August 18, 2022

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

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LIFE IN NATURE ON THE SANDY SHORE

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 33, volume 81

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Thursday, August 18, 2022

New Buffalo Township Board approves engaging law firm to begin drafting marijuana ordinance PAGE 3 Three Oaks Village Council updated on village wastewater discharge levels PAGE 5 Chikaming Township Board approves millage ballot question language for library millage, park board dissolution PAGE 6 The Hawk’ lands in New Buffalo PAGE 10

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Hot rides, cool pin-up girls of summer return for ‘Full Throttle Throw down’ PAGES 12-13

PUBLIC SAFETY, SCHOOL SUPPLIES APLENTY AT ANNUAL PUBLIC SAFETY DAY — PAGES 12-13 —

PHOTO OF LT. RYAN SULLIVAN AND PAUL GRENON WITH POLICE DOG MAXX

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

New Buffalo Township Board approves engaging law firm to begin drafting marijuana ordinance

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embers of the New Buffalo Township Board approved engaging Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith PC to begin drafting a marijuana ordinance at their Monday, Aug. 15, meeting.

In July, there was a joint township board and Planning Commission public hearing with attorney Laura J. Genovich from Foster Swift regarding potentially allowing recreational adult use marijuana establishments in the township.

At their August meeting, planners discussed potentially sending out a survey; however, ultimately, they decided that engaging the attorney was the best way to move forward on the matter.

New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit said that this didn’t mean that the township was opting in with regards to allowing the sale of recreational marijuana.

“We thought this was the appropriate way to officially start (the process),” she said.

Board members approved allowing Carts on 12 an extension of one week (Aug. 22) to erect a fence per their SLU. At their July meeting, board members approved official notice be given to Carts on 12 that their SLU permit may be revoked if a fence made from fencing material comparable to what exists currently is not erected on the northwest side of the property and along the back of the neighboring property to the

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

northwest of the property by Aug. 16, 2022, per conditions of the SLU permit.

After discussion the original motion, which called for allowing the business an extension of three weeks to erect the fence, it was amended to one week.

Heit said that owner Ed Arnold had submitted a letter asking for the extension due to August still being a “very busy month” for them.

She said he mentioned that a metal fence would be erected but she’s not sure what that means, as it could be a chain link fence with slats that one couldn’t see through.

She added that there “could be concerns” with a 12-foot-tall fence that is metal, and she would like to see the material.

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sking why Arnold wasn’t present at the meeting, member Pete Rahm said that the board went through a similar situation with the business regarding an SLU, and that “over and over he got extension after extension.”

“He had a month - if he doesn’t get it done by tomorrow then he closes it down until he gets the fence up and he’ll have to work extra hard to get it up,” Rahm said, adding that he “knew all summer he had to do this.”

Heit said Arnold did pull a permit to erect the fence in March and she doesn’t know why he hasn’t done so.

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As a compromise, she said that they could give him the one week, as he said he has the materials to construct it.

Board members approved a Local Revenue Sharing Board loan of $20,000 to the marina fund, which Heit said would be used to make necessary upgrades to the marina. Once payments are paid to the Deputy Fund, the township will reimburse the LRSB fund.

Board members approved the purchase of a truck for the water department not to exceed $40,000. Heit said a truck had been found after that afternoon’s agenda approval that’s roughly $34,000; however, enough money is needed to afford add-ons, such as emergency lighting.

A resolution to receive the grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that will go toward the Marquette Greenway was adopted.

A private road for a parcel off Glassman Road (owned by James Kucera) per recommendation of the building and zoning administrator, pending road name approval from the county, was approved.

Board members approved payment application #2 to Selge Construction for $131,085 for the Lift Station 51, 52 and 53 project.

The fire cadet application for Audrey Proctor was approved.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN FLANAGAN City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS to be determined NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD PETE RAHM, MICHELLE HEIT, JUDY H. ZABICKI, PATTY IAZZETTO, JACK ROGERS Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD CHUCK HEIT, PRESIDENT HEATHER BLACK, VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HASKINS, TREASURER LISA WERNER, SECRETARY JOYCE LANTZ, TRUSTEE FRANK MARGRO, TRUSTEE PATRICIA NEWSTON, TRUSTEE CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, BILL MARSKE Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MARY ROBERTSON, CLERK DEBORAH LINDLEY, BLAKE O’HALLORAN, JAMES BRACEWELL, PETER DOERR, PAUL LEONARD, JR. MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

Mayor disputes claims from detractors

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BY STAN MADDUX

ew Buffalo Mayor John Humphrey is taking strong exception to claims by two of his critics involved in the effort to recall him and City Councilman Brian Flanagan over their support of the cap on short term rentals.

Local realtor Carie O’Donnell called Humphrey “a bully” in an article published by the New Buffalo Times Aug. 11.

In the same article, Michael Davis claimed Humphrey has “treated people horribly.”

Humphrey said he has not publicly insulted any resident, but he and his family have been “repeatedly attacked” or “harassed” personally by Davis on social media.

He said the retaliation from Davis came after he questioned him about the status of his “nonconforming short term rental property” in the city.

Humphrey said Davis’ actions included taking photographs of his wife’s car and license plate and posting the images on a website used by his detractors.

He also said O’Donnell began accusing him of impropriety on social media shortly after he was elected in 2020 and has kept up her cyberattacks of him and his family with “countless false accusations.”

Humphrey said she has also encouraged further online harassment of him.

“There is zero evidence of me bullying anyone and not a single person has made a complaint in this nature against me. Any honest examination of the public record

Recall effort fails for now

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will make clear who the real bullies are,” he said.

Humphrey also disputed allegations by O’Donnell and Davis that other things like improving the condition of streets and sidewalks were ignored because of the focus on developing restrictions on short term rentals.

Humphrey said short term rental reform would have likely been completed several months earlier but dragged on throughout 2021 because of legal action challenging the effort.

Nevertheless, he said many projects and initiatives were worked on last year but failed to capture much attention from the public.

“They just don’t get the interest that the short term rental debate does, because the short term rental debate is a national issue, not just a local one,” he said.

People opposed to the cap have claimed the local economy built on tourism is going to suffer from limiting the number of vacation home options.

Humphrey said there are still 150 registered short term rentals in the city along with a large number of vacation homes operating without a permit that haven’t been caught.

He also said additional shortterm rentals can still go up in commercial areas of the city.

“Business owners are reporting their busiest year ever. There are more people coming here on summer weekends than ever before. Short term rentals are still plentiful. They are just limited in residential districts,” he said.

An effort to recall two elected officials in New Buffalo for supporting restrictions on short term rentals has failed at least for now.

The Berrien County Clerk’s Office has ruled there were not enough valid signatures to trigger a recall vote in November.

There were 294 signatures in favor of recalling Mayor John Humphrey and 271 signatures in support of recalling City Councilman Brian Flanagan that were obtained on petitions seeking their ouster halfway through their four-year terms.

The signatures were submitted to the clerk’s office Aug. 5.

However, more than 80 of the signatures could not be verified.

There are 219 verified signatures from people registered to vote in the city that are required for a recall election to be called.

Local realtor, Carie O’Donnell, who helped collect most of the signatures, said efforts are underway to challenge the decision.

O’Donnell said the reasons cited for throwing out the signatures included signatures from people not matching their signatures on file and people not being registered to vote in the city.

She said several people who signed the petitions have already agreed to give sworn written testimony on affidavits that the signatures belong to them.

She hopes to have enough of the thrown out signatures overturned as quickly as possible for a recall election to be scheduled for Humphrey and Flanagan.

“We’ll see what happens in the next couple of days,” she said.

If enough thrown out signatures are later ruled valid, Humphrey said he will exercise his right to investigate all of the signatures on the petitions and dispute any signatures he believes are not eligible.

Humphrey also said he was not surprised by the difficulties in obtaining enough valid signatures.

He said he and Flanagan were elected in 2020 by about a two to one margin after promising to impose restrictions on short term rentals.

Humphrey feels supporters of a recall are still in the minority even after the recent distribution of what he called “propaganda” and “false information” from the opposition to try and turn residents against them.

“I think it’s a very narrow set of people with one goal in mind and that is the proliferation of short term rentals in the city of New Buffalo. The petition circulators, the majority of them, were people who are currently suing the city over the short term rental issue,” Humphrey said. — STAN MADDUX

What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist. — Salman Rushdie

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RED ARROW HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION PROJECT TO LAST UNTIL OCTOBER

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onstruction on Red Arrow Highway between Main Drive and Lakeshore Road in Harbert began Aug. 15 and is expected to end Oct. 31.

Those traveling in the area should expect possible delays.

Remember to reduce speeds and be alert when traveling through work zones.

According to the Berrien County Road Department’s website, the Red Arrow Highway reconstruction will include existing pavement milling, asphalt paving, drainage and structure improvements.

Lane reductions will be in place throughout the project.

Motorists should expect possible delays when traveling through the work zone or seek alternative routes. One lane of traffic, in each direction, will be maintained during road reconstruction.

For further details, including a location map, please visit the county website at www.bcroad. org. — STAFF REPORTS

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

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Three Oaks Village Council updated on village wastewater discharge levels APPROVES MARIJUANA GROW FACILITY APPLICATION

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ater and sewer were a large part of the agenda at the Three Oaks Village Council’s Aug. 10 meeting.

Andrew Rudd of Wightman and Associates updated the council on the latest of the village wastewater discharge levels. He explained two planned samplings had already been conducted but the state had requested a third round of sampling to see if the seasonal increase in visitors impacted discharge levels.

Rudd said the third round would consist of samples from four locations in the central area of the village and would need to happen soon to capture summer visitors. The council approved spending $9751.64 for theses samples for the state.

Rudd also told the council a tour of property at the north end of the system to identify a source of high strength discharge had not revealed anything.

Plans to update the system’s Geographical Information System (GIS) will help better map the system, Rudd told the council.

The village has also received a drinking water asset management grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to identify and update water service lines to comply with the state’s Lead and Copper rule. The grant program replaces lead service lines and corroded pipes.

Rudd stated the state has strict guidelines for line testing to avoid any bias, and water customers will not pay for any improvements associated with the grant.

On Faulkner’s recommendation, the council accepted a proposed agreement from Davis and Davis to act as-needed as the village’s environmental attorney.

Faulkner said the Grand Rapids firm has “extensive experience” working with EGLE and its predecessor. Among its

BY THERESE DONNELLY

services to the village, Davis and Davis will help strengthen the sewer ordinances.

Faulkner also told the council that Wightman and Associates had recommended using cameras to televise a section of the waste system to ensure maps are correct and to identify existing connections. Councilmember Tyler Ream asked if this could also be used to identify the source of the high-strength discharge.

Rudd said it may be possible.

The village council approved a marihuana grow facility application from Mellow Valley Cultivation for a Class C Growth license to operate. During a brief public hearing prior to the council vote, Peg Cullen and Ben West of Mellow Valley spoke to the council.

Cullen explained that product will be sent to retail locations via a secure transport from a separate company. In response to questions from the council, she said Mellow Valley will not use pesticides and will keep nutrients out of the village sewage system. Ream said he would like to include a sample site at the business to monitor discharge, which Cullen and West said they were agreeable to.

West said the business plans to compost plant waste and recycle as much as possible.

In the latest update of a possible purchase of the county-owned village administrative building at 21 North Elm Street, Village Manager Dan Faulkner told the council that, as instructed at the July meeting, he had contacted the School of American Music to create a formal lease agreement for the school’s use of the village building at 14 Maple Street.

Faulkner said a meeting was scheduled for later in the week.

The council has not made a decision regarding the county’s offer to sell the building to the village.

In a 6-0 vote the council appointed Dennis Wojtczak to the Planning Commission.

Journeyman Distillery requested permission to close a portion of Generations Drive for its brew fest Oct. 12.

The council approved the request to close from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., contingent on approval from police chief Carl Krause.

The closure will not block access to parking lots or driveways.

Krause informed the council that Oldenburg Excavating had completed work to berms at the police department firing range. He then asked permission to scrap the trailer currently used for storage at the range and to purchase a replacement secure shed.

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rause said officers need to climb in and out of the trailer and it was becoming unfeasible to continue to use. While he said he expects the trailer has very little value, as a village asset the council must approve its disposal. Other police departments that use the range have told Krause they are willing to contribute to the purchase of a new shed, which he said will hold equipment, but no firearms or ammunition.

Faulkner informed the council that a vehicle had backed into the removable patio in front of 15 North Elm and damaged it beyond repair. The council discussed altering the patios to improve visibility, but made no decision.

Faulkner also shared that the building at Watkins Park formerly used by the Lions Club is being emptied out.

A representative from Lions Club International will remove any Lions property, and Faulkner said anyone who needs to claim other items should contact village hall.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

Chikaming Township Board approves millage ballot question language for library millage, park board dissolution

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ome November, residents of Chikaming Township will be faced with two referendums.

At their Thursday, Aug. 11, meeting, members of the Chikaming Township Board of Trustees adopted two separate resolutions, one of which approved the millage ballot question language regarding a library millage and the other one regarding the dissolution of the elected park board.

Both resolutions also directed the clerk to submit the language to be placed on the Nov. 8, 2022, election ballot The official ballot language that board members approved asks voters to approve the township levying .35 mills for a period of six years “inclusive for library services,” which will raise an estimated $250,000 in the first year the millage is levied, “of which equal portions will be distributed to Bridgman Public Library, New Buffalo Township Library and Three Oaks Township Library.”

Ballot language approved by the board regarding the dissolution of the park board states the board will be dissolved “effective upon certification of election results by the Board of Canvassers” and upon dissolution “for all powers, duties, assets and liabilities” of the park board will be transferred to Chikaming Township Board of Trustees.”

Chikaming Township Supervisor David Bunte said that a group of citizens “solicited a petition to dissolve the park board” and that the signatures were collected and submitted to the township July 29.

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

He added that the number of signatures surpassed the required signatures.

In the discussion portion at the end of the meeting, Fran Wersells said the “beaches take care of themselves” and that the bulk of the work lies in Harbert Community Park and Chikaming Township Park and Preserve.

“You got two big properties to manage and the current Park Board as it is has done a wonderful job,” she said.

Park board member Sherry Curry said that the beaches “don’t take care of themselves” and that they need to be checked regularly.

She added that she envisions the township board inheriting the park board budget (adding that the only big operating expense she could see would be the ice rink), there could be a “professional type (parks) manager with a real schedule that has more time” and five appointees who wouldn’t have to be residents.

“I think opening it to the appointees by park (board) dissolution would be a greater benefit for the park board as I see for the future,” Curry said.

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rthur Anderson, who was former park board chair, said that in the last election, only four people put their names on the ballot to be elected and there were three vacancies (Curry stepped up as write-in candidate).

He added that current state law requires members to serve a fouryear term.

“If it was an appointed board, it could be staggered like the Planning Commission, where they

have shorter terms and people are appointed every year which would make it easier to recruit people to serve on the board,” he said.

Park board chair Jill Underhill who was speaking as a resident that night, said that she “supports a democratic elected park board, one where voters have power and a voice at the ballot box.” Recent accomplishments of the board include volunteer-built stairs at Pier Street Beach, receiving site plan approval for a pathway and performance platform for Harbert Community Park from the Planning Commission and starting a fern garden at the park.

Board members approved the proposal from Antero Group in the amount of $118,750 to serve as consultant for the Sawyer Road (from Red Arrow Highway to Flynn Road) project. Bunte said the township received a USDA Rural Development Fund grant, which will cover $95,000 of the above amount, for this project and the balance of it would be covered by the township (which would be a 20% match from the township).

In a 3-1 vote (Paula Dudiak abstained and Rich Sullivan voted nay), board members approved JJIV Construction remove a dangerous building at 7312 Harbert Road for $9,000.

Board members approved allowing fire chief Allen Weich to purchase six Automated External Defibrillators (three for the fire department, one for township hall, one for the water department and one for the police department) at a cost of $1,695.

The hiring of Samuel Nowak as part-time EMS was approved.

Public safety, school supplies aplenty at annual Public Safety Day

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

nce again, safety and school supplies took center stage during New Buffalo Township’s annual public safety day, which was held at the public safety building on U.S. Highway 12 Sunday, Aug. 14.

Members of Medic One, the New Buffalo Township Fire Department, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department and The Pokagon Fund Tribal Police were on hand to give tours of their vehicles to children and to let them check out their equipment.

Inside the building, children could gear up for a new school year by choosing from a wide selection of free school supplies.

This year, New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit said that the township “doubled” what they had the previous year in terms of ordering school supplies, adding that they bought supplies for at least around 200 kids of various ages.

A grant from The Pokagon Fund allowed them to spend $300 on supplies (due to increasing costs, she said more than $400 was actually spent). Horizon Bank and Teachers Credit Union also chipped in with the cost.

“It seems like people know about it and they can come so we’re just going to keep ordering more stuff,” Heit said.

Sara Mead, a third-grade teacher at New Buffalo Elementary School, said that at least 160 kids had come through the building for supplies.

“Everyone seems very happy and thankful – taking advantage of what The Pokagon Fund and New Buffalo Township’s providing for our kids,” she said.

Leftover supplies are donated to the school, so teachers can “keep our inventory at a working level so we can supply for kids all year,” Mead said

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Kids recieve hats before choosing supplies

Kids enjoy the bouncehouse

Noah Sharum assists Millie Mertz with one of the exercises

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

Mckenzie Duffner learns about safety with Jeremy Milzarski from Medic One

Kids and their parents line up for hot dogs

Meredith Johnson has fun at Public Safety Day

Jack Rogers grills hot dogs

Kids take turns dunking a firefighter

Vivian Grzywacz poses in the fire truck

Sawyer and Hudson Baker pose in their safety gear

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

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New Buffalo City Council tables decision on marijuana zoning recommendations

fter discussion, the New Buffalo City Council tabled making any decision regarding the Planning Commission’s recommendations regarding marijuana businesses

in the city.

When the State of Michigan passed the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act in 2018, it allowed municipalities the option to set ordinances to limit or prohibit marijuana sales. At that time the New Buffalo City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting sales until the council amended the chapter.

Following two public hearings on the matter, the Planning Commission has recommended the council approve the retail sale of marijuana in the city, include the sale as a Special Land Use and prohibit retail marijuana businesses in Residential 1, 2 or 3 zones or within 1,000 feet of churches, schools or the Central Business District.

Michigan law prohibits marijuana businesses within 400 feet of a school or 200 feet of a religious building.

At the council’s Aug. 15 meeting, councilmember Mark Robertson questioned the advisability of changing the ordinance now, when the city is in the process of updating all its ordinances. City Manager Darwin Watson explained the Planning Commission’s recommendation is intended to allow the Commission to work in tandem with the updates, which are expected to be completed in September. He said approval would allow the Commission to begin working on a formalized ordinance but they would not be done before the council had reviewed updates.

Councilmember Lou O’Donnell said he felt the council should direct the Commission to work on the ordinance, but that the council could wait until the September in order to have a clear idea of what the ordinance should look like.

The council voted to table the matter until September when they can present the Commission with more precise requirements.

During public comment prior to the council’s discussion, a handful of audience members spoke in favor of allowing marijuana retail in the city.

Steve Diller of the Harbor Country Rotary

BY THERESE DONNELLY Club also addressed the council, speaking about Rotary’s Village Forest program, which provides trees for the tree lawn in front of residences. The program is currently offered in the Village of Three Oaks and Diller said they are interested in expanding to New Buffalo and other areas.

Township resident Michelle Hannon introduced herself as Democratic candidate for the District 9 county commissioner seat.

She said among her goals if elected is a focus on affordable housing and incentives for long-term rentals.

The council approved the development of a roadway and utility asset management plan, and to request funds from the Pokagon Fund to help with the costs. While the total plan is expected to cost $125,000, Watson said $34,000 would come from the city’s 2023 fiscal budget, another $41,000 from the Pokagon Fund and the balance from Drinking Water Asset Management and EPA grants. The council’s approval is contingent on receiving those grants.

McGhee explained the plan would enable the city to plan projects in order to take active, planned steps rather than reacting after infrastructure problems occur. Watson added that the plan would show what future development the city systems can support.

Humphrey noted the plan was a logical step to ensure city funds are used responsibly and systems are properly maintained.

On Watson’s recommendation, the council appointed Randy Hyrns as hearing officer.

When asked by Humphrey, Hyrns said he would provide impartial adjudication. While Hyrns was originally scheduled to meet the council during their July meeting, he had to postpone and said the August meeting was his first time meeting the council, though he has previously spoken to Watson.

Under city ordinance, the hearing officer presides over permit revocation hearings and is not involved in ordinance enforcement.

Watson also recommended the council retain a law firm to act as ordinance prosecution for the city. When Nick Curcio served as city attorney, the city subcontracted his firm, Straub, Seaman and Allen, to handle its ordinance prosecution. Dickinson Wright now serves as city attorney but Watson said it was in the city’s best interest to continue to

use Straub, Seaman and Allen. The council approved the recommendation.

Two improvement projects at the city beach got the greenlight, while the council tabled a third pending more information.

Parks Supervisor Kristen D’Amico explained the beach concession stand is “in dire need of a facelift” and E.I. Construction had bid $11,300 to paint and repair the building. The adjacent restrooms are also in need of updates, and City Plumbing and Heating’s quote of $11,607 will replace old fixtures. Councilmember Brian Flanagan called the upgrade “long overdue.”

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he council tabled a proposed purchase of a sunshade at the building, with Humphrey saying sticker shock at the $54,400 price made them want to explore other sources. D’Amico said the tree providing shade at the location was removed during recent sewer repair. Pencura’s proposal includes delivery and installation and a 10-year warranty on material and 20-year warranty on steel.

D’Amico said the shade can be removed for winter storage and she would use Pencura to remove because if any damage were incurred in the process the company would cover repairs. The shade can be repositioned when the beach concession is replaced in the next few years.

E.I. Construction also submitted the low bid for painting and repair work at city hall at a cost of $23,200. Watson said the interior was last painted in 2013.

The council resolved to request $150,000 from the Pokagon Fund’s city municipal fund to help fund the Marquette Greenway project. The planned pathway through Illinois, Indiana and Michigan is estimated to cost $5.5 million and local communities including the city and New Buffalo Township are contributing.

TJM Services has request a third payment for Dune Walk work. The council approved the $251,869.50 payment, with Humphrey noting work is nearly complete.

In a separate action the Council approved payment to Payjay Construction for $101,538 for work on the Mayhew Street sediment basin.

The city water department has requested the council approve the purchase of a new autoclave, which uses high temperatures to decontaminate biological waste and sterilize equipment. The current autoclave is over 20 years old and Watson told the council it has needed repair several times. The council approved the purchase of new equipment for $5,787.

At the request of the New Buffalo Business Association, the council approved an extension on the special event application for Mondays at the Marina to run through Sept. 26. NBBA President Audrey Tuszynski told the council the live music at sunset was popular and visitors were respectful of the property, leaving minimal cleanup needed.

The council also had a second reading of an amendment to Zoning Ordinance Chapter 21, which seeks to reduce the size of the Zoning Board of Appeals from seven members to five.

Humphrey informed the council he had been in communication with Stray Dog Bar and Grill regarding the parking lot at 116 S Whittaker Street. Humphrey said the owners are considering opening a restaurant on the property across the street from the lot, and if they do would want to have the lot for customers. Humphrey suggested the council consider if they were still interested in the city acquiring the lot if they would be required to make it a free lot rather than a pay lot.

Dredging in the harbor has been delayed again. Humphrey told the council that when the city engaged Viking Marine Construction, dredging was scheduled for early July but the city had not been informed the company’s boats were in Pentwater, Michigan. The Coast Guard removed buoys in preparation for the work. Humphrey said as of Aug. 15, work had not begun and Viking’s boats were currently in St. Joseph, Michigan, in need of repairs.

O’Donnell expressed safety concerns over the absent buoys while the city waited for work to begin.

Humphrey asked Tony McGhee, vice president of Development Services at Abonmarche Consultants, if the city had any financial recourse over the delay. McGhee said the contract did require Viking to justify delays and some level of compensation would be due.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

SPORTS From the Bleachers

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COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

ust when I was preparing to shift my focus to football, a couple of baseball stories, one of local interest, crossed my desk.

Rex Gotcher opened a family run business in New Buffalo dealing with sports cards. Appropriately named The Sports Card Shop at MOCO, Rex, his wife and two sons (Owen and Max) opened the business after one of the boys took an interest in collecting and trading cards. Rex saw this as an opportunity to have his sons learn about business while dealing with a subject that interested them.

I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to Rex yet, but I heard that Andre Dawson, a hall of famer and former Cub, was going to be signing autographs Friday night.

You can visit The Sports Card Shop at 18853 US 12, and check out coverage of the event in this week’s issue on page 10.

When I was a youngster, much of my free time and most of my spare change went to purchasing baseball cards.

Because I was a south side Cub fan, I had no trouble finding friends that wanted to get rid of their Cubs cards for my White Sox cards. My goal was to get at least two of every card that I wanted, so I could trade or put them in my bicycle spokes without worrying about damaging them.

My mom, like so many others back then, threw away all of my cards when I went off to college. She just figured that I had outgrown them. Just goes to show you,

even almost perfect moms can make an occasional mistake.

The Cubs and Reds played in the Field of Dreams game, and once again it was a delight. The players coming out of the cornfield could be “corny,” but instead it’s charming. I’m not sure why there won’t be a game next year, but I hope it returns the following season and becomes an annual event.

Roy Gleason got to the major leagues with the Dodgers in 1963 and in his first at bat he hit a double. He didn’t get another at bat that year, but the Dodgers did win the World Series and Roy was awarded a ring. Before he was recalled to the major leagues, he was drafted into the army. His platoon was on a mission in Vietnam when they were hit by enemy fire and Roy suffered some shrapnel wounds for which he was awarded a Purple Heart. Roy also lost his ring and by the time he returned, his baseball skills had diminished and he never made it back to the majors. Forty years later, in 2003, the Dodgers invited Roy to throw out the first pitch in a game then surprised him by giving him another ring. Roy is the only person who hit 1.000 in the major leagues, won a World Series ring and earned a Purple Heart.

Confucius said, “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.”

Be careful out there. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. — Willie Nelson

9

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10 THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

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hicago Cubs Hall of Famer Andre Dawson signed autographs and posed for pictures with members of the public Friday, Aug. 12, between New Buffalo and Grand Beach.

There was a long line of people waiting to see the 68-year-old Dawson from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Sports Card Shop on U.S. 12.

People seemed to relish meeting Dawson, who played six seasons at Wrigley Field in a career that began in 1976 with the Montreal Expos.

Cody Looney, 24, of New Buffalo had Dawson sign his Cubs jersey and a baseball then sat down with his father, Bobby, to eat barbecue beef sandwiches offered to everyone in attendance.

Emily Nannfeldt came from Niles to see her all-time favorite player.

“He’s probably the only sports figure I would actually come out and see. This is really cool,” she said.

“It was really neat,” said Joe Appelget of St. Joseph.

Scott Buchanan made the drive

The Hawk’ lands in New Buffalo

BY STAN MADDUX

from Paw Paw and walked away with a 1977 Topps Andre Dawson rookie card from his collection since childhood signed by the former player nicknamed “The Hawk.”

“It was awesome. It was surreal,” he said.

George Colon wearing a Cubs hat and jersey came from LaPorte with his wife, Erin, and 12-yearold son, Andrew.

The 56-year-old Colon choked up a bit with emotion when he handed Dawson a baseball to sign.

“Even though we’re grown men, we’re still kids on the inside,” he said.

Dawson, a former eight time National League All-Star player, is busy nowadays traveling primarily throughout the Midwest to sign autographs at similar venues.

He also owns a funeral home in Miami, Florida, where he grew up and still lives.

Dawson said the funeral home sort of landed in his lap as an investor 12 years ago and he had to decide whether to sell or keep it.

He answered what he felt was his next calling and chose to retain

ownership.

Dawson is actively involved in what’s become a family operated business.

“It’s a product of the community and I wanted it to stay that way,” he said.

Rex Gotcher, who opened the card shop nearly two years ago, said Dawson came here after he was contacted about his interest in having a former athlete make an appearance at his establishment.

Gotcher said he was given several names to choose and settled on Dawson, who was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, in 2010.

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awson came the day after he appeared at the “Field of Dreams” game between the Cubs and Cincinnati Reds in Dyersville, Iowa.

The game is at a 3,000 seat stadium next to the playing field, where the hit 1989 baseball movie was filmed beside a corn field.

Dawson was among the current and former players emerging from the stalks of corn onto the playing

field during pre-game ceremonies.

He joined other Cubs hall of famers Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins and Ryne Sandberg in walking out from the corn.

“It was fun,” Dawson said.

Dawson said the last time he swung a bat was in a cage nearly 10 years ago while doing some work for the Miami Marlins organization.

He quit after two pitches when the muscles in the calves of his legs began tightening.

“I leave well enough alone,” he said.

Dawson said he still enjoys the game as an outsider and when he puts on a uniform in spring training to help analyze and work with upcoming players in the Cubs organization.

He also enjoys his annual visits to Cooperstown for the festivities before a new crop of former players are inducted into the hall of fame.

“It’s good to see the guys. The older guys I enjoy for the most part because they have stories to tell and you enjoy sitting around listening to them,” he said.

S:11.5”

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 11

Discover the unsearchable Discover the forest

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Find a trail near you at DiscoverTheForest.org

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FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @customs _ imports

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12 THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

Hot rides, cool pin-up girls of summer return for ‘Full Throttle Throw down’

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Pin-up girls are introduced

Miss Kiki is introduced to the crowd

Lillium Alyssum takes the stage

Conner von dutch takes the stage

A 1939 Ford Speedster on display

Kids pedal car winners Kane Glidden, Jagger Nelson and North Paulinski

Miss Twiggy answers a question posed

by Del Villarreal

Vintage (and not so vintage) rides exit the show

The afternoon scene of the U.S. 12 Speed and Custom Full Throttle Throw down

Del Villarreal talks cars with Miss Jennifer

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

in-up model Kailyn Hoffman, aka Miss Lady Yankee, from DeMott, Indiana, loves to stand out in a crowd.

When asked at this year’s U.S. 12 Speed and Custom’s Full Throttle Thrown down, which took place Saturday, Aug. 13, what she digs most about the pin-up culture, she said she loves getting decked out in a vintage ensemble.

“I feel it gives you a way to be yourself in a way and kind of stand out in a different way also,” she said.

Hoffman’s pink and yellow flower printed ensemble - complete with a yellow, pink and purple and yellow flower pinned to her hair - stood out enough in the crowd of other pin-up girls and car lovers to win the “Best Pin-up Ensemble” award, which included a $100 cash prize.

The award was chosen out of a line-up of eight

other pin-up models by the crew of U.S. 12 Speed and Custom, Del Villarreal, a rockabilly/roots rock deejay from Detroit, said.

Hoffman credited her mom, who had the outfit custom made for her by a woman on Etsy from the United Kingdom, on that day’s look.

Members of the audience also learned Hoffman’s idea of a perfect date was to stay in and watch a movie (“Netflix and chill,” Del Vilarreal quipped) and that, previously, her favorite car was a 1979 Plymouth Pluto; however, after spotting it at that day’s show, she’s now decided she loves the 1954 Buick Special.

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ther contestants were Miss Kiki from Warsaw, Indiana; Miss Lacey Peters from Niles, Michigan; Miss Jennifer from Kouts, Indiana; Miss Conner von dutch from LaPorte; Miss Twiggy from

Ricky Tanner takes the stage

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 13

Owners sit by their prized cars

Watervliet; Miss Bunny Rose from Hebron, Indiana and Miss Lillian Alyssum from Valparaiso.

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ll the models will appear in next year’s U.S. 12 Speed and Custom’s 13-month Miss Throttle Calendar.

Del Villarreal credited all the models for having the bravery to put themselves out there.

“All women are lovely in their own way but to take the time to do your hair, pick out clothes, do the makeup and put themselves on display - I think it takes a lot more courage than most of us would probably be willing to have and I think a lot of these girls have a lot of that,” he said.

The following were the winners in this year’s contest for the Full Throttle Car Trophy: Robert Harris (1948 Ford F150); Sherry Carpenter (1968 C10); Larry

Del Villarreal talks with Lady Yankee

Brooks (1947 International), Scot McGhee (1931 Model A), Mike Gardner (1929 Chevy), Rich Kiel (1970 Vega), Bill Pfifer (1940 Ford Sedan), Tom Duty (1963 Riviera), Bryant Goldstone (1959 Apache Truck), (Henry Braddock 1966 Nova), Rob Gerring (1960 Vespa), Bud Adams (1952 Tin Woody) and Rick Ott (1950 Panel Truck).

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rophies were custom made in house by one of the shop’s welders, Kay Summers.

Winners of the kids’ pedal car race, which was held earlier in the day, were Jagger Nelson, Kane Glidden and North Paulinski.

U.S. 12 Speed and Custom, which is described on its Facebook page as being “your one stop shop for everything to make your ride go fast and look good,” is located at 19015 U.S. Highway 12 in New Buffalo.

Miss Bunny Rose is introduced to the crowd

Del Villarreal talks with Miss Lacey

www.newbuffalotimes.com

14 THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

Chikaming Open Lands outlines future goals at Fete at the Forest LOOKING AHEAD

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ith 20 years behind Chikaming Open Lands (COL), members of COL’s board of directors are now looking ahead.

And what better place to announce the conservation organization’s future endeavors, Dan Eblen, president of the board, said than right by one of its latest land acquisitions that will be protected in perpetuity.

“We’ve done about 12 barn benefits (which was being called a “benefit lite” that evening), and this is the first one where we’ve been able to actually be right next to one of our actual preserves,” he said.

Eblen was talking about the 40.25-acre Sugarwood Forest Preserve, which was next to the home for this year’s Fete at the Forest, which took place Saturday, Aug. 13.

The preserve is located at 6855 W Elm Valley Road in Three Oaks, Michigan (on the north side of Elm Valley Rd between Three Oaks Road and Schwark Road).

The home belongs to George (a former board member) and Andrea Platz, who Eblen said were “very instrumental in developing the support to actually secure Sugarwood Forest.”

The preserve was purchased at a bargain price in 2021 from George.

“It’s very rich in its ecological diversity, it’s got old growth forest very much like Warren Woods, it’s got beautiful ravines, more so than we have at some of the other properties – it’s just a delightful property to visit and enjoy a serene, tranquil setting in that sense,” Eblen said.

Throughout its 20 years, COL has preserved over 2,000 acres of lands (woodlands, wetlands and prairie areas) that, like Sugarwood, will be “protected in perpetuity forever.”

Future plans of the board of directors are to “revive the diversity of programs,” which involves continuing with acquisitions and good stewardship work through building trails and making them “accessible to the public.” Continuing with education and outreach programs, such as through the Mighty Acorns program with the elementary school students, is also a goal.

Eblen said the second component of future plans involves building on the organization’s success by expanding its reach, such as “extending the opportunities” that the local community has enjoyed

for the past 20 years with communities further to the east so those residents can “enjoy some of the natural habitat that we have.”

Ryan Postema, executive director of COL, said they’ve made some strides toward the future in the past year, such as opening Sugarwood Forest Preserve and creating a new trail system and parking area there.

New parking areas and access to the Chris Thompson Memorial Preserve on Warren Woods Road and new parking areas and a trail system to the Edward and Elizabeth Leonard Preserve on Lakeside Road have also been among this year’s projects.

New trails have been promoted at the Merritt and Younger Family Preserves on Mydra Road in Union Pier.

On a broader scale, Postema said the organization is working on the donation of a 45-acre property in Buchanan Township and turning it into a new nature preserve, as well as 45 acres that will be protected by a conservation easement also in Buchanan.

“Continuing to expand into those areas, where we don’t have much of a presence but there’s a lot of opportunity to protect high quality natural areas and to provide recreational opportunities to our community here in Berrien County,” Postema said.

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ostema said they’re also looking at the existing preserves, such as Sugarwod and Chris Thompson, and how they can be improved or what amenities can be added to them.

Flynn Woods Preserve on East Road has a picnic shelter, portable water with a drinking fountain and a bike repair station.

“We all look at other preserves, like the Leonard Preserve, like the Chris Thompson Preserve, and see where those opportunities might fit in as well and make those preserves more accessible to a broader community, including ADA accessible trails and routes like that that can be beneficial in different preserves – those are things that we’re looking forward to over the next couple of years,” he said.

Postema said that COL couldn’t build on its success without the community’s support.

“That’s the reason why we’re able to do the work that we can,” he said.

More information on COL can be found at www. chikamingopenlands.org.

Ryan Postema introduces hikers to Sugarwood Forest Preserve

Hikers venture into Sugarwood Forest Preserve

Grace Ball and Jennifer Thompson greet guests

Nancy and Rachel Barry

Jean Joho, Deborah Hall-Kayler, Cynthia Joho and Allen Kayler

The crowd listens to updates for COL

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 15

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16 THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

OBITUARIES William Emil “Bill” Jansky

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1954-2022

illiam Emil “Bill” Jansky, age 67, of West Lafayette, Indiana died peacefully Thursday, August 11, 2022 in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began September 12, 1954 in Chicago, Illinois, one of eleven children born to Emil and Frances Jansky.

Bill loved to ride his Harley and was passionate about working on them as much as he could.

He was a goofy and energetic person. He cherished spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and had six chihuahuas that he adored.

Bill will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by three daughters, Gretchen (John) Robbins of Bridgman, Carrie (Richard) Cardone of New Buffalo, Jessica (Cole) Gatilff of Wanatah, Indiana; one son, Rich (Erica) Akins of Lafayette, Indiana; fourteen grandchildren; several great grandchildren; one sister, Elizabeth Byers, three brothers, Edward Jansky, Ron (Pam) Jansky, David (Lanelle) Jansky; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; the love of his life, Jo Ann Jansky; one son, Lorne Akins; one granddaughter, Cheyanne Akins;

three sisters, Laura, Linda, Diane; three brothers, Donald, Frankie, Chuckie.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Bill’s life at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, August 21, 2022 at Toth Street Park, 9841 Toth Street, Bridgman, Michigan 49106.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Bill be made to Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at wwww. wagnercares.com.

Eleanor Alma Reitz

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1932-2022

leanor Alma Reitz, age 90, of Three Oaks died peacefully Friday, August 12, 2022 in the comfort of her family’s

presence.

Her life began April 5, 1932 in Galien, Michigan, one of nine children born to Charles and Alma Trapp. She married Schuyler P. Reitz February 22, 1950 in Sawyer, Michigan. After thirty-five years of marriage, he preceded her in death

May 15, 1985.

Eleanor enjoyed fishing, bowling, playing bingo, and going to the casino. She loved to cook and bake. She also enjoyed sewing and making things for her family. She worked for Gerber Baby Wear as a seamstress for a number of years.

Eleanor will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived byone daughter, Judy Scoggin of Three Oaks; two sons, Dale (Sharon) Reitz, Roger (Nancy) Reitz, both of Three Oaks; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Obie Scoggin, one granddaughter, Leigh Ann Reitz: siblings, Elsie, twins Eva and Edith, Bob, twins Alice and Albert, Kenneth, and Leo. Family and friends will gather from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Monday, August 22, 2022 in Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora, 1733 West Glendora Road, Buchanan.

Eleanor will be laid to rest with her beloved husband in Riverside Cemetery.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Eleanor be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Glendora, 1733 West Glendora Road, Buchanan, Michigan 49107.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at wwww. wagnercares.com.

FORMER MAYOR CLAIMS VICTORY IN COURTROOM

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harges have been dismissed against the former mayor of Michigan City, who alleged the case from 2019 was political to cost him a third consecutive term.

Meer has agreed to admit guilt to leaving the scene of an accident that occurred after leaving office.

Charges of false informing, intimidation and official misconduct against Meer for his behavior following the arrest of his stepson were dismissed Aug. 8.

The case was dismissed by Jeffrey Thode, a judge brought in from Porter County to handle the criminal proceedings since the politically charged allegations were filed in LaPorte County.

The dismissed charges stem from Meer alleging his stepson, Adam Bray, was targeted

by LaPorte County Prosecutor John Lake and Meer presenting evidence he felt backed up his claims.

Meer also lashed out at the police.

Charges were brought against Meer just days before he lost to current mayor Duane Parry by less than 100 votes.

“A lot of effort went into tarnishing my reputation. For 55 years, I was never arrested for anything. Never even had a speeding ticket,” he said.

Bray was later convicted of the gun and drug related charges that resulted during a traffic stop in Michigan City.

Close to a year after leaving office, Meer struck a vehicle at a stop sign while making a wide turn at Ohio and Henry streets on Michigan City’s west side, police said.

Police soon found Meer getting out of his vehicle outside his residence and asked if he wanted to talk about the crash.

Police said Meer walked into his home and shut the front door.

He talked to the police about the accident the next day.

His attorney Scott King said a charge of resisting law enforcement will be dismissed against Meer in exchange for him pleading guilty to leaving the scene of an accident.

King said Meer did not resist arrest because he was not ordered by the police to speak to them about the minor collision.

“He was requested to come and talk to them and answer their questions, which he and you and I and everybody in America has the right to decline to do,” he said. — STAN MADDUX

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 17

HOR0SCOPE AUGUST 18-24, 2022

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

Get in touch with what makes you happy.

Reconnect with people who like doing the same things you do. Surround yourself with those who understand and enrich your talents and ideas. Avoid those negative Nancys and say goodbye to the buzz kill types. Start pursuing your dreams.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

Flow with your emotions right now. Don’t get stuck in your head by trying to avoid how you feel about selflimitations, or social restrictions. If you feel like you’re not making progress or physically can’t do something on your own, maybe you can ask for help. Talk about it. Reach out.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

It is time for a road trip or an excursion that will get you out and experiencing something new. Avoid boring routines or things that have a monotone vibe.

Rework your daily routines to include time to explore or experience other cultures.

You may end up having to rework some of your domestic situations.

This as an opportunity to get things done right.

If that means hiring a professional, do it. It will save you time, which can be very valuable to your mental health. Plus, you’ll have more fun hanging out with friends.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

Old business associates or coworkers a good chance of showing up again. Stand firm with the new systems or ways of doing things.

Take time to walk them through the new format or they may fall back into the old routine. It’s important to set people up with clear and concise direction, now.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Your communication skills are generally strong and effective, but some conversations, like ones with authority figures could get dicey this week. Stick to topics that focus on resources and appropriate actions to secure them, you’ll do fine. Avoid going off ion a tangent.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 Now is the time to eliminate bad attitudes or unhealthy patterns. The energy coming your way is all about letting go of negativity and embracing a more positive attitude. Step back from tense situations and look for the silver lining because the opportunities for a positive change are there.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

Take the opportunity to reconnect this week.

Talk to people and rebuild any bridges you can. Let love and friendship be rekindled.

Ease out of self-doubt and insecurities by taking better care of yourself. Get a manicure, or get some new cloths; looking good always helps.

Don’t resist the urge to dig out some of those old creative projects.

Take the risk and utilize the talents you’ve been developing or have been learning over the past few months.

Rework some of those hidden gems and bring them out of hiding. Now is the time to revise old ideas.

Take the opportunity this week to take someone under your wing and show them the ropes, or take the time to get to know someone who can show you how to do something creative. Spend time talking with people who are journeymen in their fields, this week.

Don’t get too attached to the physical realm. When dealing with interpersonal relationships put the focus on how the relationship makes you feel, not who is contributing what and how much.

There will be a lot of ups and downs over the next few weeks but it will all even out.

Your energy levels are up and your creative juices are flowing. Use this creative burst to its highest potential by making changes in your career field that will truly utilize your talents. Pursue activities that have an artistic flair. Don’t shy away from selfexpression.

Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same. — Francesca Reigler

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ore than $20,000 in meat from animals raised by 4-H youth is being used to feed the hungry.

Dozens of volunteers on Aug. 9 delivered 3,000 pounds of frozen meat to nearly 30 food pantries and soup kitchens in LaPorte County.

“We want to see the quality meat raised within LaPorte County feed our community,” said Mark Parkman, president of the LaPorte County branch of Indiana Farm Bureau.

One or two animals shown by 4-H youth during the LaPorte County Fair were always purchased and processed to help feed the hungry.

With help from the LaPorte County Agricultural Association and private businesses, more animals were bought from 4-H youth for the cause last year, which produced 750 pounds of meat for the needy.

The total skyrocketed after the LaPorte

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 19

4-H animals feeding the hungry

BY STAN MADDUX

Association, Parkman Cattle and 1st Source Bank.

Mrozinski said the goal next year is to distribute 5,000 pounds of meat.

“I’m really hopeful we can grow this to be even bigger and better next year. It’s contagious,” she said.

Parkman said the effort also puts money into the hands of more 4-H youth who otherwise might not have a buyer for their animals.

“It’s just a win, win for us. I love it,” he said.

County branch of Indiana Farm Bureau joined the effort this year and bought animals from close to a dozen 4-H members at the livestock auction during the fair last month.

“They were a huge contributor,” said LaPorte County Agricultural Association Treasurer Catherine Mrozinski The animals were processed into one pound packages of ground beef, pork, sheep and goat. Some of the meat was in the form of sausage and lamb chops.

Sims Meat Processing in Kingsbury cut and packaged all of the meat and donated their services for two of the animals.

The LaPorte County branch of Indiana Farm Bureau also split the processing costs with The Old Sheep Farm, the LaPorte County Sheep Breeders

T

he recipients included the Salvation Army, Rolling Prairie Food Pantry and Westville United Methodist Church.

Volunteers carried boxes of frozen meat from the Community

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Building at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds to their vehicles and delivered the food to each pantry.

Mrozinski said all of the recipients are asked in advance if there’s a certain meat they want the most to serve the needs of any patrons whose preferences might be goat or lamb, instead of pork, for religious purposes.

“It’s not just take what you can get.

We can actually provide them with some pretty awesome meat they don’t normally get,” she said.

LaPorte County Farm Bureau member Matt Schafer said the effort also helps 4-H members cope with the loss of animals to whom they’ve become attached.

His 9-year-old son, Lucas, had a 1,300-pound cross bred steer bought and processed for the cause.

“One of the things that Lucas found comforting was that his animal was going to go to help people in need. That kind of eased the sting,” Schafer said.

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20 THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022

R

Countywide trail master plan in the works in Berrien County

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

esidents of New Buffalo could have a say on a plan that will promote connectivity between trails throughout the county at an open house at New Buffalo Middle/High School Tuesday,

Aug. 9.

The Friends of Berrien County Trails, in partnership with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission and Be Healthy Berrien, has undertaken the development of a countywide Trails Master Plan which, according to a press release, will “provide a county wide vision and foster the development of more trails in the county.”

Abonmarche is leading the planning process.

Open houses were also held in Niles, Coloma and Benton Harbor.

At the open house, people were asked to look at a map of proposed route segments that will be included in the plan and then to place five blue dots next to the segment numbers from the map on a corresponding sheet that they think are the most important.

Dawn Marie Smith of Be Healthy Berrien said that a public survey that was sent out earlier this year garnered 2,000 responses.

Due to their voices being underrepresented in the survey, Smith said that teens in Benton Harbor and Niles were asked to take pictures of trails and do a narrative around their picture about “what the picture says, why it’s important for the community” that will be included in the plan.

“Having input from teenagers and young youth as well as community members helps to really set the context for the planner and makes the project a little more real and helps our community be a little more connected,” she said.

Marcy Hamilton, deputy director and senior planner with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, said that the timeline call for the plan to be done by the fall. Every municipality in the county will then be asked to sign a resolution supporting it.

The plan is conclusive in that it addresses trails for transportation and recreation use including walking, hiking, biking, paddling, skiing and equestrian trails (the latter one being nonexistent in the county).

“When we did the survey, people said things aren’t connected and that there’s nowhere to really ride – it’s not safe, there’s no wide shoulders or paths to ride on so the big thing is safety and connecting people to where they want to go and

by doing that it’s going to have healthier lifestyles and people getting out walking and biking more,” she said.

Hamilton added that it will also be a “good thing for economic development in terms of attracting and retaining people who want to live and work here.”

Hamilton called the plan a “guiding document.”

Communities will be able to use the plan to help them get funding for their respective trail projects and show how they connect to a “bigger network” – which Hamilton said will garner attention from the state and federal government to invest in the projects.

The plan has been funded by around 22 to 23 municipalities as well as other organizations such as Whirlpool, Spectrum Health Lakeland, The Pokagon Fund and the Berrien Community Foundation.

People have contributed anywhere from $500 to $10,000 toward the plan.

Mike Huber, senior urban planner with Abonmarche, said that the responses from the survey were considered while planning the proposed routes.

“We brought that information back in and created a number of demand analysis and generated these routes and we’re really excited to bring these routes that we’re proposing for the plan,” he said.

G

ary Wood, president of the Friends of Berrien County Trails Board of Directors, said that the “map is really coming together in a really wonderful way.”

“We got a lot of input from many stakeholders in the county and we’re still collecting input - we’ve done a public survey, we’ve done these workshops and we’re gathering and putting it together and I think we’re going to have meaningful document that can be used by the county and by municipalities to build trails,” he said, adding that “hopefully, we’ll end up with more trails.

Wood said Michigan is considered a trail state.

“There are a lot of communities and counties around the state that have trails - they’ve worked on trails for years and they’ve gotten a lot of funding over the years from the state to support trails, but it sort of hasn’t been a priority down here in our part of the state,” he said.

More information can be found at www. berrientrails.org.

Mike Huber shows Sherry Curry a map of the segments

Guests look at the segment map

Marcy Hamilton explains the proposed routes on the map

Pat Fisher (center) president of Harbor Country Hikers, shares the plans for trails with guests

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