April 20, 2023

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Sawyer Road construction rolling out next week

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ork on Sawyer Road will commence next week, David Bunte, supervisor of Chikaming Township, said at the township board’s Thursday, April 13, meeting.

The first phase of the project will start from the railroad tracks to Flynn Road, during which “eastbound traffic will be only directionally allowed,” Bunte said. There will be access to businesses throughout the course of the project, so the road won’t be closed completely; however, westbound traffic will be detoured at Flynn Road to Harbert Road

Bunte said plans are to have the downtown area completed prior to the week before Memorial Day. After that, Phase Two work will be done from the tracks west to Red Arrow Highway.

A meeting will take place at 5 p.m. Monday, May 1, at Section House, which is located at 5896 Sawyer Road in Sawyer, for the public to provide feedback on the Sawyer Road Streetscape Enhancement Plan.

A library agreement with Bridgman Public Library, Three Oaks Township Public Library and New Buffalo Township Library was approved.

WDue to the referendum that passed last November, a library millage will now be placed on residents for full access to all three libraries; however, Bunte said the state still needs the agreement in order to “continue this relationship.”

He said there will be an equal split of the township’s millage among all three libraries and that the penal fines will be split equally as well.

Bunte will sign off on the agreement and send it off to all three libraries for final signatures, so it can go into effect July 1.

Board members approved a resolution stating that the road millage renewal question will be moved to the Aug. 8 ballot.

The question was scheduled to be on the May 2 ballot; however, due to Like Michigan College moving its millage question to August, Bunte said that board members had decided to save taxpayers money by not having two elections this year.

Bunte said the request will ask residents to renew the current millage, which is .9875 per taxable value, and that it will run for six years, from 2023-2028.

Board members approved the conditional hiring of Wesley Jaspering as full-time police officer, pending he

passes the police academy, which begins in August.

Police chief Todd Taylor said that approving the hiring of Jaspering, who’s native to the area with a military background, will put him on the payroll so he can be paid while he attends the academy.

Board members approved hiring Justin Ellis as fulltime parking enforcement officer. Taylor said that Ellis interviewed with Jaspering and he felt that he could “get his feet wet” in law enforcement by dealing with the public as an enforcement officer.

Board members approved the request from the police department to purge used and damaged equipment and to burn and destroy old uniforms.

Board members approved a motion authorizing clerk Paula Dudiak to negotiate with the local community and county for early voting for future elections.

Due to the statewide approval of Proposal 2, Dudiak said Michigan now has nine days of early voting before state and federal elections, and all clerks in the county are “trying to get together to be on the same page and would like to see that all of us do exactly the

same.”

She said the state would like to know that she’d have approval from the board to make decisions, such as with regards to negotiating if contracts need to be signed and to “act upon what I’d need to do at the time instead of bringing every little individual item to the board.” Upon request from the county’s emergency operations center, board members adopted a resolution appointing Taylor as the township’s emergency contact for the emergency management office and Bunte as the backup.

Board members approved budget amendments for the 2022-203 fiscal year. A permit for the fireworks at Woodlawn Beach for July 2 was approved.

Joe Martin, director of parks, said that there are a “lot of projects on the docket” for the next couple of weeks. Harbert Community Park and Preserve has recently been graded and the driveway still needs to be graded. He’s ensuring that the dog park is smooth, and any patches are filled. While there’s a beaver problem at the pond at the park, “everything is now under control.”

“I know we’re getting into the busy season here so there’s exciting stuff on the horizon,’ he said.

When you’re hungry or @ a place like The French Laundry, where you/your “set up” to be hungry, it’s easy to eat right in America.

— Dino N. Fatouros

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

Hickory Street bridge in Three Oaks to be repaired

BY THERESE DONNELLY

Extensive repairs to the Hickory Street bridge in the village of Three Oaks will go ahead, it was announced at the Three Oaks Village council’s Wednesday, April 12, meeting.

The bridge, which was originally built in 1980 and has undergone repairs and upgrades throughout the last four decades, is now in need of major work.

In early 2022, engineers from Wightman and Associates reported to the council that the over the Amtrak railway had deteriorated and the bridge’s load limits need to be lowered due to safety concerns.

At that time, Suzannah Deneau, an engineer with Wightman and Associates, told the council the bridge’s box beams had been badly damaged by water.

On Deneau’s advice, the council agreed at the time to team with the City of Niles, City of Watervliet and Village of Baroda to apply for government funding available for major bridge projects. At the April 2023 meeting, Deneau said only Three Oaks had received the sought after funding.

Deneau cautioned the council that the MDOT grant will require the village to “jump through hoops” to meet state requirements

and engineers will need to coordinate the work with Amtrak and with AEP, which has power lines running near the bridge. Village manager Dan Faulkner said he has been told AEP was already planning to replace the lines along Hickory Street.

The council approved a plaque to honor Bryan Volstorf, founder of the Apple Cider Century bike ride. The plaque will be unveiled as part of the ride’s 50th anniversary in September. Artistic Bronze quoted a total of $3,500 for the plaque, with BC Welders installing the supporting post for $1,000.

The State of Michigan recently announced Three Oaks will receive $51,841.21 as its share of the Marihuana Regulation Fund. The council discussed possible uses for the money, though no decisions were made.

Council member Tyler Ream, who is the council liaison with the Parks and Recreation Board, said a lot adjacent to Watkins Park is currently for sale. The board voted unanimously to recommend the council make an offer on the land to add to the park. During the council meeting, several members of the public commented on the condition of village sidewalks and Ream said that, while he’s in favor of the park purchase, he agrees the village should

address the sidewalk issue.

Parks and Recreation Board member Larry Shawver, who attended the council meeting, said the board did not identify where the money for the purchase would come from, but he personally feels the village should spend the disbursement money on sidewalks. He also said that while researching other community policies, he feels policies where the local municipalities are responsible for sidewalks were more successful than where the burden is on homeowners.

Council member Becky Thomas pointed out the council has been talking about sidewalk repairs since 2018, but no plan has been made.

Avillage ordinance requires homeowners to maintain the sidewalks along their property, but Thomas pointed out some residents cannot afford the costs. She also said in some areas it’s difficult to tell if there’s no sidewalk, or if the sidewalk has been overgrown or deteriorated.

In her committee report, council member Lois Jones said the Planning Commission recommended strictly enforcing the village sidewalk ordinances, as well as making a resolution to require

sidewalk installation at new constructions.

Faulkner said the village budget does include money for smaller improvement works and the village can put together a millage for the 2024 ballot to fund repairing or replacing existing sidewalks. Village president Rich Smith added that there will likely be additional marijuana businesses operating in the village by next year’s state distribution, which will give the village additional money that can be put towards the sidewalks.

Dan Coffey, the real estate agent handling the sale, told the council that the property was left to 18 heirs and there have been legal disputes among the beneficiaries regarding the distribution of money. He said they would likely not accept less than the $50,000 asking price. The lot is slightly under a halfacre and is zoned C-1, which will allow for commercial development, or a multifamily development with some commercial use.

The council discussed making a $20,000 offer with a $25,000 counteroffer but no one made the motion.

While no action was made to acquire the park land, the village is closer to acquiring the county building at 21 N. Elm Street that houses the village hall. Faulkner said

We’re all going to die, all of us, what a circus! That alone should make us love each other but it doesn’t. We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities, we are eaten up by nothing. — Charles Bukowski

the Phase I study is complete with no issues. The county administration and board will review the matter. Faulkner said he hopes the transaction will be closed soon.

Another Wightman engineer, Andrew Rudd, gave the council an update on the village’s Administrative Consent Order (ACO) agreement with the State of Michigan for the wastewater management system. Rudd said a long-term sampling and soil sampling are complete and one more report will be submitted after the Public Service Committee could review the soil sampling report at its April 14 meeting.

Part of the ACO is a proposed Wastewater System Improvements Project to meet state regulations and improve treatment capacity.

There will be a public meeting Thursday, April 27, regarding the project plan. Rudd said this meeting required a 15-day notice published in a source that will reach the most people. Rudd said he felt the village’s Facebook page and official website would be the most effective sites due to the timeframe. The council also said they will include a notice in newspapers to reach people accustomed to using them for meeting notices.

After reviewing three bids for a new furnace at the Three Oaks Police Department, the council tabled a decision in order to ask the companies for new quotes that include equipment and installation costs. Police chief Carl Krause said the current furnace had to be shut down due to carbon monoxide concerns and the window air conditioning unit often blows the breakers and

creates a security issue.

Lakeshore Recycling received the village’s rubbish and recycling contract again.

Faulkner said Lakeshore was the lowest of three bids. When asked by the council about the recycling program, owner Dave Workman said his company is working to communicate what items are allowed in the recycling bins. He noted his company is charged more for rejected recycling loads. He said stickers on the bins have helped residents identify what can go in the recycling.

The council tabled a decision on revising the village purchasing policy. Faulkner said he had not been able to further research proposed changes. Council member Lois Jones said she felt the current policy is adequate.

Faulkner told the council the Farnham Farm sanitary sewer agreement is nearly complete but the property owners had asked for reimbursement for any future extension to the north or west of the lot.

Faulkner said he and village attorney Charles Hilmer could find no precedent for the request and had sent the proposal back to the owners. The 70-acre property is located on Schwark Road and US 12.

As the village seeks a new clerk after Cindi Moynihan’s resignation, Faulkner recommended the council approve a formal job description for both the clerk and treasurer positions. Theresa Schmaltz remains treasurer, but Faulkner said both positions should have clear duties. He said state auditors have recommended establishing that any payments coming into the village be handled by the treasurer, and

any payments going out be handled by the clerk.

The village will post the clerk position on the village website and Facebook page, as well as newspapers and the Michigan Municipal League.

During the meeting, Smith reminded those in attendance that he encourages the public to attend meetings and stay involved, but reminded everyone the village does not regularly address Facebook posts.

Three members of the Downtown Development Authority had their terms end in April 2023. Faulkner told the council that member Carolyn Drier had decided not to seek reappointment, but Suzanna Bierwirth and Ron Zarantenello both are interested in serving another term. Additionally, Janet Schuttler has resigned. The council approved the reappointment of Bierwirth and Zarantenello, and appointed Julie Shaffer to Drier’s seat and Bryan Volstorf to fulfill Schuttler’s remaining term through April 2024.

In March, the council approved Ordinance 228, which set a cap on the number of short-term rental permits based on the number of improved lots in the district. The number of properties that received permits before the ordinance was adopted exceeds that cap. While existing permits will be honored, the council said no new applications will be approved until the number of permits drops below the cap. At the April meeting, Jones questioned why there was no waiting list for new applications. Hilmer said a list

would create “an untenable burden” on village staff, who would have to keep track of who was still interested in a permit by the time one becomes available.

Council member Joe Hinman reported the DDA is working to identify boundaries and participants for a proposed social district, which would allow visitors to take beverages between participating establishments in the district.

Ream said the Parks and Recreation Board is working on setting clear park rules, but they are waiting until the DDA has completed its social district plan.

The board is also establishing a program to allow the public to sponsor trees and benches.

The council voted to accept the Planning Commission’s annual report. Jones said the Commission made seven recommendations for the council to consider and are still going over the master plan.

Marco Chavarry told the council there are plans for a vintage car show during the Spring Stroll. The downtown event will include extended shopping hours. Chavarry said there are also possible plans for live music and a free yoga class.

Chavarry also thanked the council for their support of local events and praised volunteers who participated in the recent clean-up day.

Faulkner told the council that Precision Ink and Stitch will create uniform shirts for Public Works employees.

The council ended the meeting with a closed session to discuss Faulkner’s manager contract.

NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION SEEKING NEW MEMBER

The New Buffalo Area Schools

Board of Education is seeking qualified candidates to fill the vacancy of Patricia Newton, who resigned effective April 10.

Interested people must submit a letter expressing interest in the Board position and their qualifications for the position to the Office of the Superintendent, P. O. Box 280, 1112 E. Clay Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117 no later than noon Friday, April 28.

The board shall interview all interested candidates to ascertain their qualifications on Monday, May 8. If you have any questions concerning the role of the Board of Education and the responsibilities of a board member, contact Dr. Michael R. Lindley, superintendent of schools at 269-460-6013 or email mlindley@nbas.org.

— STAFF REPORTS

Council tables marijuana amendment readings

The New Buffalo City Council had the first readings of two ordinance amendments recommended by the Planning Commission, but chose to table them until further information was available at their Monday, April 17, meeting.

The proposed changes would affect the city’s zoning ordinance and code of ordinances in order to regulate marijuana retail in the city.

Mayor John Humphrey acknowledged that many attending the meeting came to hear a decision on the matter, but noted the council would not make a decision with the current information.

“We need to do the right thing,” he said.

When reviewing the zoning ordinance amendment, Humphrey noted that it did not give a definitive difference between dispensaries and other marijuana businesses, such as growing facilities and transportation providers. While Humphrey noted space restrictions mean the city likely won’t have the latter two businesses, he wondered if the amendment should specify the types.

Councilmembers also said they would like clarification on how buffering will be established between businesses, saying it was uncertain how planned streets would affect the distance between establishments.

The proposed amendment to Chapter 22 of the Code of Ordinances is intended to regulate applications and licensing. Humphrey said he would like to verify the passage stating the council can revoke a permit in the event of violationst. He also noted the amendment does not address concierge or delivery services, which he said could be easily abused by people trying to circumvent licensing.

The council also questioned what the city’s administrative responsibilities and costs would be.

By tabling the first reading, the council has pushed a vote on the amendments until July. Councilmember Vance Price informed the rest of the council that he would not be available for that meeting. Councilmember Roger Lijewski has recused himself from the amendments, so the remaining four councilmembers must all be present to have a majority vote. Humphrey said the council could schedule a special meeting to ensure four members are able to attend.

The council did approve a first reading of an amendment to Ordinance 236 to correct a clerical error. Humphrey explained when the ordinance was passed in 2019, it based wording on a similar

BY THERESE DONNELLY

ordinance from Grand Haven, Michigan, and accidentally left the words “Grand Haven” in a portion of the ordinance.

The council approved special event applications for two bicycling events. LeTour de Shore, a twoday 100-mile ride from Chicago to New Buffalo, will take place at the Lions Park Pavilion June 17. Apple Cider Century, a bike tour of lengths from 15 to 100 miles, will have use of park picnic benches and trash receptacles Sept. 23-24.

The council also voted to pass a resolution of support for the Berrien County Trails Master Plan, which plans the establishment of county-wide hiking, biking, equestrian and paddling trails. Friends of Berrien County Trails President Gary Wood explained the organization is seeking support from all municipalities in the county, noting the county commissioners and 18 other municipalities have already passed the resolution.

In a separate action, the council approved a support letter and resolution to request state legislators and Governor Whitmer reconsider House Bill 5054, which would allocate $250 million to municipalities that fund their pension accounts at 60% or more. Watson said other municipalities are eligible for a share in $750 million in pension relief, but New Buffalo and other locations that made hard decisions in order to follow best pension practices are left out of this disbursement.

In order to comply with new Michigan laws regarding absentee and early voting, the council approved the purchase of a new tabulating machine and ICX printer. Watson explained the city currently has one tabulator and if it stops working, counting votes would have to be halted until a replacement could be obtained. He said the $11,213 approved by the council was the highest amount the equipment will cost. City clerk Amy Fiedler told the council that there is still some uncertainty on how the new voting will work, and Berrien County is considering merging jurisdictions for early voting locations, but she felt a backup tabulator is a good idea. The council approved the purchase.

The city’s current contract with Sittig Assessing Services will end July 31, 2023, and the city issued a request for proposal for future assessment services. Watson told the council Northrup Assessing and Southwest Michigan Assessing submitted proposals.

The council awarded the contract, which begins Aug. 1, 2023, to Northrup.

In March 2022, the council suspended new construction of residential buildings in the general commercial district while updates are made to the zoning ordinance. That suspension was scheduled to end Dec. 31, but the council voted to extend the suspension until Oct. 1, 2023, or until the zoning ordinance update and review is complete.

The council also approved a special land use permit for 16 N. Smith Street to use the building as a singlefamily residence. While it was previously used as a residence, the building is zoned commercial, which requires a SLU to allow residential use.

Watson told the council the city fire station is experiencing roof leaks despite repair work and the problem appears to be complicated, as the roof does not leak until days after it rains. He said this suggests the water is pooling somewhere. Repair work is important, he said, because the fire department’s camera system, computers and equipment could be damaged by the water. The council approved Kolar Roofing’s bid of $25,500, which Watson said is in the fire budget.

Police Chief Rich Killips will serve as the city’s liaison for the Berrien County Municipal Emergency Management. Humphrey said that, in light of emergency situations throughout the country, he is glad to see Berrien County taking steps to prepare.

Work on the Dune Walk project is nearly complete and the council approved a final payment of $186,079.04, minus a 10% retainer, to TJM Services, LLC.

Councilmember Mark Robertson said Abonmarche has been working with TJM to complete the punch list.

Along with a number of comments regarding the marijuana ordinances, the council also heard from audience members regarding planned public communication. Businessowner and Downtown Development Authority Board of Directors Chair Robert Kemper asked the council to reconsider plans to use LED signs to relay information at the public beach, saying he felt the signs would detract from the natural beauty. He recommended consulting professionals to identify a better way to communicate with residents and visitors.

Echoing that sentiment were Courtney Krumm and Collette Kemper of New Buffalo Explored. Kemper, founder of NBX, said the group was willing to make a financial contribution to consult a specialist.

LARGE METH BUST IN TOLL ROAD TRAFFIC STOP

More than two pounds of methamphetamine were recovered from a motor vehicle passing through La Porte County on a trip from Los Angeles to New York City.

That’s according to police, who also revealed much of the methamphetamine worth tens of thousands of dollars was contained in a safe located in the back of the SUV.

Mark Taglianetti of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Sean Harman, 37, of Brooklyn, New York, are both charged in La Porte Circuit Court with level 2 felony dealing methamphetamine and level 4 felony possession of methamphetamine.

Hallie Loetterle, 37, of Baldwin, New York, is charged with level 5 felony neglect of a dependent and possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor.

According to court documents, they were in a Cadillac Escalade stopped for speeding and tailgating by La Porte County Police on the Indiana Toll Road just before 9 a.m. Sunday, pril 16, near Rolling Prairie.

Police said all three of the individuals exhibited signs of drug use.

According to court documents, a K-9 alerting to the possible presence of drugs resulted in a search of the vehicle and discovery of a safe.

Police said officers unable to obtain the combination pried open the door on the safe to find over two pounds of methamphetamine. A much lesser amount of the drug was located in separate plastic baggies in different locations of the vehicle.

Police said there were also numerous used syringes and smoking devices recovered.

According to court documents, the woman’s 9-year-old daughter was in the backseat dangerously close to where some of the contraband was located.

The child was turned over to the Indiana Department of Child Services until arrangements were made with family members to care for the girl. —

STAN MADDUX

New Buffalo Township approves marijuana zoning ordinance amendment

Members of the New Buffalo Township Board approved a marijuana zoning ordinance amendment at their Monday, April 17, meeting.

The approval adds new Article 2.2.11 to the township’s zoning ordinance, where the boundaries of the Marihuana Business Overlay Zone are generally described as follows: Provisioning centers/ retailers and microbusinesses are permitted as special land uses in the portions of the C-1 and Industrial Districts located on each side of US 12 from the City of New Buffalo city limit to the state line and each side of Grand Avenue, with grow, processors, and secure transporters being permitted as special land uses in the Industrial Districts located on each side of US 12 from the City of New Buffalo city limit to the state line.; provisioning centers/ retailers and microbusinesses are permitted as special land uses in the portions of the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts located on each side of US 12 from the east side of I-94 at Exit 4 to Hoder Road and provisioning centers/retailers and microbusinesses are permitted as special land uses in the portions of the C-1 and C-2 zoning districts located on each side of Harbor Country Drive and M-239 from Holiday Drive to the state line, including the south side Holiday Drive to Kinst Road and O’Brien Court.

New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit said that the board views allowing marijuana dispensaries to operate within the township as an “opportunity for economic development in areas of the township that haven’t seen

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

activity in decades.”

“The township decided to address the possibility of a referendum that was initiated by others to allow marijuana establishments...We wanted to be proactive and approve the ordinance on our terms and allow it only in designated areas,” she said.

Heit added that this decision wasn’t “made lightly and the board worked closely with the Planning Commission and our zoning administrator throughout the entire process.”

Board members also adopted a marijuana regulatory ordinance, which Heit said “states what we’re allowing and not allowing” with regards to marijuana dispensaries as well as an overlay map.

Board members adopted a resolution to establish a yearly fee of $5,000 for a marijuana establishment application as well as the application.

Board members adopted a resolution that appoints Heit as the emergency liaison to the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.

The hiring of Monique Carpenter and Sam Donnelly at $15 an hour and Ben Coffeen at $16 an hour for the seasonal park employee positions upon receiving background checks, drug tests and physicals was approved. The new escrow policy was approved.

Board members approved a special events fireworks ordinance and application as well as adopted a resolution to establish a fee of $400 for a special event fireworks display permit. Heit said that the ordinance sets forth guidelines for those who want to have fireworks for special events, such as weddings, in nonresidential

districts.

Board members approved clerk Judith Zabicki negotiating on the township’s behalf in an agreement with the local community and Berrien County clerk regarding the nine days of early voting in upcoming elections.

Due to statewide approval of Proposal 2 last November, Zabicki said that Michigan now has nine days of early voting for federal and possibly “lesser elections.”

There will be a precinct set up, where members of the public will come in and, like a regular voting day, put ballots through to be processed. Election workers will also have to be hired for nine days. Saying that “every municipality cannot handle that,” Zabicki said that their clerks association, in conjunction with the county clerks, is getting together and trying to formulate precincts “we’ll have this in.” Zabicki added that they may go by school districts or population and that the township will be working with the City of New Buffalo and Chikaming Township.

Board members approved hiring Kaitlin Poff as seasonal employee for the cleaning and maintenance of the Union Pier trailhead restrooms at a rate of $100 per week.

A quote from Kennedy Industries for a pump lift station rebuild for $20,765 was approved.

Board members approved the 2023 road agreement with the Berrien County Road Department for work on Lakeshore, Glassman and Shedd roads for $253,142.

The resignation of utility department assistant Nick Jackson was accepted.

Region of Three Oaks Museum to feature pioneer portraits during

Art Attack weekend

Nearly two dozen portraits of area pioneers will be displayed at the Three Oaks

Heritage Hall at 8 E. Linden Street during Art Attack weekend, Friday through Sunday, April 28-30.

Local arts vendors will also be selling their creations at the Heritage Hall, Three Oaks’ oldest building, which was built in 1867.

The portraits, part of the Chamberlain-Warren Museum collection, have just returned to The Region of Three Oaks Museum (TROTOM) after a halfcentury of being stored at Michigan State University. Pioneers depicted in the portraits include:

• Sylvester and Sally Shedd, among the area’s earliest settlers. arriving in 1836. Sally Shedd led the first Sunday School classes in the Spring Creek area. Sylvester was a veteran of the War of 1812.

• John and Catherine Sittig, German immigrants who came to this country in 1859. Some of their descendants still live on Sittig Road, south of Three Oaks.

• Selim Ahmed Shakir, a Palestinian Christian who met Three Oaks’ industrialist E. K. Warren when Warren was touring the Holy Land. Shakir moved to Three Oaks and worked at the Featherbone Company during the early 1900s.

• Daniel B. Clark and wife Sarah. D. B. Clark was a Methodist minister in Chikaming Township in the latter half of the 19th century and Sarah was said to be “a copartner with her husband in the work of soul-winning”.

• Job and Jane Jenkins, a British couple who emigrated first to Canada and then to Michigan in 1865, operating a farm between Sawyer and New Troy for nearly 40 years.

The Heritage Hall portrait display and art sale will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 28 and 29 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 30.

The Region of Three Oaks Museum, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, will open for the 2023 season Friday, May 5. The museum will be open noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, through the end of October.

SPORTS

From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

Afew years ago, the Cubs decided not to pay the stars of their World Series winning team, and start over again.

I for one thought that was a terrible idea and wanted them to continue competing for a championship every season. After two weeks this season, I believe that the Cubs were correct.

The front office changed dramatically when Theo Epstein left and Jed Hoyer moved up. Theo was ready to go anyway, and his departure left an opening for Carter Hawkins who was working with Cleveland, and seems to know a lot more about pitching than his predecessor. The team also let their uber popular manager, Joe Maddon go to California so they could hire the equally popular, and much younger David Ross. All of these moves seem to be working out well.

On the field the teams starters were Schwarber, Rizzo, Bryant, Russell, Baez, Contreras, Zobrist, and Heyward. I was really sorry to see Schwarber go, but Ian Happ looks to be a better all around player. Heyward was essentially exchanged for Cody Bellinger and Zobrist had to leave for personal reasons and has been replaced by Seiya Suzuki. The current team also has a few minor leaguers who are almost ready to be stars. The Cub outfield looks to be in good hands for years to come. ( I do wish we still had Schwarber ).

The infield looks better too. Third baseman Kris Bryant has been injured and appears to have lost his power. While Patrick Wisdom may not be the final answer, he has power to spare. The middle infield of Javier Baez and

Addison Russell Is a shell of its former self. Russell last played in Japan and his personal conduct basically ruined his career. Baez followed the money to Detroit, and he is playing terribly. The current keystone combination of Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner is the heart and soul of the team and the upgrade is huge.

Anthony Rizzo is missed and I wish the Cubs hadn’t let him go, but they have some decent players on their roster now and a minor leaguer that’s just about ready to take over.

The starting pitchers aren’t as good or experienced as Lester, Arrieta, and Lackey were, but they are young, hungry, and good. Kyle Hendricks, I believe, is the only holdover from the championship team and he should be recovered from his injury in a couple of weeks. While the fans loved catcher Wilson Contreras, the management must not have agreed, so they let him walk. Right now, the team is focusing on better defense from the catching position.

All in all, the Cubs are far better off than they would have been if they had decided to stick with the players that won the World Series. The only two players I wish were still on the team are Rizzo and Schwarber. Good job Mr. Hoyer. And thank you Jonathan Toews, for being the kind of man that’s worthy of our admiration.

Denis Waitley said, “Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energy moving forward together towards an answer.”

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

Who ever makes the first mistake is going to go down. That’s how Elite these fighters are. — Oscar De La Hoya

The New Buffalo High School baseball team is on a four game winning streak.

The Bison swept a doubleheader at home Tuesday, April 18, against Our Lady of the Lake and took both games of a doubleheader Friday, April 14, at Eau Claire.

Head Coach Adam Lijewski said he feels players becoming more confident and developing a good chemistry after losing the first two games of the season has a lot to do with the team’s recent success.

“They’re believing in themselves. They’re starting to play together. They’re playing as one. That makes a huge

Bison baseball team finding its groove

difference,” he said.

Starting pitcher Sam WendelSuppa gave up three runs in six innings in Tuesday’s 9-4 victory in the opening game of the doubleheader against Our Lady of the Lake.

The Bison helped by four walks and a hit batsman scored four times in the first inning on crisp run scoring singles from Hagen Davis and Nick Messinger.

The Lakers scored their first run in the third inning when a runner at third base came home on a wild pitch.

New Buffalo scored two more times after Vaughn Nikkel started the fourth inning with a double to center field and Ethan Lijewski followed with a

BY STAN MADDUX

hard hit single up the middle. Nikkel was driven home by Davis, who was thrown out on a ground ball he hit to the second baseman.

Lijewski crossed the plate from third base when WendelSuppa beat the throw from the catcher to steal second base.

The Bison added to their lead with three runs in the fifth inning.

Messinger reached base on a fielding error then wound up on second base from a nicely laid sacrifice bunt from Neil Johnson.

Nickel and Lijewski with two outs hit back to back triples to right field and later scored.

Lijewski pitching in relief gave up a run early in the final

inning but struck out the last two batters to seal the victory.

The Bison won the second game 5-0.

Starting pitcher Gio Sanchez-Perez went the distance for New Buffalo in his shut out performance.

Lijewski said the team, with a lot of young struggling players two years ago, keeps reaping the benefits of more experience and physical maturity.

He said pitchers are throwing harder with much better control and batters are striking the ball with more authority.

Fielders are also making harder throw and covering more ground in chasing down

balls.

For example, Lijewski while playing shortstop gloved a hard hit ground ball from behind second base and gunned down the runner.

Max Nikkel showing good range and quick hands caught several hard-hit ground balls at third base with sizzle on his accurate throws to first base for outs.

Sanchez twice grabbed deep fly balls after running them down while playing center field.

“Things like that are what we’ve been missing. I knew we were getting there. It’s fun to watch,” Lijewski said.

New Buffalo defeated Eau Claire 13-1 and 11-1.

Miss Spirit crowned Miss Blossomtime 2023

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Lauren Vegter has wanted to be Miss Blossomtime for really long time.

“I’ve been dreaming about this since I was 5 years old,” she said during the “Blossomtime Salutes Our Roots” - themed pageant Monday, April 17, at the Mendel Center Mainstage at Lake Michigan College.

Apparently, Monday night was the night for dreams to come true: After competing against 20 other hopeful community queens for the more than two-hour pageant, Vegter, the 2023 Miss Spirit of Blossomtime, was crowned the 90th Miss Blossomtime by Miss Blossomtime 2022 Lillian Waggoner.

A 17-year-old senior at Lakeshore High School, Lauren is the daughter of Melissa and Charlie Vegter. She plans to attend either the University of Arizona or Oklahoma City University to double major in dance and business, then dance professionally, and later open her own dance studio in Southwest Michigan.

During a “getting to know you” segment, Lauren revealed that her diagnosis with Lupus prompted her to launch a social media platform to “raise awareness” of it as well as to “stay positive and organize community events.”

Joining Lauren as first runnerup is Miss Bridgman Javen Graves.

Javen is an 18-year-old senior at Bridgman High School and is the daughter of Joyce Graves and the late Jared Graves. She plans

to enlist in the United States Navy to pursue a career in accounting and statistics.

In 2015, Javen was crowned Little Miss Bridgman,

“This is dream come truebeing up here and seeing the girls when I was younger and being here now is just amazing, I’m so proud of myself,” she said.

Second runner-up is Miss St. Joseph Olivia Ippel, the 17-year-old daughter of Abby and Ted Ippel and a senior at St. Joseph High School. After graduation, she plans to attend Grand Valley State University or Michigan State to run and study elementary education to become a kindergarten teacher.

Crowned Miss Congeniality was 19-year-old Miss Berrien Springs Linda Klein. She is the daughter of Amy and Glen Klein. She currently attends Lake Michigan College and plans to attend a four-year university to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing to become a labor and delivery nurse.

The People’s Choice winner was Miss Three Oaks/River Valley Ellie Lumley.

Karl Krause from Berrien Springs was crowned the 26th Mr. Blossomtime Sunday, April 16.

Karl is an 18-year-old senior at Berrien Springs High School and is the son of Gail and David Krause of Berrien Springs.

Karl hopes to attend college at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to major in business or finance to become a contractor and open his own construction company.

Karl’s sister, Kirsten Krause,

Miss New Buffalo Amelia Selir answers her onstage question

Javen Graves is crowned first runner-up during Monday’s pageant

Miss Bridgman Javen Graves entertains during the commercial segment

Co-Mr. Bridgman Brad Salmon introduces himself

Miss New Buffalo Amelia Selir introduces her community

Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Elizabeth Lumley advertises the Apple Cider Century

Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Elizabeth Lumley introduces herself

Miss New Buffalo Amelia Selir entertains the crowd during her commercial

Co-Mr. Bridgman Aiden Conley introduces himself to the audience

Miss Bridgman Javen Graves introduces herself

Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Elizabeth Lumley answers her onstage question

Lauren Vegter is crowned Miss Blossomtime by Lillian Waggoner

was crowned second runner-up to Miss Blossomtime last year.

Joining Karl is first runnerup, Juswin Judge. Juswin is a 17-year-old junior at St. Joseph High School and is the son of Harpreet and Sutinderpal Judge. He plans to attend a four-year university to major in aerospace engineering. Nolan Crandall, an 18-year-old senior at Bangor High School, was crowned second runner up. He is the son of Barbara Ferguson and Thomas Crandall and plans to attend Eastern Michigan University to pursue a degree in electrical and computer engineering.

Crowned Mr. Nice Guy was Declan Finnigan, a 17-year-old senior at St. Joseph High School. He is the son of Annette and Michael Finnigan. He plans to attend Henry Ford College to get his bachelor’s degree in culinary arts.

The Showcase of Queens award winners for Photogenic were awarded to Miss Bridgman, Javen Graves; Miss South Haven, Kate Sprout; and Miss Stevensville, Nadia Arend. Commercial awards went to Miss Edwardsburg, Elizabeth Pederson; Miss Spirit, Lauren Vegter; and Miss South Haven, Kate Sprout. Communication awards went to Miss Bangor, Abigail Russell; Miss Hartford, Raven Ledesma; and Miss Spirit, Lauren Vegter. The princess program scholarship winners were Miss Benton Harbor, Madison Collins and Miss Edwardsburg, Elizabeth Pederson. The Community Queen’s Legacy Scholarship was awarded to Miss Eau Claire/ Sodus, Emilee Demski. The Southwest Blossomtime Sorority Scholarship was awarded to

Miss South Haven, Kate Sprout. The Good Luck Ad winner was Miss Hartford, Raven Ledesma. The Bob Braamse Community Service Scholarship was awarded to Miss Spirit, Lauren Vegter

The Kings’ award winners for Photogenic were awarded to Tyler Valentine, Benton Harbor; Corban Morrison, South Haven; and Juswin Judge, St. Joseph. Creative Entertainment awards went to Jordan Williams, Benton Harbor; Tyler Valentine, Benton Harbor; and Juswin Judge, St. Joseph. Communication awards went to Tyler Valentine, Benton Harbor; Karl Krause, Berrien Springs; and Juswin Judge, St. Joseph. King’s Legacy Scholarship was awarded to Josiah Pittman, Berrien Springs. The king’s non-finalist scholarship was awarded to David Rutherford, Coloma. The Lake Shore Masonic Lodge No. 298 Benton Harbor Scholarship was awarded to Emmanuel Yerenas, Hartford and Royce Daugherty, Watervliet. The Good Luck Ad winner was Noah Willemin, Stevensville. The Mr. People’s Choice winner was Noah Willemin, Stevensville.

Judges for the Mr. Blossomtime pageant were Andrew Skipper, Lisa Walters and Shane Blair. Judges for the Showcase of Queens pageant were Barbara Campbell, Corbin Wagner and Roxie Elliott.

Judges for the Miss Blossomtime pageant were Jim Campbell, Brandy Cox and Bret McAtee.

Former Miss Blossomtime 1988 Lanie Lu Von Behren and Lady of the Lake Athletic Director Phil McDonald emceed both pageants.

Linda Klein is crowned Miss Congeneality

Mr. Three Oaks and River Valley Gabriel Pauff introduces himself Olivia Ippel is crowned second runner-up

The 2023 Miss Blossomtime Royal Court

The 2023 Blossomtime Royal Court

The 2022 Court poses together one last time

Mr. New Buffalo Angelo Ciccrelli introduces himself

Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Elizabeth Lumley graces the stage

The queens open Monday’s pageant

Jackson Family Cycle debuts in Three Oaks

Considering it’s been the epicenter for bicycling enthusiasts near and far every fall since 1974, it would make sense that Three Oaks would be Ben Holt’s chosen spot to open Jackson Family Cycle.

For years, the Jackson family has ridden in the Apple Cider Century, an annual one-day 15, 25, 50, 75, or 100-mile bicycle tour of the orchards, forests and wine country in and around Three Oaks the last weekend of September, together.

It was last fall’s Century that prompted Holt to make the move to open his business at 110 N Elm Street in Three Oaks.

“It was down pouring rain, it was the rainiest Apple Cider there was - and there’s still all these bikers,” he said.

Holt thought: “This community loves biking - this is the spot where I should open a shop.”

Months later, Holt was celebrating the ribbon-cutting with members of the

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce of his business’ opening day, which was Saturday, April 15.

In his remarks to chamber members, Holt thanked Bryan Volstorf, president of the Three Oaks Spokes Club and founder of the Apple Cider Century, for instilling – and keeping – the “bike culture” that abounds in Three Oaks, which has “allowed me to come to this town and do this.”

Kimberlee Wendt, executive director of the chamber, said Three Oaks “has a long history with enthusiasts that bicycle, and the sport itself, here in town” and noted Holt’s familial connections there.

“The owners have many long family ties with this community - so it’s great whenever we can bring in that heritage with business and continue on the participation here,” she said.

The location was formerly occupied by The Jackson Group, an accounting firm that was managed by Holt’s late uncle.

While he’s from South Haven, growing up, Holt visited relatives in the community often. In one corner of the shop, pictures of them grace the walls.

“This town was never my home, but we do lot of Thanksgivings and Christmases, so it always kind of felt like home for all the holidays here,” he said.

Currently, Holt still resides in South Haven, where his wife, Victoria, operates a bed and breakfast. For 15 years, he managed a bike shop there, Rock ‘n’ Road Cycle.

“All throughout high school and college, I was working there, kind of trying to find a career - and I realized biking was my career,” he said.

Holt credits his grandfather, who often went riding with him growing up, for getting him into cycling. In addition to the Century, he also took his grandchildren riding on the PALM.

“And then I got offered the job in the bike shop and I just fell in love with fixing bikes and getting everything working - it was a passion for me and I really kind of grew on that side even more than just the pedaling,” he said.

The family friendly shop offers rentals, sales and full-service repairs. Jackson Family Cycle is a distributor of the respected Giant bicycle brands Giant, Liv and Momentum and offers rentals for electric bikes, comfort hybrid models, electric scooters and road and gravel cycles.

Per its website, the shop also has a selection of new and used parts and items such as bags, baskets, cycling clothing, water bottles and mirrors.

Jackson Family Cycle will be open Wednesday through Sunday; however, Holt said, with it still being spring, he’s working on being open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information can be found at www. jacksonfamilycycle.com or by following them on Facebook.

The outside view of Jackson Family Cycle Chamber members surround Ben and Victoria Holt and Ayla Peterson (center)

New Buffalo Elementary School now enrolling for 2023-2024 school year

New Buffalo Area

Schools is looking for students for the Bison Beginner, prekindergarten program and for kindergarten students for the 2023-2024 school year.

It is helpful for the school to know how many students it will have as planning begins for the 2023-2024 school year. If you believe your child will qualify for either the Bison Beginner pre-kindergarten program or for kindergarten, please contact the office at 269-469-6060, so it can be ensured your student is on our enrollment list.

Parents that have children who will be 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2023, and are residents of the New Buffalo Area School district are welcome to register their child for the Bison Beginner pre -kindergarten program. The program offers both full day or half day (AM) sessions. Enrollment is limited to 25 students for the Bison Beginner program.

Parents with students who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2023, and are residents of the New Buffalo Area School District are welcome to register their child for the kindergarten program. The program is a full day program. At this time,

the school is only taking information on students that currently reside within the school district.

If you have a child that qualifies for enrollment into the Bison Beginner pre-kindergarten or kindergarten program at New Buffalo Elementary, please contact the elementary office at 269-469-6060. The school will collect necessary information from you and provide you with the necessary paperwork/ processes for completion.

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students attending New Buffalo Elementary for the 2023 - 2024 school year will be able to have their hearing / vision screened by the Berrien County Health Department May 30. Free hearing and vision screenings will be held from 2-6 p.m. at New Buffalo Elementary.

If you need a Hearing/Vision Screening for your child and will not be attending New Buffalo Elementary or are not available May 30, you can contact the Berrien County Health Department at 269926-7121 extension 5293 to schedule an appointment for a later date. —

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Michigan tribe opens its first marijuana shop

BY STAN MADDUX

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians have opened their first marijuana store outside New Buffalo.

The sale of marijuana is not legal yet in the City of New Buffalo or New Buffalo Township but the store is on tribal property exempt from local, state and federal laws, since the tribe is considered their own sovereign nation. Rolling Embers, which offers eight different types of marijuana and other products, is next to Interstate 94 at State Road 239 and Wilson Road near the entrance to the tribe’s Four Winds Casino.

The doors opened for business on the 3,000 square foot building after a Friday, April 14, ribbon cutting ceremony.

Dr. Alex Wesaw, treasurer of the tribal council and chairman of the newly formed Pokagon Development Authority, said a number of people played a role in the tribe expanding its business enterprises and ability to provide financially for its residents.

“This is the result of listening directly to our citizenry, taking direction and coming together as a team. This isn’t the effort or result of one person. This is a community working together to accomplish goals,” he said.

The recreational marijuana dispensary was designed and its offerings shaped with help from Opus Consulting, a business performance consulting group out of Portland, Maine, with 10 years of prior experience in the cannabis industry.

Jacques Santucci, president of the company, said people must be at least 21 years old to come inside and every customer has to have their driver’s licenses checked and scanned before being allowed to shop.

Santucci spoke highly of the store being in a highly visible location next

to Interstate 94 and having a potential customer base that includes residents from nearby Indiana along with visitors and second home owners from the Chicago area.

He said Rolling Embers is also one of the first marijuana dispensaries in Michigan with an outdoor lounge for customers to sample what they just purchased and sit in patio chairs beside a fire pit.

There’s also a food truck parked beside the lounge daily, along with live music on weekends and corn hole.

“Great care has been taken in the planning and implementation of the vision to provide a curated experience to both new and seasoned cannabis consumers alike,” he said.

The marijuana available for smoking is displayed inside separate plastic containers lined up in what’s called a “Bud Bar.”

The bar identifies the type of marijuana along with the price and THC content in each of the offerings produced by licensed growers in Michigan.

The containers can also be partially opened to smell the marijuana inside. Magnifying glasses are provided to allow customers to closely examine the products.

“Budtenders” are behind the nearby counter to fill orders and accept payment.

“When your transaction is complete, you can leave the store if you like but we much prefer if you stepped onto our consumption lounge where you commune and consume with your friends,” said Chris Radar, general manager of the store, which offers strictly recreational marijuana.

There’s also a menu on the wall behind the counter listing all of the other products, including already rolled marijuana cigarettes, THC infused gummy bears and exotic looking glass smoking pipes.

Radar said only time will tell how many customers the store receives but they’re optimistic because of its location and the number of visitors that

come to New Buffalo, especially during the summer.

“We got the beach tourism just down the road. Great restaurants. Great bars. We got the casino just up the road, so, we feel our geography here is really going to be an advantage for us,” he said.

Three Oaks, Buchanan and Niles are among the places in Michigan already with marijuana shops under state law allowing communities to decide whether they want such establishments.

The City of New Buffalo and New Buffalo Township could roll out the welcome mat to the retail sale of marijuana in the near future.

Radar said he actually welcomes the competition because he feels more stores will grow the market by further making the drug more acceptable in society.

“It’ll bring more people into the area and the more people that come into the area and start experiencing the industry, the more it gets destigmatized. That’s what we’re really trying to do here is educate, destigmatize and make cannabis just a part of everybody’s everyday life,” he said.

Radar also said customers in the lounge will be closely monitored to prevent anyone from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while legally impaired.

“Our staff is trained to also recognize when people are maybe approaching that limit of getting too intoxicated. Just like a bar. we would cut somebody off. If someone is too intoxicated to leave here we would arrange a ride for them,” he said.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

HOROSCOPE

APRIL 20-26, 2023

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

The energy coming your way this week will get you out of your comfort zone and embracing a more assertive stance in the world. This is the time to be authentic and honor your personal standards. Make things right in your world and things will flow in a way that matches those ideals.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Let the past dissolve and focus on new patterns to emerge. Accept limitations but don’t let it get you down or stop you from endeavoring to move forward. The knowledge of what isn’t working is not enough, it’s the action that follows that aligns you to a higher potential.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Let your social butterfly wings spread and hit the town. Get ready to interact with old friends and mend those bridges as soon as the opportunity arises. This is the time to plant the seeds for future connections by interacting fully when you see people you know. Say hello and let it flow.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

Take charge and start getting things accomplished. Knock out that to-do list pronto because there is so much potential on the horizon that you don’t want the past weighing you down. Your emotional nature will be calmed when you do things in order and trust in the natural flow of events.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

Open your heart and mind to new ideas and new horizons. There is a new and profound outlook on life coming your way. Let that vibe inspire you to travel or take a class. Set your sights on a more powerful and productive station in life, and go for it with gusto. Take the lead and be fearless.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

Embrace a new level of commitment all the way around. Be more communicative and expressive with partners and friends. Be more efficient and productive at work. But most importantly, honor the personal journey you are on. Be true to your talents and share your inner thoughts more.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22

Get your level of involvement in your relationship up to higher standard. Be more expressive about what and where you want things to be with people. This includes business partnerships, as well as intimate partnerships. Be clear and unapologetic. There is much potential in this connection.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

Take the time to get things in order with coworkers and family members this week. Organize and inspect your relationships dynamics both professionally and personally. Are the connections strong and where they should be? If not, it’s time to revise the parameters and get things on the square.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21

Liberate your heart and express your feelings authentically. Tell the world how you feel and know that you will have a profound impact. Get your commitments and team aligned and results will follow. Revise that playlist and change out players to positions that better reflect their talents.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

Realize that there are natural boundaries and choose to work within that margin. Once you embrace the natural flow, your creative potential will increase and you will move beyond the periphery. Even when situations push you into unchartered waters, rely on your natural abilities.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

There is a reliability and contentment that comes from following the natural order of events. Let situations and conversations develop on their own before you attempt to interject or steer them to the information or destination you desire. Trust in the process and go with the flow.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

Let go of past failures or things that didn’t go the way you had hoped. Let the light of disillusionment fade and set your sights on a new horizon. This is the time to plant the seed for the future and give it the space to grow. Even if you have to deliver bad news, know that in the long run, it was right.

Despite how open, peaceful, and loving you attempt to be, people can only meet you as deeply as they’ve met themselves. — Matt Kahn

Charges have been filed in connection with wedding rings removed from the fingers of nursing home residents in La Porte.

Macy Blake, 25, of Michigan City is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with level 3 felony robbery and three counts of level 6 felony theft.

According to court documents,

Charges in nursing home wedding ring thefts

she was employed at Miller’s Health and Rehab at 3530 Monroe Street.

Beginning in late January, police said Blake over a three week period stole four rings from the fingers of three female residents while they slept.

One resident had two rings she had not taken off in years removed on separate occasions while sleeping.

BY STAN MADDUX

Police said one of the difficult to slip off rings was tugged on hard enough to cause her finger to bleed.

Another ring taken from the finger of a resident who later died belonged to her grandmother.

A break in the case was from another victim waking up to a small-framed young blonde woman trying to pull a wedding

band from her finger.

Police said Blake was the only midnight shift worker matching the description she gave of the suspect.

Each of the rings had an estimated value of $1,000 or more.

Blake allegedly sold them to a pawn shop, telling investigators

she needed the money to make ends meet since the nursing home wasn’t giving her enough hours at work, according to court documents.

She could face up to 12 years on the robbery charge and as much as a 30 month sentence on each of the three theft counts.

Police said the pawn shop buying the rings was making an effort to locate the items.

NAKED MAN THAT DOOR KNOCKED ARRESTED IN WOODS

It appears a naked man arrested by La Porte County Police was under the influence of methamphetamine.

Geoffrey Manthey did have work boots on to protect his feet from sticks and other ground cover.

Those are the latest details to emerge from case against the 40-year-old Michigan City man.

According to police, a man on the night of Tuesday, April 11, answered his front door to find a stranger standing on his doorstep without a stitch of clothing on.

Police said the naked man turned and ran toward nearby Pinhook Bog, a close to 600 acre nature area on Wozniak Road between La Porte and Michigan City.

Court documents show responding officers in the parking lot of the nature area used a trail to follow the sounds of a male voice coming from the woods.

Police said Manthey was located about the length of a football into the woods with just a pair of brown work boots on.

He was given a black trash bag to cover himself, police said.

According to court documents, Manthey told officers he was looking for a cell phone he just acquired.

He also revealed being under the influence of methamphetamine and aware he was naked in a park despite his impairment, according to court documents.

He could receive as much as a one-year jail sentence on Class A misdemeanor public nudity.

A status hearing in the case is scheduled May 19 in La Porte Superior Court 3.

Pinhook Bog is a National Natural Landmark and part of the Indiana Dunes National Park system. — STAN MADDUX

Lakefront shooting heightens Michigan City crime as major issue

BY STAN MADDUX

The latest shooting under investigation by police in Michigan City happened at the lakefront.

According to police, officers about 7 p.m. Sunday, April 9, were dispatched to the main parking lot at Washington Park on a report of an individual being shot in the leg.

Some of the responding officers secured the crime scene while other officers located a vehicle occupied by the victim heading to Franciscan Health hospital, police said.

The vehicle was given a police escort to the hospital where Wilton Coleman, 23, was treated for a gunshot wound described by police as “non-life threatening.”

So far, no arrests have been reported.

Other unsolved cases involving gunfire recently include a 19-year-old female Door Dash driver on a delivery having her car struck by multiple rounds and a gunshot wounded driver crashing into a house.

An uptick in gun violence and other crime in Michigan City is one of the major issues in the race for mayor.

Mark Yagelski said residents he talks to on the campaign trail are most concerned about crime.

Yagelski said the image of a community as being unsafe can have a major negative impact on a community and he doesn’t want Michigan City’s reputation to rise to the level plaguing crime-ridden Gary for decades.

He said the damage to the image of Gary was significant from that city once being declared the “Murder Capital of America.”

“The perception is we’re unsafe right now. We have to change that. That can destroy a city. I don’t want it to get to that level,” he said.

Yagelski said his plan to reduce crime includes higher pay for police officers to reverse turnover and restore manpower at a department once with more than 90 officers a few years ago.

Most recently, the number of police officers in the community stood in the upper 70s.

Yagelski, a member of the La Porte County Council, said the pay increase for Michigan

City police officers in recent months was not at the level that seems to have stopped the turnover at the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office.

“We’re in the hole right now. We got to get out of the hole,” he said.

Yagelski is one of five Democrats seeking the party’s nomination in the May 2 primary.

He’s opposed by former two term mayor Ron Meer, city councilpersons Angie Nelson Deuitch and Michael Mack, along with former city councilman Johnny Stimley, who also used to be the La Porte County recorder.

Meer said crime was at an all-time low in Michigan City during a portion of the eight years he served as mayor until 2019.

His solution to crime includes higher pay and children of police officers living outside Michigan City becoming eligible for the city’s Promise Scholarship Program.

Currently, high school graduates living in the city and meeting other requirements receive up to $5,000 a year to help pay for their post-secondary education.

Meer is also proposing demolishing the mostly vacant Marquette Mall and replacing it with a recreational center on the grounds to help get youth off the streets.

He said an investment from the private sector would be required but the city could provide a developer with financial incentives for a facility that could include areas for basketball, volleyball and public swimming pool.

Meer said state and federal funding to further help offset the cost are also possibilities.

He said the sharp increase in the amount of gunfire over the last three years is especially disturbing.

Meer said no amount of investment in the city will work if people don’t feel safe here.

“I don’t want it to effect people wanting to move to Michigan City or leave Michigan City or the visitors who come here. You just can’t have that kind of non-sense of shots fired at the lakefront like we’ve seen several times over the last few years,” he said.

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• ProbateandTrust Administration

CALVARYCHAPELNB.ORG

We are a non-denominational church teaching through the bible line by line - come and see!

Sunday service 1015 ET

Thursday bible study 7pm ET

Saturday men’s bible study 915 ET in person and zoom

Saturday women’s bible study 1030 ET on zoom