April 30, 2020

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 18, volume 79

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Thursday, April 30, 2020

Masks now required at Barney’s, other Michigan stores PAGE 3 New Buffalo school board accepts bid for elementary security upgrades project PAGE 7 Local business owners discuss executive order extension, small business loans with Rep. Upton PAGE 8

New Buffalo families get help with feeding at the local, federal level PAGE 10 Spectrum Health Lakeland performing convalescent plasma transfusions on COVID-19 patients PAGE 16

REST IN PEACE JUDY KRUEGER

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

Masks now required at Barney’s, other Michigan stores

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BY STAN MADDUX

ustomers were required to wear masks beginning Monday, April 27, at grocery stores like Barney’s in New Buffalo under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s revised stay at home order to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Whitmer extended the order until May 15, with revisions including customers at essential retail establishments, like grocery stores and pharmacies, statewide having to wear masks or some other covering over their noses and mouths.

The face coverings, which can make breathing more of a challenge, are required as long as customers are able to medically tolerate it.

Whitmer said violators will not face criminal penalties but stores will be allowed not to serve them.

“Please wear a mask. It’s in everybody’s best interest,” said New Buffalo Police Chief Rich Killips.

The New Buffalo Times apologizes for recently publishing a partial quote

by Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. Thanks to the reader for their research and for pointing this out. We appreciate your thinking and your opinion. New Buffalo Times values free speech and democracy, and the hard work done by journalists.

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Horizon Bank pledges $12,500 to Franciscan Preparedness and Response Fund

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Masks were still an option in nearby Indiana under the governor’s stay at home order in that state but a growing number of customers at grocery stores like Aldi and Meijer in Michigan City have been choosing to wear them.

“It’s a little bit different in Indiana compared to Michigan. We’re doing our best to keep the loyal customers safe and also our workers,” said Brad Debald, a security officer at Barney’s Supermarket.

For a few weeks now, Barney’s has been complying with the governor’s restrictions by limiting the number of customers inside the store at one time to 40.

Debald said the doors had to be temporarily closed on three separate occasions Sunday afternoon to avoid exceeding the customer limit.

The customer limits based on square footage are still in effect under the governor’s extended order.

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Horizon Bank of Michigan City has bolstered the Franciscan Health Foundation’s efforts to fight the coronavirus in Northwest Indiana with its latest donation.

According to a press release from Franciscan, the bank has pledged $12,500 to the new Franciscan Preparedness & Response Fund. The donation will be a match to local gifts provided to the fund, which helps address the urgent need for supplies and equipment in our healthcare facilities.

“La Porte County is truly blessed to have such a competent team of doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff who are working around the clock to help our community during this national health emergency. Their daily sacrifice is helping to protect and save lives from this virus that threatens our community,” said Craig Dwight, Horizon Bank chairman and CEO, in the release.

“We are pleased that Horizon Bank’s gift will help procure the much-needed personal protection equipment and other supplies that the professional healthcare staff needs now. Our contribution, with the help of matching contributions, is critical to keeping our health professionals safe, and therefore we encourage others to donate to their Emergency Disaster Preparedness Fund,” Dwight said.

The $12,500 is in addition to $250,000 pledged by Horizon Bank for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds are being allocated across several not-for-profit groups working to assist communities Horizon serves in Indiana and Michigan.

“In taxing times, true servant leadership shines. Franciscan Health is very proud and grateful to partner with strong servant leaders such as Horizon Bank to provide compassionate care for all, including the most vulnerable among us, in this challenging time of need,” said Debbie Tatum, director of development for the Franciscan Health Foundation.

The public can provide the match to Horizon Bank’s donation by giving to the Preparedness & Response Fund at www. franciscanhealthfoundation.org/covid-19.

— STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

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

Gov. Whitmer extends ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ order, directs Michiganders to wear homemade masks in enclosed public spaces

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EXECUTIVE ORDER LIFTS RESTRICTIONS ON PREVIOUSLY SUSPENDED ACTIVITIES

ast week, Gov. Gretchen Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh return to work, subject to strict social Whitmer signed executive Khaldun. “The governor has taken distancing. Retailers that do not sell order 2020-59, extending a number of critical steps to protect necessary supplies may reopen for her “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Michigan families, and this order curbside pick-up and for delivery. order through May 15. today will allow that work to continue.

Big box stores can reopen “closed According to a press release from We will keep monitoring the data areas,” like garden centers. Bike the governor’s office, the new order closely and work with our partners repair and maintenance can come will require people to wear homemade across state government to mitigate back online. face coverings when they enter the spread of COVID-19.”

The order eases up on some enclosed public spaces. It will also The order requires people to wear restrictions on members of the public. lift some restrictions It allows motorized on outdoor activities boating and golf (but no “Data shows that most Michiganders are doing their and allow some workers golf carts), consistent part by staying home and staying safe. That’s good, who perform previously with sound social but we must keep it up. Social distancing is our best suspended activities to distancing. It also weapon to defeat this enemy,” said Gov. Whitmer in go back to work. permits individuals to the press release. “With new COVID-19 cases leveling “Data shows that most travel between their off, however, we are lifting some of the restrictions Michiganders are doing residences, though put in place in the previous order. I want to be crystal their part by staying clear: the overarching message today is still the same. such travel during the home and staying safe. epidemic is strongly We must all do our part by staying home and staying That’s good, but we discouraged. State parks safe as much as possible.” must keep it up. Social remain open, as they distancing is our best weapon to defeat homemade, non-medical grade face have been throughout the emergency. this enemy,” said Gov. Whitmer in the coverings when they enter enclosed press release. “With new COVID-19 he governor’s actions are public spaces. It also requires cases leveling off, however, we are in close alignment with employers to provide at least cloth face lifting some of the restrictions put in other Midwest states. On coverings to their employees. People place in the previous order. I want April 16, Governor Whitmer don’t have to wear face coverings to be crystal clear: the overarching announced that she and when they’re taking a walk in the message today is still the same. We neighborhood, but when they go to the Governors Mike DeWine (OH), Tony must all do our part by staying home Evers (WI), Tim Walz (MN), JB grocery store, they should be wearing and staying safe as much as possible.”

Pritzker (IL), Eric Holcomb (IN), and one. Under the order, however, no one “The numbers we’ve seen in the past Andy Beshear (KY) will work in close is subject to criminal penalty for going coordination to reopen the economy week have shown a plateau in positive without a mask. in the Midwest region. The governor cases, but Michiganders must continue The new executive order also allows is committed to continuing to work doing their part to fight this virus and some workers who perform very closely with other governors to protect protect their families,” said Michigan previously suspended activities to get families and mitigate the spread of Department of Health and Human back on the job. Landscapers, lawnCOVID-19. — STAFF REPORTS Services Chief Deputy for Health and service companies, and nurseries can

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Truth is the ultimate power. When the truth comes around, all the lies have to run and hide.

— Ice Cube

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

Voting by mail encouraged to avoid COVID-19 risk

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BY STAN MADDUX

pplications to vote by mail will be sent to all registered voters in LaPorte County to eliminate the COVID-19 risk from going to the polls.

LaPorte County Clerk Kathy Chroback said it’s going to be a costly and daunting task, with the primary less than six weeks away.

In response, the LaPorte County commissioners were not swayed from going forward.

Commissioner Dr. Vidya Kora said there’s no reason to jeopardize the safety of especially the more at-risk older voters and poll workers since voting by mail is already an option.

Fewer polling places because of schools and churches being shut down due to stay at home orders is another reason to reach out to voters through the mail.

“What other choice do voters have to exercise their right to vote other than by mail. I think that is the way to do it,” he said, Chroback estimated the cost of sending mail-in voting applications to the 71,000 registered voters in the county and processing what could be an avalanche of returned applications and ballots at $260,000.

She said part of the higher cost will be rfrom hiring and training more people to execute what’s already a complicated,

time consuming job without thousands of more documents to process.

Chroback said just a simple mistake or two can lead to confusion and some ballots getting thrown out.

“It takes a lot of preparation and careful instruction,” she said.

Chroback also said a lot more applications and ballots with just 5,000 in stock will also have to be ordered and delivered in short order.

Kora vowed to give the clerk’s office the extra resources needed to successfully pull it off on a much larger scale.

Voters can still go to the polls or vote early at the LaPorte and Michigan City courthouses but Kora hopes more people will choose to mail in their ballots.

The Indiana primary has been pushed back to June 2 because of the public health crisis.

Chroback said mail in voting applications must be received by her office no later than May 21.

Presently, she said her office is receiving about 200 mail in voting applications daily from people requesting them.

Chroback said mail in voting applications are available on the LaPorte County government website.

People can also call the LaPorte County Clerk’s office and the LaPorte County Voters Registration office to ask for an application in the mail.

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER TO BE OBSERVED IN NEW BUFFALO

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hile the COVID-19 outbreak has forced the cancelling of the public event at the New Buffalo Township Library, but the prayer observance for this year’s National Day of Prayer, which will take place Thursday, May 7, will still go on.

Organizers are asking everyone to pray at noon for the end of the pandemic and to pray for the country’s government, businesses, military and public safety, education, media, family and churches.

Families are also encouraged to go outside in the front yard and pray.

In New Buffalo, participants will be uniting in prayer in front of St. Mary of the Lake and Converge Church and along the highway to pray for the community and country. Other churches will also be participating and members should contact their church for information. All social distancing guidelines will be followed and congregating in groups will not be allowed.

The National Day of Prayer is an ecumenical observance of prayer for our country that has been held on the first Thursday of May since 1952. This year’s theme will be “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth.”

Residents in New Buffalo should listen for the noon siren and then please pause and pray (wherever they are) for “God’s glory across the Earth that day and every day.”

For more information, visit www. nationaldayofprayer. org.— STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

ARENA

Berrien County businesses make donations during coronavirus pandemic

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dgewater Automation and Eagle Technologies have partnered together to help make a quality face shield for first responders in Berrien County.

According to a press release from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, the two companies have also used their existing supply chain contacts to assist the Berrien County Emergency Operations Center in getting vital products, such as no touch thermometers and TYVEK gowns.

“During these uncharted times for our country, it is extremely critical that technology driven companies with the ability to innovate, automate and provide resources come together as one in support of their local emergency agencies now more than any other time before. Together, as partners with the Bridgman Public Schools and Eagle Technologies, Edgewater Automation is incredibly grateful to share our resources with our local emergency agencies to help produce this much needed PPE for their teams,” Tim Tate, managing Director of Edgewater Automation, said in the press release.

Bridgman Schools Superintendent Shane Peters played an important role in getting these two companies together for this important venture.

“Eagle is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Edgewater and help our local authorities and community in these unfortunate times. It’s heartening that we can use our existing supply chain and in-house technology to help,” Brandon Fuller, chief operating officer of Eagle Technologies, said.

Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey wanted to thank Holly Blake (whose husband, Rick Blake, is the owner of Edgewater Automation) for challenging their team to utilize their skills and 3D printer technology to join the rest of the country in the effort to help with the shortage of PPE equipment for emergency workers. Cody Laughlin from Edgewater Automation and Micah Baggett from Eagle Technologies are to be commended for the donation of their time and effort to help make all of this possible.

Berrien County Emergency Operations Center has also received assistance from the following companies in Berrien County: Whirlpool Corporation, which donated masks; Gordon Food Service, which donated masks; Lake Michigan College, which donated face shields; and Journeyman Distillery, which donated hand sanitizer. — STAFF REPORTS

I knew I was gonna be the number one pick, but I didn’t know.

— Allen Iverson

sports

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

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fter almost two months of inactivity, the sporting world finally experienced something close to normal this week. Finally, there was some semblance of order in the universe, as the NFL draft took place. I was really looking forward to enjoying the draft, maybe even more than usual. The setup was unique, with all of the teams general managers and coaches doing their work from home, but the process went on without a hitch. The Bears didn’t have a first round pick so I didn’t get too excited on the first day of the draft, but they had two second round picks, so my interest was heightened on the second day.

The Bears first pick in the second round was Cole Kmet, a tight end who played collegiately for Notre Dame. Kmet, from Saint Victor high school in suburban Arlington Heights, is quite a physical specimen, standing six feet six inches and weighing 260 pounds. He is also fast, running a 4.70 forty-yard dash, even after pulling his hamstring. Cole plays very physically and should fit beautifully in coach Matt Nagy’s offense. Here’s hoping the team got another Ditka. The Bears second pick in the second round was Jaylon Johnson out of Utah. Jaylon is big for a cornerback and plays very aggressively.

He should be a nice addition to an already formidable defense. The later rounds saw the Bears trying to fill needs with players who still need some time to develop.

At some point during the draft, a thought occurred to me that I had to push out of my mind. I love baseball, and the fact that no games are being played is weighing

heavily on my mind.

The thought I had during the draft was, what if there is no football this season. The first scheduled game is in early September, which is four short months away. The Illinois governor just extended the stay at home order until the end of May and I believe I heard that Michigan’s order is until the middle of May. The escape that sporting events gives many of us both as participants and observers is undeniable. Because the ramifications of seasons lost gives me a headache, I am choosing to pay attention to the medical experts, stay at home, and do my part in getting this darn corona virus under control. For those of you who don’t care about sports, how about obeying the rules so that you don’t get anyone else sick, or worse yet, cause someone to pass away.

Whatever your reason, please do your best not to add to the statistics. As of Sunday night in Illinois, there have been 43,903 cases and 1,933 deaths since the pandemic began. In Michigan, 35,291 cases and 2,977 deaths. There was a report on the news tonight showing a big group of people having a house party somewhere in or around Chicago. Come on everyone, we have to be better than that.

William Penn said, “Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.”

Remember to do the right thing. Smile.

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

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

CHALK BOARD scholastics

New Buffalo school board accepts bid for elementary security upgrades project

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oon, New Buffalo Elementary School will have some construction going on in an effort to make it a whole lot safer.

Members of the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education accepted the bid in the amount of $581,156 from Larson-Danielson Construction Co. from LaPorte, Indiana, to be the contractor for the New Buffalo Elementary School security upgrades project, which involves doing security upgrades to the school’s entrance, at their Zoom meeting Monday, April 27.

Dr. Jeff Leslie, New Buffalo Area Schools superintendent, said that there were four companies that submitted bids through an electronic bidding process (which was required due to Michigan’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order) that was administered by Skillman Corporation.

There was a $2500 difference between the bids submitted by CPM Construction Inc. out of St. Joseph, Michigan, and Larson-Danielson.

Board President Chuck Heit, who served on the building grounds committee when the middle/high school on Clay Street was built more than 20 years ago, said that the construction company stepped in when the project’s general contractor had to be fired and more than $2 million had to be spent to fix the issues.

Heit added that all of Larson-

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Danielson’s subs are in-house, which is a “big deal right now.”

Werner said she also liked that everything was in-house.

“It’s an interesting time, materialwise and otherwise, finishing this project in a timely matter,” she said.

Leslie said that the district will be “tweaking” its feeding program, which was started after schools first closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Beginning Monday, May 4, meal pickups will be available for an hour at the middle/high school and elementary school from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Leslie said members of the district’s food services staff will be delivering meals directly to the doors of students who live at Judy’s Motel and Oakview Estates.

Leslie said that the district was seeing “mostly drive-ups” at those locations. The issue of having a “little bit of food waste” was also involved in the decision.

The meal delivery system has become “pretty physically demanding” on staff members.

“We’re delivering a ton of meals – we just want to make this more efficient,” he said.

Information on meals can be found at www.nbas.org.

Board members accepted, with regret, the resignation letter from Kelly Weidenmiller, high school Spanish teacher, effective at the end of this school year.

In the letter dated April 17,

Weidenmiller said that she will be relocating to St. Louis after accepting an offer to teach at a school there.

“I’m so sorry to see her go…she’s such a huge asset for our district. The trips to Spain have been amazing for our students,” Werner said.

Heit said that a number of students have received college credits by taking Weidenmiller’s courses and that she gave them “the ability to speak the language, not just learn it.”

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eslie credited Weidenmiller for first bringing the Seal of Biliteracy to the school a couple years ago. To receive the seal, graduating seniors must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking another language as well as receive high marks in English.

Leslie said he believes that there have been 13 students so far who have received the seal over the last two years.

“We’re the only school in Berrien County to offer it and the only reason no one else does it is because we have Kelly and no one else does,” he said.

Heather Black, board vice president, thanked Keith Carlson, the district’s operations director, for being the “runner” to get student supplies for teachers and his technology help as well as for getting materials (such as chargers or extra textbooks) in and out of the school buildings.

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COVID-19 SCREWS ON VACATION RENTALS NOT LOOSENED UNDER NEW EXECUTIVE ORDER

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OVID-19 restrictions on travel in Michigan have loosened as the state begins to slowly reopen its economy, but the screws on vacation rentals are still just as tight.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s revised stay at home order, which was issued April 24 (see page 4), allows travel between residences for people owning more than one home.

The statewide ban on people renting their homes for vacation or leisure was not lifted.

Vacation rentals are big business in New Buffalo, especially during the summer, when home owners can rake in extra money when allowing others to occupy their dwellings short term.

According to city manager Dave Richards, there are 150 homes registered as vacation rentals in New Buffalo, along with 50 dwellings suspected to be used for such purposes not registered.

He said another 100 homes are being investigated to determine how many of those are used as vacation rentals.

The owners of such properties are hoping the ban is lifted when more restrictions are possibly loosened or added prior to the current stay at home order, which expires May 15.

Richards encouraged people to review the governor’s current stay at home order posted on the city’s website.

“We will try to summarize it in some manner so it’s easy to understand,” he said.

Richards said there have been no further issues with short term rentals in New Buffalo since March, when police responded to a vacation home occupied by about 50 people after the governor imposed the ban and other restrictions to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

New Buffalo Police Chief Rich Killips said charges for violating the governor’s order were sought because it was such a flagrant violation.

The governor’s new stay at home order allows other businesses, such as landscapers, plant nurseries and golf courses, to reopen as long as social distancing requirements are enforced.

Any store offering non-essential items can also open back up for curbside pickup and delivery.

Big box stores can also reopen their paint, flooring and gardening sections under the revised order. — STAN MADDUX

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

Local business owners discuss executive order extension, small business loans with Rep. Upton

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hile the $484 billion bill to aid employers and hospitals that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic was signed by President Trump just last week, some are already predicting that funds from the bill that are intended to replenish the Small Business Administrationbacked Payment Protection Program (PPP) may run out soon.

During the Friday, April 24, Facebook chat with the New Buffalo Business Association (NBBA), U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (RSt. Joseph), who’d just returned from Washington after voting on the bill, predicted that funds may have already run out by this week.

The bill contains $250 billion to replenish PPP, a program that provides small businesses with forgivable loans so that owners can continue to pay their employees after being forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Business owners could begin applying for loans as of Monday, April 27.

Upton said that, on top of the $250 billion, $60 billion was reserved for small lenders (those with capital less than $5 or $10 billion apiece).

“That’s going to be your community bankers, that’s going to be your credit unions – that’s going to be

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

mostly, let’s face it, folks who service most of the loans here in southwest Michigan are going to have money, in essence, reserved for them,” he said.

Small business owners should contact their local lenders to secure the loan.

Two months from when the loan was made, the owner will need to return to the lender and verify in their paperwork that the money went back to payroll. The loan will then become a grant.

According to press release from the governor’s office, more than 43,000 businesses in Michigan impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak received more than $10 billion in forgivable loans during the first round of PPP funding.

Nationally, $349 billion was authorized for the initial round of PPP, all of which was committed by April 16, which was less than two weeks after the application period opened.

While some area business owners who were participating in the chat expressed relief at some of the restrictions that have been lifted from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s latest “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order (see page 4), which has been extended through May 15, some were still concerned about the restrictions that are still in place.

Traci Lauricella, NBBA board member and the broker/owner of Re/MAX

Harbor Country @ New Buffalo who’s licensed in Michigan and Indiana, said that she’s concerned that realty is still not considered an essential business in Michigan but it is in Indiana.

“At the closing (of a house), you can’t attend it with clients whom you’ve nurtured through the process and you’re virtual and the attorneys are virtual…I think with some social distancing and the same safety precautions that supermarkets are having right now, maybe we’d be able to exercise some of those protocols as well,” she said.

Upton said that he believes that Republican in Lansing are currently in discussions over the current realty restrictions. He said he’ll put the issue on the “front burner” for Whitmer.

Jason Milovich, owner of BlueFish Vacation Rentals and NBBA board member, asked Upton to consider pushing for the governor to view vacation rentals as being no different than hotels.

Lisa Werner, a board member who also owns New Buffalo Inn and Spa, said that each of the inn’s rooms has an individual entrance, allowing guests directly to them without having to interact with anyone else, and that there are no common areas.

“As a small business to just shut off your income completely and suddenly is

The Gratitude Wall: A simple way to show appreciation for Franciscan Heroes

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interesting at the least and interesting at the most – so my goal right now is to survive,” she said.

Werner added she’s downloaded Georgia’s guide with regards to its reopening of nail salons and is looking to adopt them for the inn’s spa, such as taking people’s temperatures before coming into the spa.

Dawn Fadden, NBBA treasurer who owns Pristine Pool and Spa, that she was confused if installing pools falls under home construction or can be classified as landscaping – which is now allowed under the new executive order.

Upton said he believes that Fadden’s type of work may be the next to be loosened under the executive order.

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BBA President Blagica Bottigliero said she hoped that there will be a future plan in place so area businesses can head off any future financial issues.

“Is there anything we can consider doing in the future…something that’s there should this happen again to help businesses and families who, quite frankly, service all the folks who love seeing those Pure Michigan ads,” she said.

The next NBBA Facebook chat will take place this Friday, May 1, at 12:15 p.m., on the NBBA’s Facebook page.

Right now, hospital employees are working harder than ever before.

Whether it’s doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, housekeeping, supply chain or dietary, teams of dedicated individuals are working around the clock and doing their part to save lives.

At the same time, Franciscan Health has been blessed by an outpouring of support, from children’s drawings to donations of needed equipment and parades of first responders. These simple gestures confirm something we’ve long known: Public health is truly a partnership between the community and the healthcare facilities that serve them.

Now, that partnership is symbolized in the Gratitude Wall. These walls, located in each Franciscan Health hospitals, display notes, drawings, cards and more to show our staff how the community is responding to – and appreciating – them as Franciscan Heroes. Items on the wall will be updated regularly and staff are encouraged to go to the wall for a moment of quiet, where they can recharge their batteries.

Franciscan Health is asking for the community’s help to fill its Gratitude Walls with notes and cards. Parents are invited to get their children involved by having them submit drawings, as words of encouragement go a long way in inspiring staff.

You can send your notes, cards and drawings for the Walls of Gratitude here: • Franciscan Health Michigan City, Sister Petra Nielsen, Vice President of Mission Integration 219-877-1447, Sister.Petra@ franciscanalliance.org; Submissions to the Gratitude Wall are greatly appreciated, but those who are looking to do more can help Franciscan fight COVID-19 by donating to its Preparedness & Response Fund at www. franciscanhealthfoundation.org/covid-19.

— STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

Northwest Indiana boat service owner hurt by COVID-19 restrictions in Michigan

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BY STAN MADDUX

he boating season in Michigan is threatened no more, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has eased some of her stay at home restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Her decision allowing motor boats to be used again practically had champagne corks popping in places like New Buffalo, where the local economy is anchored directly to Lake Michigan.

“Hallelujah,” said Bob Stratton, owner of Service 1 Marine.

Right away, Stratton and his crew started removing shrink wrap from some of the 300 luxury boats still in his winter storage yard in northern LaPorte County to begin moving them to their slips beside Lake Michigan.

“We’re very happy,” said New Buffalo City Manager Dave Richards.

Under the governor’s revised order, no more than two people are allowed on a watercraft and boaters must practice social distancing.

It appears the marine industry in Michigan which was fearing heavy losses and ready for a legal challenge if the ban was extended, can live with the new restrictions judging by the dropping of lawsuits in response to the governor’s decision.

Stratton, who relies heavily on income from hauling boats out of storage into their slips and repairs, said he sees no problem with boaters complying with the new social distancing requirement.

He said luxury boats, which are often second homes during the season, are perfect for selfisolating and keeping a safe distance from others who are sharing the water.

“A lot of people feel it’s a lot more dangerous to go to a grocery store,” he said.

“If you’re on your boat, you’re automatically

social distanced,” said Don Prusa of Downers Grove, Illinois.

He and his school teacher wife use their 40-foot vessel as a second home during the summer.

Stratton was in a better position to survive had the ban not been lifted.

The business he started 30 years ago is 400 feet inside the state line of Indiana. Motor boating has been deemed essential from the very beginning in Indiana, allowing him to work on boats and haul some of them to Trail Creek in Michigan City.

His losses still would have been considerable, though, since Trail Creek has only a limited number of slips.

The lifting of the ban does not mean the boating industry in Michigan is out of the woods totally.

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uel guzzling luxury boats are expensive to operate and some owners impacted from the skyrocketing unemployment tied to restrictions on businesses during the nationwide lockdown might have to cut back on their use.

The start of the season could also be delayed for many boaters due to the amount of time it takes to move luxury watercraft from storage into slips, especially at the larger yards.

By now, Stratton said he has more than onethird of his customers already in the water.

“By no means are we going to start on time. I predict the Fourth of July will be our Memorial Day,” he said.

Communities along the entire lakefront could also witness fewer dollars flowing out of the docks, with restaurants and other businesses used by boat owners closed or operating under COVID-19 restrictions.

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THREE OAKS MUSEUM NOT OPENING MAY 1, BUT OFFERING ONLINE PROGRAMS, SEEKING PUBLIC INPUT FOR PURCHASED BUILDING

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he Region of Three Oaks Museum will continue to bring local history to Michiana residents even though public health directives will preclude opening as scheduled Friday, May 1.

On the evening of May 1, the museum will present, via the Zoom internet service, a pictorial history of Three Oaks department stores, which date back 110 years at 19 North Elm St. At first a Warren Featherbone Company enterprise, the department store was run for decades by the Hunerjager family.

The talk will begin at 7 p.m. May 1. Email trotommuseum@ gmail.com to get the Zoom link and for instructions as to how to log in.

The free program is part of the museum’s attempt to “bring history home” during this time of social isolation.

As part of that effort, the museum is also providing links to the following short documentaries about local history on its website: “E. K. Warren: Father of Featherbone;” “The Pokagon Band: More than Just a Casino” and “Gridder, Grappler, Hustler, Spy: The Amazing Life of Joe Savoldi.” The films range from being 13 to 24 minutes long and are suitable and educational for both schoolchildren and adults.

To access those programs, or for up-to-date information on the museum re-opening going forward, check the museum’s website at www.regionofthreeoaksmuseum.com.

After purchasing the oldest building in Three Oaks, the Town Hall on Linden Street, and ensuring the its historic integrity will be maintained and restored, TROTOM is also currently seeking public input as to what to do with the building.

Ideas include hosting after-school programs in the building or turning it into a performing arts venue, a visitor’s welcome center and an event/party space. TROTOM directors are asking the public to suggest potential uses for this historic building.

The museum also hopes the public will come forward with donations to help with the purchase, renovation, and upkeep of the Town Hall, which was built in 1866. TROTOM’s coffers were nearly emptied in order to save this historic building.

Suggestions and donations can be sent to the museum at PO Box 121, Three Oaks, MI 49116. — STAFF REPORTS

ADVERTISING . MARKET . DIGITAL

New Buffalo Times

PLEASE CONTACT JANINE L. ADAMSKI JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM • (630) 370-0820

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10 THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

New Buffalo families get help with feeding at the local, federal level

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amilies who may be having difficulties making ends meet who have students that belong to New Buffalo Area Schools have recently had a big burden lifted off their shoulders.

According to Patty Iazzetto, food services director, all students’ lunch accounts within the district have been paid in full by two anonymous donors.

Any families who may have fallen behind in their payments now have no debt.

Iazzetto said one of the donors had been in talks with her for a while about making a donation at the end of the year and merely “moved the date up” to when they would help out. She also received a call from another donor, who doesn’t live full-time in New Buffalo.

“Their heart is in the community,” Iazzetto said, adding that that particular donor had made other contributions to the district as well.

Some families have been experiencing difficulty ensuring that their children are receiving vital nutrients due to in-person instruction at schools being cancelled through an executive order that was issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Currently, there are 42% of students within the district who receive free and reduced lunch assistance.

“Families are trying to feed their kids now that we don’t have school in session,” Iazzetto said.

Staff members continue to deliver meals to children 18 years and under every Monday (two breakfast, two lunches) Wednesday (two breakfast, two lunches) and Friday (three breakfast, three lunches). At the Monday, April 27, New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education meeting, it was announced that some tweaks will be made to the locations and distribution (see page 7).

Last Friday, 1,236 meals were served.

In addition to the meals, students have also been receiving some treats: more than 300 pounds of lettuce has been donated by Artisan Farms,

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Neighbor by Neighbor has distributed $50 gift cards to Barney’s Market and someone gave away 10 gift cards to Dollar General.

Blessings in a Backpack program.

Besides locally, families can also receive help at the federal level.

Through the Pandemic Electronic

Patty iazzetto (front) and other food services staff members at Friday’s meal distribution

Members of the food services staff were masked and ready to go Friday, April 24

Every Friday, students have continued to receive nonperishable food to get them through the weekend from Water’s Edge Methodist Church’s

Benefit Transfer Program (P-EBT), P-EBT food assistance benefits are available to families with students ages 5-18 that are eligible for free or

reduced-price school meals, which includes both families that are currently receiving Food Assistance Program benefits as well as those not currently enrolled in the program. Families who are eligible to receive the benefits don’t need to fill out an application According to an informational sheet from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, eligible families currently receiving food assistance benefits will be issued additional benefits directly on their Bridge Card. Eligible families not currently receiving food assistance benefits will receive in the mail a preloaded EBT card, which will be issued under the name of the oldest student in the household.

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or March and April combined, benefits ($193.80 per eligible student) will be loaded on the family’s Bridge Card by the end of April. Families receiving an EBT card for the first time will receive combined benefits from March and April on cards that should arrive by the end of the first week in May (the card will come pre-loaded with $193.80 per eligible student).

Iazzetto said that families should contact her if they haven’t received anything by May 9 at piazzetto@nbas. org or 269-469-6048.

Parents who have been laid off, had a reduction in hours, been approved for state benefits or been financially affected due to COVID-19 can apply, or reapply, for meal benefits at www. lunchapp.com. The benefit will be available to the student for the first 30 days of school when they return in the fall.

Iazzetto said that families shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for help if they need it.

“The government wants to support us – we really encourage them (students) to come out and pick up those meals,” she said.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 11

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12 THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

REAL ESTATE LAKE FRONT

ROB GOW CHRIS PFAUSER Residential, Commercial, Investment Properties Southwestern Michigan, Indiana Shoreline, Illinois

269.612.4104

RobGow@ShorelineAdvice.com

30 West Buffalo Street New Buffalo, MI 49117

ShorelineAdvice.com © BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!

— Sitting Bull

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 13

Your Homegrown Realtor Jason Sutton

Jason Sutton 269.326.2473 jasonsutton@atproperties.com www.jasonsuttonrealtor.com

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14 THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

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

NEW BUFFALO RETAIL US 12 high-visibility rental & pop-up spaces next to popular yoga studio.

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.

PUBLIC NOTICES VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING In accordance with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-48 to temporarily allow remote participation in public meetings and hearings, the Village of Grand Beach will hold an electronic (virtual) public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2020-2021 budgets on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

(CST) – 10:00 a.m. (EST). Instructions on how to attend the electronic meeting can be found at www.grandbeach. org. The proposed budgets are also available on the website.

FULL TIME COOK POSITION IN LAPORTE 1 Year Experience. Call Oak Woods Manor for more details. 219-362-6600.

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS EXPERIENCE PREFERRED Carpentry drywall flooring tile setting windows doors and decking. Must be 18 years or older with valid drivers license.

Heavy lifting involved. 219-808-1329. johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com LOCAL NEWSPAPER DELIVERY Pays $20 an hour, plus Bonuses Please email: Media@ NewBuffaloTimes.com

SERVICES

FISH FOR STOCKING Most Varieties Pond Lakes.

Laggis Fish Farm 269-628-2056 Days, 269-624-6215 Eve

AMY FIDLER CITY CLERK

This is an open meeting. The notice is posted in compliance with Open Meeting Act, Public Act 267 of 1976 and the Americans with Disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids should contact the City Clerk by writing or calling the following: Amy Fidler, City Clerk (269) 469-1500, 224 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo, MI 49117.

AMY FIDLER CITY CLERK

MARY J. ROBERTSON CLERK-TREASURER

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of New Buffalo will hold a public hearing during a regular City Council meeting scheduled for May 18, 2020 at 6:30 pm in the Community Room at City Hall, 224 W. Buffalo Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117

HELP WANTED

LOVE WORKING OUTDOORS AND IN THE TREES? Then C & A is for you. Local tree care company looking for ground crew help. We train. Must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license.

Heavy lifting involved. 269-756-2571 or jamietreephilosophy@gmail.com.

This is an open meeting. The notice is posted in compliance with Open Meeting Act, Public Act 267 of 1976 and the Americans with Disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids should contact the City Clerk by writing or calling the following: Amy Fidler, City Clerk (269) 469-1500, 224 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo, MI 49117.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of New Buffalo will hold a public hearing during a regular City Council meeting scheduled for May 18, 2020 at 6:30 pm in the Community Room at City Hall, 224 W. Buffalo Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117.

The purpose of this Public Hearing is to receive public comment concerning the proposed 2020-2021 Fiscal Budget and the Headlee Millage Reduction Fraction for the City of New Buffalo.

Due to public safety concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council meeting will be conducted using Zoom Conferencing. City Hall will only be open to the public if required by state law on the date of the hearing.

Directions for participating in the Zoom Conference are available on the City’s website.

The purpose of this Public Hearing is to receive public comment concerning the proposed Consent Judgment to resolve pending litigation in City of New Buffalo v Lijewski and Sons Automotive, LLC, Case No. 19-0136-CZ (Berrien County Trial Court). The proposed Consent Judgment addresses the future use of the parcels known as 742 and 800 S. Whittaker Street and portions of the Tulasz Street right-right-of-way.

The proposed Consent Judgment is available for public inspection by contacting the City Clerk by email at afidler@cityofnewbuffalo.org.

Due to public safety concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Council meeting will be conducted using Zoom Conferencing. City Hall will only be open to the public if required by state law on the date of the hearing.

Directions for participating in the Zoom Conference are available on the City’s website.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

New Buffalo Times

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARING The City of New Buffalo Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing and special meeting on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 5:00 PM, the purpose of which is to consider a variance requested by Steve Hardey, owner of 718 W. Indiana Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117. The property Tax Code is No. 11-62-82700017-00-4. This is an open meeting.

The applicant is requesting a variance to extend the existing six foot fence located on the property line between his home and the neighbor to enclose the back and side yards of 718 W. Indiana Street. The new portion of the fence will meet all setback guidelines. This request involves Article 3-5, (b) “fences erected within the front yard in any district shall not exceed 3.5 feet in height,” and Section 3-14, “swimming pools (a) such side walls, fence or enclosure, including gates, shall not be less than four feet or greater than six feet above grade.” The Zoning Ordinance is available on line at cityofnewbuffalo.org and at City Hall upon request.

DAVID RICHARDS, CITY MANAGER

— SINCE 1942 —

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 15

OBITUARIES Mary Judith Krueger

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1942-2020

ary Judith Krueger, age 78, of Townsend, Tennessee, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 20, 2020 in Townsend, Tennessee.

Judy, the daughter of Frank and Germaine (Mulholland) Maguire was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 14, 1942. She was a 1960 graduate of New Buffalo High School and a 1964 graduate of Mundelein College with a degree in Secondary Education and English.

Judy’s first teaching position was at John F. Kennedy High School in Chicago, Illinois.

Her passion for education led her to positions at Bridgman High School, New Buffalo High School, The Kaleidoscope Preschool and Childcare and St. Mary of the Lake Catholic School. In 1981, Judy graduated from Valparaiso University with a Masters Degree in Education. She then became principal of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic School for the next 25 years. She retired to her beloved Smoky Mountains in Townsend, Tennessee in 2008. Judy was an active parishioner at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church until her retirement and an active parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Townsend, Tennessee from 2008 until her death. Judy was an avid reader leading her to many Bible studies and book clubs. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, hiking, music, volunteering at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center and serving the Townsend community in any way she could. She loved

picnics at Waterrock Knob and rides through Cades Cove enjoying every bit of nature that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provided.

Judy was united in marriage to Butch Krueger on July 10, 1965, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Oak Park, Illinois. They would’ve celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this July. Surviving is her sister, Mary (Brian) Sullivan of Ocala, Florida; her sister-in-law, Georgia (Ronald) Stella of Holland, Michigan; her children, Kerry (Tony) McKinney of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Katy (Jon) VanPelt of New Buffalo, Michigan, Amy (Edward) Fidler of New Buffalo, Michigan, George (Amber) Krueger of Knoxville, Tennessee and Kelly (Brian) Collins of Mukwonago, Wisconsin; fourteen grandchildren, Shannon (William) Cook, Sarah VanPelt, Riley VanPelt, Maggie McKinney, Kristen VanPelt, Thomas McKinney, Jacob Fidler, Matthew Fidler, Aubrey Kiger, Sam Collins, Allie Krueger, Ben Collins, Brady Krueger and Frank Collins; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Germaine Maguire, and her sister, Patricia Maguire.

A private celebration of life with immediate family was held on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at Smith Funeral and Cremation Services, Maryville, Tennessee. Judy will have a funeral Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Townsend, Tennessee (date to be determined). A celebration of life service and Rosary will be held at Pobocik Funeral Home in Three Oaks, Michigan (date to be determined). Interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, New Buffalo, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, 9275 Tremont Road, Townsend, TN 37882 or the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, P.O. Box 268, Townsend, TN 37882-0268. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation. com.

LaPorte County Fair still on, with or without 4-H

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BY STAN MADDUX

he LaPorte County Fair will celebrate its 175th year with or without 4-H, unless a higher authority puts a stop to it because of COVID-19.

Members of the LaPorte County Agricultural Association in charge of running the fair made the decision April 22.

“We want to carry on with the fair. We think it’s a good thing.

It’s good for our economy. It’s just summer fun,” said Catherine Mrozinski, who’s treasurer of the 18-member LPAA. Purdue University extension, which is in charge of 4-H, is scheduled to decide what it’s going to do at fairs statewide May 15.

Unlike some county fairs, Mrozinski said the one in LaPorte County is not a 4-H fair so it can go on if Purdue Extension chooses to pull back from fairs in the state this year due to coronavirus.

The LaPorte County fair is governed by the LCAA, which eagerly invites 4-H to take part in its fair, with various exhibits and competitions that are popular among fairgoers.

If 4-H decides not to get involved with fairs this year, Mrozinski said the LaPorte County Fair will go on with its usual line up of carnival rides, entertainment and vendors unless the governor or even the president orders such activities to be stopped.

Mrozinski said all of the usual preparations are being made for the fair so it hits the ground running as scheduled July 12-18 if no cancellation orders come down from a higher level of authority.

“We’re moving forward. We are just going to take it one day at time and be cautiously optimistic,” she said.

The headline performer is scheduled to be country music

superstar Toby Keith.

Uncertainty about the fair prior to the decision to go ahead with it triggered a brief firestorm at the April 20 meeting of the LaPorte County Council.

County councilman Terry Garner said that, because he’s under contract, Keith would have to be paid regardless unless the fair was cancelled by the governor.

“Shame on Toby Keith. I understand contracts but they’re going to have to pay this guy because of all this that’s going on. That’s ridiculous,” said councilman Jeff Santana.

“I think we all agree,” Garner said.

Mrozinski said LCAA had been in regular contact with the singer’s handlers about working something out if the fair was cancelled.

She also said the commitment to Keith was not the driving force in the decision to go ahead with the fair.

“Most artists are working with everybody to see what they can do. He’s a good guy with the right things in mind,” Mrozinski said.

Casey Mull, assistant director of Purdue Extension and program leader for 4-H youth development at the West Lafayette campus, said counties with 4-H fairs originally scheduled in June can reschedule the fairs after June 30 or restrict 4-H members to illustrate their projects on social media.

“We have a strong plan to provide a virtual experience, where youth can showcase what they have learned through grit and determination,” he said.

Mull said how 4-H will proceed for events in July will be announced May 15.

“Any fairs coordinated by 4-H entities, which occur during the summer of 2020, will follow all appropriate, timely national, state and local guidance,” he said.

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16 THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

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NBBA ANNOUNCES SPRING, SUMMER CANCELLATIONS

t the New Buffalo City Council’s April 20 virtual meeting, the councilmembers approved the New Buffalo Business Association addendum to their special events applications, including the cancellation of July 3rd Independence Day celebrations, spring sidewalk sales and the transition of the New Buffalo Farmer’s Market into a virtual market experience.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Buffalo Business Association amended the plan for the spring/summer 2020 event season in accordance with the governor’s orders and safety concerns in mind. The May 23-25 Spring Sidewalk Sales are cancelled and the New Buffalo Farmer’s Market is postponed until the beginning of July. The Farmer’s Market will evolve into a virtual

platform organized by the NBBA, continuing to create relationships between farmers and the community.

The July 3rd celebrations, including the LaPorte Symphony Orchestra, will also be cancelled and the fireworks will be moved to the Ship and Shore Festival pending social gathering restrictions.

“With so much impact of COVID-19 on special events, we know there must be questions and concerns around insurance for businesses, events, and future projects,” said Audrey Tuszynski, secretary and co-chair of the NBBA Events Committee. “We will continue to assess how we can hold virtual/no-contact events for the surrounding community, without compromising their safety, for the remainder of the social distancing season.”

— STAFF REPORTS

HUNDREDS SIGN VIRTUAL THANK YOU CARD FOR LOCAL HEALTHCARE, OTHER ESSENTIAL WORKERS

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s most shelter in place to protect themselves and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers in healthcare, public safety, childcare, food service and other industries continue to put their safety at risk in order to provide important services in our community.

Many of these individuals are Lake Michigan College students and alumni. To honor these individuals, LMC has launched a “Healthcare

Heroes” campaign with a virtual thank you card and a video encouraging people to stay home, so workers can keep caring for everyone.

More than 200 people have signed the card with notes of thanks and words of encouragement.

To watch the “Healthcare Heroes” video and sign the virtual card, visit www. lakemichigancollege.edu/ community/thankyou.

— STAFF REPORTS

Spectrum Health Lakeland now performing convalescent plasma transfusions on COVID-19 patients

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

pectrum Health Lakeland, in collaboration with Versiti Blood Centers, has begun treating COVID-19 patients with blood plasma from patients who have recovered from the disease, providing an additional treatment option to the most severely affected COVID-19 patients.

During the Friday, April 17, news conference via Facebook with Nicki Britten, Berrien County Department of Health health officer, and Spectrum Health Lakeland President Dr. Loren Hamel, Hamel announced that Lakeland had performed its first transfusion and was working on getting an efficient system in place.

“This is a potentially lifesaving procedure – I’m so encouraged by the number of folks who’ve called in and asked ‘Can I be considered to be a donor?’” he said during the Friday, April 24, conference.

“It takes a little time to get the plasma and process that plasma and find a match but it’s a lifesaving procedure and I appreciate all those who are calling in,” Hamel added.

According to Hamel, transfusions involve taking the blood product from someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and has recovered and tests negative 14 days later.

“At that point, we assume they have antibodies and an immunity, so we take their plasma to someone who’s sick to boost their immune response and blunt some of the inflammatory response that occurs,” he said during the April 17 conference.

According to a Spectrum Health Lakeland press release, patients who are interested in donating plasma and had a positive COVID-19 test from Spectrum Health Lakeland do not need to take any action and will be contacted by the health system to discuss potential eligibility. Interested patients who had a positive COVID-19 test from a health system other than Spectrum Health Lakeland should call 269-983-8261 or email Kelly Slavens at kslavens@lakelandhealth.org. Patients who have not had a formal COVID-19 positive test are not eligible to donate plasma at this time, but researchers are working to potentially achieve this.

To be considered as donors, patients who have had test-confirmed COVID-19 must be

symptom free for at least 14 days. They can then be scheduled for a second nasal swab test to verify that they are free of the COVID-19 virus.

If patients have been symptom free for greater than 27 days, no nasal swab is needed. Then, a donation of blood plasma from this patient can be used to treat other patients with COVID-19.

Spectrum Health is part of the National Convalescent Plasma Project for COVID-19 patients, which includes physician-scientists, universities and hospitals throughout the nation studying the use of convalescent plasma therapy on COVID-19 patients. Spectrum Health has partnered local locally with Michigan State University to further this cause.

For more information on donating convalescent plasma, call 269-983-8261.

At last Friday’s news conference, Hamel said that testing for antibodies has just become available and Spectrum Health is sorting through the “reliability” of the tests. Results are available within a couple of days.

“You can’t get this now and five minutes later say, ‘I’m immune,’” he said.

Britten spoke on the reliability of the tests, saying that there’s still questions on if someone has a particular antibody level if it’s going to protect them from the virus.

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peaking on coronavirus testing, Hamel said that while the health system has “way more tests” are available” there’s “not clearly enough.” As of last week, the health system is conducting 100 to 150 most days.

Hamel added that it doesn’t make sense to “test someone who’s curious” if they have the virus.

About 80% are coming back negative.

“We can’t afford to do that many negative tests,” Hamel said.

A special effort is being made to test “as early as possible” those who are considered vulnerable, such as first responders, health care providers and anybody entering the hospital.

As of Monday, April 27, the health department was reporting 217 confirmed cases, 165 presumed cases, 14 deaths and 146 recoveries in Berrien County. More detailed information can be found at www.bchdmi.org/covid19.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020 17

HOROSCOPE APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2020

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

The stars are blessing you with some ingenious ideas for increasing your earning power. The important thing is to be flexible and maneuver around obstacles as they come up. Don’t fixate on pitfalls that may not even be there. Creative ideas should be discussed without hesitation.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

Even if some of your business ideas seem unusual or far off, that doesn’t mean they aren’t brilliant and worth looking into. Now is the time to reinvent and refocus your career.

The stars are giving you an extra charge this week that will help you implement beneficial business changes.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Relationships can be a source of tension but it’s up to you to channel that energy into something good this week. The stars are sending you a boost in your health and service sector of your life. Perhaps, a good place to channel that tension is through exercise and fresh air.

Don’t resist making changes or being more assertive about who you are and what you want.

This is the time to be seen and heard. The stars are offering you a chance to make a big impact now. It’s up to you to make the most of it. Don’t worry about what others think.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

This week could bring some shocking turn of events. Not a disappointing turn, just an abrupt turn which will ultimately help you get the upper hand with obligations and authority figures. This is the time to remove obstacles that are blocking you or stressing you out.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

There is a big part of you that would rather do things behind the scenes and retain a level of anonymity but as luck would have it, much of what you do is being seen and talked about. Therefore, it’s imperative you are forthright and truthful, even if it compromises your ego.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 There could be some unexpected pressure to keep personal issues private or tension between you and coworkers because you would rather not discuss personal matters. You prefer to have a clear separation between work and your personal life even if this information could affect productivity.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

Friends and people in general will not act as they normally do. There could be some kind of let down or disappointment associated with it but this setback is really clearing the way for better connections in the months ahead. It’s important you let go of expectations now.

Obligations and responsibilities could be a bit shaky and unpredictable now.

This not only includes promises you’ve made but promises partners or coworkers have made. Rather than getting bogged down in who is responsible for what. It’s time to work together.

You will be blessed with some stellar flashes of inspiration this week and it’s important you use it to deal with negative emotions; in ways that help you express passionate feelings safely. There are issues that can better be resolved by singing and dancing, than yelling and fighting.

This week could be a strange one indeed.

Many issues are popping up around the home or with family and it’s unclear where you should put your energy.

This may be one of those times where doing nothing and letting the situation settle before getting involved is best.

The gossip mill is running at capacity this week. Try not to react to information as soon as you hear it. This is the time to respond only after you have had the opportunity to double check and process the information. Don’t jump to conclusions.

Give yourself some space.

The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will instruct his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and the cause and prevention of disease.

— Thomas A. Edison

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18 THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2020

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