1.20.20

While contractors get ready to pour the cement street and curbs and gutters on Center Street in downtown South Haven, South Haven Center, a new $3.8 million, three-story mixed-use development in downtown South Haven has opened it doors. The building contains 2,500 square feet of retail space on the first floor and 18 market-rate apartments on the upper floors. Several of the apartments have already been leased.

New apartment/retail complex opens in

South Haven

First one to locate downtown in more than two decades

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

For more than a decade, a piece of property in the heart of the city's central business district sat vacant; the historic church that once dominated the site was condemned in 2007 and finally torn down.

But new life has taken over the .3-acre lot in the form of a brand new $3.8 million, three-story mixed-use building.

Situated at the corner of Huron and Center streets, South Haven Center is now open. The brick and steel structure took more than a year to build and contains 2,500-square-feet of retail space on the first floor and 18 market-rate apartments on the upper floors.

Each of the one- and two-bedroom living spaces has balconies that overlook either Center Street or the city's downtown pavilion and Dyckman Park.

“I don't know of anyplace like this in South Haven, South Haven Center apartment manager Marie Mielke said. “There's not too many places where you have a view of the downtown like this.”

The opening of South Haven Center marks the first time in a couple of decades that new apartments have been constructed in the city's downtown. The Dockside Apartment complex on Williams Street, constructed in the 1990s, were the last ones to be built.

City officials are welcoming the new apartments, downtown, as well as 18 new ones proposed to be built by developer Randy Locker.

According to a study prepared last year by Community Research Services of St. Johns, there is a need for 60 market-rate apartments, in the vicinity of downtown, and an additional 30 to 40 non-subsidized senior apartment units.

South Haven Center already has tenants, Mielke said. “We have had tenants from the day we opened.

I have shown the apartments many times.”

Each apartment contains stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer, one to two bathrooms, and large windows. Each tenant can utilize an assigned parking space for their car and there's a room on the first floor for bike storage. Tenants can also have up to two dogs. Apartments range in size from 630 to 975 square feet and cost from $1,400 to $1,850 per month to lease.

To help make the mixed-use complex a reality, South Haven city officials granted a 10-year tax abatement to developer Matthew O'Connor, owner of South Haven Center LLC. The abatement will result in a savings of $646,672 over the next decade for South Haven Center, according to city officials.

Under Michigan Public Act 210, a municipality can create a commercial rehabilitation district that would freeze the taxable value of a property at pre-project levels for up to 10 years. In other words, the developer would only pay taxes on the property itself, not the improvements that are made. However,the improvements would still be subject to school operating taxes.

Bangor officials unveil new council chamber

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

BANGOR — An open house will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 to show off the city’s recently renovated city council chamber.

Thanks to funding from the Downtown Development Authority, the city has been able to renovate and enlarge the antiquated meeting room at city hall.

“The DDA had told us they would be willing to do a project for the hall and we had been wanting to remove a wall and expand the council chambers,” City Manager Regina Hoover explained.

For years, meetings were held in one room at city hall that had limited public seating. By knocking out an existing wall in an adjoining room, city officials were able to double the size of the council chamber.

“The rooms were old and antiquated,” explained Thad Earl, DDA chairperson. “The other room wasn’t used basically because it was in terrible condition and the wiring was bad. Personally, I thought the rooms were dangerous because of the wiring.”

The remodel, according to Hoover, includes new flooring, windows, exterior siding, LED lighting, paint, a Smart TV that is used for presentations, interior doors and a new council desk resulting in about a $35,000 price tag. The remodel also included adding exterior gooseneck lights and siding.

“Our council room looks amazing,” wrote Darren Williams, city mayor, on the city’s Facebook page. “Thank you to DDA for the new council room. I won’t only feel like the mayor but like a king!”

Contracts for the remodel were held with Midway Electric, Ray Kenyon, Monroe Miller and Overalls, said Hoover.

“It was a good project for the DDA, ” Earl said. “It makes it easier for the public to access services.”



1.13.20

Clementine's settles with feds over wage dispute

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Two popular Southwest Michigan restaurants and their owner say they have reached a settlement with a federal agency that accused them of short-changing pay for some of their employees.

Clementine’s Saloon in South Haven, Clementine’s Too in St. Joseph and owner Al Ruppert plan to reimburse employees a total of $36,000 in back pay and damages assessed by the U.S. Department of Labor.

“Clementine’s appreciates its employees, treats them fairly and believes that it fully has complied with the law,” the company posted on its Facebook site. “We disputed and vigorously defended ourselves against what we believe were unfounded charges by the U.S. Department of Labor. However, for business reasons, in order to avoid protracted and costly litigation, the company decided to enter into a modest settlement agreement.”

“We decided to accept the settlement. We want it to be over,” said Clementine’s General Manager Sue Frederick.

A judgment settlement over a lawsuit filed by the Department of Labor against Clementine’s was entered Monday, Jan. 6, in U.S. Sixth District Court. The judge in the case signed the consent agreement on Thursday, according to Scott Allen, the U.S. Department of Labor’s regional director for public affairs and media relations.

The lawsuit said Clementine’s violated the federal Fair Labor Standards Act by not classifying some of its workers as minimum wage employees, but rather as ones who receive a combination of wages and tips.

The Department of Labor said Clementine’s should have classified its expediter staff in the same wage category as kitchen staff. Instead, the two restaurants put expediters in the same classification as servers and bartenders, who receive a combination of hourly wages and tips.

The Department of Labor began investigating the restaurants’ wage practices in November 2018 and presented their findings in May 2019, according to Frederick. The investigation involved an examination of wages paid to employees between 2016 and 2018.

Frederick said the restaurant did not purposely mean to violate federal labor laws involving restaurant worker wages.

South Haven stremlines livestock permit process

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Two years ago, Edgeworks owners Chuck and Debbie Beatty thought it would be a great idea to let four of their Boer goats graze on property the couple owns in the city's business park.

The couple — unabashed goat lovers — reasoned that bringing the the animals to work would help keep their grandchildren occupied while grandma and grandpa worked at the shop.

But gaining the city's OK was another story.

First, the Beattys had to apply for a livestock permit from city officials. Then they had to get the Van Buren/Cass Health Department's blessing. Finally, the city council had to decide whether to allow the goats. The couple's diligence, however, paid off.

“They were over the moon the council approved it,” City Manager Brian Dissette recalled.

The Beattys aren't the only city residents who want to own livestock on their property.

“The City Council has received an increasing number of requests to keep non-traditional

animals on residential properties,” Assistant City Manager Kate Hosier said. “The current ordinance requires a recommendation from the county health department officer in order for the city council to approve an application for livestock.”

But the health department no longer has staff available to conduct the reviews.

“For the past couple of years, the health department has said, 'we cannot review them. We don't have the staff,” Dissette said.

As a result, livestock permits have been basically put on hold.

But it looks like that will change.

Council members, Monday, voted to amend the city's livestock ordinance to streamline the process of gaining a permit to own such outdoor animals as domestic rabbits, pigeons, chickens, potbelly pigs, goats, even honeybees.

City staff and the planning commission, for the past several months, have been examining livestock ordinances from other cities in Michigan, Hosier explained. Proposed amendments were then drafted for the planning commission to review and forward to the city council.

The updated ordinance gets rid of some of the steps people had to take to get a permit. Applications no longer have to be reviewed by the city council and the health department. Rather, city staff will have the authority to approve or deny permits. The amended ordinance also stipulates how many of each kind of livestock people can have, how much space they need to allocate for their animals and how to properly care for them. Livestock owners who violate provisions of the ordinance can be prosecuted.

“This is a way for us to better enforce (livestock ownership within city limits). I think it's time to put it on the books,” Mayor Scott Smith said.

Some people, however, aren't for having any livestock in town. Period. And they voiced their opinions during a public hearing Monday.

“What this is proposing is to allow animals not commonly kept within your house,” said Mary Lynn Bugge. “They have excrement and make noise...I think it's lovely to visit farms but I chose to live in an area that has properties close together. If I wanted to live next to a farm I would.”

Bugge and another resident, Pat Gaston, also questioned whether violators of the ordinance would be properly dealt with.

We put regulations out there but don't seem to have the personnel to monitor and enforce this,” Gaston said.

A third resident, Joe Wilkins, said allowing livestock in his neighborhood could potentially bring down property values if people were actually trying to raise livestock, versus owning them as pets.

But other residents said they have no problem with the city having a livestock ordinance.

“I'm in favor of this ordinance,” said Danielle Veenstra. “I lived in Grand Rapids years ago. There was a huge controversy over people having chickens. Most neighbors were not even aware someone had chickens.”

Council member Chris Campbell commented that a friend he knows owns a duck.

“My daughter loves ducks. Give her a puppy, she doesn't care,” he said.







1.6.20

Brian deBest of deBest Inc. in South Haven stands behind several of the huge limestone boulders his company is using for erosion-control projects up and down the Lake Michigan shoreline. The boulders pictured above were used earlier this month to provide further protection for a home on Monroe Boulevard in South Haven. (Photo by Tom Renner)

Epic battle against nature

South Haven homeowner does what it takes to protect his property

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

A decade ago, South Haven Township homeowner Mark Odland paid for construction of a large revetment wall to protect his lakefront property and beach from erosion.

It seemed indestructible at the time.

“We used a product called Redi Rock,” Odland said. “Huge concrete blocks...weighing more than a ton each were placed one at a time on a foundation 15 feet below sea level and built up one layer at a time. The wall was built up to a height of between 6-8 feet above the shore, and huge boulders were placed in front of the wall upon completion.”

The Odlands loved their lakefront home on 77^th Street with its 175 feet of beach. That is until this fall when high waves and strong winds, fueled by the near-record water levels on Lake Michigan eroded the revetment and took away the Odland's beach.

“Day after day of prevailing northwest to north winds caused the lake to surge and waves began to breach the north side of the wall...thus causing significant erosion on the neighboring property and erosion behind our wall,” Odland said. “With those storms came huge amounts of floating debris including trees, logs, docks, boats, decks, etc., all causing additional damage.”

The damage caused by high water levels on Lake Michigan is all too familiar to Brian deBest, owner of deBest Inc. in South Haven.

For the past 20 years, deBest's landscaping firm has built revetments. But because of the high water levels on Lake Michigan this year, they've had to come up with more creative ways to complete their erosion-control structures.

In the case of the Odland home, deBest had to use large excavating equipment and an amphibious dump truck to unload huge boulders, and sand and clay that will comprise the outer portion of the current revetment. The boulders will line the entire length of the existing wall, which will then be raised in height to prevent waves from breaching the top of it.

The boulders, each weighing from 1-5 tons, came from a mine in Wisconsin and were shipped by barge for deBest's erosion control projects.

“The boulders seem to work much better than other materials taking the energy out from the wave action,” deBest said.

DeBest is using the massive, large boulders for other erosion control projects, as well.

“We currently have 17 projects similar to the Odland's currently in process,” deBest said. “We are working from the Fennville area to as far south as New Buffalo.”

The erosion-control measures lakeshore property owners are undertaking can come with a hefty price tag.

Odland said the erosion control measures he's taken to protect his property will cost approximately $150,000. He also had to work with an environmental engineer and obtain permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy to proceed with the project.

“It will cost more than what we had planned to spend, but less than what would happen if we failed to take this action,” Odland said in an interview with the Palladium on Monday. “On the north side of our property immediately next to the adjoining neighbor, we lost between 30-40 feet of our property. It (erosion) would have threatened our home had we failed to take action.  It is threatening the property next door where no protection was placed.”

Some people have been critical of lakefront property owners these days, saying they never should have purchased homes and beachfront land so close to Lake Michigan and that the measures some utilize to protect their land from erosion don't work.

“Even though we are the landowners and even though we are paying significant taxes on lots that are underwater, we consider ourselves caretakers of this wonderful lakefront doing what we can to preserve it for the generations that will follow.

“The school of thought that suggests we shouldn’t do anything to protect our property is not one that we believe in...Remember when tires, car bodies, wheels, concrete slabs, tree stumps, 55-gallon drums filled with concrete, engine blocks and other garbage was dumped on the bluffs and used for shoreline erosion protection in the '50s, '60s, '70s, and '80s?  How did that work out?  Much of it litters our shore today south of South Haven.”



12.30.19

Nic Sheppard, a sophomore at South Haven High School, is shown with his Formula Ford race car.

Hip surgery fails to

keep racer from getting behind the wheel to

win awards

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

South Haven High School sophomore Nic Sheppard has added one more title to his racing resume.

The Gobles teen, who has been whipping around the race track since he was kindergarten-age, racked up enough points this past racing season to be named “2019 Great Lakes SCCA Divisional Points Champion.”

Competing in the Formula F class, Sheppard started in the kart class earning plenty of trophies, ribbons and checkered flags.

"I started racing karts when I was 5 years old,” said the 16-year-old son of Dale and Julie Sheppard. “I had a very successful career in karting. I've been racing in Formula F for two years now.”

Formally known as Formula Ford, Formula F is an entry-level class of single seat, open wheeled race cars. Traditionally regarded as the first major stepping stone into formula racing after karting, Formula F is an important step for many Formula One drivers, according to racer.com.

With a total 36 victories, including three national and seven regional ones, Sheppard has raced on tracks in multiple states, from Wisconsin to Florida, and is well on to his dream of becoming a professional driver - even after a major health setback.

“My season was shortened last year due to needing to age in,” he explained. “Being the youngest on the track, there is a sense of pressure and I really need to prove myself. Earlier this year I had surgery on my hip which I had to recover from, and it had delayed my racing season practices and start. My first races were done with me on crutches and no weight bearing. When I had recovered from the hip surgery, I continued on in the season to win seven races and the Great Lakes Championship.”

Sheppard is the first to admit that he couldn’t have accomplished as much as he has without support from his mother, his father and his two brothers.

“This all truly means a lot to me and hopefully we will continue to have successful years in the future,” Sheppard said. “It's a thrill and adrenaline rush to win a race, and this championship win was especially rewarding. I know I could never get to this point without my father, my family, school support system and my wonderful sponsors.”

The SCCA Great Lakes awards banquet will be held in March.



12.23.19

South Haven Township officials are looking at ways to make the M-43 roundabout, east of South Haven, safer for motorists. (Herald-Palladium photo by Don Campbell)

Proactive approach

Township plans to install street lights at M-43 roundabout to make it safer for motorists

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

When Michigan Department of Transportation constructed a roundabout on M-43 Highway a decade ago, the agency did so to reduce accidents at the state trunkline's busy three-way intersection.

Over the years, MDOT's strategy has paid off. Crashes have been significantly reduce. Still, some motorists continue to struggle with negotiating the circular roadway.

The latest mishap occurred in August when the driver of an eastbound vehicle failed to yield at the roundabout. His vehicle careened over the concrete traffic island, went airborne and then slammed into the side of Maple Grove Grill and Bar. The driver ended up being taken to the hospital while the restaurant grappled with the extensive damage the crash caused.

That incident and several others has prompted South Haven Township officials to try to come up with a solution to make the heavily used roundabout more safe.

“We want to be proactive,” South Haven Township Supervisor Ross Stein said. The roundabout is located right where two roads intersect at angles with M-43 Highway.

Currently, as motorists traveling on M-43 or the two other roads approach the roundabout, they see a series of yellow neon signs instructing them to yield to traffic to their left and proceed counter-clockwise into the circle roadway at a slow speed. As nightfall approaches, the signs can be seen from a distance because of their neon coating.

But board members think overhead lights, such as one along other rural intersections are needed at the roundabout. So, Wednesday, members voted to install two more overhead street lights – one at each side road intersection.

It will cost $300 to install the light fixtures. The township will also pick up the cost of the monthly electrical usage fees.

“If we get lights there, maybe people will quit running over it (the cement traffic island),” Stein said.

A holiday treat

Twenty South Haven elementary school students joined others throughout Van Buren County last week for the annual Shop with a Cop program. Officers from South Haven Police Department, Michigan State Police and firefighters from South Haven Area Emergency Services took children on a Christmas shopping spree at Meijer in South Haven. They also enjoyed pizza at Lakeside Entertainment Center. Meijer provided a grant for the gifts, while a donor from the state police provided the pizza. In the top photo, South Haven Police Officer Phil Poole helps children shop. In the photo to the right, state troopers serve up pizza to a youngster. (Photo by Tom Renner)



12.16.19

How sweet they aren't

Online survey names top 10 least favorite holiday candies

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

From Hershey's Kisses to candy canes, everyone has a favorite Christmas candy, but a new survey by Candystore.com finds there are some confections people would rather not find in their stockings.

As part of its annual list of worst Christmas candies, Candystore.com asked 32,000 of its customers about their least favorite sugary treat. It didn’t take long for them to respond.

Topping the list once again is the Christmas Tree Nougat, according to Ben George of Candystore.com

“It seems they are thought of by many to have a flavor that is inconsistent with expectations for a nougat candy,” he said.

“I don’t even want to see the little poker chip nougats,” commented one Candystore customer. “Ugly, bad taste, weird texture. Go away.”

Coming in at number two were Cherry Cordials. Ranked fifth last year, the chocolate-covered cherries jumped up to the number two slot this year. While many agree that chocolate is good and cherries are good, the combination appears to be anything but.

“That poor little cherry has been swimming in whatever that junk is and now we’re supposed to want to eat it,” one customer wrote.

Reindeer Corn is one Christmas candy that is hated by some, loved by others. Earning the No. 3 spot, Reindeer Corn actually dropped from the number two slot last year. What is Reindeer Corn you ask? It’s the Christmas version of Halloween’s candy corn, only it’s red, green and white.

Worst Christmas candy respondents though didn't seem to care what color they are.

“Reindeer corn, seriously? Beyond awful,” one person said.

Also making the list of least favorite candies were white peppermint M&Ms, Peeps, Lifesavers Story Books, peppermint bark, Old Fashioned Hard Candy Mix, non-peppermint candy canes and ribbon candy.

The National Register estimates that Americans will spend over $2 billion on Christmas candy this year.  Candy is a much bigger part of culture than most people realize. People’s likes and dislikes are shaped by a thousand different influences over their lifetime, and especially their childhood. Some of the biggest sellers are also the most hated. 

For example, Michiganders, according to the Candystore.com survey of Favorite holiday candies, rank Reindeer Corn as the top favorite Christmas treat followed by Reese’s Cup Minis and Peppermint Bark. 

Whatever your preference, the popularity of Christmas candy is here to stay, so, let the unwrapping begin!

Testing the waters

City seeks input on whether lifeguards should man South Haven's beaches again

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Following the drowning of a 13-year-old boy near South Beach in July, area residents asked South Haven city officials to consider bringing back lifeguards to monitor beach activities.

Now, city officials are making good on citizens' requests.

Officials have contracted with Western Michigan University's Kercher Center for Social Research to conduct a community-wide survey to gain input on how effective the city deals with safety-related issues, including ones related to Lake Michigan.

The goal is to use the results to assist the city in evaluating safety needs and identifying what

approaches are most supported by the South Haven community, according to City Manager Brian Dissette.

In November, the Kercher Center randomly chose 2,000 city residents to mail surveys to. Now, they're seeking additional input from the surrounding area by putting the survey online, with the intent of compiling the results by February to present to city officials.

“By placing the survey online, we are seeking to gather information from the entire community, not just city residents,” Dissette said. “We are attempting to show data from both city and community members as part of the final report.”

Although the 20-question survey asks respondents to rate the effectiveness of the police, fire and code enforcement services, the majority are related to water safety and whether lifeguards would be more effective in preventing or dealing with drowning situations.

According to Dissette, the survey's focus on water safety is a direct result of input the city council received from area residents following the July drowning death.

Much of the input came from an online petition started by South Haven resident and parent Kam Daugherty, who asked respondents whether lifeguards should return to South Haven beaches.

She ended up getting thousands of responders throughout the United States who gave an overwhelming yes to her question.

“Because most of my friends were lifeguards I was able to witness the effectiveness of lifeguards in not only rescuing swimmers but preventing drownings,” said Daugherty, who grew up near North Beach.

But city officials at the time were reluctant to act on results of the petition.

“That information included a vast number of signatures but the data was developed using social media and included voices from all over Southwest Michigan, the state of Michigan, and even the country,” Dissette said. “By engaging the Kercher Center, we hope to refine the data to show how folk living in South Haven feel about the topic, and whether or not there is a desire by South Haven residents to explore the creation of new water safety programs.”

South Haven, along with many lakeshore communities up and down the Lake Michigan shoreline disbanded life guard programs in the early 2000s.

Currently, the city relies on first responders from South Haven Area Emergency Services and South Haven Police Department to respond to water rescues. Both departments have invested thousands of dollars in life-saving equipment and training to improve their effectiveness in water rescues on Lake Michigan and in the Black River harbor.

Several years ago the city also instituted a flag weather warning system at North and South beaches and installed signs warning people of the dangers of rip currents in Lake Michigan. When the green flags are used the water is considered safe for swimming. Yellow means caution, while red means stay out of the lake. First responders monitor the flags throughout the day, based on changing weather conditions.

And yet, beachgoers still enter Lake Michigan when the warning flags are yellow or even red.

When the 13-year-old boy drowned in July, the flags had been changed from green to yellow. Several days later when the flags were red, first responders rescued two swimmers who became distressed from the high waves near the South Pier. A month later they rescued three other swimmers who had become fatigued from dangerous water conditions.

Aid requested for lakeshore erosion

Upton seeks help from Corps of Engineers; State legislators want a disaster declaration

By JOHN MATUSZAK

HP Staff Writer

NEW BUFFALO — Southwest Michigan leaders aren’t treading water when it comes to combating the growing problem of erosion along the lakeshore.

This past week U.S. Rep. Fred Upton sent a letter asking for the Army Corps of Engineers to include $2.4 million in its 2020 budget to add 120,000 cubic yards of sand to replace materials lost south of the New Buffalo pier.

The request came as Upton met in Washington, D.C. with Berrien County Commissioner Ezra Scott, of New Buffalo, and members of the New Buffalo Shoreline Alliance, including New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit.

New Buffalo is among the areas hard hit by rising waters and heavy waves along the shore, that is worsening erosion and threatening homes, beaches and infrastructure, such as the New Buffalo water plant. Sidewalks at Lions Beach Park and Silver Beach in St. Joseph were damaged by storms last week, and Bridgman officials asked residents to fill sandbags to protect the beach house at Weko Beach.

In his letter to R.D. James, assistant secretary of the U.S. Army (Civil Division), Upton pointed out that for 20 years the Corps of Engineers had replaced sand lost due to the construction of the New Buffalo pier, but stopped short of its 50-year commitment to mitigate the erosion. A 2009 plan recommended replacing the 120,000 cubic yards of sand at the Warwick Shores/Sunset Shores location, Upton wrote.

The members of the New Buffalo alliance have been working to get the Corps of Engineers to restore the beach and install structures that would reduce erosion.

Last month, Scott introduced a resolution, passed by the Berrien County Board of Commissioners, asking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of disaster along the 3,400-mile Michigan shoreline, as a step toward seeking federal aid. While in Washington, he was planning to meet with White House contacts to make the case for the needed aid.

Closer to home in South Haven, city officials are asking the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners to take similar action.

State legislators are taking up that call, as well.

Reps. Beth Griffin, R-Mattawan, and Mary Whiteford, R-Allegan, along with other legislators also have made a request for a disaster declaration from the governor.

“Tremendous damage has been done not only in my community, but along the entirety of the Lake Michigan shoreline,” said Rep. Brad Paquette of Niles in a news release. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in the fight to address this devastation by allowing the impacted areas to qualify for additional financial help.”

By issuing a state of emergency, the governor would be able to designate more resources to respond to the erosion along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the release explains. A state of emergency declaration would also allow the state to petition the federal government to do the same, activating additional resources to assist impacted communities and property owners.

The letter mentions how the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has been helpful in speeding up the permitting process and reducing regulatory hurdles to address potential future impacts, But it also notes that much of the damage has already been done, “leaving residents and business owners to pick up the pieces.”



12.9.19

As part of his training to become South Haven Public Schools new School Resource Officer, South Haven Police Officer Kevin Wildey has been spending time interacting with students in the classroom and at sporting events and other activities. In the photo, above, he is shown with varsity swimmer Kaiden Cole, who has Spina Bifida. Wildey wore a custom-made yellow police bike patrol jersey in support of Cole and Spina Bifida awareness. (Contributed photo)

SH Police, school district relaunch School Resource Officer position

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Nearly three years ago South Haven Public Schools and the South Haven Police Department decided to end their agreement to have a police officer assigned to the school district on a regular basis.

Now, after several months of planning, a police officer will once again walk the hallways of school buildings throughout the school year interacting with students and staff.

Officer Kevin Wildey will start his new duties this week as School Resource Officer (SRO) at South Haven Public Schools.

His new position was made possible, Monday, when South Haven City Council members voted in favor of approving a two-year agreement with South Haven Public Schools to create the SRO position. School board members ratified the pact last month.

Wildey, who has been with the local police department since 2006, had been working night shifts for South Haven Police Department specializing in accident reconstruction for serious and fatal accidents and processing crime scenes. But now his job and work shift will change.

“Officer Wildey will be assigned to South Haven Public Schools full-time during the school year.” Police Chief Natalie Thompson said. “He will not be handling complaints outside of the school unless he is called in for one of his specialties...During the summer/non-school months he will fill the open night-shift position he left to go into the schools.”

To gear up for his new job, Wildey received training from the National Association of School Resource Officers.

“He is anxious to serve as a positive role model within the schools,” Thompson said.

Wildey's role as SRO includes duties typical of a police officer – protecting lives, enforcing laws and assisting in criminal activities. But his job also entails counseling students in special situations, when requested by building principals, conducting classroom presentations about law enforcement and attending after-school activities from time to time.

Kevin Schooley, who is in his first year as superintendent for South Haven Public Schools, said the district is pleased to once again have a School Resource Officer.

“We have been in the planning stages of this for some time and we are ready for yet another positive addition to our school community, he said. “I think the position is important, especially at the younger level, to build positive relationships with students and staff,” he said. “They get to realize the SRO is an additional person they can count on in a time of need.  The SRO is also a bridge to law enforcement and getting resources in place for kids and assisting school personnel with school safety procedures.”

To make the SRO position a reality, Schooley and Thompson sat down to hammer out an agreement that would be satisfactory to both the police department and the school district.

Although the new agreement recognizes that if a crime occurs on school premises the SRO can investigate and make an arrest if necessary, it also outlines the building principal's duties.

“Chief Thompson and I did work a great deal on outlining the parameters of the SRO position, as providing clear expectations for the SRO is key in the program's success,” Schooley said. “The SRO is not a school disciplinarian and does not assume the role of what is traditionally the building principal. The SRO is an additional resource.”

As part of the two-year agreement, South Haven Public Schools will pay the City of South Haven $36,000 for Wildey's position. Under the previous SRO agreement, South Haven Schools was paying $56,000.

The greater expense helped to play a role in the termination of the pact, according to South Haven City Manager Brian Dissette.

“It was partially due to the funding commitment and partially due to an unclear definition of what the SRO's role was to accomplish,” Dissette said. “Natalie has spent a lot of time with Superintendent Schooley to ensure that all parties know exactly what the SRO will do on a daily basis to ensure that we meet the goals of the South Haven Public Schools' leadership. The role of the SRO is now clearly defined to ensure that the SRO knows exactly what the chain of command is and how to handle sensitive situations.”

Although South Haven city officials do not plan to hire an officer to take Wildey's place while he's working as an SRO, city staff may do so in the future if necessary.

“Over the next year, management will monitor the agreement and determine if an additional staff member is needed due to the increased work load, overtime, or a reduction in standard police services,” Dissette said.

Group issues $25,000 challenge grant toward splash pad

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

As youngsters and adults look forward to the construction of the new splash pad near South Beach, a local group hopes some of that enthusiasm will generate funding to help pay for the structure.

The Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation this week announced a dollar-for-dollar community donation drive to raise a total of $50,000 for the splash pad.

The matching grant campaign will take place over the next five years, according to Alan Silverman, a member of the Foundation.

We've pledged $25,000 provided it is matched by citizen donors,” Silverman said.

Already people are donating to the Splash Pad Matching Fund. At Monday's South Haven City Council meeting, Silverman presented the city with a check totaling $12,945.

Most of the cost for the splash pad's construction is coming from a state grant and donations from community groups. The city obtained a matching $300,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources earlier this year and has accumulated nearly $90,000 in local donations since then.

The city is also helping to pay for the project through several other funding sources, including beach parking fees, the Downtown Development Authority and the capital projects fund, according to City Manager Brian Dissette.

When completed the splash pad will resemble the Michigan Maritime Museum's tall ship, Friends Good Will and will accommodate approximately 100 people who can run under the nautical-designed fountains and other devices to cool off during hot days at the beach.

Elementary students in South Haven who were polled earlier this year, overwhelmingly chose the ship design over another one that consisted mainly of decorative water fountains.

Two weeks ago, city officials held a ground-breaking ceremony for construction of the splash pad. Contractors hope the project will be completed by Memorial Day 2020.

With the high water levels of Lake Michigan and beach erosion, splash pads along the lakeshore could prove to be even more popular with people next summer.

“I am thrilled we have another option when the lake waters may not be in swimming condition or closed due to E. coli. It’s a great addition to our community” said Erica Karr, Covert mother of three. Karr is among a number of area residents with children who say they plan to take advantage of the new splash pad for the safety it provides close to home.

“It will be such a relief to have a place to take the girls to play in the water where it is easier for me to keep an eye on them when I am by myself” said Amanda Johnson of South Haven.

In addition to providing a safe alternative to the lake, the splash pad project will

provide other benefits to South Beach and nearby Riverfront Park, including added seating and tables near the beach, new handicap-accessible parking areas, expanded green space and additional landscaping along the riverfront.

For more information about the Splash Pad Matching Fund, visit www.southhavencf.org

Woman volunteers twice a week to register voters at SH library



By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

For the first time, voting in Michigan is easier than ever thanks to recent legislative changes and one local resident is taking advantage of it.

Twice a week, you can find South Haven resident Judi Stimson at South Haven Memorial Library helping anyone from any city, town or state, even, to register to vote.

“It’s a very easy process now,” explains Stimson who volunteers her time. “You don’t even have to have an ID. Just fill out a form and sign it.”

Last November, voters approved amendments to the state’s voter registration law that allowed for no-reason absentee voting, in-person registration done the day of election with proof of residency, straight-party voting and registration by mail up to 15 days before an election.

The ballot measure, known as Proposal 3, was passed in Michigan by a better than two-to-one margin.

The amendment brings Michigan in line with at least 17 other states when it comes to same-day voter registration.

Encouraging voter registration is important to Stimson who has taken a couple of classes on the new registration changes. 

“Another important change,” she said, “was in the past, college students used to have to drive to the town where they were from to vote and then drive back. Now they don’t have to do that anymore.”

Stimson will be at the library 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays through January. She will resume signing people up to vote in April. She recommends calling the library at 627-2403 to make sure she is available for registrations.





12.4.19

South Haven High School senior Katie Schooley (right) pushes a whipped cream pie on to the forehead and face of her dad, South Haven Schools Superintendent Kevin Schooley, as part of a Peer-to-Peer program fundraiser. (Photo by Becky Kark)

A little pie goes a

long way to make Thanksgiving dinner possible for school's Peer to Peer program

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It's not everyday that teachers, coaches and administrators agree to willingly allow students to pie them in the face, but more than a handful at South Haven High School agreed to do just that just before Thanksgiving.

They did so as a fundraiser for the high school's Peer-to-Peer program's annual Thanksgiving dinner.

Eight faculty and staff lined up, Friday, Nov. 22 to be pied by students and teachers, who bought raffle tickets for the chance to do so during the high school cafeteria's two lunch hours. Superintendent Kevin Schooley was joined by high school Principal Ryan Williamson, Athletic Director Adam Verseput, electives teacher Sandy VanderRoest, social studies teachers Cory Salyer and Mark Eddy, math teacher Allan Anastacio and science teacher Mark Woolcock.

“We had eight very braves souls who agreed to do this twice, once at A Lunch and then at B Lunch,” laughed Special Education teacher Jennifer Fedewa, who organized the fundraiser and who leads the Peer-to-Peer program. She tried to make the event a little less messy for the willing victims by supplying them with plastic ponchos, plastic shower caps and small masks to cover their eyes.

“I guess that's the elementary teacher and momma in me,” Fedewa said, regarding the protective supplies she bought for the volunteer's faces and clothing.

The event proved to be not only a lot of fun to watch, but a good fundraiser for the Peer-to-Peer program's Thanksgiving dinner and its other activities.

“We raised $125,” Fedewa said.

Now in its fourth year the program matches South Haven High School upperclassmen mentors, or “links” as they referred to as, to special needs students.

Links who take the program, enroll in an actual class where they study disabilities, write research papers, and spend time helping special needs students with homework and socializing with them.

Thirty-four upperclassmen have enrolled in the program this year and they are paired with 17 special needs students.

In addition to the curriculum component to the class, mentors and the students in Fedewa's class also get together for activities.

One such activity is the annual Thanksgiving dinner, which the class prepared and ate this past Tuesday..

Thanks to the pie-in-the-face fundraiser, the program this year was able to purchase four turkeys and other fixings to make for a nice holiday dinner for 60 “links” and Fedewa's students.

“Links” brought in or made several of the side dishes, including cranberries, sweet potato pie and green bean casserole.

Allegan County man arrested in 1980 cold case

A 70-year-old Michigan man has been arrested for the 1980 homicide of Kathleen Doyle, 25, of Norfolk, Va., according to a news release from the Michigan State Police.

Dennis Lee Bowman of Hamilton was arrested, Nov. 22 in Allegan County, by the Norfolk Police Homicide/Cold Case Section, in partnership with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office and the MSP.

Doyle was found murdered in her Norfolk residence on Sept. 11, 1980. She was the daughter of a naval officer and the wife of a U.S. Navy pilot who was deployed at the time of the homicide.

The 39-year investigation culminated with forensic evidence to allow the case to be solved.

Bowman, who had served as a young adult in the U.S. Navy, is being held in Michigan, awaiting extradition to Virginia.

Glenn students gather nearly 1,000 pounds of food for pantry

GLENN — Just in time for the holiday season, Glenn Elementary School students held a community food drive, recently, and collected 922 pounds of non-perishable food to donate to a Fennville food pantry.

Students in grades K-5 spent part of a morning in November walking door to door collecting canned vegetables, pancake mix and other nonperishable food items to deliver to Ladders of Hope Food Pantry.

Before dropping off their decorated boxes and bags, the children stopped by the Golden Orchards assisted living facility to perform a holiday concert in the dining hall. Then it was on to the food pantry, where they formed an assembly line to pass along, weigh and stock the pantry shelves.

"It was awesome," said board member Mike Wohlwend, who received the delivery. "Most read each label as it passed through their hands to the next person."

 The amount of food collected by the school this year was more than double the 445 pounds brought in to the food pantry in 2018. Ladders of Hope has served more than 5,460 individuals so far this year, including more than 1,560 children.

"By donating to Ladders of Hope, you help keep our shelves stocked for those in need," Wohlwend said. 





11.25.19

Jeff Andringa from Glenn is shown building a tree house for the children of  Dr. Andrea Fleuren after her fiancé suddenly died from cardiac arrest. (Contributed photo)

A treehouse for Vivienne

Glenn builder makes dying man's promise to financée and children a reality

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

With the help of a friend, a South Haven mother and her children recently found out that a promise can be kept, even if the person who made it suddenly dies.

Dr. Andrea Fleuren and her fiancé Shannon Gullion were set to be married earlier this year.

“Our life was so happy,” recalled Fleuren, who is an internal medicine physician at Bronson South Haven Hospital. “We traveled with the kids. Shannon had never been on an airplane before he met me.  He read voraciously, collected first-edition books. He could fix anything that had an engine. He was self taught and constantly learning.”

But the couple's wedding plans were shattered in June when Gullion went into cardiac arrest.

“We were supposed to get married and he died a week before,” Fleuren said.

But at Gullion's funeral Fleuren and her children discovered that when one door closes, a window opens.

It came in the form of builder Jeff Andringa, who had known Gullion.

During the funeral, Fleuren's young daughter Vivienne spoke about how Gullion was so good at fixing things around the house, and had even promised to make the children a treehouse, but now he couldn't because he had died unexpectedly.

“The entire room dissolved into tears,” Fleuren recalled. “When Vivienne stood up at Filbrandt’s and reached for the microphone, which was high up, and spoke in front of all the people, I can’t imagine how much bravery that took. She had been eating Reese’s peanut butter cups beforehand, which was Shannon’s favorite candy, and just marched up there and spoke.”

After the funeral, Fleuren received an unexpected phone call that would make Gullion's promise come true after all.

“Jeff called me out of the blue and asked if I needed help with anything as a favor to Shannon,” Fleuren recalled. “He devotes his life to ‘paying it forward.’ I explained about the treehouse and he came out to the house and scoped out the trees. I thought I never would see him again, but he called, made plans and he actually built it.”

Build it he did.

The 10 x 10 foot wooden structure, complete with roof, windows, trap door and even a rope ladder that the kids added, sits high in a tree by the house in Geneva Township. The kids helped paint it, said their mother, and plan on adding a plaque dedicated to Shannon.

“He (Jeff) must have worked at least 20 to 30 hours on this project,” Fleuren said.”He told me that he does these things to ‘pay it forward’ for mistakes of his past.”

“I just did it to make things right in the world,”  Andringa modestly admits. “Sometimes you can’t always make restitution. Shannon was in his mid 50s and was way too young to die.”

Covert school board terminates school chief's contract

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

COVERT — After being placed on paid administrative leave two months ago, Bobbi Morehead will no longer serve as superintendent for Covert Public Schools.

School board members, Monday, voted unanimously to terminate the school chief's contract.

“The board is confident that this is the best decision for Covert Public Schools and that we have a team in place that will make the transition seamless,” Board of Education President Rita Perry wrote in a news release issued Wednesday.

The administrative team will be led by Covert High School Principal Yolanda Brunt, who has been serving as interim school chief since the school board placed Morehead on leave in September. Prior to being named as high school principal, Brunt served as a high school teacher for Covert.

“We have no doubt that our Interim Superintendent Yolanda Brunt will continue to lead our district in a positive direction until the Board selects a permanent superintendent,” Perry wrote.

Morehead, who had two years left on her contract, could not be reached for comment. She had served as Covert's superintendent since 2012.

Perry did not indicate in her news release nor in an earlier interview in October what led to Morehead being placed on paid administrative leave.

A former school board member, however, told the South Haven Tribune in October that Morehead was suspended with pay after telling the Board that Cassopolis school teacher Steven Mammel came highly recommended. It was later discovered that he had actually been fired.

According to the Jan. 14, 2019 Cassopolis Board of Education meeting minutes, Mammel was terminated from his job, effective that session. No reason was given. Mammel was hired in 2015 to teach math and physics.

During a special meeting held Thursday, Sept. 5 the Covert school board approved hiring Mammel who was to start Sept. 6.

But during an emergency special meeting held Friday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m., the Board voted to rescind the motion to hire him.

It was after that when Morehead was placed on administrative leave.

Bangor man pleads guilty for son's drug overdose death

By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN

HP Staff Writer

PAW PAW — A Bangor man is facing a prison sentence after taking a plea deal last week for the overdose death of his son.

Gary Birkhead, 48, pleaded guilty in Van Buren County Circuit Court to one count of involuntary manslaughter, a crime that has a maximum prison term of 15 years. In exchange for the plea, a charge of second-degree child abuse was dismissed by prosecutors, according to online court records.

Cole Birkhead, 16, of 

Hartford died of a drug overdose Aug. 13, 2017, at Bronson Hospital Kalamazoo. Police said that after a lengthy investigation, they found evidence that Gary Birkhead allowed his son to use illicit drugs for over two years, until his death.

Gary Birkhead was charged and arrested in March, and has been in the Van Buren County Jail on a $1 million bond since.

He is set to be sentenced 9 a.m. Dec. 9.



Approved

SH City Council allows medical cannabis testing facilities east of Blue Star Hwy.

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It has taken nearly a year for a local business to receive the green light to test medical marijuana within the city limits, but it finally happened last week.

City council members, Monday, voted to create a medical marijuana overlay district east of Blue Star Highway to allow New Age Laboratories to test cannabis. The only no vote was cast by council member Letitia Wilkins, who has consistently gone on record against letting any type of pot-related enterprise locate in South Haven.

For New Age Laboratories owner Scott Wall, the council's decision came as a welcome relief.

“I thank the planning commission for their work (in crafting a medical marijuana ordinance) and the council's work,” he said. At a planning commission meeting earlier this month, Wall estimated that five new jobs will be created at his laboratory in the Interstate 196 Business Park if he is allowed to add the testing of medical marijuana.

In making their decision, council members and Mayor Scott Smith stressed the overlay district is limited to just medical marijuana testing facilities. No other cannabis-related businesses, such as grow operations, provisioning centers or processing facilities, will be allowed in the overlay district.

“Tonight we are only talking about testing,” Smith said.

Council members could have allowed testing facilities to locate in a second district that was being considered – an industrial area south of Aylworth Avenue in the city's Ward 1. In fact the original ordinance that was drawn up proposed the creation of an overlay district for both east of Blue Star Highway and south of Aylworth Avenue. But council members nixed the Aylworth area, mainly because of concerns expressed by residents that pot businesses would increase drug abuse and crime in their neighborhoods.

“I remember concerns by citizens of Ward 1 and I have to weigh that,” council member George Sleeper said.

“I understand Ward 1 has an issue,” council member Chris Campbell said. “We have to pay attention first to people who live there.”

Another city council member, Steve Schlack agreed, but also said that sometime in the future it may make sense to consider allowing medical marijuana businesses south of Aylworth Avenue.

“South of Aylworth isn't really different than east of Blue Star,” Schlack said in regard to the Aylworth area being zoned for industrial and commercial uses in a manner similar to the I-196 Business Park.

At least one business owner in the Aylworth industrial area hopes the council will add it to the overlay district and that the area won't be limited to just testing facilities.

Earlier this year, Will Rogers moved the North American headquarters of HTS Direct from Grand Rapids to a building at 1310 Kalamazoo Street, which he renovated for not only his own business but for prospective new ones, as well.

HTS is a supplier of hydraulic jacks that are built in Germany and shipped overseas to its clients in North America.

Monday evening Rogers told council members he has two businesses that would like to lease space in his building at 1310 Kalamazoo St. to establish medical marijuana-related companies.

“We have an opportunity to lease 4,200 square feet of space for a medical marijuana provisioning center and an additional 7,000 square feet of space to a hemp processor, which is another part of cannabis industry,” Rogers said. The two companies, he went on to say, would create nearly 70 new full-time jobs, with pay ranging from $20 to $30 an hour.

But, whether the council will take up the issue of allowing more types of medical marijuana facilities in town or expand the overlay district remains to be seen.

“Tonight we're only talking about a testing facility,” Smith told Rogers. “Hopefully we'll be sitting down soon with our economic development folks and make sure we're showcasing your facility to a broad audience.”







11.18.19

Golf carts have been legally allowed to operate on certain streets in the City of South Haven since 2016. But the South Haven Planning Commission is now discussing whether changes should be made to the ordinance that allows the carts on streets.  (Tribune file photo)

Golf carts in town: Fun-sized transport or a traffic hazard?

'We're not a retirement village, we're a city,' one SH planner says

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Over the past three years golf carts have become a common site on South Haven city streets during summer months. The people who who ride them look like they're having fun, and finding a spot to park the carts in the crowded downtown area can be much easier than it is for standard-size vehicles.

But some people wonder why golf carts were ever allowed to operate on city streets in the first place.

In fact, the issue even made it to the city's Planning Commission, which spent time, earlier this month, addressing the issue.

“We've all heard our neighbors complain about golf carts and we're cognizant of the fact that Labor Day has come and gone and Memorial Day will becoming up. So we have a few months to look at this (golf cart ordinance) and maybe tweak it,” said planning commission chairman Tim Stegeman.

The City Council passed the original ordinance to allow golf carts on city streets in 2016, according to Assistant City Manager Kate Hosier, and did so with the intention of revisiting the law to determine its effectiveness.

At the Nov. 7 planning commission meeting she asked members whether they wanted to review how golf carts operate in the city.

She got an earful of comments – many of which were safety related.

“The biggest thing I see is the number of people they can fit onto a golf cart. It's amazing. It's like a clown cart,” said planner Michael Neiss. “Something's going to happen...We're not a retirement village, we're a city. Do we really need golf carts?”

Planner Clark Gruber said he has observed carts driving in bike lanes, while planner Rosalie Plechaty said it's not unusual for golf cart drivers and passengers to be drinking alcoholic beverages, or driving their vehicles in city parks and public lawns.

According to Hosier, the city's ordinance directly aligns with the state's law for the operation of golf carts on city streets. Among other things:

• They can only be driven on city streets from April 15-Oct 15

• Drivers must be at least 16 and have a valid driver's license

• Drivers have to signal when turning

• Drivers have to drive as far to the right of the road as practicable

• Carts can only be driven on streets with speed limits of 30 miles per hour or less

• Carts cannot go faster than 15 miles per hour

• Carts cannot be driven on state trunklines or Blue Star Highway, but can cross them if necessary

• Carts cannot operate from half an hour before sunset to half an hour before sunrise.

• Cart owners must register their vehicle and display a tag issued by the South Haven Police on their vehicle.

But planners indicated the rules simply aren't being followed.

“I don't mean to be Scrooge, but it (the ordinance allowing golf carts) ain't working,” Neiss said.

“There are a lot of kids driving the golf carts,” Plechaty said.

“They're parking wherever one can find a spot,” Gruber said.

Hosier noted that when people register their carts and obtain a tag from the police they also are given a list of rules and maps where they can drive their carts within the city limits.

When police do stop golf cart drivers for infractions, they often spend more time educating the drivers about golf cart rules, before automatically issuing tickets.

However, some tickets are given each summer, according to Hosier.

“Police issued three tickets this summer,” Hosier said. One of the tickets was issued for a golf cart driver operating their cart while intoxicated, she indicated, while others were for cart operators driving in bike lanes.

“They have been doing quite a bit of education,” Hosier said, regarding police efforts.

But some of the planners think the police should start issuing more tickets.

“Education should be over,” Neiss said. “We need to start enforcement.”

Plechaty agreed. “Maybe the education period is over,” she said.

After spending a half hour discussing golf cart concerns. planners said they will continue discussing whether changes need to be made to the ordinance and asked Hosier to request a representative from the police department for the next planning meeting to talk further about the ordinance from the department's perspective.

Expanding

Van Buren County Domestic Violence Coalition plans to open new office in Western part of the county

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

PAW PAW — A Van Buren County organization that fights domestic abuse will soon open an office in Covert.

"On Jan. 1 we'll have an office in the Covert Township Police Department," Melanie Hooker, executive director of the Van Buren County Domestic Violence Coalition, told county commissioners Tuesday. There will also be a Spanish-speaking person available there.

Hooker's announcement came during the 2018-19 report about the Paw Paw-based organization's activities. During the period Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019, the coalition dealt with 410 new clients, according to the report. Of the clients, 345 were women and 65 were men. The largest number of clients, 154, were between 26 and 40 years of age. Clients were of al ethnicities. The largest number, 350, were white.

Of those who gave an address, 74 were from the Paw Paw area, 51 from South Haven, 32 from Bangor, 31 from Lawton, 30 from Hartford, 24 from Decatur, and 23 from Mattawan.Two were homeless, one from Chicago and 19 from Kalamazoo, the same number as from Gobles.

There were also 17 from Grand Junction, and 16 from Lawrence, with the remaining communities showing single digits, including South Bend and Zeeland.

Forty-one clients did not give an address.

It was also noted in the report that the organization conducted 788 visits over the year, referred nine people to housing, provided 833 hours of counseling and requested 151 personal protection orders.

In addition to dealing with victims of domestic abuse, the coalition also provides services to victims of sexual violence.

The coalition does so by working with the courts to help oversee the Batterer's Intervention program.

"We're trying to give them (abusers) tools to get them to do something other than hit," Hooker said.

In addition to accepting the report, commissioners decided to again contributed $25,000 to the coalition. The coalition's total budget is $205,225, mostly paid by domestic violence grants.

In other matters, commissioners contracted with Stronghold Industries, of Racine, Wis., to replace locks in cells 1-8 in the jail at a cost of $38,400.

Jail Lt. Manny DeLaRosa told commissioners the locks currently on the jail cells may be ones that were originally installed. "They're no longer being manufactured," DeLaRosa said. And they're badly worn, he added.

Last year, DeLaRosa said, an aggressive inmate kicked a cell door and it popped open.

The project involves more than simply exchanging locks, but rather an overhaul of the cell doors.

"We're going to have to do a lot of cutting on the doors," DeLaRosa said.



11.12.19

Melinda Gruber, 49, is shown with the T-shirts and racing bibs she has collected this past year at 5K races. Gruber plans to complete 50 races by the time she turns 50, Feb. 16, 2020. So far, she has finished 40 races.

40 down, 10 to go

South Haven woman plans to run 50 5Ks by her 50th birthday

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Running 50 5K races in 52 weeks sounds like a tall order to fill, but not for 49-year-old Melinda Gruber of South Haven.

For the past year, the CEO of Caring Circle and vice president of Continued Care Services at Spectrum Lakeland Health, has spent weekends competing in as many 5Ks as she can with the goal of finishing 50 by the time she turns 50.

And it looks like she's going to cross the finish line by her birthday in February.

“I've got 10 more to go,” she said.

Gruber came up with the novel idea a couple of years ago of taking part in 5K races when she started to ponder life after 50.

“Last year as I was approaching my 49^th birthday one of the things I thought about was staying in shape,” she said.

Gruber had heard about other people setting a goal of performing 50 tasks by the time the big 5-0 came around, and thought she'd give it a try, too.

“I heard about someone attending 50 music concerts, and then I heard of somebody going to 50 festival in a year culminating with the Festival of Colors in India.”

But Gruber decided to do something more athletic.

“Before I had breast cancer I had run in a couple of half marathons,” she said. “But I haven't run races in a long time.”

She's certainly making up for lost time.

After exercising on the treadmill for a couple of months, she embarked on her first 5K run on her birthday, Feb. 16, in Grandville, a suburb of Grand Rapids.

Since then her mission to complete 50 runs has taken her to 5Ks throughout Michigan. One of her most memorable ones occurred on Labor Day when she and her husband, Clark, took part in the Mackinac Bridge 5K. She even squeezed in two 5Ks when she and Clark traveled on vacation to Florida during spring break and more recently to Indianapolis to see their daughter Carly.

“That one (the Indy race) was called the Spooky Sprint,” Gruber said. “We ran in costumes. It was a lot of fun.”

Although many of the 5Ks Gruber has completed are located throughout Southwest Michigan, it has been a little tricky at times squeezing them all in.
“There aren't as many races when it gets colder,” she said, “so I've been doubling up. There's been times when there's a race on Saturday and then one on Sunday.” She even ran two races in one day recently. “I went to Benton Harbor in the morning and South Haven in the evening for the Light up the Night 5K.”

Gruber said she isn't really interested in winning the races, but rather enjoying them, even when the weather isn't so nice.

“I'm interested in just doing it,” she said. “What I find is that when you finish you look back and say that was fun. We've (she and her husband) been in ones where it's been really cold and nasty but when you finish you feel good.”

She also enjoys the camaraderie she has developed with other runners.

“The race culture is very supportive,” she said. “You see the same people at these races and cheer them on.”

So, where will her 50^th race take her to?

It just so happens a 5K run is scheduled in Monaco on her 50^th birthday. She, Clark, and her parents plan to vacation there as part of her birthday celebration.

“We are hoping to do the last race there. We want it to be very special,” she said.

South Haven city council races decided

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven voters elected two new members to the city council following Tuesday's election. Jeff Arnold, a former city council member, defeated newcomer Nadine Newman for the Second Ward seat, while incumbent Steve Schlack, who represents the Third Ward, narrowly retained his seat by four votes, according to unofficial results.

Arnold defeated Newman 212-120,while Schlack kept his seat by a 209-205 margin.

When interviewed after election results were posted Tuesday evening, Hanny said it was too early to tell whether he would seek a recount.

He thanked voters for their support, and said, “it (a recount) is something I'm considering but it's too early to say.”

Hanny, 51, is a youth development professional for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He is married with two children. He's a member of Bronson Safe Kids of Greater South Haven Advisory Committee, the South Haven Superintendent Advisory Committee, a trustee, coach and volunteer for South Junior Youth League and a volunteer for South Haven Public Schools Athletic program.

Schlack, 52, is finishing his first four-year term as a city council member. He said he sought re-election to make sure the concerns of Ward 3 residents, many of whom are second home owners, are heard.

“I have worked very hard to protect the rights and make sure Ward 3 has a voice when they personally may not be up to date on current events,” he said. Creating housing options for city residents is an issue high on Schlack's list of goals for the city.

“I have constantly voiced my opinion that the surrounding townships and the city need to work together solving affordable housing opportunities for younger families starting out in life,” he said. “I am grateful to city staff to see this really starting to come to light with making some progress with South Haven Township and the Housing Commission with continued work sessions.”

Arnold, 51, will succeed Clark Gruber, who was term limited. Arnold is a teacher at South Haven High School. A previous city council member, he currently serves on the South Haven Housing Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Like Schlack, Arnold said the city needs to address housing and job issues.

“The issues are linked, so improvements in one will help the other,” he said. “I think the city staff has a good start in these areas and I hope that my past experience and my willingness to listen to the voters in Ward 2 can help the city speed the process along.”

There's plenty of turkey to go around at this dinner

Legion plans annual Thanksgiving dinner for SH area seniors

A South Haven veterans organization is making sure older adults won't have to celebrate Thanksgiving alone.

The Sons of American Legion plans to host the 7^th annual Larry Carlson Senior Thanksgiving Dinner from noon to 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 24, at the American Legion Post 49, 129 Michigan Ave., South Haven.

The idea of preparing a free Thanksgiving dinner for seniors started with the late Larry Carlson. Nearly 20 years ago Carlson, who was a member of the Legion, suggested that veterans try to make the Thanksgiving holiday happier for seniors who were living alone and didn't have nearby relatives to visit with.

After Carlson died, the Legion decided to name the Thanksgiving Dinner in his honor.

Over the years, the meal has caught on throughout the community. Last year, more than 300 older adults in the South Haven area enjoyed the turkey dinner.

It takes 24 turkeys, many pounds of potatoes, lots of green beans and stuffing, several hundred dinner buns and two tables filled with desserts to feed the crowd.

This year's dinner will once again consist of turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, cranberries, coffee and desserts. Free delivery of meals is also available by calling the Legion post at 637-6817 by Nov. 22 to arrange for delivery.



11.4.19

The former 47,000-square-foot Village Market grocery store at 08337 M-140 Hwy., in South Haven Township, has been purchased by Senior Services of Van Buren County. The agency plans to renovate at least half of the facility into a senior center and lease other space to potential partners that would complement the senior center's programs and services.

New site for senior center planned

Village Market site sold at reduced cost

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

A non-profit that provides services and activities for older adults will soon be breathing new life into a grocery store that has sat idle for two years.

Senior Services of Van Buren County announced this week that it has reached an agreement with Village Market Food Centers and Murk Management to purchase the former Village Market building at 08337 M-140 Hwy. Once renovations are complete, Senior Service hopes to open its new Senior Center in South Haven sometime next year.

“We can't thank the Murks enough,” said Diane Rigozzi, executive director of Senior Services. “This could not have been done without the very generous donation of $2.1 million dollars toward that building from Dennis and Kay Murk (owner of Murk Management) and some of the equipment from Steve and Darla Murk (owners of Village Market Food Centers).”

Rigozzi had first approached Steve Murk about possibly purchasing the 47,000-square-foot building shortly after Village Market closed in December of 2017.

The building had been appraised at $2.5 million and Murk Management was willing to donate 50 percent of the cost toward Senior Services' purchase of the facility.

“That was still out of reach,” Rigozzi said.

But earlier this year, Steve Murk approached Senior Services again about the building.

“They said, 'we're lowering the price to $400,000,'” Rigozzi said. “I just about cried.”

This isn't the first time the Murks have practically donated one of its buildings to entities in town that are in the business of helping others.

In the 2004, after the Murks built the Village Market on M-140 Highway, they donated their old facility on S. Bailey Avenue to South Haven Community Hospital, which then went on to reconstruct the building into what is now Bronson South Haven Wellness Center.

Senior Services, which oversees three senior centers and offers programs, meals and activities throughout Van Buren County, receives the majority of its funding through two taxpayer funded millages.

The non-profit doesn't intend to ask for additional funds or fees toward the purchase of the Village Market building.

“We put down $100,000 on the building from our reserves,” Rigozzi said. The remaining $300,000, she went on say, will be financed and paid for from rent Senior Services pays for the building it currently leases for office and activity space at First Baptist Church and from rent that Moore Pharmacy pays for its drug store that has been located in Village Market for the past several years.

“We will continue the lease that was started with Moore Pharmacy which will help pay for the mortgage and ongoing utilities,” Rigozzi said. “We will also investigate other potential partners that will complement our Senior Center.”

Senior Services does not intend to use the entire former grocery store space for its programs and activities. Instead it intends to use the northern portion of the building that once contained the deli, coffee shop, produce and portions of the meat department.

That area will be converted into a full kitchen, dining area, coffee area, stage with seating for an audience, offices, restrooms and activity rooms. Senior Services may also use some of the space for pickleball courts.

It is estimated renovations will cost approximately $350,000 which will be paid for through a fundraising campaign.

“We have a building committee and a fundraising committee,” Rigozzi said.

Senior Services has operated its South Haven senior center at First Baptist Church on 76th Street for the past four years. But during most evenings the facility is used by other groups.

“First Baptist Church has been amazing, but we don't have this (building) full-time,” Rigozzi said. Storage and office space is also limited, she added.



11.1.19

It's up to South Haven city voters to decide

Outcome of ballot issue will determine if recreational cannabis businesses can locate in town

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Thanks to a citizen-led referendum, South Haven city voters will be deciding next month whether to allow or ban recreational marijuana businesses from locating in town.

Proposal 1 will be included as part of the city council election, Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. in the lower level of South Haven City Hall, 539 Phoenix St.

While approximately 600 municipal governments in Michigan have voted to opt out of the state's new law that legalizes cannabis and businesses associated with its production and sale, South Haven City Council and the Planning Commission earlier this year crafted a proposed ordinance to allow certain types of pot-related businesses to locate in certain areas of the city.

However, in August, South Haven Concerned Citizens, a group opposed to the legalization of cannabis, gathered enough signatures to force a referendum vote that essentially lets voters determine the fate of pot establishments in town.

Voters who cast a yes ballot in Tuesday's election will be voting in favor of a proposed ordinance that bans pot-related establishments in South Haven. Voters who don't want pot businesses to be banned, should vote no.

Some people think the wording of the proposal will confuse voters.

“Proposal 1 is very confusing,” said Fred Meyer, who is in favor of recreational marijuana businesses. “Normally if you vote for something you vote yes, and no if you're against it. If you read this proposal, it's exactly the opposite.”

Another South Haven resident who also favors allowing recreational marijuana businesses, agreed.

“This ballot is confusing,” Pete Wehle said.

Whatever the wording, Proposal 1 has generated quite a bit of public comment, both pro and con, at recent city council meetings, including the most recent one on Oct. 21.

“I'd encourage a no vote,” said Patrick McKearnan. “A lot of us believe in free enterprise. That was the whole point of this country starting out. I don't see us becoming 'Hippieville USA'...People (who use cannabis) don't always have the facilities to grow marijuana or process it.”

Rod DeMaso, however, hopes Proposal 1 passes. “What concerns me is the talk of potential tax revenue and jobs,” he said. “What I haven't heard is the potential negative impact to the community, our youth and future if commercialization of marijuana materializes. There's no cost-benefit analysis that's been done.”

If the measure fails, South Haven City Council plans to re-examine its proposed ordinance that would allow cannabis businesses in certain sections of the city.

Michigan's recreational marijuana legislation has a provision that gives voters in a community the final say in deciding whether to allow recreational marijuana to exist in their towns, even if the local government previously decided to let them do so.

Even though 600 municipal governments opted out of the new pot law after it was passed by Michigan voters in 2018, relatively few have dealt with citizen-led referendums.

In August, voters in three Michigan towns gathered enough votes to ban recreational pot in their communities. The communities were the Village of Vanderbilt, Highland Park and Crystal Lake Township, according to information from mlive. More referendums are scheduled for the November election.

Bloomingdale seventh graders are experiencing more nature thanks to a new class called Outdoor Living. The 18-week course uses the outside setting to teach subjects like knot tying and shelter building. Pictured front to back are Josh Odell, Santiago Gonzalez, Osmar Mendez and Abraham Morales. 

Bloomingdale

students head outdoors for new class

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

BLOOMINGDALE - Children are spending less time outdoors, numerous studies indicate, resulting in a wide range of problems including attention deficit disorders, childhood obesity and depression. 

But one Bloomingdale Middle School teacher is on a mission to change that with a new class he is teaching called Outdoor Living.

“In my 20 years of teaching at the middle school level, I've seen a dramatic downward shift in the amount of time students spend outside,” said Matt Swier, sixth and seventh-grade teacher. “Instead, they are choosing to spend their time indoors watching television, playing video games or glued to their phones/devices.  By getting the students outside and out of their comfort zones. I'm seeing students grow in areas of leadership, teamwork and personal challenges.”

New to the class curriculum this year, Outdoor Living is an 18-week course where students head outdoors to learn about wilderness first aid, shelter building, nature journaling, knot tying and more.

“There are several goals for this class, Swier explained. “The first is to give students experiences outside that they may not normally be able to take part in. Another goal is to give students confidence in making good choices if they are ever in an emergency situation outdoors.”

Recently, his seventh graders were sent outdoors and given the task of building an emergency shelter using only the materials found in the woods. They also had to build it large enough to fit four group members, retain body heat and keep moisture off of them.

And, there was a catch — the students had to figure out for themselves how to build the shelter.

“Currently I do all of the teaching of the class, designing lessons for the students using different books on teaching kids outdoor skills as well as supplementing the material with online videos,” Swier said. “After discussing what we view, we then go outside and practice the skills that we talked about.  An important aspect of outdoor education is debriefing with the students after we practice the skills.  This allows a safe place for the students to discuss what went well, what didn't go well, and what they learned through the activity.”

Swier has wanted to teach a class like Outdoor Living for quite a while but the schedule never had a time period built into it to allow that. This year, the district changed to semesters which allowed for an additional class period.

“I’m thankful that I've had administrators who have recognized my passion for outdoor education, specifically in the area of being outside in nature, and who decided to give me the reins to design the class,” Swier said.

Currently, Outdoor Living is only offered to seventh graders, but he hopes that will change in the future.

“My dream would be to offer an outdoor education class to each grade level at our building as well as offering it at the elementary levels,” Swier said.

He hopes to continue the class outside as long as possible even going out in the cold and snow to build snow shelters if enough snow accumulates. 

His students don't seem to mind.

"This class is fun because you get to build shelters in the woods, which is something I don't get to do during other classes at school,” said seventh grader Josh Odell.

Covert school board places school chief on administrative leave

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

COVERT —The hiring of a middle school/high school science teacher last month has landed Covert Public Schools Superintendent Bobbi Morehead on administrative leave.

Morehead, who was hired in 2013, was placed on leave in September.

At Monday night's school board meeting, President Rita Perry would not comment on the action only stating that the leave was until further notice. Morehead could not be reached for comment.

A former school board member told the Herald-Palladium Morehead was suspended with pay after telling the Board that Cassopolis school teacher Steven Mammel came highly recommended. It was later discovered that he had actually been fired.

According to the Jan. 14, 2019 Cassopolis Board of Education meeting minutes, Mammel was terminated from his job, effective that session. No reason was given. Mammel was hired in 2015 to teach math and physics.

During a special meeting held Thursday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m., the Covert school board approved hiring Mammel who was to start Sept. 6.

But during an emergency special meeting held Friday, Sept. 6 at 2 p.m., the Board voted to rescind the motion to hire him.

It was after that when Morehead was placed on administrative leave.

Project CURB tackles ambitious project

Group unveils $55,000 worth of landscaping upgrades to

South Haven High School

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Earlier this year, a new organization dedicated to making outdoor aesthetic improvements at South Haven Schools, made landscaping improvements to the entrance of Lincoln Elementary School and the school's main outdoor sign.

Now, South Haven Project CURB (community uplifting, revitalizing and beautifying) is turning its attention to a much more ambitious project — improving the curb appeal all the way around South Haven High School.

The organization's plans for the high school got the approval of South Haven Board of Education members earlier this month, allowing it to proceed with efforts to fine-tune its proposal and begin fund-raising efforts.

The conceptual plan, developed in partnership with South Haven Public Schools and DeBest Inc. landscaping company, targets 11 areas around the building to enhance with landscaping, new signage and more Ram mascot statues. Plans also call for creation of a student art garden, a student gathering area, new trees, space for student event banners, a sound reduction Earth berm facing LaGrange Street and an additional welcome sign at the rear entrance of the building.

“We wanted to develop a comprehensive property plan and get it approved so that anyone at any time could quickly and easily take on a project to implement or sponsor,” said Kevin Dee, director of non-instructional services at South Haven Public Schools.

Now that the property plan is complete, the group is working with acting high school principal Ryan

Williamson to identify teachers, staff, student groups and school and community organizations that may be able to add more life to the plan or assist with implementing the projects.

“We are going to take the plan to those who can add insight into how to maximize use of proposed spaces and to groups that may be interested or able to help execute projects,” Williams said. “Being involved with a project on this scale creates a sense of ownership and pride and can provide great learning opportunities and experiences for our students, especially those in our art, engineering, design and vocational studies departments.”

In the meantime, South Haven Project CURB will launch fundraising efforts to raise money for the spring projects, according to Suzanne Sutherland Loafman, co-founder of Project CURB.

“We estimate it (all of the projects) to cost between $50,000-60,000,” she said. “Our immediate goal is to raise $12,000-15,000 for spring projects. We have a few thousand secured already.”

“We are motivated by the recent collaborative efforts we’ve seen in the community and are confident we will get the support we need to complete a few projects this spring,” Loafman said. “This is a plan that will benefit the entire community as we all benefit from our schools’ success. Our goal is to make this a community-wide initiative, involving students, staff and the community as much as possible.”

She estimated all the projects will cost between $50,000 and $60,000.

“Our immediate goal is to raise $12,000-15,000 for spring projects. We have a few thousand secured already,” she said.

Project CURB was formed following $36 million worth of improvements made to South Haven Public Schools buildings - notably the high school - several years ago.

Shortly after the group launched in April, co-founder Robyn Henrickson said, “in the last five years our schools have undergone major transformations. Our students are now more equipped for success than ever before...We want to help keep this momentum going. What better way to broadcast these achievements than to have our schools beam on the outside as much as they shine on the inside?”

For more information on how to donate or to learn more about Project CURB's plans for the high school, visit www.shprojectcurb.org or email SHprojectcurb@gmail.com









10.21.19

Waves, some of which reached 10-15 feet splash over the South Pier, last Wednesday, causing flooding along the lakeshore and Black River. (Photo by Tom Renner)

High winds cause lakeshore flooding

Flood waters surge into South Haven's harbor

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven city officials shut down their municipal marinas just in the nick of time last Tuesday because by Wednesday morning high winds and waves from Lake Michigan caused significant flooding in the harbor. Throughout much of the morning, only the dock poles could be seen at the South Side marina and water had risen all the way to the marina's office building.

“We close our marinas and turn off the electricity on Oct. 15 each year,” Harbor Master Kate Hosier said. “We choose that day because that's when the weather starts to get bad.”

Some boats were still docked at some of the marinas when the high winds hit.

“We've been calling boaters to let them know they need to remove their boats,” Hosier said.

Beaches in town didn't fare much better from Wednesday's windy weather.

As 10-15 foot waves crashed into the historic lighthouse, they kept the piers hidden from view, as well. South Beach, which lost much of its sand to high water levels earlier this summer, lost even more. At times what was left of the beach lay under a pool of water that stretched all the way to the parking lot.

Because of the high water levels some sections of roads near beaches and the Black River were temporarily closed last week. Those roadways included the south end of North Shore Drive by Ellen Avery Park, the southern edge of Lakeshore Drive by the North Pier and a section of Dunkley Avenue.

“We're seeing flooding that we haven't seen all summer,” Hosier said. “But we're looking at 40-50 mile-per-hour winds and 10-15 waves.”

The windy weather prompted the National Weather Service to issue a hazardous weather warning Wednesday for portions of Southwest Michigan to warn of significant beach and dune erosion, minor flooding of roadways and parking lots near the lakeshore and scatter power outages and tree damage.

The warning was issued for Wednesday only.

New principal hired at Lincoln Elementary

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

A new principal will be taking the helm at Lincoln Elementary School.

South Haven Public Schools officials have hired Kathryn Jobson of Zeeland to be the school's new leader.

“Mrs. Jobson is a positive and patient educator with over 20 years’ experience in the school environment,” said South Haven Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Schooley.

Jobson will begin her administrative duties Monday, Oct. 21. She replaces Bennett Tyler, who resigned in August to become a middle school administrator in Southeastern Michigan. For the past couple of months, Dave Waaso, a retired South Haven Public Schools administrator, agreed to serve as interim principal at Lincoln. He will continue to do so next week to help Jobson transition into her new role.

Prior to being hired as Lincoln School principal, Jobson had served nine years as principal of Parkview Elementary School in Wyoming, a suburb of Grand Rapids.

“Parkview Elementary School was recognized as a Reward School by the State of Michigan,” Schooley said. “Mrs. Jobson has earned a reputation as an accessible, dedicated administrator leading a school that parents and community members recognize as welcoming and supportive.”

Prior to her job as principal at Parkview, Jobson worked as an instructional coach for elementary teachers at Wyoming Public Schools for five years.

Before that she was an elementary teacher for 6 years at Howell Public Schools, and a third grade teacher in Ankeny, Iowa and Bloomington, Ind.

Jobson graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in advertising. She then earned a master's degree in elementary education and teaching from Indiana University, in Bloomington, Ind. She also obtained her certification in education leadership from Grand Valley State University.

Fewer tires

Recycling program helps reduce number of discarded tires in ditches and yards

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

PAW PAW — So far this year there are 5,500 fewer used passenger tires in Van Buren County.

That's according to Emilly Hickmott, the recycling coordinator for the Van Buren County Conservation District.

"It's so nice not to have old tires in ditches all over Van Buren County," County Commissioner Mike Chappell told Hickmott during her report to the county commission, earlier this month.

Last year the number of tires that went to recycling was 4,500 and in 2017 3,400.

The numbers were calculated in equivalents to a passenger car tire, not the actual number, and were presented on graphs, meaning they are approximate.

According to Hickmott's report, the paint disposal program has risen from 2,500 pounds in 2014 to 22,000 pounds in 2018.

Some numbers have gone down.  In 2014 the electronics recycling program took in 70,000 pounds, or 35 tons, but in 2018 took in 30,000 pounds, or 15 tons.

The poundage of household hazardous waste was 9,000 in 2018, 13,500 in 2017, but 6,000 in 2012.

Hickmott also offered to help set up recycling programs in the county's buildings. "The audit's free," Hickmott said.

In the future Hickmott foresees a permanent household hazardous waste facility, medical sharps (syringes) collection, a revised county solid waste plan, electronics recycling in the county's northwest corner plus more green schools.

In other matters, Drain Commissioner Joe Parman presented the drain assessment report, part of the process of putting the assessments on the December tax bill.

"We have 67 drain son the role for a total of $ 427,998," Parman said.

More than half of that goes to land owners, $275,408; followed by local governmental units at $92,697, and the county at $59,893.

In other matters, commissioners OKd the purchase of four new sheriff's patrol vehicles from Tapper Ford of Paw Paw for a not-to-exceed price of $160,000.





10.14.19

One of the hills used for sledding at Baer Park is shown to the right. The Central Lofts II homeowners association has reached an agreement with the City of South Haven to once again allow the general public to use the park for recreational purposes. A fenced will be installed along the southeast section of the park to separate the green space from the condominium association's buildings and grounds.

Yes, Virginia, you can now sled at Baer Park

City, homeowners association work out deal to open green space to the public once again

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Many South Haven residents have fond memories of sledding down the hill at Baer Park during the winter months. Soon, their children will be able to gather similar memories when the park re-opens for public use.

The public's use of the park is being made possible courtesy of an agreement reached between South Haven city officials and the Central Lofts II homeowners association, which owns the property.

“This is something city staff has worked on for years,” City Manager Brian Dissette said. “For us we're excited to potentially cross the finish line to return Baer Park to the community.”

Baer Park is a rectangular green space located in a bowl-shaped area on Center Street behind the former Central School. The park was named for the late Dave Baer, who served as a teacher and award-winning football and baseball coach for South Haven Public Schools during the early 1900s.

But when South Haven Public Schools closed Central School during the early 2000s and sold the buildings to be redeveloped into condominium lofts, Baer Park was part of the sale and kids had to go elsewhere for sledding.

However, that is now changing. City council members, Monday, approved an agreement with the homeowners association that will create a “perpetual” easement on a large portion of the green space. A four-foot fence will be erected near the condos to separate the homes from the public space and the sledding hill.

Hammering out an agreement with the condo association to allow Baer Park to be used by the public has been one of city council's priorities this year. With its close proximity to downtown, the council felt it was important to try to create as many public green spaces as possible.

“We've talked about this for years,” Mayor Scott Smith said. “To have that space available to the public is wonderful.”

Although the green space has been referred to for years as Baer Park, it's never been included in the city's park system and still won't be. However, the city's park rules will still apply, according to Dissette.

“Anyone can walk their dog, play football, go sledding, those are now options available to the public,” Dissette said.

The agreement the city reached with the homeowner's association also stipulates that the land will be maintained predominately in its natural and open condition and that structures will not be constructed on the property without the city's and association's approval.

Van Buren commissioner changes mind on closing SH courthouse

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

PAW PAW — A Van Buren County commissioner who had originally favored closing the South Haven courthouse said he now agrees with a commissioner who wants to keep it open.

"I just want you to know I'm taking what you said to heart," Commissioner Randall Peat told Commissioner Gail Patterson-Gladney, who represents the South Haven area.

Peat last month came out in favor of a tentative plan to close that office plus sell the Paw Paw Administration and Land Management Building across from the historic courthouse and construct a new office building in the parking lot east of the courthouse. Peat said at the time: "I just want to do it once, do it right, spend what we need to spend, and move on."

However, Commissioner Gail Patterson-Gladney, who represents that area, was firmly opposed to closing the South Haven courthouse. Peat said during Tuesday's meeting he took her arguments into consideration in changing his mind.

"Gail has provided some additional input on that and she has talked to some of the leaders over that and, as you might expect, they are not in favor of closing the South Haven facility," Peat said.

Peat said he has no problem leaving such a decision up to a future board but still favors a Paw Paw building that can accommodate South Haven staff if such a decision is made.

"As long as the design incorporates those capabilities then I'm cool with not making a decision on South Haven," Peat said.

Patterson-Gladney responded with, "I always think it's good to have possibilities for future development."

The discussion's purpose at the last meeting was to generate a direction for a long-range facilities plan to expand office space and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Its goals would include enhancing citizen access to services, improving safety and security, and moving employees out of basements. Basement offices include Friend of the Court, specialty courts and the State Probation/Parole office.

The closing the two buildings and constructing another next to the historic courthouse was one of four options examined. The other options were keeping both those buildings but still constructing a new building, keep the South Haven courthouse but sell the administration building plus construct a building next to the Paw Paw courthouse plus incorporate the offices in the Administration building. The last option was to do none of these.

Cost estimates ran up to $35 million. No decisions were made and the subject will be on future agendas.

In other matters, Court Administrator Frank Hardester told commissioners the county had been awarded a three-year, $750,000 grant for the Mental Health Court Program.

"This will dramatically expand the services," Hardester told commissioners.

The money is coming from the U.S. Department of Justice under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program.





10.7.19

Thomas Valles, a former member of the McFarland, Calif. cross-country team that won a state championship in 1987, speaks to South Haven High School and Baseline Middle School students, Friday, Sept. 27 during a school assembly. The McFarland team's accomplishment was the subject of the 2015 Disney movie, "McFarland USA." Baseline Middle School students and a number of high schoolers watched the movie before attending the assembly.

The real runners from "McFarland' speak to South Haven students

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Two years ago a group of South Haven High School's cross-country runners got the opportunity to meet two former members of McFarland, Calif.'s cross team – a team made famous in the 2015 Disney movie, “McFarland USA,” for winning a state championship in 1987.

On Sept. 27, all of South Haven High School's students, plus ones from Baseline Middle School, got the chance to hear McFarland alums Thomas Valles and Johnny Samaniego speak.

The two men visited South Haven as part of a tour of seven schools throughout Southwest Michigan, including Kalamazoo Central, Bellevue, Holland and Zeeland.

“These guys are so well received at the schools,” said Rene Rodriguez of Studio One Creative, which coordinated the motivational speeches. “They came from migrant backgrounds. Many students in Southwest Michigan have migrant backgrounds. Their (Valles and Samaniego's) message resonates with students.”

Throughout the hour-long programs South Haven students in grades 6-12 remained quiet and attentive as they heard Valles and Samaniego recount growing up in McFarland and going on to earn a state title in cross-country – something the team wasn't expected to do back then.

“We were all underdogs,” Samaniego said about the McFarland Mustangs' cross team, a group of athletes made up of Hispanics.

But the two stand-out athletes from McFarland didn't come to South Haven to brag about how a team of migrant athletes that bucked the odds and won a state championship.

Rather, they talked about Jim White, the coach who helped them get there and the influence he had on their lives.

“Mr White was a father figure to us,” Samaniego said. When White wasn't coaching and encouraging his young runners, he took them out to eat, bowling, the movies, even the ocean.

“For most of us that was the first time we had ever done those things,” Samaniego said. “He opened up the world to us.”

Valles, whose parents divorced when he was in junior high – the year White became his gym teacher and coach, agreed. “I had a coach who took me in,” he said. “He was my second dad, my team was my second family.”

Valles and Samaniego's team practiced and competed during a very troubling time for McFarland.

During the mid and late '80s tragedy after tragedy seemed to strike the small town of 5,000.

Retired Bakersfield Californian newspaper photographer John Harte recounted those times on his blogsite.

“I don’t know if any city as small as McFarland has endured as much heartbreak and despair involving their children as this town did in the mid and late 1980s,” he wrote. During that time period farm children were dying from a cancer outbreak. A Valentine's Day crash claimed the lives of six teens. Two months prior to that tragedy, two members of the McFarland girls cross-country team lost their lives after being struck by a vehicle during a practice run.

Members of the boys cross country team felt those losses deeply, but they also dealt, everyday with the harsh reality of their existence as migrants.

“We struggled,” Samaniego said. “My grandparents, who lived with us, raised us. My parents worked early in the morning and did not come back home until late, ate dinner, and went to bed.”

Valles grew up in a similar manner, discussing how easily he could have been drawn into gang life and how he struggled academically in school, due in part to being dyslexic.

But even though the two teens grew up in poverty, their parents wanted a better life for them.

“My parents had very little education,” Valles said. “They always talked about how important an education was and encouraged us to go to school.”

Both Valles and Samaniego did end up not only earning high school diplomas but college degrees, as well.

Valles obtained a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and served 22 years as a corrections officer before retiring. He now serves as the varsity girls cross-country coach at McFarland.

Samaniego earned a bachelor's degree in teaching and is employed as the middle school gym teacher at McFarland, the very same job his favorite coach, Jim White, had. Samaniego also coaches the girls varsity basketball team at McFarland – a team that earlier this year earned runner-up honors at the Division 3 state finals in Sacramento.

“Hard work and setting goals will get you where you want to go,” Samaniego said. “Life isn't easy...always rowing, never drifting.”

Prior to the motivational program, Baseline Middle School students all watched “McFarland USA,” and according to their teachers enjoyed the movie.

“I got positive feedback from my students,” said art teacher Sarah Rydecki.

Several students who were interviewed said they indeed liked the movie.

“I liked the part where they went to the ocean,” said one student referring to the scene in the movie where White took the cross-country team to the beach and the Pacific Ocean – a first-time trip for many of the team members.

Eighth-grader Kyle Bos said he liked the movie for several reasons. “I liked how they (the teammates) learned to respect each other...how they ended up over time becoming friends.”

SH city council candidates featured at forum

Voters who live in the city of South Haven will have the opportunity this month to hear the viewpoints of South Haven City Council candidates seeking election in November when a local group hosts a candidate forum.

The candidate forum, organized by the South Haven American Association of University Women will take place from 7-8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Lake Michigan College's South Haven campus, 125 Veterans Blvd.

Only candidates in contested races will be at the forum. Those candidates are newcomers Jeff Arnold and Nadine in Ward 2 and newcomer Liji Hanny and incumbent Steve Schlack in Ward 3.

The other city council candidates that are running unopposed are Mayor Scott Smith and council member Letitia Wilkins in Ward 1.

“AAUW of South Haven has presented candidate forums for over forty years as a community service to our residents,” said Liz Smith, an AAUW member. “The forum is a nonpartisan event, providing citizens the opportunity to meet, listen to and submit questions to the candidates.”

Melinda Gruber, CEO of Caring Circle and vice president of Continued Care for Lakeland Hospital, will moderate the question and answer period.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Candidates will be available at 6:45 p.m. to talk informally with people and will be available after the forum.



9.30.19

The exterior entrance to what will be the new Bronson South Haven Hospital is shown. During the course of the project, more than 40 building trades companies and 1,000-plus individual tradespeople will be involved in building the hospital. The 52,000-square-foot facility is scheduled to open in December of 2020.

Bronson breaks ground on new $22 million hospital in South Haven

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

With land being cleared for the new Bronson South Haven Hospital, it's hard to imagine what the $22 million facility will look like when completed.

Area residents will get the opportunity to find out when Bronson hosts a community reception next week. The event will take place from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3, at Bronson Wellness Center, 950 S. Bailey Ave. Bronson officials and construction partners will be on hand to discuss the project and will share architectural drawings of the design and layout of the new hospital.

Contractors have spent the past several weeks getting the site prepped for construction of the 52,000-square-foot facility.

“We're a month ahead of schedule right now,” said Kirk Richardson, chief operating officer of Bronson South Haven.

Even though contractors are ahead of the curve, Richardson said the two-story acility will most likely be finished on time in December 2020.

“It (the new hospital) is not only an investment in building better health for our patients, it is an investment in the vitality of our region,” Richardson said. “This state-of-the-art facility will enable Bronson South Haven to contemporize care to meet current health trends, and will help attract new providers and staff to serve our community for decades to come.”

Elzinga & Volkers Inc. of Holland has been hired to design and construct the hospital.

The award-winning company is no stranger to building medical facilities.

“Our team of professionals excels in building complex healthcare environments,” said Joe Novakoski, vice president of operations for Elzinga & Volkers.

The new Bronson South Haven hospital will offer the same services the hospital currently offers for acute, emergency, primary and specialty care, according to Richardson, with the exception of the wound care unit which is expected to be housed in a new building that will be built as part of the overall hospital construction project.

The new hospital will feature 8 in-patient beds and 14 beds in the emergency department.

“We will have a larger emergency department,” Richardson said.

The hospital's exterior design will be similar in appearance to Bronson Wellness Center. The building will be made of stone porcelain tile and brick and will feature expanses of tinted glass windows and metal details. The interior colors will be blue and green to reflect South Haven's outdoor environment, which includes Lake Michigan, beach grass, sand and trees.

The new hospital, which can be accessed from both Blue Star Highway and Bailey Avenue, will be environmentally friendly, as well. Hospital officials say it is expected to exceed minimum energy code building requirements through use of energy-efficient LED lighting, high performance, low E-coated glass, indoor air quality improvements and building material resource conservation. Contractors are also using low volatile organic compound (VOC) materials and materials with high recyclable content.

After the new hospital opens, Bronson plans to tear down the current facility at 955 S. Bailey Ave.

“It would have cost $40-$60 million to fix the current facility,” Richardson said. “That why it was decided to build a new building.” It wasn't just the expense but the age of the current building, which has infrastructure that dates back to the 1940s to mid-1960s.

Labor shortage taking a toll

Small business owners hit hardest

By TONY WITTKOWSKI
HP Staff Writer

BENTON HARBOR — According to a recent survey, a labor shortage has begun to hit U.S. companies as job growth has slowed in 2019.
A monthly survey by the National Federation of Independent Businesses revealed a record percentage of small business owners reported having difficulties finding qualified workers in August.
It’s been highlighted as the biggest problem in the survey since January 2018.
Fifty-seven percent of the survey’s respondents, including 89 percent of those “hiring or trying to hire,” found “few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill.”
Paul Brohman, business account manager at Michigan Works Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, said the organization has started to introduce different ideas and solutions to help stem the shortage of qualified workers in Southwest Michigan.
Brohman said one solution is a team effort between the agency’s Talent and Business teams.
“We have revamped our monthly hiring events as a method for companies to educate and attract job seekers,” he said. “We are putting the onus on the company to pitch their ‘why’ to the job seeker. This ‘Shark Tank’ method of information sharing eliminates the awkwardness that attending job seekers have traditionally faced (at) hiring events.”
Michigan Works holds these events on the second and fourth Tuesday each month.
According to the NFIB survey, the construction industry had the highest share of owners reporting hiring difficulties, at 68 percent. Manufacturing was second, coming in at 59 percent.
With the unemployment rate near a 50-year low and a record 157.9 million Americans employed, there are simply fewer workers available.
In addition, the average monthly job growth as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics has slowed, from 223,000 last year to 158,000 so far this year.
Some experts have pointed to the decline as evidence that the longest economic recovery on record is losing steam.
Brohman said the three biggest factors that employers are dealing with in the tri-county region are a stagnating population, lower educational attainment levels and an aging workforce.
“Being youth-focused is another way to provide solutions to the companies of all size in our region,” he said. “We have launched Manufacturing Day and Career Exploration events across the region by partnering with Berrien RESA and local employers.”
Brohman said they are always looking for creative, innovative ways to address the biggest three employment problems in Southwest Michigan.
“We refuse to accept the fact that with a 5.2 percent unemployment rate, you just can’t find a qualified worker, but instead we are committed to inspiring positive economic change, one person, one business, one community at a time,” Brohman said.

9.23.19

The architectural rendering above shows proposed expansion of the Michigan Maritime Museum campus.

A huge expansion

Maritime Museum embarks on an $8 million project; Purchases Jensen property

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

From the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, South Haven lured in many commercial fishermen. Those days have all but been forgotten, the only reminder being two old warehouse buildings on the Black River built by the Jensen family for their fishing enterprises.

But that will change when the Michigan Maritime Museum undertakes an ambitious $8 million expansion next year.

“We're close to half way (to the fundraising goal),” said Patti Montgomery, executive director of the museum.

The expansion will include a permanent commercial fishing exhibit located in a waterfront building once used by the Jensens.

“This (an expansion of the museum and its grounds) has been a long time coming,” Montgomery said.

The expansion is being made possible by the museum's purchase of prime waterfront property located right next to the Dyckman Avenue drawbridge. The property has belonged to the Jensen family for years and contains two metal two-story buildings once used for their fishing business.

“Those two marina buildings are historic, put up in the 1940s,” Montgomery said. The museum intends to restore the structures. One will house a permanent display focusing on South Haven's commercial fishing days, while the other will be refurbished into a one-story facility to house the museum's historic small craft collection.

“It's a beautiful collection but we have no place right now to display it,” Montgomery said.

A third building on the site the family used for its charter boat business will be torn down to make way for a new two-story building and observation point that will give people a prime view of the city's harbor.

“It will be a multi-functional building,” Montgomery said. The first floor will contain restrooms, a catering kitchen and space for the museum's excursion ship captains to use during the summer months, while the second floor can be used for conferences or other gatherings for up to 80 people. The second floor will also have outdoor viewing areas.

The Jensen property also has docks on the city's harbor. Those finger docks will be removed and replaced with one long dock parallel to the riverfront that can be used for the display of older, wooden boats.

“We've asked people to imagine a view of the river from the bridge if you take away the old finger piers and replace them with historic craft,” said Brian Bosgraaf, a member of the museum's board and chair of its capital and building campaigns. “I think it (the former Jensen property) will become an iconic view.”

Montgomery agreed.

“We're doing our part to keep this part of the harbor as authentic as possible,” she said. “The changes will open the harbor in areas that you can't see right now.”

Purchase of the Jensen property will nearly double the size of the museum grounds, nearly quadruple its water frontage and allow the museum to undertake even more improvement projects.

The biggest of those changes will be construction of a new two-story museum to replace the current, small, one-story structure.

“We've maximized this space to its highest capacity,” Montgomery said. “We have 50,000 people who go through the museum May through September. We've just run out of space.”

The new museum will house a much larger exhibit area on the first floor, a two-story atrium with more exhibit space, an indoor and outdoor learning center for students, restrooms and a larger souvenir shop. The second floor will house a large room that can be used for exhibit space or for gatherings of 200-300 people, a catering kitchen, conference rooms and offices.

“The main museum building allows for flexibility of use,” Montgomery said. “First and foremost we're a museum, but we can also use some of the space for conferences, educational uses or reunions. It gives us the opportunity to generate additional revenue to help keep our admission prices affordable and for better quality exhibits.

Other improvements include:

• Replacing the Jensen parking lot with grass for outdoor events and workshops

• Constructing two new docks for longer ships that visit the museum, such as tall ships

• Constructing an outdoor patio that will include a large, three-season tent for outdoor events

• Improving the museum grounds by making them more easily accessible for walking to the museum's other historic boat buildings and its excursion boats.

Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm speaks to a nearly full house at Listiak Auditorium, Thursday, Sept. 19, as part of the South Haven Speakers Series.

Granholm: Embrace technology or be left behind

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

As a former two-term Michigan governor and now a CNN senior contributor, Jennifer Granholm keeps a close watch on state and national politics. But as the guest speaker at Thursday's South Haven Speakers Series, Granholm discussed something she has become very passionate about – the future of America's workforce and the nation's economy.

“Seventy thousand factories closed in the United States in the first 17 years of this century,” she told an audience of 350 people at South Haven High School's Listiak Auditorium. “Those factories sat on the main streets of America. You wonder how Donald Trump was elected. It was because of this.”

Granholm has been quite busy since she left office as Michigan's Democratic governor in 2011 after serving for 8 years. She now resides in California and serves on the faculty at the University of California Berkeley teaching courses in law and public policy, is a senior research fellow at the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and is chair of the America Jobs Project, a university initiative focused on policies to create jobs in clean energy. The initiative also researches artificial intelligence, employment and automation.

With the research she has taken part in, Granholm told the audience that Americans need to embrace technology or be left behind.

She pointed to the auto industry's growing investment in autonomous vehicles – vehicles which will one day replace drivers. Those drivers however, would more than likely be able to gain employment in the transportation industry, but in a different capacity, she said.

“Will autonomous vehicles take away our jobs? Since ATMs became popular are there fewer bank tellers?” she asked the audience. “Since 2000, full-time tellers increased 2 percent per year. Tellers now do more complex computer work in more branches...Employment grows faster in jobs that use technology.”

Granholm, however, acknowledged that training is necessary for workers, especially older ones, to acquire the increasing number of jobs that involve technology. She suggested that government policy makers become more creative in providing economic incentives for workers to embrace taking courses and gaining certifications to upgrade their skills.

“In this country, employees assume people will show up trained. Why not have a good subsidization program (to provide training)?” she said.

Although she didn't focus her speech on politics, Granholm took a few minutes prior to her speech to be interviewed about issues facing Michigan and the nation.

When asked what is stopping Michigan's legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer from reaching an agreement on increasing funding for roads, Granholm blamed it on gerrymandering.

“I do think gerrymandering was poison,” she said regarding the redistricting of legislative seats in 2012. “You would think infrastructure is apolitical as you can get. If it's not gas taxes to fix roads, what will it be?”

Some people have speculated that Whitmer will end up losing the battle on increasing gas taxes to make long-term improvements to Michigan's roads. But Granholm remains optimistic.

“She (Whitmer) campaigned on that issue and was sent by voters to Lansing on that issue.”

On the issue of whether the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives should initiate impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump, Granholm said, “If the House is going to do this, than do it. But don't drag it out. They should send the message, 'this is not acceptable.'”

Even if Trump doesn't face impeachment, Granholm thinks he will face an uphill battle to get re-elected in 2020.

“He hasn't kept his promises,” she said.





9.16.19

A group of bicyclists waves to onlookers at South Haven's South Beach, Friday morning, before dipping the rear wheels of their bikes into Lake Michigan to signal the start of their 270-mile ride across the state on Michigan's newest recreational path, the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail No. 1. The trail is the first of five that are being envisioned for the state by the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance.

State's longest bike trail between South Haven and Port Huron opens

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

A decade ago retired inventor and philanthropist Mike Levine of Lakeland, Mich. envisioned a bicycle trail stretching from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron.

“My son said, 'dad, you're trying to do the impossible,'” Levine recalled.

But Friday, Levine's dream finally came true with the official opening of Michigan's first Great Lake-to-Lake Trail.

Made possible in part with a pledge of $5 million Levine made in 2016, the 270-mile trail stretches from the Kal-Haven Trail in South Haven to the Bridge to Bay Trail in Port Huron. It travels through nine counties, 34 towns and links 16 existing trails.

“It is the state's longest destination trail,” said Bob Wilson, executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, who gave Levine a lot of credit for helping to bring state, regional and local governmental officials as well as trail coordinators together to create a contiguous trail across the state.

“Mike is the biggest single benefactor,” Wilson said. “He's given millions to create this trail.”

Levine, who was at the dedication ceremony for the trail on Friday in South Haven, remained modest about his contributions.

“Don't think of me as a philanthropist but rather a problem solver,” he quipped. “Michigan has the largest number of trails, but they're not connected. What I contributed was to get everyone on the same page and guess what? We did it.”

Levine, along with approximately 70 other bicyclists came to South Haven Friday for the inaugural ride and a dedication ceremony at the Kal-Haven trailhead.

First, the bicyclists went to South Beach to dip their rear tires into Lake Michigan and then biked to the nearby Kal-Haven Trail for a dedication ceremony before beginning their six-day journey to Port Huron where they will dip their wheels into Lake Huron.

During the dedication ceremony, a large cast iron buoy was unveiled to mark the entrance to the trailhead, which will also be known as the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail No. 1 trailhead. Another identical buoy will be placed at the trailhead in Port Huron to mark that entrance.

Don and Dee Wellwood of Whitmoor Lake, Mich., were two of the cyclists taking part in the dedication ceremony and ride. Veteran bicyclists of 14 years, the Wellwoods have rode on trails and byways in South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C. and New York.

“We're rode a lot of trails,” Don said. “Now that there's a trail that goes across the state we wanted to ride it.”

Al Lawland, a bicyclist of 30 years and member of the St. Clare County Trail Committee in Southeast Michigan, was also taking part in the inaugural ride.

“I got involved in putting the trail together,” he said. “When they announced the ride, I could not help but go.”

Seventy percent of Trail No. 1 consists of existing recreation trails, while the remainder of the trail travels along rural roads that are marked with signage. The hope is that one day the trail will consist of 100 percent recreational paths.

The Great Lake-to-Lake Trail between South Haven and Port Huron is the first of five Great Lake to Lake Trails envisioned for Michigan by the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance.

Three are located in the Lower Peninsula and the other two in the Upper Peninsula.

“The Bay City to Muskegon and Charlevoix to Mackinaw City trails are almost done,” Wilson said.

A bright future

Economic developer predicts good times ahead for Van Buren County's economy

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

PAW PAW — Van Buren County is positioned to experience substantial economic development over the coming years.

That's according to a report by Zachary Morris, executive director of Market Van Buren and Kinexus.

Tuesday Morris gave both an oral and a 35-page written background report, dubbed the Economic Development Improvement Plan, on what the two organizations have been doing, plus things that are in the pipeline for the future, such as millions of dollars of investment, producing hundreds of jobs.

Economic development, according to Morris, is "the connection between talent, business and community."

"If these three are not in balance they start to fall apart from each other," Morris told Van Buren County commissioners.

Although often described as rural, Van Buren County actually has a diversified economy with both large and small industries. The top industry is retail trade, representing 14.8 percent of the work force, followed by health care at 11.4 percent, manufacturing at 11.1 percent, arts and entertainment at 10.6 percent and accommodation and food services at 9.8 percent.

Twenty-six businesses responded to a recent survey and 11 of them said their main impediment to growth is finding labor. Eight reported that competition was their largest problem and three cited government regulations.

"The majority of business (13)," the report said, "stated that it has been somewhat difficult to attract new, qualified employees. An additional five firms said it was extremely difficult."

As of July, Van Buren County had an unemployment rate of 2.6 percent. This implies, the report said, "there is a substantial shortage of labor in the county." According to federal statistics, the county "is operating well above full employment."

The county has a number of competitive advantages, including proximity to markets, highways and railroads. There's also space. Kalamazoo, Morris told commissioners, is built-out. "That's good news for us," Morris said.

Among the downsides, the pending closure of the Palisades nuclear plant with the resulting layoffs.

The Economic Development Improvement Plan has four major recommendations. They are:

• Identifying and retaining qualified workforce talent.

• Expanding the freight rail system.

• Improving the county's housing stock.

• Seeking grants to improve internet service to rural areas.

In other matters, commissioners formally adopted the 2019-20 general fund budget, which begins Oct. 1.

Revenues and expenditures are balanced at $24,049,140 with a projected fund balance of $6,532,980 at the end of the fiscal year.





9.9.19

Photos by Tom Renner
In the photo above, volunteers grills hamburgers and hots for the picnic served during the Back to School Community Fun Day at Elkenburg Park. In the e photo below, Fun Day participants get acquainted with a K9 officer from the South Haven Police Department.

Back to School Fun Day attracts a crowd

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

More than 100 South Haven area youth started the school year with a brand new backpack full of supplies thanks to the Back to School Community Fun Day / Book Bag Giveaway at Elkenburg Park.

Now in its 20th year, the event occurred two weeks prior to the start of school to give kids one more chance to have some last-minute summer fun and gear up for school at the same time.

“We had around 150 students and adults attend this year,” said Pastor Joe Wilkins of Resurrection Life Ministries. Wilkins, his wife Letitia and the South Haven Police Department, under the direction of Chief Natalie Thompson, all played key roles in organizing the annual event.

In addition to giving away backpacks, organizers and sponsors also set up games, and prepared hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, cookies, ice cream, snow cones and drinks for participants to enjoy.

Organizers also raffled off six bikes, four Visa Cards, and a children's lounge chair, all donated by local businesses.

Over the years, Wilkins and Resurrection Life Ministries have played a key role in ensuring the Back to School Fun Day takes place.

“The first event was held in August 1999,” said Wilkins, who's been involved with the fun day since its inception.

Wilkins takes pride in how many backpacks have been given away over the years at the fun day — 2,700.

The event wouldn't be possible, he said, without the support of businesses, organizations and volunteers, notably Palisades Nuclear Power Plant and South Haven Police Department. Other sponsors this year included A&D One Stop, Clementine's restaurant, Country House Furniture, Do-It Corp., Don Woodhams Ford, Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, Sherman's Dairy Bar, South Haven Insurance, South Haven McDonald's, South Haven Walmart and Wilt Sicard Car Company.

More improvements mean higher slip fees at Black River Park marina

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

If you want to dock your boat for the 2020 summer season at Black River Park, expect to pay more to do so.

For the first time since 2015, South Haven will be increasing seasonal rates for the 24- and 30-foot docks. City council did so, Monday, after receiving a recommendation from the Harbor Commission.

“In the past two years, many projects have been completed at Black River Park such as the restroom renovation project, 5 new skid/launch piers, new fish cleaning station, and new landscaping,” Harbor Master and Assistant City Manager Kate Hosier explained in a memo to city council members. “There are more improvements needed at this facility and an increase in the slip fees will help fund those projects as well as any unforeseen repairs due to high water.”

Seasonal rates for 24-foot docks will increase in 2020 from $1,690 to $1,872 for a $182 hike, while 30-foot dock rates will go up from $1,910 to $2,250 for a $340 increase.

Transient docking fees are also expected to increase at the city's North and South Side marinas, the Michigan Maritime Museum marina and Black River Park marina. However, those rates first have to be set and approved through the Michigan Waterways Commission.

“The rates were to be considered at the August meeting of the Waterways Commission however the meeting was cancelled,” Hosier explained. “It is anticipated that the rates will be changing.”

The harbor commission recommended the increase in transient slip fees for the same reason as it did for seasonal slips.

The city, Hosier noted, has steadily added amenities and services at those marinas, including upgraded electric facilities, free WiFi service and staff training.

In addition to increasing seasonal docking fees at Black River Park, council members approved a resolution that requires all seasonal slip renters at all of the city-owned marina sign a new contract that stipulates rules they must follow. Seasonal boat owners must now make deposits by Oct. 15 and pay the balance by Jan. 15 rather than Nov. 15 and Feb. 15.

Other changes include electrical checkups and inspections to determine whether boats are leaking any amperage, the use of marine-grade electric cords and adaptors and ensuring vessels are seaworthy and operational under their own power.

Granholm set to speak in South Haven

As part of the 2019 Speaker Series of South Haven, former Governor Jennifer Granholm will speak on “Top Trends Affecting Michigan.” The program will begin at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 19 at Listiak Auditorium in South Haven High School at 600 Le Grange Street. Due to the anticipated high number of attendees, the usual reception preceding the talk will not be held.

Admission is $10 with students, educators, and clergy admitted free. Tickets will be available at the door.

Since leaving office in 2011 Granholm has been involved a number of projects such job growth in clean energy, information technology, sustainability, climate change, and the development of public policy. Paired with her eight years experience as governor and four as attorney general, Granholm’s perspective will pose a compelling look at Michigan’s future.

She currently serves on the faculty at UC Berkeley teaching courses in law and public policy, and is a Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society, and the California Institute on Energy and the Environment. She is chair of the American Jobs Project, a multi-university research initiative focused on state-based policies to create jobs in clean energy, and does research in the subjects of artificial intelligence, employment and automation. She also serves as a senior contributor to CNN.

Granholm is also the Managing Partner for the Sustainability Group of Ridge-Lane, LLC, is the CEO of Granholm Mulhern Associates, and serves on several boards of companies and nonprofits. A senior contributor to CNN, she is also the co-author of the political bestseller, “A Governor’s Story: The Fight for Jobs and America’s Economic Future.”

Governor of Michigan from 2003 to 2011, Granholm pioneered clean energy innovation, economic development, and led the state through the national crisis in the turn-around of the American automotive and manufacturing sectors. During her terms, the state attracted almost 4,000 companies and Site Selection magazine repeatedly named Michigan as one of the top three states in the nation for business locations or expansions. Under her leadership, Michigan was twice recognized by The Pew Center on the States as one of the best-managed states in the nation. 

For its final 2019 event the Speaker Series will host Social Psychologist David Meyer, Oct. 17, at Listiak Auditorium. His topic “Smart Thinking in A Post Truth Age” will address dealing with false beliefs and fake news.





9.3.19

Ripening Gala apples are shown on an apple tree near Paw Paw. The Gala harvest is expected to peak in mid-September. (Photo courtesy of Mark Longstroth)

Late bloom, late harvest

Cold, wet spring delays apple harvest a week

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

“About average.”

That's how Michigan apple crop is being described this year.

“The Michigan crop should be around 26 million bushels,” said Mark Longstroth, fruit educator for Van Buren County MSU Extension in Paw Paw.

He's not far off the mark. Last week the United States Department of Agriculture released its official outlook for the apple harvest and pegged Michigan's at 25.25 million bushels, on par with the state's average of 25.2 million harvested bushels.

“July was the hottest month this summer, and paired with the cool, rainy spring, both seasons provided favorable weather conditions for growing apples,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Good quality, size, and the anticipation of a full crop point to numerous retail opportunities this year.”

In Michigan, there are more than 11.3 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 35,500 acres on 825 family-run farms in Michigan.

Closer to home in Southwest Michigan 7,300 acres of apples are grown on 196 farms, according to Longstroth.

“The apple acreage in Southwest Michigan has been shrinking as is the apple acreage in all Michigan,” Longstroth said, however, he went on to say, “yields have increased so that the total production of apples has been maintained.”

Over 2,000 acres of Red Delicious apples are grown in Southwest Michigan, making it the most popular one with growers, followed by Golden Delicious, 1,500 acres; Jonathan, 915 acres; Gala, 900 acres; Rome, 490 acres; Empire, 436; acres and Honeycrisp, 415 acres.

“Many of the apples in Southwest Michigan are grown for processing uses in juice, apple sauce and apple slices,” Longstroth said.

If you're hoping to find fresh, picked apples in stores and at farmer markets this month, it looks like you'll have to wait a little longer.

“We had a wet cold spring and a late bloom,” Longstroth said. “The apple harvest will be about a week later than normal.”

Harvesting of the first varieties is expected to begin around Sept. 20.

“McIntosh, Gala and Honeycrisp are the first major apple varieties harvested,” Longstroth said.

The wet spring Southwest Michigan experienced did cause some disease issues for growers, but they're dealing with it.

“We have disease problems due to the wet spring, but the growers have done a good job and the crop looks good and quality looks good,” said Longstroth, who routinely visits farms throughout the region. “The cool weather forecast will lead to good color development.”

Reverse

Nude murals will remain after all in Van Buren County courthouse

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

PAW PAW — It was standing room only as a crowd watched Van Buren County commissioners Tuesday vote 6-1 to reject a resolution to cover up two paintings in the county courthouse.

Two weeks ago commissioners had agreed to cover the paintings, which show bare-breasted women, after courthouse judges requested they be removed or covered.

But Tuesday, people came forward and demanded the paintings remain in public view for reasons of art and history.

Tina Streich, of Paw Paw, told commissioners she had a petition with 1,440 signatures asking the paintings be left alone. "We're very passionate about preserving our history here in Paw Paw," Streich said.

She read several comments from the petition that said art should not be censored and asking for a referendum on the question.

The painting in the courthouse stairwell is thought to depict the Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, bare-breasted, with a sword in front of her. In Greek legend, Athena sprang from the God Zeus's head. The Athena painting was created by Paw Paw-born artist Frank Lewis Van Ness (1865-1944).

The other painting in the courtroom shows a bare-breasted woman and a bent over man in shackles bowing to a God-like person holding a sword.

Chief Judge Kathleen Brickley, who opposed keeping the paintings uncovered, said they could further traumatize people in court proceedings who are victims of domestic violence or child sexual assault.

"Depictions of violence such as beheadings and spearing risk traumatizing them," Brickley said.

The nudity may also be a trigger since child sexual assault victims are often sexualized. "None of us should underestimate the power of trauma and the danger of trauma triggers," Brickley said.

The judges' suggestions was to move them elsewhere.

However, at the last meeting County Administrator John Faul said the paintings can't be moved without destroying them.

Retired county clerk and current Hamilton Township Clerk Tina Leary said she had worked in the courthouse for 33 years. Not a week, she said, would go by without someone commenting on the beauty of the courthouse. They considered other courthouses sterile-looking.

"Not once in many years at the county was there a complaint or concern expressed to me about the inappropriateness of the murals," Leary said.

Ryan Gilbert, secretary of the Van Buren County Republican Party, said the local party voted against the idea of covering the murals since they were from a different time and not intended to offend. Covering them would be a from of censorship.

"This artwork has been a part of our courthouse for over a century," Gilbert said, adding the original artist still has family in the area.

Most of the other citizens who spoke favored leaving the murals as is.

When commissioners began discussing the resolution most of them said all or most of the constituents they had spoken to about the murals were in favor of leaving them uncovered.

The lone exception was Commissioner Gail Patterson-Gladney, who had the opposite experience. All but one woman agreed with the judges.

"They respected what the judges' point of view was," Patterson-Gladney said.

"I respect art, too," Patterson-Gladney said, "but I would say that this situation has two sides and I respect both sides, but I would, from my constituents, have to vote for the covering of them."

Patterson-Gladney was the only commissioner that voted in support of the resolution to cover the murals.



Grant benefits Scott Club's building project

Thanks to a local company and its foundation, the Scott Club will come one step closer to restoring the exterior of its historic landmark building in South Haven.

Albemarle Corp. has recently presented a $3,000 grant to the cultural organization for its exterior repair and painting project, which is scheduled to begin in the fall.

“This project is one of two major building-related initiatives for 2019 for the Scott Club and the funds from Albemarle are a major factor in being able to progress this project,” said Carol Kunze, a member of the club's grant committee. “The exterior painted surfaces of the building are literally peeling and this work will improve the appearance of the building and more importantly, protect the interior after associated repairs are completed.”

The Scott Club, which has been in existence since the late 1800s, owns and maintains its historic building at the corner of Pearl and Phoenix streets. Built in 1893, the building is a designated Michigan Historic Site and is well known for its two large stained-glass windows that show images of literary greats Sir Walter Scott and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

“The organization is committed to preserving this Michigan Historic Site as an important part of South Haven history and a beautiful venue for the community to enjoy,” Kunze said.

The Scott Club provides approximately 20 educational and entertainment program each year and hosts community-focused events including a soup luncheon and breakfast with Santa.





8.26.19

Bob Filbrandt of South Haven begins the process of cleaning fish at South Haven's new fish-cleaning station in Black River Park. (Photo by Tom Renner)

Plenty of room at the fish cleaning station

New $300,000 station opens at Black River Park

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It took several years, but South Haven finally has a new fish-cleaning station at Black River Park.

The station, which cost $300,000 to build, is now open to anglers.

“With its several miles on the Black River and direct access to the Lake Michigan fishery, the City of South Haven has a long history of supporting recreational opportunities for anglers,” stated Kate Hosier, assistant city manager and harbormaster. “This project creates not only one of the nicest fish cleaning facilities along the shores of Lake Michigan, but one that is free to use by both our residents and visitors alike.”

The station, which is modeled after a similar one in St. Joseph, has eight cleaning tables, two of which are ADA accessible. It is built of masonry and steel to allow for easy movement around the tables and a flow of air through the station to alleviate potential smells. All water lines will feed from the ceiling allowing easier use and control of spray, and each of the main tables is equipped with large sewer grinders to grind fish scales and other remains directly into the city's sewage system. There's also power cords for knives that feed each table from above, a fish scaler and a cooler-cleaning station.

The previous fish-cleaning station was located in a section of the park where people have to pay to park in order to access the public boat launch. However, the new station can be accessed from a no-fee parking area.

The city secured a $150,000 grant from the Great Lakes Fishery Trust Fund earlier this year to offset the cost of the project. Several years ago, the city tried to land a $250,000 grant for a fish-cleaning station, but was unable to do so. Last year, city officials scaled back the project a bit and were successful in obtaining the $150,000 grant.

The city's match will be paid for from the city's parks and marina funds, which are funded through user fees.

The fish cleaning station is part of several improvements that have either taken place or are envisioned for Black River Park, which is located on the city's north side along Dunkley Avenue.

“Beginning four years ago, master planning work began for the development of a long-term vision for Black River Park,” Hosier said. “Over the past few years the city has made improvements to increase access to the local fishery for people of all abilities,” Hosier said.

Those Improvements include new skid piers, a universally accessible kayak/canoe launch and a fully accessible shoreline fishing platform.

SH principal named superintendent of Iron Mountain Schools

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

The start of a new school year will bring some administrative changes for South Haven Public Schools.

After five years as principal at South Haven High School, Jerry Sardina will be returning to the Upper Peninsula to become superintendent of Iron Mountain Public Schools, while Lincoln Elementary Principal Bennett Tyler has accepted a principal's position at Wayne-Westland Public Schools in the Detroit metro area.

Both administrators are moving to be closer to their families, according to South Haven Schools Superintendent Kevin Schooley.

“I am happy for Jerry. There's a lot of family for them in the Iron Mountain area. Again, with Bennett, that (southeast Michigan) is where he and his wife are from and with four youngsters, they are looking to be near their family as well.”

South Haven Board of Education President Laura Bos agreed.

“We will very much miss Jerry. But we know this is a good career move for him.”

Schooley posted Sardina's position Wednesday and expects to make a decision for choosing an interim principal by the end of this week.

“We do have our assistant principal (Ryan Williamson) and dean of students (Doug Thorne) still in place and Jerry will remain here for at least a couple of weeks,” Schooley said.

Sardina said he has enjoyed his time being principal at South Haven High School.

“I am very thankful for South Haven Public Schools. South Haven came at a perfect time for me professionally and for my family on a personal level.  I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with two very supportive superintendents. To simply say thank you to both Dr. Herrera and Kevin Schooley seems silly because it doesn't even begin to express the gratitude I have to both of these people for the influence they have had in my career, but I would like for them to know they not only made a difference in students lives, they made a difference in mine and helped me get to this next step in my career. 

“Lastly, I would like to thank the high school community. The past 5 years have been a great experience and together we moved the building forward and have raised the bar for our students and families we serve. We have implemented a lot of change over the years, and the teachers and staff have responded in an excellent way. I feel the high school is at a great spot for the transitioning in of a new building leader. I have the utmost respect for this group, will never forget my time with them, and thank them for their support along the way.”

Tyler resigned earlier this month. District officials will accept resumes for his position until Friday and then being scheduling interviews.

Iron Mountain's Board of Education, Monday, unanimously voted to select Sardina as superintendent.

According to the Iron Mountain Daily News, school board members chose Sardina from 17 candidates. During Monday's meeting, the board interviewed Sardina and one other finalist, Bruce Tapio, former North Central Schools superintendent.

Prior to coming to South Haven, Sardina had been principal and athletic director at Stephenson Middle/High School in Menominee County four years, and assistant principal there three years before that.

He has a master's degree in education administration and supervision from Northern Michigan University, and worked in law enforcement for 13 years before switching to education. He and his wife have three children.

Tyler also spent five years in South Haven as Lincoln School's principal. Prior to coming to South Haven, Tyler taught fourth grade for seven years at West Bloomfield's Sheiko Elementary School, and before that taught in Northville and Livonia. He has a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Michigan.

Coming soon

MDOT gives green light for BL-196 lane diet to proceed

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It looks like a portion of Business Loop I-196 will be going on a diet after all.

City officials announced this week that the Michigan Department of Transportation has OK'd reducing the number of lanes on sections of Broadway and Lagrange streets from five to three lanes.

Officials expect work to begin sometime in September.

“I anticipate it will be complete by Oct. 16,” Department of Public Works Director Bill Hunter said.

When restriping of the roadway is finished from Phoenix to Aylworth streets, there will be three lanes, bicycle paths on each side and more markings and signage for pedestrian crossings.

The intent of the lane diet is to make the roadway safer for bicyclists and for pedestrians to cross, especially South Haven High School students and other city residents who live east of the business loop.

“This project is all about trying to ensure young people have the safest route possible,” City Manager Brian Dissette said in a previous interview. “Having three lanes of traffic is safer than having five lanes.”

City officials had hoped to begin the lane diet earlier this year, but had to wait for MDOT, which owns the roadway, to give final approval.

In July, officials worried MDOT would turn down the proposed diet plan. As it turns out MDOT wanted assurances that a majority of property owners along the business loop favored the idea.

“Part of the holdup was our open house,” Hunter said referring to the open house the city held in October 2018 to gather input from property owners. Even though city officials told MDOT there were no objections expressed during the open house, state officials weren't convinced.

“They wanted proof and minutes of the open house,” Hunter said. However, because the open house wasn't an official government meeting, minutes weren't kept.

“They did accept us putting together editorial,” Hunter went on to say.

The road diet along the business loop will be the second one in South Haven.

In 2008, MDOT approved a reduction of lanes on the M-43 corridor from four to three and the creation of bike paths along either side.



8.19.19

Bishop Dorothy Sherrod is shown with several boards that tell the history of prominent blacks that once lived in South Haven and the contributions they made over the years to the community. Sherrod and several other people from the Black History Leadership Society have compiled biographical information about South Haven area blacks into a book that will be on display at the Community Picnic, Aug. 25.

Making a difference

Community picnic focuses on contributions local blacks have made to South Haven

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Bev Brown didn't know what to expect last year when South Haven's Ward 1 Community Action Committee decided to host a community picnic at Elkenburg Park.

“I thought we'd be lucky if we got 40 people. We ended up with 400,” she recalled, laughing.

The success of last year's event spurred the committee to turn the picnic into an annual event, which they hope will be bigger and better than last year.

The 2^nd annual Community Picnic is scheduled from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at Elkenburg Park, corner of Elkenburg and Kalamazoo streets. The rain date will be Tuesday, Aug. 27 at the same time.

“Over 15 groups are helping to provide fun, food and pride in our diverse heritage,” Brown said.

“The meat is provided and all are asked to bring a dish to pass and a lawn chair. But all are invited even if you don't feel like cooking.”

This year's event will include activities for children and musical entertainment, but it will be slightly different in that the history and contributions of South Haven's black community will be included as part of the city's 150^th anniversary celebration.

“It (the picnic) will highlight the positive impact African Americans have made in the community,”Brown said. “There will be displays, photographs and memorabilia collected from private citizens, the black churches and the Black Leadership Society.”

Blacks began settling in the South Haven area following the Civil War. However, very little historical information about the contributions they have made has been compiled. Until now.

Bishop Dorothy Sherrod and several other longtime South Haven residents have been busy compiling information into a book that recounts the lives of prominent blacks from South Haven and the organizations they have formed over the years.

The book will be on display at the picnic.

“This has been years and years in the making,” Sherrod said referring to the book that chronicles the lives of blacks in the South Haven area who have been honored over the years by the Black Leadership Society. Sherrod, Myrna Llorens, and Beth Keithly all gathered information for the biographies. They also received assistance from the Historical Association of South Haven.

Some of the people included in the book are the late William Roscoe Pearson Sr., who in 1969 became the first black person to be named to the South Haven City Council. He, along with Kenneth Holland and Horace Arrington played an instrumental role in the creation of Elkenburg Park. Another person included in the book, Virginia Allison, became the first black nurse to work in the operating room at South Haven Community Hospital, while Mae Howell ran a successful women's apparel store, Mae's Dress Shoppe in Chicago for 23 years before moving to South Haven to open another dress shop that thrived for 11 years until she retired due to health reasons.

“Mae dressed the first black Miss South Haven,” Sherrod recalled.

The book also includes blacks who served in World War II and pastors who started churches in South Haven and the surrounding area, including Ray and Hulda Brown, who started the first black church in South Haven, Church of the Living God, in 1923. It now has become Emmanuel Community Church. The book also recounts the accomplishments of black school principals, business owners, doctors, musicians, political activists and community leaders.

“These are stories about the black community that need to be told and haven't,” Sherrod said. “South Haven's history is rich with the contributions of numerous African-Americans. The photographs and narratives included in the book highlight a small but meaningful representation of these prominent members of our community.”

While people peruse the black history display and eat their picnic dinner, several groups will be offering activities for picnickers to enjoy.

Youth Development Corp. and the Boys and Girls Club will offer games for children, while the South Haven Center for the Arts and Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum will coordinate art projects. Foundry Hall cultural arts organization will lead the musical entertainment, while in a flashback to the past, South Haven Area Emergency Services will demonstrate a “bucket brigade.”

Larry King is shown with Sarah Jelsomeno at University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor where he underwent a kidney transplant after Jelsomeno agreed to donate one of hers. 

After all, what are friends for?

Bloomingdale woman donates kidney to South Haven man

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

When Sarah Jelsomeno learned through social media that long-time acquaintance Larry King of South Haven needed a kidney transplant, she made a decision that would change King’s life.

She decided to become a donor.

Jelsomeno, who lives in Bloomingdale, met Larry King and his wife Trish through mutual friends while working in South Haven seven years ago.

She was surprised to hear of Larry's plight.

“I first learned of Larry’s issues via social media, Facebook with Trish’s updates on his illness, and I saw the previous (South Haven Tribune) article written about him.”

Larry was diagnosed with kidney disease about eight years ago and earlier this year was put on the transplant list. At the time, he did not need dialysis, but it looked like he was headed that way.

“We are not at the dialysis point yet but the port has been placed and the home inspection has been done so we are prepared when this day comes,” said Trish, in the Tribune article that ran in January. “Thankfully he qualified to be at home and can do this at night as he sleeps. They prefer for his sake that we try to find a match before the dialysis has to happen.” 

The average waiting time for an individual’s first kidney transplant can be over three years, according to the National Kidney Foundation, so when the couple received the good news that a live donor had been found, you can imagine how happy they were.

"There were several people working through the U of M protocols," Larry explained. "They had either seen the Tribune article or read the Facebook post about my condition. U of M works four potential donors at a time via a team totally independent of the patient team. So the only way I knew anything was when a donor would share that information."

If it weren’t for Trish’s updates on his condition, Larry might still be waiting.

“When I learned of Larry’s need, I began inquiring how to become his potential donor,”Jelsomeno said.  “My family wasn’t really surprised at my decision to do this, they supported me fully and encouraged me throughout the entire process.”

“Sarah was great about sharing her status as she worked through the program,” Larry said. “Those updates always left me feeling upbeat and hopeful. She knew about a week before I received the call from U of M so it was exciting to get the news from her.”

Once the Kings got confirmation, it was a matter of scheduling leave from work, applying for short term disability, planning for upkeep of the house and dog, booking lodging before the surgery and finding a place for Trish to stay during his recovery.

On Wednesday, June 24, King's wait was over - it was time for surgery and to receive the ultimate gift - a new kidney.

"We had to be there ( U of M) at 5:30 in the morning and were able to have prep areas right next to each other," King recalled. "That made for a lot of giggles. My surgery was just over five hours and then four hours in post-op. I don’t remember much until late that night and the next day. They had me up walking the next day. The more you walk the quicker the body begins to recover."

The road to recovery for King will take a few months, but, he's already noticed a difference in how he feels.

"I won’t fully recover from the surgery until December," he said. "Until then I have weight lifting restrictions and am waiting for anemia from the kidney disease to clear. Lifelong, I will take anti -rejection medication that brings about its own challenges. There are food restrictions against grapefruit, mango, pomegranate and pomelo. I have to be extra cautious around people with colds or flu. I’m encouraged not to eat salads out, from buffet bars, raw oysters, undercooked meats or vegetables and fruits that haven’t been properly washed. That being said I started feeling better within 24 hours of surgery and feel great today. "

While Sarah’s road to recuperation will be quicker, it hasn’t been easy.

“My recovery has been a lot more daunting that I imagined,” she said. “ I’ve always bounced back quickly from surgeries and expected this one to be the same. It was not, it humbled me and it hurt. I still ache and really have to pace myself, which I’m not good at, at all, and have to remind myself to be patient with myself. I’m still caring for a stubborn part of my incision that is slow to heal, as well.” But she added, “I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

Together the two now have a life-long bond that Larry will forever be thankful for.

“I am grateful and amazed everyday for Sarah’s generous and life-saving donation,” King said. “ I had no idea how sick I really was until after the transplant. Live donation not only saves lives it helps people lead happy, healthy and productive lives. It’s also far less expensive than a life of dialysis and disability. I would strongly encourage people to consider it. Knowing what I know today I would be a live donor and if I should pass and have suitable organs, I am a deceased donor.”



1.20.20

Erosion has taken its toll on the shoreline of Pilgrim Haven Nature Preserve in South Haven Township. (Photo by Tom Renner)

Shoreline erosion takes its toll

County board wants state to issue a disaster declaration

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

PAW PAW — Van Buren County Commission is joining the ranks of other county boards in asking state officials to declare shoreline communities as disaster areas.

Van Buren board members last week adopted the measure after viewing a Michigan State Police aerial video of erosion along Lake Michigan caused by the abnormally high water levels.

The video footage showed views of the shoreline starting at Glenn in Allegan County and ending to the south at Palisades Park, in Covert Township. The area includes the beaches and harbor at South Haven, Pilgrim Haven Land Preserve, North Point Land Preserve and Palisades nuclear plant. Added were overlays of street names and other features. While watching the video, commissioners commented about the extent of damage the near-record high water levels of Lake Michigan has wrought over the past year.

In one spot, a fairly new home looked as if it had no back yard. In other places, bluffs were being eaten by the lake, their faces sliced off and disappearing into the water. When the video got to Van Buren State Park, Commission Chair Richard Godfrey pointed out, "No beach."

In the resolution the county says it recognizes the erosion from storms, high water and wind-driven waves, as well as ice. The lakes themselves, according to the resolution, drive Michigan's tax base and property values.

"The conditions of the Great Lakes shoreline," according to the resolution, "affects businesses and the tourism industry by limited access to the beaches; the loss of property along the shoreline directly affects the local, county, and state tax base; and the effects on municipal water systems and the inland waters levels throughout the state are all affected.

"Now, therefore, be it hereby resolved that the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners requests that the Governor of the State of Michigan along with the state legislature give favorable consideration to the declaration of the shoreline in the State of Michigan as a disaster area, and seek assistance from congress and the president of the United States for this devastating situation which has an impact statewide."

In other matters, commissioners adopted a resolution asking the state to double the terms of county commissioners.

County commissioners have two-year terms. All other elected officials have four-year terms. State House Bills 4937-38 and Senate Bills 504-505 would make that four years.

County boards of commission came into existence in 1968, superseding county boards of supervisors, where all the township supervisors met for county-level discussions. The state abolished the supervisors board in favor of boards of commissioners, where each member represents a district not based upon township lines.

The current board consists of seven members. In the past it's had five.

In the resolution, commissioners said their duties have greatly increased over the last century to include road patrols, indigent defense, mental health treatment and substance abuse prevention programming, solid waste pick-up and disposal, food and water supply safety, park operations, economic development efforts, emergency management and response.

"The position of county commissioner is a highly complex oversight role that requires years to master," the resolution stated.

In other matters, commissioners held their organizational meeting for the coming year. Richard Godfrey was returned as chair and Mike Chappell voted vice-chair, succeeding Kurt Doroh.

Sales up, prices down

Realtor group releases 2019 housing market stats for South Haven

Home sales increased in 2019 in the South Haven housing market while priced dropped, according to the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors.

At the end of 2019, the number of single-family homes sold in the South Haven area jumped 18 percent when compared to 2018 (244 vs. 207). But, the average selling price for single-family houses last year fell 20 percent to $301,990 from $380,331 in 2018. The median selling price for single-family houses in 2019 also decreased 5 percent from 2018 ($223,500 vs. $235,730). The median price marks the price point in which 50 percent of the homes sold are above that number, and 50 percent, below.

While single-family home sales increased in the South Haven market, the number of condos sold in 2019 decreased 16 percent (41 vs. 49). But, the average selling price for 2019 was $304,834, up 3 percent from $296,028 average selling price in 2018. The median selling price for condos in 2019 slipped 2 percent from 2018 ($254,000 vs. $260,000).

Looking at the monthly statistics for December of 2019, the number of single-family houses sold increased by six sales from December 2018 (17 vs. 11). The average selling price for single-family houses in December sky-rocketed 80 percent when compared to December 2018 ($423,786 vs. $235,190), while the median selling price in December 2019 rose 30 percent to $ 305,000 from $235,000 in December 2018.

Condo sales in December decreased by one condo from December 2018 (3 vs. 4). The average condo selling price in December 2019 jumped 26 percent when compared to December 2018 ($341,667 vs. $270,500). The median selling price for condos rose 27 percent from December 2018 ($320,000 vs. $252,500).

In 2019, there were 5 single-family houses in the closed transactions in South Haven 49090 compared to 7 single-family houses in 2018. There were no bank-owned or foreclosed condos included in the closed transactions in 2019 or 2018.

For comparison, the number of bank-owned or foreclosed homes as a percentage of all transactions in Berrien, Cass, and the westerly 2/3 of Van Buren Counties was 4 percent; down from the 3 percent in November. The highest percentage in December was 45 percent in 2009.



1.13.20

Bronson South Haven Hospital employees Darcy Knapper (left) and Carrie Conroy sign their names, Tuesday, on a steel beam which will be the last one to be erected for the hospital's new steel structure. (Photo by Becky Kark)

Leaving their mark

Bronson employees sign final steel beam for new hospital

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

When contractors erect the last steel beam for the new Bronson South Haven Hospital it will mark a special moment for doctors and staff.

Hospital employees took turns, Tuesday, signing the beam with their signatures and writing special messages.

“We're getting ready to put the last beam up,” Bronson Communications Specialist Jay Newmarch said. “We thought it would be nice for employees to leave their mark.”

Carrie Conroy and Darcy Knapper were two such employees who did so.

“We want to keep the positivity of Bronson going and let the community know we're proud of this hospital,” Conroy said.

Another employee who signed the beam, penned, “For all the positivity in this new beginning, here's to many more years.”

Construction of the new $22 million hospital is going well, according to Bronson South Haven Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kirk Richardson.

“The good news is that the weather has been cooperating,” he said.

Workers began construction of the steel structure in October. Richardson estimates the final beam should be in place in the next two to three weeks.

“We're working to get the building enclosed so we can start working on the interior,” he said.

Hospital officials say contractors are on target to complete the 52,000-square-foot, two-story hospital by December and open it during the first quarter of 2021.

The hospital will house a 14 emergency room beds, eight in-patient beds and 32 physician exam rooms.

Hospital officials also plan to build a new 4,500-square-foot building nearby to house the wound care center.

Bronson Healthcare, which owns Bronson South Haven Hospital, decided to construct the new facility because it would have been too expensive to renovate the existing one with its aging infrastructure, according to Dr. Matthew Dommer, vice president of medical affairs at Bronson South Haven.

“It would have cost $40-$60 million to keep it going,” he said.

Competency exam requested for accused killer

By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN

HP Staff Writer

The man accused of killing Wilda Wilkinson in 1986 will take a competency exam before hearings in his case.

A court secretary said Tuesday that Robert James Waite's attorney filed paperwork for Waite to take a competency exam so his probable cause and preliminary hearings were delayed.

The hearings, in South Haven District Court, were rescheduled to May 6 and 13.

Waite, 50, was charged in June with one felony count of homicide-open murder. He waived extradition from Florida in November, where he was serving a prison sentence for an unrelated crime.

Wilkinson’s daughter found her strangled mother in 1986. A nurse’s aide at South Haven Community Hospital at the time, Wilkinson, 59, was divorced and lived alone in Bangor.

The case went cold until new DNA information was brought forward last year.

Waite remains in the Van Buren County Jail.

Contact: anewman@TheHP.com, 932-0357, Twitter: @HPANewman





1.6.20

A youngster is shown on a ski lift at Timber Ridge Ski Area near Gobles. (Photo by Alexandra Newman)

Area ski resorts thankful for snow making machines

By ALEXANDRA
NEWMAN
HP Staff Writer

GOBLES — Getting people to come skiing can be harder than you would imagine.
It doesn’t just have to do with the temperature outside.
“We call it the windowsill effect,” said Amy Scrab, general manager of Timber Ridge Ski Area near Gobles. “If they don’t see snow in their yard, they don’t think about it as an option. Every ski resort has that happen.”
Timber Ridge, along with Swiss Valley near Jones in Cass County, and Bittersweet near Otsego in Allegan County, have all been able to open this year, but only thanks to snow-making machines, or “guns,” working every chance they have. It’s been a difficult season thus far due to unseasonably warm temperatures through most of December.
“They are what made this possible,” Scrab said Friday, speaking of the machines. “We made quite a bit of snow to open up. We’re lucky this year to be open for the holidays.”
She said that the ski area got new snow-making guns this year that can make up to 100 gallons of snow per minute.
“That’s about two times as much as the old machines,” Scrab said. “It can make snow at a higher degree too. At 33 degrees it was still making snow the other day.”
Bittersweet General Manager Victor Gayheart said Friday their ski area was able to open the earliest this year on Nov. 14 thanks to having a patent on their snow-making machines.
“We build our own, and we have like 200 guns, while some places have 50,” he said. “We have a lot of fire power. We’re lucky.”
Timber Ridge opened on Dec. 13 and Swiss Valley opened the next day.
Swiss Valley boasted on its Facebook page that it was the earliest the area has been able to open in the last five years.
Last year at this time, Timber Ridge and Swiss Valley hadn’t opened yet and Bittersweet had been working overtime to make its own snow.
Each ski area the year before was open around mid-December. The year before that, they couldn’t open until January due to unseasonably warm weather in late November/early December.
It’s a year-to-year and day-to-day business that makes it hard to keep regular employees, according to staff.
“It’s very difficult to get seasonal help to begin with, but when you have to close because of warmth and you have to call off people, it’s hard to keep them on because they need a job,” Scrab said. “We can’t have a full staff if we don’t have a full crowd. It’s hard to keep help, for sure.”
She said that there has been more people out tubing than skiing and snowboarding, and more single-day visitors than season pass holders. Not all the runs are open, but enough for people to enjoy the slopes, she said.
Gayheart said at Bittersweet they started out busy, but the crowds thinned out in early December, probably because of holiday shopping.
Gayheart said not to give up on skiing yet.
“When we have another cold blast we’ll be working another 100 percent,” he said. “Even though you don’t have snow in your backyard doesn’t mean we don’t have it in the mountains.”
Scrab said being a family-owned business helps keep the spirit alive at Timber Ridge when the weather makes the business difficult.
“We love helping families have fun,” she said. “Skiing anyone can do. That’s our core. And it doesn’t have to be perfect conditions to go tubing. I had a guy yesterday, say, ‘I felt like I was 5 years old again.’”

South Haven gets ready for the 5G era

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

As mobile device users gear up for 5G service, municipalities are gearing up for an increase in antennas that transmit the signals.

South Haven is one such town that is trying to be proactive about the new antennas, referred to as small cell wireless facilities.

Council members recently passed an ordinance that ensures the city complies with a new state statute, that among other things, gives wireless service providers access to public rights-of-way and the ability to attach transmitting devices to poles and structures to enhance their networks and provide next-generation services.

Public Act 365, which took effect in March, also encourages the deployment of advanced wireless services by streamlining the process for permitting, construction, modification, maintenance and operation of wireless facilities in public rights-of-way.

“Cellular providers are beginning to make a push for 5G coverage statewide, and small cell facilities are part of that effort,” City Manager Brian Dissette said.

Unlike cell towers that people often associate with wireless devices, small cell facilities usually are shaped like smaller antennas, three to four feet tall, that are installed on existing infrastructure, such as a utility pole or other types of free-standing poles.

Similar to a cell tower though, small cell nodes, as they're sometimes referred to, communicate wirelessly over radio waves, and then send the signals to the internet or phone system, according to Crown Castle, America's largest provider of shared communications infrastructure. But because small cells are connected to fiber they can handle massive amounts of data at fast speeds.

Right now the city has only one small cell wireless facility. It is located in the triangular green space at the intersection of Elkenburg and Ravinia streets by South Haven High School.

But with the push for 5G coverage in Michigan, South Haven city officials expect more to be installed by wireless providers.

South Haven's new ordinance will place several stipulations on the installation of small cell nodes.

They include:

• Approval of an application to erect small cell facilities;

• Utility poles will not exceed 40 feet above ground level;

• Small cell wireless facilities cannot extend more than 5 feet above a utility pole;

• In the downtown development district or any residential zoning district, small cell wireless antennas will be contained within a shroud or canister type enclosure;

• The colors of antenna enclosures and equipment cabinets will match the color of the utility pole or support structure on which they are located;

• New providers of small cell facilities will pay an annual fee of $125 per year for each one installed in the city right-of-way. Existing providers will pay $20 annually.



12.30.19

New leaders take the helm at South Haven High School

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

A school administrator from Grand Haven will take on a new role at South Haven High School as its assistant principal.

South Haven Board of Education members, this month, unanimously approved hiring Tighe Carter to replace Ryan Williamson, who in November was chosen to be high school principal.

“A team of high school staff, led by Mr. Williamson, reviewed 24 resumes, interviewed 7 candidates and conducted second interviews with 2 candidates,” South Haven Schools Superintendent Kevin Schooley said. “Mr. Carter was our unanimous choice and he will be a great addition to the high school staff.  He checked all the boxes for us in being a kid-first person and wanting to get involved with continuing to build on the positive momentum at the high school.”

Williamson voiced similar comments.

“Tighe will be an excellent fit for our students, staff and community,” he said. “Tighe is described by his co-workers and supervisors as passionate for students and their learning, a team player, flexible, effective communicator, detail orientated, and a problem solver.”

Carter has accumulated 14 years of experience in the education field. Most recently he has served as assistant director for years at West Michigan Academy in Spring Lake. Prior to that he worked for Holton Public Schools, northeast of Muskegon, for six years in several capacities; first as a teacher, virtual academy administrator, and interim athletic director. He began his educational career at Allendale Public Schools as a high school technology and business teacher.

Carter graduated from Central Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in secondary education and teaching and went on to earn a master of education degree in educational leadership and administration from Grand Valley State University.

Williamson replaces Jerry Sardina, who was hired in August to be Iron Mountain Public Schools' new superintendent.

Williamson first came to South Haven in 2018 when he was hired as assistant high school principal.

Before that he served as dean of students at Center Grove High School, south of Indianapolis, Ind. He has served in the education field for 20 years working as a teacher, department chair and most recently, dean of students. He also coached varsity basketball and golf. Williamson earned a bachelor of science degree in secondary education at Ball State University.

Meijer surprises shopper with $1,000 holiday shopping spree

Meijer made Christmas extra special this month for more than 245 unsuspecting customers across the Midwest, including one from the South Haven area, by surprising them with a $1,000 shopping spree during the sixth annual Very Merry Meijer event.

With six kids, the holidays can be a stressful time. Yolanda Marquez hadn’t even begun Christmas shopping yet when she was told by the South Haven Meijer store director that she was receiving a $1,000 shopping spree. She said it was a blessing because of her large family; baby six was a surprise that they only found out about when she was at the doctor’s for another visit.

“The holidays are a time to celebrate hope and give thanks,” Executive Chairman Hank Meijer said. “Very Merry Meijer is an annual event we started in 2014 to help spread cheer and give thanks to our customers. Although the holidays can be stressful, this is our way of celebrating the spirit of the season with our customers and team members.”

The 2019 event took place on Dec. 14. Previously, Meijer surprised one customer in each of its stores by gifting them their entire cart at the checkout.

This year, however, the retailer surprised customers while shopping in the aisles with a $1,000 Meijer shopping spree – and also provided two Meijer team members as personal shoppers to help the lucky customers cross off their wish lists. Those team members each received a $100 Meijer gift card.

In total, the six Very Merry Meijer events held since 2014 gifted more than 1,400 customers with toys, clothes, electronics, groceries and small appliances.



12.23.19

Covert graduate named district's new school chief

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

One month after firing its superintendent, Covert Public Schools Board of Education has hired a new one.

Board members voted unanimously, Monday, to hire Yolanda Brunt, pending contract negotiations. School board members made no comment in making their decision to hire Brunt.

A 1987 graduate of Covert High School, Brunt had been serving as Covert's interim superintendent since September when former superintendent Bobbi Morehead was placed on administrative leave.

Although the board unanimously favored hiring Brunt, former school board president Maria Gallegos made the comment that there were rumors circulating in the community that the school board and Covert Schools Resource Officer Darryl Williams wanted Morehead to leave so Brunt could take her place.

Brunt stated that she would not address rumors. School board members also did not reply to Gallegos's accusations, but when emailed for comment Tuesday, Williams responded by saying, “This is absolutely ridiculous and not true.”

Morehead was placed on administrative leave Sept. 6 after school board members learned that a teacher she had highly recommended for hire had been terminated from his previous school district.

Contract negotiations for Brunt are expected to take place at a later date. However, the school board plans to make Brunt's salary as superintendent retroactive to Sept. 16, when she first began serving as interim superintendent.

A graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in anthropology/zoology, Brunt went on to receive her master's degree in curriculum instruction from Andrews University and a master's degree in education leadership from Western Michigan University.

She first began working for Covert Public Schools as a para-pro in 1996. She then took part in the district's Home Growth Program which was created to attract and retain teachers. The program paid fund toward teachers' certification requirements. In return the teachers agreed to work for Covert Schools for at least three years.

“I saw this is an opportunity not only be to certified but to also give back to my district,” Brunt said.

She continued to teach at the high school until 2014 when she was named pre-kindergarten-12th grade principal, a job she held before being named interim superintendent in September.

South Haven releases new economic development plan

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven has some great assets – a vibrant downtown that overlooks Lake Michigan, access to 14 recreational trails, close proximity to major highways and educational institutions and a small, but highly competitive manufacturing base.

But, Monday, city leaders heard about weaknesses and even threats to the town's vitality during a presentation about the new 10-year economic development strategic plan for South Haven.

The 132-page report prepared by veteran economic development consultant Jim Hettinger of Douglas and business consultant Patricia Muellen of St. Joseph, points out how the high cost of living in the city, lack of affordable housing, over-reliance on tourism, limited access to 5g broadband and lack of workforce development hurts the area's economy.

Those weaknesses are compounded by the city's lack of land for development of new industrial and business sites, the pending closure of Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in 2022 and most recently – high-water levels on Lake Michigan that could negatively impact tourism.

“Hearing the truth is very hard,” Muellen told members of the city council and Local Development Finance Authority, who met jointly to listen to the two consultant's presentation.

Yet, much of the information contained in the report didn't come as a surprise to city officials.

“A lot of the information are items that are often discussed by the LDFA and council,” City Manager Brian Dissette said. “The value of the plan is having all of those items listed in one document and then having a road map for how to best counter the weaknesses.”

City officials hired Hettinger and Muellen earlier this year to come up with a 10-year plan to position South Haven as a magnet for economic development in Southwest Michigan.

The plan's goals for development are based on demographics compiled by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, several hundred face-to-face interviews with area residents and from a survey filled out by 500 people.

The “road map” outlined in the plan follows:

• Establish an ongoing economic development program by hiring an agency or individual to be in charge of overseeing it;

• Develop a strategy to market South Haven as a community that is a good place to work and raise a family, year-round.

• Acquire develop and market business and industrial land sites

• Acquire a 5g wireless system in South Haven

• Actively pursue a year-round economic base

• Develop and implement a strategy to improve workforce development

• Promote year-round activities

The consultants hope the goals outlined in the plan can be established by 2024 and improved upon over the next six years.

But before any of those goals can be accomplished the city needs to determine who will take the lead — a director, an agency like Kinexus, or continue doing it in-house as has been the case for the past several years?

Hettinger advised city officials against the third option.

“This (economic development) takes a focused, sustained effort,” he said. “If you want to be serious about this, you need to get someone with their nose to the grindstone.”

City officials appear to agree.

“In the short-term, we will issue a request for proposals for economic development services,” Dissette said. City council will then collect the submittals and decide what type of economic development provider to hire.

“From there, we will seek to more actively market the area and seek to attract new employers,” Dissette said.

But before proceeding forward, Dissette said city council and Local Development Finance Authority board members need to officially adopt the 10-year economic development plan. He anticipates they will vote on it sometime in January of 2020.



12.16.19

Linda Teeter of South Haven shows a photograph of her father fishing on a river in Indiana. Teeter says that she has come to realize her father, a World War II veteran, suffered from post traumatic stress disorder, but was never diagnosed. Fishing helped him cope with some of the disorder's symptoms. (Photo by Becky Kark)

New group forms to support families of veterans who struggle with PTSD

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

Linda Teeter of South Haven remembers the emotional struggles her dad dealt with after coming home from World War II. It has prompted her and other members of the South Haven American Legion Women's Auxiliary to sponsor a new support group for spouses and family members of veterans experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“My father was in World War II,” Teeter said. “I now know that he struggled with PTSD when he returned from the war.

Outwardly, her dad seemed fine – he was married with children, held down a good-paying job for 37 years, and owned his own home. But emotionally, he seemed tormented.

“He looked and seemed perfectly normal, but there were times when all the effects of the PTSD would come out,” Teeter recalled. “His happy place was when he fished. Then he could get away from al the symptoms. I wish that PTSD had been identified then, and there had been resources for veterans and their families to identify PTSD and deal with the effects.”

The first meeting for the Spouses & Family Members of Veterans Struggling with PTSD will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the Church of the Epiphany, 410 Erie St.

“The main goal (of the group) is to provide a loving place for spouses and family members to share and talk together,” explained Teeter, a member of the American Legion Post 49 Women's Auxiliary.

The formation of the group has been talked about for quite a while, Teeter went on to say.

At the initial meeting, the group will decide the format, how often to meet, and if they would like outside professional involvement. There is no cost to attend. 

“Members of the South Haven American Legion Ladies Auxiliary identified this need sometime ago,” Teeter said. “We worked together to get this first gathering together and with Fr. Michael Ryan's assistance to serve as the facilitator for first meeting.” Ryan is the pastor at Epiphany Episcopal church.

PTSD affects 3 percent of the U.S. adult population - about nine million individuals, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. About 37 percent of those diagnosed are classified as having severe symptoms. Women are significantly more likely to experience PTSD than men.

Traumatic events — such as an accident, assault, military combat or natural disaster — can have lasting effects on a person’s mental health. While many people will have short-term responses to life-threatening events, some will develop longer-term symptoms that can lead to a diagnosis of PTSD. Symptoms often co-exist with other conditions such as substance use disorders, depression and anxiety. 

SW Michigan named a top tourist destination

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Lake Michigan has traditionally lured tourists to Southwest Michigan. But apparently, the region's agricultural attributes is also a drawing card. At least that's what editor's at an international travel magazine think.

Earlier this week, Condé Nast Traveler named Southwest Michigan a top 20 international tourist destination for 2020, along with such better known locales as Dubai; Copenhagen; Okinawa, Japan; Slovenia; Spain's Canary Islands; and Southeastern Australia.

The honor caught South Haven Visitors Bureau Executive Director Scott Reinert by surprise. When asked Friday if he knew about the listing, Reinert confessed that he had not.

“No I was not aware,” he said. “Being listed as a travel destination alongside so many fabulous international locations is quite an honor.”

In coming up with its Top 20 list, Condé Nast's editorial staff said it purposely chooses destinations throughout the world that possess amenities that would appeal to a wide variety of tourist interests.

“We aim to compile a list that is geographically diverse but also has points of interest for every traveler, whether you’ll fly for unparalleled stargazing, gorilla spotting in the wild, or shopping in Tangier,” the editors wrote in the Top 20 article's introduction. “We know that you’re using this list throughout the year to plan your trips, so we vary the types of destinations on here, from summer escapes like western Michigan to far-flung locales like southeastern Australia.”

Condé Nast is an award-winning luxury tourism and lifestyle publication based in New York.

Unlike other top 10 or top 20 listings posted online or in magazines, Condé Nast's listing was not based on a popularity contest – where people nominate their favorite destination over and over again. Rather the magazine's editorial staff surveyed its travel staff and network of correspondents who are based throughout the world, such as Chicago-based travel writer and editor Nina Kokotas Hahn, who wrote the synopsis on why Southwest Michigan made the Top 20 travel destination list for 2020.

For her article, Hahn chose to focus on tourism attractions in South Haven, Fennville and Saugatuck.

But unlike writing about the draws Southwest Michigan is noted for – the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan or the fall color tours along rural roadways, Hahn highlighted attractions that are gaining in popularity — outdoor experiences and locally produced food and beverages that are prepared and served at a growing number of restaurants, wineries and breweries.

“Ocean-like coastlines and a laid-back vibe have always been southwest Michigan’s biggest draws,” Hahn wrote. “But recently, the lakefront region has embraced a grown-up take on agritourism and reemphasized its focus on family farms — after all, Michigan is the country’s second most agriculturally diverse state, behind California.”

Examples of agriculturally based attractions Hahn highlighted included Virtue Cider, a 48-acre farm near Fennville that offers live music, a barn-style tasting room and a new cider house. Other attractions she wrote about were Modales Wines and Waypost Brewing Co., near Fennville, the Pennyroyal Cafe & Provision café in Saugatuck and The Fields of Michigan in South Haven. When it opened earlier this year, The Fields became one of the first “glamping” or luxury outdoor camping spots in the Midwest.

The attractions Hahn chose to write about didn't surprise Reinert.

“There's no doubt that beyond the lake and beaches, visitors are becoming very interested in other attractions and amenities including agriculture and outdoor recreation,” he said. “We've always seen somewhat of an interest (in outdoor recreation and agritourism) by our visitors, but it definitely seems that the younger demographic is having more of an impact in growing outdoor experiences and activities.”





12.9.19

A portion of South Beach's playground equipment is shown underwater during a wind storm that brought 60-mile-an-hour wind gusts across Lake Michigan. (Photo by Sheryl Kaptur)

Area state legislators urge governor to declare emergency along the lakeshore

As water levels along the Lake Michigan shoreline continue to rise, several state legislators, including Republicans Mary Whiteford and Beth Griffin have joined a bipartisan group of Michigan legislators in sending a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asking for a state of emergency declaration.

The desired declaration would cover the entire shoreline of Lake Michigan in response to erosion from near-record high water levels. Communities along the lake have experienced significant damage to both public and private property.

“Tremendous damage has been done not only in my community, but along the entirety of the Lake Michigan shoreline,” said Rep. Brad Paquette of Niles, who also signed the letter. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in the fight to address this devastation by allowing the impacted areas to qualify for additional financial help.”

Joining Paquette in signing the letter were Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield of Levering and state Reps. Triston Cole of Mancelona, Griffin of Mattawan, Jim Lilly of Park Township, Jack O’Malley of Lake Ann, Terry Sabo of Muskegon, Bradley Slagh of Zeeland, Scott VanSingel of Grant, Greg VanWoerkom of Norton Shores, Pauline Wendzel of Watervliet and Whiteford of Allegan.

By issuing a state of emergency, the governor would be able to designate more resources to respond to the erosion along the Lake Michigan shoreline. A state of emergency declaration would also allow the state to petition the federal government to do the same, activating additional resources to assist impacted communities and property owners.

The letter mentions how the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has been helpful in speeding up the permitting process and reducing regulatory hurdles to address potential future impacts, but outlined that much of the damage has already been done – leaving residents and business owners to pick up the pieces.

Getting ready for the next decade

South Haven set to unveil economic development plan

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

For the past year, consultants Jim Hettinger and Patricia Muellen have spent much of their time compiling data and gathering input from business owners, community leaders and yes, even 'average joes', to come up with a 10-year plan to position South Haven as a magnet for economic development in Southwest Michigan.

Two weeks from now, on Dec. 16, the South Haven Economic Development Strategic Plan 2020-2030 will be unveiled to the public at a City Council meeting.

“We’ve recognized the need to develop a year round economy—which, naturally, elevates the presence of the city’s small, but very competitive manufacturing sector,” said Hettinger, a veteran Southwest Michigan economic development consultant. “South Haven needs to attract people as much as businesses. Economic development can also be human development. But the community as a whole has to make a commitment to get better.”

As a way to get the community to “buy in” to improving the local economic climate, Hettinger and Muellen, owner of P. Muellen & Associates of Benton Harbor, spent a lot of time gathering input from people who live and/or work in South Haven.

“We've talked to hundreds of people,” Muellen said. The two consultants of course talked to business and government leaders, but they also reached out to service clubs, churches, non-profits, and people at neighborhood gatherings. “One of our goals was to make them feel their input is valued.”

Hettinger agreed.

“We went for human intel,” he said.

In addition to interviewing people orally, Hettinger and Muellen developed a comprehensive survey that was filled out by more than 500 people throughout the community.

“A number of people said, 'thank you for giving me the opportunity to have a say,'” Muellen said.

But the 10-year economic development plan doesn't just rely on anecdotal information.

It also relies heavily on facts and figures, some of which don't paint a pretty picture of South Haven.

“It is an amazing paradox,” Hettinger said. “South Haven is scenic, walkable, livable, etc, and it still has awful demographics. I have never seen anything like it.”

The demographics were compiled by the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research in Kalamazoo as part of a three-year study of South Haven's economy. Members of the institute's economic planning services team spent the past year compiling data to give city leaders a baseline indicator of South Haven's population, education and workforce, income and housing.

Some of the findings follow:

• South Haven's population has decreased from 4,550 residents in 2010 to 4,345 residents in 2017, while the population of the city's residents, age 55 and older, increased from 1,729 in 2010 to 2,229 in 2017.

• The average household size in South Haven (1.95) is smaller than the State of Michigan (2.49).

• South Haven residents who are 25 years old or older tend to be better educated than the rest of Michigan, however the increased educational attainment is driven by older residents who tend to be better educated than younger ones.

• According to latest U.S. Census figures, the labor force participation rate in South Haven in 2017 (51.4 percent) was lower than the state (61.2 percent) or Van Buren County (60.3 percent). Even for prime-age workers, the labor force participation in South Haven (75.7 percent) was lower than the state (81.1 percent) or the county (80 percent).

• The top industries in South Haven are manufacturing and education and health services, who each comprise 17.8 percent of the employment. Leisure and hospitality follow with 16.3 percent, while retail trade is fourth at 12.9 percent. However, leisure and hospitality added the most jobs since 2010 with 131, followed by education and health services with 79.

• Average weekly wages in Van Buren County have historically been lower than the state. In 2018, the average worker in Van Buren County made $878 a weekly, compared to $1,035 in Michigan.

• Forty percent of South Haven's households have incomes under $35,000 a year compared to only 33.3 percent of households in the state. However, the child poverty rate has been trending downward in South Haven since 2013. But it still remains higher than the county or state at 24.1 percent.

• The median house price in South Haven is $177.815, compared to $125,438 in the county and $138,991 in the state.

• The percentage of homeowners in South Haven considered housing burdened (paying $35 percent or more of income for housing) has been declining since 2010, but remains higher than the state. Latest figures show that in 2016, 24 percent of South Haven residents were spending 35 percent or more of their income on mortgage payments, compared to 18 percent statewide.

• Most of South Haven's workers are employed outside the city. In 2017, only 409 people lived and worked in the city, while 1,400 worked elsewhere.

The town's demographics may appear to be a huge negative for attracting more full-time residents and businesses, but Hettinger said it can be done.

“It is time for non-traditional approaches and counter-intuitive thinking,” he said.

In the past 30 years, for example, South Haven's tourism economy has taken off with the development of more second-owned homes, marinas, stores and restaurants, and the creation of new tourism-related jobs.

But even though tourism contributed $85 million annually toward South Haven area's economy in 2018, Hettinger said the town needs to focus on diversifying its economy.

“My concern with tourism is all the eggs are in one basket and that basket is particularly vulnerable to weather, energy prices, and, now, high waters.” But, Hettinger went on to say, “South Haven can increase non-tourist parts of the local economy. This is not a zero sum situation.”

South Haven can grow in a number of ways, which Hettinger plans to lay out in the South Haven Strategic Economic Development plan.

Some of those solutions include:

• Taking advantage of the growing number of people who work outside of a traditional work setting. Approximately 60 percent o the U.S. workforce is location indifferent, meaning that someone who works for a Chicago company can actually live a couple of hundred miles outside of the Windy City and still have a job there. “Why can't a scenic community like South Haven better position itself to become home for these “anywhere” types of workers?” Hettinger said.

• Developing better relationships between area businesses, workforce development groups and educational institutions such as Lake Michigan College, South Haven High School and the Van Buren Intermediate School District's Technology Center to offer and promote training programs for jobs that are in demand in Southwest Michigan.

• Improving Broadband access. “Because South Haven is not a densely populated area, it is difficult to entice the telecoms to do more than they might be willing,” Hettinger said. “But I would say 5g is crucial.”

• Increasing the availability of housing for lower- and middle-income families

• Coming up with a unique attraction or niche that will not only be appealing year-round for not just local residents but visitors, as well.





12.4.19

A portion of Keith and Anne Moffatt's crumbling revetment to protect their bluff and 38-feet of Lake Michigan shoreline in South Haven is shown in the foreground. In the background, their neighbor's staircase no longer leads to the beach.

'People are losing everything'

South Haven grapples with high water on several fronts

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

When economic development consultant Jim Hettinger of Douglas looks up and down the Lake Michigan shoreline these days he doesn't like what he sees.

“People are losing everything along the lakeshore,” said Hettinger, who is also a board of director for the Great Lakes Coalition for Shoreline Preservation. “Pictures that we receive are heartbreaking.”

Closer to home in South Haven, lakeshore homeowners are suffering their own heartaches as they watch the shoreline in front of their properties erode away.

Keith and Anne Moffat are one such couple wondering how to deal with the ongoing erosion. It's not their home they're worried about – “the house was well set back,” Anne said – but their bluff.

“Much of the soil, vegetation and rip rap has been carried away,” Anne said.

When the Moffats moved to their lakefront home 13 years ago, riprap consisting of loosely fitting concrete block and broken concrete, had been laid at the shoreline to serve as a protection for the bluff.

But now much of the riprap is underwater and the area near the top of the bluff has become unstable.

“This destabilization has created a landslide situation at the top of the bluff, which has encroached more than ten feet into the former bluff edge property line at the top of the bluff,” noted Bradley Kotrba of Williams & Works in a memo to the South Haven Harbor Commission this month.

The Moffats hope the Harbor Commission and city Planning Commission will allow them to have contractors temporarily stabilize the existing riprap by adding 500 tons of additional armor stone within the existing armor stone structure and shore up the shoreline area where the bluff edge has recessed and slumped. The Moffats will then have to seek approval from the state for a permanent solution next year.

The prospect of protecting their 38 feet of shoreline and bluff will carry a hefty price tab, according to Anne.

“It will be costly but we don't have solid cost estimates yet,” she said. “Our current home insurance is unlikely to cover it.”

Another South Haven resident is also is concerned about the future of lakeshore homes that line Lakeshore Drive near North Beach.

“I'm building a house on the beach and Lake Michigan seems to be coming closer to my front yard every time (there's rough waters),” Larry Hollenbeck told South Haven City Council members earlier this week. “Ten more inches of water next year is not going to be pretty,” he went on to say referring to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers predictions that Lake Michigan water levels are expected to continue to increase in 2020.

It's not just homeowners who are feeling the adverse effects of Lake Michigan's high water level.

“Lakeshore cities are being affected by it,” said Hettingers, who has been an economic development consultant in Michigan for 40 years. “You'll have diminished attractiveness for tourism.” Shoreline towns, he went on to say, also are expected to bear the brunt of expenses related to water-related amenities for both residents and tourists, such as marinas.

“In South Haven the city has 250 slips that are subject to destruction from (the upcoming winter's season's) snow melt,” Hettinger said.

The high water this past summer definitely concerned boaters using South Haven's municipal marinas.

Their responses to end-of-the-season surveys said it all:

“The surges and the high water levels coming in off the lake are a real challenge,” one boater wrote. “I know you can’t control Mother Nature, but this is the hardest thing to manage within the marina.”

Another one who docked at the Northside Marina wrote, “I really think the City of South Haven needs to think about floating docks and increasing the height of the pilings. If boaters cannot reach their boats due to high lake levels, the City will lose substantial revenue.”

Boaters' concerns are not lost on the Harbor Commission. During their meeting on Tuesday, members discussed the high water levels and ensuring the safety of boaters as well as the upkeep of the marinas.

Commissioners are considering updating marina policies to include a provision giving the city the right to close the marinas and/or turn off electrical facilities when high-water event occur that could threaten the safety of marina patrons.

“We are still crafting those policies and nothing has been approved at this time,” Harbor Master and Assistant City Manager Kate Hosier said. “If the prediction of 11 additional inches of water by next July is correct, then yes, some of our docks will be underwater and unusable.”

There could be a solution to the high-water issues on the Great Lakes, according to Hettinger and the Great Lakes Coalition.

“We think the International Joint Commission could do a better job of managing water flow,” he said.

The Commission, which is based in Washington D.C., is in charge of regulating water flow in and out of the Great Lakes. They can do so by diverting water from rivers, canals and waterways that either flow into or out of the Great Lakes.

The Commission has over time taken a number of measures to divert water to or from the Great Lakes to manage water levels during crisis situations.

Right now, for instance, the Long Lac and Ogoki Rivers in Canada are being diverted into Lake Superior. But the Great Lakes Coalition thinks the Commission should restore the rivers to their original flow channels to Hudson Bay so that the water level in Lake Superior can go down to a more manageable level. Doing so would also reduce the water levels in lakes Michigan and Huron.

After nearly three decades, police able to identify 'I-196 Jane'

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

COVERT — For years, police have referred to the skeletal remains of a young woman found here in 1988 as “I-196 Jane.” But, now, after 31 years, police have finally been able to figure out her real name - Marcia Kaylynn Bateman.

Michigan State Police from the Paw Paw post announced the woman's identity Friday, Nov. 22, after contacting her family members in Oklahoma City, Okla.

“Marcia's family members have been contacted and are grateful to know their loved one has been located,” state police stated Friday in a news release. “Her family is hopeful that investigators will determine how she ended up deceased in Michigan.”

Bateman was last seen alive in May of 1988. It was a hunter who first discovered the 28-year-old woman's remains in October of 1988, several months after her family had reported her missing.

“Marcia was known to visit family/friends in the Dallas, Texas and Los Angeles, Calif. areas and may have visited these cities prior to going missing,” police said.

When her body was discovered adjacent to the interstate by County Road 378, Michigan State Police investigators determined Bateman had been deceased for a number of months before being found.

“It is estimated the victim died, or was placed at the location, three months to a year prior to being found,” said State Police D/Sgt. Scott Ernestes in an interview in 2018. “We don't know if foul play was involved.”

Police spent years trying to identify the young woman's skeleton.

“As the years went by, investigators used all available technology and investigative means to try to identify “I-196 Jane”, however, all were unsuccessful, and the case went cold,” Henning said.

But in June of 2018, state police from the Paw Paw post decided to re-open the case.

“When I picked up the file I thought let's put it out there,” Ernestes said at the time of the most recent investigation.

In 2018, police released photographic renderings of what Bateman may have looked like and began utilizing genealogy DNA to help identify the young woman.

In April of this year, after receiving a grant from Kalamazoo Mortgage, the Paw Paw post detectives partnered with BODE Laboratories for processing Bateman's DNA.

In July, BODE gave the processing results to detectives who then partnered with the DNA Doe Project, non-profit volunteer organization that identifies unidentified deceased persons using forensic genealogy.

A month later, DNA Doe Project gave police leads regarding the potential identity of Bateman.

After studying the leads, police this month were finally able to determine Bateman's identity and contact her family, ending the three-decade mystery of exactly who I-196 Jane was.

PHOTO: Marcia Kaylynn Bateman is shown as a teenager in Oklahoma City, Okla.

11.25.19

Florida man to face charges in 1985 murder of Bangor woman

By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN

HP Staff Writer

PAW PAW — The man accused of killing Wilda Wilkinson in 1986 has been brought to Michigan and arraigned.

Robert Waite, 50, waived extradition from Florida, where he was serving a sentence for an unrelated crime, and appeared in 7th District Court in South Haven on Wednesday, according to a news release from Michigan State Police.

Waite was charged in June with one felony count of homicide- open murder. Wilkinson’s daughter found her strangled mother in 1986. A nurse’s aide at South Haven Community Hospital at the time, Wilkinson, 59, was divorced and lived alone in Bangor. When she failed to report to work, hospital officials called her daughter to check on her mom.

Investigators began working the case at the time and developed several persons of interest, but the case went cold. In 2010, detectives from the MSP reopened the investigation, narrowing the list of suspects, and then stepped up efforts last year to investigate the unsolved murder.

Charges against a California man, who was arrested and brought to Michigan earlier this year, were dismissed in May because of new DNA information, The Herald-Palladium reported.

Detectives received the new DNA evidence in March. It pertained to Waite, who would have been 16 at the time of Wilkinson’s death, and was one of the initial suspects, according to the release. Waite had always been a person of interest in the homicide and had never been ruled out.

Detectives went to Florida to interview Waite. During the interview, they said they received a full confession from Waite and were able to rule out any other suspects from the information given, according to MSP.

Waite has been in a Florida prison since 2008 on an unrelated kidnapping and sexual battery conviction, according to Florida Department of Corrections online records. He is set to be released on those charges in 2034.

Waite remains in the Van Buren County Jail. He is set to appear in South Haven court for a probable 

cause conference at 1 p.m. Nov. 27.

Wilkinson is survived by her two daughters and two sons, who were in continuous contact with investigators throughout the investigation, according to MSP.

South Haven officers credited for saving woman's life

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Over the past several years, South Haven Police Chief Natalie Thompson has made it a priority to have each squad car equipped with an automatic external defibrillator and that officers be trained on how to use them and administer CPR.

That priority paid off several weeks ago when two officers used an AED and CPR to save a woman's life.

Sgt. Adam deBoer and Officer Michael Ledger were recognized with proclamations at Monday's City Council meeting for their heroic actions.

“When I talk about prioritizing this is a prime example,” Thompson said. “They did outstanding work.”

DeBoer and Ledger were on duty Oct. 29, when they were dispatched to an apartment in South Haven Township to assist a 59-year-old woman in cardiac arrest.

Normally both South Haven Police and South Haven Area Emergency Services respond to emergency calls, but in this particular occasion Central Dispatch was initially unable to reach SHAES due to a phone line being damaged in the region.

“On almost any medical call, the police department is dispatched,” Thompson said. “One hundred percent of the time our officers beat medical personnel by one or two minutes. This time it was 4 minutes.”

Ledger was the first responder on scene and began cardio pulmonary resuscitation efforts. DeBoer arrived shortly afterwards with an AED.

“Officers begin CPR while someone else gets the AED,” Thompson said. “When connected to the patient, the AED detects irregular heart rhythm. When the machine senses it, it will advise the operator to give an electric shock to the patient. Within 1.5 minutes, the AED advised that a shock was necessary (for the 59-year-old woman) After the shock is delivered, it puts the heart back into more of a regular rhythm.”

However, CPR is often still needed until medical personnel can arrive, so Ledger continued administering CPR for 2-3 minutes, Thompson indicated.

“According to medical personnel, the first minutes of their (the police officers') efforts is what saved this woman's life,” Thompson said.

“Well done,” said Scott Smith after delivering the proclamations. “I'm a firm believer in supporting police and fire.”

'Working sheriff' to be featured on A&E's

'Live PD'

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

PAW PAW — Two years ago, Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott made a campaign promise to voters he wouldn't be content to sit behind a desk and issue orders. Instead, he pledged to be a “working sheriff.”

Abbott made good on his word in August when he chased down and caught an armed man, accused of multiple felonies.

The sheriff's quick actions caught the attention of the producers of A&E's popular crime show Live PD, who now plan to feature Abbott on an upcoming episode.

“The pursuit I was involved in in August went viral and they saw it,” Abbott said. “I was humbled and honored. I never do my job for recognition, so it's an honor when someone wants to put you in the spotlight for a job well done.”

Live PD, which airs at 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, showcases urban and rural police forces at work on a typical Friday and Saturday night.

The upcoming episode featuring Abbott will focus on his involvement in successfully tracking down a South Haven man, who was being pursued by several police units after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, starting her car on fire, fleeing from police, pointing a gun at an individual in a gas station and then pointing a gun at police.

The incident unfolded in the early morning hours of Friday, Aug. 16 in Bangor when James Ochoa-Rodriguez, 32, allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, started her van on fire, and then fled the scene. Bangor Police responded and notified law enforcement agencies throughout Van Buren County. Later that morning, South Haven Police were called to a local gas station where witnesses told them Ochoa-Rodriguez had pointed a firearm at someone.

Police officers tracked the suspect's vehicle and tried to stop it, however Ochoa-Ridriguez accelerated the vehicle and a pursuit ensued on M-43 Highway. Van Buren County Sheriff's Department then took over the pursuit, but were initially unable to stop the suspect vehicle.

As the pursuit continued, Ochoa-Rodriguez allegedly called his girlfriend and told her he was going to return and make police shoot him in front of her.

It was then that Abbott took the lead in his vehicle and used a Pursuit Intervention Technique maneuver to hit the back side of the suspect's SUV and knock it into a roadside ditch. Police dashcam video captured Abbott's successful effort at stopping the SUV. But the effort almost went awry when officers surrounded the vehicle and the suspect tried to get away once again by stepping on the accelerator in an effort to get out of the ditch. Police ended up having to use force to get him out of the vehicle and arrest him.

For Abbott, the potentially deadly pursuit was all in a day's work.

“I think you have to lead by example,” he said. “You need to work with all the divisions so you can stay connected with what is going on as well as being able to walk in their shoes.  I truly feel by working the road at times, I not only stay connected with the deputies, but the community as well.”

Ochoa-Rodriguez was initially arraigned in Seventh District Court but has since been bound over to Van Buren Circuit Court on felony charges of fleeing a police officer third degree, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and domestic violence. He is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing Dec. 6.

Downtown Hale block soon to be razed

Tax incentive pllan approved to pay for demolition, environmental costs

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Like the Biblical story about the battle of Jericho, the walls of the buildings along the downtown Hale block will soon come tumbling down.

South Haven City Council members, Monday, voted in favor of a $428,000 tax incentive plan that will essentially allow local developer Randy Locker of Locker & Locker LLC to demolish several dilapidated buildings in the Hale block on Center Street and conduct lead and asbestos abatement, specifically in the three-story structure that will be renovated into a multi-use commercial and residential development by 2021.

City Manager Brian Dissette said the latest tax incentive plan approved by the City Council will eventually pay off for economic development efforts downtown.

“Not less than two years ago, staff was preparing a plan for if and when the city would be forced to demolish the Hale block,” Dissette said. “We were greatly concerned about the potential cave-in of the roof, sidewalks and some of the foundations. For us to be sitting here today not having to tap public funds to clean up the block, to be using private funds, and then abating some of those costs is something as a staff we are excited to see coming forward. That doesn't even speak to the excitement of commercial and residential development downtown.”

The latest financial incentive the city is using to encourage Locker to make a $2.7 million investment in revitalizing the historic Hale block, is somewhat complicated.

Locker first had to seek approval from the city's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to include the the majority of the Hale block as a brownfield site eligible for tax increment financing revenue. The authority did so, but another hurdle had to be cleared.

Because the property is located in the Downtown Development Authority tax increment financing district, the DDA had to give its blessing to allow the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to collect captured tax revenue from the Hale block property for Locker to be able to pay for the cost of tearing down the old buildings and removing lead and asbestos.

Locker will initially pay for the demolition and environmental abatements to the Hale block. He will then seek reimbursement through 75 percent of property tax increments that would normally go to the DDA.

It is expected to take up to 30 years to recapture the funds through tax increment revenues and Local Brownfield Revolving Fund.

Earlier this fall, city council granted Locker & Locker a 10-year commercial rehabilitation tax break that will exclude the development from paying property taxes on the $2.7 million investment, but not the taxes currently being charged.









11.18.19

Youngsters and even adults enjoyed the after effects of Monday, Nov. 8th's snow storm to go sledding down Coast Guard hill on Tuesday. Students throughout the South Haven area had the day off from school on Tuesday following the snow storm, which dropped a foot of snow in South Haven and up to two feet in Bangor.

Already?

Area residents deal with first snow storm of the season

By TRIBUNE STAFF

Residents throughout Van Buren County spent this past Tuesday digging out from the first snow storm of the winter season – and technically, it's still fall, not winter!

The snow began falling shortly after 5 p.m., Monday, and steadily continued throughout the evening making driving treacherous for people going to and from work.

At times the snow was accumulating two inches an hour. By Tuesday morning most areas of the county were blanketed with a foot of snow. Several people living in the Bangor area said they received more, with some claiming two feet of snow fell overnight.

The heavy snowfall closed many schools Tuesday in Southwestern Michigan including South Haven, Bangor and Covert.

Van Buren County road crews were able to clear roadways Tuesday but many remained snow-covered and slippery into Wednesday due to below-freezing temperatures.

Tuesday's wintery weather brought with it unseasonably cold temperatures. At this time of year, temperatures hover in the 40s.. However, temps dropped to the low 30s during the day and low 20s in the evening.

With an early start to winter, people are beginning to wonder what the weather will be like for the next several months.

Predictions are mixed.

If you believe the Old Farmers' Almanac, winter will be warmer than normal in Michigan, with above-normal precipitation. The coldest periods will be in early December and early to mid-January, from late January into early February, and in late February.

The Farmers' Almanac, however, begs to differ. It's predicting a “Polar Coaster Winter” for the Great Lakes region, highlighted by colder-than-normal temperatures and above-average snowfall.

Accuweather voices a similar warning. It predicts that a polar vortex, like the one that occurred last year, could bring a cold snap to the Great Lakes region, but not until the second half of winter. Accuweather goes on to predict that in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, cold air will encourage a number of lake-effect snow events, so residents will want to stock up on shovels, as an above-normal season for snowfall will likely occur.

More help for veterans

County mulls whether to increase services by raising millage rate

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

PAW PAW — Van Buren County Board of Commissioners is considering whether to call for a millage election to further address the needs of U.S. military veterans.

Commissioners Tuesday gave the nod to draw up a millage proposal of 0.10-mill for four years for the March election.

County Administrator John Faul said the county already has a veterans' millage but it's only for indigent vets.

"This millage would be for all veterans' services," Faul said.

If voters approve, the existing Soldiers and Sailors Relief millage of 0.025-mill will be removed, making the veterans' millage in effect a 0.075-mill increase, according to Faul.

For a person owning a property with a taxable valuation of $50,000, which is worth around $100,000 or more in market value, a 0.075-mill would cost an extra $3.75. in property taxes

If the millage fails, the 0.025-mill levy would remain.

The 0.10-mill would bring in about $340,000. "Our existing general fund contributions would remain the same," Faul said. That would bring the total veterans' budget to $400,000.

That would increase spending per vet from $30 to $80. Van Buren County is home to about 5,000 veterans.

According to Faul's written report, a local group of veterans had asked for the vote in March. "Since the creation of the Veteran Services Department," Faul wrote, "we have continued to see a significant growth in service needs."

"The department," Faul went on to say, "is projected to generate over $1.7 million in federal benefits over the next year, which are reinvested in the community in the form of groceries, gas, clothes and real estate services. With the millage this return on investment will certainly grow."

In other millage matters:

• Commissioners OK'd writing a ballot question seeking the renewal of the transit millage during the same March election. That would be 0.2471-mill for four years. It's expected to bring in about $800,000 the first year. "It's about 45 percent of their operating budget," Faul said. The 0.2471-mill levy on that $50,000 property would run about $12.35.

• Commissioners gave the go-ahead to Steven Dombrauskas to apply to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE, formerly Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, MDEQ) for an after-the-fact permit on behalf of the county for a seawall he built on his property which allegedly went across the property line into the Northpoint Land Preserve on Lake Michigan. "Mr. Dombrauskas, due to the current emergency erosion situation, had boulder rip-rap installed adjacent to his existing seawall that encroaches on county property," Faul said in his written report. Dombrauskas will be responsible for all fees, according to the commission's decision.

• Commissioners accepted $716,795 in grants to operate several specialty courts. That money will go to the Swift and Sure program, Juvenile Mental Health, Adult Mental Health, Drug Court, Sobriety Court and Family Court.





11.12.19

A proud moment

Sgt. Kyle Griffith of the South Haven Police Department pins a badge on the department's newest officer Denarie Melendez during a swearing-in ceremony at last week's City Council meeting. Griffith served as one of Melendez's instructors at the Police Academy at Grand Rapids Community College. In addition to graduating from the academy, Melendez received an associate's degree in criminal justice at the college. While at the academy he was a squad leader and earned the MCOLES Outstanding Performance Award. Melendez replaces Officer Tony Bailey who took a position with the Grand Rapids Police Department.

When yes means no

South Haven voters approve ballot proposal banning recreational cannabis businesses

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven voters made it clear last Tuesday they don't want recreational marijuana businesses in town.

City voters approved a referendum ballot issue to create an ordinance to ban commercial cannabis enterprises by a margin of 645-537. Nearly 1,200, or 33 percent of the city's 3,500 registered voters cast ballots.

“It was a good turnout for a city council election,” said South Haven City Clerk Travis Sullivan.

The referendum came about in August when a group, called the Concerned Citizens of South Haven, formed and gathered enough signatures to put the issue on the November ballot.

South Haven now joins a growing number of communities in Michigan who don't want recreational marijuana businesses. However, the referendum on pot businesses in the City of South Haven will be limited to one year, so the issue of whether to continue banning the establishments will likely be revisited.

The Concerned Citizens group has attended city council meetings consistently over the past several months to voice their opposition to recreational businesses.

A day before Tuesday's election they were at the city council meeting to voice concerns.

“Statistics show drug abuse on the uprise with young kids leading the way,” said Joe Wilkins, a South Haven resident and pastor. “How many more precious lives do we have to lose to a prison or gave? I ask the council and residents, before you consider voting, please remember that parent who is forced to look at an old picture just to get a glimpse of a child they once knew.”

Proponents of recreational marijuana businesses have stated that such enterprises will provide more jobs to local residents, but opponents say the price may be too high in terms of increased drug abuse.

“Young people are our future,” said Ron DeMaso. “I believe there are better paths in creating economic vitality in this community.”

The referendum vote occurred as city council members were considering whether to allow medical and recreational marijuana businesses to locate in town and what sections of town they could reside.

Currently, the city council is determining if it wants to allow medical marijuana facilities to locate east of Blue Star Highway, an area of the city where there are few residential homes. But a decision has not yet been made.

Planning commissioners met Thursday to discuss allowing one type of medical marijuana business – a cannabis testing facility – to locate in a section of town east of Blue Star Highway.

Van Buren Sheriff: Medication drop-off boxes catching on

By TRIBUNE STAFF

Van Buren County Sheriff's Department collected nearly 20 pounds of unwanted medication as part of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency's National Takeback Day.

“In two locations, 19.7 pounds of unwanted medication was received,” said Sheriff Daniel Abbott.

The sheriff's department maintains 12 Red Med Boxes throughout the county.

“We offer this service so the citizens have a place every week to dispose of their unwanted medication and do not have to wait for a four-hour event like this past weekend,” Abbott said. “It is our goal to give the citizens easy options to dispose of their unwanted medication as well as keeping it out of the hands of people and children that should not have it.”

In the South Haven area boxes are at Home Town Pharmacy in Bangor, and Bronson South Haven Hospital, South Haven Police Department and Moore Family Pharmacy, all in South Haven.

The Red Med Boxes have been catching on with the public, apparently.

“Last year, we received 1,874 pounds of medication in them,” Abbott said. “This year, we are already at 1,846.0 pounds of medication. As you can see, it's a valuable resource for citizens.”

The following items are accepted in Red Med boxes: Expired and unused medications, over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, steroids, cold and flu medications, vitamins and herbal supplements, medication samples, pet medications, medicated ointment, lotions and drops, unopened Epi-pens and liquid medications.

Red Med boxes do not accept needles, lancets and syringes, thermometers, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, business waste, empty containers, personal care products, used Epi-pens, aerosol cans, electronic devices such as diabetes testers or inhalers.





11.4.19

South Haven city officials plan to study a number of housing options that could occur at the former factory site - town homes, three- and six-plex units and individual homes.

Redevelopment of Overton site eyed for housing

Second housing seminar scheduled Nov. 11

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven city officials are staying true to their word on trying to spur the development of more affordable housing options in the area.

City officials plan to meet with members of South Haven Housing Commission and South Haven Township Board to examine possible ways to redevelop the former Overton factory site for residential use.

The meeting, the second one this fall for the three groups, is scheduled for 7 p.m., Nov. 11, at South Haven High School's Integrated Learning Center, 600 Elkenburg St.

“This should be a very good session,” City Manager Brian Dissette said.

During the meeting, certified planner and economic development finance professional Ryan Kilpatrick will provide conceptual plans for reuse of the six-acre Overton property at the corner of Elkenburg Street and Indiana Avenue, which the city owns.

Kilpatrick, who has been hired as a consultant by the three board to help them come up with more affordable housing in the South Haven area, is the executive director of Ottawa County Housing Next, a non-profit based in Holland that works with government and private businesses to create affordable housing in Ottawa County.

Kilpatrick will be paid up to $15,000 for his services over the next 90-120 days. The three boards have agreed to split the costs of his consulting fee..

After the initial affordable housing session in September, Kilpatrick went to work to come up with possible ways to reuse the Overton site for residential development along with providing estimates of how much it would cost to redevelop the site and how to finance it.

However, he has cautioned that one person's definition of “affordable” may not be the same as others.

“Affordable to me would be different to somebody else,” Kilpatrick stated during the first housing session in September. He also cautioned that building new housing these days is not cheap.

“Construction is about as expensive as it has been in a very long time,” he said. The price of homes has also outpaced people's annual income levels, he added.

Newer homes that are considered as more affordable are being built with less square footage than homes that have been constructed in the past 30-40 years.

“We are in a different market than the 1980s and '90s,” Kilpatrick said. “Then, you could build houses relatively cheaply,” he said.

Youngsters find books in the darndest places

'Look for a Book' initiative catching on at area schools

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

Two Maple Grove Elementary teachers have joined the “Look for a Book” initiative that has been spreading across the country.

Designed to encourage youngsters to read, Look for a Book involves hiding books around the community for children to search for and then read.

“We actually saw a random post about another group of people that was hiding books on Facebook and decided that we needed to do it in South Haven, explained Allison Dubbink, who teaches third grade. “We loved the idea of getting our community excited about reading together by finding books where families walk and play together.”

Dubbink joined forces with fellow Maple Grove kindergarten teacher Heather Chalupa who thought Look for a Book was a great idea.

“A lot of times children have so many books, then they grow out of books so fast and then you’ve nowhere to put them so we decided this would be a perfect project for our schools,” Chalupa said.

Using books they donated, the teachers had their students pack them in Ziploc bags with a note attached. Then, they hid 50 books around town.

“The books can be found in a variety of our local community parks,” Chalupa said. “The books are primarily for children of all levels.”

The response has been very good so far based on the number of posts from parents on the Look for a Book South Haven Facebook page.

“My granddaughter and I were at Tot Lot Thursday and she was so thrilled to find a book,” posted Lorna Llorens. “We started looking around and found eight. We only took one that we will hide for another child when we're done reading. Great idea.”

“We started the Facebook group to try to track as many of the books as we could - similar to the painted rock FB groups that are popular,” Dubbink said. “ We hope that people will find the books, read them together, snap a picture to show us, then re-hide that book or another book that they are ready to part with.  Our students have loved to see all of the pictures of families who have found the books so far.”

The idea is even catching on in nearby communities. Bangor Public Schools started their own version called “Book Treasure Hunt” during the recent Apple Festival. Like the South Haven group, books were hid for people to find and enjoy. The school hopes that people will re-hide the books somewhere in town for others to find.

“We hope to see this take off and soon hope to see our books all over Michigan and in other states if visitors find them and take them home to read,” Chalupa said. “As teachers we just wanted more people to get out and enjoy the excitement of finding a book and reading it. We also love the idea of kids picking up books instead of tablets and iPads. We hope the initiative will continue to grow.”



11.1.19

2 South Haven City Council seats contested in Tuesday's election

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 5 to elect members to the city council and determine whether to allow recreational marijuana businesses to locate in town. (See story above).

Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. in the lower level of city hall, 539 Phoenix St.

Two city council ward seats are being contested, while a third one in Ward 1, occupied by incumbent Letitia Wilkins, and the office of mayor Scott Smith are not.

Ward 3 race

Incumbent Steve Schlack will be running against newcomer Liji Hanny.

Schlack, 52, is seeking his second four-year term. He owns 1st Choice Marine, and is married with two children. Along with serving on the city council, he also is the council's Harbor Commission representative. He plays golf on the Moose golf league and supports a variety of local non-profit groups.

Schlack said he's seeking re-election to make sure the concerns of Ward 3 residents, many of whom are second-home owners, are heard.

“I have worked very hard to protect the rights and make sure Ward 3 has a voice when they personally may not be up to date on current events,” he said. “I was elected over three years ago to work for the citizens and I plan to do so for the next four years...Different wards in the city have different issues they face, different histories and different goals moving forward. I always try to represent the citizens in my ward for their needs and seek to find common ground for the needs of other citizens in wards 1 and 2.”

Since being elected to the council, Schlack said he's glad to see the city and surrounding townships starting to work together to create affordable housing opportunities for younger adults and families.

Affordable housing that matches median wages in South Haven and the surrounding townships is an issue that needs to continue to be addressed, he went on to say.

“I have constantly voiced my opinion that the surrounding townships and the city need to work together solving affordable housing opportunities for younger families starting out in life,” he said. “I am grateful to City staff to see this really starting to come to light with making some progress with South Haven Township and the Housing Commission with continued work sessions.

Other issues facing the city include upkeep of the roads and major projects the City has completed in the last several years and continuing to assure pensions and retirement accounts for City employees are funded. 

Several issues he hopes the city will address in the future include maintenance of overgrowth and visibility at intersections and roadsides, traffic flow and safety of children walking to and from school and working with South haven Public Schools to establish more after-school programs.

Hanny, 51, is a youth development professional for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and is married with two children. He's a member of Bronson Safe Kids of Greater South Haven Advisory Committee, the South Haven Superintendent Advisory Committee, a trustee, coach and volunteer for South Haven Junior Youth League and a volunteer for South Haven Public Schools athletics program.

“I’m running for a seat on city council to represent the people of Ward 3, to make a difference in their lives by giving a voice to their concerns; and to give a voice in city hall to retirees, the disabled, young families and those who can’t make it to the meetings,” he said.

Three major issues facing the city, according to Hanny, are affordable family housing for seniors who want to live independently and for families who want to live and work in South Haven; more sidewalks and outdoor recreational space; and greater government accessibility for the 3rd Ward through the creation of bi-monthly town hall meetings and creation of a 3rd ward Facebook group.

But Hanny thinks affordable family housing is the most important issue facing South Haven.

“In recent years we have seen young professionals decline opportunities to work in the City of South Haven,” Hanny said. “This is a direct result of families and young professionals who can’t afford to rent and or own a home within the city on their salary.  This trend concerns me because it has repercussions well beyond young professionals choosing to work outside of our wonderful city. It affects how many young people attend our schools, school funding, creates disconnected neighborhoods and access to a qualified professional workforce for our local business community.”

Ward 2 race

Two newcomers – Jeff Arnold and Nadine Newman — will be vying for the seat now occupied by Clark Gruber, who has been term limited.

Arnold, 51, is a teacher at South Haven High School. A previous city council member, he also was former chair of the city's Harbor Commission and Parks Commission. Currently he serves on the South Haven Housing Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. He is also a member of the Elks and Sons of the American Legion. He is engaged to be married.

“I am running for office again because I think my previous experiences makes me very qualified to serve the people of Ward 2 and the city as a whole,” Arnold said.

A number of issues facing the city include affordable housing, attracting businesses that pay well and deciding how Michigan's new marijuana laws should apply to South Haven.

“I think the city needs to address the housing and jobs issues first and foremost,” Arnold said. “The issues are linked, so improvements in one will help the other. I think the city staff has a good start in these areas and I hope that my past experience and my willingness to listen to the voters in Ward 2 can help the city speed the process along.”

Newman, 62, is a retired nurse and ice condenser technician in the nuclear field. She obtained a law degree, specializing in immigration, and now owns a hair salon.

“I have been a resident of South Haven for 35-plus years and it's my hometown away from home. I have enough life experience to now give back to the community that I care about,” she said.

Newman said issues facing the city include affordable housing, education, short-term rentals, tourism, industry and small businesses.

“More focus needs to be placed on affordable housing so we can get our industrial parks filled, keep families in our town and have a future for our youth,” she said.

Uncontested seats

Neither incumbent Mayor Scott Smith nor Ward 1 council member Letitia Wilkins face competition.

Smith, 52, is seeking his second term as mayor. Prior to being elected mayor, he served as a city council members for 12 years. An occupational therapist at Bronson South Haven Hospital and an adjunct faculty member at Western Michigan University, Smith is married and has three children.

“I’m excited to continue working with our city council and city staff to improve our town,” he said. “I want to continue making South Haven a place where my kids, and all local kids, want to stay after they graduate from high school or college. I want to continue being the mayor to make this town desirable for all of our residents and guests.”

As mayor Smith has consistently pushed for improving South Haven's year-round economy.

“I believe that most of our challenges are closely connected to economic development,” he said. “It is imperative that we work with our existing businesses to help them stay viable and expand. We need to continue efforts to attract new businesses. Related to this is our housing challenge. We have got to work on creating as many new housing options as possible. We need to create new market-rate apartments, affordable-rate apartments, senior apartments, new single family homes, and more. By creating more housing options it will be easier to attract people to the city of South Haven. We have had a stagnant or shrinking population for years. Our school enrollment is declining. We need to change this trend, and creating a better housing market is one area that will help. I spend nearly every Friday meeting with local business leaders and the housing concern is a common issue that I hear about.”

Letitia Wilkins, 50, will be seeking her first full four-year term on the council after being appointed two years ago to fill a vacancy created when Scott Smith was elected as mayor. Wilkins is a teacher for South Haven Public Schools and a member of the South Haven Housing Commission. She is married and has two children.

“I am seeking reelection so that I can continue to serve my ward and my community,” Wilkins said.

Two main issues are confronting South Haven, Wilkins thinks. “The issues the city is facing currently are lack of affordable housing and a shrinking long-term rental population,” she said. “I would like to see the city take a stronger approach in addressing the affordable housing crisis.”

“Life’s Garden” sculpture stands in front of Chemical Bank. The sculpture was created by artist Kathy Kreager as a tribute to the late South Haven resident Glenn Pietenpol and is the newest addition to South Haven’s growing collection of public art. (Photo by Nancy Albright)

Art town

Chemical Bank sculpture latest outdoor piece in South Haven

By NANCY ALBRIGHT

For the Tribune

Public art seems to be cropping up all over South Haven with “Life’s Garden” being the latest piece of art to be unveiled, downtown.

South Haven metal and glass artist Kathy Kreager created “Life’s Garden” at the bequest of the Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation to honor the life and service of Glenn Pietenpol who was a founding member of the foundation, and, according to his widow Mary, loved South Haven and worked “with benevolence and grace” to make the city a better place to work and play.

The sculpture has been installed in front of Chemical Bank, at the corner of Phoenix and Center streets, where Pietenpol worked for more than 30 years in the trust division. After he died in February, the foundation decided they would like to honor their friend and fellow member with a sculpture representing some of his many passions, including his interest in South Haven, where he spent much of his life.

Kreager met with Mary Pietenpol, who told her about her husband's love of community, family, education, football and gardening. Kreager said the idea for the sculpture germinated with the garden and the sculpture grew to include elements representing the things that made Glenn the caring and fun-loving person he was.

The piece consists of a graceful mass of intertwined metal leaves that hold glass flowers and suns hand-crafted by Kreager to represent Glenn’s wife Mary, their children and grandchildren, his love of gardening, and the moniker “Mr. Sunshine,” which many people called him. The initials of each family member are worked into each colorful glass design.

If you look closely you may imagine an onion, a stalk of asparagus, or a raspberry or two nestling among the metal leaves –– some of Pietenpol's favorite fruits and vegetables to grow and eat. On the back of the piece Kreager also honored Pietenpol's alma maters Hope College and Notre Dame by fashioning metal into the word “Hope” and the initials “ND.” “GB” represents his passion for the Green Bay Packers, as does the green metal tinged with yellow, the colors of his home state’s team. Kreager also included a “G” to represent Glenn himself and the nickname “Big G” bestowed upon him by his grandchildren.

“Kathy is a very talented and creative artist and she was wonderful to work with,” Mary Pietenpol said. “The piece is beautiful and very tastefully done.” She went on to say it was a humbling experience to have a sculpture created in her husband's name. “It’s quite fantastic that the community foundation would honor Glenn in this way,” she said. “The board is a wonderful group of men and women that are passionate and dedicated to funding the creative minds of this community, an enthusiasm which Glenn shared. Like the title of the piece, “Life’s Garden,” Glenn liked to grow his community.”

Another local community foundation called SHOUT commissioned “Little Girl with Sand Pail” and “Seagull”, which are on the lawn at City Hall at 539 Phoenix St. And SHOUT worked with the South Haven Center for the Arts’ Art on the Town Committee to fund another of Kreager’s pieces called “Summer Breeze” that stands in the courtyard in front of Taste restaurant at 402 Phoenix St. Upcoming Art on the Town sculptures by Michigan artists include “Dune Anchor” by Mark Toncray, and “Surround Me with Sun Wind and Water” by Carolyn Robinson Fink, which will depict finding purpose and renewal in nature.

The art center itself has two sculptures on its front lawns, “Art” created by Kreager, and “Untitled,” which was created and donated by local artist Marian Anderson in the late 1980s and recently restored.

Another new addition to South Haven's public arts displays is “Five,” created by Kreager to honor five cyclists that were killed while riding on a rural roadway in Kalamazoo in 2017. The sculpture has also come to represent South Haven’s designation as a Pure Michigan Trail Town. The piece was bought by Scott and Erin Zoet, owners of Rock ‘n’ Road Cycle, and can be seen next to the building at 315 Broadway Ave.





10.21.19

Bob Sutherland, founder and president of Glen Arbor-based Cherry Republic, will deliver the keynote speech at the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce's 14th annual Economic Summit. This year's event is scheduled Friday, Oct. 25 at Lake Michigan College's South Haven campus, 125 Veterans Blvd. (Contributed photo)

Founder of Cherry Republic headlines Chamber's Summit

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

An entrepreneur who started what has become the largest exclusive cherry retailer in the country out of his car will be the keynote speaker at the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce's Economic Summit.

Bob Sutherland, founder and president of Glen Arbor-based Cherry Republic, along with three other speakers, has been lined up for this year's summit, Friday, Oct. 25 at Lake Michigan College's South Haven campus, 125 Veterans Blvd.

Kathy Wagaman, executive director of the chamber, said she chose Sutherland to be the keynote speaker because his journey toward starting a successful business will resonate with farm-related business owners in Southwest Michigan.

“Bob Sutherland has such an inspirational story of success that began with sheer determination and investing hard work into his business,” she said. “His story is especially important for our many agricultural businesses throughout this region to hear, but the inspirational story is valuable to anyone in business.”

Sutherland started Cherry Republic 30 years ago. It has now grown into a business that employs 80 year-round workers and over 100 part-time workers who sell the company's 200-plus cherry-based products at six locations throughout Michigan, including one in Holland. The company also runs a mail-order operation and over the years has donated $2 million to nonprofits that positively impact the environment and communities in Michigan.

Sutherland's speech is scheduled to begin at 8:45 a.m. He will be followed by Eric Erwin, CEO and president of Ludington-based FloraCraft, the world's leading manufacturer of foam products for the craft and floral industries. He will team up with Michael Smith, the company's vice president of fabrication and packaging, to share the story of how FloraCraft, founded after World War II, has steadily grown by expanding product lines to meet the needs of customers.

“We love to feature longstanding businesses from Michigan that have existed in smaller communities, providing jobs and evolving with trends that allow the company to stay relevant,” Wagaman said.

The last two speakers, Jennifer Owens and Jim Hettinger, will address a topic that has risen to the forefront in South Haven over the past year – economic development.

“This is a subject so relevant to our region right now as we prepare for the upcoming loss of Palisades jobs,” Wagaman said, referring to the pending closure of Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in the spring of 2022. “Understanding what economic development is provides the first step to learning how we can all work together as a community to strengthen and support existing businesses and to seek ways to build new jobs.”

Owens is president of Lakeshore Advantage, a non-profit economic development organization in Zeeland. She specializes in business retention, expansion and attraction and in 2018 was named one of Grand Rapids Business Journal's 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan.

Hettinger, CEO of JH Urban Development Services, served as president of Battle Creek Unlimited for 30 years. He now works as a consultant to economic development programs throughout the United States and has written more than 200 articles for economic development journals.

The chamber's Economic Summit has steadily grown in attendance since starting 14 years ago. Originally, about 50 people attended the first one. Last year's attendence totaled 125 and this year, Wagaman is anticipating a similar crowd.

“We have folks coming from three counties and two states at this time,” Wagaman said.

People interested in attending the Summit can call the chamber at 637-5171 or register online at www.southhavenmi.com

Pot ordinance back in the planners' hands

Ward 1 residents balk at thought of medical marijuana testing facility in their neighborhood

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It looks like a local agricultural testing facility in South Haven will have to wait a little longer to see whether it will be allowed to be a test site for medical marijuana.

South Haven Planning Commission once again will study a proposed ordinance that would legally allow medical marijuana testing sites in certain sections of the city. The planners' next regular meeting won't be until Nov. 7, however, they may choose to hold a special meeting sooner than that, according to City Manager Brian Dissette.

The planners are being asked to study the ordinance again at the request of South Haven City Council. Council members voted earlier this month to send the document back to the planners because of concern from the community and some council members that a section of Ward 1 is being considered for test labs.

Their concerns stemmed from the reputation the Ward became known for a number of years ago when small gangs from outlying areas and from the immediate community would gather in Elkenburg Park and exchange drugs. That reputation has been going away, especially in the past decade as neighbors banded together with community groups and the city to address drugs and crime and make improvements to Elkenburg Park.

“I've lived in Ward 1for 33 years,” Sandi Fenske said to city council members. “I have seen how everyone struggled to bring it back. Please don't let it go the other way. The last 10 years you could really see the difference.”

Joe Reeser, a council member who represents Ward 1, indicated he has heard a great deal of concern from residents worried about allowing any type of medical marijuana business in the Ward.

“There is such a strong sentiment against it,” Reeser said. “People suffered over drugs...We don't want it in Ward 1. Period.”

The proposed medical marijuana ordinance council members had considered voting on last week would have limited medical marijuana testing labs to two sections of the city — areas east of Blue Star Highway and a section of Ward 1 south of Aylworth Avenue where there are a number of commercial and industrial businesses.

Council members appeared amenable to removing the Ward 1 section from the proposed ordinance, but had to send it back to the planning commission to formally change the proposal to only include the area east of Blue Star as a location for testing facilities.

Some council members though pointed out that the delay will now hold up New Age Laboratories from applying for and obtaining a license from the state to test medical marijuana.

“To send it back to planning is going to create a delay,” Mayor Pro Tem Clark Gruber pointed out.

Ever since city council and the planning commission took up the task earlier this year of determining whether to allow medical marijuana establishments within city limits, New Age Laboratories has indicated an interest in becoming a site for testing medical marijuana.

Although a number of city residents are opposed to medical cannabis businesses, most council members previously indicated a willingness to allow testing facilities only.

“These are scientifically driven labs,” Mayor Scott Smith said. “I don't want hysteria or fear of a scientific process. It's a required process. We approved this (medical and recreational marijuana use) as a state, county and city and it's here and now we have to test it. We have a facility here who can do that. We're trying to help a business offer a service.”

While council members mull the testing facility location issue, city voters will get the chance to weigh in on whether they want recreational marijuana businesses in the city limits.

Due to a citizen-led petition, voters will head to the polls Nov. 5 to cast their vote on a new proposed ordinance that would make recreational pot establishments illegal in South Haven. The ordinance, however, does not address medical marijuana facilities.



10.14.19

South Haven developer Randy Locker stands in front of the three-story building at 253 Center Street that he plans to renovate into a mixed-use development with retail space on the first story and 12 apartments on the top two floors.

Residential living, downtown style

South Haven developer plans

$3.8 million investment to renovate historic buildings and create

19 apartments

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Get ready for more construction along Center Street in downtown South Haven when the historic Hale block undergoes a $2.7 million renovation project that will result in the creation of 10 new apartments, renovated retail space and demolition of several dilapidated retail buildings that will eventually result in construction of new ones.

The project is expected to get underway in November and be completed by November 2020, according to Randy Locker of Locker & Locker Properties LLC, developer and owner of the Hale block buildings.

To help jumpstart the project, South Haven City Council members voted Monday in favor of granting Locker & Locker a 10-year commercial rehabilitation tax break that will exclude the development from paying property taxes on the $2.7 million investment, but not the taxes currently being charged.

“We have a unique situation occurring downtown,” City Manager Brian Dissette said. “We are reconstructing Center Street at the same time a local developer and his team are looking to rebuild up to a block of that same section of street. This is really rare.”

The Hale block consists of a historic three-story building and several other one and two-story buildings on Center Street between Quaker and Phoenix streets. Locker intends to create the apartments on the second and third floors of the 15,000 square-foot three-story building and renovate commercial space on the first floor. He also plans to tear down the old buildings south of the three-story building with the exception of the one that houses Johnny's Jewelry at the corner of Center and Phoenix.

Locker purchased the property and buildings earlier this year, which pleased city officials greatly.

“Just a couple of years ago we were planning demolition (of the buildings),” Dissette said. “Now we're talking about making it grow...City staff has been working for 10 years to try to fill large vacancies on Center and spur development downtown.”

Locker and his contractor, Randy Timmer, are not only planning to renovate the Hale block, they're also planning to create apartments in the upper levels of three commercial downtown buildings in the 500 block of Phoenix Street. The buildings currently house MI Coast, Gravity Winery and Harbor Light Brewery. By November 2020 the second story of those buildings will house six one-bedroom apartments and a two-bedroom unit. City council members, Monday, also granted a 10-year tax abatement for that $1.1 million investment.

Creating more affordable housing options has been a goal of the city council over the past year, but one council member questioned whether the new apartments being constructed by Locker and Locker will actually be affordable.

Locker said the apartments will cost renters $900-$1,200 per month.

“It should be affordable compared to market rates out there,” he said.

But council member Letitia Wilkins disagreed, saying she knows young adults she works with at South Haven Public Schools, including teachers, who cannot afford to pay $900 a month for rent.

“The average college student cannot afford $900,” she said. “Are we trying to bring the missing middle from somewhere else or accommodate the missing middle in South Haven?”

But other council members disagreed with her.

“I have three adult children who would gladly pay that,” said Mayor Pro Tem Clark Gruber, adding that his children live and work in other towns in West Michigan. “That's what we're seeing as the norm.”

“For downtown that's a great rate,” said council member Chris Campbell, who owns a retail shop downtown. “For the last 10 years I've seen apartments (downtown) going for $800 to $900. It's a prime location.”

Market rate vs. affordable rate

Dissette told council members city staff is keenly aware the creation of affordable housing is one of the council's biggest priorities, but he also said the city not only needs affordable, work-force housing but market rate housing.

“Does this (the apartments Locker intends to create) address affordable concerns? Probably not,” Dissette said. “Does it address market-rate concerns? Yes.”

Dissette went on to say that a housing study the city commissioned a year ago shows a need for more market-rate housing in South Haven.

“There's a need for 100 market rate apartments in the downtown area,” he said, pointing out that new market-rate apartments being constructed at a three-story mixed-use building now under construction at 335 Center Street are being rented at a considerably higher rate than what Locker intends to charge.

“The new apartments are going up to $1,700 a month and they're spoken for,” he said. “He's (Locker) renting at below that. That will force pressure and should create more affordable housing.”

Randy Timmer, who is the contractor for Locker's downtown renovation projects, said it would be cost prohibitive to charge less than $900 a month considering the renovations that are being made to the Hale block and the Phoenix Street parcels.

“We're trying to create as affordable of housing as we can,” he said. “We're completely rehabbing buildings. It's a huge cost.”

The housing study also indicated a need for work-force housing, which Dissette said, the city is working on with consulting company, Housing Next.

The creation of more affordable housing will most likely involve a partnership with a public entity such as the South Haven Housing Commission, Dissette said.

The city recently developed a partnership with the housing commission and South Haven Township to find suitable locations and encourage the development of affordable housing options in the greater South Haven area.

“One way to have affordable housing is to manage it as a public project. Something the city hasn't done for three decades,” Dissette said.

Bangor branch library provides social work services

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

BANGOR — Do you have questions about educational opportunities, employment assistance, social programs or other issues but don’t know where to go for information?

Starting Saturday, Oct.  19, the Bangor Branch of the Van Buren District Library will offer a new program that connects library patrons to a social worker.

“During their time at the library, the social work intern will assemble a list of local support resources such as faith-based charities, local non-profits, and places where state and federal assistance may be accessed,” explained Dan Hutchins, Van Buren District Library director. “The main thing I think they will bring to the library is expertise in accessing the web for free and subsidized resources offered by the many non-profits and various layers of government, such as assistance accessing unemployment benefits and other forms of cash government assistance, help finding shelter, food resources, or substance abuse counseling, to name a few.”

Social Workers in Rural and Small Libraries is a grant-funded partnership between Niles District Library and six other libraries in the region,” explained Tiffany Russell, the social worker who oversees the project. “Our goals are to connect patrons with resources and information about services in their community and to develop collaborative relationships with local social service agencies.”

This is a three-year grant project funded through the Library of Michigan and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, she added.

The project is intended to expand both the libraries' ability to serve patrons and the library community's understanding of how social workers can help small and rural libraries impact patrons’ lives.

“We first tried the program at the Covert branch,” Hutchins said. After trying it there for a year, we thought that perhaps the people who needed the service most had difficulty getting to the branch library, as Covert doesn’t have a downtown area and transportation may be difficult for some to come by. We decided to change the location to the Bangor branch for the second year. The Bangor branch is located within a downtown area, surrounded by a large neighborhood, and would be within walking distance of many more people.”

An intern who is working on her master’s degree in social work from Western Michigan University will be available to talk to patrons one-on-one every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Bangor. Appointments are encouraged but not necessary. All information will be kept private.

“In terms of confidentiality, the Bangor branch has a community room the social work intern and their clients may use when privacy is needed,” Hutchins explained. “Additionally, the library doesn’t have access to the social work intern’s records, and the social work intern does not have access to any of the library’s patron records, which are protected by Michigan's Library Privacy Act.” 

Social work intern queries and library business transactions are entirely separate, he added.

“Before becoming a public library director, I worked for many years as a front-line reference librarian,” said Hutchins. “People would often ask me for help accessing government or non-profit assistance, and while librarians are expert in finding accurate information of all kinds, knowing what resources are available to help people in need is a complex, multi-faceted domain all its own. The social work intern specializes in this realm, and it’s hoped their expertise in this area will be of benefit to those who need it.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Niles library at 269-683-8545 ext 111.



10.7.19

Charles Collins of South Haven spent Monday afternoon sorting through a pile of old bricks that once lined Center Street in downtown South Haven. When contractors removed the asphalt surface from Center Street two weeks ago as part of a $2.8 million reconstruction of the road, they unveiled the bricks, which city officials are letting residents have either for home improvement projects or as souvenirs.

New life for old bricks

The price is right for residents hauling away century-old bricks

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven residents are getting an unexpected windfall from the Center Street reconstruction project – bricks.

And they're not the typical bricks contractors use these days. They're the original bricks that lined South Haven's downtown streets more than 100 years ago.

“It appears the bricks were placed in approximately 1903,” said City Manager Brian Dissette.

That's the year workers finished laying bricks on Center and Phoenix streets.

“They're larger than current standards,” Dissette noted. “They are also quite dense and heavy.”

When workers from Kalin Construction began removing the asphalt surface from Center Street two weeks ago, they unveiled the bricks, a number of which were still intact.

Rather than haul the historic material away to a landfill, contractors transported it to a large parking lot at Black River Park to allow local residents to take whatever ones they wanted.

Word of the available bricks got around quickly.

Monday, about a half-dozen people could be seen sorting through the large piles of bricks and dirt to find usable ones for use around their homes.

Charles Collins of South Haven said he planned to use ones he gathered to make a patio, while Collin Raczynski was gathering bricks to give to his aunt.

“My aunt is going to make something with them,” he said. “I don't even know yet. I'm just the laborer.”

This isn't the first time city officials have let residents take home old bricks that once lined downtown streets.

“We provided a similar service with the Phoenix Street project” in 2014, Dissette said.

Area residents who don't get the opportunity to obtain bricks from Center Street's reconstruction, don't need to worry. When the second phase of the project begins later this fall, workers intend to remove the old bricks underneath the asphalt surface south of Phoenix Street.

“We kind of figure the public paid for them originally, we might as well return them to the public,” Dissette said.

VB seeks road commission director

New residency guideline built into position

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

LAWRENCE — After nearly five months without a full-time director, Van Buren County Road Commission is now seeking a new one to replace long-time administrator Larry Hummel, whose position was terminated in April.

The commission announced Monday an official search is now underway to hire a managing director. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 24. The Road Commission board will then begin reviewing the applications, narrow the field of candidates and then start interviews. In announcing the search, the Road Commission also made it clear the successful candidate must live within a 20-mile radius of Van Buren County.

One of the reasons several commissioners voted to let Hummel go in April was the distance he traveled for his job. Hummel lives in Carson City and would stay in Van Buren County during the week and return home on weekends.

The new director's duties will also be somewhat different from Hummel's. Hummel served as both manager and engineer for the commission.

“It was a decision by the board that the manager of the Road Commission did not also need to have an engineering degree,” said Jill Brien, administrative assistant for the Road Commission. “The selected candidate could be an engineer, but it was not a requirement of the position to be an engineer. It widens up the playing field, not to mention that we already have a very capable, competent engineering department.”

Since Hummel left, Barry Anttila, who is highway engineer for the commission, has taken charge of the department. “Additionally, we will utilize a contract with professional engineering company, as needed,” Brien said.

Until a new manager is hired, the three other department heads will continue dividing their time to take on tasks that had been performed by the director.

Officials stress need for safety at railroad crossings

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

BANGOR — City officials, local law enforcement officers and volunteers from  Michigan Operation Lifesaver joined together last week to stress the need for safety at railroad crossing tracks.

Mayor Darren William, along with MOL member Rick Burns, Bangor Police Chief Tommy Simpson and several government officials participated in a special ceremony at the train depot as they greeted the Chicago-bound Amtrak coming from Grand Rapids.

This was the first time the event, which was part of Rail Safety Week, has been held in Bangor.

“Rick Burn, an authorized volunteer with Operation Lifesaver, contacted us several weeks ago to ask about having the event at the depot here in Bangor,” explained Regina Hoover, Bangor city manager. “The main concern is safety around railroad tracks, particularly drivers not following rail crossing signals and trespassers.”

Last year in Michigan, there was 44 vehicle-train crashes at highway rail crossings while 12 pedestrians were injured or killed walking on or near railroad tracks.

The non-profit rail safety organization conducted a week-long campaign across the state during Rail Safety Week Sept. 22-28 to save lives by alerting pedestrians and drivers to the dangers of being inattentive at highway-rail grade crossings and along train tracks.

"While the number of highway-rail crossing crashes, deaths, and injuries has dropped over the past five decades, it's still a startling fact that about every three hours in the U.S. a person or vehicle is hit by a train," said Sam Crowl, Michigan Operation Lifesaver coordinator.   

He went on to say that the group is especially focusing on people trespassing on property owned by the railroad.

“Our concentrated effort right now is trespassers,” he told the Bangor audience. “They are on privately owned property. A lot of them walk along the rails and even wear ear buds.”

That is a problem the Bangor Police Department is already dealing with.

“We really do strict enforcing on trespassers around here,” Simpson replied.

Public service announcements, billboard campaigns, and other activities were part of the campaign.

"The goal of Railroad Safety Week is to raise awareness of the need for rail safety education and empower Michigan residents to keep themselves safe near highway-rail grade crossings and railroad property," said Tim Hoeffner, Michigan Department of Transportation Office of Rail director. "We fully support Operation Lifesaver and Railroad Safety Week's goal: educating our citizens to automatically expect a train on any track or at any crossing, and to take appropriate precautions."





9.30.19

A group of young volunteers spent their SERVE SoHa day helping to clear the nature trail at Maple Grove Elementary School.

Let someone else eat cake

SERVE SoHa work day attracts 180 volunteers

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It's customary to celebrate birthdays with cake and ice cream.

But members of LifeBridge Church decided to celebrate the congregation's sixth birthday by rolling up their sleeves and helping people throughout the South Haven community.

As Pastor Milan Bittenbender summed it up: “I didn't expect cupcakes at my birthday. I brought cupcakes. This is a similar thing that we're doing on our birthday.”

LifeBridge called its birthday workday, SERVE SoHa.

Throughout the day on Sept. 22, volunteers cleared brush and spruced up green spaces and flower beds at local schools, churches and senior housing complexes, collected personal care items at local retailers to donate to We Care INC's personal care pantry, visited with residents at three assisted living and nursing homes. Some even went to a laundromat in South Haven and gave quarters to patrons to use for their laundry.

“We had a great day,” Bittenbender said. “About 180 people registered and worked in some way or another. We had people working all over the community.”

Although it rained off and on throughout the day, volunteers were able to get most of their tasks completed. However, several of the more ambitious outdoor projects had to be rescheduled, including one at the baseball fields at South Haven High School.

“We did have to postpone a couple of the projects because they involved mostly painting and the weather just didn't permit,” Bittenbender said. “A very large team will be doing basic clean up, maintenance and painting at the high school baseball fields.”

Another team, who spruced up the front yard and building at Trinity Baptist Church in Covert, will also have to return to finish the work there.

Bittenbender came up with the idea for SERVE SoHa earlier this year as a way to build a spirit of giving in the South Haven area.

“Our long-term vision is that this will not be exclusively a LifeBridge thing, but that it will become a way to connect other community groups who are doing great things, with people and organizations who need help,” Bittenbender said. “This is not about a church. We just hope to be a catalyst to bring people together to make our community a better place to live. This concept is actually where LifeBridge gets its name. Our goal is to tear down walls and build bridges to a better life.

Van Buren commissioners broach the subject of closing South Haven courthouse

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

PAW PAW — Van Buren County commissioners are once again discussing whether to close Seventh District Court in South Haven, but not if a commissioner who represents South Haven has anything to say about it.

Gail Patterson-Gladney said she has talked to a number of local officials who are opposed to such a move, including South Haven Mayor Scott Smith, South Haven City Manager Brian Dissette, South Haven City Assistant Manager Kate Hosier and Seventh District Court Judge Arthur Clarke.

Commissioners, Tuesday, talked about possibly selling the courthouse and the county administration building in Paw Paw as part of a long-range facilities plan to enhance citizen access to services, improve safety and security and moving employees who currently work in the basements of buildings owned by the county. Basement offices include Friend of the Court, specialty courts and the state Probation/Parole office.

"We don't have extra space," County Administrator John Faul told commissioners. "That's why they're crammed in basements."

Commissioners and county staff talked about what options could be considered for long-range facility planning.

Options include:

• Closing and selling the South Haven district court building and the Paw Paw Administration and Land Management Building across from the historic courthouse and constructing a new office building in the parking lot east of the courthouse. Cost estimate is $35 million. County officials expect to get $1.8 million from the sale of the two buildings.

• Keeping both buildings but still constructing a new building to get county staff out of basements. Money would also be spent to address safety and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns in the administration building. Cost estimate is $27 million.

• Keep the South Haven courthouse but sell the administration building and construct a building next to the Paw Paw courthouse for the basement dwellers, plus incorporate the offices in the Administration building. Expected cost is $30 million.

• The last option is to do none of the above, but just improve compliance with ADA regulations. That would run $5 million.

In the beginning of the discussion Commissioner Randall Peat favored the first option of selling the two buildings, saying if done right the new building could last 100 years. He said the money spent just on repairs would not be recoverable. "I just want to do it once, do it right, spend what we need to spend, and move on," Peat told commissioners.

However, Patterson-Gladney cited local residents' opposition to closing the South Haven courthouse.

There was no decision after nearly an hour of discussion but commissioners appeared to be leaning more toward the second and third options, under both of which the South Haven courthouse would stay open.

There's also the question of paying for the project, whichever way it goes. In May 2017 commissioners asked for 0.7 mills for 20 years for a different construction project and it was shot down 4,792 to 1,884. However, there's another option: A Headlee millage restoration election. Headlee regulations reduce millage to keep revenues from rising faster than the rate of inflation. The county's operating millage has been reduced by 0.6-mill over the years. If voters approve, it could be restored to the former level

Among others, Peat was in favor of the Headlee idea, saying the money could be socked away for a few years before the project began. "You save so much in interest," Peat said, apparently referring to the cost of bonding. "My God. It's unbelievable."

Commissioners expect to take up the matter again at the next meeting in two weeks.



9.23.19

Photo courtesy of WebMD
Michigan is suffering one of its worst outbreaks of Eastern equine encephalitis in decades.

EEE outbreak strikes Southwest Michigan

Fatal cases reported in Van Buren, Cass and K'zoo counties

By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN

HP Staff Writer

Michigan is suffering its worst outbreak of the Eastern equine encephalitis disease in decades with fatal cases reported in the Southwest part of the state, including Van Buren County.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported last week that there have been two fatal cases of Eastern equine encephalitis in Van Buren and Cass counties.

The report came with the announcement of four additional confirmed cases of the disease, expanding the geographic area affected by human EEE cases to include Barry, Cass and Van Buren counties, along with previously identified cases in Kalamazoo and Berrien counties.

The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department has information about EEE on its website, vbcassdhd.org.

The mosquito-borne disease has now resulted in seven confirmed human cases of EEE in Michigan with onset dates in July. There have now been three fatal cases – the earliest from Kalamazoo County.

“Michigan is currently experiencing its worst Eastern Equine Encephalitis outbreak in more than a decade,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy for health, said in a news release. “The ongoing cases reported in humans and animals and the severity of this disease illustrate the importance of taking precautions against mosquito bites.”

The MDHHS is encouraging officials in the five counties that have been affected by human EEE cases, plus the three counties that have had animal EEE cases – St. Joseph, Genesee and Lapeer counties – to consider postponing, rescheduling or canceling outdoor activities occurring at or after dusk, particularly activities that involve children.

This would include events such as late evening sports practices or games or outdoor music practices. The MDHHS reports that its recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution to protect the public health and it applies until the first hard frost of the year.

EEE is one of the most dangerous mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill. People can be infected with EEE from the bite of a mosquito carrying the viruses. People younger than age 15 and over age 50 are at greatest risk of severe disease following infection.

Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches that can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

The MDHHS recommends the public follows these steps to avoid mosquito bites:

• Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.

• Maintain window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside.

• Empty water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs.

• Use nets and/or fans over outdoor eating areas.

In addition to the human cases, as of Sept. 16, nine cases of EEE in horses had been confirmed in Barry, Kalamazoo, Lapeer and St. Joseph counties. None of the horses were vaccinated against EEE and all animals have died. There is an EEE vaccine available for horses, but not for people.

Also, five deer, in Barry, Cass, Genesee, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties, have been confirmed with EEE infection and were euthanized due to the severity of their disease symptoms.

Bid for BL-196 road diet awarded to SH company

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

A local company with strong ties to South Haven will be taking charge of making the “lane diet” along a section of Business Loop 196 a reality.

City Council members, Monday, voted unanimously to award the contract to Compton Inc. Compton was the low bidder for the project, according to Department of Public Works Director Bill Hunter

Consulting firm Abonmarche had originally estimated the project would cost $141,000.

“A low bid of $138,455.00 was received by Compton, Inc.,” Hunter noted. The other bidder was J. Ranck Electric Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, who bid $174,523.

DPW staff still need to meet with staff from Compton to determine the start date for the project, but Hunter said previously he hopes the road diet will be finished sometime in October, or possibly November if need be.

The road diet along the Business Loop that between Phoenix Street and Aylworth Avenue will entail reduction of the five-lane roadway to three lanes with bicycle lanes on either side.

The intent of the lane diet is to make the roadway safer for bicyclists and for pedestrians to cross, especially South Haven High School students and other city residents who live east of the business loop.

Creating a three-lane roadway will not involve roadway reconstruction, but rather restriping of it, according to Hunter.

He referred to the restriping as the “trial phase” to determine how well the road diet will work for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists.

“It is worth underscoring this first phase is a planned trial phase to ensure the

proposed road diet functions as anticipated and will simply entail restriping the road,” he said. “No permanent changes will be made to the existing infrastructure until after the trial period is over and the functionality of the street can be evaluated and additional public comment solicited.”

Hunter said the trial phase is expected to last two years.

Lack of space

Lakeview Cemetery rates increase significantly for non-residents

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

With the completion of $300,000 worth of improvements to Lakeview Cemetery this year, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the City of South Haven now wants to raise cemetery fees. However, that's not the main reason rates will be increasing, especially for non-residents.

City council members, Monday, voted to increase burial rates for local residents by 2.5 percent, while upping non-resident burial fees to four times the amount of what residents pay.

It's not a matter of making non-residents who want to be buried in Lakeview Cemetery feel unwanted, it's a matter of land limitation, according to Department of Public Works Director Bill Hunter.

“With every year, the City of South Haven loses capacity within our cemetery with each sale of a

lot,” Hunter said. “There is logic to the four times cost increase to non-resident buyers. The increase would discourage non-residents from purchasing lots, saving those lots for future residents.”

The city council voted in 2017 to raise cemetery rates. After the fees were increased, it cost residents $537 to purchase a lot, $479 for a full burial and $111 for a cremation burial. Non-resident fees were roughly double or even triple what residents paid, depending on what they purchased. A lot in 2017 cost non-residents $1,610, a burial, $961 and a cremation $222.

Now their burial costs will quadruple across the board.

Non-residents will pay $2,204 for a lot, $1,965 for a burial and $455 for a cremation burial, while residents will pay $551 for a lot, $491 for a burial and $114 for a cremation burial.

The city began the process of determining whether to raise cemetery rates earlier this year when the cemetery board asked city staff to compare South Haven's fees to other communities.

“City staff reached out to many communities but only received input from the City of Grand Haven,” Hunter said. “Grand Haven's fees are comparable to the city's except the non-resident fees. Grand Haven's non-resident fees are four times that of their resident fees.”

In May, staff discussed the possibility of raising the rates with the Parks Commission.

“We provided the Parks Commission with two options,” Hunter said. “Option one was to raise the existing fees by 2.5 percent. Option two was to raise the resident fees by 2.5 percent, and also, increase the non-resident fees by four times the amount of residential fees.”

The Parks Commission chose to go with the second option and made a recommendation to city council to go ahead and make the increases happen.

In addition to trying to conserve land in the cemetery, Hunter also acknowledged that the cemetery is funded solely from general fund dollars. It does not receive funding from other sources.

The improvements made at the cemetery earlier this year included restoration of the stone wall at the cemetery's entrance on Bailey Avenue, construction of a staircase on the western side of the cemetery, a new main entrance sign on Blue Star Highway, new yard hydrants, demolition of an old office building and landscaping work.





9.16.19

As part of the five-block reconstruction of Center Street, in downtown South Haven, city officials are stressing that businesses along Center Street will remain open during the construction project. Sidewalks will remain in place throughout the project and will be removed and replaced as soon as possible to allow access to businesses.

Major downtown street project gets underway

Five blocks of Center Street to be totally reconstructed by May 2020

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

One of the South Haven's largest downtown construction projects is expected to get underway this week when reconstruction of five blocks of Center Street, from Williams to Michigan streets, begins.

“It's a big project,” commented Department of Public Works Director Bill Hunter in regard to the $2.8 million undertaking “Once this is complete it's going to be a new downtown.”

Center Street's rebuild, which is expected to be finished in May of 2020, will be done in phases and includes new water and sewer mains, new concrete streets, curbs, gutters and sidewalks, landscaping, free wifi and a vertical garden of colorful flowers that will be planted on the east walls of the Chemical Bank building.

But with any major street project comes concerns from local business owners who wonder how quickly construction will progress and more importantly, how customers and clients will get to their stores and offices.

City officials got a taste of those types of concerns in 2012 and 2014 when two other major downtown streets – Williams and Phoenix – underwent reconstruction.

They devised a plan to keep business owners up to date on construction progress and tried to minimize detours by keeping sections of sidewalks and streets open to the public so they could get to shops, restaurants and offices.

A similar approach will take place with the Center Street project.

“The Downtown Development Authority Director will communicate to the downtown merchants using the same methods as the Phoenix Street improvement project — newsletter, email, city Facebook, city website and personal visits,” Hunter said. “We're also working with the Chamber of Commerce and the Visitors Bureau and the merchant group to spread the word that downtown is open for business.”

In addition, DPW staff and contractors will conduct “tailgate meetings” at 10 a.m. each Thursday at Abonmarche architectural firm, 503 Quaker Street to allow business owners the opportunity to receive updates about the project and ask questions.

“We encourage everybody to go to the tailgate meetings,” Hunter said.

Reconstruction is expected to begin Sept. 17, subject to contracts being signed and approved.

To try to minimize interruptions for businesses, the project will be done in two phases.

“The project will start at the north end. This will be from Williams Street to the north side of Phoenix Street,” Hunter said. “We will not be going into Phoenix Street with this project. Phase one has a tentative schedule to be substantially completed on Nov. 20. Phase two, which consists of the south half of the project, is from the south side of Phoenix Street to Michigan Avenue. This phase is tentatively scheduled to start Nov. 4 and be completed on May 5, 2020. These dates can change some due to the weather.”

As phases of the project get underway, vehicular traffic will be detoured following a route from Erie Street to Kalamazoo Street and then to Williams Street. Sidewalks will remain in place throughout the project and will be removed and replaced as soon as possible to allow access to businesses, according to Hunter.

As each phase gets underway, the first task for contractors will be grinding up the street to install sanitary and storm sewers and water mains.

“These items (for phase one) will happen from mid-September to mid-October,” Hunter explained. “The street work, sidewalks, pavers and general surface work will be completed in late October to mid-November and the live wall will be completed in April or May.

Street removal and sewer and water main work in the second phase will occur in November and early December.

“Road reconstruction will start in late December,” Hunter said. Once the worst of the winter weather ends, sidewalk, irrigation, paver, planting and paving projects will occur from March to early May.

Foundation's goal: Put more books in classrooms

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

At a time when it seems schools favor teaching students with online computer programs rather than books, a local foundation is making sure books continue to play a prominent role in K-12 education.

The South Haven Public Schools Foundation is establishing a $2,500 challenge grant to purchase books to place in classrooms throughout the school district. They hope other groups will come forward to contribute funding to match the grant.

“Books are and have been a major part of our school system, ust as technology has not replaced teachers, but supplements programming and does not replace time-tested tools,” said Dr. Jeffrey Postma, a member of the Education Foundation.

“Our Education Foundation’s mission is to support teacher’s efforts to strengthen the success of all students,” Postma went on to say. “The importance of literacy is at the forefront at the local and state level.  Improving literacy is consistent with South Haven’s Strategic Plan, School Improvement Plan and the state’sTop 10 in 10 Years Initiative.”

The foundation plans to purchase books for classrooms, rather than school building libraries, to encourage students to continue using books to enhance their education. Each school in the district has libraries staffed primarily by para-pros, but students often have limited access to the libraries, due to their class schedules.

“This (the purchase of books for classrooms) will allow immediate and instant access of high-interest books at appropriate reading levels for all students in a classroom,” said Dene Hadden, a member of the Education Foundation and retired South Haven High School principal. “The books will be selected by teachers by grade levels for individual classrooms.  Students will be able to use these books at any time and not have to wait for library days or other opportunities to secure reading material.”

Organizations, businesses and individuals interested in supporting the foundation's project can contact the Office of the Superintendent or any of the members of the foundation, whose website address is http://shpublicschoolsfoundation.org





9.9.19

A new restroom and bench are among improvements recently made at Pilgrim Haven Natural Area. Contributed photo

Pilgrim Haven plans workday to help showcase improvements

Over the past several months, Pilgrim Haven Natural Area has undergone a series of improvements to attract a growing number of South Haven area nature lovers.

Saturday, Sept. 14, the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, which owns the property in South Haven Township, is hosting a “Plant a Lake Michigan Rain Garden” workday as a way to show off the improvements and create even more.

The workday is scheduled from 9 a.m.-noon.

”We are asking volunteers to come out and help plant hundreds of native plants that will provide food for pollinators, soak up runoff, prevent flooding, filter pollutants, and look great, too!” stated Stewardship Director Mitch Lettow. “Volunteers of all ages are invited to join SWMLC in creating this special garden that will not only beautify the preserve, and provide functional water recharge and filtration, but will also create essential wildlife habitat for native and migrating pollinators such as Monarch butterflies.”

Over the past several years, SWMLC, in collaboration with the South Haven Area Recreation Authority, (SHARA) and with support from the Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund, South Haven Township Recreation Millage, Entergy Corporation – Palisades, the South Haven Rotary Club, and many private donors, has implemented universal access at Pilgrim Haven. Amenities include a new parking area, lighting, electric gate, trailhead, benches and a barrier-free walkway down to the beach so that people of all ages and abilities have a natural place where they can go to experience Lake Michigan firsthand.

This summer, SHARA, with assistance from SWMLC added pit toilets, a kayak/paddleboard rack, a new trail that connects the barrier-free walkway and the bridge, asphalt paving of the previously-gravel parking lot, and incorporation of a space for a rain garden in the center of the parking area.

“We are extremely pleased with this summer’s improvements and the overall work that has gone into creating the Pilgrim Haven Natural Area”, stated Ross Stein, SHARA Board Chair and South Haven Township Supervisor. “On most days the parking lot is full and people are enjoying the beach and walking the preserve. It is a great open space addition to the South Haven area.”

Pilgrim Haven Natural Area is managed and maintained by the South Haven Area Recreation Authority (SHARA). Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy owns the property and cares for its natural areas and wildlife. To find out more about the “Plant a Lake Michigan Rain Garden” Workday or for directions, please visit the SWMLC event page at https://swmlc.org/volunteer-workday-rain-garden/. To learn more about SWMLC, go to their website at swmlc.org or SWMLC’s Facebook page.

SH officials revisit medical pot issue

Council may allow marijuana safety testing businesses

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

For more than a year, New Age Laboratories owner Scott Wall has wanted to provide testing services to ensure whether medical marijuana products are safely made.

But his plans are in a holding pattern because South Haven city officials have yet to approve an ordinance to allow marijuana-related businesses to exist.

Wall's wait, however, may soon be over.

City council members voted 5-1, Monday, to ask the planning commission to consider revising a proposed marijuana ordinance so that it only allows medical marijuana safety compliance facilities, such as New Age Laboratories, within the city limits.

“I think it's something we should look at,” said Mayor Pro Tem Clark Gruber. “He's set up for it (testing). There isn't any manufacture or sale.”

Council member Joe Reeser agreed. “I'm all for helping this business,” he said. “It doesn't mean we're going to make, ship or sell it (medical marijuana) here.”

The proposed marijuana ordinance has been gathering dust over the past several months, due to a citizen-led campaign that has led to a November ballot issue asking voters whether they want to allow recreational marijuana businesses in town. However, the ballot issue only addresses recreational marijuana facilities; meaning that council members could conceivably scale back the proposed ordinance to address only medical marijuana establishments.

But, council made it clear Monday, it's only interested in allowing medical marijuana testing facilities because a local business, who has already applied for state permits to test cannabis, could suffer financial consequences.

“We are trying to be clear to the public we are not intending to defraud the November ballot,” City Manager Brian Dissette said. “It's a little bit of a tricky balance trying to help a local business but trying to be very respectful of the fact we have a citizen's petition that is coming in November for the overall community to decide how we move forward with recreational marijuana.”

Council member George Sleeper was the only councilor to vote no on asking planners to consider whether to revise the proposed marijuana ordinance.

He argued that planners should address whether to allow all five medical-marijuana facilities to exist, not just one type.

“I share other people's concerns,” he said, “but I also wonder about other businesses that could be affiliated with medical marijuana. We should also have the planning commission look at those.”

Mayor Scott Smith differed.

“I've been a proponent of this man doing this testing,” he said. “This (testing medical marijuana) is a safety issue. It's small samples. It's an existing business. If we can allow him to get going with his business it's going to help him immediately. Others will have to come after that.”



9.3.19

Joe Lauzen of Illinois (left) shows his wedding ring that John Dudley of Grand Junction (right) found in Lake Michigan near South Haven. Lauzen had lost the ring while swimming with his children. Two days later, Dudley was able to find the ring two days later and return it to a surprised Lauzen and his wife, Jennifer.

He's got that magic touch

Grand Junction magician helps visitor find wedding ring in Lake Michigan

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

Lost your wedding ring? Don’t worry - a local magician has a habit of making lost jewels reappear.

John Dudley has found a lot of rings during the 20 years he has been metal detecting - some finds have even caught the attention of national news media outlets.

The trend continued this month when he came to the rescue of a distraught Illinois couple who were visiting South Haven.

“I know this is a long shot, but my husband’s wedding ring fell off in the lake two days ago,” Jennifer Hallgren Lauzen posted. “There were a lot of waves that day, but he was not super deep...We realize this is like looking for a needle in a haystack, but if it ever washes onto the shore, we want to make sure someone could contact us.”

Dudley, who was out of the state at the time, heard about the couple's plight via social media.

“My wife, Nicole, and I were in South Bend and I kept getting tagged on Facebook and messaged about someone who had posted about a lost ring,” remembers Dudley, who also happens to be president of West Michigan Metal Detector Club. “So, I called them and got a few details. I said the soonest I could get there was about an hour and a half because of where we were.”

Joe Lauzen had lost the ring while playing in Lake Michigan with his kids. He knew approximately the location where it had come off, but with the waves, the ring had apparently moved, according to his wife Jennifer. “He kept diving to feel the bottom of the lake where it fell off for a few days. We even bought our own metal detector and found out the hard way we weren't very good at it.” The detector, she explained, couldn't be used in deeper water.

Armed with his high-tech metal detector and ear phones, Dudley braved the chest-high water where the ring had fallen off Lauzen's finger and started searching.

“I turned on the machine and started into the water,” Dudley recalled. “Holy cow, was it cold! I found out later it was 65 degrees. I had searched about an hour and 15 minutes and kept finding large, long sharp pieces of metal. In the water, all metal sounds the same. I had taken about all of the cold water I could, and decided to do one more sweep and then come back when the water warmed up.”

It was during that final search that he hit pay dirt.

“On my last sweep, I hear another signal and dug it up. We use a long handled scoop with a sieve like attachment that lets the sand fall through. I raised the scoop and saw his platinum ring inside. I slipped it on my pointer finger and yelled at him ‘Hey, look.’ His eyes got so big and he yelled, ‘No way!’

When the two got back, they were met with one happy wife.

“When we got to the house, his wife saw us coming and came out to see if we had any luck,” said Dudley. “The husband held up his hand and showed her. She yelled ‘Oh, my God, you found it.’ She gave me a huge hug and started getting teary-eyed.”

“What are the chances?” Jennifer said. “I thought, 'who is this guy?'”

Just a few weeks before finding the Lauzen's wedding ring,, Dudley, who is a professional magician, made another couple happy during a magic convention they all were attending in Colon, Mich., which bills itself as the Magic Capital of the World.”

Two years ago magician Mark Holstein and his wife were visiting Colon when he lost his wedding band in a friend's yard.

“We tried to find it, and then again last year, but no luck,” Holstein said. “Recently, I saw on Facebook that my old friend and fellow Magic Get Together attendee John Dudley was an expert at metal detection. I asked him if he would be willing to take a crack at finding the ring. He enthusiastically agreed. Honestly, after two years, it was the proverbial needle in the haystack.”

Dudley met Mark’s wife Sue at the house and within 15 minutes, had recovered the ring. Being the comic magician that he is, Dudley had another trick up his sleeve.

The two didn’t tell Holstein that the ring had been found. During the comedy magic show that was held at Colon High School, Holstein, who was stage manager, was called onto the stage.

“At the very end of the show, fellow magician Stephen Barga did a routine involving a gumball machine,” Holstein recalled. “At the end of the routine, he dragged me out onto the stage and asked me to put a quarter in the machine. The little capsule came out containing my lost wedding band. So, in front of 800 people, I was reunited with my ring. Unbeknownst to me, John had been successful in finding the ring. That was real magic.”

Besides reuniting lost rings with their owners, Dudley has dug up quite a slew of interesting pieces of metal.

“My most unusual things might have been two badges from the Grand Army of the Republic (Civil War Veterans group), dated 1865, “said Dudley. “I found them at an old homesite that had been tore down.”

Dudley’s expertise at metal detecting has resulted in Kalamazoo Valley Community College asking him to teach a Metal Detecting 101 class.

“That’s kind of cool,” he admits.

Van Buren offers workshop focusing on the value of fathers

By HP STAFF

PAW PAW — The Van Buren County Friend of the Court is helping fathers get the skills they need to be involved in their children’s lives through National Fatherhood Initiative’s 24/7 Dad program.
Beginning Sept. 4 in Paw Paw, the Friend of the Court will host a free, 12-session workshop designed to give fathers the parenting, relationship and communication skills they need to be involved, responsible, and committed fathers. The program will be facilitated by Aaron Rosecrans and Abel Muñoz of Van Buren County’s Friend of the Court Office.
Developed by fathering and parenting experts, 24/7 Dad focuses on the characteristics that men need to be involved fathers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This community-based program helps men develop the attitudes, knowledge and skills they need to get, and stay, involved with their children. The program focuses on key fathering characteristics such as responsibility, discipline and work/ family balance.
Van Buren County Friend of the Court has been presenting the program since January 2018. The educational program also has been implemented at the Van Buren County Jail thanks to the collaboration and support of Sheriff Dan Abbott and Lt. Manuel DeLaRosa. To date, more than 200 children have benefitted from their fathers’ participation in the program, court officials said.
The first session will be 6-8 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Community Mental Health Building, 801 Hazen St., Paw Paw. The program is open to new, experienced, and expecting fathers of all ages and will run for 12 weeks. Food will be provided, and transportation assistance may be available.
For more information call 657-7734 or send an email to foc@vbco.org. For additional program information or to register visit https://vb247dad.eventbrite.com.

8.26.19

Portions of Dunkley Avenue on South Haven's north side have been flooded for much of the summer due to the nearly record-high water levels on Lake Michigan and the Black River. This photo shows the roadway between E. Wells Street and Dyckman Avenue, which is lined with a condominium complex and mobile home park.  City officials hope to remedy the situation by installing sand bags and a pumping system at a cost of $20,000.

High water woes

SH addresses Dunkley St. flooding with sand bags and pumping system

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

When Dunkley Avenue resident Alan Silverman walks out to his garage and looks out at his street, he sees nothing but water.

“The issue isn't just water, but that the water has been standing there for close to two months,” he said. “Sludge has accumulated under the water. People have fallen trying to cross the street. Frankly, the water smells awful.”

Since June, South Haven city officials have kept an eye on flooded roadways along Dunkley and E. Wells Street that lead to Black River Park and two residential areas. At various times they've put up road closure barriers and detour signs and have taken them down when the flooding recedes only to go out again after a storm and put the barriers in place.

“It surges multiple times a day,” Department of Public Works Director Bill Hunter said Monday, during the City Council meeting. “Right now it's flooded. When you get rain like we had yesterday (Sunday) I'm sure it went up quite a bit.”

That's expected to change soon.

Council members voted to spend $20,000 for sand bags and a pumping system to control the flooding. They did so after considering four options provided by Edgewater Resources, a marina architecture and planning company based in St. Joseph.

With the nearly record-high water levels on the Great Lakes and inland rivers this year, Edgewater Resources has become quite busy trying to help lakeshore municipalities resolve flooding issues, according to Hunter.

“Edgewater informed me they were doing this all throughout state,” Hunter said. “Many communities are struggling and wondering, 'what are our options?'”

In South Haven's case, council members chose to go with one of the less expensive options suggested by Edgewater Resources.

The biggest problem with the flooded area is its close proximity to the Black River.

“The water in the streets is at the same level as the Black River,” Daryl Veldman of Edgewater Resources noted in a report. “We are all aware of the high-water levels currently being experienced along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and according to NOAA the trend for these high waters will continue thru 2019. The water level has continued to rise since its low in 2013 due to a large amount of rainfall as well as the capacity for the lake water could not evaporate due to large amounts of winter ice cover. The lake levels are now approaching record levels.”

The sand bag and pump system the city is choosing will provide a quick fix to deal with the flooding, whereas other more expensive options suggested would involve raising the level of the street, or installing new storm sewers and other water control measures. The city also would have to obtain permits from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, a task that could take more time.

“You're looking at $300,00 and $400,000, (for the other options)” Hunter said. “I'm recommending $20,000 and wait out the storm so to speak.” Hunter also said a more expensive option may not be necessary if the water level on Lake Michigan and the Black River recede as they have in the past.

The sand bag and pumping solution isn't expected to get rid of all the flooded areas, Hunter stressed.

“This will get the water off road now,” he said. “We anticipate drying up Dunkley. We'll still have some detours. But it will open up the street for people coming off Dyckman Avenue.”

Silverman and surrounding neighbors who attended Monday's council meeting expressed relief for the measures the city is taking.

“This is something we need to give immediate attention to,” Silverman said.

“Thanks for addressing this issue,” Fred Meyer said.

But he still expressed some concern that the pumping may not work during cold months.

“What happens when cold weather gets here?” Meyer asked. “That's a pond that will turn to ice.”

Another resident who lives on the city's south side isn't so sure lake levels will recede anytime soon and suggested the city consider a permanent fix for the flooding situation.

“We keep assuming this is a 10 year ebb and flow,” said Pat Gaston, who lives on Superior Street. “I'm not sure we can assume that anymore. I think the planet is changing...I think you have to look at a long-term solution if the lake doesn't go down.”

Municipalities get serious about creating more affordable housing

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

“I'd like to live in South Haven but I can't afford it.”

It's a common lament people express about housing options in this lakeshore community.

City officials are well aware of it and earlier this year vowed to develop a plan to promote the development of housing for workforce and middle-class residents.

Now officials are taking action.

In September they, along with officials from South Haven Township Board and the South Haven Housing Commission, plan to meet with a housing development expert to address affordable housing options for the South Haven area.

The joint session is scheduled for 7 p.m., Sept. 9 at South Haven High School's integrated learning center and will be led by Ryan Kilpatrick. A certified planner and economic development finance professional, Kilpatrick is also executive director of Ottawa County Housing Next, a non-profit based in Holland that works with government and private businesses to create affordable housing in Ottawa County.

“We sought someone who is an expert in housing,” City Manager Brian Dissette said.

Kilpatrick will be paid up to $15,000 for his services over the next 90-120 days.

Earlier this year, he was invited to present a program on affordable housing as part of the South Haven Speakers Series.

“It was an excellent presentation,” South Haven Mayor Scott Smith said.

Dissette said he's glad to see the township, city and Housing Commission working together to address housing needs in the greater South Haven area.

“We're truly going into it with a spirit of partnership,” Dissette said. “The Housing Commission and township have both offered to help fund bringing in an expert.”

Kilpatrick and governmental leaders will be tasked with determining the housing needs of people in the South Haven area, specifically employees and what the economic market can bear in terms of new housing construction.

“There is sometimes a disconnect between the expressed preferences of community neighbors, housing advocates and public officials. Oftentimes, there is also a disconnect between market reality and community preferences,” Kilpatrick wrote in his proposal to the city.

He plans to take a two-pronged approach in assessing the housing needs of the South Haven area.

First, he and governmental leaders will determine whether the former Overton factory site on Indiana and Elkenburg streets can be redeveloped for residential purposes.

“That's six acres the city owns,” Dissette said in reference to the Overton site.

While assessing the Overton site in the city limits, Kilpatrick will also be working with governmental leaders to determine what types of affordable housing may be lacking throughout the South Haven area. Once it is determined what types of housing can be developed, Kilpatrick will provide conceptual designs for residential developments.

“This is not something that will be done in one night,” Dissette said.

In terms of the Overton site, for example, it will first need to be determined whether residential homes can be constructed on the property, which was once home to the S. E. Overton company, which manufactured wood products, including gun stocks during World War II.

“Utilizing available information on file at the City of South Haven, Van Buren County and State of

Michigan, we will clearly define, assemble and consolidate all known constraints associated with the

property pertaining to environmental contaminants, required due care, soil conditions, availability of

public and/or private utilities, property boundaries, etc.,” Kilpatrick wrote in his proposal.



8.19.19

Members of South Haven Area Emergency Services mount Rural Gig's internet equipment onto a pole at the station on 66th Street in Casco Township. The company offered free wifi to the station to serve the emergency responders and to more easily reach the Rural Gig customers in the surrounding area whose connection to the company's main tower was blocked by trees.

Casco internet provider expands to other area townships

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Like most residents who live in rural settings outside South Haven, Julie Cowie wasn't very satisfied with her high-speed internet service.

“My family of 4 has four iPhones, two iPads, one windows laptop and one Mac,” Cowie said. In an attempt to get faster service she, like a growing number of rural residents, used a computer tablet as a wifi hotspot in her home office.

But one month, it ended up being a very expensive decision.

“I received a huge bill — $454 — in Feb of 2018 and I was so fed up,” Cowie recalled. “It was data overage charges simply because both IOS and Windows had updates that month.”

So the Casco Township resident and her husband, Will Hart, decided to do something about it.

They, along with John Sokel, a software engineer residing in Casco, formed their own internet provider company.

The trio formed Rural Gig in the fall of 2018 and it has become a popular alternative for rural residents who often have to resort to wifi hotspots or satellite service for their internet needs.

Rural Gig in a wireless internet service provider that offers customers 10 Mpbs of unlimited data for $85 a month. The company transmits service from towers to receivers mounted on customers' home roofs or to a nearby pole.

“Our unlimited data means people can stream and even game without worrying about data limits,” Cowie said. “10 Mpbs is enough to stream without any buffering.  We do not slow people down after they churn through a certain number of gigabytes.  We handle customer service calls ourselves and people know who they're dealing with!  This means people can work from home, participate in webinars, watch videos, and use the internet without concern for data use.”

Some may consider $85 a month to expensive, but Cowie said rural residents often pay that or more for internet service that has data limits.

“Currently a few areas along the lakeshore (in Casco Township) are served by cable,” she said. “Some have DSL from Frontier.  A few use i2k (Internet-2000), which is wireless, offering speeds of 1-3 Mpbs.  Many of us have options limited to either a wifi hotspot or satellite, both of which have data limits.”

At first, Rural Gig only served people and businesses in Casco Township. The company had been using a tower at 111th and 62nd Street to beam its line-of-sight internet signals to customers. But in July, the company worked out agreements with governmental units and businesses in South Haven and Ganges Township to use their towers.

“In the past two weeks we expanded to Scenic View Dairy on 62nd Street and are now able to serve customers in Ganges Township and western Clyde Township,” Cowie said. “The expansion onto the South Haven water tower near Walmart allows us to serve areas of southern Casco Township, South Haven Township and Geneva Township.  We have many folks on our list who have been waiting for better options — namely, unlimited data.”

The South Haven Area Water Sewer Authority made it possible for Rural Gig to install internet transmitting equipment on its water tower near Walmart.

“We are happy to collaborate so local Township residents can access better internet,” said Bill Hunter, South Haven's Department of Public Works director.

“We really appreciate local governments who recognize we are seeking to solve rural broadband issues,” Cowie said. “Casco Township, Ganges Township, Clyde Township and the South Haven Water Sewer Authority have all understood what we are trying to do and have helped us secure permissions and permits needed to provide service to the area.”

There's a cover-up at the courthouse

Murals depicting bare-breasted women offend judicial sensibilities

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

PAW PAW — There will be no more paintings of topless women visible in the Van Buren County courthouse.

Tuesday the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners agreed to the request of four judges to cover two murals in the historic courthouse. In a memo, Chief Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Brickley requested that the paintings be covered with paint or a tapestry or moved elsewhere, such as a museum.

The paintings, one in the courthouse stairwell which may be the Greek Goddess Athena and the other directly above the judge's bench in the main circuit court courtroom, don't support the court's dignity, solemnity or professionalism, according to Brickley. "To the contrary," Brickley wrote, "they depict justice being metered out with swords and spears through beheading and through a humiliation marked by naked begging on bended knee."

"To have paintings of bare-breasted women in a courthouse display a lack of respect for women and for men who respect women," Brickley wrote.

The murals were painted by Paw Paw-born artist Frank Lewis Van Ness (1865-1944). The Village of Paw Paw accepted the paintings in 1908, making them 111 years old.

A Van Ness painting was also featured in the 1956 movie "Giant," starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson and James Dean. It now hangs in the Wenger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.

Brickley wrote that she recognizes that many people view the courthouse paintings as historically significant. "To that end," Brickley wrote, "I would suggest exploring the feasibility of moving the pieces to a museum. While there was a time when depictions such as these might have seemed suitable in a historic courthouse, sensibilities have changed. This is reflected in other significant events in recent history where statues, flags, or other potentially offensive items have been removed."

Brickley added that there are people who aren't offended by the images. "The judiciary, however, is a place to dispense justice, not controversy or provocation. If the images are offensive to even a few, they should be removed from the courthouse," Brickley wrote.

The paintings will be covered. The stairwell mural will be hidden by a banner of the Van Buren County seal, costing $360, and the courtroom mural will be covered by fabric matching the ceiling, cost is $1,233.

In this manner the paintings will be preserved but not visible. County Administrator John Faul said it's not possible to move them elsewhere, such as to a museum.  "One's painted on the wall and one is glued to the wall," Faul said.

Besides Brickley, the request was signed by Circuit Judge David DiStefano and district judges Michael McKay and Arthur Clarke III.