrubber to Reduce Odor
Complaints have been received about the odor emanating from the Van Elderen manufacturing plant in the Leja Industrial Park. Mallery said he had met with the owners who have committed to implementing an air scrubber that they purchased from a plant in South Carolina. It arrived in Vicksburg with some parts damage which has slowed the installation. A crane will be brought on site to install the scrubber in the facility. It promises to reduce the odor. The owners from Martin, Mich. want to be good citizens, Mallery said. Trustee Reisterer said the odor was so strong near her property on Michigan Avenue that it sometimes makes her sick.
Hears Brownfield Information
Three presenters laid out plans for a Transformational Brownfield plan for the Mill property on W Avenue. Rachel Grover, resource coordinator for Kalamazoo County’s planning and development department, explained the next steps necessary for the village to take with the brownfield application.
She walked the council through the need for approval as part of the local units of government involvement in accepting and submitting the plan to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Lisa Philips, the environmental consultant who has worked on the project since its inception, described the amount of pollution on the site.
Significant amounts of fly ash have been found as the residue from burning coal to generate electricity. There are heavy metals in the components and volatile compounds in the soil, she said. There are vapor intrusion concerns along with a caustic pit that includes dioxins. Some of this was discharged into the creek on the east side of the building. Tax increment financing (TIF) money can be used to help clean this up. The soil can be taken off the site and moved to an all-care location.
“If nothing is done to the property than there will never be any taxes from the property,” Mallery said as he explained to the council what the money in the Transformational Brownfield plan would pay for.
Water Tower Fixes
It will cost $148,000 to do interior coating treatment to the village’s water tower in 2019, Malley told the Council. It has been six years since the interior has been worked on. There is a plan in place to serve the public so there will be no disruption of water service during the work, he said.
Redevelopment Ready Community
By authorizing a village application to become a Redevelopment Ready Community, the council set in motion a process that will take up to three years to complete. The cost connected to applying is negligible, said Village Manager Jim Mallery. He did cite some expenses that would need to be made such as an upgrade to the village’s web site, while noting his promise that the village would operate with complete transparency. It is designed to promote effective redevelopment strategies through a set of best practices. Other participating communities include Boyne City, Grayling, Grand Haven and Ferndale. These are examples of communities with a clear vision for their future and the fundamental practices in place to get there, according to the Pure Michigan website.
There are six main best practices set out by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation which oversees the application process. They include community planning, public outreach, zoning regulations, a review process, recruitment and education. Some of the village’s sub-governmental boards will be included in this best practice model; the members will need to make an application to serve on the DDA, Historic Village Committee, Parks and Recreation and the Municipal Building Authority.
There are many benefits to the community as the village goes through the process, said Trustee Tim Frisbie. “I hope we can even have the meetings live on Facebook, so the public can see that their money is being used in the best way possible.”
by Justin Gibson | Jan 11, 2019 | Community, Vicksburg
-
-
Library catalogs and request sheets are displayed.
-
-
Youth Librarian Stephanie Willoughby works on selecting new books for the Children’s section of the Vicksburg District Library.
By Adrianne M. Schinkai
Head of Circulation and Reference Services, Vicksburg District Library
According to Google, there are nearly 130 million book titles in the world. With such a large number to choose from, how does a library go about selecting what books to buy for its collections?
One of the more favored tasks for a librarian is collection development and buying items for the library. But a librarian cannot be biased in what they buy. They cannot sit down and just decide to buy all their favorites or what they personally want to read. Nor does a librarian simply go out shopping at the local Barnes & Noble to pick up supplies.
Based on practices established by the American Library Association, a librarian must buy items that cover a wide range of topics and views. Whether liberal or conservative, opinion-based or fact-based, young or old, every patron must be served. A librarian must also be ready to supply items that are most pertinent to their library and their library’s patrons. For example, many patrons of the Vicksburg District Library are lovers of historical fiction and Amish romances. Popular authors in Vicksburg tend to include Janet Evanovich, Nora Roberts, and Colleen Coble.
Librarians use many types of media when it comes to choosing items for their library. “A lot of times, vendors come to us with new materials,” says Youth Services Librarian Stephanie Willoughby. “We tend to get advertisements that list the latest releases and new up-and-coming writers. We also receive catalogs like Publishers Weekly every week or so.” Every librarian has their own favorite resources, says Willoughby. “I like to use School Library Journal and Voices of Youth Advocates. The listed items have been reviewed by other librarians.” Items are then ordered online through hubs such as Baker & Taylor, where stakeholders such as libraries tend to get a discount.
Patrons also play a big part when it comes to collection development. Patrons are always welcome to fill out a materials request slip at the circulation desk or to fill out the request form on the library’s website. However, Willoughby warns it’s not a given. “A patron can certainly always suggest an item for purchase, but it’s not a guarantee that the library will actually purchase the book.” Factors that can result in a requested item not being purchased include the availability of the item, whether the item will circulate beyond the one requesting patron, and, at times, price and budget.
If this is the case, how should a patron go about getting their hands on an item they want? “Make use of the other items and services the library has to offer,” suggests Willoughby. “If an item isn’t in print, check to see if we have the audio book or ebook through OverDrive. Otherwise, we can always try borrowing the item from another library through MeL.” MeL is better known as the Michigan Electronic Library and is used by the library for interlibrary loan items.
by South County News Staff | Jan 11, 2019 | Obituaries, Schoolcraft, Vicksburg
-
-
Mary Elizabeth Anderson.
-
-
Carla Jo Glidden.
-
-
Dr. F. Claus Globig.
-
-
Phyllis Stephens.
-
-
Justin Storey.
Mary Elizabeth Anderson, 94, (née Thornton), formerly of Vicksburg, died Dec. 28 in Grand Rapids. She is survived by her son, Robert (Juliane) Anderson of Ada; her daughter, Susan (Stephen) Marston of Edina, Minn.; grandchildren, Becca Anderson, Christopher Marston and Elizabeth (Todd) Hallack; and great grandchild, Samantha. Liz, or Butch, as she was known to her many Air Force friends, was born in Jonesboro, Ark., to the late Reverend Doctor Robert Andrew and Ivah (Sharp) Thornton in 1924. In 1945, while Rev. Thornton was preaching in Artesia, Miss., Liz met 2nd Lt. Joseph Anderson of Kalamazoo. They were wed in October of that year and moved to Michigan after his discharge. Several years later, Joe was recalled into the United States Air Force and they moved around the country and the globe. After Joe retired from the Air Force, they settled into a beautiful home on Sunset Lake in Vicksburg, where they joined and were active for many years in the Vicksburg United Methodist Church. They frequently traveled to the family cabin on the Manistee River. After Joe passed in 2012, Liz moved to the Clark on Keller Lake Retirement Community in Grand Rapids. Interment was next to her beloved Joe at the Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta. Donations may go to the Vicksburg United Methodist Church, earmarked for “Missions”.
Janet Kay Buck, passed away on January 2, at New Friends where she had been a resident for two years. Janet was born May 3, 1944 in Vicksburg to Paul and June Tackaberry. She graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1962 and then attended South Bend College of Commerce in Indiana. After moving back to Kalamazoo, she married Richard Buck. They both worked in the Printing Business for many years in Kalamazoo. When they retired they moved to Leisure Time Condominiums. Richard passed away in 2013. Janet is survived by her sister Berneice Hunt, Kalamazoo, step-son Bradley Buck, Angola, Indiana and many cousins and all of their families. Private burial will be at Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park beside her husband.
Norman Joseph Collins, 69, Schoolcraft, passed away Dec. 21, after a heart attack. He was born October 24, 1949 in Kalamazoo, the son of Elmer and Genevieve (Skoglund) Collins. Surviving are his wife, Tena Ross-Adams Collins, step-sons Nickolaus (Katarina), Timothy, Nathanyell (Kimberly) and Brandon and step-grandson Elliot Farrell. He was preceded in death by brothers Woodrow Collins and Howard Collins, and sister Dyane (Collins) Wildig. Norm worked at Stryker for 46 years, one of the longest employees on record. He and Tena were regular supporters of the Gospel Mission in Kalamazoo, enjoyed attending Earth, Wind and Fire concerts and vacationed in Mexico every year. Norm was a generous person, frequently helping those in need and had a great sense of humor. Funeral services were held on Dec. 28 at Avink Funeral Home in Schoolcraft. Burial was at Schoolcraft Cemetery following the service. Donations may go to the Gospel Mission in Kalamazoo. Visit his page at avinkcremation.com.
John Davidson, 69, Scotts, passed away on Dec. 1, with family at his side. John was born in Kalamazoo on May 25, 1949, the son of the late Arthur and Shirley (Gettys) Davidson. He was also preceded in passing by two siblings, Richard and Donald Davidson. On March 27, 1969, he was drafted into the army to serve in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in April 1971 and worked for Georgia Pacific Paper Company. He later retired from ICM Products. He enjoyed traveling and took many memorable cross-country trips and cruises with his family. On December 18, 1971, he married Peggy (Reaume) Davidson, who survives. He is also survived by three children, Lewis (Treasa) Davidson II, Tina (Scott) Eager and Rebecca Powers; an honorary daughter, Samantha (Sam) Gannon and her three children, Jacob, Max and Miah; grandchildren Kassandra Kloth, Alexandra (Aaron) Flood, Lewis John Davidson III, Marina Davidson, Jonathan Eager, Collin Eager, Emily “Toby” Powers, Kaya Powers, Levi Eager; an honorary granddaughter, Sarah (Donqual) Smith-Johnson and their daughter, Lashay; great-grandchildren Lilliana, Arayah, Adestria, Felicity, Ozïl; siblings Myra (Donald) Psalmonds, Susan (Kenneth) Cross, Arthur Davidson, Brenda (Arthur) Austin, Denise Zirkelbach, Dale “Barney” Davidson, Peggy (Mark) Slater; a sister-in-law, Rose Davidson; a special niece, Yvonne Reaume; and several nieces, nephews and friends. Donations may go to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Hospital Hospitality House.
Marcella “Bid” C. Erskine, Schoolcraft, passed away Jan. 1. She was born to James and Neta (Smith) Mears on Jan. 11, 1926. Bid was a wife, mother and grandmother, worked at nursing homes, and cooked at restaurants, including Arlene’s Truck Stop and Marjo’s. Marcella is survived by Virginia Schuring, of Muir; James (Bonnie) Erskine, of Scotts; Judy (Don) Hatfield, of Ohio; John Erskine, of Kentucky; 12 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren; a sister, Bertha May “Midge” (Al) Engelman, of Portage; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bid was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; a daughter, JoAnne Erskine; a grandson, Greg Schuring; and a great granddaughter, Stephanie Hirdning. Visit Bid’s page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
Daniel P. Fearn, 91, Vicksburg, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Jan. 3. He was born June 16, 1927 in Jackson to William and Lavina (Brassmer) Fearn. In the Korean War, Dan’s regiment received two Presidential Unit Citations. One for the Battle of Twin Tunnels and the other at Chipyong-ni, where he got two Purple Hearts. His wounds sent him to the hospital ship Constellation and on to the Tokyo General Army Hospital. He was also a member of the Arbor Day Society, Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.), Military Order of the Purple Heart, USFA (United States Forces Austria Association) and the Second Division Association Korean Branch. He was a charter member of the Warren Woods Nazarene Church and an active member at Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his wife, Lois, of 66 years, daughters Danise Fearn, of St. Clair Shores and Diane Hurst and her husband, Larry, of Bourbonnais, Ill.; grandsons Jared (Kari) Whitlow, of Illinois; Jeremy (Michelle) Whitlow, of Oklahoma; Justin Whitlow (Emily), of Illinois; and granddaughter, Emily Hurst, of Illinois. He is also survived by stepgrandsons Nicholas (Kate) Hurst, of Wisconsin; Andrew (Rebecca) Hurst, of Alabama; Adam (Lauren) Hurst, of Wisconsin; great-grandchildren Liam and Harper Hurst, Atley Hurst, Isacc Hurst, William Whitlow, and Zoe Whitlow; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Joshua Whitlow; granddaughter Janelle Whitlow; brother, Lyle Fearn; sister, Dorothy Fearn Adler; and son-in-law, Patrick Whitlow. Dan will be buried with military honors at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.
Carla Jo Glidden, Vicksburg, died Dec. 2 at home in the loving care of Lee, her husband of 62 years, and her children, Cindy (Lou) Moratti, Roger (Toni Strong) Glidden, Bruce (Yolanda) Glidden and sister Mary Reynolds. She was born Feb. 25, 1939. Carla loved spending time with her 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, quilting, spending time at the family cabin in Baldwin and creating crafts with Lee. Donations may go to Hospice of Southwest Michigan or West Michigan Cancer Center.
Dr. F. Claus Globig, born April 9, 1928 in Stuttgart, Germany, died peacefully and without pain on Nov. 28, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. Claus was the third son of Florence and Rosa Globig. While his father and two older brothers served with distinction and honor during WWI and WWII, Claus was 16 when he defended Berlin against the oncoming Russian army by engaging in anti-aircraft and other underground activities. After the war, Claus met the love of his life, Rose-Marie Kanter, born in Lugnitz, Germany, after she and her family had fled from the Russians in the eastern part of the country, now Poland. They completed high school and college together. Claus completed his doctoral degree in chemical engineering, and they wed in Darmstadt, Germany, on Nov. 18, 1953. They emigrated to Michigan in 1959 where Claus worked at Simpson Lee Paper Company for 35 years with great dedication and distinction. Among other products, his team developed archival papers for artists and photocopy papers for Polaroid and Xerox. The couple were highly interested in and active in the arts, and he was president of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts three years in a row. Claus’ love for Mozart was almost legendary, and his presence at the Kalamazoo Symphony was mandatory. At Claus’ request, he will be cremated and his ashes combined with his beloved’s to be strewn in the Atlantic Ocean, the waters they crossed 59 years ago, at Singing Beach, Mass. Dr. F. Claus Globig is survived by his son, Claus-Stefan Globig and his girlfriend, Teresa Scholten, of Kalamazoo; his daughter, Susanne Globig, of San Francisco; his daughter, Dr. Isabel Neff ,and her husband, Dr. Frederick Neff, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass., and their children, Greg Neff, of Los Angeles, Calif., and Nicole Neff, of Nashville, Tenn.; and Dr. Harry-Max Kanter and his children Nils and Silke, who reside in Germany.
Milton Bruce Harvey, 77, Fulton, died Dec. 31, at Medilodge of Portage. He was born in Detroit on Nov. 13, 1941, the son of Milton Albert and Frieda Elizabeth (Scatlos) Harvey. He graduated from Detroit Pershing High School and later from Michigan State University. Bruce was employed at Simpson Lee and later Fox River Paper Company in Vicksburg for over 36 years. Following the closure of the plant he worked at Finlaw Refinishing in Schoolcraft and the Meijer Store on Beckley Road in Battle Creek. He attended the Fulton Christian Church, and later the Factoryville Bible Church. Bruce was a volunteer firefighter for Wakeshma Township. He enjoyed reading, watching old western movies, puttering in his garage and listening to his Christian CDs. He especially looked forward to the annual trek to Cadillac hunting for mushrooms on Mother’s Day weekend. Bruce was married to Helen A. Coburn on Nov. 25, 1960 in Fulton. She survives along with three children, Kimberly (John) Bennett of Mendon, Timothy (Kimberly) Harvey of Vicksburg, and Susan Winchester of Sturgis; six grandchildren, Leslie Bennett of South Africa, Michaela Bennett of Portage, Maeve Bennett of Mendon, Kaytee Harvey and Taylor Harvey of Vicksburg, and Shelby (Aaron) Carlton of Battle Creek; one great-grandchild on the way; a sister, Judy (Ross) Bricker of Macomb County; a brother, Richard (Darlene) Harvey of Farmington; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Nadine Hebert; and a brother, Roger Harvey. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has been conducted. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, January 12, at the Factoryville Bible Church, 33650 Factoryville Road, Athens. A private interment of his cremains will take place later in North Fulton Cemetery. The family suggests that memorials be directed to either Great Lakes Caring Hospice, or to the Factoryville Bible Church. Visit his page at eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Kathryn F. Holland, 83, Scotts, passed away January 4. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 11 at 11 a.m. at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. A gathering for friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Entombment will be held at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Life Story Family Funeral Home, Vicksburg.
Phyllis Stephens, 84, Vicksburg, passed away Dec. 9. She was born to Vernal and Maxine Ash on May 29, 1934 in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. She moved to West Lake in Portage in 1977 where her husband, Chuck, started Quality Air Service, a business they later sold to their son, Gale. Their final years together were in a home they built together in Vicksburg. She is survived by children Gale Edward (Anne) Stephens of Portage and Craig Alan (Sabine) Stephens of Portage; grandchildren Michael James Stephens and Lisa Ann Jepkema, both of Portage; great-grandchildren Ava, Anna, Isaac, Ryker and Skyla. Phyllis is also survived by her sister, Charlotte (Bob) Middleton of Florida, her brother James Alan Ash of Indiana and several nieces and nephews. Phyllis was preceded in death by her loving husband, Chuck Stephens in 2012 and her daughter, Susan Kaye, in 2007. Visit Phyllis’ page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to Generous Hands.
Justin Storey, 21, Scotts passed away Dec. 2. He was born on March 27, 1997 to Thomas and Jennifer Storey at Borgess Hospital. Justin Storey was a free spirit who lived every moment he was given as a gift to be treasured. With a heart that knew neither stranger nor enemy, Justin never hesitated to extend a warm welcome or lend a hand to a person in need. Justin loved children, animals, and the simple pleasures of being outdoors with those he loved. As a youth, he played rocket football, which he continued to play through middle and high school in Vicksburg. He also ran track and cross country. He began working in final assembly on trim presses at Metal Mechanics in Schoolcraft. Justin is survived by his parents; brothers Jesse, Tommy, and Trevor Storey; grandparents Naomi (Howard) Storey-Barnes, Joseph (Carmen) Morrow, and Lenora (Michael) Storey and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Justin was preceded in death by great grandmothers Imogene Herrington and Mary Ann Nichols. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the McCowen & Secord Life Story Family Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main Vicksburg. The family will greet friends an hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. Please visit Justin’s webpage at mccowensecord.com to share a photo or memory, sign the guest book, and read his life story. Donations be made to the Kalamazoo Humane Society or Gryphon Place.
Marcia (Axtell) Waldron, 81, formerly of Schoolcraft, died peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 12 at Grace Healthcare in Three Rivers. Marcia was born Sept. 4, 1937, in Kalamazoo. She was predeceased by her parents, Everett and Olive (Bremer) Axtell of Schoolcraft and her former husband, Edwin Waldron, of Oshtemo. Marcia was the youngest of Everett and Olive’s 13 children. Marcia spent her early childhood in Kalamazoo with her 12 siblings. In the 1950s she moved to Schoolcraft with her parents, graduating from Schoolcraft High School in 1957. Here, she made many friends, including her dear, lifelong friend Jackie (Maile) Skinner. Survivors include her children, Steven (Kathleen) Waldron of Schoolcraft and Patricia (Walter) Ruszkowski of Schoolcraft; grandsons Michael (Andrea) Ruszkowski, DDS, of Hudsonville, Samuel Waldron and Jack Waldron; and great grandchildren Scott and Josie Ruszkowski. Marcia leaves behind several nieces and nephews; including her nephew, “Butch”, with whom she grew up and maintained a close relationship throughout the years. Per Marcia’s wishes, she will be interred in Kalamazoo’s Riverside Cemetery with her parents. A private family service will be held at a later time. The family expresses its gratitude to those who provided day-to-day support for Marcia as she struggled with the lingering effects of a stroke in her final years at Schoolcraft’s Cedar Park Senior Center as well as at Grace Healthcare. Memorial donations may be made to Cedar Park Senior Center or to Schoolcraft Community Library.
by Justin Gibson | Jan 11, 2019 | Community, Vicksburg
By John Fulton
Reverend William E. Planck of Vicksburg has written his first book, The Ben-Adon Scrolls. You may not have heard of Ben-Adon. That’s because it’s a creation of Rev. Planck.
The publisher, Christian Faith Publishing, calls it fictional, historical religious writing. Though fictional, Rev. Planck uses biblical stories and scriptures to develop characters, places and events in a unique manner that tell the story of Jesus’ ministry through his crucifixion and resurrection. “I also give readers a realistic view of the lives, times and customs of the common people of that era,” Rev. Planck said.
The book went on sale in December. Rev. Planck said, “The story was rolling around in my mind for about three years. Then it started gelling and I began to write small pieces that became chapters and after about four years, I had a book.”
The basic plot line involves the religious rulers of Israel that wanted to investigate a man they had heard was going around and baptizing people, John the Baptist. That led them to wanting information about a man John was preparing the way for, Jesus.
We know how the story of Jesus ends, but Rev. Planck has created a fascinating journey of faith around the people involved in receiving the scrolls which are investigative reports regarding Jesus and his ministry.
Rev. Planck stated, “My hope for The Ben-Adon Scrolls is that it will be a tool for the salvation of non-believers. It is a book that you could give to someone and like the characters in the book, would begin to process the meaning of the scrolls and develop an understanding of Jesus as the Messiah.”
When asked for advice for new writers, the 83-year-old Rev. Planck enthusiastically said, “Write. Don’t worry about organization. Just write. You will get to the point where you can organize and soon you will have a book. I found that developing characters was the hardest part. Sometimes I found them late in the book and had to rewrite them into earlier parts.”
The book, The Ben-Adon Scrolls is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble in soft cover for $17.95. The hard cover version is $30.95. Rev. Planck can be found on Facebook along with excerpts from The Ben-Adon Scrolls by searching his name.
Rev. Planck returned from the Korean War in 1955 and worked for the General Motors Oldsmobile plant in Lansing until retiring as a security dispatcher in 1986. Rev. Planck and his wife of 57 years, Mary, bought a summer vacation place in 1985 at the Indian Lake Nazarene Campground near Vicksburg.
Rev. Planck was at a Nazarene District Assembly in 1987 when he felt called to the ministry. At the age of 51, he retired from General Motors. He and Mary packed up, rented their Vicksburg home and moved to attend Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Rev. Planck graduated in 1992 and was ordained while in Colorado Springs. They returned to Vicksburg to live here full time while he worked as the Associate Pastor for Church Administration and Finance at Kalamazoo Southside Church of the Nazarene until 2000.
