April 22, 2021

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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 16, volume 80

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Thursday, April 22, 2021

New Buffalo City Council declines joining New Buffalo Shoreline Alliance lawsuit against Army Corps of Engineers PAGE 5 Village of Three Oaks to receive ‘clarity’ on approved ballot initiative regarding recreational marijuana businesses PAGE 6 Young team upbeat despite tough start to season PAGE 8 MDHHS extends epidemic order, strengthens mask requirement for children PAGE 10 New Buffalo City Planning Commission tables decision on draft rental ordinance with cap on short-term rentals PAGES 12-13

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‘SPIRIT OF FREEDOM’ TO BE FEATURED AT THIS WEEKEND’S ‘CELEBRATION OF ART’ AT COURTYARD GALLERY — PAGE 20 — PHOTO OF ’SPIRIT OF FREEDOM’ BY JULIE MCDONOUGH ON DISPLAY AT COURTYARD GALLERY BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

Continued increasing rate of COVID-19 cases continue in Berrien County

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GROWTH RATE SLOWER THAN REST OF STATE

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

errien County continued to see an increasing case rate in COVID-19 cases last week, with a percent of positive tests around 14% (a nearly 2% increase from the previous week) and an average of about 56 cases per day, it was reported Friday, April 16.

As of the afternoon of Monday, April 19, in total, the health department was reporting 12,766 confirmed cases, 233 confirmed deaths and 11,020 30-day recoveries. There were also a reported 37 non-ICU COVID-19 patients.

During last fall’s surge, the county saw the doubling of cases every 10 days, Nicki Britten, health officer of the Berrien County Health Department said at a Facebook Live update with Spectrum Health Lakeland Wednesday, April 14.

“What I think is encouraging is our rates right now are double what we were a month ago - so it’s taken about a month to double our number of cases,” she said.

“While we don’t want our cases to double, we don’t want to continue to see that exponential growth - the fact that’s happening much more slowly now is a good sign because when have that slower growth it does help keep hospital admissions and our health care system out of capacity where it’s manageable,” Britten added.

On April 14, Britten said Berrien County isn’t experiencing as rapid a growth in cases as other regions across Michigan “that have four times as many case rates per population in those parts of the state.”

“This could mean it’s coming our way and just hasn’t gotten here yet or because we have a little less population density,

we’ve been able to move through and have a larger proportion of our population vaccinated maybe we will continue to have that slowed growth,” she said.

Britten did attribute some of the of cause for the increases to the B.1.1.7 variant strain (UK variant), which is predominant in Michigan and is a little more infectious and more easily spread between people.

Britten said that the county is still “seeing a shift in who’s being hospitalized.” The health department reported last week that there was a younger in-patient population at local hospitals and some younger people were being admitted and in the ICU. Spectrum Health Lakeland reported the average inpatient age around 45.

Dr. Loren Hamel, president of Spectrum Health Lakeland, said that some who are in their 20s and 30s are now just as sick as seniors who were in the hospital last November.

“I really think that’s because we have this invisible result – now, we just don’t have those case happening in older adults, so we’re very glad about that coverage,” she said.

Last Friday, the health department reported on a Facebook post that its goal had been met of vaccinating 70% coverage of adults over the age of 65.

Over 52,000 people (or about 42%) over the age of 16 had received at least the first does of the vaccine as of April 16.

It was recommended by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this month that schools put a two-week pause on in-person learning due to the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Britten said that the health department has regular meetings with the school leadership in Berrien County in which data is reviewed and trends are looked at within the broader community and in schools. Britten said the health department understands “some of the nuance of the cases” in schools, such as if cases were acquired in school or through other contacts in social settings outside the building.

“With all of these things taken together, the health department did notify schools if they wish continue with in person learning that that would be acceptable given the amount of transmission and what we’re seeing in our community,” Britten said.

Britten said that school settings don’t seem to be the “drivers of transmission” amongst youth and teens in the community.

She added that those who are under 18 years are currently making up a larger proportion of cases; however, a lot of this could be attributed to the fact that not many older adults “are cases.”

“The slice of the pie they take up is getting a little bigger,” Britten said.

The regulated environment of schools, where mask wearing and social distancing is enforced and hand hygiene protocols are present, make them the safest places to eb for students, Britten said.

Vaccine appointments can be scheduled at bchdmi.org/COVID19 or by calling 1-800-815-5485 or through Spectrum Health Lakeland at spectrumhealthlakeland.org/vaccine or by calling 269-927-5110.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN FLANIGAN City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS to be determined NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD PETE RAHM, MICHELLE HEIT, JUDY H. ZABICKI, PATTY IAZZETTO, JACK ROGERS 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 DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, BILL MARSKE Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

New Buffalo Township Public Safety Building is nearing completion

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ork is moving along at New Buffalo Township’s new Public Safety Building 2 on U.S. Highway 12, Township Supervisor Michelle Heit said at the township’s Board of Trustees’ Monday, April 19, meeting.

Board members approved the fifth payment in the amount of $517,061.61 for the Public Safety Building Project.

Heit said the building should be complete by mid-May and that move-in may be the end of May. The building should be operational by either June or July.

Randy Macina, resident of Lakeshore Cottages, said a small section of the subdivision backs up onto Red Arrow Highway and that there’s a berm on the subdivision’s property. In the past, people have tried to jump across the berm and onto the property and Macina said he’s afraid of the “liability and safety issues” that may incur once the nonmotorized pathway begins to be built as part of the Red Arrow Highway/Union Pier Corridor Improvement Project.

Macina said that at the same time during the construction, there’s approximately 150 feet of fence that he had proposed to Heit be added to the project as a change order no greater than $5,000.

“We are asking the board if you could help extend that 150 feet of fence so we as a subdivision aren’t financially impacted to build that ourselves,” he said.

Heit said she’d viewed the area and that the ditch is “rather deep.” She said the berm is also rather tall and she’s not sure how wide it is and how to put a fence on it. There will be a 42-inch-high railing alongside the nonmotorized trail, which she thinks will “deter people from trying to traverse down into this ditch and up this berm.”

Scott Steffens, another subdivision resident, said that he was concerned that

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

people walking to the new brewery across the street who will take a shortcut through the fence will either fall into the pond located on the subdivision’s property or cause damage to the landscape property.

Steffens added that more than half of the natural vegetation was cut down, which provided a wall and sound barrier, as the property was prepared for the road project.

“The view into Red Arrow Highway, despite it being beautified by the 42-inchfence, will still have us looking right into traffic whereas before we had a natural wall that provided a sound barrier and some safety,” he said, adding that if there was an option to come up with “share for the cost,” they could “come up with a portion of those dollars.”

Heit said the main issue is it’s on private property. Neither the township nor Road Department can use taxpayer money to fund a fence in a private development.

Resident Ed Trainor asked about the proposed New Buffalo Area Recreational Authority, which is on the agenda for next month’s meeting. He asked who initiated the authority, if it’s been previously discussed in public meetings, if there are “specific projects in mind” and if the villages of Grand Beach and Michiana will be paying for the projects. Trainor also wanted to know if a decision will be made at the meeting or if there will be a month or two “pause” before a vote.

Heit said there was a public hearing on the authority with New Buffalo Township, the City of New Buffalo and New Buffalo Area Schools (NBAS) a few months ago and that it’s been talked about for over a year.

The authority would help bring in funding to improve recreational facilities in all three entities. Tony McGhee of Abonmarche approached NBAS and the city since both use Oselka Park (NBAS also has property within the township). Having an authority

would give NBAS more opportunities to receive grants that school districts normally couldn’t apply for to improve facilities.

Heit said that the authority would be a “funding source” and the township would be contributing some money but mostly, grants would be written for projects. She said she believes it will be voted on but she didn’t have next month’s agenda.

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oard members adopted a resolution for the Red Arrow Linear Park Pathway Local Match.

Marcy Hamiliton of the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission wrote a USDA grant for New Buffalo and Chikaming townships that will help fund a linear park and the townships are being asked to split the grant’s local match (the match amount is $51,000 and the townships will each contribute around $25,000).

Board members approved vacating the following streets: Syrkin, Peretz, Brenner, Macabee and Trumpeldore. The streets were origanlly platted for a development called New Buffalo Highland and the property owner now needs them vacated for a land combination.

Board members approved the following hires: Phineas Payne as a seasonal park employee at $13 per hour and John Jackubowski as code enforcement officer at $19 per hour, pending background checks and testing and Chauncey Hackenberg as electrical inspector, effective April 20 for 80% of permit fee (less the application fee), paid upon completion of the final inspection.

Board members approved the fifth payment in the amount of $9,888.75 to Rogue Construction Company for the Union Pier Trailhead Project.

A Pleasure Isle Marina budget was approved.

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LASATA BILL SUPPORTING OMBUDSMEN INVESTIGATIONS AT LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES ADVANCES

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he Senate Health Policy and Human Services Committee Thursday, April 15, unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Kim LaSata that would require long-term care facilities to allow the state’s Long Term Care Ombudsman to conduct investigations even if facilities have visiting restrictions in place.

“Nothing — not even a global pandemic — should stand in the way of ensuring vulnerable people living in long-term care facilities receive the quality care they deserve,” said LaSata, R-Bainbridge Township. “This past year revealed some disturbing situations in our nursing homes that went unchecked. We need to pass this bill so the Long Term Care Ombudsman can better do their job to resolve incidents regardless of any visitation restrictions. I thank my colleagues for their support and look forward to my bill becoming law soon.”

Senate Bill 213 would allow the ombudsman or a representative to enter a facility for an investigation without restriction if a facility’s visitor restriction lasts longer than seven days. For restrictions shorter than seven days, the facility would have to make a good faith effort to facilitate a virtual visit.

The bill would align Michigan law with federal regulations to allow the same access hours for the ombudsman and representatives and access to residents’ guardian contact information.

The bill now advances to the full Senate. — STAFF REPORTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

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New Buffalo City Council declines joining New Buffalo Shoreline Alliance lawsuit against Army Corps of Engineers

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APPROVES CONTRACT TO REASSESS COMMERCIAL PROPERTY VALUES

hile members of the New Buffalo City Council expressed support for the New Buffalo Shoreline Alliance’s efforts to address shore issues, they agreed that joining the organization’s federal lawsuit against the Army Corps of Engineers was not in the city’s best interest.

At the council’s April 19 meeting, Mayor John Humphrey explained that after discussion with city administrators and engineers there were concerns that the city joining the suit could potentially endanger future federal grant applications.

Humphrey further stated that, while he had “great solidarity” with the property owners affected by the lakeshore erosion, the lawsuit does not represent the entire tax base.

The council approved a contract with Winthrop Assessing for $21,300 to reassess commercial property values.

City Manager Darwin Watson explained that city staff had noticed “severe inconsistencies” in assessed property values, with commercial properties significantly low. The reassessment would reevaluate these properties and notify the county of changes for the tax rolls.

Humphrey said that the city will mainly see the effects when reevaluated properties are sold. Councilmember Lou O’Donnell asked if the reassessment was necessary if the city could adjust tax values based on sales. Assessor Chalice Northrup explained that in Michigan “chasing the sale” or significantly changing the assessment of recently sold properties while not changing the assessment of properties that have not sold, is illegal in Michigan. She explained that the full reassessment will inform the Berrien County Equalization Department of the city’s projected taxation for 2022, ensuring it gets full tax base.

BY THERESE DONNELLY

Northrup also pointed out that properties not being sold should still be fairly assessed.

O’Donnell asked how assessment values became so far off and Northrup explained there were fewer property sales during the last evaluation cycle, which affected how the county judged values.

Two concession agreements got the council’s approval. Lakeside Dogs, LLC received permission to operate a hot dog cart at the City Beach and Kona Ice’s contract was renewed with reduced hours.

While Lakeside Dogs had proposed a $2000 contract, the council approved for $2250 with council member Mark Robertson noting the cost was the same as previous cart operators.

City Treasurer Kate Vyskocil asked the council to collect concession fees at the start of the season, noting the summer concession months span two fiscal years and having different vendors pay at different points in the season makes bookkeeping difficult.

After a brief discussion, the council tabled a motion to sell three city-owned lots on Jefferson Street to New Buffalo Area Schools for $15,000 to use in its Building Trades program. The city currently uses the property for light material storage, which would need to be cleared away if the land is sold.

Humphrey explained the school is running out of buildable lots to continue its program, which helps provide affordable housing for local families.

Robertson said he respected Humphrey’s stance, but felt that three lots for $15000 was not in the city’s best interest.

O’Donnell added that any houses built on the land could potentially be sold at market price, which would likely mean non-homestead owners.

Police Chief Rich Killips said the city may have some control over deed

restrictions to prevent the properties from being flipped. He added the school tries to keep its houses affordable.

O’Donnell asked Watson to confer with the city’s attorney for additional information for the May council meeting, including if the city needs to have the property assessed prior to a sale.

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n order to complete the sale of its restaurant property at 700 E Buffalo, Pizza Hut of Southwest Michigan requested the city approve reclassifying its liquor license from a tavern license restricted to beer and wine to a Class C full license. David Workman is purchasing the property. Prior to voting on the request, the council asked Watson if councilmember Brian Flanagan should abstain due to his connection to a separate business owned by Workman. Watson said that, as Flanagan does not benefit from the decision on the license, he was able to vote.

The council approved the request.

Settling and deterioration of the concrete sidewalks and wood deck at the Municipal Marina have made walking dangerous, Watson told the council.

On his recommendation, the council approved a bid from Stark Solid Concrete for $13,165 for repairs and replacement.

Parks Supervisor Kristen D’Amico said the goal is to have work completed by Memorial Day. The city is also planning several smaller road repair projects for the summer.

Watson said the city staff and engineers from Abonmarche have identified sections of local streets in need of repairs.

Abonmarche prioritized areas of Indiana, Michigan and Griffith streets for milling and resurfacing.

The council approved the $26000 project, which is expected to run from July to September.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

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Village of Three Oaks to receive ‘clarity’ on approved ballot initiative regarding recreational marijuana businesses

hree Oaks residents approved a ballot initiative last year to allow a limited number of recreational marijuana businesses in the village; however, as businesses begin the application process, some uncertainties remain.

At the start of the Wednesday, April 14, Three Oaks Village Council meeting, council member Colleen Newquist said she would like a clearer explanation of the details of the initiative before applications are accepted. Attorney Devin Loker, who attended the Zoom meeting but does not represent the village, agreed that clarity is needed.

“There do seem to be some inconsistencies,” he told the council.

Village Manager Dan Faulkner agreed to confer with legal counsel.

Two applicants have received the Planning Commission’s approval for Special Land Use permits for planned marijuana-related businesses in the village and the Commission tabled a third application in order to confirm ownership of the property in question.

During the April 14 meeting, the council also received a summary of the annual audit report for the village. Derek Hall, an auditor with the Michigan Department of Treasury, told the council the village was in good shape with a “very healthy” cash balance and fund balance. He noted some of the budget surplus was due to projects planned for 2020 being postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Hall said there were small issues with six line items coming in over budget, but he said all were in small amounts and were primarily related to bills that came in too late for the budget to be amended.

He praised the village administrative staff for their work.

Engineers from Abonmarche reported to the council that quotes for planned street improvement projects came in higher than budgeted. After a brief

BY THERESE DONNELLY

discussion, the council eliminated work on Cedar Street. The project is still higher than originally planned, but council members agreed they did not want to cut the work any further.

Later in the meeting, the council discussed future sidewalk repairs.

Currently, property owners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of sidewalks adjacent to their yards.

Newquist said the village does sometimes install replacement sections when doing street repairs and she suggested the village look into ways to keep this fair.

“It’s in our best interest to be a walkable village,” she noted.

Council member John Kramer said if the village takes over responsibility for the sidewalks, it will need to find a way to fund the work. Hinman suggested a public survey to see if residents would agree to a 1% or 2% millage fund. Council member Steve Graziano said an alternative would be to earmark money each budget year to do some sidewalks.

On the recommendation of Faulkner, the council approved the purchase of a portable transfer pump for the water department for $32,150. Faulkner said the department’s old pump is not functioning and is too old for replacement parts.

The council also approved upgrading a residential lift station, with a new auto dialer and a portable generator, for a total of $7980.

Council member Becky Thomas noted the quotes for both expenditures were more than 30 days old and asked what would happen if prices were higher than the council had approved. Graziano said if costs are higher, council approval would be required before making any purchases.

Faulkner also proposed a Southwest Michigan Road Asset Management Plan for $9912. He explained the completed plan would allow the village to apply for rural task force grants, which he said are highly competitive. The council approved

the expenditure, with Thomas adding she would like to get a copy of the cost breakdown.

There was brief discussion of the proposed discrimination ordinance that council member Joe Hinman presented at the March meeting. Village President Richard Smith noted there is a similar state ordinance possible on the November ballot, but council members agreed they preferred to take a proactive stance and not wait to see if the state ordinance is approved.

After interviewing three candidates, Faulkner said, Lars Wittenburg has been selected for the operations maintenance position with the water department.

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hree terms on the Downtown Development Authority expired in April. The council approved reappointing Colleen Froehlich and Tom Pauly to their seats, and appointing Marco Chavarry. The council thanked outgoing DDA chair Angela Reichert for her work supporting the village.

Council member Tyler Ream, who is council liaison to the Parks and Recreation Department, reported he has joined the Flag Day Committee and plans are being made for 2021. While it remains unclear what Covid restrictions will be in place in June, Ream said the committee is hopeful but will respect any safety measures announced by the state.

Both Hinman and Smith encouraged residents to wear masks in public.

During public comments, Suzanna Bierwirth said a Spring Stroll is planned for the downtown Saturday, May 1.

Kim Pruitt told the council that the Bradford pear trees lining the downtown portion of Elm Street “look great” but are an invasive species. She suggested the council consider replacing a few of the trees at a time to prevent the seeds from spreading without taking on a large financial burden at once.

BERRIEN COUNTY 4-H LEADERS ASSOCIATION, INC. ANNUAL MEETING TO TAKE PLACE NEXT WEEK

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he Berrien County 4-H Leaders Association will be hosting its 55th Annual Meeting Monday, April 26.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. and will be conducted virtually via Zoom.

This meeting is for all Berrien County 4-H project leaders, club coordinators and teen leaders.

The Berrien County 4-H Leaders Council encourages all leaders and teen leaders in the Berrien County 4-H youth development program to attend this oncea-year meeting in order to see the Berrien County 4-H Leaders Council in action and be updated on the 4-H Youth Program.

4-H leaders, club coordinators and teen leaders are asked to register through their 4-H Online family account to receive the Zoom link information.

Registration is to be done online at https://v2.4honline.com/#/ user/sign-in or by contacting the Berrien County MSU Extension Office at 269-927-5674.

For more information about Berrien County 4-H, please contact Kelly Stelter, 4-H program coordinator at 269-927-5674 ext.

4015 or via email at grandtke@ msu.edu.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

THE REGION OF THREE OAKS MUSEUM TO OPEN NEW EXHIBITS NEXT MONTH

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everal new exhibits and updates on old favorites are ready for The Region of Three Oaks Museum’s (TROTOM) season opening from noon to 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 1. The doors will open in accordance with the latest COVID guidelines.

New exhibits include “FIRE!,” which is a look at area blazes of the past and the teams and equipment that fought them. In addition to artifacts from the Tempest Brigade, Three Oaks’ first fire company, the exhibit features an acrylic painting

by River Valley Senior Brianna Martin depicting the 1871 fire that swept across the fields between Sawyer and New Troy.

In another corner of the museum the dental office from 103 S. Elm has been recreated circa 1935. This scene will be familiar to many local residents with its patient chair, drill, spit stand and tool cabinet.

Across the aisle, other familiar tools are featured in the Farm Room, including those used by blacksmiths and the fanning mill.

Still on loan from Michigan

State University is the Warren Calculating Engine, possibly the first functional mechanical calculator made in the USA. Invented by local jeweler Fred Warren, this is its first appearance in Three Oaks in close to 70 years.

Other displays include greeting cards sent to and from the area dating as far back as the 1880s and “Faces from the Past” that visitors are asked to help identify. Another exhibit features quilts done by the Churchill women at the turn of the 20th Century in a period-furnished bedroom. A kitchen from the past, artifacts from the area’s native peoples and the Marxochime Colony of New Troy also are highlighted.

Several exhibits have been enhanced and updated with additional narratives through QR code scans.

The museum, located next to Acorn Theater, plans to be open Saturday and Sunday through October from noon to 5 p.m. (Eastern). For further information, visit the museum’s website, email trotommusuem@gmail.com or leave a message at 269-3369688. — STAFF REPORTS

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Young team upbeat despite tough start to season

BY STAN MADDUX

he New Buffalo High School baseball team failed to win the first two games of the season but it was hard to tell from the spirited attitude of the players in both contests.

The Bison lost on April 13 at River Valley 18 to 1.

The home opener three days later ended with a 16 to 9 defeat to Lake Michigan Catholic.

The Bison with as many as five freshmen on the field at one time against the Lakers trailed 10 to 2 after two innings.

However, the enthusiasm shown by the players from beginning to end was non-stop, even with temperatures in the low ’40s.

“I’m very happy with how hard the guys are working.

They don’t quit. They support each other and they cheer each other on,” said head coach Wayne Butler.

The Bison had the makings of a major rally in the second inning after freshman John Riley drove in junior Ben Coffeen with a crisp line drive single to left field.

The bases were loaded when the inning ended on a strikeout.

The Bison chipped away at the lead again in the third inning when freshman Braden Huffer after reaching base on a fielding error scored on a passed ball by the catcher.

Two more runs for the Bison came in the four inning when Jaden Burger after a base hit to left field crossed the plate on a dropped fly ball to center field.

Freshman Nick Messinger after a base hit scored on a single by Dylan Livengood.

Messinger also pitched three innings of relief.

He allowed two runs but just a single while recording two strikeouts in his final inning on the mound.

Butler said the young team showed noticeable improvement after losing to the Mustangs in a game called after three innings.

“I felt a lot better walking out of the ballpark on Friday than I did on Tuesday just because of their continued can do attitude,” he said.

Butler said the future looks bright due to the level of talent in his young players, who need just game experience and time for their bodies to become stronger.

In the meantime, Butler said he’ll keep feeding off the tremendous enthusiasm shown by his players, who just seem happy to be competing after more than a calendar year of COVID-19 restrictions.

“They get to play baseball in the sunshine.

They’re not locked down on a computer. It’s just cool to get to watch that,” he said.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

SPORTS From the Bleachers

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COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

he baseball season is starting to pick up steam and after an historically slow start with their bats, the Cubs broke out in a big way Saturday, scoring thirteen runs. As poorly as they’ve been hitting, the Cubs have not been playing the best teams, so they’ve been able to win almost as many as they have lost.

I expect the law of averages to kick in, and the players that have been good hitters in the past will eventually be good hitters again. This season is a strange one for the Cubs and their fans. Most of their roster, by last count 22 out of 29, are only signed until the end of the season, so the future is definitely uncertain. Let’s hope everything clicks this year and the team is able to make one last run at the playoffs. Even though it is sometimes successful, another stretch of losing as many as they can so they can get better players through the draft, isn’t something this Cub fan wants to see. The White Sox are beginning to play like the team we expected them to be when the season began.

Speaking of the draft, the NFL draft begins Thursday April 29th. The Bears don’t pick until number 20, and by then, all of the top five quarterbacks will probably be taken.

My hope is that the team drafts an offensive tackle and use their remaining choices to shore up the rest of the team. Also, in the third or fourth round, I hope they draft the best quarterback remaining and turn him into a terrific pro. Many outstanding quarterbacks were selected later in the

draft, including Tom Brady who wasn’t taken until the sixth round.

This is a big year for the Bears coach and GM and while they certainly have made their share of mistakes, I think they both have promise. It would be a shame if the Bears cut ties with both of these men just when they were getting good at their jobs. The Bears have an extremely difficult schedule this season and with all of the uncertainty, it’s going to be a really exciting season.

The Bulls are in a virtual tie for the tenth and final playoff spot with two other teams, and they’ve temporarily lost their best player. Zach LaVine figures to miss about half of their remaining seventeen games and the Bulls must now overcome another huge obstacle to reach the playoffs.

Whatever the outcome, the Bulls have improved by leaps and bounds this season.

The Blackhawks have played much better than expected this season and are in a furious battle to make the playoffs. For the most part, Chicago sports are fascinating, like they usually are.

I saw a couple of quotes about kindness as the violence continues in Chicago. “In a world where you can be anything.... be kind.” That quote came from an unknown source, but none other than Mark Twain said “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear & the blind can see.”

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

On it.

Ending racial injustice requires all of us to work together and take real action.

What can you do to help?

Educate yourself about the history of American racism, privilege and what it means to be anti-racist.

Commit to actions that challenge injustice and make everyone feel like they belong, such as challenging biased or racist language when you hear it.

Vote in national and local elections to ensure your elected officials share your vision of public safety.

Donate to organizations, campaigns and initiatives who are committed to racial justice.

Let’s come together to take action against racism

and fight for racial justice for the Black community.

Visit lovehasnolabels.com/fightforfreedom

You don’t just accidentally show up in the World Series.

— Derek Jeter

9

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10 THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

MDHHS extends epidemic order, strengthens mask requirement for children

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ORDER EXPANDS MASK REQUIREMENT TO CHILDREN AGES 2-4

ast week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) extended its Gatherings and Mask epidemic order.

The Order - which preserves the strongest public health order in the Midwest - is designed to balance day-to-day activities while controlling the spread of COVID-19 and saving Michiganders’ lives.

It includes expansion of mask requirements to children ages 2 to 4 to further protect the state’s residents.

Expanding the mask rule to children ages 2 to 4 requires a good faith effort to ensure that these children wear masks while in gatherings at childcare facilities or camps. It takes effect April 26, 2021. This addresses the increase in cases among younger Michiganders and follows recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.

“Michigan continues to implement smart health policies and mitigation measures to fight the spread of COVID-19,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director.

“This includes the requirement to wear a mask while in public and at gatherings, limits on indoor residential social gatherings larger than 15 people with no more than three households, and expanded testing requirements for youth sports. Additionally, the most important thing people can do right now is to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and their families and

help us eliminate this virus once and for all.”

“More than 5.5 million doses of the safe and effective COVID vaccines have been administered in Michigan, and we are well on our way to vaccinating at least 70% of Michiganders ages 16 and up,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “However, I continue to be incredibly concerned about our state’s COVID-19 data. We are still very much fighting this pandemic and seeing concerning trends in new cases and hospitalizations. Michiganders need to be using every tool in our toolbox right now to get these cases and hospitalizations down.

Just because something is open and legal does not mean you should be doing it. We all must continue doing what works to slow the spread of the disease by wearing masks, washing our hands, avoiding crowds and indoor gatherings, and making plans to get the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.”

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DHHS had been closely monitoring three metrics for stabilization or declines over the past several weeks. Michigan’s metrics have been increasing for the past few weeks, although the rate of increase is declining.

The presence of more infectious variants, such as the B 1.1.7 variant, threatens progress in control of the epidemic and MDHHS will be monitoring data closely. In recent days:

Positivity rate: had increased for eight weeks but has seen a recent 5-day decline to 17.1%. However, this metric remains up 390% from the mid-February low and remains above the December peak of 14.4%.

Statewide case rate: This metric has increased over the past eight weeks to 613.9 cases per million.

The rate is more than 475% higher than the low in mid-February but remains below peak of 737.8 cases per million on Saturday, Nov 14.

Hospital capacity: The percent of inpatient beds dedicated to those with COVID-19 is now at 18.8%.

This metric peaked at 19.6% on Tuesday, Dec. 4, and is up 373% from the February low.

“We know that wearing a mask significantly reduces the spread of infection and should be part of the comprehensive strategy to reduce COVID-19-including for children age 2 and up,” said Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MIAAP) President Dr. Matthew Hornik. “Use of masks does not restrict oxygen in the lungs even in children, it is recommended to wear a mask with layers to filter droplets effectively.”

The order extension is through May 24. An infographic that highlights order requirements can be found on Michigan’s COVID-19 website.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly.

The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/ Coronavirus and CDC.gov/ Coronavirus. To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.

Good use made of drive-up vaccinations

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Well over 1,000 people were vaccinated against COVID-19 without stepping out of their vehicles.

Gina Sainato, 53, of Valparaiso made the drive to LaPorte for her 16-year-old daughter to be vaccinated last week.

“We heard that it was fast and convenient and that everyone was really nice and they were right,” she said.

The outdoor vaccination clinic in the parking lot of Maple Lane Mall was operated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with help from the Indiana State Department of Health.

The Pfizer vaccine was administered during the five days the clinic was open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until April 17.

Reservations were preferred but the clinic accepted walk-ins.

People reported it took just a couple of minutes to receive their shots once pulling up.

They had to remain in their vehicles for 15 minutes to make sure there were no side effects before pulling away.

Betty Day, 79, of LaPorte said she is no fan of being stuck with a needle but this shot “didn’t hurt a bit.”

She especially liked not having to get out of her car or experience the usual delay when served at a traditional medical facility.

“If you got to wait you might as well be comfortable. This is comfortable,” she said.

Marsha Smith, 60, and her son, Billy, 34, both of LaPorte, had appointments to be vaccinated elsewhere in late May but changed their plans while driving by the site.

“We decided to go ahead and get it done. The faster, the better. It was quick and easy,” she said.

The people vaccinated were given appointments to come back to the drive up clinic for their second and final shot in early May. — STAN MADDUX

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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 11

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New Buffalo City Planning Commission tables decision on draft rental ordinance with cap on short-term rentals

embers of the City of New Buffalo Planning Commission tabled a decision to potentially amend sections of the city’s zoning ordinance as well as to add a new section to it to place a cap on short-term rentals in the city’s R-1 zoning district, during a special meeting that proceeded a public hearing Tuesday, April 13.

Planners were being asked to consider a draft ordinance which would “amend Section 2-3 and add a new section to the New Buffalo Zoning Ordinance to cap the total number of short-term rental units in the city’s R-1 zoning district,” per the proposed ordinance’s official language.

Per the draft ordinance, Section 2-3 of the New Buffalo Zoning Ordinance would be amended to add the following definitions, which shall appear between the definitions of “Shopping Center” and “Sign”: “Short-Term Rental Activity. The rental of a dwelling unit for compensation for a term of less than one month.” Not included in short-term rental activity would be transitional housing operated by a nonprofit entity, group homes such as nursing homes and adult foster care homes, hospitals, or housing provided by a substance abuse rehabilitation clinic, mental health facility, other health care related clinic, or dwelling units owned by a business entity and made available on a temporary basis to employees of that business entity or employees of a contractor working for that business entity.

The section would also be amended to add the following definition: “Short-Term Rental Unit. A dwelling unit in which short-term rental activity is permitted to occur subject to the terms and conditions of this ordinance and Chapter 11 of the City Code.”

Section 2-3 of the New Buffalo Zoning Ordinance would also be amended to modify the definition of “Dwelling Unit” to read as follows: “A building, or portion thereof, designed exclusively for human occupancy providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. A dwelling unit may be used as a short-term rental unit when licensed pursuant to Chapter 11 of the

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12 THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

City Code and not prohibited by Section 6-5 or any other provision of this ordinance.”

Section 6-5 of the New Buffalo Zoning Ordinance would be added to read as follows: “Sec. 6-5. Short-Term Rental Units Capped at Existing Levels. A. Cap Established. The total number of such short-term rental units in the R-1 district shall not exceed 65. New permits for properties in the R-1 district shall only be issued to the extent allowed in Chapter 11.”

The draft ordinance is one of two that is part of a “draft ordinance package” that was developed by city staff and city attorney Nick Curcio that incorporates comments made by both City Council members and the public.

The package’s first ordinance would be an amendment to the regulatory ordinance that the city adopted in the spring of 2019 with regards to short-term rentals.

The lengthy meeting included around 97 participants, with 27 people commenting.

John Natsis, former owner of Bluefish Vacation Rental and Beachtown Vacation Rental as well as a board member of the Harbor Country Vacation Rental Association (HCVRA), asked that one year be spent collecting actual data on calls to the city related to short term rentals and that the current rental ordinance that was previously adopted be enforced. He asked that the current moratorium on rental applications be removed.

Last fall, City Council approved extending the moratorium on the addition of new rentals to the registry until August 2021.

Heather Gradowski, owner of Pineapple Vacations MI and also board member of HCVRA, said she agrees the problem with the current ordinance is enforcement. She asked that the City Council and Planning Commission and a “multidisciplinary committee” comprised of city stakeholders, the rental industry and the “community at large to refine the ordinance and develop affective enforcement protocols and policy that works for everyone.”

Kate VanPelt, the manager of Waya Rentals and licensed realtor with Berkshire Hathaway, said that “by limiting short-term rentals, you’re killing the real estate market in New Buffalo and you’re hurting the tax base for the school, as most second homeowners pay the bulk of school taxes.”

Ron Watson, president of the Sunset Shores Homeowners Association, said that during the summer, Sunset Shores experiences “three to four times the number of people and four to five times the number of cars.”

“Even 65 rental units in a subdivision that has 172 homes seems to be onerous to me…

It’s not typical of what we’d expect in an R-1 zoned family environment,” he said.

He added the city “needs to recover funds to cover some of the short-term rental costs to the city,” such as with lodging fees and increased permit fees, adding that local businesses and rental owners make the most money on the rentals.

Amy Yanz said that she bought a home in New Buffalo to raise her children in a residential area and not across the street “from a hotel.”

“It’s sad when you look across the street and you don’t know who’s there,” she said, adding that she has concerns for her child, who she claimed had witnessed unfamiliar men “drinking in the front yard and watching her unlock the door.”

Louise Valentin said that she feels that the city needs to “reel back again on the enforcement that we have in place” and work with that first.

“We need to grow but we also need to respect the people who have decided to make this their residence...When you have one block that has a high density of short-term rentals, it really diminishes the life of people whose home is on that block,” she said.

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an Hatch, the attorney who is representing resident Joanne Moskovic and “soon to be more home owners” in the short-term rental lawsuit against the city, said that under Michigan law, an ordinance “can’t be suspended by a resolution.”

The city adopted its resolution on a “15-month moratorium on the issue of shortterm rental permits” in May 2020.

“At no time prior to the May 2020 meeting was the resolution or moratorium published and the public never was informed there’d be a moratorium on short-term rental permits…

The moratorium is unlawful and preventing property owners from their right to be issued

d a short-term rental permit,” he said. o Hatch added that short-term rental h properties earn “conservatively on average” t $30,000 a year in profit.

“Multiply this by 40 rentals on the wait list w and the risk of being prevented from renting 3 their property and that equals $1.2 million i in damages per year we’ll be seeking from t the city in a lawsuit” if the moratorium is not v lifted, he said. h Moskovic, who with her husband is a plaintiff in the lawsuit, said that they’ve c rented out a home for seven years and never H received a call from the city telling them they s “had a problem renter in my home.” c “We have rented it out peaceably for seven f years without a single complaint from the city and now we’re being denied that opportunity t to rent out our property and our ability to t earn income has been taken away,” she said. ‘ Diane Gajos said that she and her husband “ purchased a home in New Buffalo with the f idea of someday retiring here, and said they relied on renting their property to afford v the cost of the home as well as “providing “ constant improvements” to it. She said w they have vetted out renters to “eliminate potential parties or excessive amounts of H guests.” o Gajos said the home and property were upgraded “for the safety of our guests but was b also for the aesthetic of our neighborhood, t n which has only helped increase property t values.”

“Your moratorium flies in the face of the original ordinance and will greatly affect the B financial stability of New Buffalo’s - property s values will decrease as people will no longer b be able to sell homes as potential property,” b she said, adding businesses will “dry up” r as short-term renters will no longer be t frequenting them. h Dan Saunders, owner of Third Coast m Vacations, said he doesn’t agree with the statement that the city doesn’t capture any o a of the rental income, as renters in town patronage local businesses. h “This is what helps the city generate income for the people that live here, and this 2 is something the city wholeheartedly takes m a portion of… I totally disagree no one is generating the oncome or benefitting from m this other than the homeowner, he said. c

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an Coffey said that, based on a report of all city police activity over 154 days last year, there were 679 responses from the police during that period, which included ordinance violations (he said the police had already marked that far indicating they were term rental incidents).

He said there were 26 properties that were notified in violation, and that they had 38 visits. One house had seven violations including trespassing, one property had three violations, three properties had two violations and the rest of the 26 properties had one violation per property.

Coffey said 679 violations over 154 days comes to 4.4 calls per day for the police.

He added that “38 citations related to short term rentals equals 6% of the total citations,” which he believes “isn’t too much for the police to take care of.”

“Four properties accounted for 16 of the 38 citations - that supports somewhat the mayor’s contention that there are ‘problem children,’” he said, adding that the “problem children after this data are very few.”

Coffey said that the house with seven violations should be taken care of but asked “upon whom are you going to enforce what.”

Betty Biernacki, a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway, said that the city “folded up” on winter weekends in the ‘70s and ‘80s because none of the businesses “were able to sustain themselves because there were no second homeowners or rentals coming to town.”

Planning Commission Chair Paul Billingslea said that he feels that the issue of short-term rentals in the city “needs to be brought under control.”

“It needs to be evaluated on an annual basis as to how effectively short-term rentals are being managed in the city that’s something we haven’t done, we haven’t had a consistent program that manages the issue and looks at the problem on an annual basis or every six-month basis and fine tunes it and adjusts it,” he said.

Planner Donald Stoneburner said that he and his wife had to rent out property in 2009 to get through “difficult times” and mostly rented to “families getting together.”

“There are some people for profit but most of them are just people who want to come to New Buffalo to rent out their house

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 13 when they’re not going to be here to cover their expenses…Yea, we have a problem to address but I’m just not prepared to go this step tonight,” he said.

Mayor John Humphrey said that his “biggest problem is how this is tied to the property and not use.”

“We have zoning all over the city that says when you apply for zoning you get a special use for certain things, whatever that business is, and one of those special uses should be lodging,” he said.

Humphrey said the issue lies with “dedicated commercial rentals people who never live in that operate like mini hotels they should not be allowed that use in R-1.”

Planner Roxanne Lauer said that her concern is how to police everything.

“I do think something’s got to be done, and I don’t have an answer,” she said.

P

er a document discussing the package, the draft regulatory ordinance requires owners/ agents “to compile and provide information to the City about each rental reservation, so that officers called to a scene can easily identify the renters and the vehicles that belong to them, as opposed to non-renter guests at the property.”

“You then can police it from that perspective, that’s a real tool to enforce problem situations,” Humphrey said, but added that “if there’s never a problem (at a property) you’re never going to know.”

Curcio said that communities have used zoning controls “if the goal is to make sure residential areas are inhabited primarily by people who live there (in the areas) full time or who live there at least for large portions of the year, then I think that a cap makes sense.”

“There’s different problems people try to address in short-term rental regulations - what you perceive the problem is kind of diagnoses what the solutions should be,” he said.

Billingslea remined everyone that the City Council is the one that makes the enforcement rules, and that the planners’ responsibility lies in giving the city council an ordinance “that they can then write enforcement around.”

The planners approved tabling the issue until a Planning Commission meeting that was being scheduled for this week.

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14 THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 15

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16 THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

HONOREES AWARDED REBECCA DEWEY CHAPTER, NATIONAL SOCIETY OF DAUGHTER OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AWARDS

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ebecca Dewey Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution awards were presented Sunday, March 21.

Honored with outstanding work in “Community Service” was the Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry. Volunteer and manager Linda Mangold of Three Oaks accepted the award for the organization that has worked for over a decade to provide food and other needs for the area.

The Chapter gathered at Three Oaks Heritage Hall at 8 E. Linden Street in Three Oaks, a building now owned by The Region of Three Oaks Museum.

Also honored that afternoon were the Good Citizens Essay Scholarship winners. Sandra Wilhoit was honored as the Outstanding Chapter Member for the Year 2020 with a Dewey Award.

Refreshments followed for a pleasant social time.

For information on the NSDAR, visit dar.org or email rebecca. deweyto@gmail.com. — STAFF REPORTS

Route of proposed downtown corridor narrows

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BY STAN MADDUX

he routes have narrowed for a proposed eight mile bypass aimed at reducing heavy truck traffic in downtown LaPorte.

According to supporters, the project talked about for more than 50 years can’t wait much longer because of traffic congestion on Indiana 2 becoming worse and desire to grow the struggling central business district.

Bert Cook, executive director of the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership, said the corridor needs to start being constructed within five years.

“I think it has to be a short term project,” he said.

The four routes suggested by Lochmuller Group out of South Bend would connect U.S. 35 on the southern edge of the city to Indiana 39 north of LaPorte, with a four-lane corridor just east of downtown.

The plan unveiled Tuesday, April 13, is to seek federal dollars to pay for 80%of the near $100 million estimated cost.

The city and LaPorte County government would be responsible for the balance of the funding.

Cook said a corridor is key for achieving the vision of a more walkable and thriving downtown hindered by heavy traffic on the four lane state highway running through it.

Without a corridor, he said developments happening right now and in the future to attract more people into downtown can’t reach their full potential.

Cook said many people would still avoid downtown because of the

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congestion and fear of semi-trucks and other passing vehicles after parking along Indiana 2.

“We talk about being a location with a high quality of life. I would argue that anyone with children who is parallel parking along Lincolnway and trying to get a child out of a car seat would agree that is not a safe environment. That is not typical of a community that has a high quality of life,” Cook said.

Opponents believe downtown would suffer from giving motorists the option not to venture into the central business district.

Mayor Tom Dermody said corridors have resulted in downtown growth in many communities like Valparaiso.

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Chase of sports cars stolen from dealership

he city is also looking at possibly reducing Indiana 2 to two lanes to further enhance pedestrian safety and transform downtown into more of a gathering place.

“If we ignore this, we know the devastation that will continue to happen in our downtown,” Dermody said.

Tom Newby, 34, said one of the routes would cut through his 53-acre farm on 250 North.

“Nothing like looking through your back window and there’s going to be semis barreling doing 60 miles per hour. That’s not what I planned on the nice little piece of quiet farm that I purchased just over a year ago,” he said.

Ruth Hook, environmental manager at Lochmuller Group, said the project could start being considered for approval at the federal level in early 2022.

Four sports cars were stolen from a LaPorte dealership and chased by police toward Chicago at close to 150 miles per hour.

All of the suspects got away but detectives from multiple law enforcement agencies were hopeful of identifying the culprits at some point in the investigation.

“Everybody is working together on this,” said La Porte Police Chief Paul Brettin.

Brettin said the Dodge Chargers and Dodge Challengers were taken early Saturday, April 17, from La Porte Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on Pine Lake Avenue near Johnson Road.

The vehicles were inside the service garage which was forced open.

“These are high dollar sought after cars. That’s why they’re placed inside at night,” he said.

Brettin said the burglary triggered an alarm which led to a chase toward Michigan City on U.S. 35 to U.S. 20 then Interstate 94.

According to Indiana State Police, one of the drivers after running out of gas fled on foot and jumped 30 feet off the Cline Avenue bridge in Gary to evade officers.

Brettin said the only stolen car recovered was the vehicle that ran out of fuel.

Dodge Chargers and Dodge Challengers along with other models have also been stolen at other dealerships in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area.

Brettin said it appears the stolen vehicles are being taken to chop shops for harvesting the parts, especially the engines and transmissions.

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CHAMBER HAS RELEASED INNOVATIVE PLANS TO REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC NEXT MONTH

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he organization celebrates its 40th formation anniversary with an enlivened membership plan and a new Harbor Country Event Calendar set to begin in May. The much-anticipated 2021 Harbor Country Guide – 40th Anniversary Edition will be unveiled and distributed to the public in a fun fresh outdoor way at the Harbor Country Guide Pick Up Picnic. The limited-capacity ticketed event will be held on the evening of Tuesday, May 11, at the Journeyman Distillery backyard in Three Oaks. Guests will receive a boxed picnic dinner, will enjoy drinks and can purchase a golf round on the putting green course, Welter’s Folly. Curbside guide pick up is available and does not require admission.

Tickets can be purchased on the Event Calendar link at www.harborcountry.org.

The very popular Harbor Country Mixers for members will resume in September. Especially designed to showcase member businesses, the mixers will change location each month.

Chamber members enjoy networking and reconnecting at these events. “Meet Up” group events to support area businesses will occur during the summer and will be announced in a “pop up” fashion to members.

This year, the Harbor Country Chamber reimagined how to build community connections with new and long-time residents, retirees and those looking for volunteer opportunities by forming a new membership level, “The Social Membership,” for $75 annually. Any non-business individual living in or outside Harbor Country who desires to socialize at member events and gain knowledge of the area and its businesses is encouraged to join.

To apply for membership on-line, visit www. harborcountry.org/becomeamember.

For more information, please visit www. harborcountry.org, Harbor Country social media, call 269-469-5409 or visit the Visitor Center on weekdays, at 15311 Three Oaks Rd. in Three Oaks. — STAFF REPORTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 17

18 THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 19

HOR0SCOPE APRIL 22-28, 2021

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

New financial ventures or value systems are going to start to take shape this week, and some of the things that you have grown attached to will definitely shift, now.

Even if things get shook up domestically because of this, know that it’s just part of adapting to changes. All will be well.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

The way you’ve been conducting business or structuring your life is ripe for change and expansion. Now is the time to shift to that new or unconventional approach that you’ve kept hidden in your back pocket. Your life requires a space for you to invent and create.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Don’t let routines get you down. Now is the time to implement changes and move on to things that will bring you a deeper satisfaction or quality of life. Utilize that mutable fire you carry inside of you to make your life more pliable and receptive. A change in career or residence, perhaps?

Life is full of surprises now, which could make you feel nervous or restless, as you visualize everything that you’d like to accomplish.

Utilize this increase in metal energy to instill changes in your personal life. Open up to new ideas about who you are, and where you want your life to go.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

Your approach to life will be shifting to a much broader perspective and possibly unorthodox style. You have a very gifted mind, that can understand the many sides of life and even though others view you as a nonconformist, that doesn’t mean you have to be at odds with them.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Health and occupational fluctuations are likely, this week. You can be very intuitive but sometimes you don’t always listen to that inner voice, and can turn out to be your own worst enemy. Things that you are pursuing will continue to fluctuate until you start following the inner guide.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 You will be blessed with a small windfall or an inheritance of sorts, this week.

Some very unusual or unconventional sources of wealth and information will be tapped into, now. The only down side is you may have to deal with a lot of paperwork or reread the fine print, before the rivers start to flow.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

There will be a changing of the guard so to speak this week, as some of your social connections shift. You may experience a change of heart in the love department too, as you realize you’re not as compatible or as alike as you thought you were. Differences may push you to experiment socially.

Embrace the courage in your heart for the changing of the guards, this week, as you may experience a dramatic severing of a relationship or come to terms with taking a very different approach to love now.

Sudden and unusual relationships are likely to develop at this time.

Yeah, I talk to myself. \— Dino

Circumstances could arise this week that will cause you to have a change of heart about creative projects or relationships, that you may have started impulsively over the last few weeks. Be aware that you are prone to some unusual bursts of self-expression now. Phone a friend before acting on impulse.

There will be a lot happening on the homefront this week. Whether you are changing residence or getting a new roommate, life at home could get really unpredictable now. Even if you feel at odds with their approach to living, now is the time to cooperate and honor other people’s methods.

our attitude about education or the basics to life will be taking a very unusual turn this week, which will be very stimulating and intriguing to others. This is the time to express your ideas no matter how unconventional or eccentric they are because you can make a big impact now.

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20 THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021

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‘Spirit of Freedom’ to be featured at this weekend’s ‘Celebration of Art’ at Courtyard Gallery

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

tall metal and stained-glass sculpture festival in Grand Rapids, twice and “now it’s here.”

Internationally renowned sculptor Fritz Olsen will that manifests the definition of the word McDonogh’s focus has always been custom also be debuting his work at the Courtyard Gallery for “freedom” will be front and center at architectural glass and design, and many of her the “Celebration of Art.” Fritz, who is originally from this year’s “Celebration of Art” event at commissions can be found throughout the United Chicago and now has a studio in Sawyer, has been the Courtyard Gallery in New Buffalo States, in both public and private collections. More sculpting for over 30 years, including abstract pieces in Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25. information can be found at juliemcdonough.com. stone, bronze, and steel.

“Spirit of Freedom,” the 10 feet high, 12 feet wide In addition to McDonough, other new artists for The gallery also has a lot of new work from all its stained glass and metal horse sculpture, which this year will be featured as guest artists this weekend: artists, including paintings, glass, photography, and was installed by a crew from Eudave jewelry.

Landscaping last Monday.

The gallery is currently open daily Artist Julie McDonough attributes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on “Freedom” to the current situation Tuesdays. of endangered wild horses, the environment and to all people of all or those who don’t feel races facing threats to their freedom as comfortable coming in with a individuals and communities. crowd, they can call the gallery “To think a lot of it will be filled in with at 800-291-9287 for a private glass, this is going to be quite showcase showing. Masks are required. and quite awesome when it’s all together,” The ongoing coronavirus pandemic Melissa Stranad, gallery director, said has taken a toll on art galleries, Stranad when it was being installed. said.

Specifically, the piece was designed to “Art is a very textural thing…They (the benefit American wild horses and burro public) want to come in and touch art, preservation - a “cause I that always it’s very tactical,” she said. support,” McDonough said.

Stranad said that most of the clients “We’ve got more (wild horses) in that Courtyard Gallery has had in the captivity than we do out on land past year has been previous clients, the roundups and whatnot – it’s a who’ve purchased pieces from artists complicated issue. So, when this (piece) who are already known to them. The A crew from Eudave Landscaping installs the sculpture in front of Courtyard Gallery sells, I donate 10% to those efforts to gallery ships artwork all over the help preserve,” she said, adding that country. the horses are an “American icon” that “deserves to be John Leon, Larry Nissan, and Leonard Williams.

Like so many other businesses and organizations in recognized and preserved.” the time of coronavirus, the gallery took the remote John Leon’s sculptures can be found in many McDonough said that currently, there are more than route to show members of the public what was new in private and public collections on five continents. He 50,000 wild horses in captivity. the world of art. started sculpting in 1980 and has created over 500 Of course, McDonough herself counts herself as a “We did everything on Facebook last year…That was sculptures in bronze, stone, and wood, to date. former owner of a beloved horse. quite an experiment,” Stranad said.

Larry Nissan’s love of glass began over 30 years ago “It was a lot of work but it’s the most amazing The gallery’s first Celebration of Art was live with stained glass and soon he moved to blowing and experience you’ll ever have,” she said. streamed last year on Facebook. sculpting. His skills, working with color, are greatly “Freedom” was originally created in 2013, with The Courtyard Gallery is located at 813 E. Buffalo aided by his creative direction.

McDonough calling the version that’s currently on St. (U.S. 12) New Buffalo, Michigan. More information Acrylic and watercolorist Williams has been painting display in front of Courtyard “version 3.0.” The piece can be found at https://courtyardfineart.com/ or at for over 35 years. His vibrant scenes depict beautiful also has been in Art Prize, an art competition and Courtyard Gallery in New Buffalo on Facebook. western landscapes.

F

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