Vicksburg homecoming court
Full Court: Colin Schramer, Sydney Glerum, Chase Willmont, Peyton Smith, Landon Troyer, Emma Steele, Zac Post, Stella Reitenour, Logan Cohrs, Audrie Dugan.
Recent legislation to benefit districts and retirees
By Jef Rietsma
Vicksburg Community Schools Superintendent Keevin O’Neill hailed new legislation that may benefit Vicksburg and all Michigan’s school districts.
During the district’s Oct. 9 board of education meeting, O’Neill referenced House Bill 4752. At the time, the bill was one day from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s approval. It went into effect immediately.
“Under this proposed new bill, retirees would be able to work for a school district without penalty after six months; the current law is nine,” O’Neill said. “In addition, they could return in a part-time manner and can earn up to $15,100 per calendar year sooner than six months if it is following a bona-fide termination of employment.”
O’Neill called it “good news for retirees.”
In the days after the bill’s Oct. 10 passage, O’Neill had more to say.
“This bill allows experienced educators who still want to help out in various roles – such as teachers, substitute teachers, athletic coaches, umpires and referees – without financial obstacles that have prevented them from helping in the past,” he said. “I’m hoping this bill will increase the number of applicants we have for the variety of positions we need to effectively serve our students, families and community.”
In other news, O’Neill said the district’s Oct. 4 Count Day total was 2,697 students, an increase of about 20 students from the district’s spring count.
He explained that the student enrollment figure established from fall Count Day comprises 90 percent of the district’s foundation allowance. The balance is made up from the spring count, he said.
O’Neill and the board at the meeting recognized the district’s principals. October is “National Principal Month.”
The meeting was held at Sunset Lake Elementary School. Principal Amie McCaw provided a half-hour information-filled, annual update on the district’s largest elementary school.
VFAB Giving Tree and Coaster Craft event
By Amy Schmidt, VFAB board member
The Vicksburg Community Schools Theater program is in full swing and working on some excellent shows this year: Shrek Jr., Alice in Wonderland, and Annie.
To support the shows, the Vicksburg Fine Arts Boosters (VFAB) is planning a Coaster Craft event in partnership with Pinspiration. The event takes place on Wednesday, November 29 starting at 7 p.m. in the Main Street Pub. Enjoy dinner in the dining area, then head to the party room where Pinspiration will have everything you need to create fabulous drink coasters in a design of your choice. Pick a theme from this year’s theater shows, a holiday design, or customize sayings or monograms. Choose your templates to try wood burning the designs or painting. Everything is provided. Only $30 for 4 customized coasters to give as a gift (or keep as a gift to yourself!). Reserve your spot today – space is limited! Visit https://vicksburgfab.wixsite.com/vfab/ to reserve your spot, or email VicksburgFAB@gmail.com with questions.
VFAB will again this year set up the very popular Fine Arts Giving Trees in the entrances of the Performing Arts Center during December performances. Fine arts teachers add wishes for program materials to cards hanging from the trees. It’s a great way to show support for the amazing work these teachers are doing with the young people in our schools. Instructions are included on the cards to make it easy to support your favorite teacher.
Thank you for supporting the fine arts in our schools!
Bulldogs win big at homecoming
By Travis Smola
It’s been a bit of a rough season for Vicksburg varsity football, but the team was able to send the homecoming crowd home happy with a 38-21 win over Sturgis. The Bulldogs did it with a focused running attack that the Trojans could not answer.
“As bad as we got beat last week, we really thought we blocked well up front,” Head Coach Tom Marchese said. “I thought our O-line and our backs really ran hard. Our quarterback made some smart decisions, but I really have to give it to the O-line and the backs.”
Vicksburg chose to defer to the second half on the kickoff, and quickly forced a three-and-out thanks to a Storm Schrader sack. The Bulldogs then marched down the field and capped off an eight-play drive with a nine-yard scamper up the middle by running back Alexander VanSweden. The extra point made it 7-0 early.
On the next Sturgis drive, Schrader came up big again, recovering a fumble at about midfield. But the resulting drive stalled as the first quarter came to an end. Sturgis scored on its next possession to tie the game 7-7. The Bulldogs also punted on their next drive. But the Trojans coughed the ball up again when Aidan Woosley brought down an interception at the Sturgis 28. Six plays later, VanSweden bounced a run out to the left side and to the corner pylon for a 14-yard touchdown with just 20 seconds left in the half. The extra point made it 14-7 at the half.
With momentum on their side, the Bulldogs took the opening kick downfield and converted it into a field goal to widen the lead to 17-7. On their next possession, VanSweden scored his third touchdown of the night, a dazzling, 18-yard run after being hit behind the line of scrimmage initially. He was able to cut it back across the field through a hole to the endzone. The extra point made it 24-7.
Sturgis was able to score on its next possession to narrow the score to 24-14. But Vicksburg recovered the onside kick attempt. And on the next drive, Zachary Kline and Michael Johnson started finding some holes in the Trojan run defense too. It was all part of the Bulldogs’ game plan considering less than ideal weather conditions.
“We harped on them that we’ve got to be able to run the ball, especially when you get a cold, rainy game, and they did that,” Marchese said. “So, it’s really great when you want that and it comes to fruition.”
Kline scored first on a 20-yard rumble up the middle in which he fended off a tackle attempt at the three-yard-line for another touchdown with a little over eight minutes left to play. This pushed the score to 31-14. Woosley then intercepted his second pass of the night to set up Vicksburg at their own 35.
The subsequent drive was then capped off by a 19-yard power run by Johnson to the endzone to make 38-14. Sturgis scored another touchdown late, but by then it had run out of time. Marchese is proud of the team’s resolve, which isn’t accurately reflected in their 3-5 season record.
“It feels good knowing that we got beat as bad as we did last week. And the kids easily in high school could have hung their heads and just mailed it in for the last few weeks,” Marchese said. “But they didn’t. They practiced hard and came out and played hard today. As a coach, you just want the kids to give their best effort, and they did tonight. I’m really proud of them for that.”
Vicksburg Planning Commission discusses Biggby
By Jef Rietsma
A nationally recognized coffee chain hoping to break into the Vicksburg market will have a fair amount of information to present when its plan goes before municipal officials.
During the Vicksburg Planning Commission’s Oct. 9 meeting, discussion centered on Biggby’s proposed location at 215 E. Prairie St., the northwest corner of East Prairie and North Richardson streets.
Before planning commission members discussed the proposal, however, a local businessowner expressed concerns about the magnitude of competition Biggby’s would pose.
Mezanmi Play Café owner Renee Janofski, a lifelong Vicksburg resident, told planning commission members Biggby would be detrimental to Mezanmi and other locally owned businesses.
“It would probably be the beginning of the end for our business as a coffee shop and as a play area. We have three main sources of revenue: Coffee is our number 1 source of revenue, the play area is our second source of revenue and then birthday party rentals is our third,” she said. “Vicksburg has been a great space, we’ve been supported here, our coffee sales are just starting to take off … bringing in a Biggby across the street from us would be like bringing in a Meijer to Family Fare. It just doesn’t make sense for our small village.”
Janofski said she opened Mezanmi in Vicksburg three years ago. A second location, opened last year in Mattawan, was closed in October.
Village Council members in September expressed concerns about the proposed Biggby’s, focusing their apprehension on traffic patterns into and out of the drive-through property. It was noted that the busiest time of day would likely coincide with student drop-off at nearby Vicksburg Middle School, a situation that presents a congested but short-lived traffic situation in the area of Prairie and Richardson.
Village Manager Jim Mallery shared with the planning commission a summary of communication the village has made with Biggby officials and the proposed site’s developer.
“There’s 14 different points that have been communicated to the development team of Biggby’s, as well as (an) engineering memorandum from a zoning perspective … as well as having our engineers dig in behind the scenes as we work with any potential developer,” Mallery said. “So, there has been communication, again, on 14 different points with the development (of) Biggby’s.”
Mallery continued: “I want to assure the Planning Commission and the public that it is looked at from the lens of legality of what the ordinances require for the village of Vicksburg and proceed in that manner.”
Mallery said he expected a response from developers by mid-October. There’s a good chance, he noted, the matter could appear before the Planning Commission at its Nov. 13 meeting.
In an unrelated matter, Mallery provided an update on construction of the new village office. He said the current time frame shows the facility will be completed in December and village meetings will likely start taking place there in January.
Obituaries
Betty Lou Arbanas, 89, Kalamazoo, passed away October 2, 2023. Betty was born on January 12, 1934, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Harry and Mamie (Beck) Powers. She was a graduate of Mattawan High School. On September 11, 1954, she married Millard “Bud” Aukerman. Together they had four children: Richard, Carolyn, Millard “Guy”, and Jerry Aukerman. In June of 1987, Betty married Rudolph “Rudy” Arbanas. Betty loved to travel, walk, garden, crochet, golf, and bowling. and some may say it was the best years of her life. The family will miss her homemade pies and pastries. Betty will be remembered by her family as loving, compassionate, kind, friendly and selfless. The family would especially like to thank her care team at Centrica Care Navigators and her caring neighbors, Randy and Joyce, Randy and Beth and Debbie and Alicia. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Rudolph “Rudy” in 2020, and her son, Jerry Aukerman. Betty is survived by her children, Dick (Carol) Aukerman of Pleasant Lake, Carolyn Gibson of Marcellus, Millard “Guy” Aukerman of Kalamazoo and Todd Arbanas of Kalamazoo; grandchildren Corey Aukerman, Kelly Aukerman, Ashley Van Heest, April Buckhannon, Jim Kline, Tamarha Ellison, Jessica Goodrode, Jason Gibson, Amy Lnglis, Daniel Aukerman, Bo Arbanas, Chase Arbanas, and Dylan Arbanas; 11 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
Mary Ann Byers passed away September 3, 2023, at her home in Vicksburg, with her family by her side. Mary Ann was born October 2, 1942, to Victor and Maxine (Castor) Campbell. She was preceded in death by her mother and father and her son, Christopher Byers. She leaves behind her spouse, Woody Byers of Vicksburg, a son, Steven Byers of Vicksburg, a sister, Dolores Linstead of Parchment and a brother, Victor (Carol) Campbell, also of Vicksburg. She also leaves behind several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Mary Ann loved the holidays and enjoyed baking all her Christmas candies and pies. The holidays were not the same if there were no pies and candy. She loved her rose bushes and collected many dolls over the last few years which she loved to display around her house. She also loved traveling down south to the many craft shows that they attended. She was employed at the Kalamazoo Conservatory of Music for a short period of time, but most of all she enjoyed being able to stay home raising her children and being a wife. Services have been held. Memorials may be made to the visiting nurses or to hospice. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Jesús (Chey) Escamilla, 67, Boulder, Colorado, went to be with his Lord on October 10, 2023. Chey was born July 17, 1956, in Kalamazoo, the son of Jose and Jesusita Escamilla. Chey had a beautiful soul and a special bond with each of his brothers and sisters. He was filled with generosity, love, and kindness and possessed a funny personality and quick wit. He was a 1975 graduate of Vicksburg High School. After high school, Chey began his journey to explore the country. He traveled and lived in many parts of the country where he shared his devotion to the Bible and taught the Word of the Lord. Chey lived in Israel for several years studying and exploring biblical scripture. Chey dedicated his life to his ministry, his religious studies and living a gentle and humble life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Jesusita Escamilla; baby sister Elena; one brother, Ricardo; and two brothers-in-law, Thomas Kelley and Ramah “Ray” Shearer. Jesus is survived by his nine siblings, Victoria Kelley of Three Rivers, Maria Lydia (Muhammed) Ali of Portage, Esequiel Escamilla of Kalamazoo, Jose Escamilla Jr. of Benton Harbor, Estella Shearer of Vicksburg, Adalia (Dan) Martin of Schoolcraft, Teresa (Rudy) Ruelas of Traverse City, Alejandro Escamilla of Chicago, and Adolfo (Marie) Escamilla of Portage. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Vicksburg. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Sally Lou Fort, 77, Vicksburg, passed away October 15, 2023. She was born November 19, 1945 in Vicksburg, the daughter of Robert and Velma (Garrison) Homan. Sally attended Vicksburg High School prior to graduating from Grand Ledge Academy. On September 8, 1968, she married Buzz Fort. She worked at Shakespeare and Associates Loan in Kalamazoo before transitioning to Franklin Hospital in Vicksburg. Later, Sally worked for Modern Tile and Carpet as a receptionist. She loved traveling, casinos, hats, animals, and cooking. Sally is survived by her husband of 55 years, Buzz; children Adam (Diane) Fort of Vicksburg and Dana (Scott) Dent of Kalamazoo; grandchildren Jenna (Matthew) Curtis of Grand Rapids, Caleb Fort of Grand Rapids, and Ryan Fort of Richland; and her great-granddog, Leo. She is also survived by siblings Sandra (Larry) York of Tennessee, Bonnie Wolfe of Vicksburg, Rob (Kathy) Homan of Vicksburg, and Ivy (Eric) Kirchberg of Connecticut; sister and brother-in-law Janet (Doug) Richardson of White Lake; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family thanks a special neighbor and friend, Mary Michnick for her love and kindness. Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Velma Homan; brother and sister-in-law Bill and Helen Fort; and loving pets Ladybug and Sunday. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to SPCA.
Jerry H. Hamelink, 83, Wakeshma Township, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023. Jerry was born March 16, 1940, in Holland, to Marinus and Edith (Damson) Hamelink. After graduating from Holland High School in 1958, Jerry attended Hope College, Michigan Technical University and Brigham Young University on his way to earning a doctorate in mechanical engineering at West Virginia University. On August 21, 1965, he married Nancy Tellman. They settled in rural Vicksburg in 1967, where they reared four children. Jerry began his career at a chicken hatchery, then Consumers Power and Upjohn before becoming a professor of mechanical engineering at WMU. He retired in 2005 after teaching for 37 years. Jerry served as Wakeshma Township supervisor for 30 years and was a member of the North Athens Baptist Church and Gideons International. He liked farming, hunting, fishing, fixing up old cars and masonry. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy; children Greg (Loretta) Hamelink of Marcellus, Nate (Christy) Hamelink of Marcellus, Mike (Mandy) Hamelink of Portage and Faith (Steve) Chadwick of Vicksburg; 12 grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Virginia (Steve) Graves of Durand. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother Jack Hamelink; and brothers Ron Hamelink and Jon Hamelink. Donations may go to Gideons International. Visit his page at lighthousefuneral.com.
Nancy Lou Hill, 77, left this world on October 20, 2023, in Vicksburg. She was born on April 9, 1946 in Kalamazoo, to the loving embrace of Harry and Gertrude (Lesman) Boodt. She married Carl Hill on January 15, 1966. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, son Carl (Cathy) Hill II, her parents and siblings Charlotte Robinson, Sharon Barringer, and Ken Boodt. She is survived by her children, Keith Hill, Amanda (Dean) Gouin, Richard (Margo) Hill, and T.J. Hill; five grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Nancy is also survived by siblings Connie Frisch, Ronnie (Sue) Boodt, Linda Boodt, and Kathy Markword, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Nancy had many passions in life that brought joy to her and those around her. She was an exceptional baker, renowned for her homemade rolls, cookies, banana bread, and holiday treats. She enjoyed working on crafting and creative projects with her husband and watching reruns of ‘70s game shows. She also enjoyed music and attending concerts, and her favorite artist was Carrie Underwood. Above all, Nancy’s love for her family was immeasurable. She dedicated herself to creating a warm and loving home, and her unwavering support and kindness touched many hearts and lives. Donations may go to the Bronson Cancer Center. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Roxanne Hume, born December 20, 1944, in Kalamazoo, peacefully passed away on September 28, 2023. She was the daughter of Mart and Helen (Metaljen) Little and shared her childhood with her twin brother, William Little. Roxanne’s early years were marked by frequent moves, but her family eventually settled and she attended Kalamazoo Central High School. She married Dale Hume on June 25, 1963. Roxanne’s professional journey took her on various paths, beginning as a cashier at Thrift Way. She eventually worked for the UpJohn Company for over 30 years. In retirement, she worked a paper route and worked at Family Fare. She enjoyed reading, gardening, and her dogs. She loved her family and family gatherings. Roxanne was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Hume, and her parents, Mart and Helen Little. She is survived by her children, Tracy (Jeffrey) Lovell, David Hume, and Rhonda (James) Gucma; twin brother William (Judy) Little; grandson Brenden (Grace) Lovell; and her nieces Amanda and Mistelle. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family. Memorials made in Roxanne’s memory may be directed to the Southwestern Michigan SPCA. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Services have been held. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Timothy Ira Moore, 84, Vicksburg, passed away surrounded by family on October 28, 2023. Tim was born December 6, 1938, to Gordon and Geraldyne (Vermeulen) Moore. He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1956 and University of Michigan in 1960 with a degree in forestry management. He worked at Simpson Paper and was an area forester. Tim was a Rotarian with 59 years of perfect attendance serving as a president, a Paul Harris recipient, a Rotary Hero, and a vital part of the Showboat. He was active with the Vicksburg Library, Vicksburg Historical Society, United Way, the Vicksburg Community School Foundation, and the Vicksburg Bronson Hospital board. Tim is survived by his wife, Martha (Marti) Moore; sons Timothy Scott (Lynda) Moore, Chris (Jael Aumack) Moore; stepsons James Miller, Joshua (Emily) Hillard, Benjamin (Gail) Hillard and Lucas (Shannon) Hillard; grandchildren Zachery, Austin and Meredith Moore, Brandon, Allison, Bella, Cole, Victoria, Tate, Charlotte, Jackson, Winter, Angelica, and Eloise Hillard. Tim was predeceased by his parents and brother, Gordon Moore II. A reception will be held Thursday, Nov. 2 from 4-7 p.m. at the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home. A service will follow Friday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. at Vicksburg United Methodist Church. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Centrica Care Navigators, WMU Senior Center or Vicksburg Rotary Strive Program.
Doris Marie Noel, born March 1, 1930, passed away peacefully October 17, 2023, at her home in Vicksburg, where she lived with her daughter and son-in-law. Many may remember her working behind the courtesy desk at Meijer on South Westnedge Avenue. She was one of the first cashiers to be hired when the store opened in 1964. She retired from Meijer in 1991. She is survived by daughters Gloria (Gary) Jones of Vicksburg and Gail (Tony) Jones of Lawrence, and son-in-law Ken VanDewoestyne of Kalamazoo. Also surviving are her loving grandchildren Rod (Crystal) Jones of Clarion, Pennsylvania, Kim (Curt) Dolan of Wetumpka, Alabama, Chad (Kristen) Noel-Jones of Hoopeston, Illinois, Brian (Teresa) Noel-Eldridge of Nicholson, Georgia, Darcy Noel of Kalamazoo, and Austin Eldridge of Commerce, Georgia, and several great and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, daughter Linda VanDewoestyne, sister Mary Lou Kirschenbauer and brother Clifford (Chuck) Gross. Cremation has taken place and private services will be held at a later time. Donations may go to Centrica Care Navigators. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
James H. Putman went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 19, 2023, in Portage. Jim was born July 17, 1944 to Glenn and Helen Putman. Jim was a hard worker who held many jobs in his lifetime. He worked at Bill Knapps restaurant as a busboy, Jolly Kids, and at Kalamazoo Sled when he was younger. Later he went on to work at the Monarch Paper Mill for years until he moved on to working for Ronningen-Petter. After he retired, he loved being a driver for the Amish where he made lots of friends. Jim loved his family, horses, dogs, trips out to Colorado, and collecting toy tractors. Jim is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara J. (VanderKooi) Putman; children James II (Kara) Putman and Kim Putman; grandchildren Isabella, Michael and Nicklas; brother Glenn (Lori) Putman and sister Claire (Ron) Shefler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Helen Putman and sister Glenda (Putman) Bos. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Kenneth T. Stiver, 91, Schoolcraft, passed away October 11, 2023, at the age of 91. He was born in Schoolcraft October 18, 1931 to parents Fred and Mahala (Taylor) Stiver. Kenneth grew up surrounded by love and a strong sense of family unity. As a child, he selflessly worked on his father’s farm. After completing his education at Schoolcraft High School in 1949, Kenneth served in the US Army. Following his military service, he furthered his education at Western Michigan University. For 43 years, he devoted his time and talents to Graph Trucking, which later became Davis Motor Carrier. He started as a truck driver, and eventually became personnel director. Kenneth had a pleasant demeanor and had a comical flair. He enjoyed wood carving and home remodeling, golf and being outside in the beauty of nature. Kenneth is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley; sons, John (Kathy) Stiver of Schoolcraft and Jim (Heather) Stiver of Mendon; grandchildren Joe (Meagan) Stiver of Portage, Gina (Logan) Wolfe of Scotts, and Nicholas Stiver of Mendon; and a great-grandchild, Addison Stiver. Kenneth was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Ann Stiver and eight siblings. Services have been held. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church and Generous Hands.
Ivan L. Winkler, 91, passed away October 15, 2023 in Vicksburg. He was born January 12, 1932 in Kalamazoo, and grew up to become an outstanding individual who touched the lives of countless people. Ivan’s career spanned over 46 years in the paper mill trade for International Paper. He married Doris on March 24, 1951, and together they raised five children. He was a proud United States Air Force veteran; Ivan served his country until February 3, 1956, earning the rank of staff sergeant during his time in the military. His dedication to the nation was recognized with the National Defense Service Medal. Although Ivan had only received an eighth-grade education, he was intelligent and possessed an uncanny ability to excel in various trades. He had a strong work ethic, enjoyed the out-of-doors and tinkering with motors. He had a great sense of humor and an unwavering love for his family. He is survived by his children, Gary (Penny) Winkler of Three Rivers, Frank Winkler of Scotts, Marsue (Rick) Alexander of Mendon, and Brian Winkler of Vicksburg; 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild with another on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, son, Larry and granddaughter, Gretchen. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Centrica Care Navigators.