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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 22, volume 79
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Lifeguards in New Buffalo, but not in Michigan City PAGE 3 Safer at Home executive order extended until June 12 in Michigan PAGE 6
Cherry Beach, Harbert and Pier Street Beach access currently closed PAGE 8
New Buffalo school board approves School of Choice numbers, employment, tenure status of teachers PAGE 9
CROWDED BEACH
A silent—and reflective—Memorial Day in Harbor Country PAGE 12
CITY BEACH LOT BRIEFLY CLOSES DUE TO OVERCROWDING — PAGE 10 — PHOTO BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
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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 AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS THERESE DONNELLY FRANCESCA SAGALA LAWRENCE VON EBELER KURT MARGGRAF ALEXANDER FATOUROS SOPHIA ROSE FATOUROS STAN MADDUX GAIL ISAACSON KRISTIN E. FATOUROS NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE NEW BUFFALO TIMES POLITICS GUESTS 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 28, 2020
Lifeguards in New Buffalo, but not in Michigan City
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BY STAN MADDUX
here were plenty of lifeguards at the public beach in New Buffalo over the Memorial Day weekend but there were none further down the Lake Michigan shoreline. There may be no lifeguards at Washington Park in Michigan City for the rest of the summer. The decision to pull lifeguards was made by mayor Duane Parry, who’s imposed restrictions on spending to try and eliminate a $3.6 million budget deficit inherited from the previous administration. Parry is also looking to keep the red ink from deepening given the uncertainty about the impact COVID-19 might have on existing revenue streams. The city has already lost about $1 million a month in revenue from Blue Chip Casino since the shutdown on casinos statewide went into effect in mid-March to help limit the spread of the virus. Some people might not be able to pay their property taxes from job losses caused by the gradually loosening restrictions. Parry said supplying lifeguards on the beach during the summer costs well over $100,000. To his knowledge, Parry said no other public beach on Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana has lifeguards and believes police officers already working
the shoreline can help fill the role. He also believes having the U.S Coast Guard station and Indiana Department of Natural Resources office nearby for responding to water emergencies helps fill the protection gap. No lifeguards have been hired but some could be as he considers what to do for the rest of the season. “It’s not a cast in stone decision. It’s something we’re going to take a look at,” Parry said. Several city council members at a May 19 budget workshop told the mayor they are opposed to not having lifeguards at the beach, fearing loss of life and being sued for negligence. Parry said swim at your own risk signs have been posted at the beach. New Buffalo officials considered removing lifeguards from the beach two years ago to save money during a budget squeeze. Lifeguards were not pulled from the shoreline, though, due to public outcry. City Manager Dave Richards said eight lifeguards and a head lifeguard are hired for the summer. Richards said only four lifeguards and a head lifeguard worked last summer because of difficulty finding enough qualified applicants. “We didn’t have much trouble finding a full contingency this year at all,” he said.
When you’re around enormously successful people you realise their success isn’t an accident - it’s about work. — Ryan Tedder
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‘Trial road diet’ serves as preview for narrowing of U.S. Hwy. 12
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Work has started on reducing a stretch of U.S Hwy. 12 to one lane in each direction, which would make travel safer, with a trial road diet. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has striped the lanes on the highway for a trial run of the road diet. The trial diet begins at the Michigan state line and runs to the city limits of New Buffalo. The fourlane highway was reconfigured for the road diet and was reduced to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane. According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, the planned diet will narrow the highway to two lanes, with a turning lane in the middle, from Mayhew Street in New Buffalo to the Indiana State line. U.S Hwy. 12 will continue to have four travel lanes from Mayhew Street to Wilson Street before resuming to one lane in each direction to Red Arrow Highway, MDOT said. The lane reduction is part of a $2.3 million resurfacing to be done in 2021, according to MDOT. MDOT projects the redesign will reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes by more than 50% by causing drivers to slow down and having a separate lane for turning. From 2014 to 2018, 47 of the 157 motor vehicle accidents on that stretch of U.S 12 were rear-end collisions, MDOT officials said. MDOT spokesman Jon Sytsma said new asphalt will be laid over the existing pavement so existing shoulders will be wider and safer for traveling on foot and bicycles. — STAN MADDUX
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times
Democracy Requires Transparency
CITY OF NEW BUFFALO MAYOR LOU O’DONNELL IV CITY COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) MEETING Meets on the 2nd Thursday May, September, and November at 8AM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS Meets on the first 1st Tuesday Quarterly at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM
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Details in data highlight reasons for increase in Covid-19 cases
hile seeing an increase in the number of the county’s confirmed cases as well as deaths and hospital admissions lately has been alarming to residents of Berrien County, Nicki Britten, Berrien County Health Department health officer, said there’s more to the data then meets the eye. At the Friday, May 22, weekly Facebook conference, Britten said that the health department is anticipating seeing more confirmed cases due to more tests being done of the general public as well as in congregate facilities. If a few 100 people a day are tested, Britten said, then there’s likely to be some asymptomatic carriers in the mix – which impacts the numbers. “It’s good because we can identify them and they can do some quarantine and isolation regardless of what facility they’re in – but what that does is continue to add to the confirmed case count,” she said. As of Monday afternoon, the health department was reporting 593 confirmed cases, 188 presumed positive cases, 42 deaths and 393 recoveries. There is good news: The percent of positive tests has been decreasing significantly for the last 11-12 days (as of Friday), a factor that she believes that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is using to determine how different regions of the state reopen. “That’s the total number of tests done in a community with the percent of those tests that come back positive,” Britten said Another large contributing factor to the increase in cases, hospitalizations and deaths is the transmission and deaths at the county’s long care facilities, such as
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
nursing facilities. Britten added that the transmission “out there in the community” impacts institutional settings like nursing homes and long-term facilities. Chuck Heit, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department undersheriff, said that the jail is continuing to take a “systematic approach” to testing. Last week, two teams from the Michigan National Guard went to county jail voluntarily and tested inmates. County residents can also implement “risk reduction” strategies, Britten said. Keeping in mind what chronic conditions, such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease, one has as they move out into the community is important. “No one can eliminate the risk of Covid-19 but you can reduce the risk of infection and make informed choices about how move about in your life, especially as more and more things reopen,” she said.
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hile Michiganders are now allowed to have gatherings of 10 per an executive order that was issued last week, social distancing still need to be practiced – even in smaller gatherings. Masks should also still be worn as well, when social gathering. Heit said that Silver Beach in St. Joseph is still open, although a deputy will be working with the parks department to monitor the beach. If the beach becomes too crowded, it’ll have to close. The capacity of vehicles should be 50%, he said. The beach’s public restrooms, the volleyball courts and the playground also
remain closed, he said. The concession stand is open but “limited,” as details on how to operate it while social distancing are still being figured out. Britten said that residents should expect “risk reduction measures” to remain a part of everyday life until there’s a vaccine. Britten did say that the county can expect to see the curve “drive up” as there were more connections between people only to have it “flatten off again.” “Doing things to reduce risk are really going to help us have that plateau still below the surge capacity of the hospital,” she said. The county now has four locations available for testing: the Lakeland outpatient center does drive through testing, although a doctor’s order is needed to access it (more information can be found at www.spectrumhealth.org/ covid19); Intercare Community Health Network in Benton Harbor does drivethrough testing and can call 855-8696900 to have someone walk them through the screening process to determine if they’re eligible for testing; Rite Aid at 3681 Shawnee Rd. in Bridgman is conducting testing for those who are 18 years or older (visit www.riteaid.com); and Walmart in Benton Harbor is also doing testing for those who are 18 years old and older (visit www.myquestcovidtest.com). No doctor’s orders are required for Rite Aid and Walmart, although it’s recommended to call ahead or go online and schedule. For the most up to date information on Covid-19 in Berrien County, visit www. bchdmi.org/278/health-department. For information on the coronavirus in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/.
The writer is the person who stands outside society, independent of affiliation and independent of influence. — Don DeLillo
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
New Buffalo City Council approves moratorium on short-term rentals
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BY THERESE DONNELLY
t could be up to eight months before any new short-term rentals can be registered in the City of New Buffalo after the New Buffalo City Council approved a moratorium on new additions to the .registry while the relevant ordinance is revised at its Monday, May 18, meeting held via the Zoom app. While properties already registered will be able to continue renting, properties that have not yet registered will not be authorized for short-term rentals. Mayor Lou O’Donnell further said the city is investigating unregistered rental properties. The council is taking a new look at the ordinance over concerns that allowing more short-term rentals could be a detriment to residential neighborhoods by inflating property prices and disrupting residents with increased traffic and noise. The council plans to seek input from local rental companies and residents while coming up with ordinance amendments. Several possible limits could be applied. During the May 18 meeting, 1 City Attorney Nick Curcio told the council different municipalities have addressed their short-term rental ordinances in different ways, including limiting the number of rentals, establishing limits based on zoning or characteristics of individual houses. The council approved a consent judgment agreement allowing Roger’s Wrecker Service to continue to operate its car repair and towing business at 742 S. Whittaker Street, while its heavy towing operation will move to New Buffalo Township. The judgment will not go into effect until the heavy towing yard is open. The New Buffalo Township Planning Commission has scheduled a June 2 public hearing on a Special Land Use request to operate the towing and salvage portion of the business at 10271 US 12. City revenues are expected to be lower than originally anticipated due to the coronavirus pandemic shutdown and
high lake levels, leading the council take a long look at the proposed 2020-2021 fiscal year budget. After discussion during a special meeting May 14, during their regular meeting, the council approved a property tax of 10.2232 mills for operational costs and another .4575 mills for parks. In a separate action, the council supported applying to the Pokagon Fund for $110,000 to help with proposed dune walk improvements at the public beach. City Manager Dave Richards said the city has been approved for a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant totaling $220,000. The project, which will repair the existing walk and add a second and more accessible walkway, is expected to cost $440,000 and be completed by Memorial Day 2021. The council also agreed to appropriate funds to complete the trailhead for the Marquette Greenway, a hiking and bike path planned to run from Chicago to New Buffalo. The project has recently been awarded a Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant for $112,500, along with funding from the Pokagon Fund. New Buffalo Business Association has adjusted the summer farmers market to follow social distancing guidelines. NBBA Board member Abby Voss said the market will be a drive-through on Merchant Street between Whittaker and Thompson streets. Vendors will line one side of the street and accept e-commerce orders while visitors remain in their cars. The council approved the proposed drive-through market, which will run Friday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. beginning Friday, June 19. Under the new Brand and Leaf Policy, city residents will have curbside branch pick-up the first Monday of every month from April to October, with additional pickup after storms. Branches cannot be larger than 10 feet long or 6 inches in diameter. Leaves will be picked up separately.
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Safer at Home executive order extended until June 12 in Michigan
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n Friday, May 22, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-100 to extend Michigan’s Safer at Home order until June 12. The governor’s order also protects Michiganders from the spread of COVID-19 by extending the temporary closure of certain places of public accommodation such as theaters, gyms, and casinos. The governor also signed Executive Order 2020-99 to extend the state of emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was upheld by Judge Cynthia Stephens May 21. Since COVID-19 was first discovered in Michigan, Gov. Whitmer has taken swift action to protect Michigan families and workers. The governor’s aggressive measures are working, but there is still more to be done. For instance, cases in some counties in Western and Mid-Michigan are now doubling approximately every 10 days. To continue to protect Michigan families from both the public health and economic impacts of the virus, and to lower the chance of a second wave, the governor’s emergency declaration is extended until June 19, 2020. “While the data shows that we are making progress, we are not out of the woods yet. If we’re going to lower the chance of a second wave and continue to protect our neighbors and loved ones from the spread of this virus, we must continue to do our part by staying safer at home,” said Gov. Whitmer in a press release. “If we open too soon, thousands more could die and our hospitals will get overwhelmed. While we finally have more protective equipment like masks, we can’t run the risk of running low again. We owe it to the real heroes on the front lines of this crisis – our first responders, health care workers, and critical workers putting their lives on the line every day – to do what we can ourselves to stop the spread of the virus.” Executive Order 2020-100 also
clarifies and, as necessary, extends the duration of a number of previous executive orders designed to protect Michiganders and to provide them the support they need. The extended orders cover protections for workers who stay home and stay safe when they or their close contacts are sick, restoring water service to those whose water has been shut off, the affirmation of nondiscrimination policies in the provision of COVID-19 care, and more. “All of us know the importance of getting people back to work and the economy moving again,” said Gov. Whitmer. “We’ve already loosened some restrictions on construction, manufacturing, landscaping, retail, and more. But the worst thing we can do is open up in a way that causes a second wave of infections and death, puts health care workers at further risk, and wipes out all the progress we’ve made.” Gov. Whitmer has taken a number of actions to safely re-engage Michigan’s economy in a way that protects workers and their families. Most recently, she signed executive order 2020-96 to reopen retail businesses and auto dealerships by appointment statewide Tuesday, May 26, as part of her MI Safe Start plan. Effective Friday, May 29, the governor also lifted the requirement that health care providers delay some nonessential medical, dental, and veterinary procedures statewide. And the governor also authorized small gatherings of 10 people or less starting immediately, as long as participants practice social distancing. Businesses that the governor has authorized to reopen must provide COVID-19 training to workers that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of PPE, steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, and how to report unsafe working conditions. — STAFF REPORTS
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From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
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ast week, I made an attempt to lure you into reading this week’s column by mentioning a story that I thought you would find interesting. Newscasts do it all the time. When I was young, the weatherman would come on and tell you the weather. Now, he comes on and tells you he’ll be back soon, then comes on again to give you half the weather and finally comes on again to finish. Everyone seems to “tease” their stories, so I thought I’d give it a try. (I promise it won’t be a regular thing.) So, Joe DiMaggio was almost a Cub. Joe was playing in the Pacific Coast League and because of some financial issues, the league offered the young outfielder to the Cubs for $25,000, but the Cubs said no thanks. Later, they offered him to the Cubs again for the same price but the offer included a full money back guarantee. The Cubs owner P.K. Wrigley still passed. Soon afterward, the Yankees made an offer and the rest is history. Who knows if DiMaggio would have been the same player with the Cubs that he became with the Yankees? It sure is fun to imagine the changes that may have occurred. After all, the Yankees won nine or 10 championships with Joe. The lovable losers might not have been losers at all. Championships may have been a regular occurrence for all of our teams. Mike Ditka and Michael Jordan would have had to share the spotlight with other local champions and we may not have had The Last Dance to watch during the pandemic. For that matter, we might not have had the
pandemic. The Cubs may not have traded Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio. When you think about it, that $25,000 mistake may have changed the course of history. Or not. While researching the DiMaggio story, much to my chagrin, I came across another heartbreaking Cub story. It seems that in 1992, the Cubs wanted to draft Derek Jeter, but the Yankees had the sixth pick and the Cubs had the 11th, so they missed out. In 1994, according to the Sporting News, there was a deal in place where the Cubs would trade their ace reliever Randy Myers for Jeter and two others. Unfortunately, 1994 featured an impending work stoppage, so the Yankees pulled the plug on the trade, not wanting to trade for a pitcher to help them win the pennant race when there might not be a race. These are the kind of stories that make baseball so fascinating. I’m sure there are a million other stories that could have changed the course of your favorite team’s destiny. For now, let’s hope the billionaires and the millionaires can reach an agreement and we can sit in the backyard and listen to some games on the radio. You can also go to Yotube, search for Katie Day and watch and listen to “Just a Game - Missing BaseballiIn The Time of Coronavirus.” If you’re anything like me, it will bring a tear to your eye and joy to your heart. Talk to you next week. Peace, love and happiness.
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
Cherry Beach, Harbert and Pier Street Beach access currently closed
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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
embers of the result, board members will continue to Chikaming Township discuss and hopefully find a solution Park Board have soon that is approved by EGLE, decided to keep Cherry the township, and the police and Beach access closed fire departments. According to the until further notice. Chikaming Township website, due to Board members made the difficult COVID-19 considerations and erosion and painful decision during a issues, Cherry Beach passes will not be special Thursday, May 7, meeting. issued this summer. Reasons cited were that board members have requested that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) look at the dune to see if it is even safe to build on. As of last week, board members are still waiting for their opinion. Board members noted at a Monday, May 18, meeting that it’s obvious that the condition of the dune at Cherry Road-end access to Cherry Beach remains closed until further notice Beach is fragile. In their observations, they It was also confirmed that Harbert and have noticed growing and significant Pier Street Beach accesses are closed. fissures running along the dune, which make it unsafe for the public and The Cherry Beach stairs were removed rescue team to help someone in need. April 2 after being completely pulled Identifying safe and feasible options apart by the lake. Harbert Beach’s newly for access to the beach is the goal of rebuilt stairs were pulled off by the high the Beach Access Committee. As a lake levels last fall.
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
Currently, there is safe access at four township beaches: Townline, Miller, McKinley, and Berrien. Since there is limited or no parking at these beaches, it’s suggested that people bike or walk only. The board unanimously approved a generous gift of Aldo Leopold Benches from Harbor Country Hikers. These
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f there are reports of overcrowding and disregard for the social distancing, the park board will be forced to close all beaches in Chikaming Township. The park board also reminds everyone that dogs are not allowed on public beaches at any Road-end access to Pier Street Beach remains closed until further notice time. It is against the law in Chikaming Township and will result in a fine. will be placed in various locations Updates on the township’s beaches around Chikaming Township Park & can be found at the park board’s Preserve. Facebook Page, Chikaming Township Deborah Hall-Kayler, park board Parks, Preserves, and Beaches, or their chair, closed the meeting with a website at www.chikamingtownship. reminder to the public that the org/park-board . township will follow the guidelines of
New Buffalo Times
INTEGRITY • EXPERIENCE • SUCCESS
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community as everyone moves into the summer season. The police department will respond to concerns of people gathering in groups of greater than 10. Kayler said board members ask that everyone abide by the 6-foot social distancing requirement and to not overcrowd the beaches.
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
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Rep. Wendzel announces senior spotlight campaign
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New Buffalo school board approves School of Choice numbers, employment, tenure status of teachers
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embers of the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education approved some School of Choice numbers for the 2020-2021 school year at their Monday, May 25, Zoom meeting. In a 5-0 vote (Lisa Werner and Roger Lijewski were absent), board members approved the following number of openings for each class: kindergarten, five; first through fifth grade, zero; sixth grade, three; seventh grade, eight; eighth grade, two; ninth grade, three; 10th grade, two; 11th grade, two; and 12th grade, one. Board members approved the employment and tenure statuses of several teachers as well as accepted one resignation. The resignation was Matt Raney, elementary school art teacher. New Buffalo Area School Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie said that a posting listing a job opening for Raney’s position will be posted this week. A job opening posting for a new middle school principal will be posted June 1. Lindsey Diebolt, the current principal, will be resigning at the end of this school year. Board members approved the employment of Danika Loeffler in the position of first grade teacher, pending background approval.
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Board members approved the employment of Karen Muckey Martinez in the position of elementary Spanish teacher, pending background approval. Current elementary Spanish teacher Luis Sanchez will be moving up to the middle and high school to teach Spanish there. He’ll be replacing Kelly Wiedenmiller, who’s resigning from the position effective at the end of the school year. Board members approved granting tenure status to the following teachers: Nicole Bowen, Gabrielle James and Nathaniel Tripp. In a 5-1 vote (Patricia Newton voted “nay”), board members approved the administrative contract for Wayne Butler, Jr. for two years, 2020-2022. Administrative work agreements for 2020-2021 were approved. Board members approved the employment of Nathan Jones as the girls’ varsity cross country coach for the 2020 – 2021 school year. Board members adopted the resolution for the 2020 -2021 Proposed Berrien Regional Education Service Agency’s (RESA) General Fund Operating Budget. Board members approved a motion declaring that Leslie and Pano Arvanitis, business manager, are authorized to take all necessary actions to
transfer approximately $33,357 (together with interest earned and delinquent taxes receivable, if any, from the date hereof to the date of transfer) from the District’s 2015 Debt Fund to the 2014 Debt Fund, pursuant to the Revised Municipal Finance Act, as amended.
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rvanitis explained that, because the district’s bond was paid off for the middle/high school building (the last payment was made May 1), there was approximately $33,000 left in that account. The district could only those remaining funds into the debt fund that’s paid for the district’s multiplex and track upgrades. “That means that next year, there will be no millages for any debts – the only thing left is 18 mills (the five-year millage that’s levied on non-homestead property) because all the rest of our debt millages are gone,” he said. “We’re very appreciative of tax payer over the years – we’ve got some outstanding facilities thanks to those millages and we’re glad to have them paid off,” Heit added. Board certified the 2020 tax levy to the City of New Buffalo, New Buffalo Township, and Chikaming Township. The resolution complying
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with the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act (152) for the medical benefit plan coverage beginning July 1, 2020, which includes district employees paying 20% and New Buffalo Area Schools paying 80% of the premium, in lieu of capping the premium, was approved. The Record of Canvass for the March 10, 2020, election was accepted. Board members authorized Leslie, or designee, effective July 1, 2020, to sign all documents pertaining to elections and sale/rental/closing of district properties. Board members approved a Memorandum of Understanding between New Buffalo Area Schools, New Buffalo Township, Chikaming Open Lands, and the Antero Group relating to roles and responsibilities pertaining to the Environmental Learning Center to be created in New Buffalo Township. Leslie said the having all the entities working together on the project, as well as having the board’s approval, may help improve the score when applying for grants to fund the project. The planned structure would be located on property located across from the elementary school that was purchased by the district a couple years ago.
State Rep. Pauline Wendzel announced the launch of her ‘senior spotlight’ campaign, which will highlight the extraordinary students of the class of 2020 across Michigan’s 79th House District and celebrate their accomplishments. “The class of 2020 was dealt an unfair hand. This year was supposed to be filled with fun, surrounded by friends and family, a global pandemic robbed the class of 2020 of senior traditions and experiences like prom, competing in spring sports, and walking across the football field at graduation,” Rep. Wendzel said. “While I can’t change what our seniors missed out on, I can still help pay tribute to their hard work and celebrate this momentous milestone.” To be eligible for the senior spotlight, students must be residents of Michigan’s 79th House District. To nominate a student, nominators can fill out this form. A nominating form can also be found on Rep. Pauline Wendzel’s official Facebook page. Upon receiving a nomination, students will be selected and highlighted on State Rep. Pauline Wendzel’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts, giving them a shout-out for their accomplishments and highlighting their future plans. “This is a small way I can let the class of 2020 know they haven’t been forgotten,” Rep. Wendzel said. “I look forward to highlighting so many bright and resilient future leaders across our community.” For more information, you may contact Rep. Wendzel’s office at 517-373-1403 or by email at paulinewendzel@house.mi.gov. — STAFF REPORTS
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10 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
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City beach lot briefly closes due to crowded beach BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
n influx of visitors to New Buffalo over Memorial Day weekend at one point prompted closing the beach lot at New Buffalo Public Beach. The city posted to its Facebook page the afternoon of Sunday, May 24, that the beach lot had been shut down “due to the beach getting crowded.” Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a crowded beach has become a concern. Visitors and residents saw above 80-degree weather and sunny skies for most of the threeday weekend (there were heavy rain showers and the area was under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning late Saturday afternoon). Beachgoers were spread out across the warm sand and were catching some rays, as well as lining up at the window of the New Buffalo Beach Club to enjoy a takeout meal the
afternoon of Saturday, May 23. Kristen D’Amico, the city parks director, said last week that while the beach remains open, it’s important for everyone to social distance and stay 6 feet apart from each other. Signs were posted at the entrance to the beach instructing everyone to stay 6 feet apart. In addition to giving updates on the weather and lake conditions, the whiteboard at the beach’s entrance also instructed everyone to social distance. The playground remains closed. The public restrooms are also closed, and beachgoers must use the portable bathrooms. D’Amico said she was hoping to reopen the bathrooms sometime in June and was following the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which stated that Michigan campgrounds in state parks won’t be opened until June 21.
Beachgoers enjoy the sun at New Buffalo Public Beach Saturday, May 23
Beachgoers line up for takeout orders at New Buffalo Beach Club
The beach playground remains closed to beachgoers
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020 11
Record water levels set, watching spring
he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, announces in a recent press release that Lakes Michigan, Huron, St. Clair and Erie set new monthly mean water level records for April 2020, which were previously set in 1985 or 1986. All of the lakes are either in their period of seasonal rise or are reaching their peak, as the country transitions into the late spring and summer. Although the end of April brought heavy rainfall to some areas of the basin, the month as a whole was quite dry for the Great Lakes region. During the spring, water levels typically rise on the Great Lakes due to increased rainfall and runoff. In the coming months, water levels are projected to continue to be near or above record high water levels on all of the lakes, except Lake Ontario. Significant erosion and flooding continue in many locations as water levels remain extremely high. Lakes Michigan and Huron are still projected to peak above last year’s levels after a marginal seasonal decline this fall and winter. While it is extremely unlikely that water levels on Lake Ontario will approach the record high levels from last year, the other lakes are still projected to peak near last year’s record levels. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urges those impacted by the high-water levels of last year to continue preparing for similar impacts over the next few months. “During this high-water level period, it is rewarding to get out and work with our partners and communities to help alleviate flooding where possible,” said Pat Kuhne, emergency manager for the Detroit District, in the press release. “We are here to provide services within our authorities, to additional communities. Any community or individual homeowner
needing assistance should reach out to their county or local emergency manager to so that coordination for assistance with us can begin.” During response operations, Detroit District, Emergency Management Office conducts emergency operations to save lives and protect public facilities and communities. The Corps can provide technical assistance in the form of advice and expertise in the construction of temporary flood protection measures such as sandbagging, or direct assistance by providing flood fight supplies to state, county or local public officials. Assistance is supplemental to local and state efforts and at the request of the state. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, has conducted many on-site assessments under technical assistance authority in 16 approved counties and has provided flood fight supplies under direct assistance authority in two counties. To date, the Detroit District has given out 350,000 sandbags to counties to assist them in their flood fighting efforts. In addition, citizens of Indiana and Michigan may decide to work on personal construction projects to alleviate erosion or flooding, which could potentially impact the nation’s rivers, streams, wetlands and other aquatic resources that may require a permit from the Corps of Engineers’ Regulatory Office. To find more information about Great Lakes high water, emergency management and the permit process, visit www.lre.usace.army.mil/about/ great-lakes-high-water/, which includes information about how to protect property and investments along the coast and related Corps programs and authorities. — STAFF REPORTS | PHOTO BY PHIL ADAMSKI
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12 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
A silent—and reflective— Memorial Day in Harbor Country
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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
ven though the usual sounds of patriot tunes and gunfire, as well as the crowd of patriotic people, were absent, a sense of patriotic pride was still permeating throughout Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo the morning of Monday, May 25. Area veterans Chuck Baran, Dr. Lee Strohl and Frank Giglio held a small ceremony with a group of less than 10 people at the cemetery on Memorial Day. While the day usually involves a large parade down U.S. Hwy. 12 that includes the Legion’s honor guard, officials from New Buffalo City and township, area Girl Scouts, and the New Buffalo High School Band, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic halted the usual activities of the day. Nevertheless, a ceremony honoring those who’ve lost their lives serving their country went on. “The Legion said we couldn’t do a parade or a 21-gun salute so we did a hand salute at the end,” Baran, who served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970, said. Baran said that the ceremony was recorded so it could air on Bison Radio at 107.9 FM. In addition to the usual wreaths being placed in front of the World War 1 plaque and the Korean War and Vietnam War plaque, a special purple wreath in honor of those who’ve lost their lives to the coronavirus pandemic was also placed in front of the World War II plaque. Earlier this week, it was reported that nearly 100,000 people in the United States have died from the novel coronavirus. “One hundred thousand people in three months – that’s a lot of
people,” Baran said. “We want to recognize them and all of the police, firemen, paramedics, the hospital workers, the food handlers,” he added. Baran said he worried about everyone, particularly his two daughters: One daughter is a cardio technician, while another one is an occupational therapist. “We want to give them (essential workers) some hope: We’ll make it through this,” he said. Baran drew attention to nearby Red Arrow Highway (U.S. Hwy. 12 transitions to the highway outside of the city limits), which was named after the Iron Brigade, or the 24th Regiment Michigan Volunteer Infantry. The infantry regiment served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was part of the Union Iron Brigade. which was mustered into service Aug. 15, 1862. The infantry regiment fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1862. The brigade also helped “slow the confederacy” with their advance on Gettysburg. The 24th Michigan Infantry fought 14 more battles, including the Siege of Petersburg. The regiment was selected as escort at funeral of President Abraham Lincoln. It mustered out June 30, 1865. The ceremony closed with the playing of “Taps” (Baran played it from his phone), which became a component of all military funerals in 1891. Lori Petersen, one of the ceremony’s few participants, told Giglio that she would’ve come to the cemetery “regardless” of anything taking place. “I’m happy there was a ceremony taking place,” she said.
People pay their respects at Pine Grove Cemetary in New Buffalo
Dr. Lee Strohl tells a story from his time spent serving his country during the Vietnam War
Lori and Emily Petersen were part of a small group of people who participated in a ceremony at Pine Grove Cemetary
(right) Frank Giglio lays a wreath in front of the World War I plaque while Chuck Baran (left) performs a small ceremony at Pine Grove Cemetary
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020 13
LaPorte County Orchestra instrument drive continues with Roxy Music and Drew’s Gift of Music partnership
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he LaPorte County Symphony inspiring,” Bill Heiss, general manager of Orchestra, along with Roxy Music, said. Roxy Music and Drew’s Deb Johnson of Drew’s Gift of Music Gift of Music, launched an relayed these words as the instruments instrument drive earlier this arrived at her drop-off location: “As I open each case, I see the instrument as spring that culminated with 20 donated having its own past story; some stories instruments ranging from flutes to a being longer drum kit. than others. LCSO Some stories Interim Music are just a brief Director Chuck reflection of Steck, delivered a moment in the instruments the life of a to Drew’s Gift student. Each of Music, where instrument is a they will be gift even before repaired and it touches a then loaned student’s hand. to worthy Our thanks for elementary, these donated middle and instruments are high school beyond words.” students in the This region who instrument cannot afford drive is to lease or part of the purchase an LCSO’s “New instrument, Generations” Friday, May 15. program. In “I was happy addition to the to deliver the instrument instruments,” drive, which Steck said in a likely will press release. return “Drew’s Gift of LCSO Interim Music Director Chuck Steck and annually, the Music is doing Joan Davis and Bill Heiss of Roxy Music LCSO has tremendous forged a partnership with the LaPorte work in helping further the cause of School Corporation to enhance each music education and these instruments music student’s experience. Future will help deserving students pursue their activities will include attendance at future musical dreams. I am proud of LCSO’s Drayton Children’s Educational Concerts, partnership with Roxy Music and Drew’s conductor visits, student apprentice Gift of Music.” opportunities with the LCSO, mentor “All of us at Roxy Music have really opportunities and much more. enjoyed being a part of the Drew’s Gift Instrument donations are still being of Music collection and are hopeful that accepted at Roxy Music, 1012 Lincolnway the instruments donated will contribute in LaPorte (but not guitars or pianos). — to giving joy to future musicians. The generosity displayed has been very STAFF REPORTS
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Pandemic EBTProgram A new program for families with children who received free or reduced-cost lunches at school The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer Program (P-EBT) provides temporary funding for families that need emergency food during the pandemic. There is no need to fill out an application for eligible families to receive P-EBT benefits.
Families receiving Food Assistance Program (FAP) benefits will get additional benefits added on their Bridge Card These additional benefits can be used the same way families would normally use their Bridge Card to purchase food items. P-EBT benefits can also be used in the Double Up Food Bucks program. How much will families get? For March and April combined: $193.80 for each eligible student will be loaded on the family’s Bridge Card by the end of April. For May and June combined: $182.40 for each eligible student will be loaded on the family’s Bridge Card on a later date. The schedule for issuing these benefits has not been announced yet.
Families not receiving Food Assistance Program (FAP) benefits will get an EBT card in the mail The EBT card will be issued under the name of the oldest student in the household. Benefits for all eligible school-aged children in the home will be loaded onto this one EBT card. Before receiving their card, families will get a letter from Michigan Department of Health & Human Services describing how to use their EBT card and other information about food assistance benefits. This EBT card can be used to purchase food items only. Food must be purchased in-person and at a SNAP retailer. The P-EBT card may look different from the Bridge Card, but the card and benefits can be used the same way as the Bridge Card. How much will families get? For March and April combined: Families will receive an EBT card in the mail by the end of the first week in May. The card will come pre-loaded with $193.80 per eligible student. For May and June combined: $182.40 per eligible student will be loaded on the family’s EBT card on a later date. The schedule for issuing these benefits has not been announced yet.
Material produced by the Food Bank Council of Michigan, with information provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Department of Education. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Checkered flag waving for lakefront housing construction
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BY STAN MADDUX
onstruction of 200 condominiums beside Clear Lake in LaPorte is about to start. The resort type living units are scheduled to begin going up in early July after the city agreed to contribute about $6 million toward the $35 million development. Flaherty & Collins Properties out of Indianapolis, with similar developments at over 100 locations nationwide, has been working on the project with the city since 2017, said Bert Cook, executive director of the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership. “This is continuing down the time line and checking off the boxes that we need to to see this project to fruition,” Cook said. The monetary contribution from the city will be financed with a 25-year bond issue to be retired with tax dollars generated from increases in the assessed valuation of the property caused by the development. No money from any existing revenue stream is being used to supplement the cost, said LaPorte Mayor Tom Dermody. “The only way you’re going to generate interest is if there’s some type of incentive and it’s selfgenerating interest,” Dermody said. The housing units will feature things like granite
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countertops, stainless steel appliances, an outdoor courtyard with a swimming pool, fitness center, bicycle storage and fire pit. t Rent for the one- and C two-bedroom units will range from $900 to $1,500 d a month. Completion is expected c t in 18 months. The development is part R of NewPorte Landing, a 50- i acre site once home to Allis s Chalmers which closed its d farm machinery plant there r o in the 1980s. s A $4 million environmental remediation a of the site, which has been ongoing for several s months, should be finished w before the scheduled s groundbreaking. The high-end housing is l viewed as a major catalyst s to further development 2 of the brownfield now featuring Dunes Volleyball s Club, Dunkin’ Donuts, d Starbucks and a nearly o finished medical office f building. Officials also believe the t units will bring noticeable S growth to the nearby downtown by drawing a lot r of young professionals and w empty nesters with disposal e income from outside the f q city. A trail and other recreational opportunities s have gone up around Clear h c Lake in recent years to make the area even more t h attractive. “We’re excited and ready to move forward,” Dermodyb j said.
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COVID-19 halts construction of new LaPorte Hospital
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BY STAN MADDUX
onstruction of the new LaPorte Hospital was suspended last week due to workers contracting COVID-19. Joe Forsthoffer, director of corporate communications for the general contractor Robins & Morton based in Birmingham, Alabama, said the project was shut down May 19 when test results came back positive on four workers exhibiting symptoms. He said six more workers also showing signs of being sick were later diagnosed with the virus. “This is an evolving thing so that number may go up a little yet,” he said. The project was scheduled to resume May 26. Forsthoffer said the work site will be professionally disinfected to guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and the Occupational Health & Safety Administration. Forsthoffer said the remaining 180 or so workers at the site are encouraged to be screened for COVID-19 or selfquarantine for 14 days. “We have offered to screen and test anyone who has been working on the construction project and that process is underway,” hospital officials said. He said no worker will be allowed to return to the job unless they’ve tested
negative for COVID-19 at the hospital or have been given medical clearance by their physician. “We’ll be able to assure everybody coming back has been in one way or another screened,” Forsthoffer said. Forsthoffer said extensive safety precautions were taken at the construction site prior to the workers becoming sick. The practices included enhanced disinfecting, limits on the number of workers in tight areas and meetings held outdoors and online. Work on the $125 million hospital at State and Tyler streets across from the existing hospital started in September 2018 and is scheduled for completion sometime late this summer or fall. “The project is still on schedule. We don’t anticipate this being a significant impact on the completion date,” Forsthoffer said. LaPorte County Commissioner Dr. Vidya Kora, who has a medical practice in Michigan City, said the infections point to a need for the public not to let their guards down as restrictions loosen nationwide. Kora said wearing masks and social distancing are among the practices that should continue to be followed. “I want everybody to understand this is not behind us yet,” he said.
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020 15
Las familias con niños que recibieron almuerzos a precio reducido o gratis en la escuela califican para el nuevo programa
Material producido por el Food Bank Council of Michigan con información del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Michigan. Esta institución es un proveedor de igualdad de oportunidades.
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16 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
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Golf reopens in the Village of Grand Beach
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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
olfers in the Village of Lindley said that the village has Grand Beach were so recently had an issue with a resident and excited that Gov. Gretchen a contractor using an easement without Whitmer had reopened the approval or signing an agreement. While golf courses throughout the village loosened the timeline for Michigan April 30, the closed signs are people to perform emergency revetment now nowhere to be found. work in the summer to save their homes, “If you know of anyone who may the requirement to notify the village and have those signs in case it ever happens signing the agreement if someone wants again, it’d be nice to have those,” Blake to use an easement or access point was O’Halloran, pro shop and golf course never “relinquished,” Lindley said. commissioner, said as he chuckled at Council member Paul Lennard Jr. the Grand Beach said to remember Village Council’s that if the village “If you know of anyone who Zoom meeting owns it, it’s not an may have those signs in case Wednesday, May easement but an it ever happens again, it’d 20. access point. An be nice to have those,” Blake Signs have been easement gives O’Halloran, pro shop and golf put up to instruct the village the course commissioner, said golfers to abide legal right to use as he chuckled at the Grand by the CDC’s someone else’s Beach Village Council’s Zoom guidelines for the property. meeting Wednesday, May 20. course (which Lindley said was reopened a homeowner last month). Thanks to a letter from the recently said they don’t need Michigan Golf Association, rental golf permission from the council to use carts are also now allowed, which is a big an easement. Lennard said “not revenue stream for the state’s courses. necessarily,” as the easement belongs Carts are sprayed with a disinfectant as to the village and it’s the village’s they come back and go out. responsibility to regulate the use of it The pro shop isn’t open, although and maintain it properly. O’Halloran said that business can be Lindley said she’ll get a letter written done either by phone or at the door. up to make it clear that someone needs O’Halloran said the closure resulted to come and fill out the necessary in two month’s loss of revenue but the paperwork or a contractor needs to village “might still have a good year.” before a project. Council members clarified some Board members agreed to have a issues with regards to the use of the check of up to $5,000 made available village’s easements. for Bob Dabbs, village superintendent, Village president Deborah Lindley to purchase a boat and winch to pull said that the Michigan Department of out 300-pound cement anchors that Environment, Great Lakes and Energy have been dropped into Lake Michigan (EGLE) gets permission for work to be to be reused the following year. done on the lakefront but the village Board members approved a bid from doesn’t grant permission; however, Siemans Chrysler Products for a dump truck for approximately $41,000. contractors have always notified the A 2019-2020 budget amendment village when work is being done on in capital projects was made in the easements and when one was being amount of $50,000 to cover the cost of used. A contractor is required to sign the truck as well as additional costs for a Hold Harmless Agreement, which signage, lights and other items that are legally ensures that easements will required for the truck. return to their original state after work Council members agreed to sign is completed.
a Section 103 authority letter as proposed. Steve Slater, who serves on the New Buffalo Shoreline Alliance, said that members of the alliance are in the process of getting “fully engaged in putting together a study” and have received an initial report. “This document (the letter) simply says we got the first report and we’d like to keep going but we’re not committing to anything,” he said. The letter states that, “in accordance with the provisions of Section 103 of the River and Harbor Act of 1960, as amended, the Village of Grand Beach is requesting Corps of Engineers assistance in addressing a shore protection problem south of the New Buffalo harbor, which is causing erosion to public facilities and along the shoreline from New Buffalo through the village of Grand Beach.”
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ouncilmembers had no negative comments with regards to the Michael and Margaret McCormick Trust applying for a permit from EGLE to improve an existing/ failing boulder revetment, to stabilize approximately 80 linear feet of shoreline and bluff, at 52021 Lake Dr. in New Buffalo. The proposed project was put into a 20-day review period because Lindley said that it involves the use of unnatural materials, which would need to be covered with natural stone. Lennard said he suspects that there will be significant damage to the asphalt (which isn’t very thick and is starting to crack) on Lake Park up at the far end of the intersection at Robin Lane and Lake Park and it’s going to need some “remediation.” Lindley said she asked Dabbs to take some pictures of the area before the work starts so they can compare it with how it looks after the project. Board members approved a resolution to collect delinquent property taxes from the previous year.
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Vacation rental companies write letter to governor regarding reopening concerns
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small group of vacation rental companies in Southwest Michigan and others north along the coast of Lake Michigan recently initiated a collaboration via a Zoom meeting, with the goals of sharing best practices and guidelines related to the industry and to form a lobbyist coalition. According to a press release, the Harbor Country Vacation Rental Association (HCVRA) is deeply concerned about the impact the pandemic is having on the health of their residents and the economic viability of local businesses and their communities. Additionally, they are petitioning Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for clarification on when they can expect restrictions on short-term rentals lifted. Michigan is currently in Phase 3 of MI Safe State Plan and the vacation rental community is hoping to see short-term vacation rentals open as soon as the current executive order expires (EO 2020-77). Members of HCVRA have been following all government mandated restrictions and have used this time to update their procedures, protocol and requirements to safely reopen once it’s permissible. They have prepared and readied their businesses to operate in the safest manner possible and have implemented the guidelines suggested by CDC, WHO, and EPA. In addition, they have established new requirements for their guests and homeowners, trained their employees, and communicated with vendors to ensure they can open safely. Simultaneously, while working through the issues required for a potential safe re-opening, last Monday, the New Buffalo City Council voted on an immediate moratorium prohibiting any new vacation rental applications for those looking to rent their homes. The city will be taking the next six to eight months to discuss the possibility of further restricting vacation rentals in the city proper. The rental companies and local realtors were surprised by this announcement that seemed “arbitrary and untimely,” the press release states. Realtors are concerned about the long-term property values in New Buffalo should home buyers bypass New Buffalo for an investment property in favor of other communities further along the lake. The letter to the governor went out last Thursday and will be followed by a petition that will be available for those in favor of a safe re-opening of rentals. HCVRA feels that with deliberate and responsible implementation, the short-term vacation rentals can provide a safe stay on the lakeshore. The group continues to wait for the time to “hoist the sails” and start getting on with the new normal for lake shore communities in Southwest Michigan. — STAFF REPORTS
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020 17
PUBLIC NOTICES On May 18, 2020, New Buffalo Township (the “Township”) adopted Ordinance No.2020518, Cross Connection 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. REQUEST FOR SEALED BIDS TO PURCHASE 435 S. WHITTAKER STREET The City of New Buffalo is requesting sealed bids until 3:30 PM EST on Friday, June 19, 2020 for the sale of the building located at 435 S. Whittaker Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117. The building has 4,800 square feet of retail space on .12 acres of property located at 435 S. Whittaker Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117. Previous bidders will be offered an opportunity to rebid. Bids should contain a proposal for the intended use of the building. Bids shall be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope “Purchase of 435 S. Whittaker Street.” The sale of the property shall include a deed restriction that an occupancy permit must be obtained within one year of purchase or the City will be allowed to reacquire the property at the original purchase price. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of 60 days and the City reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive any irregularities in the bidding process. AMY FIDLER, CITY CLERK
Section 1. Cross-Connection Control Policy This section provides the purpose of the ordinance and responsibility of the Water Superintendent. Section 2. Requirements This section provides the requirements of the Ordinance including, but not limited to, inspections required for properties served by the public drinking water supply and where cross connections with the public drinking water supply are deemed possible, testing procedures, and discontinuance of water supply procedures. Section 3. State Plumbing Code This section states that the Ordinance does not supersede the state plumbing code, but is supplementary to it. Section 4. Violations. This section specifies penalties for violations of the Ordinance. Section 5. Repealer. This section provides that all other ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed but only to the extent necessary to give this Ordinance full force and effect, including Ordinance No. 2007 11-19. Section 6. Severability This section provides that, should any portion of this Ordinance be found invalid for any reason, such holding shall not be construed as affecting the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF ADOPTION ORDINANCE NO. 2020518 CROSS CONNECTION ORDINANCE To the residents and property owners of New Buffalo Township, Michigan, and all other interested persons:
Section 7. 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 ZABICKI, CLERK
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Spectacular Lake Michigan and New Buffalo harbor views from this 4,700 sq.ft. luxurious townhome in New Buffalo's Marina District. Enjoy the magnificent sunsets over Lake Michigan from one of the 3 waterfront terraces.
This spacious townhome features a huge 48' x 21' Great Room with two terraces and views of both downtown New Buffalo and Lake Michigan. Master suite features Terrace overlooking the waterfront, fireplace, jacuzzi & steam shower.
A once in a lifetime opportunity to own the famous ''Whittaker House'' building. This historic building is located in the center of the New Buffalo Central Business District with 2,625 sq. ft. of prime retail space.
The building also offers a 1,150 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, second floor apartment with recently renovated kitchen, baths and floors. Features include new electric, new a/c, basement and 3 private parking spaces. This ia a great opportunity to own a New Buffalo landmark!
Will Schauble
Jack Wehner
Klaus Nyman
Lauren Potts
Jason Sutton
312.860.4192
312.406.9258
269.932.8835
269.447.5840
269.326.2473 2 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117.
At World Properties Michigan, LLC, a subsidiary of At World Properties, LLC. | At World Properties Indiana, LLC, a subsidiary of At World Properties, LLC.
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20 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
Lucille Ann Marsh
L
OBITUARIES
1937-2020
ucille Ann Marsh, age 83, of Three Oaks, was called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Wednesday, May 20, 2020. She was born February 27, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to Bernard and Lucille Novak. She married Casey Marsh October 13, 1957 in Three Oaks. He preceded her in death August 24, 1996. From this union, a son, Steven Bernard Marsh was born December 6, 1967. Steven preceded Casey and Lucille in death on January 28, 1987. Lucille and Casey owned and operated Casey’s Bargain Barn on their farm on Elm Valley Road for 43 years. After Steven’s death, they moved to a smaller home on Warren Woods Road. Lucille was a teacher with Chikaming Elementary for 23 years, retiring in 1995. Lucille will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her best friend, Judy Naumann of Sawyer, who was like a daughter to her. She is also survived by her dog and companion, Tula. Lucille was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and her son; as well as two of her dogs and companions, Millie and CoCo. Please contact Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals regarding the arrangements at wagnercares.com or 269.756.3831. Lucille will be laid to rest with her husband of 38 years and son in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Three Oaks. The family prefers contributions be made in Lucille’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive,
Tampa, Florida, 33607. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www.wagnercares. com.
Jane Pellouchoud
J
1945-2020
ane Pellouchoud, 75, died May 20, 2020, 9 months after being diagnosed with and gracefully coping with brain cancer. She was born February 20, 1945 in Massachusetts to Bert and Milton Cohen and spent her childhood in Newton, Massachusetts with her younger brother, Alan Cohen. She attended George Washington University and Boston University, and moved to Northern California where she participated in a communal living lifestyle. Losing Jane, who was so emblematic of passion for life leaves a void in all of the lives she touched. Thank you Jane for showing us how rolls baked into rocks can be turned into sculptures and painted with watercolors, you knew how to rockn-roll. Thank you for leading outside of the convention, how to walk around with bells on your feet and own it. Thank you for your friendship
and opening the world up for all who wanted to participate. Thank you for your sense of adventure and humor. Thank you for your unabashed honesty, your fiery spirit, and for calling things the way you saw them. Thank you, Jane for the matriarchal love you had for your friends, community, and family. Thank you for loving: your three children, Babu Tree, Lily Padgett, and Gina Pellouchoud; your husband, Pat Pellouchoud; your brother, Alan Cohen; your sister-in-law, Betty Cotton; your grandchildren, Ylana and Miloh Padgett, Sophia and Anna Aires-Tree, and Karina, Julian and Simone Hamann; your children-inlaw, Brett Padgett, Jenny Aires, and Pete Hamann, and the many chickens you sang to. Jane wove her creative process into everything, creating deep connections with people everywhere she went. She helped build up the communities she touched throughout her life from her beginnings in Boston to Northern California to South Bend, Indiana to Three Oaks, Michigan. We knew her pottery and garlic scapes at the Three Oaks and South Bend Farmers Markets, her voice on the Ol Vinyl show on WRHC and open mics at the Acorn and Fiddler’s Hearth, and her unconventional snacks at Belle Via Market and Cafe. Jane was a mainstay of the South Bend art and culture scene. She loved being at the beach everywhere she lived. Her fun and spontaneous spirit was kindred with the children and grandchildren around her. Jane knew how to live, dance, and dress in style from her hats to her socks. She was instrumental in sculpting the communities around her, as she did with her music, pottery, and gourds. Jane Pellouchoud put an artistic spin on the furnishings of everyday life, giving everyone young and old the freedom to live on their own terms.
STRETCH YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHY SUMMER WITH THE BCHA’S NEW YOGA SERIES
T
he Berrien County Historical Association is inviting the public to experience history in a whole new way with our Circle in the Square Yoga series. Four sessions will be held every Thursday in June at 8:30 a.m. on the grounds. Led by BCHA staffer and certified yoga instructor Tara Velez, these sessions will be $10 for nonmembers and $5 for members. Multi-session packages are available. Participants will need to bring their own yoga mat or towel and water bottles. The BCHA will provide refreshments afterwards. Social distancing protocols will be enforced and it is requested that if you are sick to not attend your session for the safety of others. The sessions will be held on the Jail Plaza, on the center grounds, or inside the 1839 Courthouse depending on class sizes and weather. Regardless of where the classes are held, participants will have a chance to experience a yoga setting found nowhere else in the county. The beautiful grounds of the History Center at Courthouse are part of the Berrien County Parks system and programs like Circle in the Square encourage our communities to interact with their history in unique ways. As we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, the BCHA is committed to sharing the history of Berrien County with its residents and visitors. — STAFF REPORTS
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020 21
HOROSCOPE MAY 28-JUNE 3, 2020
AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19
Pay attention to what you are doing this week, especially when working with your hands. Avoid getting lost in thought or doing activities on autopilot. On another note, you will be ready to make some new connections now and will be motivated to do so by the need for more security.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
This is a great time to network and expand your social connections. Don’t be afraid to go to new places and try new things, even if you have to go alone. Find a new niche for your quirky side. Perhaps a drum circle or art class, somewhere you can just relax and totally be yourself.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
Address relationship issues from the standpoint of finding common ground. Don’t let personal preferences or differences be a big issue now. Look for the connections and the experiences that are shared, rather than focusing on disparities. Acceptance and harmony can be realized.
You may overestimate what others can and can’t do right now, and it may lead to some conversations about control issues or expectations. Your ideas about what is important may change a bit over the week, which will help you communicate your ideas and feelings more readily.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
Reconnect your career with your emotions. Start enjoying what you do. Virgo is a very hard worker but can sometimes get caught up in the political side of things at the work place. Take some time this week to align your business practices with your heart and healing center.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
You’re going to have to change things up this week, especially your approach or style of persuasion if you want to communicate what’s important to you. Even changing your appearance will cross your mind. Be sure any changes you make reflect the real you. No phonies.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 It’s time to get out and explore. Take a road trip or get out on the beach and let the cool breezes feed your emotions. New adventures or new information that connects the heart and head or awakens your creative side will help you understand the people around you more.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
There are a lot of new vibes coming in for you this week, which will lighten the mood and help you let go of any old baggage that’s been weighing you down. Get ready for some refreshment and a rejuvenating of sorts. It’s all about creating new links and branching out.
Be sure to engage in more outdoor activities this week. If you don’t make time for fun and adventure, you run the risk of totally blowing deadlines or work commitments. Give yourself that gift of a night out or a day at the beach. Balance those long hours with lazy walks in the sand.
Get connected with your healing nature and ability to provide for others this week. Incorporate the idea of providing help or support into your business model. Approach your job or coworkers with more empathy. Get to know your colleagues on a more personal level. Embrace any new passions with fluidity. Don’t try to keep things too organized. Let them progress naturally. Even though Aquarius doesn’t normally try to control things, you will have a tendency to over analyze or compartmentalize creative ideas or romantic feelings this week.
It’s important to make your home feel more secure and stable this week. Don’t be afraid to tell certain people that their vibe is bringing you down or your landlord about repairs that need to be addressed. If there are repairs or things you can do on your own, don’t put them off any longer.
When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. — Willie Nelson
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22 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020
SERVICE DIRECTORY Mac and PC Upgrades and Repairs Small Business Professionals
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New Buffalo Times
KitchenBathRemodeler.com — SINCE 1942 —
The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection. — Thomas Paine
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THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2020 23
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Whittaker Street 11 N.N.Whittaker Street Suite A A Suite NewBuffalo, Buffalo, MI MI 49117 New 49117
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