June 22, 2017 by New Buffalo Times

LIFE ON THE SANDY SHORES, THE FRUITFUL FARMLANDS AND THE MAGNIFICENT VINEYARDS.

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TH HE E O OF FF FIIC CIIA AL L N NE EW WS SPA PAP PE ER R O OF F N NE EW W B BU UF FFA FAL LO O •• S SIIN NC CE E 1 19 94 42 4 T

LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 25, volume 76

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Township adopts 2017/18 budget, discontinues curb-side recycling PAGE 6 Rental Ordinance adopted in Village of Three Oaks PAGE 9 School Board accepts New Buffalo High School Principal resignation PAGE 10

A world of art enjoyed at Elsie Earl’s Studios’ reception PAGE 11

New Buffalo welcomes annual Le Tour de Shore cyclists PAGE 12 Uber to service Harbor Country PAGE 16 City preps for Phase II on Whittaker Street PAGE 17

PHOTO BY DAEMON OWNENS

Thursday, June 22, 2017

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

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ETHICS Society of Professional Journalism PROPRIETOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES, INC. PUBLISHER DEE DEE DUHN CONTENT/NEWS EDITOR KRISTIN E. FATOUROS NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOE DURK REPORTERS AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DEE DEE DUHN THERESE DONNELLY LINDA HENDERSON FRANCESCA SAGALA LAWRENCE VON EBELER NATALIE CACIOPPO KURT MARGGRAF ALEXANDER FATOUROS SOPHIA ROSE FATOUROS NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE NEW BUFFALO TIMES POLITICS GUEST WRITERS PROOFER FRANCESCA SAGALA BROADCAST/ADVERTISING JANINE ADAMSKI (630) 370-0820 OR JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM INFO@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM LONG TERM BROADCAST CONTRACTS/AD PARTNERSHIPS PLEASE TEXT/CALL GUS 269-876-7452 SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Lover of international travel that I am, I recently found myself reading the latest study on what are the most dangerous countries in the world for tourists. (It was a story on the MSN Latest headline news.) Included in the top 20 countries was Lebanon—which really adds new meaning to what I’m about to tell you next. Jeff and Cindy Dryden have brought so much to our little town. Jeff is lead pastor at Converge Church, and as I write the publisher’s letter, he is returning from a trip to Lebanon. He was a member of the Leadership Resources International Team, along with Jonathon Swift and Doug Dutton, during which they launched a new pastoral training team in Lebanon. We are grateful for his safe return and look forward to seeing the Drydens back home in New Buffalo and leading the services at Converge Church. It’s a place that leaves one with a feeling of serenity and joy, and a place where everyone is welcome.... plus, you are offered coffee and cookies to enjoy during the services. That would never have happened in the church where I grew up (of course, I would have gotten cookie crumbs all over the organ, since I was the underqualified organist for that church). The Fourth of July, the holiday during which Harbor Country becomes a destination for families far and wide, is sneaking up on us! Surfing demos, concerts, fireworks, a 5k run and so much more will be a part of the long weekend. For more details on what is happening at New Buffalo’s beach, check out www.newbuffalo.org. CORRECTION ON It’s summer: enjoy, embrace PUBLISHERS LETTER and engage! LAST WEEK Two-week-old Quinn Katherine Garrison helps Daddy James at Keller Williams. dee dee duhn

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LIBRARY TIDINGS

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM THE NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

CHILDREN’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM HAPPENING NOW ADULT SUMMER READING CHALLENGE PACKETS AVAILABLE (DUE AUGUST 19) BEACH READS AND MICHIGAN BOOKS ON DISPLAY THURSDAY, JUNE 22

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

MOBILE FOOD PANTRY IN CHIKAMING

here will be a Mobile Food Pantry Tuesday, June 27, at 3:30 p.m. at the Chikaming Fire Department. This is being hosted by Church of the Mediator along with Harbert Community Church, with funding from The Pokagon Fund. — STAFF REPORTS

Actress, Fashion Designer, TV personality star * of Reality TV series “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County,” Kristin Elizabeth Cavallari was “scene” this weekend with Friends enjoying New Buffalo’s Southwest Michigan’s Wine Country. Cavallari’s husband is former Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Our Page Two spies tell us that Cavallari frequents New Buffalo and that Cutler’s keep a summer home 30 parents N Whittaker St • Open along New Buffalo’s beach front community. — PAGETWO@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM

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Joint meeting discusses marijuana legalization, Redamak’s renovations BY THERESE DONNELLY

n a special joint meeting Tuesday, June 6, the New Buffalo City Council and Planning Commission heard from attorneys from Dickinson Wright PLLC regarding proposed legislation to legalize marijuana use in Michigan. While the informational presentation was intended to help the City prepare for possible zoning and ordinance issues that might arise if the legislation is passed, the Council agreed to put off making any decisions until it is clear what the state law will be. Last month, a petition to legalize the recreational use of marijuana was submitted to lawmakers. The wording would allow regulated recreational use for people age 21 and over but would not allow use in public or driving under the influence. Medicinal marijuana is already allowed in the state. If the bill is passed, communities would still be able to decide whether to allow businesses that grow and sell marijuana. Those that do are expected to benefit financially from the proposed 10 percent excise tax on retail sales. The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol says the industry could eventually bring more than $200 million in state revenue. Initially, that revenue will cover the costs of starting and regulating the program, but eventually, 15 percent of the revenue will go to counties that allow marijuana businesses and another 15 percent to municipalities that allow them. Scott Smith and Nick Curcio of Dickinson Wright explained that in legalized states, most marijuana processing businesses are restricted to agricultural and industrial zones while sales are in commercial zones. Smith said it is unclear if such businesses would impact surrounding property values. It is still unclear exactly what wording the proposed legislation will have when it goes to vote. Councilmembers agreed to wait to see how the state acts before making any decisions on how the City will proceed. Following that, Smith and Curcio gave an explanation of the roles and responsibilities of the Planning Commission. Smith explained the Commission acts as a body to make decisions. He emphasized that records must be detailed, as decisions not supported by record can be appealed or reversed at a high cost to the City. The Planning Commission’s regular meeting began with the election of officers. Paul Billingslea is now Commission Chair. He thanked outgoing Chair Pat Fisher for his work on “some tough cases” in the previous year. The Commission’s main agenda item was reviewing a site plan for planned renovations to Redamak’s. At a Planning Commission meeting earlier this year, the popular restaurant at 616 East Buffalo Street received approval to enclose its porch area for guests waiting to be seated and close off an area for an employee break room and storage. The changed site plan includes improved accessibility with wider doorways and a ramp from the parking area. Work is expected to begin in the fall or winter of 2017. Commissioners balked at approving the plan, noting the enclosed porch would cut off the sidewalk from pedestrians. Project manager John Sullivan Dailyof Sullivan Consulting pointed out the sidewalk in question belongs to the restaurant and is not on the state-owned right-of-way along Buffalo Street. Commissioner Bill McCollum said he and other residents use the currently open sidewalk when walking to town, as there is no public sidewalk in that location. Commissioners proposed requesting Redmak’s build a sidewalk to accommodate pedestrians, something McCollum called a “nice civic gesture.” Sullivan pointed out that the sidewalk would only run the length of the restaurant property and the adjoining lands have no sidewalks. City Inspector Ed Carpenter added that the restaurant could be held liable for injuries incurred on a sidewalk they were required to provide on their property. The Commission voted to recommend the City Council approve the site plan as presented, with Ralph Hullet dissenting and Billingslea abstaining. Improvements to downtown New Buffalo continue as the Commission reviewed Phase Two of the North Whittaker Street Redevelopment. Grading will make stores more accessible and walkways and seating areas will provide a pedestrian-friendly feel. City Manager Dave Richards said it would be best to get the project’s next phase out for bid soon, which will require the Commission making a recommendation to the Council. “We would like to move on this expeditiously,” he said, recommending a special meeting to review the plan before the Council’s June meeting. The Commission set that meeting for Tuesday, June 13.

Suspects arrested in meth search warrant Three individuals were arrested after evidence surfaced that methamphetamine activity was occurring at a Buchanan, Michigan, residence. Upon receiving information about the activity taking place there, Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET) detectives secured and executed a search warrant at the residence. Ciara Noell Miller, Kyle Michael Wellington and Zachariah Christian Freeman were arrested and arraigned on several meth-related charges. Several methamphetamine manufacturing components and old reaction vessels were located inside the residence. Due to the chemical hazards associated with known methamphetamine manufacturing, the components were removed and packaged per Michigan Department of State and DEA protocol. SWET was assisted by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department. The team is comprised of sworn law enforcement personnel from the Michigan State Police, Marshall Police Department, Barry County Sheriff’s Department, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department, Kalamazoo Township Police Department, South Haven Police Department, Covert Police Department and the Berrien County Sheriff Department. SWET is funded in part by the Michigan HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area), as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Byrne JAG grant. — STAFF REPORTS

Police seek to ID body

olice are trying to identify a body that was found floating in the Morrison Channel of the St. Joseph River at St. Joseph, Michigan, Saturday, June 17. A water rescue was dispatched at 9:35 a.m. after there were reports of a subject floating in the water. Police report that there are no apparent signs of foul play. An autopsy will be performed. The Berrien County Sherriff’s Department, Berrien County Marine Patrol, US Coast Guard and Medic 1 responded to the scene and the Coast Guard recovered the body. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

Township adopts 2017/18 budget, discontinues curb-side recycling

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP

he New Buffalo Township Board held a Special Public Hearing on the 2017/2018 budget, during which they adopted the $4.7 million budget and passed a budget resolution and approved the 2017 Township millages, prior to its regular Monday, June 19 meeting. Board members approved the following millages: .4042 for the General Operation Fund, .3939 for Public Safety, .2393 for the Parks Department and 1.4 for the new Public Safety millage that was approved by voters in May. The budget and resolution can be viewed in detail on the Township’s website under the June 19 meeting agenda. Following the budget hearing, the board heard a presentation from The Antero Group of Chicago for the development of a new Township Master Plan. President Eric Neagu and Kyle Smith gave a PowerPoint presentation, which included Township data and possible future goals that they would hope to achieve with the development and implementation of a long-term Master Plan. No decision was made on the matter. In other business, the board approved the 2017 salaries for the Supervisor, Clerk and Treasurer at $43,285 each and set the wages for the trustees at $216.43 per month, plus $162.74 per meeting; this does not include an increase in wages for them. They did approve a cost of living increase for the Township administrative staff at 2 percent. The Building Department Secretary will receive a $2 per hour increase. Trustee Pete Rahm stated that the wages were consistent with other Michigan township salaries, adding that the Township fell in the middle of the salary range for Michigan townships. Board members agreed to pay Light House Creek Drain Township Assessment in the amount of approximately $212,400 in one payment, rather than spreading the assessment out over 20 years, plus interest, which was the other payment option. Berrien County Sheriff Sargent Julie Flick gave the April Township report following a delay at a road closure. She reported that 65 complaints were answered, eight tickets were issued and five arrests were made within the Township. Flick said that, in April and May, the Township force was not at their full capacity of five officers on duty. In June, the force is now at full capacity. Flick added that it has already been a very busy month and that she anticipates a “busy summer.” Flick reported that, during Monday afternoon’s hail storm, a tree came down near Krueger Road and the Galien River Bridge, forcing the closure of all four lanes on Red Arrow Highway for a few hours. Emergency crews, along with help from neighboring firm Oselka Construction, removed the tree, and the road was reopened around 7:30 p.m. No one was injured; however, the guard rail on the north side of the highway was damaged in the incident. Fire Chief Ed Lijewski said he was “very excited” to announce that two firefighters, Nick Magro and Johnathan Cluster, had graduated from Firefighter 1 and 2 training and were now fully certified. He

said that both men received additional achievement awards at the school, including Fireman Cluster, who finished at the top of his school class. The New Buffalo High School student will also receive 12 hours of college credit for completing the course. Lijewski said that he anticipates one additional student to join the force this year, and hopes that possibly two more students will be volunteering for the force. The Township Fire Department now has a force of 20 firefighters. Lijewski stated it was important to have a large force because during working hours, all of the volunteers can’t make every fire call due to the proximity from their workplaces. The department averages 200 calls per year. He said that all of the firefighters and chiefs continue their education and fire service training on an ongoing basis. Supervisor Michelle Heit thanked the new firefighters for their service. Lijewski reported on the Monday afternoon fire at Four Winds Casino, which he said was caused by an HVAC motor in the ceiling of the entrance area catching on fire. Three departments responded to the call: New Buffalo Township, New Buffalo City and Chikaming. There were no injuries, and the casino remained open. He said that there was adequate air handling equipment in the casino and because it was near the entrance, the smoke dissipated quickly. The new fire truck, which has been in production at Spencer Manufacturing in South Haven, Michigan, for the past year, will be arriving Friday, June 23. Unit 1361 was financed partially from a Pokagon Fund grant. The $214,000 unit will allow access to the casino garage and carry four firefighters, compared to the old truck, which carried only two men, including the driver. The other firefighters on the scene had to carry their gear and walk up, possibly four floors, to a casino garage fire. Additionally, the truck is equipped with foam, which Lijewski said extinguishes a fire 60 percent faster than water. In addition, it will be safer when fighting brush fires and incidents on I-94. The truck also has an electronic jaws-of-life, which will increase response time at an accident scene. With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, Lijewski advised everyone to be safe when handling fireworks. Specifically, he advised keeping fireworks out of the hands of children. The board approved an amendment to a Planned Unit Development (PUD), Forest Brook Preserve (formerly McConnell Springs) off Wilson Road near Shedd Road. The amendment, which was recommended by the Planning Commission, includes relocating the swimming pool from Lot #7 to make room for a home site. McConnell Springs was initially approved by the Planning Commission in 2007. The PUD is a 22-acre parcel that consists of 22 wooded lots proposed to accommodate homes no larger than 1,700 square feet. The board made a recommendation to no longer allow the filling of swimming pools from the Township fire hydrants or from Township equipment. This was a recommendation from the

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Risk Management insurance carrier, who advised that any property damage could result in a liability claim to the Township. The final payment of $99,878.67 to Spencer Manufacturing for the $214,000 fire truck was approved. Board members adopted a resolution to continue to authorize the donation of the 1926 Chevy Fire Engine to the Fire House Museum in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Board members adopted the continued use of the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) Principles of Government.

he discontinuation of the curb-side recycling contract with Lakeshore Disposal in September 2017 was unanimously supported. The Township has been paying more than $66,000 annually for the service. Initially, The Pokagon Fund paid for the containers. Individual property owners were encouraged to continue recycling though a privately financed waste contractor. Heit stated that individual households would pay approximately $2 per month for private service. The board felt that the funds currently used for recycling could be better used on other projects, such as road work. Heit said that with many residents being gone throughout the winter, the Township was paying for the service that was not being fully used. Board members adopted the Fire Department Policies. All of the policies had been reviewed and updated, as board members said that this approval was merely a reaffirmation of all them. To keep them current, Board members added that the policies should be adopted every four years. Clerk Judy Zabicki reported that the State of Michigan had approved their request for a grant for the high speed tabulating election equipment. The cost for the equipment is approximately $13,000, and she said she expects the Township to receive a credit of approximately $7,000 from the state. The Township and the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting for the recently improved Glassman Park recreational area at 3 p.m. Friday, June 23. The park is located south of I-94 on Glassman Road off Kruger Road in New Buffalo Township. The highlights of the newly developed 47-acre park are a handicapped accessible kayak/ canoe launch on the Galien River, along with hiking trails, overlooks of the river, a picnic area and a Zen Labyrinth for relaxing in the woods. The Township has had the river cleared of fallen trees so that it is now a navigable waterway from Glassman Park. The $235,000 Phase One of the redevelopment project was made possible with a matching grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). The next regular meeting of the New Buffalo Township Board is Monday, July 17, at 7 p.m. at New Buffalo Township Hall on Red Arrow Highway.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

FINDING A GOOD

CHURCH DOESN’T TAKE A

LEAP OF FAITH

Parking lot nears completion

N. WHITTAKER PHASE I– BARTON & MECHANIC ST.

JUST A SHORT DRIVE UP THE HILL

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rews worked Saturday and Monday to complete the new North Barton Street Parking lot and finalize the Whittaker Street Phase 1 project. The asphalt work is complete on the parking lot and on new parking spaces on the east end of Mechanic Street off of Townsend. Landscaping and sidewalks were being installed on Monday at the North Barton St. parking lot, which is located at the intersection of Barton and Mechanic Streets. The new parking lot also provides three additional street spaces and a new sidewalk. The city opened the new streets and sidewalks on East and West Mechanic and North Barton Streets in time for the Memorial Day weekend, which was their completion goal. The week of June 19 the crews will stripe the parking spaces, complete all concrete work for the East Mechanic parking areas and the N. Barton Street parking lot. Restoration, landscaping and punch list items will continue to be completed. There are no additional public tailgate meetings scheduled. The North Whittaker Street Redevelopment Phase I is the beginning of a $4 million investment project in New Buffalo’s downtown; planning for the project has been overseen by the City staff, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Abonmarche and Associates. Planning for the redevelopment has been underway for the past 14 years. This project was made possible, in part, due to a generous $1.6 million grant from The Pokagon Fund. Phase 1 of the project was substantially completed by May 23, 2017, as planned. Phase I began construction on Monday, February 27, 2017.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION • JUNE 30-JULY 1 • NOON-4PM CUTTING EDGE SHARPENING (On site to sharpen your knives)

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City planners support Whittaker Street site plan

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

he North Whittaker Street Redevelopment Project’s Phase Two is one step closer to reality after a Tuesday, June 13, New Buffalo Planning Commission Special Meeting, during which planners further considered the site plan proposed for the long anticipated downtown project. After discussion and a question and answer period, the planners voted unanimously to recommend their approval to the City Council, who has the final say. Five of the seven members who were present at the meeting, which included Chair Paul Billingslea, Secretary Larry Bernstein, Vice Chair Mark Joseph, Ralph Hullet and Bill McCollum, voted yea; members Kristen D’Amico and Pat Fisher were absent. The planners initially reviewed the site plan, as presented by Mike Morphey P.E. of Abonmarche, at the regular Planning Commission meeting Tuesday, June 6. Following the presentation, the members requested additional time to study and review the documents before their final recommendation went to the Council for their consideration. Morphey gave a timeline of the past year, including the approval July 7, 2016, by the public and then the Council to have parallel parking on both sides of North Whittaker Street, which would be a significant change to the downtown and shaped the overall project design. Although this parking option has caused concerns among some residents and business owners, the parallel parking plan will allow the project to include wider sidewalks and a pedestrian friendly downtown, while also adding gathering and seating areas. The other significant street change will be diverging one-way going off North Whittaker at Merchant Street. Cars leaving Whittaker Street will travel west past Brewster’s or east past New Buffalo Savings Bank. This change will allow for the addition of sidewalks and handicapped angle parking spaces along the north side of Merchant Street and it will preserve existing landscaping on the south side of the West Merchant Street right-of-way. The overall site plan was approved and recommended to the Council for consideration May 24 by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), who has been the driver and overseer of the project. Chair Robert Kemper has shepherded this project for the past 14 years, beginning with the formation of the Business Improvement District (BID) Committee, the forerunner of the DDA. Morphey said that the surface material chosen for the sidewalks and street will be a combination of concrete and concrete aggregate and brick pavers and asphalt. He stated that the overall plan was to give the downtown a more townsquare feeling by using different materials on portions of the sidewalks and street crossing. He stated that different materials also indicated surface grade changes to the pedestrians and tended to slow down vehicle traffic. The plan has included handicapped accessible entrances to businesses by designing several areas that will have two levels of sidewalks, which will minimize the need for multiple ramps at each store entrance. One of the big challenges of the project has been the steep slope of Whittaker Street as it travels downhill toward the lake, the vintage buildings with step-up entrances and the numerous driveway curb cuts along the block, which are not served by a rear alley. In addition to needed infrastructure replacements, the overall goal of the finished project is to be pedestrian friendly and meet ADA requirements. Another goal of the redevelopment is to improve parking availability. Morphey stated that the Phase One portion of the project, which focused on North Barton and East and West Mechanic streets, added 68 additional parking spaces; however, 34 will be lost on North Whittaker Street during Phase Two. This means the downtown area gained 34 new spots, including the new parking lot on North Barton Street. In addition to new 18- to 19-foot sidewalks, bike lanes and a roadway, the following new infrastructure will be installed: a 12-inch water main and sewer line, an 18-inch storm drain, new gas lines and buried communications service lines. The approval of the Phase Two site plan will allow Abonmarche, the project engineers, to move forward with bid packets for the project, which they hope to have underway by Oct. 1. The project’s completion date is set for Memorial Day of next year. The final design aspects for the finished streetscape will continue throughout the summer. The DDA Design and Visual Impact Subcommittee (DVI) will continue to review styles and models for the lighting, benches and other amenities for the final streetscape look. They have determined the theme of the streetscape will represent a coastal waterfront design. Streetlights will incorporate “dark sky night lighting” to minimize light pollution, while providing illumination to the sidewalks and street. The light poles will be similar to those installed on North Thompson Street, at the beach parking lot and by Stray Dog and the Amtrak station. Billingslea thanked the Planning Commissioners, and Abonmarche, for the approval. “It’s been a long road and I appreciate your hard work. No project is ever perfect, but this will be way better for all of New Buffalo,” he said. The final approval of the site plan will be reviewed at the City Council meeting Tuesday, June 21.

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

Rental Ordinance adopted in Village of Three Oaks THERESE DONNELLY IN THREE OAKS

ollowing a brief public hearing, the Three Oaks Village Council voted to set the village’s 2017 millage and adopt two ordinances. The change to the millage, Village President David Grosse explained, was in compliance with Michigan state law. When millage values don’t match the rate of inflation, he said, a municipality must adjust the millage. The Council voted to adjust the rate by 1/10 a mill. The Village adopted its new Zoning Ordinance after months of work from the Planning Commission. “We feel very good about what we have produced,” said Planning Commission Chair Gene Svebakken.. Grosse thanked the Commission for their work on the comprehensive zoning ordinance. Copies will be available online and at village hall. The proposed short-term rental ordinance creates guidelines for rentals lasting less than one month. Svebakken noted the Commission wanted to encourage economic growth while protecting the interests of residents and property owners. “This is not to punish landlords,” Grosse said of the ordinance. He added the ordinance will require owners to maintain a level of safety and to register with the village so they can be contacted in the event of an emergency. The ordinance, which will be effective 30 days after the June 14 meeting (July 14), requires property owners register with the village and provide floorplans and certification of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. The ordinance also limits the number of occupants based on the number of bedrooms and requires adequate parking spaces. Rentals will be subject to inspections, just as longterm rentals are, but Grosse said he doesn’t anticipate a large need for inspections after initial registration. He added that current short-term rentals would be permitted to continue while registration and inspections take place. The ordinance was passed by a 3-2 margin with Councilmembers Steve Graziano and John Pappa dissenting and Darlene Heemstra absent from the meeting. Work on Elm Street is nearing completion and Grosse presented the Council with a paving contract update that included additional costs for work in the village parking lot on Elm and Central. Grosse said the discovery of an empty fuel tank from when the lot was the site of a gas station caused extra work. Pappa questioned how the village could ascertain the tanks were properly emptied when the business left. Councilmember Cheryl Capiak said at the time the business closed it would have needed to have paperwork signed off on. Grosse also presented an amended 2017 budget with changes to the general fund, which he said were due to some costs associated with work on Carver Park ending up on this year’s budget rather than 2016’s. The Council voted to approve a resolution to have the village collect its delinquent property taxes rather than have the county do so on their behalf. This allows the village to keep penalties that would otherwise go to Berrien County. Henry Binswanger was appointed to the Planning Commission to fill an empty seat. John Dobertine, who has been serving as the village’s temporary Mechanical Inspector, was appointed to the position. Grosse said the village has received 14 applications for the Village Manager position so far and interviews are planned soon. Former Village Manager Adam Umbrasas recently resigned to take a position in the private sector. Two hearings for dangerous buildings were scheduled for June 20. Property owners will have an opportunity to respond to the dangerous building inspector’s report and address identified issues.

COUNTY PROGRAM TO ENCOURAGE “FREEDOM FROM SMOKING”

he Berrien County Health Department will be helping area residents who have a desire to quit smoking by offering the “Freedom from Smoking” program. Developed by the American Lung Association, the program will be held Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Tuesday, Aug. 1 at the Berrien County Health Department office. Led by a certified facilitator, the program will feature a step-by-step plan for quitting smoking and transitioning to a smoke-free lifestyle. Each session is designed to help smokers gain control over their behavior. Since no single quit-smoking plan is effective for all smokers, the program has a variety of evidence-based techniques for individuals to combine into their own plan to quit smoking. The clinic format will also encourage participants to work on the process and problems of quitting, individually and as part of a group. Those wishing to enroll can contact Kerri Teachout at (269) 927-5668. The Berrien County Health Department office is located at 2149 East Napier Avenue in Benton Harbor, Michigan. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

ARENA sports

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

ere’s hoping every father out there was lucky enough to have as wonderful of a Father’s Day as I did. I spent a few days in the Minneapolis area with my son and his family, and it couldn’t have been nicer. We went out to brunch on Sunday, where my son made a wise comment. While his six-year-old daughter lobbied for eating inside the restaurant rather than outside on the patio, he said, “Is today Father’s Day or Zoe’s day?” As we all smiled and headed toward the patio, the hostess said, “I’ll bet almost every other day of the year is ‘Zoe Day!’” (That hostess was certainly perceptive.) I think most of us are at least a little bit territorial. Because I have spent the vast majority of my life in and around Chicago and Harbor Country, I believe these are the best places in the world in which to live. Whenever I get an opportunity to get away from it all, I’m reminded of how much beauty and splendor there Miles, Zoe and Wes Marggraf is in this world. For those of you who are familiar with the phrase “Minnesota nice,” whoever came up with that was spot on. The people in this part of the country couldn’t be nicer or friendlier. There were numerous reasons for my visit. My daughter-inlaw’s father was celebrating a significant birthday, it was Father’s Day, and, most importantly, two of my five grandsons had little league baseball games, and I hadn’t seen them play this year. I arrived Thursday and witnessed Miles, age 10, have a great game, even though he was competing against 11-, 12- and 13-year-olds. The contest was a nail biter from beginning to end, but not one player, coach, parent or anyone else uttered a negative word. The young men and their coaches competed hard, but had total respect for the umpires and their opponents. On Saturday, I saw Wes, age eight, also have a great game. While most of the participants and onlookers were different, everyone’s attitudes were the same. A couple of weeks ago, I said I was cranky and might write a column with a negative tone. The political climate was so negative that my thinking was turning that way. Watching my grandsons’ little league games and witnessing “Minnesota nice” has, at least temporarily, driven negative thoughts from my mind. The scores of the two boys’ games were 10-9 and 17-13. I’m proud to say both boys were involved significantly in the offense and neither one pitched. One team won and the other lost, but you couldn’t tell which was which two minutes after each game ended. My son coached in both games and was a totally positive influence. Grandparents, siblings, parents, and friends were involved positively as they rooted for the team of their choice. One of the participants was a little girl, and she more than held her own. This is what I want my America to be: Baseball, hotdogs, and apple pie. Thank you, Minnesota. Noted Minnesotan Garrison Keillor said, “Even in a time of elephantine vanity and greed, one never has to look far to see the campfires of gentle people.” Be careful out there. Make good choices. Keep smiling. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

CHALK BOARD scholastics

School Board accepts New Buffalo High School Principal resignation

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

lmost a year after he was hired, New Buffalo High School Principal Craig Stafford has resigned. At their rescheduled Tuesday, June 13, meeting, New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education members heard Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Leslie read the short letter of resignation from Stafford. Stafford was hired in June 2016 with a two-year contract to replace outgoing principal Guy Reece, who was retiring. He was one of three candidates who were in the running for the position. Before arriving at New Buffalo, he was principal at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, Indiana. No explanation for the resignation was given in Stafford’s letter. As a result of Stafford’s resignation, Leslie said Middle School Principal Wayne Butler will be assuming the position of Secondary Principal for grades six through 12, and that they are seeking someone to serve as an assistant principal for him as well. Also at the meeting, Board members accepted another resignation as well as approved the hiring of some staff members for the middle and elementary schools. Board members accepted, with regret, the resignation of Health and Nutrition Teacher Brenda Cook, who is retiring. She said she has been with the district for 21 years, adding that she spent two of those years coaching basketball. Cook thanked the Board for having the opportunity to work at the district for so many years, and gave credit to all the students whom she had taught and Board members for the enjoyable experience. “I’ve had many of your children as students at one point in time and it’s been a pleasure to work with you and your kids,” she said. Board members approved the hiring of Tyler Wilson as Middle School Social Studies Teacher and Angela Robertson as Elementary School Guidance Counselor. Hailing from Rudyard, Michigan, Wilson is a graduate of Central Michigan University. Robertson was a former first grade teacher in St. Joseph, Michigan. The Board approved 2017-2019 administrative contracts for Butler, David Kelly and Adam Bowen. Bowen will be assuming the role of Elementary School Principal, while former Elementary School Principal Kelly will be taking on the new role as the district’s Curriculum Coordinator. Board members approved a recommendation from Leslie and Kelly that they approve the elementary school’s 2017-2018 Student-Parent Handbook. Bowen added that he had input in the handbook’s creation. Board members ratified the New Buffalo Educational Personnel Association’s 2017-2020 support contract. The Personnel Services Agreement for Performing Arts Director Donn Edwards for 2017-2018 was approved. Board members did a second reading and adoption of the following policies: #0168.1- Open Meeting; #2221-Mandatory Courses; #2461-Recording of District Meetings Involving Students and/or Parents (New); #2623-Student Assessment; #3120.04-Employment of Substitutes; #3121/4121-Criminal History Record Check; #5330.02-Opioid Antagonists; #5517.01-Bullying and Other Aggressive Behavior toward Students; #5610-Emergency removal, Suspension, and Expulsion of Nondisabled Students; #5610.01-Expulsions/Suspensions-Required by Statute; #7540.02-Web Content, Services and Apps; #8330-Student Records; #8400-School Safety Information; #8500-Food Services, #8510-Wellness, #8300-Continuity of Organizational Operations Plan; #8305-Information Security; #5111.01-Homeless Students; #5111.03-Children and Youth in Foster Care; #8340-Letters of Reference. Board members also did a first reading of policy #563.01 (Student Seclusion and Restrain). Leslie gave an update on the number of applicants for the district’s School of Choice openings for next year. He said that they received three applicants for first grade, where they had four openings; one applicant for sixth grade, where they had 12 openings and one applicant for 10th grade, where they had 10 openings.

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A world of art enjoyed at Elsie Earl’s Studios’ reception

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

rt enthusiasts were treated to an afternoon of national, regional and local art, live entertainment and refreshments during the Saturday, June 17, reception for Harbor Country’s newest gallery and painting studio, Elsie Earl Studios. Guests sipped on glasses of wine while browsing the rooms of the gallery, which feature artwork in a variety of mediums, from watercolors, to colored pencils and pastels, to photography and pottery. According to owner Loretta Friend, more than 150 pieces of art from 16 artists are displayed throughout the 4,000 square foot gallery. In addition to viewing art, guests also enjoyed Rob Prellwitz works with colored pencils performances by George during the gallery’s opening Matthew, lead singer and guitarist for the band Midwest Hype; Ariel Buck, a singing jazz and musical theater musician who was accompanied by Mona Coalter, staff accompanist at the University of Norte Dame, and Jane Pellouchoud, a jazz and blues singer and guitarist. Pellouchoud also has pottery located in one of Elsie Earl’s Studios’ rooms. Friend said that she plans to start art classes at the studio with Ron Ferguson, a former 35-year veteran art teacher at New Buffalo High School who also is one of the gallery’s featured artists. There is also a painting studio, where Friend invites children and adults to paint plaster sculptures. The gallery is located in Frohne Hall adjacent to St. John’s United Church of Christ at 200 West Buffalo Street. It is open from 1-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For more information, contact loretta@elsieearlstudios.com, 734-646-6633 or visit www.elsieearlstudios.com. “Like” the studio on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LorettasArttoGo. Visitors can also stop by the Elsie Earl Studios booth at the New Buffalo Farmer’s Market on Merchant Street Thursdays from 4-8 p.m.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

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New Buffalo welcomes annual Le Tour de Shore cyclists

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

ore than 500 bicyclists completed in the two-day Le Tour de Shore Charity Bike Ride, with a picnic taking place at the New Buffalo Lions Pavilion on the afternoon of Saturday, June 17. The 106-mile ride began at 7 a.m. Friday, June 16, at downtown Chicago’s Millennium Park, according to Ride Chair Steve Coughlin. Riders pedaled around the southern shore of Lake Michigan and through the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, where many spent Friday night camping in the Beverly Shores state park or relaxing in hotels in Chesterton, Porter and Michigan City, Indiana. They completed the ride along a scenic route through Three Oaks, Michigan, ending at the lakefront park in New Buffalo, where they enjoyed a barbeque. The riders complete 55 miles on the first day and 45 miles on the Kurt Wiesner, Richard DeMink second leg of the ride. and Ronald Williams This is the 12th year for the ride, which benefits Maywood (Illinois) Fine Arts Association. Lois Baumann, rider, art teacher and founder of the organization, (along with her husband Ernie), said, “The weather was perfect, the clouds parted for our ride, like Moses parting the Red Sea. The weather was beautiful and everyone enjoyed a beautiful ride and picnic.” Baumann added that many of the riders have been participating for years. “The inaugural ride had four riders, including myself and my husband, Ernie,” she said, adding that “it’s grown every year.” Baumann said people look forward to the opportunity to safely ride from Chicago to New Buffalo, where many have second and vacation homes. A group of riders from Downers Grove, Illinois, said they haven’t missed a ride since the early years. “We love this ride, the dunes, the lake shore and New Buffalo, we’ll be back next year,” Richard DeMink, one of the riders, said. The Le Tour de Shore provides SAG stop support and emergency crews along the route. At the finale of the ride, there is a picnic on the lakefront, where riders can eat and stretch out for a relaxing afternoon under the trees. The City boat ramp parking lot was teeming with rental trucks, pre-arranged to transport gear and bikes home, and four Indian Trail Motor coaches were on hand to provide riders air conditioned comfort for their return trip. Baumann said many of the riders planned to stay in Harbor Country for the remainder of the weekend. Baumann said that she felt that this year’s ride had met and exceeded the fundraising goal of $27,000. “The goal of Maywood Fine Arts is to bring art education to all children and make it affordable,” she said. “This is like landing in paradise - our riders love the ride and they love coming to New Buffalo to spend the afternoon shopping, dining and relaxing by the lakeshore,” she added.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

LIBRARY TO HOST MICHIGAN ROCKS!, FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

eologist and rock hound extraordinaire Adrian Quint of Peacock Rocks in Bridgman, Michigan, will share his knowledge, excitement and fantastic collection of Michigan’s geologic history during the Summer Reading Program event Michigan Rocks!, which will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Pokagon Room at New Buffalo Township Library Saturday, June 24. Guests are encouraged to bring in their own treasured rock finds to make their own collection boxes to take home. At the end of the program, guests will have gained a newfound knowledge of Michigan’s beautiful and interesting beaches, woods, fields and stream rocks. All ages are welcome. Some materials will be provided. Area teens are invited to attend New Buffalo Township Library’s Fourth of July cookout, which is being held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at New Buffalo Township Park Saturday, July 1. Hot dogs to grill (as well as a vegetarian option), pasta salad, chips and lemonade will be served. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to pass. In honor of the holiday, there will also be sparklers, as well as a water balloon fight. For more information about Michigan Rocks!, contact Liz Sima at the library. Those who are interested in attending the cookout should sign up at the library or contact Kristy Miller. They can be reached at 269-469-2933. New Buffalo Township Library is located at 33 North Thompson Street in New Buffalo. New Buffalo Township Park is located at 17425 Red Arrow Highway in New Buffalo Township. — STAFF REPORTS

Open House, meeting announce Light House Creek Drain apportionments LINDA HENDERSON IN HARBOR COUNTRY

he Berrien County Drain Commission held an all-day open house Wednesday, June 14, to announce the apportionments (assessments) for the long anticipated construction work on the Lighthouse Creek Drain project. The boundaries of the drain district include properties located within New Buffalo Township and the City of New Buffalo. On the evening of Thursday, June 15, County Commissioner Ezra Scott (9th District) held a meeting at New Buffalo Township Hall for residents who were unable to attend the all-day meeting in St. Joseph to receive their assessments. The Commission opened two bids from contractors for the project Wednesday, May 24. After evaluating the bids, the cost for the project came in at $2,655,000, which was less than originally anticipated. The cost for the $2,655,000 project has been split, or apportioned, between several municipal entities and private property owners. The City of New Buffalo will pay the largest assessment at 44.8 percent, or $1,189,440. The City can spread the cost over a 20-year period, which will be approximately $83,690.28 annually, plus interest. The Township will pay 8 percent of the costs for $212,400 or $14,944.69 annually, plus interest, over 20 years. Berrien County will pay 10 percent of the total costs, CSX Railroad will pay 1.65 percent and MDOT will pay 4.81 percent. The balance of the cost, 30.74 percent, was divided amongst private property parcels. Private parcels located within the drain district were determined by a topographical map and the apportionments were determined by square footage of land. The apportionment schedule released by the County Drain Commissioner Christopher J. Quattrin Wednesday, June 14, was 13 pages long and identified every tax parcel located within the drain district that will contribute to the overall cost of the project. The assessment figures given at the apportionment meeting were estimates and not final figures; however, the figure is not expected to change by a great amount, perhaps less than a dollar. The final figure will be determined following the purchase of a bond by the county. The average City lot-size parcel was assessed an amount of between $750 and $800 or approximately $60 annually, plus interest, over 20 years. The annual assessments will appear on the winter tax bill, if people do not choose to pay the assessment in full, prior to Friday, July 14. For those that choose to pay the total assessment, there is a procedure to follow. Residents must contact the Berrien County Drain Commission on or after Monday, June 26 (the 10-day grace period), for the final assessment number, and their checks must be received by the Berrien County Drain Commission in St. Joseph by July 14. The number to call is 269- 983-7112 ext. 8255. The Berrien County Drain Commission office is

located at 701 Main Street in St Joseph, Michigan. The Light House Creek Drain District is a very large area which includes a large portion of the southwest side of the City and Sunset Shore and Warwick Shores to the north. The Township areas include an area south of U.S 12 that includes Wilson and Lubke roads and Whittaker Woods Golf Course and ends around Rose City Road. The district is laid out on a map, which shows how large the district is and how the boundaries wind throughout the area. Lighthouse Creek flows from the Indiana state line through New Buffalo Township and into the City of New Buffalo, flowing out to Lake Michigan through the Sunset Shores subdivision. Two companies bid on the overall project: Kalin Construction of Sodus, Michigan, bid $1,280,406.00 and Selge Construction of Niles, Michigan, bid $1,273,287.50. In addition to the construction costs, there have also been legal and engineering costs and other soft costs related to the project, which are reported to be in excess of $500,000. According to a spokesperson at the Drain Commission office, a start or an end date has not yet been established for the project. The Lighthouse Creek storm water management has been a concern of the City of New Buffalo for many years. In July 2013, the New Buffalo City Council approved a resolution to transfer jurisdiction of the Lighthouse Creek, which runs through the Sunset Shores subdivision, to the Drain Commission. The Lighthouse Creek culvert project has been under their jurisdiction since that time. Studies and assessments of the properties along the creek and drain areas have been ongoing for the past four years by the Drain Commission. The scope of work included acquisition of property easements, engineering studies for the future construction of a new culvert under Water Street and for raising the berm at the City water plant lagoon/retention pond. The work will include a new bridge and lighting and a sidewalk serving the west side of Sunset Shores. A new water main is also anticipated to be installed by the City under Water Street. Lighthouse Creek empties into Lake Michigan about 3,000 feet southwest of the mouth of the Galien River. The 4.1 square miles in the Lighthouse Creek watershed basin is made up of the following: approximately 3.2 square miles in New Buffalo Township (about 78%), approximately 0.47 square miles in City of New Buffalo (about 12%) and approximately 0.43 square miles in Springfield Township, Indiana (about 10%). The City of New Buffalo spent a number of years evaluating remedies to the creek overflow issues, including conducting numerous engineering studies to provide options to resolve the potential flooding and other related concerns from the creek, especially the possibility of permit violations due to the close proximity of the City’s Water Filtration Plant. To review the studies, visit www. cityof newbuffalo.org.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

PUBLIC NOTICES NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING SYNOPSIS January 17, 2017 Regular Meeting Heard/Received Monthly Reports Approved Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, and Bills Approved Wightman Invoice for CIA Approved Change Order Grand Beach Water Main Extension Approved CIA, LRSB and Pokagon Fund Appointments Adopted Resolution for Public Safety Ballot Proposal Approved Budget Amendments Tabled Attendance Policy for Fire Department Approved Firefighter Training Approved Training for the Supervisor and the Clerk January 20, 2017 Special Meeting Approved Park Director Conference Approved Transfer from General Fund to CD February 21, 2017 Regular Meeting Heard/Received Monthly Reports Approved Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, and Bills Approved Bond Payments Approved Fire Hydrant Purchase Approved SLU for Wireless Data Tower Approved Wightman Invoice for CIA Approved Revised Sick Day Policy Approved Cost Estimate for Guardrail Project Approved Estimate & Payment for Fire Dept. Dress Uniforms Approved Firefighter Training Approved Firefighter Dress Uniform Policy Approved Pritchard Mechanical Invoice Approved Attendance Policy for Fire Department March 20, 2017 Regular Meeting Heard/Received Monthly Reports Approved Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, and Bills Approved Bond Payments and Radio Purchase Approved SLU for U.S. 12 Approved 2017 Road Projects Approved Performance Resolution for MDOT Approved Pokagon Fund Grants Discussed Recycling and Garbage Services & Township Logo March 28, 2017 Election Commission

Appointed Election Inspectors and Receiving Board for May 2 Election April 5, 2017 Special Meeting Approved Additional Work at Glassman Park Approved Purchase of Picnic Tables for Township Hall Approved Amtrak Agreement April 17, 2017 Regular Meeting Heard/Received Monthly Reports Approved Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, and Bills Approved Zoning Ordinance Amendment Hired Seasonal Park Employees Approved Election Equipment Grant Agreement Approved Fire Department Policy for Offsite Training Approved Leadership Training for Firefighters Approved Clerk Training May 15, 2017 Regular Meeting Heard/Received Monthly Reports Approved Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, and Bills Approve HSA for K. Butler Approved Payment for Glassman Park Approved Police Protection Agreement Approved Revising SLU for U.S. 12 Approved Hiring Season Park Employee Adopted Resolution for New Voting Equipment Approved Quote from The Tech Accepted Resignation from E. Petravicius Hired Ty Siuda as a Firefighter Approved Training for Firefighters Approved Reimbursement to Firefighter Flick June 1, 2017 Special Meeting Approved Quote for Lawn Repair Approved River Clearing, Picnic & Patio Tables, Tabulator and Cart Quotes Approved Purchase of Missions Systems Approved Hiring Seasonal Park Employee Approved Floating Holiday Approved Budget Amendments LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH ORDINANCE NO. 2017-92 was adopted on the 19th day of April 2017, entitled “An ordinance to regulate peddlers and persons soliciting in the Village to protect the public safety and residents’

privacy, as well as protecting the Village residents from fraud as to those persons soliciting within the Village”. A full copy of the Ordinance No. 2017-92 is on file at the Clerk’s Office, Village of Grand Beach, 48200 Perkins Blvd., Grand Beach, Michigan 49117 and available online at grandbeach.org. This Ordinance shall become effective on July 2, 2017. MARY J. ROBERTSON, CLERK FRONT DESK CLERK Chikaming Township is seeking a highly personable full time front desk clerk. Minimum 4 years experience in a customer-service based office environment, computer proficient in Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook, phone system management, basic accounting skills and software familiarity, bondable. Application available at www. chikamingtownship.org or contact David Bunte at 269-469-1676. ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FLYNN WOODS NATURE PRESERVE OUTDOOR EDUCATION FACILITY CHIKAMING OPEN LANDS 12291 RED ARROW HWY SAWYER, MI 49125 Chikaming Open Lands, will receive sealed bids for the construction of the Flynn Woods Nature Preserve Outdoor Education Facility construction project until 4:00PM local time, Wednesday, July 13, 2017 at Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc., 809 Center Street, Suite 1, Lansing, MI 48906. At that time and place, all bids received shall be privately opened. Flynn Woods Nature Preserve Outdoor Education Facility is a project that is partially funded by private donations and includes construction of aggregate pathways and plazas, gravel parking lot, concrete walkways, concrete ADA parking space, bike fixtation, drinking fountain, bollards, two shelters, site grading, site restoration and all other related work as specified in the project manual and the project drawings. A pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at the project site. It is encouraged that all prospective bidders attend. Copies of the bidding documents, including the drawings and project

manual (with bidding forms) may be obtained from: Capital Imaging 2521 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing, MI 48912, (517) 482-2292 Builder’s Exchange of Lansing 1240 E. Saginaw Street Lansing, MI 48906 Builder’s Exchange of Kalamazoo 3431 E Kilgore Road Kalamazoo MI 49001 Builder’s Exchange of Michigan 678 Front Ave. NW, Suite 330 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Bid documents for the project will be on file and available for inspection at the office of Landscape Architects and Planners, Inc., 809 Center Street, Lansing, MI 48906, (517) 485-5500. Digital copies of project documents may be requested from Landscape Architects & Planners at no charge. See project manual for more information regarding bidding and project requirements. Questions may be directed to Matt Hull from Landscape Architects & Planners, Inc., 809 Center Street, Lansing, MI 48906, (517) 485-5500, mhull@lapinc. net. PART-TIME BUILDING COMMISSIONER (20 hours/week) Town of Long Beach, IN. The Building Commissioner is responsible for the administration and enforcement of all building and zoning ordinances; recommends approval of building permits and manages contractor registrations. Must be an Indiana Registered Architect, Indiana licensed Professional Engineer, licensed and qualified general contractor, or Certified Building Inspector/ Administrator. Municipal Building Commissioner experience preferred. Send resume to: P.J. Krueger-HR Solutions, LLC Email: pjksphr@comcast.net Fax: (219) 872-0053

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

CLASSIFIED ADS TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD, PLEASE CONTACT

Please submit your classified ad via email at classifieds@newbuffalotimes.com. New Buffalo Times can now accept online payments with a credit card or paypal. Go to our website, www.newbuffalotimes.com, and submit $10 per week for a classified ad of up to 160 characters. Deadline is Friday 5PM before the following week’s publication.

FOR RENT

STORAGE BARN 20 Ft. x 60 Ft. Storage Unit. Pull Thru Bay, 2 – 14 Ft. doors, insulated, renter can heat. $575 per month. State Road 39 Storage. Available July 10. 219-362-8817 NEW BUFFALO Apt. Large 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 2nd floor, water incl. No Smoking, no pets $575/mo. Contact 269-612-2889. NEW BUFFALO House 3 bedroom, 1 bath completely remodeled, all appliances and central air. No smoking. No pets. $875/mo. Contact 269-612-2889. 4 bedroom home 2 bath. Available until May 13. $1500 with utilities. 269-470-5838. UNION PIER Furnished 3 Br 2 Bath apartment. Updated, hardwood floors, fireplace, central heat and air conditioning. 2 blocks to beach access. New Buffalo Schools $1150 + Utilities Call Diane 312-480-9530 NEW BUFFALO 5 bedroom 2 bath home on large wooded lot. Walkable to town and beach. Detached 2 car garage and storage shed. Central heat and air conditioning $1275 + utilities. Call Diane 312-480-9530 UNION PIER 2 bedroom Cottage, unfurnished $975 per month, plus utilities Call 219-898-7512 NEW BUFFALO FURNISHED APARTMENT Brand new on market intimate, peaceful, in downtown New Buffalo putting you in walking distance to the lake, harbor, shops, restaurants and New Buffalo activities. Must see to appreciate the calming beach colors, accents, and retro modern ambiance. Has queen size bedroom for you and full size sleeper sofa in living room for guests. Has Smart TV with Comcast, DVD, blue ray and streaming capabilities, plus high speed internet. Has central heat and air conditioning for your comfort and off street private parking for your convenience (2 vehicles). No smoking, no pets. Weekly rate $1,500, monthly and full summer season negotiable. For information, please call 405-420-2000. NEW BUFFALO 2 BOAT SLIPS AVAILABLE 35 Ft. South Cove slip and 30 Ft. Mooring slip. Each slip has full amenities available for the season. Includes; Water, electric, dock box, pool, restrooms with showers and a parking space. Cable and Wi-Fi is also available for a fee. For information, call Tom at 630-638-0608.

FOR SALE

NEW BUFFALO TOWNHOME AND BOAT SLIP Recently updated, 2 Bedroom. 1.5 bath, Roof Top Deck, attch. 1 car garage and a 50 Ft. Boat Slip adjacent to the unit. Located on the harbor, with a gated community, with a community swimming pool. Price Reduced to $273,000. Available immediately. For information or to schedule a showing call 219-796-5514.

Home theater, $2500 for set or can split. 4 Palliser Pacifico brown leather reclining seats. Carada 98” screen. Epson 8350 projector <900 hours on bulb. masseje@ yahoo.com Brown leather Marshall Fields sleeper sofa, $750. 82” x 35” tall x 36” deep. Email for photos. masseje@yahoo.com

HELP WANTED

CARING DRIVERS WANTED Transport people to pre-scheduled medical appointments in Berrien County and beyond. Must have reliable 4-door vehicle, cell phone and access to internet or fax. Great way to supplement social security, disability or a pension income. (989) 871-2289 GROUNDSKEEPER Garden, lawn, equipment maintenance, supervise crew, security, other duties. 40 hr week April-October. Wages negotiable, paid bi-weekly. Mail resume to Friendship Gardens, PO Box 8834, Michigan City, IN 46361 or email internationalfriendshipgardens @yahoo.com. No phone calls please. ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY SEEKING FULL TIME ROOFING AND SIDING INSTALLERS AND LABORERS Three years experience and valid drivers license required. Qualifying applicants. Call Sarah at 219-363-6151. LAKESIDE HOUSEKEEPER Seeking an experienced housekeeper one full day per week. Please have local references and be willing to do dishes, laundry, organization etc. Text or call 574-849-7383. FULL/PART-TIME MASSAGE THERAPISTS We are looking for full/part-time massage therapists and nail technicians. Please call 269-469-9111 if you are interested. FULL TIME PAINTER WANTED 10 years minimum experience required. Starting Salary $14.00 per hour. Call Eddie at 269-462-1122. Housekeeper Wanted New Buffalo home, 3 days a week, 4 hours per day, $10 per hour. Assume all household responsibilities. A background check will be required. For information, call Dana 219-847-7777. NEW BUFFALO Lawn Service crew openings. CALL 269-469-2340

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT

Responsible, compassionate lady looking for caregiver positon. Please call 269-479-5833.

SERVICES

FISH FOR STOCKING Most Varieties For Pond Lakes Call Laggis’ Fish Farm 269-628-2056 DAYS 269-624-6215 EVENINGS. BRIAN’S DETAILING Have a dirty car? Why not have someone come to you. Have your car vacuumed washed and waxed for a shiny sparkling car every time! Call Brian at 219-841-2620

Uber to service Harbor Country

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

outhwest Michigan will now have an alternative source of safe transportation to the beach, restaurants, wineries, breweries, festivals and more. Uber announced that the ridesharing service began transporting riders in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor beginning Friday, June 16. The Kalamazoo expansion will service the I-94 corridor from New Buffalo to South Haven, according to an Uber press release. You will also be able to hail an Uber in Holland, Muskegon, Grand Haven, Saugatuck and South Haven. Uber is a familiar taxi-like ridesharing service to people in larger metropolitan areas, and is a welcome and much needed transportation addition to Southwest Michigan. Riders can request a ride directly from an app on their smart phone to a given destination, which is different than hailing a cab from street-side. Uber drivers provide their personal vehicles to transport passengers on the basis of a sliding fee scale. The drivers go through a background check and screening prior to approval by Uber. Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Vicki Gudas said that they are “very thrilled to hear about this service coming to Southwest Michigan.” “Transportation in our area has been a challenge and this is a welcome opportunity to improve transportation in Harbor Country.” Uber will also provide alternatives for visiting boaters to enjoy Harbor Country amenities. In a press release dated Thursday, June 14, James Ondrey, Uber’s Michigan general manager, said, “I am thrilled to announce that Uber is launching in Holland, Muskegon, Grand Haven, South Haven, and Saugatuck. Folks heading to the lake this summer can now use Uber to explore the many amenities the area has to offer, whether it’s a brewery or a beach.” “Those looking to earn extra income now have a flexible earning opportunity available to them at the tap of a button,” Ondrey added. UberX, the company’s ridesharing product, UberXL, an option for parties up to six passengers, and UberSELECT, a luxury option for parties up to four passengers, will be available to local riders. To celebrate the launch, Uber is offering new users one free ride worth up to $15. Users can enter LAKEMI17 into the app to redeem the offer though Oct.1 at 11:59 p.m. Since State legislation passed late last year regulating ride-hauling services in Michigan, Uber has been looking at where it could expand, Uber spokeswoman Megan Capiak said. The ridesharing service is not regulated by the City of New Buffalo or other local municipalities. Southwest Michigan Planning Commission Executive Director John Egelhaaf said that the Commission and other organizations have been working with Uber and LYFT for the past eight months, hoping to improve transportation options in the area. He said he was very pleased with Thursday’s announcement, which will provide safe transportation options for residents and visitors, as well as help provide jobs for area residents. To use Uber, first download the free Uber app for iOS or Android. Then, create an account using your email address, phone number and payment information. When you’re ready to go somewhere, open the app and enter your destination in the “Where to” bar. You can do so by searching for the name of a place, entering an address, or setting a pin on the map. Once you’ve selected the location, tap “Request.” When the driver is on the way, you’ll see your driver’s picture and name, picture of the vehicle, make and model, and the car’s license plate number. You can also watch the driver travel to your location on the app’s map. When your driver arrives, you can check the photo and license plate number, so you know you’re getting in the right car with the right driver. If you need to get in touch, you can call or text your driver through the Uber app. When you arrive at your destination, you are good to go, and your trip will be automatically charged to the payment method you provided on file. Riders can rate their experience and provide anonymous feedback about their driver after every trip. Once you have installed the Uber app on your mobile device, you must open the app and register your information. For information on how to sign up as a driver, visit www.uber.com/drive/.

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City preps for Phase II on Whittaker Street

THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

Travel Team members with Coaches Nate Tripp and Wayne Butler, Sr.

THERESE DONNELLY IN NEW BUFFALO

n a short regular meeting, the New Buffalo City Council moved forward with the next stage of the North Whittaker Street Improvement project in the downtown. After hearing from Abonmarche representatives regarding plans for Phase II of the project, the Council voted to follow the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve the site plan as presented. Downtown Development Authority chairman Robert Kemper thanked the Council and City Manager Dave Richards for their work and said there are still final details including landscaping options to be decided. Mayor Lou O’Donnell said the Phase II site plan had undergone “considerable review” by the Planning Commission, the DDA and several committees. He added that work on Phase II is expected to be complete in early 2018. After the Council voted unanimously to approve the plan, several audience members stood and applauded. Later in the meeting the Council approved Payjay Construction’s fourth payment request in the amount of $359,105.80 for work on Phase I of the project. The Council also gave their approval to two requests to improve the city beach for visitors. Parks Superintendent Tony Ashbaugh received approval to purchase a beach wheelchair that would allow visitors with limited mobility to travel from the beach parking lot to the water. Ashbaugh said the city’s current beach wheelchair is unusable and the parks staff uses a four-wheeler to help visitors. He said the only nearby beach he knows of with a similar wheelchair is Warren Dunes State Park and that one is not always available. Ashbaugh also received permission to apply for grants to help cover the cost of renovating the dunewalk. The Parks Department will apply to the Berrien Community Foundation Grant, the William J. Deputy Endowment Fund, Frederick S. Upton Foundation and the Pokagon Fund to help cover the estimated $200,000 project. Councilmember Liz Ennis asked why Ashbaugh was applying to multiple endowments and Ashbaugh said he hoped to get approval from several sources, which would enable much of the renovation to be completed this year. He said portions of the dunewalk are unusable due to long deterioration. The repairs have been an ongoing project. “Pat [Donnelly] did a good job,” Ashbaugh said, referring to the previous superintendent’s work on the initial phase of the project. “I think it’s a shame it was ever allowed to get in this condition.” Ennis said. Oastvall Construction was the only bidder for the current work on the dunewalk. The Council approved their bid of $26,200 with 18,700 coming from the city and the balance from the William H. Deputy Endowment. The Council voted to waive the fee for organizers of Lorie’s Ride to use Lions Park Pavilion as a stop during their September 16 bike ride fundraiser to support the Valparaiso YMCA’s programs. The City Police Department will receive new equipment following the Council’s approval of a purchase of a new taser and a Polaris. The purchases replace older equipment and were included in the 2017-2018 budget. Seville Investments has offered the city a one-year lease on a vacant lot it owns on the corner of Buffalo and Whittaker streets. The former site of Jackson’s Fruit Market will be used for public parking. Stray Dog Restaurant has offered to pay the $10,000 lease in exchange for the right to place its logo on signs in the lot. The Council approved both the terms of the lease and an agreement with Stray Dog. Following the recommendation of the Planning Commission, the Council approved a site plan for Redamak’s restaurant to enclose its front porch as a waiting area for customers. The Council also approved the city’s poverty guidelines, which make qualifying homesteaders exempt from paying property taxes. O’Donnell said he only knew of two applications for exemptions ever being filed. To protect publicly displayed artwork in the city, the Council approved a Hold Harmless Agreement to indemnify the work. The Council voted to sign a letter of support for the Shoreline Alliance to help its efforts to address and resolve erosion issues along the shore south of the city harbors. After a brief closed session, the Council accepted the AFSME agreement with the Water Department. O’Donnell said the agreement gave the department employees a three percent wage increase and had them pay twenty percent of their health insurance. Other departments have a similar agreement. The Council held a closed session to keep labor negotiations confidential until both parties agreed on terms. Acting on the recommendation of the Parks Board, the Council voted to remove board member Kevin Huber for attendance. The Council approved a franchise agreement with Comcast. Before the meeting convened, Councilmember Mark Robertson thanked O’Donnell for his work on the Lighthouse Creek Drain Assessment. Robertson said the current council had inherited the matter and had little control over it. O’Donnell explained to the audience that the Council in 2000 had approved a resolution and the matter had been in the county drain commissioner’s hands since 2013.

Pasta, hoops at Yacht Club

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

upporters and friends of the New Buffalo Traveling Basketball Team were treated to a homemade spaghetti dinner with all the fixings Wednesday, June 14, at the New Buffalo Yacht Club. Guests were served by team members in the harbor side dining room as they mingled with friends and family members. The seventh and eighth grade boys and girls who play for the local team hustled to meet what were beyond everyone’s dinner expectations. Denny and Heather Black hosted the event and prepared the meal, while team members and their families contributed to the bake sale. The boy’s team is coached by Nate Tripp, while the girl’s team is coached by Wayne Butler, Sr. and Jessica Conrad. Alexandra Brown, Addison Tripp The teams are comprised of and Grace Kenna sell sweets players who are dedicated to the game and teamwork. The teams travel across the state and into Indiana from October through June, often leaving home at 6 a.m. In addition to playing basketball, the team members enjoy a variety of social activities and events throughout the year. The proceeds from the very successful dinner and bake sale will help the 501 (C) 3 organization raise capital for a shooting coach and for team camp in June. Heather said that anyone who would like to donate to the organization or sponsor the monthly fees for a player may contact her, and added that “donations are always welcome.”

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

REAL ESTATE

MORTGAGE RATES 30 Year Fixed Jumbo.. 4.52% 30-Year Fixed............. 4.04% 15-Year Fixed Jumbo... 3.93% 15-Year Fixed............. 3.20%

LAKEFRONT • NEWS • BANKING STATISTICS FOR LEASE • NOW FOR SALE • CONSTRUCTION

US CDS (NATIONAL AVERAGE) 1 year............................ .58 6 month......................... .34 1 month......................... .10 KEY RATES Fed Fund Rate................ .37 Fed Reserve Target Rate. .75 Prime Rate..................... 3.5 US Unemployment Rate.. 4.6

Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character. — Heraclitus

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

Rob Gow Chris Pfauser

13592 Prairie Road, Harbert $2,950,000 | 6bd, 7ba PRICE REDUCED

312 Marquette Drive, New Buffalo $1,750,000 | 3bd, 2ba

PRICE REDUCED

ShorelineAdvice.com 269.612.4104

50 Pocantico Trail, Michiana $975,000 | 3bd, 5ba

PRICE REDUCED

8856 Blackhawk Drive, Lakeside $845,000 | 4bd, 5ba

PRICE REDUCED

5650 Dunham Path, Stevensville $699,000 | 3bd, 3ba

PRICE REDUCED

30 West Buffalo Street New Buffalo, Michigan 13124 Eryanen Way, New Buffalo $624,000 | 4bd, 4ba

900 North Drive, New Buffalo $619,000 | 3bd, 2ba

133 Hillside Drive, Sawyer $475,000 | 4bd, 3ba

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

H a r b o r S h o re s Li f e . c o m

Imagine what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll remember!

GOLF

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ES TATE

M A RIN A

HOT E L

B e n t o n H a r b o r | S t . J o s e ph

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

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

WOOD LOOK VINYL PLANKING SNAP TOGETHER FLOATING FLOORS 13 COLORS TO CHOOSE FROM $2.27 SF FULL CARTONS ONLY LET’S DO IT TOGETHER

269-469-8453 Harbor Time Professional Cleaning Services LLC

MAKE OLD LOOK NEW AND NEW LOOK GOOD!

CALL EDDIE THE HOUSE PAINTER FOR YOUR POWER-WASHING NEEDS...

Residential/Commercial Weekly — Daily — Monthly Special Occasions Free Estimates

Decks, Patios, Houses,

Outbuildings, Walkways & More. Also Specializing In Respraying Wicker & Wrought Iron Furniture.

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Call Eddie Today. 269-462-1122

LOUISE@HABORTIMEPCS.COM

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Commercial • Residential 37 Years Experience • Insured Dennis Jeffers, sr. 219-393-3155 maplecitytree@comcast.net

ADVERTISING . MARKET . DIGITAL

To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness. — Confucius

NEW BUFFALO TIMES

New Buffalo Times

PLEASE CONTACT JANINE L. ADAMSKI JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM (630) 370-0820

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE • SINCE 1942

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

HOROSCOPE JUNE 22-28, 2017

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19 Home is where the heart is, and if you’re not loving your space, then it’s time to upgrade. Whether you’re needing a home makeover or a total relocation, get it going now. The stars are aligned in a very beneficial position for home acquisitions and renovations. Get moving and make the necessary changes.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 Generating business and getting ahead in the corporate world are very favorable this week, for Libra. If you are hoping to score a better office or get a raise, now is the time to go after it. Promotions, advancements and that next level stuff will be right there for you. Shoot for the moon and you’ll end up in the stars.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20 Get the serious conversations surrounding work out of the way and then focus on relaxing. Don’t let any stressful work situations hang over your head. This is going to be a great weekend and you won’t want to miss it by being tied up with work. Relax and enjoy the weekend. You may want to take Monday off too.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21 If a situation is becoming too complicated, take your mind off it by hitting the open road. See some new places with new faces. You’re in need of a change of scenery and taking a ride through wine country with the top down will help clear your mind of clutter and open your thoughts to new possibilities.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21 Good developments in your money zone are making their way in this week. If you’ve been waiting for a settlement, or a relief from debt this is the time for it to happen. Use social media or other public domains to get yourself out there. Be creative with income possibilities and watch the cash flow on in.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21 Any financial dealings you have will be filled with energy and exuberance. Expect positive results if you need to negotiate payments or debt settlements. If you waver or ease up the pressure you might not get as good of a deal as is available right now. Be firm and assertive; don’t settle for less.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22 Be more assertive and don’t be afraid to make changes, especially when it comes to your personal style or approach to problems. The stellar energy coming at you will offer some lucky breaks and unexpected support, so take full advantage by making the first moves. Even if you have previously failed, now you’ll shine.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19 Gather those closest to you and come together. Opposing forces may feel like they are pulling you apart, but if you assemble your posse and take issues on as a group, you will conquer rival forces. You don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to others and trust in their support. Take advice from family and friends.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22 This is a great week to pull back and seek some solitude. Take time to just be, and gather your thoughts without anybody else influencing you. It’s time for some soul searching, and others will just be in the way of your solitude. Hit the beach, lay back and take an inner journey in the summer sun. No drama allowed.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18 Some big projects will be taking off this week, and you won’t want to miss getting on board without the right attitude. That means making adjusting so you can be at peak levels. Going to bed early, and eating a good breakfast are a good place to start. Get your daily routines in order, so you can be in the lead,

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22 If you can take a long weekend or even the whole week, do it now. Beat the Fourth of July crowds and hit the beach. Traveling with your sweetheart will bring the two of you closer together and get you reconnected. If you are single, your chances of finding love are higher when you’re out seeing the world.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20 Love and fun in the sun are on the menu, and your order is up. This week’s vibe will put you in a very creative and flirtatious mood, helping you break free from the daily routines at work or home. In fact, let romantic ideas take you away from the stresses at work or the issues at home. Be spontaneous.

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New Buffalo Times

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

EVENTS

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO

POLICE BLOTTER JUNE 12-18, 2017

PLEASE SEND US EVENT INFO TO EVENTS@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM — COMPILED BY LINDA HENDERSON

JUNE 12 Suspicious Situation/911 Hang Up General Assist/Remove Debris from Road New Buffalo City FD/Assist Other Agency JUNE 13 General Assist/Fingerprints Medic 1/Assist Other Agency JUNE 14 Property Damage Accident False Alarm (x2) Medic 1/Assist Other Agency MSP/Assist Other Agency JUNE 15 Suspicious Situation JUNE 16 Welfare Check/911 Hang Up CCW Offense Motorist Assist Medic 1/Assist Other Agency VIN Inspection Ordinance Violation/Open Burn JUNE 17 Suspicious Situation OUIL/High BAC Pokagon Tribal Police/Assist Other Agency Warren Dune Ranger/ Assist Other Agency Motorist Assist Larceny JUNE 18 NB Township PD/Assist Other Agency Lincoln Township PD/Assist Other Agency Medic 1/Assist Other Agency Civil Complaint UDAA Ordinance Violation/Fireworks

DAILY EVENTS

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY See weekly library events on page 3.

EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY

OPEN TRAP PRACTICE 6:30-9:30PM. New Buffalo Rod and Gun Club. 10487 Kruger Rd. New Buffalo. Open to the public. Contact Bob Kruger at 269-612-0983.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

PIPE ORGAN CONCERT SERIES NOON CST. First Congregational Church. 531 Washington Street. Michigan City. Concerts performed by National organist on an 1891 Roosevelt tracker pipe organ. KNITTING AT THE DELI 4-6PM. David’s Deli. All are welcome. WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN THE PARK 6-9PM. New Buffalo Township Park. 17425 Red Arrow Hwy. New Buffalo. 269-4691011.www.newbuffalotownship.org. Enjoy live music and food in Memorial Park band shell. Alcohol, smoke and pet free. Food served at 6:30, cash only. Limited parking/car pool suggested. June 28: Generation Gap (classic); Food provided by Lakehouse Pub.

EVERY THURSDAY

NEW BUFFALO’S FARMERS MARKET 5-8PM. East Merchant St. Downtown New Buffalo.

EVERY FRIDAY

STORY TIME AT THREE OAKS LIBRARY 10:30AM. www.threeoakslibrary.org.

EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY SKIP’S OPEN-AIR EUROPEAN FARMER’S MARKET 9AM-3PM. 16710 Lakeshore Rd. New Buffalo. 269-469-3341.

THREE OAKS FARMERS’ MARKET 9AM-PM. 4 N Elm St. Three Oaks. Small farmers offering fresh produce, fresh

flowers, plants and many other things. Rain or Shine.

EVERY SATURDAY

SATURDAY NIGHTS ALIVE 6-8PM. Corner of Whittaker and Merchant Sts. New Buffalo. Live music on the corner. Enjoy jazz country, reggae and more through Labor Day. Presented by the NBBA. MUSIC IN THE PARK 6:30PM. Dewey Cannon Park. Downtown Three Oaks. June 24 is The Blue Water Ramblers performs Folk.

SECOND SUNDAYS OF THE MONTH

SECOND SUNDAY CONCERTS 4-5PM Fernwood Botanical Garden. 13988 Range Line Road. Niles. 269-695-6491 www.fernwoodbotanical.org. The Three Divas (vocalist) will perform. Admission is free after 3:30PM.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JUNE 23-25

BLUE MOON VINTAGE MARKET 10AM-5PM. 16860 Three Oaks Rd. Three Oaks. 219-851-0900. www.facebook.com/ bluemoonvintagemarket. Free admission.

FRIDAY, JUNE 23

GLASSMAN PARK RIBBON CUTTING 3PM. Glassman Park. Glassman Rd off of Kruger Rd. New Buffalo. New Buffalo Township and Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce officially open the newly developed park. GRIFFIN HOUSE WITH OPENER KEN YATES 8PM. Acorn Theater. 107 Generation Dr. Three Oaks. Tickets $30-$35.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 24 & 25

CIVIL WAR TRAIN RAIDS 9AM CST. Hesston Steam Museum.

The battle for Hesston Junction Hesston Steam Museum. 9AM-11AM Breakfast at Doc’s. Museum depot and gift shop open at 11:30. Trains roll at Noon. Your train transporting the Union Army gold will be raided with a spectacular gun fight. Cannons, horses, and soldiers all joining in the fight while you are caught in the crossfire. Admission to the grounds is free. Ride costs on the three trains vary.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

RELAY FOR LIFE St. Joseph High School. 2521 Stadium Dr. St. Joseph. MILES NIELSEN & THE RUSTED HEARTS WITH OPENER JOE GEORGE 8PM. Acorn Theater. Tickets $20.

THRUSDAY-TUESDAY, JUNE 29-JULY 4

INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION WEEK City Beach and Lions Park WEDS-FRI: Half-off paddle boards and surf at the beach by Third Coast Surf. THURS 4-8PM: New Buffalo Farmers Market. SUN 8-11AM: Big Smiles 5K run at Lions Park (registration and fee required). MON 7-12PM: LaPorte Symphony Orchestra, ood and Fireworks at Lions Park (free)

SUNDAY, JULY 2

BIG SMILES 5K RUN/WALK 8AM. New Buffalo Public Beach. www.bigsmiles5k.com. In memory of Kristen Heimbach, the course will begin at New Buffalo Public Beach and wind through Sunset Shores and return to the beach. Registration through Harbor Country Fitness, Equilibrium Fitness or 7:30AM on race day.

The information for these events is correct, as of the Tuesday before publication date. Please contact the events listed with any questions. Please send us any events at events@ newbuffalotimes.com. Deadlines are the Fridays before the following week’s publication.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

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THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017

Explore the

beach! Make your day an adventure on a paddleboard or kayak. Outpost Sports has a new fleet of rental boards and sit-in or sit-on-top kayaks waiting for you at our New Buffalo Store. Rent by the hour, day(s) or week. Groups of up to 40 people welcome. Reservations accepted. Lessons available.

We can deliver rental kayaks, paddleboards and bikes to your door for a delivery charge.

Or call, 269.469.4210. St. Joe, MI: Rentals only on Silver Beach

Visit our beach stores in New Buffalo and South Haven and our year-round store in Mishawaka to shop a great selection of bikes, boards, kayaks and beach gear and attire. N E W B U FFALO , M I | 2 69 .4 69 .4 210 S O U TH HAV E N , M I | 2 69 . 6 37.5 5 5 5 M I S HAWAK A , I N | 574 . 259 .10 0 0