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Planning Commission takes first steps in marijuana businesses discussion
Local Government Meetings
New Buffalo Times
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CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN FLANAGAN City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS to be determined NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD PETE RAHM, MICHELLE HEIT, JUDY H. ZABICKI, PATTY IAZZETTO, JACK ROGERS 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
NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD CHUCK HEIT, PRESIDENT HEATHER BLACK, VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HASKINS, TREASURER LISA WERNER, SECRETARY JOYCE LANTZ, TRUSTEE FRANK MARGRO, TRUSTEE PATRICIA NEWSTON, TRUSTEE CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, BILL MARSKE Chikaming 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 7PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM
Planning Commission takes first steps in marijuana businesses discussion
Members of the City of New Buffalo Planning Commission started the process of making a future recommendation with regards to how marijuana businesses would be regulated should they be allowed in the city at a special meeting Tuesday, Feb. 1.
Planning Commission Chair Paul Billingslea said that they were there that night to elicit feedback form the public. Since the city is in the process of rezoning, he feels that it’s a timely conversation.
“I think we need to take a hard look at zoning and decide what uses we want to allow in New Buffalo,” he said.
Billinglsea said that the results of the survey, which was sent out to residents, revealed that 60% are in favor of having some type of marijuana business in the city (some were in favor of medical but not recreational) and 40% were opposed.
City Manager Darwin Watson said that the City Council had requested that the Planning Commission have at least a public hearing to then “make a recommendation to the council as to how to regulate, whether to opt in – just what they think should be done.”
City attorney Nick Curcio said that the 2008 MMMA (Michigan Medical Marijuana Act) authorized a medical marijuana program in Michigan through a caregiver system. Individuals could assist five qualifying patients who had medical marijuana cards and could provide a limited amount of marijuana to them, a program that still exists today.
In 2016, the governor signed legislation to fill the “perceived gap in that statute with the provisioning centers and the other businesses that we now know.” Under the Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA), the five types of marijuana facilities are “all licensed and regulated by
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA the state:” growers, processers, provisioning centers, secure transporters, and safety compliance facilities.
Proposal 2018-1, which was a statewide ballot initiative that legalized recreational, or adult use, marijuana, was approved by 57% of Michigan voters. The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA) was adopted as a result of the approval of the initiative.
After the MRTMA was approved by voters, the New Buffalo City Council adopted an ordinance opting out of all marijuana businesses, which means that no licenses for marijuana businesses can be issued in the city at this time.
Municipalities can “adopt opt in ordinances that limit the number of any given business type,” Curcio said.
“When this is done, especially on the MRTMA recreational side, the statute says that the ordinance has to provide a way to select among competing applicants using a competitive process,” he said.
Curcio said some municipalities have chosen to limit the number of facilities through zoning ordinances, which include spacing regulations and limiting the number of zoning districts where they can be located.
Under the 2018 statute, there’s a 10% excise tax on retailers and a portion of the tax is distributed to municipalities that have either adult use retailers or adult use microbusinesses within their communities.
Curcio said the disbursement per facility to a municipality in 2021 was about $28,000.
During a public hearing, Roger Barbour said he built out a restaurant on his property on South Whittaker Street right as Covid hit. Now, he’s considering doing something different with the property, noting that a dispensary “makes a whole lot of sense out there.” He feels that traffic can be regulated by zoning, as dispensaries could only be allowed “right at the edges of the city” where people could “get marijuana, turn around and head back.”
Regarding marijuana sales, he said in 2021, sales were $1.3 billion and the excise tax is 10% of that, which is a 257% increase.
“So, if you just do the math, we’re looking at something like $72,000 to the city for having a single dispensary,” he said.
Tom Ferrell said his business, The Refinery in Kalamazoo, provides about 25 to 28 full time full paying jobs to locals. He added that they also work with local charities and the city asking, “what they want out of us.”
Sean Callahan said that, while he’s in favor of dispensaries in the city, he believes they should be pushing for the selling of local products and not “just another chain coming in her telling us how it should look.”
Jamie Cooper, a licenses and owner of a cannabis lifestyle magazine, said that a study showed that about one in five Michigan residents consume cannabis, with the same amount dealing with chronic pain.
She said the marijuana industry has resulted in 33,000 jobs so far having been created in the state.
Berrien County Undersheriff Chuck Heit said that he spoke with the police chief in Buchanan and Niles (both of which have dispensaries) and said that one of the biggest issues they must deal with is parking.
Heit said that it’s been discovered that people who come into the municipality to visit the dispensary usually pick up their product and leave and don’t stay to shop in the nearby stores.
He added that there haven’t “really been law issues” in Buchanan and Niles with regards to having dispensaries there.
The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers. — Thomas Jefferson
FLOOD RELIEF ON THE WAY FOR SUBDIVISION
Residents of a large subdivision in La Porte County will see relief from longstanding problems with flooding.
The La Porte County Commissioners on Feb. 2 approved a bid of slightly more than $1 million to improve drainage at Meadowview Estates.
Commissioner Joe Haney said many of the residents operate two sump pumps at a time from spring to fall to keep their basements dry and keep an extra one in stock to plug in right away should one of their sump pumps go out.
“I’m glad we’re finally moving it forward here,” said Haney, who made addressing the issue a top priority after taking his seat on the governing body for the first time last year.
The bid submitted by Woodruff and Sons Construction of Michigan City was about half as much as the next lowest of the five other bids.
Haney said the plan is to run a drainage pipe about 1,000 feet to carry excess storm water from the subdivision three miles south of La Porte to Kingsbury Ditch.
He said the project will also alleviate flooding from other developments, farmland and roads in the surrounding area.
Haney said flooding became an issue several years ago when the subdivision expanded and other developments emerged around it.
The area with a high water table began holding more water than it was able to drain.
“It’s just kind of a culmination of a series of unfortunate events that led to the position they’re in today,” he said.
Haney said the hope is to begin the project as soon as possible.
The commissioners also approved a $2.4 million bid from Reith Riley Construction of La Porte on two road projects.
La Porte County Planner Mitch Bishop said the bid is for resurfacing a five mile stretch of 500 West between U.S. 6 and Indiana 2 and 150 North eight miles from Lofgren Road to the St. Joseph County line.
Bishop said new shoulders and striping on both roads are included in the work, which must receive final approval by the La Porte County Council.
The state is providing $1 million toward the cost of the projects under its Community Crossings program, which awards road money to local governments providing dollars toward the improvements.
Bishop said La Porte County has been receiving at or close to the $1 million annual maximum under the program over the past several years. — STAN MADDUX
Small Town Ground awarded February Business of the Month
State Sen. Kim LaSata recently announced Small Town Grounds and Florist of Bridgman as the recipient of the Small Business of the Month award for February.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and provide both a service to local customers and a paycheck for local workers,” said LaSata, R-Coloma. “Small Town Grounds is a family-owned business that truly cares for their customers and even partners with other local businesses to support the community. They are a shining example of what this award represents.”
The business was founded by Cheri Heward and her son Eric. Small Town Grounds and Florist currently employs more than eight people and provides quality, freshly ground coffee in-house or directly to people’s homes. They serve residents all over the region, including Bridgman, St. Joseph, Sawyer, Stevensville, and other area communities. They also see regional customers from throughout the Midwest.
“I always enjoy meeting with small business owners to see the day-to-day operations and experience first-hand the role they play in their communities,” LaSata said. “I am happy to present Small Town Grounds and Florist with this award and appreciate them sharing their story with me and allowing me to spend some time in their shop.”
Residents wishing to nominate a small business may do so at www.statesenatorkimlasata.com/ business-of-the-month, or by sending an email to senklasata@ senate.michigan.gov. — STAFF
Student Senate sponsoring Empty Bowls Dinner
The New Buffalo High School Student Senate is sponsoring the 10th annual Empty Bowls Dinner in the New Buffalo High School Cafeteria from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday,
Feb. 15.
A suggested donation of $10 will provide guests with a ceramic bowl made by a New Buffalo Area Schools student, and a meal of soup or chili with crackers, a beverage, and a dessert.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Blessings in a Backpack program.
New Buffalo Middle/High School is located at 1112 E. Clay Street in New Buffalo. — STAFF
REPORTS
Board of Commissioners begins application process for ARPA fund requests
The Berrien County Board of Commissioners approved Resolution #B2201191 at their Thursday, Jan. 27, meeting, which begins the application process for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund requests.
One of the approved uses of the funds is to invest in Broadband in underserved and unserved areas. The federal government guidelines allow Berrien County to sub-grant a portion of their allocated ARPA funds to local entities for the purpose of deploying broadband.
Berrien County is inviting interested organizations to submit applications for broadband proposals. The application inviting local entities to request those sub-granted ARPA funds is now available and can be found on the Berrien County website at www. berriencounty.org/1833/ARPA-Funds
Instructions for the requirements and process are contained in the application.
— STAFF REPORTS
Hikers will explore ancient lakebed
The Harbor Country Hikers (HCH) will hike a portion of the bed of ancient Lake Baroda, an iceage-era body of water that once stretched nearly the entire length of Berrien County, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Hickory Creek Preserve and adjoining Knauf Park in St. Joseph, Michigan.
Before leading the group on a 2.1mile walk along the edge of the preserve, Hikers President Pat Fisher will give a brief introductory talk on the geology and history of the extinct lake. The path will take the group through a variety of habitats— woodland, savanna, streams, marshes and ponds. Estimated total time for the event is two hours, and the hike is rated “easy.”
Attendees are urged to dress in layers, wear sturdy boots and a warm hat, and bring plenty of water. Depending on the weather, there may be some wet or icy stretches. Though membership is encouraged, most Hikers events, including this one, are open to the public. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
HCH observes federal and state Covid guidelines, and face masks are currently optional. The group owns an all-terrain rollator—an outdoor walker with oversized wheels—and makes it available on a first-come, first-served basis by email at harborcountryhikers@gmail.com. More information about the Feb.19 hike and HCH in general is available at www. harbourcountryhikers.com or on Facebook at Harbor County Hikers. — STAFF REPORTS
SPORTS
From the Bleachers
COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
This week will be difficult to
put a positive spin on things, but I think I’m up to the task.
Let’s start with football.
This is the week before the “big game,” so there was no action on the field. Off the field was a different story.
The Chicago Bears have a new general manager, assistant general manager, head coach, and every assistant coach. Most of the “experts,” and many of us who aren’t exactly experts, think the Bears did a really good job. I like that the Bears obtained assistants from both the Packers and Vikings.
Our first clue as to how the new regime will do will come in March when free agents can be signed, and then near the end of April when the college draft takes place. I’m extremely anxious to see how the Bears roster looks after the draft and free agency.
Major League Baseball’s owners and players seem to be on a collision course to delay the season with a strike. It’s amazing to me that billionaires and millionaires aren’t able to “read the room” and come to an agreement.
Baseball fans everywhere would be counting down the days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training and the sport would be such a welcome diversion from the pandemic. Instead, the powers that be are further alienating their paying customers, all for a few extra bucks. The sad thing for the White Sox and their fans is that they should be one of the best teams in baseball this year.
For the Cubs and their fans it won’t be so bad, because they aren’t expected to compete. I sure hope this gets settled quickly.
The NBA All-Star game is fast approaching. On February 20th, the best basketball players in the world will play a lot of offense—and a little defense—and put on quite a show.
The Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan will start and Zach LaVine will be a reserve. Unfortunately, the Bulls lost Sunday and fell one half game behind Miami for first place in the Eastern conference.
Because of the loss, Bulls coach Billy Donovan will not be coaching the game, and that’s really a shame because he has done such a great job so far this season. If it weren’t for all the injuries the Bulls have suffered, they would be running away from the rest of the teams in the league. With a little luck, everyone will be healthy when the playoffs roll around.
Locally, New Buffalo and La Lumiere are both having terrific seasons. La Lumiere is a perennial powerhouse, but New Buffalo is having a breakout season. Good luck to both teams.
Confucius said, “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.”
Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
Bison soundly defeat stubborn Mustangs
BY STAN MADDUX
After suffering their first loss of the season, the New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball advantage going into the fourth quarter. The Mustangs pulled to within 13 points on three quick buckets from McNabb and senior Patrick team won their second game in a row Friday, Feb. 4, against talented arch rival River Valley.
The Bison jumped out to a 9 to 1 lead but the Mustangs made a game of it for a while before a packed house at River Valley.
Fueling the fast start for the Bison was the three point shooting of senior Kaden Parmley.
The Mustangs later in the first quarter pulled to within one point from a steal and lay-up by junior Jayden McNabb, who then laid the ball into net after catching a pass in mid-air from junior Josh Seifert.
Starting the second quarter with a five-point lead, the Bison began putting the game away when senior Zack Forker, after grabbing a rebound, passed the ball the length of the court to a streaking Mark Shaw for a layup.
A blocked shot by Forker led to another lay-up and 12-point lead for the Bison, who went up by 17 points on a lay-up from senior Ryan Vinson before another blocked shot by Forker.
The shooting and play making of Parmley and senior Jeremiah Mitchell were keys to a third quarter run for the Bison, who took what appeared to be a commanding 22-point lead.
The momentum swung back to the Mustangs momentarily when Seifert blocked a shot nearly into the stands.
However, the Bison came roaring back to regain a 20 point Driscoll. Any hope for a comeback was doused after Parmley fouled on a driving lay-up and hit a freethrow with less than 60 seconds on the game clock. Head coach Nate Tripp said a fast start was part of the game plan to take the crowd out of the game.
Tripp said he also didn’t want to give the Mustangs an early confidence booster given the level of talent on their team.
He said the Mustangs chipped into the lead from his players in the second half becoming less disciplined, which led to poor shot selection, turnovers and being outrebounded.
“Our guys kind of went into cruise control mode,” he said.
Tripp said his players were more overwhelming when they passed the ball to open shooters and attacked the boards, which is part of the killer instinct he wants to see consistently from his team.
“The game was never in doubt but we certainly left it to the point where they could hang around,” he said.
Parmley scored 31 points while Mitchell contributed 20 points and Vinson 10 points.
McNabb and Seifert scored 22 points and 18 points respectively for the Mustangs.
The Bison improved to 12-1 while River Valley dropped to 8-4.
BY STAN MADDUX
The New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team dropped slightly from its No. 1 ranking in Class D after losing to Brandywine last week.
The Bison are ranked No. 3 in the latest Michigan High School Athletic Association power rankings. The Bison recently added much needed bench depth and a potential starting player in the event of injury or sickness. Anthony Anderson is a senior transfer student from Michigan City. The 5’ 11” Anderson is another player in a line-up loaded
The rankings also reveal the Bison could have a fight on their hands in repeating as District 4 champions in the post season.
Eau Claire is ranked No. 13 in the power rankings after losing to River Valley, which moved up to No. 18 in the ratings based largely on strength of schedule.
Another District 4 team, Countryside Academy, came in ranked No. 24 in the power rankings.
“Having four teams in the top 24 shows how good of competition we’re playing,” said New Buffalo Head Coach Nate Tripp.
The Bison defeated teams from the three schools, Class A Sturgis and a very talented South Bend Career Academy before losing Jan. 28 to Class C Brandywine.
Tripp said many of his players were fighting colds and other sicknesses in the loss to the Bobcats.
He said the players are feeling much better now and it showed with their energy level Friday night against River Valley.
“We got one or two guys who are still in the recovery mode. We’re heading in the right direction,” he said. with speed and quickness and ability to score while running the court and shooting from the outside. Tripp said Anderson is already making a positive impact on a team with a mission to bring home a state title. Anderson scored six points and dished out three assists in just over 17 minutes of playing time against River Valley. “He’s playing nice defense for us. He’s still trying to learn the system. The more he learns the more I think he’s going to be able to help us down the stretch,” he said.
The top two teams in the latest power rankings, Hannahville Nah Tah Wahsh and Mackinac Island, are in the Upper Peninsula of the state.
Tripp said his players were disappointed from no longer being ranked No. 1 but learned what it takes to remain at the top.
“They’re kids. They like seeing that. It makes them feel good as it should. It’s something to be proud of. I think they learned they either go 100% or they let me know they can’t go 100% and we’ll get someone else in for them,” he said.
Bison boys beat Countryside 94-77
BY STAN MADDUX
The New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team overcame major obstacles to defeat a talented Countryside Academy squad on the road Tuesday, Feb. 8.
The Bison won 94 to 77 but had just a three point lead entering the fourth quarter.
Head Coach Nate Tripp said the difference in the game was the fast paced style of play from his team on offense and defense wearing down the opponents.
“Countryside got a little bit fatigued and we were able to keep the accelerator down and pull away,” he said.
The Bison (13-1) began the first half without two of their starters and a key member off the bench available.
Anthony Anderson, a transfer student from Michigan City joining the team last month, played a major role in keeping the game close until the two starters out for disciplinary reasons during the first half returned to the floor.
The quick, sharp shooting Anderson continued to come through after Ryan Vinson and Jeremiah Harrison fouled out late in the third quarter and early in the fourth quarter.
The 5’11” Anderson finished the game with 19 points.
“The kid is going to be a really nice piece for us,” Tripp said.
Tripp said a tough zone defense by Countryside Academy along with their “tremendous athletes” posed major difficulties for his players until they took control in the fourth quarter despite being in foul trouble.
Mark Shaw led the Bison with 28 points.
Vinson scored 13-points while Zack Forker and Anthony Lijewski contributed 12 point and nine points respectively.
Forker also blocked four shots and grabbed 15 rebounds.
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