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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 34, volume 79
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Thursday, August 20, 2020
Three Oaks Village Council moves forward with potential legislation for marijuana-related businesses PAGE 5 Chikaming Township accepts terms of project agreement for Cherry Beach Project PAGE 7
Tours and rides given on plane from World War II PAGE 11 City Council continues discussion of flooding issues at New Buffalo Public Beach, boat launch and Galien River PAGE 16 Resignation of Planning Commission chair accepted by New Buffalo Township Board PAGE 19
AND THE WINNER IS...
ACORN THEATER SINGER/SONGWRITER COMPETITION LIVES ON AT OUTDOOR VENUE — PAGE 12 — PHOTO BY THERESE DONNELLY
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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, AUGUST 20, 2020
Lakefront in Michigan City now closed
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BY STAN MADDUX
ichigan City has a growing list of beaches closed due to concerns about COVID-19 but there hasn’t been much of a spill over in New Buffalo. New Buffalo City Manager Dave Richards said attendance at the municipal beach north of the Whittaker Street bridge has been steady all summer without any noticeable spikes from elsewhere. “We’ve not seen any substantial increase in visitors to the beach,” he said. The closure of Washington Park Beach in Michigan City was extended by the mayor another seven days to Aug. 21 to help prevent a spread of the virus until possible restrictions limiting crowd size are adopted by the city council. For the very first time, the mayor also closed for seven days the remainder of the beaches at Stops 2 to 13 to the corporate boundaries of the Town of Long Beach. Mayor Duane Parry said the freshly closed beaches, despite looking private, are actually on public land. He said there have been large crowds along with lack
of social distancing and masks on those beaches from people driven there by the closing of Washington Park beach the past month. Parry said there have also been a lot of vehicles parking along Lake Shore Drive and people especially from out of town walking across yards to reach the beaches on public right of way between the private homes and water’s edge. Parry said he will consider reopening the beaches if the city council adopts a current proposal to restrict beach access to Michigan City residents only to provide for adequate social distancing. He said reopening Washington Park beach could be a challenge, though, because a good chunk of the workforce has left for school and the senior citizens usually hired to replace them for the rest of the season don’t want to work out of the fear of contracting the virus. “If I can find some cheap source of labor I’ll try to open the beach partially. Hopefully, they’ll find a vaccine and this will be a once in a lifetime experience we’ll have,” Parry said.
Smile in the mirror. Do that every morning and you’ll start to see a big difference in your life. — Yoko Ono
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OFFICER COMMENDED FOR ROUNDING UP LOOSE FARM ANIMALS
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LaPorte County Police officer is being praised for playing cowboy in returning several farm animals running loose in the dark to safety. The actions of Deputy Keith Waltz had gone unnoticed until the owners returned home from a weekend camping trip and watched him on surveillance video round up their two horses, a donkey and two goats. His efforts were recognized during the Aug. 12 meeting of the LaPorte County Sheriff Merit Commission meeting. “It’s reassuring to the public that our deputies are doing the right thing even when nobody else is seemingly watching,” said LaPorte County Sheriff John Boyd. The animals were about a block away from their pasture near Union Mills July 27 when deputy Waltz pulled up Boyd says Waltz was leading one of the horses back home when the other animals forming “a straight line” followed them from behind. They were back inside the fence when Waltz locked the gate and quietly went on his way. The animals belong to Dustin Erwin and his family, who were two hours away on a camping trip when the animals wandered off apparently through an unsecured gate. After returning home, Erwin said nothing seemed out of the ordinary until watching the video from his home security system and the officer escorting his animals popped up on the screen. Erwin then contacted the sheriff to request the deputy be recognized for actions he felt went above his normal duties. “Had we not had the cameras out, we wouldn’t have known what happened and that the police did that,” he said. In his letter of commendation, Boyd told the officer “we’ve said a number of times to our staff assume you are being recorded at all times. In this case you were and you got caught doing the right thing.” — STAN MADDUX
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 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
Three Oaks Village Council moves forward with potential legislation for marijuana-related businesses
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BY THERESE DONNELLY
o decision has been made regarding marijuana-related businesses in Three Oaks, but the village council is moving ahead with potential
legislation. While the Village has been exploring possible ordinances, there is currently an effort by citizens to include the matter on the Nov. 3 ballot. At its Aug. 4 meeting, the Planning Commission agreed to continue drafting a marijuana ordinance. When the Village Council met Aug. 12, councilmember Colleen Newquist, who is the liaison for the Planning Committee, reported that the Commission had reviewed the proposed marijuana ordinance and sent it back to the attorneys for revisions to better reflect matters discussed by the committee. Later in the meeting, the council went into closed session with attorney Joslin Monahan of the firm Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C. to discuss wording of a proposed ballot regarding cannabis businesses. Newquist asked if adjourning was necessary, noting that the council frequently asks Village Attorney Charles Hilmer legal questions in open meetings. Grosse said the situation was
different as the council was discussing strategies for possible legal issues. The council voted to adjourn, with Newquist dissenting. After resuming the meeting, the council scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m., to discuss the marijuana initiative. The council approved a request from the police department to purchase a Ford F150 for the department’s new vehicle, instead of the usual Explorer. Faulkner said the quad cam truck will have fourwheel drive for winter roads and have towing capacity. He said the exact cost difference between the F150 and an Explorer would depend on equipment needed but it was expected to be about $1,000 to $1,200 more for the truck. Following positive responses to the speed monitoring sign recently used along Elm Street, the council approved the purchase of a monitor for $5,000. Councilmember John Pappa said due to Covid shutdowns, it has been hard to get information from the state regarding what work has to be done on the wastewater treatment system. In an effort to keep from falling behind, he said the committee had contacted engineering firms for bids to monitor wells and report to the
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) on work. Of the three bids, he said Wightman Engineering was the most thorough in its outlined work and plans to communicate with EGLE. Faulkner informed the council that a sewage jetter that is too costly to repair has been removed from service. The equipment dates from the 1980s. During the council’s July meeting, there was discussion of a possible plan to help pay the Schwark Drain bond by selling a parcel of village land to developers for wetland mitigation credits. After researching the proposal, Hilmer told the council that the land had been donated by the Hoadley family to the village for use as a park and platted street. Deviating from that, he said, would be a breach of contract. Hilmer said it may be possible to use the land for wetland mitigation if the village can locate the Hoadley heirs and ask them to give permission for the village to alter the conditions. The council passed a resolution to adopt the 2050 Master Plan. The 2021 budget has been tentatively approved and a public hearing is set for September.
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HARBOR COUNTRY SINGERS TO SPONSOR FOLK SONG SING-ALONG IN THREE OAKS
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he Harbor Country Singers (HCS), the area’s community chorus, will sponsor its third outdoor summer sing-along at the Three Oaks Arts & Education Center at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. The sing-along will feature folk songs by Pete Seeger; Woody Guthrie; Peter, Paul and Mary; Bob Dylan; Joni Mitchell and more. School of American Music’s Donna Mitchell and HCS Producer Pat Putnam will lead the singing, and guitar instructor Ron Spears will provide accompaniment. Other guitarists are invited to bring their instruments and play along. Michigan COVID-19 rules allow outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people, provided social distancing is maintained. Sanitized seating from the Arts & Education Center will be available, or attendees can bring their own lawn chairs. Face shields will be available on request, and sheet music and lyrics will be provided. The ability to read music is not required in order to participate in this event. “Response to our sing-alongs has been excellent,” Putnam said. “People are eager to get out and participate in activities that are safe and fun. Many of those who attend have started bringing picnic dinners - a great way to enjoy the evening even more.” The Harbor Country Singers is a program of the School of American Music, and is supported by a grant from the Pokagon Fund. The Arts & Education Center is located at 14 Maple Street in downtown Three Oaks. Rain date for the sing-along is Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the same time.
— STAFF REPORTS
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
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Pokagon Fund executive director alert to needs of community in ‘new environment’
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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
ince first taking his post a little more than six months ago, The Pokagon Fund Executive Director Dan Petersen’s main goal has been to keep the lines of communication open with the Fund’s various grantees. Now, more than ever, this is an important goal of the Fund. Petersen was hired as new executive director at the beginning of February – right as the novel coronavirus pandemic was edging closer to Southwest Michigan. “It hindered my ability to get out with the community,” Petersen said. Nevertheless, Petersen has still managed to reach out to the community leaders who serve Harbor Country – a corner of Michigan that he describes as simply being a “beautiful area.” Recently, he was able to attend New Buffalo Township’s annual Public Safety Day, which included a school supplies giveaway sponsored by the Fund. Petersen was able to interact with participants, which included township officials, members of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, and staff from New Buffalo Area Schools. Petersen was impressed with the far-reaching impact of The Pokagon Fund, especially thanking the Pokagon Band for its role in its establishment. His affinity for the rural communities of Michigan also attracted him to the organization as well as the area. Previously, Petersen worked at EightCAP, Inc., a private non-profit corporation that was established as a Community Action Agency in 1966, serving the mid-Michigan counties of Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, and Montcalm. The corporation is involved with providing summer camps for those with
disabilities, assisting with the needs related to housing and homelessness as well as those related to learning (such as Head Start). “It was a diverse program and I was exposed to a wide variety of issues (within rural counties),” he said. In addition, Petersen has also served as community developer at the City of Ironwood in Ironwood, Michigan. The Fund’s generous grant-making has never changed, even throughout the pandemic, Petersen said. The push to pay attention to what grantees may need in terms of serving their respective communities, though, has increased. Neighbor by Neighbor, an organization that serves as one of the Fund’s grantees, has increased its number of clients who are in need of assistance with helping to pay for utilities and housing (including preventing evictions) and food. Petersen mentioned that food has been a “major” basic need of the community in particular during this time. According to a Feeding America West Michigan press release from last month, the Fund, which is a longtime supporter of Feeding America West Michigan’s Mobile Food Pantry program, will provide 24 food distributions for neighbors in Berrien County this year. “Our focus has been on the work of the grantees and what they’re doing and how they’re adapting to the new environment,” Petersen said. Petersen has also remained focused on the needs of the community that were present before the pandemic hit, such as housing issues with seasonal workers. In some cases, the pandemic has brought some needs, such as internet access, to the forefront even
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more. More residents have been forced to work from home throughout this time, particularly when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a stay at home executive order in the spring. Students and teachers were engaged in learning remotely from March through the end of the school year in June.
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n 2018, The Pokagon Fund was selected by the Council of Michigan Foundations to participate in the Rural Economic Development Cohort Initiative. A community needs assessment included feedback for the need for broadband in Harbor Country. One vital service that has been brought back to life after being in hibernation due to the pandemic is The Pokagon Fund Vision Program, which provides free basic comprehensive vision examinations and prescription glasses to the youth in Harbor Country from the age of 9 months through 12th grade who are permanent Harbor Country residents. In addition, seniors age 50 and above who are permanent residents are provided with free basic comprehensive vision examinations and prescription glasses. The program is also made possible through Smoke Vision Care in New Buffalo, which was closed for a while due to the pandemic. Petersen said that his future plans for the Fund also center around adjusting to the needs of the grantees. “I think we need to refresh our strategic plan and get input from the community, especially grantees and what needs they see in the new environment…We want to meet the changing needs as we work through this coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
HARBOR COUNTRY HIKERS TO VISIT COFFEE CREEK PRESERVE
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he Harbor Country Hikers (HCH) will explore the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve in Chesterton, Indiana, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. The Hikers will meet at the Chesterton Amphitheater, walk the preserve’s ADA trails, then - for those who wish to continue hike a three-mile mix of additional trails. Coffee Creek Preserve is notable for balancing recreational needs with a biodiverse environment. The hike is rated “easy.” Though membership is encouraged, all are welcome at HCH events. Children are especially welcome if accompanied by an adult. Social distancing is observed at all HCH events, and use of face masks is required. For more information, including driving directions, visit the HCH website, harborcountryhikers.com. — STAFF REPORTS
Chikaming Township accepts terms of project agreement for Cherry Beach Project
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hikaming Township is now much closer to possibly expanding its public beachfront. At their Thursday, Aug. 13, meeting, members of the Chikaming Township Board of Trustees approved a resolution accepting the term of the project agreement from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund (MDNRTF) with regards to the Lake Michigan Forest and Public Beach Expansion, or the Cherry Beach Project. According to the agreement, the township agrees to “appropriate all funds necessary to complete the project during the project period and to provide $1.65 million to match the grant authorized by the department.” Chikaming Township Supervisor David Bunte said that once the agreement is signed, completed and approved, the township can move forward with the two required appraisals on the property. The grant will cover 60% of the estimated $4 million cost to acquire the parcel of land. The township has been working to acquire the approximately three acres of undeveloped land immediately adjacent to Cherry Beach. Last December, it received a $2.475 million MDNTRTF grant, which requires a 40% in matching funds from the township, toward the acquisition.
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
As of last Thursday, the Union Pier/Red Arrow Highway Redevelopment Project was still in the sewer portion of the project; however, road work was expected to begin at Community Hall Monday, Aug. 17. The Galien River Sanitary District Sewer Authority’s sewer work had been completed in downtown Union Pier and would be moving north along Red Arrow Highway, Bunte said Thursday. That particular project was expected to be finished by late fall. Crews would start grinding and graveling off the two outer lanes of Red Arrow Highway at Community Hall Road Aug. 17. From there, the project would continue into Union Pier (during which sewer work was expected to be completed in that area). A “tentative” groundbreaking ceremony for the streetscape project has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, at Townline Road and Greenwood in Union Pier. Board members approved a policy that all application fees are non-refundable and be posted on the applications through the zoning department. The motion was passed after an incident in which homeowner requested a variance to do improvements on their property. After meeting with Van Thornton, township zoning administrator, twice and showing him a survey of the
land, the homeowner stated that he told them that they could apply for a variance. After presenting it to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), the homeowner stated that they were told that the property was already nonconforming and it was the township’s “principle” to never approve a variance that would make a property more nonconforming. They were given the choice to either have the board vote on the variance that night and reject it or come back within a year with a smaller addition and apply again with no additional charge. The homeowner decided to make the request again but not to do a smaller addition. The homeowner was requesting a refund of $500, which is the fee for a ZBA hearing.
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fter contacting Thornton, the homeowner was told that once a hearing was held, they weren’t eligible for a refund. The homeowner said that, had they been told from the beginning that there was no possibility that they’d receive the variance from the start, they wouldn’t have even applied. No application that the homeowner filled out stated that once it was submitted, there would be no refund. In a 3-2 motion (Bunte, Rich Sullivan and Paula Dudiak voted yea while Liz Rettig and Bill Marske voted nay), board members
approved giving the homeowner a full refund. Costs for the township are incurred to advertise a ZBA hearing in the paper. With the policy on the application, Bunte hopes they can avoid this problem in the future. “If this were to be addressed at another time, someone can then still come to the board but I think as a policy, the costs that are incurred based on conversation no matter what are going to be incurred by the township and I think we need to protect the taxpayers and township going forward,” he said. Board members approved budget amendments for township revenues. The amendments needed to be made to ensure accuracy to the three funds impacted by the township’s passage of the Truth in Taxation Act last month. Board members approved the following amendments to the following revenues based on estimates given to the township by the county: General Operation Millage revenues are estimated to be from $226,180 to $237,922; Public Safety, $188,806 to $1,213,066; and Road Maintenance, $620,00 to 638,486. Board members approved the construction of a 12-feetby-20-feet standard garage on a pad located in the back of Township Center by Avery Building and Barn Standards in the amount of $5,080 to hold cemetery and maintenance equipment.
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Neighbor by Neighbor lends a hand in census effort
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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
hile it’s been a “wild ride” this year getting everyone to complete the 2020 census, Linnea Berg of Neighbor by Neighbor said, members of Neighbor by Neighbor have been working diligently to ensure every resident of Harbor Country gets counted. “Each person not counted is $18,000 over the next 10 years before the next census, so that’s how important it is to have everybody get counted,” she said. Berg added that even the very young count in the once-in-every-10-years census. “Over the next 10 years, a baby’s going to be 10 years old and needing afterschool program and school lunches, so everyone not counted, it’s $1,800 a year but for the next 10 years, that’s $18,000 a year that doesn’t come back from Washington to Berrien County,” she said. Berg, along with other members of Neighbor by Neighbor, were assisting those who hadn’t yet filled out their census Saturday, Aug. 15, at Judy’s Motel in New Buffalo, as well as handing out refreshments (ice cream and water) and a $15 coupon for Villa Nova Pizzeria in New Buffalo per family. Neighbor by Neighbor received a mini grant through Berrien Community Foundation to help promote the census in Harbor Country. “We’re doing our part to promote it as much as we can,” Berg said. In addition, people across the country are also knocking on the doors of residents who have not yet filled out the census. Berg said that a lot of people were hired preCOVID-19 to go door to door. “A lot of people dropped out because they were afraid of getting COVID - which is understandable,” she said. The census determines how much money comes back for road repair, Medicaid, Medicare, police departments, EMTs, hospitals, school lunches, afterschool programs and vocational trainings, as well as determines legislatives districts and how many representatives get in Congress and state governments. The nine-question census can be filled out online at www.2020census.gov or on a paper copy that was distributed to residents.
Residents can also call the toll-free number, 1-844-330-2020. Information can’t be shared with law enforcement, bill collectors or immigration but will only be used by the census, Berg said. “There are huge penalties and fines for any breach of the census – information will only be used by the census,” she said. Due to COVID-19, the deadline to complete the census has just been moved up to Sept. 30. Previously, the deadline was in October. This Saturday, the group will be at Oakview Estates in Three Oaks, Berg said, and at New Troy Community Center the following Saturday. The group will be at both places from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Since COVID-19, Berg said, the number of clients who are served by Neighbor by Neighbor has grown from being 150 to 499 within the last few months. Berg said the organization did get some grants that allows its members to help community members with utilities, car repairs and food. They also work with the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency. “We have some money ourselves that we can spend here and then help people get to the Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency, so they can catch up on bills and don’t get evicted and don’t have shutoffs,” she said. “It costs a lot more to house a family that’s homeless than it does to keep them in their house, so it’s import we prevent evictions,” Berg added.
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ince July 2017, Neighbor by Neighbor has been serving residents in Harbor Country (Chikaming, Three Oaks, and New Buffalo townships) who are living within 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The organization is supported by The Pokagon Fund and managed by Harbert Community Church, which serves as its administrator and finance manager. Berg added that despite its connection with the church, the organization isn’t in the business of “proselytizing.” “We don’t preach religion - we just help people,” she said. For more on Neighbor by Neighbor, visit www.nbynharborcountry.org.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
SPORTS From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
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bat, a ball, and a mitt. A park and a couple of hours. You can make it work if you’re the only one around or if you’re with a lot of friends. Fast pitch against a wall, bounce or fly, running bases, chicken claws. Lifelong friends. Family togetherness. A good Stanley Cup hockey game, basketball playoff games, and postseason football games are exciting and fun, but to me, nothing compares to baseball. I’m going to share a Facebook post my son Charly wrote about his son Miles last week. “ Tuesday night was likely the last night I will have coached Miles in a game. It was a beautiful night, and perfect weather for baseball. The game was truly epic, his team full of great kids came back from 5 runs down in the bottom of the 7th to win on a crazy walk off play with 2 outs. Miles had 3 hits and drove in 3 to top it off. Just a storybook ending to a wonderful part of my relationship with Miles. I’m so grateful for having had this one last run with him and for the years of joy, struggles, bonding, and friendships that the beautiful game of baseball has provided us. Some people say baseball is too slow, those people don’t understand how much happens between pitches. Life can seem slow too, and in the blink of an eye you’ve spent ten of the best years of your life sharing something you love with your oldest kid ... probably not holding back tears as you write a Facebook post because as we all know, there’s no crying in baseball.”
After praising Charly for his beautiful writing, I began reminiscing about all the great baseball memories I have. I loved to throw. My dad played catch with me in our yard all the time. When he was at work, I’d throw the ball against the steps or bounce it off the big garage next door. I ventured off to Roney’s ice cream factory down the block and painted a box on the big metal roll up garage door where they parked their trucks. After the trucks left in the morning until they returned in the evening, I’d throw my rubber ball into that box. My arm got strong, my control improved, and by the time I was 12, I led my team to the Roseland Little League title. I often say I peaked at the age of 12, but baseball continued to be important to me. I coached my son and daughter and when my sons team won the Park Forest championship, I thought that was the pinnacle of my baseball joy. The beauty of baseball is that some 60 years after I thought I had peaked, baseball brought me my greatest gift. I wish I lived closer to the Minneapolis suburb of Saint Louis Park so I could have seen more of Miles and Wes’s games, but the games I did see, and the Facebook post my son wrote, moved to the top of my baseball love... way ahead of the Cubs winning the World Series. Jackie Robinson said “ A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives’. Stay safe. Be kind. Have fun. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
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COVID-19 intercepts high school football in Michigan this fall
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BY STAN MADDUX
here won’t be high school football in Michigan this fall. The Michigan High School Athletic Association decided Aug. 14 to move the football season to the spring because of the risk of spreading COVID-19 from such a high contact sport. “At the end of the day, we did everything we could to find a path forward for football this fall,” said MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl. Seasons for other fall sports like volleyball and golf are still on for now but MHSAA is expected to decide their status by the end of the week. “Decisions have to be made on our other sports as well, but none of those carry the same close, consistent and face to face contact as football,” Uyl said. Matt Johnson, New Buffalo High School athletic director and head football coach for the Bison, said players were informed of the decision at practice Friday. “Obviously, they were a little bit disappointed but also
glad to know they at least will have an opportunity to have a season, especially our seniors,” he said. Johnson said he reacted to the MHSAA decision with mixed emotions considering the rich tradition of football during the fall while realizing public safety is the top priority.
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e said a spring season for football could leave New Buffalo and other small districts without enough players if some of their student athletes switch to baseball or some other sport during the final months of the school year. Johnson said the delay could also serve as an advantage, though, by giving football programs with already thin rosters additional time to find more players. “It is what it is. It’s out of our control. I told the kids we can only control our attitude and effort and right now our efforts need to be on playing in the spring,” he said.
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Once flooded marina now high and dry BY STAN MADDUX
oaters from out of town are making full use of the once flooded transient marina in New Buffalo. All of the municipal slips underwater last year from a record high Lake Michigan are now dry from being raised about 13 inches above their previous mark. It didn’t take long for boaters relying on the docks for short visits here to reserve slips for the rest of the season once the work was completed in early August. “We’re booked,” said New Buffalo City Manager Dave Richards. King Company out of Holland, Michigan, removed the over 20 slips just west of the Whittaker Street bridge after the city council approved the contract for more than $135,000 last November. The slips were given a fresh coat of paint and reinstalled just over a foot above the water. Originally, the work was supposed to be finished by Memorial Day but
COVID-19 caused delays in finishing the job. Richards said the transient marina helps drive the local economy by giving boaters from elsewhere a place to dock while using local hotels, restaurants and shops during short stays. “It’s extremely important. It’s part of our identity so we’re glad to get it back in use,” he said. The slips also generate money for the city, which charges a rental fee that varies depending on the size of the boat. There was some consideration given to replacing the slips anchored to poles with floatable docks because of how much the lake has risen and that there are forecasts for levels to go even higher. The cost of floatable docks, though, was determined to be cost prohibitive. Richards said the slips now level with the concrete walkway at the marina should remain dry unless the lake goes up considerably higher. “We got a little bit of room to play with,” he said.
You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself. — Galileo Galilei
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020 11
Gregory A. Bubb, CIC
(269) 469-4438 212 S. Whittaker St.
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(269) 469-4438 212 S. Whittaker St.
Tours and rides given on plane from World War II
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BY STAN MADDUX
his plane never flew in combat but ones just like it helped the country to victory in World War II. People were allowed to tour and fly in the B-17 bomber, which departed LaPorte Municipal Airport Monday after landing here the previous week. Bruce Anderson, a former military pilot in the Vietnam War, was among the over 100 people to watch it first touchdown on the runway. He flew primarily helicopters during his 33 years in the military and two of his uncles flew in B-17s as flight engineers during WWII. “I love airplanes and this is the iconic piece,” Anderson said. The plane is one of six WWII aircraft owned by the Mesa, Arizona, branch of the Commemorative Air Force. The B-17 bomber has been used for tours and rides across the country every year since restored in 1983, said Mike Garrett, a retired aeronautics engineer and member of the allvolunteer organization. He said the mission of the group is honoring the fighter pilots of the war and keeping alive what they endured at tremendous risk “to preserve our freedoms.” Garrett said one-third of the American fighter pilots at the height of the war died prior to the 25 flight missions they had to complete before returning home. He said an equal number were shot
down and taken prisoner. “It was pretty rugged duty,” Garrett said. Garrett said the B-17 bomber was built in 1944 but once accepted into the military, the war ending in 1945 was just months from ending. The plane was first used in the South Pacific on mapping and reconnaissance missions and collecting data in the clouds from atomic weapons testing, he said. The said Wellness Garrett the Center plane Logo after(this soldadatwill be on white background with the blue/yellow logo. auctionUse was used as frame a water bomber to blue for the around it) help put out forest fires. Massage Much of theTherapy plane is still original and so Membership are its fourDiscounts extremely loud Licensed Therapists engines. Replacement parts for the engines www.newbuffalowellness.com are no longer 269.469.1310 available but there One W. Madison Ave-New Buffalo are shops that can make them to specifications when called upon. “We feel very fortunate our plane is doing well. We love to take it on a tour and show it off,” he said. Diane Schwarz, operations manager at the airport, said daily tours were offered for $10 per person and $20 for a family. Morning rides Friday, Saturday and Sunday were provided at $425 and $850 depending on where each individual wanted to sit on the aircraft. “Not cheap but it was a once in a lifetime experience,” Schwarz said. The proceeds help fund ongoing maintenance of the plane brought in to help celebrate the 75th anniversary of the airport.
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12 THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
Acorn Theater singer/ songwriter competition lives on at outdoor venue
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BY THERESE DONNELLY
hile music lovers wait for concerts to return to traditional live venues, Acorn Theater is finding ways to let the show go on. Social distancing requirements prevent concerts in the theater, so the eighth annual singer songwriter competition moved to the great outdoors at the property of singer-songwriter Jamie Wagner, who has often appeared on stage at the Acorn, Thursday, Aug. 13. Wagner was among the 10 performances for a mix of in-person and online listeners. Judges Peter Carey, Corky Siegel and Patti Shaffner narrowed the field to three performers. While the judges conferred with each other, Acorn finalist Timothy Grey put his auctioneer skills to use by encouraging bids for a corn hole set donated by Todd Payne. He then raised pledges of support for the theater. Acorn Executive Director Sandra Thompson later said $3500 was raised by the end of the evening. Once the judges made their decisions, the three finalists - Andy Baker, Dylan Reed Leavitt and Mami Matsuda - took the stage again. Once they
finished their second songs, the audience voted online for their favorite. After the votes were tallied, Leavitt was declared the winner, with Baker in second and Matsuda in third. Along with cash prizes donated by Art Wible, all three performers will have opportunities to play at the Acorn. A long-time supporter of the Acorn, Wibel provides cash prizes to the yearly competition. “I was inspired by the level of talent and asked if I could help with funding for prizes. These awards have grown over the years to the current $1500 and, most importantly, the number of entries for this wonderful and popular event have risen significantly,� Wibel recently said. The next scheduled Acorn Anywhere performance is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 29, when Rolling Stones tribute band Beggars Banquet performs in the Indiana Dunes area. Tickets sales are on hold while size restrictions are sorted out, but the Acorn is posting current information at acornlive. org. Thompson said there are also plans underway for an Acorn Anywhere at Fernwood Botanical Garden Sept. 4 featuring indie-folk-rock duo The Bergamot.
Tim Grey
Andy Baker
Peter Carey
Dylan Reed Leavitt
Sandra Thompson
Winner Dylan Reed Leavitt with his mother
Mami Matsuda
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020 13
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14 THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
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Death never takes the wise man by surprise, he is always ready to go. — Jean de La Fontaine
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16 THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
City Council continues discussion of flooding issues at New Buffalo Public Beach, boat launch and Galien River
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uch of the New Buffalo City Council’s Monday, Aug. 17, meeting focused on the north end of the city. Councilmembers Mark Robertson and Liz Ennis were absent from the meeting due to medical issues. The present councilmembers voted to excuse the two, and to remove two agenda items, quotes for landscaping proposals at the Subway boulevard and a proposal to create a code enforcement officer, until the two members could be present to join discussion. Abonmarche Consultants has been working with the city on several projects. In a brief presentation, Vice President of Development Services Tony McGhee gave the council an overview of work to mitigate flooding near the public beach, boat launch and Galien River. McGhee noted erosion and high water have been issues over the last year, with groundwater and flooding creating new wetlands and submerging boat slips. He noted a temporary seawall on the Galien River had protected the beach parking lot and adjacent land from further erosion and paving work had slowed groundwater from entering drains. He gave the council three possible solutions to water at the boat launch until swale drainage could be possibly created. The first would be to install a pump to move water. McGhee told the council he did not recommend this because the pump would need to run constantly, which would be expensive. The second choice would be to remove asphalt from the flooded portion of the parking lot to make a more aesthetic wetland area, and the third option would be to simply wait for the waters to recede. Mayor Lou O’Donnell noted there were plans for extensive beach work in the future, so there was no need for an expensive option like pumping at this point when the future project could build up the land and create drainage. The council also approved a $57,300 contract with Abonmarche to provide planning and engineering services for the renovation of the dune walk at the city beach. City Manager Dave Richards noted the current walkway is nearing the end of its usable life and is becoming “decrepit.” Abonmarche has applied for grants through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and The Pokagon Fund to help finance the new walk and Richards said city staff would like to
BY THERESE DONNELLY
begin design work while waiting for final decisions on those applications. He said if design work is completed this fall, bidding could be completed over the winter and construction could be finished before the start of the 2021 tourist season. The contract is pending the approval of grant applications. O’Donnell said he was excited to see the project finally underway. Abonmarche will also provide professional services to develop a “pocket park” on North Smith Street near the Amtrak line. Richards said the park will include a rain garden, benches, picnic tables and trash and recycling bins, as well as a connection to the proposed Marquette Greenway. Abonmarche has applied for a grant through the Michigan Recreational Grant Program to help fund the park. The Whittaker Street Bridge is due for a regular Michigan Department of Transportation inspection. Richards told the council that the city had made “significant improvements” after the last inspection and he believes 20 years of use has been added to the bridge following inspectors’ recommendations. The council also considered options for work to connect three properties southeast of the bridge to the city sewer line. Richards said if the work simply connected the properties, the estimated $12000 cost would be split among the city and the property owners. A second option would be to improve public parking at the impacted area. The additional costs for this would fall on the city. Councilmember Bob Spirito asked if the high-water table in the location would affect work. McGhee said pumps would keep water back while pipe work is done. Councilmember Mark Kroll asked about plans to repave with concrete rather than asphalt and McGhee explained that other parking in the area uses concrete, so it would be a consistent look, and it would be difficult to get standard asphalt equipment into the narrow area. He added that concrete would have a better lifecycle cost. After a discussion with McGhee, the council approved Grand River Construction’s final payment request in the amount of $22,488 for repair work on Whittaker Street. After a brief public hearing, the council approved Resolution 20.20 to vacate a portion of Detroit Street for the creation of New Buffalo Township’s planned
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memorial park. The council also untabled and approved Ordinance 247, which amends Sections 15-7 and 15-9 regarding the preparation and collection of waste and recycling. Richards said the policies had been practiced for years, but the city had not codified them. The updates give the city guidelines to enforce on the placement of bins, size limits on yard waste and removal of items in the right of way. Fines are now clarified. O’Donnell noted that short-term rentals have often been non-compliant on bin removal and other waste issues.
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ater in the meeting, O’Donnell acknowledged the city has not had success in getting short-term rental properties to comply with ordinances. He said fines are not paid and problems persist. The council and Planning Commission will have a joint meeting with attorney Nick Curcio in September or October to discuss the issue. In response to a letter from the Rebecca Dewey chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the council voted to recognize Sept. 17 to 23 as Constitution Week. The council voted to designate O’Donnell its voting delegate for the Michigan Municipal League’s annual meeting Sept. 29, with Richards as backup delegate. Richards gave the council an update on negotiations with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the public employees trade union. The three-year agreement will include a three percent pay increase for affected employees. Two agenda items regarding the Water Department got the ok from the Council. Nies Engineering received an engagement letter to conduct a reliability study not to exceed $45K to analyze normal use and compare to emergency situations. Richards told the council this study was required by the state every five years. The council also approved a blanket purchase order of $18,000 to Alexander Chemical Corporation for the routine purchase of chemicals used in water treatment. Richards said this would save time and effort for the department. Before adjourning, O’Donnell said a “major announcement” would be among the first items on the September agenda.
— SINCE 1942 —
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020 17
HOROSCOPE AUGUST 20-26, 2020
AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19
It’s time to get organized and do those things that will set you up for a healthier and more productive future. As much as you would like to assert your power and do things without interference, you will be dealing with authority figures and will have to maneuver through their hoops first.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
There is a very creative, hardworking vibe coming your way this week. Put it to good use by taking a more business-like approach to emotionally charged situations. Now is the time to emotionally distance and do what needs to be done. Make the necessary cuts and edit out the theatrics.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
The vibe coming your way this week, will put you in situations that have the power to build character and call upon your ability to make improvements both physically and mentally. There is a sense you are just flexing your muscles but the end result will improve to your reputation.
Even though there is a very fun-loving, childlike vibe coming your way this week, you have some shadowy inner feelings that will be bubbling to the surface causing some walls to go up. Take some time to explore things on your own before involving others or getting outside opinions.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
Enjoy the bright and confident energy shining on you now. Use it to its fullest by pursuing your dreams and making any necessary changes on a personal level. Transformation can be painful and cause a stir on the social level but this is about you living your best life and preparing for your future.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
Now is the time to evaluate your homelife and identify which family connections need revamped. Whether you have been emotionally distant or too involved, it’s time to be completely honest about how you are contributing or supporting others. Open your heart and let love guide you.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 Give yourself some time to reflect and regroup this week. It’s time to make some cuts and trim the fat. Pull back and evaluate relationships and also, the influences that are acting upon them and causing stress. In some ways you may be acting against your own best interests.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
Business relationships can get touchy this week, and it would be wise to talk things over with a friend before you make waves at work. The ideas you have are good and well-intended but complicate existing procedures. Best to keep things simple and straightforward.
It will become apparent this week just how bound you are to other’s needs. There is no sense in denying you are part of a larger group, and will benefit personally when everyone is included. You can expect some wonderful social advancements this week, that will ultimately help you as well.
Set your sights on the outer world. It’s time to come out of the cave and explore. There is a sense you are being forced out of your comfort zone by some authoritarian force, but the truth is you are a natural traveler that benefits on many levels by being nomadic and migratory. The vibe coming at you this week will sharpen your curiosity and help you uncover hidden agendas or secrets about your family. Knowledge can be very transformative now and help you make the necessary moves to securing a better partner or living space. Know thyself and happiness follows.
Good relationships are central to making you shine this week. You will be working closely with others now and will need to become a solid team player. Naturally good at doing things on your own, working with and relying on others feels risky but it’s important to take that risk now.
Life etches itself onto our faces as we grow older, showing our violence, excesses or kindnesses. — Rembrandt Van Rijn
18 THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
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F
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riendship Botanic Gardens will be hosting an evening of musical entertainment w local artist Johnny V at the Taste and Tunes Concert from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. CDT Friday, Aug. 28. Johnny V is a singer and songwriter, who offers music from genres such as blues, folk and Americana. He has been singing all across the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region for over four decades, has six albums out and is currently working on a soundtrack for an independent film. Beer and water will be available for purchase at this family friendly event. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended and is available at www.eventbrite.com/e/augusttaste-tunes-with-johnny-v-a-summerconcert-series-tickets-115253448166. Cash only ticket sales may also be made at the door the day of the event. The cost is $2 for children ages 13-17 and $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with music starting at 6:30. Guests may enter via the Liberty Trail entrance, as the main entrance off Highway 12 will be closed for this event. This is the first Johnny V concert in his summer series at Friendship Botanic Gardens. He will return to the stage again Friday, Sept. 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Chairs will be set up in the Celebration Meadow and will be socially distanced from one another. The Gardens encourages guests to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. No outside food or drink will be allowed in the venue. For more information about Johnny V and his other upcoming concerts, visit www.thejohnnyv.com. Friendship Botanic Gardens is located at 2055 E. U.S. Highway 12, Michigan City. For more information, call 219-878-9885 or visit www. friendshipgardens.org. — STAFF REPORTS
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020 19
Resignation of Planning Commission chair accepted by New Buffalo Township Board
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Hartford, with workers down at the site moving an excavator in as well as a bulldozer and other equipment. Marks said work on the sewer installation is anticipated to take a week, with another week expected to get the water in followed by some cleanup. Altogether, work should take about a month to complete. A groundbreaking ceremony has been set for 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, for the new public safety building, which will be located on 13 acres just to the east on U.S. Highway 12 from the current Fire Station Two (a piece of property sits between them). Board members were alerted to another attempt of a “gypsy scheme,” during which men who posed as labor workers knocked on the door of a senior within the township, offering to cut some trees off the property. While the homeowner was lured outside by the men, someone snuck into the house and went through some drawers (nothing was reported stolen). Homeowners are instructed to not be lured outside by anyone whom they didn’t invite to do work.
ALTS
members accepted a bid from Mead and White Electrical Contractors Inc. out of Bridgman in the amount of $225,906 to perform upgrades to three township lift stations. Kevin Marks of Wightman said that the Lift Station 2, 3 and 18 stations need new controls, adding that they’re in what could “graciously be called a wooden dog house of some sort” and that they’re not really secure and have “really, really old technology.” In addition to upgrading the controls, and that the level of control will be fixed. In a couple of the stations, pipe work needs to be replaced, with the pipe being cracked in one instance and there being a leaky joint in another. One station will also have the wet wall lined so it doesn’t leak in the future (the one located on Timberlane). The project will begin after Labor Day, Mark said. Marks said that the water and sewer project, which went out to bid this spring, at the site of the township’s new public safety building on U.S. Highway 12 began the previous day. A preconstruction meeting was recently held with Southwest Transport out of
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embers of the New Buffalo Township Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Dolores Batchelder, who currently serves as the chair of the Planning Commission, from the Planning Commission at their meeting Monday, Aug. 17. New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit gave thanks to Batchelder for her more than 20 years of service to the township, noting she’s been on the Planning Commission for so long, Heit was unable to pinpoint an exact number of years she’s been on it. “Her years of experience and concern for our township is invaluable and she will be very missed,” Heit said, noting that she leaves some “tough shoes to fill for sure.” “We appreciate the years Dee’s dedicated to the township,” she added. Board members accepted the appointment of Bern Levine to the Planning Commission, for a term that will expire December 2020. Levine will be taking Batchelder’s place. Upon a recommendation from Wightman and Associates, board
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Slug Created: 1/31/12
EN
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20 THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
OBITUARIES Judith “Judy” Ann Bauer (Seeley)
J
1938-2020
udith “Judy” Ann Bauer (Seeley), 81, formerly of Three Oaks, passed away Saturday, February 29, 2020 after a vigorous battle with cancer. She was born on December 8, 1938 to the late Helen Marie Seeley (Vollman) and Earl Patrick Seeley. Judy was lovingly married to her late husband, Gordon Paul Bauer for 35 years. She is survived by her two sons Michael (Celia) Bauer, James (Jennifer) Bauer and her four grandchildren, Sara (Eric) Bartel, Alexandra Bauer, Alyssa Bauer and Reid Bauer. For the past 21 years Judy lived in Sarasota, Florida where she played an active role as a former president and board member of her condo association. She was an avid golfer who won seven 9 hole golf championship titles and enjoyed her weekly golf and dinner dates with “the gals”. Judy was also involved with causes that support cancer research such as “In the Pink.” Prior to moving to Sarasota, Judy lived in Bath, Ohio for 18 years raising her two sons and woodworking, quilting and crafting. She was a perfectionist and took great pride in her work which was often showcased at
local craft festivals such as the famous Ohio Mart at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. A reuniting ceremony for Judy and Gordon will take place Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in her hometown of Three Oaks, Michigan next to her mother and father in Forest Lawn Cemetery, with Military Honors being accorded to Gordon for his service. The family prefers contributions in honor of Judy be made to either or both of the following nonprofit organizations: In the Pink, 1727 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, Florida 34236, and/or, Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, 5989 Silver Falls Road, Suite 210, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34236. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www. wagnercares.com.
Dianne Michelle Cleaver
D
1967-2020
ianne Michelle Cleaver, age 53, lost her long and hard-fought battle with brain cancer on Friday, July 31,
2020. She was born February 14, 1967
in Benton Harbor to James and Barbara Cleaver. Dianne was a born diva. She wouldn’t go out of the house, even for the mail, without full makeup on. She would cheer her boys on when they played ball, with lipstick in hand. She always had herself together and made beautiful flawless and effortless. Dianne had such a sense of humor and was quick to laugh. She loved to dance and sing: she knew every word of every 80’s hair band song on the radio. Pizza, Henry’s, and Chicken Coop were her weakness. Born on Valentine’s Day, she brought a lot of love to this world. She loved her boys. Loved watching them grow up, play ball, become young men. She loved her friends as fiercely as she loved her family. She touched so many lives and some were better off for knowing her. Dianne has left a hole that will be impossible to fill. Dianne will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her two sons, Jeffery and Jordon Sittig: mother, Barbara Cleaver; two sisters, Cami and Suzy; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, James Cleaver; her son Billy; and her Nana, Josephyne. Family and friends will gather for an internment in North Shore Memory Gardens, at a date and time, yet to be determined. The family prefers contributions Dianne’s memory be made to Hanson Hospice Center, Cleveland Road, Stevensville, Michigan 49. The family would like to thank the staff at Hanson Hospice Center for their dedication, care and great love they gave Dianne. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www. wagnercares.com.
Miriam Irene “Mickey” Eucee
M
iriam Irene “Mickey” Eucee, 101, passed away on May 29, 2020, in Buchanan, MI, where she has lived since 2018.
A celebration of life memorial service was held at noon ET (11 AM CT) on Saturday, August 8, 2020, at Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo. Out of respect to the family and social distancing, masks were required. Visitation was from 4-8 pm ET (3-7 pm CT) on Friday, August 7, 2020 also at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to BridgePointe Cares - Mickey Eucce Memorial, 809 Carrol St., Buchanan, MI 49107 to purchase a bench in her memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel, New Buffalo. Those who would like to leave a condolence or memory for the family to reflect on, may do so at www. sommerfeldchapel.com.
Forest Park, Illinois to Joseph and Eleanor Scafidi. She married Michael John Hojnacki August 14, 1971 in Forest Park, Illinois. He preceded her in death in 2007. Marisue was a former editor/ reporter/photographer for South County Gazette which she owned at one time with her husband, Michael. She was also an avid artist, dancer, and patron of the local arts. Marisue will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her late husband’s family and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Robin Hojnacki; her brother, Richard Scafidi; her father, Joseph Scafidi; and her mother, Eleanor Scafidi. Mrs. Hojnacki was laid to rest in a private family ceremony in Lakeside Cemetery in Union Pier, Michigan. The family prefers contributions in memory of Mary be made to Harbor Arts, 107 Generations Drive, Post Office Box 202, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128, or, The American Cancer Society, 4608 West Main Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www. wagnercares.com.
Jerry Lyle Reid
Marisue Hojnacki
M
1951-2020
arisue Hojnacki, age 69, of Three Oaks, died peacefully Thursday, August
13, 2020. She was born May 12, 1951 in
J
1943-2020
erry Lyle Reid, age 76, of Three Oaks, died Friday, July 31, 2020. He was born December 12, 1943 in Duluth, Minnesota the only child of George and Phyllis Reid. He married Marlene Kaiser October
mwww.newbuffalotimes.com 24, 1964 in Niles, Michigan. She survives. Jerry was a 1962 graduate of Niles High School. He was an Army Reservist and retired from Gast Manufacturing. Jerry enjoyed everything associated with classic cars; he was a fanatic. He also loved to detail cars, especially when asked to get them ready for car shows. Jerry will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years Marlene Reid of Three Oaks; one daughter, Alisa (Mike) Thompson of Niles; one granddaughter, Kianna (Steven) Reid of Three Oaks; three great grandchildren, Ammari, Steven, Jr., Arielle; half-sister, Melody Griffis; and halfbrother, William Reid. The family will observe a private remembrance. Mr. Reid will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. The family prefers contributions be made in Jerry’s memory to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Post Office Box 368, Woodland Hills, California 91365. 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.
Kelvin Ward Standifer
K
1972-2020
elvin Ward Standifer, age 47, of Three Oaks, died Tuesday, August 4, 2020 in the comfort of his family’s presence. He was born November 30, 1972 the youngest child born to James and Donna Standifer. He married Christine Marie Hora September 6, 2013 in Three Oaks. She survives. Kelvin loved to hang out with family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors and would go hunting, fishing, camping, and riding his motorcycle. Kelvin had worked
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020 21 for Tom Braden’s Plumbing as a plumber. He will be remembered for his whistling. Kelvin will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Christine Standifer of Three Oaks; one son, Mark Standifer; three stepsons, Steven Huebner of Bridgman, Jeffrey Huebner and Tyler Huebner of Three Oaks; parents, James and Donna Standifer of Three Oaks; one grandson, Coleman; two brothers, Jolly Standifer of LaPorte, Indiana, Donnie Standifer of Spartanburg, South Carolina; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Mark Standifer. Family and friends will gather for a memorial service on a date and at a time to be announced. The family prefers contributions in memory of Kelvin be made to The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor, 1600 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www.wagnercares.com.
Eileen G. Thompson, nee Vruggink
E
ileen G. Thompson, nee Vruggink, 74, passed away at home on Tuesday – June 30, 2020. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI. While in high school in Grand Rapids, MI, she participated in local science fairs and won a trip to compete at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. She won a scholarship to Michigan State University where, in 1976, she earned a Ph.D in Social Psychology. After teaching there briefly, she moved to the Chicago area where she established herself as an expert in market research and trends for The Quaker Oats Company and Kraft Foods. Eileen purchased a home in Lakeside in 1985 and retired to Union Pier in 2008. She was an avid gardener and bird-watcher, loved Lake Michigan and
the dunes. Eileen is survived by her sister – Joanne (Jim) Peacock; husband -Duayne Fulton; daughters – Kyra (Joe) Cavanaugh and Elissa (Stephen) O’Donoghue; step-daughters – Naomi (Daniel) de la Torre and Aliza Fulton; and grandchildren – Nathan, Aine, Sean, Tom, Nino and Diego. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date.
LaVerne “Lovey” Grace Zeiger
L
1930-2020
aVerne “Lovey” Grace Zeiger, age 90, of Sawyer, died peacefully Sunday, July 26, 2020. She was born March 14, 1930 in Sawyer, Michigan one of eight children raised by Richard and Ernestine Louise Scovel. She married Harold “Happy Hal” Raymond Zeiger on October 4, 1947. After 69 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on March 29, 2017. Lovey was a 1947 graduate of New Troy High School. They owned and operated Zeiger Heating and Plumbing for over 60 years, where she was the secretary and bookkeeper. Harold and Lovey loved to travel overseas. They were snowbirds, enjoying part of the year at their home in Florida. Lovey also enjoyed being a part of card clubs playing Bridge and Canasta. She was a proud member of the Sawyer Garden Club and the Home Extension Club. She was an avid golfer with membership in Chikaming Country Club. Lovey was lifelong member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sawyer where she was baptized April 27, 1930 with her uncle, Louis Schmidt and Grace Erich as her sponsors. She was confirmed April 18, 1943 with her confirmation verse Psalm
26:8. She was a Sunday School teacher for many years and also served on the altar guild. Lovey will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Marie Rice of Baroda; two grandsons, Jay Daniel (Kimberly Ann) Rice of Stevensville, James Tyler Rice of Baroda; two great granddaughters, Katie Heather Rice, Abbie Lynn Rice; sisters, Ruby May of West Virginia, Virginia Fryer of Sawyer, Mildred Dolezel of Sawyer, Arlene Harfert of New Troy; brothers, Robert Krieger of Bridgman; sister in law, Eleanor Morlock of Wisconsin; and a host of nieces and nephews. Lovey was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold Raymond Zeiger; one son, Dean Raymond Zeiger; granddaughter, Heather Dawn Rice; one brother, Chester Krieger; her son-in-law, James Edward Rice; and her step brother Carter Scovel. Please contact Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals for the arrangements at 269.756.3831 or wagnercares.com. Lovey will be laid to rest with her husband in Riverside Cemetery, Chikaming Township. The family prefers contributions be made in Lovey’s memory to Trinity Lutheran Church, 5791 Sawyer Road, Sawyer, Michigan 49125. 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.
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