1.14.19

Ted Guimond of South Haven is taking his love of cribbage to a new level by starting a Cribbage Club for enthusiasts of the 17th-century game. The club will get together for its first gathering at  6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15.

For the love of cribbage

South Haven man hopes to keep 17th-century game alive

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

Like many things in this technology-crazed world, interest in spending the evening playing cards seems to be fading away.

However, a South Haven man is on a mission to change that by organizing a club to play one of his favorite games - cribbage. The first meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 in the community room of the South Haven Memorial Library.

“It’s open to anyone who wants to learn how to play, is kind of good at it or even wants to butt heads with someone else,” said Ted Guimond, who is heading up the club. “This is just a place to get together to play a game. It’s not a tournament.”

Guimond, a retired sixth grade teacher, has been playing cribbage for years. In fact, it was one of the first things he taught every new school year.

“During the first two weeks of school, I would teach the kids how to play,” he said. “It teaches math skills. It’s fun and it’s easy to do.  Parents would come during parent conferences and thank me saying that it gave them something to do as a family.”

Cribbage is a game believed to have been created by English poet Sir John Suckling in the 17th century as an adaptation of a game called "noddy."

At its basic level, two players are each dealt six cards and the player keeps those that form runs of three, pairs or triplets or combinations that add up to 15, which each earn two points.

Two cards are thrown by each player into a "crib" that is counted by players in alternating hands. There is also a segment called pegging, in which the same point system is used but via alternating dropping of cards. The first player to mark 121 points on a peg board wins the game.

The skill in the game is knowing how to make multiple combinations of 15, but more so in the "pegging" where a player must anticipate his competitor's next play in order to score points, but also prevent the other player from scoring.

The Cribbage Club will meet every other Tuesday. There is no cost but donations of cribbage boards and new decks of cards are appreciated. Check the library web site for more information.

Podiatrist calls off plans to build office on M-43 corridor

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It looks like construction of a medical facility in a residential area of town won't happen after all.

Podiatrist Dr. Richard Seiler has withdrawn his proposal to build a 3,500-5,000-square-foot medical office on three residential lots along the M-43 corridor. His decision to do so came about after a neighbor, opposed to the development, filed a lawsuit in Van Buren Circuit Court.

The lawsuit, filed by Donald Bemis, challenged a South Haven Zoning Board of Appeals decision in August of 2018 to grant a use variance to allow Seiler to build the medical office in a section of the city that is zoned residential.

“Rick would like to develop the property to use as a medical specialist office as approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals, and was close to having his final site plan approved by the planning commission, however, he has now withdrawn due to a law suit filed against him and the city by a neighbor,” said Seiler's brother, Ron Seiler, a realtor and broker who who worked with his brother to find a suitable location for his practice. “The added legal costs along with the risk of the ZBA’s decision being overturned in court has forced him to walk away from his plans to improve this property.”

Whether Richard Seiler will find another location in South Haven to build a medical office remains to be seen.

“He has not found anything else in the medical corridor (M-43 corridor near Bronson South Haven Hospital). He may have to seek something outside of the city,” Ron Seiler said.

The controversy over the proposed medical office began in July of 2018 when Richard Seiler asked the South Haven Planning Commission to rezone three parcels of land on Phillips Street along the M-43 corridor from residential to business. Planners denied the request, but forwarded a recommendation to the Zoning Board of Appeals to consider granting a use variance to allow Seiler to build the office on the three lots.

The lots are owned by Jack Huminsky. Two of the lots are vacant, while another has an older home on it. Huminsky said that he has tried to sell the properties for 12 years with no success.

In August the ZBA voted 4-2 to grant the variance, but the decision did not set well with Bemis and several other neighbors who were opposed the medical office.

“Neighborhood residents are not in favor of business uses,” Bemis stated. “We want to live in a residential area.”

Afterwards, Bemis filed a lawsuit against the city and Seiler arguing that the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act states that use variances cannot be granted unless they are approved by two-thirds of the ZBA members.

Although the court had not officially made a final ruling on the lawsuit, Seiler withdrew his proposed development.

Because he has decided not to build a medical office on the three parcels, the city council will be asked, Monday, to cancel the use variance to close the circuit court case.

In the meantime, the city's planning commission plans to update its zoning board of appeals ordinance to reflect newer state laws regarding zoning issues that were enacted in 2006. According to city officials, the ZBA ordinance has not been updated since the late 1980s.



1.7.19

An estimated 1,200 people attended the beach ball during New Year's Eve in the Haven in South Haven, Dec. 31.The balls were dropped from long mesh pouches affixed to street poles at the intersection of Center and Phoenix streets. (Photo by Tom Renner)

New Year's Eve beach ball drop attracts a crowd in South Haven

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Rain failed to dampen the spirits of several thousand people who attended South Haven's first-ever New Year's Eve celebration.

New Year's Eve in the Haven proved to be a hit in spite of the cold rain that persisted throughout the day and evening.

“Given the nasty weather I thought it was a great first year,” said Scott Reinert, executive director of the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which organized the celebration.

New Year's Eve in the Haven included a variety of outdoor and indoor events, including free ice skating, children's activities and live music.

The signature event, however, was the beach ball drop.

More than 1,000 people braved the elements to stand at the intersection of Center and Phoenix streets waiting for 500 beach balls to drop at the stroke of midnight to bring in the New Year.

Folks began gathering shortly before 11 p.m. While waiting for the balls to fall from long mesh pouches affixed to street poles, people enjoyed dancing to music provided by DJs.

“This is wonderful,” exclaimed Chris Baner, who attended the beach ball drop with her husband, Andrew and their grandson.

As the balls were dropped from their mesh containers, revelers began batting them around while others snapped photos of the fun time. After the drop, people were allowed to take the balls home as souvenirs.

According to Reinert, approximately 1,200 people attended the ball drop. “I was talking with the DJs and we were estimating in the 1,200 range,” he said. “With folks at the restaurants in the evening and other activities we estimate 2,500-3,000 total in town for the evening.”

City officials agreed to close portions of two of downtown's main streets – Phoenix and Center — for the evening, and that proved to be a good idea despite the rain, according to Reinert

“It was great to see so many people dancing in the streets,” he said.

Part of the celebration's purpose was to attract people to downtown shops and restaurants, and it appeared to work.

“We ate at Clementine's and it was packed,” said Rich Plese, who visited from Joliet, Ill., along with his wife, Maryann.

Other restaurants also did well at attracting diners.

“All of the eight restaurants reported huge numbers of guests at their establishments,” Reinert said.

Stores, who in the past closed their doors the evening of New Year's Eve, also attracted customers.

Some, like Decadent Dogs, provided hot chocolate for people to enjoy.

Plans are already underway for next year's celebration.

“We hope to make this an annual event - something that can become a tradition and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” Reinert said. “ As with the first year of any event, we learned a lot that will be incorporated into next year - and hopefully the weather will be a bit more accommodating.”

Al-Van Humane Society’s new Executive Director Mack Black is shown with rescued dog Opal in one of the shelter’s new Meet & Greet rooms. Opal is one of a number of dogs and cats Al-Van has available for adoption. (Photo by Nancy Albright)

New Al-Van director credits community for adoption center's success

By NANCY ALBRIGHT

For The Tribune

Mack Black, the Al-Van Humane Society’s new executive director, said she makes working with the community a priority to help provide care for homeless animals.

Black has deep roots in the non-profit world. “I was interested in being a spokesperson for organizational influence and change. I earned my degree in Communications with a concentration on Rhetorical Influence. Put simply, I have studied and practiced the skills I need to help others.”

She comes to South Haven via non-profit agencies in Berrien Springs, Lexington, Ky., Chicago, and Washington D.C., a hub for government non-profits and education where she worked for the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation.

“As a non-profit, Al-Van is completely supported by the community,” said Black. “It’s very different working in a small community. I’m amazed at how willing people are to help. We put out a call on Facebook for volunteers or supplies or the need for expertise, and we get such an overwhelming response.

“In addition to donating funds and items on our wish list like leashes, beds, blankets, toys, food, litter, cleaning supplies, crates, a dog bath and other necessities, people donate their valuable time. They help with everything from playing with the animals to doing dishes and laundry to fostering. This area provides an extremely supportive environment, which in my experience is rare.”

Funds recently donated on Giving Tuesday helped Al-Van raise the money needed to expand the outdoor play area behind its shelter.

“Some animals are timid and the new expanse of yard will allow them more room to socialize with humans and each other,” Black said.

Local Eagle Scouts are helping assemble pedestals and other play equipment that will be used for walk-through training and to improve agility through play. Local yoga instructor Kendra Kingsbury teaches yoga to residents in the shelter’s new community room, where cats are brought in to learn to better interact with humans as well as other felines, and TipTopTails owner Kelly Elvin donates her t ime to train dogs.

“These types of activities help improve an animal’s self-esteem, which goes a long way toward helping them get adopted,” Black said.

Al-Van also works with local and regional organizations and businesses. The South Haven Rotary Club awarded the shelter a $500 grant for the purchase of microchips for the animals, and the Bissell Company in Grand Rapids waives adoption fees for those who adopt during Empty Shelter events. Taste restaurant hosted Casino Night, and First Congregational Church hosts Al-Van’s annual Cookie Caper during their holiday bazaar.

Through the generosity of the community, Al-Van has been able to allocate donations to a special medical fund that is used for medications and emergencies. “We had a dog named Colt who was born with a painful knee condition that required surgery,” Black said. “A local vet donated his services that left Colt as good as new. He’s a handsome gray terrier mix who is very sweet and loving. He deserved the best and he got it thanks to those who care, and he has since been adopted. We couldn’t be happier for Colt and his new owner.”

“All of these partnerships – residents, volunteers, local organizations and businesses – are invaluable, and we’re grateful for the generosity extended to Al-Van by this community to help homeless animals find loving homes,” Black said. “Community is how the magic happens.”





12.31.18

Lori Krieger (left) and Amanda Owens, of the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, are shown with a few of the 500 beach balls that will be dropped from downtown light poles at midnight New Year's Eve to signal the start of 2019. 

New Year's Eve ball drop - South Haven style

Beachtown to drop what else but 500 beach balls to signal start of 2019

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

You don't have to sit around until midnight New Year's Eve waiting for the ball to drop at Times Square. You can come to downtown South Haven and see hundreds of them fall.

Five hundred to be exact. It's part of South Haven's first-ever New Year's Eve celebration.

New Year's Eve in the Haven will get underway, downtown, at 7 p.m. Monday and culminate with midnight's ball drop when 500 illuminated beach balls will be dropped at the stroke of midnight at the intersection of Phoenix and Center streets.

“A local business, U.S. Tarp, fabricated 4 custom tarps that will be hung from the light poles at Phoenix and Center streets,” said Scott Reinert, executive director of the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is sponsoring the celebration along with downtown businesses and organizations. “The tarps are large 'pouches' that will hold the lighted beach balls.” Landscape contractor deBest Inc. will then use their heavy equipment to hoist the tarps into place.

“We will also have a large countdown clock at the corner,” Reinert said.

To give ample space for the ball drop and to accommodate other New Year's Eve in the Haven events, two of downtown's main streets will be closed to vehicles from 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

“We’re closing off Phoenix and Center streets to take over downtown South Haven to ring in the New Year,” Reinert, said.

Phoenix will be closed from Broadway to Kalamazoo Street, while Center will be closed from Williams to Eagle streets.

The New Year's Eve celebration marks the first time the City of South Haven has closed downtown streets in recent years for something other than a parade.

Doing so will give people plenty of room to shop, dine and have fun.

“The city staff has been very supportive and is providing special assistance for this unique event at this time of year,” Reinert said.

Downtown shops and restaurants will also be doing something that doesn't normally occur during winter months — they're going to stay open late.

“We have 8 downtown restaurants that will be staying open until 11:30 p.m. offering food and drink specials,” Reinert said. “We've heard that many shops will also be staying open.”

When people aren't shopping or dining they can stroll around downtown and Dyckman Park while listening to live music accompanied by a laser light show.

'We'll have two DJs set up with a stage on Phoenix Street,” Reinert said. “We'll be handing out free party favors over the course of the evening, we'll have bon fires at the park and there will be ice skating starting at 7 p.m., free for the first 250 people.”

For families who prefer to be indoors, South Haven Center for the Arts, at the corner of Phoenix and Broadway, plans to host children's activities from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Of course the highlight of the celebration will most likely be the ball drop, according to the Visitor's Bureau. The idea to use beach balls for a New Year's Eve ball drop came about earlier this year.

“A group of us from the CVB were brainstorming through unique ideas and this concept was brought up,” Reinert said.

To get people in the mood for the ball drop, event organizers plan to roll several large 8- and -6-foot diameter beach balls along downtown streets earlier in the evening.

Event organizers could have chosen to celebrate the New Year by having a peach drop, as Atlanta, Ga., does; or drop watermelons, which is done in Vincennes, Ind.; or even drop a large chunk of cheese as they do in Plymouth, Wis.

But it seemed more appropriate, according to Reinert, to use beach balls, which symbolize one of South Haven's main attractions – its sandy Lake Michigan beaches.

Free books every month

Community raises money to provide books for elementary students

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

An enthusiastic response to a social media plea has raised enough money for every South Haven Public School elementary student to receive a free book every month during the school year. 

Using Facebook, 18 South Haven teachers used the platform to move the literacy needle.

“Here’s the idea I’d like to try out this year,” they posted. “How amazing would it be for a student to receive one free book every month at no cost to his or her family? Scholastic has books every month that are only $1. I would love for each of my students to be able to bring home one new book each month during the school year from September to June and start building a little library at home. If I select the $1 book, that’s only $10 per child (for a full school year)! Would anyone be interested in sponsoring a child in my classroom?”

Turns out there were plenty of people who were interested. Maple Grove kindergarten teacher Heather Chalupa who was one of the teachers that posted the message, quickly had every student in her class sponsored. Pretty soon, five other classrooms in the building were covered.

“It spread like wildfire on my page and I had Trish King, a realtor in town, private message me and said, 'Let's make this happen to cover the rest of the district,'” Chalupa recalled. “I told her that would be around 20 classrooms and she diligently posted on her page several times to seek out sponsors for the over 450 students in the district.”

King shared the message on her Facebook page and soon the checks started rolling in not only from residents, but organizations like Beta Sigma Phi-Kappa Theta Chapter,  AAUW and South Haven Rotary, as well as businesses.

“Facebook friends and family are amazing,” King said. “It’s not surprising that we have so many that give from their hearts for great projects like this. We had many that stepped up, some with $10 and some with hundreds of dollars. We are excited we got all kids K-5 covered. Reading is so important to me personally as I love to read and I want kids today to learn young to enjoy the adventures found while reading books instead of just TV, video games, etc.”  

“The cool thing about it was checks came from all over Michigan supporting our students,” said Chalupa. “With many of the checks, there was a special note about how awesome this is for kids to be able to get books monthly. People sponsored anywhere from one student up to whole classrooms which is super amazing.”

As the momentum grew, Chalupa gave the program a name - Read to Succeed.  She chose that because she believes reading is one of the most important skills instructors teach students.

“I hope Read to Succeed will continue for years to come and hope to seek out grants or funds to support all of our K-5 students in the future,” Chalupa said.



12.24.18

Photo by Becky Kark
Phillip Leach of Casco Township smiles and waves while sitting atop the 8-1/2-foot-tall giraffe he created out of snow. He had to climb a ladder first to board the giraffe.

The snow maestro

Casco Twp. man takes snow sculpting to the extreme

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Much of the snow that blanketed the South Haven area earlier this month has melted, but for a brief period of time, Phillip Leach took advantage of what little there was to create a Christmas holiday spectacle.

Leach managed to create a yard full of snow figures — a snowman standing on its head; a dog nearby sticking its tongue out in anticipation of playing with a large snow ball; a dressed up snow couple sitting on a bench. Heck, there's even a large circus ring full of snow clowns gathered around an 8-1/2-foot-tall giraffe balancing what else but a snowball on its nose.

The winter wonderland is the brainchild of Leach, who over the years has devised an effective way to create snow creatures, big and small, with very little snow at all.

“I started with the traditional way of making snowmen,” Leach said. But as he rolled and packed the snow into larger and larger snow balls the task became too taxing for him.

“They were just getting too heavy to move around,” he said.

That's when his dad came up with the idea of using buckets full of snow to make snow figures.

The result was not only more creative looking snowmen but animals, too.

“My dad came up with the bucket system,” Leach said, explaining that he fills a large, five-gallon bucket full of snow and then pours water over it, creating a slush. After mixing the slush around, Leach packs down the mixture until it hardens into cylindrical forms that he begins to stack together either vertically or horizontally to make his snow people and snow animals. Once he has the basic shape for his snow figures, Leach then adds additional snow for such features as faces, tails, even the mane on his snow horse. Household goods, such as old wiring, bolts, sticks, gloves and hats, complete his creations.

“My dad runs a water well repair business,” Leach said. “I dig through his collection of stuff that he has in the garage to see what I can use.”

Leach, who has been creating snow creatures in his family's yard at 6454 111^th Avenue for the past three years, began this year's task right before Thanksgiving.

“We got some snow then. But that melted,” Leach said.

It then snowed again, and even though rain fell several days later, Leach managed to rake and gather enough snow from the side and front yard of his parent's yard, where he lives, to make more than a dozen snow figures.

He admits the figures do morph somewhat when the weather gets warmer.

The horse by the mailbox actually started out as a dog.

“They keep changing,” Leach said, laughing.

With most of winter ahead of us, will Leach continue to make more snow figures over the next couple of months?

“I think I'm going to take a break,” he said. “That giraffe took a whole day to make.”



12.19.18

Workers from deBest Inc. load sand from a skid steer into a dump truck at South Beach in South Haven to take south along the Lake Michigan shoreline to help prevent further erosion at lakefront homes along Monroe Boulevard. Large stones, shown in the photo, will also be moved to be used as rip rap to prevent further erosion. (Photo by Becky Kark)

Fighting erosion in South Haven

Rising water levels increase homeowners' worries

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

High water levels that erode Lake Michigan's beachfront properties no longer surprise longtime South Haven resident Elizabeth Akehurst.

“Same old, same old,” Elizabeth said.

She should know. Libby, as she's called by family and friends, grew up in a home on Monroe Boulevard. The attractive brick home that still remains in the family, sits atop a bluff overlooking the Big Lake.

Over the years, Libby and her family have seen the lake levels rise and fall and and the measures homeowners have taken over the years to try to protect their beaches and properties.

“My father said we had an acre of land (overlooking the lake),” she recalled. Then the lake levels began to raise. “My parents lost half an acre.” The family garage also ended up falling over the edge of the bluff to the shoreline below prior to the current home's construction in 1957.

“This is nothing new,” Libby said, referring to the high water levels in Lake Michigan over the past several years.

But the rising water level and the loss of property along the lakeshore is certainly new for people who have built homes on Monroe Boulevard over the past decade.

One of those homeowners is Terry Caveney who lives several doors from Libby Akehurst's family home.

Nine years ago when Caveney and her husband, Jack, who live in Illinois, decided to purchase a second home on Monroe Boulevard in South Haven, its lakefront view and the shoreline proved to be very appealing.

“This was all a huge beach,” she said in an interview with WOOD-TV a week ago. But that's all changed in the past several years with the rising lake level.

"You can see the more it creeps up we have a lot to lose here, and it's possible, it's possible it could take this … whole bluff out,” she said in her interview with WOOD-TV.

The Caveneys and five other homeowners that live on either side of Akehurst's family home, are trying to stop further erosion from occurring.

They're paying contractors to install large rock armor parallel to the shoreline and undertake additional measures to protect the land from further erosion.

Work began this week on the project, which had to first be approved by the South Haven Planning Commission, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The planning commission gave its stamp of approval a week ago after the city's Harbor Commission recommended the plans for erosion control be approved.

“They've (the homeowners) seen excessive erosion in some those spots,” said Kate Hosier, assistant city manager for South Haven and the city's harbormaster. “Patios and decks are in danger...We knew this was an emergency. They're losing quite a bit of their property so we knew we needed to move quickly.”

This isn't the first time that homeowners along Monroe Boulevard have been granted permission to undertake erosion control efforts to protect their lakefront properties.

A year ago, city officials OK'd erosion control measures for three other properties along Monroe Boulevard. Similar erosion control measures for lakeshore homes in South Haven Township Board were also approved.

Unlike their neighbors, Libby Akehurst and her husband, Earl, don't intend to make any erosion control measures at this point, mainly because they've never tried to dig into their bluff. Recently built homes to the north and south of Elizabeth's family dwelling have backyards — once part of the bluff — that have been dug out and now slope gently down to the shoreline. In-ground pools, large patios, grass and other backyard amenities have been installed.

Whether the high water table and wave action will creep further into those properties or whether the erosion control measures being undertaken will work, remains to be seen.

Libby Akehurst's father did install a steel revetment wall after the family garage plunged into the lake years ago. No other measures have been taken since, except to retain the bluff and not worry if there's a wide beach below or not.

Earl Akehurst thinks retention of the bluff is important.

Over the years, he's planted trees and other small brush to stop the bluff from eroding further.

He remembers the last time Lake Michigan waters were high – 1986.

“I understand we're now six inches below that,” said Akehurst, who recalled when a home along Monroe Boulevard, south of Libby's family home, toppled into Lake Michigan in 1986.

“We did see the house that fell in,” Earl said. “Another house next to it was moved 50 feet (away from the lake bluff).”

And once again, three decades later the lake water one again is nearing record high levels.

“Erosion is happening and people are concerned,” Libby said.

12.10.18

Photo by Nick Hannum

Baseline Middle School sixth grader Lauren Bartlett took home the Grand Prize for Clementine’s art competition, ArtRise, a project designed to draw the community together in the off-season. Lauren’s picture was chosen from 75 entries submitted to the contest by kids age 12 and younger and voted best by Clementine’s customers.

The Art of Food

Restaurant's ArtRise contest captures budding artists' imagination

By NANCY ALBRIGHT

For the Tribune

The internationally recognized ArtPrize display in Grand Rapids may be a competition only for adults, but a South Haven restaurant decided to create its own version geared toward kids.

ArtRise debuted at the start of the school year at Clementine's and attracted artwork created by 75 youngsters from South Haven and beyond.

“ArtRise was inspired by ArtPrize,” said Clementine’s Marketing and Advertising Manager Jen Sistrunk. “We thought it was a cool idea to do a kids’ version as a fun way to draw the community together after the summer season dies down. We got to meet a lot of local families this fall who don’t come often during the summer, and who doesn’t like kid’s pictures?”

The theme for the competition was food and ArtRise participants drew everything from onion rings to radishes.

“We provided them with art supplies and a lot of them worked on their pictures here. You can see where some of them were inspired by the restaurant,” said Sistrunk.

Other youngsters went home to draw. “One little boy was so excited he took his piece of paper and ran home specifically to start his project,” Sistrunk said.

Clementine’s chose 50 of the 75 pictures submitted and displayed them for three weeks, asking the public to cast their vote. Baseline Middle School sixth grader Lauren Bartlett won the Grand Prize - free kid’s meals once a month for a year, Clementine’s memorabilia and a private tour of the restaurant's historic building in downtown South Haven.

“I started enjoying art when I was about 7,” Lauren said. “We have different special classes at school and art is one of them. Mrs. (Sarah) Rydecki is my art teacher and I’m in art club. I also take classes at the South Haven Center for the Arts.”

“My Language Arts teacher Mr. Cole, who also works at Clementine’s, told us about the contest. My mom drove me by so I could take a picture of the building. I like to draw and used colored pencils, Sharpies and regular markers to fill in the details of my sketch.”

Clementine’s was built as the Pierce Building in 1896 and once housed a bank, a dentist’s office, two newspaper offices, including the South Haven Tribune, a newspaper print shop, and a jewelry store. “The building is much larger than it looks from the street and there is a lot of fun stuff to see around here,” explained Sistrunk.

The second and third floors house offices for restaurant management staff and other rooms. In the basement stands a bank vault that is been converted into a freezer. The basement also holds a vault that once protected jewelry.

“Lauren brought her phone and took so many pictures during the tour,” Sistrunk said. “She took pictures of doorknobs and even a picture of a zucchini recipe that’s hanging in the kitchen.”

Lauren said her favorite parts of the tour were seeing all the onions used to create the restaurant's signature onion rings.

“There is an entire room full of huge bags of onions,” she said. Lauren also enjoyed seeing Clementine's owner Al Ruppert's workshop, which is in the rear portion of the restaurant building.

“Mr. Ruppert is building a lot of really cool Christmas decorations to decorate the restaurant with this year,” Lauren said.

Other youngsters received kudos in the contest, as well.

Nine year-old Meadow Blair of South Haven won First Runner Up for her drawing of a four-tiered wedding cake decorated with flowers and swirls and topped with a bride and groom. Meadow’s mother was so excited she pulled her daughter out of school to claim the prize.

Gracie Ridley, 11, of South Haven, won Second Runner Up for her poster for South Haven, “Welcome to South Haven,” which displayed a feast of Clementine’s onion rings and an ice cream sundae with a view of the lighthouse from North Beach.

Staff Choice went to 9-year-old Luke Remington of Bloomingdale who drew a very small man standing next to a very large bottle of Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, complete with a trout on the label: a fish that indeed has two hearts.

“We got more buzz than we thought we would on Facebook,” Sistrunk said. Local establishments handed out ArtRise packets to kids and the Lincoln Elementary PTO helped get the word out.

“We even created an incentive plan for our servers to help advertise the contest and gave the person who told the most customers a gift certificate,” Sistrunk said. “We can’t wait to do it again. Now that people have a visual of what the kids did, we hope the contest will grow. It was a great event and the best part was watching the kids get so excited when we awarded the prizes. They were all smiles.”

Lauren's glad she entered. “I’m glad they held the competition,” she said. “It was great because most of the time people don’t get a chance to show off their artwork.”

Lauren plans to go to Clementine’s every month in 2019 and try everything on the kid’s menu. And she won’t skip her favorites: onion rings and French onion soup.

Registration fees for business STRs go up

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven homeowners who want to operate their dwelling, year-round, as a short-term rental, will be paying a higher fee to do so.

City council members, Monday, voted to double the annual registration fee for homes designated as short-term rental businesses. Business STRs are defined as homes and condos that can be rented continuously throughout the year.

Starting in 2019, the annual registration fee for business STRs will increase from $200 to $500.

The city needs to raise the fee because managing rental home inspections and enforcing the STR ordinance is costly, according to City Manager Brian Dissette.

“The goal is not using general funds to do this,” Dissette said.

This year the city has spent $176,728 – most of that from its general fund - to manage the STR program. But, that expense is expected to nearly double due to a new ordinance city council members approved in November that requires annual inspections for every home registered as a business STR.

City officials estimate that 500-600 homes will be registered as a business STR next year.

“That's going to mean 2.5 inspections per day,” Dissette said. “For that to happen we'll have to add staff. That costs money. To make that happen we need to adopt a fee structure to allow us to proceed with inspections.”

The inspections involve the city's building inspector, code enforcement staff and staff from South Haven Area Emergency Services. Inspectors insure that the home meets safety requirements for dwellings used as rentals on a regular basis – similar to inspections that hotels go through.

Although some people might balk over the doubling of the annual registration fees, city officials stressed they're not trying to “gouge” homeowners.

“These fees are designed to cover costs. That's it,” Mayor Scott Smith said. “We want to make sure we're not taking money from our general fund.”

To determine how much to charge for business STR permits, city officials worked with Robert W. Baird Co., an accounting and financial services firm, to figure out the estimated annual cost of operating the STR program with its stepped-up regulations. The program's expenses include not only annual inspections, but staff to process STR applications and enforce provisions of the STR ordinance.

The consulting firm suggested the city charge STR business homeowners $650 per year. But city officials were hesitant to do that.

City officials feel confident that between 500 and 600 homeowners will register their dwellings as business STRs in 2019, but they don't know for sure.

“Out of an abundance of caution we've suggested setting the fee at $500 for a business STR,” Dissette said. “The logic is once we have added staff and once we have a year underway, we'll revisit setting the rates.”

At Monday night's meeting, city council members also approved inspection fees for homeowners who want to obtain a “personal” STR permit. Those permits allow homeowners to rent their dwellings up to 28 days per year. Homeowners who want a personal STR permit will pay a bi-annual inspection fee of $100.





12.3.18

Photo courtesy of Van Buren County Sheriff's Department
This surveillance photo shows a photo of the other suspect believed to have been involved in the shooting death of Shaun Gill, March 1. The suspect is shown at the doorway of Gill's residence pointing a long gun.

Public's help sought in solving 9-month-old homicide case

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

GENEVA TWP. — Nine months ago two suspects walked up to Shaun Gill's home and shot him in the head.

But as of yet investigators have not been able to find and arrest the two men.

“We have been actively investigating and have received tips since it happened,” Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott said.

So again, police are releasing photos of the two men and appealing to the public for help in locating the suspects.

The photos show a man at a doorway to Gill's home. The other two show a man pointing a gun. Both men are wearing knit ski hats and light-colored coats. The one suspect pointing what the sheriff's department describes as a “long gun” has his hood over his ski hat.

Gill, 47 was gunned down at 9 p.m., March 1 at his home in Port of Call West mobile home park, at the corner of M-43 Highway and County Road 380 in Geneva Township.

Police said earlier they believe Gill knew the suspects, who came to his door and shot him in the head, but as of now, Abbott says they cannot confirm that.

A woman, who was inside the home ran into the bathroom and called 911.

When police arrived they were able to track the suspects' footprints to another trailer that was empty. From there it is believed they left in a vehicle.

Gill had lived in the mobile home park for 15 years, according to park managers Bob and Aggie Crawford.

Some neighbors who were interviewed following the homicide speculated that the shooting may have been drug-related, however the sheriff's department has not yet released a possible motive for the shooting.

“It's not confirmed,” Abbott said.

Anyone with information about the suspects in the photo images or other tips involving the homicide can contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at (269) 657-7711.

PHOTO: Photo courtesy of Van Buren County Sheriff's Department
This surveillance photo shows a photo of one of the suspects believed to have been involved in the homicide of Shaun Gill, March 1. The suspect is shown standing at the doorway of Gill's residence in Port of Call West mobile home park in Geneva Township.

11.26.18

New Executive Director of the South Haven Center for the Arts Kerry Hagy brings new opportunities to discover, explore and appreciate the arts to South Haven and beyond. (Photo by Nancy Albright

Assistant takes charge at South Haven art center

By NANCY ALBRIGHT

For the Tribune

The South Haven Center for the Arts is moving in new directions thanks to recently established Executive Director Kerry Hagy.

Hagy, who formerly served as the art center's assistant director, is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and has deep roots in the non-profit world. A Chicago-area native, she employs her creative, educational and administrative backgrounds to encourage discovery, exploration and appreciation of the arts.

“We’re focusing on exhibitions, art education, strengthening community relations and working with South Haven schools to form lasting connections and opportunities that will benefit area residents of all ages,” said Hagy, who replaces Thea Grigsby, who retired several months ago.

Hagy and the SHCA Exhibitions Committee are focused on presenting meaningful displays of art that captivate and educate audiences and allow local and regional artists to showcase their work.

Artist David Baker commented, “As a board member I have found working with Kerry a delight. The enthusiastic response from a number of artists, for both the Tales of the Sea and the With (re)Purpose exhibitions, was a result of Kerry's marketing strategies.”

The SHCA tied a printmaking class to the Southwest Michigan Printmakers exhibit last summer and taught students in the gallery. Artist and board member Carol Myers said, “It’s a bridge between classes and shows and is a concept with incredible potential.”

“I taught the series of printmaking classes to a group of middle school and high school students last summer designed to engage them beyond just a quickie project,” said Myers. “Kerry and I worked together to develop a thought-provoking and in-depth curriculum to nurture sustained creative effort with great success.”

The art center works with South Haven schools on Artists of Tomorrow, an annual exhibition of artwork that allows students to see their work displayed in a gallery setting. And South Haven students can take free summer art classes taught by professional artists that teach kids to work in a variety of mediums.

In the past the SHCA has helped adults discover watercolors, collage, multi-media, jewelry making and life drawing. Hagy is working with artists, local organizations and the community to organize more adult workshops.

Thanks to Hagy’s collaborations with the South Haven Community Foundation, the South Haven Rotary Club, the Ward 1 Community Action Committee and other local organizations, the art center has been able to fund art classes, and internships for high school students who plan to pursue a career in the arts. Her efforts have also garnered operating funds from the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs.

Hagy and Foundry Hall Board President Lotte Resek are collaborating to bring more concerts to the SHCA. “We are enjoying working with the art center as an additional venue for music, and hope to provide performing arts programming for kids and design some projects involving both music and art,” said Resek “Kerry is a great addition to the non-profit community in South Haven. She brings new ideas and an open mind.”

The SHCA also partners with the South Haven Visitor’s Bureau to bring art to local festivals and other community events like Haven Harvest and Ice Breaker to help draw year-round visitors.

“The Visitors Bureau has really developed a strong partnership with the South Haven Center for the Arts. Kerry has been wonderful to work with in supporting all of our events and activities,” said CVB Executive Director Scott Reinert. “She's worked countless hours alongside our team to create wonderful experiences for our residents and visitors. The SHCA is a tremendous asset to our community and we're thrilled to be working with Kerry in her new role as Executive Director.”

The SHCA also produces the South Haven Art Fair which is ranked in the Top 100 Best Art Fairs in the country and brings tens of thousands to South Haven every summer.

“I’ve watched her transition from a part-time role to Executive Director,” said Baker. “She identified pertinent issues at last year’s art fair and upon becoming director has implemented changes to address these. In all my dealings with Kerry I have found her diligent and focused, always seeking input to arrive at the best solution to any problem.”

Hagy is working with the newly formed SHCA Fundraising Committee to bring Mistletoe Market to new heights. This year’s unique shopping venue where the community can find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts is drawing new artists to sell and show their work. The committee has planned weekly workshops like making your own hot chocolate and holiday spice mixes, and a chance to win prizes for the best gingerbread houses.

Board President Ginger Adamson said, “Kerry’s passion for the art center is evident as she works with the board and encourages their input and vision for moving the center to the next level.”

“I can connect my artistic, community-organizing and social service backgrounds to make a positive impact on this community,” said Hagy. “I love the arts and particularly enjoy working with artists. Using the arts to strengthen and serve this area is where my heart is.”

11.12.18

Jan Leksich helps decorate South Haven's downtown traffic island for the holiday season. (Photo by Becky Kark)

All hands on deck

60 volunteers decorate downtown South Haven for the holiday season

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

If downtown South Haven looks a little more festive for the Christmas holiday season than in previous years, there's a reason – more lights.

Sixty volunteers spent several days at the start of November stringing lights not only in the central business district, but elsewhere in the vicinity of downtown.

Lights and decorations can now be seen as far away as the historic Lighthouse Keepers House, four blocks from downtown on Michigan Avenue.

“We at least doubled, but probably tripled the amount of lights this year, plus 40 laser lights,” said Scott Reinert, executive director of the South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which coordinated the volunteer decorating efforts.

In addition to twinkling lights at the Lighthouse Keepers House, there are now lights and decorations in Dyckman Park, the Huron Street parking lot, Riverfront Park, Dyckman Avenue drawbridge, Michigan Maritime Museum, and along Dunkley Avenue and Black River Street.

The decorations were put up in time for Women's Only Weekend, which took place Nov. 8-11.

Most of the decorations were lit for that weekend, however, more lights and decorations will be unveiled Friday, Nov. 23, for the new Holiday in the Park celebration, downtown. The event will begin with the official Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at South Haven City Hall. Afterwards, the new Santa Paws pet parade will debut, downtown. Activities will also take place in Dyckman Park, including caroling, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free ice skating at the ice rink, and the lighting of luminaries from city hall to South Beach. The luminary lighting is a fundraiser for Hospice at Home in South Haven.Luminaries can be purchased for a $5 donation in honor of a friend or family member. Order forms are available at the Hospice office in South Haven and the Visitors Bureau.



11.5.18

Korean War veteran Bill Stegman looks at old photos that he took during his time serving in the war.

Preserving a piece of history

Veteran donates UN flag from Korean War Armistice signing to the Smithsonian museums

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

BREEDSVILLE — An old table-top United Nations flag from the Korean War sat in a trunk at Bill Stegman's house for years.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Later, a family member removed it and placed it on a table in an unused bedroom. There it sat for more years collecting dust.

But one day, Stegman decided to do something about the flag, because it was no ordinary one.

During the Korean War, the flag sat on the desk in front of United Nations Command officials who met in 1953 with officials from the Korean People's Army and Chinese People's Volunteer Army to sign a cease-fire agreement that established a demilitarized zone along the 38^th parallel, cutting Korea into two countries – North and South Korea.

After years of keeping the flag, Stegman made the decision to donate it to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

“If somebody found it after I'm gone, they'd probably say, 'What's this?' and throw it away,” said Stegman, who now is 86 and living in the tiny village of Breedsville, in Van Buren County.

He acquired the flag in a rather unusual way.

He was 23 and serving overseas in Japan with the U.S. Navy when he received orders in 1953 to go to Korea.

“I arrived in Korea about one month after the Armistice was signed and attended most meeting held with the Communists while there,” Stegman said. “The meetings were held at Panmunjom, Korea, which was in the Demilitarized zone.”

One day a U.S. Army colonel, overseeing the United Nations Command office for the Military Armistice Commission, handed Third Class Yeoman Stegman a new United Nations Flag to replace the old one that had been sitting on the meeting table where the cease-fire agreement had been signed.

The old UN flag had been there during negotiations and final Armistice agreement signing and was beginning to show signs of age.

“When I asked what to do with the old one I was told to trash-can it,” Stegman recalled. “I thought at the time it was a real keep-sake.”

So he put it in his sea bag and when leaving from the Demilitarized Zone in 1955 brought it back home with him.

Stegman would go on to retire from the Navy with the rank of petty officer, first class, and spend another 20 years working for the U.S. Postal Service as a post master in Pullman before giving the flag much thought.

But while his son was stationed in Norfolk, Va. as a chief warrant officer with the U.S. Navy, he told him about the flag.

Stegman recalled his son asking him if he had ever let anyone know he had the flag.

“I said, 'no,'” Stegman said, “and he said, 'well you should.'”

So Stegman followed his son's advice. He contacted the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington D.C. and asked if they would be interested in the flag.

They were. In a letter to Stegman, Kathleen Golden, associate curator of the museum's Armed Forces History Division, stated, “We would be interested in collecting this object.” She also asked Stegman if he had more memorabilia associated with his time spent serving at the Demilitarized Zone.

So Stegman donated a medal he received for serving in the war, several photographs of his time spent there and a letter of appreciation he received from his Navy superiors.

Golden thanked Stegman for his donations. “These items have been entered into our permanent records as a gift from you,” she wrote.

Stegman no longer has the flag, but he does have memories of serving in the Navy during the Korean War.

“It's hard to believe they had the Olympics over there,” he mused, referring to the Winter Olympics that were held earlier this year in PyeongChang, South Korea – a site of deadly battles during the Korean War. “When I was there is was flattened.”

When asked about the recent accord North and South Americans signed in April where the two country's leaders agreed to establish diplomatic relations, Stegman said he remains skeptical.

“It's hard to believe,” he said. “I don't trust them (the North Korean government).”

The highs and lows of Van Buren taxes

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

PAW PAW — If low taxes are your primary concern, move your house to Bangor Township.

In October, the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners adopted the millage rates in the annual apportionment report. Equalization Director Anthony Meyaard told commissioners the report would probably need to be amended as millages change.

The county itself gets a total of 7.272 mills, which includes general operations, public safety, roads, ambulance, public transit, conservation district and veterans.

The totals for local municipalities includes the county millage as well as that of the Van Buren Intermediate School District, library districts and college districts, plus their own. They do not include special assessment districts such as drains and weed control on lakes.

The cheapest millage levy is in that part of Bangor Township served by Covert schools at 43.3707 mills. The highest township millage levy is Bloomingdale Township in the Gobles school district at 54.3657 mills.

Next step up the millage levy ladder is villages. The most expensive village is Lawton within the Lawton school district. That total is 64.3992. Cheapest village is Mattawan, within the Mattawan school district, at 53.3821.

City life costs more. Cheapest city is South Haven within the South Haven school district at 59.4437. Highest city, and highest levy in the county, is the city of Gobles in the Gobles school district at 66.2953.

These totals are for the entire year. Municipalities divide that total into summer and winter taxes.

A mill is $1 of tax on $1,000 of taxable value. A property with a taxable value of $45,000 would pay taxes of $1,951.68 in Bangor Township/Covert schools and $2,983.29 in the city of Gobles.

In other matters, commissioners approved purchasing a drone for the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department. Cost is $25,773 from Alpha Consulting Group of Fenton.

"This drone will have the capability of infrared detection (to) search for lost people, kids, prisoners," Commissioner Richard Freestone said.

The total includes training for four officers.

In other matters, commissioners OKd purchasing a new transportation van to move inmates. It's from Tapper Ford of Paw Paw and the price includes partitions inside the van. Cost is $42,426.

"This van is specifically built for transportation of prisoners," Undersherriff Chad Hunt said.

Hunt said the new van will seal the driver off from the prisoners, which isn't the case with the current van. That van will be transferred to the Building and Grounds Department.

Hunt said deputies will often transport inmates to and from other counties in patrol cars, since they have partitions.

In other matters, commissioners learned that crunch time is coming to the county's property tax revenue.

Stephen Vicenzi, chief finance officer, gave commissioners two revenue projections. One a worst-case scenario and one a best-case. They're predicated on possible loss of revenue from the pending closure of the Palisades nuclear plant and the possible reduction in the assessment of the New Covert generating plant.

This year the revenues are $13,996,059. That's expected to rise to $14,157-569 next year and to $14,709,541. Things then go backward with a projection of $14,191,426 in 2022.

We're going to lose approximately two years of increases," Vicenzi said.

The best case $14,431,349 in 2019, $15,202,410 in 2021, but then down to $14,646,534 in 2022--about halfway between the 2019 and 2020 levels.



10.29.18

Abandoned church repurposed into community center

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

BREEDSVILLE — An unused church has been repurposed into a community center whose mission is to help local residents in need.

About a year ago, the decision was made to close Breedsville United Methodist Church, due to a dwindling congregation.

The church's doors are now open once again thanks to some hardworking local residents who didn’t want to see the building left empty. But it has a new function as a resource center.

“This historic facility has been a vibrant part of the Breedsville community for 140 years and provides us with an excellent opportunity to continue to serve the area by keeping its doors open for all members of the community regardless of their background,” said Jim Robertson, the church’s former pastor.

Robertson was approached by Breedsville resident Rhonda Griffin who wanted to discuss turning the empty building, which is now called Townline at Breedsville Resource Center, into a place where people can pick up much-needed items - no questions asked.

The church officially merged with the Townline United Methodist Church near Bloomingdale in 2016 after the few remaining Breedsville members voted to close the church.  

“Upon merging, the remaining members either started attending Townline or the Bangor methodist church while the building itself sat vacant and without purpose for almost a year,” Robertson said. “We did a few functions here and there but we really didn't start getting serious about it until the following year as we worked our way through the possibilities.”  

One of the possibilities being talked about, Griffin said, is using the building for community functions, as well.

“The basement can be rented out for parties,” she said.”And we’d like to get Internet here for people to use. Having EMTs come in and do things like blood pressure checks are in the planning stages.”

In the meantime, the center offers a food and clothing pantry, with each section expanding thanks to the support of the community. Clothing is available for men, women and children and there is a limited amount of household items. The free lending library currently consists of more than 500 books.

There’s even two pallets of orange and white donated pumpkins sitting outside just in time for Halloween.

“This is working out exactly like I dreamed,” Griffin said. “People are bringing stuff in and people are taking stuff out.”

The resource center is open from noon-3 p.m. on Tuesdays during the school year. Hours are extended during the summer months. Volunteers ask that donations of gently used clothing be recently laundered and that food be non-perishable and non-expired. Monetary donations, which are used for utilities and building maintenance, are also accepted. The center is in need of shelving units and racks too.



10.8.18

Director Shaz Bennett (crouching) directs Matt Dallas (left) and Martin L. Washington Jr. in a boxing scene during the filming of “Alaska is a Drag.” The scene was shot inside the former Bohn factory warehouse in South Haven.

Area residents get chance to view new movie shot in South Haven

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

If you watch the new award-winning indie film, “Alaska is a Drag,” and see familiar people and sites from South Haven, you shouldn't be surprised.

Producer and director Shaz Bennett shot the feature-length film in South Haven during the fall of 2015.

Area residents will get the opportunity to watch the finished product during a free screening at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 13 at South Haven High School's Listiak Auditorium 600 Elkenburg St. A reception for people involved with the film will follow at South Haven Center for the Arts, where they will get the opportunity to talk with Bennett, a Los Angeles-based television writer and director, who currently writes episodes for the Amazon network show BOSCH, and has written episodes of A&E's The Glades.

“Everything was shot locally,” said former South Haven Mayor Bob Burr, who had a bit role in the film.

“You can see Mayor Burr slicing fish with his own hands,” quipped South Haven City Manager Brian Dissette.

Bennett, who is married to husband and filmmaker Jean-Pierre Caner, filmed “Alaska is a Drag” at various locations in town including the Michigan Maritime Museum, the former Bohn factory warehouse, Van Buren Trail and Curve Inn.

Because the film revolves around life in a small fishing town in Alaska, South Haven seemed like the perfect location for shooting it.

“When we scouted several locations in Michigan I fell in love with South Haven,” Bennett said. “It looked like the small town in Alaska where I lived for a summer — minus the mountains.”

The 80-minute movie may not be for everyone. It tells the story of Leo (Martin L. Washington Jr.), an aspiring performer stuck working in a fish cannery in Alaska, along with his sister, Tristen (Maya Washington). Leo and Tristen are often forced to take care of themselves. Their biological mom (Nia Peeples) left years ago, their dad (Kevin Daniels) preaches on the side of the road and their surly surrogate mom, Jan, (comedian and actress Margaret Cho) bar tends. It's tough for Leo, living in a small town where he daydreams about being on stage in L.A. as a drag queen. When he's not thinking about his dreams, Leo ends up defending his identity, literally. His fist-fighting talent catches the eye of his cannery boss who offers to train him as a fighter. Tristen, however, has other ideas. She enters her brother in a drag competition which happens to fall on the same day as his qualifying round for boxing, forcing Leo to face the real reason he's afraid to leave Alaska.

Bennett said she drew from some of her own experiences in writing and directing the film.

“I worked in a fish cannery one summer (in Alaska) to raise money to move to New York City to become a superstar,” Bennett said. “That was a tough summer, but I met lifetime friends and I’ve been thinking about setting a story in that world ever since. 

“There was one gay bar we would go, and the bartender was like Margaret Cho,” Bennett went on to say. “Thank God she agreed to be in the film because I can’t imagine anyone else in that role. It (living in Alaska) really felt like living on the edge of the world.”

Bennett chose Alaska as the setting for her movie for several reasons.

“Alaska is surreal and intense with the ethereal Northern Lights painting the sky, in stark contrast to the monotony of cannery life and the violence of isolation, where standing out in a crowd isn’t a good thing,” Bennett said. “I dove into the moments of where and how those worlds collide, intertwine and break away – the gay and the straight, the masculine and feminine, violence and non-violence, harsh reality and escapist fantasy.”

Bennett dealt with some of those issues while growing up in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she was more of a tomboy than a beauty queen.

“Femininity is not a bad thing,” she said. “A lot of the movie was coming from that. I wanted to explore the time in someone’s life where they don’t even know what their sexuality is, but people are defining them for how they present themselves on the outside.  I grew up with four brothers, played basketball, and was more of a tomboy. I remember being told I was in the wrong bathroom when I was a kid.”

Setting her debut film in Alaska appealed to Bennett in another way.

“I think Utah and Alaska are similar in that they’re two of the most gorgeous states,” she said. “Outwardly, they are stunning and truly awesome in the most literal version of that word. But they can also be a little isolating and unforgiving at times. I wanted to make a movie about this world. My experience in small towns is, people just don’t talk about stuff like that. I wanted to play around with what’s spoken and unspoken.”

“Alaska is a Drag,” which was released in 2017, has been shown at film festivals and theaters throughout the world and has garnered several awards and nominations. Bennett said she is bringing the film to South Haven for a free screening as a way of thanking the community.

“We had such great support from South Haven and the incredible people and local actors that I just wanted to make sure the people who worked so hard had a chance to see it on the big screen,” she said.

The film has not been rated, according to Bennett. There is adult content in the film, with some violence and depictions of bullying. Parents should use discretion in determining whether their children should view the movie.

10.1.18

Bangor High School Marching Band is shown performing  at a halftime show. The band traveled to Grand Haven, Sept. 22, to compete in an invitational and brought home a first-place trophy in Class D. The band also won awards for Best Marching and Best Music Performance.

Bangor Band earns first-place trophy at invitational

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

BANGOR — Bangor High School Marching Band chose the name “Confined” for this year's show, but the band was anything but when they competed at the Grand Haven Invitational, Sept. 22.

Bangor not only won first place in its division, the band also won awards for Best Marching and Best Music Performance.

“The students have been working hard on this show and it is showing,” Bangor Band Director Tianna Doe said. Our score was the highest ever at 80.3.”

This year marked the first time Bangor has competed at the Grand Haven Invitational where they competed against four other bands in Class D.

“It is a little early in the marching band season so this competition was a great motivator for the band to work hard early on,” Doe said.

“Confined” features music from “Psycho,” “Chicago,” “Hello” and Born to Be Wild.” The Viking Marching Band has been rehearsing the show since July.

“There are 64 students marching in the high school band,” Doe said. “We also have a middle school equipment crew of about 10 students and some fantastic parents that help make this show happen.”

The band will now turn its attention to its next competition in Hastings, Oct. 6.

“We have gone for the last six years to the Hastings Invitational,” Doe said. “There will be six Class D Bands there.”

The band will then take part in the Michigan Schools Band and Orchestra Association's Marching Band Festival, Oct. 10, in Paw Paw.

Woman sentenced in drowning death on inland lake

By ALEXANDRA NEWMAN
HP Staff Writer

PAW PAW — A South Haven woman will spend at least the next year in prison for causing the drowning death of a Bangor man in December.
Tara Smith, 22, was sentenced Monday morning in Van Buren County Circuit Court to 1 year and 6 months to 15 years in jail on one count of operating under the influence causing death, according to online court records.
Smith was driving the car that plunged into School Section Lake in Bangor Township on Dec. 22, resulting in the death of her boyfriend, Jezreel Wallace, 22.
The vehicle was traveling west on the dead-end section of 36th Avenue, west of County Road 687, when the car overshot the terminus, sailed onto the icy lake, broke through the ice and came to rest about 50 yards from shore, police reported.
Smith was able to swim to shore, but Wallace was unable to make it to shore and disappeared beneath the water’s surface. Searchers were able to locate him but he later died at Bronson Hospital in South Haven.
Smith pleaded guilty to the charge in August in an agreement that another identical charge be dismissed. One count was for alcohol and one count was for marijuana.
She was given credit for 188 days served already and ordered to pay $258 in court costs.

We Care cites successful year; seeks public input on future plans

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

We Care INC may still be without a full-time director, but that hasn't deterred its staff and volunteers from continuing to serve people in need.

Earlier this week, the faith-based non-profit released an annual report that indicates We Care helped more than 600 families in South Haven, Bangor and Covert in 2017. The report also outlines the two-year plan that We Care's Board of Directors undertook in 2017 to develop a vision for the future and to hire a full-time director by spring of 2019 to fulfill the non-profit's goals.

“The report offers background about the intentional planning and transition period underway at We Care I.N.C.,” explains Joe Guiltinan, president of the board of directors. “It also demonstrates, in story and through data, the significant impact that We Care continues to have on our neighbors who face hardship.”

Area residents will get the opportunity to hear more about the report, “Celebrating Our Past, Envisioning the Future,” when We Care hosts three public forums in October. Dates, times and locations of the forums follow:

• Monday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m., Bronson South Haven Wellness Center, 950 S. Bailey Ave., South Haven.

• Tuesday, Oct. 16, 7 p.m., Covert Township Hall, 73943 Lake St., Covert

• Wednesday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m., Simpson United Methodist Church, 507 Joy St., Bangor.

According to Guiltinan, 2017 marked a significant change for We Care with the retirement of long-time executive director Linda Olsen.

“In May (of 2017), we hosted a community celebration to honor the 30-plus years of Linda's service, to thank her for the tremendous impact she had on our community, and to wish her well in her retirement,” Guiltinan wrote in an introduction to the annual report. “In June, we welcomed Susan Trabucchi as interim executive director. A seasoned nonprofit executive and consultant, Susan is working closely with the board of directors to lead We Care I.N.C. through this important and intentional period of transition and planning.”

“It’s been quite a year – lots of change, excitement and challenge, but throughout it all, we managed to serve a record number of families in our area in 2017,” Trabucchi said.

In addition to helping people in need, We Care in 2017, under Trabucchi's guidance, put more emphasis on its Bangor office by expanding the number of days the office is open and increasing staff coverage; made investments in technology and cloud-based computer software to better service clients; launched a new website that can work on any computer and phone device; revised and updated marketing material that is used for fundraising efforts; expanded relationships with partners, churches donors and volunteers in Bangor and Covert and held successful fundraising events and pantry drives in each community; expanded the Christmas meal basket program which served a record 460 baskets to families in need; Retooled the Warm Your Heart campaign to help raise funds for all We Care ministries - in addition to the heat assistance fund.

“Much of the change has been internal – now we’re turning outward to engage the wider community,” Trabucchi said. “We’re wrestling with all the big questions as we envision the future for We Care.”

She and Guiltinan hopes people will come to the public forums or fill out an online survey on We Care's website.

“While much of the work of recent months has tended to have an internal focus, we are now turning outward with the launch of our Community Listening Project - an effort to interview, listen to, and engage with a wide array of people, particularly those we serve,” Guiltinan said. “The input we gather will give us a clearer picture of evolving community needs and help us envision We Care's next chapter.”

 

9.23.18

The sprawling two-story building that is home to Bronson South Haven Hospital is expected to become a thing of the past when Bronson embarks on plans to build a new two-story structure at the east side of the hospital's campus, near Blue Star Highway. 

A new hospital for South Haven

Bronson plans to invest $22 million in new two-story building

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

The sprawling building utilized by Bronson South Haven Hospital will soon fall to the wrecking ball as plans proceed for construction of a new $22 million healthcare facility to serve the South Haven area.

Bronson Healthcare, which owns the local hospital, hopes to begin construction as early as fall of 2019, depending on approval from state regulatory agencies and Bronson Health's board of directors, according to hospital spokesperson Carolyn Wyllie.

Plans call for the proposed two-story hospital to be located on the east side of the hospital's campus, near the Blue Star Highway entrance.

When the new hospital and medical offices are built, the current hospital and medical office buildings – some of which date to the1940s, will be torn down.

“Upon completion, targeted for the end of 2020, the current hospital and medical office buildings, which are too costly to bring up to modern standards, will be demolished to create more parking and green spaces,” she said.

The new Bronson South Haven development will be designed based on the inpatient and outpatient services most utilized by the community and in keeping with future healthcare trends, according to hospital officials.

Plans include the new hospital, a 14-bed emergency department, lab and imaging services, pharmacy, and medical offices for primary care and specialty providers.  Hospital programs and services will be expanded to address identified community health needs such as outpatient chronic disease management and access to mental health and addiction services.

In addition to the new hospital, Bronson will continue to operate its Wellness Center, 950 S. Bailey Ave., which provides nutrition, fitness and rehabilitation services and many programs that impact the health of the community, and Bronson FastCare, 970 S. South Bailey Ave. which offers quick, affordable walk-in care for minor health conditions.

“We could not be more pleased to have the backing of the Bronson Healthcare system to embark on a construction project of this magnitude that will have such a positive impact on the patients and families we serve,” said Kirk Richardson, Bronson South Haven's chief operating officer. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a state-of-the-art destination for healthcare along the lakeshore, and we look forward to all the ways it will help us advance the health of our communities.”

Dennis Palgen, former board chair of South Haven Health System, said he is pleased with Bronson's announcement of a new hospital.

“When we chose to partner with Bronson Healthcare in 2016,” Pelgen said, “we knew it would make our hometown healthcare stronger and provide better access to primary care, diagnostics, specialty care and the resources necessary to serve the community long term. Bronson’s plan to build new healthcare facilities in South Haven is an exceptional gift to our community that will be welcomed now and appreciated for generations to come.”

Since South Haven Community Hospital merged with Bronson Healthcare in 2017, Bronson been making investments in the hospital.

“The value of the new hospital development, along with $3.9 million already invested over the last two years, far exceeds the $18 million commitment for improvements that Bronson Healthcare made when South Haven Health System joined Bronson,” Wyllie said.

“Significant investments have been made in personnel to provide wage increases and adjust pay scales to mirror the industry, in quality to achieve clinical standardization and accreditations, and in growth to add a family medicine practice, hire five new primary care providers, bring in the same emergency medicine physicians that staff all system emergency departments, add addiction services and strengthen women’s health offerings, among others.”

South Haven plans to take part in MSHDA program

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven city officials hope to soon offer a program that provides funds to low-income homeowners who want to make repairs to their dwellings.

Council members, Monday, voted to take part in the Michigan State Housing Development Authority's HOME Investment Partnerships Program. The city next step will involve signing a contract with MSHDA to receive a minimum of $66,000 to provide grants and interest-free, partially deferred MSHDA home loans for the renovation of three homes.

City officials are getting involved in the program to meet one of their long-term goals of improving residential areas in older sections of town.

The program would work in the following way. Homeowners whose income is at or 80 percent below the poverty level and who live in a targeted area of the city can apply for funds.

The target area's boundaries are primarily in Ward 2 and are bordered by Phoenix Street to the north, Blue Star Highway to the east, Aylworth Avenue to the South and Broadway/Phillips/LeGrange street corridor to the west.

As part of the program, the city will spend up to $15,000 for renovations to the three homes.

“Since the City of South Haven has had long-range plans to provide assistance to this area (Ward 2), the commitment of up to $5,000 per home - up to $15,000 total for exterior improvements - will be a benefit to the owners, and to stabilizing neighborhood structures in the targeted community,” said City Manager Brian Dissette earlier. “This is going to take care of immediate needs if someone is facing such repairs as roof patching, windows or chimney issues. It's there to help property owners facing true hardship.”

Although the city has been assured a $66,000 in funding assistance from MSHDA to get the program going, it could receive up to $200,000

“Funds awarded to the city are in the amount of $66,000. However, under advisement, the resolution states 'not to exceed $200,000,'” Dissette said. “The reasoning behind this is that the amount of $200,000 will cover possible future awards within the next five years.”



9.17.18

Cruising along

Antique tractor owners paraded to downtown South Haven, Sept 6, as part of the Michigan Flywheelers Antique Tractor and Engine Show.  Pat Ingalls, president of the Flywheelers, is shown waving to a crowd of onlookers who watched the somewhat unusual parade. (Photo by Tom Renner)

SH school board sets time line for hiring new superintendent

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven Board of Education members hope to hire a new superintendent by January.

That's the word from school board President Laura Bos, who presented an update, Wednesday, on the search for a school chief to replace Robert Herrera, who resigned in July to become the new superintendent and CEO of Benton Harbor Public Schools.

“We hope to have a superintendent by Jan. 1,” Bos said.

The school board and Michigan Leadership Institute, which is helping with the superintendent search, will have plenty to do between now and then to attract candidates they feel are the right fit for South Haven.

They took the first step in doing so Tuesday by conducting a series of focus group meetings with staff, local residents and community leaders.

“Seventy five people attended the focus groups and we had a survey on our website where 30 people responded,” Bos said.

The focus groups were asked three questions:

• What are the unique skills required of a superintendent?

• What are challenges facing South Haven over the next five years?

• What are the points of pride for South Haven Schools?

“Their responses will form our job posting which will happen next week,” Bos said, adding that she thinks a good pool of candidates will apply for the job.

“I think the district is in a great position,” she said. “I'm confident we'll have a lot of people interested.”

Once applications have been received, the school board plans to whittle down the list of applicants by Oct. 24. It will then conduct a first round of interviews Nov. 5, and, if necessary, a second round Nov. 12-13.

In other school board meeting news:

• Members inked a contract with interim Superintendent David Peden. Peden will be compensated $500 for each day he works. His contract will continue through Dec. 31.

• Members approved hiring the following staff members: Jacob Crow, English teacher, South Haven High School; Frankie Martinez, Spanish teacher, South Haven High School; Melanie Rappelli, physical education teacher, South Haven High School and North Shore Elementary School; Lisa Dorr-Dolinski, lead teacher, South Haven Alliance Campus; Monica Rosendahl, science teacher, Baseline Middle School; Susan Danuloff, counselor, Baseline Middle School; Debbie Bouchard, math teacher, Baseline Middle School; Brinslee Dykstra, English teacher, Baseline Middle School; Tera Crichton, kindergarten teacher, Maple Grove Elementary School; and Angela Williamson, kindergarten teacher, Lincoln Elementary School.

City lands grant for home rehab program

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Rehabbing a home is no easy task, especially if you're strapped for cash.

However, help could soon be on the way for South Haven residents who want to make much-needed repairs to their dwellings, but lack money to do so.

The city is in line to receive grant funds of up to $200,000 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority's HOME Investment Partnerships Program. MSHDA notified the city last month that it has been approved for $66,000 in HOME grant funding, however the city plans to request up to $200,000 in funds.

“Funds awarded to the city are in the amount of $66,000. However, under advisement, the resolution states 'not to exceed $200,000,'” City Manager Brian Dissette said. “The reasoning behind this is that the amount of $200,000 will cover possible future awards within the next five years.”

But, before the city can receive any funding from MSHDA, city council members must first hold a hearing to gather public input on the program. The hearing is scheduled to take place during the city council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 17. After the hearing, city council members will determine whether to receive the grant and take part in the Homeowner Rehabilitation Program.

If the program is implemented, low-income homeowners whose income is at or 80 percent below the poverty level and who live in a targeted area of the city can apply for funds. The target area's boundaries are Phoenix Street to the north, Blue Star Highway to the east, Aylworth Avenue to the South and Broadway/Phillips/LeGrange street corridor to the west.

If the city only receives $66,000 the money would be used to rehab three homes. The city will kick in $5,000 for each home remodel, while MSHDA will pay for the rest.

“Since the City of South Haven has had long-range plans to provide assistance to this area, the commitment of up to $5,000 per home - up to $15,000 total - for exterior improvements will be a benefit to the owners, and to stabilizing neighborhood structures in the targeted community,” Dissette said. “This is going to take care of immediate needs if someone is facing such repairs as roof patching, windows or chimney issues. It's there to help property owners facing true hardship.”

Persons who are interested in taking part in the program will go through an application process. City staff and a certified grant administrator, who works through MSHDA, will then go through the applications to determine which homeowners are eligible for the program.

The city has taken part in the MSHDA Homeowner Rehabilitation program in the past.

“Similar projects were done in the 1990s and early 2000s,” Dissette said. “Work occurred by Elkenburg Park and additional work by South Haven Place.”



9.10.18

Light Up the Night 5K raises funds for

South Haven Schools

South Haven area residents will be rocking and glowing for a good cause during the Light up the Night 5K walk/run.

Now in its fifth year, the event raises more than $10,000 annually for South Haven Public Schools.

This year's 5K glow walk/run begins at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 15 at South Haven High School and will be preceded by fun, family-oriented activities at 5:30 p.m. After the race, participants can enjoy a dinner and music by a DJ.

Over the years, Light up the Night has become a popular fundraiser, according to Maple Grove Elementary School teacher Heather Chalupa, one of the organizers of the event.

“This event has been extremely successful and with the help of generous area businesses and individuals, we have been  able to raise thousands of dollars for the children of our community,” she said. “This money has been distributed directly to each of our five buildings.”

Funds are used to pay for programs and activities such as field trips, new library books, improved access to technology and guest speakers.

People can run, jog or walk along the course that starts at the high school, winds around to the lakeshore and continues back through town to the high school.

Runners won't have to worry about listening to music from their earphones. Race organizers plan to offer music along the course.

The registration fee to participate is $25 per person and $50 for families. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The fee includes the activities, food, entertainment and T-shirt (for people who register early).

Registration forms are available at any South Haven Public School district office and online at signmeup.com

For more information visit the Light up the Lake for SHPS Facebook site.

SH Schools rules against discrimination complaint

Editor's Note and correction: It was reported in the Sept. 9 Tribune that Lindsay Haqq planned to appeal the district's decision, however, she said that is not the case and that she has no intention to do so.

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

A decision has been made in the case of a female South Haven track coach who filed a discrimination complaint in March when a male coach was hired to lead both the boys and girls teams.

An internal investigation indicates that Lindsay Haqq was not the victim of sexual discrimination, according to Dave Peden, interim superintendent of South Haven Public Schools.

“They had a hearing and found out she was not a victim of sexual discrimination,” Peden said.

The investigation was conducted in July by South Haven High School Principal Jerome Sardina, who is also the district's civil rights coordinator.

Haqq, who is in the midst of coaching South Haven High School's cross-country teams, said she did not agree with the district's decision but does not plan to appeal.

“I received the district response to my Title 9 complaint...I do not believe it was correctly resolved,” she said.

George Sipes, a former assistant track coach at South Haven and Saugatuck high schools, praised Haqq's coaching and dedication to her athletes.

“Lindsay Haqq's many works have directly benefited many students of South Haven High School,” Sipes wrote in a letter to the editor. Sipes' daughter, Paisley, was a leading runner for the Rams before graduating in June. “Lindsay has generated tens of thousands of dollars in fundraising from the  Ice Breaker 5K that she started and manages. She has successfully acquired grants for daily chocolate milk and food for the track athletes. Lindsay has personally  provided shoes for every student that required a pair. This type of effort and dedication is difficult to find.”

The discrimination complaint arose in March when Randy Haga was hired as head high school track coach for both the boys and girls teams instead of Haqq. In May, shortly before the track season came to an end, then Superintendent Robert Herrera placed Haga on administrative leave while school officials began an investigation.

In a letter Herrera sent to track team parents on May 29, he wrote, “Throughout the track season, there have been several incidents of conflict between coaches. Unfortunately, at times these conflicts may have negatively affected our athletes and the overall atmosphere of the track program. Over the past three weeks, the conflicts have escalated and it has now become apparent that the issues will not easily be resolved. At this time, my primary concern is that students may continue to be placed in difficult situations and exposed to poor adult behavior.”

The investigation was concluded in late July.

“During the investigation they found we didn't follow the contract as it comes to posting (coaching) positions,” said Peden, who was hired as interim superintendent in August after Herrera resigned to become superintendent and CEO of Benton Harbor Public Schools. “They did hire the coach (Haga), but she (Haqq) wasn't discriminated against.”

Peden said he intends to work with Sardina and Athletic Director Adam Verseput to ensure that coaching positions are properly posted and that contracts are adhered to.

In regard to the upcoming track season, which begins in March of 2019, Peden said, “We're going to start fresh and post the position.”

He said the position will be posted in the next couple of months.

“Right now we have fall and winter sports to deal with,” he said.



9.4.18

Street signs along LeGrange Street in South Haven spell the roadway with a small "e" and a capital "G." But there are actually six ways  the street is spelled and all are correct depending on where you live along the busy thoroughfare.

The baffling saga of one street's spelling

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Certain street names have come and gone in South Haven over the years.

North Shore Drive was once called Lake Street; Bailey Avenue was named Cemetery St. and settlers originally referred to Indiana Avenue as Paw Paw Street.

But one consistency persists with LeGrange Street – its spelling, or as some would say, its misspelling.

If you Google for business addresses along LeGrange Street, some, such as the Rose Shop, show the “e” spelling, while others, like Pizza Hut, McDonald's and Anytime Fitness are listed with the “LaGrange” spelling.

So which one's correct?

A look at South Haven's oldest community directory – the one from 1898 – would seem to reveal a few clues, but, it too contains various spellings for the street name.

A map in the directory shows the roadway spelled as “LeGrange Street,” however, the list of local residents and their addresses reveal a variety of spellings - La Grange, Lagrange, even LaGrange.

No help there.

The name's spelling get even murkier when looking at the 1992 city directory. Instead of referring to the roadway as “LeGrange Street” like the one 100 years prior did, the 1992 directory changed the name and divided it into two words — La Grange. No street suffix, simply “La Grange.”

Jumping to the 21st century, a look at the street signs along “La Grange” make the spelling of the name more baffling. They all have the spelling “LeGrange Street or LeGrange St.

No help there either.

An email to city hall proved to be an “ah hah” moment...well, sort of.

“This road is located in several platted subdivisions and it is spelled differently depending on the subdivision,” said City Manager Brian Dissette. “The legal name is whatever the recorded platted subdivision says, so there are different correct ways to spell it depending on which subdivision you are in.”

As a result there are actually six different spellings for the street name – La Grange Street, Lagrange Street, Le Grange Street, La Grange Street, Lagrange Street of Legrange Street.

So if your home or business is located in the Crystal Springs Addition, you refer to your strip of the roadway as “La Grange Street.” But if you're in the Harrison addition, it would be Le Grange Street, while the Phillips Street Addition prefers the LaGrange Street spelling.

With all those variations, it's no wonder the city uses the spelling “LeGrange Street” on all of the roadway signs that dot the busy thoroughfare.

But even that has proved to be confusing.

When Michigan Department of Transportation installed new signs at the intersection of LeGrange and Aylworth Avenue last year, they chose to use the “LeGrange” spelling, which confounded some people, such as Ross Woodhams, co-owner of Woodhams Ford. Woodhams has always used the LaGrange spelling on its correspondence, because the car dealership is located in a platted addition that refers to the street as “LaGrange” or does it?

"Our franchise agreement with Ford is at 1111 LaGrange, our web site says 1111  LaGrange, our checks and return envelopes say 1111 LaGrange," Woodhams said. "The City has it spelled LaGrange on our tax bill and utility bills."

Curious about the "e" spelling on the new street sign, Woodhams approached city hall for answers. 

“We asked why the new sign on the corner of Aylworth and LaGrange spells it with an 'e,' Woodhams said. “When I raised the question with the City about the incorrect spelling, staff claimed that was a choice by the State, since M-140/LaGrange/ Business 196 is a state highway, and that is how it is on the plat map. Curiously, I believe the old street sign on the Aylworth/LaGrange corner spelled it with an 'a.'”

His customers apparently agree.

“We have had numerous people ask us why it is misspelled and all we can answer is 'we think so, too,'” Woodhams said.

VB county mulls allowing off-road vehicles on roads

By ROD SMITH

For The Tribune

PAW PAW — Van Buren County commissioners intend to have a committee look at the possibility of enacting a countywide ordinance to allow off-road and all-terrain vehicles on county-owned roads.

Lawrence Township Supervisor Donna Spenner and Lawrence resident Scott Conklin brought the proposal to the commissioners Tuesday.

Conklin said Benzie County has an ordinance allowing such vehicles on "county, non-state roads." Such roads would include the roads marked "county road," "avenue" and "street" but not state highways, such as M-140 and M-43 and Blue Star and Red Arrow highways. Such vehicles would also be prohibited from interstate highways.

Conklin said they realized there is interest in Van Buren County to allow off-road vehicles on county roads when a “Poker Run” fundraiser for Steve “Pee Wee” Martin was held in July.

"He was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) back in December," Conklin said. The vehicles were allowed on county roads after organizers secured permits through the sheriff's department and Van Buren County Road Commission, Conklin said.

ALS, sometimes referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease" after the baseball player developed it, is a progressive degenerative illness affecting the nerves controlling muscles in the body. According to the ALS Association's website, others afflicted include the late cosmologist Stephen Hawking, actor David Niven, "Sesame Street" creator Jon Stone and athletes Jim "Catfish" Hunter, Ezzard Charles, George Yardley, Steve Gleason, O.J. Brigance and Tim Shaw.

Lawrence Township is already considering an ordinance to allow off-road vehicles on its roads.

"There's a lot of supervisors that are for this," Spenner said.

There's also the possibility of bringing in revenue, according to Spenner. The county could require annual stickers for such vehicles to operate on the roads. The fees could also be paid for by out-of-state cottage owners who have off-road vehicles.

The state law allowing this, according to their proposal, requires that drivers must be at least 18 and have a valid driver's license, occupants must wear helmets with eye protection, the vehicles must have seat belts and rollover protection, drivers must drive single file, not exceed 25 miles per hour, and stay on the right side of the road, not on the shoulder or on private property.

"It's (the proposal) not for riding on people's property," Conklin said. "It's for riding on the roads."

Vehicles would also have to have headlights, brake lights and tail lights.

In other matters, commissioners formally OKd purchasing a new dispatching console for the Central Dispatch Center at the sheriff's department. It's a Motorola unit from Roe-Comm of Portage for $23,791 for the console plus about $1,200 for four monitors.

According to a memorandum from 911 Director Tim McGee, the current unit's software and hardware are reaching their end-of-life. The upgrade will extend the unit's life.

In other matters, County Administrator John Faul reported that the state had approved and intends to fund the proposed combined public defender's office with Allegan County. Funding begins Oct. 1, according to Faul, at which time the counties will begin hiring staff.

Following a lawsuit, the state is now requiring public defenders, instead of hiring private attorneys to defend indigents, who will be county employees.



8.27.18

Traffic heads down M-43 between LeGrange Street and Blue Star Highway in South Haven on Wednesday morning. Through a partnership, MDOT and the City of South Haven plan to spend $400,000 in concrete pavement repairs on the M-43 corridor. (Photo by Don Campbell of the Herald-Palladium)

Tired of Patching

City kicks in funds to help repair state-owned M-43 Hwy. corridor

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

More improvements will be on the way for a heavily used street in South Haven that motorists have complained about for years because of its potholes.

Thanks to a boost in funding from the City of South Haven, Michigan Department of Transportation plans to make $400,000 worth of concrete pavement repairs on the M-43 Highway corridor, from LeGrange Street to Blue Star Highway. MDOT will spend $250,000 from its budget, while the City of South Haven will kick in $150,000.

Work is expected to begin in the spring of 2019.

It's somewhat unusual for the city to agree to help pay for major repairs to a road that is owned by the state, but M-43 is a main corridor into the city and has been in bad shape for years, according to City Manager Brian Dissette.

“We're out patching it everyday,” Dissette said. “We can continue putting on cold patch or tag team with MDOT and do full concrete replacement.”

MDOT has made repairs to sections of the M-43 corridor from Blue Star Highway to Francis Street for the past two summers, but has limited funds to make the rest of the necessary upgrades so that motorists can have a smooth ride from Francis to LeGrange streets.

Concerned about the length of time it has taken to make improvements on the entire corridor, the city reached out to MDOT, but were told the agency's funds are limited for roads such as M-43, which is why it has been taking several years to repair the busy corridor.

MDOT had planned return to South Haven in the spring of 2019 to make $250,000 worth of repairs on a section of M-43, but the city decided to step in and speed up the process by contributing funds from its major and local streets budget.

“MDOT has $250,000 budgeted for repairs to this street corridor, (but) there is approximately $400,000

in repairs needed,” Bill Hunter, the city's Department of Public Works director wrote in a memo recommending that the city contribute funding.

Council members, Monday, agreed to OK'd making an amendment to the city's 2018-19 capital improvement plan and use funds from the major and local streets budget to pay MDOT $150,000.

Dissette said it is somewhat unusual for a city to contribute funds to MDOT, but, he said M-43 is used frequently by motorists, many of whom have complained about the poor condition of the road over the years.

“They (MDOT) made it clear they have limited funds,” Dissette said.

Give 'em a break

SH may provide tax abatements for redevelopment of old downtown properties

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

A new $4.5 million mixed-use development could be locating on a piece of property that has sat vacant in South Haven for the past four years.

City council members, Monday, received a proposal from South Haven Center LLC, which wants to build a three-story building at 335 Center St. The developer is proposing the first floor be home to retail space and the other two stories to 17 market-rate apartments. The developer will also construct a parking area for retail and residential tenants.If all goes well, the development would break ground in the fall of this year and open in late 2019.

But, before proceeding with the project, the developer has asked whether the city can provide a tax abatement – similar to one that industries seek when making an investment to develop or expand their facilities.

It turns out the city can do so by establishing what is known as a Commercial Rehabilitation District. Under state law, a municipality can create such a 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, improvements would still be subject to school operating taxes.

“Staff believes this would be beneficial to the redevelopment of the downtown district,” City Manager Brian Dissette told council members.

The parcel of property at 335 Center St. was once home to the former First Baptist Church. It then was purchased by a private entity who converted the building into an auction house and flea market. But four years ago, the building was condemned and then torn down.

City officials have held out hope that a private party would purchase the site and redevelop it. That is why they think providing a tax incentive will help spur the proposed development to move forward.

“This seems like a no brainer,” council member Chris Campbell said.

“This site has sat undeveloped,” Mayor Scott Smith said. “Even at the held (tax) rate, it's better to have it developed than do nothing. We've invested in a lot of infrastructure downtown. Downtown will be better with older buildings and sites that are developed.”

The council could just set up the Commercial Rehabilitation District for a single parcel, such as the one at 335 Center St., or it could extend the district to other portions of the downtown – a move that council members think should occur.

“My input would be to make the boundary the same as the Downtown Development Authority District,” said council member Steve Schlack. Other council members suggested that the central business district be considered as well.

If the council agrees to extend the district throughout the downtown area, each parcel proposed for redevelopment would be examined individually to determine whether a tax break would be granted.

Council took no action last night on setting up the Commercial Rehabilitation District but if it decided to do so it will have to obtain the blessing of Van Buren County Board of Commissioners since the county could potentially lose some tax revenues if abatements are granted.





1.14.19

Bos begins second year as SH school board president

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Three familiar faces will be continuing on as officers for South Haven Public Schools Board of Education.

During its organizational meeting, Monday, Board members voted to retain Laura Bos as president, Doug Ransom as vice-president and Joe DeGrandchamp as treasurer, while newcomer Lynn Kerber was named secretary, replacing long-time member Corey Davis, who chose not to seek re-election in November 2018.

Bos said she's looking forward to her second year leading the school board.

“Now that we've reached January with a new superintendent and new board members we plan to hold a retreat to revisit our strategic plan and make updates where appropriate,” said Bos, who went on say that Superintendent Kevin Schooley is in the process of visiting staff at the district's schools and meeting with community leaders.

“Both of these things will help guide us in setting priorities to keep our school district moving forward,” she said.

Board members also approved meeting dates for 2019 during their reorganizational meeting.

The following meetings will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 23; Feb. 20; March 20; April 17; May 29; June 26; July 17; Aug. 21; Sept. 18; Oct. 16; Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 at South Haven City Hall. Holding the meetings at city hall allows the school district to video stream them for people who cannot attend. The other two meetings will take place at 6:30 p.m. May 15 and June 12 in the high school Integrated Learning Center.

Buggy crash leads to criminal charges

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

A Grand Junction man faces criminal charges after his van collided with a horse-drawn buggy, killing the horse and seriously injuring the driver.

Robert Samuel Rawson, 60, was arraigned Jan. 3 in Seventh District Court for the misdemeanor charge of Moving Violation Causing Serious Impairment. If convicted he could face up to 93 days in jail and/or a fine up to $500. His next court appearance is scheduled Feb. 5.

The collision occurred at 10:40 a.m., Sept. 11, 2018 on 46th Street just south of County Road 388 in Bloomingdale Township.

Van Buren County Sheriff's Department reported at the time that Rawson's vehicle was headed south on 46th Street when it crossed the center line and collided with the northbound buggy, head on. The horse died while the 67-year-old buggy driver suffered serious injuries and was taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital by Life EMS.

Sheriff's deputies investigated the accident for several months.

“It takes a bit of time to investigate and prepare an accident reconstruction report on a case like this,” Van Buren County Prosecutor Michael Bedford said. “The charge addresses whatever facts that we have known to us from the investigation. He (Rawson) was charged based on the facts and circumstances of the investigation to the fullest extent under the law.”



1.7.19

Firefighters from South Haven Area Emergency Services battle a fire that broke out during the evening on Jan. 1, at a two-story home in Geneva Township. It took 60,000 gallons of water to put out the fire. The family's dog ended up not making it out of the home in time and died. (Photo courtesy of South Haven Area Emergency Services)

Fires destroy two rural homes

Two family dogs perish

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

While area residents celebrated the New Year's holiday, firefighters spent their time battling two fires in Casco and Geneva townships, both which claimed the life of family dogs.

The first fire was reported at 6:02 p.m., New Year's eve at a one-story home at 1128 60^th Street in Casco.

Jessica Hernandez and her three daughters had left the dwelling three hours earlier, but when returning home they saw the back of the house, where a wood stove was located, in flames, according to South Haven Area Emergency Services Administrator and Fire Chief Ron Wise.

“The fire quickly spread throughout the home causing extensive damage to the home and its contents.”

While one family dog escaped the flames, another one perished.

The cause of the fire is being attributed to the area of the wood stove, according to Wise.

South Haven area firefighters were assisted by Ganges Lee and Clyde township fire departments.

Firefighters donned their gear again New Year's evening to battle another house fire in a rural area.

This time, they traveled east to 11059 60^th Street in Geneva Township at 10:18 p.m.

Calun Demaagd, owner of the home, had been working outside. When returning to his home he found it full of smoke.

When firefighters arrived they found the home in flames.

“The heavy fire moved quickly from the basement up through the first- and second stor- home walls and floor making extinguishment extremely difficult, especially when part of the structure began to collapse,” Wise said.

The task of putting out the blaze was hampered by the difficulty in bringing enough water to the scene to effectively extinguish the fire.

“Water was drafted from one of SHAES' dry hydrants located on 12th Avenue east of 60th Street,” Wise said. “SHAES set up a fire engine to draft water from a large pond through piping located near the road to fill fire tanker trucks that transported water back the to fire scene.”

South Haven's three tankers received assistance from additional tankers from Bangor and Columbia fire departments. Eventually, SHAES had to use its ladder truck to put water on the fire to extinguish it.

Wise estimated that over 60,000 gallons of water was used.

No one was injured during the five-hour task of putting out the blaze, however, the family dog, a Labrador Retriever, perished.

$20 million bond sale to fund LMC construction projects

By RALPH HEIBUTZKI

For the Tribune

BENTON TOWNSHIP — Lake Michigan College is moving quickly with a $20 million bond sale to kick-start its various construction projects.

Terms will be released after the bond sale closes.

“The money will come into the college’s checking account, we will be funded, and we will begin disbursing it, as we collect the capital millage proceeds to pay it back,” said Kelli Hahn, vice president of finance for LMC.

LMC plans to use the money for its various construction projects – including Napier Avenue main campus, which is getting $33 million in upgrades.

LMC is issuing the bonds for nine years, which it will repay from the proceeds of its 0.48mill capital improvement millage. Voters approved that measure in fall 2016.

Hahn said the bond sale essentially works as a financing mechanism to start construction right away, instead of waiting until the college collects all of the money.

“The amount of construction – not only at this campus (on Napier), but Niles, and South Haven – required a several-pronged approach that included fundraising from the community, a capital outlay grant from the state, the capital millage, and some institutional efforts to set aside funding, to meet the needs of the students and the community,” she said.

The board accepted an A++ rating from Standard & Poor’s, which means, “very strong, with a stable outlook,” according to a board memo.

The financial services company assigns 17 ratings, which can range from AAA (“Extremely strong”) to D (“in default”).

The rating reflects the stable local economy, as well as the college’s low overall debt burden, maintenance of strong reserves, and strong financial management practices, the memo stated.

The board in December accepted an audit of its 2018 financial statements and grant activity from Plante Moran of Benton Harbor.

“They (Plante Moran) like most public institutions, provide an opinion on the financial statements – which is just what you’d think, money coming in, checks going out, and federal funds that we receive, grants and awards,” Hahn said. “So most organizations have both those kinds of audits, as do we.”

Aside from a couple of technical suggestions – such as separating the LMC Foundation’s financial statements from those of the college – Plante Moran had no recommendations, auditor Vicki VanDenBerg said.

Overall, both documents showed LMC enjoying “a solid bottom line for the year, and good results, from a financial perspective,” she said.

Plante Moran handled LMC’s 2017-18 audit, which also came back with a clean opinion, meaning no major findings or recommendations.

The board set its 2019 meeting dates as follows: Jan. 7 and 22, March 7 ad 19, April 23, May 21, June 25, Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Oct. 22, and Dec. 10.

March 7 is a workshop only, while the May 21 and Oct. 22 meetings will be at LMC’s Niles and South Haven campuses, respectively. There are no meetings in February, July or November.

All meetings start at 6 p.m. and are in Todd Center Board Room at the Napier Avenue main campus unless stated otherwise.







12.31.18

Artist Tyler Voorhees is shown painting a portion of his mural that depicts a logger, or "river rat" as they were sometimes referred to, guiding cut logs down a river. The photo below shows the finished product. Voorhees began painting the mural at Baseline Middle School earlier this month and hopes to finish it within a year.

A tall order to fill

Artist takes on the task of creating 100-foot-long mural depicting South Haven's history

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Artist Tyler Voorhees gets a lot of compliments these days from what some may consider an unusual group – middle school students.

Voorhees, who resides in Glenn, began painting a 100-foot-long mural earlier this month along the main hallway of Baseline Middle School. And even though students aren't yet sure what the mural will look like when finished, they enjoy what they see so far.

“It's really good,” one student remarked while lingering a bit in the hallway before her next class. “Good job,” another student remarked, while a third said, “This thing is amazing. It's like the olden days.”

Olden day indeed, for Voorhees is undertaking the ambitious project of creating a mural that chronicles the history of South Haven by depicting people, particularly workers, who helped shape the town over the years.

“South Haven started out as a logging outpost,” Voorhees said. “I was told there really wasn't an Indian settlement here, so I started with the logging industry.”

As he progresses with the mural, viewers will see fruit harvesters, old-time factory workers, commercial fishermen, resort workers and more – all reflecting the people who helped make South Haven what it is today.

“One side of the mural will be jobs of the land and the other will be jobs of the lake,” said Voorhees, who is volunteering his time and talent to create the mural as a member of the South Haven Area Mural Project, a group of local artists who create public murals throughout the South Haven area.

Sarah Rydecki, Baseline Middle School art teacher, said she is very pleased SHAMP chose Baseline as a mural site.

“I feel like the connection between the community, art and the school is the best thing about this mural,” she said. “Our community has a history and he's bringing that to life in such a visually, powerful way.”

A week prior to Christmas break, spent several days painting a lumberjack, two sawyers and a log driver as part of the logging portion of the mural.

If people aren't familiar with those job titles, there's a reason – those jobs no longer exist in most places. And that suits Voorhees just fine because he enjoys creating people whose line of work no longer exists or is dying out.

It's part of his new “Jobs Project,” an artistic endeavor that celebrates and honors the world's workers through public murals.

The “project” inadvertently got its start when Voorhees began creating “The Jobs of Yesteryear,” a collection of mixed-media paintings showing long-limbed and whimsical characters doing jobs that are considered obsolete, due to mechanization and now computerization.

The series of nearly 100 paintings started seven years ago when Voorhees decided to paint a lamplighter. Researching lamplight duties and tools they used, he came upon a historical text recounting how one lamplighter in the 1800s used a very tall bicycle to light his lamps.

“That was an ah-hah moment for my character,” Voorhees said, referring to his painting that shows a long-legged thin man perched on a very tall bike lighting a lamp.

After he finished that painting Voorhees embarked on more that show workers doing jobs that you just don't encounter in most locales - a soda jerk, town crier, newspaper typesetter, gas jockey, harvester, pin setter even a wheat shocker.

“I love the terminologies describing the jobs,” Voorhees said. “These paintings in a way are preserving history and the names of those jobs and the workers who did them.”

But it isn't just the jobs depicted in Voorhees's paintings that grab viewer attention at art shows and exhibitions throughout the Midwest. It's also the shape of his workers.

The whimsical figures are quite long and very thin, as are the tools of their trade.

Voorhees hit upon the idea of creating the figures while attending Black Hills State University in South Dakota, where he obtained his bachelor of fine arts degree.

“It started with a self-portrait assignment in college,” he recalled. “I was not interested in sitting in front of a mirror painting myself.”

Instead a tall, lanky character emerged in the back of his mind.

“I loved the image,” said Voorhees, who went on to say that the elongated shapes for his Jobs of Yesteryear characters were influenced by a number of factors, including the late surrealist artists Salvador Dali and Alberto Giacometti, as well as contemporary artist Tim Burton. But other factors from his personal life probably came into play, as well.

“I like climbing and relish the vantage point that climbing allows,” he wrote on his blog site. “Perhaps the joy I get from creating tall figures is through imagining the view they must enjoy.” He also grew up in a very small town, Tulare, SD, which is located in a very flat section of the United States. “Because of the unending farmland that surrounds my hometown, tall objects rise dramatically from the land below and can be seen from miles around.”

Whatever the case, the characters have proved popular. So much so that Voorhees, his wife Ashley and their two sons will be traveling to Morocco in January where Voorhees will embark on a six-month artist in residency program in the village of Tetouan, where he will create a large, public mural depicting local craftsman, who may be the last of their generation to be employed in occupations that are becoming few and far between.

PHOTO: Tyler Voorhees's tall, whimsical-looking characters portrayed in his "Jobs of Yesteryear" collection will be part of the mural he is painting at Baseline Middle School. The mural portrays the workers who helped shape South Haven's history. The above photo shows a lumberjack that Voorhees painted as part of the mural.

Avoiding a jolting experience

Firefighters train to avoid electrocution when responding to EV accidents

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

As electric vehicles (EV) become more popular on our roadways, emergency responders are having to take some extra precautions when the vehicles are involved in accidents.

While EVs may not have a big flammable gas tank, they do have something just as hazardous - high voltage electricity.

“We have to figure that these vehicles are always energized,”  South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) firefighter Paul Quinn said. “There can be 360-plus volts running through the wires from the battery pack, motor control unit, cables and the motor itself.”

Quinn is among dozens of firefighters across the nation that have attended special training to deal with the growing number of alternative fuel vehicles on the nation’s roads. As the vehicles' popularity grows, first responders are finding the training essential.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which offers Electric Vehicle Safety Training courses to first responders, says the first thing crews need to learn is where the frame is strongest – the body structure of an electric vehicle will not necessarily be the same as that of a combustion vehicle.

“High-strength steel is used in certain locations of most electric vehicle models,” NFPA spokesperson Lorraine Carli said. “Identifying the location of this steel is important when it comes to knowing the right tools to use when responding to an incident.”

South Haven Area Emergency Services Fire Chief Ron Wise agrees.

“Most of the electric vehicles, we have a concern when we’re doing extrication, when we’re in trying to cut the car apart,” Wise told WSJM in a recent interview. “We just have to be very cautious of what we’re cutting and sometimes we have to remove the plastic, interior pieces and all of that to make sure we’re not cutting a bright red or bright orange electric cord that’s high-voltage.”

Wise said that the department has apps that let them know how to combat a fire or where to cut to get a trapped victim out for the different vehicles.

The fire department has also had to update equipment.

“Most recently some new hydraulic cutters were purchased,” Quinn said. “Due to structural changes involving ultra- high strength steel, changes have been made to the cutters on the jaws of life. The old cutters could not cut locations where this steel was placed without potentially breaking the tool. Changes to the design of the cutting jaws make it possible to cut through.”

There are also other concerns. Many EVs run silently, so there’s a risk that a firefighter won’t realize the vehicle is still on or the first responder who is unaware that it is a EV, might get shocked.

“Risks to firefighters of course are not zero but should be minimal,” Quinn said about EVs. “ As long as the EV vehicle can be recognized early into the incident some precautions can be taken. EV vehicles should have a disconnect to cut the power going from the battery to the motor. Larger concerns are all the stored gas cylinders with 4,000-10,000 psi. These cylinders are used to deploy all the different air bags.  Some of these cylinders are placed in the side posts for the side curtain air bags, right where we need to cut to remove a roof. Good techniques of stripping the interiors and cutting the 12-volt batteries early to drain the power can help alleviate  these dangers but the risk will always remain.”

So far, SHAES has not had to respond to a EV accident – yet.

“With the increase of these vehicles, it will happen,” Quinn predicted. 



12.24.18

Stalled for now

Proposed ordinance to ban marijuana sales goes up in smoke; Issue expected to be revisited

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Earlier this month, South Haven City Council appeared ready to pass a resolution prohibiting the sale of recreational marijuana in town, but that all changed, Monday, when the council couldn't get enough votes to do so.

Council had been asked by staff to consider an ordinance to allow the city to “opt out” of a new state law that allows for the establishment of seven types of recreational marijuana establishments, including retail outlets. The ordinance further would have required the city's planning commission to study for up to a year what, if any, recreational or medical marijuana establishments will allowed in the city.

But when it came time for the council to take a vote on the issue, it ended up with a 3-3 tie, which meant the resolution failed. Council members Chris Campbell, Steve Schlack and Letitia Wilkins cast the no votes, while Mayor Scott Smith and members Clark Gruber and George Sleeper voted yes. Council member Joe Reeser could have broken the tie, however, he was not at the meeting for personal reasons.

The vote came on the heels of a public hearing, Monday, where council gathered input from the public on whether to “opt out” of allowing recreational marijuana sales in the city.

A half-dozen people got up to speak, most in favor of allowing marijuana sales. Most who want recreational marijuana sales in South Haven pointed out that when the majority of Michigan voters voted yes in November to legalize recreational marijuana in the state, a slight majority of South Haven's voters who cast ballots – 52 percent - favored it too.

“The city did vote in favor of recreational marijuana,” South Haven resident David Veenstra said. “If we just look at the comparison between marijuana and alcohol, I don't see any reason to place restrictions on use of recreational marijuana. If people don't get it here they can travel just a few miles and we won't have that business here.”

Patrick McKearnan of Casco Township agreed. “People in this state voted overwhelmingly for it. I thought we are a Democracy. I also thought we are a Capitalist society...I don't see why the city should stand in the way of business. People will want to buy this (recreational marijuana). Not everyone can afford to grow it or has the knowledge to do so.”

Two city council members echoed the sentiments of members in the audience.

“I feel it passed through the state and the majority of people voted yes,” council member Chris Campbell said.

Steve Schlack agreed but also thought that prohibiting pot sales for up to a year to give city planners time to study provisions of the new law is too long and will squelch efforts to spur economic development in the city. He also said he hasn't heard enough public input on the issue. A group, the Concerned Citizens of South Haven, has spoken out at several meetings in opposition to any type of marijuana sales in town – medical or recreational. But Schlack thinks more input needs to be obtained.

“When people are preparing to open a business they don't decide in a week or so to do that,” Schlack said. “They need time to plan. I don't think it's good to send a signal now that we're opting out.”

But other council members favored opting out of marijuana sales for now.

“This (an opt out ordinance) gives us an opportunity to plan where we would like these businesses to go if we decide we want them,” Gruber said. “Anytime you build a house you want to build a good foundation.” He also pointed out the city will need to determine how the state's medical marijuana law gels with the recreational marijuana law.

Smith agreed.

“This is about time needed to study the laws properly,” he said. “We do need to tie together medical and recreational marijuana because they are closely connected. We understand what voters voted for. We're not taking their right to use it (marijuana).”

So while the tied vote may seem that entrepreneurs will be now able to start opening marijuana establishments in South Haven, that probably won't happen right away, according to City Manager Brian Dissette.

“Recreational sales won't be permitted by the State of Michigan for approximately one year,” he said. “As a result, the city's elected leadership has time to consider alternative options.”

Because the council appeared poised earlier this month to adopt a resolution prohibiting sales to give the planning commission time to study implications of the new law, Dissette said he plans to present an updated draft ordinance to the council in January for discussion.

“I think that amending the ordinance to require a quicker response from the planning commission may be the tweak the council wishes to see,” Dissette said.

South Haven resident and downtown business owner Jan Haglund is one resident who hopes the council will prohibit recreational marijuana sales permanently.

“The best gift you can give the community of South Haven is to approve this opt out ordinance,” she told council members.

Photo by Becky Kark
South Haven Police Officer Shawn Olney points out various games to three Lincoln Elementary School youngsters that she was shopping with Tuesday during the annual Shop with a Cop day at Walmart. Each year South Haven Police Department teams up with Walmart to take children on a shopping spree at the store.



Getting to know you

Cops team up with store to  treat kids to lunch and holiday shopping spree

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It was high noon on Tuesday when South Haven Police cars rolled into Walmart's parking lot as if on cue.

People in the parking lot gaped wondering what on Earth would bring seven cruisers to the big box's front doors.

But it wasn't a drug bust, a robbery or even bomb threat. It was the annual Christmas holiday Shop with a Cop day.

For more than two decades, South Haven Police officers have teamed up with Walmart to treat youngsters to a free lunch at a local restaurant and then take them to the store for a Christmas shopping spree.

Officer Antwan Bell has taken part in Shop with a Copy day for 23 years and said he enjoys doing it.

“These kids don't have as much as other kids,” Bell said. “I like to make sure they're happy.”

Officer Ryan Rumler also enjoys being part of Shop With a Cop, not only for the shopping aspect but for the opportunity to go into the schools and interact with children and teachers. “It's getting to see them at school, seeing the excitement of kids in the classrooms,” he said. “When I heard a kid say out of the blue, 'this is the greatest week because I get to shop with a police officer,' it's the icing on the cake.”

This year, 20 children from Maple Grove, Lincoln and North Shore elementary schools in South Haven each got a $100 gift card and spent about an hour shopping with Walmart associates and police officers who helped the students pick out gifts while keeping track of how much they were spending. Afterwards Walmart associates helped the children wrap the gifts, while the in-store McDonalds restaurant provided free hot chocolate.

Some of the kids quickly made decisions about what they wanted for themselves and their siblings.

DeAngelo, a Maple Grove student, was one of them. But when it came to buying a gift for his dad, he wasn't quite sure what to get.

DeAngelo headed to the men's cologne aisle, but then stood there somewhat confused over the many brands.

That's when Bell came to the rescue.

“I know what I like,” Bell said. “Have you ever heard of Axe?”

DeAngelo hadn't. But he liked the color of a bright green box with two different types of cologne in it.

“Are you sure? I never heard of this,” Bell said, referring to the cologne's label. Finally, DeAngelo took Bell's advice and settled for the Axe.

Meanwhile, officer Rumler was busy shopping with several students, including Alexa Henry, a third-grader at Maple Grove Elementary School.

Like many of the children, Alexa thought first of others before buying Legos and a blanket for herself.

She bought a decorative candle for her mom, a blanket for her dad, a statue of a wolf for her sister, and even a small gift for one of her friends.

The generosity of Henry and other youngsters didn't come as a surprise to police officers.

“What's interesting is that they typically buy for their families first and then themselves,” Bell said.

The children may also be modeling the generosity shown to them by the police department and Walmart.

Police spring for the lunch each year. This year the children were taken to Lakeside Entertainment Center to enjoy pizza. Money for the gift cards came from the Walmart Foundation and from South Haven Walmart associates, themselves.

“This year we raised enough for 20 kids,” said David Green, manager on duty. “Next year we hope to get up to 30 and expand it to area communities like Bangor and Covert and include children from their schools.”





12.19.18

Project Pathway board members who helped make the creation of a rock garden and Ram mascot sculpture a reality are shown from left: Kaiden Cole, Juana Morrison, Justin Postema, Jackson Schooley, Ozvaldo Ruiz, Craig Thompson and Daisy Solis. Missing is Chris Kerber.

South Haven students team up to help create Ram statue and rock garden

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Ram pride.

That's what a group of students at South Haven High School hope to instill in their fellow classmates.

And to help make that come about they brainstormed for a way to promote school pride.

The result is a new, attractive landscaped rock sculpture that prominently displays a large bronze ram – the symbol of South Haven High School.

The installation is located at the entryway to the high school, which recently underwent an extensive renovation, thanks to voter approval of a $34 million bond issue.

But not a penny of the bond issue was spent to pay for the installation.

Students who belong to the school's Project Pathway program worked with landscape businesses and financial donors to pay for and create the $30,000 landscaped rock sculpture.

“In Project Pathway we have a philanthropy project that we do,” said Pathway President Chris Kerber.

“Our school went through a huge transformation. We thought this (the rock installation with a statue of the school's mascot) would be the cherry on the top.”

Juana Morrison, secretary of Project Pathway agreed.

“We wanted to make the school more spirited,” she said.

Pathway members first thought about installing a huge rock that students could paint or commissioning a large mural. But they finally settled on the landscaped rock sculpture featuring the school's mascot.

With the help of Lawn Boys landscaping company and landscape architectural designer Beth Grieves of Circlewood Design, the installation began to take shape. Project Pathway members also rolled up their sleeves to help with the planting of small shrubs and flowers.

“It was a collaborative effort,” said Project Pathway advisor Marla Bruemmer, who also lent her home designer services for the creation of the installation.

Assistant High School Principal Ryan Williamson was quite impressed with the landscape sculpture once it was completed.

“It's awesome,” he said. But Williamson seemed even more impressed with the Project Pathway program and its student members.

“A significant impact on this school is these students,” he said.

Project Pathway started four years ago when Bruemmer approached school officials about setting up a program to link students with business and community leaders as a way of preparing them for their future.

The result is a student-led program that brings business and community leaders to the school for career expos throughout the year.

“Our main goal is to connect students with careers and the community,” Kerber said. “We have had business, medical, community and even a creative expo.” The expos take place annually throughout the school year.

During the expos, students get the opportunity to meet one-on-one with adults involved in a variety of occupations. Project Pathway also sets up seminars throughout the school year where business leaders help students create effective resumes and learn interviewing skills.

All of the expos and other career-oriented seminars are planned and marketed by the students involved with Project Pathway.

Kerber, who transferred to South Haven last year, said his previous school had programs that prepared students for their future, but none like the ones offered by the student-led Project Pathway.

“It gives you experience with running a business and networking with businesses and other people throughout the community,” he said.

3-year pact OK'd for new South Haven school chief

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

When South Haven Public Schools' new superintendent begins his job in January he will be making more money than the previous one did.

South Haven school board members, Wednesday, unanimously approved a three-year contract for Kevin Schooley that sets his annual salary at $135,000. His pay is higher than the annal salary former Superintendent Robert Herrera received. The last time Herrera received a raise was in 2017 when school board members agreed to increase his base pay by $5,000, upping his annual salary to $115,000.

In July of this year, Herrera resigned to become CEO and Superintendent of Benton Harbor Public Schools.

South Haven school board President Laura Bos said several factors were considered in setting the salary for the new school chief, who lives in South Haven and worked five years as an elementary school teacher here before taking a job as principal of North Elementary School in Watervliet in 1998 and then taking over as Watervliet Public Schools Superintendent in 2010.

“When putting together the contract, we reviewed the current South Haven contract, Mr. Schooley's current contract, and various other contracts in the area and at comparable districts in the state,” she said. “We offered a salary that we believed was appropriate competitively and for Mr. Schooley's experience.”

During his time with Watervliet Schools, Schooley oversaw passage in 2014 of a $23 million capital improvement bond issue to improve school facilities. He also successfully settled three teacher collective bargaining agreements, three support staff agreements and three food service/transportation agreements. In addition the district has grown from 1,329 students when he started to 1,502 this year.

School board members in Watervliet have been impressed with Schooley's accomplishments. Earlier this year, they voted to increase his $118,040 annual salary by 3 percent, raising it to $121,600.

But, while Watervliet is a Class C school district, South Haven is Class B. In 2017, when the South Haven school board voted to increase Herrera's annual base pay by $5,000 they said they did so because they felt his pay wasn't competitive with salaries school chief's in districts of similar size were receiving.

When voting to raise Herrera's salary, school board member Bryan Lewis, who served as president at the time, said the salary increase was long overdue.

“Looking at our peer districts, our superintendent's salary is not competitive,” Lewis said. “We were dead last in our peer group for superintendent compensation. Dr. Herrera has had effective or highly effective ratings all five years he has been here. Bob did not ask for this increase. If we want to attract and retain our superintendents we need to make adjustments.”



12.10.18

HP file photo by Don Campbell

The uncompleted section of U.S. 31, south of I-94, is pictured in 2013. The Michigan Department of Transportation was awarded a $20 million grant Thursday to complete the U.S. 31 relocation project from Napier Road to I-94 in Berrien County.

A long road ahead

MDOT secures $20M grant to connect U.S. 31, I-94

By TONY WITTKOWSKI

HP Staff Writer

and JIM DALGLEISH

Assistant Local News Editor

BENTON TOWNSHIP — After 50 years and a handful of setbacks, two of the busiest freeways in Southwest Michigan are one step closer to being connected.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton announced Thursday the Michigan Department of Transportation was awarded $20 million in discretionary grant funding to complete the U.S. 31 relocation project from Napier Avenue to I-94 in Berrien County.

“For years, we have been working diligently with local, state and national leaders to get this done,” Upton, R-St. Joseph, said in a news release. “The Department of Transportation has long said ‘hang on, help is on the way’ and that day has now come. Completing this project will ensure Southwest Michigan remains a hub for economic competitiveness, jobs and growth, now, and into the future.”

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, which is part of the transportation discretionary grants program.

The project is expected to create a free flow of freeway traffic movement through the completion of the last 2 miles of the limited access U.S. 31 freeway from Napier Avenue to I-94.

“The Administration’s continued investment in infrastructure promises to stimulate economic investment, improve quality of life and create safe, reliable transportation in our communities,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in the release.

Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters also issued statements supporting the project.

MDOT spokesman Nick Schirripa said his agency will still need to chip in $10 million to complete the project. MDOT had already budgeted $60 million to rebuild the I-94 interchange. Most of the right-of-ways have been secured.

“We will find this money,” he said in a phone interview Thursday.

The total cost will likely not exceed $100 million, Schirripa said.

He said the $20 million federal grant does not change the project schedule. MDOT anticipates completing the project in 2022. It will be done by 2023 at the latest, he said.

According to a 2016 MDOT report, construction for the interchange project will begin in the department’s 2021 fiscal year.

Benton Township Treasurer Debbie Boothby said the finished product would not only benefit businesses, but drivers as well.

“This is an extremely pleasant surprise,” Boothby said Thursday. “Its going to be a big economic driver. Benton Township would be the point where 31, 96 and 94 come together. On top of that, it’s good for the people who are commuting back and forth throughout the county.”

Residents have waited decades for U.S. 31 to join I-94.

The project, running from the Indiana border through Berrien County, has been on the drawing board since the 1960s.

The first 3.3-mile section, from the state line to U.S. 12 near Niles, was completed in 1979 and cost $6.6 million. Other segments were built as money became available.

The latest section, extending 9.5 miles from Berrien Springs to Napier Avenue, opened in August 2003.

After that segment was completed, only a 2-3-mile section was left to be built. However, the yet-to-be-completed portion of the highway to I-94 has remained in its current state for 15 years.

A derailed project

Over the years, periodic funding shortages, local government and citizen disagreements, lawsuits and an endangered butterfly have delayed the project that the state once hoped to complete in the mid-1980s.

Planning began in the 1960s for a freeway to replace old U.S. 31, the main road between Niles, Berrien Springs and the Twin Cities.

With high traffic volumes and accident rates, it was deemed dangerous and obsolete.

In 1967, MDOT prepared a location study report that listed four possible corridors for the freeway from the state line southwest of Niles to a hookup with I-196 at I-94 in Benton Township.

But area residents disagreed over whether the freeway should go west or east of Berrien Springs. The disputes were reflected in local government decisions.

During a one-year period in 1969-70, the Berrien County Board of Commissioners changed its position three times on which route it favored.

MDOT in 1972 pushed back the starting date from 1975 to 1977, citing a funding shortage and lack of an environmental impact statement.

In 1974, an MDOT engineering report recommended a route alignment to the west of Berrien Springs. The action was immediately challenged in a lawsuit filed by a citizens group, but the matter was later resolved in favor of the state.

Construction of a 3.3-mile section from the state line to U.S. 12 in Bertrand Township began in 1977 and was completed in 1979. The lack of funding and other problems stalled work in the early 1980s, and the next section did not open until 1987.

Initial plans for U.S. 31 would have connected it at I-196. But engineers ran into environmental problems.

In 1991, the project came to a near stop when an endangered butterfly, Mitchell’s satyr, was found living in the path of the proposed freeway route along Blue Creek in Benton Township.

The butterfly did not delay work on the section of freeway that completed in 2003, but it did set back planning for the final leg of the connection.

After negotiations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Department of Natural Resources, MDOT won approval to build across the area. Permission came with some expensive requirements for long, untried bridges that did not use piers and for other measures to safeguard the wetland.

As a result, MDOT took another look at routes for the final section and conducted a supplemental environmental impact study. MDOT abandoned the original plan as an alternative route was drawn up to connect U.S. 31 with the I-94 business loop.

Boothby said the project fell off the township’s radar over the years after it became clear that several other road projects were lacking the necessary funding.

“We’re thrilled the money came through for this project,” Boothby said. “I’m hopeful that we can work with MDOT to secure the necessary funds in the near future.”

Trisha Nesbitt chosen as new Van Buren treasurer

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

PAW PAW — Van Buren County will have a new treasurer next month.

She's Trisha Nesbitt of Lawton. She is married to State Senator-elect Aric Nesbitt R-Lawton.

County Administrator John Faul said there were six applicants for the position, four of whom the Van Buren County Treasurer Appointment Committee interviewed.

That committee consisted of Probate Judge David J. DiStefano, County Clerk Suzie Roehm, and Prosecuting Attorney Michael Bedford.

The Committee selected Nesbitt due to her record in government administration, experience managing budgets, and ability to identify and implement creative solutions, according to a press release.

Nesbitt, a graduate of Michigan State University, has served as chief of staff for Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, R – Lawton, and has knowledge of the legislative process and experience in constituent services. She is also a graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program, a year-long bipartisan program that identifies individuals from across the state committed to community service and brings them together to engage in public policy and leadership.

Nesbitt is succeeding Karen Makay, who is retiring Jan. 15, and will serve the remaining two years of Makay's term.

“I commend Karen Makay for her tremendous service as Van Buren County treasurer and I am honored and grateful to follow in her footsteps," Nesbitt said in a release.

Nesbitt said her priorities are effectively managing budgets, protecting tax dollars, and providing efficient customer service.

Makay has been treasurer since 1987 and is believed to be the county's longest-serving. "She'll be missed dearly but we welcome Ms. Nesbitt as well," Faul said.

Makay has served longer than all but one county commissioner - Donald Hanson of Decatur. Makay also worked with four county administrators, two of them the current administrator John Faul, who left for another job but then came back.





12.3.18

Board games are already being stacked high in anticipation of the annual Christmas Hope program in South Haven. Each year, We Care In the Name of Christ human service ministry teams up with First Assembly of God Church to give toys and gifts to children and teens whose parents can't afford holiday gifts. Last year, more than 1,000 children received gifts.

Sharing the holiday spirit in the SH area

We Care food basket and gift-giving drives underway

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Want to make the Christmas holiday season bright for families in need?

We Care in the Name of Christ has the answer with its holiday meal basket and toy donation drives.

Last year, We Care in the Name of Christ distributed 450 meal baskets and toys to more than 1,000 children during the Christmas holiday season.

This holiday season the human service ministry expects to do the same or even more for families in South Haven, Bangor and Covert.

“Each year, We Care rallies its member churches, area community groups, businesses, service clubs, and individuals to help local families in need,” We Care's Executive Director Susan Trabucchi said. “We want all of our neighbors, no matter their circumstances, to feel God’s love - and to experience the hope and joy of the season.”

Since October, We Care has been compiling a list of low-income families who need meal baskets. The deadline to request one is Dec. 7.

“Our goal is to have a meal basket for every family who needs one, and that can vary from year to year,” Trabucchi said. “The range is usually between 300 and 400. Last year, we made and distributed a record 450 meal baskets for families throughout our service area. We were able to do that, in part, thanks to an anonymous donor who stepped in at the last minute to help us purchase the supplies for nearly 90 baskets.”

We Care hopes to distribute the same amount this year.

“Of course, we would love to match what we did last year, Trabucchi said, “though we don't have that special donation in place. So we welcome all help.”

The meal baskets include a ham, 5-10 pounds of potatoes, vegetables and pies. “All of the makings for a family-sized holiday meal,” Trabucchi said.

Individuals and groups who want to donate meal baskets to We Care can call 637-4342 or email adminteam@wecare-inc.org. Or they can make a monetary donation by going online at www.wecare-inc.org/donate. The deadline to donate meal baskets or money is Dec. 14.

While We Care seeks meal basket donations, it also is collecting gifts for children and youth.

“We Care partners with two church-based projects in our service area that help ensure there are gifts under the Christmas tree for local children and youth,” Trabucchi said. “Both projects are similar in that they offer parents in need a dignified way of providing gifts for their children at Christmastime.”

The Christmas Hope program is geared toward children and teens in South Haven and Covert. Each year, a section of First Assembly of God church in South Haven becomes a showroom full of toys and gifts for children and teens, who on two days later this month will be able to “shop” for presents.

The presents are donated by area residents who drop off new, unwrapped gifts at collection boxes located in stores throughout the South Haven area.

A similar program takes place in Bangor where We Care teams with Sacred Heart Church for its annual St. Nicholas Workshop. The toy collection there is a joint effort with Toys for Tots. Bangor area residents can donate their new unwrapped gifts at collection boxes throughout town.

To make it easier for people who aren't sure what types of toys and gifts to donate, We Care is offering the Amazon Wish Lists program where people can select toys and other items from its website.

“(Christmas Hope and St. Nicholas Workshop) project organizers have put together a list of items they really need,” Trabucchi said. “You choose an item and purchase it with your debit or credit card, and Amazon will ship your package directly to We Care – and we make sure it ends up in the right place.”

People have until Dec. 14 to donate toys and other gifts. More details on We Care's holiday meal basket and toy drives are available online at https://wecare-inc.org/holiday-programs-2018



SH council OKs new master plan that keys in on housing needs

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It took two years worth of workshops, neighborhood meetings, a public survey, open house, design charrette and three public hearings, but finally, the city of South Haven has a new master plan to guide its future.

City council members approved the 72-page document Nov. 19. It replaces the previous master plan that was adopted in 2011.

Council members complimented Assistant City Manager Kate Hosier, the city's planning commission and consultants MainStreet Planners of Grand Rapids for their work in putting together the document that summarizes the city's land development and preservation goals - chief of which is creating a way to develop more affordable homes to sustain a year-round economy.

“I think it's a very good effort,” council member George Sleeper said.

Mayor Scott Smith said he was pleased with the length of the document.

“It's a lot smaller than the last one,” he remarked. “That should be a goal of every plan - to get 50 percent smaller than the previous one.”

The master plan is not a legally binding document, but rather a tool the city can use to guide the best uses for land based on the needs of the community.

“It does not have regulatory power but it gives you a plan,” Hosier said.

City officials decided to update the 2011 master plan two years ago to address issues that had come up over the past several years, including lack of affordable housing, the need to diversify the economy and safer street crossings and more sidewalks for pedestrians.

“Every five years we're required by law to review the master plan, update it or put a new one together,” Hosier said.

Planners opted to put together the new plan.

“The master plan has a good balance of meeting the needs of long-term and short-term residents,” said Jan Johnson of MainStreet Planners.

Highlights of the 2018 master plan follow:

• Protection and preservation of natural resources needs to be kept in mind for new developments and procedures involving maintenance of city amenities

• Improve neighborhoods that have diminished over time

• Establish limits for expansion of the Central Business District and plan for residential uses within the Central Business District while prohibiting new short-term rentals there

• Provide a variety of housing options to attract younger adults and older adults

• When reviewing plans for new neighborhoods, incorporate design principles that address safe and efficient vehicle access as well as pedestrian and bicycle access; preservation of natural features where practical; street trees; and lighting of streets and sidewalks.

• Maintain an active central business district; preserve historic and traditional elements where desirable, while integrating contemporary trends in land use and design.

• Plan for areas of mixed use development that incorporate residential housing options with commercial and recreational uses (such as the area around Lake Michigan College)

• Create a Health Services District near Bronson Hospital to promote and expand the health services industry.

• Work with South Haven Charter Township to identify lands along mutual borders that are suitable for commercial development.

• Improve the safety of pedestrians crossing and traveling Broadway Street, Phillips Street and Bailey Avenue.

• Enhance the safety, traffic flow, and turning movements of traffic on Broadway Street, Phillips Street and S. Bailey Avenue.

• Improve the general appearance of the M-43/Interstate 196 Business Loop entrance to the city so it is more attractive.

• Work with South Haven Township to identify additional land parcels suitable for industrial or high-tech developments; consider a high-tech corridor, possibly along Aylworth Avenue.

• Partner with educational institutions to plan for and attract start-up businesses; work with established businesses to offer early-workforce development in combination with meeting educational goals of students.

• Identify a location for a central community gathering venue that could offer events and activities such as concerts, conferences, trade shows, weddings, and senior and youth activities.



11.26.18

SH approves latest round of regulations for short-term rentals

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

A six-month moratorium on short-term rental home permits will soon be coming to an end in South Haven with city council approval of a new set of amendments that further regulate the tourism-related housing market.

After conducting a public hearing, Monday, council members voted 4-2 to approve the amendments, with Steve Schlack and Chris Campbell casting the no votes.

“In my perfect world I would leave the rental ordinance as is and look at this at another date,” Schlack said.

Other council members though think that the city's planning commission, which spent six months studying what changes needed to be made to the ordinance, did a good job, overall, with its recommendations.

“I think we've worked very hard to come to some kind of resolution,” Letitia Wilkins said. “ I don't quite agree with (the amendments to) the ordinance but I'm going to support it. I think it's what's best for community.”

City council members instructed planners last spring to take a second look at the short-term rental ordinance after receiving complaints from full-time homeowners that the current ordinance, passed in 2016, did not do enough to regulate the growth of homes being used regularly for short-term rentals.

The amendments passed Monday will seek to identify how many homes in town are often or seldom rented by granting “personal” and “business” STR permits.

Personal STR homeowners will be allowed to rent their dwelling up to 28 days a year. They will not have to pay an annual permit fee, however, they will have to pay for bi-annual safety inspections.

Business STR homeowners will be able to rent their dwellings as many days as they want. But they will now have to pay an annual fee for inspections and other costs associated with the administration of the city's STR ordinance. The fee is currently $200 but is expected to increase. (See related story). In addition, the city will also place a “cap” on the number of new business STR permits granted. The cap will be administered in the following way by use of a 4-to-1 ratio of the city's housing stock. Currently, 612, or 18 percent of the city's 3,400 homes and condos are registered for STR use.

Some city council members were uncomfortable with the 4-to-1 ratio.

“I have a hard time with a ratio,” council member Joe Reeser said. “ I like to have a factual number that we can use.”

“I think what planners came up with is not perfect,” council member George Sleeper said, “but I do feel they have come up with something that is a good starting point that we can build on as we get more data in terms of how many short-term rentals are in one category and how many are in the other.”

Although a majority of council members OK'd the new STR regulations, some people at Monday's meeting were not happy with the amendments.

“I've been a homeowner here since 1982,” said Roxanne Leder. “In my 36 years of living here and having a second home I have never once had an issue with a short-term renter. They're usually grandparents with three children and 6 grandchildren. These are not people who cause problems. Let me speak to 'the squeaky wheels,' I think they're making this up.”

Another local resident thinks the city has devoted too much time and money debating the short-term rental issue.

“I'd put a cap on how much we're spending on this topic,” Scott Boyd said. “Do we get tired of tourism? Yes. But it's a balance. Sometimes we step on our own toes controlling things.”

Yet others agree with the amendments.

“The biggest issue is seasonality of the tourism industry and the population of full-time residents,
said Paul VandenBosch, who went on to claim that the growth or STR homes has contributed to the city's declining full-time population. “(Short-term rentals) impact the quality of life for full-time residents. It impacts the ability of organizations to provide community service.”

Another resident, Pat Gaston said, “I agree with this ordinance. We had an election (in 2017) and many people ran based on we were going to look at this short-term rental issue.”

South Haven studies whether to allow pot businesses in town

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

While some communities in Southwest Michigan have been quick to opt out of allowing recreational marijuana businesses to locate in their towns, South Haven city officials want to take more time to study the topic before making a decision.

City council members took the first step in educating themselves about the new law by listening, Monday, to a comprehensive presentation by City Attorney Nick Curcio about the implications of allowing facilities to locate in the city or refusing to allow them to do so.

“The goal is to get the council talking about this,” City Manager Brian Dissette said.

The city's planning commission considered earlier this year whether to adopt an ordinance to allow medical marijuana facilities in town, but now that Michigan voters have approved Proposal 1 that legalizes recreational marijuana, city officials are broadening their considerations on what to do about the pot issue.

“The planning commission has spent six months on the short-term rental issue,” Dissette said. “As a board they're ready to start talking about medical marijuana. I think it would make sense to broaden the topic to addressing Proposal 1 (the ballot issue that legalizes recreational marijuana in Michigan).”

With passage of Proposal 1, use of recreational marijuana will officially become legal Dec. 6 in Michigan. The law will allow any person 21 or older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in public; have up to 10 ounces of marijuana and up to 12 marijuana plants in their home, consume marijuana in non-public places and transfer up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana to another person as long as no compensation is received., according to Curcio.

Those provisions apply whether or not a municipality allows recreational marijuana businesses to exist in their community.

Marijuana-related businesses allowed in communities under the new state law would include growing and processing operations, transporters, safety compliance facilities and retail outlets. If a community doesn't pass an ordinance to “opt out” from allowing recreational marijuana facilities to exist then they have no choice but to let them open their businesses.

South Haven does have time to consider whether to opt out of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, according to Curcio, because it will take approximately a year for the state to begin issuing licenses to allow recreational marijuana-related businesses to open.

But some people in the community want the city to act quickly and opt out from allowing recreational marijuana establishments to exist in South Haven.

“More than 200 communities have opted out already,” said Nancy Krupp, a local resident who attended the city council meeting, Monday. “I'd like us to be proactive rather than reactive.”

Rachel Sankofski agreed. “This is a really big deal for some of us,” she said. “You really carry a heavy responsibility regarding marijuana, whether medical or recreational. I encourage you not to normalize this is our community.”



11.12.18

Schooley chosen as school chief finalist

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

“I can live with one.”

Those words by South Haven Board of Education President Laura Bos summed up the rest of the school board's sentiments in choosing Kevin Schooley as the sole finalist for the superintendent's position.

The South Haven school board voted 5-1 Tuesday evening to have Schooley come back Tuesday, Nov. 13 for a second interview.

Schooley, who lives in South Haven and previously served as a teacher in the school district from 1993-1998, is currently superintendent of Watervliet Public Schools, a position he has held since 2010.

He was chosen as the finalist for the South Haven school chief's job from a list that included three other candidates — Raymond Lechner, superintendent of Wilmette Elementary District 39 in Wilmette, Ill.; Nathan Robrahn, principal of Wyoming High School near Grand Rapids; and Jonathan Whan, superintendent of Grant Public Schools in Newaygo County.

Corey Davis was the only school board member to cast a no vote, but it wasn't because he didn't feel Schooley was the best candidate.

“I'm not voting against Kevin Schooley. I'm only voting against interviewing one finalist,” he said.

School board members spent a half-hour discussing whether to bring back one or two candidates for a second round of interviews.

They all agreed on asking Schooley to return for another interview, but couldn't settle on a second candidate.

Dave Killips, regional president of the Michigan Leadership Institute, which is overseeing the superintendent search process, summed up the board's dilemma. “Six of you jumped with bringing Mr. Schooley back. After that you're all over the place.”

Killips told board members it is fine to only interview one finalist, but cautioned, “It could give them extra power with negotiating a contract.”

But board member John Frost disagreed. “I'd be fine with just one candidate. Mr. Schooley is our No. 1 candidate. If offered he said he would accept it. He's been a member of our community a long time.”

Other school board members also said they didn't think Schooley would try to negotiate a higher salary if offered the job.

“It would go against my instincts to just have one finalist, but if we're leaning in that direction I'm fine with bringing one back for a second interview,” board member Bryan Lewis said.

Killips advised the board it is OK to settle on one finalist but instructed them to go through due diligence before making a job offer and negotiating a contract.

School board members agreed.

In addition to interviewing Schooley for a second time, school board President Laura Bos will visit Watervliet Public Schools Thursday to meet with staff and community as part of a site visit, and South Haven Public Schools will host an open house from 5-6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, at South Haven High School to give the community a chance to visit with Schooley. After the open house, the school board will conduct their second interview with Schooley at 6 p.m. in the high school's Integrated Learning Center.

South Haven has been without a full-time school chief since July when then Superintendent Robert Herrera became CEO and school chief for Benton Harbor Public Schools. Since that time, Dave Peden of St. Joseph has been serving as interim school chief.

11.5.18

A show of solidarity

SH residents, church leave floral bouquets on local synagogue's steps following Pittsburgh synagogue shooting

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Three small acts of kindness profoundly impacted members of First Hebrew Congregation in South Haven earlier this week.

Two days after the tragic Tree of Life synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh that left 11 people dead, three different individuals from the South Haven area placed bouquets of flowers on the steps of the local synagogue on Broadway Avenue.

“They're beautiful, said Barry Fidelman, a longtime member of First Hebrew Congregation. “It's nice to know how our community can have such empathy for the Jewish people.”

Remey Rubin, president of the synagogue's board of directors, concurred.

“Our South Haven community shares the disdain of the abhorrent acts of violence and hate,” he said.

Pat Householder is one those community residents Rubin is referring to.

A member of Epiphany Episcopal Church in South Haven, Householder attended mass on Sunday, a day after the mass shooting, to hear other congregants express horror and shock over the tragedy.

“All of us at breakfast on Sunday were just appalled and so sad,” she said. When she returned to the church Monday for a class, several church members were still reeling over the latest hate crime to occur in America.

So Householder decided to do something. She went outside and gathered a bouquet of flowers from the church's memorial garden and wrote a note to the local Jewish congregation, stating,

“The congregation at Epiphany Episcopal mourn you in this latest violent act in Pittsburgh. These flowers come from our church garden. Our prayers are with you. Shalom.”

“I just felt it was something I needed to do,” Householder said. “A group of us at church are aware that our freedoms in this country are being compromised by this continued violence.”

Householder wasn't alone in thinking about the hate crime and its implications for people of the Jewish faith throughout America, including those who worship at First Hebrew Congregation.

“When I arrived at the synagogue, a cluster of flowers was already laying by the door,” Householder said. “And then someone dropped off another one later.”

Householder had a second reason for thinking about the hate crime that occurred at Tree of Life Synagogue and its implications for people of the Jewish faith.

When she attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh during the 1960s, one of her professors was the chief rabbi at Tree of Life synagogue at the time.

“He taught a course called a 'History of Jewish Thought and Religion,'” Householder recalled. “It was one of the most powerful learning experience I ever had. He took us to his study at the synagogue. He had some rare books he wanted to show us. I remember that day as being so profoundly moving that a man who had so many years of wisdom in him had the walls of his study lined with wisdom.”

Fr. Michael Ryan, the priest at Epiphany Episcopal Church, was glad Householder donated a floral bouquet to the local synagogue on behalf of the Episcopal church's congregation.

“It was a gesture of friendship and kinship in response to the killing of 11 and wounding of 7  members of the Tree of Life Congregation,” Ryan said. “A hate crime like the murder of those innocent people in Pittsburgh is not simply a localized event, but it is intended as an attack on all Jews.  To remain silent about the nature and intent of this evil is at best to normalize it and worse to condone it.”

Interfaith prayer vigil set

First Hebrew Congregation along with several other religious groups plans to co-sponsor an interfaith prayer vigil at 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 5 at the Citadel, 91 Hinckley St., Benton Harbor to pray for those victimized by hate, particularly those victimized by the anti-Semitic and anti-immigrant attacks that have occurred over the past several weeks. The other sponsors of the service are Interfaith Committee of Andrews University, Interfaith Action and Temple B'Nai Shalom of Benton Harbor.

Bangor seeks millage to upgrade cemetery

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

BANGOR — For the past several years, Bangor city council's cemetery committee has partnered with the Bangor Historical Society to raise money for improvements to the city's historic Arlington Hills Cemetery.

In that time period they managed to raise $20,000 to make some much-needed upgrades. But city officials say it's not enough to maintain the 23-acre cemetery on a regular basis. So they're now turning to voters who will determine Tuesday, whether to approve a .5-mill for maintenance and improvement projects.

“The cemetery needs road work, way-finding signage, a storage building, a retaining wall, additional water lines and spigots to mention a few items,” Bangor City Manager Regina Hoover said.

The city budgets approximately $36,000 each year for the cemetery, according to Hoover, however most of those funds go toward mowing and weed wacking.

“The cemetery contains over 10,000 grave sites so that's a lot of grass upkeep,” she said.

Once the city gets done paying for mowing there is approximately $3,500 left over for maintenance and upgrades.

“That doesn't go very far but we do the best we can to stretch the money,” Hoover said.

If the millage isn't approved, the city will go back to trying to raise funds through the sale of commemorative bricks that have been installed around the cemetery's historic Civil War cannon memorial.

The $20,000 that was raised enable the city to install new pillars for cemetery entrances, new pavement at one of the entrance, the cleaning and straightening of Civil War headstones and repair of the Civil War cannon memorial. The $20,000 that was raised also included a $6,000 donation from Getman Manufacturing that allowed the city to buy computer software to convert 100 years of paper records to digital data that will enable easier genealogy searches.

But Hoover said the brick fundraiser isn't going to raise the necessary funds over the long haul to properly maintain the cemetery.

“The brick sales are ongoing but after the initial flush of large orders it has proved difficult to sustain sales at the level necessary to generate consistent revenue in the amount needed to continue the upgrades,” she said.

If the millage is approved, it will generate $16,000 annually, and funds will only be used for cemetery upgrades.

“None of the millage money will be spent on mowing,” Hoover said. “The city will continue to pay for that out of the charter millage. The cemetery millage will be spent exclusively on improvements. The cemetery is well visited and the city takes pride in keeping it beautiful.”





10.29.18

Living proof you're never too old

Historic Scott Club honors six of its venerable nonagenarians

By NANCY ALBRIGHT

For the Tribune

It's pretty unusual for people to remain active in organizations once they reach the age of 90, but there's six nonagenarians who still reign as members of the Scott Club in South Haven.

Norma Leins, Marilyn Miller, Velma Schnooberger, Charlotte Lee, Roberta Alexander and Shirley Jillson were all honored when the club celebrated the start of its 136^th anniversary in September.

During the celebration, the lives of the six women were recounted by Scott Club member Lynn Lyon.

Norma Leins dreamed of being a hairdresser, but ended up working in real estate and eventually moved on to the local gas company where she worked for 25 years.

She recalled that healthcare in those days was a bit different from today. The doctor told her he needed to take her tonsils out, but there was no hospital in South Haven back then so he said he could do the surgery on the kitchen table if she agreed. She hesitated, but when her parents promised she could choose any toy she liked from Merson’s store downtown she reluctantly acquiesced. The surgery was a success and she became the proud owner of a new baby buggy. “It was the Cadillac of buggies,” she recalled. That 93 year-old buggy is still in “pristine” condition and now resides at the Historical Association of South Haven on Hubbard Street.

Miller turned 90 this year and said she was very proud of her three successful sons. She was divorced when they were young, but was glad she was able to give them an education and a good life.

“I would like to be remembered for the stalwart job I did of raising my sons when my husband left the family.” Marilyn’s earliest memory is of falling off the South Haven pier when she was 3 years old.

Velma Schnooberger was born during the Depression and recalled how hard her parents worked. “There was always food on the table and hand-me-down clothes,” she said. Velma said she would like to be remembered as being helpful to people. She volunteered at Al-Van Humane Society, church rummage sales and Scott Club events. Velma told narrator Lynn Lyon that the burning of the Hindenburg Zeppelin in 1937 had the greatest impact on her life.

Jillson, 92, was happiest in her marriage of 47 years and always has a smile on her face.

“I feel that a smile goes a long way toward making a stranger happy.” She recalled that her father used to say, “Shirley is the early bird and she always gets the worm,” to which she replied, “Yes, but I always wash them before I eat them.”

Jillson was a cook at South Haven Public Schools. “I must have liked it because I did it for 28 years.” She thought it was an exciting job. “I remember food fights with spaghetti, romantic advances between students, and even butter knives being drawn.”

One of her fondest memories is seeing a quilt that was exhibited in 1933 at the Chicago World’s Fair.

Charlotte Lee, who was president of the Scott Club from 1989 – 1991 and 2004 – 2006, lives in Illinois and was unable to attend the luncheon. Roberta Alexander, who lives in Mattawan, was also unable to attend, was Scott Club president from 2002 – 2004.

The Scott Club began in 1883 when eight women gathered in the parlor of Mrs. A.S. Dyckman to read and discuss the works of Sir Walter Scott and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. As they grew, Mrs. Dyckman’s parlor simply became too small so they and several other clubs at the time got together to raise the money to build the Queen Anne-style building at the corner of Phoenix and Pearl streets, where the club has met officially since Feb. 7, 1893.

Waiting game ends

South Haven authority closes on deal to buy land for recreation park

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It took a little longer than expected for South Haven Area Recreation Authority (SHARA) to seal the deal on purchasing 40 acres of property for a proposed outdoor recreational park. However, that changed Tuesday when local officials announced that paperwork has been signed and they are now looking forward to developing the land on 14^th Avenue, between M-140 and Blue Star highways, in South Haven Township.

Construction of fields and support facilities is expected to take approximately one year and begin sometime between 2019 and 2021 depending on the availability of project funding, according to a news release from the recreation authority, which consists of representatives from the City of South Haven, South Haven Township and South Haven Public Schools.

The recreation authority envisions a $4.1 million outdoor complex that will be comprised of two baseball fields, three softball fields, one little league field, one high school-size soccer field, a concession/restroom building, accessible sidewalks connecting the fields, parking areas and detention ponds to accommodate storm-water runoff.

Acquiring the 40-acre former Lappo Lumber site ended up taking nearly a year to complete.

The recreation authority sought and obtained a $300,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and provided a $100,000 match to purchase the property, but there were a few hurdles to clear first, including approval by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.

“We had to do an environmental study that was reviewed by the DEQ prior to the DNR giving us the green light to close on the property,” said Brian Dissette, South Haven city manager and a member of the recreation authority. “The DEQ is completely swamped with PFAS issues. So review from the DEQ came slower than anticipated.”

Now that the site has been purchased from the Lappo Family Trust, recreation authority officials plan to begin applying for grant funding to get the project going.

“The intent would be to submit a grant application to the DNR for capital improvements at the earliest opportunity,” Dissette said. “Typically a 25 percent match (from the local government – in this case the recreation authority) is the minimum requirement.”

If the recreation authority receives a grant to develop the park, matching funds would come from assets the authority has on hand.

“SHARA has proceeds from the South Haven Area Regional Park property sale that could be used for a local match,” Dissette said, referring to the 96-acre tract of land in Casco Township that was originally envisioned for a recreational park for youth sports.

The recreation authority received $420,000 from the sale of the property earlier this year after authority board members decided the Lappo land, which is next to the Van Buren Trail and Interstate 196, would be a more suitable location for the park. SHARA also receives revenue from residents of South Haven and South Haven Township who pay an annual assessment of $2 per person for each resident who lives in the two municipalities.

Efforts to build a regional outdoor recreational park began in 2006 when a group then named South Haven Area Regional Park committee, formed because of the growing demand for outdoor fields for youth sports and recreation in general. The committee disbanded when South Haven Area Recreation Authority formed several years ago to continue the mission of providing recreational opportunities for people in the community.

Currently, youth leagues use fields at Baseline Middle School and South Haven High School – fields that are really meant for the school teams.

“Community growth and program participation has increased demand to a point that the extensive use of the current facilities on Aylworth Avenue is causing wear and tear beyond the ability to sustain them,” the recreation authority pointed out in a news release. “In addition, the high number of teams, practices and games necessary to accommodate a season has increased so substantially that scheduling additional activities or introducing new teams is highly challenging or nearly impossible. The wear and tear placed on the public schools’ fields translates into not having enough fields for the community and the burden of care and maintenance cost falls to community schools which already have budgets stretched to their limits.”



10.8.18

Retired senior U.S. diplomat Jack Segal traveled to Lake Michigan College's South Haven campus, Sept. 27 to discuss America's change in foreign policy under the Trump Administration. Segal spoke in South Haven as part of the South Haven Speakers Series. (Photo by Becky Kark)

10.1.18

Bill Growden and Vicky Pierce rehearse a scene from the short play, "Jus 'Tus.'" The play  is part of "Tid Bits," a series of seven short plays that will be presented at Senior City on 76th Street in October. (Photo by Diane Rigozzi)

Actors prove you're never too old to act

Senior  readers theater group gets ready to put on a show

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

They're not Broadway stars, but the City on 76th Street Readers Theater group sure draws a crowd when they stage their annual fall show.

This year's show, titled, “Tid Bits,” will be performed Oct. 12 and Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m., Oct. 14 at Senior City on 76th Street, 1635 76th St., South Haven.

“Tid Bits” features a series of seven short plays, all written by award-winning playwright Linda LaRocque of South Haven.

“Five are comedies while one is a serious dramatic piece and another is a dramedy,” LaRocque said. “But all have one thing in common; they  bring up emotion, be it tears or laughter and they are relatable to the audience. And always, there is a take-away value in the end.”

The plots for the short productions run the gamut of experiences older adults face or think about - from grown children who seem more interested in receiving an inheritance than caring for their father, to two women who test the waters when they cast a spell on an insensitive, wise-cracking, rude individual.

“I think the plays are so well written, relative to what seniors face every day and are so fun to be a part of that everyone really enjoys preforming and watching them,” said Diane Rigozzi, executive director of Senior Services of Van Buren County, which sponsors the group. “Being a part of the theater may be something that they always thought about doing but were intimidated.  As seniors they feel more free to put it all out there. They are a hoot.”

LaRocque, who has worked with the troupe for the past several years, agreed.

“It is not about good play, bad play or good acting, bad acting. It's about a group of people dedicated to helping and encouraging one another to put together something many can only dream of. And in the end, feel as if they've made a difference in not just their lives but more importantly, in others and ultimately the world.”

This year marks the third time the senior center's Readers Theater group has performed at City on 76th Street. Their first production took place in 2016 and was followed up with a second in 2017.

With each successive year, the shows have attracted more attendance.

“Senior Readers Theater is one of the most popular programs we have. Every year the attendance has grown,” Riggozi said. “We averaged 90-100 in ticket sales for each performance last year. In South Haven, it is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.”

The number of people participating in the Senior Readers Theater group has grown as well.

Last year, a dozen seniors performed as part of the group. This year it has grown to 20.

“Our cast of characters has grown each year,” Rigozzi said. “They see how much fun it is.  They even share dinner every Sunday after rehearsals”

Readers Theater is somewhat different from other theatrical shows in that actors mainly read from scripts, relying on their voice to convey actions and emotions.

But the Readers Theater group at Senior City also utilizes some props and costumes to spice up their performances.

A brief synopsis for each of the plays that will be performed as part of “Tid Bits,” follows:

“Dream Camper” — When a free-spirited eccentric named Wilma shows up at a KOA campground and honestly shares her dreams with Rose and Dottie, life become better for everyone as she unknowingly helps them to see their own lives differently.

“Jus 'Tus” — In a small town, mystery surrounds the death of Nell's husband Tinker, and crafty Sheriff Wally eyes her with suspicion as he pays her a visit. However, the not-so-grieving widow has some of her own to share.

“Old Men”— When an unspoken resentment finally boils over between lifelong friends Bill and Leonard, it becomes the straw that breaks the muskrat's back as they come to bitter blows.

“Witch One” — Ever wonder how fun it would be to cast a spell on an insensitive, wise-cracking, rude individual? The audience will find out how Trudy and Francine handle things in this comedy.

“Housekeeper Wanted” — When sisters Patsy and Mary decide it's time to step in and hire a housekeeper to protect their inheritance, dad surprises them with an idea or two of his own.

“White Shoulders” — No one has said it better than the American-born poet John Greenleaf Whittier when he penned this classic phrase well over 100 years ago: “For all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest of these are...it might have been.”

“Crazy For Love” — When head-over-heels in love, second-time-around senior daters Barry and Sylvia embark on a romantic weekend road trip, they quickly discover all sorts of things about each other and themselves.

West Nile Virus claims Allegan resident's life

An Allegan County resident diagnosed this summer with West Nile virus has died.

The Allegan County Health Department reported the person's death, Tuesday, and continues to warn area residents about the risk of West Nile virus (WNV).

“This is a notice to the public that WNV continues to be a risk until the area experiences temperatures below freezing,” the department staff stated in a news release. “Most people with WNV never develop symptoms and will not know that they have the virus. Approximately 20 percent of the people develop West Nile fever. A small number of people (less than 1 percent) develop severe Neuro-invasive disease.”

The West Nile virus is influenced by many factors, including climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area, and the level of WNV immunity in birds. It is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals - less than one percent - can develop serious neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis. People 50 years of age and older and individuals with diabetes or hypertension have a higher chance of getting sick, and are more likely to develop complications.

"The West Nile virus can cause a deadly infection in humans, and the elderly are particularly susceptible," said Allegan County Health Department's Health Officer, Angelique Joynes, MPH, RN, "We urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites."

The Allegan County Health Department recommends that individuals protect against mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the "Three Ds":

DEET - Apply insect repellent containing the active ingredient DEET, or other EPA approved product, following the manufacturer’s directions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you.

DAWN AND DUSK - Mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus usually bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure your doors and windows have tight- fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

DRAIN - Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers.

For more information about West Nile virus activity in Michigan, and how to report a dead or sick-acting bird in your area, visit www.michigan.gov/westnile. Additional information on the West Nile virus can be found at www.cdc.gov/westnile.  



9.23.18

South Haven Mayor Scott Smith serves a hot dog to Chloe Kinney of the South Haven High School student council. The mayor invited school student council members and other student leaders, including Cullen Watkins, president of the Be Nice committee, to the city council meeting, Monday, at Elkenburg Park.

Pressing the flesh outdoors

South Haven City Council holds meeting in Elkenburg Park

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

While teenagers played basketball nearby, South Haven City Council members conducted their meeting outdoors, Monday, at Elkenburg Park on the city's south side.

It was Mayor Scott Smith's effort to bring council meetings out to the community.

“One of my goals as mayor is to engage the community,” said Smith, who began his first term as mayor in January. “I hope to stretch these meetings throughout our town to other settings. This is community engagement.”

Judging from people who were interviewed, they appreciated the city's efforts to bring a meeting to Elkenburg Park, a park that is situated in a diverse section of the community where blacks, whites and Hispanics reside.

“It's a great way to bring different parts of the community together,” said Fr. Michael Ryan, who lives in Ward I where the park is located. “I think this is an intentional effort to strengthen the relationships of our community and create cultural inclusiveness.”

Lola Wilson, who attends South Haven City Council meetings regularly, also liked the idea of having an outdoor meeting in a neighborhood setting.

“I like this idea,” she said. “If people don't come to meetings you have to come to them. I think it's a real attempt to be inclusive.”

Bobby Walker, who organizes the annual Bobby Walker Basketball Tournament at the park during the National Blueberry Festival, agreed. “Bringing it to the people. That's what we love.”

Prior to the meeting, council members and city staff stood side by side to roast and serve up hot dogs and cool beverages, which was a welcome relief from the 80-degree temperature.

“It's a hot one,” City Manager Brian Dissette said.

Not only did council, staff and the audience have to deal with warm temperatures, the city's technical crew had to gear up for recording and broadcasting the meeting so people who weren't able to attend could watch it online – something the city does for all of its council meetings.

“To do something like this was fun to deal with,” city Systems Administrator Jared Knapp said. “We've been here since 9 a.m. getting everything set up.”

But, Knapp said it was important to ensure the meeting could be broadcast for city residents to view.

“We want to give them something they're used to having,” he said.

City OKs tax break district downtown

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

South Haven City Council members have put their stamp of approval on a commercial tax break plan they hope will lead to more economic development in the downtown business district.

Council, Monday, unanimously approved the creation of a commercial rehabilitation district that will allow business owners to apply for a tax abatement to develop or expand buildings on property they own. They did so after holding a public hearing.

Under Michigan Public Act 210, a municipality can create such a 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, improvements would still be subject to school operating taxes.

The commercial rehabilitation district will encompass the city's downtown development district, which includes the downtown and portions of the city's north side by the Black River.

But just because a business owner owns buildings and properties within the district, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will automatically be granted a tax break for renovating or building new structures.

“The council has approved establishment of the district, however, no immediate benefit will be received by any property. Abatement agreements have to be considered on an individual basis,” City Manager Brian Dissette said.

The idea for establishing the district came about when South Haven Center LLC, a Grand Rapids-based firm, proposed construction of a three-story building on a .3-acre site at the corner of Center and Huron streets. The site has sat vacant since the former First Baptist Church was demolished in 2007.

The developer plans to build retail space on the first floor, 17 market-rate residential apartments on the second and third floors, and on-site parking for retail and residential tenants. The apartments will not be used for short-term rentals.

Jared Belka, an attorney representing South Haven LLC, said the issuance of a tax abatement will help the project proceed.

With the district established, the city will next have to obtain approval from Van Buren County Board of Commissioners. The county could nix the creation of the district if it is worried that too much tax revenue will be lost, especially in light of the pending closure of Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in 2022.

Boater rescued by two South Haven men

A 65-year-old boater is lucky to be alive after being rescued by two bystanders.

South Haven Police and South Haven Area Emergency Services were dispatched at 5:55 p.m., Sept. 17, for a report of a man trapped under his boat near the South Haven Municipal Marina in the city's harbor.

However, when first responders arrived they found that the man, who was visiting from New Mexico, had already been rescued by the two bystanders.

According to Ron Wise, director of SHAES, the man had parked his trawler motor boat near South Beach and then took his inflatable boat up the harbor to get a bite to eat.

When he neared the marina the man stated that a larger boat swamped his vessel causing him to fall into the water where his foot became caught in a rope, trapping his upper body underneath the boat.

“Terry Norman and David Hoyt, both from South Haven, saw the boat going in circles and thought it was maybe a remote-control boat until they saw the victim’s foot and leg hanging from the side of the boat,” Wise said. “Both men sprang into action, Hoyt was able to jump onto the boat and gain control of the boat and brought it to the dock where Norman was able to climb aboard and help get the victim out of the water.”

The victim was evaluated by medical personnel and refused medical care. It is believed he was under water for about 2-3 minutes and was not wearing a life vest and did not have motor kill cord attached to him while operating the boat.





9.17.18

Brian Thompson, 16, (left) will soon become an Eagle Scout joining his brothers Carl (center) and Craig, who have also earned scouting’s highest rank. The three brothers have been in Scouts since they were little and have also had the honor of serving in the Governor’s Honor Guard on Mackinac Island.

Three brothers soar to Eagle Scout ranking

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

They live together, went to South Haven schools together and soon, three brothers will be making local history together after the youngest earns the highest rank in Boy Scouts.

Brian Thompson, 16, is just weeks away from becoming an Eagle Scout like his brothers Carlton, 22, and Craig, 18. All three have been in Scouting since they were little. 

“When Brian crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts it had been roughly 20 years since three brothers were active at the same time in (South Haven) Troop 198,” said their mother Christine Thompson.

Not only will the three have achieved the highest rank in Scouting, they also have done something few other Scouts have done - been chosen for the Governor’s Honor Guard.

Boy Scouts have been coming to Mackinac Island to act as the Governor’s Honor Guard every summer since 1929. When President Gerald Ford was a Boy Scout, he was a member of the first group to serve. The opportunity includes a week of service projects, sight-seeing and exploring. Eligible scouts must have the recommendation of their Scoutmaster to participate. Between 50 and 60 scouts are selected for the Honor Guard each year.

“I went last year for the first time,” said Craig. “You do two- to three-hour shifts, work around the fort, answer questions and make sure visitors follow the rules.”

It’s even more of an honor to be among the select few who are chosen to guard at the Governor’s mansion - which all three Thompson brothers have also done.

“It was an amazing experience, I got to talk to so many people and connect with them.,” said Brian. “It was also great to see how far scouting extends, both for current members, and through tourists I talked to who had previous scouting experiences. I was super excited when I got the news that I would be able to serve at the governor’s mansion as well, especially for being a first year at Mackinac. Serving the governor’s mansion is a service only seven out of the 60 Scouts up there get to do, and it was by far my favorite post. I’d definitely recommend going to Mackinac to any other Scouts interested.”

Craig explained that there isn’t enough members of their South Haven troop to go up north on their own so they join Troop 628 from St. Joseph. After splitting into three patrols, two are chosen from each to serve at the mansion.

“Scouts are in only a small section of the house,” said Craig. “We stand at the entrance, greet visitors, make sure they are wearing their booties inside and take pictures if they ask.”

Christine Thompson and her husband Brian, are active supporters of Boy Scouts because they think it is beneficial.

“We started out in scouting so they could be involved with their friends,” said Christine. “We had previous scouting in our family as well, my brother is an Eagle Scout and I was also a Campfire Girl. It was always a great experience. My parents were involved as well in scouting and Campfire. We felt it would teach them leadership, self-reliance, respect, and how to be a part of a group. The Scout motto is 'Be Prepared.' Scouting helped prepare our boys for other aspects of life as well as challenges that lie ahead.”

“Scouting has played a monumental role in my everyday life,” said Carl who is attending Ferris State University to obtain a bachelor's degree in social work. “While I don’t tie square knots, use the stars for guidance, or live off the land every day I use the principles and idea of scouting in all that I do. Being an Eagle Scout is more than just being a leader; it’s committing to being an exemplary human, helping those who are in need, and striving for a better nation. Perhaps this is why I’m pursuing my major in social work. The ideals behind being an Eagle Scout will help me to accomplish whatever challenges I face ahead of me in all aspects of life.” 

SH Schools replaces high school gym floor for third time

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

“Three times the charm” is the old adage that South Haven Public Schools hopes will hold true as it goes through the process of placing down a new high school gym floor for the third time in less than two years.

Board of Education members voted Wednesday to authorize contractors to begin laying a new tongue-and-groove floor – one that will be different from the other two floors that were constructed as wooden parquet floors.

“Our job is to make sure we get a safe floor for our students to play on and use,” said District Operations Director Kevin Dee.

The contractor who laid the floor, Kuhn Specialty Flooring, and the manufacturer of the flooring, Connor Sports, both have made an agreement with the school district to lay the third floor at their own expense.

“Everyone has been willing to step up to the plate,” Dee said. “I give them credit for standing behind their work.”

Work on the new maple wood tongue-and-groove floor will be completed by the start of the basketball season in November. In the meantime, the girls volleyball games have been moved to Lincoln Elementary School's gym and gym classes will either be conducted at Lincoln School, outdoors or in the high school weight room area.

“Everyone is disheartened by the outcome of this,” Dee said. “It's a tough one. The hardest is the impact on programming and sports.”

The saga of the troubled gym floor began in the summer of 2017 when the gym underwent an extensive renovation as part of the high school's $27 million renovation project. The renovations included replacement of the old tongue-and-groove flooring with an attractive new hardwood parquet floor. But when the school year got underway athletic coaches and officials noticed that the wooden tiles of the new parquet floor began delaminating, or lifting.

In January, school district officials reached an agreement with the flooring contractor to replace the $115,000 floor at the contractor's expense. True to their word, the contractor made repairs to the floor for the completion of the 2017-18 school year and then replaced the floor earlier this summer.

But after the floor replacement was completed, problems developed.

“In August, we started to see issues with the floor that were reminiscent of what happened before,” Dee said.

Dee met with representatives from Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., the high school renovation project's construction manager; GMB Architecture and Engineering, the district's architect; and the floor contractor.

They investigated and discovered that the expiration date of the glue used to hold the flooring had expired.

“About 90 percent of the glue that was used was expired and causing delaminating,” Jeff Weber of Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. told South Haven school board members Wednesday.

Although contractors offered to put a third parquet floor in and give the district a lifetime guarantee on the work, the school board's finance and facilities committee recommended that the district go with the more traditional tongue-and-groove flooring.

“I was reluctant to switching styles,” said Joe DeGrandchamp of the school board's finance and facilities committee, “but knowing the complications involved in installing it (a parquet floor) the third time, I wasn't willing to risk it.

“It's a sound system,” DeGrandchamp went on to say, referring to the installation of parquet floors, “but it's not for us.”

9.10.18

A boat is shown Thursday afternoon being washed off at All Seasons Marine in preparation for being dry docked for the upcoming winter season.

SH hopes to land grant to purchase marina on prime waterfront property

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It's getting harder and harder to find prime pieces of waterfront real estate in South Haven.

That's why the City of South Haven hopes to land a state grant to purchase All Seasons Marine.

Situated on two parcels of land on the Black River, the marina has been for sale for the past one-and-a-half years, according to City Manager Brian Dissette.

City Council members took the first step, Tuesday, in trying to purchase the two pieces of property at 206 and 234 Black River Street by authorizing staff to begin the process of writing a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund. They will do so with the help of Greg Weykamp, president of Edgewater Resources, a planning firm based in St. Joseph.

“The past year-and-a-half the city has been talking with Greg and All Seasons,” Dissette said. “ It's a gem of a property...This is one of those game-changing moments.”

If the city does land a grant, it could do a couple of things with the property.

“We could continue to operate it as a full-time marina to assure the viability for boats in our harbor or two, we try and open the area up to greater pedestrian and public access,” Dissette said.

Or the city could do both.

Edgewater recently helped the City of Douglas land a DNR grant to purchase a former marina there. The site has since been redeveloped into a marina and public park.

“We would look at a similar process here,” Weykamp said. “Our goal is to work with the community and protect this harbor.”

All Seasons' two pieces of property occupy four acres of land overlooking the city's harbor. The marina is a full-service facility that has 50 slips and has been owned by the same family for 36 years.

But before the city can move forward on submitting a grant, a fair market value for the marina and land will have to be established.

“The fair market value has to be acceptable to the city, the Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund and All Seasons,” Dissette said.

If the city does land a grant and acquires the marina it would seek the public's input before making any decisions on the future use of the property. While the grant application is being written, city staff plan to seek comments from the Parks Commission, Harbor Commission and Planning Commission.

The city already owns three municipal marinas, but the loss of All Seasons could hurt the city's boating economy, city officials say.

“This is a critical piece of property if we want to keep our marine services viable,” Dissette said. “What we're doing right now is making notice to council ad public that we want to apply for funding and hopeful we can convince the state this is an investment they should take advantage of.”

In the meantime, if All Seasons Marine receives a purchase offer from a private party, the city understands that the deal may be called off.

“If they have a buyer come to them tomorrow with a deal too good to refuse, the family is under no obligation to us,” Dissette said. “We realize we are taking a risk, but we feel we can build a strong application and get it funded.”

9.4.18

Hundreds of antique engine and tractor collectors are expected to attend the 35th annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show Thursday, Sept. 6 through Sunday, Sept. 9 at the Michigan Flywheelers Museum in South Haven.

Celebrating 35 years of antique engine and tractor shows

This year marks a milestone for the Michigan Flywheelers Museum which is hosting its 35th annual Antique Engine and Tractor Show starting Thursday, Sept. 6.

The  four day event which runs through Sunday, Sept. 9, is one of the largest of its kind in the state. Collectors from across the country attend the event each year bringing a wide assortment of antique farm machinery for visitors to see.

“One of the unique aspects of our show is you never know what kind of machinery will show up,” said museum president Patrick Ingalls. “That's what makes the show so interesting."

Along with the old machines, there is plenty to see and do. A large outdoor flea market with over 220 vendors, daily equipment parades, demonstrations at the blacksmith shop, sawmill and shingle mill and one of the favorite activities - eating sweet corn cooked in a 1923 Nichols and Shepard steam traction engine made in Battle Creek are just a few of the highlights.

"We do get a lot of people that tell us one of the main reasons they look forward to the show every year is for the steamed sweet corn," added Ingalls. 

Other activities include antique and garden tractor pulls, kids events, Thing-A-Ma-Jig parade, consignment auction, valve cover races and more.

“All four days are packed full of things to see and do,”  said  Ingalls. "This is a family-friendly event with lots of kids activities like our Sawdust Pile treasure hunt, kiddie’s pedal pull, flywheel toss and we even have a playground called “The Barnyard.”

This year's entertainment includes folk singer Joe Foster, the Casco Band, Ken and Judy Moore’s Jam Session, Silver Songs, Brandt Carmichael Band, Hymn Sings and local country rocker Jared Knox. The Silver Songs show will take place on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. and is a benefit concert for Senior Services of Van Buren County.

Saturday is considered “Kid’s Day” at the show. Activities start with a Kiddies Pedal Pull at noon, a sawdust pile treasure hunt at 3:30 p.m. and the John Dudley Magic Show at 7 p.m. Tractor games will be held for those children who have access to riding lawn tractors, and returning for its eight year is the "Kids Night Time Lawn Tractor Cruise" at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

One of the popular activities for young and old is the “South Haven Tractor Cruise.” Scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, participants drive tractors of all makes and models into South Haven, cruise along the South Beach, and then stop downtown for an evening of dining and shopping. 

Gates open at 8 a.m. rain or shine. Admission to the show is $7. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult admission. Thursday is Senior’s Day and admission is $3 for those 62 and over.  This is a pet-free event for those paying admission.

Rustic camping sites are available on a first-come basis. Cost is $10 per night plus daily admission per person. Pets are allowed with exhibitors, campers and vendors only. Personal transportation vehicles, such as golf carts, will be charged $15 registration fee. ATVs, dirt bikes and firearms are not permitted.

For more information, contact 269-639-2010, michiganflywheelers@yahoo.com, or Facebook.  A complete show schedule is available on Facebook or www.michiganflywheelers.org. 

The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is located at 06285 68th St., two miles east of South Haven.

Special use OK'd

Foot doctor gets the nod to build medical office in residential area

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

It looks like a podiatrist who wants to build a medical office in a residential area of the city will be able to do so after all.

South Haven Zoning Board of Appeals voted 4-2 Monday to grant a use variance to Dr. Richard Seiler to enable him to build a 3,500-5,000-square foot facility on three parcels of property that are zoned residential along the M-43 corridor. The ZBA did so after holding a public hearing.

Their decision grant the use variance came after South Haven Planning Commission in July turned down Seiler's request to rezone the three parcels at 753, 757 and 765 Phillips St. for commercial use. Instead, planners recommended that the Zoning Board of Appeals take a look at granting a use variance, which if approved would allow the property to be used for medical offices only, no other commercial purpose.

“In July we (the planning commission) were looking at a commercial rezoning request,” said Larry Heinig, who is both a member of the ZBA and planning commission. “We wanted to restrict the properties to a medical facility and sent it to the ZBA as a use variance request.”

Heinig, who voted to approve the use variance, along with Steve Runkle, Tom Stegeman and Dave Miller, said the homeowner of the property has been trying to sell the three parcels of property for residential use for a number of years, but hadn't found any buyers.

“The property hasn't moved. I think it's time the city take action to make the property usable,” Heinig said, adding that the M-43 corridor has been designated in the 2011 master plan as an area for medical complexes and that a number of them, including Bronson South Haven Hospital, exist there already.

Not everyone was in favor of granting the use variance, however. Both Pat Gaston and Lisa Bettis-Cooper voted no.

“This is a neighborhood,” Cooper said regarding the three-block portion of the M-43 Highway where homes, duplexes and apartments are located. “I built a brand new home in my neighborhood where a new home hadn't been built there in 50 years.”

Gaston said homeowners in the neighborhood along the M-43 corridor want their area to remain residential so that's why she voted against the use variance.

Several homeowners attended the public hearing to voice their concerns about allowing Seiler to build a medical office near them.

“People in our neighborhood came out in force against commercial uses,” said Don Bemis, referring to a meeting city leaders conducted with M-43 homeowners in 2017. “When you grant the first variance I don't know how you can turn down the next one.”

Bemis also said the three parcels Seiler wants could support three new residential homes.

The property owners, Jack and Millicent Huminsky, however, countered that they have tried for the past 12 years to sell the two vacant parcels and the third one that has an old home on it, but had no success in doing so.

“We've worked with four different realtors,” Jack Huminsky said. “Nobody wants to build (a home) there. It's not the quiet, quant neighborhood people say it is. It is a versatile, main corridor into town. There was talk of beautifying this corridor. This (construction of a new medical office) is an excellent way to do that.”

The three parcels will be sold for $99,000, which is less than what the properties have been assessed at, Huminsky said. His wife also said that because the property behind their lots is considered a flood plain it would be difficult at best for someone to obtain an approval for a loan to purchase the land for residential development.

“It (the three parcels) has been in our family for five generations,” Millicent Huminsky said. “It needs to move on and be something else.”

Seiler's next step will be to return to the planning commission with a site plan for development of the parcels. If it is approved, he plans to tear down the old home, which at one time was used as a boarding house, and construct his medical facility.

8.27.18

A billboard visible to eastbound I-94 traffic is situated near Paw Paw, taking issue with the high school’s continued use of the name of the school district’s mascot. The definition is from the Merriam-Webster dictionary. (Photo by Rod Smith)

Billboard blasts Paw Paw High School mascot

By ROD SMITH

For The Tribune

PAW PAW — In February of 2017 Paw Paw Board of Education voted 4-3 to keep the district's controversial Redskins mascot.

But there's still opposition. The latest salvo in the battle came last week in the form of a billboard along I-94, which called the mascot name "offensive."

Monica Washington Padula, a member of the Michigan Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media, said the billboard is both a response to a pro-Redskins billboard last year and an attempt to re-frame the argument.

"We want them to know what the name means to us," Padula said. "Not what it means to them, but what it means to us." Padula said it's wrong to use a disparaging name given to an ethnic group as one used for a team's mascot.

The issue came to a head near the end of 2016 and into 2017 as the school board held a series of meetings before voting to keep the Redskins as its mascot's name. During that period there was a banner proclaiming "We are the Paw Paw Redskins" that was placed on a semi-truck, Padula said. It was later moved to a billboard along I-94 near the high school before the final vote.

"That was an extra slap in the face," Padula said. There was a picture of what she termed a "stereotypical" Indian head.

Among the points debated was whether or not the term "redskins" as used by Paw Paw schools was derogatory or a term of honor. Supporters maintain the name embodies the warrior spirit. Opponents say the term refers to blood on the skins of scalped Indians by settlers.

Padula said the wording on the billboard is taken from a dictionary. The billboard says the word redskin is "older slang, disparaging, offensive." Further it says "The word redskin is very offensive and should be avoided." It also gives the coalition's website address: NativerightsMI.org,

That sign is located on the north side of I-94 about a quarter mile west of the Paw Paw exit. It is not near a school.

Whether the billboard has had an effect in Paw Paw is difficult to gauge. School board President Brent McNitt said that "Nobody has reached out to me directly about this."

He said that the district does not comment about billboards.

Two years ago Padula was one of a number of protesters at the Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival. They marched from the middle school to the amphitheater where protesters made speeches. Padula said there will be no protest this year, but instead the Native American Student Community Organization will take part in the festival's parade - a first.

The three-day festival begins Friday, Sept. 7. According to the online schedule, the parade is set for 1 p.m. Sunday.

The coalition website says that "Native Americans are not for sport." It further says 26 Michigan schools have replaced their "redskins" mascots with five schools still using the term. Besides Paw Paw, according to the website, the schools are Saranac, Camden Frontier, Clinton and Sandusky.

Covert Schools refunds taxes to gas plant

By KIM INGALLS

For the Tribune

COVERT - Covert Board of Education plans to shell out a $1 million tax refund to New Covert Generating Plant, and the school district may end up paying out more refunds in the future.

School board members approved the expenditure Monday evening.

The repayment is the result of a state tax tribunal decision and subsequent court appeals that began about five years ago when the then-owner of the gas plant disputed its tax assessment.

The Michigan Tax Tribunal ruled in 2013 that the plant was being over-assessed resulting in a refund due for 2010 -11. Covert’s portion of the refund was $1.053,161.

Covert Superintendent Bobbi Morehead explained that the $1 million bill was a principal payment only and it has not yet been decided if the school owes interest.

In other matters:

• Starting in 2019, high schoolers will have to earn 21 credits to graduate. Graduation requirements for current students is 18 credits. High school principal Yolanda Brunt explained that in the past the school only required the state minimum of 18 credits.  Most schools, she said, require 23 to 24 credits. With the district adding classes like music, art, creative writing and gym, students will be able to earn the extra credits. The credit requirements will increase by one more, for each of the years, 2020 and 2021.

• Darryl Williams was hired as Human Resources and Operations Manager. Williams was hired this past November as operations manager, but due to a retirement vacancy, the school combined the two positions to save money. The board also hired Dawn Meier as a bus driver.

• The board accepted the resignation of physical education teacher Dennis Paquette. Paquette, who resigned last September as Bangor Public Schools superintendent, has accepted a wrestling coach position at Olivet High School, according to Morehead.

South Haven gets ready for winter snow removal

By BECKY KARK

Editor and general manager

Winter's fury isn't yet upon us, but that's not stopping South Haven Department of Public Works staff from gearing up for wintry weather now.

The department's Executive Director Bill Hunter is in the process of ordering 1,200 tons of salt that will be used to clear the city's streets later this year and in early 2019.

He got the OK to do so earlier this week from the City Council, which approved an expenditure of $93,000 for him to do so.

“Salt is the majority of the supplies when it comes to operating expenses in the Major & Local Street winter maintenance budget,” Hunter remarked.

The city gets its salt through the State of Michigan’s Extended Purchasing Program, which prepares bids on behalf of municipalities throughout the state so that salt can be purchased at a more affordable cost.

Salt, rather than sand, is the main ingredient the city uses when removing ice from its streets.

“Most communities don’t use straight sand; they use a mixture of salt, chloride and No. 2 sand,” Hunter explained. “In South Haven, we use just salt. Typically you try to avoid using sand in areas where you have enclosed storm systems, which is the majority of our road system.”

The purchase of salt comprises nearly half of the city's annual budget for snow removal.

“We spend anywhere from $220,00 to $230,000,” Hunter said. Other expenditures include equipment maintenance and wages.

An average of 7 to 8 DPW workers are out at any given time clearing snow. They not only clear snow from streets and parking lots, but a number of main sidewalks as well, including ones in the downtown area.