The Answer Book by Leader Publications

What’s Inside GOVERNMENT • Berrien County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 • City of Niles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 • Bertrand Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 7 • Niles Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 7 • City of Buchanan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 7 • Buchanan Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 7 • Cass County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 8 • City of Dowagiac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 10 • Silver Creek Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 10 • Wayne Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 11 • Pokagon Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 11 • Village of Vandalia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 11 • Village of Marcellus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12 • Marcellus Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12 • Volinia Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12 • Village of Cassopolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12 • Calvin Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 12 • Jefferson Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 13 • LaGrange Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 13 • Newberg Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 • Penn Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 • Village of Edwardsburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 • Mason Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 15 • Milton Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 15 • Porter Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 • Ontwa Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18 • Howard Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18

SCHOOLS • Berrien Regional Education Service Agency. . .Page 19 • Niles Community Schools . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 19 Niles High School Ring Lardner Middle School Northside Child Development Center Ballard Elementary Howard Elementary James Ellis Elementary Oak Manor Elementary Southside School Cedar Lane Alternative School Niles New Tech Entrepreneurial Academy Eastside Connections School • Brandywine Public Schools . . . . . . . . . . .Page 21 Brandywine Middle/Senior High School Bell Education Center Brandywine Elementary School Merritt Elementary • Buchanan Community Schools . . . . . . . .Page 22 Buchanan High School Buchanan Middle School Ottawa Elementary School Stark Elementary School Moccasin Elementary School • Niles Seventh-day Adventist School . . . .Page 23 • St. Mary’s Catholic School, Niles . . . . . .Page 26 • Lewis Cass ISD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26

• Cassopolis Public Schools . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 26 Ross Beatty Junior/Senior High School Sam Adams Elementary Alternative/Adult Education • Edwardsburg Public Schools . . . . . . . . . .Page 27 Edwardsburg High School Edwardsburg Intermediate Edwardsburg Middle School Eagle Lake Elementary Edwardsburg Primary • Southwestern Michigan College . . . . . . .Page 28 • Lake Michigan College . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 28

VITAL INFORMATION • Dowagiac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29 • Cassopolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 29 • Edwardsburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 30 • Niles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 32 • Niles Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33 • Buchanan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 33

CIVIC GROUPS • Rotary, garden clubs, Optimist, etc. . . . .Page 37

TRANSPORTATION • Airports, buses, taxis, trains . . . . . . . . . .Page 39

RECREATION • Youth sports leagues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 43 • Bowling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 43 • Golf courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 43 • State parks, county parks . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 44 • Hiking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 45

Katie Rohman Managing Editor Niles Daily Star, Cassopolis Vigilant, Edwardsburg Argus

John Eby Managing Editor Dowagiac Daily News

Kevin Smith Director of Advertising

Rick Lott Distribution Manager

Edwardsburg Chamber of Commerce 574-343-3721 or 269-663-6344 P.O. Box 575 Located: 26225 US12 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 E-mail: Administration@edwardsburg.biz Web: www.edwardsburg.biz

Member List: Adams Theraputic Massage Bentzer Inc. Carmi Design Group Inc. Cass County Economic Development Center for Animal Health Chemical Bank Clear Choice Chiropractic of Edwardsburg, PC Coldwell Banker RWG Cressy & Everette Real Estate Curtis Chiropractic D.E. Duck Heating & Cooling Drexel Inc. Eagle Lake Marine of Mich. Inc. East Shore Animal Hospital Edwardsburg Family Medicine Edward Jones Investments Edwardsburg Area Chamber of Commerce Edwardsburg Public Schools Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union G.W. Jones Bank Hardingʼs Friendly Market Hope United Methodist Church... Church Services, Angel Food Network Kellyʼs Investment Kemner lott Agency Kruppʼs Power Sports Inc. LaBre & Associates Leader Publications

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Lunkers Marbach, Brady & Weaver Inc. Mary Kay Meridian Title Corporation North American Forest Ontwa Township Ontwa TownshipEdwardsburg Police Dept. Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church Precision Sheet Metal Presbyterian Church Red Star Auctions/ St. Evans Inc Robinʼs Nest: Quilts & More Scapino Steel Service Oil Company South Bend SilverHawks Southwestern Michigan College State Farm Stateline Diesel Stillson Insurance Agency LLC Subway Edwardsburg, Libs, Inc. Superior Air Management Systems, LLC Tim Tancey, CPA Teresa of Edwardsburg The Union House Bed & Breakfast Union Insurance Agency, LLC Uptown Improvement Assoc. Valhalla Information Systems LLC Village of Edwardsburg Voice Edwardsburg/Union & Surrounding Communities

269-663-3745 574-266-1010 269-641-5493 269-663-8139 269-663-8500 269-663-2347 269-663-8444 269-699-5870 269-663-8810 269-663-6815 269-663-6100 269-663-3303 269-663-0045 269-445-2441 574-235-9988 269-782-1000 269-663-7015 269-663-8571 269-663-6695 269-663-8558 269-663-5700 269-663-8620 269-663-2244 269-641-9988 269-641-5995 269-663-2347 269-978-8084 574-968-7059 269-663-8484 269-445-8455

6 Berrien County Bill Wolf, County Administrator 701 Main Street St. Joseph, MI 49085 Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., MondayFriday Phone: (269) 983-7111 ext. 8601 Fax: (269) 983-5788 E-mail: wwolf@berriencounty.org Website: www.berriencounty.org Commissioners District 1 Robert A. Wooley, P.O. Box 324, Coloma, MI 49038; phone, 468-7329; fax, 468-9534; e-mail, nbsc@12K.net. District 2 Jon Hinkelman, 201 M-140, Watervliet, MI 49098; phone, 463-3385; e-mail, jbhinkelman@gmail.com. District 3 Marletta Seats, 1644 Stanley Drive, Benton Harbor, MI 49022; phone, (269) 9273062. District 4 Mamie Yarbrough, 1086 Monroe St., Benton Harbor, MI 49022; phone, 925-2669; e-mail, mymymy59@sbcglobal.net. District 5 Catherine Thieneman, 1417 Newberry Hills, St. Joseph, MI 49085; phone, 983-7103. District 6 Jeanette Leahey, 2985 East Bluffwood Terrace, St. Joseph, MI 49085; phone, 4296349; e-mail, jeanetteleahey@hotmail.com. District 7 Debra Panozzo, 1614 Barbara Ann Drive, Stevensville, MI, 49127; phone, 429-2131; email, debpanozzo@sbcglobal.net. District 8 Bryan Bixby, 5743 Pokagon Rd., Berrien Springs, MI, 49103; phone, (269) 471-9290; bixbyfarms@comcast.net District 9 Chair Dave Pagel, 3221 East Shawnee Rd., Berrien Springs, MI, 49103; phone, (269) 471-7398. District 10 Andrew Vavra, 7120 West Elm Valley Rd., Three Oaks, MI 49128; phone, 756-7162. District 11

Government Mac Elliott, 1 Park Court, Buchanan, MI 49107; phone, 695-9312. District 12 John LaMore, 2329 Floral Drive, Niles, MI 49120; phone, 684-4948. District 13 Zach Perkins, 546 Grant St., Niles, MI 49120; phone, (269) 357-9266. Other officials County Clerk Louise Stine, 811 Port St., St. Joseph; (269) 983-7111 ext. 8241. Drain Commissioner Roger Zilke, 701 Main St. Joseph; (269) 983-7111 ext. 8633. Prosecutor Arthur Cotter, 811 Port St., St. Joseph; (269) 983-7111 ext. 8311. Sheriff L. Paul Bailey, 919 Port St., St. Joseph, (269) 983-7141; jail, 983-7141 ext. 7220. Undersheriff Chuck Heit, ext. 7219. Treasurer Bret Witkowski, 701 Main St., St. Joseph; (269) 983-7111 ext. 8645. Courts Berrien County Courthouse-First Floor 811 Port St., St. Joseph, MI 49085-1192 Criminal: (269) 982-8682 Traffic: (269) 982-8680 Fax: (269) 982-8643 South County Courthouse 1205 North Front St., Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 684-5274 Berrien County Trial Court Alfred M. Butzbaugh, Chief Judge Criminal DivisionJudges Angela M. Pasula, presiding judge Gary J. Bruce Charles T. LaSata Sterling R. Schrock, presiding judge Dennis M. Wiley Scott Schofield, south county Civil Division Berrien County Courthouse-Third Floor 811 Port St., St. Joseph, MI 49085-1192 Phone: (269) 983-7111 ext. 8683 Fax: (269) 983-3604 John E. Dewane, presiding judge

Family Division Berrien County Courthouse-Fourth Floor 811 Port St., St. Joseph, MI 49085-1192 Phone: (269) 982-8613 Fax: (269) 982-8644 Thomas E. Nelson, presiding judge

City of Niles City Hall 508 East Main St., Niles, 49120 Phone: (269) 683-4700 Website: www.ci.niles.mi.us Mayor Michael McCauslin, 683-2494 Administrator Terry Eull Location of municipal meetings: 1345 East Main St. on the second and fourth Monday at 6 p.m. City Council First Ward Georgia Boggs 806 Ash St. (269) 684-3873 Patricia Gallagher 1529 Merrifield St. (269) 684-3325 Second Ward Robert Durm 113 North 13th St. (269) 683-3105 Daniel VandenHeede 639 North 13th St. (269) 684-4642 Third Ward Betty Arndt 1412 Oak St. (269) 684-3630 William Weimer 418 Michigan St. (269) 683-4446

Government Fourth Ward Bruce Williams 777 Bryant St. (269) 683-3941 William T. Skalla 520 South Lincoln St. (269) 684-2455 Police Chief Ric Huff, (260) 683-3282 Fire Chief Larry Lamb, (269) 683-2520 Community Development, Juan Ganum, (269) 683-4700 ext. 233 Public Works Director Neil Coulston, (269) 683-4700 ext. 202 City Clerk Linda Casperson, (269) 6834700 ext. 204 Utilities Manager J.W. Rossow, (269) 683-4700 ext. 216 Finance Director Sandy Naugle, (269) 683-4700 ext. 220 Assessor Cindy Closson, (269) 683-4700 ext. 209 City Attorney Robert Landgraf Jr., (269) 683-8300 Electrical Superintendent Randy Stevens (269) 684-3901 ext. 302 Electrical Inspector John Klimek, (269) 683-4700 ext. 210 Water Superintendent Johnnie Hall, (269) 684-3901 ext. 302 Wastewater Superintendent Terry Benish, (269) 684-3904 Building Official Guy Lewis, (269) 6834700 ext. 205 Museum Director Carol Bainbridge, (269) 683-4700 ext. 212

Bertrand Township Township hall 3835 Buffalo Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107 Board meets the second Thursday each month at 7:30 p.m. Phone: (269) 695-5001 Fax: (269) 695-4205 E-mail: bertrandtownship@comcast.net Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Township zoning board meetings: first Thursday of every other month, 7 p.m. Township board meetings: second Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. Supervisor To be selected in Aug. 2 election Clerk Jane Lano (269) 695-5001 Term expires November 2012 Deputy Clerk Kelsey Castle (269) 695-5001 Treasurer Lee Ann Couture (269) 695-5001 Deputy Treasurer Laura Wise Trustee David Zelmer (269) 695-5001 Term expires November 2012

Trustee To be selected in Aug. 2 election Assessor Angela Kirby, (269) 207-2590 Building Inspector David Swanstrom, (269) 684-5271 Fire Chief Bill Knisely, (269) 698-6191 Zoning Board Chair, Shirley Dodson, (269) 695-5001 Zoning Administrator Joseph Kring, (269) 695-9591

Niles Charter Township Township hall 320 Bell Rd., Niles, MI 49120. Phone: (269) 684-0870 Fax: (269) 684-1996. Board meetings first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Website: www.nilestwpmi.gov Supervisor Jim Kidwell 2323 Bond St. (269) 684-7118 Administrative Assistant Rebecca Hulett, ext. 10 Clerk Marge Durm-Hiatt 123 Durm St. (269) 684-8848 Treasurer James Ringler 107 Beeson Rd. (269) 683-8980 Trustee August Kuehn 2053 Lake St. (269) 684-7808 Trustee Richard Noble 1705 Southworth Drive (269) 684-221 Trustee Gary Conover 1806 Niles-Buchanan Rd. (269) 683-6499 Trustee Richard Cooper 1701 Ferry St. (269) 684-6699 Terms expire November 2012 Building Official Jeff Dunlap, (269) 687-2741 ext. 18 DPW Manager Gary Schrader, (269) 684-0870 ext. 26 Fire Chief Gary Brovold, (269) 6833311 Parks, Becky Hulett, (269) 684-0870 ext. 10 Assessor Carol Hill, (269) 684-0870 ext. 25 Zoning Administrator Stefanie Woodrick, (269) 687-2741 ext. 19 Police services/non-emergency, (866) 630-7679

7 City of Buchanan City Hall 302 North Redbud Trail, Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 695-3844 www.cityofbuchanan.com City Manager/Police Chief Bill Marx, wmarx@buchananpolice.net; (269) 6955120 (non-emergency) Clerk Gladys Bybee, gbybee@cityofbuchanan.com Treasurer Juli O'Bryant, jobryant@cityofbuchanan.com Assessor Gordon Schreiber, gschreib@berriencounty.org; (269) 6845274 ext. 821 Fire Department (269) 695-0007 (nonemergency) City Commission The city commission meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. at city hall. Mayor Carla Cole (269) 695-3844 Mayor Pro Tem Earl "Joe" Scanlon III (269) 845-5860 Commissioner Patricia Moore (269) 697-0350 Commissioner Dave Hagey (269) 6953729 Commissioner Michael Terrell (269) 921-3160

Buchanan Township Township Hall 15235 North Main St. Buchanan, MI 49107 Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (269) 695-6442; fax, (269) 6957715. Website: www.buchanantownship.net Supervisor Jane A. Mitchell, 323 Able Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107, (269) 6978215. Treasurer Janet L. Dehring, 12353 Burgoyne Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107, (269) 695-1861. Trustee Lynn A. Ferris, 15229 North Main St., Buchanan, MI 49107, (269) 6955008. Trustee Brian Dinneen, 13078 Coveney Rd., Buchanan, MI 49107, (269) 6955347. Clerk Cathy Ganus, (269) 695-6442 Fire Chief Timothy A. Jesswein, (269) 695-9385 (non-emergency) Assistant Fire Chief James A. Myers Buchanan Township Fire Department is located at 15301 North Main St. Assessors: Nancy Williams, Angela Kirby Building inspector: Chris Fuchs, (269) 471-2400 Ordinance enforcement: Joe Kring, (269) 695-9591

8 Cass County Cass County Building (1899 Courthouse) 120 North Broadway Cassopolis, MI 49031 Cass County Law and Courts Building 60296 M-62 Cassopolis, MI 49031 County office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independendence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve. Closed Saturdays. Board of Commissioners meet Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Interim County Administrator/ Controller Charles Clark Administrative Assistant Tara Myer (269) 445-4420 Taram@cassco.org Grants and Project Manager Sandy Gower, sandyg@cassco.org Finance/benefits, Becky Moore (269) 445-4421

Government Information Systems Director Kerry Collins (269) 445-4488 E-mail: KerryC@cassco.org Deputy Director Jodi Nestich, (269) 4454487 JodiN@cassco.org Website: www.casscountymi.org Road Commission: casscoroad.com Board of Commissioners Two-year terms expire 2010. The Board of Commissioners grew from seven seats to 15 in 2003 due to reapportionment. District 1 Ed Goodman, D 55718 Sink Rd. Dowagiac, MI 49047 (269) 782-3947 home ednjac@locallink.net District 2 Chairman Robert Wagel, R 53725 O’Keefe Rd. Dowagiac, MI 49047 (269) 782-6111 home mwagel@qtm.net District 3 Cathy Goodenough 16466 McKenzie St. Marcellus, MI 49067

(269) 646-2044 home itsgoodenough@hotmail.com District 4 Bill Steele, D 62507 South Shore Drive Vandalia, MI 49095 (269) 476-8870 home District 5 Gordon Bickel Sr., R 11852 Shavehead Lake St. Constantine, MI 49042 (269) 435-7057 home gcbic@hughes.net District 6 Charlie Arnold, R 18275 Chapel Hill St. Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 641-5538 home clarnOld@netzero.net District 7 David P. Taylor, D 23501 Lakeview Drive Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 699-5544 home gigi708@aol.com

Government District 8 Carl D. Higley Sr., R 26217 Redfield St. Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 663-2265 home

Minnie@dellmail.com District 13 Johnie Rodebush, D 2528 Gilbert St. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-3223 home johnierodebush@juno.com

District 9 Vice Chairman Ronald Francis, R 20839 Decatur St. Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-3744 home rmfrancis1@comcast.net

District 14 Debbie Johnson, D 2211 Yankee St. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-6624 home

District 10 Dixie Ann File, R 20225 Kelsey Lake St. Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-2033 home tomannie2003@yahoo.com

District 15 Robert Ziliak, R 2912 U.S. Highway 12 East Niles, MI 49120 (269) 663-0027 home robertziliak@hotmail.com

District 11 E. Clark Cobb, D 302 Green St. Dowagiac, MI 49047 (269) 782-5858 eccobb@msn.com

Other Cass County agencies and officials Circuit Judge Michael E. Dodge, (269) 445-4412 District Judge Stacey A. Rentfrow, (269) 445-4424 Probate Judge Susan L. Dobrich, (269) 445-4454 Friend of the Court Roland C. Fancher, (269) 445-4436

District 12 Minnie Warren, D 56731 M-51 South Dowagiac, MI 49047 (269) 782-6829 home

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9 Prosecuting Attorney Victor Fitz, (269) 445-4460 Chief Assistant Frank Machnik, (269) 4454460 Chief Courthouse Security Officer George Adam, (269) 445-1142 Sheriff Joseph M. Underwood, (269) 4458644 Undersheriff Richard J. Behnke, (269) 445-8644 Road Patrol Capt. Lyndon Parrish, (269) 445-8644 Community Corrections Beth Dodge, (269) 445-3877 Jail Section Capt. Richard Affriseo, (269) 445-3877 Clerk/Register Barbara Runyon, (269) 445-4464 Chief Deputy Clerk/Register Monica Kennedy, (269) 445-4464 County Treasurer Linda Irwin, (269) 4454468 Chief Deputy Treasurer Diane Klapchuk, (269) 445-4468 Water Resources Commissioner Bruce Campbell, (269) 445-4428 Veterans Counselor, (269) 445-4472 Equalization Director Lesley Ramlow, (866) 471-2900 ext. 7193 Department of Human Services, (269) 445-0200

Government

Cass County Public Transit (all of county but Dowagiac), (269) 445-2455 Michigan State University Extension Director Dan Rajzer, (269) 445-4438 Council on Aging, (269) 445-8110 Animal Control Director Michael Grice, (269) 445-3701 Cass District Library Director Jennifer Ray, (269) 445-3400 Road Commission Manager Louis Csokasy, (269) 445-8611 Parks Director Scott Wyman, (269) 445-8611 Fair Association, (269) 445-8265 Medical Care Facility Administrator Merri Terborgh, (269) 4453801 Public Health Department, (269) 445-5280 Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network, (269) 445-2451 Human Services Coordinating Council, (269) 445-0269 Emergency Management at 130 N. Broadway in Cassopolis, (269) 445-1560 County Surveyor Roger Stephenson, (269) 445-8903; fax, 4458510 Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Director James Ward (269) 445-4431

City of Dowagiac 241 South Front St. City Hall, 782-2195 Website: www.cityofdowagiac.com Dowagiac’s 47th Mayor Donald D. Lyons, 204 West Telegraph St., 782-5698, was elected in November 1997. City Manager Kevin Anderson started as Dowagiac’s ninth manager on Aug. 18, 2008. Assistant City Manager Rozanne Scherr City Council City Council meets the second and fourth Mondays each month at 7 p.m. in its chambers on the second floor of the 1998 City Hall, 241 S. Front St. First Ward Lori Hunt, 118 Johnson St., was appointed June 25, 2007. Junior Oliver, 416 Chestnut St., 782-8984, was appointed Dec. 7, 2009. Second Ward Senior member Bob B. Schuur, 307 Center St., 782-2409, joined council in 1985. James B. Dodd, 504 Spruce St., 782-9404, was appointed Dec. 7, 2009. Third Ward Mayor Pro Tem Leon D. Laylin, 616 Helena, 782-7761, was elected in 1997. Dr. Charles Burling, 306 Willard St., 782-8097, was appointed Sept. 8, 2003. Clerk James E. Snow was elected in 1983. Treasurer Robin Coffey was elected in 1997. Thomas Atkinson was appointed police chief in August 1997 and added management of the Fire Department in 2008 as public services director. Mark Westrate became city attorney in June 1982. James Bradford is city building inspector. Vickie Phillipson is program director for the Downtown Development Authority and Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce. Rozanne Scherr, HR Director/Assistant City Manager. Christopher Bolt, Public Services Director.

Silver Creek Township Silver Creek’s board meets the second Wednesday each month at 7 p.m. Township hall: 32764 Dixon St. (P.O. Box 464), Dowagiac, (269) 424-3025; fax: 424-3858 E-mail: silvercreek@sisterlakescable.com Website: silvercreektwpmi.com Supervisor Bill J. Saunders, 424-3025 Clerk Walter F. Lehmann, 424-3025 Treasurer Maureen Kuriata, 424-3025 Trustee Joel Moore, 424-3025 Trustee Douglas M. Swisher, 424-3025 Electrical Inspector Ed Goodman, 55718 Sink Rd., Dowagiac, 7823947 Plumbing Inspector Ed Wainwright, P.O. Box 209, Edwardsburg, (269) 663-8542 Mechanical Inspector Ed Wainwright, P.O. Box 209, Edwardsburg, (269) 663-8542 Assessor William J. Kays, 72883 C.R. 687, Hartford, (269) 6213604 Planning Commission Chairman Mike Glynn, 424-3025 Board of Zoning Appeals Chairman Jerry Donley, 424-3025 Building Inspector Todd Herter, 424-3125 Zoning Administrator Ed Goodman, 55718 Sink Rd., Dowagiac, 782-3947 or 424-3125 Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals both meet monthly. Planning Commission meets last Wednesday monthly, 7 p.m. Board of Appeals meets first Wednesday monthly, 7 p.m., to conduct business as needed. Sister Lakes Area Utilities Authority, 424-6926

Government William J. Kays, Chairman, P.O. Box 832, Dowagiac, MI 49047 One voting precinct votes at the township hall. Township hall office hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon Building/zoning department office hours: Tuesday, 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon

Wayne Township Wayne Township’s board meets the first Monday each month at 7:30 p.m. Township hall, 53480 Glenwood Rd., P.O. Box 304, Dowagiac, (269) 782-7017. Fax: (269) 782-7017. One precinct votes at the Wayne Township hall. Supervisor Frank L. Butts, 26600 Dutch Settlement, (269) 7825250 Clerk Kurt Reich, 24531 Hatch St., (269) 782-6555 Treasurer Dawn R. King, 51327 Atwood Rd., Dowagiac, (269) 7823507 Trustee James K. Griggs, 24060 Flanders St., Dowagiac, (269) 7827890 Trustee Michael Krager Jr., 25201 Marquette Rd., Dowagiac, (269) 782-9631 Building Inspector Don Herter, 53848 Indian Lake Rd., Dowagiac, (269) 782-7827

Pokagon Township Pokagon’s board meets the second Wednesday each month at 7:30 p.m. Township hall, 30683 Peavine St., Dowagiac, (269) 782-8756; fax, (269) 782-5446

Supervisor Linda Preston, 30683 Peavine St., Dowagiac, (269) 7828756; e-mail, pokagonsupervisor@comcast.net Clerk Carrie Sandberg, 30683 Peavine St., (269) 782-8756; pokagonclerk@comcast.net Treasurer Kevin A. Young, 30683 Peavine St., Dowagiac, (269) 782-8756; pokagontreasurer@comcast.net Trustee Robert N. Shaffer, 33053 Crystal Springs St., Dowagiac, (269) 684-6347 Trustee Gary Mihills, 61253 M-51, Niles, (269) 683-0382 Building Inspector Don Herter, 53848 Indian Lake Rd., Dowagiac, (269) 782-7827 Zoning Administrator John True, 30683 Peavine St., Dowagiac; (269) 782-8756 Electrical Inspector Ken Simpson, 10349 Jones Rd., Berrien Center, (269) 471-5869 Mechanical/Plumbing Inspector Ed Wainwright, P.O. Box 209, Edwardsburg, (269) 663-8542 Assessor Bill Kays, 72883 C.R. 687, Hartford, MI 49057, (269) 621-3604 Cemetery Sexton Doug Shaffer, 2295 Reynolds Rd., Niles, (269) 684-2176; e-mail froggyshaffer@qtm.net Planning Commission meets quarterly in September, December, March and June. The buiding inspector and zoning administrator are at the township hall no Monday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. All voting precincts vote at the township hall. Zoning administrator, blight officer and building inspector are in every Monday evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Assessor’s office hours are the first and third Monday every month.

Village of Vandalia 18035 State St. Vandalia, MI 49095 (269) 476-2344; fax, (269) 476-2068 Council meets second Monday at 7 p.m. Village President Beverly L. Young 60583 Spruce St., Box 145 Vandalia, MI 49095 (269) 476-2488 Village Treasurer Janet C. Walker 19401 Mt. Zion St. Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-8330 Village Clerk Beth James P.O. Box 141 Vandalia, MI 49095 (269) 476-2374 Street Administrator Joe Evans 18096 Fox St., Box 185 Vandalia, MI 49095 (269) 476-2239 Village Council Theresa Damron 19777 South Main St., Box 66 Vandalia, MI 49095 (269) 476-9303 Don Damron 19777 South Main St., Box 66 Vandalia, MI 49095 269/476-9303 cell: 598-0707

Government

12 James Pogue 60600 White Temple St., Box 127 Vandalia, MI 49095 (269) 476-2856 Rita Anderson Box 121 Vandalia, MI 49095 (269) 476-1751 Mary Rockett 17899 Camplite St., Box 52 Vandalia, MI 49095 (269) 476-9549 Clerk Krista Jourdan Treasurer Sandra Bauer Assessor Shalice Northrop Fire Chief Craig Etter Building Inspector Tony Vaickus

Marcellus Township Board meets third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Township hall: 13163 Marcellus Highway, Marcellus. P.O. Box 218 (269) 646-2305 Supervisor John A. Grib, 10859 Pioneer St., Marcellus, (269) 646-9851. Clerk Ann M. Webb, 185 S. Jones St., Box 218, Marcellus, (269) 646-5651. Treasurer Shawnie J. Bainbridge, 11249 96th Ave., Marcellus, (269) 646-0083. Trustee Julia Birt, 50080 Red Run Rd., Marcellus, (269) 6462637. Trustee Ronald Kish, 51515 Saddle Bag Lake Rd., Decatur, (269) 646-2619. Assessor Shalice Northrop, P.O. Box 531, Marcellus, (269) 646-2181. Call for appointment. Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator: Michigan Township Services, (800)4687170. Planning Commission meets

the second Wednesday in January, March, May, July, September and November at 7 p.m. in the township hall.

Volinia Township Board meets second Monday at 7:30 p.m. Township hall: Goodenough Rd., Marcellus. Supervisor Wendy Elsey, 54761 Lawrence St., Marcellus, (269) 646-9849. Clerk Gwenn Johnson, 50357 Decatur Rd., Decatur, (269) 4238985. Treasurer Esther M. Mead, 53924 Gards Prairie Rd., Decatur, (269) 782-2884. Trustee Donald L. Huff, 19084 Marcellus Highway, Marcellus, (269) 646-2503. Trustee Harry Rasmussen III, 54593 Gards Prairie Rd., Cassopolis, (269) 782-5562. Building Inspector Charlie Halifax, P.O. Box 531, (269) 624-6387; fax, (269) 624-1818. Assessor Shalice Northrop, P.O. Box 531, Marcellus, (269) 646-2181. Plumbing/Mechanical Inspector Ed Wainwright, (269) 663-8542. Planning Commission meets as needed. One precinct votes at the township hall.

Village of Cassopolis Village Hall 117 South Broadway, second floor-suite 100, Cassopolis, MI 49031 Phone: (269) 445-8648; fax, (269) 445-2052.

• Beckwith Park Summer Concert Series • Sister Lakes Fireworks & Bigfoot Fourth of July Parade & Lake Festival, July 2 • Sister Lakes Triathlon & Relay, July 23 • Summer in the City Festival, July 28-30 • Rod & Roll Classic Auto Show, Aug. 20 • Open House Weekend, Nov. 18-20 • Candle-light Christmas Parade, Dec. 2 • Ice Time Festival 2012, February 4 www.CityOfDowagiac.com www.DowagiacChamber.com

Enjoy great shopping & dining, museums to explore, beautiful lakes, seasonal events, the fine arts & so much more…

Village Council Council meets the second Monday at 7 p.m. President Clare Mallo 240 North Rowland St., 4453955 Pro-Tem Robert Yoder 212 West York, 445-8936 Trustee Brittany P. Beauchamp Trustee Dianna McGrew Trustee Leon Gilliam Trustee Tex E. Sheteron Trustee Geraldine NorwoodSims Appointed administrative officials Manager Meg Cluckey Treasurer Maxine Snipes Clerk Judith Hartman

Police Chief Frank Williams Jr. DPW Superintendent Ronald Bass, 445-8648 Fire Chief Jeff Locke Electrical Inspector Ron Bellaire Plumbing Inspector Ed Wainwright Assessor Bill Kays, (269) 6213604 Building Inspector Lennel Smith Ordinance Enforcement Gary McGrew

Calvin Township Township Board Board meets the second Tuesday at 6 p.m., William J. Robinson Community Building, 18727 Mt. Zion St., Cassopolis. Phone: (269) 476-2620; fax, (269) 476-1539 E-mail: cal2620@qtm.com Supervisor Adrienne Glover, 63602 Calvin Center Rd., Cassopolis,(269) 476-9633. Clerk Leozie S. Broadnax, 18334 Calvin Hill St., Cassopolis, (269) 641-5223. Treasurer Rosemary Gillam, 62507 South Shore Drive, Vandalia, (269) 362-0674. Trustee Rebecca Mitchell, 62310 Lincoln Ave., Vandalia, (269) 476-2812. Trustee Keith Carter, (269) 476-2220 Assessor Shalice Northrop, P.O. Box 531, Marcellus, (269) 646-0820. Building Inspector Lennell Smith, 65817 Tharp Lake Rd., Cassopolis, (269) 476-8865. Plumbing/Mechanical Inspector Ed Wainwright, 26800 Bridgewater Center, Elkhart, Ind., (269) 663-8542. Electrical Inspector Jack Hughes; Ron Bellaire, assistant; 17819 Tharp Lake Rd., Cassopolis, (269) 641-7280. Township Attorney, Bakers and Daniels, LLP, 205 West Jefferson Blvd., Suite One precinct votes at township hall, 18727 Mt. Zion, Cassopolis.

Village of Marcellus Marcellus Village Hall 177 East Main St. P.O. Box 429 (269) 646-5485 Fax: (269) 646-0065 e-mail: clerk@villageofmarcellus.org Office hours: MondayFriday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1

Government to 4:30 p.m. Village Council Council meets the second and fourth Thursdays at 5 p.m. President Jody Schick 163 E. Read cell 506-9211 Term expires November 2012 Pro-Tem James Thomas Sr. 503 Worden (269) 646-2555 Term expires November 2012 Peggy Dentler 575 S. Snyder St. (269) 646-5485 Term expires November 2014 Burke Webb 185 S. Jones (269) 646-5651 Term expires November 2014 Ann Simmons 400 South St. (269) 646-9632 Term expires November 2014 Mike Ludlow 181 Frank Townsend St. (269) 646-7025 Term expires November 2012 Clerk Krista Jourdan Treasurer Sandra Bauer Assessor Shalice Northrop Fire Chief John Bates Building Inspector Tony Vaickus, (269) 624-6387

Jefferson Township Board of Trustees meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the township hall, 24725 Jefferson Center St., Cassopolis. Website: www.jeffersontownshiponline.org Mail: P.O. Box 188, Cassopolis, MI 49031 Phone: (269) 445-3941; fax, (269) 445-8274 Office hours: Mondays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Supervisor Jeffrey A. Carmen, 67269 N. Shore Drive, Edwardsburg, MI 49112; (269)

699-7642; e-mail, jac@jcarmen.com. Clerk Leroy McNeary, 67671 M-62, Edwardsburg, (269) 6632358. Treasurer Carlotta Kirstein, email, Carlotta_k@yahoo.com. Trustee Flena Rubalcaba, 26267 M-60 West, Cassopolis; (269) 445-8834. Trustee Dean M. Hass, 22291 Kamp Kozy, Cassopolis, (269) 445-3978. Assessor Bill Kays, 72883 C.R. 687, Hartford, MI 49057; (269) 621-3604. Building and Zoning Administrator Gerry Hart, P.O. Box 24, Cassopolis, (269) 4769883 Township Office Manager Mary Brown, (269) 687-9588 One precinct votes at the township hall for all elections, including school elections. Planning Commission meets the third Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., ever other month.

We “Turn On” Our Community

LaGrange Township Board meets the third Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Township Hall 58253 M-62, Cassopolis. Mailing address: 24745 Cass St. Cassopolis Supervisor Robert K. Wright, 61317 Spencer Rd., Cassopolis, (269) 445-0625; e-mail, robwright50@yahoo.com. Clerk Amy J. Juroff, 24745 Cass St., Cassopolis, (269) 7825939; e-mail, LaGrangeClerk@aol.com. Treasurer Naomi J. Criswell, 61078 Spencer Rd., Cassopolis, (269) 445-3590; fax, (269) 4450164. Trustee Jay W. Brackensick, 27357 Peavine St., Dowagiac, (269) 783-0264. Assessor William Kays, 72883 C.R. 687, Hartford; (269) 621-3604. Zoning Administrator Bruce Vosburgh, (269) 684-5166 or (888) 684-5166. Building Inspector Dave Rigozzi, (269) 427-9265. All building inspector requests go through the zoning administrator first. Planning Commission meets the second Wednesday in February, May, August and November at 7 p.m. All voting precincts are at Cass District Library, 319 M-62,

ur electric utility “turns on” our community with not-for-profit electricity service. Around the clock it lights, cooks, cools, heats and powers our homes, businesses, and institutions. Our aim is to provide always-there electricity while holding down your costs, and giving you the best customer care. That’s because we’re a not for-profit “public power” electric utility, created and owned by our community.

City of Niles Utilities Department (269) 683-4700 Your community-owned electric utility is at your service.

14 Cassopolis.

Newberg Township Board meets: second Monday, 7 p.m. Township Hall 13020 Born St., P.O. Box 37, Jones. Newberg Township Fire and EMS Department 11900 McKinley St., P.O. Box 257 Jones, MI 49061 Phone: (269) 244-8747; fax, (269) 2448747. Supervisor Bill “Willis” Norton, 10851 Bald Hill St., Three Rivers, (269) 244-8452. Clerk Korine Bachleda, 59950 County Line Rd., Three Rivers, MI 49093, (269) 5068334; e-mail, newbergclerk@gmail.com. Treasurer Nancy Hotovy, 11645 Bald Hill Rd., Jones, (269) 244-5345; fax, (269) 2445345. Trustee Jim Rifenberg, 113044 Bald Hill St., Jones, (269) 244-5750 Trustee Barbara Stephens, 10658 Harwood Lake Rd., Three Rivers, (269) 244-1996. Electrical Inspector Jack Hughes, 17817 Tharp Lake Rd., Cassopolis, (269) 641-7280. Mechanical/Plumbing Inspector Ed Wainwright, 26252 U.S. 12, Edwardsburg, (269) 663-8542. Assessor Shalice Northrop, P.O. Box 531,

Government Marcellus, (269) 646-2181. Building Inspector Tony Vaickus, P.O. Box 860, 88040 M-40, Lawton, (269) 624-6387; fax, (269) 624-1817 Cemetery Sexton Jim Rifenberg, (269) 244-5750. One precinct votes at the township hall.

Penn Township Township hall 60717 South Main St., Vandalia Phone: (269) 476-2173 Fax: (574) 522-3032, attention Lisa Board meets the second Monday at 6:30 p.m. Supervisor Dick Mickey, 16387 Hideaway Drive, Vandalia, (269) 476-8866 Clerk Lisa Fitzsimons, 61273 Alexander Drive, Vandalia, (269) 476-2173; e-mail, lfitzsimons@comcast.net Treasurer Paul Rutherford, 16785 Donnell Lake St., Vandalia, (269) 476-9766; e-mail, jandprutherford@comcast.net Trustee Roger W. Leach, 21174 Fox St., Cassopolis, (269) 445-0890 Trustee Lee Sparks, 59096 Penn Rd., Cassopolis, (269) 476-9728 Building Inspector Bill Steele, 62507 South Shore Drive, Vandalia, (269) 476-8870

Electrical Inspector Ron Bellaire, 66751 Conrad Rd., Edwardsburg, (269) 663-3429 Mechanical/Plumbing Inspector Ed Wainwright, 26252 U.S. Highway 12, Edwardsburg, (269) 663-8542 Assessor Rick Ryker, 51107 Woodcliff Court, Granger, Ind., (574) 271-8436 One precinct votes at Penn Township Hall.

Village of Edwardsburg 26296 U.S. Highway 12 P.O. Box 596 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Phone: (269) 663-8484 Fax: (269) 663-8688 Edwardsburg Village Council meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. Village Council President James Robinson P.O. Box 21 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 663-6845 Four-year term expires 2012 Treasurer Mary Ann Schoenfeld 68835 Lake St. Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 663-2056

Government Appointment expires 2012 Clerk Bernadine Tilbury 20380 Old 205 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 cell: (269) 591-0175 Appointment expires 2012 Trustee Jacque Tighe P.O. Box 522 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 663-5955 (work) Appointment expires 2014 Trustee Toby (T.J.) Stahly 68968 Elkhart Rd. Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 663-8877 Appointment expires 2014 Trustee Scott Mackling P.O. Box 691 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 663-8324 Appointment expires 2012 Trustee Nancy Stoner 69079 Elkhart Rd., Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 663-6835 Appointment expires 2012 Trustee Kent Hanson

27011 Washington Blvd. Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 663-5515 Appointment expires 2012 Trustee Patricia Bellaire 26903 Main St. Edwardsburg, MI 49112 (269) 663-0214 Appointment expires 2014

Mason Township Board meets second Tuesday at 7 p.m. Township hall: 17049 U.S. Highway 12 (southwest corner at Kessington Road), Edwardsburg Office hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday Building department hours: 7-8 p.m. Thursday at the township hall Phone: (269) 641-5923 Fax: (269) 641-5718 Website: www.masontwp.org Supervisor John Brandt, (269) 699-7671 Clerk Janet Dull, (269) 641-5726 Treasurer Arlene M. Chew, (269) 6997388 Trustee Jerry Myers, (269) 641-5923 Trustee David Allen, (269) 641-5923

Milton Township Board meets third Monday at 7:30 p.m.

15 Township Hall 32097 Bertrand St., Niles. Phone: (269) 684-7262; fax, (269) 6841742. Office hours: Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.miltontwp.org General e-mail: milton@miltontwp.org Supervisor Robert Benjamin, (269) 2620111, supervisor@miltontwp.org Clerk Mike W. Layher, (269) 684-7262; clerk@miltontwp.org. Treasurer Linda DeBroka, (269) 684-7262; treasurer@miltontwp.org. Trustee Sharon Ward, (269) 683-9505; trusteeward@miltontwp.org Trustee Don Kronewitter, (269) 684-0467; trusteekronewitter@miltontwp.org Assessor Douglas Brousseau, (269) 6997619. Office hours: 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at Ontwa Township Hall. Planning Commission meets every first Monday at 6:30 p.m. Zoning administrator/enforcement, Paul J. Sniadecki (269) 329-8320. One precinct votes at Milton Township Hall. Planning Commission Meets first Monday of every month at

18 6:30 p.m. Chair Kelly Sweeney, (269) 683-2564 Township inspectors Building Inspector Wayne Hardin, office hours Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon, at Ontwa Township Hall; (269) 663-2347 Electrical Inspector Johnny Hamilton, (269) 684-7848 Mechanical Inspector Dave Swanstrom, P.O. Box 741, Niles, (269) 684-5271 Plumbing Inspector Ed Wainwright, P.O. Box 209, Edwardsburg, MI 49112; (269) 663-8542 Smith Chapel 29858 Redfield Rd., Niles MI 49120 Smith Chapel Historical Commission (269) 932-5242/(269) 6638423 or e-mail: smithschapelhi@aol.com

Porter Township Board meets second Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Government Township hall: 69373 Baldwin Prairie Rd., P.O. Box 517, Union Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. Phone: (269) 641-2375; fax, (269) 641-2571 Supervisor Dan Harvey, P.O. Box 517, Union, (269) 641-2375 Clerk Marty Russell, P.O. Box 517, Union, (269) 641-2375 Treasurer Helen Croninger, P.O. Box 517, Union, (269) 6412375 Trustee Steve Northrup, P.O. Box 517, Union, (269) 641-2375 Trustee Leard Wylie Building Inspector Rich Drews, (269) 476-8887 Electrical Inspector Jack Hughes, 17819 Tharp Lake Rd. Cassopolis, (269) 641-7280 Mechanical/Plumbing Inspector Ed Wainwright, 26800 Bridgewater Court, Elkhart, Ind., (269) 663-8542 Zoning Administrator Connie Dalrymple, P.O. Box 55, Union, (269) 641-7182 Cemetery Sexton Scott Knepple, (269) 476-9327 Zoning Planning, Zoning

Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Chairman Dave Nagy, 65908 Lakeview, Vandalia 49095, (269) 476-7043 nagy45@comcast.net Assessor Doug Brousseau, P.O. Box F, Edwardsburg, (269) 699-7619; fax, (269) 699-7436 Precinct 1 votes at township administration building. Precinct 2 votes at Porter Township Fire Department.

Ontwa Township Township hall 26225 U.S. Highway 12 P.O. Box 209 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Phone: (269) 663-2347 Fax: (269) 663-0072 Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday Board meets Monday at 7 p.m.

the

second

Supervisor John A. Brielmaier 68396 Third St., Edwardsburg (269) 699-7211 (574) 536-8539 jbrielmaier@msn.com Clerk Paula Ralph 24333 Sassafras (269) 699-7057 ontwaclerk@comcast.net Treasurer Meryl Christensen 69844 Elkhart Rd. (269) 663-5105 ontwatreasurer@comcast.net Trustee Jerry L. Duck 23694 S. Shore Drive (269) 699-7931 jduck62157@aol.com Trustee Jeffrey T. Kozinski 70116 Sheridan Drive (269) 663-8646 kosinskigolf@yahoo.com Trustee Norman Krupp 27082 Redfield St. (269) 663-0196 stormin722@aol.com Trustee Jerry Marchetti 68222 Christiana Drive (269) 699-7660 cell, (269) 414-9592 rojer42@comcast.net Building Administrator/ Zoning Administrator: Wayne Hardin Building inspector and zoning administrator office hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon. Phone: (269) 6632347 Electrical Inspector John Hamilton, 32655 Bertrand Rd.,

Niles, (269) 684-7848 Mechanical/Plumbing Inspector Ed Wainwright, (269) 663-5842 (Office at Ontwa Township Hall) Assessor Douglas Brousseau, P.O. Box F, Edwardsburg. Phone: (269) 663-2347. Hours: Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Fax: (269) 6997436 Planning Commission meets the first Wednesday each month at 7 p.m. at the township hall Zoning Board of Appeals meets second and fourth Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the township hall Both voting precincts cast ballots at the township hall.

Howard Township Board meets third Tuesday at 7 p.m. Township office: 1345 Barron Lake Rd., Niles Phone: (269) 684-0072; fax: (269) 684-6181 Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Supervisor Ron Fazi, 1345 Barron Lake Rd., Niles, (269) 6840072 Clerk Sheri Wozniak, 1345 Barron Lake Rd., Niles, (269) 6840072 Treasurer Jan Gordon, 1345 Barron Lake Rd., Niles, (269) 6840072 Trustee Craig Bradfield., 1345 Barron Lake Rd., Niles, (269) 6840072 Trustee Hank Johnson, 1345 Barron Lake Rd., Niles, (269) 6840072 Trustee Dennis Patterson, 1345 Barron Lake Rd., Niles, (269) 6840072 Trustee Irving Frost Jr., 1345 Barron Lake Rd., Niles, (269) 6840072 Assessor Jerry Thibodeau, 1758 South Ninth St., Kalamazoo, 49909-7907, (269) 353-9193. Mechanical/Building Inspector Dave Swanstrom, P.O. Box 741, Niles, (269) 684-5271 Electrical Inspector Ron Bellaire, (269) 663-3429 Plumbing Inspector Ed Wainwright, (269) 663-8542 Parks board meets first Monday, 7 p.m. Planning Commission will meet for the 2011 year in February, March, August and November. Zoning Appeals Board meets last Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., if called by chairman. Precinct 1 votes at the Howard Township business office, 1345 Barron Lake Rd., Niles. Precinct 2 votes at the Howard Township Fire Department, corner

Schools of M-60 and Barron Lake Road. Precinct 3 votes at Howard Community Hall, 1400 Barron Lake Rd., Niles.

Berrien Regional Education Service Agency 711 St. Joseph Ave. Berrien Springs, MI 49103-1583 (269) 471-7725 (269) 471-2941 fax Website: www.berrienresa.org Berrien RESAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mission: "To provide programs and services to our constituent school districts which enhance learning opportunities for all students." Website: www.berrienresa.org. Program Centers Mathematics and Science Center Andrews University CampusSmith Hall (269) 471-6557 The Berrien County Mathematics and Science Center is a specialized half-day program where students, grades 9 through 12, are offered accelerated courses in math, science and technology. This program is offered to school districts in Berrien and Cass counties in Michigan and serves about 115 students. Admission is highly competitive. Blossomland Learning Center 711 St. Joseph Ave. Berrien Springs, MI 491031583 (269) 473-2600 Blossomland Learning Center provides comprehensive programs and therapeutic services for severely multiply impaired and moderate to severe cognitively impaired students, ages 3 to 26. Blossomland Learning Center also offers three off-site programs located in Niles and St. Joseph. Lighthouse Education Center 379 West Glenlord Rd. St. Joseph, MI 49085 (269) 429-2351 Lighthouse Education Center is a center-based special education facility designed to provide programs and related services to meet the education requirements of severely emotionally impaired

and autistic impaired students. The center emphasizes positive reinforcement, personal responsibility, appropriate decision making skills and the development of socially acceptable behavior. Juvenile Center 6414 Deans Hill Rd. Berrien Center, MI 49102 (269) 429-2351 In cooperation with the Berrien County Family Court, the Berrien RESA operates an educational program at the Juvenile Detention Center. The program provides educational services to students who may remain in the center from a few days to several months. Berrien RESA Board of Education President-Sharon Kalling Vice President -Cathy J. Bair Secretary-Tom Fanning Treasurer-Linda Holt Trustee-J. Allene Smith The board meets the second Wednesday of each month. Administration (269) 471-7725 Superintendent Kevin M. Ivers, ext. 1150 Assistant Superintendent Jim Palm, ext. 1148 Director, Business and Finance, Gustave "Gus" Damaske, ext. 1155 Director, Human Resources Lynda Hurlow, ext. 1102 Director, Special Education, Stephanie Mack, ext. 1146 Director, Data Processing, Will Townsley, ext. 1187 Director, Career/Technical Education, Dr. Brian Pyles, ext. 1115 Director, Instruction Services Becky Meier, ext. 1190 Director, Learning and Leadership, Eric Hoppstock, ext. 1342

Niles Community Schools Address: 111 Spruce St. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 683-0732 Superintendent: Richard Weigel District serves: 3,743 students Website: www.nilesschools.org Administrators Director of Personnel

John Tanke, (269) 683-6662 Director of Business/Finance Tom Skarbek, (269) 683-0734 Director of Instruction Dan Applegate, (269) 6830736 Director of Special Education Dan Applegate, (269) 6830757 Director of Technology/Media Services Dave DelMuro, (269) 6836031 Board of Education members Director of Non-Traditional Education Rich Klemm, (269) 684-9554 Dana Daniels 1211 Walnut St. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-6087 term expires: June 30, 2015 Michael Dreher 1535 Echo Valley Drive Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-0661 term expires: June 30, 2012 Mark Wortham 33117 Pokagon Hwy.

19 Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-5844 term expires: June 30, 2014 Michael Waldron 1001 Wesaw Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-1981 term expires: June 30, 2015 Greg O'Toole 1630 Cass St. Niles, Mi. 49120 (269) 684-7364 term expires: June 30, 2013 Kathy Zeider 1157 Fort St. Niles, Mi. 49120 (269) 683-0454 term expires: June 30, 2012 Jeff Curry 103 Hummingbird Lane. Niles, MI 49120 269-6874545 term expires: June 30, 2014 Location of school board meeting The Niles Community Schools Board of Education regular meetings are the third Monday of each

Schools

month at 7 p.m and the agenda planning meetings are the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The meetings are held in the Carlson Lecture Hall at the Westside Administration Building, 111 Spruce St., unless otherwise indicated.

Phone: (269) 683-6610 Principal: Doug Langmeyer Assistant Principal: Yvonne McClean Grades served: 7-8 Approximate number of students served: 529 School mascot: Vikings School colors: blue and gold

Niles High School Address: 1441 Eagle St. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 683-2894 Principal: Jim Knoll Assistant Principals: Molly Brawley, Chris Porter Grades served: 9-12 Approximate number of students: 1,006 School mascot: Vikings School colors: blue and gold

Northside Child Development Center Address: 2020 North Fifth St. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 683-1982 Principal: Cindy Wickham Grades served: preschool-kindergarten Approximate number of students served: 300 School colors: blue and white

Niles New Tech Entrepreneurial Academy Address: 1441 Eagle St. Niles, MI 49120 Dean of Students: Patrick Malley Grades served: 9-12 Approximate number of students: 125 School mascot: Vikings School colors: blue and gold Ring Lardner Middle School Address: 801 N. 17th St. Niles, MI 49120

Ballard Elementary Address: 1601 Chicago Rd. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 683-5900 Principal: David Eichenberg Grades served: K-5 Approximate number of students served: 801 School mascot: Bulldogs School colors: green and white Howard Elementary Address: 2740 Mannix St. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 683-4633

Principal: Michelle Ausmus Assistant Principal: Zech Hoyt Grades served: K-5 Approximate number of students served: 592 School mascot: Bears School colors: blue and gold Eastside Connections School Address: 315 North 14th St. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 687-0734 Grades Served: K-5 Approximate number of students served: 150 James Ellis School Address: 2788 Mannix St. Niles, MI 49120 Principal: Michelle Asmus Grades served: K-1 Approximate number of students served: 234 School mascot: Bears School colors: blue and gold Oak Manor Sixth Grade Center Address: 1 Tyler St. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 683-7484 Principal: Robin Hadrick Grades served: Sixth Approximate number of students served: 279

aking a decision about where you send your child to school is about more than textbooks, bricks, and mortar. It is about providing the vital preparation necessary to ensure success as they take their place in the world. At Niles Community Schools your child is important to us. You are important to us. We will work together in the education of your child. We offer programs designed for 21st Century Learning. • Kindergarten Options: Every day kindergarten with the option of all day or half day • W-A-Y Program: Students become researchers as they complete their high school credit at home with an iMac workstation and Internet connectivity both of which are provided by Niles Community Schools. There is one (1) teacher available online or in our learning lab for every six (6) researchers to provide educational support. • Niles New Tech Entrepreneurial Academy offers one of the most exciting new concepts in secondary education with Project Based Learning and One-to-One Laptops • Niles High School offers every student the option to take any class in any content as a virtual learning experience at no cost to the student • Eastside Connections School is a magnet school grades K-5 focusing on high student achievement and a rich culture of high expectations

NILES COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 111 Spruce Street Niles, MI 49120 www.nilesschools.org

269.683.0732

Schools Southside School Address: 1450 Silverbrook Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 683-0421 Principal: Adrienne Blanton Grades served: Special education through age 26 Approximate number of students served: 64 Cedar Lane Alternative High School Address: 2301 Niles-Buchanan Rd. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 684-9554 Principal: Rich Klemm Grades served: 9-12 Approximate number of students served: 79 Niles Adult Education Address: 111 Spruce St. Niles, MI 491120 Phone: (269) 684-4480 Administrator: Rich Klemm Adult Education Approximate number of students served: 150

Brandywine Community Schools Address: 1830 South Third St.

Niles, MI 49120 Phone number: (269) 684-7150 District serves: 1,440 Website: www.brandywinebobcats.org Administrators Superintendent: John Jarpe Director of Finance and Operations: Kathy Holy Infornational Systems Director: Doug Fox Maintenance/Transportation Director: David Seidner Food Service Director: Carole Easton

21 term expires: June 2013 Robb DeJonge 33138 Old Post Rd. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-4420 term expires: June 2012 Janis Exner 315 Ontario Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-7279 term expires: June 2012

Board of Education members James Curran 1347 LaSalle Ave. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-7084 term expires: June 2014 Dennis Cooper 1540 Ferndale Blvd. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-8157 term expires: June 2015 Dennis Hinsey 2995 Portage Rd. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-8552

J. Michael Shelton 2455 Portage Rd. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-0592 term expires: June 2014 Doris Schoenleber 1550 S. 13th St. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-5488 term expires: June 2013 Location of school board meeting The Brandywine Community Schools Board of Education meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 p.m. The meetings are held in the Bell Education Center

22 Conference Room, unless otherwise indicated. Brandywine Middle/Senior High School Address: 1700 Bell Rd. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 683-4800 Grades served: 7-12 Principal: Patrick Weckel Approximate number of students served: 620 School mascot: Bobcat School colors: maroon and gold Bell Education Center Address: 1830 South Third St. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 683-8805 Grades served: 9-adult Alternative/Adult Education Program Director: Michelle Wruble Approximate number of students served: 80 Brandywine Elementary Address: 2428 South 13th St. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 684-8574 Grades served: 3-6 Principal: Tim Bagby Approximate number of students served: 401 Merritt Elementary Address: 1620 LaSalle Ave.

Schools Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 684-6511 Grades served: Pre-K-2 Principal: Karen Weimer Approximate number of students served: 340

Buchanan Community Schools Address: 401 West Chicago St. Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 695-8401 Superintendent: Andrea van der Laan Business manager: Richard Bell District serves: 1,677 website: www.buchananschools.com

510 Middleton Ct. Buchanan, MI 49107 (269)695-2703 Treasurer: Lloyd Miller 4561 River Pointe Blvd. Niles, MI. 49120 (269) 695-3309 Trustee: Harvey Burnett 322 Cecil St. Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 697-4604

General correspondence can be sent to: 401 West Chicago St., Buchanan, MI 49107

Trustee: Sandy Tobler 14692 Range Line Rd. Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 695-6963

School Board

Trustee: James DeVlaminick

President: Tom Gordon 13625 Indian Springs Rd. Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 695-9286 Vice President: Harvey Burnett 322 Cecil St. Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 697-4604 Secretary: Karen Worvey

Location of school board meeting The board meets at various buildings in district, the third Monday at 6 p.m. Buchanan High School Address: 401 W. Chicago Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 695-8403 Principal: Sharon Steinke Grades served: 9-12 approximate number of students: 500

23 School mascot: Buck School colors: Maroon and white Buchanan Middle School Address: 610 W. Fourth St. (269) 695-8406 Principal: Mark Kurland Grades served: 6-8 Approximate number of students: 384 School mascot: Buck School colors: Maroon and white Ottawa Elementary School Address: 109 Ottawa St. Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 695-8409 Principal: Karin Falkenstein Grades served: K-5 Approximate number of students: 285 School mascot: Otter School colors: Maroon and white Stark Elementary School Address: 502 Claremont St. Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 695-8407 Principal: Karla Hurlbutt Approximate number of students: 193 School mascot: Shooting star School colors: Maroon and White Moccasin Elementary School Address: 410 Moccasin Ave. Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 695-8408 Principal: Mark Nixon Grades served: preschool-5 Approximate number of students: 313 School mascot: Indian School colors: Maroon and White

Niles Adventist School Address: 110 Fairview Ave. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-5444 Grades served: K-8 Principal: Michael Jakobsons Approximate number of students served: 55 Website: www.niles22.adventistschoolconnect.org Board of Education 12 members appointed by church Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of month at 7 p.m. at the school.

Why I Love Southwest Michigan

Name: Breanna Lugardio Age: 17 City of residence: Buchanan Job: Landscaping Why do you like living in southwest Michigan? I like the summer weather and the nice people What are some of your favorite places nearby? Fullers and Red Bud What is the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-kept secret? Warren Dunes

Name: Kelly Thompson Age: 43 City of residence: Niles Why do you like living in southwest Michigan? The concerts at Riverfront Park What are some of your favorite places nearby? Riverfront Park and St. Joseph for the Venetian Festival What is the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-kept secret? The summer concert series at Riverfront Park

Schools

26 St. Mary’s Catholic School Address: 217 South Lincoln Ave. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 683-9191 Grades served: preschool-6 Principal: Sharon Gregorski Approximate number of students served: 115 School mascot: Lions School colors: blue and gold Website: www.stmarysniles .com

Lewis Cass Intermediate School District Administrative offices 61682 Dailey Rd. Cassopolis, MI 49031 Phone: (269) 445-3891 Fax: (269) 445-2981 Superintendent Robert Colby Office: (269) 445-6204 rcolby@lewiscassisd.org President Don Curtis 88541 C.R. 652 Marcellus, MI 49067 (269) 646-2113 Term expires: July 2013 Vice President Ann Simmons 400 East South St. Lot 39 Marcellus, MI 49067 (269) 646-9632 Term expires: July 2015 Treasurer

Patricia Adams 70904 Ridgewood Drive Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Term expires: July 2011 Secretary David Gordon Trustee Joseph Underwood 26330 Beeson St. Dowagiac

Dowagiac Union Schools Address: 206 Main St., Dowagiac MI 49047 Phone: (269) 782-4400 Website: www.dowagiacschools.org Superintendent To Be Determined Assistant Superintendent Business/Operations Hal Davis Assistant Superintendent Curriculum/Instruction Patti Brallier The Board of Education meets the third Monday of each month, Dowagiac Middle School, 7 p.m. School Board Members Randy Cuthbert 54501 Griffis Rd., Cassopolis (269) 782-2048 Term expires: 2011 Mark Dobberstein 27611 Mathews St., Dowagiac (269) 782-4177

Term expires: 2012

4464 Serves Grades K-5

Sherry File 57808 M-62 West, Cassopolis (269) 782-8767 Term expires: 2011 Michelle Helmuth 57250 Wilbur Hill Dowagiac (269) 591-1176 Term expires: 2013 Stacy Leversen 29401 Pine Row Dowagiac (269) 782-0717 Term expires: 2012

Rd.,

Trail,

Larry Seurynck 55945 Inn-D-Inn, Dowagiac (269) 782-2559 Term expires: 2014 Julia Smith 23705 McKenzie Dowagiac (269) 783-0991 Term expires: 2014

St.,

Union High School Paul Hartsig, Principal 701 West Prairie Ronde, Dowagiac General Office: (269) 7824420 Attendance: (269) 782-4422 Guidance: (269) 782-4424 Serves Grades 9-12 School Mascot: Chieftains School Colors: Orange and Black Dowagiac Middle School Mike Frazier, Co-Principal Matt Severin, Co-Principal 57072 Riverside Drive, Dowagiac General Office: (269) 7824440 Serves Grades 6-8 Justus Gage Elementary School Marcy Hendress, Principal 301 Oak St., Dowagiac General Office: (269) 7824460 Serves Grades K-5 Kincheloe Elementary School Dawn Conner, Principal 25121 Gage Street, Dowagiac General Office: (269) 782-

Patrick Hamilton Elementary School Heather Nash, Principal 614 Spruce St., Dowagiac General Office: (269) 7824450 Serves Grades K-5 Sister Lakes Elementary School Principal (to be determined) 68079 M-152, Benton Harbor General Office: (269) 7824468 Serves Grades K-5 Pathfinders Alternative/ Adult Education Randy Yoder, Director 501 North Paul St., Dowagiac General Office: (269) 7824471 Serves Grades 9-12 and GED

Calvary Bible Academy 27032 Marcellus Highway (269) 782-7296 Principal: Pastor Stacey Wilder Grades served: K-12 Students 18 School mascot: lion School colors: maroon and gray Website: calvarybible.cmynew .com

St. John’s Lutheran School 603 McCleary St., Dowagiac (269) 782-3771 Principal: Ryan Stangl Grades served: 3-year-old preschool through 8, plus day care Students: 59 School mascot: Tigers School colors: orange and black This summer St. John’s will be adding on two more classrooms to expand the daycare program.

Cassopolis Schools

Public

63700 Brick Church Rd., Cassopolis, MI 49031

Schools Administration office Phone: (269) 445-0500 Fax: (269) 445-0505 District serves: 1,259 School mascot: Ranger School colors: blue and white Website: www.cassopolis.k12 .mi.us

High School Diamond Cove, Cassopolis, MI phone (269) 445-0540, (269) 445-0541 fax (269) 445-3112 Grades 7-12 Principals: Hiawatha Francisco, Tracy Herstel

Administration Superintendent: Gregory Weatherspoon Paradise Lake, Vandalia, (269) 445-0503 Time and location of school board meetings: Second and fourth Mondays of the month in the Library of Ross Beatty Jr./Sr. High School, beginning at 7 p.m.

Sam Adams Elementary School 101 S. East Street, Cassopolis, MI phone (269) 445-0530 fax; (269) 445-0521 Principal: Dee Melville-Voss Grades K-6

Cassopolis Board of Education (Terms are for four years) President: Christine Locke 61259 Frances St. Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-2123 Secretary: Susan Lynn Horstmann 62056 Carlton Drive Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-8152 Term expires: July 2013 Trustee: George Calvert 240 North O’Keefe St. Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-2364 Term expires: July 2013 Trustee: Janet Hall 21266 Sail Bay Drive Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-2701 Trustee: Scott Ward 20290 M-60 East Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-2016 Term expires July 2013 Trustee: Jason Pompey 58830 Gards Prairie Rd. Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 506-9782 Vice President: Jeremy Carlisle 61290 Mary Lou Lane Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 506-3240 Location of school board meetings The Cassopolis School Board meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month in the Ross Beatty High School Library at 7 p.m. Ross Beatty Junior/Senior

Alternative/Adult Education Brick Church Road, Cassopolis, MI phone (269) 445-0536 fax (269) 445-2100 Director: Rhonda Schadler

Edwardsburg Public Schools Address: 69410 Section St. Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Central office phone: (269) 663-3055 Fax: (269) 663-6485 Community Education, (269) 663-1048

Phone: (269) 687-9535 Term expires: June 2012 Treasurer: John Feil Address: 66656 M-62 North Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Phone: (269) 663-8919 Term expires: June 2015 Trustee: Michael Gordon Address: 19434 Mason St. Cassopolis, MI 49112 Phone: (269) 641-7675 Term expires: June 2014 Trustee: Edward Patzer Address: 23383 Lakeview Drive Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Phone: (269) 699-7552 Term expires: June 2013 Location of school board meetings The Edwardsburg Board of Education meets the fourth Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Administration building on U.S. Highway 12. Edwardsburg High School Address: 69410 Section St.,

Edwardsburg, MI Phone: (269) 663-1044 Fax: (269) 663-5409 Principal: Janet MacLean Grades: 9-12 Students: 826 Edwardsburg Intermediate School Address: 69410 Section St. and U.S. Highway 12, Edwardsburg, MI Phone: (269) 663-1063 Fax: (269) 663-6156 Principal: Dan Nommay Grades: 4-5 Students: 457 Edwardsburg Middle School Address: 69410 Section St., Edwardsburg, MI Phone: (269) 663-1031 Fax: (269) 663-8638 Principal: Jeffrey Leslie Grades: 6-8 Students: 627 Eagle Lake Elementary School Address: 23889 Avenue C, Edwardsburg, MI Phone: (269) 663-1040 Fax: (269) 699-7653

Administration Office phone: (269) 663-1053 School colors are orange and blue Mascot: The Eddie Man Website: www.edwardsburgpublicschools.org Board of Education President: Birdella Holdread Address: 69125 Maple St. P.O. Box 61 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Phone: (269) 663-2611 Term expires: June 2015 Vice President: Douglas Stickney Address: 68825 Eighth St. Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Phone: (269) 669-5959 Term expires: June 2013 Trustee: Doug Hall Address: 29344 Follmer Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (574) 298-4524 Term expires: June 2014 Secretary: Eric Coles Address: 32031 Worrell Rd. Niles, MI 49120

Taking Schools of Choice Applications for the 2011-2012 school year K-12 grades, including Alternative and Adult Education Programs.

Merritt and Brandywine

Brandywine Middle/Senior

Elementary Schools: a great place to start!

right size; right opportunities!

High School:

• 7 period class day • Full Day • Promoting all students Kindergarten to have a strong aca• Small school experience without demic foundation • Providing students a the private school wide range of educacost tional opportunities

Brandywine Community Schools:

the right choice!

Brandywine Community Schools 1830 S. 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120 269-684-7150 www.brandywinebobcats.org

Schools

28 Principal: James E. Hendress Grades 2-3 Students: 406 Edwardsburg Primary School Address: 69410 Section St., Edwardsburg, MI Phone: (269) 663-1037 Fax: (269) 663-8361 Principal: Debora Crouch Grades: K-1 Students: 411

Southwestern Michigan College Eleven buildings stand on the campus two miles east of Dowagiac, just off M-62 on Cherry Grove Road. At the Niles Area Campus, there is the main building as well as the MTEC facility. SMC offers a transfer curriculum that allows students to complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree as well as occupational programs in business, health care and technology. Visitors are always welcome. Private or group tours can be arranged. Visit SMC at www.swmich .edu.

(269) 687-1600 Information Center: (800) 456-8675 President: David Mathews

Lake Michigan College Lake Michigan College is a two-year, comprehensive community college. Located in Michigan's southwest corner, LMC, located 90 miles east of Chicago, serves more than 7,000 students annually in academic and corporate training programs. More than 200,000 attend cultural events, meetings and conferences. Visit LMC at www.lakemichi gancollege.edu. LMC has four locations: Napier Avenue 2755 East Napier Ave. Benton Harbor, MI 49022 (269) 927-8100. Bertrand Crossing 1905 Foundation Drive Niles, MI 49120 (269) 695-1391.

SMC has two campuses: Dowagiac 58900 Cherry Grove Rd. Dowagiac, MI 49047 (269) 782-1000

South Haven 125 Veterans Blvd. South Haven, MI 49090 (269) 637-7500.

Niles Area Campus 33890 U.S. Highway 12 Niles, MI 49120

M-TEC at LMC 400 Klock Rd. Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Vital Information Dowagiac

Hospital

Website: www.dowagiacnews.com

Voter Registration/License Bureau Secretary of State Office Driver License and Plate Office Located: 601 North Front St., Dowagiac Phone: (888) 767-6424 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Website: www.michigan.gov/sos

Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital Located: 420 West High St., Dowagiac Phone: (269) 782-8681 Website: www.borgesslee.com

Telephone Verizon: (800) 483-4000 Website: www22.verizon.com

Libraries Dowagiac District Library Located: 211 Commerical St., Dowagiac Phone: (269) 782-3826 Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fred L. Mathews Library at SMC Located: 58900 Cherry Grove Rd., Dowagiac Phone: (269) 782-1339 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Website: swmich.edu/camplife/lib.htm

Walk-in Clinic Borgess Lee Medical Group Located: 520 Main St., Suite A., Dowagiac Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Phone: (269) 783-3052 Municipal Utilities (Electric, water and sewer) Located: 241 South Front St., Dowagiac Phone: (269) 782-8200 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: www.cityofdowagiac.com Electricity Indiana Michigan Power Phone: (800) 311-6424 Website: www.indianamichiganpower.com Newspaper Dowagiac Daily News, 205 Spaulding St., Dowagiac Phone: (269) 687-7710

Cable Television Comcast Digital Cable Phone: (800) 266-2278 Website: www.comcast.com Natural Gas Semco Energy Phone: (800) 624-2019 Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Website: www.semcoenergygas.com

Cassopolis Voter Registration/License Bureau Secretary of State Office Driver License and Plate Office Located: 601 North Front St., Dowagiac Phone: (888) 767-6424 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Website: www.michigan.gov/sos

“Building on a Tradition of Excellence” Dowagiac Union Schools 206 Main Street Dowagiac, Michigan 269-782-4400 www.dowagiacschools.org

DID YOU KNOW... ∂∂∂ Student Achievement is our #1 Priority ∂∂∂ Academic Progress is measured by the NWEA tests in the areas of language, math and reading ∂∂∂ Full Day Kindergarten ∂∂∂ Each elementary building offers art, music, and physical education programs ∂∂∂ All teachers are Highly Qualified under the Federal No Child Left Behind requirements ∂∂∂ Active athletic and fine arts programs ∂∂∂ 535 hours of college credit hours were earned as part of dual enrollment in 2010-11 with Southwestern Michigan College ∂∂∂ 93% of the Class of 2011 plan for definite post-secondary education after graduation ∂∂∂ The Dowagiac Board of Education, Administration, Staff, Parents, and Community are engaged in a Strategic Planning Process to ensure the quality of our school district for the future ∂∂∂ Students have an opportunity to interact with world renowned artists and authors during the Dogwood Fine Arts Festival

Vital Information

Electricity Indiana Michigan Power Phone: (800) 311-6424 Website: www.indianamichiganpower.com Midwest Energy Cassopolis District Office 901 East State St., Cassopolis Phone: (269) 445-1000 (800) 492-5989 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: www. teammidwest.com Newspaper Cassopolis Vigilant 217 North Fourth St., Niles Phone: (888) 725-0108 Website: www.cassopolisvigilant.com

Walk-in Clinic Cassopolis Family Clinic Located: 109 School St., Cassopolis Phone: (269) 445-3874 Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: www.lakelandhealth.org

Telephone Verizon: (800) 483-4000 Website: www22.verizon.com Municipal Utilities/Trash Residents must sign up through Department of Public Works, Cassopolis Village Hall Located: 117 South Broadway, Suite 100., Cassopolis

Phone: (269) 445-8648 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cable Television Comcast Digital Cable Phone: (800) 266-2278 Service questions: (800) 316-1619 Website: www.comcast.com Natural Gas Semco Energy Phone: (800) 624-2019 Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Website: www.semcoenergygas.com

Edwardsburg Voter Registration Secretary of State Office Located: 110 East Main St., Niles Phone: (888) 767-6424 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Website: www.michigan.gov/sos License Bureau Secretary of State Office Located: 110 East Main St., Niles

Phone: (888) 767-6424 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Website: www.michigan.gov /sos Libraries Cass District LibraryEdwardsburg Branch Located: 26745 Church St., Edwardsburg Phone: (269) 663-5875 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Website: www.cass.lib.mi.us Cass District LibraryMason/Union Branch Located: 17049 U.S. Highway 12, Edwardsburg Phone: (269) 641-7674 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Website: www.cass.lib.mi.us Walk-in Clinic Cassopolis Family Clinic Located: 109 School St., Cassopolis Phone: (269) 445-3874 Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: www.lakelandhealth.org Electricity Indiana Michigan Power Phone: (800) 311-6424 (800) 492-5989 Website: www.indianamichiganpower.com Midwest Energy Cassopolis District Office Headquarters District Service Center 901 East State St,, Cassopolis Phone: (269) 445-1000 or (800) 492-5989 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: www.teammidwest.com Newspaper Edwardsburg Argus 217 North Fourth St., Niles Phone: (888) 725-0108 Website: www.edwardsburgargus.com

Vital Information

Telephone Verizon: (800) 922-0204 Website: www22.verizon.com

Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Website: www.michigan.gov/sos Libraries

Municipal Utilities Edwardsburg Village Hall Located 26296 U.S. Highway 12, Edwardsburg Phone: (269) 663-8484 Hours: M-F: 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to p.m. Cable Television Comcast Digital Cable Phone: (800) 266-2278 Service questions: (800) 316-1619 Website: www.comcast.com Natural Gas Semco Energy Phone: (800) 624-2019 Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Website: www.semcoenergygas.com

Niles License Bureau/Voter Registration Secretary of State Office Located: 110 East Main St., Niles Phone: (888) 767-6924 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;

Niles District Library Located: 620 East Main St., Niles Phone: (269) 683-8545 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: www.nileslibrary.com Cass District Library-Howard Branch Located: 2341 Yankee St., Niles Phone: (269) 684-1680 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Website: www.cass.lib.mi.us Municipal Utilities City of Niles Utilities Department 322 East Main St., Niles Phone: (269) 683-4700 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: www.ci.niles.mi.us Indiana Michigan Power Phone: (800) 311-6424 Website: www.indianamichiganpower.com

Newspaper Niles Daily Star Located: 217 North Fourth St., Niles Phone: (269) 683-2100 Website: www.nilesstar.com Telephone AT&T Phone: (800) 515-7272 Website: www.att.com Hospital Lakeland Community Hospital Located: 31 North St. Joseph Ave., Niles Phone: (269) 683-5510 Website: www.lakelandhealth.org Walk-in Clinic Southwestern Medical Walk-in Clinic Located: 2002 South U.S. Highway 33, Niles Phone: (269) 687-0200; (800) 649-0740 Fax: (269) 684-0199 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Website: www.swmc.org Cable Television Comcast Digital Cable Phone: (800) 866-2278 Service questions: (800) 316-1619 Website: www.comcast.com

Vital Information Dowagiac

Hospital

Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital Located: 420 West High St., Dowagiac Phone: (269) 782-8681 Website: www.borgesslee.com

33 Phone: (269) 687-7710 Website: www.dowagiacnews.com Telephone Verizon: (800) 483-4000 Website: www22.verizon.com Cable Television Comcast Digital Cable Phone: (800) 266-2278 Website: www.comcast.com

Natural Gas Semco Energy Phone: (800) 624-2019 Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Website: www.semcoenergygas.com

Vital Information

Libraries Cass District Library Located: 319 M-62, Cassopolis Phone: (269) 445-3400, (800) 595-4186 Faax: (269) 445-8795 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Website: www.cass.lib.mi.us Local History Branch Located: 145 North Broadway Phone: (269) 445-0412 Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Website: www.cass.lib.mi.us Walk-in Clinic Cassopolis Family Clinic Located: 109 School St., Cassopolis Phone: (269) 445-3874 Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Website: www.lakelandhealth.org

Civic Groups Niles United Way of Greater Niles, Inc. Address: 205 Broadway St. P.O. Box 375 Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 683-1011 Website: www.unitedwayniles.com Riverfest/Friends of Niles Address: P.O. Box 1011 Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 309-6790 Website: www.nilesriverfest.net

The Salvation Army Address: 424 North 15th St. P.O. Box 1150 Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 684-2660 Big Brothers/Big Sisters Address: 205 Broadway, Suite B P.O. Box 194 Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 684-1100 Habitat for Humanity Address: 601 Sycamore St.

37 P.O. Box 305 Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 687-1672 Berrien County Civitan Club Website: www.civitan.net/berrien/pagesberrien/2_1.html Rotary Club of Niles-Buchanan 1322 Canal St. Niles, MI 49120 Facebook: www.facebook.com/nilesbuchananrotary

38 Four Flags Snowmobile Club 3031 North Fifth St. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-1749 Website: www.fourflagssnowmobileclub.org Four Flags Garden Club Contact: Elaine (269) 683-5292 Niles Garden Club Contact: Cathy Mauthe (269) 745-3169 Noon Optimist Club of Niles Contact: Robb Morse (269) 683-4972

Civic Groups Kiwanis Club of Niles/Southwest E-mail: club@nileskiwanis.org Website: www..nileskiwanis.org

Dowagiac Dowagiac Rotary Website: www.dowagiacrotary .org Dowagiac Lions Club 66991 95th Ave. Dowagiac (269) 424-6372

Dowagiac Optimist Club (269) 782-4400 Dowagiac Art Guild (269) 782-1718 Email: dowagiacartguild@ yahoo.com Website: www.dowagiacart guild.com

Edwardsburg Edwardsburg Lions Club Contact: Tanda stifflert@nibco.com

Stiffler,

Transportation Airports South Bend Airport Address: 4477 Progress Drive South Bend, IN 46628 Phone: (574) 233-2185 ext. 0 Online: www.flysbn.com; www.facebook.com/flysbn; www.twitter.com/sbnairport Airlines: Allegiant Air Reservations: (702) 505-8888 Offers destinations to vacation destinations from SBA. Nonstop destinations from SBN: Las Vegas, Orlando/Sanford, St. Petersburg/Clearwater/Tampa Bay and Phoenix/Mesa. Continental Connection Reservations: (800) 523-3273 Offers service to the Cleveland hub with connections throughout the Continental Airlines network. Nonstop Destinations from SBN: Cleveland Delta Air Lines Reservations: (800) 221-1212 Flight Information: 800-325-1999 Offering direct flights to four major hubs

with connections to destinations worldwide. Nonstop destinations from SBN: Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis United Airlines Reservations: (800) 241-6522 Flight Information: (800) 824-6200 United Airlines offers direct service to Chicago's O'Hare airport and network with connections both nationwide and into Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. Nonstop destination from SBN: Chicago (O' Hare)

Buses Berrien County Public Transit Address: 4676 East Shawnee Rd. Berrien Springs, MI 49103 Phone: (269) 471-1100 Dial-A-Ride Bus Service Address: 623 North Second St. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 684-5150 Demand response service operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rides within Niles city limits are $3 and rides to, from or within Niles Township are $4. Children ages 2-11 may ride for half-fare. Children under 2 ride free.

39 Greyhound Bus Lines Address: 2412 Old State Highway 139 Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Phone: (269) 925-1121 Website: www.greyhound.com Greyhound Bus Lines South Bend Regional Airport Address: 4671 Progress Drive South Bend, IN 46628 Phone: (574) 287-6542 Website: www.greyhound.com

Taxis A Cab & Carrier Service Address: 14566 North Red Bud Trail Buchanan, MI 49107 Phone: (269) 697-0427 Checker Cab Co. Address: 903 East Sample St. South Bend, IN 46635 Phone: (574) 288-7777 City Cab Address: 342 Lincolnway West South Bend, IN 46635 Phone: (574) 233-2020

Transportation

Why I Love Southwest Michigan Name: Evaldo Zimmerman Age: 51

Shamrock Cab Co. Address: 17097 Ethel Ave. South Bend, IN 46635 Phone: (574) 243-5500 Yellow Cab of Berrien County Address: 141 Green Gable Rd. Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269) 684-9400

Trains

City of residence: Baroda

Amtrak Address: 200 Depot Drive Dowagiac, MI 49047 (800) 872-7245 Website: www.amtrak.com

Why do you like living in southwest Michigan? I work there and I like it What are some of your favorite places nearby? Berrien Springs What is the area’s best-kept secret? The Berrien Springs dam

Name: Leo Zimmerman Age: 60 City of residence: Berrien Springs Why do you like living in southwest Michigan? I work there and it’s nice What are some of your favorite places nearby? The St. Joseph River What is the area’s best-kept secret? The Berrien Springs dam

Name: Allison Roebeck Age: 19 City of residence: Niles Why do you like living in southwest Michigan? There’s a lot to do and it’s not far from anywhere I want to go What are some of your favorite places nearby? Downtown Niles, Riverfront Park, the mall and the beaches What is the area’s best-kept secret? I don’t know if it’s true, but I’ve heard rumors about an underground tunnel that links Niles High School and Ring Lardner

Amtrak Address: 225 North Whittaker St. New Buffalo, MI 49917 (800) 872-7245 Website: www.amtrak.com Amtrak Address: 598 Dey St. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 684-1663 Website: www.amtrak.com Amtrak Address: 2702 West Washington Ave. South Bend, IN 46628 (574) 288-2212 Website: www.amtrak.com South Shore Line South Bend Regional Airport Address: 4485 Progress Drive South Bend, IN 46628 Phone: (574) 233-3111 Website: www.nictd.com

Recreation Youth Sports Leagues Dowagiac Rocket Football Contact: Scott Hassle, (269) 591-0102 Season: August through October Baseball Dowagiac Little League Contact: Ron Allen, (269) 340-9178 Season: May through July Softball Dowagiac Little League Contact: Ron Allen, (269) 340-9178 Season: May through July Soccer Dowagiac Youth Soccer Contact: Laura McMeeken, (269) 782-3709 Seasons: Fall: August through October; Spring: March through May (Season starts in fall and continues in spring) Cassopolis Baseball Contact: Nicky Hulett, (269) 445-2136 Season: May through July Softball Contact: Nicky Hulett, (269) 445-2136 Season: May through July Football Contact: Kenny Ottman, (269) 228-1029 Season: August through October Edwardsburg Soccer Contact: Catherine Toms, (269) 663-0279 Season: Mid-August through October Softball Contact: (269) 663-8081 Season: May through July Baseball Contact: (269) 663-8081 Season: May through July Football Contact: Brian Black (269) 535-8150 Season: August through October Niles Optimist Soccer League Contact: Michelle (269) 683-4972 Niles FOP Little League Baseball May Contact: Scott Glick (269) 683-4419 Brandywine Cal Ripken Baseball May Contact: Jamie Stover 269-362-2451 Howard Township Baseball May

Contact: Dave Schiele (269) 683-4256 Greater Niles Baseball League May Contact: Rick Olinghouse (269) 591-0308 Niles-Brandywine Girls Softball Association June Contact: Rod Ratkay (574) 335-9338 (269) 683-0786 American Youth Basketball Tour Year round (269) 684-1497 YMCA T-Ball League May (269) 683-1552 Niles Rocket Football Contact: Brian Slack (574) 535-8150 Niles Adult Leagues YMCA Adult Leagues Year round (269) 683-1552

Bowling Rockyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lakes Bowl 93415 County Road 690 Dowagiac (269) 424-5540 A.A. Timber Lanes (269) 683-6122 Joey Armadilloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (269) 687-5555

Golf Courses Blossom Trails 1565 East Britain Ave. Benton Harbor, MI (269) 925-4951 Website: www.blossomtrailsgolfclub.com Blossom Trails has a 5,987-yard, 18-hole course, which rates a par 70. Blossom Trails was built in 1954 and is open to the public. Brookwood 1339 Rynearson Rd. Buchanan, MI (269) 695-7818 Website: www.golfbrookwood.com This 18-hole, par 72 course covers 6,341 yards from the white tees. Brookwood was built in 1965 and is open to the public. Lake Michigan Hills 2520 Kerlikowski Rd. Benton Harbor, MI (269) 849-4653 Website: www.lakemichiganhills.com Lake Michigan Hills has a par 72 course over 6,884 yards for 18 holes. Lake Michigan Hills was built in 1969 and is semi-private.

43 Orchard Hills Country Club 2841 Niles-Buchanan Rd. Buchanan, MI (269) 695-5722 Website: www.orchardhillscc.org This scenic, 6,258-yard course, is set on a series of rolling hills south and west of the St. Joseph River between Niles and Buchanan. Orchard Hills was built in 1915 and is a private course. For information on becoming a member, call (269) 695-5991. Pipestone Creek 6768 Naomi Rd. Eau Claire, MI (269) 944-1611 Pipestone features a par 67, 18-hole layout that measures 8,351 yards. Pipestone Creek was built in 1957 and is open to the public. Plym Park 401 Marmont St. Niles, MI (269) 684-7331 Plym Park Municipal Golf Course has a 3,148-yard layout, which rates a par 36. This nine-hole jewel was built in 1921 and is open to the public. Signal Point Club 1475 West River Rd. Niles, MI (269) 683-7073 Website: www.signalpointgolf.com The 18-hole course measures 6225, front nine measuring 3044 and the back nine measuring 3181 yards. Both with a par of 36. Signal Point Club was built in 1964 and is a private course. It was voted the seventh-best 9-hole course in America by Golf World Magazine. Paw Paw Lake Golf Club 4548 Forest Beach Rd. P.O. Box 68 Watervliet, MI (269) 463-3831 Website: pawpawlakegolfcourse.com Paw Paw Lake is an 18-hole course, which measures 6,055 yards and is a par 70. Paw Paw Lake was built in 1918 and is open to the public. Pebblewood Country Club 9794 Jericho Rd. Bridgman, MI (269) 465-5611 Website: www.golfpebblewood.com Pepplewood Country Club is an 18-hole course, which measures 5,421 yards and is a par 68. Pebblewood was built in 1923 and is open to the public.

44 Whittaker Woods Golf Course 12578 Wilson Rd. New Buffalo, MI (269) 469-3400 Website: golfwhittaker.com Whittaker Woods is an 18-hole course which measures 7,072 yards, with a par 72 . Whittaker Woods was built in 1996 and is open to the public. Grand Beach Golf Course 48200 Perkins Blvd. Grand Beach (269) 469-4888 Grand Beach is a 18-hole course, which measures 2,955 with a par 36. Grand Beach was built in 1912 and is open to the public.

Recreation measures 7,030 and is a par 72. Classic Hampshire was built in 1961 and is open to the public. Indian Lake Hills 55321 Brush Lake Eau Claire, MI (269) 782-2540 Website: www.indianlakehills.com The East Course, which was built in the early 1920s, measures 2,856 yards with a par of 35. The West Course measures 3,187 yards with a par of 36. The North Course measures 3,345 yards with a par of 36. Indian Lake Hills was originally built in 1925. The west/north layout was built in 1963. The north/east course was built in 1992. Indian Lake Hills has a driving range.

Berrien Hills 690 West Napier, Ave. Benton Harbor, MI (269) 925-9002 Website: www.berrienhills.com This 18-hole course located beside the St. Joseph River; was founded in 1909. The course measures 6,219 and is a par 71

Park Shore 610 Park Shore Drive Cassopolis, MI (269) 445-2834 Website: www.parkshoregolfclub.com Park Shore is an 18-hole course, which is a par 72 and measures 4,981 yards. Park Shore was built in 1929 and is open to the public.

Four Lakes Country Club 22786 U.S. Highway 12 Edwardsburg, MI (269) 699-5701 Four Lakes is a public golf club. Four Lakes is an 18-hole course, which measures 6,541 yards with a par of 72. Four Lakes was built in 1934 and is now public.

Diamond Lake 22041 M-60 East Cassopolis, MI (269) 445-3143 Diamond Lake measures 2,731 yards with a par of 35. The 18-hole course was built in 1925 and is open to the public.

Garver Lake Golf Course 25320 May St. Edwardsburg, MI (269) 663-6463 Garver Lake has a course layout that measures 2,700 yards and is a par 35. The nine-hole course was built in 1970 and is open to the public.

Spruce Ridge Golf Club 26831 Dutch Settlement Rd. Dowagiac, MI (269) 782-5827 Website: www.spruceridgegc.com Spruce Ridge is an 18-hole course that measures 6,058 yards. Par is 71. Spruce Ridge was built in 1970 and is open to the public.

Dogwood Trail at Hampshire C.C. 29592 Pokagon Highway Dowagiac, MI (269) 782-7476 Dogwood Trail at Hampshire Country Club in southwest lower Michigan has a 18hole layout. Dogwood measures 6,795 and is a par 72. Dogwood Trail was built in 1996 and is open to the public. Hampshire Country Club is the home course to Dowagiac and Edwardsburg in high school golf. Classic Hampshire at Hampshire C.C. 29592 Pokagon Highway Dowagiac, MI (269) 782-7476 Classic Hampshire at Hampshire Country Club is part of southwest lower Michigan’s only 36-hole layout. Classic Hampshire

Cass County Elks Golf Course Underwood Drive Dowagiac, MI (269) 782-3889 The Elks Club course measures 2,936 yards, but it is tougher than it looks. The par 36, nine-hole course, which was built in 1915, is open to the public.

State Parks Grand Mere Park Grand Mere State Park is characterized by magnificent sand dunes, deep blowouts and one mile of Lake Michigan shoreline. Three inland lakes lie behind the dunes in the undeveloped natural area. Features hunting, swimming, picnic areas, hiking, boating access site, cross-country skiing, a sandy beach and metal detecting areas. No hunting with rifles or handguns.

Located at Thorton Drive, Stevensville, MI 49127. Take I-94 to Exit 22, John Beers Rd., South to Thornton Dr., to entrance. For more information call (269) 426-4013. Warren Dunes State Park Warren Dunes State Park provides 1,952 acres of recreational opportunities along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan in southwestern Michigan. The rugged dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake and offers spectacular views and excellent for hang gliding. The park has three miles of shoreline, six miles of hiking trails and is open year-round. There is a $6 admission fee for residents and an $8 admission fee for non-residents. The park is located 2.5 miles south of Bridgman at 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, MI 49125. For more information, call (269) 4264013 Warren Woods Natural Area Warren Woods Natural Area is located in Berrien County. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in November 1967. It is the last known stand of virgin beech-maple forest in southern Michigan containing outstanding individual specimens of sycamore, beech, maple and other northern hardwoods. Ownership is private; land is leased to the State of Michigan. It is an undeveloped protected parcel providing a secluded day experience with access to the Galien River via a forested walk. Extraordinary solitude and quiet reign amidst the botanical bounty enjoyed at Warren Woods Natural Area. Two-thirds of Warren Woods’ 312 acres consist of a mixed beech and maple forest. A hiking trail leads visitors to the rustic Galien River. Hikers should wear blaze orange when visiting during hunting season. Michigan hunting regulations apply. The park is located two miles north of Three Oaks. To reach the day use park take Interstate 94 to exit 6. Follow the signs eastbound to the park’s entrance. For more information, call (269) 4264013.

County Parks Berrien County Madeline Bertrand Park Located just south of Niles, Madeline Bertrand County Park offers a public area of natural beauty along the St. Joseph River. Trails lead through pine and oak forests offering opportunities for hiking and bicycling. Trails are groomed and lighted for cross-country skiing in winter and ski rentals are available. One of the park’s most unique and popular features is a challenging 18-hole disc golf course. Covered shelters, an indoor lodge, scenic picnic areas, and children’s playground structures make Bertrand a favorite location for family and group out-

Recreation ings. Madeline Bertrand County Park is located at 3038 Adams Rd., Niles, MI 49120. For more information, call (269) 683-8280. Love Creek County Park and Nature Center Love Creek winds its way through this rolling 150-acre natural area outside of Berrien Springs. Six miles of hiking trails provide access to a variety of habitats, including a mature Beech-Maple forest with spectacular spring wildflowers. The Berrien County Parks Commission's naturalist service is based here and activities are available throughout the year. Love Creek offers outstanding cross-country skiing opportunities with groomed and lighted trails and ski rentals available. The Fields & Forests Bike Trail also provides cyclists with access to a 4.5 mile beginning to intermediate level mountain bike trail from spring through fall. Park hours: Trails are open during daylight hours. Scheduled Interpretive Center hours are: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Mondays. The office may be closed at other times when the naturalists are conducting outdoor or off-site programs. Daily Entry Fees: $3 per vehicle for Berrien County residents, $5 for non-residents. Annual entrance permit: $35 To receive more information, call (269) 471-2617. Silver Beach County Park Located in St. Joseph at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, Silver Beach County Park features a clean, wide beach on Lake Michigan and public access to the South Pier. It is a favorite destination for a variety of beach and river front activities, ranging from swimming to sunset strolls. Children’s playground structures, barrier-free walkways, and the Shadowland Pavilion (which can be reserved for family gatherings and other special events) add to the many recreational opportunities available. Silver Beach is also host to many special events, including activities that are a part of St. Joseph’s annual Venetian Festival. The park is open May through September. Hours are 5 a.m. to sunset, daily. No vehicle entry after dusk. Daily entry fees are $6 per vehicle for Berrien County residents, $8 for non-residents. Silver Beach County Park is located at 101 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Call (269) 982-0533. Rocky Gap County Park Overlooking Lake Michigan from a bluff in Benton Township, Rocky Gap County Park provides a quiet place to enjoy the Lake Michigan shoreline. There’s a beach with 1,100 feet of lake frontage, an overlook platform and spectacular views of the lake. It is an ideal location to take a relaxed lunch break, enjoy a sunset, or cool off with a quick swim.

Note: Swimming is allowed at your own risk at Rocky Gap. There are no lifeguards on duty. The park is open from April until October, from dawn until dusk. For more information, contact the Berrien County Parks Commission Office, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085 Phone: (269) 983-7111 ext. 8435 Galien River County Park In early June 2001, the Berrien County Parks Commission acquired 86 acres in New Buffalo Township to establish the Galien River County Park Preserve. This undeveloped property includes a mix of upland and wetland habitats along the Galien River. The wetland area is particularly significant in that it is a part of the larger "New Buffalo Marsh," a Great Lakes marsh that formed along the Galien River just upstream from the river’s mouth at Lake Michigan. The acquisition of this unique property involved the cooperative efforts of many organizations and individuals, as well as the patience of the previous owners. A Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant provided 74 percent of the purchase price and Berrien County contributed the balance. Several local governments, businesses and individuals initiated the project and provided important support to the Berrien County Parks Commission in our efforts to secure the funding for this new County Park. For more information, contact the Berrien County Parks Commission Office, 701 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085 Phone: (269) 983-7111 ext. 8435

45 (10 miles); leisure biking (7 miles); hiking trails (7 miles); cross-country skiing (7 miles, groomed); picnic shelters (2); ball fields (2); soccer field and open games field; disc golf and volley ball court horseshoe pits (2); inner tube sledding (tubes provided); fishing seasonal events; controlled hunting. $1 entrance fee for county residents and $3 for non-residents. For more information, call (269) 4762730. Arthur Dodd Memorial Park Located on Creek Road, five miles northeast of Niles, near Sumnerville. Borders the Dowagiac Creek, near the Cass County line. This 51-acre park has long been a destination spot for the water enthusiast. Dodd Park features picnic shelters (3); play areas with equipment (2); fishing (Class A trout stream); horseshoe pits (2); hiking trail (1 mile); play equipment; volleyball court; open games area; and canoe landing. The park is open mid-April through October. For more information, call (269) 684-5110 or (269) 445-8611.

Hiking Berrien County Madeline Bertrand Park Located south of Niles, this park stretches along the St. Joseph River. Trails offer hiking and biking through pine and oak forests. Call the park at (269) 683-8280 or visit its website at www.berriencounty.org/parks for more information.

Cass County Fred Russ Forest Park Located on Marcellus Highway, 8 miles east of Dowagiac, Michigan. Encompassed in the 580 acre Fred Russ Research Forest operated by Michigan State University, this 13acre park with its rich history and natural beauty is one of the most visited parks in Cass County. The park features picnicking, children’s play equipment, picnic shelters (3); fishing (Class A trout stream); horseshoe pit; hiking trails (4 miles); canoe landing; and crosscountry skiing (4 miles). The park is open year-round and business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, call (269) 445-8611. Dr. T.K. Lawless Park Located on Monkey Run Street, nine miles east of Cassopolis, off M-60 and Lewis Lake Road. This 900-plus-acre nature park is open year-round and boasts a broad range of recreational activities. The park features 15 rustic campsites, each with fire ring and table, a picnic shelter with tables, fresh well water and fire bowl. Reservations for organized groups only; no individual camping allowed. Mountain biking

Grand Mere Nature Area This 371-acre nature area is part of the 1,000-acre Grand Mere State Park, south of St. Joseph. Hikers and cyclists can explore the area on paved trails. The diverse landscape includes towering sand dunes, deep blowouts, beech woods and old lake bed, hemlock, swamp, cranberry bog and three inland lakes. Park enterance is off Interstate 94 Exit 22, south on Red Arrow Highway and Thornton Road. Call the park at (269) 426-4013 Love Creek Nature Center Located east of Berrien Springs, Love Creek is a favorite place to bird watch and view some of the 144 wildflowers growing in Berrien County. They also offer cross-country skiing and trails for hiking and biking. Throughout the year, naturalists plan guided hikes. There is a $3 per vehicle admission fee for residents and a $5 per vehicle fee for nonresidents. The park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. The park is closed on Mondays. Contact the park office at (269) 471-2617 for more information.

Why I Love Southwest Michigan

Name: George Warr Age: 58 City of residence: Niles Why do you like living in southwest Michigan? It’s really picked up in recent years. It looks a lot nicer. What are some of your favorite places nearby? Family Dollar, Riverfront Cafe, Hob Nob and The Nuggett What is the area’s best-kept secret? Homemade arts and crafts

Recreation Mud Lake Bog The areas shortest trail, this 550-foot boardwalk lets you explore the bog’s mass of floating vegetation. Unique to this area, the bog is home to carnivorous and uncommon plants and wetland animals. Tours are arranged through Sarett Nature Center (269) 927-4832; Fernwood Botanical Gardens and Nature Preserve (269) 695-6491; or Love Creek (269) 471-2617.

This 820-acre park offers 10 miles of mountain biking trails, seven miles of leisure biking trails and seven miles of hiking trails. The park operates yearround and offers a broad range of recreational activities. Business hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Entrance fee is $1 for a county resident and $3 for a non-resident. Call (269) 445-8611 for more information.

Nipissing Dune Trails A section of the world’s largest fresh water dune formations are found on these trails. This 2.5-mile trail system offers incredible views of Lake Michigan, rigorous dune climbs, a quiet walk through lowland forest and a boardwalk hike across a wetland. Guided tours may be arranged in advance, but educational signs along the three well-marked trails make it easy to take a self-guided hike. The trails are adjacent to the Cook Energy Information Center and are open Jan. 15 through Dec. 15, Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free. Contact Cook Energy Information Center at (800) 548-2555 for more information.

Kal-Haven Trail Sesquicentennial State Park Bicyclists will enjoy this 34-mile crushed limestone path which connects South Haven with Kalamazoo. The trail traverses through wooded areas, past farms and over rivers and streams. To reach the trail, take Interstate 96, Exit 22 (North Shore Drive) to the blinking light (Blue Star Highway). Go south on Blue Star for about one mile, turn right on Wells Street and continue a quarter mile, then turn right on Baily Street to the park entrance. Call (269) 674-8011 for more information.

Warren Dunes State Park Bring your binoculars and get ready for some serious bird watching. Berrien County has more bird species than any other county in Michigan. The six-mile main trail at Warren Dunes offers some of the best bird watching in the area. The park provides 1,952 acres of recreational opportunities along the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan. The dune formation rises 260 feet above the lake and offers spectacular views. The park is open year-round. There is a park entrance fee. Call (269) 426-4013 or visit the website at www.michigan.gov/warrendunes for more information. Cass County Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary This 384-acre preserve features a natural marsh, wooded acres and an incredible number of wildflowers. Nine endangered plant and animal species find haven here along with a number of different nesting birds and tree types. Hikers must carry their own water and there are no restroom facilities. To access, take M-62 west of Dowagiac then turn south on California Road to Forest Street. For group tour information call (517) 655-5655. Dr. T.K. Lawless Park

Van Buren County

The Keeler State Game Area This 400-acre small game area’s rustic terrain is home for many plant and animal species. Hiking is allowed on work roads. Camping is seasonally available to visitors with a permit. Best time to visit the park is in the spring. The game area is open 24 hours a day and the office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (269) 244-5928. The Ross Nature Preserve This Covert Township preserve protects 1,449 acres. This area contains century-old white pines and some of the most beautiful freshwater dunes in the world. Eight endangered plant species are found here. To access, take Interstate 94 Exit 41 to M-140 north to County Road 376 (44th Avenue). Turn left (west) on County Road 376 to reach the preserve entrance. Van Buren State Park Four hundred acres of land stretching along the shore of Lake Michigan in northern Van Buren County, the state park has hiking trails, 70 acres of undeveloped dunes and a magnificent beach make this a favorite stop along Lake Michigan. Park permit is required. Day and annual passes are sold at the entrance. The park is located at 23960 Ruggles Rd., South Haven. For more information about outdoor activities, lodging or special events, call (269) 637-2788.

Why I Love Southwest Michigan Name: Hope Darnell Age: 19 City of residence: Buchanan Job: Landscaping Why do you like living in southwest Michigan? All my friends are here What are some of your favorite places nearby? The beach, the mall and Hackers What is the area’s best-kept secret? The mud bogs

Name: Janine Jones Age: 20 City of residence: Niles Why do you like living in southwest Michigan? It’s a good place to raise children. What are some of your favorite places nearby? Riverfront Park and Walmart What is the area’s best-kept secret? The southern part of Riverfront Park

Why I Love Southwest Michigan Name: Lee Dickerson Age: 30 City of residence: Niles Why do you like living in southwest Michigan? The weather; I like to see all four seasons What are some of your favorite places nearby? Riverfront Park What is the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-kept secret? Fishing action on the river

Why I Love Southwest Michigan Name: Lynne Zachary Age: 22 City of residence: Dowagiac Why do you like living in southwest Michigan? It’s fun; you can always find something to do. What are some of your favorite places nearby? Twin Lakes, Lake Michigan and Mimi Sarducci’s What is the area’s best-kept secret? The Venetian Festival and Relay for Life activities