Justus Gage wing dedicated

Published 4:28 pm Tuesday, September 30, 2003

By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
The five-classroom Justus Gage early elementary wing dedicated Monday night cost $1.1 million and some change.
Justus Gage, built in 1953, is 50 years old. It is named for Dowagiac's first village president in 1858.
Crandall also thanked parents and the staffs -- "the staff at Justus Gage, who had to endure this transition, and the staff from Lincoln, who had to plan for the transition in coming over here. I know it was not easy. Change is never easy. But I do appreciate the support that you gave to this project, the understanding and the patience that you demonstrated and, ultimately, the most important thing you could give us was your trust. Your trust that this project would, indeed, be beneficial for your children.
Board of Education President Randy Cuthbert welcomed everyone to the outdoor ceremony in the new parking lot.
Expanding Justus Gage enabled the district to save $125,000 in annual operating expenses by closing Lincoln.
Also representing the school board were Vice President Tina Haggin, Secretary Sherry File and Trustees Bill Lawrence and Larry Seurynck.
Attending the ribbon-cutting were: Dowagiac Mayor Donald Lyons; National Honor Society President John Klapchuk from the first Inside Track preschool class of 1990-91; Chris Siebenmark of state Sen. Ron Jelinek's staff; Southwestern Michigan College President David Mathews; County Commissioner Terri Kitchen, R-Silver Creek Township; Undersheriff Richard Behnke; Steven R. Myers, project manager for the general contractor, Fiskars of St. Joseph; and Timothy C. Berneche of architect Fanning/Howey Associates Inc. of Michigan City, Ind.
Contractors also included: Ibid County, electrical; B.C. Mechanical, mechanical; West Michigan Plumbing, plumbing; and C&M Construction, masonry.