New Buffalo Times
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JOE DURK
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THERESE DONNELLY
FRANCESCA SAGALA
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SOPHIA R. FATOUROS
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Local Government Meetings
New Buffalo Times
Democracy Requires Transparency
CITY OF NEW BUFFALO
VANCE PRICE, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL
MARK ROBERTSON, ROGER LIJEWSKI, KAREN GEAR, RICH KNOLL, VANCE PRICE
City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS
Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30PM
NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD
HOWARD MALES, MICHELLE HEIT, MICHELLE HANNON, PATTY IAZZETTO, BARBARA ANDERSON
Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 4PM
NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP
PLANNING COMMISSION
Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM
SHERIFF BERRIEN COUNTY
Sheriff, Chuck Heit
Undersheriff, Greg Sanders
NEW BUFFALO AREA
RECREATIONAL AUTHORITY
Meets at 9AM on the 2nd Wednesday of every other month (odd) at New Buffalo Township Hall, 17425 Red Arrow Highway New Buffalo NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD
LISA WERNER, JOHN HASKINS, DENISE CHURCHILL, JENNIFER SUMMERS, VANESSA THUN, STEPHEN DONNELLY, GREG VOSBERG
The Board meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 6PM
CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP
CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD
DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, ARTHUR ANDERSON
Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM
CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP
PLANNING COMMISSION
Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM
THREE OAKS
THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD
Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM
VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD
Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM
GRAND BEACH
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday at 5PM EST
KIMBERLY WOLNIK, CLERK-TREASURER
HARRY WALDER, JACK GRACE, ED SEBASTIAN, PETER DOERR, EDWARD BRANDES
MICHIANA
VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL
Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM
Great Lakes Coalition urges Michigan Congressional Delegation to support H.R. 7459
Federal legislation would establish a coastal storm risk management trust fund to help protect Great Lakes communities, infrastructure, and shorelines
The Great Lakes Coalition is calling on Michigan’s congressional delegation to support H.R. 7459, federal legislation that would establish a coastal storm risk management trust fund to help communities prepare for and respond to shoreline erosion, storm damage and other coastal threats.
Michigan’s Great Lakes coastline includes more than 3,000 miles of shoreline, and coastal communities across the state face growing risks from erosion, storm surges, fluctuating water levels, and extreme weather. Public infrastructure, private property, tourism, and drinking water systems are all vulnerable. H.R. 7459 would create a dedicated trust fund to support coastal protection efforts nationwide, including beach nourishment, dune restoration, and other shoreline resilience measures.
To build support for the bill in Michigan, the Great Lakes Coalition worked with State Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) on House Resolution 297, introduced April 29. The bipartisan resolution urges Michigan’s congressional delegation to support H.R. 7459 while also raising the profile of the issue in the Michigan Legislature.
“Stable, long-term federal investment through this trust fund would help
Michigan communities better plan for, respond to, and recover from coastal storm impacts while reducing future costs associated with emergency response and infrastructure damage,” said Rep. Joey Andrews.
“This resolution sends a clear message urging our federal partners to prioritize coastal resilience and recognize the importance of the Great Lakes as economicengines and environmental treasures. Investments in coastal resiliency will protect jobs, support tourism and recreation, safeguard transportation corridors, and strengthen local tax bases well beyond our shoreline communities.”
The Great Lakes Coalition is urging the House Committee on Government Operations to consider House Resolution 297 as part of a broader effort to build awareness and support for H.R. 7459. Residents who support the federal legislation are encouraged to contact their members of Congress.
The Great Lakes Coalition is a Michigan nonprofit organization focused on protecting the shorelines and coastal regions of the Great Lakes through education and advocacy. The organization works with property owners, governments, businesses, and the public to advance environmentally sound coastal management, shoreline resilience, and long-term stewardship of the Great Lakes. — STAFF REPORTS
I want all the smoke. — Gervonta Davis
HIKERS TO EXPLORE MIRACLE OF MYCELIUM
Mycelium, the vast rootlike network of fungi, is nature’s ultimate recycler and connector. Sometimes called the “wood wide web,” it acts as an underground information superhighway, allowing trees to share water, sugars, and messages about impending threats.
Hikers can learn more about the miracles of mycelium during an upcoming Harbor Country Hikers hike at Warren Woods State Park with Harbor Country Hikers President, Pat Fisher as they hike through one of Michigan’s last remaining old-growth stands at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 11. Warren Woods is a welcome respite for visitors, encompassing 311 acres and containing some of the last old growth trees in the southwest region of the state. The route follows the Galien River, and the old growth trees provide plenty of shade along the way. The trees are a combination of American beech, sugar maple, and tulip poplars. As expected with old trees, many exceed 100 feet in height and measure five feet in diameter. Spectacular displays of wildflowers are best viewed in April and early May.
HCH has an All-Terrain Rollator which may be reserved for use on our hikes. Reservations are made on a first-come first-served basis by filling out the brief form at https://harborcountryhikers.org/ rollator.
Although membership is preferred, all are welcome to attend this hike. Dress for the weather, wear a hat and sturdy shoes or boots, preferred pest controls and bring plenty of water.
For more information, including driving directions, visit the Hikers’ website, www. harborcountryhikers.org, or its Facebook page. — STAFF REPORTS
From the Bleachers
From the Bleachers
ICOLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
hope you like sports, because they’re everywhere.
Soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey, and football dominate radio, television, and water cooler conversations everywhere.
I think that part of the reason there is such a focus on sports is that many of us are tired of the circular discussions we’ve been having with our friends, coworkers, and neighbors about politics.
For me, sports are a welcome respite from the inane opinions that people who don’t agree with me feel the need to share, although I will admit that our president’s trip to Madison Square Garden was amusing.
Back to sports, the Chicago teams continue to defy expectations.
The White Sox, in first place as I write this column, continue to play inspired baseball. One game this last week saw them thrash the Kansas City Royals 22-1. Being in first place as the all star game approaches would have been a pipe dream for all but the most ardent Sox fan. T
he Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers two out of three after sweeping the Mets in their four game series. With all the pitching problems the team has encountered this season, moving into a wildcard spot and closing the gap to 5 1/2 games between themselves and the Brewers is a major accomplishment. The Cubs have used 30 different pitchers this season, more than any other team. So far anyway, they’ve been able to survive and stay in the pennant race.
The NBA draft went according to what was expected and the Bulls were able to secure the services of
North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson.
Supposedly, Caleb is the most athletic player coming out of college. I heard him interviewed last week and he sounds like he will be a team player and a leader who hates to lose. Not that I’m comparing him to anyone else, but I seem to remember that the Bulls had a first round draft pick a while back who led the team to six championships.
Will our new guy inspire a jingle like Mike did, “Like Caleb, if I could be like Caleb”. It’s probably going to take some time, but there is finally some optimism replacing a couple of decades of frustration.
The Blackhawks seem to be taking a page out of the playbook of other teams that tank. I guess I shouldn’t complain, because all of Chicago’s teams have gone this route, but there’s got to be a better way. Trying to lose so you can get a better draft choice isn’t fair to the coaches, current players, and fans. There’s got to be a better way.
Football, the sport that’s always in the news, is fairly quiet, but futbol is everywhere. The round of 32 is up next, and the world is watching. The U.S. team has a good chance to advance.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th.
Melody Beattie said, “Today, be grateful for your life. Allow that gratitude to carry over into your activities and to flavor all of your interactions…Find the gratitude in your life, and you’ll find joy standing right next to it.”
Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
Ribbon cut on new and improved Harbert Community Park
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
According to Chikaming Township Supervisor
David Bunte, the seeds to recreate Harbert Community Park in Harbert into a renewed public gathering space were planted in late 2023.
“So, this has been a culmination of over two and half years of really, really hard work and a lot of people,” Bunte said at the ribbon-cutting of the park’s improvements Saturday, June 27.
Recent improvements to the park include new pickleball courts, a public restroom facility, ADAaccessible pathways, a trailhead connection to the Red Arrow Linear Park, native landscaping and pollinator plantings, and additional storage facilities to support park operations.
The improvements were designed by local architect John Chipman and engineering firm Abonmarche.
The new trailhead connection strengthens access to the Red Arrow Linear Park, a regional trail system that links communities throughout Harbor Country and provides opportunities for walking, biking, recreation, and exploration.
Chipman said the project went back further than 2023: In 2018, the county put together the Red Arrow Corridor Berrien County Linear Park Master Plan Project. He thanked JV Peacock, who convinced him to attend the first meeting of Friends of Berrien County Trails, which was initiated by former Berrien County Planning Commission member, JB Hoyt.
Chipman said the trailhead that’s now at the park was represented in the plan by “four little dots” on the “trailhead sheet.”
“We’re standing on Dot B - they had a little picture below it that said ‘central, potential trailhead east of Chikaming Township Hall’ - so all it was, was an idea, it was a concept on a sketch or drawing,” he said.
“Piece by piece,” he said, about 8 miles of trailhead has been done, from Sawyer Road down to New Buffalo.
“We’ve got a goal of building 100 miles of trails in Berrien County, it’s going to from our community right here to Bridgman, Stevensville, up to St. Joseph, Benton Harbor, Berrien Springs and Buchanan, and those trails are being built right now,” Chipman said.
Joshua Arnold, project manager with Abonmarche, said that he has an affinity for working on municipal projects.
“When we get done with these team efforts, you guys get to enjoy it for a long time, your grandkids get to enjoy it – I’m really excited about what’s going to happen with this park and pavilion,” he said.
Chikaming Township Parks Director Joe Martin said
that the park looked nothing like it does now when he first arrived at the township in 2023.
“To be here today and see the pickleball courts, to see the music venue and then we’re selling Fulcra beer (for that night’s Music in the Park) and then we have (Red Arrow) Trail Days, which is really promoting commerce and activity along the trial today and tomorrow is just so exciting,” he said.
Martin thanked the volunteers on the township’s Parks Ambassadors program, who helped establish native plantings and pollinator-friendly landscapes throughout the park.
The project was made possible through an $878,700 Michigan Department of Natural Resources ARPA Spark Grant, along with a 10 percent local match from Chikaming Township.
“The township committed an extra amount to finalize this $1.2 million investment,” Bunte said.
He thanked a “group of individuals that believed in a vision and aggressively pursued American Rescue Plan funding”: Josephine Bellalta and John Mac Manus, who assisted in the grant writing; John and Debbie Chipman, who also assisted in the grant writing in addition to the park’s original design and layout; police chief Todd Taylor, who also assisted in grant writing and Abonmarche.
“Parks are much more than greenspace – they’re places where children laugh and play, families come together, neighbors become friends and where community life happens,” Bunte said.
He thanked the former Chikaming Park Board, which “did amazing job of keeping things going and catapulting us to this stage.”
“These improvements, they’re an investment in the future, they reflect our shared belief that quality public spaces really, really matter: They enhance our quality of life, they support our healthy recreation, they strengthen our connection that make our community very special,” Bunte said.
“As we look around, as we see the results of thoughtful planning and community partnership, the shared commitment to preserving and enhancing these places make Chikaming a wonder place to live - let this park continue to be a place of recreation, celebration and community pride for generations to come.”
Bunte said that, in about two and a half months, he hopes that they’ll be cutting the ribbon on another township asset: Kohn Park in Sawyer.
Julie Strating, Joe Martin, David Bunte, John Chipman, Josh Arnold and Tara Heiser cut the ribbon
Josh Arnold speaks at Harbert Community Park
John Chipman speaks about the park improvments’ beginnings
Chikaming Township
Supervisor David Bunte speaks at the ribbon-cutting
Parks Director Joe Martin thanks supporters
What’s Happening, Hillary?
YOUR CURATED GUIDE TO THE BEST IN NEW BUFFALO, AND BEYOND!
JULY 2, THURSDAY:
• Harbor Country Bocce Club Open Play at Shoreline Brewery | Michigan City | 6-9PM CT [Free]
– Catch this every first Thursday of the month!
• Silo Market Social at Journeyman Distillery | Three Oaks | 4-8PM [Free] – Catch this every Thursday!
JULY 3-5, FRIDAY-SUNDAY:
• Reds, Whites & Brews at Round Barn Winery | Baroda | 11AM5PM [Cover Charge]
JULY 3, FRIDAY:
• Red, White & BBQ Country Music Festival at Lions Pavillion Park | New Buffalo | 11AM-9PM [Cover Charge]
Lake | Dusk [Free]
• New Buffalo Fireworks Spectacular | New Buffalo Beach | Dusk [Free]
• Baroda Fireworks | Baroda American Legion Field | Dusk [Free]
• St. Joe Fireworks | Silver Beach | Dusk [Free]
• La Porte Fireworks | Fox Park over Clear Lake | Dusk [Free]
• Live Music at Lake Time Brewing 7PM , The Acorn 8PM, Live at the Lakefront in Michigan City’s Millennium Plaza 8PM CT, Burn ‘Em Brewing 8PM CT
• Berrien Springs Fireworks | Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds | Dusk [Free]
• Niles Fireworks | Apple Festival Grounds | Dusk [Free]
JULY 5, SUNDAY:
• Live Music at Tabor Hill 2:30PM, The Acorn 3PM , Shoreline Brewery 3PM CT
JULY 8, WEDNESDAY:
• Howie Day at The Acorn | Three Oaks | 8PM [Tickets]
• Music in the Park at Township Park | New Buffalo | 7PM [Free]
JULY 10, FRIDAY:
JULY 4, SATURDAY:
• Biggest Little Parade at Lakeshore & Pier St | Lakeside | 12PM [Free]
• Oh Yeah! Music Festival at Lions Pavillion Park | New Buffalo | 11AM-11PM [Cover Charge]
• Berrien Springs Pickle Festival at the Community Library and County Court House | Berrien Springs | 10AM-3PM [Free]
• Live Music at Tabor Hill 2:30PM, Round Barn Tasting Room Union Pier 3PM, Solasta Winery 4PM, Dewey Cannon Park Three Oaks at 6:30PM , Union Pier Social 7PM , Sonny D’s 10PM
• Cars, Guitars, and Cider at Peat’s Cider Social | Stevensville | 6PM [Free]
• White Elephant Bingo at Solarium | Stevensville | 7PM [Free]
• Line Dancing Class with Sunset Coast Country Dancers at Sonny D’s | New Buffalo | 7PM [Free]
• Hairbanger’s Ball: Chicago’s 80s Cover Band at Live at the Lakefront | Michigan City | 8PM CT [Free]
JULY 11, SATURDAY:
• Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff | St. Joseph | 9AM-6PM [Free]
• Michigan City Fireworks | Washington Park Beach | Dusk [Free]
• La Porte Fireworks | North Pine
• Celebrate Bridgman Artisan Market at Transient Artisan Ales | Bridgman | 11AM-3PM [Free]
• Live Music at Tabor Hill 2:30PM , Round Barn Estate 12PM, St. Julian Winery in Union Pier 2PM, Round Barn Tasting Room Union Pier 3PM, Union Pier Social 7PM, Dewy Canon Park Three Oaks 6:30PM
• Red, White, and Brews at Shoreline Brewery | Michigan City | 2PM-12AM CT [Tickets]
JULY 12, SUNDAY:
• Strawberry Social at New Troy Community Center | New Troy | 24PM [Free]
A Writer’s Life... DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ANIMATION
BY JACK OLESKER
Bon voyage, Mert!
I didn’t know if the other writers knew something was up during the creative meeting, but I sure did. Now, as we walked to the Writers’ Wing, Mert was bursting. He shared that he and Brian, his writing partner, had gotten a call that Cheers wanted them to come on as story editors for the series! Cheers… the Mt. Everest of television series!
As the word spread, writers jammed into my office, Mert trying to put everything into words. He vacillated between laughing and not being able to talk.
We all got how he felt, although the reactions varied. Lisa Maliani just smiled, having been the first Mert had told. Howard Cohen was blasé, trying to hide his feelings, I think. Howard had nothing to complain about. He’d had a long career, with his share of successes. But he was getting older and he knew a story editor job at Cheers wasn’t on his horizon.
• Live Music at Tabor Hill 2:30PM, Round Barn Estate 2:30PM , St. Julian Union Pier 2PM , The Acorn 3PM, Four Winds Casino New Buffalo 5PM
Bobby Logan seemed uncomfortable as he offered congrats to Mert. I was over the rainbow, so happy for him. It seemed incredible to me that a few days ago Mert thought he was going to be fired and would have to go back to Michigan to a clothing salesman’s job and now he was a story editor at one of television’s top shows. But that’s how the entertainment business sometimes is.
And then Lori walked in…
There was no telling how Lori would react. From her tight expression it was apparent she’d heard the news about Mert’s impending departure for Cheers. Lori was protective of her writers and didn’t like losing them. Because of that she gave writers plenty of second chances…and third chances and fourth chances.
But Mert didn’t need a second chance, or a third or fourth one. He was in a unique category for a staff writer. Mert’s being a Consultant at DIC was one of the coolest and most ambiguous jobs in studio. Like a master chef supervising a staff of station chefs, sampling their creations and then adding dashes of seasonings here and there, Mert had the enviable task of adding dashes of comedic quality to DIC series designed to raise each episode he briefly visited to higher levels.
Mert’s previously self-denigrating opinions and insecurities aside, everyone in the Writers’ Wing knew he was a pro, skilled at adding those comedic dashes to episodes. Added to that, he was one of the nicest guys at DIC. He knew how to make anyone laugh and he knew when they needed to laugh.
For Lori, Mert’s departure would be a major blow. She knew precisely when and how to shift Mert from project to project so he could bring to bear the magic he was just now understanding he truly possessed. And she liked working with him.
With Mert surrounded by suddenly silent writers, Lori glared at Mert for long seconds, all of us wondering what she would say. Then a broad smile broke on her lips. She held her arms out wide and shouted, “Congratulations!” The corners of Mert’s mouth quivered as he returned her smile. He shook his head from side to side and then moved into Lori’s embrace.
The rest of us applauded. They were two special people, among a group of special people in DIC Writers’ Wing. They knew how to touch the hearts of those they came in contact with…and we loved them for it.
Each of us wished Mert well. All of us would miss him.
HOROSCOPE
JULY 2-8, 2026
AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR”
BENDT
ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19
You will be much more vocal and out spoken this week when it comes to social and political issues. It may seem like you’re feeling a certain way and other people just are not understanding. But the truth is many people are in line with helping others and protecting the weak; it’s the courage to speak up that’s hard.
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
There may be some unexpected emergency spending required this week. So, spend wisely now. Avoid impulse purchases or emotional spending. This is the time to stick with only the important purchases. Or simply put luxury purchases off for a couple of weeks and stick with paying bills only.
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
Be aware that you are dangerously influential right now and need to be careful how you handle yourself around people. You are likely to offend and cause some upheaval. Use this energy for good by advocating for those less fortunate or those that cannot stand up for themselves; very karmic vibes here.
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
There is a lot of turbulent energy out there this week and as much as I would like to say get back in bed, I’ll just say it’s a good weekend for staying home and laying low. This is not the time to get into heated discussions with anyone or push things with authority figures. Get some ice cream and stay inside.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
You will be getting more involved with people and their situations this week. There is a sense of sticking up for those that cannot advocate or protect themselves. Be aware that there is a good chance your involvement will be seen as unexpected and contentious but that doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
There may be some unexpected situations that come up this week that will require you to be more assertive and in command. You may not be able to handle situations with out dealing with emotional outbursts from others but let that be a motivation to act, not a deterrent. Time to take the wheel.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22
It’s adventure time. Prepare to learn about life quickly as you are pushed out of the nest this week. The energy is all about making your own way and finding out where your path and your personal talents and skills can take you. There will be some interesting options and ideas coming in now. Restlessness.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
People and situations you could normally count on or resources you could rely upon may not be so steady this week. Be ready to do things differently and stay flexible with timelines and schedules, as there is a lot of uncertainty out there and therefore a fair amount of spontaneity is required.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21
Relationships will be fully charged this week and conversations or situations you have been hoping to avoid will be coming up. Be aware that the vibe is contentious and volatile. So, it is best to approach touchy subjects carefully and know the conversation will come up again in a couple of weeks.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER22—JANUARY19
It’s a great time to address health and wellness issues. Take care of things before emergencies happen. Make sure you have all your precautionary things in place. Change smoke detector batteries and check that your fire extinguisher hasn’t expired or is in need of replacement. Great week to prepare for power outages.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
There is a very boisterous and highspirited energy coming your way this week. Now is the time when you will encounter some risky or dangerous situations. This is the when you need to put on the adult pants and handle bullies or tyrannical types with directness and call the manipulation out for what it is.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
There will be a lot of unexpected energy coming your way this week and it may affect your peaceful and productive homelike the most now. Domestic chores will need to be rescheduled or put off, as unplanned guests will be arriving. That quiet dinner for two may just turn into a full house for a potluck, at sunset.
Arouse a bee and it will come at you with the force of a dragon. — Takeda
Lakeside Summer Bash with an opening reception at ARS next weekend
Hosted by ARS Gallery • Arts & Culture Center and neighboring boutiques Nestani and Hearthwoods, a Lakeside Summer Bash is scheduled for Saturday, July 11.
ARS Gallery will be open all day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a new exhibition featuring paintings by Matt Payovich and pottery by Janet Sullivan. An opening reception with live music by Dan Maxon will take place at ARS from 3-6p.m.
ARS Arts & Culture Center is excited to offer its Summer Arts Camps for the 16th year in 2026, and its first year at the new location in Lakeside. This summer, teens and tweens (ages 10-15) will be exploring Pop Art from the 1950s-’60s. This art form serves as dialogue or commentary for contemporary expression. It elevates and transforms mundane objects to fine art with a tone of wit as opposed to “serious” art. Printmaking, mixed-media, highlighting Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Rauschenberg. Use of playful technique, repetition and social critique are key characteristics of Pop Art. Bold, striking, embracing replication, mirroring society and ironic humor. ARS offers two camp dates: July 21-23 and Aug.10-14. A reception will be held for students to exhibit their artwork.
All classes, workshops, and camps will be held at ARS’ new location at 15300 Suites C & D, Red Arrow Highway in Lakeside, Michigan.
For more information, contact Anna RussoSieber at 269-208-4409 or arsarts.culture@gmail. com. — STAFF REPORTS
SERVICE DIRECTORY
To Your Health
COLUMN BY KAREN EDWARDS ND
BEYOND THE BAND-AID: ROOT CAUSE MEDICINE
Imagine driving your car and noticing the brake warning light flashing on the dashboard. Instead of pulling over to check the cause, you pull out a piece of black tape, cover the light, and keep driving. It sounds ridiculous, but for decades, conventional modern medicine has operated in a similar way. Treating the symptom while ignoring the underlying true cause.
Today, people are demanding a change. Known as naturopathic, functional, or holistic medicine, this approach is taking healthcare by storm. These doctors are movingaway from symptom suppression and toward looking intowhy a disease or illness occurs in the first place.
Symptom Suppression vs. RootCause Resolution
Traditional medicine wins at acute care. If you break a bone, have a current infection, or suffer a heart attack, emergency medicine is where you need to be. However, when dealing with chronic conditions like autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue, type 2 diabetes, colds and flu or mental health struggles, the standard “pill for every ill” model has fallen short.
A symptom is not the disease itself; it is the body’s alarm system. Like the warning light flashing on your dashboard. High blood pressure, skin rashes, and joint inflammation are warnings. Suppressing these symptoms with medication can provide some shortterm relief, butdoes not cure the underlying issue. What is causing your high blood pressure? Your diet? Stress? Subluxation? These are things that holistic medicine will dive deep into with you to reach the true cause.
If a plants leaves are turning brown and withering, you don’t paint the leaves green. You look at the soil, the roots, the water, and the sunlight. Root-cause medicine treats human health the same way.
An underlying imbalance can
show in the body as multiple unrelated symptoms.
Take chronic inflammation. It might present in one patient as depression, in another as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and in a third as rheumatoid arthritis. Instead of sending a patient to three different specialists for three different prescriptions, a root-cause practitioner searches for What is driving the inflammation?
Investigating the root cause typically involves deep exploration. Looking into gut Health and Microbiome. The gut houses roughly 70% of the immune system. Imbalances here can trigger systemic inflammation and autoimmune responses.
Nutritional Deficiencies: The body requires specific building blocks. If you are low in micronutrients, metabolic processes begin to fail.
Chronic Stress and Cortisol: Prolonged emotional or physical stress alters hormone function, disrupts sleep, and compromises immune function.
Environmental Toxins: Exposure to heavy metals, molds, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals can place a massive burden on the body’s detoxification pathways.
Transitioning to root-cause medicine requires a shift in expectations from both doctor and patient. Unraveling years of chronic dysfunction takes time, diagnostic testing, lifestyle and dietary changes.
However, the reward is true healing rather than managed illness. By identifying and removing the obstacles to health and adding what the body needs to thrive, it allows the body’s innate intelligence the chance to repair itself. Moving beyond the band-aid isn’t just about living longer; it’s about truly living.
PET OF THE WEEK
CALI
Talk about strutting her stuff. Cali knows who she is and knows what she wants. At just a year old, she’s almost nine pounds, and is spayed. Cali prefers to be the only pet in the home, but truly prefers you to pet her. If there are treat and feather toys involved, she will love you. You have to love her, with that face and eyes. Make Cali part of your home today.
There are three spots open for reelection on the Village Council. These are each 4-year terms.
Every person desiring to become a candidate for Village Council for the Village of Grand Beach shall personally or by duly authorized agent, file with the New Buffalo Township Clerk a petition therefore signed by not less than 6, nor more than 20 registered electors of the Village. Said petition shall be filed with the Township Clerk by July 21, 2026.
You may reach the Township Clerk, Michelle Hannon, at 269-469-1011 or mhannon@newbuffalotownship.org
Black Currant Bakehouse celebrates expanded location
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Aspot for homemade cakes and other baked goods, as well as vegetarian offerings, that has become a local staple has recently migrated to an expanded space.
Black Currant Bakehouse, which opened on Townline Road in Union Pier in 2017, has now moved into the former Moss Motorworks building at 16175 Red Arrow Highway in Union Pier.
“It’s been a really nice change - we needed more space, we were just outgrowing that other space,” Katie Marggraf, who co-owns Black Currant with Jesse Ives, said.
She said the building is about 4,000 square feet, which includes a breakroom upstairs.
The sandwich station has now been moved behind the counter, giving them more space in the front, and there’s also a little more seating area. The windows make the space “so much nicer to hang out there, so it’s more appealing to be in the space.”
“I think Jesse and I both feel like this space feels a lot more like us - we got here and we kind of changed the vibe and now I feel it represents us a lot more to how we wanted it to look, how
we wanted it to feel,” Marggraf said.
Black Currant Bakehouse makes wedding cakes as well as celebration ones. Other baked goods include donuts and cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones, brownies and cookies. There are also a full coffee bar and sandwiches.
“It’s all vegetarian - we make all of our
meat alternatives inhouse and all of our sandwich fixings and stuff are made in house,” Marggraf said, adding that they have vegan and gluten free options.
Black Currant Bakehouse has received The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” award for 2020, 2022 and 2023. Currently, they’re booked through October for
wedding cakes.
In the new space, Marggraf said they might expand into a little bit of wholesale, as well as do more weddings cakes and other ones.
Ives handles the front of the house as well as savory items. Having been a baker for almost 20 years, Marggraf said she handles the back of the house duties and is currently working on donuts and croissants.
“I started with cakes and then I did everything else, like bread and other pastries, but I always like to go back to cakes because that’s what I like to see – cakes are really rewarding because they’re so pretty,” she said.
Marggraf said they also have a “really cool team” of people, some of whom have been there for four years.
“Everyone is very good at their job back here,” she said.
Summer hours at Black Currant Bakehouse are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Monday. For more information, visit www. blakecurrantbakehouse.com or follow them on Facebook.
Jesse Ives and Katie Marggraf stand by the expanded Black Currant Bakehouse
