January 7, 2021 by New Buffalo Times

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 1, volume 80

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Thursday, January 7, 2021

New COVID-19 cases continued to be on decrease in Berrien County into 2021 PAGE 3 New Buffalo Township Board closes on Pleasure Isle Marina property PAGE 4

Deputy rescues woman in early morning New Buffalo fire PAGE 5 Student athletes clinging to hope for winter season PAGE 9 COVID-19 vaccination efforts underway in Berrien County PAGE 12

BACK AT IT...AGAIN

STUDENTS AT NEW BUFFALO RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER EXTENDED ‘PAUSE’ — PAGE 10 — PHOTO BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

New COVID-19 cases continued to be on decrease in Berrien County into 2021

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

he number of new COVID-19 cases continued to be on the decrease at the tail end of 2020. “We’re very encouraged by the fact that we’re seeing decreasing numbers – we continue to see some COVID deaths lag behind but we hope to see a similar slowdown in the next week or two,” Nicki Britten, health officer at the Berrien County Health Department, said at the health department and Spectrum Health Lakeland’s joint Facebook Live update Thursday, Dec. 30. “You have given us the best Christmas present ever - more of you stayed well, more of you stayed out of the hospital, fewer of you were sick, the volumes in the hospital were down, volumes in new COVID cases were down,” Dr. Loren Hamel, president of Spectrum Health Lakeland, said. As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, there were 8,934 confirmed cases and 687 probable cases of COVID in Berrien County as well as 29 COVID inpatients and two ICU patients. There were 181 deaths and 6,991 30-day recoveries. On Dec. 30, Hamel said that there were 39 individuals who were “under respiratory precaution with infectious contagious

COVID-19.” Meanwhile, around 13 had been in the hospital long enough that they were no longer contagious. “That 39 number has been as high as the mid-70s so your efforts have made a dramatic difference with how many folks are sick enough to be in the hospital and how many are sick enough be in the ICU…When you see the trends across the country, we’re kind of beating the odds in Berrien County,” Hamel said. There are 31,000 team members across all of Spectrum Health and just over 4,000 members at Spectrum Health Lakeland. Hamel said that just over 4,000 doses of the vaccine have been received at Spectrum Health Lakeland and that, as of Wednesday, Dec. 30, 800 have been administered; however, clinics are being scheduled continuously “to give folks who’ve chosen to take the vaccine a dose.” Soon, those who’ve taken the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be in line for their second one (which takes three weeks after the first dose). Hamel said that so far, no one has had serious complications from taking the vaccine. As of Tuesday, Jan. 5, the Berrien County Health Department had provided more

300 initial doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to its staff and individuals in priority groups 1 and 2 of Phase 1A, which included emergency medical personnel, some longterm care residents and long-term care facility workers since vaccination efforts began the previous week. On Jan. 5, the Berrien County Health Department announced that all individuals who are included in any of the Priority Groups in Phase 1A (which includes physical, occupational and respiratory therapists; clinical students; dentists and dental hygienists; hospital security guards who may interface with patients; and pharmacists and optometrists) are eligible to receive the vaccine. Once health care workers are done, those who fall into Phase 1B (such as critical infrastructure workers and those who are over the age of 75) will receive the vaccine. Britten said she estimated that Phase 1-B vaccinations may occur in early February. Hamel said that the vaccine was not a live virus and that one can’t get COVID from it. “We believe that this is thoroughly tested, that it’s as safe as any vaccine, it’s as effective as any vaccine, and has the potential to save literally hundreds of thousands of lives,” he said.

THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP LIBRARY UPDATES ITS HOURS

he Three Oaks Township Public Library is now open more hours. The library’s hours are: from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; and closed

Sunday. Masks are required in the building and patrons are expected to adhere to social distancing and remain 6 feet away from others not in their household. Curbside service is still available. To place requests, patrons should call 7565621. January Take and Make

Craft Bags for children features a cute penguin and a tissue paper winter mitten. Quantities are limited, so patrons should come in and pick theirs up today. The Winter Reading Program for adults is underway and will end Friday, March 26. The first 30 people to register will

receive a cute mug. In addition, for each book someone reads, they receive an entry into the drawing to win a prize Monday, March 29. For more information, call 756-5621. The Three Oaks Township Public Library is located at 3 N. Elm Street in Three Oaks. — STAFF REPORTS

All of my misfortunes come from having thought too well of my fellows. — Jean-Jacques Rousseau

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO MAYOR JOHN HUMPHREY CITY COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) MEETING Meets on the 2nd Thursday May, September, and November at 8AM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS Meets on the first 1st Tuesday Quarterly at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

New Buffalo Township Board closes on Pleasure Isle Marina property

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ew Buffalo Township has closed on the Pleasure Isle Marina property. The township closed on the property Dec. 16 as well as hired Julie Flick as its manager. Flick is a former lieutenant with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department who headed the New Buffalo Township patrol. She retired from this position last June. Members of the New Buffalo Township Board adopted a resolution that “conditionally” approved the “sale, purchase and donation agreement” regarding Pleasure Isle Marina at a special meeting Nov. 30. The Bill Deputy Foundation approached the township about the marina located at 120 E. Water Street in the City of New Buffalo. The property includes 26 boat slips, parking, a two-story condominium, which includes an office, bathrooms, benches, and locker facilities on the first floor as well as a residential dwelling unit on the second floor. The township would purchase the first floor from the Foundation for $500,000 and would take over the marina boat slip operation. The second floor would be sold to a separate buyer as a residential dwelling unit. The township will enter into an association with the owner of the upstairs unit to handle capital improvement issues to the building. The $500,000 purchase price would be paid in six annual installments.

Money received from the boat slip leases would cover the installment payments. The price of $500,000 is below fair market value (the property has been appraised at $3 million), with the difference in value between the purchase price and the fair market value “being treated as a donation to the Township”, the resolution states. The foundation may buy the marina back at 90 cents on the dollar should the township decide the purchase isn’t working out, John Deputy, nephew of William Deputy, said at the special meeting.

y purchasing the property, the township agrees to run it as a marina for 75 years. For a period of 25 years following the sale, the township would keep the revenues derived from the marina in a separate bank account and would reinvest them in the parks and recreational purposes for the township. During the special meeting held last November, New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit said that she estimates that the marina could “at a minimum” bring $1 million into the community within the first 25 years. Beyond that, she estimates it bringing in $3 million even if “worst case scenario” capital improvements may need to be made to the property. “So, we’re looking at millions of dollars put into our community,” she said.

Fear to do ill, and you need fear naught else. — Benjamin Franklin

PRISON FOR FORMER FOUR WINDS CASINO WORKER IN CHILD SEX CASE

man who was employed at Four Winds Casino outside New Buffalo when he was arrested has been given a 30year prison sentence for child sex crimes. Joseph Kuta, 55, was sentenced last month in La Porte Circuit Court after pleading guilty to four counts of child molesting and sexual misconduct with a minor. According to court documents, the LaPorte man for two years committed sex acts with a girl who was 14 when police began investigating the allegations in March. LaPorte Police became involved when the girl told her therapist she had been sexually assaulted by a “family friend.” Suspicions were further raised the following day when Kuta, who was acting suicidal, told several co-workers trying to help him emotionally that he was involved with a teenager, according to court documents. He didn’t provide co-workers with further specifics but made statements like “you’ll probably see it in the media” and “I’m probably going to lose my job,” police said. Police said other statements from Kuta included “he could possibly go to jail because of what he did.” Concerned he may have committed crime, a Pokagon Tribal Police officer learned Kuta was under investigation when contacting LaPorte Police about his behavior. In exchange for the plea, Kuta avoided a potential sentence of 80 to 160 years on four level 1 felony counts. — STAN MADDUX

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

A home on West Water St. in New Buffalo caught fire in the early morning hours of Dec. 31

Scene from a Dec. 31 fire on West Water St. in New Buffalo

Deputy rescues woman in early morning New Buffalo fire PHOTOS COURTESY OF BERRIEN COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT

homeowner in the City of New Buffalo was rescued by a deputy from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department on the early morning of New Year’s Eve. According to a statement issued by Lt. Ryan Sullivan of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, in the early morning hours of Thursday, Dec. 31, a 72-year-old homeowner called to report a structure fire at her residence in the 1400 block of W. Water Street. The homeowner was trapped in the residence and was unable to remove herself from the

fire. Deputy Michael Pellerito of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department’s New Buffalo Township Patrols arrived as flames engulfed the back corner of the residence. Deputy Pellerito initially forced entry into the front of the residence, but was forced back by heavy smoke, Sullivan said in the statement. With assistance from Berrien County 911 Dispatchers, Deputy Pellerito was guided to the trapped homeowner’s location. Deputy Pellerito pulled the homeowner from a bedroom window, to safety, as

smoke and flames intensified. The resident was treated and transported by Medic 1 Paramedics for minor smoke inhalation. There were no other injuries reported at the fire, the statement said. Responding agencies were the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department – New Buffalo Township Patrol, New Buffalo Police Department, New Buffalo City Fire, New Buffalo Township Fire, and Medic 1 Ambulance, Pokagon Tribal Police and Michiana Shores Fire Department. — STAFF REPORTS

Homeless shelter closes but could reopen

hether homeless people in LaPorte have a warm place to go during the winter could be decided later this month. The all-volunteer run overnight shelter at Christ Church at U.S. 35 and Jefferson Avenue closed last week. It opened for the first time last year and operated throughout the winter. The shelter after reopening Dec. 1 closed three weeks later. Center Township Trustee Lisa Pierzakowski said just four people showed up at the doors and the shelter would have been forced to close anyhow Dec. 31

BY STAN MADDUX

because of building code violations. More than 40 people used the shelter last year. Most of those individuals with help from the trustee’s office found new housing, employment and assistance for substance abuse, she said. The shelter requiring people to seek help for getting back on their feet cannot be established again at the church because the facility is not up to code for use as temporary housing. Pierzakowski said she and other volunteer board members governing the shelter will meet sometime in January to begin discussing the next steps.

“We are still looking at other options,” she said. Pierzakowski said one possibility is reopening the shelter in January at another site. LaPorte Code Enforcement Director Jeff Batchelor said the biggest violation uncovered during a recent inspection was the century old building not having an automatic sprinkler system in the event of a fire. “We don’t want to see someone get hurt when it’s not up to code,” he said. Pierzakowski said she expects demand for an overnight shelter to go up dramatically since weather conditions

after a mild start became more winter like. She and several members of the local clergy spearheaded the effort to establish the shelter, which offered dinner and breakfast to its overnight guests. Pierzakowski said the goal remains finding a permanent home for the shelter with showers, which were not provided at the old facility. Funding for a new shelter, though, remains a challenge. In the meantime, Pierzakowski said any homeless person requesting help will be given a ride to a shelter in Michigan City. “If we need to transport people that’s what we’ll do,” she said.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

Harbor Country Hikers to zoom in on conservation

arbor Country Hikers will be introduced some of the leaders in nature preservation and related areas during a Zoom presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14. “The Greats: Leaders in Conservation, Botany and Exploration” was created by Fernwood Botanical Garden’s Sims Education Center. The program memorializes 55 environmentalists, preservationists, botanists, nature illustrators and more. Carol Line, executive director of Fernwood, will lead the discussion of a selection of their lives and work. Some of the “greats” are well-known, like Rachel

Carson, whose “Silent Spring” is credited with starting the modern environmental movement. Others are lesser-known, like John and William Bartram, father-and-son botanists who explored the American colonies in prerevolutionary times. The program also includes a few surprises. Best known for her Peter Rabbit children’s books, Beatrix Potter also contributed to the study of mushrooms and was an important figure in land conservation in Britain. For a link to join the presentation, visit the HCH website at www.harborcountryhikers.com/events or email questions to harborcountryhikers@gmail. com. — STAFF REPORTS

New Buffalo FOL presentation to feature history behind Iron Brigade and Red Arrow Highways

he history of two of the area’s major thoroughfares will be the topic of The Friends of New Buffalo Library Public Forum Zoom presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12. This custom-made presentation uncovers the local ties to The Iron Brigade (U.S. Highway 12) and Red Arrow Highway. The Iron Brigade’s bravery

Let’s not

and tenacity during the Civil War earned it its nickname. The Red Arrow Division distinguished itself in World War I and took its nickname from its ability to pierce German lines. In this video presentation, military historian John Urschel of Michigan Boys in Blue will tell the story of these two units through biographical portraits of their leaders. Urschel will be on hand during this program to answer live questions.

The New Buffalo FOL is also planning a fun presentation Tuesday, Feb. 16, that will feature Historical Society of Michigan’s Bob Myers quizzing the audience about history myths. For further information, call New Buffalo Township Library at (269) 469-2933, follow the Facebook link at newbuffalotownshiplibrary. org or email new.buffalo.FOL@ gmail.com. — STAFF REPORTS

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New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

RESTORING DIGNITY AND HOPE...

he pandemic has hit people so unevenly. As retirees, we’re relatively unaffected, with pension and Social Security income undiminished, while others are in jeopardy of “going under” financially or medically or educationally. It feels like time to help a neighbor.” That is what Nick and Sally Bogart told Neighbor by Neighbor about why they were donating a $600 stimulus check to the program. They are 100% correct that many people are going under because of COVID and the resulting business shut-downs, layoffs, low unemployment payment amounts and the usual challenges of keeping roofs over heads and food on tables. If you find that you are one of the lucky ones who doesn’t really need your $600 stimulus check and wish to donate it, Neighbor by Neighbor would love to be the recipient. We started 2020 with 150 clients and are now up to 752! Neighbor by Neighbor helped 38 people with rent or mortgage and 122 people with utilities in 2020, and linked many more to Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency for help with rent/ mortgage, utilities, car payments and car repairs. What could $600 do for a struggling neighbor? It could make one rent or mortgage payment. It could cover a utility bill or two. It could help someone get their car running again so they can go to work or look for a job. It could help someone catch up on their sewer and water bills. Neighbor by Neighbor is launching a new program called Sponsor a Neighbor: Restoring Dignity and Hope. It is designed to pay one bill for a household on a fixed income (like seniors depending on Social Security or disabled people) who cannot pay all their bills. We are looking for generous supporters to either give one-time payments like their $600 stimulus check, or pledge an ongoing monthly amount. If you are interested in sponsoring a neighbor or have questions, call 269-231-0648. — LINNEA BERG, NEIGHBOR BY NEIGHBOR

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

SPORTS From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

hen talking about the Cubs, my Dad used to say, “they can’t win for losing Recently, the Cubs, Astros, White Sox, Red Sox, and many other professional sports teams have proven that adage wrong. Being the worst allows you to be able to move to the front of the line when it comes to drafting young players, which gives those teams the best opportunity to replenish their rosters with the best young players. The pandemic, at least for the Cubs, put a crimp in this plan as they decided to get rid of Albert Almora and Kyle Schwarber this off-season rather than pay them what they would receive through arbitration. Personally, I hope they find a better way to get back to the World Series than being terrible for the next few years. On the other hand, the Bears found an acceptable way to win by losing. Even though they lost to the Green Bay Packers Sunday, they still made the playoffs because the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Arizona Cardinals. After playing some of the worst football I’ve ever seen, the Bears finished with an 8-8 record and will play the New Orleans Saints Sunday afternoon. While they looked so terrible during their six game losing streak, they should be given a tremendous amount of credit for turning their season around. Coach Nagy was brave enough to bench Trubisky, then smart enough to give up play calling, then good enough to convince his team that they still had a chance. Quarterback Trubisky took his benching like a champ, and when

he was called on later in the season, he was a much better player, and maybe even more importantly, a much better leader. Of course, all of this and more took place under the difficult circumstances of empty stadiums and a raging pandemic. After giving it a lot of thought, I believe that this Bears team is my favorite since the Super Bowl winning team of 1986. They overcame a ton of adversity to make it into the playoffs and made me proud to be a Bears fan. Back to baseball, the Cubs made a fairly significant trade last week. In a move that appears to make it clear that the Cubs are going to try to rebuild their team rather than compete for a championship this season, they traded their best pitcher, Yu Darvish, to San Diego for a decent pitcher and four kids. In the past, the Cubs have traded away quite a few youngsters to make their big league team better, but now, the cupboard is almost bare. Apparently, the owners didn’t make enough money last year, so they seem to have decided to field a team that won’t cost them much money this season and try to rebuild their farm system. My hope is that they turn things around quickly. Paul Brown, the football coach that the Cleveland football team was named for, said “ When you win, say nothing. When you lose, say less.” Happy New Year. Stay safe. Be kind. Have fun. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

Student athletes clinging to hope for winter season

BY STAN MADDUX

tudent athletes and coaches in New Buffalo are hoping the start of the winter sports season doesn’t get pushed back again because of COVID-19. New Buffalo High School Athletic Director Matt Johnson said it hasn’t been an easy time, especially for seniors, with the start date for winter sports already pushed back three times since prior to Thanksgiving. “I think there’s obviously a significant amount of anxiety constantly waiting to see if the date that they set down is actually going to come through and you’re going to be able to play your season,” he said. Practice for boys and girls’ basketball at New Buffalo High School will begin Jan. 16, with competition starting Jan. 22, under the most recent plan from the Michigan High School Athletic Association for winter sports. Johnson said he anticipates no change in those dates as long as there’s not another upsurge in COVID-19 cases statewide. He cautioned nothing is guaranteed, though, because of how COVID-19 since the outbreak last spring has remained a situation that can

change at any time. Johnson said he is encouraged by the governor allowing school to switch back from virtual learning to inside of buildings following the Christmas break. If the basketball season does start with practice Jan. 16, Johnson said athletic directors in the Berrien Cass St. Joseph Conference have agreed to begin playing games as they were listed on the original schedule. Johnson said teams in the BCS conference have also agreed to try and make up at least some of the games that were supposed to have been played already had the season not been delayed. “We’re going to do the best we can to fill in as many games as we can with open dates to give the kids as many games as possible within reason,” he said. Johnson said the boys’ basketball season at New Buffalo Middle School, which began prior to the freeze on winter sports, will also resume Jan. 16 and last through the first week in February if there’s not another delay. He said the basketball season for middle school girls normally starting in January along with middle school wrestling would run from Feb. 8 to March 11.

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

It’s not a game. You can’t play boxing. — Gervonta Davis

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

t was no ordinary Monday after winter break when students at New Buffalo High School returned to school Monday, Jan. 4. Students were returning to the school building after being away from it not only for the two-week winter break, but also after having been away from it for a little over a month due to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) pausing inperson learning at the beginning of New Buffalo Area Schools’ second trimester. On Nov. 15, MDHHS issued a new emergency order, “Pause to Save Lives,” that enacted a three-week pause that included in-person learning in high schools across Michigan. The order took effect Nov. 18, and remained in effect through Dec. 8. MDHHS extended the order to Dec. 20. On Dec. 18, MDHHS modified its pause to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked – which included inperson learning. New Buffalo High School Principal Wayne Butler said that teachers had administered

SCHOLASTICS

Students at New Buffalo return to school after MDHHS extended ‘pause’ BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Students walk to the buses after the first day back at school Jan. 4

final exams virtually. Butler said that students being out of the building isn’t the preferred way for them to learn. “Kids do a lot better in person,” he said. The pause in in-person learning wasn’t unexpected though, as teachers had been prepping for it for quite a while. Being so prepared for the inevitable pause paid off. Looking at the grades from the exams that were administered virtually, Butler said that there

were “very few failures” among high school students. Butler said parents “become the school hall monitor” as well as ensure students are in front of their computer screens by 9:45 a.m. while they’re at home. “With online learning, there’s a huge responsibility on the parents,” Butler said. Upon returning to school, students and teachers will resume the activities that helped them be successful during the first trimester.

Students will throw on their coats and head outdoors once in awhile to take a break from wearing masks in class during “mask breaks.”

ue to a dozen staff members being sick or in quarantine and the difficulty with getting enough personnel to run the building, New Buffalo Elementary School also switched to remote learning the week before winter break.

Students also resumed in-person learning Jan. 4. “Attendance was very strong and teachers will able to continue teaching during a pandemic shut down. We learned a few things and will make adjustments accordingly,” New Buffalo Elementary School Principal Adam Bowen wrote in his elementary news update Tuesday, Dec. 22. In-person learning was more rigorous than it was last spring, as teachers took attendance before each class, New Buffalo Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie said. He said that this is the fourth year that the district has been using BetterLesson, which has prepared teachers to do remote learning. Leslie also talked with teachers after school let out for winter break, where they shared some concerns about returning in person. A couple asked for more plexiglass for their classrooms, he said. While Leslie said that he’s heard that there might be a spike in COVID-19 cases in mid-January, he’s still hopeful that this year can only get better – particularly with the administration of vaccines. “We’re all looking forward to the new year,” he said.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

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COVID-19 vaccination efforts underway in Berrien County

BERRIEN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOCUSES ON VACCINATING FIRST PRIORITY GROUPS

s of December 29, 2020, the Berrien County estimated timeline for the future, and notification for Moderna vaccine cannot be mixed and matched with the Health Department (BCHD) has received which groups will be next in line can be found through the similar Pfizer vaccine, although both vaccines use similar its initial allotment of Moderna COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. While these are Berrien County Health Department website, social media vaccine doses. channels and by signing up for the community newsletter. the first mainstream vaccines that use this technology, Frontline staff at the health department, mRNA technology for vaccines has been studied for “Vaccination is a critical tool in slowing the spread including those who will be providing the vaccine to some time. The Moderna vaccine has an Emergency Use of COVID-19 and bringing an end to this pandemic,” others, began receiving their first doses to prepare for the Authorization from the FDA and is recommended for said Nicki Britten, health officer, Berrien County Health upcoming mass vaccination efforts. individuals who are aged 18 and older. Department. “This is what public health is here for; Following guidance set forth by the Michigan “It has been long established in the medical and this safe and effective vaccine will be an important step Department of Health and Human Services, the Berrien scientific community that vaccination, where possible, is forward in protecting the health of residents of Berrien County Health the best strategy Department in infectious is currently disease focusing on prevention,” providing said Dr. Rick vaccines Johansen, to those medical individuals director, in Phase Berrien 1-A, Priority County Health Groups 1 and Department. 2, including “Vaccines work Emergency with your own Julie Billingsley, RN at Berrien County Health Department Berrien County Health Department Medical natural defenses receives her COVID-19 vaccine prepares for vaccination clinics Services (EMS) to safely develop personnel, immunity to medical first responders, and some long-term care facility County.” disease. The Moderna vaccine has been highly effective in Vaccination in one phase may not be complete before workers and residents. Concurrently, local hospital clinical trials and we are optimistic that vaccination will vaccination in another phase begins. There may be systems are vaccinating their health care workers, and help us beat COVID-19.” vaccination of individuals in different phases that occurs pharmacies are vaccinating residents and staff of most simultaneously. The timing of the start of vaccination in long-term care facilities. BCHD anticipates moving to ven after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, a phase is dependent on the supply of vaccine from the vaccinating Phase 1-A, Priority Group 3 within the next individuals should continue to take precautions manufacturer, how vaccine is allocated from the federal seven to 10 days. Vaccination for these priority groups such as social distancing, hand washing, and level to Michigan, and the capacity to administer the is being coordinated directly with the entities involved; mask wearing. These disease prevention vaccine to the different populations. It is projected that measures will need to be maintained until clinics are not open to the general public at this time. all residents ages 16+ will be able to get vaccinated by The prioritization guidance has an emphasis on pandemic activity is sufficiently reduced. mid-to-late 2021. ensuring continued functioning of the health care system For updates regarding BCHD’s COVID-19 vaccination The Moderna vaccine, which was allocated to the and essential services in the community, and protecting efforts, please visit www.bchdmi.org/COVID-19 and Berrien County Health Department, is a two-dose vaccine. sign up for the community newsletter. Additional people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. The first and second doses are spaced 28 days apart. After As vaccine availability increases, those who fall into resources can be found at a new website, supported by the second dose, the Moderna vaccine is 94.5% effective lower-risk groups will qualify. Communication regarding a regional collaborative, Vaccinate West Michigan, at vaccination progress in Berrien County, a tentative vaccinatewestmi.com. — STAFF REPORTS at preventing COVID-19 infection. The two doses of the

How I act tells me everything. — Dino

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12 THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

REAL ESTATE LAKE FRONT

ROB GOW CHRIS PFAUSER Residential, Commercial, Investment Properties Southwestern Michigan, Indiana Shoreline, Illinois

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I meet the designers very often, we discuss the products, they show me their ideas, we discuss the ad campaigns and every new invention that we can find for the future. — Bernard Arnault

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021 13

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14 THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

OBITUARIES

PUBLIC NOTICES salt, storm drain pipes, and sign materials. Brush removal/ chipping and hauling, leaf collection and hauling.

The City of New Buffalo is accepting resumes for a full-time position with benefits at the Department of Public Works. Must have Class B CDL with airbrakes specification or acquire within 60 days of hire. Maintenance of City owned building facilities and grounds, including but not limited to grass mowing, snow removal, maintenance and washing of vehicles, street paving and maintenance, drainage ditch, curb inlet and drainage pipe maintenance. Sidewalk and curb construction, minor concrete finishing, painting and weed spraying. Loads and unloads materials such as dirt, asphalt,

Candidate must have the physical strength, agility, endurance and ability to work outdoors, occasionally under adverse weather conditions. The following physical demands will be necessary at varying frequencies while performing the job: standing for long periods of time, walking, use of hands, reaching, climbing or balancing; stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling. May be required to lift and/or move heavy objects. Please submit a resume and an application to afidler@ cityofnewbuffalo.org, or mail to City Clerk at 224 W. Buffalo Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117 by January 15, 2020. The City of New Buffalo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ruth I. Magdzinski

1927-2020

uth I. Magdzinski, 93, of Bridgman, passed away on Dec. 28, 2020 at Woodland Terrace Senior Living. Ruth was born in Union Pier on April 24, 1927, to Joseph and Emma (Jirsa) Konvalinka. She attended elementary school at the old Union Pier School and New Buffalo High School, graduating in 1944. After graduation, she worked at the A & P grocery store in Michigan City, where she met and later married the love of her life, John R. “Johnny” Magdzinski. They were married on May 24, 1947, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Buffalo. The two were happily married for almost 68 years before his passing in 2015. The two enjoyed spending time at the beach and bowling on several different couples’ teams. After retirement, they traveled the States in their mobile home. They spent three months every winter at their home in Naples, FL and always celebrated Christmas there. They LOVED to dance, particularly the polka, and were the life of the party at many a wedding over the years. For about 12 years, they travelled every year to KitchenerWaterloo, Ontario, for the annual Oktoberfest. After moving to Lakeside, Ruth became a member of the Lakeside Association and the Lakeside School PTA. She worked hard for the community events such as, hiding eggs for the annual Easter egg hunt, volunteering for the Ice Cream Social, and co-founding the longlasting Lakeside Association Craft Show in the Park. Ruth also served on the Chikaming

Township Park Board for about 18 years. Ruth worked as an insurance agent for Metropolitan Life, and was their first woman insurance agent in this district. She later started working as a real estate agent for Bun Baldwin Real Estate Agency, and soon became a broker and started her own business, Lakeside Country Shores Realty. She was in real estate for 30 years until she retired. Ruth is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Steve) Beldorth of Lakeside; son, Stephen Magdzinski of Kalamazoo, MI; grandchildren, Ion Beldorth, Stephanie (Jason) Ashcraft, Christopher (Brooke), and Ted (Laura) Magdzinski, and Julia (Chris) Thurley; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jaxon, & Jessi Ashcraft, Taylor, Max, Brady, Miles & Calvin Magdzinski and Sasha Thurley; and niece, Shirley Lindborg. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; parents, Joseph and Emma; brothers, Joseph Jr. and George Konvalinka; sisters, Dorothy Konvalinka, Irma Smith, and Loretta Sadenwater; and niece, Joanne Smith. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo. A private family burial has taken place at Lakeside Cemetery. The family would like to thank all Ruth’s friends, family, and nursing staff who kept her spirits up these past few years. Memorials may be made to the Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry, 301 N Elm St, Three Oaks, MI 49128, Caring Circle Hospice of Lakeland, https://www. spectrumhealthlakeland.org/caring-circle/ give-now/donate, Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, www.rileykids.org or to any COVID relief organization of your choice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com.

DEATH NOTICES

SAWYER – Jon Ross Berry, age 80, of Sawyer, died Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Arrangements are pending at Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021 15

HOR0SCOPE JANUARY 7-13, 2021

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

The vibe for you this week will have a harmonizing affect. This is the time to reach out and settle differences, form truces and hammer out differences. Let relationships be reinforced by facing hardships or worries together. There is a stability that comes from having a strong friendship now.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

There is a nice ‘pick me up’ kind of vibe to the week. Not only will your physical energies rise, but your mental awareness will be more attuned, helping you handle paperwork and anything that requires attention to details. This is the time to get moving and solve complicated issues.

The vibe coming in this week will help you identify which of the goals you have are achievable, and which ones are made of hot air. Release yourself from illusions and do what it takes to get you on the right track. Start at the beginning, take those first steps and the rest will follow.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

This is the time to be more dynamic and influential with partners and coworkers. You are not just here to go along for the ride. You have a personal stake in things now. You would benefit a lot by being more vocal about where you want to go and what you need. Speak up.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

It’s important that you tune into what motivates you and keeps your creative juices flowing. Zap negative people and their energy draining viewpoints. Don’t listen to the nay say-ers. Stay focused on what’s important to you and do what it takes to stay on top of things.

There are some big-ticket items you may need to purchase now and it’s important you separate out your feelings about it before purchasing. Sometimes we think we need things based on our ego, rather than true necessity. Before you make any big purchases really investigate why you’re buying it.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Be on the lookout for double meanings and omens this week. Be aware that there is a lot happening behind the scenes and you may need to be a little subversive to get all the pertinent information. This is not the time to make off handed comments or brush things off. Pay attention to details.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 Use the stellar energy this week to be more demonstrative and emotional. This is the time to let your guard down and tell people how you feel about things. Your perspective on sticky emotional connections can really help other people see the truth. So, if they ask, go ahead and tell them.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

You will be ready to dig in and work more closely with others now. When you move into a more private space, away from the intrusion of others, you will get to know someone much better. It’s time to let your guard down, move away from the crowd, and get closer to someone.

The winds of change are blowing and this time they will help you make things around your home more stable and secure. So, open those windows and let things get stirred up. Things will fall into place after you mix it up first. This is the time to open up to new possibilities.

Pay very close attention to your gut feelings this week. Don’t brush those apprehensive vibes off. Investigate feelings of anxiety. They could be the thing that ques you into what is really keeping you from moving forward. Inner fears that go unchecked can really knock you off track.

There are some deeper issues that you will be facing on your own this week and talking with friends can help lighten that load now. Sharing your experiences will help you realize that you are stronger than you think, and that you have already made it through the worst.

Without temperance, can we think? — Dino

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16 THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

Stirring the Coffee MADAM ALEXA BY GAIL ISAACSON

o … a younger woman came to live with us. How does she look? Well … she’s younger than me, but kind of round, not much to look at. However, my husband finds her fascinating. He loves to ask her questions, … from the weather report, to asking her to sing like Aretha Franklin. And she does! I tell you, it’s uncanny. How did she come to infiltrate our lives? Some guy in a white van dropped her off at our house last week. And she made herself right at home. I am sick to death of her always being right and the way my husband asks her questions and talks to her in his sultriest voice. The one he always saved for me. She may be brilliant and all. But I find her kind of bossy. And she’s one of those women who are either totally “on” or they’re “off.” From the very beginning, she has favored my husband over me. In fact, she lights up when he talks to her. She’s got it in for me alright. I shouldn’t care what Alexa thinks of me, this is my house, not her’s. Alexa can be very sweet and helpful when she’s in one of her “on” moods. Usually she’s quite content to sit calmly on our ledge.

She can be totally Zen until my husband turns her on. That’s when the party begins. Whatever music he asks her to play, for instance, The Beatles, she plays their very best songs. She’s different with me. When I asked her to play “Frank Sinatra sings Cole Porter,” she picked the only song on the album that wasn’t by Cole Porter. I like to listen to WGN radio in the morning, which she calls “positively prehistoric.” Radio is dead,” she says, “don’t you know? I’m the new sensation.” I have to watch what I say around her because she’s a terrible eavesdropper. I feel like she is always listening to me. There is no such thing as a private conversation anymore. All week I’ve been trying to figure a way to get her out of my house. She is ruining my life. She’s not very heavy so I could just scoop her up one day and carry her outside. But where would I put her? I’ve got a plan. I will wait for one of those white Prime trucks - a common sight in my neighborhood. When the driver stops to deliver a package, I’ll just place her on the truck, run back in my house and lock the door. On a morning my husband wasn’t

home, I carried out my plan. I waited for a Prime truck to pass by. While the driver was delivering his bounty, I put her on the Prime truck, ran in the house and slammed the door. At last - I was free from Miss know it all! Then there was a knock on the door. I opened it to find the truck driver standing on my porch, casually cradling you know who in his arms. She didn’t light up when she saw me. “Good morning sir,” I said. “Can I help you?” “Yeah, If I’m not mistaken, I think this lady lives here. How did she end up on my truck?” “I have no idea,” I lied, “I’ve never seen her before.” “Hmmmmm, I distinctly remember handing her over to the man of the house a while ago. And he seemed darned happy to see her. I don’t want to get involved with your private life, but I think your husband is looking for someone younger. Anyway, I won’t take her back. Not this time, not ever! As far as I’m concerned, she’s used merchandise.” “Please take her back, Mr. truck driver. I can’t handle her anymore. She listens in on my phone calls, waiting to hear me utter her name. Then she starts blaring music so loudly the entire house shakes.” “What do you want me to do with her? She listened to my phone calls too. It was my wife who finally threw her out. That Alexa is a real homewrecker. “Adieu little lady, I’ve got lots of books, socks and underwear to deliver.” Stuck in my dilemma again, I decided the only way out was to put her in the

garbage. I know it sounds heartless, but I was a desperate woman, fighting for my privacy and my marriage. So I wrapped her in plain brown paper, took her to the alley and gingerly dropped her in the overflowing garbage bin. Hooray, I felt free at last.

ait a minute. Someone is knocking at my door. Well look who’s here, “Hello Mr. Garbage man, what can I do for you today?” Then I saw Alexa, peeping out from his arm behind him. He shoved her at me. “Lady, don’t lay this little Lolita on me,” he said “My wife won’t just stand for it!” “Well I won’t take her back – she is ruining my life!” He offered some advice: “The landfill on Forest Lawn road is filled to the brim with Alexas. They’re all chattering away and keeping the neighborhood up at night. Eventually, she’ll end up with the plastic bags in the middle of the ocean. Sorry lady, that’s the best advice I can offer you.” So I put her in the trunk of my car and drove to the landfill. As I tossed her on top, the sound of Alexa’s voice, many times duplicated startled me. I’m getting you your Taylor Swift, I’m getting you your Stevie Wonder.” But her voice could be heard above the din. “I’m getting you your archaic WGN radio. I tried not to feel guilty as I heard her blaring Whitney Houston singing I Will Always Love You. Alexa sure does know how to lay on a guilt trip!

C H EC K O U T O U R NE W LO C AT I O N IN SOUTH BEND

2 3 1 S . M I C H I G A N S T, S O U T H B E ND, I N 4 6 6 0 1 F I ND U S O N I N S TAG R A M & FAC E B O O K ! @ T H E E A R LY B I R D E AT E RY W W W.T H E E A R LY B I R D E AT E RY.CO M

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021 17

PUBLIC NOTICES Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Epidemic Orders.

MY SHELTER PETS ARE MY BIGGEST FANS

Pursuant to the Open Meetings Act, Act 267 of 1976, and the MDHHS Epidemic Orders, the Township Board also gives notice of the following: TOWNSHIP OF NEW BUFFALO NOTICE OF ELECTRONIC MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING ON PUBLIC SAFETY SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Township Board of the Township of New Buffalo, Berrien County, Michigan, has determined to proceed with creating a special assessment district to defray, in whole or part, the costs of maintaining and operating its fire department and maintaining its contracts for police protection and emergency medical services (Public Safety Special Assessment District No. 1). The Township Board has tentatively determined that these costs will be specially assessed against the taxable value of all real property in the Township, except property that is exempt from collection of taxes under the General Property Tax Act, for a period of twenty (20) years, at a proposed rate of 2.1 mills. TAKE NOTICE that the Township Board of the Township of New Buffalo, Berrien County, Michigan will be holding a meeting on January 19, 2021 at 4:00p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to hold a public hearing to hear and consider any objections to the proposed special assessment, the district and all other matters relating to the Public Safety Special Assessment District No. 1. and to consider any business to come before the Township Board as permitted by law. Property will not be added to the proposed special assessment district without further notice and public hearing. This meeting will only be held electronically pursuant to the Open Meetings Act and the Michigan

Reason for Electronic Meeting. The Township Board is holding the meeting by electronic means only because of the gathering restrictions and social distancing requirements set forth in the MDHHS Epidemic Order in effect at the time of this notice and due to health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Procedures. The public may participate in the meeting and may make public comment electronically by video or telephone conference using the following information: Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 822 6370 9921 Or by telephone: (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: 822 6370 9921 **To unmute microphone from a cell phone dial *6 (star 6) To raise your hand from a cell phone dial *9 (star 9) Contact Information. For those who desire to contact members of the Township Board to provide input or ask questions on the business that will come before the Township Board at the meeting, please contact Judy Zabicki, Township Clerk, at jhzabicki@newbuffalotownship.org prior to the start of the meeting. Persons with Disabilities. Persons with disabilities may participate in the meeting through the methods set forth in paragraph 2. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services in order to attend electronically should notify the Clerk at (269) 469-1011 Ext 104 within a reasonable time in advance of the meeting. By: Judy Zabicki, Clerk 17425 Red Arrow Highway New Buffalo, MI 49117 Telephone No: (269) 469-1011 81845:00002:5182479-1

CLASSIFIED ADS Please submit your classified ad via email at classifieds@newbuffalotimes. com. New Buffalo Times can now accept online payments with a credit card or paypal. Go to our website, www. newbuffalotimes.com, and submit $14 per week for a classified ad of up to 160 characters. Deadline is Friday 5PM before the following week’s publication.

FOR RENT

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NEW BUFFALO Year Around Rental. Large 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.Will be available in September/October. Quiet Living, no pets. $750-$925 per month. For more information call 269-469-1364.

HELP WANTED

LOVE WORKING OUTDOORS AND IN THE TREES? Awesome, outdoor, low covid exposure, summer work. C&A Arborists, your local tree care professionals, are looking for help!! Drivers license required, CDL preferred. Please call 269-756-2571, email jamietreephilosophy@gmail.com. FULL TIME COOK POSITION IN LAPORTE 1 Year Experience. Call Oak Woods Manor for more details. 219-362-6600. CONSTRUCTION WORKERS EXPERIENCE PREFERRED Carpentry drywall flooring tile setting windows doors and decking. Must be 18 years or older with valid drivers license. Heavy lifting involved. 219-808-1329. johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com

SERVICES

FISH FOR STOCKING Most Varieties Pond Lakes. Laggis Fish Farm 269-628-2056 Days, 269-624-6215 Eve ELDERLY CARE NEEDED? Compassionate help available to care for your loved ones. Experienced and Dependable. Call Diane 219-344-2265

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18 THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Tom Rossman, Agent 815 E Buffalo New Buffalo, MI 49117 Bus: 269-469-4442 Toll Free: 866-848-5266 www.tomrossman.net State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1211999

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ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE PLEASE CONTACT JANINE L. ADAMSKI JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM (630) 370-0820

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

New Buffalo Times

— SINCE 1942 —

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021 19

30 N Whittaker St michigan city e Deli by day 219.874.3553

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salon

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30 N Whittaker St Deli by day

Open 6 days davidsdeliandcoffee.com

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16409 Red Arrow Highway | Union Pier

Whittaker Street 11 N.N.Whittaker Street Suite A A Suite NewBuffalo, Buffalo, MI MI 49117 New 49117

269.469.3636 269.469.3636

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