April 29, 2021

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 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 17, volume 80

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Thursday, April 29, 2021

New daily COVID-19 cases declined a bit last week in Berrien County PAGE 3 Possible lifting of proposed short-term rental cap PAGE 4 Grand Beach Village Council accepts Steve Slater’s resignation, appoints Ellen Frankle to open seat PAGE 5 New Buffalo school board hears update on student athletes, discusses merits of potential prom PAGE 6 Harbert Road Beach stairway project moving along quickly PAGE 10 Blossomtime Festival Youth Parade, ‘Royalty Rocks the Windows’ LIVE, next weekend PAGE 16

SOAK IT UP...

NEW BUFFALO PUBLIC BEACH VISITORS BASK IN WARM WEATHER AND A SPRINGTIME SUNSET PHOTO BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

New daily COVID-19 cases declined a bit last week in Berrien County

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ases of COVID-19 in Berrien County decreased a bit last week, it was reported by the Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) on its Facebook page Friday, April 23.

“After several weeks of increasing COVID-19 case counts in Berrien County, we are finally seeing a small decline in the number of new cases each day and a slightly lower percent of positive tests,” the health department stated.

Over the course of the week of Monday, April 19, the health department recorded about 48 new cases per day, with about 12% of tests as positive for COVID-19.

The hospital also saw a decrease in patients with COVID-19, with ICU admission having remained low.

On April 16, it was reported that the health department was seeing a percent of positive tests that was around 14% throughout the course of that week and an average of about 56 cases per day.

As of the afternoon of Monday, April 19, in total, the health department was reporting 13,069 confirmed cases, 244 confirmed deaths and 11,320 30-day recoveries. There were also a reported 31 non-ICU COVID-19 patients.

As of April 23, the health department reported that close to 45% of residents 16 and over have received at least one dose of

the COVID-19 vaccine. Thousands of appointments are available each week through either area pharmacies, Spectrum Health Lakeland and BCHD for those who have not yet received a vaccine. Vaccine appointments through the health department 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 269-9275110.

BCHD also continues to do case investigations for residents who have been confirmed positive with COVID-19, with contact tracing being prioritized for those who are at a “higher risk of transmission and sever illness,” which includes both those who are under the age of 18 and over the age of 65, the health department stated.

On April 23, BCHD reported that, so far, 40 variant cases, including B.1.1.7 (UK variant) and B.1.4.2.7 (California/West Coast variant) have been identified in Berrien County.

“These mutations of COVID-19 appear to be slightly more contagious but have not been proven to be more severe,” the health department stated, adding that the vaccines “are proving effective against these strains; especially when reducing hospital stay and severity of illness due to COVID-19.”

Truth is so rare that it is delightful to tell it. — Emily Dickinson

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Berrien County Health Department COVID-19 Vaccination Update; Administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will resume in Berrien County

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Following the recommendation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Berrien County Health Department will resume the use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine in Berrien County for anyone 18 years or older.

The agencies previously recommended a pause April 13 while experts conducted a thorough safety review after reports of an extremely rare blood clotting syndrome in some people. The FDA and CDC have confidence that this vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 and have determined that the available data show that the vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks.

The next opportunity to receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be at a clinic Tuesday, May 4, at the Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) office in Benton Harbor with appointments available now for self-scheduling online at www.bchdmi.org/COVID19.

BCHD continues to offer the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in addition to now resuming administration of the J&J vaccine. While scheduling an appointment will guarantee vaccine availability, BCHD will welcome walk-ins at COVID-19 vaccine clinics beginning in May, while supplies last.

Residents needing a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are now able to schedule an appointment for themselves online but will be asked to present their vaccination record card at the time of their appointment.

Anyone self-scheduling for a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination should pay careful attention that they choose a clinic offering the same type of vaccine received for their first dose.

As of April 23, 2021, only 32.5% of all Berrien County residents aged 16 years or older have completed COVID-19 vaccination (two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine).

Nearly 45% have received at least one or more doses of any of the COVID-19 vaccines.

BCHD continues to offer open scheduling for both first and second doses with appointment availability found at www.bchdmi.org/COVID19; residents who need assistance in scheduling an appointment can call 800815-5485. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 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

Possible lifting of proposed short-term rental cap

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BY STAN MADDUX

year round economy in a community he New Buffalo Planning Commission has put the where second homes outnumber brakes on a proposed cap primary residents by a four to one of 65 short term rentals in margin. residential areas of the city.

At the March 17 meeting, Mayor The Planning Commission voted John Humphrey said “we need to unanimously to recommend the create a basis not only for a vibrant proposed cap be determined later at a economy for three months but for special meeting Tuesday, April 20. the full year. To do that, we need to The decision is expected to go before build our residency back. One way the city council for a final vote in the to get back to that is to protect our near future. residential neighborhoods and start Short term rental owners expressed building a culture of residency again.” appreciation for the Planning “We got the schools to do it,” he Commission’s recommendation. said.

“There’s no need to Lenga said short term rush when millions of rentals already serve More permanent dollars of property value as a tool for people to housing on the and property rights are market was felt relocate to New Buffalo at stake,” said William to be a key for full time Lenga, the owner of a rebuilding the “This is the Michigan short term rental. number of fulladvantage for tourism.

A cap of 65 short term time residents and The chance to live as a rentals in residential creating a more local first on vacation areas was discussed at vibrant year round then as a second length during a March economy in a homeowner and then as 17 joint session of the community where a full-time resident,” he planning commission second homes said. and city council. outnumber primary New Buffalo resident A cap was viewed as residents by a four Sharon Kelly said she a potential solution to to one margin. was once a user of short sharp growth in primary term rentals here while homes being converted living in Chicago. to short term rentals, complaints She later started coming here more about disruption in neighborhoods frequently until moving here 15 years and reduction in housing available to ago. prospective full-time residents.

Kelly said a cap would take away More permanent housing on her ability several years from now to the market was felt to be a key for convert her primary residence as a rebuilding the number of full-time short term rental to supplement her residents and creating a more vibrant

retirement income.

“It may seem like just a random number to you but for those who really do need a second income in retirement it’s not random. It’s necessary,” she said.

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enga urged city officials not to base their opinion about short term rentals on a not so favorable longtime belief held by some people in the community.

“These ordinances seem to start on the premise that short term properties are evil. That the owners have nothing but a profit motive without regard to the impact on the community. Maybe I’m just old, silly and naïve but why can’t we start the discussion with a basic view that short term rental owners in the community feel strongly about the place, that they’ve made a large personal investment here in time and treasure and that they want to be an asset to the community,” he said.

The Planning Commission also approved a request from Beer Church to add more seats than originally planned to the lower level outdoor seating area that should start being constructed soon.

The additional lower-level seating will consume three parking spaces in front of the building along Whittaker Street.

“We know there’s a parking issue there. This is not going to significantly impact that issue one way or another,” said Planning Commission Chairman Paul Billingslea.

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

My cousin Francis and I are in perfect accord - he wants Milan, and so do I. — Charles V

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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Grand Beach Village Council accepts Steve Slater’s resignation, appoints Ellen Frankle to open seat

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embers of the Grand Beach Village Council accepted the resignation of councilmember Steve Slater from April 1, 2021, as well as appointed Ellen Frankle to fill his seat at their Wednesday, April 21, meeting.

In his letter to the council, Slater stated that he and his wife will be moving out of the area to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

Councilmember Blake O’Halloran said Slater “brought a lot to the council.”

“He brought a lot of new opinions and a fresh view of how the beaches and village could be run and/or the different options the ways the parks and beaches could look in the village,” he said.

Frankle was nominated by Council President Deborah Lindley, which received a second from councilmember Jim Bracewell. O’Halloran nominated Harry Walder, which received no seconds. The first roll call vote for Frankle garnered a 3-1 tally, with Lindley, Bracewell and councilmember Paul Leonard voting yay and O’Halloran voting “nay.”

Frankle was appointed for a term ending November 2022.

Lindley said that Frankle has attended many meetings and has proven to be an “integral” part of the village and is “always thinking of the best interests of Grand Beach.” Lindley said that village attorney Sara Senica said that Frankle being on the council isn’t a conflict of interest as long as she recuses herself from a vote if there’s a potential conflict.

Councilmembers approved hiring a junior employee who will work under Superintendent Bob Dabbs to remove the garbage cans from the street each week and bring them up to the houses as well as who will be used for other purposes as Dabbs sees fit.

Councilmembers agreed the employee could work 28 hours a week for $15 an hour.

O’Halloran said the junior employee would be hired to bring the trash cans that were left in the street back to the houses after the village’s scheduled Monday

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

pickup. There will be a $20 fee to have a can moved back from the street to the house, and a sticker will be put on the can.

This should take effect June 1.

Councilmembers held a public hearing on the proposed budgets for fiscal year 2021-2022.

Council members approved authorizing Lindley to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) By and Between the Village of Grand Beach and Through Its Council and 46117 Ely, LLC, and to present it to Joe Farwell on behalf of the LLC for consideration and approval.

According to the MOU, the village “wishes to access real estate owned by 46117 Ely LLC for the excavation, removal and relocation of a decommissioned water line and current water line underlying the real estate.”

The MOU further states that the village and the LLC “understand and agree that the LLC must grant the village an easement for the relocation, installation, and maintenance of the relocated water line.”

Leonard said that the lines run down the middle of the property (which is currently vacant) and the one that’s out of service has to be removed and the one that’s currently in service has to be relocated to the edge of the property.

The project must be done within three years, the MOU states. The village has budgeted for the project.

Leonard said that the draft MOU has been recommended by the village attorney.

The draft calls for an easement that would be “determined to be the smallest easement where we can have access to the water line” and that it could be 10 feet or 15 feet, Leonard said.

Leonard said it was suggested that if it were limited to 10 feet, a Bobcat may be rented by the village to do digging to have access to the water line if the easement isn’t big enough to accommodate village equipment.

“The MOU provides that, in consultation with the engineer, a decision would be made as to the width of the easement that would be workable,” Leonard said, adding

that it would probably be within the 10-to15-foot area at this point.

The MOU calls for the engineer to come in and give advice as to what’s “feasible,” which Leonard said is a “workable middle ground for both parties.” Per the draft MOU, the village and LLC “agree the easement area shall be confined to the smallest area necessary as determined by the project engineer to give the village access to the water line.”

Leonard said that the MOU “sets out that the parameters of the easements will be based upon the recommendation of the project manager.” The location (which is listed as the property’s northwesterly edge) may be amended, as the engineer may find there’s a better location for the easement of the waterline.

Councilmembers approved terminating former police chief Dan Schroeder’s employment effective immediately, which will stop any liability to the MERS pension plan for Schroeder. Lindley added that they thank Schroeder for his years of service to the village.

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ouncilmembers approved employing Creo Brewster as a full-time police officer, as Courtney Severn will be leaving for the City of New Buffalo.

Lindley had clerk Mary Robertson draw up a millage schedule from 1979 to present.

In 1979, the millage rate was 16.9 mils; however, due to the Headlee rollback, in 2020, it was 6.0135, which raises 814,424.07 in tax revenues.

The schedule shows that raising tax by one mil would raise an additional revenue of $135,432.62, which Lindley said is per every mil (seven, eight, nine or 10 mills).

If the millage was increased to seven mils, it would generate $133,604.28 in the first year.

Lindley said that if the village wins the lawsuit against the township for its Special Assessment District (SAD), which was approved by members of the New Buffalo Township Board in February, the village will have its taxes to the township lessen for police services but may have to buy

services for fire and ambulance.

Lindley said that “depending how the township handles it,” if the township retires the public safety millages and loses the assessment, they’ll “have no means to provide services unless they are contracted by the villages.”

“We can do this by adding a public safety millage later if this comes to fruition or we can raise our operating millage” from 6.0135 mills, Lindley said.

Lindley said the village raising the operating millage by one mil would generate $135,000, which would allow the village to raise money for repairs and other special projects and would “put us in a good position to buy services if needed.”

Increasing the millage rate would go in front of the voters, of which Bracewell said that he’s in favor.

“That’s why I supported a millage increase submitted to the voters rather than a special assessment district,” he said, adding a SAD would be decided by the council.

Lindley said she’d like to have public input over the summer. Townhall-type meetings would be held for residents so that they’re informed on how the money would be spent and of cost estimates for potential improvements.

O’Halloran added that there are some future village “high-ticket price items.”

“I don’t think the budget we have today is going to transcend the budget we’re going to need in the future and all the expenses that are going up because prices are going to be going up, I don’t see how we can sustain it with the millage we have at 6.0135,” he said.

Councilmembers approved moving $5,000 to the New Buffalo Shoreline Alliance’s (NBSA) attorney regarding litigation for the NBSA’s lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Capital Projects for 2020-2021.

Councilmembers approved a request for the use of two tennis courts for summer kids’ group tennis lessons as long as they include the most current Michigan COVID-19 pandemic regulations.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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SCHOLASTICS

New Buffalo school board hears update on student athletes, discusses merits of potential prom

ven in the time of coronavirus, student athletes are giving it their all on the court or the field.

At the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education meeting Monday, April 26, Matt Johnson, athletic director, said that 66% of the student body participated in student athletics in some form during the 2020-2021 school year. There was 15% of the student athletes that participated in three sports, which was down from 24% in the 20182019 school year. Johnson said that there seem to be a lot of students who participate in winter sports and he’d like to see those students “branch out” to fall or spring sports.

There have been 42% of the student athletes that participated in two sports this school year.

The 2020 girls’ volleyball team was BCS White Division Champions and were district champions again, the boys’ basketball team were district champions, and the boys football team made it to the second round of playoffs.

There are 83 athletes who are participating across six sports this spring.

Johnson said that they’ve been “very fortunate” to have been able to play all three seasons of sprots with minimal disruption due to COVID-19. So far, only one student has tested positive for COVID-19.

Next fall, New Buffalo and River Valley will play as a co-op football team. Students are “leaning” on calling

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

themselves the Red Arrow Raiders, and they like the colors black and silver.

Johnson thanked the school board and administration for supplying the “tools and resources we need to give kids some sense of normalcy.”

“Being able to participate in athletics is one of those few opportunities they have to feel like they’re a normal kid,” he said.

Board member Joyce Lantz said that, if the high school continues to co-op with River Valley, she thinks it’d be a “good idea for us to get on the same page as new teams are introduced.” The wrestling co-op came up with a name, Harbor Country Heritage.

“I think straying too far from our school’s colors is not ideal, especially if we’re going to be playing on our football field,” she said, adding that there was confusion at the wrestling meets as to whether they were River Valley or New Buffalo.

Lantz said that maybe colors could be used that are “more on brand with the schools we’re participating with, rather than straying from it.”

Johnson said that if the school coops with more schools, that’s “going to have to be more of an administrative decision” between the two schools to think of a “consensus co-op name for all our programs.”

He added that students from each school had a discussion over whose base color from whose school they’d use for the co-op.

Board members Joyce Lantz said she’d like a discussion on the high

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

school having prom for students this year. She said that seniors Emma Lantz and Abby Vitale were present at the meeting, and that the students had put together a proposal “that’s worth the board’s consideration.”

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie said guidance from the health department won’t allow food and drink at prom. One possible date that was discussed was May 22; however, if COVID-19 cases came from the event, students would have to quarantine for two weeks and might not be able to participate in graduation.

Lantz said that she’s worried that students will “go a little rogue on us.”

“If we can have some restrictions in place to keep them safe knowing we have a little control over it, I prefer that than them doing their own thing,” she said.

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oard member Heather Black added that the “beauty” of being in a small community is that one could “pull things off that you wouldn’t be able to do in a 2,000-student school,” such as prom.

Board president Chuck Heit said that the students’ proposal needs to go to the administration before it comes to the school board. If necessary, the board could schedule a special meeting.

Heit said that he wanted to correct “false information” that’s been circulating on social media regarding the proposed New Buffalo Area Recreational Authority, which will be voted on by the school board at the

New Buffalo Times

— SINCE 1942 —

May 10 meeting and the New Buffalo Township Board and New Buffalo City Council at their May 17 meetings.

The authority hasn’t been discussed “under a cloak of darkness,” as Heit said that there was a joint meeting between all three entities Aug. 31, 2020. It’s also been discussed at school board meetings last year and was discussed in January.

Heit added that the authority has no “tax levying special assessment authority at all.” The authority’s budget would have to be approved by each board individually on an annual basis.

As part of the authority, the school district will be able to apply for grants that normally would be off limits to school districts.

Leslie said that a “driving force” for the authority was that the school district doesn’t own the softball field and therefore it can’t invest any money in enhancements. Grants will also help the school district with upgrades to other recreational areas, such as the Davey Owens property.

After a second reading, board members adopted board policies #1422, #1662, #2260, #2260.01 Section 504, #2266, #3122, #3123 - Section 504, #3362, #4122, #4123 - Section 504, #4362, #5341, #5342, #5343 #5517, #7440.01, #8321, #8330, #8400, #8450.01, #8500, and #8510.

Board members approved the employment of Karl Drewes in a BASE aide position.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

SPORTS

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From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

t’s Sunday night and as I sit here watching the Oscars contemplating what to write about this week one word continues coming to mind.

Actually, this thought began last Sunday when I saw ads for design shows and cooking shows. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that in every walk of life, competition is taking center stage and crossing over from one area to another. Given an even playing field, I feel that competition is good and healthy, but at times it feels unfair and unnecessary to me.

Competition is mostly equal in the sporting world. Baseball is nine versus nine, basketball five versus five, etc. Teams put the best players they can on the field of play and may the best team win. I was in sales for quite awhile and the same held true. The most prepared, persuasive people most often ended up with the sale. You won some and you lost some. Those who won much of the time were rewarded with happy customers and a good income while those who consistently ended up on the short end of the stick went looking for a different kind of employment.

While watching the Oscars, I hoped all of the nominees would understand that they were all winners. I find it difficult to understand how you can choose greatness over greatness. One group is doing comedy, another drama, another sci-fi, and to choose one over the others seems unfair. I came away from the Oscar telecast with a renewed admiration for Frances

McDormand and a new and complete admiration for Tyler Perry. McDormand (from Gibson City, Illinois, near Champaign) is a brilliant actress and a great lady while tonight I learned that Tyler Perry is a truly wonderful human being. The work Perry has done and the fairness of his words and acts really inspired me. While I admired all of the nominees, Perry’s speech for his humanitarian award was one of the best speeches I’ve ever heard.

Mr. Perry’s speech got me off track for a minute, but back to the idea of competition.

Again, last week I saw that designers and chefs were going to be competing. This type of competition, in my opinion, is on an uneven playing field. Just because a judge likes chicken better than pasta or blue more than green doesn’t mean one is necessarily better than the other. I’m afraid that one day soon it will be chefs versus designers.

Everything becomes us versus them and we end up with nothing happening. When the playing field is level, competition is good and fair, but when one side or the other cheats to stack the deck in their favor, nobody wins.

Among other things, Tyler Perry said, “Refuse hate. Help lift someone’s feet off the ground.” Amen Mr. Perry, refuse hate.

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

You can’t quantify everything a player does to win games.

— Derek Jeter

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HEAD START NOW ENROLLING CHILDREN, EXPECTANT MOTHERS; LIMITED SPOTS ARE AVAILABLE

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ri-County Head Start is now enrolling children and expectant mothers for the fall of 2021 in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

The program provides comprehensive services to the entire family and provides classroom experiences that support children educationally, socially, and emotionally. Tri-County Head Start serves 908 children and families each year in the classroom or in families’ homes. They serve expectant mothers and children ages birth to three in the Early Head Start program, and three and four-year-old children in the Head Start program.

Services for classroom students, home-based students, and expectant mothers include but are not limited to: Education, Health, Mental Health, Dual Language, Conscious Discipline, and support from Family Advocates who connect families with other organizational partners, and work alongside the family to help them achieve their goals. The program offers an opportunity for parents to build leadership and advocacy skills by becoming elected members of the Parent Policy Council.

The Head Start program provides children with the opportunity to learn skills to be academically, socially, and emotionally ready for kindergarten.

Tri-County Head Start’s Expectant Mothers Program offers prenatal education about fetal development, labor and delivery expectations, recovery, and maternal depression.

When the expectant mother delivers the baby, the baby takes the place of the mother in the program and becomes enrolled as an Early Head Start student. Home Visitors assist families with setting baby goals, family goals, and help parents get the baby’s brain ready for learning. They also connect families with needed resources, information, and leadership opportunities.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Tri-County Head Start has taken the steps necessary to reduce the spread of the virus while continuing to provide quality education and resources to students and families.

The organization is excited to be celebrating 50 years of serving children and families in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Planned celebrations will be shared from the organization leading up to February 2022.

Tri-County Head Start has served more than 40,000 children and families in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties since 1972. They serve both the children and their families by providing a preschool program for children to be able to begin Kindergarten school ready but also connect families with needed resources, educational, and leadership opportunities.

Services are free for eligible families. Head Start provides hope and helps dreams come true.

For more information, please visit www.tricountyhs.org. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

New family healing program has first graduate

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BY STAN MADDUX

Michigan City woman has become a light for others after putting her foot down on the life she was leading as a drug addict.

Amy Block, 39, is the first graduate of the Family Recovery Court, whose mission is keeping parents and their children together and in a healthy environment.

By successfully completing the therapeutic program, Block regained full custody of her 1-year-old daughter.

Adding to her fresh start is a new job as recovery coach at a substance abuse treatment facility in South Bend.

Block said not using drugs as required in the program is the longest she’s been clean since age 11.

“I feel wonderful. I feel like life is worth living nowadays and I feel hopeful for the future,” she said.

Eight other parents from LaPorte County are working their way toward graduation, said Emily Back, coordinator of Family Recovery Court.

The program was launched in September after a year of talks between LaPorte Circuit Court Judge Tom Alevizos and his court magistrates, Pamela Munsey and Jonathon Forker.

There were looking for a better way to reunite and keep together more families struggling or torn apart by drug abuse.

Back said services were already being extended to at-risk families by the local judicial system and state.

She said Family Recovery Court brings various behavior and mental health professionals from both arenas under one umbrella to better address the issues of each parent.

“We built this team. We talk to each other on a regular basis which is something that’s not always done,” Back said.

She said referrals to FRC are made by the Indiana Department of Child Services and judges overseeing complaints filed against parents for the care given to their children.

Each individual undergoes a clinical assessment to develop strategies for treatment.

Any factors contributing to drug use such as difficulties with employment and housing are also addressed as part of the treatment.

Back said the up to 24 month program is voluntary but parents not enrolling could run a greater of risk of losing or not regaining custody of their children.

Drug use is prohibited.

Violators are placed into enhanced treatment programs rather than being punished, she said.

Betsey Black, a DCS case worker, said substance abuse treatment is the primary focus but training in areas like parenting and job skills are included, if necessary.

Employment can also be required to take part in the program.

“If they’re able to survive on their food stamps or their social security or disability, whatever, we allow that, too. We want the focus to be the recovery and we want to make sure they’re able to care for their child appropriately,” she said.

Block said her battle with substance abuse in more recent years was mostly with heroin and methamphetamine.

During her March 20 graduation ceremony, she was praised for wanting and being committed to change.

Block said her attitude finally reached that point after so many trips to jail along with disruption and emptiness her actions were causing for her and other loved ones.

“Just being tired of the old life style and outcomes like family. It’s pretty lonely being an addict,” she said.

LETTERS TO THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES:

DEMOCRACY LAYS DOWN WITHOUT TRANSPARENCY THE VIEWS HERE DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES. THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES ASKS THAT YOUR LETTERS BE UNIQUE, KIND AND BASED ON REASONED FACTS. THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO NOT PUBLISH ANY CORRESPONDENCE FOR ANY REASON. PLEASE K EEP YOUR LETTERS TO 350 WORDS OR FEWER. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR LETTER TO THE INFO@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM. THANK YOU KINDLY IN ADVANCE. DEMOCRACY REQUIRES TRANSPARENCY.

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

W

MANY THANKS... e would like to thank Ghost Isle Brewery for their generous donation to help feed children in New Buffalo through the Blessings in a Backpack ministry.

In these difficult times when many restaurants have been struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic over the past year, we are truly grateful that Ghost Isle Brewery raised funds and awareness for New Buffalo’s Blessings in a Backpack.

Blessings in a Backpack sends food home with elementary students who might not have enough food for the weekend.

This is all made possible by generous donations from the community and many, many volunteer hours.

Donors across the country contribute to the success of the nationwide Blessings in a Backpack program which provides food to over 88,900 children in 1,092 schools in 46 states each weekend. There were over 3 million hunger free weekends provided nationwide during the last school year through Blessings in a Backpack.

Once again, thank you Ghost Isle Brewery! Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

— MARY ROBERTSON, MROBERTSON58@COMCAST.NET WATER’S EDGE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK

VOTER SUPPRESSION IS ANTI-DEMOCRATIC...

S

parked by false claims of fraud, Michigan’s Republican Legislators have introduced multiple anti-voting rights bills. These bills would enact new voter ID requirements, reduce drop-box locations and drop-off times for absentee ballots, eliminate a clerk’s ability to provide pre-paid postage for absentee ballots, and prohibit SOS

Jocelyn Benson from mailing absentee ballot applications to all registered voters.

However, Republican legislators are now worried that their anti-voting rights bills won’t pass in Michigan’s normal legislative process because it requires the Governor to sign bills into law. Instead, our Republican lawmakers appear to be considering a loophole known as “Citizen led Legislation” that allows them to bypass the Governor. Michigan law allows citizen(s) or lawmaker(s) that collect (340,000) petition signatures to place any initiative (including ones focused on antivoting) on the ballot for voters to decide.

But wait! Even before a voter ballot occurs, the Legislature could bypass the ballot and enact a petition initiative into law without the Governor’s signature or voter ballot simply by legislative decree.

Just nine other initiatives have become law this way in the last 58 years.

In response to Georgia’s legislation, Delta Air Lines and The Coca Cola Company criticized the law as unacceptable and Major League Baseball pulled the All-Star game from Atlanta.

Now Michigan is starting to face similar backlash as 37 of its larger employers (including GM, Ford, Blue Cross, Quicken Loans) are urging our legislature to avoid approving bills that disenfranchise voters and are calling for bipartisan election administration. Does Michigan really want to deal with the same company pushback that Georgia has received?

Call your State Legislators and indicate that these new bills will only create unnecessary barriers to voting. We want them to help make it easier to vote not harder. Tell them that bypassing the Governor and the Voters to push anti-voting initiatives into law is not Democratic. They should vote “No” on these bills.

— KENNETH PETERSON, BUCHANAN

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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10 THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Harbert Road Beach stairway project moving along quickly

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

rogress volunteers have been making in rebuilding the lower portion of the stairs at Harbert Road Beach has been moving along much quicker than anticipated.

At a special Chikaming Township Park Board meeting Monday, April 15, board members approved rebuilding the stairs for an amount not to exceed $10,000.

On Friday, April 23, the group of volunteers had reached the point where railings were being built.

“Right now, they’re lowering the stringers for the stairs on the lower section while the folks are digging holes down there 42 inches - and it’s all in clay, so it’s not an easy dig,” Joe Sipek, one of the project’s organizers, said.

The design includes wooden stairs with an expanded platform at the top and a second platform midway to the beach. A platform at the top will have seating benches on both sides, so people who don’t want to walk all the way to the beach can still take in a Lake Michigan sunset. The intermediate beach platform would be built down on the beach level, with stairs down to the beach.

A cable system will prevent the stairs from sliding down the dune. The last two or three stairs would be buried in the sand in case of erosion.

On April 23, Sipek said that the project may even be complete by May 1 – weeks before Memorial Day. “We upped our goal,” Sipek said.

On any given day, there have been as many as 11 volunteers.

“The challenge for me on leading the

crew is how do I keep 10 other people busy - it’s a great problem to have,” he said.

“We got people carrying wood down, we got people assembling things…It’s really going well, we are tickled to death with the progress being made,” Sipek added.

The group of volunteers have included a former landscape architect professor as well as park board members.

“We got people from all walks of life…It’s all people from the neighborhood, it’s fantastic,” he said.

The original stairs washed away in October 2019.

“They disappeared…Mother Nature on the lake is pretty strong when she gets mad,” Sipek said.

Sipek added that architect Dan Menitoff drew up the plans for the stairs, so a permit for the project could be obtained.

Jocelyn VerLee, a park board member, also helped coordinate the project, as her responsibility is Harbert Beach.

In addition to constructing the stairs, people have been helping in other ways as well.

“Every day we’ve been working people have been bringing meals, we’ve had it from Luisa’s, we’ve had it from Carolyn Drier at Drier’s Meat Market…I get choked up,” he said of the community outreach.

For up-to-date progress on the group’s efforts, check out Chikaming Township Parks, Preserves, and Beaches on Facebook.

Witness to accident honored for saving life

A

BY STAN MADDUX

man heading to work in New Buffalo used the CPR skills he learned in high school to save the life of a driver who crashed while experiencing a medical episode.

Jacob Henn, 31, of LaPorte gave all of the credit to God for placing him in the right place at the right time.

“He just used me as an instrument and orchestrated it,” he said.

Henn was presented with the City of LaPorte Excellence Award during the city council’s Monday, April 19, meeting.

A healthy looking Anthony England after a six week stint in the hospital was there to meet the man he called his “Guardian Angel.”

England, a school administrator in Elkhart, also gave him videos of his mother and three daughters, ages 10, 12 and 13, expressing their deep gratitude.

“I don’t know how you say thank you to someone who saves your life, but thank you,” he said.

According to LaPorte Police, England was involved in a single vehicle collision Feb. 11 at Pine Lake Avenue and Indiana 39.

Henn said he just returned home from his maintenance job at condominiums in New Buffalo but had to go back to take care of unfinished business when he witnessed a slow moving vehicle strike a light pole.

He ran over to find the driver unconscious. .Henn said he tried opening the doors but they were locked so he ran back to his truck and grabbed a metal jack.

He used the jack to shatter one of the windows, unlocked a door and placed England on his back.

Henn said he pumped on his chest and performed mouth to mouth resuscitation until emergency responders arrived.

He tried but was not able to find out if England survived until they were introduced to each other just prior to the meeting.

“It was a pleasure to shake his hand and give him a hug,” he said.

H

enn said even more heart-warming from being a father himself was learning England has children.

“I’m just grateful for Mr. England and his family that he’s got many, many more years ahead of him,” he said.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 11

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14 THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

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BERRIEN, ST. JOSEPH COUNTIES TO BENEFIT FROM NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND

By Invitation Only A MOVE TO REMEMBER

BY LAWRENCE VON EBELER

he Amish used to build barns for their neighbors and friends in one day and would turn out scores of volunteers to do it.

I experienced something close to that over the last few days.

Having been evicted from my home of 17 years, I was stunned with the reality of having to leave my beloved “Prairie Farm,” the home of many gatherings for dinners, parties and “Celebration of Life” events, family Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas tree decorating, birthday dinners, Academy Award parties, Bon Voyage, events, and much, much more.

But that only scratches the surface of the emotions I felt for this house (I have always said: “The only way I am leaving this house is feet first.”)

I could not have been more shocked when I got an eviction notice to be out in two weeks! My attorney later got that extended to two more weeks; however, that's not much time either when you have lived someplace for 17 years! I was devastated about it, in total shock and sick to death over the prospect of losing my home and having to move. The owner, a man who lives in an $8 million mansion in Malibu, could not have been hurting financially too much, but then, who was I when only being a tenant for 17 years?

So, the search began. It's not easy for an 82-year-old man to be forced to begin his life again. It's not easy for anyone, but especially one who has lived so much of his retired life in the home he never thought he would be leaving.

It was devastating.

I began the house search. I wasn't alone. All my close friends were

looking for me too. The market choices for a man with modest means was not encouraging, especially for an old man with high standards (from which I suffer) and with only two weeks’ notice.

From this experience, I realized: Clearly there is a God! My good college friend Annie, with whom I have enjoyed a friendship for six decades, came through for me with a lovely home all paid for by her good fortune that she had squirreled away from her keen management of her finances and some good luck in the stock market. Due to her generosity and respect for our life-long friendship, I now enjoy a home with many advantages over Prairie Farm.

It's larger and decades younger and has all the conveniences you could ask for in a home. It’s also in a semigated senior community, with the highest of standards.

I am not simply happy; I am blown away!

The prospect of moving was still daunting. I’m a good packer, as I’ve accumulated practice from all of the moves I’ve made from city to city New York, Columbus, Birmingham, Southfield, and LaJolla - over the years. I packed over 200 boxes that were provided by several kind friends, who dumpster-dived to get boxes for me. Friends would drop by with more boxes, wrapping paper, tape, etc. I have some pretty outstanding friends who made this move as expeditious as possible.

The most outstanding facet of this story is that Jeff Dryden, our pastor at the Converge Church in New Buffalo, made a clarion call for help to move me. Seventeen men showed up with five huge trailers and swooped into the house and hauled the massive bulk furniture,

art collection, and wardrobe to the new house! It was almost all done in a matter of a few hours.

It was like magic – or it was more like the Lord was out there, egging them all on to the finish. It was indeed spiritual!

Then my friend Mat Kirkus came on Saturday with a borrowed trailer and Hummer from Rich Kochanny (whom he works for and is a friend of mine) at the Village Lofts and storage unit businesses to finish off the remainder of the work. It was more of that magic at work. No one works at the speed of Mat! I call him “SUPERMAN”!

All in all, it was enough to make me even more religious than I am.

There's somebody up there watching over me. I will be forever grateful and humbled by all of this. I thank the good Lord and his crew for all of these unbelievable kindnesses.

I didn't mention one more thing I have received in the way of a gift.

My good friends Annie and Allynn (whom I call the “Balloon People” because that's how they make their living around the world - blowing up balloons for their balloon sagas) gave me a car (I haven’t had one since my accident three years ago).

Annie's father, who passed away, left his cherry little Honda with her -with which they so generously gifted me!

They also brought boxes and packed them with kitchen things and the large art pieces for me.

More truer friends there never were.

All in all, my much-dreaded move was almost a pleasure, and a great testimony for the human and Christian spirit – of which I shall be forever and ever grateful.

“Great strength comes from faith in God” (Zechariah 12:5).

S

en. Kim LaSata voted for Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund legislation Wednesday, April 14, that would help support projects in Berrien and St. Joseph counties.

In Berrien County, the NRTF would provide $300,000 to New Buffalo Township in support of the Marquette Greenway Development project — the 58-mile trail along Lake Michigan connecting New Buffalo to Chicago — as well as $300,000 to the county for an addition to the Madeline Bertrand Park. St. Joseph County would receive $50,000 to make renovations at Rawson’s King Mill Park.

“The Natural Resources Trust Fund is a great way to support and enhance recreational opportunities for Southwest Michigan residents and visitors alike,” said LaSata, R-Bainbridge Township. “This year’s funding will go a long way toward improving existing parks and recreational offerings and help complete the exciting Marquette Greenway project.”

As approved, House Bill 4469 would allocate a total of nearly $37.8 million for 46 recreational development and 30 land acquisition projects throughout the state.

The NRTF is supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. The fund’s dollars are constitutionally restricted to recreation improvements and land acquisitions. It has provided over 40 years of funding for highquality outdoor recreation opportunities across Michigan. The process is competitive, and applications are scored on criteria developed by the fund’s board.

The fund was established in 1976 under the Kammer Recreational Trust Fund Act and was later added to the Michigan Constitution under Article 9, Section 35.

HB 4469 now goes to the governor for her signature. — STAFF REPORTS

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 15

HOR0SCOPE APRIL 29-MAY 5, 2021

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

Get ready for a roller coaster ride, as financial situations will be fluctuating, this week.

This is giving you the opportunity to breathe new life into a career that may have become stagnant or unrewarding. Also, you will see ways to accumulate wealth through repetitive cycles of return.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

The energy this week is electrifying your career possibilities. You will see opportunities to branch out to new markets, and intuitively know how to reach a larger audience. Be aware that with greater responsibilities, comes greater risk. Keep a clear head and you’ll easily move up the ladder.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Your schedules may get a little sidetracked this week with either an unexpected detour or a family member changing residence, you can expect some disruptions to your regularly schedule program. On a bright note, career-wise you will be tapping into a fountain of wealth.

If life seems very fast paced and full of unpredictable situations, know that’s part of the plan. The universe is working with you to create and revitalize your situation and sometimes that means letting a higher force navigate, while you man the wheel.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

It’s time to take a break from the routine and explore some new territory. Getting out in nature, exploring new ideas or literally taking a vacation, could reignite your creative side.

Look past the mundane and embrace the fortunate circumstances that are operating underneath.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Keep a low profile.

This is not the time to make your life or experiences public.

You are dealing with an energy this week that carries a strong uncertainty principle with it. Avoid making direct moves. Become more receptive and let things develop in a more surreptitious way for now.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 It will be easy to get dramatic or for situations to get out of control this week, as there is a strong emotional current rippling through your career sector. When things get weird, draw on your sense of personal identity and heritage to ground you. Know that help and insight are on the way.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

You will be blessed with the ability to easily get along with anyone. Use this energy to its fullest by talking to people and following your instincts.

Trust that you will be in the right place, at the right time to connect with the people that can help you the most. Come out of your shell.

You will easily attract romance and sudden unexpected connections with people, this week. There is a very serendipitous energy surrounding chance encounters that bring unusual windfalls or an unusual turn of events. This is the stuff that comes out of the blue and fades just as quickly.

There is a very romantic energy radiating from the stars this week, and your normal intensity will be viewed as intriguing, rather than intimidating.

Your natural instinct to be alone will actually draw people to you. The vibe is right for connecting with unusual people that get into your quirks.

Making changes to your life what will create a more comfortable and luxurious environment will be easier now.

The key thing here is to project yourself more in domestic situations. Don’t get into people pleasing mode or withdraw emotionally.

Get more involved in the decisionmaking process.

The energy this week will add to your imaginative and creative side.

It’s important you connect with people that can keep up with you mentally now. Easily bored with the mundane, you will take topics to a deeper level. This is the time to connect with siblings and talk about the past.

The wise man alone intelligently intercepts the dialogue between the senses and the soul. — Dino N. Fatouros

www.newbuffalotimes.com

16 THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

Michigan City Council discusses proposed ordinance requiring short-term rental permit

T

BY STAN MADDUX

here’s talk of cracking down on short term rentals in Michigan City in response to complaints by full-time

residents.

A proposed ordinance requiring a permit to operate a short-term rental home was presented to the city council Tuesday, April 20.

The measure seemed to have strong support but Councilman Sean Fitzpatrick alleged the proposal was an extension of the age old dislike some local residents have for out of towners.

Fitzpatrick also said the city should not target citizens looking to use their homes to make extra money.

“I know there’s always a war

on Illinois people and I’m pretty sure that is what a lot of this stems from,” he said.

Under the ordinance, a permit to operate a short term rental would cost $150 and fines could be levied for violations like high levels of noise and litter generated by guests.

A permit could be revoked after a property owner recorded a third violation.

“Some of the residents have come to us and asked how can we be assured we’re going to enjoy the summer as well. As you know, sometimes that can get out of hand,” said Councilwoman Dalia Zygus.

Council President Michael Mack said the ordinance stemmed from

talks he and the police had in the fall with residents near the lakefront expressing unrest about the happenings at vacation homes.

Mack said action governing short term rentals is needed because of the amount “popping up” near the lake and other parts of the city.

He said the goal is the city having “a little bit of control to keep the peace in the neighborhood.”

The council decided not to take action on the measure after inspections prior to issuing permits was among the needs cited for such an ordinance.

The ordinance will be discussed more thoroughly at workshop sessions and possibly amended before coming back to the council for consideration.

BLOSSOMTIME FESTIVAL YOUTH PARADE, ‘ROYALTY ROCKS THE WINDOWS’ LIVE, NEXT WEEKEND

T

he Blossomtime Festival is excited to announce it will hold its annual Youth Parade for youngsters from preschool through middle school age at 12 p.m. Saturday, May 8, along Lake Boulevard, downtown St. Joseph.

“As a festival, we are excited to be able to hold this time-honored tradition,” said Anna Abdelnour, Blossomtime Board president. “We are encouraging the young people to register and to be a part of this special day! All units are welcomed, marching bands, drill teams, decorated bikes, and pets.”

Spectators are asked that they please adhere to the CDC Guidelines with social distancing and wearing masks.

Check in will begin 11 a.m. at the corner of Pearl Street and Lake Boulevard. Pre-registration is required. Awards will be given, with identification, to the person whose name is on the entry form, immediately following the parade at the Band Shell.

Entrants will be judged in the following categories: Floats, Bands, Shoe Box Float, Scout Troops, 4H Units, Pom Pon/Cheerleading/Drill Teams, Pets, Costumed Individuals, Costumed Groups, and decorated wagons and bikes. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the Youth Parade unless the entrants are a Float A Division unit or Community Royalty riding in a convertible.

Applications are available by emailing the office or visiting our website, www.blossomtimefestival. org. Please return applications to the Blossomtime Office by e-mail at office@blossomtimefestival.org or by faxing to 269-982-8018. Any questions, please call 269-982-8016 or email the office at office@ blossomtimefestival.org. Applications are due no later than Friday, April 30, at 5 p.m.

Following the Youth Parade, the Festival has exciting news to share to celebrate parade day and the downtown merchants. There will be a live mannequin show, “Royalty Rocks the Windows,” featuring the 2020 Community Queens and Kings from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. This is a brand-new event, and the festival hopes to make it a tradition. Guests are welcome to walk down State Street to see the Community Queens and Kings model live in area business windows. Each royalty window will display something special about their hometown community. All communities have been invited to participate so please come out and see your favorite hometown Queen and King.

The Youth Parade is sponsored annually by Starks Family Funeral Home and awards provided by Twin City Awards & Trophies. — STAFF REPORTS

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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. Deadline is Friday 5PM before the following week’s publication.

FOR RENT

THE ACORN IS HIRING

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Great parking. 700-2,000 SF. Call to view/rates @ 312-259-4011.

NEW BUFFALO Year Around Rental. Large 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.Will be available in September/October. Quiet Living, no pets. $750-$925 per month. For more information call 269-469-1364.

HELP WANTED LOVE WORKING OUTDOORS AND IN THE TREES? Awesome, outdoor, low covid exposure, summer work. C&A Arborists, your local tree care professionals, are looking for help!!

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The Acorn seeks an organized, customer-service oriented individual for a Part Time Operations Assistant/ Volunteer Coordinator. Responsibilities include box office, front of house, patron communication and coordinating volunteers. The position requires flexible hours including some Friday and Saturday evenings. Join this growing nonprofit performing arts organization in Three Oaks, MI. For more information, go to www.acornlive.org/jobs.

PUBLIC NOTICES THE BOARD OF EDUCATION – NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS WILL BE SEEKING BIDS FOR THE FOLLOWING: Fuel Products – One Year (2021-2022) Deadline for Sealed Bids: June 4, 2021 (NOON) Please submit to: Office of the Superintendent FUEL BID P. O. Box 280, 1112 E. Clay Street New Buffalo, MI 49117 All bids must be clearly marked on the face of the envelope. If escalator clauses are included, de-escalator clauses should also be included at the same rate. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids and will select the successful bidder at its next regular meeting after the due date.

For bid specifications, The Acorn seeks a Part-Time Custodial call 269-469-6010. and Maintenance contractor to

maintain the cleanliness of the theater

30 N Whittaker St 30 N Whittaker St building, set up theater seating for Deli by day Deli by day each show, maintain clear and safe emergency exits, periodic equipment and building inspection, and arrange repairs. This position requires flexible hours including Friday and Saturday evenings and the ability to lift at least 50 pounds. Join this growing nonprofit performing arts organization in Three Oaks, MI. For more information, go to www.acornlive.org/jobs.

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18 THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Tom Rossman, Agent 815 E Buffalo New Buffalo, MI 49117 Bus: 269-469-4442 Toll Free: 866-848-5266 www.tomrossman.net State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1211999

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ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE PLEASE CONTACT JANINE L. ADAMSKI JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM (630) 370-0820

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

New Buffalo Times

— SINCE 1942 —

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THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021 19

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16409 Red Arrow Highway | Union Pier