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LIFE IN NATURE AND THE SANDY SHORES
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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 21, volume 80
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Thursday, May 27, 2021
Officials continuing to see encouraging numbers regarding declining COVID-19 cases PAGE 3 Grand Beach Village Council adopts 2021 millage rate factor, 2021-2022 budgets PAGE 5
New Buffalo school board adopts upcoming fiscal year budget, approves School of Choice openings PAGE 7 Lady Bison rebound against Titans PAGE 9 Acorn Anywhere! kicks off its second season PAGE 10
Businesses, artists launch Three Oaks Makers & Merchants Alliance PAGE 18
SPRING BOUNTY...
SKIP’S EUROPEAN FARMERS MARKET OPENS FOR 13TH SEASON — PAGE 14 —
PHOTO OF MARCIAL KAJER OF KAJERS GREENS WITH HIS ORGANIC VEGETABLES BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
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New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —
ETHICS SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM MICHIGAN PRESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER PROPRIETOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES, INC. EDITOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE EDITORIAL BOARD CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOE DURK REPORTERS/WRITERS THERESE DONNELLY FRANCESCA SAGALA LAWRENCE VON EBELER KURT MARGGRAF ALEXANDER FATOUROS SOPHIA ROSE FATOUROS STAN MADDUX KRISTIN E. FATOUROS NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE NEW BUFFALO TIMES POLITICS GUESTS QUOTES DINO N. FATOUROS PROOFING FRANCESCA SAGALA BROADCAST/ADVERTISING JANINE ADAMSKI (630) 370-0820 OR JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM SUGGESTIONS, CRITICISM, IDEAS MEDIA@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM ADVERTISING MEDIA@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM CLASSIFIED ADS
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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021
Berrien County COVID-19 update OFFICIALS CONTINUING TO SEE ENCOURAGING NUMBERS REGARDING DECLINING COVID-19 CASES
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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
uring a joint Spectrum Health Lakeland (SHL) and Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) Facebook Live update Wednesday, May 19, Nicki Britten, BCHD health officer, said that COVID-19 case rates are continuing to decline in Berrien County, and that the county was at an average of below 20 cases per day that was being reported to the health department. “These are levels we haven’t seen since early March,” she said, adding that they’ve “definitely made it through that March and April surge that the rest of the state went through.” The percent positivity rate
is also declining, as well as the decrease in hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients. On May 19, Dr. Loren Hamel, SHL president, said that the inpatient census of COVID-19 positive patients had dropped to just below 20 percent and the case positivity rate is running around sevenand-a-half percent. “That predicts that we’re going to continue with numbers in the high teens over the next several weeks,” he said. As of the afternoon of Monday, May 24, in total, BCHD was reporting 13,786 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 261 confirmed deaths, and 12,776 30-day recoveries. It was also reporting 12 nonICU hospitalizations and one
ICU hospitalization. Hamel added that the overall mortality of “folks sick enough to be admitted to a hospital is still running over 10 percent, which is a serious number.”
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ichigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) also updated the Gatherings and Mask Order, which went into effect May 15, to align with the CDC’s latest guidance on face coverings, so that fully vaccinated individuals are no longer required to wear masks and those who haven’t been fully vaccinated must still wear masks indoors but not
outdoors. The mask mandate will be lifted for everyone July 1. On Monday, May 24, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer today announced updates to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) COVID-19 emergency rules (see page 4.) Together with SHL, Britten said BCHD is ensuring that the vaccine is available in convenient locations at convenient times, and they can “have a dialogue” with people regarding their concerns about it. “We’re working to create more of those opportunities for people to have those conversations and then also get a vaccine at a convenient time and place,” she said.
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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021
Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times
Democracy Requires Transparency
CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN FLANIGAN City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS to be determined NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD PETE RAHM, MICHELLE HEIT, JUDY H. ZABICKI, PATTY IAZZETTO, JACK ROGERS Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD CHUCK HEIT, PRESIDENT HEATHER BLACK, VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HASKINS, TREASURER LISA WERNER, SECRETARY JOYCE LANTZ, TRUSTEE FRANK MARGRO, TRUSTEE PATRICIA NEWSTON, TRUSTEE CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, BILL MARSKE Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM
Gov. Whitmer announces updates to return-to-work safety guidelines RELEASES NEW EPIDEMIC ORDER EXPANDING CAPACITY LIMITS
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n Monday, May 24, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced updates to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (MIOSHA) COVID-19 emergency rules as many employers return to in-person work. The governor also announced an updated Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) COVID-19 Gatherings and Face Masks epidemic order, eliminating outdoor capacity limits and increasing indoor social gatherings to 50% capacity, which is set to take effect on June 1. “As we work to put Michigan back to work, we are moving quickly to invest in our families, small businesses, and communities to help them succeed,” Gov. Whitmer said. “The reason we can take these steps is thanks to every Michigander who has stepped up and taken action to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe. Together, we are eliminating this once-in-a-century virus, and now we are poised to jumpstart our economy and power it to new highs.” As part of a bipartisan agreement announced by Gov. Whitmer, MIOSHA filed updated COVID-19 emergency rules in accordance with the MI Vacc to Normal plan and recent health guidelines and orders. Now that the
state has reached the 55% vaccination threshold, MIOSHA has removed the requirement that employers must create a “policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely.” The agency has also rescinded the draft permanent COVID-19 rules, and the public hearing scheduled for Wednesday, May 26 is canceled. MIOSHA has updated other aspects of the emergency rules to reflect the recent order from MDHHS and guidance from the CDC. Those changes include: Employers may allow fully vaccinated employees to not wear face coverings and social distance provided they have a policy deemed effective to ensure non-vaccinated individuals continue to follow these requirements.
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he rules have been reformed focusing on performance, eliminating industry-specific requirements. Definitions have been updated to more clearly reflect changes in close contact and quarantining requirements for fully vaccinated employees. Cleaning requirements have been updated to reflect changes in CDC recommendations. Employers should continue to have
and implement a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan in accordance with the updated rules. MIOSHA filed the updated emergency rules on Friday, May 21 with the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules and anticipates these changes will take effect Monday, May 24. While the updated emergency rules will expire on Thursday, October 14, as this announcement demonstrates, MIOSHA has the flexibility it needs to ensure consistency with public health guidelines and can rescind all our parts of the rules. MDHHS also updated its COVID-19 Gatherings and Face Masks epidemic order, eliminating outdoor capacity limits and increasing indoor social gatherings, including weddings, conferences and funerals, to 50% capacity. Under the new order, which goes into effect Tuesday, June 1, and continues through Thursday, July 1, masks will continue to be required indoors for individuals who are not yet vaccinated. The latest COVID-19 information is available at Michigan.gov/ Coronavirus and CDC.gov/ Coronavirus. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/ COVIDVaccine.
VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM
If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys. — Chief George Tsleil-Waututh Nation
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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021
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Grand Beach Village Council adopts 2021 millage rate factor, 2021-2022 budgets
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efore their monthly meeting Wednesday, May 19, members of the Grand Beach Village Council held a special meeting during which they adopted the budgets for the 2021-2022 fiscal year as well as the 2021 millage rate factor. Councilmembers adopted the millage rate factor of 6.0110, which village council president Deborah Lindley said is down from the 2020 millage rate of 6.0135. She said that this year’s milage rate will raise $836,280 in tax revenues. The village has an additional $1.75 million in its tax base because of the new homes that were built. Lindley said that with the Headlee Rollback, the millage will drop but having new houses at 1.75 million valuation raises the village’s tax revenues. “That is eventually going to even out, and we’ll be losing that money - but because of the new homes that were built, that’s $21,860 and that negates what we lost in the Headlee rollback,” she said. Councilmember Blake O’Halloran said that the village’s millage is one of the lowest of the surrounding municipalities. “Nobody likes to hear about raising taxes - but the reality is with this Headlee rollback, the village gets less money than we have,” he said. O’Halloran said voters can vote on a millage and the council can “give visibility and transparency to exactly what we’re looking for to use this millage increase for.” During the village’s regular meeting, Lindley discussed a notice that will go out regarding the new trash can policy. Beginning June 1, a village employee will remove cans from the edge of the street that are set out days before trash and recycle pickup or that are left out after they’ve been emptied from pickup. A $20 fee for this service will be added to the water billing each time the cans have to be moved by the employee. Lindley said that O’Halloran had been talking with clerk Mary Robertson about opening the clubhouse
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
and that she agrees with him in that she doesn’t believe that the village should get into “policing” with regards to if someone is wearing a mask or not. O’Halloran added that he doesn’t want an employee asking anyone who comes in the pro shop if they’re vaccinated. Regarding employees, he said that, unless they’ve been vaccinated, he feels they should wear a mask. Councilmember James Bracewell reminded councilmembers of the “caustic, sarcastic” emails that the village received last spring with regards to the golf course being closed, when the village was following the governor’s directives. “What’s really important is what’s the position of our governor now,” he said. Guidelines in Michigan require those who aren’t considered fully vaccinated to wear a mask indoors. The mask mandate will be lifted for everyone July 1. While businesses can require that people wear a mask while they’re in there, O’Halloran said that he doesn’t believe this is necessary of the pro shop. “Many areas have relinquished the masks and as long as we’re taking precautionary measures to protect anyone who comes in there, I don’t believe we should have the masks,” he said, and added that plexiglass is around the counter for added protection. Lindley said Robertson will put a sign in her office stating that masks are required there. Councilmembers discussed a request to close Lee Point Beach Access, where a home is being built next to the access. Lindley said that the village doesn’t want to be “liable” for accidents; however, the village isn’t closing any other accesses for building. She said that after talking to superintendent Bob Dabbs, who said it’s dangerous, she’s thinks it should be closed. Councilmember Paul Leonard said that there’s currently no beach there and even if there was, there’s no access to it. He called the access point “just plain dangerous.”
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“As far as I’m concerned, close it down until the construction is finished – and even at that, if we don’t have a way of protecting beachgoers who want to try to scramble down over those rocks to the water’s edge, we should keep it closed until we’re able to do something to protect beachgoers,” he said.
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ouncilmember Ellen Frankle, who’s the beach commissioner, said that the neighbor said when their construction begins and they start excavating, they’re willing to donate all the sand to the village so that “that blowout can be filled with sand.” She said that, while this isn’t a permanent solution, it can “hopefully provide safe access in the very near future.” Bracewell suggested to keep the access point closed until the sand dumping has been completed and the council can then revisit the matter. Lindley said that this is a “good compromise.” Councilmembers agreed that Dabbs will put a sign up regarding the access’ closure and that he and Frankle will let the council know when it’s safe for people to go down there. Councilmembers approved a budget amendment for the 2020-2021 General Fund for the final payment in the amount of $133,000 for the Walnut Beach Access and Pumphouse revetment work. Councilmembers approved putting in speed bumps for a period between Memorial Day and Oct. 1 in front of the park area on Royal Avenue for an amount not to exceed $1,000. Leonard, who’s also street commissioner, said that the speedbumps could “calm traffic” that passes by the playground. Since the resignation of council member Steve Slater, there is now an opening on the New Buffalo Shoreline Alliance for a representative from Grand Beach. Those who are interested in the position or know someone who is interested should contact Lindley or Robertson.
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SCHOLASTICS
New Buffalo school board adopts upcoming fiscal year budget, approves School of Choice openings
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embers of the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education adopted the 2021-2022 fiscal budget at their Monday, May 24, meeting. Regarding the 2021-2022 General Fund Revenue, business manager Pano Arvanitis said he’s estimating local revenues to be about $14.3 million. State revenues will be approximately $1.6 million and federal and other revenues will make up the balance for a total revenue of $16.5 million. Regarding expenditures, Arvanitis said around 70 percent of funds are used for payroll and benefits, and the remaining 30 percent is used for all other expenses. The biggest 2021-2022 General Fund expenditures are Basic Instruction at $6.8 million, with the next biggest expense being Operations and Maintenance at $2 million. Total expenditures are projected to be $17.1 million. Last March, a 19.5741 mill property tax rate was renewed for five years by district voters; however, for 2021, 18 mills will be levied, which will generate an estimated $12,793,021 (or 77 percent of the district’s revenues). In a 5-1 vote (Frank Magro was the dissenting vote), board members approved three School of Choice openings in kindergarten. In a 5-1 vote (Trisha Newton was the dissenting vote), board members approved three openings in sixth grade and two in eighth grade. Board members certified the 2021 tax levy to the City of New Buffalo, New Buffalo Township, and Chikaming Township.
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Board members adopted the resolution for the 2021-2022 Proposed Berrien Regional Education Service Agency’s General Fund Operating Budget. The resolution complying with the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act (152) for the medical benefit plan coverage beginning July 1, 2021, which includes district employees paying 20 percent and New Buffalo Area Schools paying 80 percent of the premium, in lieu of capping the premium, was approved. The Membership Resolution of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) for 2021-2022 was adopted. Board members approved Dave Pagel and Sarah Bates as their chosen candidates for the Berrien RESA Board of Education and appointed board president Chuck Heit as the representative from New Buffalo to attend the biennial election June 7. Board members heard presentations from Officer Mike Cluster school resource officer for middle/high school and Deputy Michael Troupe, the elementary school one as well as one from Angela Robertson, elementary school counselor; Hilary Cunningham, middle/high school social worker and Lisa Price, high school guidance counselor. Since becoming SROS for the school district in 2018, Cluster and Troupe were awarded a 2019 State School Safety Grant for the district, had classroom orange bags updated in both school buildings, had the Berrien County, State of Michigan Emergency Operations Plan updated, and issued tourniquets in
both buildings as well as ensured staff members received tourniquet training. Cluster and Troupe would like to have active shooter training for all staff, which is provided by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, safety film on all exterior glass for both buildings, and CPR and first aid training to all staff members. Since day one, Troupe said he’s taken 32 complaints (including 19 assists) and Cluster’s taken 55 complaints at the middle/high school (including 24 assists). Regarding student social-emotional learning (SEL), Robertson students in kindergarten through fifth grade have been learning skills in areas such as conflict management as well as good citizen traits through weekly guidance lessons, small groups, and individual counseling sessions. Students in kindergarten through second grade have been encouraged to recognize their feelings and learning tools to self-regulate, such as by talking to a trusted adult. Third through fifth grade use Class Catalyst, during which they do a check-in with their feelings and correspond privately with their teacher and counselor.
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ith PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports), students learn how to apply the school’s rules for every area in the school. Robertson is the head of the PBIS team, which participates in the Berrien RESA cohort group. Cunningham said she’s created a monthly parent newsletter that’s added to the middle/high school principal’s mailer (no in-person workshops were
held this year). With grant from United Way of Southwest Michigan, students (including virtual) and staff were given a Calming Kit. A COVID: Universal Wellness Survey is also administered to in-person students, with high scorers meeting with Cunningham for followup. Cunningham was awarded a grant through The Pokagon Fund, “New Buffalo Pandemic Response for Student Well-Being Initiative” project, offering counseling to students in partnership with Willow Tree Counseling. Price helps students with scheduling as well as helping students – and their parents – navigate their senior year, from helping with the college application process to navigating FAFSA. Price is in charge of giving the PSAT/ NMSQT and is the MME coordinator. CLEP testing is also offered to students, as well as AP courses and tests. Students can also earn college credit while taking classes offered through Southwestern Michigan College and one student is taking classes through Purdue Northwest. This year’s senior class could possibly earn a total of 436 college credits. Price said the average cost per credit in Michigan is about $483, so this could equal up to $210,000 in college credits students are already starting to save on. Board members approved the employment of the following individuals for 2021 summer school: Camille Bauer as middle school English teacher, Jada Sheriff as middle school SMART lab teacher and Alyssa Mulligan as elementary teacher.
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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021
The School of American Music begins summer classes
SPORTS
SUMMER SESSION STARTS JUNE 12 WITH BASIC GUITAR TAUGHT BY RON SPEARS
From the Bleachers
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ichiana musician Ron Spears will teach a new session of basic guitar lessons beginning June 12, at the School of American Music’s Arts & Education Center, 14 Maple Street, Three Oaks, Mich. The five-session course will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturdays through July 17 except on July 3. The course, which will focus on basic guitar chords, is designed for novice and intermediatelevel students ages 15 years old and up who can already play some guitar chords and songs. The number of people in class will be limited and all Covid protocols will be observed. “I’m excited to welcome students back into a group setting this summer,” said Spears, who has taught guitar for students at SAM for three years. “Each onehour session in the series will build progressively upon the previous one. We’ll explore the chords and structure that support selected songs, and then we’ll learn how to play them.” The cost for the session is
$100, and the deadline for registration is June 8, 2021. Students must bring their own guitars. Other classes offered by the School of American Music this summer can be found on the school’s website, schoolofamericanmusic.com. Ron Spears plays guitar for “Down by the Docks,” a NW Indiana big band, when he isn’t performing solo at one of Michiana’s musical venues. His repertoire includes folk, folk/ rock, ragtime, jazz, and Broadway standards. The School of American Music offers one-onone instruction with working musicians. Information and teacher profiles are available on the SAM website. As the not-for-profit celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2022, it is solidifying its mission to provide education, performance, and audience opportunities in music and related arts in the southwest Michigan area. Donations in support of SAM’s fundraising campaign, the Future Fund, can be made on the school’s website or by calling 269-4091191. — STAFF REPORTS
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COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
t’s Sunday night, May 23rd, and I just finished watching the Cubs beat the Cardinals 2-1, to move within two games of first place in their pretty evenly-matched division. With the season being about 30 percent finished, I’m truly amazed at how well the Cubs are doing. After trading their best pitcher, Yu Darvish, for a bunch of teenagers and letting another of their best pitchers, Jon Lester, go in free agency, it seemed like they would be near the bottom of the standings, not the top, not to mention letting fan favorite left fielder Kyle Schwarber become a free agent. Seriously, even the most optimistic of Cub fans didn’t expect much this season. I have to interrupt this with a side story. When the Washington Nationals came to town last week with Lester and Schwarber, the Cub fans in attendance gave both players standing ovations. When Schwarber went out to play left field, he spotted something laying in the grass. Apparently, when Kyle was a Cub, he ate a lot of Twix bars, so exteammate Kris Bryant left one out in the grass in left field for him. He promptly put the candy bar in his pocket and seemed to acknowledge the Cub dugout. To this reporter, baseball is supposed to be fun, and the Cubs, even though they probably won’t win the championship this season, at least are having a good time. Unfortunately, on the South side, the Sox don’t seem to be having as much fun. Even though two
great players are injured, the team was riding along with the best record in the major leagues; that is, until their great rookie, the Yerminator, hit a homer to put icing on the cake of a 16-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins. The White Sox manager, Tony LaRussa, berated his player for breaking an “unwritten baseball rule” by swinging at a three ball no strike pitch when your team is way ahead. LaRussa even apologized to the Twins and was okay with their response when they threw at the Yerminator the next night. The Sox went on to lose three in a row to the Yankees and the level of fun they were having dropped significantly. The Cubs, with second year manager David Ross managing the team, have a far better leader than the Sox, with their hall of fame manager whose time seems to have passed him by. Finally, back to the original story: the Cubs and Cardinals battled to a 0-0 tie after nine innings when Cub shortstop Javier Baez unloaded a two run homer to give the Cubs the lead. They held on for a 2-1 win. And honestly, I really like the White Sox, but I believe that they would be better served by changing managers and starting to have fun again. Audrey Hepburn said, “The most important thing is to enjoy your life- to be happy- it’s all that matters.” Refuse hate. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021
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LADY BISON REBOUND AGAINST TITANS
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New Buffalo girls’ varsity softball team suffers defeat to Bridgman
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BY STAN MADDUX
he New Buffalo High School girls’ varsity softball team suffered its worst defeat of the season at home to Bridgman Friday, March 21. For the most part, the Lady Bison (12-7) have been riding the arm of flame throwing pitcher Ava Mullen. Mullen, a sophomore, gave up 12 runs in her complete game effort while Natalee McNeil, a senior for the Bees, gave up no runs in also going the distance. Many of the runs were from errors and smart base running but Bridgman showed they can also hit the ball even against Mullen clocked as fast as 65 miles per hour during the season. New Buffalo Head Coach Jason Haskins said Bridgman with the best record in the conference put the ball in play, which exposed the weaknesses of his young team on defense. “It is what it is. They’re a better team than we are,” he said.
However, Haskins said he doesn’t believe Bridgman is as good as the score reflected. Haskins said some of his players took the field despite being sick and second baseman, Amelia Sieler, just returned from an ankle injury, which she aggravated during the game. Six of the first seven batters for the Lady Bison struck out while James reached base on an infield single. The game, though, was still close with Bridgman leading 1-0 after two innings.
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he Bees scored two runs in each of the next two innings, though, and put the game away with seven runs in the fifth
inning. The only time New Buffalo threatened to score was in the third inning after Sieler drew a walk and the next batter, Lily Ruskowski, took first base on a catcher
interference call. The home plate umpire ruled the glove of the catcher made contact with her bat while she was swinging at a pitch. The next hitter went down swinging while a pop up from Mullen was gloved by the shortstop. The Lady Bison started with just nine players from having two players still out with COVID-19. New Buffalo forfeited the second game from Sieler not able to continue from reinjuring her ankle. The Lady Bison have three sophomores and five freshmen on the roster. Haskins said he expects his players with maturity will learn how to rebound better after miscues on defense. “That’s part of being young. We don’t know how to handle those errors sometimes. That’s part of maturity,” he said.
he Lady Bison returned to winning form Monday with a double header sweep at home against Michigan Lutheran. New Buffalo won the first game 10-1. Ava Mullen pitched a no-hitter and recorded 18 strikeouts. The Lady Bison led 3 to 1 until scoring four additional runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Ava Johnson after knocking in a run with an infield single came home on a double by Mullen. Amanda Jones drove in Mullen with a single to left field and later scored from third base when Aaron James grounded out to the shortstop. The Lady Bison were held scoreless in the fifth inning but started the sixth inning with a walk by Johnson who after stealing second base came home on two bad throws. Jones hit a long fly ball which went off the glove of the left fielder streaking over to try and catch it. She wound up on third base then scored on a crisp single to right field by James. James later came home on a ground ball fielded by the shortstop who made a clean throw to first base for the second out. Laura Wamser hit a line drive double to left field but didn’t score. The victory was sealed when Mullen after recording two more strikeouts in the final inning gave up a walk to a batter thrown out trying to steal second base. In the second game, Mullen pitched another no hitter in a 14-0 victory. Mullen also had 12 strikeouts in the game called after four innings under the mercy rule. The Lady Bison (14-7) are scheduled to open the district tournament at home on June 2 against River Valley. New Buffalo lost to the Mustangs in extra innings during the regular season. — STAN MADDUX
You’re playing a game, whether it’s Little League or Game 7 of the Word Series. It’s impossible to do well unless you’re having a good time. People talk about pressure. Yeah, there’s pressure. But I just look at it as fun. —Derek Jeter
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10 THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 Livia Gazzolo is accompanied by Reynaldo Certain
Music lovers applaud the musicians
Sandra Thompson, artistic consultant, welcomes the crowd
Acorn Anywhere! kicks off its second season
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armer weather creeping back into the region can mean only one thing for music lovers in Harbor Country and beyond: the return of Acorn Anywhere! shows. Described as “an exciting new series of fun events hosted by The Acorn that could pop-up... anywhere!” on The Acorn’s website, the outdoor concert series kicked off its second season at the New Troy Community Center in New Troy with “The Great American Songbook featuring The Dean Allrick Trio with special guest Livia Gazzolo” Saturday, May 22. Guests staked out a spot on the lawn behind the Community Center (social distanced), sat back and enjoyed the artists, who were performing at the Allan Boyd Memorial Gazebo. “We love that we’re here for you guys and you guys are here for us and we made it together through COVID,” Sandra Thompson, artistic
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
consultant at The Acorn, said, adding that she thanks Friends of New Troy for making it possible for them to be in the Allan Boyd Memorial Gazebo Garden that night. Guests were also treated to a sweet treat: strawberry shortcake, courtesy of Classic Catering in Bridgman. Dean Allrick Trio members Chuck Hartzell (jazz drummer), Tim King (who plays tenor saxophone and upright bass) and Dean Allrick (jazz pianist/singer) made their way through 20th century American songs and jazz standards that comprise the Songbook. Gazzolo, a jazz singer who has performed at various esteemed venues in Chicago as well as every Thursday last summer at Café Gulistan in Harbert, was accompanied by Reynaldo Certain, an accomplished classical, flamenco and bossa nova guitar player. According to Laura Jolly, a member of the Acorn Board of Directors, there are eight more Acorn Anywhere!
shows (counting the annual Singer/Songwriter Competition). By “popular demand,” two shows will be held at Fernwood Botanical Gardens in Buchanan: “The Music of Carole King at Fernwood,” which has already sold out, July 10, and “Guitars and Saxes featuring the Bryan Lubeck Band” July 24. Upcoming big shows are “Bruce in the USA” at Sunset Hill Farm County Park in Valparaiso, Indiana, June 27 (Thompson described them as the “best Bruce Springsteen tribute band in the country) and “Shining Star: Earth, Wind and Fire tribute band” at La Lumiere in LaPorte July 17.
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he Acorn will also be bringing back some of the music indoors. The first show in the theater at 107 Generations Drive since March 2020 will be “Brad Cole & Friends with Opener James Neary” at 8 p.m. Friday, June 11. Another upcoming
indoor show in June will be “Heartache Tonight – A Tribute to the Eagles” at 5 and 9 p.m. Saturday, June 19. Indoors shows are limited capacity. Jolly said that submissions for the ninth annual The Acorn Singer Songwriter Competition are due June 15. The competition, which will offer cash prizes totaling $1500, will take place this year in the Common in Buchanan July 16. Jolly said that Tom Raab, operations manager, and his team have been doing all the setups for the shows. She also thanked volunteers for making everything possible. Jolly said The Acorn is about “the vibe, the people and the music -” elements that, when combined, can transform any space into a haven of entertainment. “If The Acorn can’t be inside at our theater, it can be…. anywhere,” she said. For more details on upcoming shows, including dates and times and ticket prices, visit www.acornlive. org.
TROTOM OFFERS HERITAGE HALL EVENT SPACE FOR RENT
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n conjunction with its season opening May 1, The Region of Three Oaks Museum (TROTOM) announced the availability of its Heritage Hall, 8 E. Linden, for rent to the public for meetings and events. Built in 1866, the former Three Oaks Township Hall was purchased by the museum in spring of 2020 to preserve it for community use, as stipulated in the original land deed from the Warren Family. Since then, TROTOM has painted and cleaned the historic building and hung pictures in tribute to some of the area’s founding families. The 1,000-square-foot space has a 50-person capacity. Rental rates include non-profit group meetings, $15 per hour; other group meetings, $20 per hour; partialday rentals, $50 (8 a.m. to noon; 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.); and full-day private events, $250. A $100 refundable cleaning deposit is required for large events. Persons interested in renting the space can email trotommuseum@ gmail.com or call Julie Sittig, 269756-3547. The Museum is located at 5 Featherbone Avenue, next to Acorn Theater, and is open Friday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., through October. For more information on its exhibits and programs visit regionofthreeoaksmuseum.com or contact trotommuseum@gmail. com. — STAFF REPORTS
The old Lakota was wise. He knew that a man’s heart away from nature becomes hard. — Luther Standing Bear
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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 11
PASSENGER STEAMSHIPS ON GREAT LAKES SUBJECT OF NEW BUFFALO FOL
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team-powered passenger ships were the way to tour the Great Lakes in the mid-19th Century. This longgone leisure pastime will be examined at the New Buffalo FOL Community Forum via Zoom at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 8. These affordable fleets were a popular way to enjoy leisure times and quickly became the dominant form of passenger transportation on the Great Lakes. Historian Valerie van Heest will describe the history of these passenger ships, including some of the worst tragedies and the best experiences of these vessels that sailed the inland shores for more than a century. In addition to her work as an historian, van Heest also is a museum exhibit designer and underwater explorer of early Great Lakes shipping. The Zoom link to join the Forum is found under Activities/ Events on either the library’s Facebook page or its website, or email new.buffalo.FOL@ gmail.com. — STAFF REPORTS
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12 THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021
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Closer to normalcy from kids vaccination clinic BY STAN MADDUX
bout a dozen people were in line when the doors in LaPorte opened for children ages 12 to 17 to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Everyone receiving the vaccine May 29 were instructed to return on June 10 for their second shot to be fully protected. Connor Rahn, 15, said he didn’t hesitate when told about the one day clinic at the Civic Auditorium by his parents. Rahn said he won’t have to worry any longer about hanging out with friends or going to Florida as a Pop Warner football cheerleader if the LaPorte team advances to the finals this year. “I think we’re all just ready to get back to normal,” said his mother, Shelly. One hundred doses of the Pfizer vaccine were provided by Walgreens. The pharmacy chain was contacted by the mayor’s office in response to parents asking where they can go to get their children vaccinated after the state recently lowered the age limit. “They were more than willing to help,” said Mayor Tom Dermody. So far, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use in children as young as 12. Vials of the vaccine stored at 70 degrees below zero were brought from the Walgreens at U.S. 20
and U.S. 421 in Michigan City, said Dan Whelan, a pharmacy technician for the drug store chain. To receive a shot, Whelan said a child had to provide written consent from a parent or guardian who also had to be present. Noel Riley of LaPorte jumped at the chance to bring her daughters, Liberty, 17, Ireland, 15, and Hope, 13, after learning about the four hour clinic on social media. “I was going to get them vaccinated no matter what but I just figured this was a big group thing and I had all three right after school. It was easy. It was convenient,” she said. “I was nervous at first but it really didn’t hurt. I’m glad I got it,” said her daughter, Liberty.
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elissa Worthington showed up with her 14-year-old son, Tristan. “It’s about keeping everyone else safe,” she said. Hot dogs and slices of pizza were offered to every children who received a vaccination. Dermody said up to 100 children might not seem like a lot but gets everyone a step closer to returning to normal. “I think people are ready for this summer after missing out a majority of last year,” he said.
CLEARED OF MURDER BUT STILL GUILTY
LaPorte area man was cleared by a jury of murder but still convicted in the 2019 death of his brother, who was a business executive. Gyle Delrio, 41, was found guilty of Level 3 felony Aggravated Battery and Level 5 felony Involuntary Manslaughter. He was acquitted of Murder and Level 2 felony Voluntary Manslaughter. The LaPorte Circuit Court jury reached its May 18 decision after three hours of deliberation. Paul Delrio, 38, was found severely beaten inside a home he and his brother lived in with their mother in the 200 block of W. Johnson Road. According to courtroom testimony, the victim moved in with his mother and brother due to a separation from his wife. The victim was director of operations for LaPortebased Bruno Enterprises, the operator of numerous chain restaurants in the area, according to evidence presented in the case. Prosecutors said the brothers had been drinking and that night the defendant violently lost his temper. LaPorte County Deputy Prosecutor Julianne Havens pointed to a bed post as the possible weapon because of the extensive brain injury suffered by the victim, who also had broken ribs and lacerated liver. “Did he use a bed post? It’s hard to say but
there was blood on it,” she said. The defendant claiming self-defense testified he struck his brother with no more than seven punches. He said they were in a truck when he told his brother to stop because he was too drunk to drive and they switched places. Gyle Delrio said he was driving when his brother fell out of the truck, climbed back in and started grabbing the steering wheel. The defendant said he slammed on the brakes at more than 30 miles per hour and his brother’s head slammed into the dash board. He also testified his brother later came at him and he had no choice but to fight back. Defense Attorney Michael Campbell urged jurors if there was a crime to reach a verdict on a lesser offense. He cited the testimony of a doctor who stated that such a violent impact with a dashboard causes fatal brain injury in one-third of the cases. “That’s reasonable doubt,” Campbell said. Delrio could receive an up to 22-year sentence as opposed to a maximum 65 years for murder. He was also found not guilty of taking from his brother expensive gold and diamond jewelry his wife purchased for her husband years ago in places like Aruba in the south Caribbean. — STAN MADDUX
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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 13
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14 THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021
Skip’s European Farmers Market opens for 13th season
Marketgoers stroll among the line of booths
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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
t’s already the end of May, which means that Skip’s European Farmers Market is officially in full swing. The 13th annual market opened for the season Saturday, May 15. On Sunday, May 23, the market featured an array of vendors touting their produce, jams, jellies, honey, flowers, coffee, clothing, jewelry, and personal hygiene items (just to name a few fresh items). The market takes place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays until Oct. 10 (weather permitting) at 16710 Lakeshore Rd. in New Buffalo.
Maria Hoang stands by a display of flowers at the Michigan City-based Sevrick Gardens booth
Greta Krieger, who does custom metal stamping, stands beside her latest creations
Will Ford and Tim Swartzentruber manned The Pot Slot booth
Elise Mauro and Cheyanne Weiland at the Indian Summer Boutique Fashion Truck
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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 15
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16 THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021
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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 17
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18 THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021
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Businesses, artists launch Three Oaks Makers & Merchants Alliance
hree Oaks artists and and Merchant memberships are open Drier’s Meat Market; Kendra Grant, coartisans, sellers of goods and to business owners and individuals owner of Poppy Hill Vintage; Kim Pruitt, services, and supporters of who create products or provide services artist and owner of Dawning Art; and the community have formed a through businesses in Three Oaks village Gavin Gray, a lover of Three Oaks whose new organization to promote or township. Membership as an Ally is donation helped launch the organization. their ventures and the village: The Three available to nonprofit organizations that “I’m not a maker or a merchant, but Oaks Makers & Merchants Alliance. support Three Oaks residents. Lover I’ll tell you why I joined: because you The nonprofit organization has memberships are open to anyone in the won’t find a more dynamic group of launched a website, ILoveThreeOaks. world. To join the organization, visit creative people than the women who org, and will soon open a welcome center ilovethreeoaks.org. have launched this alliance,” Gray said. in downtown Three Oaks “They’re already doing at 13 North Elm Street. The great things for Three welcome center will sell I Love Oaks, and this organization Three Oaks merchandise and provides the opportunity showcase member makers and to bring other artists and merchants. business owners together The organization also is and make the most of their planning an open house where talent and energy.” people can learn more about “And, of course, I also the organization from 5 to joined because I love Three 10 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at Oaks,” he said. “If you’re the Three Oaks Social Club. looking for one of a kind, this Complimentary light bites will village is it—the people, the Founders of the Three Oaks Makers & Merchants Alliance be served, and a cash bar will products, the place. There’s gathered in front of their welcome center last month. From left: be available. truly no place like it.” Colleen Newquist, Kendra Grant, Bridget Verdun, Carolyn Drier, “The mission of the Makers In addition to their Suzanna Bierwirth, Gavin Gray, Kim Pruit & Merchants Alliance is roles with the Makers & to support the thriving Merchants Alliance, several community of independent members have strong ties Bierwirth said members will benefit by artisans and businesses in our historic with village government. Newquist is an expanding their reach and offsetting the village and to create joyful experiences elected member of the Three Oaks Village cost of marketing through regular joint for area residents and visitors across all Council, and Drier and Bierwirth both generations,” said founder and president advertising, public relations, promotions, serve on the Downtown Development Suzanna Bierwirth, owner of Goods & and events. Authority, which Bierwirth chairs. Heroes design store, co-owner of the “Members have so much to gain from Bierwirth said she has been asked what Three Oaks Social Club event venue, and the collective expertise of the marketing the difference is between the Makers & maker of Sinn Botanik skin care products. and communications professionals on Merchants Alliance and the DDA. As a village founded by E. K. Warren, our board. We have over 100 years of “The main difference between who was both a maker and a merchant, combined experience just among the the DDA and the Alliance is that Three Oaks is steeped in a history of fine founding members,” she said. the purpose of the DDA, which is a craftsmanship, Bierwirth said. branch of government, is to maintain “Our village is known as a creative n addition to Bierwirth, founding historic preservation while improving community, with artists and board members are: vice-president public spaces and attracting private entrepreneurs of every kind, from Bridget Verdun, owner of Just investments to the village. The purpose painters and clay artists to musicians B. maker space and maker of of the Alliance is to build up and align and storytellers, to butchers, bakers, Occasionally Speaking letterpress the business and creative communities and whiskey makers. We’re excited greeting cards; treasurer Ellie Mullins, for the mutual benefit of members to highlight the unique people and co-owner of Patellie’s Pizza and P+E and the village. We are separate but endeavors of our community,” she said. Bottle Shop; secretary Colleen Newquist, complementary organizations,” she said. Membership in the organization is maker of Stop and Smell the Butter: To join the organization and learn available at various levels: Makers, A Journal of Appreciative Living; and more, visit www.ilovethreeoaks.org. Merchants, Allies, and Lovers. Maker board members Carolyn Drier, owner of — STAFF REPORTS
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LAPORTE COUNTY DECIDES AGAINST MASK MANDATE
t’s up to businesses in LaPorte County now to decide whether to require patrons to wear a mask. The LaPorte County Commissioners on May 19 chose not to continue with a mask mandate in the unincorporated areas. Officials in LaPorte and Michigan City also chose not to force people to wear a mask in their corporate boundaries unless required by a commercial establishment. LaPorte County Commissioner Rich Mrozinski said the decision boiled down to weighing the current public health risk of COVID-19 and future well-being of businesses struggling from restrictions. “Lots of people are being vaccinated. We’re trying to get this put behind us,” he said. Previously, local restrictions during public health emergencies were previously made by the health officer in each county. But, a majority of lawmakers in the state legislature felt such home rule decisions should rest with elected officials to give more of a voice to the public whose lives are impacted by the restrictions. County health officers are appointed. The commissioners also lifted the mask mandate for county government buildings except inside courtrooms. LaPorte City Hall is scheduled to reopen to the public on June 1 but citizens will be required to wear a mask for at least a month. “We are eager to take a step closer to normalcy and get to have some face time with our citizens,” said Mayor Tom Dermody. City Hall in Michigan City is still open to the public by appointment only. Future plans for the building are being developed and should be revealed sometime in the near future, said Chris Yagelski, administrator for the Mayor’s Office. — STAN MADDUX
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THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 19
HOR0SCOPE MAY 27-JUNE 2, 2021
AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19
There will be some nice changes in the neighborhood and community relationships will improve greatly over the week. It’s important you adjust your approach when dealing with those in charge. On some level you will have more luck, if you deal with people on your own.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21
A new vibe will be flowing through the troops and a sense of friendship and comradery will prevail. Business and pleasure don’t always mix. So, you will do better by taking charge of situations and avoid letting personal favoritism affect your handling of hard to deal with employees.
This week luck will be with you in finding the right person for the job or someone who can help you make changes around your home or with finances. There may be some major adjustments to be made and it will be good to have an expert on your side to guide you.
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
Money and resources will start to flow this week. Don’t shy away from new financial opportunities. This is the time to make changes and start something new. Make any necessary adjustments with partners and deal with the way you get distracted or blow off important decisions.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
There may be some extra work or extra steps you need to take to complete things successfully this week. This is not the time to fudge over details or cut corners. There is a good chance the company you work for could undergo some major changes and everyone will need to adjust.
You will see many changes at work or with employees this week. There is a chance to make more money or get more out of what you already have, if you change your attitude and embrace a new operating system. You won’t go forward by doing business as usual, it’s time for change.
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
There will be a vibrancy and new purpose to your life this week. Embrace a new attitude and face challenges with positivity. This is not the time to let go of responsibilities or let others do the job for you. You can handle challenges and can succeed, when you embrace your power.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 You will be blessed with a new outlook on life this week. One that will restore your faith and help you see the bigger picture. It’s time to embrace a new journey and explore different areas. Take up a new hobby and uncover some of those hidden talents you’ve been hiding.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
Embrace a solitary mode and dig into projects or ideas on your own, this week. Outside influences may cloud your intuitive senses right now or keep you from completing projects in a timely manner. When you give yourself some space, you will get those much-needed mental breakthroughs
You will be ready to take relationships or ideas to the next level. This is the time to deepen commitments and make space for someone special in your life. Don’t resist intense feelings when expressed by others. It’s time to listen and adjust the way you normally respond to others.
A big dose of inspiration and upliftment is headed your way this week. This energy has the ability to unlock creative potentials and supply you with a some very lucrative ideas. The important thing now, is to change your approach when dealing with children or a younger audience. Get ready to feel a new vibe flow through your home. One that will help you make things feel more relaxed and cozier. Your energy levels will be very high, giving you the stamina to tackle big projects like cleaning out the garage or weeding the garden. Create your sanctuary.
Yeah, I’m a slave ... in accordance with nature. — Dino
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20 THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICES
CITY OF NEW BUFFALO BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 248 ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 11 OF THE NEW BUFFALO CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PROVIDE AN EFFICIENT PROCEDURE FOR REVOKING RENTAL PERMITS AND MAKE OTHER MODIFICATIONS ALLOWING MORE EFFECTIVE REGULATION OF SHORTTERM RENTAL UNITS The City of New Buffalo ordains: Section 1. Amendment. Chapter 11 of the New Buffalo City Code, entitled “Short-Term Rental Units,” is amended to read in its entirety as follows: Chapter 11 Short-Term Rental Units Sec. 11-1. Purpose. A. The City recognizes that one of its largest industries is tourism. The tourism market supports many different types of businesses including the hospitality market, the restaurant/dining market, the shopping and retail market as well as a host of others. The City believes that the tourism industry will continue to grow. B. The City recognizes that a major part of the tourism industry is the shortterm rental or vacation rental marketplace. This marketplace has grown exponentially with the increasing use of online booking websites, and it will most likely continue to grow as surrounding municipalities limit, restrict or eliminate the practice. C. While short-term rentals can provide community benefits, their proliferation in singlefamily neighborhoods can also cause difficulties where the character of the use takes on a more transitory and commercial character. Michigan courts have recognized that transitory and commercial uses are in tension
with the traditional use of single-family dwellings. D. The City needs to take action to ensure that the operation of short-term rentals is done in a safe and controllable manner for the well-being of all in the community. The character of residential zoning districts must also be restored and preserved. E. The City further recognizes that the establishment of a permit hearing system is needed in order to effectively enforce the short-rental regulations provided in this chapter in a cost-efficient manner. Final determinations made in any permit hearing shall be subject to judicial review. Sec. 11-2. Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. A. Bedroom. A room intended for sleeping or placement of a bed, separated from other spaces in a dwelling unit by one or more functional doors. The following spaces, which must be included in every dwelling unit, do not qualify as bedroom: (i) kitchens; (ii) dining areas; (iii) gathering spaces such as family rooms, dens, or living rooms; and (iv) attics or basements without egress meeting standards in applicable building, residential, and fire codes. To count as a bedroom, a room must comply with applicable requirements for bedrooms and habitable spaces set forth in Chapter 3 of the Michigan residential code. B. City. The department, officer or individual designated by the City Manager or City Council to administer all or any part of the permitting and inspection programs under this chapter. C. Good visitor guideline materials. Materials prepared by the City’s zoning administrator that include: (1) a summary of the City’s noise ordinance, fireworks ordinance, trash disposal ordinances, and applicable offenses against the public peace, (2) a reminder that the rental property is located in a residential neighborhood
and that neighbors may not be vacationing, and (3) a statement informing the renters that neighboring property owners may contact the local agent and local police to report any issues relating to the property. D. Hearing Officer. An individual designated by the City Council who presides over and adjudicates permit revocation hearings as described in Section 11-13. The hearing officer may be either an employee or independent contractor of the City, but in either case shall act as an impartial adjudicator. To ensure impartiality, an individual who serves as a hearing officer may not be involved in enforcing this chapter in any way other than as described in Section 11-13. E. Local Agent. An individual designated to: (i) oversee the short-term rental of a rental unit in accordance with this chapter; (ii) respond to calls from renters, concerned citizens, and representatives of the City; (iii) act as an agent of the owner with respect to a short-term rental unit, which shall include the authority to accept service of legal paper’s relating to the unit on the owner’s behalf. F. Occupant. An individual who is living in, sleeping in, or otherwise having possession of a short-term rental dwelling unit. An individual present in a dwelling unit during the term of a short-term rental shall be presumed to be an occupant unless circumstances clearly indicate that the individual is visiting between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and will not stay overnight. G. Off-Street Parking Space. Shall mean a parking space that is provided on the same lot as the short-term rental unit that satisfies the requirements to count toward the minimumparking calculation in Article 15 of the Zoning Ordinance. H. Owner. A natural person who is the legal or equitable titleholder of the premises in question. In situations where the record title holder is a trust, corporation, limited liability company, or other
similar legal entity, the term “owner” shall refer to natural persons with control or partial control over such entity, e.g., a trustee, designated corporate representative, any and all members and managers of a limited liability company, etc. I. Short-Term Rental Activity. The rental of a dwelling unit for compensation for a term of less than one month. However, short-term rental activity does not include the following: transitional housing operated by a nonprofit entity, group homes such as nursing homes and adult foster care homes, hospitals, or housing provided by a substance abuse rehabilitation clinic, mental health facility, other health care related clinic, or dwelling units owned by a business entity and made available on a temporary basis to employees of that business entity or employees of a contractor working for that business entity. J. Short-Term Rental Reservation Summary. A standard form issued by the City Clerk on which the owner or local agent of a short-term rental dwelling unit shall document, for each anticipated short-term rental term, the name and date of birth of each occupant that will be staying at the property; the number of vehicles that will be parked on site; the make, model, and license number of each such vehicle; and the dates on which the shortterm rental term will commence and end. At the discretion of the City Clerk, the form may also include information regarding any requirement of this ordinance. K. Short-Term Rental Term. The duration of a short-term rental occupancy by a given renter or group of renters. A rental term shall be deemed to end when there is a complete turnover in the occupancy of the dwelling unit. L. Short-Term Rental Unit. A dwelling unit in which short-term rental activity is permitted to occur subject to the terms and conditions of this ordinance and the City’s zoning ordinance. M. Short-Term Rental Unit Permit. A written document issued by the City indicating that the dwelling unit identified thereon is authorized to operate as a short-term rental unit in accordance with this chapter. When used in this chapter, the word “permit” refers to short-term rental permits. Sec. 11-3. Short-Term Rental Permits;
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PUBLIC NOTICES Requirement, Applications, and Review Procedure. A. Permits required. All dwelling units used for short-term rental activity must be registered with and have a short-term rental unit permit issued by the City and must comply with any applicable provisions of the City’s zoning ordinance. B. Application. To apply for a shortterm rental unit permit, the owner(s) shall: 1. Provide and certify as true the following on a form provided by the City: a. Name, date of birth, address, email address, and telephone numbers (local and cell phone) of each and every owner of the property, as well as the local agent designated by the owners. b. The street address of the short-term rental unit, along with other identification if more than one short-term rental unit has the same street address. c. The number of shortterm rental units in the building, if more than one. d. The number of bedrooms in each short-term rental unit. e. The number of offstreet parking spaces provided on the lot that are reserved exclusively for occupants of the short-term rental unit. Valid off-street parking spaces include space in a garage, on an improved driveway, or in a carport. f. A statement certifying that each bedroom has a working smoke alarm, that there is a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor, and that the owner(s) or local agent will check those devices at least every 90 days. g. A statement certifying that each kitchen has a working fire extinguisher and that a working fire extinguisher is located near each outdoor cooking device. h. A statement certifying that the owner(s) consent
to inspections by the City and that the owner(s) or local agent will make the dwelling unit available to inspections upon request. i. A statement acknowledging the requirement in Section 11-4(f) below to submit a short-term rental reservation summary to the City each time the property is rented on a short-term basis. j. Such other information as the City requests. 2. Sign the application form and provide the signature of the local agent. 3. Pay an annual administrative fee, as set by resolution of the City Council. 4. Submit the property to an annual inspection for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. Failure to satisfactorily complete an inspection shall be grounds for withholding a permit or deeming an existing permit to be immediately void. Voiding a permit under this section is not subject to the procedures provided in Sections 11-11 and 11-13. C. Local agent required. All short-term rental units must have a designated local agent that satisfies the following: 1. The local agent shall be a natural person who resides within 20 miles of the geographic boundaries of the City of New Buffalo. 2. An owner may serve as the local agent so long as he or she has the ability to continue residing at a location within 20 miles of the City of New Buffalo during the duration of any short-term rental term. D. Permit issuance. To the extent permits are available in the pertinent zoning district at the time of the application, a short-term rental unit permit shall be granted after a successful inspection if the requirements in this ordinance for short-term rental units and applications for a short-term rental unit permit are met. E. Validity and renewal. Shortterm rental unit permits become invalid in each of the following circumstances: 1. A permit expires on year from the date of issuance of the
permit; A permit is terminated when the property to which the permit applies is conveyed to another party; 3. A permit is terminated when revoked in accordance with Section 11-11 below. A permit that expires or is terminated upon the conveyance of the property can be renewed so long as the application is submitted within 12 months of expiration or termination. A permit that is revoked in accordance with Section 11-11 can renewed at the end of the 1-year ineligibility period so long as the application is submitted within 12 months of the date when the permit first becomes eligible for renewal. The renewal process shall be subject to the same requirements as the initial application. F. Delinquent payments. No permit shall be issued or renewed unless the owner is current on the payment of all real property taxes, utility rates, fees, charges, special assessments and other amounts due to the City. Delinquencies on any such payments to the City, regardless of whether they relate to the rental unit for which a rental unit permit is sought shall result in denial of the permit. G. Changes in information. An owner or local agent shall notify the City in writing within 15 days of any change in the information provided on the application form. An owner of a short-term rental unit shall notify the City in writing within 15 days of any change in the designated local agent. Sec. 11-4. Responsibilities of Short-Term Rental Operators. The owner(s) and local agent for each short-term rental unit shall each be responsible for ensuring compliance with the following regulations, except where expressly provided otherwise: A. Local agent availability. During each short-term rental term, the local agent shall be available 24 hours per day, seven days per week for the purpose of responding within 30 minutes to complaints regarding the condition, operation, or conduct of occupants of the short-term rental unit or their guests. B. Timely and effective response. The local agent shall, upon notification that any occupant or guest of the short-term rental unit has created unreasonable noise or disturbances, engaged in disorderly 2.
conduct, parked vehicles in violation of this ordinance, or committed any other violations of applicable laws, rule or regulation pertaining to the use and occupancy of the short-term rental unit, respond in a timely and appropriate manner to halt and prevent a recurrence of such violations. C. Reasonably prudent business practices. The owner and/or the owner’s authorized agent shall use reasonably prudent business practices to ensure that the occupants and/or guests of the shortterm vacation rental unit do not create unreasonable noise or disturbances, engage in disorderly conduct, or violate any applicable law, rule or regulation pertaining to the use and occupancy of the subject short-term vacation rental unit. D. Duty to provide permit and post in window. Upon request by any occupant or prospective occupant, the owner(s) or agent shall provide the occupant or prospective occupant with a copy of the short-term rental unit permit. Further, a full-sized copy of the shortterm rental unit permit must be posted in a prominent first-floor window of any short-term rental during each short-term rental term. E. Maximum occupancy; advertising regulations. Each short-term rental unit permit shall indicate the maximum occupancy for the unit, calculated pursuant to Section 11-9 below. A shortterm rental unit shall not be advertised for an occupancy that is greater than the allowed maximum occupancy calculated pursuant to this section. Any advertisement posted on an online short-term rental platform must state the maximum occupancy as calculated pursuant to Section 11-9. F. Reservation requirements. At least 24 hours prior to the commencement of a short-term rental term, the owner or the local agent shall: 1. Obtain the contact information for at least one of the occupants who will be staying in the unit; 2. Complete a copy of the short-term rental reservation summary form and file it with the City Clerk or the Clerk’s designee in a manner specified on the form; 3. Ensure that a copy of the shortterm rental reservation summary form is available within the dwelling unit during each short-term rental term so that rental occupants can produce it upon request in conformance with Section 11-5(B) below. 4. Provide a copy of the good visitor guideline materials to the prospective occupants;
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PUBLIC NOTICES 5.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
Inform the prospective occupants of the maximum occupancy of the short-term rental dwelling unit; and 6. Inform the prospective occupants of the number and location of off-street parking spaces provided on the lot and of the parking regulations provided in Section 11-5(A) below. Basement regulations. No basement can be used for a bedroom unless it has an egress window approved by the City inspector and found in compliance with local and state code requirements. Curbside refuse pickup. The owner or local agent must make provisions to have refuse picked up (curbside) at least once per week when the short-term rental unit is being rented. Where curbside pickup is not reasonably available, this requirement may be satisfied by provision of a communal dumpster available for use by occupants of the shortterm rental unit. Further, it shall be responsibility of the owner and local agent to ensure compliance with Section 15-7 of the City Code, which regulates the times at which refuse and recycling receptacles may be set out for collection and left at the curb of the street. Renter turnover procedure. For short-term rental units, the local rental agent shall, at least once per month, inspect the premises (or ensure inspection by a designee of the agent) using a City-designated checklist and shall ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, lights in common areas and stairways, egress doors, and railings are in a safe and working condition; any defects discovered shall be corrected promptly. Upon inspection, the agent shall sign and date that checklist and shall maintain it for City inspection and copying for a period of at least two years. Compliance with safety equipment requirements and applicable codes. All short-term rental units shall comply with the safety equipment requirements in Section 11-8 below, as well as all applicable zoning, construction, fire, and property maintenance codes, ordinances, or other regulations. A violation of any of the foregoing shall also be a violation of this section. Rental of partial dwelling units
prohibited. This chapter pertains only to the short-term rental of an entire dwelling unit. The short-term rental of partial dwelling units (e.g., a room or rooms within a dwelling unit) is prohibited. Sec. 11-5. Responsibilities of ShortTerm Rental Occupants and Guests. A. Street parking prohibited. No shortterm rental occupant, nor any other guest visiting a short-term rental unit during a short-term rental term, shall park vehicles on public streets adjacent to the unit. Rather, the off-street parking spaces provided on the lot must be utilized, and any excess vehicles must be parked in public parking lots or other permitted off-site locations. B. Short-term rental reservation summary. Occupants shall produce a copy of the short-term rental reservation summary to a City police officer or other ordinance enforcement officer upon request. C. Duty to comply with applicable laws. Short-term rental occupants and guests shall comply with the City’s noise ordinance, fireworks ordinance, trash disposal ordinances, open burning regulations, applicable offenses against the public peace, and any other applicable ordinances or laws. A violation of any of the foregoing shall also be a violation of this section. Sec. 11-6. Unauthorized Rentals Without a Permit. A. Unauthorized rentals. It shall be unlawful to engage in short-term rental activity with respect to any dwelling unit that has not been issued a permit pursuant to this chapter. In any prosecution or action to determine a violation of this section, the following shall apply: 1. Advertising that offers a property as a short-term rental home shall constitute prima facie evidence of short-term rental activity involving the property and the burden of proof shall be on the property owner or other defendant to establish that the subject property has not been used for short-term rentals. 2. Any communication in which a person offers a dwelling unit for rent for a term of less than one month shall constitute prima facie evidence of shortterm rental activity and the burden of proof shall be on the property owner or other
defendant to establish that the subject property had not been used for short-term rentals. B. Unauthorized advertising. It shall be unlawful to advertise any dwelling unit that does not have a shortterm rental permit issued pursuant to this section for rent for a period of less than one month. Such advertisement shall constitute a violation of this ordinance separate and apart from a violation described in subsection A above. Sec. 11-7. Inspections. A. Scheduling. Upon written notice from the City, it shall be the owner’s and local agent’s responsibility to schedule and allow the City’s inspection of the short-term rental unit. Inspections shall generally occur during the City’s regular business hours, except in emergency situations or when otherwise agreed to by the City and the owner or local agent. All fees shall be paid prior to the inspection. B. Opportunity to correct deficiencies. If an inspection reveals that the short-term rental unit is not in compliance with this chapter or applicable codes, the owner(s) shall be provided a written list of deficiencies or violations that must be corrected. Failure to correct such deficiencies in a reasonable time shall be grounds for withholding a permit or voiding an existing permit. C. Additional inspections. The City may conduct additional inspections as it deems necessary, upon reasonable notice to the owner(s) or agent, such as when: 1. A complaint is filed with the City; or 2. The City otherwise has reasonable cause to believe a short-term rental unit is in violation of any City ordinance. D. Changes in conditions following inspection. The owner(s) or local agent shall notify the City in writing within 30 days if any of the items inspected pursuant to this chapter are altered after inspection by the City. Sec. 11-8. Safety Equipment. A. Smoke detectors. The owner(s) and local agent of each short-term rental unit shall each be
responsible for the installation of smoke detectors/alarms in each rental unit. All smoke detectors/alarms shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.) approved, and shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of the Michigan Residential Code and the household fire warning equipment provisions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards § 72. B. Smoke detector locations. Smoke detectors/alarms shall be installed in the following locations: 1. In each sleeping room; 2. Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms; and 3. On each additional story of the rental unit, including basements and cellars, but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In rental units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke detector/alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level, provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level. C. Carbon monoxide detectors. The owner(s) and local agent of each short-term rental unit shall each be responsible for the installation of a carbon monoxide detector in each rental unit. All carbon monoxide detectors shall be of the type described in MCLA § 125.1504d. D. Fire extinguisher. The owner(s) of each short-term rental unit shall each be responsible for the installation of a fire extinguisher in the kitchen of each unit and near each outdoor cooking device. E. Tampering prohibited. No person shall tamper or interfere with the effectiveness of a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector or fire extinguisher required by this section. Sec. 11-9. Maximum Occupancy Calculation. The number of occupants in a dwelling unit during a short-term rental shall not exceed the lesser of: A. Fourteen total occupants; B. Two occupants per bedroom plus two additional occupants per finished story meeting the applicable
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PUBLIC NOTICES egress requirements for occupancy in the Michigan Construction Code; or C. Except for units within a planned unit development, four occupants for every off-street parking space that is provided on the lot and reserved exclusively for occupants of the short-term rental unit. For units within a planned unit development, the occupancy is determined only by the limits described in Subsection A and B. Sec. 11-10. Violations. A. Violations as municipal civil infractions. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this ordinance is responsible and may be prosecuted for a municipal civil infraction in court of competent jurisdiction, subject to payment of a civil fine of not less than $500, plus costs and other sanctions, for each infraction. Repeat offenses shall be subject to an increased civil fine as follows: 1. The fine for any offense which is a first repeat offense shall not be less than $750 plus costs and other sanctions. 2. The fine for any offense which is a second repeat offense or any subsequent repeat offense shall not be less than $1,000, plus costs and other sanctions. 3. A repeat offense means a second (or any subsequent) violation of this ordinance: a. Committed by a person within any twelve-month period; and b. For which the person admits responsibility or is determined to be responsible. B. Administrative notices in lieu of citations. As an alternative or initial remedy, the City may seek to obtain compliance with this ordinance by issuing an administrative violation notice to the owner(s) and/or local agent for the unit to which the violation pertains. Each time a violation notice is issued, the owner(s) and local agent shall immediately cease the offending conduct or taking corrective action to terminate the violation described. Each violation notice shall be served in accordance with Section 11-12 and shall contain the following information:
1.
The name of the responsible person(s);
2.
The code section violated;
3.
The address where the code violation occurred;
4.
A description of the code violation;
5.
The names of the issuing department and enforcement officer; Sec. 11-11. Short-Term Rental Permit Revocation. A. Grounds for revocation. The City may revoke the short-term rental permit for any shortterm rental unit which is the site of at least three separate incidents within a 12-month period (occurring on three separate days) constituting a violation of any provision of this ordinance, whether committed by an owner, local agent, occupant or guest. In order to qualify as an incident for purposes of this paragraph: (1) the City must have issued a civil infraction citation or administrative violation notice regarding the offending conduct prior to commencing revocation proceedings pursuant to subsection B below; and (2) the violation must be either admitted by the owner or proven by a preponderance of the evidence in a civilinfraction prosecution in state court or in a revocation hearing as provided in Section 11-13 below. B. Revocation Procedure. Upon a determination by the City that the short-term rental permit is subject to revocation pursuant to subsection A, the City shall serve a notice, pursuant to Section 11-12, to the property owner(s) and the local agent stating that the City intends to revoke the short-term rental permit. The notice shall inform the owner(s) and local agent of the date and time at which a revocation hearing will be conducted before a hearing officer, in accordance with Section 11-13. Determinations by the hearing officer regarding revocation shall constitute final orders of the City. C. Period of ineligibility following revocation. Upon revocation of
a permit, a renewed short-term rental permit will not be issued for a period of 12 months and the unit cannot be used for short-term rentals until such permit is obtained. Sec. 11-12. Service of Notices. Any notice issued pursuant to this chapter shall be considered served as of the date of the earliest of any of the following events: A. The posting of the notice on or adjacent to the premises, in conjunction with the mailing of the notice to the responsible party’s last known address by first-class mail; B. The sending of the notice by email to an email address designated on a short-term rental permit for the property; C. Personal delivery of the notice to the responsible party; or D. The responsible party’s receipt of the notice by certified U.S. mail, as indicated in a notification of receipt. Sec. 11-13. Permit Revocation and Permit-Ineligibility Hearings. The following standards and procedures shall apply in any permit revocation or permit-ineligibility hearing conducted under this chapter: A. Opportunity to be heard. Property owners and local agents shall be provided with the opportunity for a hearing during which they may be represented by counsel, present witnesses, and cross-examine witnesses. Hearings shall be scheduled with reasonable promptness, provided that the property owner(s) and local agent shall be given at least 14 days after service of process to prepare for the hearing. B. Evidence. The hearing officer may admit and give probative effect to evidence of any type commonly relied upon by reasonably prudent persons in the conduct of their affairs. Irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence may be excluded. Effect shall be given to the rules of privilege recognized by law. Objections to offers of evidence may be made and shall be noted in the record. Subject to these requirements,
the hearing officer, for the purpose of expediting hearings and when the interests of the parties will not be substantially prejudiced thereby, may provide in an administrative hearing or by rule for submission of all or part of the evidence in written form. C. Burden of Proof. The City shall have the burden of establishing that the grounds for permit revocation, as described in Section 11-10, by a preponderance of the evidence. A decision and an order shall not be made except upon consideration of the record as a whole or a portion of the record as may be cited by any party to the proceeding and as supported by and in accordance with the competent, material, and substantial evidence. D. Appeals. Final determinations of the hearing officer shall be subject to judicial review in accordance with Article VI, Section 28 of the Michigan Constitution in an appeal taken pursuant to Michigan Court Rule 7.123. Section 2. Publication and Effective Date. The City Clerk shall cause this ordinance or a summary thereof to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City, and the ordinance shall be effective 20 days after enactment or upon publication, whichever is later. YEAS: Robertson, Lijewski, Flanagan, Mayor Humphrey NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: O’Donnell CERTIFICATION This is a true and complete copy of Ordinance No. 248 adopted at a regular meeting of the New Buffalo City Council held on May 17, 2021. JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR ANN M. FIDLER, CLERK
NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF ADOPTION ORDINANCE NO. 05172021A
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PUBLIC NOTICES DANGEROUS OR UNSAFE BUILDING ORDINANCE To the residents and property owners of New Buffalo Township, Michigan, and all other interested persons: On May 17, 2021, New Buffalo Township (the “Township”) adopted Ordinance No. 05172021A, Dangerous or Unsafe Building Ordinance (“Ordinance”). The following is a summary of the Ordinance. A true copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection or purchase at the Township Hall located at 17425 Red Arrow Highway, New Buffalo, MI 49117.
Section 1. Unlawful Conduct
This section states it shall be unlawful for any owner or agent thereof to keep or maintain any building or part thereof which is a dangerous or unsafe building.
Section 2. Definition
This section defines “dangerous or unsafe building.” Section 3. Notice; Contents; Hearing Officer; Filing of Notice with Officer; Service This section provides the procedure for scheduling a hearing on a dangerous or unsafe building. Section 4. Hearing; Testimony; Decision; order; Nonappearance or Noncompliance; Review; Order to Show Cause; Costs This section provides the procedure for holding a hearing on a dangerous or unsafe building, follow-up after a hearing and costs/penalties for violations.
Section 7. Authority This section states the Township’s authority for enacting this ordinance. Section 8. Conflicting Ordinance This section states any ordinance or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent necessary to give this Ordinance full force and effect. Section 9. Other Remedies This section states that the foregoing remedies and penalties are in addition to all other rights and powers of the Township to proceed at law or equity with other and additional appropriate remedies including, but not limited to, injunctive relief.
Section 6. Penalties for Violations
This section provides sanctions for violations of the Ordinance.
Section 1. Title
This section states the title of the ordinance.
Section 2. Regulations
ANTI-NOISE AND PUBLIC NUISANCE ORDINANCE To the residents and property owners of New Buffalo Township, Michigan, and all other interested persons: On May 17, 2021, New Buffalo Township (the “Township”) adopted Ordinance No. 05172021 C, Anti-Noise and Public Nuisance Ordinance (“Ordinance”). The following is a summary of the Ordinance. A true copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection or purchase at the Township Hall located at 17425 Red Arrow Highway, New Buffalo, MI 49117.
This section amends the regulations for the accumulation and storage of garbage, junk, mobile homes and dumping in the Township.
Section 3. Validity
This section states that if any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance.
This section states that should any section, clause, or provision of this ordinance be declared by the courts to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of the ordinances as a whole or any part thereof, other than the part so declared to be invalid.
This section amends the regulations for the noise in the Township and exceptions thereto.
Section 11. Effective Date
This section provides that the Ordinance shall be effective 30 days after publication as provided by law.
This section provides sanctions for violations of the Ordinance.
Section 10. Validity
A copy of this notice is on file in the office of the Clerk JUDITH HANDLEY ZABICKI CLERK
Section 4. Sanctions for Violations
Section 5. Effective Date This section provides that the Ordinance shall be effective 30 days after publication as provided by law. A copy of this notice is on file in the office of the Clerk JUDITH HANDLEY ZABICKI CLERK
Section 5. Judicial Review This section provides that an owner or party in interest aggrieved by any final decision or order of the Township Board may appeal the decision or order to the Berrien County Circuit Court by filing a petition for an order of superintending control within twenty (20) days after the date of service upon such owner or party in interest of a copy of such decision or order as provided in Section 3 hereof. the decision or order.
On May 17, 2021, New Buffalo Township (the “Township”) adopted Ordinance No. 05172021B, Litter and Debris Ordinance (“Ordinance”). The following is a summary of the Ordinance. A true copy of the Ordinance is available for inspection or purchase at the Township Hall located at 17425 Red Arrow Highway, New Buffalo, MI 49117.
Section 1. Title
This section states the title of the ordinance. Section 2. Anti-Noise Regulations
Section 3. Public Nuisance Regulations This section provides that no person, firm, or corporation shall create, cause or maintain any public nuisance within the Township of New Buffalo by the unreasonable creation of dust, smoke, fly ash or noxious odors, offensive or disturbing to adjacent property owners and residents in the area. Section 4. Validity This section states that the several provisions of this Ordinance are declared to be separate and the holding of any court that any section or provision thereof is invalid shall not affect or impair the validity of any other section or portion.
Section 5. Penalties for Violations
This section provides sanctions for violations of the Ordinance. Section 6. Effective Date NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF ADOPTION
This section provides that the Ordinance shall be effective 30 days after publication as provided by law.
ORDINANCE NO. 05172021B LITTER AND DEBRIS ORDINANCE To the residents and property owners of New Buffalo Township, Michigan, and all other interested persons:
NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF ADOPTION ORDINANCE NO. 05172021C
A copy of this notice is on file in the office of the Clerk JUDITH HANDLEY ZABICKI CLERK
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The Acorn seeks an organized, customer-service oriented individual for a Part Time Operations Assistant/ Volunteer Coordinator. Responsibilities include box office, front of house, patron communication and coordinating volunteers. The position requires flexible hours including some Friday and Saturday evenings. Join this growing nonprofit performing arts organization in Three Oaks, MI. For more information, go to www.acornlive.org/jobs. The Acorn seeks a Part-Time Custodial and Maintenance contractor to maintain the cleanliness of the theater building, set up theater seating for each show, maintain clear and safe emergency exits, periodic equipment and building inspection, and arrange repairs. This position requires flexible hours including Friday and Saturday evenings and the ability to lift at least 50 pounds. Join this growing nonprofit performing arts organization in Three Oaks, MI. For more information, go to www.acornlive.org/jobs.
Sawyer house fire leaves one person dead
A
resident was found dead by police and fire units inside of an early-morning house fire in Sawyer that took place last weekend. According to a press release by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, at around 3:35 a.m. May 23, police and fire units were dispatched to a house fire in the 1200 block of Linden Ave. in Sawyer around 3:35 a.m. Sunday, May 23. The home was found fully engulfed. The Chikaming Township Fire Department was assisted by the
Bridgman and Lake Township Fire Departments. One victim was located inside of the residence. The victim’s name is being withheld until a positive identification can be made. This case remains under investigation. Agencies involved were the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Chikaming Township Fire Department, Lake Township Fire Department, Bridgman Fire Department, Medical Examiner’s Office, and Michigan State Police Fire Investigation. — STAFF REPORTS
DEATH NOTICES THREE OAKS – Betty Stanage, 73, of Three Oaks, died Monday, May 24, 2021. Arrangements are pending at Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks.
IN LAPORTE 1 Year Experience. Call Oak Woods Manor for more details. 219-362-6600.
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
SERVICES FISH FOR STOCKING Most Varieties Pond Lakes. Laggis Fish Farm 269-628-2056 Days, 269-624-6215 Eve
EXPERIENCE PREFERRED Carpentry drywall flooring tile setting windows doors and decking. Must be 18 years or older with valid drivers license. Heavy lifting involved. 219-808-1329. johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com
ELDERLY CARE NEEDED? Compassionate help available to care for your loved ones. Experienced and Dependable. Call Diane 219-344-2265
New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —
www.newbuffalotimes.com
26 THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021
SERVICE DIRECTORY
Tom Rossman, Agent 815 E Buffalo New Buffalo, MI 49117 Bus: 269-469-4442 Toll Free: 866-848-5266 www.tomrossman.net State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1211999
Professionals in all of your tree care needs “Opening Doors To Affordable Housing”
We Build Modular Homes Year Round Located On The Corner of Fail Road & Highway #2 Over 5 Model Homes On Display
800-729-5664 www.laportehousing.com
Residential Builder MI License No. 2102222731
Maple City
Remodeling/ Home Improvement/ New Construction
Tree SpecialiSTS
REMOVAL STUMP GRINDING removal stump grinding TOPPING PRESERVATION topping preservation TRIMMING STORM DAMAGE trimming storm LOT & LAND CLEARING damage
Metal Fabrication/ Architectural Supports Property Management
free estimates
Commercial • Residential 37 Years Experience • Insured
219-808-1329
johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com
Dennis Jeffers, sr. 219-393-3155 maplecitytree@comcast.net
KitchenBathRemodeler.com
ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE PLEASE CONTACT JANINE L. ADAMSKI JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM (630) 370-0820
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
New Buffalo Times
— SINCE 1942 —
mwww.newbuffalotimes.com
THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2021 27
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY FROM GREEN STEM PROVISIONING
SHOP AMAZON OR ...
EXPERIENCE
N I L E S
YOU MUST PASS THROUGH
EXPERIENCE BUDDAHFEST
Take a meditation break and find your Buddah
EXPERIENCE THE GALLERY
A salon surrounded with multimedia art
EXPERIENCE THE SOUTHWEST CORNER Sage, rich color, warmth, the allure of pinion in the air
EXPERIENCE CRYSTALS GALORE, THE JUNGLE, 70’S, AND CUSTOMS CLOSET
TO GO WHERE YOUR SPIRIT TAKES YOU.
139 N. WHITTAKER ST, NEW BUFFALO, MI 49117 OPEN EVERYDAY
269.469.9180
BRING YOUR GREEN STEM RECEIPT TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND RECEIVE A SPECIAL DISCOUNT! GOOD ANUFF PUB NILES BREWING COMPANY JIM’S SMOKIN CAFE UNCLE ROD’S BBQ PIZZA TRANSIT
GREEN STEM
CJ’S PIZZA & SUBS
- MENU -
HOME PLATE RESTAURANT IRON SHOE DISTILLERY CREATE BAR & GRILL CURLY Q’S BBQ
VENI’S SWEET SHOP NUGGETT DOWNTOWN GRILL GINNY’S PLACE
HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS & ELECTRONICS RECYCLING COLLECTION Berrien County RESIDENTS Only No Business Waste
June 9, Wednesday, 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. NEW BUFFALO TWP FIRE / WATER DEPT. 17655 Clay Street, New Buffalo Township
RECREATIONAL AND MEDICAL CANNABIS (21+) MONDAY-SATURDAY 10AM-8PM SUNDAY 10AM-4PM ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.GREENSTEMMI.COM
Home / garden / garage / workshop chemicals, cleaners, oils, fuels, liquids & solvents; batteries; oil-based paint; unwanted medication; needles/sharps; fluorescent bulbs (compact & tubes). NOT ACCEPTED: latex paint, gasgrill size propane tanks, fireworks, waste from businesses.
Electronic Waste
(fees apply on some items)
*OFFER VALID WITHIN 24 HOURS OF PURCHASE*
1140 SOUTH 11ST NILES MICHIGAN
Household Chemicals
Contact
Berrien County Parks Department 269-983-7111 x8234 www.berriencounty.org, click Recycling Services
Unwanted electronics that have a cord or battery operated, printers, phones, computers, monitors ($10/monitor), TVs ($20/TV fee), large & small appliances, Freon items ($10/item), DVD/VCR players, power tools, ink cartridges, cameras, etc.
Participants MUST remain in their vehicle - this is a drive-through service only.
www.newbuffalotimes.com
sunday 5/30 & monday 5/31
circa: 2021 memorial day special menu outdoor cookout!! ala carte memorial day menu local farm salads • grilled corn michigan asparagus • raw & roasted oysters steaks • ora king salmon chicken skewers • italian sausage housemade pies • ice cream cocktails housemade sangria & specialty cocktails hamburgers & dogs for the kids! 3311 pottawattomie trail, michigan city, in 46360 219.874.7729 • www.farinasupperclub.com