Vicksburg Board of Education members were introduced to the district’s newest employees who attended the Dec. 13 board meeting. There are 24 new employees in all.
From Indian Lake Elementary, new staff includes Natalie Wagaman, first grade; Amy McLiechey, Begindergarten; Tessa Rewa, special education; and Tatum O’Dell, who also works at Tobey Elementary. Principal Sarah Bacalia said she was fortunate to partner with so many administrators to assist her with the hiring process.
From Tobey Elementary: Sarah Wasson, first grade; Chelsea Flickinger, second grade; and Brianna Hall, third grade.
Principal Mike Barwegen thanked the board and district officials for their commitment to keeping the number of students per classroom at a reasonable number.
From Sunset Lake Elementary: Amanda Halpin, third grade; Michael Schimp, fourth grade; Paul Block, fifth grade; Emma Kinn, fifth grade; Jenny Johnson, Begindergarten; and Shayna Brooks, counselor.
Principal Amie McCaw said she was fortunate to find a group of such talented teachers.
From Vicksburg Middle School: Cory Hinga, behavior specialist; Sarah Geist, English; Melissa Sparks, English and building interventionist; Sharon Vallier, fine arts; Jennifer Koning, math; Ashley Mann, math and building interventionalist; Elizabeth Pierce, science; and Cheyenne Payne, special education.
Principal Matt VanDussen said his summer was the busiest he had ever experienced as an administrator. “It was a lot of committees, a lot of interviews, I think I was dreaming about interview questions and what I was going to say,” he said. “And I really feel fortunate because we all hear … just how difficult it is to find teachers right now.”
From Vicksburg High School: Les Latham, physics; Rejean Kangas, science; and Shannon Howard, Spanish.
Principal Adam Brush said the district is fortunate to have such a strong addition to its high school.
Board president Skip Knowles welcomed the new staff members and said he enjoyed conversations he has shared with many in the group. “Some of you I’ve known, and known your family over the years,” he said. “I think this is a great school system, I think this is a great community and you’re all going to be an absolute great asset to us. You already are … you’ve been here from the beginning part of the year. I want to thank you for choosing Vicksburg.”
During the November meeting of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association in Denver, Vicksburg Schools’ Athletic Director Michael Roy received the Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award.
This award is presented annually to individuals from within the association’s membership in recognition of the individual’s length of service, special accomplishments and contributions to interscholastic athletics at the local, state, and national levels. Nominations are submitted by state athletic director associations, screened by the national association’s Awards Committee, and selected by the NIAAA Board of Directors.
Roy is a 1988 graduate of Paw Paw High School, where he was an athletic stand-out, earning a football scholarship to University of Nevada at Las Vegas. There, he earned a bachelors and masters degree. He began working for Vicksburg in 2002. Roy has guided an athletic facilities improvement project and added additional opportunities for student involvement during his years with the district.
Roy said, “The addition of 10 varsity sports since I’ve been here is something I’m extremely proud of. We have added equestrian, boys and girls ski, boys and girls bowling, hockey, boys and girls lacrosse, and boys and girls clay target. Research shows us the more kids are involved, the better they do. Getting individuals involved has always been a priority for me.”
Roy has not just provided leadership at the local level: He has assumed leadership roles at the state and national level. He serves on various boards, has presented at numerous conferences, and teaches leadership training courses at the state and national level.
Roy believes in the importance of athletics and the positive impact coaches can have on young people. “I chose this profession because athletics had a profound impact on my life. At a young age, teachers and coaches guided me, believed in me, and encouraged me to always strive for more. Along the way I learned through the hard times and the good times that determination, hard work, and perseverance will always pay off.”
“Mike has provided outstanding service and unselfish devotion to the student athletes of the Vicksburg community for many years, and this honor was well deserved,” said Vicksburg Community Schools Superintendent Keevin O’Neill. “We at VCS are very proud of Mike and appreciate his passion and commitment to VCS athletics and all our student athletes.”
Left: #10 Caley Kerwin guards #42 Makayla Allen. Right: #24 Maddie Diekman prepares to shoot a free throw.
By Travis Smola
Vicksburg and Schoolcraft are fast becoming rivals in basketball. The varsity girls’ matchup held on Eagles’ turf should add more fuel to that fire as Schoolcraft picked up a 48-43 win in a game that came down to the wire.
“Early in the season you’re going to go through ups and downs,” Schoolcraft Head Coach Max Kulczyk said of his first game as coach. “This was a good test. Vicksburg’s a good team.”
The Bulldogs started the game fast with an early lead 12-8 lead through the first period. Much of the charge was led by Maddison Diekman, who had 10 points in the contest. However, Vicksburg did an excellent job of spreading the ball around to Emma Steele, Hanna DeVries, Kendra Cooley, Cate Curtis, Scarlett Hosner and Kayla Mottl.
“You know, I just told my girls in the locker room they played hard,” Vicksburg Head Coach Tim Kirby said. “Schoolcraft just made free throws down the stretch and sometimes that’s how games go.”
The two teams traded points back and forth for much of the game. However, Schoolcraft’s Mackenzie Miller was simply too much for the Bulldogs to stop. She put up over 20 points in the contest and was also a force on defense all night.
Madison Ingle and Allison Bailey also had big nights. Liv Ellison, Caley Kerwin and Hannah Thompson helped the Eagles take a 20-17 lead at the end of two. In the second half, things stayed close. Vicksburg managed to re-take the lead with about 5:30 left in the game which set up a thrilling finish where the teams traded a tied score and the lead back and forth.
In the end, the Eagles made more rebounds and connected on more of their free throw opportunities than the Bulldogs, which ended up being the difference down the stretch.
“It came down to what we said at the beginning of the game: ‘Rebound the basketball, don’t turn the ball over.’ That’s kind of our MO. If we can limit turnovers and rebounds, I like our chances,” Kulczyk said. “We struggled with that a little bit throughout the game, but at the end of the day it came down to that.”
The score of the game was tied 41-41 by Vicksburg’s Steele with under two minutes left, and then tied again at 43-43 by Mottl shortly after. However, when the Eagles went up 45-43, the Bulldogs were forced to foul Miller, who connected on some key free throws to widen the gap between the two teams.
“My team fought pretty hard in the second half. We got some steals, we found a way to get the game back,” Kirby said. “I’ve got a young, young team, and they showed a lot tonight just with their fight and effort.”
Anna Schriemer has excelled on and off Calvin College’s volleyball court and was named Third Team Academic All-American in women’s volleyball by the College Sports Information Directors of America.
A setter, Schriemer recently finished a standout senior campaign for a Calvin volleyball team that finished as a national runner-up and posted an overall record of 32-4.
Schriemer, who graduated in December, helped Calvin capture five consecutive wins in the NCAA III Tournament which included an NCAA III Regional title. She was later named to the NCAA III Regional All-Tournament Team.
At the NCAA III Finals, she led Calvin to wins over Trinity University, Texas, in the national quarterfinals and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, Claremont, Calif., in the national semifinals before the Knights fell to University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the national championship match. Schriemer was subsequently named to the NCAA III Finals All-Tournament Team.
In the regional round of the NCAA III Tournament, she averaged 11.64 assists and 2.73 digs per set while hitting at a .313 clip. In the national round of the NCAA III Tournament, she averaged 9.58 assists and 3.33 digs per set whiles serving up four aces and hitting at a .300 clip.
On the season, she averaged 9.65 assists and 2.32 digs per set while hitting .255 and serving 30 aces. She was named MIAA Specialist Player of the Week during the 2021 fall season.
A 2018 graduate of VHS, Schriemer graduated from Calvin with a psychology degree. She plans to become a physician’s assistant.
Varsity Basketball Front row, left to right: Luke Bainter, Logan Jones, Garrett Schramer, Kyle Buddemeier, Bryce Smith, RJ Vallier Back row, left to right: Coach Nick Foley, Coach Zach Wierenga, Devin Debiak, Evan Anderson, Dylan Zemitans, Cody Hatridge, Grant Anderson, Carter BrownJV Basketball Front row, left to right: Lucas Johnson, Manuel Sueiras, Jaxon Wilson, Colin Schramer, Drew Habel, Alex Vansweden Back row, left to right: Coach Robert Ryder, Joseph Maleckas, Chase Willmont, Drew Gless, Gabe Ryder, Zac PostFreshman Basketball Front row, left to right: Brady Young, Liam Cohrs, Alex Geiger, Grant Balazs, Jordan Diekman, Brody Delong Back row, left to right: Coach Don Puckett, Jonathan Finch, Austin Androsky, Rilley Briggs, Brady Dorscht, Carter KingVarsity Basketball Front row, left to right: Emma Steele, Torie Barga, Cate Curtis, Karyna Lewis, Kayla Mottl, Logan Hutchinson Back row, left to right: Coach Josh Cardosa, Kendra Cooley, Tristin Abnet, Maddison Diekman, Emily Zemitans, Makayla Allen, Hannah Devries, Scarlett HosnerJV Basketball Front row, left to right: Peyton Smith, Brooklynn Ringler, Sidney Jones, Mya Martinez, Alexis Bennett, Amanda Laughery Back row, left to right: Sydney Taylor, Lia Mourey, Kiersten Schroeder, Audrie Dugan, Hazen Vermeulen, Ella Mann, Coach Kyle RobertsFreshman Basketball Front row, left to right: Leah Standish, Mya Martinez, Ella Mann, Abby Ford, Leire Arias Back row, left to right: Ryleigh Hickey, Bailey Hutchinson, Shyanne Ruhl, Ella Powell, Coach Andrew DiepCompetitive Cheer Front row, left to right: Michelle Blevins. Jade Farwell, Alexis Schneider Second row, left to right: Kei Childs, Stella Reitenour, Madison Richards, Katie Foltin, Anna Oppedisano, Abigail Dettmar Third row, left to right: Lauren Zahnow, Nevaeh Rogers, Janice Hawes, Anna Bartholomew, Hannah Sparks Back row, left to right: Coach Kasey Tassell, Frankie Loriso, Jacklynn Salisbury, Lyla King, Adalia Zoeller, Coach Stacy Childs Not pictured: Abigail SoderquistBowling Front row, left to right: Tyson Heckelman, Robert Gruber, Brayden Odell, Isaac Adams, Jed Blough, Donald Kinney, Jacob McGehee Back row, left to right: Gunnar Lord, Caden Bowling, Harrison Barton, . Eli Welch, Owen Moberley, Quay McClenney, Jake Naster, Justin Plankenhorn, Austin Junde, Maddox Porter, Isiah Elliot Not pictured: Head coach Ed Mullins, assistant coach Dan Kalleward and Melissa MullinsWrestling Front row, left to right: Colin Ellis, M’Caleb Dean, Benjamin Culver, Caden Town, Luke Wilson, JP Culver Middle row, left to right: Coach Jeff Mohney, Reese Brush, Skye Smith, Hunter Town, Brian Wheatley, Ty Barnes, Daxton Rugg, Carter Mann Back row, left to right: Jakub Searles, Brayden Dugray, Keegan Searles, Brandon DePlanche, Elias Kayser, Kaden Goff, Coach Cody Cousins, Coach Eric Stephenson
Margaret Irene Chapin.Nancy Jane Cohrs.Charles Edward Goodwin.Derek J. Guthrie.Janet K. Haas.Rollin Hildebrand JR.DeMaris Elaine Holmes.Laurie A. Ivens.Anthony “Tony” P. Sehy.Cathy Vanatti.Timothy A. Wolf.
Margaret Irene Chapin, 87, Schoolcraft, passed away December 24, 2021 at her home. Margaret (Margie) was born March 26, 1934, to Frank and Maude (Heath) Fuller in Avoca, Michigan. She graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1952 and married Irvin N. Chapin in 1954. She worked as a journalist and writer for the Vicksburg Commercial and the Schoolcraft Express and raised five children who survive her: Debra Hilsbos, Lori Michael, Scott Chapin, Dana Wiley and Pam Krieg. She also is survived by 25 grandchildren, multiple great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by siblings Francis, Gerald, Ralph, Harvey and Calvin Fuller and Shirley Smithe. She attended KVCC and was interested in genealogy. She was also a member of the Schoolcraft Ladies Library Association and the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church. She managed Lakeland Reformed Church’s South County Clothing Shop for almost 20 years. She enjoyed gardening, antiques, canning and freezing, quilting, ceramics and basket weaving. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may go to the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church.
Nancy Jane Cohrs, 64, Charlotte, Michigan, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away suddenly on December 9, 2021. She was born in Vicksburg, on October 12, 1957, to Fred Robert and Maxine Muir Cohrs. Nancy graduated from Vicksburg High School, attended MSU, and worked for 41 years at Meijer Distribution Centers in Lansing. Nancy was dearly loved by her family and friends. She expressed her love through loyalty, generous gifts, and volunteering. Her cheerful sense of humor during even the toughest times made those around her feel important, loved, and special. Nancy was devoted to her nieces and nephews, whom she treated as her own children. The family will remember her with love and laughter, and with a commitment to honor her warmth, strength, determination and work ethic. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William Robert Cohrs. She is survived by siblings and in-laws Fred and Ann Cohrs of Springfield, Virginia, Dan Cohrs of Vancouver, B.C., Mary Ann (Cohrs) and Phillip Weaver of Caledonia, Mich., Tim and Linda Cohrs of Kalamazoo, and Susan Cohrs of Coppell, Texas, and by her best friend of 40 years, Charlene R. Crabtree of Charlotte. Nancy’s nieces and nephews include Jeff Cohrs, Laura (Cohrs) Anthony, Philip Cohrs, Suzanne (Cohrs) Rogers, Daniel Cohrs, Mark Cohrs, Phillip Weaver, Matthew Weaver, twelve great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and many more loved ones. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Nancy’s life in the summer of 2022.
Charles Edward Goodwin, 79, Vicksburg, passed away on December 10, 2021. Charles “Chuck” was born on June 22, 1942, in Paris, Ill., the son of Robert and Berniece (Ward) Goodwin. He graduated from Paris High School. After high school he became a system analyst programmer in the banking industry. He retired from First Source Bank. Charles married Kathy Harding on July 2, 1982, in Muncie, Ind. Kathy learned that she ranked third in Chuck’s life behind fishing and watching college basketball. Chuck was very proud of his two children. He was a lover of wildlife and his pet cats and dogs. Chuck will be remembered by his family as a social jokester and storyteller, but most of all being a good husband, father, and grandfather. Charles Goodwin is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathy; daughter Dawna Bird of Indiana; five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Larry (Carolyn) Goodwin of Illinois. Charles was preceded in death by a son, Douglas Goodwin, and his parents, Robert and Berniece Goodwin. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to Centrica Care (formerly Hospice Care of SWMI).
Derek J. Guthrie, 46, Vicksburg, passed away on December 21, 2021. He was born January 28, 1975 in Kalamazoo, the son of Reubin and Linda (Nash) Guthrie. In 1994, he graduated from Three Rivers High School and attended Glen Oaks Community College before going to the police academy at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. He worked for the St. Joseph County Reserve and the Centreville Police Department before working for Vicksburg in 2017. He served as a patrol officer, ran the reserve unit, and was also a school resource officer for Vicksburg Schools. Derek and Angie were married on January 12, 2001. Their family grew to include two children, Summer and Bryce, in addition to Derek’s daughter from a previous relationship, Kasmin. Derek is survived by his wife of 20 years, Angie; children Kasmin, Summer and Bryce Guthrie; his mother, Linda Guthrie of Constantine; siblings Melissa (Joseph) Long of Constantine and Jessi McCarroll of California; his mother-in-law; brothers and sisters-in-law Peter and Karen Asakevich of Kalamazoo, Patrick (Rachel) Asakevich, of Watervliet, Christopher Rousch of Battle Creek; aunt and uncle Steven Nash, of Constantine and Mary Nash of Vicksburg; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Pyper Elizabeth in 2002, father Reubin and his grandparents, Otto and Pauline Nash. Services have been held. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to the Village of Vicksburg Shop with a Cop.
Janet K. Haas, 80, Vicksburg, passed away on December 21, 2021. Jan was born on November 5, 1941, in Marcellus, the daughter of Walter and Lovella Haas. Jan loved her pets and all living creatures. She was passionate about her faith and regularly attended mass at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. She served her church many times as an altar server. Jan loved the Vicksburg community and enjoyed going to local diners to be around people. She will be remembered by those that knew her as social, faithful, loving, and a little outspoken at times. Janet is survived by her sister Barb Haas, of Vicksburg, several cousins, and her pets. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Lovella Haas and two sisters, Mary Ann Haas and Adeline Dewing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 11 a.m. at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 5855 East W Ave, Vicksburg. A visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. that day at the church. A burial of Janet’s ashes at Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Gardens will follow. Visit her page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church.
Rollin Hildebrand Jr, 95, Vicksburg, passed away on December 17, 2021. Rollin was born in LaGrange, Ind. October 1, 1926 to Rollin Sr. and Bessie (Weirch) Hildebrand. After graduating from Vicksburg High School, Rollin married Mary Lou Miller on June 6, 1947. Rollin owned and operated R. Hildebrand Builders and was a church pastor. He enjoyed photography, hunting, fishing, reading, traveling, and was a Kiwanis Club member. Rollin is survived by his wife of 74 ½ years, Mary Lou; daughters Linda (Bob) Mohr of Lawton, Sharon Richey of Vicksburg, Sue (Dale) Arndt of Scotts and Lynn (Bill) McCarty of Vicksburg; nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; sisters Virginia Bogema of Schoolcraft, Ruth Fritz, of Pennsylvania, and Margaret (Richard) Fifer of Florida; sister and brother-in-law Joyce Hildebrand of Vicksburg and Mike (Jan) O’Halloran of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Howard (Maribel) and Robert Hildebrand; and brothers-in-law Albert Fritz and Bill Bogema. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to ChapNaz Church or Generous Hands.
DeMaris Elaine Holmes passed away December 18, 2021. DeMaris was born January 14, 1938 in Three Rivers to Arlo and Hazel (Shingledecker) Schug. She moved to Schoolcraft as a young girl and graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1955. She went to work in the office of Latex Compounders. In 1956, she married her classmate, Leonard Holmes. The first three years of their marriage they lived in California where Leonard was stationed with the Navy. After his discharge, they returned to live near Schoolcraft. DeMaris worked for 25 years as a seasonal greenhouse worker. She enjoyed crafts, needlework, gardening, and reading. For several years she delivered meals on wheels. Dee and Leonard were members of several square dance clubs and attended many national conventions. After retirement, they spent winters on the Gulf Coast in Alabama. She was a member of the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She enjoyed watching her sons and grandchildren in both school and sporting events. After 60 years of marriage, Leonard preceded her in death in 2016. Surviving are her sons Steven (Chris) Holmes and Gregory (Nancy) Holmes; grandchildren Ashley Holmes and Bryan Holmes; brother Lloyd (Nancy) Schug; brother-in-law Gordon (Martha) Miller; and many cousins and extended family. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may go to Schoolcraft United Methodist Church (Building Fund). Visit her page at langelands.com.
Laurie A. Ivens, 59, Vicksburg, passed away on November 28, 2021. She was born April 19, 1962, in Vicksburg, the daughter of Bernard and Janet (Hambright) Foster. Laurie graduated from Vicksburg High School with the class of 1980. She was blessed with three children, Melissa, Shaina, and Josh. She worked as a subcontractor in telecommunications at Upjohn Company, then for over 20 years as a technician for CTS. Laurie enjoyed reading, knitting, playing dice and solitaire, and tending to her yard. For 20 years, Laurie enjoyed a loving relationship with Roy Schoonhoven. Roy passed away in 2020, shortly before they were to marry. She is survived by her children, Melissa (Michael) Snyder of Vicksburg, Shaina (Jamal) Collins of Kalamazoo, and Josh Ivens of Vicksburg; 10 grandchildren, Xzavier, Zoey, Skyler, Ace, Sandy, Chevontae, Armani, Camila, Carter and Cassavelie. She is also survived by her father, Bernie Foster, of Portage; and siblings Sonda Vickery of Kalamazoo and Randy (Linda) Foster of Vicksburg. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Foster, and fiancée, Roy Schoonhoven. Services have been held. Visit her page at mcccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the family c/o Bernie Foster.
Anthony “Tony” P. Sehy, 51, Schoolcraft, passed away on December 15, 2021. He was born November 28, 1970, in Kalamazoo, the son of Paul and Dorothy (Hitzeman) Sehy. He graduated in 1989 from Vicksburg High School where he played football and ran cross country and track. He attended Eastern Michigan University and KVCC. On August 21, 1993, he married Kelly Boyer, and together they raised eight children. For over 30 years, Tony worked as a DJ. He also owned Key Media and was a successful real estate agent. He loved NASCAR and board games. One of his favorite pastimes was announcing for the Hackett Catholic Prep High School Band. Tony was a hard-working, kind, and generous person. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Kelly; children Logan (Jewelee) Sehy of Portage, Collin Sehy of Washington, Nathan (fiancée, Zoe Gibbs), of Florida., and Gavin, Ethan, Noel, Holden, and Calista Sehy, all of Schoolcraft. He is also survived by his parents, Paul and Dorothy Sehy, of Ohio; siblings Joe (Cheryl) Saul-Sehy, of Texas, and Nicole (Eric) Meli, of Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Visit his page at mccowensecord.com. Donations may go to the family c/o Kelly Sehy.
Cathy Vanatti, 63, Vicksburg, passed away December 15, 2021. Cathy was born March 5, 1958, the daughter of Wayne and Dora (Warner) Coble. Cathy worked for Eaton Corporation until it shut its doors and then worked for FEMA. She was known for her Sunday family dinners. She loved bowling, golfing, and Lions football. Cathy is survived by her children, Stephanie (Joseph) Bragg, Heather (Michael) Adkins, Matthew Wolfe, Heidi Stevens, and Naomie Wolfe; grandchildren Anthony, Alexia and Adriel Younger, Chase Chmiel, and Asher, Alton and Aiden Bragg; sisters, Donna Coble and Nancy (Don) Roberts; and nieces and a nephew. Cathy was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Dora (Warner) Coble, and her husband, Roger Wolfe. Visit her page at mccowensecord.com.
Timothy A. Wolf, Mattawan, formerly of Vicksburg, passed away December 20, 2021, at his home. Tim was born January 14, 1978, in Kalamazoo, the son of Michael and Waneta (Kershner) Wolf. Tim grew up in Vicksburg and attended Vicksburg Community Schools, graduating in 1996. Growing up, he loved soccer, football, swimming, and camping. As he grew older, he enjoyed motorcycles, golf, and grilling. Tim was employed the past 11 years at Parker Aerospace. In 2014, Tim reconnected with his high school classmate, Amanda Wynn. On April 7, 2021, Tim was united in marriage to Amanda, who survives. Also surviving are his stepson, Mason Gilkey; parents Michael and Nita Wolf; brother and sister, Christopher (Bethany) Wolf and Beth (Jason) Boogholt; parents-in-law Ken and Sue Wynn; sister and brother-in-law, Dana (Andy) Cooper and Sean (Liz) Wynn; several nieces and nephews; and fur babies Chubbs and Cash. Services have been held. Donations may go to the SPCA of Southwest Michigan. Visit his page at langelands.com.
