South County News

News from Schoolcraft, a village in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, United States.

Articles: 306

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 14:37

Domestic

By Alisha Siebers, Director of the Vicksburg Cultural Arts CenterIf the outdoors is calling you, consider joining the Plein Air Artists of West Michigan for one of their Paint Outs. Plein Air painting is simply painting outdoors—an activity popularized by the Impressionists who tried to capture outdoor light and air in their works. Richard Jordan, … Continue reading Painting outdoors with Richard Jordan

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 14:35

Domestic

The Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival will return to Vicksburg High Schools Performing Arts Center April 25 with a performance by Michigan native Alpin Hong – performing with the high school’s band. Hong debuted with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra at the age of 10. He has since performed and advocated for music education throughout … Continue reading Gilmore pianist to perform in Vicksburg

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 14:32

300 attend 2022’s first Vicksburg food truck rally

Domestic

By Jef RietsmaVicksburg’s first Food Truck Rally of 2022 was deemed a success by event organizers. Staged March 10 on a closed-off section of Main Street, the rally attracted more than 300 people, according to Alex Lee, Vicksburg’s director of community engagement. Lee was instrumental in organizing the three-hour food fest. He said it took … Continue reading 300 attend 2022’s first Vicksburg food truck rally

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 14:07

Vicksburg writer honored on 96th birthday

Domestic

During the March meeting of the Vicksburg Ladies Library, members celebrated Marilyn Jones’ 96th birthday. The surprise party included birthday cake and punch and a performance from barbershop quartet, Four Got To Shave. Marilyn is a lifelong area resident, active in many community groups, and has been recognized for her writing and poetry.

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 14:06

Domestic

By Marilyn Jones,Schoolcraft's Poet Laureate I always look forward to springtimeWhen once again the earth turns green,The whiff of fresh air, and birds tweetingGive my spirits a life … know what I mean? This year, the winter has been dragging its feet,More snow is disappointing to see,But if we can just be a bit patientDaffodils … Continue reading Spring, I'm ready when you are

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 14:02

Domestic

What is better than Yum Yum Sauce? Better than the sauce from that famous chicken restaurant chain? In my house, it is called Awesome Sauce, simply because well….it is….AWESOME. We like it on too many things to name, but to start I’ll suggest: burgers, fries, chicken and even a rare piece of ahi tuna, which … Continue reading Deborah Harsha's awesome sauce

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 01:25

Schoolcraft’s 4th of July celebration returning

Domestic

After a two-year absence, the Schoolcraft 4th of July celebration is back. This year is the 95th anniversary of Schoolcraft’s celebration of our nation’s Independence Day. This family-friendly event will include the parade, car show, pancake breakfast, food trucks, Underground Railroad House tours – and those fireworks, presenting by Great Lakes Fireworks. Visit sites.google.com/view/schoolcraft-mi-4th-of-july/home to see the … Continue reading Schoolcraft’s 4th of July celebration returning

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 01:23

WMU’s first Black graduate honored by DAR

Domestic

Dr. Merze Tate, the first Black graduate of Western Michigan Teachers College, has been described as a trailblazing teacher, journalist, author, inventor and advisor to world leaders. In 2021, the college’s descendant, Western Michigan University, renamed a college in her honor. The Kalamazoo-area chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) entered Tate into … Continue reading WMU’s first Black graduate honored by DAR

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 01:22

“Texas Pete” wrangling the hearts of children

Domestic

By Kathy DeMott The art of story-telling engages audiences as they escape into a scene, follow the characters, root for the hero, and see themselves whirling with excitement as adventures unfold. Anticipation grows, loyalty rises and one can see themselves with the strength and fortune of the main character. For almost 20 years, Portage resident … Continue reading “Texas Pete” wrangling the hearts of children

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 01:17

Domestic

South County voters in a May 3 election will vote on a request to renew a county-wide law enforcement millage. They’ll also vote on renewal of operating millages on non-homestead property in Vicksburg and Climax-Scotts school districts. The county tax question, if approved, would renew a tax of $1.438 per $1,000 taxable value for six … Continue reading Voters to decide tax renewals May 3

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 01:16

Vicksburg administrator describes May 3 millage

Education

By Jef Rietsma Vicksburg Community Schools Assistant Superintendent Steve Goss took advantage of the district’s March 14 board meeting to emphasize the significance of an tax renewal request on the May 3 ballot. Goss said district voters will be asked whether to renew a non-homestead operating millage. Board members in January approved a resolution placing … Continue reading Vicksburg administrator describes May 3 millage

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 01:14

Education

By Travis Smola The Schoolcraft Board of Education in a brief March meeting went into a closed session to give Superintendent Ric Frens his first evaluation. Board President Jennifer Gottschalk said the board had many positive comments on his first year in the district. The board gave him a good evaluation, then formally adopted it … Continue reading Schoolcraft evaluates superintendent

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 01:13

Eagles basketball team wins state championship

Sport

By Jordon Buell In last year’s season, the Schoolcraft boys varsity basketball team had a goal: recapturing a state championship. They fell just short of their goal in the semi-finals against Iron Mountain. With redemption in mind, a veteran head coach, and a determined team, the Eagles headed into the 2021-2022 with the same goal: … Continue reading Eagles basketball team wins state championship

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 01:11

Eagle wrestlers falter in state championships

Sport

By Mark BlentlingerSchoolcraft’s Riley Cochran and Nolan Strake didn’t come out on top at early-March state wrestling championship matches in Detroit. But they put up good fights. Cochran in the 160-lb weight class was matched with Shenard Foster of Detroit Loyola, last season’s state runner-up. At the end of period one, the score was 2-1 … Continue reading Eagle wrestlers falter in state championships

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 01:09

Sport

By Jordon Buell The Schoolcraft Lady Eagles basketball season ended earlier than expected in a hard-fought game against Kent City in the quarterfinals of the Class C MHSAA playoffs. The score: 34-33. It was a defensive clinic, to say the least. Senior Mackenzie Miller scored a team-high 11 points in the contest, with senior Madison … Continue reading Eagles season ends in quarterfinals

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 00:58

Politics

Most of the digging to finish Vicksburg’s downtown infrastructure construction on West Washington and adjacent Mill Street is complete, said Alex Lee, the village’s director of community engagement. The year-long project to install water, sewer and storm drain pipes began on streets northeast of the downtown area and went on to dig up much of … Continue reading Vicksburg infrastructure work nears end

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 00:55

Schoolcraft seeks sewer grant, eyes nearby proposals

Politics

By Bob Ball Schoolcraft Village Council at a March 21 meeting voted to apply for a $10.5-million federal grant to build a sewer line on Grand Street – US-131 – from one end of the village to the other. It would provide sewage disposal for businesses on the busy highway which, like the rest of … Continue reading Schoolcraft seeks sewer grant, eyes nearby proposals

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 00:54

Politics

By Jef Rietsma Vicksburg Village Council members approved the hiring of a new full-time clerk and created two part-time positions. The clerk position will be filled by former village employee Christian Wines. At a March 21 meeting, Village Manager Jim Mallery called the departure of utility clerk Denise Herald “bittersweet.” Herald’s retirement was effective March … Continue reading Vicksburg village hires full-time clerk

South County News

11 Apr 2022, 00:49

Opinion

A few snowflakes still linger today as we wrap up this edition of the South County News. Our daffodils and hyacinths’ progress has stalled during this cold spell. We are all looking forward to that spring sun on our face and the reappearance of lawn chairs and grills! This month our paper is packed with … Continue reading Updates from around our area

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 17:08

Domestic

Customers of Windfall Coffeehouse will find its menu and offerings a short way east on the other side of Prairie, at Apple Knockers. There, they can order from both menus, perhaps a Windfall Cuban Sweet Hottie sandwich and with Apple Knockers’ waffle fries and a special fry dip. Co-owners Rita Sertic and Paula Hochstetler call … Continue reading Windfall menu now at Apple Knockers

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 17:06

Deborah Curtis to exhibit at Schoolcraft Library

Domestic

By Alisha Siebers, Executive Director, Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center To welcome Deborah Curtis back to South Kalamazoo County after being away since 2004, the Schoolcraft Community Library is hosting an exhibit of her artwork. When Deb was 3 years old, she lived in the apartment above what used to be the Vicksburg Locker Plant on … Continue reading Deborah Curtis to exhibit at Schoolcraft Library

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 17:02

Domestic

Looking for an interesting educational experience appropriate for all ages? Just a few miles up Portage Road, the Air Zoo awaits, with its collection and display of aircraft, artifacts and exhibits. Over its 40-plus-year history, the Air Zoo has grown from a nine-plane hangar display to a Smithsonian-affiliated, world-class aerospace and science education center. The … Continue reading Air Zoo has something for all ages

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 16:37

Happenings at the Schoolcraft Community Library

Domestic

Prairie Page Turners – February 2 at 2 p.m. in the Bob Crissman Community Room. The book for March is Mitch Albom’s “The Stranger in the Lifeboat”. Books available to check out. Join us for a great discussion, sharing and snacks! Preschool Story Hour Go Green! – March 8 11-11:30 a.m. Ages 3-6. Stories, fingerplays, … Continue reading Happenings at the Schoolcraft Community Library

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 16:31

The league ended but the collection continues

Domestic

By Jef Rietsma Collector? Leigh Fitzgerald. Collection? Memorabilia from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. What sparked your interest in this short-lived league? “The film ‘A League of Their Own’ came out in 1992 and I had always been a huge baseball fan. I really enjoyed the movie, it really intrigued me. My collection started … Continue reading The league ended but the collection continues

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 16:27

Domestic

Deborah Harsha needed a way to use some extra sour cream, and voila! She discovered this super-delicious, super-easy recipe for oatmeal cookies. Deborah says, “Now I have sour cream on the list again as my family is eating these cookies like no tomorrow!” Ingredients 1 cup butter or margarine1 1/2 cups sugar2 cups uncooked oatmeal1 t baking … Continue reading Oatmeal cookies: Save that sour cream

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 16:16

Education

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 16:14

Education

By Travis Smola The Schoolcraft board of education approved retirements of Steve Kulczyk and Dave Powers at its monthly board meeting. Kulczyk retires as the district’s physical education teacher after more than 30 years with the district. He also handed over the reins as head coach of the varsity girls’ basketball team this year. Powers … Continue reading Schoolcraft board approves retirements

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 16:11

Education

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 16:01

Sport

By Mark Blentlinger Six individuals and two teams were inducted into the Schoolcraft Hall of Fame during halftime of the February 18 Schoolcraft vs Parchment basketball game. Schoolcraft’s 1988 Class D football state champions were recognized. At a game with Frankfort, Brad Johnson set a state record with an 87-yard punt return for a touchdown. … Continue reading Schoolcraft Hall Of Fame night

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 15:58

Eagles climb to playoffs on winning streak

Sport

By Jordon Buell Schoolcraft’s varsity girls basketball team is currently first in league play on an 18-game winning streak. Dominance at any level is impressive; Coach Steve Kulczyk has this group operating at an all-time high. The team began February with a two-game home stand, the first against Delton Kellogg. The Lady Eagles dominated their … Continue reading Eagles climb to playoffs on winning streak

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 15:25

Sport

By Mark Blentlinger Two Schoolcraft wrestlers will compete for individual state championships at Detroit’s Ford Field March 4th and 5th. Nolan Strake and Riley Cochran survived individual district matches among wrestlers from 15 schools to make the cut. Schoolcraft in mid-February hosted Division 4 regional team wrestling championships with the Eagles hosting White Pigeon, Decatur, … Continue reading Two Eagle wrestlers head to Ford Field

South County News

08 Mar 2022, 04:12

Vicksburg’s Mallery gets high marks from council

Politics

By Jef Rietsma Vicksburg Village Manager Jim Mallery received a strong rating on his annual performance review. During the village council’s Feb. 7 meeting, board president Tim Frisbie said Mallery, 54, received a score of 528.5 on a 595-point scale. Frisbie said Mallery’s review was conducted in a process that involved the village’s Human Resources … Continue reading Vicksburg’s Mallery gets high marks from council