February 18, 2021

m LIFE IN NATURE AND THE SANDY SHORES

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 7, volume 80

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Thursday, February 18, 2021

New variant strain of COVID-19 may already be in Berrien County PAGE 3

New Buffalo City Council hears presentation on Waterfront Master Plan PAGE 5

Moratorium on food trucks to remain in Three Oaks PAGE 7 New Buffalo High School celebrates Winterfest 2021 PAGE 11

A New Beginning: The Harbor Grand reopens after more than a year PAGE 12

ON THE GALIEN RIVER NEW BUFFALO — ICE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON PAGE 20 — PHOTO BY KRISTIN FATOUROS

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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New variant strain of COVID-19 may already be in Berrien County

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AREA EDUCATORS RECEIVE FIRST VACCINE DOSES

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ven amidst a continuing declining trend in rates of new COVID-19 cases, residents of Berrien County shouldn’t let their guard down – particularly with the arrival of new variant strains.

The Van Buren/Cass District Health Department reported last week a case of the B.1.1.7 variant of COVID-19, first discovered in the United Kingdom and now spreading across the United States, has been found in nearby Van Buren County.

During a joint Facebook Live update with the health department and Spectrum Health Lakeland Wednesday, Feb. 10, Nicki Britten, health officer of the Berrien County Health Department, said that there’s “every reason to believe” that the variant may already be in Berrien County, although it hasn’t been identified yet with the specific testing that would identify the strain.

The variant has been proven to more transmissible than “what we had seen much of last year,” Britten said.

“We have to continue to be vigilant, especially as these variants are really changing the landscape,” she added.

The Berrien County Health Department reported Saturday, Feb. 13, that last week, there was an average of 20 new cases per day, a decrease of 10 from the previous week. The percent of positive tests was also around 5.6% over the course of last week.

As of Monday, Feb. 15, the health department reported 10,432 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 208 confirmed deaths. There have also been 9,360 30-

pods” for staff members at schools are day recoveries. scheduled.

Dr. Loren Hamel, president of The county remains “limited in our Spectrum Health Lakeland, said that ability to rearrange the criteria” that hospital volumes have been down in the determines who currently gets vaccinated 20s, sometimes even lower than that. and who doesn’t, Hamel said.

As of late last week, 22,450 total Britten said that moving vaccine doses had been through the designated given in Berrien County, During a joint criteria is ensuring a vaccine newsletter Facebook Live growing protection against reported, with 10,030 update with the the virus. vaccine doses being “As more people get administered by the health health department and Spectrum vaccinated it does increase department. Last week, Health Lakeland the amount of immunity the health department Wednesday, Feb. in our community and administered 2,970.

10, Nicki Britten, does help stamp out lines Between the health health officer of of transmission,” she said. department and Spectrum the Berrien County The health department Health Lakeland, vaccines Health Department, remains limited in how have been administered in said that there’s many shots it can provide. a number of ways. “every reason to While the capacity is There have been largebelieve” that the there, the vaccine’s supply scale, mass vaccinations, variant may already remains a “limiting during which 1,000-plus be in Berrien factor,” Britten said. doses are administered County, although “Once that vaccine per day. The health it hasn’t been production ramps up, department has done identified yet with then the allocations go up drive-thru sites, as well as the specific testing and then we’re able to get pop-up clinics and onsite that would identify them to more people each vaccinations at places such the strain. week than we currently as nursing homes. are,” she said.

Hamel told everyone to “be patient,” ore currently eligible as the vaccination stage will likely last for essential workers who most if not all of 2021 or beyond. are part of Phase 1B have “This isn’t a short game – be careful, been vaccinated in the we’re not over yet,” he said. community. Last week, Those who are currently eligible BCHD was able to administer first doses for a vaccine can complete the survey to over 900 educators and school staff in available via Lakeland MyChart located the southern part of the county at a large under “questionnaires” in the My Record clinic at Niles High School. section at www.bcdhmi.org.

Britten said more of these “closed

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A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO MAYOR JOHN HUMPHREY CITY COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) MEETING To Be Determined CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS To Be Determined 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

Chikaming Township Board declines property purchase, makes amendments to budget ahead of new fiscal year

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

500-foot parcel of lakefront property hile there was no updated draft on Main Drive in Harbert. shoreline revetment Reasons cited for the denial ordinance at the included the parcel’s location (in the Chikaming Township middle of a homeowner’s association) Board of Trustee’s meeting Thursday, and the fact that there was no room Feb. 10, Chikaming Township for parking for the public to be able to Supervisor David Bunte said that there access it,. should be one coming soon.

Citing the above reasons, trustee Official language of the draft Rich Sullivan, who had viewed the ordinance that property and taken was presented at pictures of it, said he Official language of the a special Feb. 4 didn’t think it was draft ordinance that was meeting states that in the “best interest presented at a special it would prohibit for the township” to Feb. 4 meeting states the “installation take on the property. that it would prohibit and maintenance Bunte added that the “installation and of hardened with the current maintenance of hardened amount of land shoreline armoring shoreline armoring that interfere with in parks systems that interfere with and and degrade the that the township natural and dynamic degrade the natural and is working on, dynamic characteristics characteristics of especially with the of the Lake Michigan the Lake Michigan addition to Cherry shoreline and infringe shoreline and Beach that the on the public trust while infringe on the township is trying to ensuring the use and public trust while acquire, he thought enjoyment of private it also wasn’t best to ensuring the use shoreland properties.” pursue the purchase. and enjoyment of Board members private shoreland approved the properties.” following budget amendments for the The revised ordinance will be current 2021/2022 budget cycle: the available for public viewing at www. addition of the estimated $34,000 cost chikamingtownship.org, along with a that the board approved regarding the date and time for a special meeting to Wightman & Company consultation address it. proposal for upcoming improvements Board members declined a request to the Harbert business district in from a property owner to purchase a

Zoning; the addition of $25,000 for the Host Compliance Granicus rental program the board approved to the Building fund; and moving the budgeted $250,000 for the purchase of the Beidler Trust property adjacent to Cherry Beach that’s under the Park budget into the 2021-2022 budget.

The 2021-2022 Medic One contract was approved. Bute said there’s a slight increase for this year’s budget regarding Chikaming Township’s portion, from $6.10 per capita to $6.28 per capita, which he said was based on population.

Board members approved the annual requests from River Valley School District, Berrien RESA and Lake Michigan College to collect 100% of summer school property taxes and from New Buffalo Area Schools to collect 50% of taxes.

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n interlocal agreement for a Berrien County designated assessor was approved. While Chikaming has its own assessor, Bunte said that a municipality would defer to the county assessor in the event that its own assessor wasn’t able to conduct their duties.

Board members adopted the poverty exemption income guidelines and asset test resolution.

The IRS millage rate for 2021 at $0.56 per mile was approved.

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They apply them. The role of an umpire and a judge is critical.

They make sure everybody plays by the rules. But it is a limited role.

Nobody ever went to a ballgame to see the umpire.

— John Roberts

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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New Buffalo City Council hears presentation on Waterfront Master Plan

he New Buffalo City Council got a look at the proposed Waterfront Master Plan during the Tuesday, Feb. 16, regular meeting.

The proposed upgrades to the public beach and boat ramp would take place in three phases.

Mike Huber of Abonmarche Engineering explained that in preparing the plan, the engineering company had surveyed residents and sought feedback on possible additions. Almost half of those surveyed said the New Buffalo beach was not their preferred beach, citing parking issues and lack of amenities among their concerns.

Others expressed an appreciation for the beach’s proximity and the safety offered by full-time lifeguards.

In response to the public feedback, Abonmarche proposed a three-phase plan that would first address erosion and flooding abatement, and traffic issues. The second phase would improve the parking lot and boat launch, while the third would address beach expansion and new amenities. Those proposed amenities include a pedestrian promenade and bridge, a sitting wall and possible event areas. The promenade could potentially allow for pop up vendors and food trucks, creating a new source of revenue for the city.

Following the presentation, Mayor John Humphrey noted the plan was something the city could achieve over time.

Later in the meeting the council authorized interim city manager Rich Killips to apply for a $40,000 grant from the USDA rural business development program for costs associated with the marina expansion and shoreline protection. If awarded the grant, the city will be required to make a 17% match.

The council also heard a presentation from architect Bill McCollum regarding a proposed renovation to 1 North Whittaker Street. McCollum, an architect involved with planned

BY THERESE DONNELLY

renovations to the building, did not ask the council for any action, but said he would like their feedback. The proposed renovation would allow for a restaurant in the west side of the building, with room for other businesses in the east side. The planned upgrades would include moving the front wall of the building back 15 feet to allow room for outdoor dining, along with permission to use the city sidewalk area for additional seating.

The Downtown Development Authority has not reviewed the proposal, although McCollum said DDA Chair Robert Kemper has reviewed the plans and indicated it would likely receive DDA support to use the sidewalks for dining. Humphrey noted the downtown improvement project included public seating in front of businesses, but the issue with the proposal was the creation of an easement on public property.

Councilmember Brian Flanagan voiced concerns about pedestrian and vehicle traffic issues that might occur, noting the property is along US Highway 12. McCollum said there were plans to remove a corner of the building, improving visibility.

When asked, he said there were no plans to use the building’s basement for commercial space, noting the low ceilings and limited egress would make it difficult to use except for possible storage for the front restaurant.

On the recommendation of Shalice Northrop, the council passed four resolutions regarding city property taxes. The first two were the annual resolutions to set alternate dates for the board of review, in July and December.

A third annual resolution adjusted the hardship income requirements to match state guidelines. A new resolution this year will allow local residents to appeal in writing. In previous years, only nonresidents could appeal in writing, while residents had to appear in person, but the new resolution was passed to allow for COVID safety.

A notification from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) required the council to correct a storm drain emptying into the lake.

Humphrey explained a boat slip owner had previously complained that his boat slip was being blocked with sediment. A report by EGLE revealed an open-air storm drain on Mayhew Street was emptying into the lake.

EGLE informed the city they must rectify this. Abonmarche has made recommendations on how to proceed.

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ouncilmember Mark Robertson said the council had previously been informed the city system was not the source of the sediment.

He asked what had changed. Tony McGhee of Abonmarche said his firm had not been asked to inspect the drain basin but he believed the city staff had misidentified the basin vault as a separator.

Councilmember Lou O’Donnell said he would like to have more information on the history of the drain and if other slips are affected.

Humphrey said regardless of the information, the EGLE report requires the city to respond quickly. The council voted to accept Abonmarche’s advice.

On the recommendation of Killips, the council approved an agreement with Enterprise Managed Fleet Services to lease six new city vehicles. Killips explained the city had put off purchasing new vehicles for several years but six, with an average age of 17 years, are getting harder to maintain. While he said the agreement will not likely be the most cost-effective approach, the current vehicles cost several man hours each time they need to be taken in for repairs or maintenance. The lease agreement will cost $54,047.72 for the first year, with costs going down over time. Killips said an advantage of the program is that the city will be able to replace vehicles

that do not suit its needs.

The council approved the plan 3-2, with O’Donnell and Robertson dissenting.

On the recommendation of the Harbor Commission, the council voted to suspend the 2019 private contributions to the dredging fund. Historically, the waterfront condominium associations have voluntarily contributed to the fund to help keep the harbor cleared of sediment. In 2019, lake levels were at the highest levels in modern history.

While some of the associations still contributed, no dredging took place. The commission recommended suspending the 2020 private contributions, and crediting any 2019 contributions to the 2020 fund.

The council approved posting public notification of plans to form a joint Parks and Recreation Authority with New Buffalo Township and New Buffalo Area Schools to manage parks that serve all three entities.

Killips informed the council the city had been awarded a $8976 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Grant to recoup some of the money the city spent on prevention, preparation and response to the pandemic.

In a brief update, Killips told the council that the city staff is working on revisions to the proposed shortterm rental ordinance. Humphrey said the city had received correspondence regarding legalities of the short-term rental ordinance and the council would likely need to meet in a closed session to discuss it.

Prior to adjourning the meeting, Humphrey reported the death of former interim city manager William Sinclair, expressing condolences to Sinclair’s family.

Sinclair, who passed away Feb. 2, spent 18 years as city manager in St. Joseph, Michigan. Killips said he helped serve New Buffalo during times of difficult transition and was always willing to help.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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New Buffalo Township Board adopts resolution confirming a ‘Special Assessment Roll’

embers of the New Buffalo Township Board moved forward with creating a special assessment district at their Tuesday, Feb. 16, meeting.

Board members adopted “Resolution No. 4: Confirmation of Special Assessment Roll,” which states the special assessment roll that was prepared by the township assessor is “hereby confirmed and is to be known as Special Assessment Roll No. 1 for the District (the “Roll”).

After last month’s public hearing, the board adopted two resolutions that “resolved to determine the special assessment district known as the Public Safety Special Assessment District No. 1” as well as directed New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit to prepare the roll, according to Resolution No. 4.

The Special Assessment levy of 2.1 mills is estimated to generate $1,297,954 in the first year of the District.

Heit said that the district will replace the township’s two public safety millages beginning next winter.

Heit said that one of the reasons that the township is switching to a special assessment is that they’re not subject to the Headlee Rollback. The township used to collect 1 mill for its operating millage, however, due to the Rollback, it’s down to .38 mills.

A special assessment will ensure that the township has funds to pay off the 20-year bond that was taken out for the new public safety building that’s currently being constructed on U.S. Highway 12 while still continuing its “current level of emergency service.”

Currently, Heit said that the township collects $149,000 in PILT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) money in public safety from Four Winds Casino in addition to the funds from the millage. The .33 mil increase that would be collected is due to the township not receiving PILT money with the assessment in effect.

The special assessment will pay for Medic 1 Ambulance service, the township

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

fire department, its contracted service for police coverage that’s provided by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office and the bond.

Heit said that a home with a taxable value of $100,000 currently pays $177 on both millages; with the special assessment, it would pay $210, an increase of $33. A home with a value of $250,000 currently paying $443 would pay $525, an increase of $82.

There have been questions on whether if the township can legally access property in the villages of Michiana and Grand Beach.

Michael Homier, township attorney, said the township has proposed a special assessment under Act 33 of 1951 for police, fire and ambulance, which is “permissible under the statute.”

He said the statue “allows for the special assessment to be imposed on a millage basis on taxable value.”

“Village residents are also township residents and their property is subject to taxation to the same extent as other property in the township and I think that’s supported by the statute,” Homier added.

Sarah Senica, who was appearing as legal counsel for both the villages, said that they’re incorporated Home Rule villages with written charters “that govern their operations.”

“Both villages have full statutory authority to create their own police departments, emergency services and the villages are both authorized by the Home Rule Village Act, which is PA 33 of 1951, and their own charters to create, manage, control and pay for their own emergency services through special assessments,” she said.

Senica added the two acts mentioned in the village charters “allow the villages to specially assess within their corporate borders.”

“Nowhere in any statute is the village stripped of that power with the township able to step in and overrule or override those statuary charter provisions that dictates how a special assessment is done

in the villages…The township can’t pass an ordinance or resolution that governs the village,” she said.

Deborah Lindley, president of Grand Beach Village Council, said the Police and Fire Protection Act 33 of 1951 “expressively grants the village authority to provide or source out services,” she said.

“If you would do this, the village would have to source out the fire safety and Medic One…Your authority to tax is through millage, not through special assessment,” she said.

“I hope you take the time to go through this and think clearly and do more research so both the village and township don’t go through litigation over this,” Lindley added.

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peaking as a township resident, Ezra Scott (who also serves as Berrien County commissioner for the ninth district), said that he felt the issue should be on the ballot.

“I think personally you should let this go and come before the taxpayers for a vote on how they want to pay for it,” he said.

Heit said that when voters approved the second public safety millage in May 2017, it was understood that a new Public Safety Building Two would be built.

Willa Iglitzen said that she felt that the special assessment was already a “done deal.”

“The purpose of government should be striving for transparency efficiency and collaboration and I don’t see that – I think we can do better, nobody wants to go into a lawsuit over this,” she said.

Patrick Baker said the township appeared to be already well into the construction of the public safety building before financial issues were “squared away.”

Heit said that ensuring the township had the financial means to continue providing services was discussed.

“We’re making long-term decisions based on something (the millages) that could get changed every five years…That’s why we’d switch to a special assessment,”

she said.

Residents of the two villages also expressed concern about having to pay for the township’s police services in addition to paying for their own police forces.

Danielle Friedland said she didn’t see how the response time was any better with regards to having dedicated fire and police coverage from the township in addition to the villages having their own department.

Heit pointed out that Public Safety Building Two (the current and new one) is located next door to the two villages and that the response time is “much better” with the township having a dedicated ambulance service.

Chuck Heit, undersheriff for the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, said when he was chief of police in the City of New Buffalo before the township had dedicated police coverage, city police as well as ones from Grand Beach and Michiana had to go to the township “quite a bit” if there was an issue there.

Several participants claimed they didn’t receive notice of the public hearing.

Homier said, per Act 33 of 1951, the township went “above and beyond” notifying the public, holding two public hearings instead of just one as well as mailing a third notice to residents by first class mail.

Board members approve the third payment for the public safety building project in the amount of $350,240.88.

A resolution was approved to set an alternative date for the March Board of Review.

A proposal from Cushman and Wakefield for $9,750 for appraisal services related to the Amtrak right of way related to the Marquette Greenway project was approved.

Board members approved writing grants to The Pokagon Fund for $75,000 for the Union Pier trailhead parking project and for $8,641 for a tractor, which will be a third of the cost (the rest will be split between water and sewer fund and parks department).w

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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Moratorium on food trucks to remain in Three Oaks

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BY THERESE DONNELLY

he moratorium on food trucks in the Village of Three Oaks remains after the Village Council voted at its Wednesday, Feb. 10, meeting to keep out of town vendors from doing temporary business, while granting the village manager the ability to allow downtown businesses to host outdoor food service for special events.

The council had previously tabled the matter in order to get feedback from downtown business owners.

Downtown Development Authority Chair Susana Bierwirth said no one voiced support for outside food trucks.

After a brief explanation from Sergeant Carl Krause, the council approved an agreement with LexisNexis for an in-car electronic ticketing system. Krause said that the State of Michigan will cease accepting paper tickets, requiring an electronic system. He also said using the system will eliminate confusion that can be caused by handwritten tickets and will save time as officers will no longer need to deliver the tickets to the county courthouse.

Council member Joe Hinman asked if there was a plan in place in case the system went down, noting the agreement does not provide tech support on weekends. Krause said tickets do not have to be submitted immediately, and other support

sources are available. He said Three Oaks officers do not have log-in credentials to borrow vehicle laptops from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.

At the recommendation of village manager Dan Faulkner, the council approved a $1 per hour pay raise for water department employee Alex Keen, retroactive to Jan. 1, when he took on additional duties following the departure of water superintendent Quentin Clark. The village plans to have Keen obtain a lagoon operator license and water operator license this spring in order to become lead operator for the village water system.

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aulkner reported to the council that the village has begun advertising for a new chief of police. He will review the applications along with Sheriff Paul Bailey, Lt. Julie Flick and village president Richard Smith, before passing recommendations to the council.

COVID-19 restrictions forced the village to delay work on Michigan Street that had been planned for 2020, but that work is slated to begin soon.

The council also accepted Rob Woerdehoff’s resignation from the Planning Commission and appointed Ayla Batton to complete his term, which expires in November 2021.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

SPORTS

Lady Bison no match for Titans

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BY STAN MADDUX

he COVID-19 delayed season opener was no cake walk for the New Buffalo High School girls’ basketball team soundly defeated by a once gain super talented Michigan Lutheran squad.

The 50-30 loss on the road Thursday, Feb. 11, was similar to the blow out the Lady Bison suffered in last year’s District championship game against the Titans.

Head coach Scott Syme felt the Titans were talented enough to make a run at the state title last year had COVID-19 not cancelled the remainder of the post season.

“They’re very strong again this year,” he said.

The Lady Bison down 20 points at halftime showed the same fight as last year’s team by cutting the lead to nine points early in the fourth quarter.

However, Syme said his players after working extra hard on a comeback attempt were too exhausted to keep up with the Titans the rest of the way.

“The girls really played hard and had a good attitude through the bad times as well as the good.

That’s a good building block,” he said.

The Bison lost just two seniors from last year’s squad but added a talented Ava Mullen, a sophomore leading the Lady Bison with nine points.

Not helping matters against the Titans was being without senior Sophia DeOliveria, who’s a key figure on offense and defense because of her ability to run, dribble and execute on both sides of the court.

Syme said she was unable to play because of major dental work but expects her back for the next game, which was Tuesday, Feb. 16, at home against River Valley.

The Lady Bison as they did last year had trouble handling the full court press of Michigan Lutheran, who jumped out to a big lead with help from turnovers caused by their relentless defense.

Syme said he likes the potential of this year’s squad and feels a rematch against the Titans for the District championship is not out of the question.

He said his players have good speed and just need to learn the system better for their performance as a unit to fully develop.

“We have some nice athletes on the team and I think as they become more comfortable in the schemes we’re running or trying to run then things will become more comfortable and natural for them,” he said.

“Right now, there’s just too much thought process involved and we’re not able to play to our strengths yet but we will,” Syme said.

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

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opefully, everyone had a nice Valentine’s Day. As we are all acutely aware, we are rapidly approaching the one year anniversary of dealing with the new normal of life with the corona virus. Some of us have survived and been able to make it through the year together, while others haven’t been as fortunate and found all the togetherness too much to handle. For those who broke up with their loved ones, it’s probably been difficult to meet someone new without being able to go to most places without a mask, so hopefully this day brought you happy memories and renewed optimism for the future.

Things appear to finally be improving and with some luck we may be able to get things on the road to normal by the time summer rolls around. Speaking of improving, how about the Chicago Blackhawks? After giving up 20 goals in their first four games, the team tightened up their defense and have only allowed 27 in the next twelve. Goalie Kevin Lankinen has been remarkable, allowing only 28 goals in the eleven games he has played.

Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat are leading the offense and this young team is playing really well. At the beginning of the season, making the postseason seemed to be a pipe dream, but this young team has turned it around and the playoffs are a definite possibility.

Another improving team is the Chicago Bulls. I love what the front office has been able to accomplish in such a short time.

They replaced a mediocre at best coach with a really good one, drafted a youngster that looks like he’s going to be outstanding for a long time, and have exhibited tremendous patience in assessing the roster. Zach LaVine is playing better than he ever has, and I believe he can be a superstar, one of the best players in the league. Don’t get me wrong, the team has a way to go before they can seriously challenge the best teams in the league, but with their current leadership, the future looks bright.

Finally, if the Bears are going to improve this season, it seems as if they will need a new quarterback. It’s remarkable that Sid Luckman still holds many of the Bears passing records and he retired in the early 1950’s. There are a few ways the team can go in their attempt to finally obtain an all star caliber signal caller, and none of them are sure things. They can trade for a veteran, but the cost of doing so seems to be excessive. They can part with some draft choices to improve their draft position and take a young man from the collegiate ranks. Or, they can stick with Nick Foles and hope he improves. Whichever way they go, I hope they don’t give up too much because it seems that once you become a Bears quarterback, it becomes difficult to succeed.

Helmet Schmidt said, “The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement.”

Be silly. Be honest. Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

It’s better to be alone than in bad company.

— George Washington

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

9

NEW BUFFALO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT NAMED NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FINALIST

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Bison roll to victory in season opener

BY STAN MADDUX

he New Buffalo High School varsity boys’ basketball team jumped out to a big lead early to coast to victory in the COVID-19 delayed season opener.

The Bison defeated Michigan Lutheran 89-54 at home Friday, Feb. 12.

Players were thrilled to step on the court for their first game action of a season that normally begins in December.

“It’s what we’ve been waiting for,” said Jeremiah Mitchell, a junior guard who scored eight points.

“It definitely felt good,” said Kayden Parmley.

Parmley, a junior guard, scored 14 points.

The basketball season for boys and girls statewide finally got underway once Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lifted her statewide ban on winter sports after surging COVID-19 cases finally began trending downward.

The Bison ended the first quarter with a 25-point lead.

The game was more competitive

the rest of the way but the Titans never cut into the lead.

The Bison hit an astonishing 17 three-point shots Six of the buckets came from junior Anthony Lijewski, who was perfect from beyond the three-point arch and led all scorers with 20 points.

Senior Mark Shaw contributed 17 points.

Head Coach Nate Tripp said he was pleased with how his players moved the ball to find open shots, especially with limited practice time under the governor’s previous restrictions.

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ripp said his players were aggressive on offense and defense as he encouraged but out of position too many times on the floor to

his liking.

He was a bit surprised by the number of long range buckets sank by his players but not disappointed since outside shooting was a major focus during practice.

Tripp said he doesn’t want to rely so heavily on three pointers during the rest of the season but, for now, has instructed his players to take the shot if open.

“I don’t want to live or die by it but if that’s what we have we’ll take that,” he said.

All 12 of the varsity players scored, including 6-inch-by-9-foot junior Zack Forker, who nailed a short turnaround jumper late in the fourth quarter and blocked a shot.

Ryan Vinson, a junior, led all rebounders with nine.

fter being chosen as a semi-finalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program, Konstantin Bauer, a senior at New Buffalo High School, has recently advanced to the finalist stage.

According to the website for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, high school students who meet published program entry and participation requirements enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Each year’s PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test designated for entry to a particular year’s competition.

New Buffalo High School Principal Wayne Butler said that Bauer had a perfect score on the math section and missed only two questions on the English part of the PSAT. Approximately one-third of the 50,000 high scorers are notified that they have qualified as semifinalists in September.

“To be considered for a National Merit® Scholarship, Semifinalists must advance to Finalist standing in the competition by meeting high academic standards and all other requirements explained in the information provided to each Semifinalist,” the website states.

In February, some 15,000 semifinalists are notified by mail that they have advanced to finalist standing.

Beginning in March and continuing to midJune, NMSC notifies approximately 7,600 finalists that they have been selected to receive a Merit Scholarship® award.

NMSC selectors use a variety of information to evaluate students, such as the finalist’s academic record, information about the school’s curricula and grading system, PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index score, the high school official’s written recommendation, information about the student’s activities and leadership, and the finalist’s own essay.

Outside of school, Bauer is involved in sports, including soccer in the fall and basketball in the winter. He’s also involved with the New Buffalo High School robotics club, the Bionic Bison.

Bauer is the first student since the mid-1990s to be named a semifinalist at New Buffalo High School. — FRANCESCA SAGALA

www.newbuffalotimes.com

10 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

New Buffalo High School celebrates Winterfest 2021

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

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PHOTOS PROVIDED

embers of the Class of 2021 were declared the winners of New Buffalo High School’s Winterfest Week, which took place Monday through Friday, Feb. 8-12.

Coming in second place was the junior class. Third place went to the sophomores and fourth place was the freshman class.

Beth Scoggin and Amy Ingle, student senate co-chairs and coordinators of Winterfest, presented the traditional megaphone to the senior class co-presidents in a special morning ceremony held with the Winterfest Court and class representatives in the school’s Performing Arts Center.

During the ceremony, Ingle crowned the 2021 Winterfest king and queen, seniors Cole Haskins and Nadia Collins.

Other seniors who were in the 2021 Winterfest Court were Konstantin Bauer, Madison Sexton, Bodee Davis, Abi Sheldon, Allie Smith, Josh Keen, Abby Vitale and Miguel Mercado.

The following students were named class representatives for this year’s Winterfest: Lauren Gradowski and Cameron Forker, freshmen; Marta Baughman and Matt Fidler, sophomores; and Olivia Schroeder and Diego Cervantes, juniors.

Aaron James and Ben Coffeen participate in a Winterfest game.

Da’nai Smothers-Davis and Elizabeth Mercado

Sophomore Winterfest representative Matthew Fidler

Eliza McGinn decked out for Spirit Week

Winterfest King and Queen Cole Haskins and Nadia Collins

Members of the senior Winterfest Court line the Performing Arts stage.

Teachers and Winterfest coordinators Beth Scoggin and Amy Ingle

The 2021 Winterfest Court

In accordance with Nature. What’s you mean silly? Everything — Dino

Cameron Forker and Lauren Gradowski

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021 11

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12 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021 A couch in one of the suites, which have dimmable lights

The floor and ceiling have been redone to make this room to reflect a more dining-room feel

The dark blue color makes the exterior of The Harbor Grand ‘pop’

A New Beginning: The Harbor Grand reopens after more than a year

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fter 16 months, Robert Kemper, managing director of The Harbor Grand in New Buffalo, is glad to be back.

More importantly, he’s glad to welcome everyone else back.

It’s something that hasn’t changed in Kemper’s mind with regards to his and staff members’ primary goal for the hotel’s guests: always put them and their getaway experience first.

“What makes us happiest and puts a smile on our faces is seeing people enjoying themselves and truly getting that moment away from their crazy life - to take a breath and slow down and enjoy food and drink, enjoy the pool or just relax in the room and sleep in…All those things are what everyone deserves for at least one day out of the year,” he said.

It’s the same kind of experience that guests have come to expect from the hotel since it first opened 25 years ago.

“For us, it’s just coming back to what we always did – but it’s just a new version,” Kemper said.

It was late September 2019. A lightning strike hit the roof of The Harbor Grand during a fall thunderstorm, creating a spark in the attic that eventually burst into flames.

By the time that occurred, everyone was evacuated, Kemper said, adding that there were “no injuries.”

Kemper said it wasn’t so much the fire damage that wreaked havoc on the building as it was the water damage. After all the water was used to put out the fire,

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

the skies opened up, and it rained – a lot.

The whole building was full of water, and everything needed to be dried and freed of mold and mildew. Every wall, the framing – “everything” was removed, Kemper said.

And then it was time to start all over again.

Not that that was necessarily a bad thing.

Calling it an “amazing story of turning lemons into lemonade,” Kemper said that the fire actually allowed for the implementation of changes that were long overdue.

“The fire gave us the opportunity to move some things forward - new windows, siding, a redo of the pool area, new roof and new entryway…After 25 years, it was getting close to time to address some of those needs,” he said.

The architecture and design of the building was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, American architect, interior designer, writer and educator, and Prairie School Architecture.

Kemper also enlisted the help of the firm of John Chipman, who was the original architect for the building, for the reconstruction. He also reengaged with Curioso, a hospitality interior design firm located in Chicago.

“We took the tenants of Prairie School and Frank Lloyd Wright and said, ‘What would be modern interpretation of his work - to take the elements that were important to him and basically transform Harbor Grand into a modern version of

that,” Kemper said.

The result was the use of a lot of handcrafted wood elements, as well as concrete and organic elements, throughout the building – all of which Kemper said is “very Frank Lloyd Wright.”

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he mission for the new hotel, Kemper said, is to be a “welcoming and a restorative retreat for guests.”

“It’s a shift for us – a little more wellness focused, with colors and music and spaces they (the guests) can enjoy,” he said.

This includes a new spa area that’s being built out downstairs, which should be completed by next winter. The pool, which should be completed by midMarch, now also has salt water in it instead of chlorine.

Kemper said The Terrace Room, which is also downstairs, kept its original character as well as the same elegant Italian menu (which will eventually evolve). The restaurant is open seven days a week, although at 25% capacity, he suggests calling for reservations or coming on a weekday as opposed to a weekend.

The downstairs lobby area has been completely redone and made into a larger space. A small room with seats and a crackling fire place was also opened up, where guests can sit and relax. The entryway has also been widened.

Kemper said that while the rooms were all redone, the “footprint” of each one stayed the same. Walking into one of the

suites, guests will notice that the lighting is now dimmable.

The bathrooms have also been updated.

Stepping into a bathroom in a suite, guests will notice there’s an area for a stall shower as well as one for a soaking tub.

The lighting can also be adjusted.

The delicate balance between the use of wood and darker tones with lighter tones is maintained in each room, triggering the high level of comfort that permeates the entire building.

“One of challenges of doing design for hotels in the Midwest is it has to work when its 90 degrees out and it has to work in the winter… If it was nautical, it wouldn’t work with weather like this, you need warm elements, but not too warm because in the summer, it’s stuffy,” Kemper said.

A whole crew, which includes himself, his wife, Collette, the design team, and the staff “had their hands” in the remodel.

The remodel process wasn’t without its share of curveballs – namely, Covid-19.

Kemper said there was a delay in supply delivery and trying to get the workforce to complete the construction during the pandemic, which prolonged the process.

But Kemper took it one day at a time.

“We’re counting our blessings everyday - certainly COVID helped us all do that…

We’re blessed in so many ways, primarily with health and also being part of such a supportive community,” he said.

The Harbor Grand is located at 111 W. Water Street in New Buffalo. To book a stay, visit www.harborgrand.com or call 1888-605-6800.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021 13

Area targeted by more heavy snowfall, frigid temperatures

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Benches and other amentities were buried in snow Feb. 16 after a nighttime storm

Mounds of snow lined North Whittaker Street in New Buffalo after a snowstorm Feb. 16

Seagulls hang out on a snow-covered parking lot at New Buffalo Public Beach Feb. 16 after Tuesday night’s storm

Snow piled up along North Whittaker Street in New Buffalo after a sowstorm Feb. 16

___________________________________________________________________ 685 West Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 | (269) 983-0325 | passarokahne.com 17656A US Highway 12, New Buffalo, MI 49117 | (269) 469-5297 | Fax: (269) 983-0328

• Business/Tax Law • Estate Planning • Medicaid & Long-Term

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

harsh snowstorm pummeled the area, with a winter storm warning blanketing southwest Michigan and the surrounding area early this week.

According to the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Northern Indiana, the strong storm system moved into the region late in the afternoon of Monday, Feb. 15, and lasted into the overnight hours of Tuesday, Feb. 16. There were 6 to 12 inches of snow that fell across the area, with the bulk of the snowfall occurring within a six- to nine-hour period. Winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph caused the widespread blowing and drifting of snow on several county roads. At the peak of the storm, snow fell at the rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

Temperatures dipped below 0 degrees in some parts of the region. The frigid temperatures lingered into the middle of the week (nearby South Bend reported reaching -4 degrees overnight Wednesday).

Temperatures remained in the single digits Tuesday morning, slowly warming to 20 degrees as the day progressed.

Area school districts declared snow days throughout the county Tuesday. Businesses, from restaurants to stores, as well as county buildings, also shut down for the day, with some opting to open later in the day (Casey’s New Buffalo opened late in the afternoon).

Residents of Michigan and Indiana weren’t alone in their wintertime woes, as much of the entire country was under some type of winter weather advisory or warning throughout the week.

www.newbuffalotimes.com

14 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021 15

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16 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES or disability.

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP 2021 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet to examine and review the 2021 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, property exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials via Zoom on: Tuesday, March 2, 2021, 9:00 am Organizational Meeting Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved.

APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUESTED and may be made by calling the Township Hall at 269-469-1011, x101; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than noon on March 16, 2021.

Zoom details and link will be provided on the Township website, www. newbuffalotownship.org MICHELLE HEIT, SUPERVISOR NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP SHALICE NORTHROP, ASSESSOR NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP New Buffalo Township Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex

American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/ hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to New Buffalo Township.

Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact New Buffalo Township by writing or calling.

JUDITH H. ZABICKI NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP CLERK 17425 RED ARROW HIGHWAY NEW BUFFALO, MI 49117 269.469.1011 X104

BOARD OF EDUCATION NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS VACANCY The New Buffalo District is seeking applications for the current vacant position on the Board of Education. An individual will be appointed to fill the vacant position until the November 8, 2022, election.

Interested persons must submit a letter expressing interest in the Board position and their qualifications for the position to the Office of the Superintendent, P. O. Box 280, 1112 E. Clay Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117 no later than NOON on March 1, 2021.

Following a review of the submitted materials, the Board will schedule interviews with selected candidates. Not all candidates for the Board vacancy will be interviewed.

If you have any questions concerning the role of the Board of Education and the responsibilities of a Board Member, please email Jeffrey Leslie, Superintendent of Schools, at jleslie@nbas.org.

A

Super Bowl a dream for La Porte college student

BY STAN MADDUX

college student from La Porte was at the Super Bowl learning the ropes of what could become her future career in the professional sports world.

Alyssa Nelson, 21, said the absolute thrill of working the game at Raymond James After a break, Nelson said she was waiting for the elevator so she could go back down to the field level of the stadium.

Bundchen was standing inside the elevator when the doors opened.

“I’ve seen pictures of her before and I was like. No way,” she said.

Nelson was too much like a deer in the headlights to say anything as Brady’s wife stepped out and uttered a quick hello before heading past her toward the luxury suites.

“I just stood there and looked at her,” she said.

Working the game won by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the Kansas City Chiefs was part of her nine-day internship working other sports and events in the city.

Nelson, who played basketball and softball at New Prairie High School, is majoring in sports management at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

“I got to learn a lot about the industry for

sure,” she said.

During the Super Bowl, she helped fans having trouble locating their seats on their game ticket apps.

Among her other duties was keeping fans away from the Pirate Ship area of the stadium for the halftime show by The Weeknd.

Nelson is in free style and hip hop dance club at IUPUI and The Weeknd is one of her favorite entertainers.

He walked right past her while thanking every member of the stadium crew for their help.

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elson said she also saw up close Russell Wilson, quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks, and former heavyweight boxing champion

Mike Tyson.

She’s hoping to be chosen for an internship to work the Super Bowl and other events next year in Los Angeles.

After receiving her degree, Nelson said similar work for professional sports teams is what interests her the most right now.

“That’s definitely the end goal I’m trying to accomplish and this experience with the Super Bowl just pushed me and motivated me more,” she said.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021 17

HOR0SCOPE FEBRUARY 18-24, 2021

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

The vibe this week will help you get control over your finances and implement a more stable environment for yourself and those around you. You are emotionally ready to say and do what needs to be said and done, in order to smooth out problems of who will pay for what.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

The vibe coming in this week will help you rise above the limitations or influences others have created for you.

This is the time to move forward with your own ideas and follow your dreams or creative visions.

Invest in yourself and put your energy into expanding beyond previous limitations.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

The vibe coming in this week will help you engage in conversations you may have been putting off because you haven’t felt secure enough in the relationship to share or because you haven’t had a private space in which to open up. Now you do. Take this opportunity to clear the air.

The stellar energy is shining on your house of career, public image and the material world, giving you the opportunity to make positive changes with your reputation or position. It’s important you make those personal level changes. So, there is nothing holding you back from advancing.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

The stellar energy is shining in your health and human resource sector, giving you the opportunity to get the help you need and clean up messes created by bad habits. It’s important you pay attention to details but also think outside the box. Get inspired by the people around you.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

The stars may be creating a bit of a wander lust in you now, making you want to travel and experience new cultures. Even though you may not be free to move around as you wish, perhaps you can buy a map of the world and research areas of the world that are geologically active.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 The stars may be creating a bit of a dissatisfaction or a feeling that the work you are doing is not bringing you happiness it once was. Even though you can’t walk away from commitments or change jobs, it doesn’t mean you can’t have more fun with the people you work with. Create that party atmosphere.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

The cosmic energy is focused on your connections with others and in particular your financial connections.

This is the time when you will see payments coming in that were previously held back or lost. Also, this is a good time to secure a loan or work with creditors to manage debt.

s

The cosmic energy is focusing in on your family, the people you live with or work closely with. Any problems or insecurities will surely surface now. Use this as an opportunity to face deeper issues that may have some darker emotions behind them. No regrets and no more sugar coating.

The stellar energy is shining in your house of finances and luxury items, giving you the opportunity to get a good deal on any of your extravagant purchases and also, a time when you will see your wealth grow. It’s important you keep track of your receipts and paperwork.

The stars may be creating a sense of dissatisfaction with your appearance or you may be experiencing an identity crisis of sorts this week.

Guard against making drastic or permanent changes. Stick with things that are easy to change, like clothing or hair color.

The cosmic energy is boosting your intuitive powers and your ability to tune into the more spiritual side of life.

This is a great time to deepen meditative practices or engage in activities that expand the mind, as well as the physical like yoga or dancing. Music can bring up powerful emotions, now.

We’re born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we’re not alone. — Orson Welles

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18 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Animal shelter director sets sights on greener pastures

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C H EC K O U T O U R NE W LO C AT I O N IN SOUTH BEND

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BY STAN MADDUX

hat was like a traditional dog pound became more of an adoption center and medical clinic for lost and abandoned pets under her watch.

Jane Bernard is retiring after 31 years as director of the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter.

Bernard, 60, was quick to share the credit with others for the complete turnaround of the shelter housing dogs and cats.

“I had a huge, huge support system.

That’s why the shelter was so successful,” she said.

Bernard after coming here from Wisconsin first became a receptionist for a local veterinarian.

She later was tapped to get the La Porte County government-owned shelter on Indiana 2 beside the fairgrounds heading in the right direction.

Bernard said there was little, if any, record keeping at the shelter infested by cock roaches and lacking proper maintenance before she took it over.

There was also a high rate of animals being euthanized under a five day adoption deadline.

Now, she said dogs and cats stay until they’re adopted and euthanized only if they’re suffering or aggressive toward humans.

“Animals shouldn’t be disposable.

They’re living beings,” she said.

Bernard said the addition of the Stevens Treatment Center in 2014 also

ranks high on the list of achievements during her tenure.

The facility was made possible by $1 million left to the shelter in the will of animal lovers Delbert and Virginia Stevens.

The center staffed by local veterinarians makes sure animals are healthy prior to adoption.

Dogs and cats are also spayed or neutered and microchipped before placed into a new home.

La Porte County Commission president Rich Mrozinski said he’s happy Bernard is able to retire but sad to see her go.

“What a hard worker and what a very decent person.

There’s going to be some tough shoes to fill,” he said.

Bernard said it’s been a blessing to run the shelter because of the animals saved and many friendships made from her encounters along the way.

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he won’t miss the sleepless nights, though, from worrying about pets brought in abused or neglected.

Bernard, the owner of a six-acre farm outside La Porte, also looks forward to having more time to pursue interests and cleaning out the stalls of her two donkeys not just to unwind from a stressful day.

“The shelter will always be in my heart. I’m sure whoever is the next director wants some help and wants me to come back I would love to maybe do some volunteer work.

Something along those lines. We’ll see how it plays out,” she said.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021 19

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20 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Walking on ice can result in severe injury or even death if you do not follow precautions

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emember to always stay off the shelf ice on Lake Michigan.

If you’re interested in ice fishing, consult your local bait shop and also flow these ICE SAFETY TIPS from the Michigan DNR website.

Your safety is your responsibility!

There is not a reliable “inch-thickness” to determine if ice is safe.

You can test ice thickness and quality using a spud, needle bar or auger.

Strongest ice: clear with bluish tint.

Weak ice: ice formed by melted and refrozen snow. Appears milky.

Stay off ice with slush on top. Slush ice is only half as strong as clear ice and indicates the ice is not freezing from the bottom.

A sudden cold front with low temperatures can create cracks within a half-day.

A warm spell may take several days to weaken ice, and cause the ice to thaw during the day and refreeze at night.

Ice weakens with age.

If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, be extra cautious.

Stronger the current on the lake, the more likely the ice will give to open water.

Avoid areas of ice with protruding debris like logs or brush.

Keep an eye out for dock bubblers or de-icers as the ice near these mechanisms will be unsafe. Always check the ice and be aware of your surroundings.

Michigan DNR goes on to give extra precautions about Ice covered by snow, which is always unsafe. The area has no shortage of snowfall over the last few weeks. Please flow these precautions for ice that is covered by snow: Ice covered by snow: Should always be considered unsafe.

Snow acts like an insulating blanket and slows freezing process.

Ice under snow is thin and weak.

A recent snowfall can melt existing ice. — STAFF REPORTS

A

BLOSSOMTIME FESTIVAL PAGEANTS POSTPONED UNTIL THE FALL

fter “dealing with one of the hardest questions we have faced,” Anna Marie Abdelnour, president of the Blossomtime Festival, said the Festival has decided to postpone community pageants until after Sept.

1, 2021.

Abdelnour released the following statement: “After speaking with the chairmen of each local program and lengthy conversations with the Board of Directions, we have decided this is the most responsible and respectful action we can take at this time.

The Festival wants to take this down time for what we would like to call a reset. We are hoping to be able to continue with some of our time-honored traditions this spring such as Blessing of the Blossoms and other events that we feel could be possible within the guidelines set during this pandemic.

Something that is especially important to all of us is the growth of the diverse young people we work with. We all strive to create a “blue ribbon” experience for each of our young kids. With events limited and crowd sizes capped, we struggled to figure out what experience we could create for our new title holders.

In an effort to include the youth that did not have the opportunity to

run for 2021, we have expanded the age limit to 17-20 years old for the 2021-2022 pageant season only.

The health and support of the communities for not only the Festival, but each other, are far more important than the risk. The Festival is not going anywhere, we are strong and can survive this thanks to the support from our communities and sponsors.

“The Blossomtime Festival is the oldest, largest, multi-community Festival in Michigan, celebrating 115 years this year. The goal of the Festival is to provide young adults in Southwest Michigan with mentoring opportunities, to learn about our rich agricultural history and to assist in making their educational dreams come true by providing scholarships.

Each year the Blossomtime Festival crowns a Queen and King to celebrate the coming of Spring for our rich agricultural region. Our first Miss Blossomtime, Catherine Burrell from Benton Harbor, was crowned in 1924 and our first Mr. Blossomtime Jake Belter from the community of Stevensville was crowned in 1997. Our 88th and current Miss Blossomtime is Faith Kittleson from Berrien Springs and our 24th and current Mr. Blossomtime is Jeremiah Sterling of Benton Harbor.” — STAFF

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o s S s d L

T t s b p r i

REPORTS

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2021 21

New TROTOM video will entertain with pioneer songs

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he Region of Three Oaks Museum (TROTOM) is teaming up with the School of American Music to present an evening of “Songs of the Pioneers” via Zoom at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25.

The songs, played by a quartet of local folk musicians, depict the subjects that occupied the minds of Southwest Michigan’s 19th Century settlers, including logging, farming, domestic work, the railroads, Great Lakes sailing and celebrations.

Program host Nick Bogert, a TROTOM board member, will provide the historical context in which the songs were sung. Bogert will create a brief pictorial background using old photos and paintings of lumberjacks, railroad crews and other appropriate illustrations.

“It’s infotainment at its most infotaining,” Bogert said.

Bogert has produced other TROTOM videos including “Lifestyles of the Mich(iana) & Famous,” “Lights!

Camera! Three Oaks! The Making of Prancer” and “The Pokagon Band: More Than Just a Casino.”

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1948-2021

lice Mae DeMorrow, 72, of Bridgman died peacefully Saturday, February 6, 2021 in the comfort of her family’s

MY BIGGEST FANS

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ocal musicians include Garth Taylor providing guitar, dulcimer, vocals and arranging; Dan Moser on vocals, banjo, guitar and percussion; Tara Dodge on vocals, flute and percussion; and Daniel Rodriguez on upright bass.

To join this Zoom program, email TROTOM at trotommuseum@gmail. com for login information. — STAFF

REPORTS

presence.

She was born August 4, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to Richard and Mabel Koch. She married Gerald Edward DeMorrow in 1972.

She will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her two daughters, Sheri Bower of Baroda, Jodi DeMorrow of Bridgman; two grandchildren, Sydnee (Trevor), Vladimir; four great grandchildren, Greyson, Mason, Joel, Freya.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; grandparents;

and one brother, James Koch.

Family and friends gathered for a graveside service Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Three Oaks, where she was laid to rest with her husband.

The family prefers contributions in Alice’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks.

Please share a memory or a message online at www.wagnercares.com.

Please submit your classified ad via email at classifieds@newbuffalotimes. com. New Buffalo Times can now accept online payments with a credit card or paypal. Go to our website, www. newbuffalotimes.com, and submit $14 per week for a classified ad of up to 160 characters. Deadline is Friday 5PM before the following week’s publication.

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

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Colin Swanson • (269) 469-2222 ext. 8141 • tcunet.com/investments TCU Investment Services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc.*, a broker/dealer focused on serving credit union members. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. is an affiliate of CUNA Mutual Group. For more information about CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., please visit cunabrokerage.com. *TCU Investment Services Representatives are registered representatives of CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. Representatives are registered, securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, which is not an affiliate of the credit union. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty States of the United States of America.

FR-3399249.1-0121-0223