Serving Cassopolis Thursday, June 26, 2014
www.leaderpub.com
Volume 142, Number 26
Budget numbers
STANDING
inside
THE HEAT
Hard work pays off for Cassopolis
County teenagers learn fire training Sam Adams
2
Sports
All-Lakeland Rangers land 3 on baseball squad Page
15
Obituaries Flora Dodson Cassopolis
Alfred L. Busby, Jr. Scottsdale, Arizona
DeLores Jane Tucker Cassopolis USPS 92880
W
ith two of her family members serving as firefighters back home, Marcellus-resident Lacie Scoggin has heard plenty of stories about firefighting since she was little. It was only after four years of hands-on “When they instruction from Dow- finish, they agiac fire have a new crews that appreciation the recent for fire high school departments g r a d u a t e and what learned just they do.” how difficult the job —Amy Anderson, actually is, ETS director though. “They’re not just out there spraying water everywhere,” Scoggin said. “They’re giving up a lot to do this.” Scoggin was one of 15 teenagers from Marcellus, Edwardsburg, Dowagiac and Cassopolis participating in this week’s fire training camp, an educational course designed to give area high school students an introduction to firefighting. A partnership between South Western Michigan College’s Educational Talent Search and Cass County fire
TOP: A member of the Dowagiac Fire Department helps one of the students suit up. ABOVE: The students were divided into groups of three to help put out the controlled car fires. LEFT: The last group of the day moves in closer to extinguish the remnants of the blaze inside the car.
Family is Why WE DO IT ALL
Call or visit for all of your insurance needs.
Office Hours:
68935 Gateway Dr PO Box 623 Edwardsburg, MI 49112-0623 Bus: 269-663-7015 www.LorieBowers.com
Monday: 9 am to 6 pm Tuesday & Thursday: 9 am to 5 pm Wednesday & Friday: 9 am to 5 pm Saturday by Appointment Like a Good NeiGhbor
State Farm iS there®
StateFarm.com® • State Farm Insurance Companies Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinois
The Cassopolis Board of Education adopted its 2013-14 final budget at a regular meeting Monday night. The district finished the 2013-14 year with a deficit of $484,482. Total expenditures for Cassopolis Public Schools were $10,167,805 while total revenues were $9,683,323. Cassopolis has a fund balance of $877,305 to end the year. Despite the shortfall, Cassopolis Superintendent Tracy Hertsel knew that number could have been much bigger had it not been for the work the school board did last summer to fix the budget and the tough choices they had to make. “We made substantial cuts last year,” Hertsel said. “We made some tough choices and because of those choices, we were able to keep that number much lower.” Hertsel also said that despite the flooding that caused substantial damage to Ross Beatty Jr./Sr. High School this past winter, the district was able to benefit thanks to its insurance coverage. “A lot positives are coming from that,” he said. “We are doing a lot of neat things in the district. Things
Leader photos/TED YOAKUM
See HEAT, page 3
Lorie Bowers, Agent
By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak @leaderpub.com
By TED YOAKUM ted.yoakum @leaderpub.com
History team heads to Detroit to compete Page
75¢
See BOARD, page 3 Precision Body & Frame Alignments “Collision Repairs A Specialty”
JIM D’S BODY SHOP “We Guarantee All Our Work”
All Makes & Models Glass Installation Fiberglass Repair
782.2728 56265 M-51 S. • Dowagiac
Connelly Chapel
Wagner Family
*Funerals*Cremations* *Gatherings*
269.445.2435
Eugene F. Wagner: Owner/Manager
202 North Broadway St. Cassopolis
wagnercares.com
Financial strategies. One-on-one advice. Jon M Badur, CFP®, AAMS® Jon M Badur, CFP®, AAMS® Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor
.
68925 M 62 Suite B 68925 M 62 Suite B Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 269-663-3130 269-663-3130 www.edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com
Page 2 • Thursday, June 26, 2014
The Cassopolis Vigilant
calendar Weekend
friday, july 4
Lowe Center 1 to 3 p.m. Learn what is new in the area of diabetes care. Hear from guest speakers and share success stories with the group. First Friday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lowe Center Cass County COA.
wednesday, july 9 Barn Swallow Theatre Friday through Saturday Barn Swallow Theatre presents the hit musical “Always — Patsy Cline” this weekend. Performances are scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Reservations are requested by calling 4452511. Ticket prices range from $5 to $12. The musical will feature a portion of the legendary Patsy Cline’s life and will entertain you with her unforgettable hits such as “San Antonio Rose,” “Crazy,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and many more of here trademark songs. The Barn Swallow Theatre is located at 22334 US-12 East of Edwardsburg.
Wednesday, july 2
Edwardsburg American Legion Noon Edwardsburg Golden Agers will meet Wednesday at the Edwardsburg American Legion, 25751 US12 East. Following the noon potluck and business meeting, the group will adjourn to Nelson’s Herbs, 65391 Dailey Road, for a program on herbal remedies. Anyone 55 and older is welcome.
Cassopolis Schools Foundation meeting Noon Cassopolis Public Schools Foundation will hold its annual meeting at noon, July 9 at the Greater Niles Credit Community Federal Credit Union.
saturday, july 19
Cassopolis Class of 1969 reunion 6 p.m. Cassopolis High School Class of 1969 is having its 45th class reunion on July 19 at the Elk’s Club in Dowagiac. Social hour starts at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7. Dinner tickets are $35 each or $60 per couple. There will be a cash bar. Dinner tickets must be purchased in advance. Alumni wishing to attend may contact Jerry Bement at 782-9296 or Martha Bogue at 445-8689. Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life July 19-20 The Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life will take place July 19-20 at Niles High School beginning at 10 a.m. July 19.
thursday, july 24
Southwest Michigan Landlords Association 6:30 to 8 p.m.
The Southwest Michigan Landlords Association meets the last Thursday of each month. Meetings are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Complex at 1600 Silverbrook in Niles. Meetings are open to everyone.
friday, july 25
Four Flags Craft Brew and Wine Fest 3 to 9 p.m. The First Annual Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce Craft Brew and Wine Fest will be held at the FOP, 531 N. State in Niles. The event will be presented by Southwestern Michigan College, Flagship Sponsor (all sponsors listed below), and held from 3 to 9 p.m. in downtown Niles, with hundreds of craft brews and wines available. There will also be food vendors, live music and opportunities to meet the breweries’ representatives and learn about craft beer and wine.
saturday, july 26
Steve’s Run 8:30 a.m. Registration is now open for Steve’s Run. Online registration fees: $20 (5K Run and 5K Walk) $25 (10K). This fee does not include online processing fee. Online registration closes at midnight on Thursday, July 24, 2014. There will be no mail in registration option this year. Go to www.stevesrun. swmich.edu to register and get more race information.
Send calendar items to Scott Novak, community editor, at scott.novak@leaderpub.com, or drop them off at the office, 217 N. Fourth St., Niles.
Diamond Lake Triathlon July 5
Sam Adams Elementary
STAFF REPORT
Submitted photo
Sam Adams Elementary wishes its state champion Kentucky Raid History Team good luck while performing July 1617 in Detroit. Sam Adams will be open during the summer every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to register new students (kindergarten through sixth grade). Required documents are birth certificate, immunization, verification of residency (i.e. a lease, bill or driver’s license). If you have any questions, contact the office at 445-0517.
The second annual Diamond Lake Triathlon will be held July 5. The triathlon is held in memory of Alex Stscherban, who collapsed after competing in a triathlon in South Haven in 2012. The first Diamond Lake triathlon was held July 6, 2013, and drew 134 participants. The course includes a 500-yard swim, 12-mile bike ride and 3.1-mile run. Thomas Trout and Kim Albin were the overall male and female winners with times of 55:53.6 and 1:07:22.3, respectively. There is still time to register for the triathlon. The first wave hits the water at 8 a.m. For more information or to register online, go to www. diamondlaketri.com.
SIMPLY AFFORDABLE! Simplicity® SB170 by Brother™ • Compact & lightweight • Built In Free Arm • 17 Built In Stitches • Easy To Use - Even for Beginners
$
Only
99
95
922 S. 11th Street Niles, MI • 269-683-4610 *WT 631 Lincolnway E. South Bend • 574-232-4432
Anniversary Sale! $599 King Koil Queen Pillowtop Set
Save $300 Locally Owned for 30 Years • Since 1984 206-0059 ELKHART 422 E. Bristol NORTH East of Northside Gym
875-8778 GOSHEN 4024 US 33 Next to Wal-Mart Market Centre
272-2337 MISHAWAKA 5701 Grape Road South of U.P. Mall
269-684-8275 NILES 1991 S. 11th St. (US 31) 1/2 mile South of US 12
www.yourmattresswarehouse.com
The Cassopolis Vigilant
HEAT
Thursday, June 26, 2014 • Page 3
they do.” On the Thursday, the students used the skills they had learned up to that point to extinguish three controlled car fires in an old lot off Middle Crossing Road. After suiting up in fire jackets, oxygen masks and helmets, the teens were divided into teams of three to take on each car, using an engine water hose to quell the flames. “The fire was super hot,” Scoggin said, recalling her experience that morning. “Doing something like that makes you realize what firefighters go through on a
daily basis.” Later in the afternoon, the teens got to experience another major aspect of a firefighter’s daily routine: cleaning trucks, washing down hoses, cooking dinner and other regular chores that take place inside the firehouse. “They do everything but go on calls,” said Doug Michels, a firefighter with the Dowagiac Fire Department who helps teach participants in the program. On Friday, the group will take trip to Chicago, where they will visit the Chicago Training Academy, as well
as tour the city’s Fire Station 51, where the TV program “Chicago Fire” is filmed. This is the sixth year that Michaels has led instruction for the fire academy, with around five others at the station lending a hand each year, he said. The department and the college try to shake up the activities every year. Last year, for example, they took the teenagers out on a fireboat at the conclusion of the week. “The kids get really into it,” he said. “They have fun all week.”
cess. The high school is getting a huge face lift and we are able to address a lot safety things too.” Continued from page 1 ofThe board also adopted that really have lacked at- its preliminary 2014-15 tention are really getting budget, which calls for the attention through this pro- district to break even and
keep its fund balance of $877,305. Cassopolis passed a state aid borrowing resolution for $1.5 million. The loan helps the district pay its bills until the state aid is received. Last year,
Cassopolis borrowed $1.8 million. In other action, the board: • Adopted an internal audit procedures manual • Scheduled its reorganization meeting for July 14
Continued from page 1 departments, the week-long program teaches firefighting history, equipment handling, search and rescue, investigation and other aspects, taught by professionals in the field. “It’s a way for kids who think they might one day become firefighters to get their feet wet,” said ETS Director Amy Anderson. “When they finish, they have a new appreciation for fire departments and what
BOARD
Resident asks commission for new mailbox By NORMA LERNER Special to Vigilant A Cass County resident will receive restitution for his damaged mailbox, despite missing the deadline to make a complaint. Cass County road commissioners heard from resident Roger Sult last Thursday, who said he had a mailbox and railing that was torn up twice this winter from road plows. Sult told the commissioners that the railing was torn off and so was the box. The resident said he put them back up and then they were gone. Sult asked the commissioners for a new mailbox after reporting it earlier this month but didn’t get a response. Sult said now he has a renter in the house, and he has to put up a new mailbox. He said the railing had been placed near the box so no one could go over a bank that was behind it. Road Chairman LeRoy Krempec told Sult that the commission has a policy that damaged mailboxes have to be reported by May 1. He said it wasn’t reported before then, there is nothing the commission can do. Krempec said the policy was adopted in 2002. Sult asked where the policy was posted and was told on the road commission’s website. The man said he did not have a computer. He said he was sorry he didn’t get to the road meeting soon enough and that the public is not informed about getting any restitution. Commissioner Clifford Poehlman agreed with the resident that he does have a problem and that it would be taken under advisement. Krempec agreed to contact Sult about the matter to make restitution.
Later in the meeting, county commissioner Roseann Marchetti, District 4-Republican, said she received a call from a driver who broke a rim on his vehicle after hitting a pothole and has a $106 claim to submit. The matter will be taken under advisement she was told. Krempec questioned why the grass was tall on Christiana Lake Road in Mason Township. He said for some reason the grass is still high. Manager Steve Lucas said the road workers do a good job, but the grass got tall and it is a problem this year. He said there is a different mower the workers are using and that they are behind in their mowing. He said they will catch up and that a contractor was hired to mow the local roads. The road commission will do the primary roads. This method started this week. Also, it was announced that Gregg Bowerson was hired as the superintendent of operations who replaced Michael Harris when he left the county for another job.
217 N. Fourth Street, Niles, MI 49120 • 888-725-0108 www.leaderpub.com Established in 1886 • USPS 390-620
Michael Caldwell Publisher (269) 687-7700
Cindy Klingerman Distribution Manager (269) 687-7727
michael.caldwell@leaderpub.com
cindy.klingerman@leaderpub.com
Scott Novak Community Editor (269) 687-7702
Sales Donna Knight Classifieds (269) 687-7717
scott.novak@leaderpub.com
Ambrosia Neldon Layout Editor (269) 687-7713 ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com
122 Belmont Ln, Niles, MI 49120
Linda Johnson Realtor Cell: 269.362.2376
Peace and tranquility await you in this custom barrier free home in quiet Longmeadow Subdivision. Sunny kitchen includes breakfast bar, island and all appliances and opens into large living/dining great room with cathedral ceilings. The sun room at the back of the home is bright and cheery and welcomes you in. Convenient main floor laundry off garage. Basement with egress window is nice and dry and could easily be finished into family room and another bedroom. This well insulated home has resulted in low utility costs for the owner. What a great place to call home! $214,900
1400 Chicago Rd. Niles, MI 49120 www.cb-res.com
269-683-4507 1-888-669-6866
Anne Johnson Creative Services (269) 687-7701
donna.knight@leaderpub.com
Sherina Gonzalez (269) 687-7728 sherina.gonzalez@leaderpub.com
anne.johnson@leaderpub.com
Phil Langer (269) 687-7725
Rhonda Rauen Accounting Manager (269) 687-7711
Jenny Yarbrough (269) 687-7726
rhonda.rauen@leaderpub.com
All are welcome to worship with us. Cass Fellowship Bible Church
64016 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-2195
Sunday School: Sunday 9:30 am Church Service: Sunday 10:30 am and Wednesday 7 pm
SUMMER PROJECTS Borrow up to $10,000 for 36 months at
7% APR*
Get those summer projects done or just have some fun!
BRING YOUR AUTO LOAN TO DAFCU
During June we’ll refinance 100% of your outstanding auto loan from another financial institution and we will MATCH their rate unless ours is better, then you get the better rate.* Discount Tickets available for Michigan’s Adventure and Cedar Point (must be a member to purchase) *Some restrictions apply.
phil.langer@leaderpub.com
jenny.yarbrough@leaderpub.com
The Cassopolis Vigilant is published weekly by Leader Publications, 217 N. Fourth Street, Niles, MI 49120. Periodicals postage paid at Cassopolis, MI and at additional officers. Postmaster: Send address changes to Circulation Manager, Leader Publications, 217 N. Fourth Street, Niles, MI 49120. Home Delivery by mail is $6.25 / 3 months.
473 E. Division • Dowagiac 269-782-2410 • www.dafcu.net Convenient ATM’s located inside Lobby & KB Village Express, Cassopolis
Page 4 • Thursday, June 26, 2014
Make a date with Adventure.
The Cassopolis Vigilant
When you know better... part 2
“T Your adventure begins with a one-day Canadian Wilderness rail excursion, then experience all that Sault Ste. Marie has to offer, including the ‘new’ Heritage Discovery Centre, Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, Art Gallery of Algoma, and Parks Canada Canal.
Packages start at just $158. Train runs June 24 – Oct 13, 2014.
Book your Packages at agawatrain.com or call 1-800-242-9287 for your package guide.
+ + LOG HOME KIT + + QUICK SALE A MUST!!! PERSONAL FINANCIAL PROBLEMS
Purchased from American Log Homes (No! I am not a salesman) Model # 303 Little Rock with Building Blueprints, Construction Manual & FREE DELIVERY (NO!! Windows, Doors & Roofing ARE NOT Incl)
+PAID $38,525
MUST HAVE $16,000+
** NO TIME LIMIT ON DELIVERY **
view at www.thegreatamericanlogco.com **Ready Buyer Only Reply** Call John at 704-271-2036
Make a date with Adventure.
o me, consensus seems to be the process of abandoning all beliefs, principles, values and policies. So it is something in which no one believes and to which no one objects. — Margaret Thatcher In our last article, the dangers and toxicity of using hydrofluorosilicic acid as a means to fluoridate our water supply was the topic. Again, hydrofluorosilicic acid, what is put into some community water supplies, is not the fluoride found in toothpaste or other topically applied methods, it is a toxic byproduct produced by the phosphate industries that need to have an outlet for getting rid of it in a cost effective manner. If it is put into the air it is a pollutant. If it gets into a river, it is a pollutant. If it gets into a lake, it is a pollutant, but somehow, magically, when added to our drinking water, it is not a pollutant. Wrong. When a message of truth is put forth that goes against a belief system, “Fluoride is good,” it is often hard to hear, even harder to accept. Response is often, “But, everyone does this. The consensus is that it is needed and we should be doing it because the American Dental Association says so and the Environmental Protection Agency says the levels aren’t harmful.” The consensus. My, oh my, what a dangerous word, what a dangerous practice. There are those in this world who are born with a spirit that questions. Often we become writers, journalists and whistleblowers. It can be a curse
as well as a blessing. I hold to the adage: just because Grandpa Henry always did it that way doesn’t make it right. Curiosity and the thirst for knowledge, for truth, is a hunger I wake with each day. You don’t have to be born with this. It is something you can learn to snack on as opposed to it becoming insatiability. For those who deal with its ever present need to be fed; consensus just tastes wrong. It lacks the flavor of fact, of science, of truth. Michael Crichton says it best, “I want to pause here and talk about this notion of consensus, and the rise of what has been called consensus science. I regard consensus science as an extremely pernicious development that ought to be stopped cold in its tracks. Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled. Whenever you hear the consensus of scientists agrees on something or other, reach for your wallet, because you’re being had. “Let’s be clear: the work of science has nothing whatever to do with consensus. Consensus is the business of politics. Science, on the contrary, requires only one investigator who
happens to be right, which means that he or she has results that are verifiable by reference to the real world. In science consensus is irrelevant. What is relevant is reproducible results. The greatest scientists in history are great precisely because they broke with the consensus. “There is no such thing as consensus science. If it’s consensus, it isn’t science. If it’s science, it isn’t consensus. Period.” So, I will not go further into the debate of who is doing it and why. I stand on the factual science and data: dumping a neurotoxin and waste byproduct of the phosphate and nuclear industries is harmful to the human body. Even if it was the same fluoride as in toothpaste, which is a poison in itself, never to be ingested: we are poisoning our bodies with each glass of water we drink in the Village of Cassopolis. Don’t tell me Grand Rapids does it and decided to continue it. I don’t live there, I don’t pay for water there and I frankly don’t care if they put pink sparkle bubbles in it. I want the poison added to my drinking water without my consent removed. Do the research, read the scientific facts. For more information http://www. westonaprice.org/health-topics/fluoride-worse-than-we-thought or feel free to email me at cassopoliscan@ gmail.com and I can provide you with multiple resources regarding this topic. CeeCee Wilson is the organizer of Cass Can, Inc. and owner of Last Tagine in Paris, LLC. Find them on Facebook.
Borgess-Lee offering health screening July 2
Your adventure begins with a one-day Canadian Wilderness rail excursion, then experience all that Sault Ste. Marie has to offer, including the ‘new’ Heritage Discovery Centre, Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre, Art Gallery of Algoma, and Parks Canada Canal.
Packages start at just $158. Train runs June 24 – Oct 13, 2014.
Book your Packages at agawatrain.com or call 1-800-242-9287 for your package guide.
SUBMITTED Residents living in and around the Dowagiac community can be screened to reduce their risk of having a stroke or bone fracture. Dowagiac City Hall will host Life Line Screening on July 2. The site is located at 241 S. Front St. in Dowagiac. This event is being sponsored by Borgess-Lee.
Four key points every person needs to know: • Stroke is the third leading cause of death and a leading cause of permanent disability • Eighty percent of stroke victims had no apparent warning signs prior to their stroke • Preventive ultrasound screenings can help you avoid a stroke • Screenings are fast,
noninvasive, painless, affordable and convenient Screenings identify potential cardiovascular conditions such as blocked arteries and irregular heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and hardening of the arteries in the legs, which is a strong predictor of heart disease. A bone density screening to assess osteoporosis risk is also offered and is
appropriate for both men and women. Packages start at $149. All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. For more information regarding the screenings or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-2371287 or visit our website at www.lifelinescreening. com. Pre-registration is required.
The Cassopolis Vigilant
Thursday, June 26, 2014 • Page 5
letter to the editor
Lakeside Parlor owners feel slighted by publication
O
n behalf of co-owner Lori Whitmyer and myself, I’m writing to express our concern that in the recent, “Explore Michiana” publication, Lakeside Parlor, Hand-Dipped Ice Cream Parlor in Cassopolis was inadvertently omitted from the dining and food options for Cassopolis. As a small business owner of a “new business,” in a small, rural community, it is a challenge each and everyday to market and use every resource we possess to get our business name out to the community with limited seasonal resources. We have tirelessly made efforts to become involved in the local community, from school fundraisers, donations, involvement and sponsorship of the Cass District Libraries’ summer reading programs, and most importantly providing summer jobs to young adults and supporting local schools in taxes. Since the day we opened our doors on April 28, 2012, we have made it our mission to get involved in the community. With that being said, you can imagine our disappointment of not being mentioned in the publication for “ice cream parlor’s” in Cassopolis. We are located in a quaint, beautiful corner of Cassopolis, across the street from Diamond Lake, “inside” the Diamond Lake Golf Course Clubhouse. We are open to the public, have picnic tables for outside dining and have a clean indoor dining room. We offer an ‘off the busy street setting’ while enjoying your favorite dessert. We have over 32 flavors of Ashby’s Sterling award-winning, hand-dipped ice cream. Ashby’s Sterling is parlor only ice cream; therefore it is one of the best in the U.S. We have a fully renovated parlor with homemade waffle cones, shakes and malts. We challenge each and every resident, local business, visitors, friends and family, or any passer-by to stop in and you will see we offer the best service and ice cream around. And to top that off, you will be greeted with the friendliest staff. You can find information about Lakeside Parlor on our Facebook page. Like us on Facebook and you will see our periodic specials or call us at 4453143. We would love to see you! Karen Smoots Cassopolis
datebook Today is the 177th day of 2014 and the sixth day of summer. TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1870, the U.S. Congress recognized Christmas as a federal holiday. In 1945, the United Nations charter was signed by 50 nations. In 1963, John F. Kennedy gave a speech while visiting West Berlin, declaring “Ich bin ein Berliner” (“I am a Berliner.”) In 2000, scientists announced the completion of a basic structural map of the human genome. TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: William Thomson, Baron Kelvin (1824-1907), physicist; Pearl S. Buck (18921973), author; Peter Lorre (1904-1964), actor; Babe Didrikson Zaharias (1911-1956), athlete/golfer; Milton Glaser (1929- ), graphic designer; Gilberto Gil (1942- ), musician; Greg LeMond (1961- ), cyclist; Sean Hayes (1970- ), actor; Nick Offerman (1970- ), actor; Gretchen Wilson (1973- ), singer; Derek Jeter (1974- ), baseball player; Ryan Tedder (1979- ), singer-songwriter; Jason Schwartzman (1980- ), actor; Aubrey Plaza (1984- ), actress.
Who do you think is ‘Best of the Best?’
Just as America was built on the fundamental principle of democracy, so too is Leader Publication’s effort to find out who you — our readers — think is the “Best of the Best.” OK, so it may not be quite as important as the foundation of our great country, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting for area businesses. Our nation depends on an engaged and informed electorate. That same concept applies to our readers’ choice awards contest that kicks off this Friday. A long-standing tradition here at the newspaper, the “Best of the Best” is a great way for the newspaper, the business community and citizens to interact and engage in a conversation, so to speak, about who offers great customer service, who has brand recognition and who leads the way in the community. This special project highlights the top businesses each year, as nominated by readers and local
citizens who think carefully about where and how they spend their hard-earned dollars. Individuals vote for their favorite businesses in more than 100 different categories. But you have to ensure that your voice is heard! Perhaps the easiest way to vote is to visit our website at leaderpub. Michael Caldwell Publisher, com and Leader Publications click on the Contests tab in the top right corner of the home page. This will take you to the electronic ballot. Those who want to cast their votes the old-fashioned way can simply pick up a copy of the paper ballot section in this weekend’s Leader or in the July 3 edition of Off The Water.
Make sure you give special consideration to the advertisers who helped bring this promotional section to you. This commitment speaks volumes about how much they care about the community. Don’t wait too long because voting ends July 6. The results will be revealed in a special edition that will publish on July 24 in Off The Water and July 27 in the Leader. The rules are pretty simple. All ballots must be original. No duplicates will be accepted and only one ballot per person. Ballots must be postmarked or delivered to our office in Niles by July 6. So show your support for the great businesses here in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana by casting your vote for the “Best of the Best.”
Michael Caldwell is the publisher of Leader Publications LLC. He can be reached at (269) 687-7700 or by email at mike.caldwell@ leaderpub.com.
letter to the editor
John Bippus is the right person for the State House of Representatives
A
t the primary on Aug. 5, we have an opportunity to elect a candidate for the position of State House Representative for the 59th District. From my perspective, John Bippus is the right person for the job. Do you want your next State Representative from the 59th District to be someone who walks where you walk, talks as you talk and understands what is necessary to achieve the “American
Dream.” If so, John Bippus is your candidate. His roots are in local and county government and he realizes the importance of hometown values, education, public safety, job availability, the role that agriculture plays in our area, the tax burdens we face, and the need for highway and road repair. These realizations come from not only the fact that this is his home area but also he has spent the past 20-plus
years on commissions, boards and associations attempting to achieve improvements in all of these areas. Please join with me on Aug. 5 and elect the candidate best suited to represent citizens from our district. Elect John Bippus as our candidate for the State House Representative position from the 59th District. Doug Gross Three Rivers
Giving Page 6 • Thursday, June 26, 2014
The Cassopolis Vigilant
Have an item or story idea for the Giving page? Email Scott Novak at scott.novak@leaderpub.com.
A mile in her boots Traveling display honors female veterans
Volunteer of the Week Melody Kuemin Miss Cassopolis Scholarship Pageant
STAFF REPORT There’s nothing fancy about combat boots. But for a project organized by Volunteers of America Michigan, these down-to-earth symbols of military service have become a source of inspiration and creativity for female veterans. Starting in spring 2013, the boots were transformed by female veterans into canvases covered with colors and slogans and decals, all telling powerful stories. These were stories previously not often told, even among the women themselves. But now they are part of the Walk a Mile in Her Boots project, which will be stopping in Niles during the Price of Freedom display Thursday and Friday at Niles High School. Heather Nystrom, U.S. Army veteran and co-creator of the project, said the idea of the traveling display is to raise awareness about the issues facing female veterans. For many female veterans, participating in the project is an achievement in itself. “It’s an opportunity for them to take pride in being a female veteran,” said Nystrom, senior manager
Melody Kuemin, of Cassopolis, is an active volunteer in several organizations, including the Miss Cassopolis Pageant and the Cass County 4-H Fair.
Q
: What do you do for the pageant? I became chairwoman for the Miss Cassopolis Pageant in April. I am trying to make certain this year’s court gets noticed and seen out there and that they are at all of the events. I coordinate the events, the parades and the community service hours they are going to do. I keep the books up to date and keep in contact with the court members. I also contact the local businesses and make sure everyone knows we are available for upcoming events. I make up the fliers and put together any publication that needs to get out there.
Q Submitted photos
ABOVE: Navy Veteran Ann Tosi holds boots she painted as part of the program Walk a Mile in Her Boots. BELOW: Heather Nystrom painted these boots.
of social services for Volunteers of America Michigan. “Many women don’t identify themselves as veter-
ans, and this is a way to do so.” The display was used to promote the statewide Stand Down for Female Veterans organized by Volunteers of America Michigan. Part of the display also was exhibited in Grand Rapids as part of that city’s 2013 ArtPrize competition, an event that draws tens of thousands of visitors every year. Nystrom said the boots will be on display in Niles beginning around 2 p.m. Thursday. Female veterans who want to decorate boots can enroll on site. For more information about the boots project and Stand Down for female veterans, contact Nystrom at 248-971-4328 or hnystrom@ voami.org, or look online at http:// www.voami.org/Services/VeteransPrograms/2013-Stand-Downfor-Female-Veterans
: How did you get involved? My daughter is the queen this year so I started with her just being in the pageant. When the chairman stepped down I took it over to make sure that the kids had a great year during their reign.
Q
: What do you enjoy about being chairman of the pageant? The most enjoyable part so far was building the float for the parade with the kids. It was great to see their creativity coming out. It was nice to take something that was flat and bare and turn it into such an awesome float. The kids did such a great job with it. So it was great to watch them go down the parade route and show pride in themselves and their community.
Q
: What else do you volunteer for? I was the treasurer for the Cassopolis Class of 2014 Project Graduation. I am a 4-H Leader for the Cass County 4-H. It will be my 23rd year being a leader for the fair. Me and my husband (Brian) are both leaders. Those are my biggest things, although I do go to the school and help out when needed. I also help out with the Cassopolis FFA chapter.
Q
: Why do you spend so much time volunteering? I just love being around the kids and the teenagers. I feel like I can relate to them. I like to be able to help them grow to be positive and productive young people and hopefully they give back as well. I tag along with the kids to a lot of things so I might as well help out while I’m there. Do you know a volunteer worth of recognition? Nominate him or her at Volunteer of the Week by emailing Craig Haupert, community editor, at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com, or calling him at (269) 6877720.
The Cassopolis Vigilant
Flora Dodson
July 7, 1963 — June 19, 2014 Flora V. Dodson, 50, of Cassopolis, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2014. She was born on July 7, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois, to Rosier and Lola (Hauser) Dodson. Flora loved spending time with her family and attending flea markets. She looked forward to Christmas all year long and she loved her three pets as if they were her children. She enjoyed spending time relaxing in her swimming pool and loved living a simple life.
Flora was loved by two families, one for a lifetime and one for 25 years. She is survived by a sister, Alma (Steven) Carlsen of Cassopolis; brothers Paul Dodson of Dowagiac, Eddie (Katie) Dodson of South Bend, Indiana, Dayle (Jenny) Dodson of Dowagiac and Richard Dodson of Dowagiac; nieces Synnon (Michael) Dunleavy and Hannah and Olyvia Dodson; nephews Steven (Jessica) Carlsen II, Brendan (Tara) Carlsen, Christopher (Jessica) Carlsen, Mathew, Tyler and Harris Dodson; greatnieces and nephews Callie Carlsen, Pase Carlsen and
Tahlia Carlsen. She was blessed for 25 years by her life partner, Laura Dimos of Cassopolis; children, Douglas R. Dimos II of Berlin, New Hampshire and Dee (Pete) Dimos-Cissna of South Bend, Indiana; granddaughters Elizabeth Ciupinski and Caitlyn Cissna; sisters-in-law Kay (Doug) Smith and Toni (John) Personette; brother-in-law, John Fobes and numerous family and friends along with her church family at Pokagon United Methodist Church. Flora was preceded in death by her parents, Rosier and Lola Dodson,
was especially proud of his 1967 Camaro, and was fairly successful with it at the drag strip. He was gifted at many things. Al had been a commercial artist with his own business, Center Studio in Benton Harbor. He was a self-taught carpenter. Al
was full of life and a lot of fun. He was the kind of man that people enjoyed meeting. Alfred will be greatly missed by family and friends. He leaves to mourn his passing two daughters, Angela Watkins of Mishawaka, Indiana and Michelle Kline of Dowagiac, Michigan; three sons, Ricky Lee Busby of Switzerland, Billy Busby and Bobby Busby, both of Dowagiac, Michigan; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; four sisters, Myrna Copley of Villa Rica, Georgia, twins, Sharon Tubbs of Cassopolis
Alfred L. Busby, Jr.
June 20, 1943 — May 29, 2014 Alfred Louis Busby, Jr., 70, of Scottsdale, Arizona, formerly of Dowagiac, died peacefully Thursday, May 29, 2014, in his residence in the presence those he loved and who loved him. He was born June 20, 1943, in Jones, Michigan, the third son and fourth child of Alfred and Wydennia (Jeffries) Busby. His parents preceded him in death, as did two brothers, Theodore “Larry” Bass and Milan “Mike” Bass. Al enjoyed golfing. He
Thursday, June 26, 2014 • Page 7 brother, Rosier Dodson, Jr. and sister, Louise DodAsk Us About Our Pre-Need Plans son, who are waiting for her. A celebration of life memorial service will be held Paul E. MayhEw FunEral hoME, Inc. at 5 pm on Saturday, June 28 at the Pokagon United Methodist Church, 31393 26863 W. Main Street, Kansas Street, Dowagiac Edwardsburg, MI with Pastor Sean Kidd of269-663-5345 • Paul E. Mayhew, Owner ficiating. Memorial Contributions may be made to the family, c/o Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, MI. Please take the opportunity to sign her guestL. Scott Quimby, 70 years old, of Edwardsburg, died book and leave a memory of Flora at www.clarkch. Monday, June 23, 2014, in Iron Mountain. A memorial Service will be, June 28, 2014, from 4 to 7 com. p.m. at Hope UMC Church, Edwardsburg. and Shirley Lawson of Arrangements are being made by Paul E. Mayhew FuStatesville, North Caro- neral Home, of Edwardsburg. lina, Chineeta Sanders of Union, Michigan; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. DeLores Jane Tucker, 93, of Cassopolis, died Saturday, Family and friends will June 21, 2014. gather at 11:45 a.m. Sat- DeLores is survived by her daughter, Pam Ward of Cassopurday, June 28, 2014, for olis. a celebration of life in She has been cremated and will be remembered privately. Calvin Community Cha- Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral pel Church, 18770 Mt. Home, Niles. Zion Street, Cassopolis, with the Reverend Russell Haines officiating. Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis is helping the family with local arrangements. Please leave a message or memory online at: wagnercares.com
death notices
L. Scott Quimby
DeLores Jane Tucker
We Are Your Backyard Solution.
Underground Railroad Days July 12-13 SUBMITTED The Village of Vandalia and the Underground Railroad Society of Cass County (URSCC) are co-sponsoring Underground Railroad (UGRR) Days July 12-13. Underground Railroad Days celebrates the history of the Underground Railroad in the area. Events will be held Saturday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 13 from noon to 5 p.m. URSCC hosts guided tours of UGRR sites, a Cass County Civil War Encampment and UGRR education booths. The “Ramptown cabin” in Milo Barnes Park features continuous entertainment and the historic James E. Bonine House will be open for touring. The Village of Vandalia hosts a classic car show (Saturday), arts and crafts booths and a soul food dinner. Presentations in the Vandalia Youth Center include Cass County and the Civil War, African American pioneers in Cass County and Sam Adams School “wax museum.” Featured speaker Anna-Lisa Cox, noted historian, author and Smithsonian Museum consultant, will speak on the migration of free black families to antebellum southwest Michigan and Cass County on Sunday. Mary Charlotte Bonine will speak about growing up in the Bonine House at the Bonine House on Saturday. A complete schedule of events can be found at www. urscc.org.
Neighborly News
It’s Free!
Drop it o email itff, call it in, ! Announcem
Births • Birthdays • Anniversaries located at ouent forms are r Engagements • Wedding Announcements www.nilesstaoffice and r.com. Marriage Records and can be found in the Niles Daily For more information, contact Star, Dowagiac Daily News, Cassopolis Vigilant and Ambrosia Neldon Edwardsburg Argus
269.687.7713
ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com LEADER PUBLICATIONS
217 North 4th St., Niles, MI 49120
Friday night at 7 p.m. is UGRR Days “opening night” at Sam Adams Elementary School in Cassopolis. Dr. Von and Fran Washington will present a dramatic reading of their play “A River to Cross” about the Underground Railroad. Also featured is the Sam Adams Michigan History Day State championship team, doing their prize-winning play, “The Kentucky Raid In Ten Minutes.” Parking, admission to all events and presentations are free to the public, but donations are very much appreciated. For information on booth space and car show entry, call Vandalia Village President Beverly Young at (269) 4762344. Other questions can be emailed to info@urscc.org or call 445-7358. 2014: A Big Year for Community Foundations Everywhere One hundred years ago, in 1914, the first community foundation was established in the Midwest, giving rise to a new philanthropy, a new way of participating in community, and a new vision for the future. Since 1978, Michigan Gateway Community Foundation has made grants to address pressing needs and important local causes, through the generous gifts of our donors. In the past year alone, we’ve: · Established 5 new funds to improve life in southern Berrien and Cass Counties · Granted $279,000 to support people with needs, assist students with their educational goals, work with municipalities to improve safety and services, improve access to medical facilities, and more · Partnered with 15 local nonprofit organizations, including the YMCA, Council on Aging, Fernwood Botanic Center and Gardens, Libraries, and Lakeland Hospital to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.
www.mgcf.org 111 Days Avenue • Buchanan, MI 49107
269-695-3521 • info@mgcf.org
Sunrooms • Solariums • Conservatories Screen Enclosures • Replacement Windows • Window Awnings
51675 Bittersweet road • GranGer, in 46530 574.277.8864 • 800-523-9730 • www.patioenc.com
FREE
remote control motor with retractable awning purchase *expires 6/30/14
Follow us on Twitter
EdwardsburgNews CassopolisNews
Page 8 • Thursday, June 26, 2014
The Cassopolis Vigilant
letters to the editor
To our state representatives I applaud the work in SB 910 to block wood stove and fireplace emission regulations being imposed by the EPA. There are many families that are forced to use wood for heat because they can no longer afford other fuel sources. These new EPA regulations are much more dangerous than the just the use of wood for heat or cooking. Perhaps the bill should block all new mandates before their enactment commencement of January, 2015, beyond just the legal attempts of the (17) Attorney Generals around the country. As you may know, carbon-limit cap and trade legislation failed early in the Obama Administration and these EPA regulations are an attempt to go around that failure. From Obama’s own words, “electricity rates will necessarily skyrocket” as a result of his plans for reducing carbon emitting fuel sources. Hillsdale College’s Imprimus magazine said some 30,000 Megawatts of power will disappear from the nation’s power grid from these new rules, and replacement electricity simply does not exist. Should electricity rates increase further because coalfired electric generation plants shutdown from these new rules, ordinary citizens will incur further downward financial pressures many cannot occur. Worse still, a complete failure of our electric grid due to inadequate power capabilities may result from the new “climate change regulations.” I see no way to avoid what’s coming, except the State(s) stand(s) up and block any such regulation mandates. There are a mountain (maybe mountains) of new rules, regulations, and orders being imposed upon the Share Your Comments At
www.leaderpub.com And LIKE us on Facebook!
nation that are ubiquitous in our lives. It’s up to the States to say “no” and you are our leaders. Anything our state can do to mitigate fuel, electricity, insurance, and other utility cost increases due to backdoor regulations imposed by overzealous ideologues, please help us. We — I’m in this category — have incurred serious financial burdens these last several years, and it’s getting much worse in a hurry. As a reminder, gasoline jumped and never came down. Propane is up. Electricity rates are up and sure to go much higher (if even available). Insurance rates have soared, and many have seen water/ sewer rates recently double in monthly rate increases. Food, medicine, and basic staple price increases are all combining to create a perfect storm for many that survive on fixed incomes. The cost of living increases sometimes provided simply disappear from health insurance premium increases at the same time. I’ve talked with many seniors and disabled. Every single one says about the same thing, It’s tough and getting worse in a hurry. Listen to your senior constituents and ask them how they are doing financially. Ask them if their cost of living increases are keeping up with the real cost of living. I’m trying to give you a heads up, as the States always get the brunt of bad decisions made in DC. There has not been this many bad decisions made from that body since the late 1970’s, and this one’s on supersteroids. We could sure use your help.
Scott Davis Cassopolis
Cass County forecloses on lakeside property By TED YOAKUM ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com
1
.14
% APY
34 Month Certificate of Deposit (CD) $2,500 minimum deposit
DOWAGIAC 223 South Front Street
Stop in one of our convenient banking centers between Monday, June 30 and Saturday, July 12 to take advantage of this offer!
NILES GRANGER 720 South 11th Street 7355 Heritage Square Drive (inside Martin’s) 12460 State Road 23 306 East Main Street 12850 State Road 23 (inside Martin’s) 1stsource.com
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 6/30/14. Yield assumes interest is compounded annually and on its maturity date. Substantial penalty for early withdrawal from a Certificate of Deposit. No additional bonus rates or coupons may be combined with this offer.
The Cass County government may soon find itself in possession of a valuable lakeside resource. County Treasurer Linda Irwin announced that she has recently foreclosed on a piece of property on Diamond Lake in Cassopolis, a house that is estimated to be worth between $3 and $4 million. Irwin announced this development during her presentation of this year’s forfeiture report to the county board of commissioners on Thursday. According to the treasurer, the county was able to foreclose on the property due to the years of delinquent back taxes the previous owners owe, worth around $100,000. “It’s a done deal,” Irwin said. “They’ve tried to send us a check for $100,000, and I’ve returned it. I’ve had my council look at it, and we’ve done everything right. We didn’t make any mistakes; they did.” The property could go on sale in auction as soon as September, depending on whether or not litigation is filed concerning ownership, Irwin said. “This is a major asset,” she said. “This probably won’t happen again while I’m treasurer. Therefore, we need to collectively do some brainstorming.” If the county is allowed to proceed with public auction of the residence, it will be held separately from normal tax auctions, with heavy advertising and open houses held prior to the sale, Irwin said. Another option the county has with the property is leave it off the market, and instead acquire it for governmental use, such as conferences. The county can purchase the property by paying the $100,000 worth of back taxes on the property, Irwin said. “We can sit on it, and decide what we want to do with it, or we can move it forward to auction,” Irwin said. “Those are things we have to decide.”
The Cassopolis Vigilant
Thursday, June 26, 2014 • Page 9
area
WANTED FunPak replaces foam peanuts HOMES THAT NEED ROOFING
A select number of homeowners in Cass County and the surrounding areas will be given the opportunity to have a lifetime Erie Metal Roofing System installed on their home at a reasonable cost. Call today to see if you qualify. Not only will you receive the best price possible, but we will give you access to no money down bank financing with very attractive rates and terms.
By TED YOAKUM r ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com
An Erie Metal Roofing System will provide your home with unsurpassed “Beauty and Lasting Protection”! DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SAVE.
Call Now!
Rich Daniels poses next to his company’s product, FunPak.
El
kh
ar
tR
Granger H urg sb rd wa Ed
Adams Rd
wy
Brummitt Rd Indiana Toll Road Cleveland Rd
Co. Rd 1
Old US 20
Edison Rd
McKinley Hwy
Co. Rd 6
0
Day Rd.
Co. Rd 4
d1
E. Douglas Rd
30888 C. R. 6 Elkhart, IN 46514 574.674.8800 School@TrinityL.org
d
Redfield St
oa
(574) 247-0201 • www.mishawaka.wbu.com
Edwardsburg
yR
The University Crossing Store - 421 E. University Drive, Granger In the Super Target Shopping Center w e N Location!
For more information and online enrollment inquiries at http://pk8.TrinityL.org
nt
MUST PRESENT COUPON. Mealworms Offer valid thru 6-30-14
Corner of Cleveland and Ash, just minutes from Edwardsburg
Rd
Valid only at Granger store. One discount per purchase. Offer not valid on previous purchases, gift cards, optics, DSC memberships or sale items. Other exclusions mat apply. See store for details.
Tours available during summer hours. Please call the office to set up an appointment.
rt ha
No-Mess Blend
Kindergarten through 8th grade
Elk
®
Full and half-day Preschool program beginning at age 3
W. County Line
Stackables
preschool through 8th grade
u Co
FREE*
Bird Food Cylinders
Now enrolling
Co. Rd 1
5 Pounds
www.ErieMetalRoofs.com
Buckeye Rd
Suet & No-Melt Dough
Association named RNS Packaging in their list of the 101 Best and Brightest Sustainable Companies in Michigan, awarding them the elite designation in the small business category. It was one of several distinctions the company and Daniels have received over the past year. “Getting awards like this reinforces that I’m doing something right, that I’m working on a good concept for many reasons,” he said. Besides expanding FunPak to a larger base of customers, Daniels said he is currently working with several other companies to develop sustainable packaging solutions for their products. He also hopes to one day open a distribution center for his products here in Southwest Michigan. “One of the greatest things about this area is that people here care,” Daniels said. “They really want you to succeed.”
1-877-460-4050
Beech Rd
he decided to move away from the city of Chicago, with his wife Stephanie and children Camp and Katherine. While the idea of biodegradable packing material isn’t new, Daniels said that his corn-based product is more stable than competing brands on the market. Once exposed to water, though, the peanuts will begin to break down, usually taking around a day to fully disintegrate. “It’s not food grade, but if your small child eats one of them, they’re not going to get sick,” he said. “If your pet eats it, it will be dissolved before it even hits their stomach.” The sustainability of his product hasn’t escaped the eyes of state business associations, especially during a time when companies are more concerned than ever with their environmental impact. Last fall, the Michigan Business & Professional
Leader photo/TED YOAKUM
Bittersweet Rd
the peanuts into production last year in June, after working for several months with the Michigan State University Extension Office in Cassopolis to develop the product. He introduced the boneshaped peanuts during last year’s Global Pet Expo, held in Orlando, where several companies agreed to start using it for their shipments, Daniels said. A native of the Chicago region, Daniels’ past helped prepare him for the long hours and hard work necessary to make his new company succeed. He served in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1991, and was deployed in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Following his discharge from service, he enrolled at Northern Illinois University, receiving his degree in business communication in 1994. After years of working in sales and marketing,
5# FREE No-Mess Blend*
et 1
* Mix & Match SALE
Ask how an Erie Metal Roof will keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Fir Rd
Over many years, and many boxes, Rich Daniels discovered he had something in common with thousands of Americans — he didn’t like Styrofoam packing peanuts. “There’s a visceral reaction people have to packing peanuts,” Daniels said. “I don’t know anybody who likes them.” The fact that his dog required surgery to remove an errant piece it swallowed didn’t help abate his distaste for the product. Neither did the fact that Styrofoam takes hundreds years to fully degrade, meaning that the discarded product will be sitting in landfills for years to come. “I thought there had to be a better way,” Daniels said. s In 2012, the resident of s Sister Lakes decided to find out what that better way was, looking to make an environmentally friendly product that would enhance, not detract, from the unpacking experience. Two years, five awards, and 100,000 packages later, it’s safe to say that Daniel’s company, RNS Packaging, is on the right track towards finding it. In a few weeks’ time, Daniels’ plans on unveiling his flagship product, FunPak, to consumer retailers at an upcoming trade show. Made from a biodegradable starchbased material, the packing peanuts are shaped like miniature dog bones, giving them a unique look compared to traditional packing material. “They provide an unboxing experience that separates us from everyone else,” Daniels said. The entrepreneur first put
TM
County Road 12 Elkhart
Page 10 • Thursday, June 26, 2014
28th Annual Fireworks & Family Fun Fest Thursday, July 3 at 6pm (No rain date scheduled)
Apple Festival Grounds 1740 Lake Street • Niles, MI • Music by the Deep Fried Pickle Project • Bounce Houses • Food • Open Mic • Face Painting
Join us for the fireworks you love and enjoy all the fun! Free to the public Parking donations welcome
Hosted by
Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce www.nilesmi.com
1st SOURCE BANK PERSONAL ASSET MANAGEMENT GROUP
NILES AREA TEAM
The Cassopolis Vigilant
Health care changes coming By TED YOAKUM ted.yoakum @leaderpub.com Employees with Cass County may soon be paying more for their employer-provided health insurance. County Administrator Roger Fraser introduced a resolution in front of the board of commissioners Thursday that would change the current insurance policies, requiring employees to pay 20 percent of their medical benefit plan. If approved by the board, the changes will go into effect starting in September. The proposed policy changes were devised in order to bring the county’s existing ones into compliance with Michigan Public Act 152 of 2011, which mandates limitations on the amount of money local governments can provide toward employee medical coverage. Under the act, public employers can either adopt a hard cap, which limits the amount of health care costs based on coverage levels, or an 80/20 split like the county
is proposing. “We believe that’s the one that will have the least impact with our employees while still getting us in compliance with state law,” Fraser said. Presently, employees contribute around 11 “We believe percent to that’s the the cost one that of their will have insurance plans, with the least the county impact providing with our the other employees 89 per- while still cent. getting us W h i l e in complithe county ance with has the op- state law.” tion of opting out of —County the provi- Administrator sions laid Roger Fraser out in Act 152, which happened last year, Fraser recommended that the board modify its existing policies for the upcoming plan year. “As we looked at [our] options, we believed, given the county’s financial circumstances, that we could no longer afford to continue with what we
Invested OVER TIME. Since 1863, 1st Source Bank has been looking after families, helping to build and preserve wealth for the long term. We offer straight talk and sound advice — always keeping your best interests in mind. We can work with you to develop and manage an estate plan tailored
Pat McCullough, J.D. ; David Ball, Penney Pruett; Rob Romano, CFA
Left to right:
Investment accounts are not insured by the FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, not a deposit, have no bank guarantee and may lose value.
to your financial situation, goals and objectives. Give us a call today.
306 East Main Street Niles, Michigan 49120 269 687-6808 — 1stsource.com
were doing,” Fraser said. When asked by Commissioner Roseann Marchetti about the potential cost savings the proposed changes would afford the county, the administrator said employer costs would indeed see a reduction. “Until I get all the analysis done, I’m not prepared to say how much that is, but it’s meaningful,” Fraser said. Commissioner Robert Ziliak raised another question, asking if there were any major claims filed by county employees in recent months. In the last few years, the county was responsible for helping to pay for a number of significant medical incidents, including several in which the employee had passed away. “In this last year, our current plan year, we have had no significant claims, and our total claims are down,” Fraser said. “At the tail end of the preceding plan year was also that way, but we still had the effects of those major claims that happened almost two years ago. That’s still affecting our rates.” The board will vote on whether or not to approve the proposed insurance changes during their next meeting on July 3. Other business conducted by the board on Thursday included: • The introduction of a resolution that would authorize the payment of $152,260 for new financial software and technical support from BS&A, as well as an estimated $20,000 worth of hardware for the new system. The costs will be spread out over the course of three years, with the initial payment of $72,087 coming from the county delinquent tax fund. The board will vote on the resolution on July 3. • The introduction of a resolution that would approve a number of remonumentation contracts with local surveyors, using funds from the 2014 Survey and Remonumentation Grant. The board will also vote on the resolution on July 3. • Approval of a resolution authorizing the county’s participation in the state’s Scrap Tire Cleanup Grant program. • The reappointments of Barbara Cook and Gwenn Johnson to the Cass County Planning Commission for terms ending July 31, 2017.
The Cassopolis Vigilant
Thursday, June 26, 2014 • Page 11
courts
Twin Lakes robber gets probation, jail time By TED YOAKUM ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com The Mihalovs have enjoyed the tranquil shores of Twin Lakes for three generations, since the family’s cabin was built back in the 1953. “This cottage was our retreat from the world,” said Joe Mihalov, its current owner. “It was a safe and peaceful place, with wonderful memories for our family.” The sense of security that Mihalov and his family felt inside their lakeside home was shattered late last year, how- Joe Mihalov ever, after their residence was broken into during a spree of breaksin committed around the Twins Lakes neighborhood. The person responsible for these intrusions will serve a lengthy probation sentence for his actions. Cass County Circuit Judge Michael Dodge sentenced Eric Robert Szymonski, 24, of Dowagiac, to 314 days in jail and three years on probation on one charge of breaking and entering and two charges of second degree home invasion on Friday. Szymonski had appeared before the court previously on May 12, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. According to the court, Szymonski had broken into three homes on Twin Shore Drive in Dowagiac in December, stealing various items and causing more than $10,500 worth of property damage, Dodge said. Authorities identified Szymonski as the person responsible for the break-ins after positively identifying him from footage provided by a surveillance camera installed at the Mihalov residence. “When [Szymonski] decided to break into our home and homes of others, it created a community of fear,” said Mihalov, who addressed the court prior to the defendant’s sentencing. “No longer did my
family feel confortable to live at our home near the water, without fear.” In his remarks to Szymonski, Dodge addressed the intangible damage that the defendant inflicted on the lakeside neighborhood by his actions. “I appreciate and recognize the significant damage that you’ve caused, both financially and psychologically, to these victims by your crimes,” Dodge said. “I hear this time and time again, that many times the most significant damage is the loss of security, the feeling that they’ve been violated and invaded, that they’re no longer safe in their own homes. That’s something you just can’t put a price tag on.” Szymonski, who had worked as truck driver in the past, was on probation for domestic violence at the time of the offense, Dodge said. He also admitted that he was under the influence of alcohol during that time period. “I apologize to the people of Twin Lakes,” Szymonski said when asked by the judge for comment about the charges. “I had lived out there, and I know they should feel safe. It was my fault for making that security go away.” Despite the prosecution’s desire for a prison sentence, Dodge decided to go with the probation department’s recommendation that the court enter Szymonski into the state Swift and Sure sanction program. The judge explained that probation would not only provide a greater chance for rehabilitation, but would also help the victims receive restitution in a more timely fashion. “Either this situation gets a whole lot better for you and the victims, or you’re going to go to prison,” Dodge said. “It’s just that simple.” Szymonski was given 194 days credit for time already served. Also sentenced on Friday were: • Allen Wayne Evans, 63, of Elkhart, to 300 days in jail for selling nonferrous metals. • Steven Carl Mosier, 27, of Dowagiac,
to two years probation and 150 days in jail for operating while intoxicated. • Zachary Hagquist, 28, of Vandalia, to two years of probation for possession of cocaine and marijuana. • Jaquatia Lefay Allen, 29, of Niles, to 18 months of probation for resisting/assault-
ing police. • Atanacio Junior Reyna, 42, of Dowagiac, to 90 days in jail for possession marijuana. • Joseph Alan Morsaw, Dowagiac, to five years of probation and 365 days in jail for criminal sexual conduct.
Lochmandy Motors Pre-Owned
HOT SUMMER
SAVINGS
CARS
WAS
NOW
2012 Dodge Charger R/T- low miles, NAV, Beats audio....$31,995 ....... $27,987 2013 Chevrolet Camaro- 17k miles............................... $26,995 ....... $24,817 2013 Chevrolet Impala LT, sunroof ................................ $18,987 ....... $16,878 2013 Dodge Avenger SXT, 14k miles, sunroof ...............$19,595 ....... $18,697 2005 Chrysler Sebring Convertible .............................. $8,995 ........ $6,499 2010 Kia Soul + ...............................................................$13,995 .........12,753 2013 Hyundai Sonata- limited, NAV, sunroof, Infinity stereo .. $23,995 ...... $22,920 2010 Chrysler 300S, leather......................................... $22,995 ....... $20,951 2010 Pontiac G6 .............................................................$13,995 .......$12,855 2011 Buick Regal CXL, leather, sunroof .........................$19,995 .......$18,049
TRUCKS & SUVS
2008 Nissan Xterra SE............................................................. $15,995 ......... $14,373 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan- Crew, power doors .................... $18,995 .......... $17,677 2009 GMC Yukon Denali- AWD, Nav, sunroof, DVD................$35,995 ........ $33,951 2012 GMC Terrain SLT AWD...................................................... $27,995 ........$26,280 2009 Dodge RAM 1500 Crew 4x4, Hemi, sunroof, Nice! ......... $28,995 ........ $27,352 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, 4x4, Hardtop ........... $31,995 ........$30,439 2009 Hummer H3 Alpha- leather, sunroof ...............................$26,995 ........ $25,974 2013 Ford Escape SEL ecoboost ............................................. $23,495 ........ $21,635 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 W/T, V8, 15K miles ............... $20,995 ........ $18,928 2008 BMW X5 AWD ..................................................................$26,995 ........ $25,942 Come See Our Used Car Team with Over 100 Years of Service to Lochmandy Motors! 32 years
5 years
8 years
4 years
Gary Struble
John Patrick Don Decker Rosenogle Brown
11 years 12 years 15 years 17 years
9 years
6 years
Matt Beckett
James Logan
Don Johnson
Greg Slabach
Travis Oiler
Greg Baker
Welcome Welcome
Jack Freddy Mellott Flemming
920 N. Napanee St., Elkhart 574-264-1174 or 574-674-6306 www.lochmandymotors.com Mon, Tues & Thurs 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM • Wed & Fri 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM • Sat 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM • Sun Closed
Page 12 • Thursday, June 26, 2014
The Cassopolis Vigilant
12 12Classified CLASS
Legal Notices
103
NOTICE OF LAST DAY OF REGISTRATION FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014 CASS COUNTY, MICHIGAN
STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF CASS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent's Estate FILE NO. 2014-071-DE
General Notices
TO THE QUALIFIED Estate of Bernadine Bolle, ELECTORS OF ONTWA deceased PUBLISHERS NOTE!!! TOWNSHIP: Date of birth: 05/07/1914 This publication does NOT check all of the services or You are hereby notified that TO ALL CREDITORS: products offered by 800 or the last day to register to vote or change your address NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The 900 numbers. Some adverfor the August 5, 2014 decedent, Bernadine Bolle, tisements containing these numbers charge a fee for primary election will be on died 03/23/2010 Monday, July 7, 2014. their services or products. Creditors of the decedent Some of the information proTo register, visit any Sec- are notified that all claims vided may be obtained free retary of State Office, the against the estate will be of charge from other Cass County Clerk’s Office or forever barred unless sources. Products or servyour Township Clerk’s Office. presented to Stanley J. Bolle, Electors who wish to re- personal representative, or ices using a 900 phone gister with their Township to both the probate court at number charge your phone Clerks are advised to call 60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI account by the minutes ahead for office hours. 49031 and the personal used. It is always wise to inrepresentative within 4 vestigate before you purProposals on the ballot in- months after the date of chase. clude: publication of this notice. State of Michigan Proposal 14-1: A proposed amendatory act to reduce State use tax and replace with a local community stabilization share to modernize the tax system to help small businesses grow and create jobs. Cass County Proposal for E911 Central Dispatch: Shall there be a renewal of 1/5 mill for operation of the “9-11” Central Dispatch. Ontwa Township Ambulance: Shall there be an additional 1/4 mill levy to provide funds for the Maintenance & Operation of the Ontwa Township Ambulance.
6/16/14 Stanley J. Bolle 70092 Gumwood Rd. Niles, MI 49120 (269)683-7876 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF CASS NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent's Estate FILE NO. 2014-119-DE Estate of Barbara J. Willard, Deceased Date of Birth: 12/26/1931 TO ALL CREDITORS:
MAINTENANCE PERSON
106
LEADER PUBLICATIONS CLASSIFIED HOURS Our Niles office is open Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 683-4804 or 1-888-7250108 e-mail: classifieds@leaderpub.com
VENDORS WELCOME
Inviting Farmers, Crafters, Small Businesses, & Independent Consultants to join our Shop Local initiative! Mention this ad for a BOGO FREE Vendor Space Special! Call Brook @269-927-4467 today for details.
WRONGLY DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?
I can help. (269)473-2370
Business Oppor200 tunities Earn Extra Cash on the Weekends
delivering the Leader AREA ROUTES AVAILABLE As an independent contractor you determine the hours you work on Saturday and/or Sunday. You must have a valid drivers license and your own transportation. Contact Cindy at 269-6877727 or cindy.klingerman@leaderpub.com to learn more about this profitable opportunity
Candidates on the ballot in- NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Barbara J. Willard, clude: who lived at 61246 Governor, United States Lenawee Drive, Cassopolis, died Senator, Representative in Michigan, Congress 6th District, State 02/04/2014. Senator 21st District, Creditors of the decedent Representative in State Le- are notified that all claims gislature 78th District, against the estate will be barred unless County Surveyor, County forever Commissioner 4th District, presented to Cynthia A. and Delegates to County Willard and Kenneth R. Willard, named personal Convention. representative or proposed 300 You may obtain a full copy of personal representative, or Help Wanted CLASS B MILLWRIGHT to both the probate court at the full list of candidates and proposals at 60296 M-62, Cassopolis, MI Steel Warehouse is hiring. www.ontwatwp.org or from 49031 and the named/ See our larger ad in today's personal rep- paper. the County Clerk’s Office, proposed 120 N. Broadway, Cas- resentative within 4 months DRIVER/SERVICE sopolis, Michigan or call after the date of publication TECH of this notice. (269) 445-4464. Joy's Johns Hiring Duties include delivery, Registration will be received 6/24/2014 pickup and cleaning of at Ontwa Township Hall portable restrooms. Must located at 26225 US 12, Robert N. Feldman P13351 have 1 year straight truck Edwardsburg, MI 49112 317 Broadway experience, chauffeur liMonday through Friday Niles, MI 49120 cense, current D.O.T. between the hours of 8:00 (269)683-0700 physical, clean driving rea.m. and 4:00 p.m. cord. Able to read a map Cynthia A. Willard with knowledge of Michiana 4027 Dauphine Paula S. Ralph area. Reliable transNew Orleans, LA 70117 Ontwa Township Clerk portation and able to work and flexible hours a must. Apply Kenneth R. Willard at 1325 Airport Rd. Niles, 56921 Bellflower St. MI Elkhart, IN 46516
Seeking a dependable, mechanically inclined person to repair and maintain restaurant equipment and to perform general maintenance. Must have a valid drivers license. Apply in person at: William F Alford Co Inc 2112 Industrial Dr. Niles, MI 49120 Or forward your resume to:
jessepickens @wmfalfordco.com
Accepting applications for future & current openings: • Maintenance Techs (Electrical/Mechanical/PLC) • Maintenance Supervisor (Electrical/Mechanical/PLC) • General Production (Must have 6 Mos factory experience)
• MIG Welders (Steel and Aluminum) • Die Engineer • Hydraulic Press Technician • Logistics Agent • Material Recovery Assistant
Williamson Employment Services, Inc. www.williamsonemployment.com South Bend / 574-289-1454
CALL Classifieds
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by JOHN E. DOHM and CHARLOTTE ANN DOHM a/k/a CHARLOTTE A. DOHM, husband and wife (collectively, “Mortgagor”), to GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES, FLCA, a federally chartered corporation, having an office at 3515 West Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823 (the “Mortgagee”), dated October 24, 2007, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Cass County, Michigan on October 26, 2007, in Liber 967, Page 2150, as amended by an amendment to mortgage dated November 2, 2010, recorded November 5, 2010, in Liber 1017, Page 1912, Cass County Records, as further amended by an amendment to mortgage dated August 1, 2012, recorded August 8, 2012, in Liber 1045, Page 2020, Cass County Records, and as further amended by a waiver of rights of redemption dated August 1, 2012, recorded August 8, 2012, in Liber 1045, Page 2022, Cass County Records (the “Mortgage”). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of One Hundred Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty Six and 28/100 Dollars ($112,966.28). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public venue to the highest bidder at the Cass County Law and Court Building in Cassopolis, Michigan on Wednesday the 16th day of July, 2014, at ten o’clock in the forenoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Pokagon, County of Cass, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Part of the East 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 21, Town 6 South, Range 16 West, Pokagon Township, Cass County, Michigan, described as, from the East 1/4 corner of Section 21, measures South 00 degrees 16 minutes 25 seconds East along the East line of said Section, 989.33 feet to the North line of the South 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 21; thence measure North 89 degrees 19 minutes 15 seconds West along said North line 311.55 feet to the point of beginning of the land herein described; thence South 00 degrees 16 minutes 25 seconds East 403.00 feet; thence North 89 degrees 19 minutes 15 seconds West 674.80 feet to the Easterly right of way line of State Highway M-51; thence along said right of way on a 3894.72 foot radius curve to the left, 473.49 feet, the chord of said curve being North 32 degrees 18 minutes 01 seconds East 473.20 feet to the North line of the South 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 21; thence South 89 degrees 19 minutes 15 seconds East along said North line 420.00 feet to the point of beginning. Together with all fixtures, tenements, hereditaments, and appurtenances belonging or in any way appertaining to the premises. Commonly known as: 59713 M-51 South, Dowagiac, Michigan 49047 P.P. #14-110-021-339-10 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. Notwithstanding the above, Mortgagor has no rights of redemption, having waived them pursuant to the waiver of rights of redemption dated August 1, 2012, recorded August 8, 2012, in Liber 1045, Page 2022, Cass County Records. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: June 12, 2014 Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS & JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, MI 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000
GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES, FLCA
The Cassopolis Vigilant FULL TIME LOCAL TRUCK DRIVERS – 1st Shift Must have CDL Class A license, 2 + years verifiable tractor/trailer experience, clean driving record, Qualify under DOT regulation and must be able to pass prehire and random drug testing. Must demonstrate dependability and ability to work in all weather conditions. GENERAL LABORS – 1st and 2nd shifts Including: Machine Operators Piece Rate Positions Forklift Drivers Send resume or apply in person: North American Forest Products PO Box 600 27263 May St. Edwardsburg, MI. 49112 Fax: 269-663-5302 Email: hr1006@nafpinc.com
HELP WANTED
Approx $800/month, 4-5 hours per day, some health care needed. Room availalble. Must have vehicle. Call Larry at (269)462-9352
LEADER PUBLICATIONS ROUTES AVAILABLE
Senior Apartments. 2 months free on select units. Spacious, two bedroom See our ad under business located on beautiful Stone opportunities Lake, Intercom entry building, elevator, emerNOW HIRING gency pull cords. Seniors 62 years or older. Rent starts at REALTORS $631.00 (based on income). Call today 269-683-4507 Please call Toni at 269-445Coldwell Banker R. E. 3333 or stop by today at Specialists 145 Stone Lake St. for more 1400 Chicago Rd information. EHO. TDD 1Niles, MI 49120 800-649-3777 American TRUCK DRIVER Preferred 1-800-968-1792
TRAINEES
NEEDED NOW AT US XPRESS Earn $800/wk Local CDL Training NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Be trained & based locally! 1-800-882-7364
WANT A JOB?
20 Open Positions $8.50/Hour Buchanan, MI Call Now!!!
(269) 408-1980
stjosephmi.expresspros.com
HOME CARE AIDEs More details and application at www.casscoa.org
Instruction & Training
309
P.D.K. Kenneth Smith, Inc. Truck Drivers Pulling Dump Trailers Wanted
DRIVERS NEEDED:
Class A CDL and Dump trailer exp. preferred. Tristate area, Home nights and weekends, Fuel Savings Sharing Program, Safety Bonus, Health Benefits. Apply in person 2596 Detroit Road (M-60) in Niles, MI or call 269-684-5960 to request application www.kennethsmithinc.com
13 CLASS Cassopolis 4 BEDROOM RANCH STONE LAKE MANOR in Edwardsburg School
Firearm Instruction Concealed Pistol License Classes. Contact Paul: 269462-2584 or Kelly: 269783-6570 pdkfirearms.com
Apartments 2 BEDROOM
412
Apartments Available $565/month (269)684-4500 tanglewood-niles.com
Edwardsburg
2 BEDROOM
with out washer/dryer hookup $140/week. Tenant pays electric, all electric including heat. Water, trash, sewage included in rent. $200 deposit. (269)8457182 OR (269)414-0385 Mon.-Sun. 2-8PM CLASS B MILLWRIGHT
Steel Warehouse has an exciting position for a Class B Millwright. Candidate must be able to perform all aspects of maintenance equipment. This position offers a great career opportunity along with a generous benefit structure. • Candidate must be able to work on and understand hydraulic systems and be able to fabricate. • Will perform hands-on industrial maintenance as needed. Must be able to make complex repairs to steel processing equipment and the ability to lead others to completion of said repairs. • High School Diploma or GED equivalent plus five years’ experience performing installation, repair, and maintenance of mechanical equipment in an industrial setting. • Must have successful completion of a four year millwright apprenticeship program.
Resumes will go to jobs@steelwarehouse.net
JOURNEYMAN MACHINIST Must be proficient in manual machine tool set-up and operation. Blueprint and welding skills a plus. Please send resume with references to the following address. Axip Energy Services (Formerly Valerus) 9892 Red Arrow Hwy Bridgman, MI 49106 Attn: Andrea Odell aodell@axip.com
FOR RENT
Dowagiac large two story two bedroom apt. close to town. $675 per month includes all utilities and trash. June 1 move in. Deposit, references and background check required. Fill out an application at: www.dowagiacrentals.com 269-806-5875 Also a Studio apt available in Dowagiac on July 1 3 rooms: living/bedroom area, kitchen and bath. $385 per month includes all utilities and trash. Security deposit of $400 and cleaning deposit of $50 also required. Very nice, small 3 BEDROOM HOUSE $760 rent $800 security deposit. All utilities included. Avail July 1. To see the units, please fill out a rental application at: www.dowagiacrentals.com Once we've received your application, an appt can be made to see it. Responsible tenants only.
RIVER OAK APTS
1729 Oak St., Niles (269)687-8340 2 Bedrooms Heat, Water, Hot Water & Trash All Paid www.coreleases.com
For Rent 418 CASS/ EDWARDSBURG
1 mobile home, 3 bed, 2 bath, $180/week utilities included. $600 deposit (574) 220-9316
District. Built in 2007. Open concept. 2 full baths, 2 half baths. Full finished basement. 3 car garage. $299,900 Matt and Tonia Petruska (269) 663-2285 tonia.petruska@yahoo.com
Dowagiac
FOR RENT
Small 2 bed duplex $500, 1 bed apt. $400, plus security deposit & utilities, no smoking, no pets (269)7828259
LOVELY 3 BEDROOM
completely remodeled home in the city of Niles, central air $875/month plus security deposit, excellent credit & references, no section 8 (269)621-4724 or (269)684-5516
Houses for Sale 500 2 STORY HOUSE
3 bedroom, 2 car detached garage, utility basement. Call (269)683-2940
WHETHER BUYING OR SELLING
Integrity Real Estate Professionals would love the opportunity to serve you. Call any of our agents for professional service you expect and deserve. 269-684-5030 NEW TODAY Integrity Real Estate Dowagiac - 54860 Sunset Professionals Drive
HOUSE FOR SALE
3BRM Ranch on Hilltop Culde-sac, 2.5 Bath, Dining, Formal Living and Family Rms, 2,100sf, AC/Natural Gas, Gas Log Fireplace, 3 Season Rm, Laundry, 2+ Car Garage, Full Bsmt, 1.2 Acres, Check Out Beautiful Back Yard - Large Windows Allow for View of Four Seasons from Indoors, Info in Newspaper Box $149,500
HOUSE FOR SALE
Manufactured Homes
502
4068 King Dr., Sodus, MI. Located on quiet dead end street in the heart of wine country, this home is just waiting for you! Updates throughout this 3 bedroom home. Roof, furnace, windows, well, water heater, electrical, insulation, and more! But if that is not enough sellers are including a 1 year home warranty with an acceptable offer to assure your peace of mind. All appliances also included. Enjoy quiet evenings on the large front porch, in the spacious backyard or take a walk to the nearby park. Minutes to the bypass make it convenient to everywhere! Come take a tour today! MLS14029450 Coldwell Banker, RWG Patty Lauten 574-340-4271 269-663-8800
PRICE ADJUSTED
Niles Westside 4 Bedroom Home Call or Text Chris Moore (269)362-5665 Freedom Realty (269)687-8484
Single mom looking for a home or a 1st time buyer? Call Mike at (269)470-2995
Cemetery Lots 617 CEMETERY LOT
Niles, Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Deed to Beautiful Psalms, Lot/Vault & Setting, Bronze marker. $2600. Savings of $990. Call Robbie Bowling (317) 435-2017
Things to Do 637 CASS DISTRICT LIBRARY http://cass.lib.mi.us (269)445-3400 Check out our online services: Freegal, Learn4Life, and more! Call for more info.
Household Merchandise FAMILY HOME, $686/MO!
3 bd/2 bth, 1,456+ sq. ft. Many updates! Central air, Skylights Buchanan, 269-695-3119
HOMES FOR SALE IN DECATUR
COUNTRY HOME
with garage. Suitable for single or a couple. Between Niles & Edwardsburg. No pets, No smoking. (269)6844354
Thursday, June 26, 2014 • Page 13
642
NEW TODAY
OCTAGON TABLE
w/18" leaf & 5 chairs $100 Rolltop Desk, 7 drawers $150. Queen Sofa Sleeper $100. ProForm J4 treadmill $50. 269-683-7139
Merchandise for 643 Sale YOUR E-CIG EXPERTS
Vaporizers & e-hookah Over 50 liquid flavors. US 31 Tobacco 50552 US 31 N, South Bend (574) 271-0333 3 Bed, 2 bath homes ready to be moved into. Lease Options at starting at $621 per month (includes lot rent, insurance, water, trash) Call 269-423-7024 or visit www.phelpscommunity.com to view pictures
Lawn & Garden 648 CUB CADET LTX1046 lawn tractor with bagger. 46 inch deck. 1 yr old. Runs fine, needs new drive belt $1600.00 (269) 663-8230
Garage-Yard 669 Mobile Homes 506 Sales SPRING SAVINGS ON Cassoplis - 17426 Stevens AFFORDABLE HOMES Forest Lake St. •Preowned 2&3 bed homes MOVING SALE •New 3 bed, 2 bath homes for $34,500 •Many standard features •Modular homes available Colonial Acres (269)663-2424
General Merchandise
595
NOW OPEN NILES FLEA MARKET Wed.-Sat. 10a-5p Sun. 12p-5p 111 E. Main St A few Vendor spots still available. For more info call 574-323-4187
Antiques 600 ALLEGAN ANTIQUE MARKET Sunday, June 29 8am to 4pm 400 Exhibitors Rain or Shine Located at the Fairgrounds, right in Allegan, Michigan $4.00 Admission. No Pets
PICKERS PARADISE ANTIQUE MALL
Huge Selection Of Treasures 2809 U.S. 33-M51 South, Niles (269)683-6644 10:00am - 5:00pm Daily
Collectibles 602 HUGE JAZZ & CLASSICAL LP/VINYL COLLECTION
(269)782-2727
June 27 & 28, 10-4 Refrigerator, freezer, John Deere mower, tools, misc. kitchen items, etc. Cassopolis - 19601 Dutch Settlement Rd.
GARAGE SALE
June 26 & 27, 8-5 Downsizing, coffee tables, large china cabinet, oak bench, 50 years of stuff. Cassopolis-20239 Bulhand St. (3 mi. N. of Hwy 12 off Cassopolis Rd)
MULTI FAMILY SALE June 26, 27 & 28, 8:30-5
Rain or shine
Milk glass, owl collection, Fenton, Westmoreland, old lamps, guy stuff, guns, ammo, misc. collectibles, tricycles, DVD's books, a few clothes, new stuff added, new treasures! Dealers welcome!
NEW TODAY
Dowagiac - 105 Edwards St.
ESTATE SALE
Sat & Sun, June 28 & 29 9a-3p This sale has something for everyone! Dowagiac - 23463 Morton St. & 23224 Fosdick St.
THE SISTER'S GARAGE SALE
June 26th, 27th, 28th 9a-5p General Household and misc.
Page 14 • Thursday, June 26, 2014
The Cassopolis Vigilant
14 CLASS Dowagiac - 33067 School St. BUDS BARN SALE 2 FAMILY SALE Fri & Sat, June 27-28 June 27th-28th 9a-6p 9:00a-4:00p Everything to fill your home Last hour Saturday all free and more!! Kenmore Hide-a-bed, filing cabinets, pedestals for w/d, some train set, tools, art supplies, antiques and tools. Xmas decorations, dishes, Beautiful hostas $3-$8. office supplies, golf bags, Dowagiac - 32362 Peavine clothing, player piano rolls. St. Dowagiac - 304 Center St.
ESTATE SALE
Sat-Sun, June 28 & 29, 9-4 Furniture, household, fishing boat and much more. Everything must go so it is priced to sell. Cash only.
CALL Classifieds
INDOOR YARD SALE
New things in every week at the old Martin's Auction House 6525 M-139 (Old US31) Berrien Springs, MI 10:00am-5:00pm EVERY Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Niles - 3120 S 13th Street
HUGE SALE!
Fri 6/27 & Sat 6/28 8a-4p Children's clothing, Boys 0-4, Girls 0-3T, Toys, Movies, Women and men's clothing, Household items. Something for Everyone!! Niles - 519 Bond St. (Ring Lardner House)
MOVING SALE!
Fri-Sun, June 27-29 8a-3p Furniture, household items, craft supplies, education materials. EVERYTHING MUST GO!
Classifieds GET RESULTS
Niles - Huntly and Smith St. CASH PAID FOR (Barron Lake Area) Watches, pocketknives, post-cards, photos, inBLOCK SALE struments, jewelry, etc. EnJune 27 & 28 from 9-4 Antiques, tools, kids and tire Estates. Call Chris 269baby stuff. Something for 591-5168 everyone!
Wanted to Buy BUYING
672
repairable scrap and unwanted vehicles, top dollar paid. Call or text for a free quote today. Free towing. Kevin (817)437-0450
WE WILL BUY
All black 14 yr. old mare 15 hand quarter horse with bold ruler bloodlines $4,200. 11 yr. old mare Palo. paint 14 hand safe with kids $2,100. Home Improve700 Tri color paint 8 yr. old filly ment needs to be finished out $1,800. (574)276-2197 or #1 GUTTERS can be seen day of sale at We do seamless gutters. 125 Hatfield, Niles, MI Free estimates, call 49120. July 4-6, 9-5. (269)782-0401
HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING
your junk car. We haul for free. Paying up to $1500 Over 30 years of experience, cash. Please call anytime tile work, kitchens, bath269-687-8098 rooms, decks & porches, windows & doors, window wrapping, siding, fascia & soffit. Call Randy (269)7823139 (269)208-9838
BUSINESS & SERVICE
DIRECTORY Computer Services
Computer Repair
Customer built computers. Free estimates. (269) 426-1584 (269) 683-2011
Concrete COMPLETE CONCRETE From start to finish. Stamped, flat & dirt work. Insured. (269)663-8091
BR ADY CONCRETE Specializing in Flat work of all type, seawalls, stamped concrete & Bobcat Service. Free estimates. Insured. Fast, dependable service. (269)445-3349 or (269)591-0100
C&C CONCRETE Flat work of all kinds, stamping, sidewalks, concrete patching, patios, driveways and pole barns. No job too small. Free estimates. Insured. (269) 228-1163
CONCRETE SERVICES
Driveways, patios, sidewalks, and room additions. 15 years experience. Call Jay. (269) 635-4393
WEAVER CONCRETE
And masonry, driveways, porches, patios, tear out/replace, all repairs, brick, block, stone, fireplaces. Will fix wet basements big or small, inside and out. All concrete flat work $2.25 sq. ft. Landscaping. Fast dependable service. Quality work. Aaron (269)655-4158
Consignment Turn your Closet into
CASH Kids’ clothing: newborn to teen, Baby gear & furniture, Maternity wear Now accepting spring/summer wear. We are open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, so you can replace the winter clothes your kids are outgrowing.
Call for appointment. Who kNew Consignment (269)782-9800
Elderly Care
Kare Services Compassionate Home Care Services (269)684-1984 (574) 292-2900 Email:KKaidanRay@aol.com www.KAREService.com
Electrical KLIMEK ENTERPRISES Electrical Contracting, No Job Too Big or Small. Free Quotes. Affordable Pricing, Licensed & Insured. (269)684-6290 or (269)470-4097
Excavation Hopper excavating
JDS Home Improvement Repairs, Replacement, New. Small jobs welcome. Licensed/Insured. Call John (269)445-7005
Lawn & Garden GARDENING WITH INTEGRITY, LLC • Lawn maintenance • Full Landscaping Service • Spring Clean Ups clean beds, preen, mulch, trim shrubs, edging, create new beds & much more! Call Ellen (269)759-1012
POND LINERS
“Have Gravel Will Travel” Driveway, stone, slag, recycled concrete, asphalt, top soil, sand & fill. (269) 782-1744 (269) 783-1744
EPDM Rubber, any size lowest prices, FREE delivery, Huge Inventory, TRM Enterprises, South Bend (574) 246-1922 (574) 329-9294
JOE’s DUMP TRUCK
Masonry
Sand, Gravel, Top Soil, R/C Concrete & Asphalt, Bush Hogging, Land Clearing. (269) 635-1143 joelowery1@gmail.com joesdumptruck.webs.com “Integrity-Teach it by Exmaple”
General Repair
MR. MAINTENANCE FREE ESTIMATES
Roofing, Siding & Windows, Light Hauling & Spring Clean-Ups, No Inside or Outside job too big or small. Low affordable rates. (269)591-1403
Casper Masonry
Brick/Block/Stone. Custom & Insurance work. Insured & bonded. (574)298-3520
MICHIANA MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION All your Masonry needs! Chimney cleaning. Insured & Bonded. Senior discounts. (269)362-1566
Miscellaneous
Hauling
GLEN’S HAULING & Garden Tilling (269) 683-8389 Cell (269) 340-4233
TOP SOIL, STONE, ETC.
Home Improvement
MK CONSTRUC TION Pole barn & other garages specialist. Roofing Siding, Framing and more. Over 25 years experience. Licensed. Contact Michael N. Knepple (269)476-9777
POLE BARNS & GARAGES BY NIEBOER
Quality Built (269)684-6673
Painting
J.M. HUNT ENTERPRISES, LLC Painting & Drywall. Insured. Free Estimates. Family Owned & Operated for Over 50 years.
(269)683-4442
Thank You
for your Business!
Recycling Service
743
CA$H 4 JUNKERS
Pool Services SWIMMING POOL LINERS & REPAIRS
Any size, great prices, all equipment, 35 years experience. Robertson’s Sales & Service. Niles. (269) 684-2669
Roofing
Midwest Roofing Family owned since 1984. lifetime warranty Shingles Flat Roofs & Gutter Covers.
Call (269)684-7199
Siding FRYMAN’S SEAMLESS GUTTERS & SIDING FRYMAN’S ROOFING Your home exterior experts. Quality guaranteed! Locally owned for 50 years. (269)782-5008 (David & Terri Fryman)
Tree Service THE CUTTING EDGE PRO TREE CARE Complete Tree Service SAME DAY ESTIMATES Insured, Competitive Rates. (269)687-4972
C & S MARSH TREE SERVICE Trees, brush, stump removal, high lift work, insured. (269)362-4331 or (269) 683-1065 leave msg.
DAN’S TREE SERVICE Excellent Cleanup, Insured. Free Estimates. Visa/MC. (574) 361-9747
Used Appliances HUGE SALE AT
BILL’S USED APPLIANCES
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat. 10am-3pm Closed Sunday 2559 S. 11th Street-Niles (269) 340-5952
Geiger refregeration Service We buy, repair & clean up used appliances, refrigerators, washers, dryers, gas & electric ranges. 841 Carberry Road • Niles (269) 687-8639 9am-5pm
Turn that Junker in your yard to cash in your hand 801 Carberry Rd, Niles 269-687-5865
Misc. Services 747 A 2 Z SALVAGE & JUNK REMOVAL We do all the Loading, Hauling & Clean up Commercial/Residential/ Industrial •Rental Clean Outs •Storage Units, Decks •Property Cleanup •Construction Debris •Farms/Barns •Concrete/Asphalt Removal Demolition Service Available 7 days a week (269)213-1746 Like us on Facebook www.facebook/ A2zrecycling.com
Painting Service PAINTING
754
Int. & Ext., Drywall & Wall Repair & Power washing. Insured. Call Glen Hoese at 269-684-4055
Boats, Motors 900 SHORE STATION
$250 like new; PONTOON BOAT 20 ys old - Runs well, make offer. Photos avail. Email: pb60606-pb@yahoo.com Sister Lakes Area
Motors, Boating 903 Equipment SHORE STATION
ShoreMaster, Medium size with blue canopy, held 16 ft Tri-hull I/O, On diamond lake. $1400. Call 574-3401684
Motorcycles & 915 ATV’’s MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE
2000 Kawasaki Classic, 1500 cc, worth of accessories was new, asking (269) 782-6216
Vulcan $2400 when it $5000.
RVs, Campers, 921 Trailers 1979 CHEVY JAYCO MOTOR HOME
22 ft., all restored, new top air, new interior, shower tub, self-contained, new paint job, new tires & brakes, all fluids & serviced, engine 400 small block. Asking $3,200 or best offer. Call (269)687-8221
Auto-Truck Misc. FOR SALE
933
'95 Ford Pickup Box xlt, with tail gate, in good condition, little rust by wheel well. $250. (269) 782-6216
Trucks, Vans, 942 4-Wh Drives 1996 DODGE 1500
204,000 miles, Covermaster cap, needs water pump & battery, $1,000 or If you need your house best offer. (269)445-8822 cleaned & maintained give or (574)370-2459 Busy Bee's House cleaning 945 Service a call (574)383- Autos for Sale 6209 NEED A CAR NOW? WELL WE HAVE THE ONE RICK'S POWER WASHING JUST FOR YOU!!!! RVs, homes, decks, farm New Arrivals at equip. & boat docks. Small Scarlett Auto Sales! commercial jobs. Serving Loaded 2010 Hyundai Cass., Dow. & Niles. Free Elantras Estimates, Senior Dis- Low Miles! you can't beat counts. Will beat any that! COLD A/C RUNS GREAT competitors estimates. Tax , Title and fees are your Satisfaction Guaranteed. down payment $275/mo No Call 269-470-9507 or 269- Interest! No Credit Checks! 470-9498 7979 Deans Hill Rd Berrien Center, MI 49102 Insurance 758 (269) 461- 4197
Cleaning Service 757 HOUSE CLEANING
LOWER YOUR INSURANCE RATES!
To advertise here contact classifieds at 269-687-7717
Horses-Livestock 809 HORSES FOR SALE
Home - Auto - Health - Life We do the shopping for you! TCU Insurance Agency Call Deb Asmus today (269) 683-6700 x5901
The Cassopolis Vigilant
Thursday, June 26, 2014 • Page 15
in brief email: scott.novak @leaderpub.com Call: 687-7702
Hawks camp
Sliders Take Title
Chicago training at ND ice facility SUBMITTED
Submitted photo
The Southwest Sliders 16U fast-pitch softball team took first place in the Mayor’s Tournament at Bailey Park in Battle Creek Sunday. The Sliders were undefeated in pool play beating Bluffton Tigers 6-2, Dawgs 6-0, Niles Nitro 6-2 and Sabercats 6-1. The Sliders defeated the Niles Nitro 12-2 in the championship game. Pictured in front from left are: coach Nicky Hulett, Marissa Dodd (Dowagiac), Kloe Petit (Constantine), Ali Warkentien (Decatur), Vivi Lucio (Dowagiac), Arika Fell (Edwardsburg), and Erica Williams (Cassopolis); back row: coach Joe Grandstaff, Kailyn Ebeling (Decatur), Hannah Frye (Three Rivers), Taylor Hulett (Dowagiac), Emma Nelson (Edwardsburg), Hannah Whitaker (Dowagiac) and coach Tim Hulett. Missing from photo is Kaylynn Forrest (Cassopolis).
NOTRE DAME — The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that the team will return to the campus of the University of Notre Dame to open their 2014-15 training camp. For the second straight year, all Blackhawks practices will be held at the Compton Family Ice Arena with the camp set to begin on Friday, Sept. 19 and run through Sunday, Sept. 21.
Despite injury, Duncan earns honor By BOB OPPENHEIM Bob.oppenheim@leaderpub.com Just being on the field was quite an accomplishment this year for Brandywine baseball player Kyle Duncan. Duncan’s senior season appeared in jeopardy after what took place on the mound in the Bobcats’ fourth game against Centreville. “My arm felt fine the whole time,” said Duncan. “In the seventh inning I threw a curveball and felt a pop. It felt like somebody had stabbed me in the elbow. I then threw a fastball and it felt like the same speed as a changeup. I then told coach to take me out.” Duncan went to see a specialist and the news wasn’t good. “He said the tests showed that I very likely had a tear in the ulnar ligament in my elbow and that I was a likely candidate for Tommy John surgery,” Duncan said. Duncan elected to hold off when it came to surgery and take a year to recover. His doctor recommended that he stop playing baseball because of the further damage that could take place in the elbow from throwing. The doctor added if Duncan wanted to keep playing his best positions would be spots that
didn’t involve long throws, like second base or first base or not playing a position at all and being a designated hitter. “I wanted Morgan to be a part of the team and help the team,” Duncan said. “I don’t like quitting. I wanted to stick through it.” Duncan became a starting second Green baseman after spending his three years on the varsity as a pitcher and shortstop. “He wanted to play,” said Brandywine baseball coach Dave Siden- Sheteron bender. “He didn’t want to waste his senior season. “He started at second base and did a really nice job.” Duncan batted .365 with 12
RBIs and four doubles this season. Before he got hurt, Duncan owned a 2-1 record pitching with a 0.97 earned run average. He struck out 21 batters of 14 1/3 innings. Those numbers helped Duncan earn an All-Lakeland Conference selection. Other area players that made the team are outfielders Seth Brown (Brandywine), Zach Grishaber (Brandywine), Alex Leiter (Buchanan) and Dalton Riddle (Buchanan), infielders Lance Sheteron (Cassopolis), Vashaun Morgan (Cassopolis) and Cole Searles (Brandywine), pitcher Matt Vaughn (Brandywine), catcher Chad Adkerson (Buchanan) and at-large selections Christian Hall (Buchanan), Chandler Plew (Brandywine) and A.J. Green (Cassopolis). “The injury didn’t affect me when I was hitting,” Duncan said. “It affected me more defensively. I thought I did pretty well playing second base.” Duncan helped Brandywine finish 17-8 with its first Lakeland Conference title since 2010 and its first district win since 2008. “His power numbers were down (Duncan hit .438 with 33 RBIs, six doubles and two triples as a junior), but being the number three hitter you’re going to see
different pitches,” Sidenbender said. “Teams knew who he was and they didn’t want him to beat them. “He still had some big hits for us and he was a consistent player for us. He’d do whatever it took to help us win a game. He was the consummate team player. He set a good example for his teammates.” ALL-LAKELAND BASEBALL Outfield Seth Brown, Brandywine Zach Grishaber, Brandywine Alex Leiter, Buchanan Dalton Riddle, Buchanan Infield Matt Hendricks, Bridgman Nick Knowlton, Bridgman Lance Sheteron, Cassopolis Vashaun Morgan, Cassopolis Kyle Duncan, Brandywine Cole Searles, Brandywine Pitchers Matt Vaughn, Brandywine Tyler Gnodtke, Bridgman Catcher Chad Adkerson, Buchanan At Large Christian Hall, Buchanan Chandler Plew, Brandywine A.J. Green, Cassopolis
Cass alumni game July 11 An alumni football game between Cassopolis and Marcellus will be held July 11 at 7 p.m. The game, which will be in full pads, will be held at Marcellus according to Cassopolis varsity football coach Dan Purlee. A ny C a s s o p o l i s alumni interested in playing should contact Purlee at (269) 462-0372. Equipment will be supplied. Players will need to pay $25 to participate. All proceeds will benefit the Cassopolis football program.
LMC boys hoop camp July 14-17 Budding basketball stars can hone their hoop shooting skills and more this summer at Lake Michigan College’s Red Hawks Basketball Camp. The day camp will b e h e l d J u l y 14 through 17. Boys entering grades 4 through 9 in the fall are eligible. Participants will develop basic skills in a fun environment and will learn the importance of teamwork, leadership skills, and education. The camp will run from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day at the St. Joseph High School Field House on Stadium Drive. The field house opens at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $175 per child. No previous experience is necessary. Information and registration is available on the Lake Michigan College website at wwsw.lakemichigancollege.edu/ mens-basketball or by contacting Doug Schaffer at (269) 9278170 or dschaffer@ lakemichigancollege. edu.
Registration for camps June 30 The Krush Volleyball Club is offering summer training camps. C a mp fo r f i r s t through sixth-graders is July 7-10 and camp for seventh- and eightgraders is July 14-17 at the Krush Courts located at 1720 Terminal Road in Niles. Registration is June 30 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Page 16 • Thursday, June 26, 2014
Enjoy FREE Starbucks® coffee when you activate a new MyChart account! Whether you’re at work, traveling, or at home, MyChart provides you with a high-level summary of your medical chart, and the ability to communicate with your doctors electronically.
Easy, Online Access to Your Medical Record! • Access your child’s or dependent’s medical records • Check account balances • Electronically message your doctor • Manage appointments • Refill prescriptions Mention code COFFEE4ME when you call (800) LAKELAND to activate your account. Coffee available while supplies last
www.lakelandhealth.org/mychart
The Cassopolis Vigilant