Sophia Carrier has signed to play volleyball with Lake Michigan College. She has earned academic all-state two years and is varsity setter and co-captain. She has a 3.9 GPA and intends to earn a degree in engineering or aviation.
Vicksburg Village Council members in October announced that nine local businesses collectively will be awarded more than $63,000 in grants aimed at property improvements within the village’s Downtown Development Authority boundaries.
The first two businesses were presented their grant awards Dec. 29.
“It is quite unique and special for a village our size to provide this opportunity for locally owned businesses to receive financial assistance like this from their local government,” Village President Tim Frisbie said. “We are proud to present our first two business recipients their grant awards totaling $23,175.”
Historically, the village has provided small grant opportunities restricted to façade improvements. This year’s Property Improvement Grant opportunity focused on investments into businesses and buildings that would add a public benefit in downtown Vicksburg.
The investments complemented the completely remodeled downtown streetscapes and makeover of downtown Oswalt Park.
Village Hideaway, owned by Scott Plankenhorn, invested more than $30,000 by installing a foldable window system that allows natural light throughout the business, as well as providing a trellis bar atmosphere found in larger cities.
Vicksburg provided $15,000 toward the investment.
Meanwhile, Jaspare’s Pizza and Fine Italian Food installed a roll-up garage door façade that provides a welcoming entry point. The view from inside the establishment has been immensely enhanced, village officials said.
“Coinciding with the downtown streetscapes which provided ample opportunity for visitors to sit outside or simply walk throughout our downtown, we have seen an increase in foot traffic within our business since we have made this investment,” said owner Todd Glenn. “Having owned businesses in multiple small communities, I can say without hesitation what Vicksburg does for its downtown businesses is unmatched. This grant is appreciated greatly.”
Jaspares invested almost $16,000 in its front façade, which is entirely new with a roll-up garage door.
Mallery said the village received $12,000 from the Vicksburg Foundation to match its $36,000 to establish the program.
The remaining seven businesses awarded grants will receive the 50 percent match once individual investments are completed. It is anticipated that all seven projects will be completed by June 20.
By Jef Rietsma
Vicksburg municipal officials last month took another step toward construction of a new village office later this year.
During their Dec. 19 meeting, village council members approved a motion to manage the bid process related to the project. The action authorizes Village Manager Jim Mallery to work with Frederick Construction to execute the process.
Mallery said the new building has been on the village’s radar since 2017 and required disciplined financial planning in order to follow through with the project.
“We developed a plan … to start to save money so that we would be in a position to not have to bond or place any burden on taxpayers, and we’ve done that,” Mallery said, reminding the council that its members in early 2022 agreed to a site north of the water tower on Richardson Street.
Frederick Construction has aided the village in navigating a path toward groundbreaking. Frederick’s senior estimator, Ryan Collins, provided the council an overview of the process, noting that a design was chosen in July.
“The past five months, we’ve had eight or 10 meetings internally with the designers along with the village, (and) our goal is to work with the designers to understand what the village needs, those priorities and needs,” he said. “We’re at a point now where we want to get involved and do preconstruction services.”
The process is in preparation of bid-letting for specialized components of the construction process. Those pieces include drywall, concrete, excavation, roofing, plumbing and HVAC.
Collins said there will be a pre-bid meeting so prospective bidders have a clear understanding of what exactly is included in the scope of work. He expects bids to be opened Feb. 14.
“It’ll be a public opening with the village …all bids from subcontractors will be publicly opened and read aloud, and a record will be made,” Collins said. “I’ll take that information back to the office, plug it into a final budget sheet using the lowest-qualified contractor or a contractor we’re going to recommend to you, I’ll put together a package and share that, and that’ll be our recommendation for our final budget based on bids received, who we’re going to recommend, who we’re not going to recommend and why.”
Collins said ideally, there would be three bids received per category. He said groundbreaking could take place as soon as April.
The current municipal office is more than 60 years old, village officials said.
In other action, village council members reported positive feedback from December’s Christmas in the Village and parade, which attracted at least 7,000 people. Mallery said the annual event was easily the most attended gathering in the history of Christmas in the Village.
Also, Mallery said construction of the village’s new Public Works facility is finally nearing completion, as the final check to support the project was to be cut before the end of the month.
One other matter of note centered on details related to an inaugural event coming up in February. Details about the impending IceBURG Festival were provided by Alysse Thomas, Vicksburg Area Chamber of Commerce vice president. Further information about the Feb. 11 downtown event will be announced in the February edition of South County News.
One final matter was addressed Dec. 19: Village council meetings will continue to be held at 7 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at the South County EMS building. Exceptions are in January and April, when meetings will be held Jan. 16 and 30, and April 17 and 24. As in the past, the village will meet once in July, August and September, on the third Monday.
Following a closed session during the village’s Dec. 5 meeting, council members approved a motion to accept $30,000 from a resident who cut down village-owned trees.
Carol Crouch (Fales) passed away peacefully at her home in Schoolcraft on December 17, 2022, following a short illness. Carol was born on August 3, 1948, in Allegan, to Virginia (Lewis) and Laurel A. “Bill” Fales. She was a 1966 graduate of Plainwell High School and KVCC. She worked several jobs ranging from secretarial pool at the Pentagon to chemical technician at Cyanamid, to office manager at Beaver Research, where she retired after 23 years. She married Paul Crouch on May 2, 1981. She enjoyed attending the games of her son and grandchildren and cheering on the MSU Spartans and the New Orleans Saints. She also took great pride in the fact that she was a recovering alcoholic who was 35-plus years sober. She is survived by her son, Jason; grandchildren Hayden and Chloe Crouch; brother Laurel A “Bill Fales Jr; and her daughter in law (Jason’s ex-wife), Yvonne Outman. She was preceded in her passing by her husband Paul; parents Virginia and Bill Fales; and sisters Betty Heilman and Marjorie Anson. Pursuant to her wishes, she will be cremated and there will be a celebration of her life on February 5, 2023, starting at 1 p.m. at her home at 6239 Sunshine Ave, Schoolcraft. All are welcome to attend. Donations may go to Schoolcraft Athletic Boosters or Centrica Hospice Care. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Frances “Fran” M. Davis passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence, Kalamazoo with her daughter, Melanie, at her side. She was born October 4, 1934 in Paw Paw and was married to the late Marvin L. Davis for 69 years. Frances was employed by Gilmores and Upjohn until her retirement. She enjoyed crafting, garage sales, and being with her family. Frances is survived by her sister, Rosemary Hadley of Vicksburg, and her brother, William (Linda) Gleason of Georgia. Also surviving are daughters Carin Chipman and Melanie Farrington; son Larry (Marcel) Davis; grandchildren Kevin Zeller, Kelsey (Brady) Ellis, Kasey (Austin) Porter, Brittney Farrington, Brock Farrington, Brieann Farrington, and Jake Davis; great-grandchildren Kyllie (Victoria) Zeller, Cooper Ellis, Crew Ellis, Mya Ellis, and Kenlee Porter; and surviving relations Diana (Eddie) Chen, Jessy Wang, Tracy (Josh) Kuang, Michelle Wang and Arvo Kuang. The Davis family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes Vicksburg Chapel, Vicksburg.
William “Bill” F. Gehron, 74, Scotts, passed away December 22, 2022. Bill was born on April 24, 1948 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was the son of Vernie and Helon (Jackson) Gehron. He attended Northside High School and graduated with the class of 1966. After high school he went to DePauw University before transferring to Indiana University where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During this time, he also married the love of his wife, Kathy Puryear, on February 3, 1968. He became a deputy with the Allen County Sheriff’s Department in Indiana. He was the supervisor of quality control and human resources at Dana Corporation for over 24 years. He was an avid golfer and achieved six holes in one. He was a volunteer for Kid’s Hope through the Methodist Church. Bill was honest and caring and had a great sense of humor. He loved and cared for his family. Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kathy; children Abby (Keenan) Goolsby of Ohio and Adam (Kim) Gehron of Oklahoma; grandchildren Sunrise, Jake, Kadee, Jesse (Amber) and Davey. He is also survived by sisters Vernell (Peter) Fettig of Indiana and Martha Needling of Georgia; and several nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Kid’s Hope and Generous Hands.
David L. McMillan, 75, Schoolcraft, passed away December 2, 2022. David was born in Three Rivers on March 12, 1947, the son of the late Charles and Pheobe (Welcher) McMillan. David was a graduate of Schoolcraft High School, class of 1965. He was a hard worker and instilled that same work ethic in his two sons, whom he was extremely proud of. David was a life-long trucker and spent many years on the road as an owner-operator. Although he encouraged his children not to follow in his footsteps, both of his sons became truckers and worked alongside their dad for years. David was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also travelled the United States extensively, visiting 48 of 50 states. David was a member of the Kalamazoo Antique Tractor Club. He loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with his sons and grandchildren. He is survived by two sons, Stephen (Andrea) McMillan and Douglas (Chantelle) McMillan; grandchildren, Aaron (Moly), Taylor and Emma; brothers, Dale (Bobbie Jo) and Tracy (Schelle); sister in-law, Marsha McMillan; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, David was preceded in death by his brothers, Dennis and Terry McMillan. Donations may go to Truckers Final Mile or Autism Speaks. Visit his page at joldersma-klein.com.
Andrew Robert Munn, 43, Portage, passed away December 19, 2022. He was born in Kalamazoo on December 16, 1979, the son of Robert Munn and Nancy (Sehy) Baughan. He attended Vicksburg High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Baker College. He was the senior manager at Global Help Desk, where he oversaw multiple groups and countries. Through work he was able to travel to many countries and made many friends around the world, which he was very proud of. In 2003, Andy was united in marriage to Brandi Nieuwenhuis, and together they had two children, Addison and Dylan. Though Andy and Brandi later separated, they were proud of how they co-parented and blended their families. Andy enjoyed spending time with his family whether it was watching sports, camping, traveling, or game night. He also had a passion for family history and coin collecting. Andy was preceded in passing by his father, Robert Munn. brother Randy (Gina) Munn; stepsiblings Melissa (Doug) Vrba, Tabitha Sehy, and Matthew Sehy; grandparents Eugene and Philis Baughan; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Services have been held. Donations may go to the Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Maxine Penar, 95, Vicksburg, passed away December 12, 2022. She was born in Morley, Missouri on June 12, 1927, the daughter of Marion and Myrtle (Dameron) Ladyman. In 1946 her love for dancing introduced her to the love of her life, Stanley Penar. The two were united in marriage on September 13, 1947, and together they raised two sons. In the early 1960s Maxine attended Tracy Beauty School and successfully opened and operated her own beauty shop in Vicksburg for several years. In the early 1970s Maxine and Stanley built a permanent home on Fisher Lake in Three Rivers. Maxine loved her family and enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible. When Stanley retired, they started antiquing as a hobby and became so successful they traveled the United States buying and selling items. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and attended spring training camps for several years. Maxine was preceded in her passing by her husband of 61 years, Stanley Penar; daughter Jean Buck; parents; and siblings Marie and Jane. Left to cherish Maxine’s loving memory are her children, Pat (Mike) Guilfoyle, Vince (Gayle) Penar, and Mitch Penar; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and sisters Mavis and Joanie. Donations may go to St. Martin of Tours Parish. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Naomi Schroeder, 91, Portage, passed away December 17, 2022. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of Alphonse and Caroline (Grolle) Lutz. Naomi had a passion for reading and teaching others. She served as secretary and vice president for the Vicksburg Ladies Library Association, chairman of the Vicksburg Book Study Group, and tutored reading through the Read Right Program. She worked hard to care for others working as secretary and card chairman for the blind with the Vicksburg Lioness Club, served as chair of the Portage Ecumenical Women, was a hostess for 23 years with the “Young at Heart” senior citizens group, assisted with Tender Care birthday parties, and served as president of the American Field Service International Portage Chapter. Naomi loved the Lord and joyfully served him in many capacities in several churches. She loved her family, dancing, singing, entertaining and socializing. Left to cherish her loving memory is her husband of 73 years, Victor; children Carolyn Gaus, Tom (Denise), Eileen Grostic, Vic (Diana); 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild. Naomi was preceded in her passing by her parents; sisters Elvera (Harry) Smith, Arlene (Bob) Neiss, Viola (Gilbert) Smith; and son in law John Grostic.Donations may go to the St. Michael Lutheran School. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com.
Paul Schutter, 89, Vicksburg, passed away on December 11, 2022. Paul was born May 1, 1933, in Muskegon, the son of Herman and Grace (Hoeker) Schutter. On April 20, 1956, Paul married Marilyn McMaster, who survives. Also surviving are children Jeff (Kim) Schutter, Amy (Ray) Roach, and Susan (Matt) Howell; grandchildren Jason (Shannon) Schutter, Danielle (Stephen) McGinnis, Landon (Betsie) Schutter, Nathan (Miranda) Schutter, Morgan (Luke) VanderZouwen, Blake (Lindsay Carmoney) Appell, Clarissa (Bethany) Tap-Howell, Tyler (Emily) Howell, Wesley (Tara vanVeen) Howell; great grandchildren Evan, Camden, Adelynn, Nolan, Reid, Sawyer, Avery, Crew, Reese, James, Bruce, Xander, Rory, Cole, Liam, Jack, Chase, and Graham; and one sister, Marjorie Younts. He was preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, Ray and Marilyn. Paul was a graduate of Muskegon High School and attended K College. After serving in the US Army, he went to WMU, setting a shotput record. Paul earned a master’s degree and taught math at Vicksburg Public Schools. He was a driver’s ed teacher and coached football, track and golf. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to scholarship funds at Vicksburg United Methodist Church, Vicksburg Lions Club, or Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation.
Typically, the Vicksburg Rotary Club makes three annual awards: the Paul Harris Fellowship, the Rotary Hero Award, and the Mercer Munn Award. In 2022, the club also nominated a local organization for one of four Golden Trowel awards presented by Rotary District 6360 which serves 56 Rotary clubs active in lower Michigan.
The 2022 Paul Harris Fellow
Jim Bird was honored with the 2022 Paul Harris Award. The award is named after the founder of Rotary in 1905. His death in 1957 prompted an outpouring of contributions from around the world that led to the Paul Harris Fellow program, one that recognizes individuals around the world who make significant donations in dollars and dedication to the Rotary Foundation at Rotary International. Bird joined the local club in 2011, shortly after retiring as a vocational education teacher. He was soon on-stage and backstage for the Rotary Showboat. Always a strong supporter for issues Rotary International leads, Jim thrives on local projects such as the club’s recent scrap metal recycling where he can get his hands dirty! “Rotary involvement has been key to helping our family feel at home in Vicksburg,” he comments. “He serves as a role model to us all,” according to many of his fellow members.
2022 Rotary Hero Award
JR Fulton was selected to represent the Vicksburg Rotary Club at this year’s District Rotary Hero Recognition. His two-word Hero Name from the local club is Model Rotarian. This designation reflects his long tenure and dedicated participation in the club’s Membership Committee. In that role he spurred the club in recruitment and opened his home for Fireside Chats to welcome new members. JR is also a Paul Harris Fellow and has long been recognized for his own outstanding attendance at club meetings and for his participation in the club’s many service projects. JR Fulton joined the Vicksburg Rotary Club in 1963. According to JR, he has really enjoyed being a part of a club that is dedicated to helping meet the needs of his local community and beyond.
2022 Mercer Munn Award
Each year the Vicksburg Rotary Club also identifies a non-Rotarian to become a Vicksburg Rotary Mercer Munn Fellow. The honor is awarded to persons who have made a major commitment to improving life in the South County area and who reflect the spirit of Mercer Munn, a well-known Rotarian and community member who thought of Vicksburg as “the center of the universe.”
Steve Schimp, owner of Vicksburg Do-It-Best Hardware in Vicksburg, is this year’s honoree. In an era of small business challenges, Steve’s family business has survived and thrived for 35 years. Steve was cited specifically for his “When it is done, it will be great” attitude and his “If we don’t have it, we can order it for you” approach. During blizzards, hard times and even a pandemic, his store and staff have been available to serve the needs of their customers.
“I feel honored to be recognized in the name of Mercer Munn, a wonderful man,” Steve says quietly. “We consider it God’s blessing and our privilege to serve our friends and neighbors in this wonderful community,” Steve and his family received the Mercer Munn award clock, donated by Warren Lawrence each year. In addition, the club has made a $500 donation to the club’s Kalamazoo Community Foundation endowment fund, where the gift keeps on giving, forever in their names.
2022 Golden Trowel Award
The Vicksburg Rotary Club is also delighted to announce that our very own South County News was recently recognized as a 2022 Golden Trowel award winner at the Rotary District level. In the club’s nomination, the Rotary board requested that South County News and its non-profit board of directors be honored for taking on the challenge of providing Kalamazoo’s South County area with a community-owned newspaper beginning in 2013.
Between 1897 and 2000 the Vicksburg area had been fortunate to have local news coverage under several banners. That is when the Commercial-Express was sold to the Kalamazoo Gazette. In 2011, the Kalamazoo Gazette ended publication. This created a profound gap in the community for several years, until Sue Moore, a Rotarian and a former publisher of the newspaper mobilized a group to address the loss. The team organized as a non-profit and gathered enough support and advertising for their first issue in June of 2013. Focusing on local news from across six townships, several villages and small towns in the area, the South County News includes news of village and township governments, school board meetings, school sports, community happenings, obituaries and human-interest stories to the benefit of over 11,000 readers. The South County News has offered the Vicksburg Rotary Club affordable opportunities to connect and communicate with the residents it serves. “We are a small club trying to do big things in our area,” summarizes Board President, Syd Bastos. “Vicksburg Rotarians depend on the South County News and appreciate how it keeps our community connected.”
By Kathy Oswalt-Forsythe
Editor’s Note: October’s edition highlighted student athletes. Over the next few months, the South County News will spotlight the arts in our area and schools.
An interview with Tony Lindeman, VHS photography teacher
How do you develop student photographers?
I look at skill development from several angles: 1) technical aspects in relation to light, cameras, and developing equipment (darkroom/CPUs/software) and compositional aspects in relation to photography.
What equipment is used?
At VHS we are currently in the process of implementing more mirrorless cameras into our current inventory of DSLR cameras. I have always used digital Nikon cameras. They offer lens sharpness, user-friendly features and rugged body styles. I’ve used Nikon cameras for over a decade now and have yet to have one come back broken due to a drop.
We still have film cameras in our inventory, as archaic as that sounds. I use the Canon Rebel K2 cameras as their multiple exposure features really appeal to our student population. I value the film format in the sense that it truly emphasizes one of photography’s most valuable lessons: Visualize the final image before depressing the shutter, recognize the lighting you’re working with, balance your exposure, frame the subject from multiple perspectives, and fill your card.
What do you emphasize?
With photography I emphasize the triangle of exposure; aperture, film speed, and shutter. Those are the three ways of altering the way light is recorded (on film or a sensor). Understanding how those principles of exposure impact the final image is critical to a successful photographer. When I teach composition to students, the main emphasis is perspective. I tell them to ask themselves this question: “How can I turn an ordinary subject and make it extraordinary?” Viewing angles and how you choose to capture a subject can take a common subject and turn it into an award-winning shot. You also must keep an eye on your background and eliminate unnecessary elements. I also preach the phrase, “keep it simple.” Move in or zoom in on the important elements to tell your story through the photo.
Do you offer independent study?
Unlocking someone’s passion to tell their story or keep creating is my job during independent study — students who are willing to research and put in the time excel. I do guide them, but students who have a great work ethic and sound research skills really thrive.
What does the future hold for photography students?
Students have always been attracted to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts High School Area Show in the early spring. Our students have won numerous scholarships from colleges. It is a juried show and always brings out the best of the best. It’s a target show and one that always gets marked on our calendars.
We have had several students become successful photographers. Most will keep it as a hobby. Most keep their love for photography alive by future courses or starting a side business. Trevor Ritsema is a local photographer in Kalamazoo and is highly regarded and successful. Jaymie Gapayao is a very talented and creative photographer. Liz Weddon is now a graphic/web designer and lead photographer at Kzoom. Sami Trimble and a number of other former students still photograph on the side as a hobby for clients. I always tell my students you will be using these skills daily for the rest of your life.
What do you find rewarding?
What I find the most rewarding is simple — it’s about the relationship. If you want to get the most out of a student, you better be able to talk to that student about subjects outside of your content. It must be genuine as well. If it’s the beginning of bow season, I talk strategies, equipment, and weather with my students who hunt. Yesterday I saw a student wearing a metal t-shirt, and I began singing a tune to her and it turned into a great conversation. I have a passion for sports. Pay attention to a student’s extracurricular activities and their passions is what I’d tell educators. Invest in students and their interests if you want them to take great photos or create extraordinary works of art. I peeked my head into the prayer club (as I recognized a song) after school and a student asked me to pray for them. These things are powerful to me.
What’s most rewarding?
I could easily answer the question with a certain photograph or drawing but it goes well beyond the work…it’s the person behind the camera, paint brush, or pencil.