April 6, 2023

New Buffalo Times

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Milda’s Corner

Facebook Marketplace used in busted theft ring

BY STAN MADDUX

Arecent theft ring crossing state lines was solved from surveillance video capturing both suspects stealing a trailer near Union Pier.

That’s according to authorities, who also revealed at least one of the stolen trailers was sold using Facebook Marketplace.

One member of the ring has a criminal history that includes the theft of a sex toy.

Jeffrey Glancy, Sr., 50, and Dustin Bush, 29, are each charged in LaPorte County, Indiana, with three level 6 felony counts of theft.

They’re expected to face a similar charge for the trailer theft in Michigan once their Indiana cases have been decided in the courts.

According to court documents, the Michigan City area men stole three trailers during a recent two-week period in LaPorte County and one trailer in the New Buffalo area.

At least one of the stolen trailers was sold using Facebook Marketplace.

Police said the enclosed utility trailer was offered for $1,600 on Facebook Marketplace but sold for $1,100 after Bush and the unsuspecting buyer negotiated the final asking price.

The buyer from Cedar Lake, Indiana, made the one-hour drive to meet Bush on March 8 at Country Acres Apartments in LaPorte to retrieve the trailer, police said.

Later, the buyer learned the trailer was stolen during a computer check of the serial number at a license branch,

where he attempted to have his name transferred to the registration as the current owner.

According to court documents, the cases were solved from leads obtained during the trailer heist on Union Pier Road in New Buffalo Township.

Two men captured on surveillance video stealing the trailer were identified when the images were shown by Berrien County authorities to police in LaPorte County who recognized them from their past criminal dealings.

Glancy, who has several prior theft related convictions, was released by the Indiana Department of Corrections last year after serving about a five-year sentence for burglary and escape.

Bush, who was released from prison in 2020 after serving about a four-year sentence for burglary, also has a history of other theft and drug related convictions, authorities said.

According to court documents, Bush was once charged with burglary after being chased from a burned-out apartment by police in LaPorte in 2015.

The pursuit ended with an officer yelling at him to drop what was believed to be a possible firearm from his hand.

The item turned out to be a long rubber purple colored sex toy allegedly stolen from the condemned residence, police said.

That charge was later dismissed as part of a plea agreement on a conviction for another burglary, according to court records.

GAS STATION SHOOTING LEADS TO PRISON

Aman has been sentenced to prison for a shooting at a downtown LaPorte gas station.

Charles Turner on March 31 received a seven year prison sentence in La Porte Circuit Court.

The shooting in March of last year was at the Conoco station at 104 East Lincolnway. According to court documents, the 36-year-old Turner was looking for a man over stolen money when he spotted him inside a vehicle that pulled into the gas station. Turner approached the man near the pumps and during an exchange shot him in the foot with a 16 gauge shotgun. Police said the limping victim tried stabbing Turner before fleeing on foot.

Turner allegedly in possession of cocaine and methamphetamine was taken into custody a short time later. Under terms of a plea agreement, the LaPorte man was sentenced for unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.

Turner was prohibited from having firearms because of a prior conviction for dealing cocaine.

Authorities said the shooting was over $600 the victim was accused of stealing from the gunman’s home. — STAN

MADDUX

I wish you well. — Gwyneth Paltrow

Local Government Meetings

New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO

JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL

MARK ROBERTSON, ROGER LIJESKI, JOHN HUMPHREY, BRIAN FLANAGAN, VANCE PRICE

City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS

Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30PM

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

SHERIFF BERRIEN COUNTY

L. Paul Bailey, Sheriff

Chuck Heit, Undersheriff

NEW BUFFALO AREA

RECREATIONAL AUTHORITY

Meets at 10AM on the 2nd Wednesday of every other month at New Buffalo Township Hall, 17425 Red Arrow Highway New Buffalo

NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD

PAUL KELLER, LISA WERNER, JOHN HASKINS, DENISE CHURCHILL, BRADLEY BURNER, TRICIA NEWTON, VANESSA THUN

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

Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM

MARY ROBERTSON, CLERK

HARRY WALDER BLAKE O’HALLORAN, JAMES BRACEWELL, PETER DOERR, EDWARD BRANDES

MICHIANA

VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL

Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

New Buffalo DDA board discuss beach signage

Members of the New Buffalo Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board of Directors discussed issues related to the beach in their first meeting in over a year Thursday, March 30.

Members approved forming a committee to work on the beachfront signage issue.

Mayor John Humphrey said that police chief Rich Killips and parks director Kristin D’Amico determined that they have the budget to do digital signage at the beach.

The city council agreed in a “split vote” to signage “based on the argument that we need to put trust in our department heads as city officials to make proper recommendations on what’s important for public safety, which is our number one concern at the beach” because this is the “biggest liability for taxpayers,” Humphrey said.

He added that while they voted on the signs, he hasn’t seen drawings of them in terms of aesthetics and adjustments can be made if needed.

Reasons for the signs that were given by Killips and D’Amico were people’s misunderstanding of what a red flag means, communication issues about the parking lot and when it’s full and the need to immediately alert the public to lake conditions and inclement weather.

Humphrey said people respond to lighted signs better than printed ones. The signs would be able to be seen during the day but wouldn’t be on at night, so there’d be no light pollution.

Noting that no one’s interested in changing the natural landscape, DDA board chair Robert Kemper said that it’s important that committee members work with Killips and D’Amico and support their needs at the beach.

“I think we all understand the demands that are down there to some degree

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

but they probably have a much greater understanding of those demands because they’re down there every single day, so I think it’s important they’re in the discussion,” he said, adding that the beach is part of the DDA district.

While the signs have been ordered, Humphrey said he hasn’t signed the check.

It was agreed that the committee could present on the signage issue by April 14.

Regarding public restrooms, Humphrey said that he proposed buying a trailer bathroom; however, there are several logistics issues involved with regards to owning a bathroom that must be moved around. As a result, Humphrey said there’s talk about renting one at the beach.

Money was invested to fix the plumbing at the current bathrooms at the beach. While the bathrooms are sufficient based on the parking lot size area, there’s a need for additional ones based on the number of people going to the beach via foot traffic.

Humphrey said the best recommendations he’s had were to build a structure “additional to the municipal marina;” however, there are “logistical issues there that have to be sorted out for what those costs are.”

“We just don’t have a good space without acquiring property, which means either eminent domain or buying something outright at prices that are extremely not friendly to the city budget,” he said.

Kemper said that the DDA could move the bathroom issue into a committee for further discussion.

With regards to the city’s project to improve the beachfront, Humphrey said that plans are currently in development for Phase One, which includes the sea wall, riverwalk and pedestrian bridge. The first phase has been held up by the state as a result of Covid and the processing of permits through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy

(EGLE), as the project has been paid for by grants and the funding gap was addressed through an additional loan. Phase Two will be addressing the road and roundabout and the last one is the beach and concession stand and parking lot.

On finances, city treasurer Kate Vyskocil said the DDA has had a negative tax capture since 2016 and that this is the first year there’s been a positive one.

For the summer taxes this year in terms of the TIF (Tax Increment Financing), the city has collected $77,301.82 and then winter was $1,079.89, so the total there is $79,011.67.

When the TIF was created, a resolution stated that the “council shall annually allocate the sum of $40,000 sourced from the TIF financing captured funds to the city.”

“Anything above that means the balance is going to go towards the reduction of debt, so 90% shall be reserved for current or future reduction of a debt, which is basically the bond from the downtown project and then 10% in a reserve,” Vyskocil said.

Vyskocil said out of the city’s $79,000, $40,000 goes into DDA and the remaining $35,110.50 goes toward paying off the bond and then 10% will go to the reserve.

The DDA was created in 2013 and will expire at the end of this year unless the city council decides to extend it, Vyskocil said.

Kemper reminded everyone of the need for three more members to sit on the DDA Board of Directors, as members JV Peacock and Jody Sullivan have also submitted their resignations in addition to Doug Roch. A member doesn’t need to reside in the city but must own, rent or manage a business in the downtown or DDA district.

The decline of literature indicates the decline of a nation.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

HIKERS TO HIT THE TRAILS OF WARREN WOODS FOR EARLY SPRING HIKE

The Harbor Country Hikers will take on the trails of Warren Woods State Park at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 15.

Warren Woods is famous for its old growth stands of Maple, Beech and Tulip Poplar. Many of its trails offer a view of flood plains and bluffs rich in wildflowers.

Historic fire house sold to developer

BY STAN MADDUX

It was a fire station in LaPorte when firefighters responded on horses pulling wagons.

For the last 30 years, the solid red brick structure built in 1907 has been a place for senior citizens to go for recreation and to socialize.

The downtown building still has a future but a much different one appears to be on the horizon.

The city has agreed to sell the two story building with a basement to developer Dudley Beyer of Valparaiso for just over $200,000.

La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Executive Director Bert Cook said he expects closing on the sale to occur early in the summer.

“It’s a really cool historic building,” he said.

Cook said plans have not been finalized but the vision is professional office space offering some form of recreational opportunities for tenants.

He said the concept reflects what young professionals, especially those in urban areas, prefer nowadays, such as a work environment that has things like a weight room for exercising with housing and restaurants in close proximity.

There’s been some talk of providing an outdoor green space for a fire pit and games like corn hole.

“Amenities that make it fun to be in business,” said La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody.

Cook said the future use will become more defined as the design begins taking final shape during the renovation of the structure after closing.

Beyer was behind the recent upgrading of another downtown building about two blocks away at Lincolnway and Monroe Street.

That structure contains “Downtown Delights,” which serves frozen yogurt and smoothies.

There’s also quality housing above the main level.

“He’s done a really nice job on the building he redeveloped and we’re excited for him to take on another opportunity,” Cook said.

Dermody said the fire station plans to continue the momentum of trendy businesses opening in renovated structures downtown over the past few years.

It’s also going to become something unique, which is also part of the game plan for drawing more people to walk and experience downtown.

“We got a lot of work but right now this will add to the list and we’re excited to see it develop,” he said.

The La Porte Park and Recreation Department operates the senior center.

Parks superintendent Mark Schreiber said the plan is to move the senior center within the next several weeks to a different site for a couple years and then relocate it to a permanent location.

“We’ve said all along that we would like to have a spring move. We’re very close to having a new site identified,” he said.

“Our route follows the Galien River,” said Hikers president and hike leader Pat Fisher. “The old-growth trees provide plenty of shade along the way. Some of the trees are quite tall--many exceed 100 ft. and are up to five feet in diameter. As a bonus, we will be visiting several seldomused sections of the park.”

Membership is preferred, but all are welcome at this event. Attendees are advised to dress for the weather, be prepared for muddy spots along the trail, and bring plenty of water. The hike will be about 2.5 mi. long and last two hours. It is rated moderately physically difficult. For more about the Harbor Country Hikers and about this event, including driving directions to the park, visit the group’s website, harborcountryhikers.com, and its Facebook page, Harbor Country Hikers. — STAFF

REPORTS

Students put on a show in praise of ‘America’

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Patriotic pride was out in full force on the stage at the New Buffalo Performing Arts Center during the New Buffalo Elementary School’s annual spring performance, “America,” which took place Wednesday, April 1. Waving their American flags high, students in third, fourth and fifth grades sang their way through aa medley of tunes in praise of their country against an American flag as a backdrop. Students sang the traditional patriotic tunes, such as “The Star Spangled Banner” (in which the audience was told to stand and sing along) and “God Bless America” and some new gems, such as “Americans Every day,” “Our States Are Great” and “We the People.” During “American Tears,” a slide show paying respects to veterans (including some who were members of the students’ families) played in the background. The show was directed by Chris Beushausen, the elementary school music teacher, with Dwayne Whitmyer, director of the performing arts center, serving as technical director.

Students wave their flags high Students show patriotic pride at the spring show

Students sing about patriotism

Students sing The Star Spangled Banner

Students hold their hats for Yankee Doodle Dandy Students sing about the Grand Old Flag Students hold their banners high

Students sing in praise of America

A small group of students sings America Students wave their streamers to showcase their pride

Students conclude the show by forming an American flag Students salute their country

Legion crowd celebrates ‘Char’s Last Waltz’

BY THERESE DONNELLY

Acrowd of friends and family gathered at the Three Oaks American Legion Post 204 Tuesday, March 25, for “Char’s Last Waltz,” a special birthday celebration to help Berrien County residents battling cancer.

In 2022, Charlynn McCullough told her brother, Chuck Covert, she wanted to have her 75th birthday party at the legion. While Char lost her long battle with cancer before that could happen, her family decided to have the party to benefit Berrien County Cancer Services (BCCS), which provides support for cancer patients.

Covert said the organization enabled Char to have home visits from nurses and socialize with fellow patients.

While the party was partially a fundraiser, Covert said the “most important thing is to have fun.” Local band Hired Hands, which includes Char’s cousin Bob Bowen, performed for the crowd and donated money from their tip jar.

While the goal was to raise $500, BCCS President and CEO Nancy Church and BCCS Director of Development Tyanna Essig announced over $1,100 had been donated even before the silent auction finished.

Before officially presenting a check, Covert asked guests to hold up pictures of Char to ensure she was part of the moment.

New Buffalo Summer Day Camp to return this summer

The 2023 New Buffalo Summer Day Camp will run from Monday, June 26, to Friday, July 28, and will be held at New Buffalo High School from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for kindergarten through seventh grade students.

This year’s camp programming will offer campers the opportunity to socialize with peers, experience fun field trips, practice new skills and enjoy the exciting activities that the staff has planned.

When it comes to New Buffalo Summer Day Camp, Emily Keller, this year’s camp director, and Sophia Giannetti, the camp’s director’s assistant, have been around since the very beginning. They started out as campers in the program when they were in middle school. During the early days of the program, they were even a part of a group of campers that asked for the oldest group to expand to not only sixth graders, but to also add seventh graders, so that they could enjoy one last summer of camp.

When it was no longer an option to be a camper, the two began to get involved with camp in new ways. From serving as volunteers, splash pad assistants, assistant counselors, enrichment specialists and head counselors, the two have experience in just about every position that New Buffalo Day Camp has to offer. Through their combined experiences, Giannetti and Keller both have grown to love and appreciate this wonderful program and understand the true value it offers in our community. Both are looking forward to providing a fun, safe and enriching program this summer.

Anew feature this year for campers who have just finished fourth through seventh grades will involve three engineering/robotics students guiding and assisting the campers in creating their own skateboard. Campers will not use any of the power equipment, except maybe laser engraving, but will see demonstrations of the CNC and other 21st century equipment. This feature will be offered in two one-week sessions, with a maximum of 24 per week. There will most likely be an additional fee of $25 for campers, about half of the actual cost, and unfilled slots will be available at $50 on a first come first serve basis. Students will be able to try out their skateboard at the soon to be completed new skatepark.

Applications for camp will be available on the New Buffalo Area Schools website, www.nbas.org. Applications with payment may be sent to New Buffalo Area Schools, PO Box 280, New Buffalo, MI 49117 or you may drop it off at the office of the elementary, middle or high school.

For any further information or inquiries, please reach out to the camp director or assistant director via email ekeller@nbas.org or sgiannetti@nbas.org. — STAFF REPORTS

From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

Basketball. I began taking it seriously in fifth grade.

Baseball was still my first love, but winters on the south side of Chicago necessitated playing another game in the winter. An unpaved alley ran behind my house and half way down the block a hoop was mounted to a garage. My friend, who had a brother on the high school basketball team, and I played games there all winter long. The older brother insisted we learn how to dribble and do layups with our left hand and I started to get tall. Our church had a gymnasium and we traded some custodial work for gym time. We formed a team in sixth grade and we played against other church teams. We dominated the league for a few years. Ironically, the coach of our toughest competition ended up being the Dad of my brothers wife. We played our games at Palmer Park and we formed a grammar school team that also played there. I don’t remember much about that team, but I do remember that we won our first game 39-0. My friend and I made the high school team where our fortunes weren’t as kind. We lost much more often than we won, but basketball was still fun. We enjoyed watching the newest expansion team in town, the Chicago Bulls. We cheered for Loyola, DePaul, and the U of I. Although I had peaked as an athlete at the ripe old age of 12, my life as a fan continues to this day. I was lucky enough to see LeBron James last

Bison begin ‘hopeful’ season, lose to Brandywine

BY STAN MADDUX

Wednesday when the Lakers Played the Bulls. I saw Michael Jordan play, and many other greats. But this weekend, I saw someone play whose star shined as brightly as anyone. Caitlin Clark is her name, and basketball is definitely her game.

I must admit that I didn’t pay much attention to to the woman’s tournament. The mens tournament was excellent, with big upsets happening in almost every round, and the games were extremely entertaining.

But I read about this young lady, Caitlin Clark, who played for the University of Iowa. The reports were so good that I had to see for myself just how good she was and even though L.S.U. beat Iowa rather handily, I came away from the game thinking Caitlin was all she was cracked up to be.

She was in foul trouble for much of the game as were a couple of her teammates.

L.S.U. was relentless defensively. Caitlin was still, far and away, the best player on the court. In a relatively short period of time, women basketball players have come a really long way.

If Caitlin decides to play professionally, I predict she will end up in the hall of fame. I may be jumping the gun, but I haven’t been so sure of anything in a long time.

Ernie Banks said, “The only way to prove you are a good sport is to lose.”

Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

There’s good reason to be hopeful about this year’s New Buffalo High School baseball team despite being shut out in the season opener.

The Bison lost 7 to 0.

However, the March 30 game was at Brandywine, a larger school with a history of winning baseball and defeating the Bison under the Michigan High School Athletic Association mercy rule, which allows games to be called early if a team is down 15 runs after three innings or 10 runs after five innings.

New Buffalo with mostly juniors and sophomores went the full seven innings against Brandywine and trailed just 1 to 0 after two innings.

Head coach Adam Lijewski said he was pleased with the performance of his players not just because of the level of competition.

Prior to the start of the regular season, Lijewski said there was just one full outdoor practice while pitchers threw just once from the mound.

A wet, cold spring forced players for the most party to practice indoors.

“I was very encouraged by our team,” he said. Starting pitcher Ethan Lijewski allowed no hits but walked a batter in giving up one run before taken out after one inning with a sore arm.

Gio Sanchez pitched the next two innings and gave up three runs on four hits. He walked just one batter and recorded two strikeouts.

Sam Wendel gave up three runs and six hits in four innings while striking out four batters and giving up just one walk.

Wendel also made a couple of big plays on defense in center field, while right fielder Jayden Berger made a nice grab for the final out in an inning with runners on base.

Max Nikkel and Hagen Davis had the only two hits for the Bison.

Lijewski was also pleased with the control from his pitchers, who often struggled throwing strikes last season.

“The pitchers had good command,” he said.

Lijewski said the game would have been closer had it not been for a few mistakes.

“The boys were very nervous. Once we got going, they settled down. I think once we settle in this group will be exciting to watch,” he said.

I’m not owned by my sense impression, Reasoning to the mean continuously, required. — Dino N. Fatouros

Young Flag Day royalty crowned

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Atwirling 6-year-old with sparkly, highheeled Dorothy red shoes and a sharply dressed 9-yearold in a crisp pink dress shirt and matching pinkand-white striped tie were recently crowned as Three Oaks’ youngest royalty.

Lexie Jaspering and Braiden Boersma were crowned this year’s Three Oaks Flag Day Princess and Prince during the annual pageant which this year was held on the Turner Stage at The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts Sunday, April 2.

A first grader at Chikaming Elementary School who lives in Three Oaks, Lexie is the daughter of Jennica and Wesley Jaspering. When she’s not in school, enjoys playing with toys and watching her favorite movie, “The Descendents.” When she grows up, she aspires to be an artist or a doctor.

When asked what she wishes one of her favorite stuffed animals could say to her, Lexie said she wishes her stuffed unicorn to tell her hello and “I can fly.”

“You can probably have that happen if you click your heels three times,” said Janet Davies, a former ABC 7 Chicago broadcaster and current member of the Acorn Board of Directors who

emceed the pageant, said.

A third grader at Bridgman Elementary School who lives in Buchanan, Braiden is the son of Maddie and Dallas Boersma. His favorite subject in school is math and he enjoys Tae Kwon Do and watching “Encanto.” When he gets older, he’d like to be a hairstylist.

His favorite stuffed animals are his “little robot guys” (although he was stumped on what, exactly, they would say to him if they could talk).

Braiden’s favorite candy to eat at the annual Three Oaks Flag Day Parade are “any of the sweet kinds.”

When asked what duties he most looks forward to participating in the newly crowned royalty, Braiden said “riding in the parade,” with Lexie echoing his answer. Other princess contestants were Lillian Stark and Skiler Ott.

Also making an appearance were 2022 Flag Day Prince and Princess, Isaac Cummings and Kaylee Bahena, who crowned the new royalty.

This year, the young royalty will have the chance to participate in all the events leading up to and during Flag Day weekend in June, including the Flag Day 5K Saturday, June 10;

Skiler Ott answers a question from Janet Davies

Janet Davies chats with last year’s royalty, Issac Cummings and Kaylee Bahena

Braiden Boersma (left) poses with parents Maddie and Dallas and Lexie Jaspering with parents Jennica and Wesley

The contestants strike a pose to kick off the pageant

Janet Davies chats with the newly crowned royalty, Braiden Boersma and Lexie Jaspering

The contestants perform an opening song and dance number

Contestants Lillian Stark, Skiler Ott and Lexie Jasper await the crowning

riding in the Flag Day Parade Sunday, June 11; representing the community at the Memorial Day service at Forest Lawn Cemetery and welcoming guests at the Flag Day Hog Roast.

The following served as judges: Taylor Palmer, a sophomore at Saint Mary’s College who is studying Political Science and Communications on a pre-law track, in hopes to be a corporate criminal lawyer, has been in pageants for the past five years and has won two national titles, one state and one community, with her most notable titles being Miss Teen Lake Michigan in 2019 and Miss Heart of Blossomtime in 2022; Paul Piri, a lifelong resident of Southwest Michigan who was 2021 first runner up to Berrien County Youth Fair King and Mr. Niles 2022 and who will be attending The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, California, and work towards a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Liberal Arts on a Pre-Law track this August; and Lauren Wolf, a Baroda resident and 2021 graduate of Lakeshore High School as well as 2021 Miss Baroda, who is currently attending Michigan State University and majoring in Data Science with a

minor in Business.

Tellers, who tabulated the judges’ sheets, were Chris Dudeck from Horizon Bank and David Whitlow from Cook County Lumber.

The “World’s Largest Flag Day Parade,” the Three Oaks Flag Day Parade will step off at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11, in downtown Three Oaks. Those who would like to participate can fill out a form at https:// threeoaksflagday.com or mail it back by May 31.

The hog roast, which helps sustain the Three Oaks Flag Day Parade, will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the Three Oaks American Legion Post 204 and will feature great food, live music by Buddy Pearson and a silent auction. Tickets are $20 and available for purchase from committee members.

This year marks the 71st anniversary for the Three Oaks Flag Day Festival and Parade, with the festival kicking off Friday, June 9, and “providing a weekend of fun,” Davies said.

“Anyone who’s been around for these festivities knows these are very important for the community - this is the time we come together as a town, country and flag and, most importantly, we support our veterans,” she said.

The contestants and new royalty pose

Lexie Jaspering answers a question from Janet Davies

Newly crowned Braiden Boersma (left) poses wth 2022 prince Issac Cummngs

Lillian Stark answers a question from Janet Davies

Lexe Jaspering accepts her bouquet while Kaylee Bohema (left) looks on The judges enjoy the show

PUBLIC NOTICES

VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Village of Grand Beach will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2023-2024 fiscal year budgets on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. (CST) – 7:00 p.m. (EST) at the Village Hall, 48200 Perkins Blvd., Grand Beach, MI 49117.

The full budget is available for public inspection in the Clerk’s office.

MARY J. ROBERTSON CLERK-TREASURER

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP MINUTES OF MEETINGS

MARCH 2022

• Approved USDA water/sewer bond payments for Harbor Country Drive and US 12/Behner Road.

• Approved Captain Mandalis to attend Fire Department Instructor Conference in Indianapolis, IN.

• Approved purchase of new printer/ copier for Fire/Water building on Clay Street.

• Approved $250.00 investment to the Strategic Leadership Council.

• Adopted resolution to proclaim March 29th as WELCOME HOME

VIETNAM VETERAN’S DAY in New Buffalo Township. There was a standing ovation for Treasurer Jack Rogers. Jack Rogers is a Vietnam Veteran. Thank you for your service!

• Hired Victoria Graham as Assistant Clerk. She was appointed Deputy Clerk last month.

• Hired Victoria Graham as Planning Commission Recording Secretary.

• Accepted high bid of $30,000 from Chad Gradowski for Township owned property at 10270 Townline Road.

• Approved quote from the Road Dept. for 3 year improvement plan for Shedd Road.

• Approved Community Hall Watermain Extension estimate.

• Approved Amtrak ROW appraisal review from Maturen & Assoc. for Marquette Greenway Project.

• Hired Kaitlyn Poff as a seasonal employee to clean & maintain the Union Pier Trailhead.

• Approved quote from Advanced Property Management Services for weed control at Fire/Water Station on Clay Street.

• Approved quote from Spring Green for weed control at NBT Hall & Park.

• Appointed Julie Flick to the Board of Review.

• Appointed Steve Evans to the Construction Board of Appeals.

• Adopted resolution in support of Benton Harbor Habitat for Humanity Mixed Use Development Project.

APRIL 2022

• Adopted resolution that approved ballot language for a partial renewal and partial increase to the Park Millage. The park millage expired in 2021. We had been collecting .2311 mils, we will ask the voters to approve a .37 Park Millage on August 2, 2022. The increase is .1389 mils. The reason for the increase is the addition of the Marquette Greenway and Red Arrow Highway Linear Trail to the Park Dept. and other maintenance. Pat Donnelly is now a full-time Park Director also.

• Adopted MDOT resolution that states who from the Township can apply for a Right-of-Way permit.

• Approved Fire Chief 101 class for Fire Chief Flick and Assistant Fire Chief Plis in Flint MI.

• Approved Berrien County Road Agreement for 2022. This approves work on Community Hall Rd. and Yasko Rd. We already approved a 3 year plan for Shedd Rd. Wilson Rd. has been grinded and a new base has been put down. It will be double chip sealed at some point. Wilson Rd. is a primary road so the county is responsible for cost, not the Township.

• Approved sun shades at the Splash Pad and Playground. This will make a lot of people very happy this summer!

• Approved 5 year Parks and Recreation Plan. Abonmarche will put together a plan for not only the

Township, but NB City and the NB Recreational Authority at the same time to save on cost and to create a cohesive plan.

MAY 2022

• Presentation: Paulina Plewa from Antero Group explained marketing and placemaking work that has been done for exit 1. Antero Group did this work from a grant. Paulina worked for almost a year gathering info and working with the steering committee. A copy of the brochure is attached Here’s a link to the website that was created at www. nbtexit1.org.

• Approved under the Consent Agenda:

— GenCode addendum for $4,500

— LRSB transfer of $300,000 to General Fund

— $2,5000 for Exit 1 website maintenance from Antero Group for $2,500

— Quote from Fusion Design for “re-skin” of Township website, not to exceed $2,000

— Pokagon Fund grant application for Public Safety Day School Supply Giveaway for $2,900

— Berrien Community Foundation grant application for the Marquette Greenway for $7,500

— Strike Team Cascade Hose Pack for $255.00

— Premier Safety for fire equipment for $1,111.08

— $31,000 to Arnt Asphalt Sealing

— 5 year maintenance plan with Air Right

• Sue Rogers & Traci Lauricella attend MTA Planning & Zoning virtual training

NEW BUSINESS:

• Approved purchasing a $4,599.00 new mower for the Park Department from Riggs

• Approved Engagement Letter with Kruggle Lawton for auditing services

• Approved New Buffalo Township Fire Dept. 5K to be held on September 24th, 2022

• Authorized Michelle Heit to sign closing documents for the sale of 10270 Townline Rd.

• Approved quote from Berrien County

Road Dept. for Kluver Road HMA

• Approved NBT Fire Lt. Tim Gould receive command pay at $19.31 per hour

JUNE 2022

• The board approved the following in the consent agenda:

— Minutes from the May 16th regular board meeting and bills

— New computers for the Administrative Assistant and Assistant Treasurer

— Reimburse Bill Lambert for training and travel expenses

— Increase stipend to Country Lane Remodeling for mowing at the PSB to $112.50 per week

— Approve $3,500 stipend to Stephen Margaritis (adult) for completing and passing fire 1 & 2 certification

— Approve $1,000 stipend to Andrew Flick (student) for completing and passing fire 1 & 2 certification

— Move regularly scheduled board meetings from 7:00 pm to 4:00 pm

— Approve updated Employee Handbook

NEW BUSINESS:

• Approved 2021-2022 budget amendments.

• Adopted General Operating Millage of .3843 mills, Public Safety Special Assessment of 2.1 mills, Park Millage of .37 mills. Park millage will be on the August 2nd ballot.

• Adopted the 2022-2023 budget.

• Approved the following pay increases:

— 4% raise for full-time employees, including Assistant Fire Chief and all Firefighters, Construction Board of Appeals, Dangerous Building Officer, Enforcement Officer, Fire Inspector, Cleaning and Maintenance and ZBA Coordinator with the exception of Building & Zoning Administrator, Building & Zoning Assistant, Assistant Utility Maintenance Workers

— Building & Zoning Administrator annual salary increased to $50,000

— Building & Zoning Assistant

PUBLIC NOTICES

hourly pay increased to $21.23 per hour

— Utility Maintenance Worker (Nick Jackson) increased to $23.50 per hour

— Utility Maintenance Worker (Alex Keen) increased to 22.75 per hour

— Fire Chief annual salary increased to $40,000

— Board of Review increased to $75.00 for under 4 hours, $150.00 for 4 hours or more per day

— Election Chairperson $20.00 per hour, Election Inspector $15.00 per hour

— Planning Commission Chair $125.00 per meeting, Planning Commissioner $100.00 per meeting

— Trustees $525.00 monthly

— ZBA $100.00 per meeting, ZBA Chair $100.00 per meeting + $75.00 per hearing

• Adopted resolution to establish Township Officers annual salary at $52,000.

• Adopted resolution to not collect Extra Voted Public Safety Millage. We still have a public safety millage that hasn’t expired, but won’t collect because we collect the Public Safety Special Assessment.

• Approved a loan of $30,000 from the LRSB Fund to the Marina Fund. After some significant improvements to the marina, including paving the parking lot, new WiFi and new keyless entry the Marina Fund will be short on funds.

• Appointed Michelle Hannon to the Zoning Board of Appeals. She also serves on our Park Committee and the NBARA. Welcome Michelle!!

• Approved Outdoor Assembly Permit for US Speed and Custom.

• Approved payment of $87,500 to the Deputy Foundation. This is our second of 6 payments to the Deputy Foundation for the marina. Proceeds from the marina after $500,000 has been paid to the foundation will be used for recreation improvements.

• Approved Utility Superintendent Archie Barkman attend the MRWA conference including hotel, meals and travel expenses.

• Approved loan of $1,000 from LRSB Fund to the Friends of NBT Fire for event insurance for the September 24th 5K. (might not be needed.)

• Approved certified firefighter pay for Stephen Margaritis starting June 1st, 2022.

• Approved certified firefighter pay for Andrew Flick starting July 22nd.

• Approved Change Order #1 for lift station #51, #52, #53 replacement project.

JULY 2022

• We held a Public Hearing regarding the Public Safety Special Assessment. We are required to hold one annually to inform the public what we will collect and what we expect expenses to be for the fiscal year.

• Approved in the consent agenda:

— Minutes of the June 20th and July 5th meetings

— Treasurers report

— Bills from all funds

• Approved GIS Support Agreement from Wightman & Assoc.

• Accepted a bid from Kurt Hausman. Kurt is now the proud owner of a 2010 Hustler Fastrak Mower

• Approved quote from Moses Fire Equip. for a Super Vac Blower

• Approved quote from Wolverine Power Systems for annual generator maintenance

• Approved quote from Sentinel Emergency Solutions for fire truck repair

NEW BUSINESS:

• Approved a Special Land Use Permit for Nature’s Way Landscaping on US-12

• Approved moving Code Enforcement Officer Jon Jackubowski to full time with benefits

• Approved giving notice to Carts on 12 to erect a fence on the North side of their property per their SLU by August 16th.

• Approved an Outdoor Assembly Permit for the Humane Society on July 30th at 11551 Marquette Drive

• Approved increasing ZBA application fees to $500.00 and Planning Commission Application fees to $750.00

• Approved purchasing a new air conditioner unit at Pleasure Isle Marina for $5,900.

AUGUST 2022

• Items approved in the Consent agenda:

— Bills, July minutes, Treasurer’s

Report

— Quote from Moses turnout gear, boots and gloves for Fire Dept.

— Quote from Buist Electric for new lighting at Station 1

— Electric vehicle training for 4 firefighters

— Chief Flick to attend MTA conference

— Code Enforcement Officer Jackubowski attend Fire Inspector training

NEW BUSINESS:

• Adopted MDNR resolution for Marquette Greenway Grant.

• Approved purchase of 3 new IPads for board members.

• Approved private road to parcel 11-13-0231-0035-08-0 (this is the Kucera property off of Glassman Road).

• Approved engaging Foster Swift to begin drafting a Marijuana ordinance (will work on possible zoning with the PC).

• Approved Lift Station pay application #2.

• Approved $20,00 loan from LRSB to the Marina Fund  (marina needed a new air conditioning unit and parking lot was repaved this summer).

• Approved purchase of new truck for the water dept.

• Accepted Fire Cadet application from Audrey Proctor.

• Approved 1 week extension to Carts on 12 to install a fence.

OTHER THINGS GOING ON:

• Public Safety Day was once again a huge hit!! More people attended than ever before. We doubled the amount of food, school supplies and everything else after running out of everything so early last year. Our Fire Fighters put on and amazing event for our community. We are very fortunate to have them!

• Fired Up 5K is September 24th! We have several sponsors and already have 50 participants and expect many more between now and race day. Come on out and join us! Walk or run! There’s a free beer at the end from Seedz Brewery

• Music in the Park will be wrapping up soon. It was rained out a couple weeks, but other than that the turnout has been great! Park Director Pat Donnelly has done a

fantastic job with our parks and park events this summer!

• Thank you for approving our Park Millage so we can keep the splash pad, Music in the Park and all of our other great amenities up and running!

SEPTEMBER 2022

• The following items were approved as part of the consent agenda:

— Metro Businesses quote for tables for the Public Safety Building in the amount of $4,230.00

— Purchase 700 bags of chips for NB Halloween Parade

• Approved Zoning Administrator Estelle Brinkman attend Michigan Association of Planning Conference in the amount of $1,987.84

• Purchase new fridge in the amount of $833.94

• Approved Huntington Bank bond admin fee in the amount of $500.00

• Approved USDA bond payment in the amount of $39,943.75

• Approved payment to Villa Environmental Consultants for Phase 1 environmental study work for the Marquette Greenway in the amount of $2,850.00

NEW BUSINESS:

• Adopted resolution 2022-09-19-a to reimburse LRSB fund for initial MERS pay out from the Water, Sewer, Building and Park funds.

• Approved fog seal on Wilson Road in the amount of $12,693.00.

• Approved annual stipend for water dept. employees upon obtaining state licensing. $250.00 annually per license for employees with S-4 and D-4 licenses. $500.00 for employees annually per license with S-3 and D-3 licenses. Will not compound. Maximum stipend is $1,000 annually.

• Approved Outdoor Assembly Permit for Seedz Brewery on October 1st, 2022.

• Approved increasing MERS benefit multiplier from 1.5% to 2% for all current employees, including current employees previous years of service in MERS.

• Adopted broadband resolution regarding a grant application to Berrien County for ARPA funds to bring broadband to unserved and underserved areas of the Township.

• Approved Letter of Intent to the

PUBLIC NOTICES

Pokagon Fund asking for $360.000 matching funds for broadband grant application to Berrien County.

• Approved adding Michigan Class as an official Township depository.

• Approved payment to Oldenburg Excavating in the amount of $22,073.64 for watermain extension on Community Hall Road.

OTHER THINGS GOING ON:

• Splash Pad will likely be turned off starting next week with cooler weather coming.

• The Fired Up 5K is this weekend!! NBT Fire Dept. is hosting it’s first 5K this Saturday, Sept. 24th at 9:00. Register online at www. runsignup.com/Race/MI/UnionPier/ NewBuffaloTownshipFire5K or Saturday from 7:30-8:30. Free beer for participants over 21!!

• The Planning Commission discussed a Marijuana regulation questionnaire from the Township’s attorney at their September meeting. The board will discuss the questions on the questionnaire at their October meeting.

OCTOBER 2022

• Marcy Hamilton, from Southwest Michigan Regional Planning Commission, gave an update on the Marquette Greenway. Construction should begin Spring 2023. There will be a Marquette Greenway “give back night” at Bentwood November 3rd.

• The Board heard reports from:

— Fire Chief, Jamie Flick – Fire Dept.

— Lt. Ryan Sullivan – BC Sheriff’s Office

— Michelle Hannon – Park Dept. & NBARA

— Trustee/LRSB Chair, Pete Rahm – LRSB

— Clerk, Judy Zabicki – Pokagon Fund

CONSENT AGENDA:

• Approved September minutes, Treasurer’s report and monthly bills.

• Approved reimbursement to William Lambert for building license training.

• Approved quote from Wightman Engineering for $3,400.

• Approved BS&A training for Deputy Clerk Victoria Graham.

• Approved moving December meeting to December 12th at 4:00.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Approved quote from BC Road Dept. in the amount of $53,889.95 for work on Shedd Road.

• Approved sewer rate study quote from Baker Tilly in the amount of $12,000. Supervisor Heit reported on new billing structure from the GRSD.

• Discussed marijuana questionnaire from Foster Swift to begin drafting a marijuana ordinance.

• Approved $12,645.50 for safety signs at NB Elementary, which is half total cost. Other half to be paid for by NBAS.

• Approved easement agreement with Amtrak for an easement for the Marquette Greenway and $250,000 for the easement. This is being paid for from a Pokagon Fund grant.

• Approved accepting terms of the engagement letter with Straub Seaman and Allen.

• Approved quote from Tim Lally Chevrolet for a Chevy Tahoe for Fire Dept. in the amount of $50,183.50.

• Approved invoice from the Berrien County Drain Commission for drain work in the amount of $53,491.58.

• Approved pay application #4 to Selge Construction for lift station replacement.

• Approved design & construction agreement with Amtrak and $53,000 for agreement. This is also paid for from a Pokagon Fund grant.

OTHER INFO:

• Fire Up 5K was a huge success!! Thanks to all who volunteered or sponsored the race. Over 100 people registered. This will be an annual event.

• Don’t forget to vote on November 8th! Judy can get you an absentee ballot if you need one. Email her at jhzabicki@newbuffalotownship. org  or call 469-1011 extension 104.

• Reminder, Township offices will be closed November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. Also closed Thanksgiving and November 25th.

NOVEMBER 2022

CONSENT AGENDA:

• Minutes from the October 17th board meeting, Treasurers report and bills

• 2022 salary adjustments (Christmas

bonus of $200 to full-time employees, $100 to part-time employees)

• New radios for fire command vehicle

• Payment of $2,401.14 to Wightman and Assoc.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Approved zoning ordinance amendment regarding fences

• Approved budget amendments

• Adopted Short Term Rental resolution

• Approved salary stipends for Supervisor, Clerk and Treasurer ($200 to officers)

• Adopted a resolution to restate rules and regulations for the Galien Sanitary District Authority

• Approved marina office space lease agreement with Outdoor One

• Approved payment application #5 to Selge Construction for lift station work

• Accepted bid of $8,500 from Pajay Construction for water dept. truck

• Discussed possible shared police services. Consensus of the board was to continue with our contract with the BC Sheriff’s Office. Everyone expressed that they were very happy having the dedicated NBT patrol with 24/7 coverage.

DECEMBER 2022

• Approved in the Consent Agenda:

— Annual water stipend for Water Dept. employees with licenses

— Health Savings accounts for full-time employees

— 2023 Meeting dates calendar

— Insurance stipend increase

— Salary adjustment for Kaitlyn Brown

— Invoice to Country Lane Remodeling for painting at the marina office space

• Approved in New Business:

• Adopted a resolution regarding a Spark Grant application for a non-motorized path along Harbor Country Drive

• Adopted a resolution in support of the Berrien County Trail Master Plan

• Adopted a resolution to exempt the Township from P.A. 152 so that the Township can provide health saving accounts for employees

• Appointed the following:

— Dorothy Palen and Julie Flick to the Board of Review

— Michelle Hannon to the Zoning Board of Appeals

— Traci Lauricella to the Planning Commission

— Rich Kochany to the Corridor Improvement Authority

• Approved increasing residential and short-term rental application fees to $500.00 for 3 years.

• Approved change order #2 for the lift station project

• Approved the fire contract with the City of New Buffalo to provide 24/7 mutual aid for another year

JANUARY 2023

PRESENTATIONS:

• Brian Hake from Kruggel Lawton gave the board the 2021-2022 Audit Report. Hake stated that the Township is in good fiscal shape and has 12.9 months of fund balance.

• Marcy Hamilton from Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and Kevin Stack from Berrien County Road Dept. spoke about the Red Arrow Highway Linear Park non-motorized trail. Marcy has gotten TAP grant funding through the county and is assisting the Township in writing a grant to the Pokagon Fund for the remainder of the funds needed to complete the trail from where it currently ends at Community Hall Road and continue it all the way to the intersection of US-12 and RAH at Roma’s. The entire project is estimated to cost $900,000. The will be done this summer at the same time the county resurfaces the NBT portion of Red Arrow Highway.

• The Board held a public hearing on the 5 Year Park Plan prepared by Abonmarche. Thanks to Park Director Pat Donnelly for all his hard work on this!

• The Board heard reports from:

— Fire Chief Jamie Flick

— Pleasure Isle Marina Manager Julie Flick

— Park Director Pat Donnelly

— Berrien County Sheriff Deputy Lt. Ryan Sullivan

— Pokagon Fund Director Dan Petersen

• The board approved the following in the Consent Agenda:

— Treasurers report and minutes from the December 2022 meeting.

• Updated NBT 2023 calendar

PUBLIC NOTICES

$5,000 to the New Buffalo Area Recreational Authority

• Increase Fire Chief credit card limit to $5,000

• Julie Flick, Martha Ondrus and Dorothy Palen to the Board of Review

• Allowing employees to access all their HAS funds if requesting in writing

• $571.60 for new keypad at Pleasure Isle Marina

• Ice Rescue Training for 3 firefighters

• Battery Fire Training for 2 firefighters

• Fireground Survival Training for 3 firefighters

• 4 Milwaukee batteries for the Fire Dept. $1,100 in total

• Judy Zabicki, Jackie Poff and Michelle Heit attend the Michigan Township Association Conference

• Limited Treatment Short Course Training for Alex Keen

• Board of Review Training for Julie Flick, Martha Ondrus and Dorothy Palen

NEW BUSINESS:

• Adopted 5 Year Park Plan resolution

• Adopted Berrien County Hazard Mitigation Plan resolution

• Approved writing grant for $360,000 to the Pokagon Fund for funds for the Red Arrow Highway Linear Park non-motorized trail

• Adopted resolution stating that property owners can protest in writing to the Board of Review

• Adopted resolution to allow the Board of Review to set alternate dates for the December 2023 Board of Review

• Adopted resolution to allow the Board of Review to set alternate dates for the July 2023 Board of Review

• Adopted resolution to adopted the poverty exemption guidelines and asset level test from the US Dept. of Health and Human Services

• Approved payment application #6 for Lift Station Project

• Approved moving Alex Keen to

Utility Superintendent with an annual salary of $73,000 plus $400 monthly vehicle stipend.

• Approved moving Archie Barkman to Advisory Utility Superintendent at a weekly salary of $2,500 per week. Archie has delayed his retirement to stay on to train Alex Keen and allow the Township to operate under his license until June 30, 2023

• Approved paying Temporary Deputy Clerk Julie Flick $20.00 per hour on an “as needed” basis

• Approved pay raise to $27.50 per hour to utility worker Nick Jackson

• Thanks to those of you that attended the Polar Plunge Pancake Breakfast put on by the NBT Fire Dept. plunge team and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office plunge team! The turn out and support was phenomenal! Over $2,000 was raised. All the proceeds go to Special Olympics of Michigan. Special thanks to Skips for providing and cooking eggs at the breakfast!

FEBRUARY 2023

CONSENT AGENDA

• Minutes of the January 17th meeting and minutes from the January 31st & February 6th special meetings were approved along with bills and the Treasurers Report.

• Payment of $11,474.22 to GameTime for new sun sail at the Splash Pad

• Payment of $8,145.50 to K & K Systems for school safety signs at NBES

• Payment of $1,100.00 to Wightman Engineering

• Payment of $1,500.00 to West Shore Services for warning siren maintenance

NEW BUSINESS

• Approved Park Director Pat Donnelly attend Michigan Recreation and Park Association Conference.

• Approved annual HydroCorp contract extension, beginning March 1st to February 28th. Annual rate of $26,184.00 for residential

and annual rate of $4,176.00 for commercial.

• Approved budget amendments to the 2022-2023 budget.

• Approved change order #3 and payment application #7 to Selge Construction for Lift Station Project.

• Adopted deficit plan resolution for Pleasure Isle Marina to the state.

OTHER INFO:

• Our NBT Fire Dept. raised over $6,500 for Special Olympics of Michigan at this year’s Polar Plunge! In all, over $127,000 was raised from this event. Thanks to all of you who donated to our team!

• The Berrien County Planning Commission is reviewing the Marijuana Ordinance draft. It could come to the Board for approval in March. Estelle and Traci L. have been working diligently to make sure it addresses everything we need to address in it. Thanks to both of them for their hard work!

• Welcome to Julie Monahan our new Utility Billing Clerk!! She is a great addition to our NBT family!

MARCH 2023

• There were 2 public hearings yesterday. Both regarding Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants. One for the Marquette Greenway - Phase 2 and one for a Disc Golf project with a storage building and restrooms at Glassman Park. 2 resolutions were adopted during the meeting for these 2 grant applications.

• The board approved the following items at our board meeting.

— Consent agenda:

• Approved minutes and bills.

• Approved quotes from Tuscan Valley for landscape work at the PSB and Marina, as well as landscape maintenance work at Township properties.

• Approved quote from Beckett & Raeder for zoning ordinance amendment work

• Approved dredging invoices for

Pleasure Isle Marina.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Adopted Marquette Greenway MNRTF grant application resolution

• Adopted Glassman Park Disc Golf/ Storage Building project MNRTF grant application resolution.

• Accepted property donation from Wasserman Unified Trust for 2 properties on Michigan Street.

• Approved road agreement with BC Road Department for road work on Glassman and Shedd Roads.

• Approved zoning ordinance amendments.

• Approved zoning map amendments.

• Approved grant requests to the Pokagon Fund for the Public Safety Day School Supply Giveaway and for matching funds for the Glassman Road project.

• Adopted the following policy and procedures: Bill Payment, Capital Asset, General Operating, General Finance, Electronic Transactions, Electronic Communications, Emergency Management, Investment, Warming & Cooling Center, Notary Service, Public Relations, Purchasing, Social Security and Surplus Equipment.

• Approved grant application to the Pokagon Fund for $240,000 from NBT municipal funds for the Linear Park.

OTHER THINGS GOING ON:

• Berrien County Park Director Jill Adams let us know that the Galien River Park had 44,637 visitors in 2021 and 39,861 visitors in 2022.

• Fired Up 5K 2023 will be held on Saturday, Sept. 23rd. Registration opens April 1st! www./runsignup. com/Race/MI/UnionPier/ NewBuffaloTownshipFire5K www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100089251514696

JUDITH H. ZABICKI CLERK

Community-wide Earth Day celebration on tap at Weko Beach

Bridgman’s Shoreline Resiliency Committee invites the public to an Earth Day Celebration at Weko Beach House from 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday April 22.

Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you learn how Michigan State University’s first-of-its kind CitizenScience Coastal Change Monitoring Program can help protect our beaches. A beach clean-up activity in conjunction with the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ Adopt-a-Beach program will follow. To register, visit https:// adopt.greatlakes.org/s/cleanup/ a2o8X000003dXKc. Parking will be free.

Brendan Burchi, a research technician from the MSU’s Coastal Processes and Geomorphology Lab, will provide a fascinating slide presentation on how coastline monitoring measures a shoreline’s resiliency. He’ll then demonstrate how drones will be used to collect the data.

Bridgman High School teachers

John Nicka and Dan Schuchardt have enlisted students to train with MSU researchers and local aviation expert Gary Blied to pilot the drones that will document ongoing change.

“Dan and I are happy to be invited into the shoreline protection program and are looking forward to seeing how and where it goes from these early stages,” Nicka said. “We have had some initial student interest and we all are looking forward to further progress, activities, and updates as we raise awareness of this issue in our community.”

So far, the MSU program has trained citizens in six other Michigan coastal communities to gather data.

“Ultimately,” said Dr. Ethan Theuerkauf, a coastal geomorphologist in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences and the program’s originator, “we’re trying to document

which pathway for any given site the sediment takes. And knowing that gives us a way of indicating future resilience. Will the sand stay out, just offshore, allowing it to move back when lake level drops? Or is it moved quickly away from the site or maybe far offshore? All that changes based on what the site looks like.”

Michigan’s 3,288 miles of coastline has too many sites for Theuerkauf and his team to monitor themselves, which is why he is training residents to gather the data that can map changes in their own communities. Grants from the National Science Foundation’s Coastline and People help fund Theuerkauf’s program.

Gene Schoon, chair of Bridgman’s Shoreline Resiliency Committee, said that “this should be a fun way to engage the entire community with protecting our community’s most valuable natural resource and to give our students a role in related scientific research.”

The Shoreline Resiliency Committee was formed in response to the city’s participation in The Coastal Leadership Academy, an online learning program created by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Coastal Management Program and the Michigan Association of Planning to help communities adapt strategies in an era of rapidly changing lake levels. More information is available on the Bridgman City website, https:// www.bridgman.org/292/ShorelineResiliency-Committee.

Every year, thousands of volunteers participate in cleanups across all five Great Lakes, removing tens of thousands of pounds of litter, most of it plastic from our shorelines. To find out more about the Alliance’s Adopt-aBeach program, visit www.greatlakes. org/adoptabeach. — STAFF REPORTS

Commissioners ignore attorney general over emails

BY STAN MADDUX

LaPorte County government could be sued over a majority of the commissioners refusing to give the prosecutor access to emails from his predecessor and select members of his staff.

The request by LaPorte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan was tabled in a 2 to 1 vote by the commissioners last month.

In response, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office issued a written warning to give Fagan access to the emails.

The letter read during Wednesday’s meeting by Commission President Joe Haney strongly indicated failure to do so will result in legal action, if necessary.

The emails are on a county government server.

However, the IAGO said county prosecutors are employees of the state and emails from the office are state property.

“Prosecutor Fagan is legally entitled to these email records,” said John Walls, Chief Counsel, Advisory Division for the IAGO.

Last month, Fagan said he wanted all of the emails last year from former Prosecutor John Lake and his wife, Mary, who was his chief deputy prosecutor, along with three members of his staff.

Fagan said he wanted the emails to try and replace evidence in some of the criminal cases he inherited from the previous administration.

He said evidence was lost from hard copy records being destroyed in a flood caused by a frozen water line bursting in late December at the LaPorte County Complex.

Fagan said he was also hindered in becoming familiar with some cases from Lake not being very cooperative during his transition into the office.

His request was denied when Commissioners Connie Gramarossa

and Rich Mrozinski went against the recommendation of their attorney, Andrew B. Jones.

Despite the letter, Gramarossa and Mrozinski did not budge.

They again offered to give Fagan access to emails related strictly to the criminal cases.

“We’re willing to work with him on any cases that he wants. Bring forth some cases. I will personally make sure that we go through whatever he needs,” Gramarossa said.

Again, Jones advised that was not good enough.

“He’s entitled to all of them. These things belong to him. They don’t belong to him personally. They belong to his office,” he said.

Mrozinski previously alleged Fagan was out to conduct a political “witch hunt.”

This time, he was joined by a visibly upset Gramarossa in making similar allegations.

“I don’t understand what he wants. We’re offering to give you what you need. Instead, you want to go this other route. This whole thing smells bad,” Mrozinski said.

Gramarossa accused Haney and Jones of being on the same political side of the fence as Fagan.

“I wanted it stated here right now at this public meeting that this is forced upon me by the president of the commission and the attorney,” she said.

The IAGO gave the commissioners 15 days from the March 24 date on the letter to respond.

No vote was taken after Gramarossa stood up from her seat and walked out of the meeting just before it adjourned.

“I’m at a point where I’m feeling emotionally and physically bullied,” she said.

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

HOROSCOPE

APRIL 6-12,

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

You may be feeling a little moody or changeable with your affections this week. You would like to be more direct with others and clarify your position or feelings on situations but it will prove more effective to say nothing or hold back your opinions. Trust your intuition and follow it silently.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

You can either unlock emotional entanglements and get free or you can stay in the fantasy and go nowhere. It’s time to make those moves and free yourself from commitments that are not benefiting you. The outer world beckons you and the opportunity to renegotiate is here.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

It may be time to move away from heavy one on one relationships to a more plutonic, friend level. If you are in a serious connection, perhaps it’s time to interact more with friends or introduce your partner to your circle of friends. Take the lead and don’t be afraid to reset boundaries.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

It’s time to retune your career and work environment. Create a place that promotes comradery and compassion. Now is the time to start changing your modes of production. So, be flexible and don’t be afraid to do things a bit differently to accommodate others.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

You will be feeling quite edgy this week and may create some drama if you don’t monitor yourself a bit. There is a need to expand. So, be sure to direct that flow and set it up to benefit you. Don’t let it destroy situations or tear down someone’s defenses. Use it to fall in love again.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

Dig into relationships and don’t be afraid to work closely with another. Start sharing your fears and worries. When you truly let others in you will feel their support. Don’t hide or shy away from expressing your darker emotions. It will lighten your load to lean on someone now.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22

Set more financial goals for your relationship and don’t be afraid to talk about where you want to live or what you hope your living arrangements will be like in the future. The more you talk about health, work and financial arrangements now, the less complicated the future will be.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

This is a good time realign value systems and resources. Changes you make now to save time and money, will really pay off come this august. Get a jumpstart by changing bad habits or unproductive work routines now, so you’re not left in the dust by competitors later.

You may be feeling a little rebellious or turning away from others. Don’t isolate yourself because you don’t want to listen to what others are experiencing. You don’t have to change your life or give up anything by simply listening. Validate the people you care for by listening.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

Where you find solitude and refreshment may start undergoing some changes over the next couple of weeks. Don’t let some gossip you heard color or inhibit your experience of something different. Get back to that lighthearted good nature you possess and embrace a new beginning.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

It’s important that you are very open and honest with friends and associates. If you have had issues in the past, now is the time change those patterns or make restitution of some kind. Address any financial issues clearly and concisely. Don’t gloss over the details this time.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

Start making the shifts in your career or work environment now. If you are not happy where you are, no matter how much money you make, do something about it. Move past being tied to some institute or out dated standard, to a place where your heart and pocketbook are more connected.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21

2023

What matters most is how well you walk through the fire.

— Charles Bukowski

Debra Ann Benson

1965-2023

Debra Ann Benson, 58, of New Buffalo, died peacefully Friday, March 31, 2023, in the comfort of her family’s presence.

Her life began February 23, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of two children born to Brian and Cynthia Ford. She married William R. Benson in August of 2000 in New Buffalo. Debra enjoyed riding her motorcycle with William. She was passionate about cooking and was quite skilled in the kitchen. She collected frogs and would buy them when she saw them in the shops. She also liked her beer. Debra loved cats. She would feed a feral momma cat who had babies. She ended up taking in two of the kittens, so she had two cats. She also loved “her” dog.

Debra will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her husband of twenty-two years William R. Benson of New Buffalo; two daughters, D’Anna Benson of

OBITUARIES

Galien, Gracie Ford of New Buffalo; one son, Joseph (Niecie) Ford of New Buffalo; one brother, Michael Ford of Michigan City; and a host of extended relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her paternal and maternal grandparents.

Family and friends will gather Thursday, April 6, 2023, from 12:00 noon until time of service at 2:00 p.m., in Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks. Mrs. Benson will be laid to rest in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www. wagnercares.com.

Linda Diane Lawson

1953-2023

Linda Diane Lawson, 69, of Bridgman formerly of Union Pier, passed away on Thursday – March

30, 2023 at Corwell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, MI. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel – 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI.

Linda was born on November 20, 1953 in Baton Rouge, LA to the late Albert and Rebecca (Barrett) Lawson.

Linda is survived by her brothers – Ray Lawson of New Buffalo and Scott Lawson of Marshfield, MO; sisters – Lucy (Cliff) Holt of New Troy, MI, Treva Lawson of New Buffalo, MI, Lonnie (Bill) Jeffery of Nokomis, FL, Gail (Kevin) Ireland of Covington, KY and Wanda (Paul) Kacmar of Michigan City, IN; 23 nieces and nephews; 35 great nieces and nephews; 5 great-great nieces and nephews; a host of aunts, uncles and cousins; and her beloved feline companionStinker.

Linda was an avid fan of the University of Michigan football Wolverines. She enjoyed riding her bike and going to the Berrien County Youth Fair at least once a week if not more often. She was also proud of having been part of the Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for the 2000 Special Olympics. Linda had many friends and family which will all greatly miss her.

A visitation with the family will take place on Monday –

April 3, from 5:00-7:00pm at the Sommerfeld Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service is on Tuesday – April 4, 11:00am, at the funeral home. Her final resting place will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Lakeside, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www. sommerfeldchapel.com.

Joseph from living life to the fullest. He loved the outdoors and would wake up early to drink his coffee while sitting on the lake all day to fish. Joseph enjoyed landscaping; from trees to bushes, he would plant anything that would fit on his property.

Joseph will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his daughter, Sarah (Adam) Bucher of Sawyer; two grandchildren, Kole, Kelsey; one sister, Pamela Martin of Three Oaks; one nephew, Roger; and a host of extended cousins.

Joseph Louis Muckway 1963-2023

Joseph Louis Muckway, 59, of Three Oaks, died peacefully Friday, March 31, 2023, in the presence of his family. His life began May 20, 1963 in Michigan City, Indiana, the youngest of four children born to Louis and Joyce Muckway.

When Joseph was younger, he was in a car accident with his best friend, Donny. Sadly, Donny passed away and Joseph was left with a lifelong injury. However, that did not stop

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, brother, Lonnie Muckway; and one sister, Sue Koepke. Family and friends will gather Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 4;00p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Joseph be made to the New Buffalo American Legion Post 169, 19139 US Highway 12, New Buffalo, Michigan 49117.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www. wagnercares.com.

Home Watch by Bluefish earns accreditation from national association

Home Watch by Bluefish has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association.

The NHWA was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada (www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org).

Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence. All principals of NHWA Accredited Member companies are background-checked, insured, and bonded.

For more than 20 years, founders Jason and Erika Milovich have been serving as property managers for both homeowners in their vacation rental program and non-rental homeowners in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana.

Jason moved to Southwest Michigan from Chicago 25 years ago and owned a seasonal restaurant in New Buffalo. In the off-season, he began working in real estate. His clients purchasing second homes wanted someone they could trust to manage their property. Jason and Erika then began their vacation rental and property management company. Year-round and seasonal homeowners began to approach Jason and Erika, asking if they would check on their properties. Supporting a local need in their community, Home Watch by Bluefish was founded. Jason is now the chief executive officer and oversees homeowner acquisitions and relations.

Erika is a lifelong resident of Southwest Michigan,

who began her career in education as a K-12 teacher and Title I Program Director before her departure from the field in 2018 as the Education Program Director at Lake Michigan College. Since then, Erika has been the chief operations officer at Bluefish Vacation Rentals & Property Management, overseeing company operations, marketing and business strategy, and financial management and planning.

Erika earned two Master of Arts degrees and a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University. Jason earned his Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College.

Team members Kevin Cunningham and Matt Kennedy are graduates of the NHWA’s Home Watch Boot Camp and have earned the designation of Certified Home Watch Professional, which puts them into the category of elite Home Watch providers in the industry. The CHWP designation and Boot Camp training exemplify Home Watch by Bluefish’s commitment to Home Watch excellence.

Home Watch by Bluefish serves Berrien County in Southwest Michigan and LaPorte County in Northwest Indiana. They currently serve the following areas in Michigan: Michiana, Grand Beach, Forest Beach, New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Three Oaks, Harbert, Sawyer, Galien, Stevensville, Shoreham, and St. Joseph. In Indiana: Michigan City, Long Beach, and Michiana Shores. You can reach them at (269) 4690468 or at homewatch@bluefishvacations.com. Learn more from their website, www.bluefishvacations.com/ offseason-property-management.

Erika and Jason Milovich