NDS April 2020

Niles Daily Star Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

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Emergency relief program loans converted to grants for businesses P7

SERVING NILES, BUCHANAN AND EDWARDSBURG

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HOT WHEELS

Bike shop sees increase in business amid state COVID mandates PAGE 3

Niles’ Appleberry picks KVCC P13

OBITUARIES Janet M. Barr, of Niles John Albert Monaghan, of Cassopolis Reid A. Fancis, of Cassopolis Daniel M. Minnix Jr., of Edwardsburg Michael Lee Morse, of Cassopolis Vida M. Casperson, of Niles

Page 2 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

LOCAL

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES

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SENIORS Graduating students are virtually embraced by community adoptions

By CHRISTINA CLARK christina.clark@leaderpub.com SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — As spring arrives, students in their senior year of school look forward to attending their school’s prom, celebrating their academic and sports achievements through their high school career, and planning their graduation parties.

As COVID-19 arrived in Michigan, it brought with it a stark change in those plans. With schools closed through the rest of the scheduled 2019 – 2020 school year, families are finding alternative ways to celebrate their graduating seniors.

Area high schools, including Buchanan High School, Brandywine High School, Niles High School and Edwardsburg High School, all have had representatives take on the task of celebrating their graduating classes. Traditional commencement ceremonies are up in the air at this point, though Edwardsburg superintendent Jim Knoll said the district will either host graduation on May 31 or June 28, and other district leaders have said they will make every effort to host some form of celebration.

Each school has created a Facebook group for “adopting” their senior students.

The “adoption” process begins when the senior students’ photos are posted in their school’s designated Facebook group, with a short bio about their interests, achievements and aspirations. A community member within the group then “adopts” the senior by commenting or messaging the parents of the student.

In the “Adopt a Buchanan High School 2020 Senior” Facebook group, group administrator Katie Shelton explained what it means for those “adopting” these students.

“I encourage you to reach out to the parents of your adopted senior and ask for suggestions,” Shelton’s post stated. “There is no expectation for the number of times you interact with your child. That is entirely up to you.”

The post continues that the only expectation is that the se-

nior is “showered” with kindness as they are celebrated. Suggestions for gifts include letters, arts and craft supplies, books, gift cards, and even high school memorabilia for the graduating year.

“While it has been a tremendous undertaking, it has been well worth it,” Shelton said. “Pictures of the smiles on the kids’ faces when they receive their gifts is priceless.”

For Lynn Mickiewicz, an administrator for the Brandywine High School Facebook group, “‘Adopt’ a 2020 Bobcat Senior,” a friend showed her the celebration concept.

“She also formed a ‘Niles adopt a senior’ site and encouraged me to do the same,” Mickiewicz said. “Everyone is so heartbroken that our seniors are missing out. We just want to make them feel special and show them the community loves and supports them.”

Mickiewicz’s son is in the 2020 class at Brandywine High.

“I think my son, Ty, is handling it better than I am,” she said. He keeps busy with his schoolwork, communicating with teachers, playing video games and keeping in touch with friends. Missing his senior year season of baseball has been the most difficult part, according to Mickiewicz.

For Angie Wagley, administrator of the Facebook group, “‘Adopt’ a Niles High School 2020 Senior,” the community response was immediate.

“We had 100 seniors post their bios and photos in 48 hours, and they are all adopted,” Wagley said. “I have people on a waiting list ready to adopt and spoil these kids as soon as they post.

We are working hard to get everyone to post so we can get everyone adopted.”

Paren ts schoo of high l senio rs are workin g to ens together ur their c e that hildre n feel the co m suppo munity’s rt gradu as they ate. Th e local c la 2020 h sses of av their s e had enior y ear festivit ie due to s canceled C mand OVID-19 ates. ( Leader photo/ CH CLARK RISTINA )

Wagley’s son will be a part of the seniors missing out on the traditional celebrations.

“Mrs. [Molly] Brawley at Niles High School has been diligent about finding ways to not let these kids miss out on the important milestones they have worked so hard to achieve,” Wagley said of the school’s principal. “Things like the ‘senior door decorating’ and ‘adopting a senior’ have brought joy to these kids in a time of disappointment in what they have lost.”

Schools are working with the parents running the groups to ensure that each student has the chance to be “adopted” and celebrated by a community member.

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Niles Daily Star | www.leaderpub.com

LOCAL

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 3

David Rees, owner and head mechanic of Swift Cycle, stands in front of his shop. Rees’ shop sells and services used bicycles, and has seen a steady curve of customers looking to get out on two wheels. (Leader photo/ CHRISTINA CLARK)

Hot wheels

Niles bike shop sees increase in business amid state mandates

By CHRISTINA CLARK christina.clark@leaderpub.com NILES — With mandates still in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, many businesses have felt a sharp decline in income.

Swift Cycle, a bicycle shop off of Oak Street, is a little different. The shop’s owner and head mechanic, David Rees, has been seeing an upward curve in business through April. With used bicycles lined up in front of the shop, those passing by can see what the shop is about: getting people a set of wheels.

Swift Cycle is small, but bursts at the seams with an eclectic set of bicycles from child-sized to road-ready. Since the virus outbreak, the shop has been taking customers by appointment. Taking precautions like spacing out appointments and making sure surfaces stay wiped down

have become finer points in business days.

“We are trying to serve people in a singular, one by one basis, to get people rolling and out on the road as much as possible,” Rees said.

The shop has been seeing customers for repairs on their existing bicycles. Other customers have been purchasing bicycles for their children.

“It’s been a lot of tune ups,” Rees said.

“Parents are anxious to get their growing child on something that fits them, usually for pretty inexpensive.”

With the weather slowly warming, and more people stuck at home due to the mandates, bicycling has become an activity that people can engage in to get outdoors while maintaining a social distance.

About half of the business the shop is doing right now is with existing customers, with the other half being new customers

looking for a way to get rolling.

Rees considers bicycles and bicycle repair to be essential transportation for many.

According to a communication from the Michigan state government clarifying Executive Order 2020-42, the state considers bicycle repair shops critical infrastructure only if they are providing necessary service for other critical infrastructure workers to get to work.

Rees has reined in most of the appointments between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but has made arrangements with those who cannot come during those hours.

The shop aims to fill a need Rees saw in 2014. Originally trying his hand at starting a bicycle courier business, Rees instead found a love for fixing bicycles.

“It kind of started as, instead of bringing them a package, I’d fix their bike,” Rees

said. “I’d take it and bring it back to them.

[Swift Cycle] essentially started as that, until I ran out of room at my apartment and had to get storage space.”

At the time, running a shop was not on his radar. He just enjoyed fixing bicycles.

When the location on Oak Street became available in 2014, he knew it was time.

“I have space to have bikes for sale and do a number of tune ups,” he said. “It’s an awesome habitat for the rehabilitation of this poor, junk steel to turn into vehicles for people.”

Rees sees that as a plus, especially now, as budgets have become tighter.

Bike mechanic Jay Smith agreed.

“We serve that clientele that wants a well working bike that’s going to be reliable, and can’t really spend over $150,” Smith said.

“That’s a niche you don’t find with bike shops.”

Page 4 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

Niles Daily Star ADMINISTRATIVE

GENERAL MANAGER Ambrosia Neldon (269) 687-7700 ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com ACCOUNTING MANAGER Rhonda Rauen (269) 687-7711 rhonda.rauen@leaderpub.com CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE Jen Bounds (269) 687-7717 jennifer.bounds@leaderpub.com

EDITORIAL

MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Culton (269) 687-7712 sarah.culton@leaderpub.com SPORTS EDITOR Scott Novak (269) 687-7702 scott.novak@leaderpub.com REPORTERS Christina Clark (269) 687-7720 christina.clark@leaderpub.com Hannah Holliday (269) 687-7706 hannah.holliday@leaderpub.com PHOTOGRAPHER/PAGE DESIGNER Emily Sobecki (269) 687-7704 emily.sobecki@leaderpub.com

ADVERTISING

MARKETING CONSULTANTS Phil Langer (269) 687-7725 phil.langer@leaderpub.com Lisa Oxender (269) 687-7728 lisa.oxender@leaderpub.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING (269) 591-6105.

Published Tuesday through Saturday except holidays when the postal service does not deliver mail: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day at 217 N. Fourth Street, Niles, Michigan, by Leader Publications LLC. Periodicals paid at the Niles Post Office, 741 Broadway St. Postmaster: Send change of address to Circulation Manager, The Daily Star, 217 N. Fourth Street, Niles, MI 49120. Home Delivery by mail is local: $7.50/month, out of town: $10.50/month.

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OPINION

www.leaderpub.com | Niles Daily Star

STAFF COLUMN

Ensuring fairness in the upcoming election

A

s another election cycle heats up, several seats long held by incumbent officials are now opening up due to term limits, and we have some contested races.

Months before voters enter the polls, Leader Publications has already received multiple endorsement letters and invitations to political rallies and meet and greets. I have been impressed with the participation in local government this cycle — especially considering the unprecedented events we are experiencing.

With the pandemic at the forefront of everyone’s minds, many have asked how local elections will be impacted in 2020 — a big election year at both the local and national level. There is a lot to be determined, and we are committed to providing this information to you as quickly as decisions are made.

In the meantime, I find it worthwhile to remind those running for office (and those supporting candidates) of our election policy. As always, we are committed to facilitating a fair and balanced discussion, ensuring all candidates are featured equally. As the election nears, look forward to a full guide to the upcoming election.

Our election policy is as follows:

AMBROSIA NELDON is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7700 or by email at ambrosia.neldon@ leaderpub.com • No candidate running for office will be allowed to write guest columns or letter to the editor after the filing deadline. This includes incumbents who are regular contributors to the newspaper.

• Letters from supporters or endorsing a candidate must be received at least three weeks prior to an election (July 14 for primary), and we will cease publishing them at least one week prior (July 28 for primary).

• Submissions that are easily proven to be form letters instead of the author’s own words will not be printed. Leader Publications reserves the right to reject any letter that does not meet standard guidelines for submissions.

• All political ads must be approved by general manager Ambrosia Neldon and may require substantiation of claims. All ads that

challenge or target an opponent will be cut off at least one week prior (July 29 for primary) to the election after a targeted candidate has the chance to respond if they so choose.

• Leader Publications’ news coverage will be driven by consistency. We will do a race preview prior to the election and provide news coverage of the results. Campaign stops, public events and candidate forums will be evaluated on their news impact to the public. Brief information announcing events will be added to our community calendar.

• The newspaper will not cover private or party fundraisers.

We encourage readers to share their views on candidates of their choosing by writing letters to the editor. Letters may be submitted via email to news@leaderpub. com, via the leaderpub.com website under the “Services” tab. Letters must not attack another person, and contact information for letter signers must be included in the email.

Letters must not exceed 300 words. A full copy of our Letters to the Editor policy can be found at leaderpub.com.

I welcome any questions about this policy, and would be happy to answer them via email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com, or over the phone at (269) 687-7770.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Hail to our mail man

M

y late grandfather, Lloyd D. Layman, of Berrien Center, worked at Kawneer, in Niles, before entering the service on May 26, 1942, where he was an aircraft radio operator.

The last job he had before he retired, from approximately 1971 to 1985, was a rural route carrier. One of his customers printed this in the newspaper for him many years ago, and I think it is fitting today as our postal workers continue to serve us, even in this pan-

SHARE YOUR VIEW

demic. I know it meant a lot to him, as he saved it. I just found it while cleaning out my closet.

My mom must have passed it along to me after he passed away.

We just never know how a kind word can make an impact on someone. This poem is anywhere from 35 to 49 years old.

HAIL TO OUR MAILMAN Editor, He is efficient, Faithful and true.

It is impossible if he doesn’t come through.

Hot summer days, Rain or shine.

He’s always there, Right on time.

Though the winds May howl like Wolves at the moon.

If he isn’t there now, He will be soon.

Snow or sleet Mud or slush.

If he can get through He makes it a must.

That’s why we’re all So thankful to This very courteous guy Who serves so faithful

Through black clouds Or blue skies He has made many Happy on his Everyday runs Who were looking For a letter, but afraid It wouldn’t come So thanks again, From us to you.

Our faithful mail carrier Who always See our mail gets through (Our carrier, and friend.)

DENISE HALGREN, ORIGINALLY SUBMITTED BY JAMES WILLIAMS, BERRIEN CENTER

Letters to the Editor may be submitted via email to news@leaderpub.com, or by mail to 217 N. 4th St., Niles, MI 49120.

Letters must be 300 words or less and submitted by a local author. To read the full letter policy, visit www.leaderpub.com

OPINION

Niles Daily Star | www.leaderpub.com

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 5

GUEST COLUMN

Congress needs to support local news during this crisis

D

uring this coronavirus pandemic, access to accurate and trustworthy information in your community is as critical to life under quarantine and as sought after as hand sanitizer and face masks.

Your local newspaper provides the news and information unique to your community. Where are the testing sites and who’s eligible, which businesses are open, what is the local online unemployment benefit application process and much more. But your access to local news and information is gravely threatened by the economic carnage COVID-19 has wrought.

While local newspapers continue to field reporters and bring news and advice from public health authorities in print and online — at considerable cost — their revenues have all but disappeared as the businesses that were their most important advertisers were shuttered.

That’s why America’s Newspapers and other organizations representing local news providers are asking Congress to take urgent action to ensure you don’t lose your vital sources of timely and trustworthy information.

First, we’re asking that Congress expand and clarify the Payroll Protection

DAN RIDINGS is the CEO of America’s Newspapers. He can be reached at by phone at (847) 282-9850, ext. 105 or by email at dridings@ newspapers.org.

Program to ensure it covers all local newspapers and news broadcasters.

While some of these outlets may be owned by large organizations, they must survive on their own. It’s only fair that they should be included in any expansion of the program.

These loans will keep the newspaper employees — your neighbors — on their payrolls and help get the news to you in print as well as online. We appreciate the bipartisan letter of April 19th from Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), as well as U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Boozman (R-AR) that requested waiving the Small Business Administration’s affiliation rule to allow local media outlets to access funding, pointing to the critical role these outlets play in keeping communities healthy and

informed.

Second, we are asking that the Trump administration direct current federal government advertising funds to local news and media outlets. These public service and informative ads could be similar to the ones running right now about the U.S. Census. They could carry critical government information about data from the CDC, access to small business loans, medical resources for families and other important topics. We’re asking for a commitment that would be spent in an equitable manner across all local news providers.

We also believe that there should be an immediate relief package that is based on total newsroom employees.

Some local news organizations won’t survive without some type of immediate grant or infusion that is tied to the organization’s employees who directly work in the newsroom.

This is not a demand for an industry bailout by local news providers. Instead, these measures recognize that local news publishers are on the information front line of the coronavirus pandemic, providing a public service vital to keeping our communities safe, secure and sustained during this unprecedented public health crisis.

Please contact the offices of your senators and representatives in the U.S. Congress and tell them you support expanding the Payroll Protection Program to include your local news source and that the federal government should use your local newspapers or news broadcaster to convey important information through public service ads. And finally, let them know that a grant based on newsroom employees is critical at this time. Visit www.usa.gov/elected-officials for their contact information.

Take this easy action to ensure that your access to local information doesn’t become another victim to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you and may you and your family remain safe and informed during this difficult time.

one of our two excellent senators. Our state and our country need his knowledge, his experience, his voice, and his determination to do what is right. We need to re-elect Sen. Peters this November.

that carry a single brand and tone. The time and talent of Holt Bosse staff have given TEC the marketing tools to help us promote our organization professionally.

On behalf of the TEC Board of Directors and our team of volunteers, participants and horses, we extend our sincere appreciation to everyone at the agency.

It has been a pleasure to work with the Holt Bosse team. They took the time to capture the essence and heart of TEC. They helped us tell our story at this time when communication with volunteers, supporters and participants is critical and challenging.

The value TEC has received from Holt Bosse is a truly priceless gift we will cherish for years to come. Holt Bosse makes a difference in the community.

Dan Ridings is the CEO of America’s Newspapers. On behalf of its approximately 1,500 newspaper and associate member companies, America’s Newspapers is committed to explaining, defending and advancing the vital role of newspapers in democracy and civil life. It puts an emphasis on educating the public on all the ways newspapers contribute to building a community identity and the success of local businesses. Learn more at newspapers.org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sen. Gary Peters is an exceptional leader en. Gary Peters is a conscientious, honest and highly competent leader.

During the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis, he has repeatedly taken decisive action to combat the spread of this dangerous disease and to counter the economic damage it has created.

On March 12, Sen. Peters, who is the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced legislation to expand access to free COVID-19 testing. He also pressed the Trump administration to ensure that health care facilities across the country were equipped to handle the large number of Americans who were likely to need to be tested as the virus spreads. In explaining the need for this legislation, Senator Peters said, “Widely available testing is the most effective way to identify and contain COVID-19

S

cases before they spread further, and our nation’s inadequate testing program is simply unacceptable.”

Sen. Peters also pressed the administration to take immediate action to ensure that all health care providers were supplied with the personal protective equipment they need to safeguard themselves and their patients from exposure to the virus.

On the same day that he introduced the COVID-19 free testing bill, Sen. Peters led the introduction of the bipartisan Coronavirus Worker Relief Act. This legislation provided disaster unemployment assistance to all individuals who were unable to work due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Both the COVID-19 free testing bill and the Coronavirus Worker Relief Act were incorporated into the bills passed by both houses of congress and signed by the president.

Michigan is blessed to have Gary Peters as

DR. LARRY FELDMAN Lakeside Thanks to Holt Bosse for making a difference in the community his letter is being sent in gratitude to Holt Bosse, a marketing firm in St. Joseph, from the Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Holt Bosse offers the Make a Mark campaign each year to a nonprofit organization giving them $50,000 worth of promotional marketing materials.

In 2019, TEC was chosen as the recipient.

As a volunteer driven nonprofit, we have struggled to create strong marketing pieces

T

MARGIE HOJARA-HADSELL Niles

Page 6 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

On the

LOCAL

www.leaderpub.com | Niles Daily Star

FRONT

LINES Cass County Clerk finds new solutions to serve the community

By SARAH CULTON sarah.culton@leaderpub.com CASSOPOLIS — Since COVID-19 hit and state mandates ordering Michiganders to stay at home for anything other than essential services were handed down, Cass County Clerk/ Register of Deeds Monica McMichael has been tracking her steps on her Apple watch. The white-banded device has been racking up a higher-than-usual tally, as the Cassopolis native runs back and forth from the county building’s parking lot to her office multiple times a day to keep her office running and serving the public throughout the pandemic.

“I’ve been getting up from my desk a lot more, so that has been good for me,” she said with a laugh. “We have certainly been busy.”

With the county building closed to the public, McMichael and her team have had to get creative with how they serve the public. Intending to provide all usual services to the public throughout the pandemic, McMichael and her staff are in the office before 8 a.m. each day looking for alternative solutions when residents cannot walk into the office. When she is not handling business over the phone or via video

ON THE FRONT LINES Leader Publications is featuring the stories of those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic — essential workers, who still go to work every day to serve the public despite the potential danger.

To nominate an essential worker, who you think deserves to be featured, email news@leaderpub.com. conferencing, McMichael is rushing to meet people who called ahead at the door or handling business curbside in the parking lot.

This week, her office has been especially busy collecting filings from candidates looking to run for office in the August primary and helping small businesses obtain paperwork needed to apply for stimulus funding.

“Things have certainly changed since we originally closed to the public. At first, I wasn’t sure how everything was going to work,” McMichael said, sitting at her desk inside the Cass County Administration Building during a brief moment of downtime. “We were originally going to do essential services, but we quickly realized that

wasn’t going to cut it. … I was trying to respond to what the public wanted, and they want their services. We are still doing everything we normally do, just doing it a little bit differently.”

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, McMichael said she and her team have settled into a groove, and business is running smoothly.

“I’m glad we are able to be here and to help,” she said. “I love Cass County, and I love what I do.

It’s certainly never the same thing every day. You wear a lot of different hats, and the days fly by.”

Before being elected clerk in 2012, McMichael earned a degree in anthropology. Immediately after graduating college, she had plans to travel but soon found that no place called to her the way her hometown of Cassopolis did.

She eventually went on to follow in her family’s footsteps by becoming clerk. Her great-uncle, Kenneth Poe, was Cass County’s longest-running clerk, serving from 1959 to 1982. In her office, McMichael displays artwork of the Cass County Courthouse painted by Poe. It is dated 1966.

“I’m very proud that I can say he was my great uncle because he was so respected,” McMichael said. “I love to hear the great things people say about him and what a great job he

Monica McMichael is the Cass County clerk/ register of deeds. In the wake of COVID-19, she has had to come up with more creative ways for her office to serve the public.

(Leader photo/SARAH CULTON)

did in Cass County.”

By the time she took over the office once held

by Poe, McMichael already had a long career in public service.

When she moved back to Cassopolis after college, she worked for the Cass District Library before coming to the county in the information systems department, where she learned she had a love of technology. In 2006, she began working with then-clerk Barb Runyon on implementing an image digitization program.

“If you can believe it, they still had books and would index by hand,” she recalled. “[The program] has been great for the office and the public. It has allowed us to offer many more services online.”

Since becoming clerk, McMichael said has carried that memory with her as a reminder always to be thinking of creative ways to serve the public and improve services. Now, she is operating on that principle as her office continues to stay open throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

“If there is one thing I would say to our residents, it would be, please reach out to us,” she said. “Whatever they need, we will make it work somehow. We will be creative and find a way to get them what they need.”

Brewing up hope

Niles Daily Star | www.leaderpub.com

LOCAL

Emergency relief program loans converted to grants for businesses

By CHRISTINA CLARK christina.clark@leaderpub.com NILES — As businesses continue to feel the burden of continuing closures and restrictions of COVID-19 mandates and precautions, a local establishment is working to help ease the weight.

The Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday it would be begin taking its second round of applicants for its Emergency Relief Program. The chamber’s initial offer of low-interest loans to area businesses affected by COVID-19 mandates was introduced on April 7. The loans were converted into grants at the chamber of commerce’s virtual meeting on Monday, as awards were determined for the first round.

“These businesses are put in a strenuous position, and we want to get these grants allocated as quickly as possible. That’s why we set the original deadline, and opened it back up for a second round,” said Eileen Villanueva, membership coordinator of the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber awarded seven grants in its first round. In the first round of grants awarded, the chamber awarded approximately $44,000 to seven businesses. The chamber has approximately $66,000 to be distributed through the local business community in its second round.

One of those businesses that received a grant was downtown’s Apothica Teas. The shop, filled with jars of tea blends and curiosities, has sat closed since the COVID-19 mandates began. While the prospect of applying for a loan was not ideal for Laura Hollister, owner of Apothica Teas, she said that she did not have many other options.

Having opened last November, Hollister was not sure how her young business could afford to pay on a loan when operations returned to normal.

“I applied for it. I didn’t have any other options really,” Hollister said. “I was elated when [the Niles Greater Chamber of Commerce] called and said we had gotten the loan.”

Hollister’s relief quickly became overwhelming as the call continued.

Laura Hollister, owner of Apothica Teas, stands in her shop with her husband and son. Her business was awarded one of the grants from the Greater Niles Chamber of Commerce to help mitigate the expenses that continue while COVID-19 mandates and safety concerns have closed here doors. (Leader file photo)

“They went on to say that they had decided that, at this time, the loan would still be an incredible burden to the businesses in the long haul, and that they had converted it to a grant,” Hollister said. “I burst into tears. I got to sleep that night.”

For Hollister and Apothica Teas, the grant means that the business can “tread water” for a bit longer.

“I’m not moving forward, but I’m not drowning either,” she said.

For Hollister, the decision to close her business in the wake of COVID-19 meant more than just giving up sales. It was a decision she made to protect her son’s health.

Her son, Nathaniel, is immunocompromised. His body does not recognize an infection, and with so many unknowns with COVID-19, doing curbside service was not worth the risk, she said.

The grant means that Hollister can continue to make the decision that is best for her family, as information is discovered about the transmission of COVID-19.

“Nathan woke up yesterday coughing and wheezing, [like] he does every year when the tree outside his bedroom window blossoms,” Hollister said. “But this year, it was super scary, even though we know it’s going to happen. Because, what if? Now I don’t have to decide whether to do curbside service and endanger my kid just so I can make rent. It would be impossible to overstate what that grant means for me.”

The grants from the Greater Niles Cham-

ber of Commerce are to keep businesses on track to be able to open and operate again when mandates are lifted. The grants are specifically for general operational costs such as rent, mortgage payments, fixed debt and utilities. Businesses are not permitted to use the funding to replace sales or do a business expansion.

For Hollister, joining the chamber of commerce was the right thing to do when she opened a business downtown. She never thought that she would be on the receiving end of aid from it.

“It was hard for me to contemplate at first, because I didn’t want to be dependent,” Hollister said of the application process. She realized that during difficult times, when businesses and families are all facing the threat of COVID-19, that applying for help was not a reflection of weakness or of a poor business model.

Hollister said that the grant, along with the way that the Niles community has pulled together to help one another, has given her hope.

“We’re supposed to be sticking together,” she said. “Sometimes you’re the giver, sometimes you’re the taker. If we just keep it in balance, we’re OK.” Businesses interested in applying for the Greater Niles Chamber Emergency Relief Program are encouraged to contact the chamber, or visit their website at GreaterNilesChamber.com/ERP. The deadline for businesses to apply is 5 p.m. Friday, May 1.

Applicants may request up to $10,000.

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 7

Governor extends order, requires residents to wear masks in public STAFF REPORT

LANSING — Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order extending her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order until May 15 and requiring Michigander to wear non-medical grade masks in public.

The order requires people to wear homemade, non-medical grade face coverings when they enter enclosed public spaces. It will also require employers to provide at least cloth face coverings to their employees. People will not have to wear face coverings when they are taking a walk in the neighborhood, but when they go to the grocery store, they should be wearing one, according to communications from the governor’s office. Under the order, however, no one will be subject to criminal penalty for going without a mask.

“Data shows that most Michiganders are doing their part by staying home and staying safe. That’s good, but we must keep it up. Social distancing is our best weapon to defeat this enemy,” Whitmer said Friday. “With new COVID-19 cases leveling off, however, we are lifting some of the restrictions put in place in the previous order. I want to be crystal clear : the overarching message today is still the same. We must all do our part by staying home and staying safe as much as possible.”

The new executive order also allows some workers who perform very previously suspended activities to go back on the job. Landscapers, lawn-service companies and nurseries can return to work, subject to strict social distancing. Retailers that do not sell necessary supplies may reopen for curbside pick-up and for delivery. Big box stores can reopen “closed areas,” like garden centers. Bike repair and maintenance can come back online.

At the same time, the order eases up on some restrictions on members of the public. It will, for example, allow motorized boating and golf — but no golf carts — consistent with sound social distancing. It will also permit individuals to travel between their residences, though such travel during the epidemic is strongly discouraged, Whitmer said.

The order clarifies that state parks remain open, as they have been throughout the emergency.

The governor’s order is in close alignment with other Midwest states. On April 16, Governor Whitmer announced she and Governors Mike DeWine, of Ohio; Tony Evers, of Wisconsin; Tim Walz, of Minnesota; JB Pritzker, of Illinois; Eric Holcomb, of Indiana; and Andy Beshear, of Kentucky, will work in close coordination to reopen the economy in the Midwest region.

Page 8 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

LOCAL

All-hours access to aid

www.leaderpub.com | Niles Daily Star

Buchanan community connects through Little Free Pantries

By CHRISTINA CLARK christina.clark@leaderpub.com

B

UCHANAN — The thought of children going without food in her own community did not sit well with Ashley Hanson. Through her work as a Buchanan Area Recreation Board member and with special needs children at area schools, she saw that access to food was a challenge for some area residents.

Now, with two Little Free Pantries installed in Buchanan, she hopes to continue helping those going through tough times stay fed.

Hanson has seen an increase in interactions in a Facebook group of which is an administrator. The group, Buchanan’s Little Free Pantries, has been busy coordinating efforts connecting community members with items they need, especially while access may be limited due to COVID-19.

“It was evident that there was an ongoing problem, that there are kids in our community that don’t’ have food all the time,” Hanson said. “That’s crazy for me to think about.”

The thought drove Hanson to think about ways that she could help. She recalled seeing posts on Facebook three years ago of Little Free Pantries elsewhere. The concept of an installed box filled with food, free for anyone to donate and take, seemed like a simple way to reach out and help. She decided to bring the concept to Buchanan.

The first Little Free Pantry box was installed at the Masonic Lodge on Oak Street in Buchanan around Thanksgiving 2018. Hanson and her husband built the wooden box, with a shelf and door that holds donations. A second box, utilizing a retired newspaper stand, was decorated and installed at the Buchanan Township Hall by Girl Scout Troop 52019 last fall.

The multilevel Girl Scout Troop has 10 members from kindergarten through third grade, ranking as Daisies and Brownies. All of the members take turns maintaining the pantry at the Buchanan Township Hall, rotating so that two of the members watch it each month.

“They used some of their cookie sales mon-

Girl Scout Troop 52019 stands with the Little Free Pantry box members installed and maintain outside of the Buchanan Township Hall. (Submitted photo)

ey to fund this project,” said troop co-leader Katie Dutoi-Filley. “We helped [Hanson] with the one at the Mason’s Lodge. We helped her out for a month with filling it and noticed the huge turnover with it. It made us think that there was a need for another one.”

Hanson helped the troop find a location to put the second donation box, as well as helped members with the process of working with city ordinances.

With both Little Free Pantries up and running, Hanson has seen an increase in the community’s utilization of the food and goods donated to the boxes.

“Over the past month or so, there’s definitely been a pick up,” Hanson said. “It works really nicely. There’s usually people just putting things in as they drive by, or as they clean out their pantry and they have extra stuff.”

She also noticed that people check it, and if it seems low, they will pick up a few extra items from the store to donate to them on their way home.

In the Facebook group Hanson helps run, she has seen interactions through the last month of community members connecting goods to people who need them and have difficulty finding as access to certain goods can be difficult with the current mandates.

“I noticed a couple of weeks ago that there was a lady who was looking for a certain sized diaper she couldn’t find in stores,” Hanson said. “People talked throughout the page and found someone that had diapers for her. There

was also a gentleman who ended up sending some diapers from Amazon in the size that she needed. It’s a cool little connection that people in need can reach out, and that people who are trying to help can have an outlet to.”

The Little Free Pantries bear an invitation The original to those who approach them to “take what Buchanan Little you need, donate what you can.” Installed Free Pantry sits before the COVID-19 virus arrived, the boxes outside of the also offer a contact-less access to food.

Mason Lodge One of the things that struck Hanson about on Oak Street. the concept was that it made food available to (Leader photo/ people in need at all hours of the day.

CHRISTINA “There’s no time restraints on it,” Hanson CLARK) said. “If you realize at some point in the day that you need something, and the other food pantries aren’t open, it’s there.”

Niles Daily Star | www.leaderpub.com

LOCAL

The 3D printer that could Local makerspace donates masks, mask holding bands

By CHRISTINA CLARK christina.clark@leaderpub.com NILES — The Niles STEAM Room has fallen quiet lately, save for the low hum of a little machine that is on a mission to help.

The “little machine that could” works day and night creating parts from a roll of PLA plastic, layer by layer. The machine is the STEAM Room’s 3D printer.

Gail Bliss, executive director of the Niles STEAM Room on N. Fifth Street, has been busy with a new skill that she has acquired. Realizing that there was a need for masks in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that masks could be 3D printed using materials that the space already had, Bliss got to work making masks to be donated.

“When we had to shut down to the public, the machines and the things were open to the users, but everyone was kind of staying at home, and the machines were sitting there doing nothing.”

Bliss said.

As with businesses and schools, the Niles STEAM Room has been impacted by the COVID-19 mandates in Michigan. The room would usually be hosting workshops and classes, and filled with its monthly users who pay for access to use the technology provided them.

Those using the makerspace have access to tools like 3-D printers, a laser cutter, pottery wheel and kiln, a sewing machine and more.

Finding the “Print Force” group on Facebook, a group of people throughout Michigan with 3D printers working together to coordinate the distribution of 3D printed masks to places in need, Bliss originally used a file provided by the group to create masks. She also connected locally with Lake Michigan College to use its file with the 3D printer to help make more masks the STEAM Room to distribute.

The masks were made of PLA plastic, which could be later molded to fit the face. The masks also had a removable portion in the front where a square of highly rated furnace filter material could be added, to help provide protection against airborne germs and viruses, like COVID-19.

“It’s plastic, so it can be washed. You can disinfect it,” Bliss said. “You just take off the removable part and put the filter in there and put the cap back on.”

The needs for donated materials have since transitioned. The masks generally take 10 hours to print, as each layer of PLA is a pass the printer needs to make.

The donations requested from Lake Michigan College and the Print Force group first transitioned to PLA plastic headbands that could help support a face shield for workers. Then, needs transitioned to mask holding clips that masks could be attached to take pressure off of the ears of those wearing elastic loops from masks regularly.

Bliss took to the Niles STEAM Room Facebook page to see if there was a need for these locally. She was surprised by the feedback she received. The ear-saving clips for masks were the biggest hit.

“Before I knew it, I needed a way to collect names and addresses to get these to them,” Bliss said.

By the time she finishes her existing requests, she will have printed more than 400 of the ear-saving bands.

“I can only print five at a time. It takes me about an hour each,” Bliss said. “I can do three batches in a 24-hour time period.”

Seeing the need before her, and hearing that members of the community wanted to help, Bliss opened up donations to help purchase a second, larger 3D printer.

Having raised about half of what she would need for a larger machine, she continues to work on meeting the requests she has already taken.

“I’m just plugging along,” Bliss said. “I’m just here pressing the button and getting the stuff off the plate.”

Bliss had not worked with the 3D printer as extensively prior to the COVID-19 precautions.

Her son had showed her how it worked, but in creating the masks and working with Print Force and Lake Michigan College, she has been able to learn and apply more knowledge of the technology than before.

“The makers around the world have made it super easy because they have sites like Thingiverse and Yeggi and things that provide files for you,” Bliss said, explaining that these search engines include user designs for 3D printers. “You can just go find something, download it and print it. So as a beginner, you’re really empowered with it. It’s super cool. Once you see how cool some of the things are that you can actually make, you can work up to the next level.”

The Niles STEAM Room will continue to print ear-saving mask holding clips, and has a Google Doc available on its Facebook page to reserve some if needed. Bliss is also still taking donations towards a larger 3D printer that could meet local needs faster.

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 9

OBITUARY

Michael Lee Morse

Nov. 19, 1975 — April 18, 2020 Michael Lee Morse, 44, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Saturday, April 18, 2020, in the comfort of his family's presence.

He was born Nov. 19, 1975, in Goshen, to parents Lewis and Deane Morse.

He married Cynthia D. Spurlock July 25, 2008, in Goshen. She survives.

Michael will be remembered for being hard working, his love of cars, cooking, barbequing and bonfires. He was mechanically inclined and could often be found working on cars and anything that could be fixed around the house.

Michael will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia D. Morse, of Cassopolis; Kaylee Morse, of Cassopolis, Anna Morse, Kitani Apperson; stepsons, Jimmy Apperson, of Goshen, Jacob Apperson, of West Lafayette, Indiana,

Cory Apperson, of Lansing; one granddaughter; parents, Lewis and Deane Ann Morse; brothers, Dennis Morse, of Elkhart, Andrew Morse, of Goshen; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents.

Family and friends will gather on a date and at a time to be announced.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Michael be made to Cass County Cancer Service, Post Office Box 676, Edwardsburg, MI 49112.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares. com.

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OBITUARIES

Page 10 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 DEATH NOTICES Shirley Markos, 70, of Battle Creek, passed away at her home on April 22, 2020, surrounded by her family. Arrangements are currently pending with Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Dennis L. Curtis, 80, of Niles, died Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

Arrangements are pending at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, Niles.

Martha JoAnne Bass, 80, of Cassopolis, died Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Arrangements are pending at Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Robert Vosburgh, 96, of Dowagiac, passed away on April 23, 2020. Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Allen Kiefer Jr., 52, of Niles, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Arrangements are pending with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

www.leaderpub.com | Niles Daily Star

Janet M. Barr

March 10, 1940 — April 20, 2020 Janet M. Barr, 80, of Niles, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2020, at Spectrum Lakeland Hospital Niles.

Janet was born on March 10, 1940, in Niles, to the late Lloyd and Evelyn (Price) Carpenter.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Donald Carpenter; and sisters, Carmen Mitchell and Norma Fruehauf.

On Feb. 14, 1958, she

married survives.

She is husband ry; and

Larry Barr who survived by her of 62 years, Lartheir children,

Melody Bowers, of Niles and Lisa (Gary) Butler, of Niles; grandchildren, Derek Dykema, Daniel (Amber) Dykema, Bradley (Krystal) Oswald, Amanda Oswald, David (Brittany) Dykema, Nichole Butler, Gary A.Butler, Shannon (Tony) Korolis and Michael (Michelle) Bowers; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Bryce, Kyra, Matthew, Jax, Lola, Avery, Devin, Laytin, Taylin, Ariana and Rorrian.

She is also survived by her brother, Dennis ( Janice) Carpenter; and her sister, Lynette ( John) Miller.

Janet enjoyed travel out to the west. She was an avid reader and enjoyed doing word searches and adult coloring books. Janet also loved playing solitaire and going out to eat.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, private family services will be on Friday, April 24, 2020, at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, 615 E. Main St., in Niles.

Burial will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Online condolences, messages and stories may be shared with the family at halbritterwickens.com.

works. He took great pride in participating in this annual tradition.

John will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Sue, of nearly 40 years; two daughters, Anna (Matt) Matulewicz, of Cassopolis and Jennifer (Korey) Bloss, of Vandalia; as well as four grandchildren, Cameron Matulewicz, Maxwell Matulewicz, Kaylee Bloss and Lucas Bloss. He is also survived by three sisters, Cathy (Frank) Imbrie, of Rockaway Beach, Oregon, Peg (Dan) Shannon, of Denver, Colorado and Maura ( John) Wieczorek, of Edwardsburg; and one brother, Tim ( Jean) Monaghan, of Edwardsburg.

Cherished family members also surviving John are his aunt, Marilyn Schumacher, of Edwards-

burg; and several nieces and nephews living near and far.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-inlaw, Bill and Heidi (Ross) Monaghan; and his aunt, Rosemary Schumacher.

John loved spending time with his grandchildren and attended all of their activities. He especially enjoyed the family time together boating and swimming at Diamond Lake. Golf, camping and traveling were other activities that he thoroughly enjoyed doing with family and friends. No matter the season or sport, John would be faithfully cheering on the MSU Spartans.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a celebration of John's life will be at a later date.

The family prefers contributions in memory of John be made to Caring Circle/Hospice at HomeSt. Joseph, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.

John Albert Monaghan

April 14, 1954 — April 19, 2020

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John Monaghan, 66, of Diamond Lake, Cassopolis, formerly of Edwardsburg, passed to his rest April 19, 2020, at his home, surrounded by his family.

John was born April 14, 1954, in Northport, Michigan, the son of George W. and Therese (Schumacher) Monaghan and moved to Edwardsburg in 1961.

He married Sue Mowery on Oct. 25, 1980, in Elkhart.

After graduation from Edwardsburg High School in 1972, John attended Michigan State University for a year then traveled around Europe with his brother Bill for several months.

He went on to serve in the U.S. Army, stationed in Baumholder, Germany and was honorably discharged in February of 1979.

John began his career working for the Village of Edwardsburg in 1979 as the Street Superintendent. In 2013, John earned

his Michigan DEQ certification as a waterworks system operator and then became the Water Superintendent for the village.

He retired from Edwardsburg in 2019.

Through the years, John coached Cassopolis Optimist Youth Soccer, served on the Diamond Lake Association Board of Directors from 2001 to 2018 and also served his neighborhood association for 28 years.

He was actively involved with the annual Fourth of July fireworks display at Diamond Lake for more than 25 years.

In the early years, he was one of the volunteer crew that set off the fire-

Niles Daily Star | www.leaderpub.com

Reid A. Francis Dec. 17, 1962 — April 11, 2020

Reid Arthur Francis, 57, of Cassopolis, was called home peacefully Saturday, April 11, 2020, in the comfort of his family's presence.

He was born Dec. 17, 1962, in Naperville, Illinois, the younger of two children of Ronald and Marsha Francis. He married Janet Lee Mesko May 9, 1987, in Niles.

Reid grew up on Diamond Lake and at the Diamond Lake Yacht Club, where he met many of his life-long friends and also gained an affinity for the water.

One of Reid's greatest talents was sailing and sailboat racing. This was a skill passed down from his father and grandfa-

ther. Reid embraced it with a passion. He was known for being able to make boats go fast and competed in many Regattas near and far. It did not matter what kind of boat or its age, Reid became a part of it and could figure out its idiosyncrasies to make it work at its best.

Reid was a graduate of Cassopolis Ross Beatty Jr./Sr. High School, Mich-

OBITUARIES igan State University and Davenport University.

After living away from Cassopolis for more than 10 years, he and Janet moved back to the area and once again became passionate Rangers. They were involved in all their children's sports, groups and activities. He was lovingly known by children and many others as the Ranger Taxi Dad. He tried out a variety of careers but ultimately found that self-employment gave him the flexibility to fulfill his most treasured roles as adoring husband and all-involved father. He encouraged and maintained their Mary Kay business from the office. He managed his own rental properties, along with many others and was a jack-of-all-

trades handyman to the community and beyond.

His relationship with Jesus Christ and living out truth was very important to him and he was grateful for his church family at Dailey Church.

Reid was Mr. All Around and will be most remembered for his ability to make you feel like you belonged. He was constantly helping people in need and taking care of others. He was the father and uncle almost always found entertaining all the kids at events or playing some sport or activity with them.

Reid will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of almost 33 years, Janet Francis, of Cassopolis; one daughter, Brit-

awaka; and a sister, Valerie Minnix (Frank) Pompa, of Corpus Christi, Texas.

Family who have preceded him in passing are his father, Daniel Sr., in 2009; his paternal grandparents, John and Mildred Vance; his maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Betty Maxwell and Eugene Eaton.

Due to the COVID-19 virus, there will be a family service at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020, at the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, 26863 W. Main, St. Edwardsburg.

Family may come from 1 to 2 p.m.

Officiating will be Rev. Dan Miller, Pastor of Summit Church in Niles.

Interment will follow at Adamsville Cemetery in the family grave lot.

In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to NAMI of St. Joseph County, P.O. Box 4474, South Bend, IN 46634-4474 or to Helping Hands of Cass County, P.O. Box 221, Cassopolis, MI 49031-0221.

Arrangements are by the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.

Daniel M. Minnix Jr.

June 18, 1970 — April 19, 2020 Daniel Malachi Minnix Jr., 49, of Niles, formerly of Edwardsburg, passed to his rest April 19, 2020, at his home, unexpectedly, but from natural causes.

He was born June 18, 1970, in South Bend, the son of Daniel Sr. and Linda (Maxwell) Minnix.

He was a graduate of Cassopolis High School and took an apprenticeship to be a “journeyman” machinist, working in the family machine shop for many years.

Dan was an intelligent person, understanding many things having to do with being a machinist

and being skillful with his hands, expressing his talents. His enjoyment was woodworking and art, which he was highly creative in making bird houses, crosses and wooden toys.

Dan is survived by his mother, Linda Maxwell Minnix, of Niles; his daughter, Sierra Minnix (Heath) White, of Mish-

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 11 tany Francis, of Colorado Springs; three sons, Austin Francis, of Kalamazoo, Gavin (Paige) Francis, of Cassopolis and Lane Francis, of Cassopolis; three bonus international children, Petra (Bernhard) Stegner, of Austria, Takuma Hamano, of Japan, Bach Gao Tianyu, of China; and one bonus international granddaughter, Malena Stegner; his parents, Ronald and Marsha Francis, of Cassopolis; and one sister, Shari Soncrant, of Columbus, Indiana; his in-laws, Robert and Helen Mesko, of Niles; a host of nieces and nephews for whom uncle Reid was a big deal; and many more kids who called Reid and Janet "dad" and "mom."

His family will lay him to rest in a private cer-

emony in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis.

Family and friends will gather on a date and at a time to be announced.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Reid be made to either, Dailey Church, 27046 Dunning Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031 to support a mission trip through Back2Back Ministries, an orphan ministry organization that Reid had planned to participate with or Diamond Lake Yacht Club Sailors Memorial Fund, Post Office Box 363, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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Page 12 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

Vida M. Casperson

March 25, 1924 — April 20, 2020 We respectfully announce the passing of Vida Maria (Iussa) Casperson, 96, of Niles. She passed away at 1:03 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2020, peacefully, at home in her sleep, from natural causes.

She was born March 25, 1924, to Antonio and Emilia Iussa in Castel Dobra, near Gorizia, Italy.

She had four sisters and five brothers. Her brothers passed early in life; her sisters later. Her sister, Vittoria, died in a concentration camp in Germany.

Her sister, Antonnietta "Toni," still survives with her husband, Howard "Charlie" Deck, along with their two sons, Walter and Steven; and Stevens's two daughters.

Vida's early life was idyllic, spending her days playing in the hills, fields and vineyards of the family property. She grew up in a compound house, which was home for her family, household workers, cooks, family doctor, along with their families.

They farmed acres of land, which they shared with the workers. At the age of five, Vida presented Benito Mussolini a basket of grapes at a local festival.

She led an enviable life until it all changed in her late teens, early 20s, with the advent of World War II. She and her sister, Vittoria, both determined young ladies, were part of the Partisani Movement to subvert German activities in the area. She was captured by the SS and Fascist Police.

After interrogation and not cooperating, she was transported to a camp in Buchenwald, in a cattle-car, with her sister. After a time in Buchenwald,

Willie A. Ballard July 11, 1942 — April 20, 2020

Willie Albert Ballard Sr., 77, of Vandalia, died Monday, April 20, 2020, in his residence.

He was born July 11, 1942, in Jackson, Mississippi, the fifth of 10 children of Will Henry and Margaret Ballard.

He married Curley Beatrice Lee Oct. 17, 1964, in Three Rivers.

Willie enjoyed playing chess and shooting pool.

He coached little league and was the best coach ever. He was an avid golfer.

He cherished his family and proudly spoke highly of his wife and each of his children and grandchildren, even if they were

OBITUARIES they were transferred to Leipzig Camp. She never saw her sister again. After a year and a half of slave labor to the German Army and living in concentration camps, she was part of what seems to have been a death march. Marching 10 days in late winter, early spring, one morning the German soldiers were gone, they got word that the Yanks were coming.

Vida and her group of other girls made their way, after various means of travel, back to Italy. At the culmination of all this, the family got back together, but at the loss of virtually everything.

Vida later married and moved to the U.S., where she had a son, Allen Casperson, who survives, along with his wife, Linda; and their children, Abel and Christina Casperson.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles. right or wrong.

Willie worked at Clark Equipment in Buchanan from 1963 to 1974, until he injured his knee.

In 1997, he suffered a massive heart attack and had quadruple bypass surgery. After that, he picked up whatever jobs he could.

Willie was a long time, trusted, valued and respected employee of Connelly (Wagner Family) Funeral Home in Cassopolis and was always a welcome sight by the families they served.

Willie will be greatly missed by family and

www.leaderpub.com | Niles Daily Star

Martha Branson-Banks Sept. 30, 1941 — April 20, 2020

Martha Sue "Muffy" Branson-Banks, of Niles, ascended to heaven on April 20, 2020, after a seven-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born on Sept. 30, 1941, to David Thomas Branson and Dorothy (Drake) Branson, in Port Washington, Wisconsin, the eldest of four siblings.

Martha graduated from Central High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin and maintained friendships from high school and all places and stages of her life.

She practiced Occupational Therapy, a career in which she was both a leader and an innovator. She also had a love of teaching and taught Occupational Therapy at Fox Valley Tech in Appleton, Wisconsin, the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Lake Michigan College and Art at St. Mary's Catholic friends.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Curley Ballard, of Vandalia; one daughter, Nancy Ballard, of Cassopolis; sons, Willie Ballard Jr., of Elkhart, Rodney (Nicole) Ballard Sr., of Buchanan, Lynell (Lynell Brown) Ballard Sr., of Elkhart; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Ballard, of Prattville, Alabama; 10 grandchildren, Willie "Scooter" (Kevin Bailey) Ballard III, Morgan Forest, Malik Ballard, Marquise (Krissy) Hall, Rodney Ballard Jr., Jarius Ballard, Lynell "LJ" ( Jade Gatson) Bal-

School both in Niles.

Martha could only be described as having a personality that was larger than life and filled with love, creativity and vitality.

Her noteworthy artistic endeavors included sewing, mosaics and theater. Her sewing led to many quilts, dolls and other things for both family and friends.

She had a gift with glass work and many of us have multiple mosaics that she created amongst other crafts.

You would also be hard pressed to find a theater in the Michiana area that didn't know Martha for either her acting or directing. lard Jr., Lindsey Johnson, LaQuisia Ballard, Janea' Ballard; four great-grandchildren, London McNair, DJ McNair, Aria Hall, Paris Ballard, with a great granddaughter, Scarllet Ballard on the way; four sisters, Velma Danzy, of Grand Rapids, Pearl ( Joseph) Hunt, of Cassopolis, Dorothy Williams, of Elkhart; one brother, Kenneth (Arlene) Williams, of Portage; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Alfred Ballard

She was preceded in passing by her parents, David and Dorothy Branson.

Martha is survived by her loving husband and partner, Dale Banks; her four children, Tim Cuthbert, Melissa Hefner, Briana Cuthbert and Alana Kaiser ; five grandchildren who adored her, Andrew, Chantelle, Felicia, Carly and Vivian; one great-grandchild; and her siblings, Tom Branson, Lucy Smith and Baker Branson.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be this summer.

Donations can be made in Martha's name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at B r o w n Fu n e r a l H o m e Niles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles. and Eddie Ballard; three sisters, Patricia Curtis, Margaret Ballard and Lois Thomas.

The family will observe a private remembrance.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Willie be made to the family c/o Wagner Family Funerals, 202 N. Broadway Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

GOT RESULTS? scott.novak@leaderpub.com (269) 687-7702

SPORTS SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020

MORE ONLINE For more stories and photos visit www.leaderpub.com

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

DECISION MADE Niles’ Appleberry selects Cougars

By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com

In front from left: Samuel Appleberry, Zoie Appleberry, Lorie Appleberry; back row: KVCC coach Jennifer Buikema and Niles volleyball coach Jenny Nate. (Submitted photo)

NILES — Senior Zoie Appleberry will continue her academic and athletic career at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She will play volleyball for the Cougars.

A visit to KVCC was all Appleberry needed to decide where she wanted to go.

“I took a tour there and I loved the campus,” she said. “It was so pretty. Everybody who I met there has made me feel very welcomed

and the volleyball program has been pretty good the past couple of years. I am looking forward to helping them continue that.”

Appleberry said she will be studying physical therapy. She plans to attend Western Michigan University to finish up her college studies.

Appleberry was also looking at Lake Michigan College, but her visit sealed the deal at KVCC. Like all the other athletes in Michigan, as well as a growing list throughout the country, Appleber-

ry is having to train at home due to the suspension of sports by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.

“Every day I have been doing workouts,” she said. “My high school coach [Jenny Nate] has been very involved with everything I do. She is sending us workouts and meals that are healthy to keep us in shape.”

Appleberry, who plays for the volleyball club Southwest, said she is keeping in touch with both her high school and club teammates.

See KVCC, page 15

SPORTS

Page 14 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

www.leaderpub.com | Niles Daily Star

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Green selected to replace Purlee as Cass coach Long-time assistant has big shoes to fill

By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com CASSOPOLIS — After spending 20 years as an assistant coach, three of them as an unpaid volunteer, Steve Green has been approved by the Cassopolis Board of Education to replace Dan Purlee as the Rangers’ varsity football coach.

Green, who also coaches track at Cassopolis, said that not much would

change as he takes over the Ranger football program that has seen unprecedented success in recent years.

He takes Steve Green over a program that went 71-21 under Purlee, which included back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2018 and 2019. Cassopo-

ATHLETE SHOWCASE — TY MICKIEWICZ

lis has qualified for the postseason eight out of the last nine years, which included four district championships and a pair of regional titles.

Cassopolis reached the Division 7 state semifinals in 2016 and the Division 8 semifinals last season.

Defending and eventual state champion Reading eliminated the Rangers in the playoffs last November.

Like Purlee, Green is a Cassopolis graduate who has spent nearly half his life coaching football at his alma mater.

“Dan and I actually started the same year together,” Green said. “I

Ty Mickiewicz is a senior on the Brandywine baseball team.

then you could be a great pitcher.

What has been one of your greatest accomplishments as an athlete?

TM: My greatest accomplishment as an athlete is that I get to play baseball at the next level.

How do you tend to workout/train when by yourself?

TM: I try to push myself past my limit, because if I can do that by myself then I can go even further when I’m working out with others.

What has been one of your biggest disappointments as an athlete?

TM: My biggest disappointment would have to be that I didn’t get the chance to go all-state my senior year in baseball.

Who is a “hero” in your life and why?

TM: My heroes are my parents and my brother. My father helped me become the athlete that I am today. My mother helped me become one of the top 10 students in my school. My biggest hero would have to be my brother, because he was the one that always had my back no matter what. He is the one that taught me to always work harder than my opponent. Lastly, he was the only person that ever pushed me past my limits more than once in order to make me better, while still encouraging me to keep working after he was done.

When are you the most nervous while you are competing?

TM: I am always the most nervous on the first pitch as well as the last pitch.

Describe an embarrassing athletic moment.

TM: When I was younger, I would get really embarrassed and feel sorry for hitting a batter. I always thought that it made me seem like I wasn’t good at pitching if I did this, but as I got older I started to realize that if you hit someone and can bounce back

Ty Mickiewicz

What other sport would you like to compete in if you were not playing yours?

TM: I would most likely try to compete in bowling.

Why are sports an important part of a high school experience?

TM: I think sports are something to look forward to in the high school experience. Sports instill hard work and encourage athletes to get good grades in order to better in the classroom as well as on the field.

How would you give away $50,000?

TM: I would give that money to charity as well as foster homes to give those kids and other people chances they would normally not get.

If you could be the head coach of a team for a year, what team would you choose?

TM: I would coach the Detroit Tigers to hopefully make them great again and to see my favorite team in person.

If I did not play sports, I would…?

put together a staff, and we had two Zoom meetings. That has been the weird part because we have not been able to get together face-to-face. You are going to see the same football you have seen since, basically, I have been there.”

Green has been on the staff of Pete Anderson, Andy Hubbard, Bernard Thomas and Purlee.

“I am going to take a little bit from every one of those guys and add a little bit of me,” he said. “But it will pretty much be the status quo. I do not want to throw a bunch of new stuff at the kids.”

Under Purlee, Green worked with

TM: If I didn’t have sports I would be working as well as hanging out with my friends in order to stay as active as possible.

What is the most challenging thing for you to do in your sport?

TM: The greatest challenge for me is to not forget that at some point I am not going to be able to play anymore. I need to play every game like it could be my last game.

If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be?

TM: I would probably make the strike zone a little bigger, because I do love to pitch.

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

TM: My brother told me that I was All-State in his mind and it didn’t matter what the others said, because he knew the work I was putting in to accomplish All-State for baseball.

the offensive and defensive lines, as well as special teams.

Green understands he has some holes to fill due to graduation. He also knows that he returns some pretty talented players.

Cassopolis has built not only a winning program, but one that gets state recognition and sends players to the next level.

In the past seven years, the Rangers have had seven all-state selections. The team has also sent six players on to play college football in the last three years.

See GREEN, page 15

What was the scariest thing you have had to do?

Are you glad you did it?

TM: Stepping back in the batter’s box after getting hit in the face with a baseball. Yes, you’re going to have set backs like this when you play sports and you learn to get past the fear.

What was the last thing you saw someone do that really impressed you?

TM: The last time someone really impressed me was last year during baseball season. I hit a two-run home run and a few at bats later my buddy Camron Barrier hit a solo homerun. It was great to celebrate with him.

What is your favorite hobby? Why? TM: My favorite hobby would have to be spending time with my family, because there is nothing like it in the world.

Choose one word to describe yourself: TM: The one word I would choose to describe myself would have to be “represent.”

RECYCLE

YOUR PAPER

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SPORTS

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 15

Ivey officially named ND coach

HONORING OUR SENIOR ATHLETES

By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com

Leader Publications has asked parents of high school senior athletes to share photos of their decorated front doors to show their support due to the fact that high school sports have been canceled for the remainder of the school year. Mallory Barnosky will graduate seventh in her class. Throughout her high school career she participated in Science Olympiad, tennis, track, cross country, ski club, Lions Club Leos and was a student mentor at Eagle Lake. (Submitted photo)

KVCC

GREEN

“My club teammates are more active right now because it was supposed to be club season,” Appleberry said. “So, we are keeping in touch with each other.”

Kalamazoo Valley Community College is scheduled to begin its season in August.

Green said that he still is planning on hosting some summer workouts once the Michigan “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order is lifted, and the Michigan High School Athletic Association clears the way to resuming sports participation.

Continued from page 13

Continued from page 14

The Rangers will open the 2020 season Aug. 27 against visiting Schoolcraft.

Cassopolis will then play Brandywine on the road Sept. 3, at Mendon Sept.

11, host Hartford Sept, 18, host Decatur Sept. 25, travel to Centreville Oct. 2, host White Pigeon Oct. 9, travel to Delton-Kellogg Oct. 16 before wrapping up the regular season at Berrien Springs Oct. 23.

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — It was never about who would be the next Notre Dame women’s basketball coach. It was only a matter of when.

“When arrived Thursday afternoon when former Notre Dame point guard and assistant coach Niele Ivey was officially announced as the Fighting Irish head coach, one day after Muffet McGraw retired after 33 seasons at the helm of the Notre Dame program.

According to Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick during an online press conference officially announcing Ivey as the fourth head coach in women’s basketball history, the two talked about her replacing McGraw when the time came.

“We identified this as the likely succession plan, I would say, two years ago now,” Swarbrick said, “and as long as Niele remained interested and available, whenever Muffet made that decision, this was the path we were going to move in — subject to Niele agreeing, of course.”

Terms of her contract were not released.

“She was a good negotiator, let me say that,” Swarbrick said. “She didn’t make it easy ; she made it fair.”

Ivey left Notre Dame last year to become an assistant coach with the National Basketball Association’s Memphis Grizzlies. She did not hesitate when Swarbrick called her “home.”

“Those are big heels

“

New Notre Dame women’s basketball coach Niele Ivey meets with the media via Zoom Thursday afternoon. (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)

Those are big heels to fill. When you follow a legend, it’s not easy. But I want to be myself. Always be true to myself, try to stay as authentic as I can.”

— Niele Ivey. Notre Dame women’s basketball coach

to fill,” Ivey said. “When you follow a legend, it’s not easy. But I want to be myself. Always be true to myself, try to stay as authentic as I can.”

Ivey, 42, became emotional when she tried to explain just how much McGraw meant to her and what replacing the legendary coach means.

“I’m here because of

you. You believed in me,” Ivey said, choking back tears. “You fostered my development and you instilled the confidence in me to prepare for this moment. You gave me my first opportunity, and there are no words to properly express the amount of love and admiration I have for you. I hope I make you proud.”

Page 16 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

LOCAL

www.leaderpub.com | Niles Daily Star

Local municipalities respond to filing date extension

By HANNAH HOLLIDAY hannah.holliday@leaderpub.com SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — A number of southwest Michigan candidates running for office in the August primary election submitted their filings Tuesday.

A federal court ruling on April 20 changed the rules and extended the deadline for the August primary election for some candidates.

Under the new order, the Bureau of Elections will now accept signature images collected electronically.

The federal court ruling has also extended the deadline for filing to May 8 for offices covered by the order that do not include an option to file with a filing fee. Included in the extension for the deadline is the city of Niles, as the city’s charter does not allow the option to file with a fee. Also included is U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, Wayne County Community College trustee candidates and all judicial offices for candidates who are not the current incumbent.

“I don’t feel that will probably affect anybody here in Berrien County unless they want to run for U.S. Senate or U.S. Congress,” said Sharon Tyler, Berrien County clerk.

Tyler said the county has made all necessary materials available online for every candidate wishing to file.

Cass County Clerk Monica McMichael said she was informed by the state that local deadlines would not be extended past the original 4 p.m.

Tuesday deadline for partisan elections.

Linda Casperson, Niles City clerk,

said if a candidate had filed through the county by March 10, then they could take advantage of the extension.

“I’ve been told if that candidate hasn’t filed their statement of organization, they cannot take advantage of the May 8 extension,” Casperson said.

Tyler said one person from the city of Niles does have the possibility to meet the guidelines for the May 8 filing extension.

“The only person who would qualify is somebody who already filed their campaign finance statement, and they would possibly be an incumbent because they cannot pay a $100 fine. They are one of the exceptions to the rule. That doesn’t mean they are going to have anybody, but

they could possibly get somebody at that date,” Tyler said.

She said the induvial would need to get 50 percent of their signatures.

Below is a list of candidates who filed by the 4 p.m. deadline on April 21.

Berrien County • County Commissioner, District one: David Vollrath-R; Kevin Holmes-D • County Commissioner, District two: Jon Brian Hinkelman-R ª County Commissioner, District three: Donnie Meeks-D • County Commissioner, District four: Mamie Yarbough-D; Sharon Henderson-D • County Commissioner, District five: Bruce Eric Gorenflo-R; David

Yardley-R, Rayonte Bell-D • County Commissioner, District six: Julie Rose Wuerfel-R; Christopher Heugel-R • County Commissioner, District seven: Robert Patrick Harrison-R • County Commissioner District eight: Teri Sue Freehling-R • County Commissioner, District nine: Ezra Allen Scott-R; Richard Linville Eichholz-D • County Commissioner, District 10, Richard Elliott-R • County Commissioner, District 11: James Curran-R • County Commissioner, District 12: Michael John Majerek-R; Michael Scott-Everett Poorman-D • County Prosecutor: Steven Pierangeli-R • County Sheriff: Leonard Bailey-R • County Clerk: Sharon Tyler-R; Gwenetta Swanigan-D • County Treasurer, Adrian Rolling-R; Shelly Weich-R • Register of Deeds: Lora Freehling-R, Brandon Vance-R • Drain Commissioner: Christopher Quattrin-R • County Surveyor: John Kamer-R Cass County • County Commissioner, District one: Andrew Schilling-R; Ryan Laylin-R; Julie Dye-D • County Commissioner, District two: Dixie Ann File-R • County Commissioner, District three: Dwight Dyes-D • County Commissioner, District four: Roseann Marchetti-R • County Commissioner, District

five: Robert Benjamin-R; Robert Ziliak-R; Dean Hill-D • County Commissioner, District six: Michael Grice-R; Michael Dimino-D • County Commissioner District 7: Jeremiah Justin Jones-R; Ron Reeves-D • Cass County Prosector: Victor Fitz-R • Cass County Sheriff: Richard Behnke-R • Cass County Clerk/Register: Monica McMichael-R • Cass County Treasurer: Hope Anderson-R • Cass County Surveyor: Thomas Stephenson-R • Cass County Drain Commissioner: Jeff VanBelle-R, Tony Catanzarite-D • Cass County Surveyor: Thomas Stephenson-R Niles City Council • Niles City Council, first ward; Justin Flagel, Georgia Boggs • Niles City Council, second ward: No candidates filed • Niles City Council, third ward: Charlie McAfee • Niles City Council, fourth ward; John DiCostanzo • Niles City Mayor: Nick Shelton In accordance with the Niles City Charter, a primary election for office is conducted only if there are more than two candidates for nomination. For Niles City Council, which has two seats per ward, none of the races have more than two candidates and will not appear on the August primary ballot.

Niles Daily Star | www.leaderpub.com

LIFESTYLES

SMC recognizes retiring faculty SUBMITTED

and build your houses. You can make some pretty good money fixing people’s DOWAGIAC — Two members of toilets and building houses.”

Southwestern Michigan College’s faculty, While at the college, the Logansport, Professor Larry Wilson, of Niles, and As- Indiana native completed an associate of sociate Professor Don Ludman, of Dow- arts in communication degree with a 4.0 agiac, will retire in May after 48 years of grade-point average. combined service.

The Leader Publications columnist “I regret that we won’t be able to ap- has dabbled in writing since he created propriately celebrate our two retiring his first short story in third grade. He professors, who added so much to the prophesied his future at the small house college in their terms of serkickoff on Oct. 22, 2015, when vice. We wish them the best, he said, “I have as much fun and are delighted that they writing as I do building — spent a great portion of their and I didn’t think anything professional lives at SMC,” would replace building. I said President Dr. Joe Odenthink [syndicated columnist] wald. will be my retirement job.”

Wilson, advanced technolWilson expects to divide ogy chairman, came to SMC his time between writing on Sept. 2, 2008, as a partand his unusual approach to Larry time construction trades traveling. He will have more Wilson instructor with four decades time to devote to finishing in the industry, most recently his novel, a comedic crime as director of engineering for caper, he said.

Almac-Sotobeer ConstrucWilson leaves wanderlust tion in Elkhart. to chance, flipping the quarWilson, who moved to a ter he carries in his wallet. fulltime position on Jan. 27, Heads, he goes this way, tails 2011, said, as someone who he goes that. One outing it managed engineering degot him all the way to Savanpartments, “I’d always been nah, Georgia. a teacher.”

“The journey is what I’m Don When he first came to after — not the destination,” Ludman the college, his construction the father of five and grandtrades green technology students gained father of six said. real-world experience building Habitat Ludman is well-traveled, too, though for Humanity houses — one in Cassopo- more conventionally. lis, one in Dowagiac and two for Niles-BuLudman started almost 36 years ago chanan Habitat next to each other at the as a part-time instructor on Sept. 14, corner of Ferry and Ninth streets in Niles. 1984, and moved to fulltime in the social Next, students built Boy Scout cabins science department on Aug. 19, 2013. for Camp Tamarack in Jones.

Teaching human development, psycholWilson’s program offers three paths ogy, abnormal psychology, introduction — a one-year certificate, a two-year as- to world religions and social work, Ludsociate degree or a bachelor’s degree man now encounters grandchildren of in construction management through his early students.

Ferris State University. Some graduates One of his fondest memories came start their own businesses, others run moving into temporary cubicles in the multi-million-dollar projects.

Dale A. Lyons Building during reconAs Wilson has said of hands-on trade struction of the Foster W. Daugherty careers, “Everyone told their kids to be Building. doctors and lawyers and CPAs and forgot The close quarters created camaradethat somebody needed to fix your toilets rie and long-lasting friendships across

disciplines mixing social sciences with science and mathematics colleagues.

The Blissfield native received his bachelor’s degree in communications from Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky in 1967, a master’s degree in theology and ministry from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois in 1970, and a Ph.D. in health and human services/psychology from Columbia Commonwealth University of California/ Montana in 2001.

Ludman was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1971. He pastored parishes in Marcellus and Wakelee and directed education programs for the 2,400-member Kalamazoo congregation, his “bridge” to classroom teaching.

In 1979, he joined the staff of Cass County Mental Health (Woodlands) as a therapist and residential care specialist.

His wife, Dr. Naomi Ludman, who retired after 35 years at SMC, lived for 11 years in the British colony of Southern Rhodesia, which became Zimbabwe in 1979 — the year she came to the college to teach freshman composition parttime in a Comprehensive Employment and Training Act position. She lived in Zimbabwe from ages 3 to 14 while her parents were missionaries there and in Botswana. The Ludmans have two sons and five granddaughters, including Larissa, an SMC-trained nurse.

Besides U.S. travels, the couple have visited Africa (twice, including their honeymoon), Europe, Mexico, Costa Rica and China.

Cuba was a desired destination, but due to the pandemic travel is not in his immediate retirement plans, which revolve around his hobbies — growing and trimming bonsai trees, enjoying his koi pond and 25-foot gingko tree, reading, writing and finally sleeping in, since during his career he routinely rose at 4:30 a.m. to prepare for the teaching day.

“Professor Wilson and Associate Professor Ludman have gregarious personalities that resonated well with students.

They will be missed greatly by the college, and we wish them the very best in retirement,” said Dr. David Fleming, vice president of instruction.

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 17

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Shaer Ronnie Shaer, of Dowagiac, was born at 3 p.m. April 18, 2020, at Niles Lakeland Hospital.

He was 8 pounds, 6 ounces and 19.5 inches long.

He is the son of Rayann and Matthew Shaer.

He has one brother, Ollie Shaer, who is three-yearsold.

His maternal grandparents are John and Kim Emerson, of Dowagiac. Paternal grandparents are Thom and Crisi Shaer, of Niles. Maternal great-grandparents are Ronnie and Ann Osborne, of Dowagiac. Paternal greatgrandparents are Ollie and Pat Shaer, of Dowagiac.

Johnson Lily Johnson, of Niles, was born at 9 p.m. April 14, 2020, at Niles Lakeland Hospital.

She was 7 pounds, 11 ounces and 20 inches long.

She is the daughter of Romona Jordan and Eric Johnson.

Her maternal grandparents are Julie and Mark Jordan, of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Paternal grandparents are Kerry and Sue Johnson, of Niles. Maternal greatgrandparents are Joice and Jess Jordan, of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Paternal great-grandparents are Mike and Wanda Vaerewyck, of Edwardsburg.

Page 18 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 RIVER SAINT JOE FOOD GIVEAWAY LASTS ONE HOUR

BUCHANAN — For Earth Day, River Saint Joe restaurant and brewery gave back to the Buchanan community that supported it as it opened.

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the brewery hosted a food giveaway to help those in need. By 11:45 a.m., just five meals remained, and they were all given away by 12:10 p.m.

This was the first giveaway the establishment has done since it opened its doors on April 3.

The giveaway included 10 whole turkeys, 100 pounds of chicken, 40 pounds of pork shoulder, and other ingredients packaged along with suggested recipes. (Leader photos/ CHRISTINA CLARK)

LOCAL/LIFESTYELS

www.leaderpub.com | Niles Daily Star BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Dohm Landon Dohm, of Dowagiac, will celebrate his 6th birthday on May 2, 2020.

He was born on May, 2, 2014. His family includes his parents, Matt and Erin Dohm; sister, Violet, 4; grandparents, Bob and Patty Ausra, of Dowagiac and Rob and the late Melissa Dohm, of Cassopolis.

Gatchell Joshua Herbert-Allan Gatchell, of Eau Claire, will celebrate his 30th birthday on April, 29, 2020. He was born on April 29, 1990. His family includes Miranda, Olivia, his mom and dad. They will host a quarantine party on Skype PYOQ (provide your own quarantini).

need Meeting a

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LOCAL

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 19

United Way of Southwest Michigan calls for donations in Cass County to fight COVID-19

By SARAH CULTON sarah.culton@leaderpub.com CASS COUNTY — United Way is offering a location where Cass County residents can give back during the COVID-19 pandemic.

United Way is calling for donations in Cass County to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet the need, United Way has partnered with United Presbyterian Church, Cass County Emergency Management and the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department to organize a donation drop-off site at United Presbyterian Church in Cassopolis. The donated items will then be distributed to organizations in need.

“This is a tough time for many of our community members and our organizations who are helping those community members,” said Amanda Drew, senior director of impact strategies at United Way of Southwest Michigan. “These organizations really need these supplies right now, so any help from anyone who can provide would be greatly appreciated. We are all in this together, and we all need to step up to ensure everyone is protected.”

Donations are needed from residents who can contribute supplies or materials to the organizations fighting the virus. The United Presbyterian Church, 209 E. State

St., Cassopolis, will serve as a drop-off site for donated items from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Before coming with items, those looking to give should call the church at (269) 445-2664.

When they arrive in the parking lot, they should call again, organizers said. Volunteers will open the storage shed and help as needed.

Wednesday marked the first day the donation drop-off center was open, and Steve Kaszar, pastor at United Presbyterian, said the church received a donation on the first day. He is hoping that donations will increase as more people learn about the drop-off site.

“The church is glad to be able to help out in this way, and we are happy to use our facility to help United Way at this time,” he said.

All necessary precautions and social distancing measures are being taken at the site to safety and minimize potential exposure to COVID-19, said Jennifer Tomshack, marketing and communication manager at United Way. Since the pandemic hit, Tomshack said she had received an influx of inquiries about how residents can help those in need, which, in part, inspired the collaboration to create the new drop-off location in Cassopolis.

“This is part of a broader call, partnering with a lot of different agencies. We just want to make sure we are able to provide the kind of volunteer opportunities across our whole region that people can take advantage of,” she said. “We have been so encouraged by the way the communities of southwest Michigan have rallied together.

We are all caring about their neighbors.

It speaks so much about who we are as a community.”

Both Drew and Tomshack said they hope the community will take advantage of the drop-off location and give back to those in need.

“The need has never been greater than it is right now,” Tomshack said.

The following items are especially needed, according to United Way: • Clothing • New, clean socks and underwear • Scrubs, new or gently used • New PPE/Medical Supplies • N95/Surgical Masks • Isolation masks • Handmade masks • Masks with face shield/visor • Face shields • Goggles/safety glasses • Gloves • Thermometers • Disposable medical gowns

• Ponchos • New Cleaning Supplies • Bleach wipes • Hand Sanitizer • Food Items • Shelf-stable snacks • Shelf-stable microwaveable meals • New Hygiene Items (Travel Size/Disposable) • Soap • Shampoo • Toothbrushes • Toothpaste • Deodorant • Feminine care products • Shaving cream • Razors Nonprofit organizations seeking to benefit from the supplies, materials and funds donated can request what they need through the United Way of Southwest Michigan by emailing Amanda Drew at amanda.drew@uwsm.org. Requests are not a guarantee but will be based on what is donated, Drew said.

Those looking to give items in Berrien County can do so from 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. to noon Fridays at United Way of Southwest Michigan, 2015 Lakeview Ave., St Joseph.

For other ways to give back, visit uwsm. org/volunteer.

Page 20 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

LOCAL

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Cass County jury trials suspended until June 22 amid pandemic CASSOPOLIS — The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect Cass County Courts.

Cass County Clerk Monica McMichael and Chief Judge Susan L. Dobrich of the Cass County Courts announced Thursday that as a result of COVID-19, all jury trials will be suspended for an additional 60 days until June 22.

The delay of jury trials is necessary because of the current state of emergency and the need to continue social distancing which makes it impossible to safely conduct jury trials using traditional methods, court officials said.

Some Michigan courts will be piloting remote jury trials to see if jury trials can effectively happen remotely while also protecting constitutional rights.

Jurors will not receive summons for the period through June 21. If jurors have received notice of jury service for the time period through June 21, such jury trial notices can be disregarded.

“We are very interested in providing normal access to justice, and the courts are working with the clerk to ensure that necessary hearings are being held remotely through technology,” Dobrich said. “For example, the courts are hearing cases involving family, children, PPOs, guardianships, mentally ill, and criminal cases [without jury trials].”

McMichael said paperwork is being timely processed so that hearings can be scheduled and heard.

Any questions about juror notices can be directed to the Cass County Clerk by calling (269) 445-4464 or emailing clerk@cassco. org.

Berrien County courts allow residents to request recordings of proceedings BERRIEN COUNTY — Due to the Michigan Supreme Court’s Administrative Order 2020-6, which indicates that local courts must provide public access to the court through electronic means, Berrien County has implemented a process to allow individuals to request court recordings electronically during the state of emergency.

This process will allow for the accessibility required by the Supreme Court while the courts are closed to the public.

Individuals who desire to view the recording of a court proceeding, which under normal circumstances would be open to the public, can request a copy of that proceeding by contacting the Berrien County Trial Court. Requests can be made through the Berrien County Trial Court website at berriencounty.org/TrialCourt.

Requests will be completed within 24 hours of submission and will be sent to the requestor electronically. Copies of court proceedings will be free of charge during this period.

The Berrien County Trial Court continues to operate essential functions only as outlined in the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Order 2020-4. The buildings remain open for emergency filings from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, and staff continue to process cases that are filed during this timeframe.

Non-essential hearings will resume upon the lifting of the Michigan Supreme Court administrative orders.

For additional information regarding the current functioning of the Berrien County Trial Court under COVID-19, visit the trial court’s website.

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COMICS

Niles Daily Star | www.leaderpub.com

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 21

Answer to previous puzzle ACROSS 1. Vital part of a lock 5. Adherent of Zoroastrianism 10. European river 14. Nonprofit public health group 15. Make law 16. Three-banded armadillo 17. Monetary unit 18. Sandwich-like dishes 19. Sicilian city 20. Finger millet 22. Of she 23. Bullfighting maneuvers 24. Lawyers 27. A place to relax 30. Often said after “Hee” 31. Supervises flying 32. Cheer of approval 35. Something spiders twirl 37. Aggressive dog 38. Long-legged gazelle 39. Mogul emperor 40. Baltic peninsula 41. Fencing sword 42. A reward (archaic) 43. Pigeon sound 44. Type of groove

45. Inquire too closely 46. Nine Inch Nails’ debut (abbr.)

47. An often unwelcome guest 48. Something you can draw 49. Songs to one’s lover 52. Eastern Cairo mosque 55. A partner to cheese 56. Absorption unit 60. A type of sandwich 61. Herbaceous plant 63. Chinese temple classification 64. Native person of central Volga 65. Excessive fluid accumulation in tissues 66. Some take them up 67. South American nation 68. Threaten persistently 69. Morningwear DOWN 1. German courtesy title 2. Samoan capital 3. A type of carpet

4. Upper bract of grass 5. Al Bundy’s wife 6. In a careless way 7. More uncommon 8. Expressing contempt 9. Belonging to a thing 10. Adventure stories 11. Copycats 12. Farewell

13. Greek mythological builder 21. Colorless, volatile liquid 23. Monetary unit of Burma 25. Bar bill 26. Body part 27. Mischievous child 28. Popular card game 29. Building occupied by monks 32. Spiritual leader 33. Independent ruler 34. He wrote about the Gold Rush 36. Bundle of banknotes 37. Corporate honcho 38. Touch softly 40. Made by oneself 41. Satisfies 43. Subcompact Toyota crossover 44. Cool!

46. Popular vegetable 47. Flower cluster 49. Transylvanian city 50. Robert and Stephen are two 51. Philippine island 52. Canadian law enforcers 53. Wings 54. He played Perry Mason 57. Ballpoint pen 58. Metrical foot 59. It has nostrils 61. Confederate soldier 62. Take in solid food

ANSWERS

Here’s How It Works:

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Page 20 • Thursday, April 23, Friday, April 24 and Satuday, April 25, 2020

Page 22 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

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CLASSIFIEDS

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ClassiďŹ eds

Marketplace

NILES, BUCHANAN AND SURROUNDING AREAS

Employment Job Opportunities LOCAL BOX TRUCK DRIVER NEEDED 26’ BOX TRUCK, NEW LEASED EQUIPMENT •FULL TIME •MUST BE ABLE TO LIFT 60 POUNDS •REQUIRES DRIVER TO LOAD /UNLOAD TRUCK •VALID CHAUFFEUR LICENSE •MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE ***HOURLY,401K, ***VACATION/HOLIDAY PAY Apply in person 27328 May St Edwardsburg, MI PRODUCTION WORKERS: Apply in person only in front RI¿FH 0RQ )UL DP SP DW $, 0DQXIDFWXULQJ .HQW 6WUHHW (ONKDUW ,1 &RPSHWLWLYH ZDJHV IXOO EHQH¿WV

CNC MACHINISTS WANTED C&S Machine is growing!

C&S has opportunities for passionate, high-performing CNC Machine Operators and Machinists on 1st and 2nd Shift.

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217 N. Fourth St. Niles, MI 49120 (269) 591-6105

Essential Employer Now Hiring: •CNC Machinists •CMM Inspector •Blanchard Grinder 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Shift Openings Experience preferred but will train capable dedicated applicants looking for growth. &RPSHWLWLYH SD\ DQG EHQH¿WV package.

Apply online at www.deltamach.com or in person at Delta Machining Inc. 2361 Reum Road, Niles MI 49120

Dowagiac Area Grain Farm Terry Ausra Farms Must have drivers license Experience preferred pay depends on experience Ruth Ausra 269-782-5517 269-591-1080

NOW HIRING!!!

Full-Time & Part-Time Direct Care Workers in Southwest Michigan Hourly wages starting at $10.25/hr LQFOXGLQJ EHQHÂżWV APPLY TODAY!!

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LeaderPub.com classiďŹ eds@leaderpub.com public.notices@leaderpub.com

HELP WANTED: Class A CDL Driver Full time Hourly Employee, home every night.

Fryman’s Recycling on East Railroad St. in Dowagiac. Apply within.

HIRING EXPERIENCED SERVERS AND COOKS Apply in person at The Nuggett Downtown Grill 202 E. Main, Niles No phone calls please.

Brothers Baking Now Hiring Production Workers/packers 1stshift/Full-Time 27260 Max St., Edwardsburg information@brothersbaking.com

Local Bakery seeking Class A-CDL Driver for long term relationship. If you like short runs, and family feel, we want to talk to you. We’ve been looking for the right person for some time now. Please stop in to see if you are “the one�.

27260 Max St., Edwardsburg information@brothersbaking.com

Fapco in West Buchanan Hiring Full-Time Packers Clean environment.

Day Shifts: Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm Night Shifts: Monday-Thursday 3:30pm-2am ,62 &HUWLÂżHG Advancement opportunities, PHGLFDO EHQHÂżWV N HWF Apply in person: 8am-3pm, M-F 216 Post Road, Buchanan MI Call 800-782-0167

Now Hiring Mechanic’s Assistant.

2 years experience required for light truck and trailer maintenance.

40+ hours/week.

Hourly pay, 7am-3:30pm.

Must have own tools.

Please contact Darrell: 574-295-1905 dpritt@superiortireaxle.com Selling your home?

Advertise here and sell it faster.

Call Classifieds at 269-591-6105.

NOW HIRING FULL-TIME •Maintenance Supervisor ,QVXUDQFH %HQH¿WV

Apply in person No phone calls please!

1900 E. Main St, Niles EOE

The Cass County COA Now Hiring Part-Time Home Care Aides If you are passionate about caring for others contact COA’s HR-Department for more information: 269-445-8110 City of Niles Part-Time Custodian City Hall Details at www.nilesmi.org EOE

RETAIL CLERK

Must be 18 or older, Experience preferred, %HQH¿WV Apply at Shelton’s Farm Market, 1832 South 11th St (M-51) Niles,MI, 49120 SEMI-DRIVERS NEEDED HOME MOST NIGHTS! Great starting pay. )XOO EHQH¿WV SDFNDJH LQFOXGLQJ N YDFDWLRQ SD\ &ODVV $ &'/ ZLWK RQH \HDUœV YHUL¿DEOH H[SHULHQFH JRRG GULYLQJ UHFRUG 0XVW EH DEOH WR SDUN WUXFN QHDU RU DW KRPH Call 1-800-544-6798

Call us at 269-591-6105 to place your ad in the Classifieds today!

Auctions & Sales Auctions Give Us A Call To Place Your Auction Ads! 269-591-6105

Niles Daily Star

Niles Daily Star | www.leaderpub.com

Garage Sales

Furniture & Appliances

Call Us To Place Your Ad! 269-591-6105

Merchandise Antiques & Collectibles WANTED: Antiques, collectibles, jewelry, coins.

Dr. Saxton 574-309-3666 Need to find the right employee?

WE CAN HELP. Reach the county for less using Leader Publications classifieds. Need a quick quote? Submit your ad online at LeaderPub.com.

Call 269-591-6105.

Cemetery & Monument Lots Mission Hills, Niles Burial Site, Vault, Bronze Marker 317-250-4688

Deals & Bargains CALL US TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD! 269-591-6105

Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year.

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DON’T WAIT! Call TODAY 269-591-6105

BILL’S APPLIANCES New, Scratch & Dent, & Used Appliance

1420 S.11th St,Niles (269)340-5952 Refrigerators Stoves Washer/Dryers Microwaves Freezer Dishwashers

www.leaderpub.com

CLASSIFIEDS

Lawn & Garden Will Do Custom Roto-Tilling $20-minimum 269-240-4323

Livestock

Automobiles

LAGGIS FISH FARM FISH FOR STOCKING Most varieties Ponds, Lakes Laggis Fish Farm (269)628-2056 Days (269)624-6215 Evenings

2006 Chevy Van Express.

Good condition. $6,000 or best offer. Phone 269-449-0865,

Notices

FOR SALE 2017 Kia Forte 4dr Low mileage! Only $750 down! No Credit Checks.

No Interest. No Banks to deal with. We do all of our ¿QDQFLQJ LQ KRXVH 6WRS E\ today for your new vehicle!

Call Scarlett’s for more info 269-461-4197

Community Events

Boats & Watercraft

Rentals Apartments

12ft Star Craft 5 HP electric motor.

Heavy duty trailer.

EZ Load Trailer. $750 (269)210-7013 Put your ad here call 269-591-6105.

Motorcycles & ATV’s

Selling your home?

Advertise here and sell it faster.

Call Classifieds at 269-591-6105.

2005 Harley Davidson Heritage South Tale 40,000 miles, metallic blue new tires, serviced and ready to go $5,950 Call: 574-850-6940

Want to Buy Merchandise WANTED STANDING TIMBER Large Michigan lumber manufacturer seeking land owners with 25 or more mature hardwood trees to sell Call: (517)566-8061 qualityhardwoodsinc.com WANTED STANDING TIMBER Large Michigan lumber manufacturer seeking land owners with 25 or more mature hardwood trees to sell Call: (517)566-8061 qualityhardwoodsinc.com

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 23 C & C CONCRETE

Pets & Livestock Transportation

Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm Saturday:10am-4pm Sunday: Closed

Landlord Discounts!!

Thursday, April 23, Friday, April 24 and Saturday 25, 2020 • Page 21

Trucks, SUVs & Vans

Do you have available jobs?

Call 269-591-6105 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.

FOR SALE Need a New Work Van? We have the perfect one!

2017 Ford E450 16’ Box Van $1,000 down $450 month *Excellent condition *NO INTEREST :H GR DOO RXU ¿QDQFLQJ LQ house! Stop by today for your new vehicle!

Call Scarlett’s for more info 269-461-4197

2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 Truck, Very Clean Runs Great, Leather and Power Seats, Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Power Moonroof, Power Sliding Rear Window, Cruise Control, Temperature/Compass, Keyless Entry,Tilt Steering, Air, AM/FM, CD Player, Plastic Bed Liner,Brand New Good Year Tires. $1,000 worth of Tires.

Great Transportation or Family Vehicle.

Price Reduced Only $9,995.00 Call: 269-462-9260 or 269-262-6448

FOR SALE 2017 Hyundai Elantra Low mileage! Only $750 down! No Credit Checks.

No Interest. No Banks to deal with. We do all of our ¿QDQFLQJ LQ KRXVH 6WRS E\ today for your new vehicle!

Call Scarlett’s for more info 269-461-4197 We Have Interstate Batteries!

Services Caregiving KARE SERVICES Compassionate Home Care Services (269)684-1984 (574)292-2900 email: kmkaidan@aol.com www.KAREService.com

Concrete Work BRADY CONCRETE

Specializing in: •Flat work of all types •Seawalls•Pole Barn Floors •Stamped Concrete •Bobcat Services Free Estimates, Insured Fast, Dependable Service

269-445-3349 or 269-591-0100

Put your ad here call 269-591-6105.

•Flat work of all kinds •Stamping •Sidewalks •Concrete Patching •Patios •Driveways •Pole Barns No Job To Small Free Estimates/Insured

269-228-1163

Construction Michiana Masonry & Construction All your Masonry needs!

Chimney Cleaning Insured & Bonded Senior Discounts 269-362-1566

CALL US TO PLACE YOUR BUSINESS AD! 269-591-6105

Garbage Services Cheaper Than A Dumpster & we do the work LLC! We move anything & everything including sheds, pianos,& jacuzzis!

Have a nice day!

574-514-6784 7am-5pm, 7 days a week!

Home Health Aides CALL US TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD! 269-591-6105

Home Improvement HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

Over 30yrs of experience!

•Tile Work•Kitchens •Porches•Bathrooms•Decks •Windows•Doors•Siding •Window Wrapping )DVFLD 6RI¿W

Call Randy 269-782-3139 or 269-208-9838 Bondhomeimprovements.com POLE BARNS & GARAGES BY NIEBOER Pole Barns & Garages Quality Built Licensed & Insured

Ross Nieboer, Owner (269)684-6673

Page 22 • Thursday, April 23, Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25, 2020

Page 24 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

Junk Removal AMERICAN TRASH Trash & Junk Hauling

Miscellaneous Services

Lawn Care & Landscaping Dependable, meticulous, affordable! Lawn mowing, landscaping, bush trimming, yard clean up, small tree removal, and more! call anytime 239-357-3554

Do you have available jobs?

Call 269-591-6105 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.

Roofing and Guttering Bill’s Roof Repair

Residential & Commercial •Repairs•New Roofs •Shingles•Flat Roofs •Metal/Rubber•Flashing •Chimney Repairs •Vent Pipes•Gutters•Sidings

Lifetime Warranty on All Labor Performed Free Estimates Call Us Now!!

269-591-5700 Visit us at: billsroofrepair.com FCI BUILDING 6KLQJOH 0HWDO 5RRÂżQJ Home & Roof Maintenance Siding & Gutters Windows & Doors General Construction 269-782-7310 fcibuilding@yahoo.com Need to find the right employee?

WE CAN HELP. Spring Clean Ups Schedule spring clean ups, mowing, pruning and all your yard landscaping needs Also buying Walnut trees Call: 269-362-2735

Reach the county for less using Leader Publications classifieds. Need a quick quote? Submit your ad online at LeaderPub.com.

Call 269-591-6105.

Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year.

We didn’t think you would. Do you need to successfully market on a tight budget? Leader Publications Classified Marketplace has customizable programs available to fit any budget.

DON’T WAIT! Call TODAY 269-591-6105

Public Notices LEGAL NOTICE

Veteran Owned Company 574-904-8760 GoAmericanTrash.com

2 FREE MOWS! Watson’s Lawn Care

CLASSIFIEDS

Legal Notices

•Appliances•Truck•Trailer •Labor•Rental Properties •Demo Clean-Outs

Septic Tank Service Deer Path Excavating Septic Repair and all other Excavating needs!!

Please Call: 269-208-5180

Niles Daily Star www.leaderpub.com | Niles Daily Star

www.leaderpub.com

STATE OF MICHIGAN 2nd JUDICIAL CIRCUIT BERRIEN COUNTY NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE CASE NO. 2019-00258-CH-W 811 Port Street, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085 VFarm, LLC, 1940 West River Road, Niles, Michigan 49120 William R. Landgraf, P30466, 224 N. Fourth St., PO Box 159, Niles, Michigan 49120, 269-683-8200 v. Krystal Lanette Clark, 204 S. Third Street, Niles, Michigan 49120 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE On March 6, 2020, the 2nd Circuit Court of BERRIEN County entered judgment in favor of the plaintiff(s) VFarm, LLC, and against the defendant(s), Krystal Lanette Clark.

On Monday, June 1, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at public auction to be held at County Court House, 811 Port Street, Jury Assembly Room, 2nd Floor, St. Joseph, Michigan49085, in this county, I shall offer for sale to the highest bidder all of the right, title and interest of defendant(s) in and to the following property: Real Estate Located in the City of Niles, County of Berrien, State of Michigan and described as: That part of Lot 18, Plat of C.K. Green H.B. and G.W. Hoffmans Addition to the Village of Niles, according to the Plat thereof, recorded in Volume “B� of Deeds, Page 161, lying West of Bond Street.

EXCEPTING THEREFROM, the Railroad Right-of-Way; ALSO that part of Lots 16 and 17, said Plat, described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast comer of said Lot 17; thence Northwesterly, along 3rd Street, to the Southeast corner of said Lot 16, thence Northwesterly along 3rd Street, 9.0 feet, thence South 77 degrees 28 minutes West 82.5 feet; thence Northwesterly, parallel with 3rd Street 15.0 feet to a point 6.0 feet North of the North line of said Lot 17; thence West parallel with the North line of said Lot 17, to the West line of said Lot 16; thence Southerly, along said Lot lines to the Southwest corner of said Lot 17, thence East along the South line of said Lot 17, to the place of beginning, EX-

CEPTING THEREFROM, Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Lot 16, thence Northwesterly along 3rd Street, 9.0 feet to the place of beginning of the parcel of land herein described; thence South 68 degrees 40 minutes West 79.85 feet; thence North 29 degrees West 12.72 feet; thence North 77 degrees 28 minutes East 82.5 feet to the place of beginning, ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM, Commencing at the Southeast comer of said Lot 16, thence North 29 degrees 00 minutes West, along the Westerly line of 3rd Street, 9.00 feet; thence South 68 degrees 40 minutes West 79.85 feet to the place of beginning of the parcel of land herein described; thence North 89 degrees 51 minutes West 113.80 feet to the Westerly line of said Lot 17; thence North 7 degrees 53 minutes 45 seconds West, along said Westerly line 21.60 feet to the Southwest corner of said Lot 16; thence North 9 degrees 21 minutes West, along the Westerly line of said Lot 16, 6.09 feet; thence South 89 degrees 51 minutes East, parallel with and 6.00 feet North of the South line of said Lot 16, 102.56 feet; thence South 29 degrees 00 minf

utes East 31.33 feet to the place of beginning. (204 S. Third Street, Niles, Michigan 49120; Property Tax Code No. 11-73-2700-0017-03-5) Niles Daily Star: Mar. 27, Apr. 3, 10, 17 , 24 and May 1, 2020 2019-00258-CH-W LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RE: LOUIS E. JORGENSEN AND AGNES K. JORGENSEN IRREVOCABLE TRUST DATED AUGUST 15, 2003 EIN# 84-6915232 SETTLORS: LOUIS E. JORGENSEN, Deceased DATE OF DEATH: DECEMBER 7, 2019 DATE OF BIRTH: MARCH 14, 1924 AGNES K. JORGENSEN, Deceased DATE OF DEATH: MARCH 1, 2009 SUCCESSOR CO-TRUSTEES: JOHN C. JORGENSEN GARY E. JORGENSEN TRUST FEDERAL EIN # 84-6915232

December 7, 2019 and AGNES K. JORGENSEN, died March 1, 2009, respectively, both of whom lived at 16758 Rynearson Drive, Buchanan, MI 49107, in Buchanan Township, Berrien County, Michigan. Creditors of LOUIS E. JORGENSEN, Deceased and the above trust are noWLÂżHG WKDW DOO FODLPV DJDLQVW LOUIS E. JORGENSEN, and the above trust will be forever barred unless presented to JOHN C. JORGENSEN and GARY E. JORGENSEN, Successor Co-Trustees of the Trust, or to Mollison Law OfÂżFHV 3 & ZKRVH UHVSHFWLYH addresses are listed below, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice.

Date: April 28, 2020 -DPHV - 0ROOLVRQ 3

0ROOLVRQ /DZ 2IÂżFHV 3 & Attorneys for Trustee, 4 South Lincoln Ave.M Niles, MI 49120, 269-684-7600 JOHN C. JORGENSEN, GARY E. JORGENSEN, 32935 Bertrand Street, Niles, MI 49120, 269-684-4517 Niles Daily Star: Apr. 25, 2020 TRUST/JORGENSEN

NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The Settlors of the above trust, LOUIS E. JORGENSEN, died

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Niles Daily Star | www.leaderpub.com

EDWARDSBURG ARGUS

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 25

KEEPING up the

WORK

Lewis Cass ISD provides families with at-home learning kits

By SARAH CULTON sarah.culton@leaderpub.com CASSOPOLIS — Despite a closure of schools in the wake of COVID-19, early learners are still receiving materials to continue their learning.

Tuesday, Great Start Cass County hosted an at-home learning kit drop-off at Lewis Cass Intermediate School District. The kits were designed for 4-year-old students who are at risk for delay in their education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The kits included books, packets with activities and more.

Tuesday, the district distributed 145 learning kits.

“These materials are to help students with common everyday lessons that children learn about — math, literacy, language, social and emotional development, physical development, science, social studies,” said Chris Whitmire, director of early childhood

education for Lewis Cass ISD. “We have nature types of lessons. We have emotions types of lessons. We have math types of lessons. It is up to the teachers’ creativity to decide what they will do with these kinds of various loose parts we are giving them. … This allows families to work at their own pace.”

Tuesday’s drop-off was the second drop of at home learning kits hosted by Great Start Cass. The first was in March, and a third will be hosted at the end of May. In addition to the learning kits, Whitmire said

the ISD is working to keep in contact with families through their preferred method of communication. For some, that means video conference or phone calls. For others, it can mean handwritten letters or the use of Facebook groups.

Whitmire said she believes it is critical for Great Start Cass to continue to engage children throughout the COVID-19 shutdown.

“Our goal is to take them to their next step, so they are well-prepared for kindergarten,” she said.

Great Start Cass County hosted a drop off of at home learning kits Tuesday. TOP: Early childhood specialist Karla Pedue volunteered her time at the drop off Tuesday. ABOVE RIGHT: Chris Whitmire, director of early childhood education for Lewis Cass ISD, looks through one of the at home learning kits. (Leader photos/SARAH CULTON)

Page 26 • Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020

EDWARDSBURG ARGUS

www.leaderpub.com | Niles Daily Star

Still providing support

Cass County CASA celebrates Child Abuse Prevention Month, National Volunteer Month

By SARAH CULTON sarah.culton@leaderpub.com CASSOPOLIS — April is typically a big month for events for Cass County’s Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children. However, with COVID-19 restrictions in place, things have looked different this year.

CASA is a nonprofit organization separate from the court system. Cass County CASA was founded in 1995

by Chief Judge Susan Dobrich, with the first volunteers trained in 1997.

Volunteers are trained extensively to work with local children in the foster care system. As advocates, volunteers work with children assigned to them by the court, learning about their circumstances and helping them to find a foster family or become reunified with their biological parents. In addition to serving as a voice and an advocate, CASA volunteers often serve as mentors and friends to their children.

Cass County CASA is celebrating both Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Volunteer Month in April. Pictured are past events hosted by Cass County CASA. (Submitted photos)

“Our volunteers are that extra support for the child,” said Executive Director of Cass County CASA Erica Boulanger. “We like to say they are the one constant.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a shake in how CASA operates in general and also how it is

spending the month of April, which is typically spent raising awareness about child abuse prevention and celebrating its volunteers, as Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Volunteer Month are hosted in April.

“At first, we were a little panicked,

just like everyone else, because in order to get to know a child’s needs and to build that relationship, face-to-face contact is very meaningful,” Boulanger said of learning about the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order.

Despite the challenges, Boulanger said Cass County CASA and its volunteers have adapted to the changes.

CASA is now sending handwritten cards and letters to the children it works with in addition to working with them over phone, text and video to meet the child’s needs.

“We decided we still needed to be there for these kids,” Boulanger said.

“Things may look a little different, but I can 100 percent confidently say that I feel their needs are being met, and they are still getting their advocacy needs met.”

In addition to finding new ways to advocate for the children they work with, CASA staff and volunteers have been finding new ways to celebrate the month of April. Boulanger said

CASA is posting more on its social media pages to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“We have been a lot more active on Facebook,” she said.

Boulanger said CASA is also working on setting up a Zoom video conference celebration of its volunteers, who are typically honored in person during April.

“We like to take April to really thank and praise our volunteers,” she said. “We just know that their work is so valuable and important. It really does make a difference.”

Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, Boulanger said she and others involved in CASA remain committed to providing services to the children of Cass County.

“Our motto is ‘change a child’s story,’ and we have really embraced that,” Boulanger said. “We really believe that this work can change the ending of a child’s story and change their life.”

Niles Daily Star | www.leaderpub.com

EDWARDSBURG ARGUS

Thursday, April 23-Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 27

tBlazing forward

h

Applications begin for marijuana businesses in Edwardsburg

By SARAH CULTON sarah.culton@leaderpub.com EDWARDSBURG — Marijuana businesses are blazing forward in the village of Edwardsburg.

Monday, the application period began for medical and recreational marijuana licenses within village limits. The move comes after the village council voted last month to approve an ordinance allowing marijuana facilities.

The village’s law provides for two marijuana facilities to operate on M-62 or US12 east of M-62 within the village limits.

The facilities are allowed to hold multiple licenses, which include provisioning, growing, micro-business, transporting, processing, safety compliance and retailer.

“The purpose of this article is to regulate the sale of marihuana in the village in order to promote the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the community, and establishing standards and procedures consistent with the [Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act] and the [Michi-

gan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act] in order to allow a limited number of marihuana establishments in the village,” the ordinance states.

So far, Edwardsburg Village Council President Scott Mackling said he has primarily heard from residents who are in favor of the ordinance. “[In the November 2018] election, Edwardsburg, Ontwa Township and Cass County all voted for [marijuana],” Mackling said. “This is something the other communities around us are doing, and this is a legal business now. I don’t see it a lot different than alcohol.”

With the application process underway, Mackling said he is hopeful the marijuana businesses will be able to fill some of the vacant buildings in Edwardsburg’s M-62 corridor and provide a boost to the economy of the area.

“We have vacant properties that have been vacant for years, and if we can get them to renovate those buildings, that benefits the village,” he said. “There is tax income there. Anytime a new business

comes into town, the other businesses get traffic, from gas stations to restaurants.”

As of Wednesday, only one marijuana business had applied for a license, NoBo, which has a facility in Benton Harbor. Despite this, Village Clerk Paula Ralph said she had received several phone calls and questions from businesses looking to locate to the area.

“There is some serious interest,” Ralph said. “I’ve had at least six or seven busi-

nesses that are definitely interested call with serious inquiries.”

The application period will last until May 8. Though Mackling said he could not guarantee a specific timeline, the village council hopes to approve the two business licenses during the village council’s May 18 meeting.

“After that, it is up to approved businesses how fast they can get everything up and running,” Mackling said.

Edwardsburg Argus

KEEPING up the

WORK

ISD provides families with at-home learning kits CASA continues to provide support P26

Edwardsburg begins accepting applications for marijuana business P27