March 19, 2020

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

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 12, volume 79

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Thursday, March 19, 2020

New Buffalo DDA to meet quarterly PAGE 4

Community celebrates ‘decade of beef’ at Corned Beef-off PAGE 5 Foul trouble costly for Bison in district tournament loss PAGE 6 Recreational marijuana, lagoon sewer lines, and DNR grant for Watkins Park highlights of packed Three Oaks Village meeting PAGE 7 Chikaming Township moving ‘full speed ahead’ with plans for Red Arrow Highway Corridor project PAGE 14

THE NEW NORMAL?

COVID-19 IMPACT FELT THROUGHOUT SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — PAGES 9-11 —

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

Hook given to body piercing shop

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Feel at Ease with McGhee’s

BY STAN MADDUX

he hook has been given to a shop for practicing unsafe body piercing.

As a result, select customers at Paparazzi Tattoo & Body Piercing could have been exposed to blood pathogens and should undergo blood tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, according to the Berrien County Health Department.

The operating license of the business in Niles has been suspended for improper sterilization of metal forceps used in some of the procedures, BCHD officials said.

The recommendation applies to customers who have ever received piercings to areas like their navel, tongue, nipples and genitals at the facility, officials said.

Recipients of just ear and nose piercings at the shop are not at-risk and don’t require testing, according to BCHD. Officials said the health department is

working to notify people with records of having received the piercings at question from the store to recommend testing and offer guidance.

Testing should be sought from a health care provider, officials said.

Individuals without a primary care provider, though, can be tested at the health department office in Niles every Tuesday and Thursday and every Monday and Thursday at the Benton Harbor branch, officials said.

Health department officials noted they not have identified any case of disease associated with the unsafe practices but the investigation is ongoing and symptoms of an infection may not show up for many years.

A hotline has been established to answer questions or concerns from the public at 1-800-815-5485.

Four Winds Casino worker accused of molesting child being held in jail

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BY STAN MADDUX

n employee at Four Winds Casino was at work dropping hints of wrongdoing and threatening suicide.

That’s according to the evidence contained in the seven counts of child molesting filed against 55-year-old Joseph Kuta of LaPorte.

Kuta was being held in the LaPorte County Jail on $100,000 bond.

He’s accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl for two years.

According to court documents, LaPorte Police were contacted March 4 after the girl told her therapist she had been sexually assaulted by a “family friend.”

The next day, Kuta, who was acting suicidal, told several co-workers trying to

help that he was involved with a teenager, police said.

He wouldn’t provide specifics but made statements like “you’ll probably see it in the media” and “I’m probably going to lose my job,” police said.

Police said other statements from Kuta included “he could possibly go to jail because of what he did.”

Kuta wound up being taken from the casino to a hospital.

Concerned that he may have committed crime, a Pokagon Tribal Police officer notified LaPorte Police, who already had Kuta on their radar screens.

Four of the counts filed against Kuta are level 1 felonies and are each punishable by a 20- to 40-year sentence.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO CITY COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) MEETING Meets on the 2nd Thursday May, September, adn November at 8AM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS Meets on the first 1st Tuesday Quarterly at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

New Buffalo DDA to meet quarterly

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

embers of the New Buffalo Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board of Trustees agreed to begin meeting quarterly at their monthly meeting Thursday, March 12.

Members agreed it made sense, since there are currently no major projects in the works within the DDA business district.

Members have been meeting at New Buffalo City Hall at 8 a.m. on the second Thursday of the month. Per the new quarterly arrangement, meetings for the remainder of 2020 will take place in May, September and November.

Members have not held a meeting since last November (a workshop session was held last month due to lack of quorum).

Board members discussed the economic development currently taking place on North Whittaker Street (which lies within the DDA district).

According to member Doug Roch, a member of the DDA’s economic development committee, there are currently five to six commercial buildings where there’s been the “changing of hands,” as some are under new contracts.

He said that the activity is a great boost to the downtown.

Speaking more in economic development, Roch gave an update on the steering committee meetings with regards to future improvements at the city’s waterfront.

Last summer, the city was awarded a $51,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture – Rural Development to develop a master plan and complete preliminary engineering work on the waterfront area, from the Whittaker Street Bridge to Lake Michigan, as well as areas along the Galien River, boat launch, marina, Lions Park and beach area.

In January, an open house presented by Abonmarche, a design firm (who wrote the grant), was held during which members of the public gave input on three design

concepts for the waterfront. Roch said that the plan was to take input from the public and create a “hybrid plan.” He added that not everyone was in favor of the proposed amphitheater in Lions Park, which could take away from the natural area. Having a portable stage, which would require the public to bring their own chair or sit on blankets on the ground, as opposed to amore permanent structure may be a more feasible option.

A seawall was also being proposed.

Roch said that the seawall and pedestrian bridge may be part of the plan’s first phase and may require separate grant funding from the rest of the project. Abonmarche representatives at the open house said that it was imperative that the plan get completed by April 1 in time for this year’s grant cycle.

With regards to the seawall, Richards reminded everyone that the city was seeking a “temporary solution” by installing a four-foot high wall made of 50 two-bytwo-by-six-foot concrete blocks.

The city council recently approving spending $5,360 for the installation of the wall, which will be erected in front of the riverfront from the North Whittaker Street Bridge to the beach parking lot.

Richards said at a Parks/Harbor Commission meeting that he hopes that the blocks will “impede the water some” when the lakefront gets the northwest wind and it blows across the sculpture garden at the beach and into the street.

Board members approved holding informational meetings in May and November. Kemper said that he’d notify the appropriate taxing authorities, which in this case is the county.

Board members gave their support of a Free Little Library, which would be located on the corner of Merchant and Whittaker streets. It would be maintained by the Friends of New Buffalo Library and hopefully installed by April, Kate Mell, who was speaking for the group, said.

Politics is more difficult than physics.

— Albert Einstein

New Buffalo Area Schools, Chikaming Public Safety millages

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Local residents approved two millages at the Tuesday, March 10, Michigan Presidential Primary.

According to BerrienCounty.gov, there were 4,210 registered voters in Chikaming and New Buffalo townships and the City of New Buffalo. Out of the 1,232 ballots that were cast, 963 voted yes for the New Buffalo Area Schools millage renewal and 215 voted against it.

The school district had a proposal to renew its current five-year millage (18 mil) that’s levied on non-homestead property (industrial, commercial, business, rental, and second homes). The ballot proposal will be asking residents to renew the millage that nonprimary homeowners are currently paying under Proposal A to support public schools. The current nonhomestead tax levy will expire with 2020 tax levy.

Primary homeowners don’t pay the tax under the millage.

The millage makes up approximately 75% of the school district’s operating budget.

Chikaming Township had 2,736 registered voters. Out of the 1,104 ballots that were cast, 751 residents voted in favor of the township’s four-year Public Safety Millage at 1.9 mils, which is an increase of .5 mils from the current 1.4 mils, while 319 voted against it.

At a meeting of the Chikaming Township Board of Trustees last October, David Bunte, township supervisor, said that the millage hasn’t increased since its inception in 1992. In the past, the General Fund has committed, on average, $150,000 to $200,000 to cover budgeted expenses in Public Safety. An increase in revenue will allow the township to cease relying on the General Fund to subsidize. Increasing the public safety millage to 1.9 mills will raise an estimated $1,188,806 in the first year that it’s levied.

According to the official ballot question, the township “wishes to levy 1.9 mills to provide for the continuing operation, maintenance and support of public safety within Chikaming Township.” — COMPILED BY

FRANCESCA SAGALA

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

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Community celebrates ‘decade of beef’ at Corned Beef-off

Dan Lindsay serves corned beef to Dawn and Dave Workman

Emma Brewster, David’s co-proprietor greets guests

(front, l-r) Ashton Jacobs-Golebiewski , Keegan StocksMcCelligot and (back) Andrick Villa serve up corned beef

Abby Voss serves up spirits

Mike Dombrowski and Sage never miss a beef-off

Guests line the deli counter for more corned beef

Guests warm up by the fire at Dave’s patio

Joe Lindsay, David’s coproprietor, has the beef

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

arbor Country residents came out to celebrate a “decade of beef” - as David’s Delicatessen and Coffee co-proprietor Emma Brewster referred to it – during the New Buffalo dining establishment’s 10th annual Corned Beef-Off Sunday, March 16.

For a $15 fee, guests were invited to an unlimited number of slices of corned beef entries from 20 purveyors across the country, including Chicago, Detroit and Omaha, Nebraska. Among the three vegan options was one from Black Currant Bakehouse in Union Pier.

Guests lined up along the deli’s main counter, where plates that were heaping with fresh slabs of corned beef were on display. For those who still hadn’t had their fill, David’s other proprietor Joe Lindsay, meandered his way through the hungry crowd while balancing a plate with generous slices of fresh-outof-the-oven corned beef piled on top of it.

After they’d had their fill, guests were invited to cast their votes for this year’s corned beef winners. This year’s declared winner was an entry from Bare Bones Gastropub in La Porte. The vegan winner was Black Currant Bakehouse’s entry.

Guest also enjoyed boiled potatoes and cabbage with their meal, washing it all down with a wide variety of Irish beer, wine and whiskey that was for sale.

For returning guests, it was business as usual – minus a few changes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic that’s swept across the nation, Brewster said that the deli had decided to take a few precautionary measures. Members of the food staff were on hand to serve all of the food and the public wasn’t welcome to touch any of the food service equipment. Signs were posted, prohibiting guests to to reuse their

paper plates.

This year, Brewster said that the deli had prepared 50 to-go boxes ahead of time for those who still wished to enjoy the corned beef but wanted to practice the Center for Disease Control’s recommended “social distancing.”

Brewster said that she had also ran a few to-go boxes out to customers curbside.

As with all of the other restaurants in the area, Brewster said that David’s has really “turned up the notch” with regards to implementing its sanitary protocols and encouraging customers to wash their hands more.

“We’re hoping people take precautions and do what’s best for them and their family – we’re thankful so many were able to join us,” she said.

The first beef-off was held on a Thursday on St. Patrick’s Day. “Here we are decade later – it’s a fun, good, community event,” she said.

Money from this year’s beef-off went to Harbor Country Mission, a nonprofit organization that exists to aid those who are on the border of financial poverty, in partnership with our community members through local service, to those in need. Brewster said that the organization does home repairs, provides kitchen items and furniture to people in need and accepts donations at its warehouse in Bridgman seven days a week.

“It’s a good way to keep what you have in the community - even if you don’t need it anymore, someone else will,” she said.

Harbor Country Mission’s warehouse is located at 9600 Red Arrow Highway in Bridgman. Vintage Finds – HCM, located at 12816 Red Arrow Highway in Sawyer, serves as the “retail storefront” of HCM and sells vintage items donated by the community.

For more information, visit www. harborcountrymission.org.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

ARENA sports

Foul trouble costly for Bison in district tournament loss

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BY STAN MADDUX

ven though the New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team had to play the final minutes of the district tournament semi-finals with just four players, they nearly pulled out a victory.

Five players fouled out of the Wednesday, March 11, game won by Eau Claire 72-69 at Lake Michigan Catholic High School.

The Bison went into halftime with a one-point lead but were outscored by 10 points in the third quarter from key players with four fouls apiece having to sit on the bench.

Kayden Parmley, Mark Shaw and Ryan Vinson were among the five players fouling out with about three minutes left in the game.

The four remaining players kept the Bison within striking distance, though.

“They played with everything they had

and they kept us as close as they could,” said head coach Nate Tripp.

Sophomores Anthony Lijewski, Ryan Vinson and Kayden Parmley scored 20 points, 18 points and 15 points respectively.

It was a disappointing loss for the Bison hoping to defend their district title from a team losing four-players to graduation last year.

Tripp said the future looks promising from losing just one senior, Michael Flick, from this year’s squad.

“Hopefully, with another year of experience and coming back with that core group as juniors they’re going to be a little stronger and a little bit hungrier,” he said.

The district championship game between Eau Claire and River Valley, like all other high school sporting events in Michigan, has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

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I’m nice to everybody, I respect other people.

If you respect me, I respect you.

— Dana White

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

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bout six years ago I began writing this column.

During those years, the Cubs broke their jinx and won the World Series, the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, the Bears returned to respectability, the White Sox completed their rebuild, and the Bulls, well the Bulls keep trying.

So many things have happened in the wide world of sports, and for that matter, the world itself.

Through it all, I have made every attempt to remain positive, and I will continue to do so this week.

But first, I must give a little time and space to the coronavirus.

When I wrote my column last Sunday, the virus was little more than a nuisance. Since then, all heck has broken loose. As we all know, in one short week, life as we know it has drastically changed. In Chicago, schools, restaurants, bars, theaters, and on and on are closed for a couple of weeks at least. People are going a little crazy buying toilet paper, and anything else they can get their hands on at the grocery store. The frenzy doesn’t compare with anything I’ve seen in all my years.

The sporting world is all messed up. I was at a music concert Wednesday night and when the concert ended, I checked my phone only to find out that an NBA player had tested positive for the virus and the league was shutting down.

Then I heard that the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments were also being shut down. Then Major League Baseball decided to delay the opening of their season, followed

by golf, then every sport.

I began to worry about the economic impact this virus was going to have on the sporting world. The owners and players were not my concern, but the people behind the scenes who don’t make much money might be in real trouble. Then I heard Kevin Love was going to give one hundred thousand dollars for the stadium staff followed by LeBron, Zion, and others. The Blackhawks and the Bulls pledged to pay United Center workers during the stoppage.

There are still plenty of workers both in and out of the sporting world who need to work in order to make ends meet. It was encouraging to see that mortgage payments were suspended in Italy. My hope is that everyone will pull together and the world will become a kinder gentler place. Whatever we can do for each other, let’s do it. While the next little while will be rough for some, let’s do our part to make it as easy as we can for everyone.

In an attempt to lighten things up just a little bit, I’m going to leave you with a couple of dad jokes this week. Two goldfish are in a tank. One says to another, “Do you know how to drive this thing?” And if you thought that was bad, Did you know the first French fries weren’t actually cooked in France? They were cooked in Greece. Be kind to one another. Keep smiling. Be careful.

Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

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Recreational marijuana, lagoon sewer lines, and DNR grant for Watkins Park highlights of packed Three Oaks Village meeting

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he decision on whether to allow the sale of recreational marijuana in Three Oaks is working its way through the Three Oaks Village Council.

During their March 11 meeting, councilmembers had their first of what Village President Dave Grosse said would be several meetings to review the findings of the Marijuana Committee.

Several audience members spoke in support of allowing retail businesses in the village. Council member Colleen Newquist, who is also on the marijuana committee, said they researched the pros and cons of permitting sales and sought feedback from the public, but did not make a determination. Instead, she said the committee compiled the information for the Council to consider. While the committee considered allowing up to two retail businesses, they also looked at information on permitting test facilities, she said.

Newquist noted if sales are allowed, the tax on retail sales would provide a funding source for the village. Grosse agreed, but said money would not be the sole factor in making a decision.

Council members asked about possible regulations and enforcement.

In the end, the Council agreed to ask the committee to create a sample ordinance.

The Council also sent a proposed amendment to regulate RVs back to the Planning Commission for clarification.

The proposed amendment, which Newquist said replaced wording that was accidentally left out of the existing ordinance, would outline parking, storage and usage requirements and prohibit use for short-term rentals.

Late in the meeting, the Council accepted the Planning Commission's annual report and adopted the 2050 Master Plan, thanking the Planning Commission for their work.

The Council also learned the village's financial state. Derek Hall, an auditor for the Michigan Department of Treasury, reported that, despite some large expenses for major projects, Three Oaks is in good

BY THERESE DONNELLY

shape with an “A-” overall.

“The bottom line of general fund is doing just fine,” Hall said.

Grosse presented the Council with a copy of a notice of violation letter from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) regarding the village sewage lagoons. Grosse said most of the violations had been addressed and were clerical issues, including the testing lab not including dates and times on reports and inspection reports not being filed.

He said the village is also setting traps to remove small burrowing animals, but has to follow DNR restrictions. When asked

by Newquist how long inspection reports had not been filed, Grosse said it was still undetermined as the current staff has only been employed for a year and a half. He noted this is why it is important to find an experienced manager to handle the lagoons.

Inspection of the sewer lines near the lagoons will finally begin. Unusually warm winter weather had left the ground too soft for the contracted company's equipment.

Grosse said a new company, Waste Recovery Systems, has lighter equipment that can go out now. The Council approved paying $7,860 to WRS for video inspection to identify infiltration points.

The lagoons themselves need to be inspected to assess sludge levels. Grosse said pond one needs to be inspected now, and the village would save time and money by having pond two inspected at the same time. Councilmember Troy Zebell asked if it would be possible to do all three, which Grosse said would likely depend on how much measuring needs to be done.

The Council approved a payment up to $4128 to measure sludge levels and submit reports to the Village and EGLE. For the water department, the Council approved the purchase of a valve turner.

Grosse explained the water shutoff valves under the streets are left open unless water needs to be shut off to repair a damaged line. Over time, the valves can become stuck open, requiring a great deal of force to shut in an emergency. Water and Sewer Superintendent Quentin Clark requested

a motorized valve turner to make this easier. The Council approved the $8,625 purchase from Ferguson Waterworks.

Grosse said the South Bend firm would be local enough to provide support if needed. Councilmember Becky Thompson asked if the turner came with any warranty, which Grosse said he would check on.

After a brief hearing, the Council voted to apply for a DNR grant to help fund improvements to Watkins Park. Plans for Phase I of the project include wheelchair accessibility, sand volleyball courts and a horseshoe pit. Phase II plans include tennis and pickleball courts and a portable ice rink for the winter.

The DNR grant is for a maximum of $50,000 and Grosse said the village has been verbally approved for a grant from the Pokagon Fund. The balance of the project will come from the Village's general fund.

At their April meeting, the Council will consider a uniform policy for village employees. There have been several recent reports of people posing as village or utility workers to gain access to homes to commit burglaries. Councilmembers agreed that a specific uniform and ID could help residents recognize village employees. In addition, councilmember Steve Graziano said he had recently noticed auxiliary police officers wearing their uniforms while providing off-duty private security.

He noted this could potentially open the village to liability issues. Grosse agreed and said Police Chief Dennis Buller will instruct officers not to wear uniforms outside of official duties.

Three Oaks' auxiliary officers complete an auxiliary academy but are not certified officers and are required to work with a certified officer.

Clearing up a piece of business from their February meeting, the Council approved the closing of streets for the Flag Day 5K. Thomas said the street closure was listed on the Flag Day Committee's original request, but was not mentioned in their presentation at the previous meeting.

The Three Oaks American Legion is

looking to expand Flag Day celebrations.

Jody Barrett from American Legion Post 204 told the Council there are plans to honor “hometown heroes,” with banners to recognize honorably discharged veterans who currently or previously lived in Three Oaks, or graduated from River Valley High School. Applicants may contact the Legion for more information.

Grosse said the Village will hang the banners on lampposts during the summer months.

Representing property owner Robert Murphy, Jack Pizzo of Pizzo and Associates, landscape architects, requested permission to perform a prescribed fire as part of a plan to create a pollinator garden with native plants. The Council was hesitant to approve the request, noting Fire Chief David Flick had not approved it.

Pizzo said he would be happy to speak to Flick and explain his company's training and credentials. The Council granted approval contingent upon consent from Flick.

With warm weather coming, the Council approved the 2020 streets projects, hoping to have bids out in time for review in April so work can begin soon.

Since the departure of Village Manager Mike Greene, there has been no official streets administrator. Grosse has been serving as pro tem manager, but suggested the Council simply make the village manager the administrator, so there will be no need to re-appoint the position when a new manager is hired.

Several residents on Sherwood Avenue signed a petition to the Council asking for action on a residence they say has three dogs that bark constantly, disrupting the neighborhood. Grosse said he would talk with Buller.

As their final agenda item, the Council went into closed session to review applications for the open Village Manager position. Grosse explained applicants can remain anonymous until they accept an invitation for an interview.

Out of 13 applicants, Grosse said the Council would select two or three to interview.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

COVID-19 impact felt throughout southwest Michigan

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outhwest Michigan, along with the state of Michigan, has been dealing with the rapidly spreading and highly contagious coronavirus, or COVID-19, since the first cases of the virus were confirmed within the state two weeks ago.

Since then, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has taken drastic measures to reduce the spread of the virus, including declaring a State of Emergency for Michigan the week of March 9.

As of Monday afternoon, March 16, more than 50 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Michigan.

Several major local events have been cancelled or postponed. The 2020 Miss and Mr. Blossomtime pageants, which were scheduled for Sunday and Monday, March 15-16, were postponed (see page 11) due to the closing of Lake Michigan College and the Mendel Center last week.

Gov. Whitmer also signed an executive order closing all K-12 schools until Monday, April 6 (see page 11).

As a precautionary measure and to stop the spread of COVID-19, city, village and township halls have been closed to the public, including New Buffalo City Hall, New Buffalo Township Hall, Village of Grand Beach Hall, Chikaming Township Center and Village of Three Oaks Hall. Several municipal meetings have also been cancelled, as the City of New Buffalo cancelled its Monday night meeting. Staff

COMPILED BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

is still working inside of the buildings and is available by email and phone. Residents are being encouraged to use online bill pay option for payments or use drop boxes located in front of the building. For updates, residents are encouraged to visit each respective municipality’s website.

To help mitigate the spread of the highly contagious virus, area libraries, including New Buffalo Township Library, Three Oaks Township Library and Bridgman Public Library, will be closed through Monday, April 6.

On the New Buffalo Township Library’s Facebook page, patrons are being encouraged to take advantage of online resources, such as OverDrive or Hoopla, and should visit www. newbuffalotownshiplibrary. org and click on Books/ Audio/Digital www. newbuffalotownshiplibrary. org/index.asp. According to their Facebook page, Bridgman Public Library is instructing patrons to “keep any currently checked out library materials at home during this time; book drops will not be available.

Due dates and holds will be extended, and overdue fines will be waived. MELcat due dates will be extended, but the service will be suspended until the library re-opens.”

On Monday, March 16, Gov. Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-9, which temporarily closes theaters, bars, and casinos, and limits restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders.

Under the executive order, the following places of public accommodation will be closed: restaurants, cafes, coffee houses, bars, taverns, brewpubs, distilleries, clubs, movie theaters, indoor and outdoor performance venues, gymnasiums, fitness centers, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, spas, and casinos.

This order does not restrict a place of business from offering food and beverage using delivery service, window service, walk-up service, drivethrough service, or drive-up service. Restaurants may allow five people inside at a time to pick up orders, so long as they stay six feet apart from each other.

Order restrictions will remain in place until Monday, March 30 at 11:59 p.m.

Some area restaurants announced closures ahead of the state mandated one.

On Sunday, Stray Dog Bar and Grill in New Buffalo announced that its restaurant and store will be closed until March 30 and the Harbert Swedish Bakery and Luisa’s Café in Harbert announced its closure until April 2.

Updates are available on the respective restaurant’s websites and Facebook pages.

In a press release from the Berrien County Health Department, all Berrien County residents are encouraged to take every day, common sense precautions to avoid getting sick and protect others: • Implement personal

protective measures (stay home when sick, regular handwashing, cover coughs/sneezes, and clean frequently touched surfaces daily).

•S top hand-shaking – use other noncontact methods for greeting one another (like an elbow bump).

•C reate a household plan of action in case of illness in the household or further disruption of daily activities due to COVID-19 in the community.

• I ndividuals at increased risk of severe illness should consider staying at home and avoiding large gatherings or other situations of potential exposures, including travel.

•C onsider canceling non-essential travel as crowded travel settings, like airports, may increase your risk of exposure to COVID-19.

BCHD staff are working day and night to monitor this evolving situation and will continue to provide new information to the community as things change. A hotline has been established to answer questions from the public at 1-800-815-5485 and more information can be found at the Berrien County Health Department website at www. bchdmi.org or by following BCHD on social media.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly.

The latest information is available at www.michigan. gov/coronavirus and www. cdc.gov/coronavirus.

9

CORONAVIRUS CONFIRMED IN LAPORTE COUNTY

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here’s a confirmed case of coronavirus from LaPorte County.

LaPorte County Commission President Sheila Matias said the patient is a 55-year-old man from the city of LaPorte.

She said the man was in critical condition at Porter Regional Hospital near Chesterton.

Matias said she was alerted to the confirmed case Friday night after the man, who had developed symptoms, was tested.

Matias said it appears the people he’s had recent contact with are strictly family members at home and at a residence in Joliet, Illinois, where he recently traveled All of those individuals are presently under a quarantine.

“Every contact that he has had has been examined and they are in quarantine.

We’re doing everything we can to make sure there’s no further transmission,” she said.

Matias said the man does home repair for a living out of his residence and doesn’t appear to have had contact with a lot of people based on the information gathered so far in the case.

Matias also asked residents to remain calm and follow advice like washing hands, covering mouths while sneezing or coughing and staying away from large gatherings from the Centers for Disease Control to try and limit the spread of the virus.

“This is a time when the community really has to pull together. We need to be sure we’re looking out for each other. This is not a time for panic. It’s a time for taking care of each other and just hunkering down, being calm, watching movies, play some board games, read to your children. Calmness is the order of the day,” she said. — STAN MADDUX

www.newbuffalotimes.com

10 THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

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Area school district to offer ‘grab and go’ meals for next several weeks COMPILED BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

n the wake of the recent closure of schools that has been directed

by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (see page 11) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, area school districts are offering free “grab and go”-style meals to students.

On the New Buffalo High School Principal’s Facebook page, a letter from New Buffalo Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie said that the district be “will begin its summer feeding program a little early” by providing free breakfasts and lunches to any child age 18 and under until classes resume. The schedule will be as follows: a. Schedule of deliveries every Monday (two meals), Wednesday (two meals), and Friday (three meals): i. Elementary School Door #2 (back of cafeteria), 11:30 a.m. to noon; ii. High School Doors #7 and #8 (back of cafeteria), 11:30 a.m. to noon; iii. J udy’s Motel, 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.; iv. Oakview Estate Apartments, 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.; and v. New Buffalo Library Parking Lot, 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. b. Any students with food allergies should contact Food Service Director Patty Iazzetto at 269-4696048 or piazzetto@nbas.org.

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t the River Valley School District, the RV Chuck Wagon will be running Monday through Friday through Friday, April 3, with stops at the following locations (students will be able to pick up breakfast and lunch in the same stop): • Trinity Lutheran in Sawyer from 11 to 11:30 am., • New Troy Community Center from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.,

• Galien Township Library from 12:30 to 1 p.m., and • Three Oaks Elementary from 1:15 to 1: 45 p.m.

Meals are free to all children 18 years and under, regardless of home district.

Meals for adults are $1 for breakfast and $2 for lunch.

The district will be using a drive by service, inviting everyone to “come, collect, and go home.”

The Bridgman Public Schools Facebook page stated that it will provide nutritious breakfast and lunches through Friday, April 5, to three sites throughout the district on Sundays and Wednesdays during the Bridgman Public Schools closure. This service is free to all children 18 years old and younger.

Sunday’s pick-up includes breakfast and lunch for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Wednesday’s pick-up includes breakfast and lunch for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Meals may be picked up at the following sites between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.: • Bridgman High School (front entrance by the flag pole), • Bridgman Public Library (backside of the library) and • Warren Dunes Village (club house).

These meals will be in “Grab-N-Go” bags/containers. Some meals will consist of ingredients that will need to be heated up and served. These meals will be able to be taken offsite to eat, so students do not have to linger or congregate at the host sites.

Those who don’t have transportation to pick up meals at the sties should contact Peggy Ferguson at pferguson@ bridgmanschools.com to make alternative arrangements.

All of this information will also be placed on our district website and social media accounts.

HARBOR COUNTRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CANCELS SPRING BREAK-OUT PARTY AND CHAMBER GUIDE UNVEILING

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he Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce has canceled its Spring Break-Out Party and Chamber Guide Unveiling scheduled for Thursday, March 26, due to concerns surrounding the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

“In light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases, including those in Michigan, and Governor Whitmer’s state of emergency declaration on March 10, we have determined that we must cancel

the event,” said Board President Jen Thompson in a press release. “We have an obligation to be a responsible community member, and that means making the health and well-being of our attendees, our staff, and all of our families and colleagues our highest priority.”

A full refund will be issued to anyone who has purchased a ticket for the event. Refund checks will be mailed

by March 20, 2020.

The Chamber is determining how Harbor Country Guides

will be distributed to businesses throughout the area. Guides will not be available before April. An update on distribution will be provided as more information is available.

“We look forward to hosting the event next spring on the occasion of the Chamber’s 40th anniversary,” Thompson said.

Please contact the Chamber office at chamber@ harborcountry.org with any questions or concerns. — STAFF REPORTS

The New Buffalo Middle and High School marquee announces the month long school closure Monday, March 16

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BLOSSOMTIME PAGEANTS POSTPONED

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ue to the rapid spread of the coronavirus, the 2020 Miss and Mr. Blossomtime pageants, which were scheduled for Sunday and Monday, March 1516, have been postponed.

“As a Festival that has been creating joy for more than 114 years, we value the trust you place in us every day with your children and we appreciate your community support. As our country works to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), we support and respect Lake Michigan College’s decision to close the college and the Mendel Center.

At this time, the Mr. Blossomtime Contest/Showcase of Queens and Miss Blossomtime will be postponed temporarily for the weekend of March 15th and March 16th to help keep you and your loved ones safe,” Anna Abdelnour, president of the Blossomtime Festival Board of Directors, said in a statement.

“The Blossomtime Festival takes our responsibilities seriously and please do know a plan of action will be coming soon with an alternate date and more information,” she added. — STAFF REPORTS

NEW TROY EVENTS CANCELED

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ue to the coronavirus outbreak, Friends of New Troy (FONT) has postponed three New Troy Community Center events that were scheduled for March: Saturday, March 21 - Indoor Flea Market and Saturday, March 28 - FONT’s Fifteenth Anniversary Celebration The celebration will be rescheduled once the outbreak has eased. Flea markets may be held in April, depending on the situation with the outbreak. — STAFF REPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 11

Governor Whitmer announces statewide closure of all K-12 school buildings

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ov. Gretchen Whitmer announced at a news conference Thursday night, March 12, that in order to slow the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan, she is ordering the closure of all K-12 school buildings, public, private, and boarding, to students starting Monday, March 16, until Sunday, April 5.

School buildings are scheduled to reopen Monday, April 6. For Berrien County schools, the planned dates for spring break, Monday, April 6, through Friday, April 10, will remain scheduled as planned. Classes will resume on Monday, April 13. Local school districts said their school buildings will be locked down and quarantined for a deep clean while their schools are closed.

“This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health,” said Gov. Whitmer in a press release. “I am working with partners across state government to ensure educators, parents, and students have the support they need during this time, and to ensure our children who rely on school for meals have access to food. I know this will be a tough time, but we’re doing this to keep the most people we can safe. I urge everyone to make smart choices during this time and to do everything they can to protect themselves and their families.”

Michigan State Superintendent Michael Rice weighed in: “Closing our K-12 school buildings is the responsible choice that will minimize the risk of exposure for children, educators, and families and mitigate the spread of coronavirus. The Department of Education will continue to work closely with our partners in state government to help our students and educators in each school district get through this time. This is about protecting the most people in Michigan.”

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Deputy for Health and Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said that “closing our school buildings is the smart thing and the right thing to do for the public’s health.”

“These actions will help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Michigan.

I will continue to work with Governor Whitmer and our four COVID-19 task forces to ensure we protect our children, our families, and our communities.”

The Berrien County Health Department also responded to the announcement made by Gov. Whitmer “We understand that this state-wide K-12 school closure decision raises a lot of questions for families in our community,” says Nicki Britten, Health Officer for the Berrien County, in a press release. “This social distancing measure may seem extreme, particularly before the virus is spreading in Berrien County, but these actions will help mitigate the spread of the virus throughout the state, and result in slowed progression of illness and fewer deaths overall. We all need to do our part to protect the members of our community who are most at risk of serious illness. I urge all residents to continue taking preventive actions to help keep themselves and their families healthy.”

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/ Coronavirus. — STAFF REPORTS

Perspective

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BY MARK ANDERSON

During a recent news-gathering trip to Washington D.C., I heard Republican Sens. Roy Blunt (Missouri) and John Barrasso (Wyoming) make noteworthy statements on the Senate floor about the novel-Coronavirus situation.

But I felt like something was missing.

Blunt noted, accurately enough, that about 30,000 people die of the regular flu every year in America. That’s roughly a tenth of those that die from influenza each year worldwide.

And Barrasso, who’s a medical doctor, dutifully recited the common media-fed talking points about various scenarios associated with the novel-Coronavirus outbreak—while indicating he hopes a vaccine is developed to save the day.

I stayed with a D.C.-area friend several days to do more research on the outbreak and we found that our nightly news is ignoring or vastly downplaying the easily accessible data on recoveries from the novel Coronavirus.

That’s the “r” word that newscasters will rarely utter in our politically correction age, where truth is always the first casualty. And it’s a huge omission. When recoveries are not chronicled, people get the impression that those who develop symptoms may very well die.

As I write this March 16, a Wikipedia chart—a source available to nearly every person on earth—noted that of the 179,574 reported cases worldwide, 78,286 had recovered, while 7,068 had died.

In other words, there have been more than 10 times the number of recoveries as there have been deaths. Not that the death count should be discounted, of course, but we need to get real.

There are still some countries where deaths still outdistance the recoveries, such as the UK (35 to 19) but the gap has been steadily closing in favor of recoveries. Italy has been locked down into a police state, with the usually bustling cafes in Rome looking like a drive-in movie at high noon.

Italian Pastor Matteo Brozzi told me citizens cannot go anywhere without specially signed papers. Those who break the rules are fined 250 euros per incident. Yet, Italy’s 2,749 recoveries (as of March 16) surpassed the reported 2,158 deaths recently.

Notably, Pastor Brozzi, an officially registered government chaplain, also said that Italy’s “testing” to detect infections sometimes is limited to just looking at a person’s symptoms, not always using an actual test.

And while Spain’s 530 recoveries have eclipsed its 336 deaths, and South Korea’s 1,137 recoveries have almost dwarfed its 75 deaths, the U.S., which has about 4,108 confirmed cases, in early March showed nine recoveries. By mid-March, however, that number jumped to 73, compared to 70 reported deaths—which is one-fifth the population of nearby New Troy, Mich. (population 497) in a nation of some 330 million people.

Naturally, we need commonsense precautions, but we mostly need a far better news media. I suggest readers call the area’s network news affiliates, the Chicago newspapers, etc., ask questions and check alternative sources. Outright hysteria driven by media omission is not the “cure” that we need, because it could needlessly lead to Lockdown USA.

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12 THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 13

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CLASSIFIED ADS 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.

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Chikaming Township moving ‘full speed ahead’ with plans for Red Arrow Highway Corridor project

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he Union Pier/Red Arrow Highway Corridor Improvement Project is moving “full speed ahead,” said Chikaming Township Supervisor David Bunte at the Chikaming Township Board of Trustees’ Thursday, March 12, meeting.

Bunte said that an open bid process was hosted by Prein and Newhof, the engineers for the Galien River Sanitary District (GRSD) Sewer Authority, at Township Center recently for the sewer portion of the project. The bids came in that day and were scheduled to be awarded this week as well as finalized and approved at the GRSD meeting Wednesday, March 25.

Signage will soon be going up within the next couple of weeks on Interstate 94 and Red Arrow Highway alerting drivers to the upcoming road closures associated with the project.

There will be a one-week period where the highway will be closed at Berrien Street (at Whistle Stop) for that portion of the sewer replacement and then also a week-long period where it’ll be closed at Timothy’s at Community Hall Road for the replacement of the water main.

A four- to six-week closure will follow at the intersection of Townline and Union Pier roads and Red Arrow Highway during the sewer line extension portion of the project.

Bunte said that utility work is already being done in anticipation of the project and that shovels will “hopefully be in the ground” next month.

The project is being managed by the Berrien County Road

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Department. The project’s chosen engineer is full-service consulting firm, Wightman and Associates. New Buffalo and Chikaming townships are collaborating on the project.

Board members will receive an update on the project’s cost at next month’s meeting.

Board members held a public hearing on their proposed 2020-2021 fiscal year budget, during which there were no comments.

Board members agreed that an applicant can reapply for the variance for a proposed land split and to waive the $500 application fee.

Butne said the property owner was denied a variance by Van Thornton, township zoning administrator, to allow them to split their parcel located at 7510 W. Warren Woods Road. The owner is asking to split the property into two separate parcels.

According to a letter sent from Sara Orpurt from Property Management Services, who was present at the meeting, the split will “relieve the approximately seven- to 10-acre parent parcel with the current home that is on the property” and then there will be a remaining 5.05 acres that the owner may have purchased by another entity.

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he five acres abut land that was acquired by Chikaming Open Lands (COL) for the Chris Thompson Memorial Preserve. Orpurt said that the owner was planning on possibly donating those acres to COL for a reduced rate sale, although they haven’t contacted the organization yet.

The split was denied by Thornton because Bunte said that a split that’s

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the size that the property owner is proposing isn’t allowed in an agricultural district, which is where the parcel is located.

Orpurt said that the reason for the split was for the property owner to reduce his property taxes.

Establishing a vacation rental to bring “more revenue” for the township was long-term goal.

If the property owner isn’t granted a variance from the township, then they might sell the parcel altogether on the open market and no split would take place.

Bunte said he had a problem with the split’s purpose being to lower property taxes.

“If we allow the property owner in this district to split the property against what the zoning ordinance is for sole purpose of saving money on taxes, that puts us in challenging position…Without comment from COL, that’s a cart before the carriage approach,” he said.

The property owner will discuss the matter with COL before reapplying.

Board members approved Bunte signing an application from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for Round Barn Tasting Room, located near Interstate 94 and Exit 6, that would allow the use of the facility for outdoor liquor sales, which would be an expansion of the tasting room’s current operations.

Board members approved eliminating petty cash from the township’s police department.

Board members accepted a resolution to adopt the Poverty Exemption, Income Guidelines and Asset Tax.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 15

OBITUARIES Robert O. Grim

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Mallory, Simon and Robert. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Share Foundation-P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prarie, IN 45371, or to Misericordai Heart of Mercy-6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel. com A Celebration of Life is planned for April 18, 2020 at the Grand Beach Village Hall from 1:00-4:00pm Chicago time.

1931-2020

obert O. Grim, 89, of Grand Beach, MI passed away on March 12, 2020 in Michigan City, IN. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo, MI. Bob was born in Utica, NY and raised in Dobbs Ferry, NY. He attended Lehigh University and received a degree in civil engineering. He also went on to attend John Marshall Law School to receive his J.D. law degree in three years with high honors. Bob served in the U.S. Army for the Corps of Engineers in Gaum and Korea for airfield construction. After his service, Bob moved to Whiting, IN, where he worked as the city engineer for 8 years. This job entailed road repair, sewer design and water plant operation.

Bob had 40 years of service working as an engineer and maintenance supervisor for Amoco Oil; he traveled to Italy and India while they were constructing new oil refineries. Later when he moved to Grand Beach, MI, he was involved in the community. He served 8 years as Mayor of the village and well over 10 years as a council member. As well as 4 years as New Buffalo Township supervisor and Berrien County Sanitation Commisionor.

Bob is survived by his wife Alice of 57 years; daughter-Elizabeth (Patrick) Grim-Vaughan and son-Stephen (Marcie Lang) Grim; and three grandchildren-

Patricia Ann “Pat” Tincher

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1929-2020

atricia Ann “Pat” Tincher, age 90, of Galien, joined her husband Burton in heaven on Sunday, March 7, 2020.

Pat was born October 7, 1929 in Putnam County, Indiana, to Roy and Chasie Stultz. She married Burton Mote Tincher November 25, 1948 in Darlington, Indiana. He preceded her in death on February 6, 1984.

Pat was a Class of 1947 graduate of Crawfordsville High School. She began her working career at R.R. Donnelly in Crawfordsville, and retired from the Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet in November 1995. Her most rewarding

job was working for the principal of Galien High School and watching the students grow into young adults, many of whom became lifelong friends. Pat enjoyed travelling to places like the Holy Land, Hawaii, and spent two summers working for the National Park Service at Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon with her good friend Donna Potter. She was a Member of Olive Branch United Methodist Church where she had many treasured friends supporting her in prayer during her brief illness.

Pat will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by one daughter Teresa Ann (Robert Albert) Welty; one daughter-in-law, Claire Marie Tincher; three grandchildren, Sara Anne Tincher, Lauren Marie Tincher, and Thomas Burton Tincher, Jr.; and one great grandson Anthony Thomas Stellatto.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Burton Mote Tincher; son, Thomas Burton Tincher Sr.; great grandson, Phillip Burton Stellato; brother, Bruce R Stultz, sisterin-law; Edna Stultz; sister, Virginia Ruth Sarver; brother-in-law, Russell Sarver; and brother, Robert Lee Stultz.

Family and friends gathered Friday, March 13, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. in Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128.

Pat was laid to rest with her husband, in Greenlawn Cemetery, Darlington, Indiana.

The family prefers contributions be made in memory of Mrs. Tincher to the Memorial Fund of Olive Branch United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 266, Galien, Michigan 49113.

Arrangements were entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

GREAT LAKES WATER LEVELS TO REMAIN HIGH GOING INTO SPRING

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he U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, has recently announced that, despite a dry month of February across the Great Lakes basin, water levels on each of the Great Lakes remain very high going into the spring.

Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie set new monthly records for February 2020. The records were previously set on lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron in 1986 and in 1987 on Lake Erie.

According to a press release, although 2020 started with wetter conditions, February was a fairly dry month for the Great Lakes basin, with precipitation below average throughout the region. A few cold air outbreaks during the month also led to increased evaporation. Late winter/ spring is usually a period of seasonal rise on all of the Great Lakes due to increased rainfall and runoff. Water levels typically peak in the summer or early fall. Significant erosion continues in many locations, as water levels remain extremely high. Strong storm systems and resulting large waves have led to substantial erosion along much of the Great Lakes coastline.

“After months of generally wet conditions, February was finally drier across most of the Great Lakes,” said John Allis, chief of the Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office, Detroit District, in the press release.

“However, levels remain above or near record highs for this time of year, and we expect impacts to those along the coastline to increase as water levels now begin rising towards their seasonal peaks.”

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urges those impacted by the highwater levels in 2019 to prepare for similar or higher levels in 2020. The most recent six-month forecast of Great Lakes water levels still forecasts that water levels could peak very near last year’s record levels. — STAFF

REPORTS

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16 THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 17

HOROSCOPE MARCH 19-25, 2020

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19 There will be opportunity to get some of your inner thoughts out into the world and finally make a difference out there. Mentally you work best when you have a chance to be alone and process your ideas before you reveal them to society at large. The hermit moves to Mr. Worldwide.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22 It’s time to get busy and set yourself up for the future. Start making the necessary preparations and plans because the opportunity to make changes and get more committed is here. Embrace the sense of digging deep and harvesting your abilities so, you can be ready to take charge.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21 Let your focus turn to your home and sense of security. There is nothing wrong with being ready for the unexpected. So, go ahead and get serious about gathering resources or purchasing property. Any sacrifices you make now, will give you the opportunity to relax in the future.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20 The vibe coming your way this week will increase your desire to be more aware of your community. Participate in activities that broaden your experience of different cultures and philosophies. If you can’t physically engage with others, create a study program or reading list.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22 You will be working more closely with others this week, and you will find that even though, each of you have a different perspective, you do complement each other. By embracing the opportunity to engage partners openly, you will see things in a more inclusive or circular way.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19 Take the opportunity to talk to young people this week. Whether it’s your children or younger people you work with, now is the time to make an impact. Pass on knowledge, no matter how general or self-evident it appears. Hearing it from you will be more influential.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21 Confront any drama or social expectations head on to avoid a fall out down the road. There may be some obligations or promises you need to make good on that could be difficult to handle if you procrastinate. You are not alone and will have help in taking charge of your obligations.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 There is an opportunity to get things around your house organized and up in proper working order now.

Don’t be afraid to jump into domestic projects or turn on the mothering. Now is when you and those around you need a strong nurturing presence that brings balance and stability.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18 This is a good week to mull things over and decide on what is most important and essential to you and your peace of mind.

It’s time to rely on your own judgment and invest in yourself, your home and your peace of mind, not to the exclusion of others but to the benefit of all.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22 Relationships and finding the right people will start to flow now and any steps that were skipped or issues that may have been glossed over, will come up for resolution now. There is an opportunity to expand and further your social involvement so, put yourself out there more.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21 It’s the simple things that will bring you joy and contentment this week. Now is the time to escape from complicated world events and chill. Nothing beats fresh popped popcorn and an old black and white movie or snuggling up with a good Stephen King novel to escape.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20 You will be a key player in your social network this week, as there will be a certain outspokenness and insight to your approach now, and even though there is much happening on the social scene you will sense it’s time to withdraw and only comment from the sidelines.

We uploaded ‘Ocean Eyes’ to SoundCloud, and it started getting a lot of plays pretty much immediately.

— Billie Eilish

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18 THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

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— Friedrich Nietzsche

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