September 16, 2021

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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LIFE IN NATURE AND THE SANDY SHORES

New Buffalo Times

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 37, volume 80

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Thursday, September 16, 2021

Increase in Covid transmission continued this week in Berrien County PAGE 3 New Buffalo DDA Board hears of member Roch’s resignation PAGE 5 Short-term rental issue nears finish line PAGE 7 Parents speak out against county mask mandate at New Buffalo school board meeting PAGE 9

YES! YES! YES!

Freshman leads Bison volleyball charge PAGE 10 Chikaming Township launching coastal resiliency planning effort PAGE 13

EXPANSION OF CHERRY BEACH CELEBRATED AT SYMBOLIC BOUNDARY SIGN MOVING CEREMONY — PAGE 12 —

PHOTO OF THE BOUNDARY SIGN BEING MOVED DOWN THE SHORELINE BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Increase in Covid transmission continued this week in Berrien County

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COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATIONS GROWING WEEK BY WEEK

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

errien County remained in the high transmission category this week, with Berrien County Health Department Interim Health Officer Courtney Davis reporting new cases of Covid-19 cases continuing to rise.

From Sept. 2 through 8, the health department reported 157.7 new cases per 100,000 residents and the percent of positive tests over that period at 12.3 percent.

In August, the county had a reported 829 confirmed and probable cases, which Davis said has been more than a four-fold increase from what was reported in July, when it was 156. This was a 73 percent increase from what was reported a year ago at that time.

“I think what we can see from those numbers is certainly the impact of higher transmissible variants like Delta activity in our community we’re seeing those increases in that transmission and really trying to align recommendations to curb that growth as we move here into the fall,” she said during a joint Facebook Live with Spectrum Health Lakeland Wednesday, Sept. 8.

The health department looks at certain metrics when making decisions and recommendations, such as watching hospitalizations as well as vaccination rates (the vaccination rate is slowly increasing throughout the county, but she’d like to it see grow more rapidly).

With regards to the county public

health order for masking that’s been issued for individuals in prekindergarten through 12 grade indoor educational settings, Davis said that with the current higher transmission, it’s important to be “layering on a number of prevention and mitigation strategies.”

Davis said this includes “adding on different layers of defense that can protect teachers and staff, cut that chain of transmission, make sure things are not impacting home life from that and one of those key things that we know is safe and effective and works for cutting the chain of transmission is masking.”

“Really, our layering of these prevention strategies is about prioritizing in person learning - we know the impact of having kids home and remote and we don’t want to see that, we want social interaction, we want kids in school, we don’t want them impacted with quarantining,” she said.

In the first four days of school the previous week, the county had 26 Covid cases for staff and students which resulted in over 83 quarantines.

Davis said that some of the decisions over the past month made by the health department haven’t “always made everyone happy.”

“We just want to continue to put out there that our common enemy is Covid and together, we will get through this, we will be stronger on the other side.”

Dr. Loren Hamel, president of

Spectrum Health Lakeland, said they were seeing more Covid cases in hospital, which is “growing slowly, week by week.”

“About a month ago we had a handful, just a few, in the hospital now, we have a couple dozen,” he said Sept. 8.

On Tuesday, Sept. 14, the county was reporting 20 Covid non-ICU patients and six ICU patients.

Hamel said a few patients who are in the hospital have had the vaccination, most of whom are older; however, he said they were seeing “more folks in the hospital proportionally that are unvaccinated.”

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e said he recently saw out the window a 30-yearold being airlifted out of Lakeland to get a treatment called ECMO. “ECMO is where you pump the blood out of a person’s body, oxygenate it and then pump it back in- that’s when the heart and lungs can no longer deliver oxygen to the tissue, it’s a last-ditch effort to buy a little time to save a life,” he said.

Hamel added that they’re continuing to do it on much younger individuals in the hospital this time around, more so than in the first and second surges of Covid.

He advised everyone to continue to use to social distance, mask up and “be safe.”

“Even if you have the vaccine, still be careful – this epidemic is not over yet.”

Be whatever you want to be. — Doja Cat

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN 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 VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

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Chikaming Township Board discusses possible parcel donation in Union Pier

embers of the Chikaming Township Board agreed to turn the matter of a possible donation of a parcel of land to the township that would be used as a community park over to the Park Board for their review and recommendation at their Thursday, Sept. 9, meeting.

Chikaming Township Supervisor David Bunte said the parcel is on the corner of Berrien and Isobel streets (directly across from Whistle Stop) in Union Pier.

The owner of the property and his family have been in discussion with him for the past year and a half over the possible donation.

Bunte said he was first bringing the matter up to board members to see if they want to proceed with the possible donation before seeing if the Park Board was interested in adding another park space to the township’s “resume.”

The owner and his family were requesting naming rights, as well as having space on the parcel for a possible bank shot basketball court as well a children’s artistic “element,” such as easels for painting. The equipment would be at the township’s expense and the donation would “strictly be in the property,” Bunte said.

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Treasurer Liz Rettig said she liked the idea but was wondering what the cost would be for the township.

Bunte said costs would be associated with clearing, a design element, a consulting element, and laying everything out.

Trustee Rich Sullivan said if the property owner wanted the parcel to remain wooded “to an extent,” he wondered if there’d still be space for the proposed activities. He also said people may feel strongly about “thinning out trees.”

“Are we as a government entity locked into if someone donates something with certain caveats, are we locked into that or can we say once they donate it, it belongs to the township and the township decides what happens to it?” he said.

Bunte said it would depend on the negotiations the township has with the property owner, such as if there are “restrictions on the deed in perpetuity.” The design schematics would need to be put together to see what would work in the space before an agreement would be made with owner on what they’d want on the parcel and “what there’s no negotiations on” and any other issues.

Bunte said the township’s current contract with the New Buffalo Township Library, Three Oaks

Township Library and Bridgman Library expired this past June and that it’s on an annual renewal until there’s a new contract. The township currently has committed to $30,900, which is $10,300 per library, on an annual basis in their budget for funding plus penal fines.

Bunte said New Buffalo Township Library Board has said that for the next contract, they’d be willing to go with the library card fee of $25 annually for Chikaming Township residents for use in the New Buffalo Township Library and that the Bridgman and Three Oaks libraries would remain free of charge. They’re also requesting a 2 percent increase annually, which means Chikaming would pay $10,500 per library for a total of $31,500 in the next contract.

Bunte said he sent members of the New Buffalo Township Library Board an additional correspondence asking to confirm if the other two libraries agreed with the proposal and if they shouldn’t separate this contract, since the terms are “a little bit different.”

Sullivan said he talked with the Bridgman Library director, who wasn’t aware of the $25 fee. He added that it’s stated in the contract

You can’t buy swag. — Travis Scott

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that if the contract changes, it needs to be signed by all three libraries that they want to renegotiate the contract.

Sullivan added that maybe T the contract will become individual contracts with w each library or just one t with New Buffalo and the other with Three Oaks and s Bridgman together.

Board members approved a t grant request from the police o department in the amount of d $14,000. t Bunte said the grant would B cover the purchase of seven r new body worn cameras and Evidence Library Express, a e cloud-based library. He said h the grant is for the purchase of the equipment and the c cloud and the township “ will provide a match, so the t entire project cost would be approximately $28,000.

J Sgt. Brandon Jones said p the five-year program’s m annual cost is $4,704. p The hiring of Nathan r Oman for the cemetery sexton/facilities maintenance f position was approved. Bunteb said that Oman has started a c company, Advanced Property s Management Services, and K that it will be a contracted h position.

Board members approved a sending the proposed t amendments to the $ zoning ordinance to the s Berrien County Planning t Commission. y

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

New Buffalo DDA Board hears of member Roch’s resignation

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

embers of the New Buffalo Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board of Directors heard of longtime member Doug Roch’s resignation from the board at their Thursday, Sept. 9, meeting.

Chair Robert Kemper thanked Roch for all his work with the DDA, which included being instrumental in the parking lot changes at the public beach.

“He’s been a huge help to the DDA over the last seven to eight years,” he said.

Kemper said that board seeks members that fit the following qualifications: they must own, rent, or manage a business in the community or DDA district and “bring something to our board from the community,” such as by being engaged in New Buffalo Area Schools. He added they also look for representation for each corner of the DDA boundary.

Kemper said the DDA’s initial mission was economic development and the preservation of historical assets in the City of New Buffalo.

Members of the DDA working together with the city to find ways to help promote this mission will “attract people to want to be on the DDA Board and to want to be engaged,” Kemper said.

With regards to economic development, Mayor John Humphrey brought up the vacant commercial properties in town.

“I hope this body will work together with (city manager) Darwin Watson and myself to incentivize people who own commercial properties to be more reasonable about what they’re trying to sell them for as well as incentivize people to come here with businesses that provide something for the entire community that are not just seasonal businesses,” he said.

With regards to the vacant commercial properties, Kemper said the city has “more capacity but we don’t have the staff to take care of that.”

“What’s driving that is finding those people who are interested in those jobs - how do we compensate them on a year-round basis, where they can make $40,000 a year, $50,000 a year, working in the service industry in New Buffalo?” he said, and added that the answer is simple: making New Buffalo a year-round economy.

Last month, the New Buffalo City Council voted to extend the moratorium on the issuance of new shortterm rental licenses to Nov. 1, 2021.

Kemper said he’s said to those who are for and those who are against the short-term rental issue to

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Step taken to fill job openings in LaPorte

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“do their homework” and make sure they have formal presentation they can present to the DDA or another commission.

“I think that’s the best way to handle that is work through a committee and work through it in a way that everyone can feel good about their position,” Kemper added.

Humphrey said the city initially wanted to take a “friendlier approach” to managing the short-term rental issue, which was “separating the problems from the non-problems;” however, this has been “sidetracked” by the federal lawsuits against the city.

“Because of these lawsuits, we have to address the real facts on the table which is that short-term rentals have never been defined as a legal use by the city,” he said.

“There’s no mention of them in our town charter, there’s no use in our zoning anywhere, so they have to be addressed from a zoning perspective as a legal use - we have to define them and then we have to decide where we want them for our zoning,” Humphrey added.

ember JV Peacock, who’s owned Outpost Sports in New Buffalo for 38 years, said New Buffalo has only one industry: tourism.

“If we put a motion out there to the public that we’re not in favor of short-term rentals at all, they’re going to bypass New Buffalo…

Whatever you end up doing with this resolution, you cannot offend the potential of our tourism industry,” he said.

Humphrey said short-term rentals are different than the “traditional vacation rental status New Buffalo has enjoyed for the last 50 years” and are “really only a 10-year-old problem.”

Watson said that AT & T has gotten right of way applications for cell boosters and that three are being proposed at the following locations: 303 N. Whittaker Street, 428 North Dr., and 100 Marquette Dr. He said that the one on Whittaker Street that AT & T is proposing is really close to a 15-inch water main and they’re working on putting it at the same location without hitting the water main.

Watson said a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be put out in October for the beach concession. Dan Leung had bought the business from former owner Dustin Harvey with the understanding that he was finishing up a contract agreement that’s sunsetting this year.

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LaPorte appears to be the place to go for a factory job, with numerous openings employers are struggling to fill.

As a result, a new position has been created to try and help manufacturers plug gaps in their shifts.

Erik Nelson is the new workforce development coordinator for the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership.

“Eric is going to be focused on bringing workforce options to our local employers,” said Bert Cook, executive director of LEAP. The new position is partially funded with a $175,000 grant from the Howmet Aerospace Foundation.

Cook said the three-year grant will also pay for high school seniors throughout LaPorte County obtaining the skills necessary for local job openings in manufacturing.

About a dozen of the scholarships for Ivy Tech Community College will target positions in maintenance requiring electrical and other skills to keep things like assembly lines running.

“Almost every manufacturer is looking for maintenance people as we speak. You can almost write your own pay check because it’s such a position of need,” he said.

A number of groups from the public and private sectors have been working together to meet local workforce needs for several years.

However, Cook said there hasn’t been anyone at the top to really lead the effort and the people involved can only dedicate so much time because of their full-time job commitments.

He said the same agencies will continue to help under the umbrella of Nelson, whose focus is strictly on meeting demand for qualified workers.

Cook said there are hundreds, if not more than a thousand, job openings at factories in the city and surrounding area.

Keeping local residents from going to jobs elsewhere is part of the strategy for reducing the number.

“If we find 400 graduating seniors and keep those individuals here and put them to work in all of our local companies we would have made a tremendous difference in year one and we’ll just continue to grow the program from there,” he said.

Nelson graduated from LaPorte High School in 2013.

He received a bachelor’s degree in sports management from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois.

He’s worked in marketing and event management for professional and college athletic teams like the Chicago Bears and University of Notre Dame.

Nelson also comes with experience in sales and new home construction.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community I was born and raised in,” he said.

At some point, Cook said the workforce program will expand beyond manufacturing. — STAN MADDUX

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Public hearings on marijuana business applications in Three Oaks to commence next month

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BY THERESE DONNELLY

he Three Oaks Village Council used its Wednesday, Sept. 8, meeting to plan a series of upcoming special meetings.

Councilmembers set two public hearings to discuss applications for marijuana businesses in the village. The village is considering 14 applications overall, so the council agreed to split the review into two consecutive nights, Oct. 19 and 20.

Each applicant will have an opportunity to present their application to the council.

A third meeting will take place Oct. 27 to make decisions on the applications. All three meetings will take place at 6:30 p.m. in Froehlich’s events space, 19 North Elm St. The Council will also have a public hearing and special meeting Tuesday, Sept. 28, at village hall to approve amendments to the 2020-2021 budget, and approve the 20212022 budget.

Village Treasurer Lois Jones resigned in July. After a search, the Council approved Melodie Culverhouse as the new treasurer, with bank signing privileges. Village President Rich Smith thanked interim treasurer Darlene Heemstra for helping the village during the search process, and Jones for her years of service to the village.

The Council also appointed replacements to the Planning Commission. During its August meeting, the Council accepted Commissioner Dustin Blaszczyk’s resignation and at the September meeting Smith said commissioner Ayla Batton also submitted her own resignation. The council appointed Steve Diller and Tina Olsen to replace the two, with both terms ending in November 2021.

Zoning Board of Appeals member Kim Webers has also resigned. The Council appointed Mike Kennedy to complete her term.

The Council approved up to $14,850 to Wightman and Associates for additional services required to address requests by the State of Michigan for the sewage lagoons.

Village Manager Dan Faulkner said the services included monthly state reports, and improvements to the lagoons.

Additionally, the Council approved $4850 to replace the variable frequency drive on well five at the lagoons. Faulkner said the equipment was recently damaged by severe weather Faulkner informed the Council that the village received two grants from the Rural Task Force to improve local streets. The grants offer an 80/20 split with the village.

The village will receive $208,783 for work on North Elm Street and $116,625 on South Elm Street.

A separate grant from the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Program will provide $125,053 for a path along U.S. Highway 12.

Work on Michigan Street continues. The Council approved a first payment request from L.E. Barber for their work.

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he Council approved temporarily closing streets for two upcoming events.

Generations Drive will be closed Oct. 16 from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for Journeyman Distillery’s BarrellAged Brew Fest. Speaking to the Council, Ed Cuniff of Journeyman said the distillery will take precautions, including providing hand sanitizer and masks. At Faulkner’s request, Cunniff said a full list of Covid precautions will be provided to the village.

Cunniff added that the distillery is “excited” to bring back their yearly fundraising event, which benefits local charities.

A portion of Oak Street near Three Oaks Elementary School will be closed during the Apple Cider Century bike ride. In addition, the Council approved the use of Carver Park and Watkins Park for ride participants Sept.

25 and 26.

Large-item pickup in the village will be Saturday, Oct. 9. Village residents may leave approved items that would not fit in the ordinary rubbish collection. The village will post a list of accepted materials.

Trick or treat in the village will be Saturday, Oct., 30 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Never forget

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emorials at Sunset Shore Shultz Memorial Park in New Buffalo and at the 9/11 Memorial Garden at New Buffalo Township Hall were displayed Saturday, Sept.

11. The country spent the day commemorating the 20th anniversary of the series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Wahhabi Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda Tuesday, Sept.

11, 2001, when two planes hit the World Trade Center towers in New York, one plane hit the Pentagon and another one crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

— SUNSET SHORES PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LINDA HANKUS AND NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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Short-term rental issue nears finish line

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TEACHER ANSWERS FROZEN YOGURT CALLING

22-year-old LaPorte woman stepped away from the classroom to answer what she feels is her greater calling in life.

Courtney Dickman and her mother, Michelle, recently opened a gourmet frozen yogurt shop in downtown LaPorte.

Her grandmother, Mary Tagler, is also a partner in the operation.

Downtown Delights at 702 Lincolnway is a self-serve operation with indoor seating in one of the newly refurbished buildings in the downtown.

Dickman was an elementary school teacher when her mother, Michelle, impressed by a frozen yogurt shop elsewhere sensed a need for such a business here and pitched the idea to her daughter.

She was also well aware of her daughter’s interest in running something like a coffee shop or small café someday.

At first, Dickman said she dismissed the thought of switching gears so quickly.

But, after giving it more thought, Dickman said she realized going into business where she could be her “own boss” was a better fit.

“I decided, you know what, this is the perfect time for me to step away and give it my all,” she said.

Downtown Delights offers eight different flavors of frozen yogurt in 16 ounce cups customers grab and fill themselves from an ice cream machine.

The flavors include Death by Chocolate, New York Cheese Cake, Mango, Non-fat Banana and Vegan Vanilla.

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ustomers can also make their way to over to a bar featuring more than 30 flavors of toppings.

There are candy toppings such as Twix and Reese’s along with sauces like hot fudge and hot caramel.

Other toppings vary from cookie dough and brownie bites to strawberries and pineapples.

“Anything you can think of for any ice cream or yogurt topping, we have it,” Dickman said.

Dickman said strawberry-banana and mixed berry smoothies will start being offered next week.

She said those flavors were chosen from her taking a social media poll.

Dickman said the shop will be open year round with free hot coffee and hot chocolate provided with any purchase to help draw enough customers during the winter. — STAN MADDUX

BY STAN MADDUX

ow to regulate short-term rentals in New Buffalo and whether to limit how many exist could soon be decided.

A moratorium on short-term rentals in the city imposed in May of 2020 was recently extended to allow extra time for choosing how to best address the situation.

The moratorium is now due to expire Nov. 1.

City Manager Darwin Watson said a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance allowing for shortterm rentals and regulations they have to meet is in the final stages of being drafted.

Watson said what’s been a more than one year process, basically, started from scratch.

“As is it sits currently there is nothing in the zoning ordinance which allows for short-term rentals to exist,” he said.

The New Buffalo Planning Commission could make a recommendation following a public hearing on the proposal at its next meeting Sept. 16.

The New Buffalo City Council could start deciding the matter at its regularly scheduled meeting Sept. 20.

In April, a permanent cap of 65 short-terms rentals in R-1 zoning districts in the city was proposed.

Watson said the suggested cap was later scrapped because it was less than the actual number of registered shortterm rentals, which is 142.

Watson said he did not know if a cap will be contained in the zoning ordinance

amendment expected to be submitted for consideration in the near future.

“I don’t know what the answer is going to be,” Watson said.

The number of short-term rentals has exploded here in recent years, in part, from people converting full-time residences into vacation homes during the summer.

Owners are receiving hundreds and thousands of dollars a week in rental income depending on the size and amenities of their homes.

There’s also been an increase in complaints from residential neighborhoods about loud parties along with traffic and litter from large gatherings at vacation rentals.

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he city struggled to get things under control, though, because of teeth governing enforcement lacking in local codes.

The moratorium was an effort to provide stability until the rules were drafted and put into the books.

“We’re fixing what should have been done four-years ago,” he said.

Watson said the proposal is not to punish or discourage people from renting their homes but reach a happy medium for everyone involved.

“It’s to help people to manage how you want your community to look and how you want people to be able to enjoy the quality of life throughout the community,” he said.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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SPORTS

Raiders fall short in football thriller

BY STAN MADDUX

he Red Arrow Raiders came up just short at home in a hard fought high school football game.

Tri-Unity Christian won 42-30 at River Valley High School but the Raiders leading after the third quarter remained within striking distance until almost the very end.

Size and speed at running back and wide receiver appeared to be the difference in the match up for Tri-Unity Christian.

Three touchdowns for the Defenders came from long gains at those positions, including a 30-yard go ahead pass reception in the third quarter and 76-yard fourth quarter run to regain the lead.

Tri-Unity Christian sealed the victory on a short pass reception to the running back, who raced with the ball down the sidelines and into the end with less than one minute on the game clock.

The Raiders, a team comprised of players from New Buffalo and River Valley, dropped to 0-2 in their inaugural season.

It was a bruising, evenly matched game from the very beginning.

During a second quarter time out, Raiders Head Coach Matt Johnson trying to keep his team fired up repeatedly told his players “we got to fight.”

The Raiders soon notched the first score of the game on a 23-yard touchdown run by Ben Coffeen.

The touchdown followed a 19yard gain by Coffeen and 27-yard gain on a keeper by quarterback Michael Bombin.

The Defenders responded with a kick-off return for a touchdown.

The Raiders went into halftime ahead 16-8 from a one-yard touchdown run by Coffeen and seemed positioned to extend the lead until a fumble recovery by the Defenders after a gain on the ground from Bombin.

The turnover led to a touchdown by Tri-Unity Christian set up by a 40-yard gain from the quarterback.

The Defenders later took the lead on a 30-yard pass reception but the Raiders were quickly back on top from a touchdown set up by a 42-yard gain to the sevenyard line by running back Eli Thomas.

The Raiders fell behind by 14 points on two quick scores by the Defenders but were back in striking distance on a 47-yard touchdown from Bombin with about five minutes remaining in the game.

The Raiders eager for the ball to try and mount one more scoring drive had their backs broken with two minutes left on the clock.

A 26-yard pass reception on third down and long was followed by a short pass to the running back taking the ball into the end zone from about the 50-yard line.

The Raiders play again Saturday at 7 p.m. at Lake Michigan Catholic.

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

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he NFL season began today and I watched games from noon until 10PM. Unfortunately, for me, things didn’t turn out the way I had hoped they would.

The Bears had my undivided attention, and while they did many things well, the things they didn’t do well made it impossible for them to emerge victorious.

The defense fell short because they gave up too many big plays. The offense failed on the opening drive when they threw an interception in the end zone. The coaching staff went for first downs on fourth down four times and failed to convert. But let’s look at all the positive things that happened.

The coaching staff had a good game plan that included Bears future savior Justin Fields. The team ran the ball well and David Montgomery looked great as he racked up over 100 yards rushing. The passing game was efficient, and Andy Dalton played a good, solid game. The Bears controlled the ball ten minutes more than the Rams. Justin Fields was electric.

The special teams played well. It’s beginning to sound like the Bears won but in reality, they were beaten 34-14. On the positive side of things, the Packers, Vikings, and Lions also lost so everyone is tied for first. Opening week was a lot of fun even though my Bears and my fantasy team, Big Thunder, both came out on the losing side.

I did some soul searching about my professed love of baseball over football this week.

Football is so exciting, but baseball has a place in my heart that seems to be

impossible to move.

Watching little league games, college games, softball, professional, or whatever the Cubs are now, makes me happy. The Sox are getting healthy for the playoffs, and will be fun to watch. The off season is great because you can’t lose any games from November through March.

This week Kris Bryant made his Wrigley Field return. The ovation he received was heartwarming and caused Kris to shed a few tears. My favorite story of the week concerned former Cub pitcher Yu Darvish.

Yu now pitches for the San Diego Padres and his team was playing in Atlanta.

Landon, a 10-year-old boy from Tennessee, whose favorite team is the Padres, got tickets to the game from his grandparents and he and his Dad drove three hours to see the game, but unfortunately, the game was rained out.

Yu Darvish stood out in the rain and signed autographs, which made the boys day. Landons Mom sent an instagram to Yu to thank him and Yu was so touched that he flew Landon and his Dad to San Diego, paid for their trip, and gave the young man a signed glove, jersey, and a trip he will never forget. These are the kind of stories that keep baseball number one in my heart.

Leo Buscaglia said, “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”

Refuse hate. Talk to you next week.

Peace, love, and happiness.

I have a memory, and I can just eliminate mistakes when they come up because I’ve already made them. — Tom Brady

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

9

SCHOLASTICS

Parents speak out against county mask mandate at New Buffalo school board meeting BOARD MEMBERS HEAR ABOUT FAVORABLE SPRING TEST SCORES

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

arents spoke out against the mask mandate that recently went into effect for schools in Berrien County at the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education meeting Monday, Sept. 13.

The Berrien County Health Department issued a Public Health Order that went into effect Sept. 6 that requires individuals to wear masks in indoor pre-K through grade 12 settings because of the county continuing to be categorized as having high transmission per the CDC Thresholds and Indicators for Community Transmission.

Board members approved a Return to Learn Plan last month that included mask wearing as being optional.

The plan states that the school district will “comply with any and all local, state and federal mandates/orders.”

Parents attending the meetings leading up to the plan’s approval said that they want to have the choice about if their child should wear a mask or not.

During the public comments section, Bryan Strother and Derek Fairchild expressed concern that the wearing of masks isn’t effective, with Bryan distributing copies of an epidemiological study that he researched.

Fairchild concurred, saying that N-95 masks, “when worn properly, work best” and cloth masks “are minimal

protection.”

Out of 18 school districts in Berrien Rose Strother said she acknowledges County, New Buffalo Area Schools had that board members feel their “hands the following rankings: first on the are tied” due to the mask mandate. third grade ELA (English Language She said several parents attended a Arts) MSTEP, second in the fourth Berrien County Board of Commissioners grade ELA MTSEP, second in the fifth meeting last week, during which they grade ELA MTSEP, second in sixth let the commissioners grade ELA MSTEP (tied know they are “extremely with St. Joseph), first on Parents attending disappointed” with the the 10th grade EBRW the meetings leading health officers’ mask (Evidence-base Reading up to the plan’s mandate. Seven out of and Writing) PSAT, first approval said that the 10 commissioners in the third-grade math they want to have “agreed with everything MSTEP, second in fourth the choice about if we said,” Rose said. grade math MSTEP, their child should “We are going to first on the sixth-grade wear a mask or not. continue to fight this at math MSTEP, first on the county level and state the seventh-grade math level until it gets changed and I can’t MSTEP, second on the eighth-grade wait to see when that happens,” she math PSAT, second on the 10th grade said. math MSTEP (tied with St. Joseph), first Todd Tanksley said he doesn’t believe on the fifth-grade social studies MSETP, that masks and vaccines “are going to second on the eighth-grade social make this go away.” He that people with studies MSTEP and first on the fifthCovid have been trying other methods grade science MSTEP. and have been getting well. oard members briefly “I appreciate what you do - we’re discussed the possibility neighbors, let’s get along and let’s of meeting at a future figure this thing out,” he said to board meeting location for the time members. being, such as New Buffalo Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie Township Hall. reported that the district had favorable Trustee Tricia Newton said that she scores on the spring 2021 MSTEP, PSAT believes that they should continue to and SAT.

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meet in the school cafeteria even though they are now required to wear masks in the building.

“Teachers have taught themselves how to project in masks and we’re asking students to wear masks, so I think we can stay here and wear masks because that’s what we’re asking everyone else to do,” she said.

In response to a question from trustee Joyce Lantz, President Chuck Heit said that the board can’t hold Zoom meetings because it’s not allowed under the Open Meetings Act unless they’re in a State of Emergency.

Rose said she found it “disheartening that you would suggest leaving this room because you all have to wear masks for 30 minutes to an hour when this is what our kids go through every single day.”

Board members approved the employment of Shannon Schroeder as a part-time food service worker at the middle/high school.

Leslie said the biggest concern with food services was supply issues, as orders will get placed for certain items only to get cancelled.

Leslie said that transportation has been going smoothly, although the school district could use a few more bus drivers.

10 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Freshman leads Bison volleyball charge

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BY STAN MADDUX

freshman was a major difference maker in a hard fought victory by the New Buffalo High School volleyball team.

The Lady Bison on Sept. 9 defeated Lake Michigan Catholic in three sets but the match wasn’t easy.

Points from hard strikes and soft put backs at the net by Jane Funk during pivotal moments helped New Buffalo come back to win the second set 25-22.

Funk also scored the winning point of the match when her carefully placed return fell just slightly out of the reach of an LMC player diving for the ball.

The Lady Bison jumped out to a 15-3 lead in the first set with help from spikes by senior Ashley Hauseman and sets by sophomore Ava Johnson.

LMC pulled to within eight points before New Buffalo scored the winning point when Johnson teamed up with Funk for a spike at the net.

New Buffalo trailing early in the second set briefly took the lead before falling behind again by five points.

Funk with junior Ashlyn Jones serving the ball triggered a comeback with help from points by sophomore Olivia Shubert and senior Shannon DeWitt.

Both teams exchanged leads again until the Lady Bison pulled away for good late in the second set on a hard return at the net by Funk and strike by Shubert from mid-court.The Lady Bison also fell behind early in the third set but charged back after a spike by Funk.

New Buffalo took the lead on a hard return at the net from DeWitt then cruised to victory with help from points by Johnson, Hauseman and Funk.

The victory came after the Lady Bison took second place in a tournament at Eau Claire High School.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 11

With honors

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ew Buffalo Legion Post 164 Commander Dewey Dale presents a plaque to Jane Hoyer. The legion honored the WWII veteran during its ceremonies to commemorate 9/11 .

— THERESE DONNELLY

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12 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 Supporters gather at the beach as the boundary sign is put into place

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Members of the Cherry Beach Committee, along with Park Board members and supporters, gather in front of the Cherry Beach Project sign in the parking lot

Digging the boundary sign into its new spot

Expansion of Cherry Beach celebrated at symbolic boundary sign moving ceremony

e did it!”

For those who’ve been following the long and winding journey that was the Cherry Beach Project for the past four years, this was all that needed to be said

by Janet Schrader, a member of the Cherry Beach Committee, at a small gathering celebrating the enlargement of Cherry Beach in Chikaming Township Saturday, Sept. 11.

Chikaming Township recently completed the purchase of undeveloped land adjacent to Cherry Beach, which expands and protects the beach park deeded to the Township by the Warren Foundation in 1922.

The purchase adds 3.09 acres of critical dune and 404 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline to the township.

There are seven miles of lakefront in Chikaming Township; the expansion of Cherry Beach grows the public’s portion of that total from 2 percent to 3 percent, according to a press release.

Current plans are to have the three acres be a habitat for butterflies and a low impact trail provided by the Harbor Country Hikers, although Schrader said it’s “up to the community what they want to see put there.”

Schrader, along with other members of the Cherry Beach Committee and the Chikaming Township Park Board,

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

participated in the symbolic moving of the “public beach ends here” sign from its existing beach location to the new boundary of the expanded Cherry Beach Park.

“We lost faith a couple of times but the whole community supported this, and we did this – we got a bigger beach and bigger property,” Peg McTigue, co-chair of the committee, said, adding that she hopes other communities “will learn from this.”

McTigue gave special thanks to cochair Sue Phelan, who couldn’t attend the ceremony that day, who “kept this on track – and it was not easy.”

She also thanked Peg Kohring of The Conservation Fund, who negotiated the deal on the property with the seller.

Calling it a true “team effort,” Chikaming Township Supervisor David Bunte said that the long-awaited acquisition was a “testament to what a community can do.”

“In a time of divisiveness and anger and misspiritedness, we got to celebrate these wins big time because there’s so much negativity out there,” he said.

Schrader said that she was “trying to find the people who could make this happen” when Tom Skillman, who became a Cherry Beach committee member, entered the picture.

“I almost gave up, I was close to three years into it and then I got a letter from

Tom (saying he would do a fundraiser) and without Tom writing a letter, this probably never would’ve happened,” she said.

Shortly after, McTigue “stepped up along with Sue Phelan and it really snowballed,” she added.

Having come to Cherry Beach since 1972, Stillman said he was more than fired up about spreading the word about its potential expansion.

“It was just our little group - I don’t know what had happened, no one was speaking before and we came, and we made noise, we were a pain in the butt, we begged, we cajoled, we persuaded people to join us,” he said.

Eventually, more and more people did join them.

“We may have been silent at first but eventually - there was a ground swell of support…Working together as a community, not accepting no as an answer and pressing on, people can do a heck of a lot,” Stillman said.

A

ccording to a written statement from Phelan, “every resource” was used to “find financial support - smaller grants, large donors, local businesses and many residents who contributed $20 and up.”

“We secured over 800 individual contributions from people in 27 states,

all of whom have or had some love for Cherry Beach,” she said in her statement.

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MDNRTF)) contributed 60 percent of the $4.125 million purchase price. In 2018, the MDNRTF turned down the township’s first proposal for 75 percent funding but encouraged the township to re-apply in 2019. The Cherry Beach Committee raised 40 percent of the cost the second time around, with MDNRTF approving the township’s second grant application in late 2019.

“The fact that this committee was able to raise that sum of money is simply astonishing…There were so many memories shared with us in the process. It was an honor to get a glimpse of personal histories and to know we did something that will endure for the community,” she said.

Members of The Cherry Beach Committee are Phelan, McTigue, Stillman, Deborah Hall-Kayler, Sherri Curry, and Schrader.

The Cherry Beach Committee came together to spearhead this feat. You may recall that we were unsuccessful in our first attempt and had to regroup and come up with even more money $1.65 million - to get the attention of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources - and we did,” Phelan said.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 13

Chikaming Township launching coastal resiliency planning effort KICKOFF MEETING SEEKS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SEPT. 23

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hikaming Township is continuing to plan for a more resilient lakefront, and the public is invited to participate at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 23, in the Township Center at 13535 Red Arrow Highway.

The township is the recipient of a Coastal Community Resilience Matching Grant through the nonprofit Land Information Access Association (LIAA), sponsored by Michigan’s Coastal Management Program. This kickoff meeting is an opportunity for the public to learn more about the project and begin to provide input on updates to the township’s master plan, beginning with the draft results of a sustainability assessment conducted

by LIAA staff. Citizens can get more

information on the project website at resilientmichigan.org/chikaming.

The statewide Coastal Community Resilience Matching Grant program is engaging with communities on all of Michigan’s Great Lakes shorelines and will remain open to communities in 2021 and 2022.

Financial assistance for this project is provided by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Water Resources Division, Michigan Coastal Management Program through funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.

For more information, visit the project website at www. resilientmichigan.org. — STAFF REPORTS

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14 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 15

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16 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

HOR0SCOPE SEPTEMBER 16-22, 2021

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

You might feel a bit discouraged at work or overwhelmed with your daily routines.

Luckily, you will have a tremendous amount of creative energy. If you properly channel it now, by focusing in on the details, and working on each aspect, before you throw it together, you will succeed.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

Creating things of value or things that will last may seem hard to accomplish but follow through with changes and embrace the new routines you have set out for yourself.

Even if your actions feel counterproductive, press on. Rather than externalizing your feelings, become more self-aware.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

This is a great week to explore. Being out with people and in the public eye will make you feel good. It’s when you connect to bigger issues or get connected to an outside force, that you feel a sense of value and enrichment.

Take charge of situations for those who cannot do it themselves.

You will be extra sensitive to how others react and it may influence some of your decisions that don’t necessarily apply to them. Be sure you are not overextending yourself or taking on too much of people’s drama. Rather than let other people influence you, make your own decisions.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

It is your season to shine, Virgo. Embrace this vibrant energetic time by getting out of the house and mingling with others. You will find some nice opportunities to get your home life in order and the help you need to complete any remodeling or decorating projects.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Get your home life in order. Go through the closets, cupboards and drawers. Get rid of items that no longer fit, work, or are to your liking. The same goes in the relationship department. Clear out people who are unsupportive or overly competitive. Saying goodbye can feel good.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 Your connections with friends will take you out on the town this week. You’ll be spending more time visiting and helping friends than you will at home. Getting more connected and talking with others will help you get in touch with some of your own mental blocks and you will get past them.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

Don’t concern yourself with other people’s issues or lose sight of yourself. Spend time overhauling your daily routines and make the most out of your time and efforts.

Increase your productivity and maximize your earning potentials. Don’t hesitate to make cuts.

Take some time to strengthen your affiliations, this week.

Reconnect with organizations that are in line with your interests or talents. This is a great time to utilize your connections to further your money-making abilities. Hanging with friends doesn’t mean you can’t discuss business ideas.

You are very aware of what you are responsible for and like to follow through on promises.

That may be difficult to do this week. You will feel limited in how you can help or support family members. Understand that you cannot always take care of everything and it is okay.

You are generally very light hearted and tend not to take relationships so seriously, while others are very serious about you. Well, this week, the tables will be a bit turned on you. You will be feeling very serious about the relationship while others will be lighthearted and unattached to outcomes.

1

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Keep work, friends and home-life separate. Don’tp air your domestic issues h at work and be careful c what you say afterhours v to others about your job. d It would be wise to use discretion with b your family. Don’t get too many people involved when you don’t need to. Leave family issues at home, also. s

The only things free and valuable originate in Nature.

— Dino N. Fatouros

s p f

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 17

CLASSIFIED ADS Please submit your classified ad via email at classifieds@newbuffalotimes.com. New Buffalo Times can now accept online payments with a credit card or paypal. Go to our website, www.newbuffalotimes.com, and submit $14 per week for a classified ad of up to 160 characters. Deadline is Friday 5PM before the following week’s publication.

FOR SALE BY OWNER Brick 4-flat in New Buffalo just one mile from the beach! All updated 3 bedroom units with all the amenities.

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

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

Car crashes into store

N

BY STAN MADDUX

obody was apparently hurt when a car crashed into a Michigan City store with customers inside.

It happened Monday, Sept. 13, about 10 a.m. at Advanced Auto Parts on U.S. 20 just west of U.S. 421.

Adrienne Laskoske, a delivery person at the store, said she was helping a customer at the front counter of the store when saw the vehicle crash through the front glass doors and stop completely inside the building.

“There’s a lot of broken glass,” she said.

She said the car knocking over shelves containing oil and other products came to rest about 15 feet from her and a few customers.

Laskoske said the elderly driver shut off the engine, stepped out of the car

and sat down on a chair inside the store until police and other emergency responders arrived.

L

askoske said nobody was injured but several people, including herself, were a bit unnerved by what transpired.

“We were all shaken up a little bit,” she said.

Laskoske said the driver didn’t seem to know the cause of the accident.

“He wasn’t sure what happened,” Laskoske said.

She said the driver made arrangements for someone to pick him up from the store and take him home.

A tow truck removed the car from the store about one hour later.

The store closed until the entranceway was made safe and the huge mess inside cleaned up.

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

HELP WANTED Year-round part time help needed for an eclectic gift shop in the heart of New Buffalo. Approximately 24 hours per week, including weekends. Prefer some retail experience, but not necessary. Will train. Please submit basic resume to deedeeduhn@hotmail.com, or drop off at Customs Imports, 139 N Whittaker Street, New Buffalo. You can also call 312-282-6019 for an appointment.

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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

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY A part-time position is available at the New Buffalo Township Library and will be posted until the application deadline of June 25, 2021. The position is scheduled for approximately 12 to 20 hours per week, including evenings and some Saturdays. We are seeking an individual who is flexible, friendly, and comfortable working with patrons of all ages.

Applications can be received at the New Buffalo Township Library, located at: 33 N. Thompson Street, New Buffalo, MI.

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ELDERLY CARE NEEDED? Compassionate help available to care for your loved ones. Experienced and Dependable. Call Diane 219-344-2265

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18 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

OBITUARIES

Bonnie Jean Benson

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1944-2021

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onnie Jean Benson was a very special person. She was beautiful, she was kind, thoughtful, considerate, giving, and made everyone around her feel very special.

She died August 30, 2021, following a brief illness.

Bonnie was born April 2, 1944, in Bryn Mawr, PA. Her parents were Grace (Grace Virginia Plotner) and Arthur Clinton Benson. Bonnie was also very close to her Auntie DorisDoris Gardner. Bonnie grew up in Byrn Mawr, PA. Her high school graduating yearbook said of her, “a ray of sunshine spread around her.” She continued her education at Colorado State University, graduating with a BA in 1967.

Bonnie loved all things “art.” She quilted quilts and garments, the latter of which won national awards.

She did art projects, belonged to Icons, a woman’s art group of mixed media artists, which held periodic “art learning and sharing sessions” around the US and the world. Bonnie also loved to garden and put in countless hours making her garden in Union Pier MI a showcase. Bonnie traveled with family and friends around the world. Any museum, or church was a good place to visit. She enjoyed performances at the Chicago Symphony and Chicago Lyric opera.

A highlight of Bonnie’s youth was spending part of her summers at Camp Bil-O-Wood in Ontario, Canada. She continued to support

and visit the camp throughout her life. Bonnie was very philanthropic in the southwest Michigan area and significantly in Berrien County, supporting not only the Michiana Humane Society, but other worthy and needy charitable organizations.

Her estate will continue that desire to help others in need. Additionally, Bonnie supported charities in San Miguel Allende, Mexico for children and families.

Bonnie started with a summer cottage in Union Pier Michigan which she turned into a permanent home years later. She loved the beach, friends, and working in her garden.

She also had a second home in San Miguel Allende, Mexico.

Bonnie was a very successful business professional. Following college, Bonnie worked for Sears in the Philadelphia area, then was promoted to NYC headquarters for Women’s Wear, where she was in the Jewelry department. Bonnie followed Sears to Chicago when it consolidated its NY Women’s Wear departments.

Bonnie left Sears as a Senior Buyer of its jewelry department. At this point of transition, she turned her quilting avocation into a quilting vocation by founding Quilters Resource,Inc, QRI. QRI grew quickly and successfully both nationally and internationally and was eventually sold to Bernina of Switzerland.

The love of Bonnie’s life were her two dogs, Cheyenne and Casey.

Bonnie’s love of animals, especially dogs, led to her involvement and support of the Michiana Humane Society where she served as Treasurer, and then Chair.

In lieu of flowers, Bonnie asked that donations be made to the Michiana Humane Society, 722 Indiana 212, Michigan, IN 46360

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 19

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Visit New Buffalo Art Gallery

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20 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Local Wreaths Across America sponsorship group to host a National Wreaths Across America Day ceremony

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ebecca Dewey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is fundraising to support Wreaths Across America, specifically to earn sponsorships for veterans’ wreaths to be placed at Shedd Cemetery in Three Oaks Township and Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan, on National Wreaths Across America Day Saturday, Dec. 18.

The goal of the Rebecca Dewey Chapter NSDAR is to raise awareness and wreath sponsorships to be placed on 40 or more headstones to honor as many veterans as possible at Fort Custer National Cemetery. The chapter is one of eight fundraising groups for Fort Custer National Cemetery, where 35,001 veterans are laid to rest. Each wreath sponsorship costs $15, with $5 going to the local sponsorship group.

Rebecca Dewey Chapter NSDAR is also seeking wreath sponsorships to be placed on eight veteran headstones at Shedd Cemetery. The chapter is the only group sponsoring this location and will be holding a wreath-laying ceremony Dec. 18. Each wreath sponsorship costs $15 and for every two wreaths sponsored, a third wreath will be matched by Wreaths Across America for

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free to Shedd Cemetery. In the event the sponsorship goal of eight is achieved, any additional wreaths purchased will be placed at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

You can sponsor a wreath for Fort Custer National Cemetery for $15 online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ MI0171P. You can sponsor a wreath for Shedd Cemetery for $15 online at www. wreathsacrossamerica.org/MI0235.

Each sponsorship goes toward a fresh balsam veteran’s wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as the Rebecca Dewey Chapter endeavors to honor all veterans laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery and Shedd Cemetery this December.

Wreaths Across America is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreathlaying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at more than 2,500 veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and overseas. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 21

With COVID-19 cases rising, Franciscan Health Michigan City continues visitor restrictions and health precautions

A

s the number of COVID-19 cases rises in the community, Franciscan Health Michigan City is reminding patients and visitors of restrictions in place to protect the public and hospital staff.

Franciscan Health Michigan City has instituted the following visiting precautions that are adapted from current CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and IHA (Indiana Hospital Association) guidelines and will be strictly enforced.

Hospitals will continue screening all visitors for COVID-19 or other communicable diseases. Those who do not pass screenings will not be permitted to enter the hospital. All visitors will be required to wear a hospital-supplied mask, practice social distancing, and practice good hand hygiene regardless of vaccination status.

“We want to stress that we

welcome visitors for our patients, while making sure they are aware of the guidelines that will keep themselves, their loved ones and our staff safe,” said Franciscan Health Michigan City Vice President of Clinical Support Services Jill Nygren.

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on-COVID inpatients are limited to two visitors at a time, who may rotate. Visitors are required to wear a hospital-supplied mask at all times, including while in a patient’s room.

COVID-positive or suspected COVID-positive inpatients are limited to two visitors total per day.

Visitors must stop at the nurse’s station to receive instruction on PPE 30 N Whittaker St Deli by day donning and doffing and special considerations.

A mask, gown and gloves must be worn continuously. — STAFF

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REPORTS

River Valley Senior Center accepting applications for its board

he River Valley Senior Center Nominating Committee is accepting applications for election to the board of directors.

Requirements of board membership are: Applicants must be residents of the geographic service area, which is the townships of Chikaming, Lake, New Buffalo, Three Oaks and parts of Galien and Weesaw townships west of Cleveland Avenue and west of Holden Road and North of Browntown. This includes the following cities/ villages: Michiana, Grand Beach,

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New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Union davidsdeliandcoffee.com davidsdeliandcoffee.com Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer, New Troy, and Bridgman.

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pplications are available at the River Valley Senior Center, which is located at 13321 Red Arrow Highway in Harbert, or by contacting Elna Rogers, committee chairperson, at 269-756-9596 or edelrogers@ sbcglobal.net for further information. Applications due by Oct. 1, 2021. — STAFF REPORTS

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22 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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New Buffalo Times

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 23

The CHOSEN Season 1 Bible Study • Thurs 7pm Find Us On search: Calvary Chapel New Buffalo

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Visit calvarychapelnb.org for current updates, weekly bulletin & bible study information.

1615 East Buffalo St • Pastor Len Pera • 269-548-9980

MHS TO HOST ‘REMEMBER ME THURSDAY’ CEREMONY

Best live music in Harbor country

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he Michiana Humane Society (MHS) invites you to join them Thursday, Sept. 23, at the shelter located at 722 Indiana Hwy. 212 in Michigan City for a luminaria lighting ceremony in memory of pets and shelter animals that have died.

Dedicate a luminaria for $5 by visiting https://michianapets.org.

The public is invited to attend.

Children and leashed pets are welcome. If you are unable or prefer not to attend, you may order your luminaria dedications online and we will place them in the yard Sept. 23.

There will be a “decorating table” available beginning at 5:30 p.m. Central. If you want to put photos, drawings, or messages on your luminarias, you may come into the shelter to pick up bags before Sept. 23 (they are available now).

The shelter will be open to the public prior to the ceremony and briefly afterward. The traditional ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m.

Central, with a few words then the lighting of the luminarias.

They will be left glowing until the sun has gone down, so that everyone can #SeeTheLight.

— STAFF REPORTS

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24 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

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