May 7, 2020

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 19, volume 79

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Thursday, May 7, 2020

Berrien County extends local state of emergency to the end of the month PAGE 4

Restaurant owners, employees continue to adapt in time of coronavirus PAGE 5 Annual Harbor Country Guide gives virtual tour of the area PAGE 7 Sanitary sewer installation scheduled for this week PAGE 8 Gov. Whitmer signs executive order to reopen construction, real estate safely PAGE 9 Berrien County announces expanded capability for COVID-19 testing PAGE 16

THE TIDE IS WAY TOO HIGH

LATEST ROUND OF LAKEFRONT FLOODING DEEMED ‘HISTORICAL’ — PAGE 10 — PHOTO OF THE NEW BUFFALO BEACH PARKING LOT BY STAN MADDUX

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

Indoor church services given green light in Indiana

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BY STAN MADDUX

LaPorte church holding services in the parking lot since the COVID-19 outbreak started is making plans to invite parishioners back inside after given the green light by Indiana’s governor.

Bethany Lutheran Church pastor Dennis Meyer said indoor services might resume May 24 but he might hold off until sometime in June given the concern expressed from other religious leaders statewide.

“We want to get people back together but we also want to be socially responsible and think about people’s health and well-being,” he said.

About 60 vehicles have consistently pulled into the church parking lot for Meyer’s outdoor sermons ever since they started in late March.

Parishioners behind the wheel regularly honk their horns in unison during every 30-minute sermon to say hello and goodbye before and after the service or when moved by his words during the service.

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Spring scrap tire collection, other county recycling events canceled or postponed

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As part of his gradual economic reopening strategy, Gov. Eric Holcomb is allowing indoor church services beginning May 8 under restrictions like wearing masks and not allowing people 65 and over because of their greater health risk from the virus.

Feeling it was important to give churches flexibility, Holcomb also made it clear he would prefer religious leaders wait a couple of weeks before going back inside.

Meyer said he’s developing a reopening plan that includes limited seating in his 500-seat capacity sanctuary to keep everyone at least 6 feet apart from each other, hand sanitizing stations and ushers holding open the doors so to prevent touching by guests.

Bible Baptist Church at Whittaker and Clay streets in New Buffalo has also moved its services outside.

Some people took advantage of mild temperatures Sunday to sit in lawn chairs in the parking lot to hear the sermon.

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The Berrien County Spring Residential Scrap Tire Collection, which was originally set to take place this month, has been postponed at this time.

This annual collection event accepts unwanted tires from residents and sends them off to be recycled. Updates about future tire collection events, along with alternative options for tire recycling, are listed at www.berriencounty.org/562/ Tires.

Tires that are stored outside easily trap water inside them. This stagnant water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and attracts rodents and other pests.

“Please be good stewards of your community by properly handling scrap tires,” said Jill Adams, environmental property manager for Berrien County Parks Department, in a press release.

“One of the best things to do is not bring home used tires. Allow the professionals at the tire changing facility to recycle old tires through their programs.”

Any usable, loose tires that residents do have at home should be stored inside or undercover to avoid collecting water inside them. Do not litter scrap tires.

Tires left on a property, in a ditch, or public green space are not only potentially hazardous to public health, they are an eye sore and cause a decrease in property values.

Berrien County Parks Department conducts annual collection events for recycling and proper disposal of many different items, including scrap tires, household chemicals, electronics, and pesticides, among other things. Due to COVID-19 the county’s recycling collection event schedule has been disrupted.

“I encourage residents to be patient and check the county website and county government Facebook page for event updates,” said Adams.

County recycling information can be found by visiting www.berriencounty. org and clicking on Recycling Services, or by calling the Berrien County Parks Department at 269-983-7111, ext. 8234.

— STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 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

Berrien County extends local state of emergency to the end of the month

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

errien County has extended of everyone’s “lived experience” as “the are medically able) in food-selling its local state of emergency range of places we can go continues to establishments (defined as a grocery through May 31 in response open up.” store, convenience store that sells to the continuing coronavirus “Instead of May being the end of groceries or places where food is things, it’s really the beginning of a pandemic, Berrien County available for takeout) and pharmacies. new season and how we’re living with Sheriff’s Department Undersheriff “Unlike the previous stay-at-home COVID-19,” Britten added.

Chuck Heit said during the weekly live order, this protective action is not Recently, criteria for testing in Facebook update with Berrien County exempt from penalty – it’s subject to a Michigan has expanded, as the health Health Department Heath Officer Nicki misdemeanor if woefully violated,” he department has received additional Britten Friday, May 1. said. guidance on who should “This be tested from the order was Michigan Department extended of Health and Human to continue Services (MDHHS). the Berrien Testing can be done County when capacity allows, Emergency Britten said.

Operations While Britten said that Center to more testing is available operate and within Berrien County support than others throughout the Berrien the state, the county County doesn’t currently have Health The Sawyer Garden Center parking lot was full Friday, May 1. The governor’s recent executive order allows big box stores to reopen closed areas, such as garden centers. “limitless resources and Department that we can test anybody and who wants a test.”

Spectrum Spectrum and InterCare Community Health Lakeland and to continue to eferring to a chart, Britten provide vital resources already in place to said that Spectrum Health Health Network are conducting testing if deal with this pandemic,” Heit said.

Lakeland is currently below a patient has a doctor’s order. Contacting The extended state of emergency will the surge capacity with the Spectrum hotline for virtual also continue to “protect the volunteers regards to having the ability screening as well as InterCare’s virtual to continue to treat COVID-19 patients. screening can “get that doctor’s order in that are helping to assist with the efforts “We’re below that surge capacity place if you feel you need that testing,” of our health partner, such as the health but whether or not we stay below that Britten said. department, and to allow us continue capacity depends a lot on us and how we Like the rest of the country, Berrien to acquire the necessary resources we move about the community and what County is still struggling to get antibody need.” protective measures we’re putting in testing, particularly how use it in a Heit added that law officers are place as we start to do that,” she said. “population setting.” A lot of that testing continuing to educate the public on Certain practices that have been is being used across the country in complying with the most recent “Stay implemented in essential businesses – individual-based settings, such as with Home, Stay Safe” executive order that such as wearing masks and practicing identifying people who are able to donate was issued April 30, which includes social distancing - may soon be a part convalescent plasma. the wearing of masks (for those who

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Whenever a man has cast a longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct.

— Thomas Jefferson

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

Restaurant owners, employees continue to adapt in time of coronavirus

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Feel at Ease with McGhee’s

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ven before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an the physical building of restaurants to remain closed is for executive order late last week that extends her the best. previous order that temporarily closes certain “Ideally, it’s not great, but it’s what we have to do to places of public accommodation, John Dooley, ensure that everyone’s safe,” he said. owner of Dooley’s Lake House Pub in New Despite the recent challenges, Faltum said that his Buffalo, said he’s still remaining cautious. employees have been more than ready to weather this According to a press release from the governor’s office, latest storm. Since the beginning, the restaurant has the order applies to theaters, bars and casinos and limits offered takeout and carryout. Delivery has been a new restaurants to carry-out and delivery orders. Restaurants venture, he said. All items in the restaurant as well as the may allow five people inside at a time to pick up orders, so deli are available The Peasant Pantry’s website, www. long as they stay 6 feet apart from each other. thepeasantspantry.com.

Like John, Faltum said he wants to keep his employees’ The order extends until Thursday, May 28 – two best interests in mind. The restaurant reopened to limited weeks after Michigan’s extended “Stay Home, Stay Safe” staff, as Faltum said that some staff executive order expires, which is May members may not feel safe to come 15. back to work just yet.

Dooley’s reopened April 22 to curbside service and deliveries only (John said that credit cards are only ut Faltum understands. accepted) after temporarily closing “I never force anyone (to in March. John said that all the cases come into work) – we’re of COVID-19 that were appearing a tight-knit family, this is everywhere in Michigan at the time like their second home,” played a role in the closure. he said.

“With all the craziness, we decided “I have long, lengthy phone to close until the curve flattened out conversations with every one of my Casey’s New Buffalo continues to advertise a little – we really care about our staff members – every week, we curbside and delivery in its windows employees’ health,” he said, adding check in with each other,” he said. that he has an employee who has a Phil Marshallsay, owner of Casey’s New Buffalo (which has stayed open son with asthma. to curbside and delivery throughout Even a declaration that restaurants the shutdown), acknowledges that are safe to open up by the governor restaurants in Michigan will look might give him pause, though.

“I’ll be honest: If May 15, different even after they’ve been restaurants are safe to open up to 25 given the all-clear to open come the to 35% occupancy – I don’t know if I end of the month. could that,” he said, adding that if the “We’ll have to reduce the occupancy Signage and window decals from public feels safe enough to come in at and we’ll have significantly less ArtFx Design advertise The Peasant that time would also be an important furniture inside – every table will Pantry’s curbside and delivery services factor. have to be 8 feet apart. Staff will have “I’m in the business where every to wear masks and we’ll have hand day, we need to focus on the biology sanitizer everywhere,” he said. of food sanitation – it’s really “We think it’s important to important to us. It’s always best to err come back slowly because we want on the side of safety,” he said. customers to feel comfortable,” The Peasant’s Pantry in Sawyer Marshallsay added. has also reopened April 22 to And Marshallsay hopes that curbside and delivery only after being customers will feel safe to come back temporarily closed since mid-March. sometime in the near future.

Ultimately, Michael Faltum, owner “Right now, we’re towing the line of Peasant’s Pantry, said he feels that – we’re looking forward to open to Dooley’s Lake House Pub welcomes back the latest executive order instructing some degree in the summer,” he said. customers after a brief hiatus

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

ARENA

Youth Fair registration deadline extended

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ue to the executive order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Berrien County Youth Fair has extended a few registration dates.

First, the opening of registration has been delayed to June 1. Previously slated for May 1, the board felt with the extension of the executive order, it would be in the best interest of the Fair to extend the opening of registration to June 1. Exhibitors can view the exhibitor handbook online at www.bcyf.org. For those without internet access, the printed exhibitor handbooks are not yet available as many of the book locations are still closed. Printed exhibitor handbooks will be delivered to Berrien County libraries and several Berrien County businesses by June 1.

Second, with the delay of the opening of registration, the board felt it was only right to extend the large animal registration deadline. The large animal registration deadline is

now moved to July 1, the same as the small animal registration deadline. Again, this year, equine entries must be made using the equine entry form that will be available on the BCYF website June 1 or can be picked up at the fair office.

Equine entries will be due July 1 with all other large and small animal entries.

Once registration is opened up, completed registration forms may be: • dropped off at the fair office (Monday – Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), • mailed to the Fair office (Berrien County Youth Fair, P. O. Box 7, Berrien Springs, MI 49103), • placed in the drop box located near the entrance to the Fair office, or • submitted as online entry

by July 1 for both large and small animals and Aug. 1 for still exhibits.

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

I’m never satisfied. I’m always trying to get better and learn from my mistakes — Russell Westbrook

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sports

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

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rowing up in Chicago as a Cubs fan was a dream for me.

I loved the Cubs, and paid particular attention to the Cubs, and by extension, the National League.

Ernie Banks was my guy, and I wanted to know everything I could about him and the team. I would pour over box scores, and try to figure out why the Cubs kept losing much more often than they won. To me, the American League basically consisted of the White Sox and the Yankees, and I really didn’t pay very much attention to the other teams.

Last Saturday was a beautiful day around here. We sat out in the backyard and enjoyed the warmth and sunshine, and it felt almost “normal” for a change.

I picked up my iPad and read a short story about the passing of Al Kaline, and I immediately wished that I had been more aware of the Detroit Tigers outfielder when I was young. What a man he was.

Mr. Kaline joined the Tigers straight out of high school, at the age of 18 in 1953, and played for them until his retirement in 1974, at which time he joined the Tigers’ television crew. He was the color commentator from 1975 until 2002. From 2003 until his death in 2020, Al served as a special assistant to the general manager.

No wonder he was called Mr. Tiger. Al Kaline was a great ball player. He was an 18time All-Star, and in 1968, a World Champion.

He won 10 Gold Gloves and a batting championship, finishing his career with 3,007 hits and 399 home runs. He was with the Tigers’ organization for 67 years, and his number 6 has been retired. He was a first

ballot hall of famer.

As great a ball player as Kaline was, he was an even better human being. Statistics didn’t capture what a special person he was. At the age of 8, he had to have 2 inches of bone removed from his left foot because he had developed osteomyelitis. His foot was deformed but he never used that as an excuse. He broke his collarbone making a catch in 1962. He was misdiagnosed with gout in 1964, and when he was finally fitted for corrective shoes the next season, he said it was ridiculous how much better he felt.

His foot almost gave him a disadvantage.

He broke his arm during the championship season, but came back to excel in the World Series. In 1970, the Tigers offered him a $100,000.00 salary, but he turned it down because he didn’t think he deserved it. He won the Roberto Clemente award in 1973.

When he passed away, his family just put a regular obituary in the paper, and at the end asked people to reach out to someone you love and check in on them and to be sure to thank the frontline caregivers, in lieu of flowers or donations.

Matt Friedman said, “It was never about him. In life or in death. They just don’t make em like that anymore.”

Lori McKenna wrote, and Tim McGraw sang, these lyrics in the song “Humble and Kind”: Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you, When you get where you’re goin’, Don’t forget turn back around, Help the next one in line, Always stay humble and kind.

Talk to you next week. Don’t forget to smile.

Peace, love, and happiness.

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

Annual Harbor Country Guide gives virtual tour of the area

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s the warm weather season draws near, residents and future visitors are invited to dream of their future getaways to Harbor Country – while continuing to social distance - with the virtual 2020 Harbor Country Guide.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s guide, which is published annually by the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce, was officially released to the public online at www. harborcountry.org/ harbor-country-guide/ last month.

Copies of the print version will be available once the state’s current orders allow it, Kimberlee Wendt, chamber member services director, said.

“The guide’s distribution has been adjusted according to the “Stay Safe, Stay at Home” order,” Wendt said.

Wendt said that the chamber has always made the guide available online as a downloadable PDF file but this is the first year that it’s been promoted that way.

“This has been a different way of doing it,” she said, adding that the Guide remains one of the Chamber’s biggest revenue sources..

This year, the guide has 116 advertisers.

New this year is a

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

section titled “Harbor Country Life,” which Wendt said is a combination of the previous “Professional Services” and “Community Resources” sections. The section features small business owners that “have been part of the community for more than 50 years” as well as “transplants from the “big city” that can get the “job done for you so you have more time to play.”

Also new this year, Wendt noted that the guide isn’t being referred to as the “Harbor Country Visitor’s Guide” but simply the “Harbor Country Guide.”

Members of the 2020 Guide Editorial Board are Chuck Garasic, Sweethaven Resort, board chair; Tim Rogers, Fusion Design Group, design and production; Wendt and Emily Hojara (chamber office manager), copy and ad sales; and Holly Shulman, editorial.

Featured on this year’s cover is a painting by Kristin Hosbein that depicts the area’s rolling dunes, with the wide blue lake looming in the distance, underneath a wide blue sky that’s brimming with cottoncandy white clouds.

According to the guide, Hosbein is an official U.S. Coast Guard Artist, with four works included in the U.S. national collection in Washington D.C.

Rogers said he first met Hosbein more than 20 years ago, when he was doing freelance work for South Bend Memorial Hospital (where she worked at the time).

“It really represents our area,” Rogers said of Hosbein’s cover piece.

Wendt added that the Harbor Country Guide serves as the official Guide to the area. The publication is the only one in the area that has the Pure Michigan logo on its cover. Calls that are received from the Michigan Tourism Association about the area’s resources are forwarded directly to the chamber office.

I

n addition to being a resource for the area, the Guide has also become something of a collectible for some.

“There are people out there who have every single guide,” Wendt said.

One such person is Garasic, who said he’s kept every guide since the 1980s (he first moved to the area in the early 1990s).

Thumbing through each Guide that he’s kept throughout the years, Garasic said he most enjoys seeing what businesses have to offer each year and to see what new businesses have joined the community.

“It’s like a yearbook,” he said.

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FRIENDSHIP BOTANIC GARDENS NOW OPEN, MOTHERS ADMITTED FREE THIS SUNDAY

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riendship Botanic Gardens is currently open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time. Daily admission (Tuesday through Sunday) is $9 and $7 for seniors. On Thursdays, admission to the Gardens is $5 for everyone. Children 12 and under and active duty military with ID are free every day.

In honor of Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 10, all mothers and grandmothers are invited to experience a springtime stroll through the Gardens’ 105 acres of hiking trails and cultivated gardens for free admission.

The Gardens, which are tucked throughout the valley of Trail Creek, include forested woodlands, sprawling open meadows, and several cultivated gardens.

Garden visitors must respect the following guidelines that have been put in place for the safety of the community. Guests who pay daily admission must pay via credit or debit card only, as there will be no cash transactions. Upon arrival at the Welcome Cabin, guests should call the office to make their transaction over the phone. To ensure the safety of Garden employees and guests, all transactions will take place over the phone until further notice to prevent the spread of germs.

Maps will be available outside of the

Welcome Cabin or may be found on the Garden website.

While walking on the main paths and wooded trails, it is important to practice social distancing at all times.

It is also recommended to bring personal sanitary items, such as hand sanitizer and wipes. It is also important to avoid touching any objects (railings, signs, etc.) unless absolutely necessary.

The ArcelorMittal Children’s Garden and the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte Fitness Garden remain closed until further notice to prevent the spread of germs on commonly touched areas, following CDC recommendations. Dogs on leashes are always welcome; please continue to pick up after them.

Please continue to support the Gardens by renewing expired memberships online. Be sure to visit www.friendshipgardens.org/ membership-benefits for information about becoming a Friendship Botanic Gardens member, which allows Garden access year-round from dawn to dusk.

Friendship Botanic Gardens is located at 2055 East US Hwy. 12, Michigan City, Indiana. For more information call 219-878-9885 or visit www.friendshipgardens.org and @FriendshipGardensIndiana on Facebook. — STAFF REPORTS

Happy Mother’s Day! To recognize our moms, we’d love you to email a “mom and me” photo to info@newbuffalotimes.com.

New Buffalo Times will post it on our Facebook page.

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

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Sanitary sewer installation scheduled for this week

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ork that was completed in advance of the planned road and all local businesses will be maintained last week set the streetscape improvements scheduled to throughout the project. stage for the sanitary begin this summer.

Phase One also includes the sewer installation in Phase One work began April 20 and installation of water main beneath Red the Union Pier Road is tentatively scheduled to end May Arrow Highway at Community Hall intersection that’s scheduled to take 22, or Memorial Day weekend. The Road. place this week as a part of Phase One intersection of Union Pier Road and According to the website of on the Union Pier/Red Arrow Highway Red Arrow Highway will be closed Wightman and Associates, Phase Two’s Redevelopment Project. throughout this time and will only be chosen engineering firm, the second According to the Prein and Newhof open to local traffic. Temporary closures phase’s roadway work will include website (Phase One’s chosen engineering of Red Arrow Highway at Community reconstruction and firm) for the Galien River streetscaping at the Sanitary District (GRSD) intersection with Sewer Authority project, Union Pier Road/ work completed last week Townline Road; included the completion milling and resurfacing and restoration of the from Community Community Hall Road Hall Road to Union water main crossing and Pier Self Storage and the completion of the from Goodwin to water main acceptance Berrien Street; and the testing, the installation of creation of a three-lane de-watering equipment section, including a in Townline Road and dedicated center left Union Pier intersection, turn lane for business the arrival of sanitary The road is closed as work is completed at the inntersection of access. Pedestrian sewer materials, and the Red Arrow Highway, Union Pier Road and Townline Road Friday work will include the beginning of excavation creation of a sidewalk for the sanitary sewer. for pedestrian access at and around the Hall Road and Berrien Street will also be Phase One work involves installing intersection of Red Arrow Highway and required. The Prein and Newhoff website a new sanitary sewer along Red Arrow Union Pier Road; creating an activated states that Phase Two will begin as soon Highway between Union Pier Road and pedestrian crossing system for east-west as Phase One is complete and will run Berrien Street. The Sewer Authority will crossing of Red Arrow Highway; and also be replacing existing sanitary sewer through the end of August. creating a 10-foot wide non-motorized in Townline Avenue between Greenwood Vehicles should follow the detour path extending from Community Hall Avenue and Red Arrow Highway. route from Kruger Road to Lakeside Phase One work is being completed Road to Warren Woods Road. Access to Road to Berrien Street.

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dditional features include a new public restroom facility, improved stormwater infrastructure in the intersection and additional parking areas for access to shops and restaurants.

The project is being managed by the Berrien County Road Department.

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

At an open house at New Buffalo Township Hall Feb. 12, Kevin Stack, engineering supervisor at Berrien County Road Department, said the project grew from a few factors: the road department’s five-year effort to tackle the “main tract” of Red Arrow Highway; the need to improve Townline Road in Union Pier, which eventually led to a bigger project (Townline was paved and striped two years ago); a “growing community” in the Union Pier area; and concerns for safety at the intersection of Red Arrow Highway and Townline/ Union Pier Road in Union Pier (where there’s currently a blinking yellow light).

For links to the project’s websites, visit the New Buffalo Township website at www.newbuffalotownship.org or Chikaming Township’s website at www. chickamingtownship.org.

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New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

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THANK YOU, GOVERNOR... e owe Governor Whitmer a big thank you for helping Michigan residents stay safer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Michigan was on track to be one of the hottest of hot spots in the nation. Numbers of confirmed cases are still rising, and that’s bad. But it could have been so much worse if not for the stay-at-home order. Governor Whitmer and her administration are working to keep us safer.

It is OUTRAGEOUS for a small number of people, some of them armed, stormed the State House.

It is OUTRAGEOUS that the Republican led State Legislature denied her request to extend an expiring emergency declaration and authorized legal action challenging her authority. Meantime, the Governor has extended the stay-at-home order to last until May 28 to keep us safer.

National polls show that by a huge margin Americans don’t want to send their children back to school until it’s safe. A huge majority, much as they need to, don’t want to return to work until it’s safe.

It won’t be safe to until sufficient testing and contact testing is in place. We’re not there yet.

So, Governor, stay the course. Don’t let a small, loud and dangerous minority deter you from doing your job. A large majority of us support your efforts and thank you for all that you are doing.

— VIRGINIA WASHBURN, GRAND BEACH

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

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

9

Gov. Whitmer signs executive order to re-open construction, real estate safely

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fter more than a month of being restricted from doing his job (excluding some essential projects), Tom Bowmar of Tom Coastline Construction in New Buffalo is ready to get back to work.

“I’ve got one house in Grand Beach that’s been sitting there for a month and a half – I can’t finish the job,” he said.

This changed last Friday, when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-70 as part of her MI Safe Start plan, which, according to a press release, “will allow the May 7 resumption of some types of work that present a very low risk of infection, including construction, real-estate activities, and work that is traditionally and primarily performed outdoors.”

“As part of our MI Safe Start Plan, we are bringing business and labor leaders together to ensure that while we lift some restrictions on the previous ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ order, we are also protecting workers and their families from the spread of this virus. I want to be clear: we must all continue to stay home and stay safe as much as possible. If we all keep doing our part, we can reduce the risk of a second wave and re-engage our economy safely and responsibly,” Whitmer said in a press release.

“We are grateful for the governor’s commitment to protecting working people and their families from the spread of COVID-19,” said Pat Devlin, Secretary Treasurer of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. “Our dedicated building tradesmen and women are ready to get back to work, and we’re glad the governor has taken steps today to help ensure their safety.

We are excited to continue working with Gov. Whitmer as she continues to take action on behalf of working

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

enable social distancing; and families.” ensuring sufficient hand-washing Bowmar said he’s concerned for or hand-sanitizing stations at the his workers’ financial situation, as a worksite. lot of them are 1099 workers.

The order states that agents, “It’s safety first – we’re just erring appraisers, brokers, inspectors, on the side of common sense,” he surveyors, and registers of deeds are said. required to perform any showings, John Taylor of Taylor Enterprise, inspections, appraisals, photography Inc., in New Buffalo said that, since or videography, or final walkthe new executive order, there’s throughs by appointment and limit been a “beehive” of activity, as them to no more than four people construction workers have been on the premises at any one time, working on getting everything set up with no in-person open houses so they can do their jobs. being permitted, “We’ve all John Taylor of Taylor and to only arrange been waiting and Enterprise, Inc., in private showings watching,” he New Buffalo said for owner-occupied said, adding that that, since the new homes, vacant most “knew it was executive order, homes, vacant coming.” there’s been a land, commercial Throughout the “beehive” of activity, property, and statewide shutdown, as construction industrial property.

Taylor said that workers have been Kurt Hauseman of workers have only working on getting Lake Homes Realty been allowed to everything set up so said that he looks do jobs that were deemed urgent, such they can do their jobs. forward to seeing clients in person as fixing a leaky roof. again. Throughout the shutdown, “Those of us who are in sellers were only allowed to give construction, I think we’ve been virtual house tours (Hauseman said following the guidelines pretty he himself hasn’t permitted that closely,” he said. practice). nder the order, “Real estate is a face-to-face construction sites business,” he said. must adopt a set The lockdown on real estate of best practices has been especially “tough on the to protect their consumer,” Hauseman said. It’s also workers from infection. Those one effects other types of businesses. practices include designating a site “At the end of the day, real estate supervisor to enforce COVID-19 is an integral part of society – control strategies; conducting daily from banks to appraisers to home health screenings for workers; inspectors,” he said. creating dedicated entry points, if For up to date information on possible, or issuing stickers or other what’s open or about to open, indicators to assure that all workers or other current information on are screened every day; identifying southwest Michigan, Hauseman choke points and high-risk areas encourages everyone to check out (like hallways, hoists and elevators, the public Facebook group that he break areas, water stations, and founded, “What’s Happening in buses) and controlling them to Southwest Michigan.”

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10 THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 High wave action dominates the lake at New Buffalo City Beach Thursday, April 30

Latest round of New Buffalo lakefront flooding deemed ‘historical’

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ntil the water receded, the beach in New Buffalo and even Whittaker Street almost looked like the new shoreline for the record high Lake Michigan last Thursday.

Even last year’s biblical like flooding at the lakefront didn’t quite measure up to the water brought in from the swollen lake by strong northerly winds and heavy rain over a 48hour period last week.

“This was historical. This is worse than anything we saw last year,” said New Buffalo City Manager David Richards.

“It’s a sight to be seen,” said Bob Stratton, owner of Service 1 Marine.

The shoreline extended over the beach and part of the beach parking lot.

BY STAN MADDUX

Parking lots at the nearby public boat launch and Harbor Pointe condominiums were also partially underwater.

Whittaker Street north of

the bridge was also under about 18 inches of water.

Stratton said more boat slips at The Moorings, where many docks were under water last year, were also flooded.

“This is the worst it’s ever been,” Stratton said.

Richards said that, while

extreme flooding would not be happening if Lake Michigan was not so high, it wouldn’t be as bad if a storm drain at the lakefront was functioning properly.

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ecause of a faulty plug, the drain is allowing water in from the Galien River. The river water then deposits through the drain onto Whittaker Street.

Water also seeped through several bricks on the new

New Buffalo economy still tied to executive order extension

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seawall installed recently from the Whittaker Street bridge to the beach parking to keep the river pushed up during storm surges from spilling onto Whittaker Street.

Richards said he expects the storm drain to be repaired and the seawall made completely waterproof at some point to limit the flooding on Whittaker Street.

“We will prevail. It’s just going to take some engineering to come up with the right solution,” he said.

The high water elsewhere, though, will require the levels on Lake Michigan, which have been historically cycling up and down, to begin receding. As of right now, nobody seems to know when that will start happening.

While boats can hit the water now, much of economy in New Buffalo remains shackled under Michigan’s extended COVID-19 restrictions.

Bars remain closed, while restaurants are restricted to take out and delivery service until at least May 28 under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s new restrictions announced April 30.

New Buffalo City Manager David Richards said the governor allowing motor boats to be used again the previous week was a “good first step to putting our local economy back together again.”

Richards said a major piece of the city’s economic puzzle that’s still missing, though, is dine in service at restaurants.

Full service at restaurants like Stray Dog, Brewster’s and Casey’s offers boat owners a reason to leave their docks and tourists to come and make dining part of their New Buffalo experience.

“We’re happy that there’s take out but we all know normal is sitting down, ordering, paying, eating and leaving and we hope that’s the next piece of the puzzle,” he said.

The governor’s decision to not reopen the economy as quickly as other states like Indiana has drawn considerable protest in Lansing from people wanting to return to work and from many state legislators threatening legal action.

The governor extended the restrictions under executive actions without legislative approval.

During her announcement, Whitmer said it was too early to loosen up the restrictions further because of the risk for the virus to spread.

She said more than 41,000 Michigan residents have been infected and close to 3,800 residents of the state have died.

“While some members of the legislature might believe this crisis is over, common sense and all of the scientific data tells us we’re not out of the woods yet,” Whitmer said. — STAN

MADDUX

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 11

Whittaker Street 11 N.N.Whittaker Street Suite A A Suite NewBuffalo, Buffalo, MI MI 49117 New 49117

269.469.3636 269.469.3636

www.hometownpharmacy.com www.hometownpharmacy.com

“Just what thewhat doctorthe ordered!”

“Just

doctor ordered!”

Barge hauling rocks to protect eroded shoreline

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BY STAN MADDUX

barge docked in New Buffalo Harbor is hauling large rocks to several homes threatened by shoreline erosion from the record high Lake Michigan.

Ted Gryzwacz, president of the New Buffalo Shoreline Alliance, said Donkersloot & Sons was contracted by the property owners to shore up their revetments weakened by a late November storm last year.

He said the barge has been making trips out there to rebuild the protective barriers for months and expects the work to continue into the summer.

“We never had enough ice on the lake to slow the process down. He’s been working all winter,” he said.

Gryzwacz said he and two of his neighbors at Sunset Shores hired Oselka Construction to rebuild their revetments.

Trucks venturing down a road cut to the shoreline have been carrying and depositing rocks used to shore up those eroded bluffs, he said.

That work has also been occurring since high waves generated by the late November storm brought the water’s edge closer to those residences.

Gryzwacz said he lost 10 to 15 feet of his yard to the erosion while a

neighbor had as much as 20 to 25 feet of his yard fall over the edge of the dune brought down by the pounding waves.

He said about 80% of the work ordered by him and his neighbors is finished and should be done before the end of the month.

Gryzwacz said the additional rocks worked to stop further erosion last week when strong northerly winds sent waves barreling into the shoreline.

“It held up very well. Very well. We had no more damage,” he said.

While Gryzwacz said the restored barriers should keep the lake from advancing closer to their homes for now, their long-term effectiveness could depend on whether the lake continues to rise.

The New Buffalo Shoreline Alliance continues to pursue federal funding on a solution it believes will work to replenish beaches to help reduce erosion from the high water.

More sand would diminish the size of the waves before they hit the shoreline.

“We got to get sand and somehow we got to get the water down,” Gryzwacz said.

www.newbuffalotimes.com

12 THURSDAY, MAY 7, 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.

The best advice I’ve received is to be yourself. The best artists do that.

— Frank Gehry

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 13

Your Homegrown Realtor Jason Sutton

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

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Spectacular Lake Michigan and New Buffalo harbor views from this 4,700 sq.ft. luxurious townhome in New Buffalo's Marina District. Enjoy the magnificent sunsets over Lake Michigan from one of the 3 waterfront terraces.

This spacious townhome features a huge 48' x 21' Great Room with two terraces and views of both downtown New Buffalo and Lake Michigan.

Master suite features Terrace overlooking the waterfront, fireplace, jacuzzi & steam shower.

A once in a lifetime opportunity to own the famous ''Whittaker House'' building. This historic building is located in the center of the New Buffalo Central Business District with 2,625 sq. ft. of prime retail space.

The building also offers a 1,150 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, second floor apartment with recently renovated kitchen, baths and floors. Features include new electric, new a/c, basement and 3 private parking spaces. This ia a great opportunity to own a New Buffalo landmark!

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14 THURSDAY, MAY 7, 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.

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

FOR RENT

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 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

SERVICES

FISH FOR STOCKING Most Varieties Pond Lakes.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

NOTICE OF SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING 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

The City of New Buffalo will hold a Special City Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the Community Room at City Hall, 224 W. Buffalo Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117.

The purpose of this special meeting is for the Department Heads to present their 2020-2021 budget to the city council.

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 meeting.

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

This is an open meeting.

The notice is posted in compliance with Open Meeting Act, Public Act of 1976 and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals with

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 15

PUBLIC NOTICES 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

VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING The Village of Grand Beach will hold an electronic (virtual) special council meeting on the proposed 2020-2021 fiscal year budget and the proposed millage rate for 2020 on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 6:20 P.M. (CST) – 7:20 P.M. (EST).

THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THE MEETING. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 and the tax millage rate will be adopted at the special meeting.

OBITUARIES Paul “Brad” Heppler

REQUEST FOR SEALED BIDS TO PURCHASE 435 S. WHITTAKER STREET

The City of New Buffalo is requesting sealed bids until 3:30 PM EST on Friday, June 19, 2020 for the sale of the building located at 435 S. Whittaker Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117. The building has 4,800 square feet of retail space on .12 acres of property located at 435 S. Whittaker Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117.

Previous bidders will be offered an opportunity to rebid. Bids should contain a proposal for the intended use of the building. Bids shall be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope “Purchase of 435 S. Whittaker Street.”

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the special council meeting will be held electronically. Village Hall will only be open to the public if required by state law on the date of the meeting. Directions for participating in the electronic (virtual) meeting and a copy of the complete budget can be found on the Village’s website.

The sale of the property shall include a deed restriction that an occupancy permit must be obtained within one year of purchase or the City will be allowed to reacquire the property at the original purchase price. No bid shall be withdrawn for a period of 60 days and the City reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive any irregularities in the bidding process.

MARY J. ROBERTSON CLERK-TREASURER

AMY FIDLER, CITY CLERK

P

1951-2020

aul “Brad” Heppler, 68, of Galien, Michigan passed away on Wed., April 29, 2020 at the Timbers of Cass County. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, Michigan.

Brad was born on October 25, 1951 in Michigan City, Indiana to the late Paul and Jane (Price) Heppler. He was a 1969 graduate of New Buffalo High School. Brad served his country during the Vietnam War while in the U.S. Marines. He loved the outdoors, especially deer hunting, fishing and golf. Brad worked in construction, and was very proud of the improvements he did to his home. He had a great sense of humor and was an avid Detroit Lions football fan. Brad will be missed by family and his many friends.

Brad is survived by his sister, Sandra (Heppler) Orange of Union Pier, Michigan and his brother, Perry (Maria) Heppler of St. Joseph, Michigan, and Alex Rogers, whom Brad loved as a son. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Jane Heppler; and his son, Paul Heppler, Jr. A private Celebration of Life service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan, P.O. Box 407, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www. sommerfeldchapel.com

New Buffalo Times

Staying home saves lives.

For more information, visit

coronavirus.gov

Let’s not Party

Meet up Bro-hug Defy

Let’s

Stay put Binge watch Video-happy-hour Save lives

Visit coronavirus.gov for the latest tips and information from the CDC.

#AloneTogether

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP SLOW THE SPREAD.

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16 THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

Berrien County announces expanded capability for COVID-19 testing

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ew COVID-19 testing equipment, additional supplies, and expanded testing criteria in the state are making it possible for more people in Southwest Michigan to be tested for the virus.

According to a joint press release from Spectrum Health Lakeland, Berrien County Health Department and County of Berrien, due to the enhanced testing capacity, people who previously wouldn’t qualify for testing may now be tested for COVID-19. Specimen collection sites in Berrien County are available at the Spectrum Health Lakeland Center for Outpatient Services, located at 3900 Hollywood Rd. in St. Joseph and at InterCare Community Health Network, located at 800 M-139 in Benton Harbor. InterCare also has a mobile testing unit which travels throughout Berrien County.

Until recently, testing was reserved for people showing severe symptoms, healthcare employees with symptoms, hospital inpatients with suspected COVID-19, and other high-risk patients. Now, Spectrum Health Lakeland and InterCare Community Health Network can test patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms, as the supply of specimen collection kits and testing equipment allow.

Currently, a medical provider screens all patients to determine whether they should be tested for COVID-19 based on symptoms and exposure history to a person with COVID-19. Testing at both sites still requires a provider order as rapid testing is not yet widely available. Specimens from Lakeland are tested at the Spectrum Health Regional Lab in Grand Rapids, which typically produces results in less than 24 hours.

InterCare is partnering with NxGen Laboratories in Grand Rapids to provide testing results. Between the two sites, there is ability to perform several hundred tests each day. This continues to be a dynamic situation, however, and the evolving testing strategy is assessed on a regular basis.

“We understand the important role testing plays in limiting the spread of this disease in our communities,” said Joe Brown, director, laboratory services, Spectrum Health Lakeland, in the press release. “Our goal has always been to test as many people as possible but, like so many other health systems nationwide, we’ve been limited by our resources. With these additional testing supplies, we can begin to meet the demand for testing in our region.”

“At InterCare, we recognize that the risk of this virus is not the same for everyone. People in certain racial, ethnic, and low-income groups are at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 and experiencing severe

symptoms - especially if they don’t have access to the testing needed for diagnosis,” said Velma Hendershott, president and CEO of InterCare. “We are pleased to be able to provide COVID-19 testing in Berrien County as a way to continue our mission of ensuring equal access to preventive health services, particularly those with higher vulnerabilities to this pandemic.”

“The increase in testing capacity is crucial for the success of ongoing contact tracing efforts in Berrien County to identify COVID-19 cases early and subsequently test the symptomatic close personal contacts of the confirmed individuals,” said Nicki Britten, health officer, Berrien County Health Department.

Britten warns, however, that while capacity for testing has been expanded, the resources are not unlimited.

“Curiosity is not a valid reason to test someone for COVID-19, and timing of testing is a significant factor doctors take under consideration when ordering testing,” she said.

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New website shows additional COVID-19 data in Berrien County

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t can take between four and five days after COVID-19 exposure for the viral amplification process to occur in a person’s body so that enough virus is present to be detected through a nasal swab test. A negative test result shows that there was not a detectible COVID-19 viral load present at the time of testing; individuals with a negative test result could be in the early stages of infection and could later become symptomatic and contagious with the virus.

With new equipment, Spectrum Health Lakeland can also produce more rapid results for hospitalized patients with severe disease or for those scheduled for inpatient surgical procedures. A key benefit of quicker results is less time spent in isolation waiting for results for patients who eventually turn out to be negative for the virus that causes COVID-19. Another is the reduction in need for personal protective equipment (PPE), which continues to be in short supply.

Since testing began locally April 9, Spectrum Health Lakeland has tested more than 1,950 individuals.

InterCare Community Health Network began testing April 13th and to date have since tested nearly 450 patients in Southwest Michigan.

People experiencing symptoms should call their primary care provider or either the Spectrum Health hotline at 833-559-0659 or InterCare hotline at 855869-6900 to be scheduled for a free virtual screening.

Anyone with severe or life-threatening symptoms should call 9-1-1. — STAFF REPORTS

The Berrien County Health Department has released a new online-based Coronavirus Data Dashboard to centralize data related to COVID-19 in Berrien County, which is available at www.bchdmi.org/COVID19.

The dashboard includes information regarding the confirmed and presumed cases of COVID-19 in Berrien County as well as information on those who have recovered from or died as a result of the virus. This data hub also includes an interactive map of COVID-19 cases by zip code, demographic breakdowns of cases, deaths, and recoveries and charts showing trends in cases over time.

“This data dashboard is an excellent tool to share more information with our community about the cases of COVID-19 in Berrien County,” said Nicki Britten, health officer, Berrien County Health Department, in a press release. “This data shows us a great deal about the confirmed and presumed cases, but we know that it does not capture the greater numbers of residents who are infected and have not been identified.”

The map of Berrien County shown on the dashboard does not show how or where the virus is being transmitted, nor does it show where individuals were exposed to the disease. The data is indicative of community-wide spread of COVID-19, meaning there is a risk of viral transmission in all areas. Residents are asked to take precautions wherever they live, including staying home as much as possible and only leaving for essential trips. When venturing into public, residents are to maintain a social distance of 6 feet or more from others, wear a face covering in enclosed public places, and keep up with rigorous hand hygiene.

As of Monday, May 4, Berrien County has 303 confirmed cases with a COVID-19 positive laboratory test result and has reported 19 deaths. Being reported are also 196 presumed positive cases, or those individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 who have been identified through contact tracing and have an exposure history to other confirmed COVID-19 cases since tracking began in March. There have been 196 people who have recovered from COVID-19, defined as individuals who had confirmed COVID-19 test results and have now been released from isolation after having three days of no fever (without a fever-reducing medication) and improvement in respiratory symptoms and it’s been at least seven days since symptoms first appeared.

The data dashboard will continue to be updated daily with information gathered by the Berrien County Health Department and with partnership from Spectrum Health Lakeland. Anyone can access this internet-based dashboard at the link on www.bchdmi.org/covid19.

— STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020 17

HOROSCOPE MAY 7-13, 2020

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

Important agreements could become a bit burdensome this week.

It’s not that you don’t see their value or want to honor your promises.

It’s just that you don’t want to feel drained or that you’re doing most of the hard work, while everyone else involved reaps the rewards.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

There will be a lot of shifting around on the home front. This is about you taking more control or responsibility for domestic issues and committing to creating a more fluid and practical set up. Friends may not have the best advise or know how. Call a professional or do your own research.

This week, let go and open up more in relationships. You may not realize it but you are closing yourself off or being overly protective of your private life. There is a time to share and open your heart to others. By sharing and comparing life stories you will feel refreshed.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Friends will be making some great suggestions and will be very ready to get involved in your ideas, but you have a lot of work to do when it comes to communicating what you really feel your time and ideas are worth. There is a tendency to overcompensate and sell yourself short now.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

Really hone in on your communication skills, particularly your writing skills. Relationships with authority figures or manufacturers may get a bit tense and writing a letter may be your best option now. Keep the focus on quality control, rather than turning it into a personal issue.

Social connections are an important part of life and Capricorn has a tendency to close itself off and take a position of authority rather than comradery. Instead of putting yourself above others, get down in the trenches and connect with people on a more personal level.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

You are going to have to work hard to make an impact on others now. It will take more than just a simple talking to. If this is a work-related matter make extra double sure that plans and ideas are fully expressed and even written down in a clear and concise manner, or you may lose earnings.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 You are entering a very financially beneficial time and a good way to use that extra cash is to plan a vacation. Start saving any surplus earnings to fund your next adventure or use it to take a class.

It is important you expand your mind and enrich your cultural experiences now.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

Even though you are at a critical point with employment issues, maybe this is a good time to connect with friends and blow off some steam. Perhaps by stepping back a bit from problems and releasing control to a higher power, while you focus on laughter, problems will resolve themselves.

Getting more committed to your personal goals and well-being could be a bit of a challenge this week. Don’t get discouraged or give up, this standstill is merely giving you a chance to reevaluate where your heart is.

It’s giving you a chance to identify where your passions can excel.

As much as you would like to keep your head down and get work done behind the scenes, you are going to be in the spotlight this week and your work will be publicly displayed. Don’t get nervous. You’re going to finally get the recognition and praise you deserve.

Rather than daydream or talk about your goals and desires, go after them. This is the time to go after any openings and put your ideas in a place where others can recognize your talents or where your work can benefit others. Charitable and goodhearted efforts will shine now.

Whoever doesn’t know it must learn and find by experience that a quiet conscience makes one strong.

— Anne Frank

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18 THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

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