1.18.21

Driver listed in critical condition following crash

The driver of a vehicle was taken to the hospital in critical condition this past weekend after suffering injuries in a crash that occurred in Casco Township.

Allegan County Sheriff's deputies responded to the accident scene shortly before midnight, Friday, near the roundabout at Blue Star Highway and North Shore Drive.

There were no witnesses to the crash. Deputies believe the vehicle was traveling northbound on Blue Star Highway when it lost control, drove into the median, struck a sign and rolled over at least once before landing on its roof. The driver, who was the sole occupant in the vehicle, was ejected from it.

The driver, whose name is not being released yet, was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Deputies are continuing to investigate the crash. They said they do not know if speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.



1.11.21

Rioters storm nation's capitol

Rep. Fred Upton: 'Shell-shocked by the violence' at U.S. Capitol

By TONY WITTKOWSKI

HP Staff Writer

ongressman Fred Upton has seen a lot of turmoil over his years in the nation’s capital, but he has never seen anything remotely resembling what occurred Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 6th.

Upton, R-St. Joseph, was not inside the Senate chamber when violent extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol building and clashed with guards and police before occupying parts of the building and halting the process of certifying the presidential electoral count.

Instead, due to COVID-19 restrictions regarding large gatherings, Upton was stationed in his Rayburn office watching the proceedings over C-SPAN. It was on TV where he noticed lawmakers began running for the doors, and he realized what was happening.

“It’s unbelievable to think that this could ever happen here. The whole world was watching,” Upton told The Herald-Palladium in a phone interview. “There were going to be a number of challengers, but at the end of the day everyone knew there was never going to be enough votes in the House or the Senate to reverse the 306-electoral vote win Biden was able to get.”

From his balcony, Upton had a bird’s eye view of the protests that devolved into a riot on Capitol grounds. By nightfall, there was a rainbow of police lights outside his office as a curfew was eventually put into effect.

“This is going to be part of Trump’s legacy. I watched his speech on TV when he spoke to the crowd. He inspired them to go challenge the process, and my god they did,” Upton said. “And the president calling these folks patriots? I’m sorry, that’s really the wrong term. They’re thugs.”

While the building was still occupied by Trump supporters – who were carrying American, Confederate and Thin-Blue Line flags – Upton called for the president to take responsibility and called for an end to the riot over Twitter.

“I am safe and sheltered in place. Horrified and shell-shocked by the violence of rioters trying to undo the constitutional transfer of power. @RealDonaldTrump, for the sake of our nation and safety of our people, tell your supporters to stand down and leave town,” Upton wrote.

Upton, who was re-elected to his 18th consecutive term in the 6th District in November, was among the first congressional Republicans to publicly congratulate President-elect Joe Biden after the race was called for Biden.

After the building was again secured, Upton said he knew some of his colleagues – who had previously announced their intention to challenge their state’s votes – were changing their minds.

Ultimately, Upton lays blame at the feet of the president for Wednesday’s violence.

“This takes the cake. I never thought I’d live to see the day when people stormed the nation’s Capitol,” Upton said. “It’s pretty clear to me, (Trump) inspired the marchers. Many of the protestors had the false idea that they would be able to overturn the certified results of these states. It was never going to happen.”

When asked about renewed calls to impeach Trump, or calls to invoke the 25th Amendment, Upton said both remain unlikely.

“The 25th Amendment has to be initiated by the vice president – although he may be in the mood to do that after today,” Upton said. “An impeachment is still a long process. It’s not done in a fortnight.”

‘Rule of law’

Other Southwest Michigan lawmakers and officials also made statements on Wednesday, with most forcefully condemning the lawlessness and violence in Washington.

State Rep. Brad Paquette, R-Niles, said violence is never the answer. “It’s a disgrace. I know people are angry, but the frustration should never lead to that, especially in the political landscape,” he said.

State Sen. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, wrote in a statement to The Herald-Palladium, which was also posted on his Facebook page, that there is no place for violence in American politics.

“Our nation is built upon the rule of law through the ballot box,” he wrote. “The outrageous attack on our nation’s Capitol is unacceptable and wrong. These criminals need to be held accountable. Prayers for the safety of our law enforcement & elected officials.”

State Rep. Beth Griffin, R-Mattawan, voiced less condemnation for the rioters in her statement on Facebook:

“I remain consistent in my belief that Americans have a right to protest, as protected by the Constitution. That right does not apply to the actions we witnessed last year when cities burned and businesses were destroyed by Antifa protesters who turned to violence and rioting. I loudly denounced those actions for months and will always denounce violence. My thoughts and prayers are with the brave men and women of Capitol police and all of the Michiganders, legislators and staff currently in the building and in D.C. To be clear, I support those who went to Washington today to peacefully protest and voice their concerns regarding the integrity of our elections. I will continue to fight for the Michigan families, Republican and Democrat, who like myself believe the future of our free and fair elections are at stake,” Griffin wrote.

Amy Scrima, chairperson of the Berrien County Democratic Party, said the nation’s democracy is at stake.

“This is not who we are as Americans,” she said. “... We need to come together to work through our different perspectives, which can be valuable if seen that way. Or the alternative is civil war, and that’s not good for anyone. This is not the way we solve problems.”

Scrima blamed Trump for spreading false information and inciting violence.

“That’s dangerous rhetoric. If these people are believing what he’s saying, that somehow it can be overturned even though there’s no place in our democratic process where it can take place that way, by saying those things, he has his followers think that that’s an option,” she said. “And this is the result.”

Biden won the popular vote by more than 7 million votes, and the Electoral College 306-232. Trump, however, refused to accept those results, claiming at his rallies, after the election, that he won by “a landslide.”

Closer to home, reaction to the storming of the nation’s capitol was mixed Wednesday evening.

Here are some of the comments people made when the South Haven Tribune posted the question, “What is your reaction to the protest/insurrection that occurred at the U.S. Capitol building today and what can we do to reunite this country?”

Here are some of the comments:

Ronda Lockwood: “I’m proud to be American but ashamed of my government. They all are acting like a bunch of spoiled brats who need a good old-fashioned whoopin.”

Kathy Jackson: “Four years of illiterate rude disrespect, culminating in a very sad, embarrassing, disappointing day in D.C.”

Bryan Thayer: “If the country hadn’t been so divided during Obama’s rule it wouldn’t be this bad.”

Brooke Ashley Bartels: “Our country has always been divided. Social media just exposes it to the point where it’s not so easily ignored.”

Hope Thompson: “I don’t condone violence, but this has been a long time coming. The people are tired of being lied to.”

Jodie Haberland: “The main stream media has not helped with this. They have continued to not show the dirty deeds of both sides of the political parties ... A journalist is supposed to get the facts and then report the news. If this would have been going on the American people would have had a little more faith in our government.”

Annette Wilson: “If someone can’t get the facts from the news then that someone needs to be blamed, not the media ... What we’ve had is a demagogue repeating lies over and over until people in his cult believe whatever he says. Blaming ‘main stream media’ is a cop out.”

Charles Foster: “Lock him up. Lock him up. Trump is a cancer to our country.”

Alexandra Newman, Louise Wrege and Becky Kark contributed to this report



1.4.21

Woman shot at South Haven apartment complex

Police are seeking charges against a South Haven man who allegedly shot a woman in the early hours of Wednesday, Dec. 30.

Police were called to Harbor View Apartment complex at Indiana Avenue and Eagle Street around 6 a.m. for a reported shooting.

As of Wednesday afternoon, South Haven police were still investigating.

Sgt. Patrick Carlotto said a male resident in the apartment complex had a female guest in his home when the shooting occurred.

“She was a guest of the resident shot by the resident,” he said.

No details of what led to the shooting have been released. When asked whether it was a dispute, Carlotto stated that the two individuals had had disputes in the past, but that they are not speculating about this incident.

Police also are not releasing the names of the two people involved until the investigation has concluded.

After first responders from South Haven Area Emergency Services arrived to the apartment complex, they transported the shooting victim to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Police have detained the suspect and on Wednesday afternoon were seeking charges against him, according to Carlotto, who said other apartment residents should not be afraid of further violence.

“We are going to the prosecutor’s office and determine what charges may be appropriate (against the suspect),” he said.



12.28.20

Fire damages Casco Township home

‪Fire extensively damaged an unoccupied Casco Township (Allegan County) home on Sunday morning, Dec. 27.‬ South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES), with assistance from Lee and Clyde Township fire departments, responded to the home 60th Street and 104th Avenue at 8:45 a.m.‬, after a neighbor reported it to 911, according to a SHAES news release. When firefighters arrived, the rear of the residence was totally engulfed in flames as fire spread throughout the two-story structure. No injuries were reported. The cause remains under investigation.‬ (Photo courtesy of South Haven Area Emergency Services)



12.21.20

A South Haven Department of Public Works employee coats the surface of the South Haven ice rink in November in preparation for the rink's opening. (File photo by Tom Renner)

Ice rink allowed to open starting Tuesday

After a one-month delay, the popular South Haven Ice Rink will open for the season starting Tuesday, Dec. 22.

The rink normally opens the day before Thanksgiving, however, due to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19, the rink, like other entertainment venues that attract crowds, was unable to open.

However, this past Friday, the state health department eased coronavirus restrictions and allowed venues, such as ice rinks to open once again.

City officials decided to open the rink but with several operational changes:

• Face masks must always be worn, on and off the ice

• Rink capacity is limited to 20 skaters on the ice at any given time

• Spectators and participants are expected to s tay 6 feet apart

“The City is taking all necessary precautions to ensure a safe environment for staff, residents, and visitors during the 2020-2021 skate season,” Downtown Development Director and Customer Service Director Sue Brock stated in a news release.

The city will not charge admission fee to the skate rink this season, however concessions and skate rentals will not be available this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Skaters are being encouraged to limit their skate time to 30-minute intervals so that during this year’s limited capacity, everyone can enjoy the rink. It is recommended to dress accordingly for all weather conditions, as the indoor rink office will be closed.

During December’s holiday season, open skate hours will be Monday-Sunday, 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. After the holidays, open skate hours will shift to Wednesday – Sunday, 3p.m. – 8 p.m., beginning Jan. 4, 2021. An ice rink attendant will be present during open skate times to ensure all ice rink rules and MDHHS guidelines are followed.

“Bear in mind, the ice rink operations are subject to change, taking in account any modifications associated with the Covid-19 pandemic guidelines or weather conditions,” Brock said. “All updates or changes to the ice rink operations will be posted to the City’s website and Facebook page.”



12.18.20

Covid testing in South Haven

South Haven area residents lined up in their vehicles, Thursday, at South Haven Police and Fire complex to be tested for COVID-19. The free tests were administered by Van Buren/Cass Public Health Department staff. As of today, the health department reports 3,559 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Van Buren County and 65 deaths. That is up from the 3,312 confirmed cases and 56 deaths reported last week in the county. (Photo by Tom Renner)

12.15.20

Model train enthusiast Rev. Jeffrey Dick sets up one of his Christmas train displays as part of the Holiday Model Train Show that is taking place this month on the first floor of South Haven Center, corner of Center and Huron streets in downtown South Haven. (Photo by Tom Renner)

All aboard for a holiday model train show

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

If you’re looking for some good old-fashioned fun this holiday season, you may want to venture downtown to view a model train show.

The show is on display on the first floor of the three-story South Haven Center, located at the corner of Center and Huron streets.

The idea for the show came from Tom Feeney, co-owner of Harbor Light Brewery. When he’s not crafting brews, Feeney spends time collecting and assembling model train displays.

“I have been involved with model trains for decades,” said Feeney, who also belongs to the Downtown Association of South Haven. “I thought a holiday train display would be a great way to promote the season. What better way than to display model trains for kids to enjoy?”

Rev. Jeffrey Dick, pastor of First Congregational Church, is a model railroad enthusiast, as well.

“When he (Feeney) learned about my interest in trains ... he called me. I jumped on board,” Dick said. So did fellow train enthusiast Dennis McCurrine.

Both McCurrine and Dick belong to the Southwest Michigan Railroad Club.

“This (organizing the holiday model train show) is a labor of love,” Dick said. “My train club is in the process of moving, so I had all my trains at home. Dennis, who is helping, is also a part of that club and we are happy to have a place in town to run trains.”

Viewers of the show will see a variety of trains, villages and tracks.

“At any given time there are 8 trains running,” Dick said. “These trains are of different sizes and scales. I have one of the large displays. There are two oval tracks with two Christmas trains running. I have 6 buildings that light up, some cars and trucks as well. In addition, I have a Scout village on my layout. On the other layouts, I have some other older train buildings.”

Because the show will take place indoors, organizers have to follow COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and wear masks.

“The space has two doors, so people come in one door and exit by the other,” Dick said. “Inside we have at least 8 feet between displays. We have a greeter at the door to make sure we limit the number of people inside. Masks are required. We have no food being offered. We do have hot chocolate on weekends in individual cups.” Hand sanitizer is also available.

The show isn’t just about trains, though. It’s also about the spirit of giving during the holiday season.

“We have collaborated with We Care INC (human service ministry) to collect donations,” Feeney said. “We have incorporated a Christmas tree sponsorship. Individuals may sponsor a 12-inch tall tree for a minimum of $25, take it home to decorate and return it to be put on the train display. We are collecting toys for We Care as well as food donations.

“This season has been very challenging and We Care is providing food and services to those in need,” Feeney continued to say. “I have been working with We Care for a few years and support their cause.”

The show is offered free of charge, however, people can make monetary donations to We Care, or drop off non-perishable food items and toys.

The show will be open to the public Wednesday-Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon-5 p.m., through Dec. 20.

The show’s first weekend went well, overall, according to Feeney.

“We have had 10 sponsor trees to decorate so far,” he said. “We have collected over $600 worth of toy donations and some food goods as well. Many happy smiles from kids.”



12.7.20

Getting the ice rink ready

A South Haven Department of Public Works employee applies a coating of water to the surface of the South Haven Ice Rink in preparation of its opening, Wednesday, Dec. 9, if the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service lifts its COVID-19-related restrictions on large gatherings to slow the spread of the pandemic. At the time the photo was taken Friday, the worker in the photo was applying the 21st coat of water. (Photo by Tom Renner)

12.4.20

South Haven DPW workers are shown getting ready to haul a trampoline to shore after it sank in the Black River earlier this week. The photo below shows them hauling it out of the river.

This is no fish tale

South Haven Department of Public Works staff found themselves fishing a trampoline out of the Black River earlier this week after several small boats had become stuck on it.

City staff became aware of the issue when anglers from the South Haven Steelheaders reported the object as a large trampoline with an attached safety cage about two feet below the river's surface.

The trampoline was situated about 200 yards from the Dyckman Avenue drawbridge and had become a navigation hazard, according to City Manager Kate Hosier.

City staff launched the Harbormaster's boat, hooked the trampoline and towed it to the Black River boat launch where it was retrieved by the owner. It is believed the trampoline blew into the river due to high wind conditions.

11.28.20

American Legion Post 49 member Valerie McPeak spent Sunday cutting and packing pumpkin and apple pies for Thanksgiving meals prepared for seniors and veterans, as part of the annual Larry Carlson Memorial Senior Thanksgiving Dinner. For this year’s meal, McPeak made 15 homemade pies by herself.

Thanksgiving dinner - take-out style

Sons of the American Legion prepare nearly 300 meals for seniors, veterans

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

For the past 19 years, the South Haven Sons of the American Legion have rolled up their sleeves each November to prepare and serve a hearty Thanksgiving dinner for several hundred local senior citizens and military veterans.

This year’s meal, on Sunday, was no exception – though it was a little different due to pandemic-related restrictions.

Instead of inviting older adults to American Legion Post 49 for a sit-down, buffet-style dinner, volunteers prepared and boxed meals for take-out or delivery only.

To get ready for the task, Legion members such as Dale Sherriff several weeks ago began taking reservations by calling local senior centers and older adult housing complexes, such as Harbor View and River Terrace apartments.

“We do this every year,” Sherriff said. “This year we added Maxwell Place apartments.”

With several phone calls and by getting the word out about the take-out reservations, Sherriff’s reservation list grew quite a bit.

“It’s up to 270,” he said on Sunday as volunteers prepared to distribute meals and wait for more take-out orders.

By the time everything was said and done, the Legion prepared several dozen last-minute orders for seniors and veterans.

“We served until we ran out of food,” volunteer April Dornan said. “Between delivery and pickup I’m sure there were 300.”

The numbers of meals reserved during a pandemic didn’t come as much of a surprise to Sons of the American Legion member Ben Newton, who oversees preparation of the annual Thanksgiving dinner.

Prior to this year’s COVID-19 restrictions, the Legion not only served a buffet-style meal at its hall, but also prepared take-out meals.

“On average we have 325 pick-up orders,” he said. Even though members weren’t sure what to expect this year, they still planned for about the same number of meal requests.

It takes an estimated 24 turkeys, many pounds of potatoes, lots of green beans and stuffing, several hundred dinner buns and two tables filled with desserts to fulfill the Thanksgiving meal requests.

Legion members originally spent their own money to buy the groceries. But over the past several years, Meijer has donated most of the products.

Preparing a Thanksgiving meal for several hundred people is not a last-minute endeavor.

“It takes three to four days,” Newton said.

But as with most holiday meals, the day-of preparations tend to be the busiest and most intense.

“We start early and stay late,” Dornan quipped.

Approximately 15-20 volunteers from the Legion gather every year to prepare the meals for seniors and veterans.

The idea of preparing a Thanksgiving dinner started with the late Larry Carlson, a member of the Legion. At the time, he simply said he wanted to make the holiday happier for older adults who may not have loved ones nearby to enjoy a meal with. Last year, when Carlson died, the Legion decided to rename the annual event in honor of him.

The Sons of the American Legion say Carlson’s spirit buoys them to continue the tradition, especially this year with health officials throughout the country urging Americans to stay home and limit the number of people they are around during the Thanksgiving holiday in an effort to battle the COVID-19 surge.

“Our veterans can’t get out anymore. We do it for them and for our other seniors,” Sherriff said.

11.20.20

Our 'new normal' returns

Spike in virus cases prompts a return to remote learning, tougher restrictions on businesses

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven Public Schools had planned to extend in-person classes for high school students last Monday, Nov. 16, but like so many situations related this year to the coronavirus pandemic, plans changed at the last minute.

Four days before the extension was set to begin, district officials made the decision to return all students throughout the school system to remote learning for one week after 26 staff members and 60 students were forced to quarantine after being in contact with a person suspected of having coronavirus.

Last week, school officials were dealt another blow when the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services ordered all schools, colleges and universities to return to remote learning through at least Dec. 8 due to the rapid rise of coronavirus cases throughout the state.

The new restrictions not only came as a disappointment to students and parents, but also to student athletes, who learned that all remaining fall sports tournaments would be postponed, as well as winter sports through at least Dec. 8.

The halt to athletic programs left South Haven Athletic Director Adam Verseput at a loss for words in terms of what to expect if the cancellation of sports continues past Dec. 8.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” he said on Wednesday. “I hope the pause lasts three weeks, that we can resume sports and that Ellie Frost will get to finish her season.”

Frost, a senior this year and a member of the South Haven girls swim team, has qualified to compete in the Division 3 state tournament for the past three years. As a freshman she placed second in the state in the 50-yard freestyle race. During her sophomore yeaer she won the race and was named state champ. Last year, she settled for third in the state in the 50-yard freestyle.

Frost qualified once again to compete at this year’s state finals and was supposed to travel to Lake Orion, Saturday, to swim in the 50-yard freestyle race, but that is now on hold due to tougher restrictions to stop the spread of the pandemic.

“She’s a great athlete, a smart student and a super duper nice kid,” Verseput said.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association indicated in a news release last week that they remain committed to ensuring fall sports tournaments are completed, once they are given the green light to do so. If the restrictions are lifted, the MHSAA is tentatively planning to host the swimming state finals Dec. 23.

“They’re still committed to trying to make that happen,” Verseput said. “If it (the halt of sports) goes longer, we’ll see.”

Businesses grapple with latest emergency order

The state health department’s emergency order not only affects area schools, but businesses as well.

The order does the following:

Prohibits indoor dine-in service at bars and restaurants, however, take-out, curbside and outdoor dining is still allowed

Caps retail store capacity at 30 percent

Allows in-person work, but only when people doing that work cannot perform their tasks from a remote location

Closes theaters, movie theaters, stadiums, arcades, bowling centers, ice skating rinks and indoor water parks

Prohibits group fitness classes, but allows individuals to exercise by themselves

Limits indoor gatherings to 10 people, but only two households will be permitted to gather

Limits outdoor gatherings to 25 people

Limits funeral attendance to 25 people

The order went into effect last Wednesday for businesses. How it will affect them over the next several weeks and into the holiday shopping season remains to be seen at this point, according to Kathy Wagaman, executive director of the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce.

“The recent directives by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services are yet another challenge, but the Chamber has not been made aware of a lot of permanent business closures,” she said.

The new restrictions come on the heels of a successful fall season for local merchants, according to Wagaman.

“Our area businesses reported that the summer months were strong, but surprisingly, that the fall season surpassed previous years’ revenue, even into November,” Wagaman said. “We’re proud of the many ways that area businesses have adapted to the rapidly changing COVID restrictions and guidelines over the past 10 months. We’ve enjoyed hearing many success stories throughout the pandemic reflecting ingenuity, creativity and determination.”

She went on to urge businesses to read the chamber’s newsletters regarding funding that may be able to businesses to whether the pandemic restrictions.

“They (the newsletters) contain time-sensitive details on any loans, grant funding, updated guidelines, and other relevant information,” Wagaman said. We also remind business leaders to closely watch the COVID-19 Business Resource page on the Chamber website at www.southhavenmi.com.”

11.13.20

SH Public Schools return to remote learning for at least a week

Students in the South Haven Public School district returned to their home computers today after district officials made the decision to stop in-person learning for at least a week.

"This is not a decision entered into lightly as we know the impact to families but we also want to ensure the continued safety of our students and staff," Superintendent Kevin Schooley stated.

The decision to return to remote learning is due to a number of school district staff who are self-quarantining due to exposure to individuals with COVID-19.

"Due to significant quarantine restrictions with staff across the district, South Haven Public Schools will be moving to our remote learning plan on Friday, Nov. 13 district-wide with an intention to return to in-person learning on Thursday, Nov. 19," district officials wrote in a letter issued Thursday, Nov. 12 to parents. "The district will be consulting with the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department regarding any additional suspension of in-person learning.  Details regarding next steps will be communicated to our school families in the near future through your child’s school."

The school district's decision to return to remote learning comes at a time when the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Van Buren County is starting to spike.

Over the past month, the number of positive COVID-19 cases reported to Van Buren/Cass District Health Department (VBCDHD) has increased significantly, according to Danielle Persky, deputy health officer for the department

As of Friday, Nov. 13, cases increased by 673 over two weeks ago. On Friday, the cases stood at 1,670, compared to 997 that were recorded on Oct. 28. Deaths during that same time period increased from 17 to 21.

Earlier this year, South Haven Public Schools officials sent students and staff from two classrooms at Maple Grove Elementary School home for two weeks after two students tested positive for COVID-19. But the district hasn't had to take similar action until now.



11.3.20

Covert Twp. woman dies after being struck by vehicle

Covert Township Police Department is investigating  a car crash that led to the death of a 76-year-old woman, Monday afternoon.

The crash occurred at 2:15 p.m. on M-140 Highway in front of the Covert Branch Library, according to a news release from Covert Township Police Chief Jay Allen.

Marlene Frances Cassidy of Covert Township was walking across M-140 Hwy. from the west to the east side when a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, traveling north from 34th Avenue, struck her.

She was transported to Lakeland Watervliet Hospital by Covert Township ambulance but was pronounced dead at the hospital.

M-140 Hwy. was closed for several hours.

Covert Township Police was assisted by Michigan State Police, South Haven Police, Van Buren County Sheriff's Deprtment and Covert Township Fire/EMS.



11.2.20

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer stopped in South Haven Friday to say thank you to first responders from South Haven Area Emergency Services and South Haven Police Department for their efforts, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. In the photo above, she is shown shaking hands with retired firefighter Don Quinn. (Photo by Becky Kark)

Whitmer comes to SH to thank first responders; Urges vigilance against the coronavirus pandemic

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

With Tuesday’s general election a day away, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has spent the past week campaigning for Democratic candidates seeking federal and state legislative seats.

Such was the case Friday when she came to Southwest Michigan to help bolster the campaigns of Jon Hoadley, who hopes to unseat veteran U.S, Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, for the 6th Congressional seat, and Abigail Wheeler, who hopes to defeat Rep. Beth Griffin, R-Mattawan, for the 66th District state representative seat.

However, on Friday afternoon Whitmer took time out to visit with first responders from South Haven Area Emergency Services and the South Haven Police Department to present them with pizza and to thank them for their efforts to protect and serve the community as frontline workers amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – especially as cases and deaths increase in Michigan and elsewhere throughout the United States.

“Thank you for everything you’re doing,” Whitmer told the group of a dozen or so first responders who took part in the outdoor meet-and-greet at the police/fire complex at 90 Blue Star Highway. “As hard as my job is, it’s not as challenging as yours. ... In the middle of this pandemic we need to support the first responders who put their lives on the line.”

Whitmer spent approximately a half hour talking with first responders to find how they’ve been faring during the pandemic. She asked South Haven Area Emergency Services Director and Fire Chief Brandon Hinz how many people with coronavirus in the South Haven area first responders have encountered while dealing with emergency situations.

“We dealt with 4-5 patients during the first wave and it’s about the same so far for the second round,” Hinz told her.

As of Friday, Van Buren/Cass District Health Department officials reported that cases of COVID-19 in Van Buren County have increased by 158 cases, to 1,058 cases over the previous week’s count of 900, with two more confirmed deaths (18 total).

The recent surge in the coronavirus greatly concerns the governor.

“People are getting tired – they’re dropping their guard,” she said. “I’m worried about the numbers.”

Recently the Michigan Supreme Court denied continuance of the governor’s pandemic executive order restrictions. However, within days of the court ruling, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service issued executive orders of its own to keep face-mask restrictions in place, along with requirements on social distancing and limits on outdoor and indoor social gatherings.

Those restrictions, Whitmer said, in an interview after meeting with South Haven area first responders, are lost on some people in Michigan.

“We still have a face-mask mandate,” she said. “People think they don’t have to wear a mask. It’s dangerous to people’s health.”

She went on to say that states surrounding Michigan are having a higher spread of coronavirus compared to this state, but she stressed, “it’s not anything to celebrate about. This is a health crisis.”

Whitmer’s visit to South Haven was very low-key. She said she was visiting to thank first responders as part of her “Good For The Soul” events to thank frontline workers for continuing to serve their communities while dealing with an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.

When asked whether the recent plot to kidnap her affected her ongoing job responsibilities, Whitmer replied, “I probably haven’t processed it, but I’ve got a job to do.”

Part of that job as of late is encouraging Michigan residents to vote in Tuesday’s election, especially ahead of time by dropping of their absentee ballots at the polling precincts.

“This is going to be a historic election,” she said. “Every person matters. We don’t write off any community.”

The governor was also in Benton Harbor briefly on Friday for a private Democratic fundraiser.



10.26.20

COVID-19 restrictions put the skids on Ice Breaker

Chamber makes the decision to cancel festival because of ongoing concerns about the pandemic

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

For the past year, South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce officials have watched most of their summertime and fall events canceled, one by one, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

It looks like that trend will continue this winter with the organization's announcement that its popular wintertime festival, Ice Breaker, will be a no-go.

The festival, scheduled for Jan. 29-31, 2021, would have been entering its 28th year, but after examining data from the Centers for Disease Control, and meeting with officials from Van Buren/Cass County Health Department, the City of South Haven and South Haven Area Emergency Services, the chamber made the decision to cancel the three-day event.

"We know this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to local businesses, but to our area non-profit organizations, vendors and attendees," said the chamber's Executive Director Kathy Wagaman. "We have truly appreciated the generous support and participation we have received from local businesses for this event over the past 27 years and assure we are strongly committed to carrying on the tradition in the future as the effects of COVID-19 dissipate."

Over the years under the chamber's guidance, Ice Breaker has grown considerably in terms of events and attendance.

It's debatable which Ice Breaker event draws the largest crowds – the chili cookoff, cardboard sled races, fish fling or ice sculpture – but one thing is for sure, locals and visitors view it as one of the town's most popular festivals.

In the Best of South Haven 2019 contest, Ice Breaker earned runner-up honors as the most popular festival in South Haven.

The festival offers events found at most winter festivals, such as the chili-cookoff, which last year attracted 27 eateries and organizations, and the ice sculpture competition, which features upwards of 60 carvings throughout the downtown. But it's the more non-traditional events of recent years that have fueled the festival's popularity.

Those include the cardboard sled race and frozen fish fling. Last year, there were upwards of 80 cardboard sled entries, while 200 people came to Riverfront Park to take turns seeing how far they could throw frozen fish.

Those events, along with the ice skating rink activities and the popular pub crawl and food specials offered at local restaurants, bring upwards of 10,000 people to the downtown at a time when few visitors come to the area.

It's a disappointment not lost on the Chamber.

But, Chamber officials also want to do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19, especially at a time when cases are starting to go up. A trend that is expected to continue  through the winter months.

"Our primary concern is always the responsibility we feel to protect our community, and those who would visit from the region and neighboring states," Wagaman said. "We could never have predicted having to make such a decision as this one and we clearly understand this will impact the ability of local businesses to bring in critical revenue during an otherwise challenging month."



10.20.20

South Haven's Sydney Barnes tees off on the 15th hole during the Division 4 state finals at Forest Akers West golf course on the campus of Michigan State University. Barnes finished the match with a 98.

Making history

Rams golf team makes its first trip to the state finals

South Haven's varsity girls golf team made history last week by becoming the first Lady Rams golf team to qualify for the state finals.

The Rams made the trek Friday to East Lansing to compete in the Division 4 tournament at Forest Akers West golf course on the campus of Michigan State University, and settled for 15^th place out of 18 teams.

“But, I don't think that tells the whole story,” South Haven Coach Barry Shanley said.

After playing the first few holes, the Rams were actually in sixth place.

“Then a couple girls had a couple of bad holes and we found ourselves in 16th place,” Shanley remarked.

The team regrouped and rose higher in the ranks to 11^th place.

“But then the bottom kind of fell through,” Shanley said. “We had three of our girls finish with two par 3s out of the last 5 holes...and we took 7s or 8s on all of the par 3s we had left. Totally uncharacteristic play for us...Our team score was 37 strokes higher than our average. As was the case for most teams in the very cold weather.”

As a team the Rams finished the tournament with a combined score of 425.

Sydney Barnes led South Haven with 98 strokes; Abby Bocock, followed with 100, Jenna Ridley, 113; Hannah Kaczmarek, 114 and Samantha Bocock, 119.

“It's been my experience the first time a team makes the finals, their adrenaline is in super overdrive, Shanley said. “ I truly believe that had the girls been able to have a second round, which we didn't because of Covid, we would have finished much higher.

“The legacy of these players is secure because they are the first to make it all the way to the state finals.  As a coach, I couldn't be prouder of them or happier for them.”



10.12.20

Crash claims the lives of three people

LACOTA — Three people died today after two vehicles collided at the intersection of Baseline Road and 60th Street. Police and ambulance responded to the triple fatality at noon, according to a news release from South Haven Area Emergency Services. When first responders arrived they found two people in one vehicle and another crash victim in the other. All three people were pronounced dead at the scene. No other information about the crash is available at this time. The accident remains under the investigation by Van Buren County Sheriff's Department, who were assisted at the scene by Michigan State Police and Allegan County Sheriff's Department. 

10.5.20

2 SH elementary students test positive for COVID-19

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

One week after resuming in-person learning at its elementary school buildings, South Haven Public Schools this week had to send students and teaching staff home from two classrooms to be quarantined for 14 days after it was discovered two students had tested positive for coronavirus.

District officials did so Monday after being informed by Van Buren/Cass District Health Department that two students from Maple Grove Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19, according to South Haven Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Schooley.

“I got a call at 8:30 a.m. telling us that two students had tested positive,” Schooley said.

After discussing the situation with health officials, the school district dismissed the students and staff from the two affected classrooms to be quarantined for two weeks.

“We closed the two classrooms to be disinfected and the kids will be learning remotely from home,” Schooley said in a phone interview Wednesday.

In a letter issued to school district parents on Monday, Schooley stated, “There is nothing more important to South Haven Public Schools than the safety and health of our students, our staff and their families. We are working directly with county health officials to address this situation. ... South Haven Public Schools will continue to clean and disinfect surfaces inside all district schools, including Maple Grove Elementary.”

School officials did not release grade levels of the two classrooms that closed, citing health confidentiality standards.

In the letter to parents, Schooley stated, “While we must protect the privacy of the individuals involved, we believe it is best to communicate with you transparently so you can make well-informed decisions for your family.”

South Haven Public Schools was one of only two school districts in the 30 public school districts in The Herald-Palladium’s coverage area that chose to remain closed to in-person learning at the start of the school year, Aug. 31. School district officials, with the approval of the school board, decided to re-open the schools for in-person learning on Sept. 21, starting with elementary schools. This week, in-person instruction was expanded to include the middle and high schools.

News of the two positive student tests is troubling for the district, which is bracing for the possibility of more positive tests for students and/or staff.

“It’s a tough time to be a school official, teachers and parents. It’s a tough time for everyone involved,” Schooley said.

9.28.20

Damian Sanchez is shown with his mother, Carolina Sanchez, in a photo that appeared on a GoFundMe page that has been started for the family to help with funeral and medical expenses. Mother and son were involved in a tragic accident Saturday. Sept. 19 that claimed the life of Damian and injured his mother.

Covert community mourns death of 7-year-old boy

At-fault driver faces four felony charges

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

COVERT — The community here is mourning the loss of a 7-year-old Covert boy who died Saturday, Sept. 19^th, in a car crash that involved four vehicles.

Damian Sanchez, a second-grade student at Covert Public Schools, was in a vehicle driven by his 43-year-old mom, Carolina Sanchez, when the driver of another vehicle failed to stop at an intersection, and crashed into the Sanchez's vehicle, fatally wounding the little boy and injuring his mother, who was taken by ambulance to Bronson South Haven Hospital, and listed in stable condition.

“My heart is simply broken for them, said Jennifer Green, resource coordinator for Youth Development Co., whose daycare program Damian attended when he was younger. “I have known Damian since he was a toddler,” Green went on to say. “I have known Carolina even longer. Damian was such a polite and amazing little guy. He was my daughter's classmate since Pre-K.”

The tragic accident prompted Covert Elementary School teacher Pam Baker to start a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral and medical expenses for the Sanchez family.

“Covert Township lost a precious little boy, Damian Sanchez, who always wore a huge smile,” Baker stated on the GoFundMe page. “Damian's mother Carolina (who is a secretary for Covert Public Schools) was badly hurt in the accident.  There is no way to ease the pain of losing a child, but together we can help ease the financial burden of the funeral costs and medical bills for this wonderful family who are always doing for others.”

As of last week more than $14,000 of the $15,000 fundraising goal had been met.

Counselors were at Covert Elementary School Monday, Sept. 21, to provide support.

“The Crisis Response Team from the Van Buren Intermediate School District is on-site today and they are available to provide support for staff and students that need it,” Covert Superintendent Yolanda Brunt said in an interview Monday. “Lory's Place will also be providing additional support as needed. Damian was a good student and he will be greatly missed.”

Covert Elementary Principal Claire Kliss echoed the superintendent's sentiments regarding Damian.

“Damian was a good student who was well-liked by his peers. He will be missed,” she said.

The fatal car crash happened at approximately 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19^th, at the intersection of 28^th Avenue and M-140 Highway.

Police stated in a news release that a 2008 Saturn Vue driven by Sanchez was traveling north on M-140 Hwy., when a 2001 Buick Regal, driven by a 28-year-old woman from Hartford, failed to stop at a stop sign.

The collision caused the Saturn to hit a Nissan, which was traveling south on M-140 Highway. That vehicle was then hit by a Hyundai, which police believe was traveling behind the Nissan.

The Hartford woman, Ashley Beebe, was arrested and arraigned last week on four felony charges in Seventh District Court for reckless driving causing death; operating a vehicle with a revoked/suspended license causing death; reckless driving causing serious impairment of body function; and operating a vehicle with a revoked/suspended license causing injury.



9.21.20

7-year-old Covert boy dies in crash involving four vehicles

COVERT — A crash over the weekend involving four vehicles, has resulted in the death of a 7-year-old boy from Covert, and injuries to two other people.

Damian Sanchez Enriquez was riding in a 2008 Saturn Vue, driven by his 43-year-old mom, Carolina Sanchez, when a 2001 Buick, driven by a 28-year-old woman from Hartford, failed to stop at a stop sign.

The crash happened at approximately 2 p.m., Saturday at the intersection of 28^th Avenue and M-140 Highway, according to a news release from Covert Township Police.

Police say the Saturn Vue was traveling north on M-140, when it was struck by the Buick, which was headed east on 28^th Avenue. The collision caused the Saturn to hit a Nissan, which was traveling south on M-140 Highway. That vehicle was then hit by a Hyundai, which police believe was traveling behind the Nissan.

Carolina Sanchez was taken to Bronson South Haven Hospital to be treated for injuries. She was reported to be in stable condition, according to the Covert Township Police Department news release.

Police are continuing to investigate the crash before seeking criminal charges from the Van Buren County Prosecutors Office, according to the news release.

Two people injured in crash involving two semi-tractors

The driver of a semi-tractor suffered multiple injuries late last week after crashing into another semi on Interstate 196, just north of South Haven. The crash occurred at 5:15 p.m., Friday, in the northbound lane of the highway between North Shore Drive and 109th Avenue in Casco Township, according to a news release from South Haven Area Emergency Services. A semi with a trailer was parked on the shoulder of the highway to allow for a tire to be repaired. As the repair was taking place a semi-tractor without a trailer struck the parked vehicle. The force of the impact destroyed the tractor and injured the person who was repairing the tire. He was taken to Bronson-South Haven Hospital, while the driver of the tractor that caused the crash was rushed to Holland Hospital by ambulance. The crash forced the closure of the highway for several hours. The crash is under investigation by Michigan State Police.



9.14.20

Body recovered off North Beach believed to be victim of Sept. 6 drowning

UPDATE: Van Buren County Sheriff's Dept. reported Thursday, Sept. 17, that an autopsy concluded that the drowning victim was Brandon Chambers of Jackson

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

SOUTH HAVEN — The nearly week-long search to recover the body of an 18-year-old teen who drowned off of South Beach has apparently ended.

“A body believed to be the victim of the Sept 6 drowning off South Haven’s South Beach was recovered Saturday,” South Haven Area Emergency Services stated in a news release, Sunday. “The recovery occurred off the city's North Beach.”

South Haven Police have not yet released the name of the young man, pending an autopsy, however family members have identified him as Brandon Chambers of Jackson.

“The body recovered does appear to be Brandon, however, an autopsy will be performed, and dental records will be matched,” stated Janet Parker, who has set up a GoFundMe site on behalf of the Chambers family to help them with expenses. As of Monday morning, $7,300 toward the $10,000 fundraising goal had been raised.

The search for Chambers was an exhaustive one that involved divers from SHAES, South Haven Police Department, the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department and Allegan County Sheriff's Department, along with the U.S. Coast Guard and private companies that conducted drone and underwater sonar searches. Hazardous weather conditions, however, hampered search efforts for the better part of the week, including Friday.

“Search efforts today are limited to UAV (drones) and sonar,” said Capt. Virg Franks of the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department on Friday morning. The drone and sonar operations began in the early afternoon, starting 10 miles North of South Haven, working south and ending at South Beach.

The purpose of the drones and sonar was to identify unusual shapes or anomalies underwater to aid in the divers' search. Saturday morning, fishermen in the area saw a body floating on the surface. SHAES responded and recovered the body.

After hearing news of the apparent recovery of Chambers, his family released a statement, saying in part: "The people in South Haven have been wonderful to us. The love, care and guidance shown to us by the various agencies as well as the neighbors and friends of friends made our devastation bearable.”

Chambers was swimming in Lake Michigan, along with a 19-year-old Jackson man late Sunday afternoon, Sept. 6, when both were overcome by the waves. First responders were able to rescue the 19-year-old, but could not locate Chambers, who had gone under the water.

It was originally reported by SHAES that red flags were flying at South Beach as a warning for people to stay out of the water. However, according to Chambers' grandmother, Sue Chambers, that was not the case.

“The flag at the pier was red but the rest were yellow,” she posted on Facebook. “The water was rough but not real bad when the boys went in. It quickly changed while they were in the water.”

SHAES has confirmed that some flags at South Beach were yellow while others were red at the time Chambers entered the water.

“After more investigation into this incident, the rescued and missing swimmers in the Sept. 6 incident entered the water under a yellow flag warning,” Brandon Hinz, executive director of SHAES, stated in a news release. “Conditions deteriorated rapidly and a strong rip current carried the swimmers, first responders as well, to an area marked by red flags, nullifying initial reports that the entire beach was under a red flag warning.”



9.7.20

First responders from South Haven Area Emergency Services and South Haven Police Department form a human chain Sunday afternoon in an attempt to locate an 18-year-old man from Jackson who had become caught up in the waves of Lake Michigan off of South Beach. The Van Buren County Sheriff's Department Marine boat can also be seen assisting in the search. (Photo courtesy of South Haven Area Emergency Services)

Search scheduled to resume today for presumed drowning victim

Search dependent on hazardous weather conditions; Police close South Beach

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

First responders plan this morning to continue the search for an 18-year-old man from Jackson who is presumed drowned after becoming caught up in the waves of Lake Michigan, Sunday, near South Beach.

“The search will resume if conditions permit,” said Brandon Hinz, South Haven Area Emergency Services chief.

In the meantime, South Beach will remain closed to the public today as it was Sunday afternoon when first responders were called to the beach to search for the man.

“Waves are expected to be 4 to 6 feet and beach hazards are in effect,” South Haven Police Chief Natalie Thompson stated in a news release. “The South Beach has been barricaded and signs posted warning against trespassing. Violators will be prosecuted.”

If hazardous swimming conditions continue the beach could be closed even longer, according to Thompson.

The 18-year-old man from Jackson, whose name is not yet being released by police, is among five people who first responders were called upon to rescue from Lake Michigan Saturday and Sunday, according to a news release from South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES). The other four were rescued, but as of 7:45 p.m., Sunday, the search for the 18-year-old Jackson man was called off due to darkness and rough wave conditions. The serch was conducted by South Haven Area Emergency Services, South Haven Police Department, the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department marine patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Members of SHAES were dispatched at 4:30 p.m. Sunday for two men reported to be in distress at a buoy in the swimming area of South Beach.

First responders saw a man clinging to the buoy about 100 yards from the shore. A member of SHAES and a South Haven police officer reached the 19-year-old Jackson man who told them that his friend had gone under and had not resurfaced.

After getting the 19-year-old man to shore, first responders formed a human search chain while the sheriff's marine patrol and a Coast Guard cutter conducted search patterns. They were then joined by a Coast Guard helicopter and the Van Buren Sheriff's dive team. As of 7 p.m., the swimmer had still not been located.

The incident today follows three other incidents on Saturday, in which people had to be rescued.

In all of the cases, red flags were flying at the time indicating people should stay out of the water.

The first rescue incident occurred at 2:30 p.m. when an adult woman was overcome by the waves along the shore just off South Beach, according to a news release from the South Haven Police Department. She was pulled from the water by other beachgoers. She initially was not breathing but soon began to aspirate water and regained consciousness. The woman was taken to Bronson South Haven Hospital where she was evaluated and later released.

At approximately the same time, an adult male was overcome by waves along the south pier. He was rescued by a passing boat and taken to the Southside Municipal Marina, nearby, and was released without the need for additional medical treatment.

Later Saturday afternoon, a 15-foot unoccupied dinghy washed ashore along North Beach. The Van Buren County Marine Patrol, was patrolling the lake at the time and found the dinghy's operator floating approximately 1,000 yards offshore. He was suffering from exhaustion and was taken to Bronson Hospital for evaluation.

The man, who had not been wearing a life jacket at the time, told first responders he been knocked off the boat by powerful wave action.



8.31.20

Weekend water rescue

A first responder from South Haven Area Emergency Services and several bystanders rescued a man from Lake Michigan, early Saturday afternoon, after he tried to rescue a woman who had apparently been swept off the South Pier and into the water near South Beach. First responders were dispatched at 1:50 p.m. to the beach, according to a news release from SHAES. Witnesses told them what had happened and that the woman was able to reach the beach. A SHAES responder who was in the vicinity of South Beach at the time, put on his water rescue equipment and with the help of Good Samaritans, found the man and brought him to shore. "He was doing beach flag duty and had decided to remain at South Beach for awhile," said Tom Renner, a volunteer who handles pubilcity for SHAES. After the man was rescued he was taken to Bronson South Haven Hospital. The woman and first responder from SHAES were also taken to the hospital for observation. The National Weather Service had posted a Hazard Beach Warning at South Beach at the time of the incident. Red warnings flags were posted, however, people were going into the water anyway and walking on the piers. (Photo courtesy of South Haven Area Emergency Services) 

8.24.20

Allegan County man accused of shooting at vehicle

VALLEY TWP. — An Allegan County man is expected to be in 57^th District court later this week after being charged with felonious assault in connection to a vehicle shooting that occurred earlier this month.

A probable cause conference has been scheduled 1 p.m., Thursday, for Michael Christopher Lloyd, 49, of Valley Township, according to court records.

The felony charge comes after Allegan County Sheriff's Department received a call Aug. 13 that a package delivery vehicle had been shot at while the driver was driving on 44^th Street, near 118^th Avenue, southeast of Fennville.

According to a news release from the sheriff's department, detectives arrested Lloyd on Aug. 15 and he was arraigned Aug. 17 in 57^th District Court.



Police release accident victim's name

Police have released the name of the construction worker who died last week when a trench collapsed at a worksite in Casco Township.

The name of the accident victim is Vincent Edward Rasmus, 56, of South Haven. He died Wednesday, Aug. 19 while working on a home building project on Lakeshore Drive, overlooking Lake Michigan.

At the time of the collapse, Rasmus, who was employed by deBest Inc. was working on underground utilities, approximately 12 feet below the surface at a new construction site, according to a news release from Allegan County Sheriff's Department. Rasmus had been employed for more than 16 years for deBest Inc.

deBest workers on scene were able to extricate him from the trench prior to first responder's arrival, however, he had succumbed to his injuries.

Rasmus is survived by three children, five brothers and sisters and five grandchildren.

Funeral services for Rasmus are scheduled Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home in South Haven.

8.22.20

South Haven man charged with homicide

By TRIBUNE STAFF

SOUTH HAVEN — A 36-year-old South Haven man is in Van Buren County jail after being charged with allegedly murdering a woman this past week.

Randy Halstead was arraigned Friday in Seventh District Court for homicide and for being a habitual offender. He remains in jail with no bond, according to a news release issued by the South Haven Police Department. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2, according to court records.

Police say they responded at 11 p.m. Wednesday, to a residence on Pearl Street regarding an unconscious female. Officers determined 48-year-old Kimberly Halstead, the wife of Randy Halstead, was deceased and that foul play was involved. On Thursday, they arrested Randy Halstead.

South Haven Police was assisted by the Van Buren County Sheriff's office in the investigation.

Anyone who may have information regarding the incident is asked to call the South Haven Police Department, 269-637-5151.



8.19.20

Worker dies at construction site

A worker died this morning while working on a home building project on Lakeshore Drive in Casco Township. The worker died after a trench collapsed at the project site, according to a news release from South Haven Area Emergency Services. No other information about the incident is available at this time. (Photo courtesy of South Haven Area Emergency Services)

8.17.20

The South Haven High School's marching band drum line is shown rehearsing as part of last week's summer band camp. From left are Emma Parker, Lars Larsen, Sydney Barnes, Romy Ransom, Ellie Frost and Phillip Kerber.

Purple Pride on display during a pandemic

COVID-19 takes the pep out of South Haven band's step, but not their eagerness to make music

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

With so many summertime event and activities canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, it came as a surprise at the start of August to hear the sound of a drum cadence.

It occurred each morning, echoing throughout town.

Could it be the South Haven High School purple pride marching band conducting its annual band camp, even amid the pandemic?

As it turns out, yes.

But it was a very different kind of band camp.

Gone were the food feasts students enjoyed after long days spent memorizing music and marching routines. Also missing were the games they played during breaks, and the biggest blow of all, the highlight students looked forward to every year — the giant water fight that signaled the end of the week-long camp.

Senior Garrett Smith, who is one of the Purple Pride marching band's two drum majors this year, remembers those previous camps with fondness.

“We'd go inside and eat like kings,” he reminisced. “We'd do a lot more games...and the water fight.”

In pre-pandemic times, band camp lasted eight hours each day during the first week of August. Students spent the morning indoors rehearsing music and the afternoon learning marching routine.

This year, band students spent mornings outdoors rehearsing either in sections or as a group.

“We couldn't rehearse inside as a group,” Smith said, due to coronavirus restrictions on the number of people assembled in one room.

Band camp also only lasted four hours each day instead of eight, because students weren't allowed to learn a marching routine this year due to social distancing restrictions.

“We are not marching, just standing still,” Smith said.

When football fans see the Purple Pride band perform this year, they will see a group that looks much different from bands of the past.

“We will not be using uniforms this year as we cannot follow distancing and contact restrictions while fitting,” Band Director Jeff Bopp said. “Students were given a band T-shirt and we will use that as our uniform for performances.”

Other changes will occur as well.

“Students have to keep at least a 6-foot distance, and wear masks when they are not playing,” Bopp went on to say. “In addition, each wind player was given a fabric bell cover to reduce any droplets that come out of the instrument.  Students are not allowed to share any equipment.  For this reason, special time and care was given to planning percussion instruments and color guard flags so that students do not have to exchange equipment at any time.  We also screen every student before practice for any illness symptoms.”

Yet, even with all the changes that the pandemic has brought, many of the band's 100 members were eager to be at camp this year doing what they love to do – making music.

“We all miss meeting together,” Smith said. “I was really worried whether we would have band this year. It's good we can have a little bit of something.”

Not all band students showed up for the week-long camp, however.

“We have approximately 15 percent of the band that chose not to attend band activities at this time due to COVID-19, but they still are and do plan to be a part of the band this year,” Bopp said. “If a student chooses to do virtual learning from home this fall, they will still have the option to participate in band and music remotely. The details of what that will look like are still being refined.”

The pandemic even played a role in the selection of music for this year's show — “Pinball Wizard” by the Who, “Dream On” by Aerosmith a percussion feature called “Apex,” and the highly popular song from Frozen 2, “Into the Unknown.”

“The 2020 production is entitled 'Dream On,'” Bopp said. “ When the pandemic first started, I knew we would need a show to give us a sense of hope and unity.  To dream is to have an aspiration, an ambition, to strive for and ideal.  It is a hope for a better tomorrow, a better future, a better world.   What better way to go into the 2020 school year than with a reminder that while we may have to wait for the pandemic to subside, our dreams and our goals give us the hope for a better tomorrow.”

8.11.20

UPDATE: The two teens have been safely found.

Myangel Davis (left) and Tonjonae Davis of Covert Township have been missing since Friday, Aug. 7. Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating the two teenagers.

Covert Police seek public's help in finding two missing teenagers

COVERT — Covert Township Police Department is seeking the public's assistance in locating two teenage girls who have been missing since Friday, Aug. 7.

Myangel Jeffries and Tonjonae Davis were last seen in Covert Township after leaving Jeffries' residence the morning of Friday, Aug. 7, according to a news release from Covert Township Police Chief Jay Allen. Police believe they left in a vehicle that belongs to Mayangel Jeffries' grandparents. The vehicle, a tan 2014 GMC Terrain, was found Monday at 2238 E. Main St., in Kalamazoo. Witnesses told police they saw two teenagers walking away from the vehicle.

Myangel Jeffries is described as 5-feet tall, approximately 200 pounds with mid-length black hair that is braided. Tonjonae Davis is approximately 5 foot 3 inches tall, about 130-150 pounds, with long black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the two teenagers is asked to call Covert Township Police, 269-764-8100.





8.10.20

Fly-over to honor COVID-19 'citizen heroes'

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

For the past eight years, the South Haven Steelheaders, American Legion and Operation Injured Soldiers have teamed up to take veterans, injured in war, out on Lake Michigan for a day of fishing as part of the annual Salute to Veterans celebration.

This year, with the coronavirus pandemic, however, the event will be a little different and instead focus on “citizen heroes” who are in the midst of curbing the spread of the deadly virus.

On Saturday, Aug. 15, people who live in the South Haven area can look to the sky to see the Hooligan Flight Team conduct a fly-over in honor of people who have been affected by the pandemic. The flight team, whose pilots are from Muskegon, Grand Haven, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, conduct formation flyovers throughout Michigan.

The fly-over isn't just in honor of police officers, firefighters, paramedics, hospital staff and other “essential” workers, but others, as well.

“A Citizen Hero is the citizen who respected others by staying at home, wearing a mask, following social distancing, lost their jobs, lost their businesses, lost high school and college graduation ceremonies, lost the opportunity to have visitors while in a hospital, lost the opportunity to pay proper last respects to loved ones who had passed away, and lost the ability to go to a house of worship when they needed it the most,” said Bruce Thatcher, who plays a key role in organizing the Salute to Veterans event each year.

The flight team will fly above Bangor at 11:35 a.m., Covert at 11:40 a.m., South Haven at noon, Saugatuck at 12:10 p.m. and Douglas at 12:15 p.m.

During the flyover in South Haven the South Haven American Legion will host families of veterans who died during the coronavirus lock-down without proper military honors. To honor the families and veterans, the Legion will perform a 21-gun salute and Taps at noon.

The flyover above the five towns is being sponsored by Star of the Lake Masonic Lodge in South Haven and the Saugatuck Masonic Lodge.



8.7.20

Curbside COVID-19 testing offered at South Haven High School

South Haven area residents can be tested for COVID-19 locally, next week.

Intercare Community Health will set up a mobile test site, Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at South Haven High School, south parking lot.

The test is covered by most insurance companies, however, no one will be turned away based on inability to pay.

Testing requirements follow:

• You feel sick

• Someone close to you feels sick
• You work outside the home, even if you don't have symptoms
• You are part of a vulnerable population
• You are entering or are already living in a congregate setting like a nursing home or a foster home
• You are going to the hospital for a surgical procedure, even if you don't have symptoms

8.3.20

Ten boaters were taken by ambulance to Bronson South Haven Hospital over the weekend after they were overcome by carbon monoxide. The people were on a 32-foot boat, Saturday, on Lake Michigan en-route from St. Joseph to South Haven. When the carbon monoxide incident occurred the captain was unable to continue operating and boat and issued a distress call. The U.S. Coast Guard and marine units from Van Buren Sheriff's Department and South Haven Area Emergency Services responded and traveled a mile from the South Haven pier heads to remove the people from the boat. They were brought to shore and transported by three ambulances to Bronson-South Haven for evaluation and treatment. (Photo courtesy of South Haven Area Emergency Services)

7.28.20

Bangor Community Fire Department along with departments from six other municipalities battled a house fire, Sunday afternoon, that claimed the life of a 68-year-old Bangor woman. (Photo courtesy of South Haven Area Emergency Services)

Bangor woman dies after house catches fire

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

BANGOR — A woman who had lived her entire life in Bangor, lost her life to a deadly house fire over the weekend.

Bangor Police say 68-year-old Diana Rigozzi was unable to get out of her home after it caught fire Sunday afternoon. She had become trapped inside and unable to escape.

“It's just terrible,” Bangor Police Chief Tommy Simpson said.

Police and fire units responded to the fire at 5:10 p.m. when a neighbor called to say the home, near the intersection of Maple and Cass streets, was fully engulfed in flames.

Bangor Community Fire Department responded immediately and then called for backup from six other departments to battle the blaze.

“We know it started in the living room we just don't know how at this time,” said Bangor Fire Chief Derek Babcock on Monday morning when the state fire marshall was at the scene trying to determine the cause of the fire.

Rigozzi lived in the home with her husband, Bob, who was not at home when the fire broke out.

“They're lifelong residents of Bangor,” Simpson said.

Although the cause of the fire still wasn't been determined as of Monday, Simpson said foul play is not suspected.

Mutual aid was provided to Bangor's fire department by South Haven, Columbia, Covert, Hartford, Lawrence and Watervliet departments.

7.24.20

Blueberry Festival still on the docket, despite COVID-19, but much smaller

By BECKY KARK
Editor and general manager

Memorial Day parade — canceled.
Riverfront Concert Series — canceled
Festival of Cars — canceled.
Fourth of July parade — canceled.
Light up the Lake fireworks display — canceled
Summer Art Fair — canceled
Summer Performance Series — canceled
South Haven Theater Series — canceled
Van Buren Youth Fair — canceled
Michigan Flywheelers Antique Engine and Tractor Show — canceled
It seems this year that  every summer event that draw people to South Haven has been nixed due to fears of spreading the coronavirus.
So it shouldn't come as a surprise that a late-summer festival that draws upwards of 40,000 people to town would fall prey to the cancellation buzzer.
However, the National Blueberry Festival — South Haven's largest summertime event is still a go — just smaller.
“It's 92 percent less, but 100 percent delicious,” Festival Director Megan Cairns quipped.
So don't expect to cheer kids on during the blueberry pie eating contest, or listen to live outdoor concerts, or enjoy perusing the many booths of the craft fair or eating at the festival's many fundraising dinners and breakfasts.
Instead, you'll have to take part in some of the festival events virtually, while social distancing at “live” events.
“We worked long and hard to find a way to still have a festival this year,” said John Deschaine, chair of the Blueberry Festival board of directors. “And while this year's festival will be greatly reduced it did allow us to focus on what is important — blueberries and our community.”
To underscore the town's blueberry heritage, the festival will open Friday, Aug. 7 with Farm Day, where families can visit local growers for various blueberry products and U-Pick opportunities. A list of participating farms can be found on the festival's website. People who tour three farms will be able to get a free slice of blueberry pie, Saturday, Aug. 8, from the festival booth at the Huron Street pavilion, downtown, while supplies last.
The focus will continue on blueberry farmers on Saturday, Aug. 8 when they set up their booths at Blueberry Central Market at the Huron Street pavilion. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., people can purchase a variety of blueberry-related products.
Another outdoor “live” event will be the Kid's Scavenger's Hunt. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8, families can obtain a Scavenger Hunt page at the Blueberry Festival booth at the Huron Street pavilion to answer clues that can be found within a four-block radius of South Haven. The kids who solve the most clues will receive a prize.
“This is something fun that families can do at their own pace and be socially distanced,” Cairns said.
The remainder of the festival events, most of which will be virtual, follow:
• Youth Pageant: Due to restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus, this year's pageant will not take place on stage. Instead, contestants will be interviewed separately on Aug. 8, and then winners announced afterwards. “It's difficult this year, but we want to make it fun,” Cairns said.
• Blueberry 5K run/walk: This event normally attracts about 1,000 runners who run together through downtown streets and along the lakeshore. This year's race will be done in a manner that encourages great social distancing, however. Runners and walkers interested in participating can register online, choose from a variety of routes and then complete the race on their own. There is a fee for the event, which is a fundraiser for the festival. Participants will receive a free T-shirt.
• Kids 1K Fun Run: Similar to the 5K run/walk, kids can enter online and then complete a 0.6-mile route that begins at Kids Corner playground. Each child who completes the fun run will receive a bag of prizes.
• Postcard Perfect Photo Contest: Participants have from Aug. 1-31 to capture their favorite photos focused either on blueberries or the festival. Photos can be loaded through Instagram, by tagging 2nbf_south_haven. The winner, who will be chosen Sept. 14th, will receive 50 postcards of their photographic image to give to family and friends, as well as merchandise gift certificates for the 2021 Blueberry Festival.
• Fun blueberry-related videos for kids and adults: People can view several videos on the festival's Facebook site geared to both children and adults. One of the videos shows adults how to make various beverages that include blueberries. The children's video shows local Blossomtime queens, including Miss South Haven and Miss Bangor, reading children's books that feature blueberries.

7.20.20

SH police investigating death of St. Joseph woman

SOUTH HAVEN — South Haven Police are investigating the death of a St. Joseph woman found near the Black River on Sunday.

A person walking the Kal-Haven trail near Blue Star Highway reported to police at 2:30 p.m. they saw an individual laying in a grassy area along the Black River, off the trail, according to a news release issued by Sgt. Zachary Hathaway.

Officers responded and found the body of the 36-year-old woman who had suffered from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

South Haven Police as well as the medical examiner's office have been in contact with the family, but are not releasing the name of the woman. The investigation is still open, pending the medical examiners report.

South Haven Police were assisted by South Haven Area Emergency Services and St. Joseph Township Police.

Body found Saturday afternoon in Lake Michigan

South Haven Police report that a body was found Saturday afternoon in Lake Michigan near North Beach.

Police are not yet releasing the identity of the person pending proper identification. The person could be 20-year-old Jaedon Odunuga-Evans, who went into Lake Michigan off of North Beach shortly before 9 p.m., Sunday, July 12, but did not return to shore.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, a person walking the North Pier reported to police they saw a body in the water off of North Beach near the pier, according to a news release from South Haven Police Department.

Officers and firefighters from South Haven Area Emergency Services responded and found the body floating out toward the lake. SHAES responders attempted to recover the body directly from the pier by using a surface swimmer, however increased wind and subsequent wave activity pushed the body out to the lake making it impossible and unsafe for the surface swimmer to retrieve the body, according to Sgt. Zachary Hathaway of the South Haven Police Department.

Officers on scene then directed Van Buren County Sheriff Marine deputies, who were on a patrol boat, to the area. After picking up the SHAES paramedic from the pier, the marine patrol deputies and SHAES staff recovered the body from the lake.

South Haven Police as well as the Van Buren County Medical Examiner's office have been in contact with Evans' family.

Further information is pending identification of the deceased and next-of-kin notification.



7.16.20

Search continues for missing man; Police release his name

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Authorities have released the name of the 20-year-old man from Lansing who is now presumed drowned after going into Lake Michigan Sunday night to swim and not returning to shore.

Van Buren County Sheriff's Department Capt. Virg Franks, Wednesday, identified the young man as Jaedon Odunuga-Evans.

Efforts to find Evans began shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday and continued throughout the day on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Rough water conditions and poor visibility underwater, however, have hampered rescue efforts, according to Brandon Hinz, fire chief for South Haven Area Emergency Services, which has been conducting the search along with the U.S. Coast Guard, and marine patrols from Van Buren and Allegan county sheriff's departments.

Divers were able to conduct a search Monday when visibility underwater was limited to 6 inches or less. Tuesday and then again Wednesday, rescuers had to rely on other search methods most of the time.

“Drones and side scan sonar, still way too murky,” Hinz said. However, in the late afternoon on Wednesday, the Van Buren County Sheriff's dive team took to the water, while Jim Schultz from Great Lakes Search and Recovery performed side scan sonar throughout the day. 

Evans had just celebrated his 20^th birthday Saturday and was at the lake Sunday with family members. Several went into the lake and came out. When Evans didn't return to shore, they called 911.

Evans is the son of Lola Odunuga and Kissadrick Evans. His mother could not be reached for an interview Wednesday, but described her son on Facebook as a person who liked to make people smile and laugh. He had planned to leave in September for National Guard training and was scheduled to graduate from Lansing Community College in the spring of 2021.

First responders in South Haven have been kept busy all of this week responding to water-related incidents on Lake Michigan and in the Black River Channel, both of which are experiencing record-high water levels, with waves splashing over both the North and South piers on a regular basis.

The latest incident occurred Tuesday when a first responder from SHAES rescued two adults and a 3-year-old child after their canoe capsized in the Black River channel.

Responder Matthew Dey was on his mid-afternoon rounds checking the beach flags and pier life rings, according to a news release from SHAES when he observed the capsized canoe with people in the water, all wearing personal flotation devices.

Dey threw a life ring to the adult male and was able to pull the adult male and child to a ladder along the channel. He then threw a second life ring to the adult female and pulled her to the ladder.  The canoe and personal belongings were also recovered.

On Sunday, just prior to receiving the 911 call regarding Evans, SHAES responders were called to the North Pier for a report of a man who had been swept off the pier into the Black River channel. Fortunately, Good Samaritans on the South Pier were able to throw him a life ring and bring him to safety.

7.14.20

A diver from South Haven Area Emergency Services emerges from Lake Michigan off North Beach after side scan sonar detected an object underwater Monday afternoon. Patrol boats from Van Buren and Allegan County sheriff's departments joined South Haven Area Emergency Services Monday in searching for a Lansing man who went into Lake Michigan near North Beach Monday evening and did not return to shore. (Photo by Becky Kark)

Search continues for missing Lansing man

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Multiple rescue agencies spent most of Monday continuing the search for a 20-year-old Lansing man who did not return to shore after going out into Lake Michigan Sunday evening. Search efforts are expected to resume today.

As of Monday evening, rescue efforts continued with dive teams utilizing a K9 dog trained in sensing humans. Efforts were focused on a section of Lake Michigan, just off approximately 200 yards off of North Beach in approximately 7 feet of water. The K9 successfully barked twice in the area that was previously searched underwater with a drone that detected wood debris that the swimmer could have become caught on.

Efforts to find the man continued after 9:30 p.m. with a half-dozen divers taking to the waters in an effort to find him.

The search to find the man began early Monday morning.

Rescue boats from the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department Marine Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard were out at the start of daylight on Lake Michigan looking for the swimmer, while Great Lakes Drone Co. of Stevensville, flew a drone overhead to search from the air.

Emergency officials closed North Beach to the public so as not to interfere with search efforts, but rough water conditions on Lake Michigan near North Beach hampered the use of divers, prompting rescuers to employ other search methods.

Both the Coast Guard and sheriff's patrol boats were both equipped with sonar used to detect solid objects in the water, according to Capt. Virg Franks of the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department.

“They collected a series of markings,” Franks said. An underwater drone then was used to zoom in on the locations where sonar detected objects, but the swimmer was not found.

“It was all debris, old logs, things like that,” Franks said. The sonar and underwater drone search took most of the morning to complete.

In the afternoon, with water conditions still continuing to be rough, the Allegan County Sheriff's Department dive team used its patrol boat, equipped with side-scan sonar to check for underwater objects near the North Pier and North Beach.

“They concentrated around rocks and pilings,” Franks said. The Coast Guard helicopter also searched the lake from above.

Divers from Van Buren and Allegan County sheriff's department marine patrols and South Haven Area Emergency Services began searching the entire length of the North Pier in the afternoon, while the side-scan sonar and underground drone work continued in other parks of the lake off of North Beach and near the entrance of the Black River channel.

The rough water conditions and lack of visibility hindered divers' efforts.

“There's six inches or less of visibility,” said Scott Johanson, an Allegan County Sheriff's Department deputy and member of the department's marine patrol. “A lot of it is just by feeling along. There's a lot of nooks and crannies that need to be checked out. Divers run the risk of entrapment.”

First responders began searching for the presumed drowning victim, Sunday evening, after being dispatched to North Beach at 9:10 p.m. in response to a swimmer who had reportedly entered Lake Michigan halfway between the North Pier and North Beach concession stand but did not return to shore.

Weather conditions on the big lake, Sunday, and again on Monday morning, were not conducive for swimming Strong winds and waves led to red flags at North Beach on Sunday and again on Monday until mid-afternoon to indicate dangerous swimming conditions.

Officers searched the water's edge and area around the beach, Sunday evening, but were not able to locate the man, whose name was not yet released Monday. Van Buren Sheriff's Department's dive team conducted a line search of the near-shore area, but due to water conditions, a dive search could not be conducted. South Haven Area Emergency Services also utilized their drone to search overhead for the swimmer, while the Coast Guard sent a vessel and helicopter to aid in the search for the victim.

The search was called off at 12:30 a.m. on Monday morning, due to darkness and water conditions.

“It was treacherous,” Franks said.

Prior to receiving the report about the Lansing man, first responders received a rescue call at 8:52 p.m. for a man in his late teens to early 20s who had been swept off the North Pier into the Black River channel. Bystanders, who were on the South Pier, threw him a life ring and managed to pull him to safety.

7.13.20

Van Buren County Sheriff Department's marine patrol is shown this morning getting ready to leave the Black River channel to resume the search for a 20-year-old Lansing man who was last seen, Sunday evening, entering Lake Michigan, off of North Beach. (Photo by Becky Kark)

Search continues for presumed drowning victim

North Beach remains closed this morning as the search continues for a 20-year-old Lansing man who did not return to shore after entering Lake Michigan Sunday evening. Rescue boats from the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department and South Haven Area Emergency Services were out at 9 a.m. on Lake Michigan looking for the swimmer, while SHAES also utilized a drone for an overhead search.

Weather conditions on the big lake, yesterday, were not conducive for swimming Strong winds and waves led to red flags on all South Haven beaches to indicate dangerous swimming conditions.

South Haven Police along with South Haven Area Emergency Services responded to two rescue calls at the North Pier and North Beach Sunday evening shortly before 9p.m., according to a news release from the police department.

The first call came in at 8:52 p.m. for a man in his late teens to early 20s who had been swept off the North Pier into the Black River channel. Bystanders, who were on the South Pier threw him a life ring and pulled him to safety.

As police and fire personnel were ready to depart the rescue scene they received a second call at 9:10 p.m. of a swimmer who had reportedly entered Lake Michigan halfway between the North Pier and North Beach concession stand but did not return to shore.

Officers searched the water's edge and area around the beach but were not able to locate the 20-year-old Lansing man Van Buren Sheriff's Department's dive team conducted a line search of the near-shore area, but due to water conditions, a dive search could not be conducted. South Haven Area Emergency Services also utilized their drone to search overhead for the swimmer, while the Coast Guard sent a vessel and helicopter to aid in the search for the victim.

Whitmer: 'Mask up' Michiganders;

Face masks now mandatory for indoor spaces, crowded outdoor spaces

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Starting today, individuals in Michigan are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in indoor public spaces or crowded outdoor spaces. Furthermore, any business that is open to the public can refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering.

The new stipulations are Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's latest move to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Michigan, which is now seeing an uptick in new cases, according to the Michigan Department of Human Health Services.

“The heroes on the front lines of this crisis have gone hours without taking their masks off every day – doctors, nurses, child care workers, grocery store workers. We owe it to them to wear our masks when we’re on a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy,” Whitmer said in a news release. “Masks can reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19 by about 70 percent. By wearing masks, we can save lives and protect our family, friends, and neighbors from the spread of COVID-19. And by wearing masks now, we can put our state in a stronger position so our kids can return to school safely in the fall.”

The number of positive COVID-19 cases and deaths have been relatively low in both Van Buren and Cass counties, however, numbers are on the rise, according to Danielle Persky, deputy health officer and director of health promotion for the Van Buren, Cass District Health Department.

“After weeks of declining numbers, in the last 8 days we saw an uptick in new cases with 27 new positive cases in Cass County and 26 new positive cases in Van Buren County,” Persky said. The number of deaths have also gone up. Van Buren is up to eight COVID-19 related deaths, with Cass at six.

“This reality is a reminder that we have to remain steadfast in our prevention efforts - wearing masks in public, keeping 6ft distance, good hand hygiene, and limiting the number of people you and your household are exposed to.”

Intercare Community Health began offering curbside testing services, Friday, in South Haven, and will do so again Friday, July 19 at South Haven High School's parking lot to the rear of the building. The upcoming testing is scheduled from 2-6 p.m.

When the test site opened at 9 a.m., this past Friday, vehicles soon arrived.

Individuals who were interviewed said they were getting tested as a precaution and to protect loved ones.

“I know I'm at high risk, I have kids at home,” said one woman from the Bloomingdale area. “My husband died of complications of the flu several years ago. I know how these things (viruses such as COVID-19) can go.”

A man said he decided to get tested after his daughter tested positive for coronavirus in Kent County.

“She had no symptoms,” he said, which also prompted him to seek testing. “I thought I might as well do it.”





7.9.20

Curbside COVID-19 testing available at South Haven High School

South Haven area residents can now be tested for COVID-19 locally.

Intercare Community Health will set up a mobile test site, Friday, July 10 and Friday, July 17 at South Haven High School.

Testing will take place in the school's south parking lot and is open to the public from 9 a.m.-noon, Friday, July 10 and 2-6 p.m., Friday, July 17. The test is covered by most insurance companies, however, no one will be turned away based on inability to pay.

Testing requirements follow:

• You feel sick

• Someone close to you feels sick
• You work outside the home, even if you don't have symptoms
• You are part of a vulnerable population
• You are entering or are already living in a congregate setting like a nursing home or a foster home
• You are going to the hospital for a surgical procedure, even if you don't have symptoms

6.29.20

First responders broaden water rescue capabilities thanks to grant

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) is broadening its ability to respond to water rescue incidents by providing its paid-on-call members with water rescue equipment that stays with the responders all-of-the time.

Thanks to a grant from the Albemarle Corporation of South Haven, 19 SHAES responders now have a fitted PFD - personalized flotation device (life jacket), helmet and throw-bag containing 50 feet of rope.

SHAES equipment (ambulances, rescue truck, engines) also contain this equipment, but frequently the paid-on-call members who respond from their home or workplace are the first to arrive on an emergency scene.

"Minutes, if not seconds, count in this type of emergency situation," said Chief Brandon Hinz. "We are grateful for the continuing support of Albemarle as we strive to protect our community to the best of our ability."

Hinz also thanked former chief Ron Wise who pursued funding for the acquisition.

In recent weeks SHAES staff has been conducting its annual water rescue drills on Lake Michigan and Lake Arvesta. A recent drill included members of the South Haven Police Department whose officers also have PFDs in their patrol cars.

6.22.20

Myles Daugherty (left) and Nic Sheppard, incoming South Haven High School juniors, are shown with their award-winning exhibit that placed seventh out of 99 entrants in the National History Day competition's Senior Individual Exhibit category. The entry also earned the Senior Division Outstanding Affiliate award which designates it as best-in-the-state. The exhibit was titled "From Bicycles and Birdwatching to Changing the World — The Wright Brothers: Breaking the Barrier of Flight."

South Haven students named finalists in National History Day competition

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Third time's the charm proved true for two South Haven High School students who have been chosen as finalists in the National History Day competition.

Incoming juniors Nic Sheppard and Myles Daugherty placed seventh out of 99 entries in the Senior Division Individual Exhibit category and also earned the Senior Division Outstanding Affiliate award, which designates their exhibit as best-in-the-state, according to a news release issued Monday by the Historical Society of Michigan.“Top 10 in the nation, this is an incredible feat,” South Haven History Club Advisor Julie Shepard said. “This was their third consecutive national level competition as a team.”

Sheppard and Daugherty titled their exhibit “From Bicycles and Birdwatching to Changing the World— The Wright Brothers: Breaking the Barrier of Flight.”

To get ready for the competition, Sheppard and Daugherty traveled to the National Museum of the United States Air Force and the Wright Brothers National Museum in Dayton, Ohio, to study about aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright, who are credited with successfully creating and flying the first motor-driven airplane Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk, NC in 1903.

As part of their entry, Daugherty and Sheppard modeled the exhibit panels to resemble the brick bicycle factory where the Wright brothers worked. The two students also built a replica of the first plane the two brothers successfully flew and hung it above the exhibit's walls.

Judges were impressed.

“They could tell their passion from their display and were impressed with the expanse of their research,” Julie Sheppard said. “They also thought their idea to construct the boards as the Wright's bike shop factory was a great idea.

When Daugherty and Sheppard's exhibit won first place at the Michigan History Day competition in May, competition organizers asked if they could use the exhibit as an example and teaching tool for other history clubs in Michigan.

A total of six South Haven History Club members qualified for the national contest after advancing through both the regional and state competitions earlier in the spring.

Both the state and national events took place online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The national competition began June 14 and ended this past Saturday.

“The History Day theme for 2020—Breaking Barriers in History—became a reality this year. Students faced numerous challenges, from schools being closed before they could access their projects to not being able to work in-person with group members and sponsors,” said Amy Bradfield, state coordinator for Michigan History Day. “I am proud of our students for overcoming the obstacles caused by the coronavirus pandemic and persevering in their mission to share history.”

Michigan History Day is an affiliate of National History Day, which was established in 1974 and offers year-long project-based learning that engages more than half a million middle and high school students around the world annually, according to the Historical Society of Michigan. Based on an annual theme, students choose to explore and research a local, national or international historical topic. Students then present their work in one of five categories: performances, exhibits, papers, websites and documentaries.



6.19.20

Family member says sister died after helping younger cousin to shore

UPDATED

By BECKY KARK

For The Herald-Palladium

SOUTH HAVEN — Nikara Brandsen of Holland has fond memories of her younger sister, 19-year-old Jazmyn Patterson of South Haven, a sister she will no longer get to see or visit with.

Jazmyn, Brandsen and other family members say, died earlier this week after saving her 4-year-old cousin who had fallen from a floatable raft into Lake Michigan off of South Beach. South Haven Police say they are still waiting for final confirmation by the medical examiner for the official cause of death.

“My sister is a hero because she helped save our little cousin from drowning,” Brandsen said.

Jazmyn and other family members were swimming in Lake Michigan late Tuesday afternoon when the incident occurred. Jazmyn and her 4-year-old cousin were sitting atop a floatable craft.

“They just started floating further and further away,” Jazmyn's other sister Jamesha Mabrey said in an interview with Fox 17 News on Thursday.

Mabrey said she told her sister to return to the shore, but when Jazmyn tried to paddle, the floatable craft flipped over and both she and her cousin went underwater.

Jazmyn got her little cousin toward shore where people on shore got the child to safety. But Jazmyn wasn't able to save herself.

“She was just a giving person always willing to give her last to help somebody else,” Mabrey said Friday in an interview with the South Haven Tribune. “And that’s just what she did. She gave the last bit of strength she had to push my little cousin out further to be saved while she was going under. She was a fighter and it showed.”

South Haven Area Emergency Services responded to a report of a possible drowning at 6:14 p.m and arrived within four minutes of the 911 call, according to Fire Chief Brandon Hinz.

Good samaritans, who were in the lake at the time searching for the swimmer, used their small watercraft to pull Patterson out of the water and to shore where advanced life support was administered by paramedics, fire personnel and South Haven Police Department officers, according to a news release from South Haven Area Emergency Services.

She was then taken by ambulance to Bronson South Haven, and then was transported by AirCare to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

According to Brandsen, Jazmyn had been underwater for five minutes.

“Jazmyn had her whole life to live,” Brandsen continued to say. “She just turned 19 two weeks ago. Jazmyn had a heart a gold she made people smile even during the hardest time either by jokes or Tik tok videos. She was so silly and so fun to be around. She was a people person, she made friends wherever she went. Her smile was as big as her heart. We will miss her dearly.”



6.15.20

Shawn Smith of South Haven Area Emergency Services rescues a fawn after it became trapped in a manhole on Saturday in Casco Township. (Photo courtesy of SHAES)

Fawn rescued from manhole

Calls for service to South Haven Area Emergency Services come in many forms.

Saturday's was a bit unusual.

Station Three was dispatched to Pacific Avenue in Casco Township where a fawn was reported to be trapped in a manhole. First responder Shawn Smith was quick to the rescue.

The person who reported the incident said her curiosity was aroused when she saw an obviously concerned adult deer in the road near the manhole. The manhole cover was missing and upon investigation the very young fawn was discovered. The fawn was safely returned to the nearby woods.

6.8.20

A call for justice and peace

Two South Haven Police officers get down on one knee along with a large crowd of area residents who marched downtown, Saturday, to  protest the death of Minneapolis resident and black man George Floyd. Floyd died May 25th after a white Minneapolis police officer held him down by putting his knee against the black man's neck for more than 8 minutes. The protest and march in South Haven attracted about 800 participants. South Haven Police Chief Natalie Thompson marched right alongside the protestors. During a gathering at the Huron Street pavilion, Thompson told the crowd, "We all share your anger over the death of Mr. Floyd. His is the most recent in a long list of people of color who have died at the hands of police, which is unacceptable. We need to listen and learn the true impact these incidents have had on people of color. As a department, we need to do better." (Photo by Becky Kark)

6.1.20

Governor ending Safer at Home order

Moves state into phase 4 of efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus

Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-110, rescinding her Safer at Home order and moving the entire state to phase four of the MI Safe Start Plan, according to a news release issued this afternoon.

The governor’s order will allow retailers to reopen Thursday, June 4 and restaurants to reopen on Monday, June 8, both subject to capacity limits.

Day camps for children will likewise be permitted to open on June 8. Effective immediately, groups of 100 or less will be allowed gather outdoors with social distancing. Office work that is not capable of being performed remotely can resume. And in-home services, including housecleaning services, can resume operations.

Subject to local regulation, gyms and fitness centers may conduct outdoor classes, practices, training sessions, or games, provided that coaches, spectators, and participants maintain six feet of distance from one another during these activities. Outdoor pools can also reopen, with restricted capacity. 

“The data has shown that we are ready to carefully move our state into the next phase of the MI Safe Start Plan, but we owe it to our brave frontline heroes to get this right,” said Whitmer. “While Michiganders are no longer required to stay home, we must all continue to be smart and practice social distancing, and encourage those who meet the criteria to get tested for COVID-19. If we all do our part, our goal is to announce a shift to phase five for the entire state prior to the fourth of July. Stay smart, stay safe, and let’s all do our part.”   

Michiganders must continue to wear facial coverings when in enclosed public spaces and should continue to take all reasonable precautions to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community. And they should continue to work from home to the maximum extent possible. 

“The governor and I, along with a team of experts, have determined that our state is ready to move into the next phase of the MI Safe Start Plan. Hospitalization numbers are down, our frontline workers have PPE to last them several weeks, and the number of positive cases and deaths are declining,” said MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun. “We will continue to monitor the data and work closely with local health departments to ensure Michiganders practice safe social distancing. On behalf of our health care professionals and first responders on the front lines, we must all be smart and be safe.” 

“As the hardest-hit region in the state, Wayne County and its residents are ready to safely return to greater activity and commerce,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans. “We continue to vigilantly monitor the spread of COVID-19 and will do so to make sure the number of daily cases continues to decline. It’s is been an extremely difficulty three months for all of us, but the social distancing measures we have put in place has slowed the spread of this disease and saved lives. Today is an important step toward returning to some semblance of normalcy, but it is important for all of to continue following that safe distancing and work directives outlined in Stage 4 of the MI Safe Start plan.” 

“I appreciate Governor Whitmer for her diligence and commitment to reopening the state safely. We look forward to reopening Detroit safely and efficiently,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. 

"We know we still have challenges to face, but moving into this next phase acknowledges the huge strides this state has made to slow the spread of this deadly virus,” said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “I appreciate Gov. Whitmer’s caution and proactive response throughout this crisis. Her leadership has undoubtedly saved lives." 

 The last few months have been very hard for everyone. I applaud the Governor for doing everything she can to keep us safe,” said Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. “And now that the curve has flattened and I am very excited that we have moved into phase 4 and can have things start to reopen. Economic issues have been very challenging in Lansing and across the state, but we know it was necessary to save lives. Now we are ready to get back to growing our city here in Lansing and the economy throughout the state.” 

5.26.20

Trumpeter Dave Orr is shown performing Taps while the American Legion Post color guard and Veterans of Foreign Wars post stand at attention during the brief Memorial Day services take place at the legion grounds on Monday. (Photo by Becky Kark)

Pandemic fails to halt Memorial Day observances in South Haven

Wearing masks and practicing social distancing, veterans conduct brief service, march through town to cemetery

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

For the past 49 years, Vietnam veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Jim McCloughan has led the Memorial Day parade in South Haven.

This year, the parade was canceled, due to efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19. But McCloughan wasn't about to be deterred from leading a parade — albeit very small — for the 50^th time.

Quietly, without fanfare, and practicing social distancing, he and 10 other veterans from the South Haven area, conducted a march through downtown and to Lakeview Cemetery to honor the approximately 300 veterans of war, ranging from the Civil War to the present time, are buried.

“We should let no barrier of a pandemic honor these people. They gave up their lives not once but twice,” McCloughan said. “They died for their country but they also did not enjoy the opportunity to get married, see their children born and grow up to graduate, walking their little girl down the aisle to get married. Seeing their grandchildren.”

The march to the cemetery took place at 9 a.m., the same time it does every Memorial Day. Two hours later, McCloughan and approximately two dozen military veterans assembled at American Legion Post 49 to conduct another brief tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives for their country.

As the Legion's color guard lined up with flags representing each branch of the U.S. Military, three rounds of shots were fired by the honor guard. Then trumpeter Dave Orr, played Taps. The ceremony was brief, but people at Riverfront Park, which the Legion's grounds overlooks, were present – social distancing – but present. They watched in silence, and then, after the service ended, they clapped and told the veterans, “Thank you.”



5.21.20

UPDATED

Today, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to hire South Haven City Manager Brian Dissette as administrator for the county. The board will now begin contract negotiations with Dissette.

5.21.20

SH city manager selected as finalist for Berrien County administrator's job

By LOUISE WREGE

HP Staff Writer

ST. JOSEPH — Berrien County commissioners today are expected to hire South Haven Manager Brian Dissette as the county’s new administrator, Chairman Mac Elliott said Wednesday afternoon.

Elliott said all of the county commissioners have talked with Dissette informally. They will formally interview him today.

“All of the feedback has been positive,” Elliott said. “He has a lot going for him.”

Elliott said that after today’s 11 a.m. interview, he expects commissioners to approve hiring Dissette.

“Then we will proceed with negotiations, put together a contract and bring him on board around the first of July,” he said. Board meetings are being held virtually on Zoom due to health concerns surrounding COVID-19. Residents can watch the meeting and interview streamed live on the county’s You-Tube channel.

If hired, Dissette will take the place of Administrator Bill Wolf, who is retiring June 12.

Elliott said the county received about 15 applications for the position. He said commissioners initially planned to interview two candidates, but one dropped out at the last minute for family reasons.

He said Dissette has a lot of experience managing surrounding municipalities, including having interned with Berrien County in 2002 when 

he was working on his master’s degree in public administration.

“He’s solid,” Elliott said. “The more information we gathered on him, the better in terms of his qualifications and his personal and professional background and his demeanor.”

The South Haven City Council last July approved extending Dissette’s contract for another year and increasing his salary to $110,000, along with paying him a onetime bonus of $5,000.

He was hired as South Haven’s Department of Public Works Director in 2006 before being named the city manager in 2008.

Prior to working for South Haven, Dissette was city manager in Watervliet for five years.

As city manager in South Haven for the past 12 years, Dissette has overseen many infrastructure improvements, including the complete reconstruction of Williams, Phoenix and Center streets, downtown, along with Monroe Boulevard and portions of Kalamazoo Street; $20 million worth of improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant; completion of a new water filtration plant; and several million dollars worth of improvements at North and South beaches, Dissette earned his master’s degree in public administration from the School of Public Affairs and Administration at Western Michigan University. A South Haven native, he is married to Kelly Getman-Dissette. They have three children.



5.13.20

UPDATE

COVID-19 deaths increase in Van Buren County

The number of coronavirus-related deaths in Van Buren County has increased over last week, according to figures released today by the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department.

The county now has five deaths, up from the two deaths that were reported last week.

The number of active cases in Van Buren County has also increased to 100, up from 61 reported two weeks ago and the 35 cases reported at the end of April. To date, there are 32 recoveries in Van Buren County from the virus.

Berrien County's death rate from COVID-19 stands at 27, with 470 cases; Allegan County's death rate remains at 2, while cases increased to 168. The number of deaths in Cass County also remains at two as of today, with 46 cases.

Other statistics released by the state health department indicate the majority of people – 64 percent - who currently have coronavirus are between the ages of 30-70. However, the highest number of deaths (68 percent) has occurred in people ages 70 and higher.

Flags at half staff for police officers killed in the line of duty; SH officer remembered

The U.S. and Michigan flags throughout the state of Michigan will remain lowered at half-staff today to mark Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
The City of South Haven is honoring the memory of Patrolman Michael Mc Allister who was killed in the line of duty on Jan. 9, 1976. The South Haven Police Memorial is located on the front lawn of city hall.

“Peace Officers Memorial Day is a time to remember and reflect on the sacrifices law enforcement make for our communities every single day to keep our families safe," Governor Gretchen Whitmer said. “We witness the great work these professionals do day after day, especially during this pandemic as they have been on the front lines in our communities. Let us honor the men and women in uniform who have given their lives in the line of duty, of whom we owe a debt that can never be repaid, their memories will never be forgotten.”
Peace Officers Memorial Day falls within National Police Week, which was established by Congress in 1962 to recognize law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.



5.11.20

SH Farm Market opens Saturday with social distancing

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

At a time when it seems every summertime activity in South Haven has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, at least one will continue – the South Haven Farm Market.

The market plans to open on schedule, Saturday, May 16 from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Huron Street pavilion, according to Market Manager Brad Adamson.

Unlike other outdoor events and activities that draw large crowds which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's stay-at-home order deems as “unessential” through the month of May, her order does allow for farm markets.

“The executive orders have included farm markets as essential services and has deemed farmers as approved vendors,” Adamson explained. “We feel this (the market) is an essential resource for not only our farmers, but through our SNAP (EBT) program, it provides access to healthy foods for those that need it.”

Over the years, the South Haven Farm Market has grown considerably not only in terms of its vendors but the customers that it draws. In the height of the summer growing season, it's not uncommon for vendors to also utilize neighboring Dyckman Park to sell their products.

This year, however, at least for the start of the market season, Adamson said crowds and vendors will be limited.

“We expect approximately 25 farmers at this time,” he said. “We will be spacing vendors out to promote social distancing. We will also control the total number of guests at the market, as needed, to keep within the distancing guidelines.”

Another change will involve the variety of products allowed for sale. Normaly the market attracts not only growers, but vendors who sell homemade products, such as sauces, honey, maple syrup and baked goods.

That will change, however, when people go to the market this month.

“At this time, we will be limited to farmers,” Adamson said.

Hours for the market are Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. during the month of May. Starting in June through mid-October, hours will be from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays.

5.4.20

South Haven Tribune offers matching ad grant program

Paxton Media Group, publisher of The South Haven Tribune, has established a $250,000 fund to help local businesses in the area get back to full strength by subsidizing their marketing through matching grants.

Area businesses can now apply for a grant to help them recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We realize this is a critical time for our business community, and we wanted to subsidize their marketing through this grant,” said David Holgate, PMG group president.

“As businesses begin to think about opening, even if it’s on a limited basis, it’s vital that they communicate with their customers. We want to be a resource for them to do that.”

The fund is open to all locally owned and operated businesses impacted by the coronavirus, whether or not they are current advertisers.

Grant money can be used for local Tribune print newspaper advertising, special product advertising and digital advertising between now and June 30, 2020. Grants are available for a minimum of $200 and a maximum of $5,000 of matching funds each month. For example, if a business is awarded a grant and spends $200 in advertising, the Tribune will match with a grant of $200 additional advertising dollars to equal $400.

To apply for a dollar-for-dollar matching advertising grant, applications must be submitted online. Enter this url into your web browser: https://bit.ly/2wZek6q

The Tribune will respond within 48 hours.

“A community newspaper is only ever as strong as the community it serves. We know businesses and workers are hurting; we’re hurting, too. But if we can pull together as a community, we can weather this,” Holgate said.

4.27.20

Allegan County Covid-19 cases on the rise;

First death reported

As the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 virus goes up in Allegan County, health officials have announced the first virus-related death in the county.

The individual was hospitalized and had underlying health conditions that were likely a contributing factor, Allegan County Health Department Officer Angelique Joynes announced in a news release issued Friday.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and friends during this time,” Joynes said.. “This is a tragic reminder of why it is so important for everyone to continue to practice social distancing. We have to work together to protect each other and slow the spread of this virus.”

When announcing Friday about the death, Allegan County health officials stated there were 61 cases of Covid-19. This morning (Monday), the number has increased to 69.

In Van Buren County, there are 35 cases and 2 deaths as of this morning.

4.21.20

Broadway Shell gas station in South Haven was  one of nine of 10 gas stations in the South Haven area that was selling gasoline Monday at less than $1 a gallon. (Photo by Becky Kark)

Gas prices fall below

$1 a gallon at South Haven gas stations

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Periodically gas prices dip below $1 a gallon when gas stations wage price wars.

But something unusual has happened in the South Haven area. Since Saturday, the price of gasoline at nine of the 10 gas stations in the area, has fallen below $1, ranging from 96-98 cents per gallon.

The significant drop has nothing to do with stations trying to lure customers in with cheap gas, but rather the ongoing significant drop in oil prices due to the coronavirus pandemic and the governor's stay-at-home order which isn't set to expire until at least May 1.

“I've worked here for five years and I think the lowest price I ever saw was $1.36 a gallon,” said Romello Epperson, assistant manager at the BP Station on Phoenix Road.

Motorists throughout the South Haven area, over the weekend and on Monday were happy to take advantage of the low prices at BP, which is located right by Interstate 196.

“There's been a lot of people buying gas,” Epperson said. “People are bringing in their gas cans to fill up for their lawn mowers before the price goes back up.”

Business was fairly brisk, Monday, at Village Xpress, at the corner of M-140 Highway and Aylworth Avenue.

“It seems like we're selling a lot of gas, but we're not as busy as we would be if people were back to work,” said Sue Walker, assistant manager of Village Xpress. “Because of the corona virus people really aren't going anywhere.”

But like BP, more people are coming to Village Xpress to take advantage of the low prices to fuel up gas containers for lawn motors.

Unlike the South Haven area, Monday's gas prices at filling stations throughout Southwest Michigan were still above $1 an hour, ranging anywhere from $1.29-$1.59.

Even those prices are quite low, according to Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy, which tracks gasoline prices throughout the United States.

As of Monday, six states, including Michigan, had surpassed their lowest average gas prices in over a decade, while five of those states are seeing the lowest prices since the early 2000s, according to DeHaan. Michigan's average price of Monday was $1.45, the lowest it has been since 2003.

"To have thought at the beginning of the year we’d be in the place we are would truly have been impossible, new and multi-year records continue to be written when it comes to gasoline prices,” DeHaan said. “It’s staggering to know that in five of these six states we haven’t seen these gasoline prices in over 15 years, and for many of us, we watch from the living room window, adhering to the orders to stay at home. But there is strong potential that we will see gas prices this summer far lower than our previous expectations, and I’m hopeful by then we’re safely able to enjoy it.”



4.20.20

Firefighters battle house fire

Occupants of a home in Columbia Township managed to safely escape from their dwelling after it caught fire Thursday evening, April 16. Firefighters from Columbia Township Fire Department were dispatched at 8:35 p.m. to the home at 49670 2^nd Ave. to find the basement fully engulfed in flames, according to a news release from South Haven Area Emergency Services. The homeowner told first responders that he discovered the fire after electrical power went out and he went to the basement to find out what caused it. Firefighters' efforts to suppress the fire were hampered by the intensity of the flames. And because of the home's rural location, water had to be shuttled to the scene and then pumped several hundred feet from the roadway back to the property. Columbia Township firefighters were assisted by departments from Lee Township, Bloomingdale, Bangor and South Haven. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. (Photo courtesy of South Haven Area Emergency Services)

4.13.20

SHAES board selects new

fire chief/executive director

By TRIBUNE STAFF

After conducting a five-month nationwide search for a new fire chief, South Haven Area Emergency Services' board of directors has decided to hire a candidate quite familiar with the department and its staff.

Board members announced Friday that they chose veteran firefighter and paramedic Brandon Hinz as the department's new executive director and fire chief. He succeeds current Executive Director Ronald Wise who plans to retire Sept. 30.

Ross Stein, South Haven Township Supervisor who chairs the SHAES board, was pleased with the selection of Hinz.

“Brandon has a solid reputation for being a hardworking, self-motivated and trustworthy member of SHAES,” Stein said. “After multiple rounds of interviews he was clearly the best choice to lead the organization for years to come.

Hinz, who has been with SHAES for a little over two decades, begins his new duties June 1 and will work alongside current Executive Director Ron Wise, who plans to retire Sept. 30, according to Stein.

SHAES provides fire and ambulance service to the City of South Haven and townships of Casco, Geneva and South Haven. Its coverage area consists of 95.3 square miles that is populated by 12,250 year-round residents.

As SHAES' director and fire chief, Hinz will oversee 16 fulltime employees in addition to 30 paid-on-call firefighters, a communication staff and seasonal beach safety interns.

The department operates from three stations, utilizing nearly 20 different types of vehicles, ranging from ambulances to a fire boat to a 93-foot ladder tower. The budget for the department hovers at $2.5 million. In 2018, SHAES responded to more than 2,000 calls for assistance.

Hinz said he is looking forward to his newest role with the fire department.

“SHAES has been an integral part of my life,” he said. “I am very proud to have been a part of this organization for the past 21 years. I will continue to lead SHAES toward all our collective goals with hard work and integrity. Together, we will further our mission of providing the residents of the greater South Haven area with the best fire, rescue and EMS services.

Hinz joined the SHAES staff in 1999 as a paid-on-call responder. He then became a fulltime firefighter and paramedic in 2005. He currently oversees the department’s maintenance service, assists in the training program and has served as an interim captain. In 2012 the department presented him with its Leadership Award.

In preparing for his new job, Hinz is in the process of completing Blue Card Command training, a nationally recognized certification program for fire command officers.

When he's not at work, Hinz resides with his wife, Dawn, and sons Jake and Cal at a farm in Geneva Township where he raises crops and pigs.

4.7.20

Easter services will go on despite coronavirus pandemic - just differently

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Rev. Ron VanLente will head to Riverfront Park Sunday morning to conduct an Easter Sunrise service — alone.

He wants to continue the time-honored Easter service in spite of an historic pandemic that has brought South Haven and the rest of the world to a near-standstill.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's “stay at home” order to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has forced Van Lente to stand alone in front of a camera to conduct Easter service for his congregation to view online.

“I will be doing the service alone and streaming on Facebook Live. I don't want to encourage people to gather,” said VanLente, who is the pastor at First United Methodist Church.

VanLente isn't the only pastor who plans to celebrate online Easter services.

Most South Haven area houses of worship, including First Congregational, Hope, St. Basil and LifeBridge churches all plan to do so today. Pastors think it's important – especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic — to observe Christianity's most important event, the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“Nothing can stop the work of God in this world,” said Milan Bittenbender, pastor of LifeBridge Church. “That's how an often-despised gathering of people (Christians) bound by a common faith has not only survived, but thrived for over 2,000 years — through all kinds of plagues, attacks and hardships.”

One of the hardships that now confronts churches is their inability to conduct weekly in-house worship services, due to the “stay at home” order.

The order went into effect March 24 and could be extended longer than its original end date of April 13th, depending on the spread of the virus throughout Michigan and elsewhere.

Rev. Jeffrey Dick of First Congregational Church was the first South Haven area pastor to conduct an online service. He made the decision to do so when it appeared Whitmer would order all K-12 schools to close, which she did March 13th

“First Congregational starting offering services online on March 12,” Dick said. The first service, streamed on Facebook Live, attracted about 50 viewers. Now, more people are watching, and they're not just church members.

“We are reaching many other people with these services,” Dick said. “Facebook shows active viewers and those who click through. They also give some demographics. I'm not sure how exact it is, but the numbers are significant. Even more so are the number of people who post that they are watching on Facebook. We have had 40 to 80 posts - members around town, also in Chicago, Florida, Arizona and California. Also many non-members.”

Most pastors who were interviewed utilize Facebook Live for online services. Others though have been experimenting with other platforms.

Hope Church, for instance, uses Zoom.

“It requires our church family to have an app downloaded, but offers a very stable and flexible platform for what we are seeking to do,” Rev. Steve Smallegan said. “What we are doing is 'live' at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, but it is recorded, then edited and downloaded to our Facebook page and our church website.”

Finding an online platform to suit the church's needs took effort the first couple of weeks, but is beginning paying off for the church.

“The first week (March 22) we counted about 85 devices connected,” Smallegan said. “This past Sunday (March 29) we were as high as 102 devices connected. In terms of a reaction, people have been appreciative and supportive.”

Online services are catching on at LifeBridge church, as well. “Each week we see new people engaging in the comments - people we haven't seen or met before,” Bittenbender said. “Social media creates an amazing network of people. Lots of people won't go to a church for any number of reasons, but an online connection feels much safer as a way to get a feel for things without having to 'dive in.'”

But ministers admit online services pose drawbacks.

“I miss being with people,” Dick said. “I feel especially sad for the older members who don’t have access to the internet.”

“It's different to not have people together,” Smallegan said. “We are made by God to be relational. Solitary confinement - isolation - is considered to be the hardest form of punishment. We are made to be together.”

Pastors are finding a silver lining, however, in the online services.

“We can't be together doing this, but we are, in fact, together at this moment and we are all doing the same thing, we are worshiping a God who is still strong, good, and great, we are singing, and we are hearing God's Word,” Smallegan said. “This is a new way to be together, a new way to 'do' church, and we're learning we have to do some things a little differently in order to be effective through this medium.”

VanLente and Bittenbender voiced similar comments.

“Actually, the blessing in disguise is that we are forced to enter the 21st century and rethink how we do church and how we are the church,” VanLente said. “We needed to develop an online presence anyway - this just made us move up the timeline.”

“It's possible through all of this that people will simply become more dependent on digital communication,” Bittenbender added. “No matter what happens, we know that the internet is the new front door - to any organization. We want to make sure that when people, for any reason, decide to check out church or the Christian faith, we want the front door to be wide open and welcoming.”

PHOTO: The stained glass window at First United Methodist Church depicts Jesus in the garden of Gethsamane to pray before being arrested, and a day later, crucified.



4.3.20

First coronavirus-related death reported in Van Buren County

Van Buren County reports first COVID-19 death

Each county in Southwest Michigan has now experienced a death due to COVID-19.

Van Buren County reported its first death Thursday. He was a man in his mid-70s with underlying health conditions, according to Danielle Persky, director of health promotion for the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department.

“We want to remind everyone to take the threat of this virus seriously,” Persky said. “Wash your hands, practice social distancing, and only go out when necessary.  Individuals should contact their primary care provider or one of the local health system care advisor lines listed on our website if they believe they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

As of Friday morning, the county has 12 positive cases, including the death, up from 10 reported Wednesday.

Berrien County reported its first death Monday. It now has 40 positive cases, including the death, up from 38 cases reported Wednesday.

Sixteen of those 40 cases have fully recovered, according to the Berrien County Health Department.

Cass County reported its first death Tuesday.

The number of positive cases in Cass remains at six cases, including the death.

The state and county health departments update the number of positive COVID-19 cases at 3 p.m. each day. For state numbers, visit www.michigan .gov/coronavirus.



Coronavirus impact forces closure of schools for the rest of the year in Michigan

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

For thousands of Michigan students, school's out for summer.

But not completely.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order Thursday telling K-12 schools throughout the state to cancel in-person instruction for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. However, by April 28, individual school districts will have to come up with a plan to offer courses in alternative ways, including online instruction. The Michigan Department of Education planned to issue a sample plan, Friday, that districts could use to come up with their own plans.

The governor indicated that each district's plan should be tailored to their community. If the plan relies on some online instruction, the district should ensure every student who needs it has access to an appropriate computer device with an ability to connect to the internet. But, students and families will not be penalized if they are unable to participate in their alternate learning plan.

“While there is no substitute for a highly trained and experienced teacher interacting with students in a classroom, schools must continue to provide, and students must continue to receive, the highest level of educational opportunities possible under the difficult circumstances now before us,” Whitmer explained in her order. “To do so, schools and students alike must be enabled to innovate and adapt, and those efforts must not be unduly inhibited by requirements or restrictions that are misplaced in this time of unprecedented crisis.”

Some of those restrictions include the number of days and hours schools offer instruction. The State Aid Act indicates schools must offer 1,098 hours of pupil instruction each school year.

However, the executive order will waive that requirement as long as districts have an approved plan outlining how students will be taught through the end of this school year. To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on educational outcomes, a district may adopt year-round school or a year-round program for the 2020-2021 school year or start the 2020-2021 school year before the first Monday in September.

The Governor's order also gives high school seniors the opportunity to graduate this year, it cancels the MSTEP and SAT testing, and postpones PSAT and SAT tests for incoming seniors and other students. In addition, the order stipulates that teachers and other school employees will be paid for the remainder of the school year.

Additionally, the order states school districts should continue to provide mental health care services for students and continue to provide meals for families who need them during the COVID-19 crisis.

After the governor issued her order, area school district superintendents began meeting with administrators and staff to develop instructional plans. Covert Public Schools Superintendent Yolanda Brunt was one of them.

“I will be meeting with my administrative team to discuss how our district will address various issues including graduation,” she said, Thursday, shortly after the governor's order went into effect.

South Haven Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Schooley said administrators and staff have been anticipating the possibility of the governor canceling in-house instruction for the remainder of the school year.

“Thankfully, before this order was issued we were working with teachers to develop ways to communicate (online) with kids.”Schooley said.

When the governor issued the first stay-at-home order on March 12, the school district also sent each child home with a computer device and charger, along with a list of online enrichment courses they could take.

South Haven Schools is also improving internet connectivity for students living in rural areas.

“We've been working through internet issues,” Schooley said.

He's hoping that by April 10, the district's learning-from-home instruction plan will receive approval so that classes can be taught to students.

“It's surreal,” Schooley said, regarding the changes the COVID-19 pandemic has brought for students and teachers. “We're praying for the best, but preparing for the worst.”

Like South Haven, Bangor, too, is aware of the lack of internet access for some students.

“We know technology and internet access if Southwest Michigan is spotty at best for some,” said Bangor Superintendent Lynn Johnson. “How we handle this will be determined within the next week to 10 days. We are currently working on a plan that will fit the needs and resources available for our students.”

The senior class of 2020 is also on his mind as it is on other superintendent's minds.

“Right now we plan on having graduation,” Johnson said. “But whether it will be as scheduled or later in the summer, July or August, is yet to be seen. Much depends on the whole social distancing issue. I know whenever we are able to host graduation, the plan most likely will be outdoors in the stadium, which is an open-air facility.”

4.1.20

Republic suspends curbside pickup of large, bulky items in City of South Haven

Republic Services has announced that the curbside bulk pickup for City of South Haven residents has been suspended at this time. Bulk items are large items that will not fit into trach containers., such as furniture. Alternatively, residents may use the Republic Services transfer station at 200 Aylworth Ave. to drop off their bulk trash. The transfer station will be open to City of South Haven residents only beginning Monday, April, 6th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Yard waste will continue to be picked up at the curb. No yard waste bags are allowed at the transfer station.

An attendant will be on site checking for proof of residency to ensure the transfer station is used by residents only, as well as to monitor traffic flow to promote social distancing/spacing. Additionally, only items that are part of the curbside bulk program will be acceptable.

For more information, contact Republic Services at 877-698-7274.



Be sure to vote for your favorite foods, activities and places to shop in the South Haven area, now through  Oct. 16. Contest winners will be announced in a special section that will be published in the South Haven Tribune in Nov. 15. 

The South Haven Tribune is a total market coverage newspaper in southwestern Michigan, delivered weekly to homes and businesses in northwestern Van Buren County and southwestern Allegan County. The Tribune is owned by Paxton Media Group and is affiliated with The Herald-Palladium.