Left: Vicksburg Hotel, interior of bar, 1935. Right: Vicksburg Fire Department, ca. 1925. Photos courtesy of Vicksburg Historical Society.
By Suzie Fitzgibbon, Trustee, Vicksburg Historical Society
It has been seven years since downtown buildings were open for tours to the public, so don’t miss this opportunity on Saturday, October 5, 2024, between 1 and 4 p.m.
Have you ever wondered what is upstairs in some of the Vicksburg store fronts? The 1½-hour tour, led by Vicksburg Historical Society volunteers, will take you to the “hidden” parts of historic buildings in downtown Vicksburg. These guided tours will reveal the history of the buildings from the 1800’s to present day.
To purchase tickets, please visit Vicksburghistory.org/event or visit our Facebook page for the link. You may also purchase tickets at the Depot Museum on Friday-Sunday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., or by calling 269-649-1733.
Historical Society member cost is $12; non-member, $15.
This event is better suited for ages 12 and up and includes approximately 1½ miles of walking and stair climbing.
Some of the buildings you will visit:
101 South Main Street – Paper City Development (former Vicksburg Hotel/Community Center)
200-202 South Main Street – Vicksburg Makers Market (former Vicksburg Fire and Village Hall)
103 East Prairie Street – Mackenzies Bakery (Doris Lee Sweet Shop)
125 East Prairie Street – Allstate Insurance (Fred Rapp building/Beatie’s Grocery)
301 South Kalamazoo Street – Vicksburg Community Schools Admin (Old El)
The Vicksburg Historical Society is looking forward to exploring “hidden” Vicksburg with you.
Book Club for Adults – Thursdays, September 5 and October 3, 9:30-10:30 a.m. September’s book: “The Water is Wide” by Pat Conroy. October’s book: “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel.
Movie Club: Featuring the Classics – Wednesday, September 4, 6-8:15 p.m.: Watch a 1942 classic romantic drama film. October 2, 6-8:15 p.m.: View a 1960 horror classic.
Writers’ Motivational Group – Thursday, September 26 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Report progress, set goals, share resources and advice, and troubleshoot or brainstorm your projects with other writers.
Genre Gathering: Amish Romance – Thursday, September 19, 2-3 p.m. Discuss Amish romance novels with fellow readers. The first in a series of genre gatherings.
Bridge Club – Join the weekly friendly game. Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m.-noon.
Tai Chi Class – Weekly class. The community is welcome. Tuesdays from 7–8 p.m. and Thursdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
All-Ages Events
Pet Adoption Event – Saturday, September 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Kalamazoo Animal Rescue will bring in pets for adoption. If you want to adopt at the event, you will need to submit your screening information on their website in advance.
Vicksburg Library at the Vicksburg Farmer’s Market – Friday, September 27, 2-6 p.m. All ages are welcome to stop by and make a fun, quick craft with us! We’ll also have handouts and information about our current library activities.
Vicksburg Community Schools Tailgate Event – Friday, September 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to celebrate our Vicksburg Community and stop by the Vicksburg District Library booth. The event will have free food, games, giveaways, and more! At the Vicksburg High School football field.
Youth Events
Family Storytime – Mondays, September 9, 23, and 30, 10-10:45 a.m. Books, songs, and more!
Mugs & Hugs – Wednesday, September 4 and October 2, 10-11 a.m. Stories, activities, and interaction.
A youngster inspects a trombone from the Leta G. Snow Instrument Petting Zoo. Photo by Colin Howe.
By Kathy Oswalt-Forsythe
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (KSO) musicians are collaborating with the Vicksburg Community Schools to present a community performance on October 10, 2024, in the Performing Arts Center.
The KSO in Your Community program connects rural communities with the orchestra through music, collaboration, and interactive programming. The program is designed to foster long-term connection between a professional arts organization and local student artists. It also celebrates community appreciation.
The October 10 event features a quintet of the orchestra’s musicians – a string quartet and a clarinet. Throughout the event, students will collaborate with the musicians.
The first part of the evening is KSO’s introduction to the community, featuring a Mozart piece performed by the quintet and the Musical Storybook “Jammin’ in Kalamazoo” written by local authors Sonya and Sean Hollins with original music composed by Branford Marsalis.
In the next part of the event, KSO members interact with local student musicians, and the final part of the night will feature the Musical Storybook “Dear Street” which celebrates community through the music of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and letters from local students. The performances will last about an hour. Singers from Vicksburg’s grades 4 to 12 will join in song as orchestra musicians accompany them for the finale. Those performances will also last about an hour.
A pre-concert hour encourages student involvement. There will be activities such as Leta G. Snow Instrument Petting Zoo with high school helpers. Some Vicksburg students will also perform, and student art will be displayed.
“The VCS Fine Arts Department is excited to collaborate with members of the Kalamazoo Symphony to bring this special concert to the Vicksburg Community.,” said Patty Heintzelman, VCS Fine Arts chair. “The Vicksburg Community has a strong history of supporting the arts, and when the KSO reached out about this opportunity, not only was the whole department on board, so was the administration. In addition to partnering with the KSO, the Vicksburg Fine Arts Boosters have also extended a helping hand to help make this a special event for our community. Our goal is to fill the seats of the auditorium for this special event. We are looking forward to October 10 and we hope to see you there.”
The concert offers free registration with a “pay what you want” option when registering. All proceeds will go to cover the cost of KSO musicians and there is no cost to the district for the performance. The district is donating the use of the space for the event. Pre-concert activities will begin at 6 p.m.
Student music performances on stage begin at 6:45 p.m. The program begins at 7 p.m.
Vicksburg Community Schools’ students returned to classes Aug. 26. They may have noticed the inside of their school building didn’t look like it did in June.
Over the past two summers, the district has seen $9.8 million worth of improvements, all thanks to a $41.7 million bond request approved by voters in 2020.
Superintendent Keevin O’Neill said Series 3 of the work was covered during the 2023 and 2024 summer breaks. During the board’s Aug. 12 meeting, Assistant Superintendent Steve Goss provided an overview of this summer’s work.
He started his presentation focusing on Indian Lake and Tobey elementary schools.
“We had a significant amount of flooring replacement in both classrooms and corridors. We had significant bathroom renovations and a lot of painting,” Goss said. “Those (two) buildings were essentially closed, fully shut down over the summer.”
Indian Lake’s gymnasium features new flooring, Goss noted.
Goss turned his attention to Sunset Lake Elementary, where construction was done a bit more strategically because it hosted the district’s elementary summer programming.
He said the school was partitioned and work was done in sections, providing as little disruption as possible.
“Then there was a certain amount of flooring replacement – particularly in the cafeteria, art room and (attached) storage room,” Goss said. “Several years ago, we replaced the classroom floors and the section that we used for programming this summer, those floors and those bathrooms are on the docket for next year.”
The bathroom in the upper elementary area of the school was also redone, a step that Goss said “was well overdue … but it (now) looks amazing.” He noted they include new partitions, ceilings, floors, lights and floor-to-ceiling tile.
Classroom flooring is a woodgrain vinyl tile that Goss said looks good and has performed well at other locations.
Moving on to the secondary level, Goss said Vicksburg’s middle school and high school received “a significant amount of mechanical upgrades. Replacement ceiling tiles and new lighting, as well as a new coat of paint, will be noticeable improvements from last school year, he said.
One middle school upgrade Goss noted centered on a few rooms that previously featured partitions separating the classrooms.
“It didn’t make sense to keep those and some of them had significant mechanical problems, so those have been replaced with solid, permanent walls,” he said. “They turned out great.”
Goss said more than 270 pieces of plywood were laid on the middle school’s gym floor while it underwent installation of new lighting, ceiling tiles and a paint job.
At the high school, Goss said one component of the work this summer resulted in new paint, lighting and a ceiling replacement in its cafeteria. Also, roof replacement took place over the high school’s 400 wing.
Goss said even though mechanical work is essential to a school’s infrastructure, it is by no means glamorous.
“A lot of the mechanical work is not really visible; a lot of it is above the ceilings and in the vents,” he said. “But the things that are more noticeable, of course, are the ceilings, the lights and those types of things.”
Goss concluded his report with a look at the timeframe within what construction crews had to work.
“From the last day of school to the first day of school, there are 79 days. If you factor out weekends and holidays, you’re down to 53 work days,” he said. “We really have a phenomenal construction team. That’s a credit to TowerPinkster as well as Frederick Construction. We’ve got a great group of contractors.”
O’Neill and Goss said another round of upgrades will take place next summer, with more new flooring and many other improvements on the way. Meanwhile, O’Neill expressed gratitude to the district’s voters for their endorsement of that 2020 request.
Jaime Buikema, Rick Burmeister, Elizabeth Castleberry, Ron Centofanti, Lucas Hillard, Lisa Hostetler, Alex LaPorte, and Michele O’Neill.
A total of eight candidates entered the race to fill two six-year terms on the Vicksburg Board of Education, those held by long-time board members Virgil Knowles and Carol Lohman, who did not seek re-election. The candidates who filed are Jaime Buikema, Rick Burmeister, Elizabeth Castleberry, Lisa Hostetler, Kathy Miller, Alex LaPorte, Lucas Hillard and Michele O’Neill. Miller has been prevented from running on a technicality although her name will remain on the ballot. In addition to that ballot, Ron Centofanti, appointed to the school board to fill a post vacated by former trustee Jennifer Buikema, is running unopposed to finish her term ending Dec. 31. 2028.
Jaime Buikema
I grew up in Hudsonville, Michigan and always planned on raising my family in Michigan. I have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Hope College “Go Dutch” where I also met my wife, Jennifer. 12 years ago our careers took us to southwest Michigan and we decided on Vicksburg for our family of 5 for all it has to offer. We envisioned being an active part of a school system and community that fit our values and reminded us both of communities that we thrived in growing up. My main reasons for running for the school board are to serve our community and use the skills that I’ve learned in my career as an engineer, program manager, plant manager and most importantly, as a father of 3, to help the school system continue to improve and to keep the district accountable. What differentiates me from other candidates is that I’m not coming in with a preconceived agenda. I believe in listening first to all the stakeholders, improving our communication with each other, finding and agreeing upon common goals and understanding our gaps to these goals while working toward having the right strategy to achieve them.
Rick Burmeister
If elected, Rick will work to integrate and grow the strong conservative values of parental rights/transparency, safety, and educational advancement at Vicksburg Schools. Originally from Portage, Rick, his wife Kristin, and three daughters relocated to Vicksburg in 2021 for its smaller, conservative community atmosphere. With a background in mechanical engineering from Kettering University, Rick has spent time in the automotive industry before moving to Stryker, where he has worked for 13 years in various roles. Additionally, he has served as the executive pastor at Radiant Church for the last seven years, enhancing his leadership and community involvement skills. Rick’s campaign focuses on creating a safe, academically rigorous, and morally sound educational environment. His vision for the Vicksburg schools includes upholding conservative principles to prepare students for future success. He seeks to leverage his problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and community commitment to foster an educational setting that aligns with the values of the Vicksburg community. For more information visit www.vicksburgschools.com.
Elizabeth Castleberry
My name is Elizabeth Castleberry and I am honored to run for the VCS board of education. I currently have one daughter who will be in VCS next year and in many ways, she is my inspiration for running. I am a librarian of 14 years and have my master’s degree in library and information studies. To me, learning is a lifelong journey. I believe that all students should have the social and emotional support they need to foster learning and personal growth. Strong communication is key to ensure our schools remain inclusive and productive. Students must feel safe and welcomed regardless of their race, identity or level of ability. This leads to a culture of kindness that is conducive to learning. I have been endorsed by the Vicksburg Education Association (VEA), Michigan Education Association (MEA) and the Electrical Workers Union 131.
My policy priorities are:
Equality and respect for all students.
The freedom and right to read
Competitive salaries for teachers
Increased early literacy initiatives.
I am confident that my personal and professional experiences have prepared me to serve on the VCS board of education, and I hope to have your support!
Ron Centofanti
I am honored to serve as a trustee on the Vicksburg Schools Board of Education, a role I’ve held for the past year. My wife, Melissa, and I have lived in Vicksburg for 23 years, where we’ve raised our three daughters—two of whom recently graduated from Vicksburg High School and are now in college, while our youngest is still in high school. I have worked at Stryker for 20 years, currently as a senior project manager in the Global Real Estate and Facilities Department. Serving as a trustee has been a rewarding way to give back to our community. I enjoy collaborating with our schools’ administration and staff and believe our focus should remain on educating our children despite social and political distractions. Our district is fortunate to have exceptional art and sports programs that are vital for a well-rounded education. As a trustee, I am committed to focusing on being a responsible steward of the financial resources entrusted to us and on the safety and well-being of our students. By concentrating on these priorities, we can continue to provide a supportive and secure environment for all students in Vicksburg. I look forward to continuing to serve our community in this important role.
Lucas Hillard
A Vicksburg graduate, it was never a question where to raise my children. Now a father of three, my wife and I have devoted the past 13 years and counting to making Vicksburg Schools better for all. Our love for VCS propelled us to becoming foster parents, eventually adopting our youngest child. During that time, I have been involved in and led Sunset Lake PTSO, Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation, and Vicksburg Athletic Boosters. I have also served on the VCS Citizens Bond Committee, a member of the Vicksburg Lions Club, and former captain with South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority. A great mentor once told me, “Vicksburg is the Center of the Universe… If you want to make something better, do it in your hometown but make it better for everyone.” His words hold true in my guidance today. Inquire with teachers, principals, and parents, you will hear… “Lucas will take the time to listen to every side before making a decision that is best for all students.” VCS rivals the offerings of larger districts both academically and athletically, while not losing the small hometown feel. I will fight to keep it that way and “Lead with footprints to follow, not scars to heal.”
Lisa Hostetler
I am the wife of Karry Hostetler. Together we have five children, two who graduated from Vicksburg Community Schools and three from Kalamazoo Public Schools. We own Hostetler Custom Homes, which has been in business since 1994. I have been a registered nurse in Kalamazoo County for 38 years. I have a master’s degree in nursing education which exemplifies my love for health and for education. I believe that our schools should provide a high-quality education that prepares our students for future success. The Board of Education must focus on positioning kids for success. I will work on enhancing and promoting policies that prioritize academic excellence, mental health support, and equitable access to resources for all students. I will defend parental rights, ensure safe spaces for all students, and focus on academic outcomes which includes preparing students for college and providing opportunities for the trades industry. I have been a Parent Teacher Organization president and vice president as well as serving on various decision-making committees with the previous superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools, Dr. Michael Rice. For more information, see my detailed bio at http://www.vicksburgschoolboard.com.
Alex LaPorte
As a proud 2011 graduate of Vicksburg Community Schools, I have always valued the education and support I received from our district. After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Central Michigan University in 2015 and a master’s degree in geography from Western Michigan University in 2018, I now serve as a project planning coordinator with the Michigan Department of Transportation. In addition to my professional career, I have served in the Michigan Army National Guard since 2011 and currently hold the rank of captain. My military experience has instilled in me the importance of leadership, discipline, and community service. My wife and I recently moved back to Vicksburg, where we plan to raise our future family. She is a physician assistant, and together, we believe in the power of education to shape successful lives. As a candidate for the school board, I am committed to supporting the continued growth and success of our district. This includes advocating for students pursuing both college and careers in the trades, ensuring they have access to the resources and training they need. I look forward to giving back to the schools that shaped my future.
Michele O’Neill
I am Michele O’Neill. I believe the right person in the right place can make a real difference. I would be honored to serve on the Vicksburg School Board. I moved to Vicksburg 25 years ago because the schools had a great reputation. They lived up to that promise. My daughter is a Vicksburg graduate. My grandson will start in the system this fall. When my daughter was in high school, I was the Vicksburg Band Parents vice president, and I went to band camp! From 2011 to 2016 I volunteered with Gryphon Place in Kalamazoo as a crisis intervention specialist and a certified civil mediator. The active listening and conflict resolution skills I learned and practiced have become second nature to me. As a board member, I would advocate for a safe, supportive learning environment for every student, work collaboratively with staff, parents and students to address their issues, and include their perspectives in our decision-making process. I would be actively involved in discussions involving budgets, maintaining fiscal responsibility while providing the best possible services. I would strive to make sure our teacher and staff compensation and benefit packages remain competitive, to maintain the best personnel for our facilities. I would support our strong school system and maintain the high-quality education it provides for our community. If you have any questions for me, I can be reached at micheleoneill5522@gmail.com.
Jessica Cox, Denny Olson, Gail Reisterer, Joe Rounds, and Ryan Wagner.
In the November 5 Vicksburg village council election, President Tim Frisbie is unopposed for a two-year term. But three incumbents and two challengers are seeking three four-year terms on the Village Council.
The incumbents are Dennis Olson, Gail Reisterer and Ryan Wagner. Challengers are Jessica Cox and Joe Rounds.
Jessica Cox
My name is Jessica Cox, and I am honored to be a candidate for trustee of the Village of Vicksburg. I currently serve as chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee in Vicksburg, where I have the privilege of serving with my fellow committee members in advocating for the preservation, maintenance, and future vision for the village parks. Our committee also organizes community activities in the parks where, most recently, we held four “Movie in the Park” events over the summer. I have served on the committee for the last two and a half years. I am invested in our community as I live in the village with my husband and son who attends Vicksburg High school as a junior. Also, in the last two years, I moved my insurance office location to the village for the dual purpose of being closer to home and supporting fellow local businesses. If elected, my primary goals are to actively listen to village concerns and work toward continually building an economically thriving, family-friendly community. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the possibility of contributing my leadership skills and passion to the future development of our shared hometown. I appreciate your consideration.
Denny Olson
I’m Denny Olson, a 1972 graduate of Vicksburg High School, a village resident for 15 years. I’m married to Karen, father to four adult children, grandfather to six. I’m the owner of four businesses including the Vicksburg Vintage Market. For 5 1/2-years, I’ve been the Michigan leader of nine “Guardian Angel” Safety Patrol Chapters with some 250 members. I started eight Neighborhood Watch Programs here in Michigan. I feel it’s time for the Village of Vicksburg to sell the Angels Crossing Golf Course and take the money from its sale to lower our village residents’ water and sewer bills. During my 3 1/2 years on the Village Council, I have missed only one meeting, and that night I was with the South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority discussing the purchase of a new fire truck for some $350,000. The one recently purchased is just under $1 million. In the next few months, we will need to be looking to build a new fire station, hopefully within the Village limits, and how to pay for it and all future equipment. What I promise is a village that’s number one concern is the safety and welfare of our citizens, one that responds to its citizens and their concerns and one that is open and honest with all of its dealings.
Gail Reisterer
I have been a longtime resident of the Village of Vicksburg and am a retired speech pathologist for the Vicksburg Schools. My first experience with the Vicksburg Council was in the fall of 2015. There was a vacancy created when a council member resigned and I was encouraged to apply for the position. I was fortunate to be chosen to fulfill that term. I have since been elected to serve for two consecutive terms. Vicksburg has been my home, my life, and my love for most of my adult life and I consider it my home town. Over these many years, I have always been committed to making Vicksburg a quality place to live and work. My professional career has helped me to develop skills in problem solving, consensus building, prioritizing and living within a budget. I am proud of all the progress that has been in our Village and would consider it a privilege to serve you for another four-year term.
Joe Rounds
My name is Joe Rounds, and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Village of Vicksburg trustee. As a devoted husband and father, I am passionately committed to nurturing a strong and inclusive community where every family can flourish, ensuring every resident feels seen, heard, and supported, regardless of their background or circumstances. With over 10 years of experience as a social worker for the State of Michigan, I have dedicated my career to safeguarding the most vulnerable among us. This role has given me a deep understanding of the challenges faced by many families and individuals, and I am eager to use this experience to benefit our beloved village. I believe in approaching every endeavor with a positive and welcoming attitude, and I am passionate about helping Vicksburg continue to grow and prosper. As your village trustee, I will work tirelessly to create a safe, inclusive, and vibrant community where everyone feels at home. I humbly ask for your support and vote in this important election, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you and our wonderful village.
Ryan Wagner
It has been my honor and privilege to serve Vicksburg these past four years. What I campaigned on then is still true today. My promise was “to promote growth and advancement while preserving the ‘essence’ of Vicksburg”. I feel it’s been a success so far and our future looks bright. Progress and change are much easier with the input of our people and community engagement. If re-elected, I promise to continue supporting clear and transparent government, financial responsibility, and stewardship. Having sound financial policies is critical to addressing our needs – but also to be mindful of the future. Important needs like water and sewer improvements are being met with millions of dollars in grants, state, and federal funding. Without our staff and governmental partners none of that would be possible. It’s important for our children and those who come after us to have access to safe and reliable public systems. Those decisions when made have a generational impact and that’s not taken lightly. My commitment to our village, residents, and visitors continues to be to make Vicksburg a desirable place to live and visit. I am grateful for your consideration and hope to continue serving Vicksburg.
