Life on the sandy Shores, the Fruitful Farmlands and the magnificent vineyards.
New Buffalo Times
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t h e o f f i c i a l n e w s pa p e r o f n e w b u f fa l o • s i n c e 1 9 4 4
Long Beach • Michiana Shores • Grand Beach • New Buffalo • Union Pier • Three Oaks • Lakeside • Harbert • Sawyer
issue 16, volume 73
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
hometown
Council votes against
ethics violations. page 5
arena
Bison Varsity Baseball
falls in first game of
season. page 9
EVENT
New Buffalo Savings
Bank hosts annual Easter
Egg Hunt. page 10
event
south whittaker street in new buffalo
begins to get enhanced.
— page 4 —
Team Abbey scores
a homerun. page 11
photo by linda henderson
Everything Spring
Downtown Sawyer
Open 7 Days
2
Thursday, April 17, 2014
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V
time to vote...
ote on May 6 because your
city depends on it and follow
www.newbuffaloblog.com for
more campaign information.
Over 200 residents signed
recall petitions for Mayor Migs Murray
and Mayor Pro tem Ray Lawson because
of the following.
At a special Saturday meeting,
Murray, seconded by Lawson, moved
to appointed Mayor Rusty Geisler city
manager without advertising the position.
Geisler lacked executive experience as
required in the City Charter. Since then,
city transparency has decreased with
the elimination of audio recorded public
meetings, inappropriately withholding
public documents, and making important
decisions at hurriedly called special
meetings. A youth almost faced a
felony charge for walking across the ice
rink when the ice was soft. $300,000
was withheld by The Pokagon Fund for
mismanagement at Oselka Park, and
secret meetings geared to taking over the
TPF tarnished our reputation.
Murray and Lawson filled a council
vacancy at a Saturday special meeting
allowing Warren Peterson, defeated in
the previous Tuesday’s election, to vote
on the vacancy, while denying the newly
elected council member, Pete Weber
a vote. In a self-serving move, the two
appointed members help Murray and
Lawson change local elections from May
to November even though Michigan
didn’t require it. Now the appointed
members serve over 16 months without
facing an election. They are accountable
to Murray and Lawson not the voters.
—Susan gotfried
Thursday, April 17, 2014
from the
publisher
We have wonderful restaurants in Harbor Country, but a new one is about
to emerge. Mesa Luna in Sawyer had a spectacular test dinner before their
planned opening on Friday, April 25. Mostly family and some very special
guests were invited to critique the service, food and atmosphere. I was
fortunate to be invited by the chef’s mother, Hillary Bubb.
Sam and Denise Luna have done it again. Their new restaurant offers
dishes such as Baby Kale Waldorf Salad and Korean BBQ steak. They are
using beautiful greens from McWethy Farms and Rushing River Trout.
The menu goes on, and what is great is that they will offer a small plate
option on entrees. If you want a sandwich, not to worry — you can get a
burger, fish or brisket, to name a few options. I could go on and on, but
best you check it out yourself over Art Attack Weekend.
The corner of Red Arrow Highway and Sawyer Road is going to be quite
beautiful with the new Harry Borgman sculpture that is being installed
during Art Attack. Don’t forget to mark your calendars, it is such a great
weekend in Harbor Country: a glorious welcome to our world-class spring
and summer seasons.
Lois Lane has reported on the South Whittaker Street improvement
project, which begins this week. Read about it in this issue. It is one of
those things we don’t like while it is under construction, but know it must
be done and are thrilled when it is complete.
Welcome home to all of our friends who abandoned us during this cold
winter. However, do not forget to call and have your newspaper address
changed back to your home here. You may leave a message or email
us at [email protected]. Trust me, you do not want to miss a
single issue. Just wait till you see next week. New Buffalo Times will be
introducing the all new REAL ESTATE section filled with information
regarding the latest real estate news, hosted by Rob Gow. How cool is that?
Who knows what is going to happen next at good old New Buffalo
Times? Can you believe it has been around since 1944 and is on its way to
breaking new records?
dee dee duhn
P.S. By the way, I have been asked about the sale of Village Square many
times in the past couple of weeks. Just to let everyone know, it is on track
and should be closing very soon.
HEARTFELT THANKS
On March 29 I lost the love of my life…Dana Lynn….
In her 13 month battle with cancer I saw AMAZING strength and courage.
She never looked back…ALWAYS positive.
I was blessed to have known her for 29 years. On May 22, we would have been
married for 24 years. My ring will never leave my hand. She was loved and
adored by SO many people that I have chosen this route to say THANK YOU!!!
Thank you to all the people who put together Danapalooza last April
and donated food-drink-entertainment-time. And to those who made
the Hellenic Center look so nice! And to all the people who donated
so many cool things for the silent auction. It helped me to concentrate
on just taking care of her this past year.
I need to also thank all the people who put together her dinner
at the Three Oaks American Legion Post 204 after her service
on April 5, AMAZING! And thank you for all the generous donations
to the Michiana Humane Society in Dana’s memory.
THANK YOU ALL for your love-support-prayers and friendship.
God Bless you all.
Rusty Voyta and the Carlson family
3
about us
The ©New Buffalo Times
is an independently owned
weekly newspaper that has been
in circulation since 1944 and
is published every Thursday.
publisher
Dee Dee Duhn
account executive
janine adamski
630-370-0820
editorial staff
therese donnelly
joe durk
linda henderson
Francesca Sagala
Lawrence von Ebeler
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4
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
hometown
NBBA/NBAC
ANNOUNCES CALL
FOR ARTISTS FOR
2014 ARTigras!
A
rtist applications are
now being accepted for
the third annual New
Buffalo ARTigras! Art Fair, held
in New Buffalo. The festival
will feature 40 booths of all
types of original works. Artists
working in all fine art media,
including paintings, sculpture,
glass, photography, drawings,
jewelry, fiber, wood, ceramics,
mixed media and furniture, are
encouraged to apply. Working
demonstration exhibits are
also welcome.
ARTigras! will be held the last
weekend in June; Saturday and
Sunday, June 28 and 29 from
10am to 6pm (ET), in downtown
New Buffalo. Exhibit spaces will
be available under a tent along
East Merchant Street for $25
per space. New for 2014, local
galleries will be included in the
art tour map throughout Harbor
Country.
“The goal of ARTigras! is to
showcase high quality, regional
work to the many visitors of
Harbor Country,” said Cathi
Rogers, Event Coordinator
for the New Buffalo Business
Association.
To learn more and apply,
visit www.newbuffalo.org to
download the application and
policies. All applications must
be received before midnight
on Saturday, May 10, for
consideration in this season’s
ARTigras!. After review, artists
will be notified of their status by
Saturday, May 17.
The New Buffalo Business
Association is eager to help.
Email Cathi Rogers at events@
newbuffalo.org with any
questions. — STAFF REPORTS
Sam and Denise Luna
welcomed guests to
the soft opening of their
new Sawyer restaurant,
Mesa Luna, last week.
— dee dee duhn
David Pagel meets
with residents on Saturday
news from 49117
please email us [email protected]
REP. PAGEL
MEETS WITH
RESIDENTS
Harbor Country residents had a
chance to meet with their state
representative on April 12, when
Dave Pagel visited New Buffalo
Township Public Library for special
‘office hours.’
Pagel, who is in his first term
serving the 78th District, spoke
with constituents about issues
including school funding and roads.
— THERESE DONNELLY
Trees getting cut down aa the South Whittaker Street enhancement project begins.
New Buffalo’s South Whittaker
Street to be enhanced
T
by LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO
he South Whittaker Street enhancement project is scheduled to begin
on Thursday, April 17. The project was originally scheduled to begin
on Monday, April 14, but was delayed due to the state frost law, which
prohibits certain road construction activities. The ban will be lifted on
Thursday.
South Whittaker Street will be milled and repaved with two lifts of asphalt and
both shoulders will be widened to five feet for bicycle lanes. Additional work will
include building sidewalks where they are absent between north of Detroit Street
and just south of Clay Street and replacing bad sections of sidewalks between
U.S. 12 and Washington Street. There will be crosswalk improvements at the
Whittaker and Clay intersection. At this time, the infrastructure, which is located
under the shoulders and right-of-ways, will not be done, but in the future it could
be done without tearing up the new road surface.
A total reconstruction of the first block of West Clay Street from Whittaker to
Barton Street will also be completed as part of this project.
City Manager Rusty Geisler said, “The City Council wanted to improve the
appearance as you entered town for residents and visitors to our inviting
lakefront.”
The project, estimated to cost $405,000, is being funded by federal money that
is distributed through the state. The grant covers 55 percent of the costs and the
city will pay 45 percent. The city’s portion, $182,250, will be funded using Local
Revenue Sharing Board (LRSB) money. The Friends of Harbor Country Hike and
Bike Trails have applied for a $70,000 grant to fund the bike lanes, if approved,
that will reduce the city contribution to $112,000.
During construction, one lane of South Whittaker may be closed, but one lane
of the street will be open for car traffic, emergency vehicles and boat haulers.
“The road resurfacing will be substantially completed by May 25, with the final
work on sidewalks, landscaping and signage completed by June 27, in time for
the July 4 weekend,” said Geisler.
To avoid delays, a detour route will begin southbound at Washington Street.
Vehicles will turn west to Willard Street, and then turn south to US 12. Willard
Street may be used to continue to Oselka Drive and the lakefront or traffic can
turn west or east to Whittaker Street. Northbound traffic would reverse the
pattern.
In the fall of 2016, the city plans a total reconstruction and streetscape project
for North Whittaker Street. Geisler said that originally the city was looking for
grant money for North Whittaker Street, but the money available at the time did
not apply to it. It did apply to the road classification for South Whittaker Street,
so the city applied and was granted the funding.
THREECOUNTY
CHASE ENDS
IN CRASH
AT EXIT 1
A
three-county high
speed chase ended
in a two-vehicle crash
on the westbound
I-94 Exit 1 ramp in
New Buffalo Township on Tuesday
afternoon, April 15. More than
a dozen Michigan State Police
Troopers were involved in the chase
that originated in Portage, Mich.,
in Kalamazoo County. The chase
traveled more than 70 miles from
Kalamazoo County, through Van
Buren County, ending in Berrien
County.
The suspect lost control of his
vehicle and crashed into a Michigan
State Police vehicle on the exit
ramp and both cars ended up in
the grassy area west of the road.
No injuries were reported. Roger’s
Wreckers of New Buffalo removed
both cars from the scene. The
westbound on-ramp was closed to
traffic for a few hours as the area
was processed and cleared.
The suspect was wanted for
an assault on a Portage Police
officer. He was apprehended at the
scene and taken into custody by
the Michigan State Police. He was
transported and will be lodged in
the Van Buren County jail to await a
hearing.
Paw Paw State Police Post 51 led
the pursuit. Berrien County Sheriff’s
Department and the Pokagon Tribal
Police assisted at the scene.
— LINDA HENDERSON
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
5
City Council votes
on ethics issues
Attorney recommends no action
A
A view of the proposed Mechanic Street parking lot.
Role of DDA, subcommittees
discussed at monthly meeting
B
by Francesca Sagala in new buffalo
y developing various subcommittees, the New Buffalo Downtown
Development Authority hopes it can get closer to reaching its goals.
At the DDA meeting on Thursday, April 10, members were
assigned to three subcommittees: the communication committee
will be led by member Katha Kissman, the design/visual impact/
guidance committee will be headed by members Dee Dee Duhn and Ellie
Mullins, and a third committee will be led by Chair Robert Kemper to deal
with defining the role of the DDA in the city.
Committee responsibilities were also discussed. For example, the
committee that will help define the DDA’s role would have intervened when
the city recently experienced issues with a proposed food truck coming to
town. While Kemper said he’s glad the City Council took it on, he felt that it
would have been a project in which the DDA would have become involved.
He said they can work with new businesses wanting to come to town. Kemper
said people have stated that New Buffalo is not an encouraging environment
for businesses, and he hopes that the DDA can help shed this image.
For the communication committee, Kemper said he hopes that members
can get the word out about the DDA. Working with realtors to encourage
others to purchase property in town would be one responsibility of the
communication committee, as well as publishing a possible newspaper
column about DDAs. Kissman pointed out that this would be very helpful, as
people “don’t understand what it is.”
Lastly, the design committee will talk with various people who have
architectural or design backgrounds who would be interested in improving
the look of the city.
Members also reviewed the Mechanic Street parking lot plan. Recently,
it has been proposed that the southwest corner of Mechanic and Barton
streets be turned into a 33-space parking lot, and the City has applied for
a grant from The Pokagon Fund to purchase the land. Members discussed
various issues with the proposed lot, including lighting, landscape design,
if there should be restrooms, whether it should be paid parking and
the impact it would have on neighbors. Kemper also proposed adding a
historical marker to it, as it is the site of the old Chicago Hotel, the first
hotel in New Buffalo. Members agreed to discuss with residents what
should be done about the lot, and will vote on the issues at the next
meeting.
Members heard an update from City Manager Rusty Geisler on the city’s
plan to beautify the beachfront, which would include putting planters with
plants native to the area along Marquette Drive to act as a barrier to sand
blowing across the parking lot to Lions Park. Geisler said the project should
be completed by Memorial Day Weekend.
by Therese Donnelly in new buffalo
fter hearing from an
attorney, the New
Buffalo City Council
voted to take no
action on allegations
of violations of the City Code of
Ethics by the city manager, the
mayor and the mayor pro tem.
City Attorney Harold Schuitmaker
read the findings from independent
attorney Stephen Schultz.
Regarding complaints filed by
Susan Gotfried, Schultz stated he
found no evidence that Murray or
Lawson had acted unethically in
appointing Geisler as city manager,
nor that Geisler had used his
former position as mayor to get the
manager position.
Schultz added that the decision
to choose a city manager lies with
the Council and nothing in the
city charter states the job must be
posted or that candidates must have
a specific level of education. In her
filing, Gotfried had noted the job
description for city manager states a
bachelor’s degree is required, which
Geisler does not have.
Schultz also said he found no
basis to Regina Zubrys’ claim that
Murray had acted improperly by
entering a letter from Susan Lawson
and a telephone message from
Judith Farley into public comment
during the November 13, 2013
Council meeting. Zubrys claimed
by doing so, Murray assumed
a personal agent relationship
and publicized confidential
information. Schultz wrote it was
“apparent the statements were to
be disseminated” and, as Lawson
and Farley did not control Murray’s
actions at the meeting, she was not
their agent.
Murray, Lawson and Geisler
left the Council table during the
discussion. Council members Chuck
Krametbauer, Pete Weber and Don
Hatfield, along with Schuitmaker,
voted to follow Schultz’s
recommendations to take no
action on the allegations regarding
appointing Geisler manager.
“I believe it is appropriate
to go with the attorney’s
recommendation,” said Weber.
“What they did was legal, but it
doesn’t feel right.”
Lawson rejoined the Council
to vote on the letter and phone,
but abstained from for a
possible conflict of interest. The
Council again followed Schultz’s
recommendation to take no action.
Township Board member Paul
Oselka addressed the Council to
request their support regarding
allegations of conflict of interest
regarding The Pokagon Fund. He
addressed the claim he had been in
a position to profit from dredging
spoils, and stated he had been
asked by Geisler to find someone
to take the spoils. Oselka said, and
Geisler agreed, he had arranged for
a property owner to take the spoils
and he did not receive anything for
his help. The Council voted 4-1 to
recognize the matter, with Weber
dissenting. Weber stated he was
caught by surprise by the request
and did not see the purpose.
At the public comments portion
of the meeting, Harbor Commission
Chair Nancy Smith addressed the
Council regarding plans to charge
the emergency dredging fund twothirds of the costs for dredging fees.
She pointed out the fund is made of
donations and is a dedicated fund
for emergency situations, not for
regular dredging. She stated using
money for other activities would
hurt peoples’ confidence in the
fund. Dredging permits, she said,
have always been the responsibility
of the city.
The Council agreed to set a special
meeting with the Commission to
discuss the matter.
The Council voted not to charge
the Berrien County Sheriff’s
Department for use of a boat slip,
agreeing the safety factor was more
important than the lost income.
G
eisler presented
the proposed
2014-2015 budget
to the Council.
Work sessions are
scheduled for at 6:30pm on April
22 and 30 for further review of the
budget.
A peddler’s permit application
for Joseph Kujawa to have a hot
dog cart at the boat ramp has been
sent to the DDA. A separate permit
for Animal Lovers, Inc., to have a
fundraiser at Napa Auto Parts on
July 5 was approved.
During the meeting, the city also
had the first reading of an ordinance
to allow for contracted water rates
when providing service to other
communities.
Brian Flanagan, Doreen Kral
and George Repiscak were
all reappointed to the Harbor
Commission. Jae Guetschow was
appointed alternate to GRSD and
the Zoning Administration.
The Council recognized Officer
Joel Lewis for 10 years of service,
and Harold Killingsworth for 14
years.
6
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Storyteller spins tales of Anishinabeg
culture at Three Oaks Elementary
W
hen Storyteller and Workshop Facilitator Shawanah Jane
Murray visited Three Oaks Elementary School, she brought
an empty “story basket” with her.
“The space in the basket represents your imagination,” Murray told
the crowd of students. “Each of you is going to have a different story
going through your head while I tell a story, because each of you has a
different imagination.”
For an hour, Murray told the students stories of the Anishinabegs,
the Woodland Indians of Michigan. Sprinkled throughout each story
were important Anishinabeg beliefs, such as their respect for animals
and the land, which Murray said they believed was a “living thing.”
After the storytelling, students got to view Indian artwork as well as
other artifacts.
Third grade teacher Shelley Reese said the visit was made possible
through The Pokagon Fund and was a part of the school’s “Exploration
Day.” Students viewed a Curious Kids Museum rocks and mineral
exhibit earlier in the day. — words AND PHOTO BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Storyteller Shawanah Jane Murray shows students an empty story basket.
NBES students jump for good cause
during Jump Rope for Heart
A
fter weeks of preparation, New Buffalo
Elementary School students put their jumping
skills to good use during Jump Rope and Hoops
for Heart Day on Friday, April 11. Students
ran around to different stations set up in the
gym, each one requiring them to display their jumping
skills. Students could jump up and grab plastic cans hanging
from a string, use Skip-Its or jump rope the old-fashioned
way. Physical Education teacher Erica Johnson said Jump
Rope for Heart helps raise funds for the American Heart
Association and she encouraged students to bring in money
on the day of the event. “They’re jumping for those who
can’t,” said Johnson. — words AND PHOTOS BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Ava Brown and Maggie Lieggi jump
rope during Jump Rope for Heart.
Students try to grab plastic bottles
hanging from string.
chalk
board
area school news
from sports to scholastics
Biannual Spanish trip, stellar
ACT performance discussed
at Board meeting
N
by francesca sagala in new buffalo
ext year, New Buffalo High School Spanish students will have
another chance to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
At the New Buffalo Area School Board meeting on April 14,
Spanish teachers Kelly Weidenmiller and Matthew Bayley
gave details on a proposed upcoming trip to Espartinas, Spain,
which is located right outside the city of Seville. The trip would take place
during spring break of next year, which is from Wednesday, March 25 through
Sunday, April 5. Students would be spending 10 days in Spain and two days
traveling. Juniors and seniors in Spanish 3, 4 and 5 would be included in the
trip. The overall estimated cost would be $1500 per student, which includes
the $1200 flight cost and $300 for other expenses. Weidenmiller and Bayley
said they’ll be using the airliner
At the New Buffalo Area
Iberia, since it flies directly to Seville.
School Board meeting on
Estimated cost for bus travel is $130,
which is based on a quoted price with April 14, Spanish teachers
Kelly Weidenmiller and
30 students and three chaperones,
Matthew Bayley gave
although Weidenmiller cautioned
details on a proposed
that this may be subject to change.
upcoming trip to Espartinas,
Included in the presentation were
Spain, which is located
details from the last trip to Seville,
right outside the city of
which took place in March 2013.
Seville. The trip would take
Thirty students traveled to Seville,
place during spring break
and each student was assigned to
of next year...
a home with a Spanish-speaking
family. Last October, a reverse
exchange trip took place, as 10 students from Spain visited New Buffalo, each
one staying with a host family in town.
Treasurer Lee Artz said his only concern would be if they wouldn’t be
able to find enough host families in Seville for every student. Weidenmiller
and Bayley said that, if worse comes to worse, they could “double up”
students so that two students could stay with a host family or, if necessary,
students could even stay in a hotel. Artz said if students stayed in a hotel,
their experience of traveling to a foreign country would be “lost.” He
suggested that there be only a certain number of students who would be
allowed on the trip based on “good rationale,” such as grades or extra
credit.
Once their presentation was complete, Board members unanimously
approved the 2015 trip to Spain.
Also at the meeting, Superintendent Mark Westerburg revealed that the
New Buffalo High School junior class had received a composite ACT score of
22.68, which he said is the highest composite score ever achieved by any class.
He said that “quality preparation, attention to details by teachers and kids
taking it seriously” all played a large role in the students’ stellar performance.
Most impressive, Westerburg said, was that the score was not based on
several students who achieved a score of 30, bringing up the lower scores of
the other ones, but that all students did equally well.
Board members reacted positively to Westerburg’s news.
“Congratulations junior class on doing so well on the ACT, and the teachers
for helping them get to that level,” said President Pano Arvanitis.
On Thursday, April 17, Westerburg said that there will be a Pre-Bid
Conference in the Performing Arts Center at 10am for the middle and high
school’s multiplex project. Westerburg said bid specs were sent out to “all
kinds” of area vendors, and that there have been at least eight vendors who
have contacted the school with regards to the field’s site work.
Committee talks are needed to make basic guidelines for the school
district to follow with regards to School of Choice. Westerburg suggested
the Personnel and Executive committees meet soon so Board members can
discuss the topic at the next Board meeting on Monday, April 28.
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
7
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www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Invitational
win for softball team
The Bison softball team won back-to-back games and won
the River Valley Invitational on April 12. The Bison started off
the morning strong, defeating Michigan Lutheran by 8 with a final
score of 9-1. In their final game, the Bison outscored River Valley 2-0.
— staff photo and photo by Barb Anderson
words by Tim Moran
Softball
River Forest 20,
Marquette 2
D
espite an improved
performance from
Marquette, the Ingots
prevailed easily on Thursday.
baseball
Marquette 7,
Boone Grove 5
B
ryce Freels struck out
four in earning the
victory for Marquette.
Isaiah Papineau recorded two
hits and drove in a pair of runs
for the Blazers.
arena
girls tennis
Portage 3,
Marquette 2
E
mily Sajda earned a 6-0,
6-0 victory at number
two singles for Portage.
Lauren Wilk and Emily Vahary
teamed for a win at number
one doubles, 6-2, 6-0 and Patty
Mota and Haley Mergly earned
a win at number two doubles,
6-0, 6-0. The Portage junior
varsity won, 6-0.
Bison baseball
wins at RV
T
he Bison won the River Valley
Invitational on Saturday,
defeating Michigan Lutheran
and host River Valley.
The Bison started the tournament
facing Lutheran in the morning.
They swiftly took control of the
game and won 15-0.
Their game against River Valley
took a little longer to claim.
Neither team scored in the first
inning. The Bison crossed the plate
once in the second inning, leaving
the score at 1-0 until late in the fifth
when the Mustangs tied the game
at 1-1.
New Buffalo rallied with three
runs in the sixth inning, only to have
River Valley respond with three of
their own.
In their final turn at bat, the Bison
racked up five runs while holding
the Mustangs scoreless, winning
9-4.
Rylee Fournier led the Bison in
hitting in the second game with two
RBIs. — therese donnelly
sports news
Field events boost track teams
T
he Bison track teams took fourth place at the Marcellus Co-Ed
Invitational on April 12 with a score of 66.
Field events gave New Buffalo several points. The Bison took
first in the high jump relay with a team total of 20’ 5,” second in
the shot put relay with 131’ 8.5” and third in the pole vault relay
with 22’
The Bison also came in second in the shuttle hurdles in 1:18.09.
Watervliet claimed first at the invitational with a score of 132, Marcellus
was second with 106 and Cassopolis just beat out the Bison for third with 68.
Lake Michigan Catholic finished fifth with 61 and Decatur trailed in sixth with
34. — therese donnelly
Anna Bardusk finished 2nd in Hurdles at Bridgman on Wednesday
From the
Bleachers
Column by Kurt
Marggraf, chicago
O
pening day of the
baseball season- is
there anything more
glorious? When I was a young
man, my dad brought me. As
a young adult, I went with my
friends. A little later, I brought
my own family. And lately, I
go with new friends. All have
been different experiences
and all were wonderful. In an
earlier column, I warned you
that I am a Cub fan, so the
stories you are about to hear
took place on the North Side of
the city, at beautiful Wrigley
Field.
When I was in grade school,
my dad would pick me up at
lunchtime after my patrol boy
duties, and we would travel
all the way from the South
Side to see our beloved Cubs
start the season. Back then,
the season was 154 games
long....and on opening day,
the Cubs were undefeated. I
must admit, having no losses
was something that didn’t
last long, but on opening day,
dreams of a championship
went unabated. One year we
were snowed out, so we went
bowling instead!
I went to college in
Carbondale, so for a few years
I could not attend opening
day. In 1969, I skipped class
and went home to listen to the
game on my transistor radio.
The signal kept fading, and by
the end of the game the only
place I could hear was from
under the bed with the antenna
sticking into the springs of
the mattress. Willie Smith
hit a homer to win the game
and begin the most thrilling
season, until September when
it all fell apart, of my life.
More recently, I would go
to Yak-zies at 5 am to have
a couple of beers and spend
time with other Cub fans at
the season opener. Radio
station WXRT broadcasts live
from Yak-zies and, as long as
everyone paces themselves,
opening day has also been a
big party.
So you see, from 3 to 103,
there is something for everyone
on opening day. Some things
change over the years... and
one of these years we will no
longer have to say…”wait till
next year.”
P.S. Did you hear they won’t
be selling beer at Wrigley
Field this year? .........they lost
the opener. Talk to you next
time. Peace.
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
9
Bison opener thwarted by Lakers, darkness
I
t was in the low 50s, overcast
and threatening rain when
the New Buffalo Bison Varsity
Baseball team took the field
versus Lake Michigan Catholic
Thursday, April 10, in not only their
first game of the season, but also a very
important conference game against
their strongest opponent.
Sophomore Travis Maddux took
the mound to start game one in what
would be a pitchers’ duel.
LMC’s lead-off batter Starhowski
reached base on a fielding error, but
was quickly erased attempting to steal
second on a strong throw from the
sophomore Jerek Hotwagner.
New Buffalo’s lead-off batter
Thomas McCollum reached first base
on the game’s first hit, but was tagged
out trying to advance on a wild pitch.
LMC’s first hit was a solid single to
left field, but Maddux struck out the
side looking, swinging, swinging.
LMC would return the favor, getting
the Bison 1-2-3 in the bottom of the
second.
In the top of the third, Starhowski
hit a triple to right field, but was
stranded when Maddux popped up
Juza and struck out Salvano to end the
threat.
by Daemon Owens in New Buffalo
New Buffalo scored the first
run of the game, and the season,
in the bottom of the third, after
Zach Workman was struck by a
pitch to lead off the bottom of the
third. Workman would be forced
out when McCollum hit into what
may have been a double play, but
reached second on the throwing
error. McCollum advanced to third
and then scored on a wild pitch with
Rylee Fournier at bat. Fournier was
out on a hard hit line drive to the
short stop. Elijah Owens hammered
a double over the right fielder.
Hotwagner was out on a hard line
drive to center, leaving New Buffalo
up 1-0.
Maddux then shut down the side
with nine pitches, causing a fly out to
center, ground out to the pitcher, and a
pop-up to the pitcher.
In his at-bat, Maddux would walk
to reach first, leading off the bottom
of the fourth, but was out attempting
to steal second. Liam Armstrong and
Christian Hoch would both pop out to
the third baseman.
LMC would get on the board in
the top of the fifth after the lead-off
walked, stole second on a passed ball,
advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt
and scored when Frazier hit past the
drawn-in infield. Frazier would be
forced out at second when Starhowski
hit into a fielder’s choice. Starhowski
went from first to third when Juza hit
a single. With two outs and a runner
on third, Armstrong robbed Salvano
of a go-ahead extra base hit with an
amazing highlight reel diving catch.
T
he game was tied at 1-1
when Tyler Maddux
led off in the bottom
of the fifth with a line
drive down the left
field. He then took third on a wild
pitch. Workman laid down a perfectly
executed sacrifice bunt, driving in
Tyler to put the Bison ahead 2-1.
McCollum and Fournier would both
ground out to end the inning.
Travis Maddux would put down the
side in order on 10 pitches, 1-2-3.
LMC made a pitching substitution,
bringing in Devel in bottom of sixth to
keep the game in reach.
Elijah Owens would lead off the
bottom of sixth, drilling a 1-2 pitch
to the right field fence. After having
his last AB go over his head, the right
fielder was playing at the fence and
reached up to possibly take away
Bison take to the field as their 2014 season begins
Owens’ home run, but close only
counts in horseshoes, hand grenades,
and nuclear warfare. Hotwagner and
Tyler Maddux would both be struckout swinging.
Travis Maddux got the lead-off
batter out on a 4-3 groundout.
Kissane then drove a single to right
field. Frazier singled to right field.
Starhowski walked. With the bases
loaded, one out, Maddux was relieved
by McCollum.
McCollum got the batter to
dribble a hit up the third-base
line, the swing knocked the plastic
plug comes off the end of the bat.
Fournier fielded cleanly, but threw
wide of Hotwagner, allowing LMC
to tie on an error. McCollum then
walked Salvano, setting up a possible
double-play, but the clean-up hitter
hit the game-winning double that
resulted in a play at the plate and a
runner on third. Devel would drive
him in with a single and Collins
would fly out to center to end the top
of the seventh, putting LMC up, 6-2.
Devel returned to the mound and
retired the side 1-2-3 to preserve the
Lakers’ 6-2 victory.
Game 2 was interrupted due to
darkness with the teams tied 3-3.
10
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Egg-cellent
Adventure
Marquis Williams, Owen Gotcher
and Jalin Hadley (back)
pose with the Easter bunny
Brooke and Claire Lowery
New Buffalo Savings Bank
Easter Egg Hunt at
Harbert Community Park
April 12, 2014
T
welve golden
eggs were up for
grabs at the New
Buffalo Savings
Bank Easter Egg
Hunt, which took place at
Harbert Community Park
on Saturday, April 12. Age
divisions were five years
and under and six years and
older. While the five and
under group searched for
six golden eggs in the park’s
open field, the older group
hunted in the playground
area. In addition to the
coveted golden eggs, prizes
were also given in each age
division to those who had
found the most and least
amount of eggs. — words and
photos by francesca sagala
Riley, Judith and Bailey Pedzinski
Cora and Izzy Moser
William McBride and River Denton
Grayson and Sofia Hamdani
Dick Sauerman, Carole Loniewski, Kathy Renbarger, Whitney
Martin, Angela Creech, Paula Dudiak, Zina Leonard, Karen
Gear and Jalin Hadley pose with the Easter bunny
Kaylee Fricke shows off her golden egg with her father Ray
Sahmaz Morales
Mason Bolton and Lily Morse
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
11
Team Abbey hits a home run
at Casey’s
C
Angie, Bob and Nancy Gino
James Garrison, Jessica McCarty and
Shane Hartline
BY LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO
asey’s was overflowing with Abbey Dixon supporters at her
fundraiser on Thursday, April 10. To the surprise of many, Abbey
was able to attend and socialize throughout the evening. She,
along with all of her family members, greeted and thanked the
many people from the community who came to enjoy dinner and
camaraderie. Many arrived wearing Team Abbey T-shirts. Abbey said of the
turnout, “This is just amazing, I am so grateful to everyone who came and for
all of the support and prayers offered for me.”
Teachers, coaches, school board members and former New Buffalo Schools
Superintendent Dr. Michael Lindley came out to support the 2012 NBHS
graduate. Dr. Lindley mingled with the overflow crowd in Casey’s backyard
and caught up with many former classmates of Abbey and her siblings Alex,
Courtney and Chase. Servers from every establishment in the area arrived
after their shifts to keep the party going, with Chad Holms providing the
musical entertainment.
Casey’s hosted the give back, throw back event for Abbey, with 100 percent
of the proceeds going to the Dixon family. Bartenders and servers, including
many former staff of Casey’s and Nancy’s, donated their time and their tips
to the fundraiser. By all accounts, the event raised more money than anyone
anticipated.
Manager Kevin Hanner said, “Casey’s is proud to be a part of such a
wonderful, caring and supportive community.”
Abbey recently had a serious fall at Central Michigan University where she
is a sophomore. The injury required brain surgery and will require on-going
rehabilitation, but the progress she has made has been nothing short of a miracle.
Benefit organizer Brandi Hamann of Beach Life Concierges said, “We were
just overwhelmed at the response. The Dixons are an incredible family that
the people from this town came together to support. We are so thankful. It
was just awesome.” Jessica McCarty and Casey’s managers Kevin Hanner and
Tom Jennings and their staff assisted Hamann with the event.
For those wishing donate to the Dixon family, a fund has been established
at Horizon Bank under “Abbey Dixon, I’m gettin’ better and I know it,” or
checks can be sent to Beach Life Concierge, 427 South Whittaker Street, New
Buffalo, c/o of Brandi Hamann. Follow Abbey’s progress and leave a message
on Facebook at Abbey Dixon, “I’m gettin’ better and I know it.” Information
on the upcoming May 4 co-ed softball benefit is also on Facebook at “Abbey
Dixon slow pitch benefit.”
Audry Tuszynski, Ray Bock,
Brandon Mason, Mike Dombrowski
and Jamie Donkersloot
Chase, Alex, Holli, Abbey, Courtney and Scott Dixon
with Brandi Hamann and Jessica McCarty
Karla, Lena and Jade Madison
with Katha Kissman
Todd, Candy and Sela Van Buskirk
LIVE MUSIC!!!
FrI, AprIL 18: ChAd hoLM
SAt, AprIL 19: MyStErIA
dAILy dInnEr SpECIALS
dAILy drInK SpECIALS
269-469-6400 / 136 N. Whittaker Street
Donna and Mike Messenger
with sons Evan and Nick
Mary Dunbar with
Tom and Mary Jane Evenas
12
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
YOU ARE INVITED TO
THE DEDICATION OF
“PSYCHE” A 20 FOOT
STEEL SCULPTURE BY
SAWYERS OWN
HARRY BORGMAN.
1:30 pm Saturday
April 26th, at the
intersection of
Red Arrow Highway
& Sawyer Road.
showtime (269)
harbor country’s entertainment
Art Attack Preview
TED GLASCOE AT SUSAN FREDMAN GALLERY
Susan Fredman At Home With Nature and Susan Fredman Design Group will showcase Chicago-area
artist Ted Glascoe, who will display his unique photography. Ted will be on site Saturday for an artist’s
reception from 3pm to 6pm to talk about his images of Lake Michigan and its ever-changing moods.
Enjoy wine and cheese while Ted shares tips of his craft with amateur photographers and hobbyists. The
gallery will be open throughout the weekend from 10am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday, and from noon
to 5pm on Sunday. The gallery, located at 15998 Red Arrow Highway in Union Pier, also features works by
Michelle Courier and Deb Clemente.
AD FEST AND FEAST 2014
One of the highlights of the weekend is an evening of viewing the world’s funniest and most awardwinning television commercials of 2013. The event comes to the Acorn Theater directly from the New York
Festival of International Commercials. Sample cuisine prepared by Harbor Country’s finest chefs. Enjoy
fun, food and laughter on Friday evening beginning at 7pm. Tickets are $40 per person and reservations
are recommended. Call 269-756-3879.
HAND PAINTED FURNISHINGS AT SWEET PEA STUDIO
Artist Mimi Edgerton will introduce her new line of hand-painted, recycled and repurposed furniture,
accessories and tin tiles. Edgerton said, “The tin tile wall plaques have become one of my most popular
items.” Stop in for a spring full of colorful décor.
PLEASANT HOUSE
Ordinarily the setting for more edible arts, the Three Oaks establishment will be center stage for artwork
by Kim Pruitt. The artist’s colorful paintings and sculptures create stories for the viewer. Art lovers can
also enjoy Pleasant House’s signature pies and pasties and handcrafted beers made on-site.
CATHERINE DOLL GALLERY
Catherine Doll has built a business up from scratch over the years and now enjoys wide acclaim for her
recycled and re-designed garments that have won the hearts and souls of a very loyal patronage. She
has the entire Save-the-Earth crowd in her corner, for sure. More importantly perhaps, is that she has
also garnered a fashion conscious fan club that loves her creativity with old t-shirts and other recycled
garments that become a collage of sorts. Doll was a painter before she was a fashion designer and maven.
You can see her “brush strokes” in all of her designs. Catherine Doll Clothing is located at 5844 Sawyer
Road, Sawyer, Mich. For further information go to catherinedoll.com or call 269-426-3958.
A reception, featuring
Baroda Founders wines and
appetizers from Mesa Luna,
will follow from 2-4
at New Buffalo Saving Bank
of Sawyer
ai
p
hc
Harbor Country Public Arts Initiative • hcpai.com
Lakeside artist on display at Fernwood
S
By therese donnelly in lakeside
ally Hughes spent more than 40 years
working in graphic design, doing
everything from freelancing, to teaching,
to owning her own studio. But it was a
different art that held her interest.
“In my soul, I was always a painter,” she
explained. “But graphic design was better money.”
Eventually, Hughes decided to close her graphic
design studio in Chicago and take up painting full
time.
In her work as a graphic designer, Hughes focused
on the message a client wanted to send. She uses
that same approach to create her paintings, relating
her subjects’ stories.
Her first series tackled a personal subject, as
Hughes reflected on her mother’s final illness. For
“Bearing Witness,” she created portraits using
objects generally only familiar to people connected
to health care.
Her latest series, “My Garden Through the
Seasons,” focuses on the plants she’s encountered
in her many years of gardening. Hughes began
gardening 30 years ago at her Lakeside, Mich.,
home. Not satisfied with her attempts to recreate the
appearance of a plant, Hughes focused instead on
the essence of each subject, using mixed media to
capture the energy of plants in different seasons.
With work so personal, it can be hard to see pieces
go off with new owners, she admitted.
“Storage is an issue,” she said. “When one piece
goes out, there’s room for the next. That makes it
easier to give one up.”
Hughes is currently exhibiting her “Garden”
series at Fernwood Botanical Gardens in Niles,
Mich., through April 27. She and fellow mixed
media artist Stacie Sterenberg will also have
work on display at Yellow Bird Vacations during
Art Attack.
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
13
2014
SINGER
SONGWRITER
CONTEST
at the Acorn
Submission Deadline: July 1st
Singer Songwriter Finals on the Acorn stage:
Thursday, July 31st 7PM
GRAND PRIZE
cash award, studio time plus opening act for
Andrew Salgado, Saturday, August 15th at the Acorn
For submission details email
[email protected]
www.acorntheater.com
107 Generations Dr. Three Oaks MI 269-756-3879
Y
P
P
A
H
R
E
T
S
EA
Our new Chef and staff are busy creating your holiday menu!
Please join us for our Annual Easter Buffet
$18.95 for Adults
$12.95 for Children 10 & under
(3 years and under are free)
Please call (269) 469-9808 now to reserve your table
and leave the rest to us.
Sunday April 20th
Breakfast Buffet
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
changing to
Lunch Buffet
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
www.newbuffaloyc.com
14
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Donna
Messinger
Our third series
of questions is a
get to know your
candidates and a
basic overview.
Please note that
answers are NOT
edited nor proofed,
they are unread
until published. It is
the hope that this
effort will serve the
community well. If
any questions go
over the allotted
word count of 200
words per answer,
we will be posting
the remainder of that candidate’s
answers on the
New Buffalo Times’
Facebook page. If a
candidate chooses
not to answer, it shall
be noted. If answers
are not submitted by
deadline, they will
not be published
and will so be noted.
Questions most frequently submitted
will be priority. We
ask the readers to
continue to send
their questions directly to our
publisher at
dee dee duhn@
hotmail.com. 1. The most-asked question
by far is this: How well
do you feel the City
Manager is doing his
job and why do you feel
as such? Would you be
in favor of retaining or
firing the current city
manager?
I think that it is entirely
inappropriate to discuss
an employee in this manner. I am very aware of the
issues regarding the City
Manager’s position. This
special recall election is
about the unethical behavior of Mayor Murray and
Councilman Lawson, which
should be noted that one of
the main recall issues is the
hiring of our City Manager,
without any consideration
of other candidates who met
the job description requirements.
2. When interviewing
future candidates for
key city positions would
you consider a vetting
committee, why or why
not? Who would make up
that committee?
Absolutely we should have a
vetting committee when vacancies arise. All vacancies
should be publicized and all
applications for city manager and city council vacancies
should be acknowledged and
considered. When the first
city council seat was available by appointment, there
were 11 applicants; none of
which were contacted
or interviewed, yet at the
special meeting for appointment, the selected councilman’s family was there to
take pictures. How would
they have known in advance
of the selected appointment, unless it was made
behind closed doors? An
appropriate vetting committee should be comprised of
qualified, involved citizens in our community.
Criteria for selection should
be pre-determined. After consideration, the City
Council should meet in
closed session to discuss
the candidates and make a
decision.
3. Do you support
purchasing vacant
land for City parking?
In general what are the
city ordinances which
govern the development
of parking lots?
Parking will always be an
issue in a city as compact
as ours. People will always
want to flock to the downtown area and the beach,
which is wonderful. I believe
that moving forward with
DDA and MMS, we will be
able to encourage a more
friendly walking town and
create inexpensive off-site
parking lots. Developing our
downtown will bring people
in, they will enjoy shopping,
relaxing on comfortable
benches, having a nice walk
after dinner and maybe an
ice cream cone. Availability
of walking on expanded
and safe sidewalks would
decrease the need for parking within close proximity
of businesses. Having new
businesses in town would
encourage walking from
one spot to another. Instead
of purchasing expensive
land for parking within the
central business district, it
may be more practical to
work out a purchase or lease
agreement on land closer
to the train tracks with the
added attraction of a fun
trolley or pedal vehicles to
transport visitors to our
downtown. With open and
creative minds, there are
a great many ideas which
could be explored. 4. What do you think is the
role of city boards and
commissions?
Unlike the City Council members who are publicly elected, the above mentioned board/commission
members are appointed. It
is in the best interest of the
community if these positions represent a wide array
of individuals to gain insight from many different
perspectives. Therefore,
business owners, professionals, retired residents
and homemakers provide
valuable experiences on
issues. I have served on the
Zoning Board of Appeals
and the Planning Commission. I consider it rewarding,
but it has not always been
an easy task. As a commissioner, you have a responsibility to serve the community. Many situations have
pros and cons, but as an unbiased member, you must
decide what is best for the
entire community, not just
a select few. I encourage
everyone to get involved, accept responsibility and join a
board. You,your family, and
community will all benefit. Si Osiri
1. The most-asked question
by far is this: How well
do you feel the City
Manager is doing his
job and why do you feel
as such? Would you be
in favor of retaining or
firing the current city
manager?
Walking around the City
getting my “Nomination
Petition” signed, I learned
from talking to the folks
that there is a general attitude of disagreement with
the current City Council in
hiring Rusty Geisler--while
being the former Mayor--as
the new City Manager, after
the former City Manager
Mitch Mitchel resigned: in
a closed process. The folks
in town want and like the
open process of democratic
choice, and I agree with
their attitude, I too want
the open process. As for the
job Rusty Geisler is doing,
it is not an easy job, Mitch
Mitchel can verify this truth,
nevertheless, the closed process in the manner Rusty got
the job has fueled the Recall
drive and I don’t think it
wise to become wicked and
nasty towards Rusty if the
Recall is successful; in other
words, two wrongs do not
make a right.
The first thing that is
needed after the Recall Election, is for the City Council to pass a “Resolution
for Reform” and Motions
thereof to establish the
Reform’s foundation for a
twelve month period in “Old
Business Agenda” where the
City Council shall continue to Reform itself and
the City. The first Motion
thereof, should be to begin
the open process for a new
City Attorney to guide the
legal process of the Reform,
which includes a review of
Rusty’s contract, and any
decision on Rusty’s contract
and job performance should
be tabled till after the November Election when the
City will have a fully elected
City Council which at the
moment it does not, nor will
it after the Recall Election.
In other words, the Reform
should be in a logical, orderly, sane manner pursuant to the “Robert’s Rules
of Order,” liberated from
any hatred, resentment and
reckless political motives
and behavior.
2. When interviewing
future candidates for
key city positions would
you consider a vetting
committee, why or why
not? Who would make up
that committee?
In hiring a new City Attorney and other key important
City government positions,
is the duty and responsibility of the City Council, not
some ad hoc Committee.
On the other hand, ad hoc
Committees can be useful
e.g., the Reform may need
one or two such Committees
for other reasons and matters. As to who would serve
on such ad hoc Committees
is an unfair question, for no
one knows till we get there.
3. Do you support
purchasing vacant
land for City parking?
In general what are the
city ordinances which
govern the development
of parking lots?
Yes, I support more City
parking. But what the story
is on it all, again, no one
knows till we get there. As
to the Ordinances over the
development of new Parking is also an unfair question, for legal matters are
changing with the new DDA,
again we’ll know when we
get there; and I am sure
the new Reform process
aforesaid will make good
changes to defects in the
local Ordinances at which
time the process itself shall
give the City Council a good
education and refresh on
legalities.
4. What do you think is the
role of city boards and
commissions?
The Commissions advise
the City Council and do not
have any legal power over
the City Council. As to the
Park Board: it is wholly unnecessary in a City of 1,800
residents having a municipal
division of a Parks Department, City Manager, and
City Council as over-site to
its day to day operations.
The Parks Board is a flop
due to bad politics, infighting and ignorance of the
legalities and history of the
New Buffalo Beach Park.
The question now is, can
www.newbuffalotimes.com
it legally be revoked by the
City Council? That answer,
and legal guidance shall
come from the new City Attorney after the Recall Election--if the Recall is successful--with the decision being
made after the November
Election if the “Resolution
for Reform” is passed by the
new City Council after the
Recall Election.
I would like to thank the
New Buffalo Times for the
time and effort the newspaper has given to the City’s
Recall Election. In the words
of our Community’s pioneer,
the Great E.K. Warren,
“Seek ye first the Kingdom
of God and all these things
shall be added unto you.”
Mr. Warren’s spirit shall
guide us the living, out of
the dilemma of our current
state of Darkness, chaos,
and uncertainty pursuant
to John ch. 4, of the First
Epistle, where it begins
with, “BELOVED...” for
Mr. Warren is the embodiment of Christian love who
died with his “eye” full of
primeval-light, and is aware
of our Community’s suffering to this very moment--the Community has lost
conscious-contact with its
pioneer, and because of it,
has lost itself in the Sea of
Darkness, confusion, and of
unawareness of our true local history.
Migs Murray
1. The most-asked question
by far is this: How well
do you feel the City
Manager is doing his
job and why do you feel
as such? Would you be
in favor of retaining or
firing the current city
manager?
First of all, I would like to
say that I have been told
by people who had been
approached to sign recall
petitions, that they were told
…”this recall is not about
Migs or Ray, it is about getting rid of them so Rusty can
be fired”…
Obviously the people behind
the recall have many plans
for the City…..Firing Rusty
might be the worst plan.
Rusty Geisler served on
the City Council for many
years as well as serving as
Mayor. During that time, he
stepped up on two separate
occasions to fill the role of
an outgoing city manager.
After the last city manager
resigned, the Council realized that a new search could
take months to advertise,
interview, and hire. The City
had already lost years of effective management at that
time and, in my opinion,
Rusty Geisler was the best
choice for City Manager.
I confidently believe
that the Council made the
right choice when hiring
Rusty Geisler. The clearest
indication is that during his
short tenure, the City’s bond
rating (a benchmark for the
City’s financial solvency) has
grown significantly.
Rusty has been a true
leader for the City, assembling a wonderful well qualified staff, that works well
together and with the public.
Mr. Geisler has become one
of the best City Managers for
the City of New Buffalo. He
is dedicated to the City, pays
attention to detail, and has
worked very hard to make
the City a great place to live
and work. I feel Manager
Geisler is responsible for
moving the City of New
Buffalo in a very positive
direction and he should be
allowed to continue his work
for the City.
2. When interviewing
future candidates for
key city positions would
you consider a vetting
committee, why or why
not? Who would make up
that committee?
I would have no problem
with a vetting committee. In
previous years we have had
a vetting committee made
up of local residents and
business owners for the position of city manager. They
reviewed all the resumes,
held interviews and made
recommendations to the
City Council. Of course, even
with a vetting committee
there is no guarantee that
the person hired will be the
best for the job.
3. Do you support
purchasing vacant
land for City parking?
In general what are the
city ordinances which
govern the development
of parking lots?
I support purchasing vacant
land for City parking where
possible and practical. In
fact, the City is purchasing
the Old Chicago Hotel site at
Barton and West Mechanic
that will add about 33 park-
Thursday, April 17, 2014
ing spaces. The City is applying for a Grant from The
Pokagon Fund to use the
City funds for the purchase
and improvements. The new
parking lot would be subject
to the normal design and
construction standards as
outlined in the ordinances.
Also, because this area is
part of the new Downtown
Development Authority, I
would like the DDA to be
involved in the design.
4. What do you think is the
role of city boards and
commissions?
The role of city boards and
commissions is to have
citizens of New Buffalo involved in making decisions
and recommendations to the
City Council regarding policies, rules and ordinances.
Per the Code of Ordinances,
the commissions are appointed by the Mayor with
the approval of the City
Council. The City lists the
open positions on all Boards
on the City website www.
cityofnewbuffalo.org. We
encourage every resident to
consider a board position.
The residents involved in
the Planning Commission,
Harbor Commission, Parks
& Recreation Board, and
Zoning Board of Appeals all
donate their time and energies to be part of the City
organization.
George
Scarlatis
1. The most-asked question
by far is this: How well
do you feel the City
Manager is doing his
job and why do you feel
as such? Would you be
in favor of retaining or
firing the current city
manager?
I believe It would be inappropriate for me to make
statements regarding the
City Manager. I am running
for City Council. It is the responsibility of
the full Council to establish
the standards and requirements of the City Manager.
The Council is also responsible for ensuring that those
standards are being met.
Thorough performance
reviews should be conducted
regularly to fulfill this function.
2. When interviewing
future candidates for
key city positions would
you consider a vetting
committee, why or why
not? Who would make up
that committee?
A vetting committee would
be invaluable in gathering
background information and
checking candidates› credentials against the qualifications for the position
as determined by the City
Council. It is the responsibility of the City Council, in
turn, to ensure that these
qualifications are in line
with the City Charter and
the established job description as well as making the
final selection. Depending
on the position in question, the vetting committee
should have a target minimum number of finalists to
select for interviews with the
city council and appropriate
city employee(s). The exact
composition of the committee would depend upon the
position in question. Appropriate individuals to serve
on this committee include
current city employees and
city board members.
3. Do you support
purchasing vacant
land for City parking?
In general what are the
city ordinances which
govern the development
of parking lots?
It would depend on the City
Council’s priorities. For
example, there is a need for
public restrooms as well. If
parking is a council priority,
then the seasonal demand
for downtown parking that
could be supplied by the
purchase of vacant land if
such land is available at
or below fair market value
and appropriate funding
sources can be identified.
As with many decisions to
be made by the Council, a
cost-benefit analysis should
be conducted to determine
what the best interests of the
City would be.
4. What do you think is the
role of city boards and
commissions?
In addition to their specific functions, all of the city
boards provide recommendations to the City Council
pertaining to their respective
areas. The Planning Commission is responsible for the
planning functions of the City
as exemplified by the adoption of such documents as the
City’s Master Plan, Zoning
15
Map, and Future Land Use
Map. The Zoning Board of
Appeals is a quasi-judicial
body that hears and decides
appeals to enforcements of
the City’s ordinances; provides interpretations of zoning ordinances; and grants
variances and temporary uses
and buildings. The Harbor
Commission is an advisory
body that studies and makes
recommendations to the City
Council concerning policies, rules, regulations, and
ordinances dealing with the
management, government,
maintenance, operation, and
use of the harbor, waterways,
channels, municipal docks, or
other navigational facilities
which are under the control
of the City. The Downtown
Development Authority
(DDA) corrects and prevents
deterioration in the downtown business district and
encourages historic preservation. The Park and Recreation
Board is an advisory body
that studies and formulates
policies as to the maintenance, control and regulation
of all City parks, recreational
areas and playgrounds. To
keep all of the boards accountable and on-track, it
would be beneficial to have
each one generate an annual report summarizing its
activities for the year and an
objectives statement for the
upcoming year. I have been
disappointed with instances
in which the current City
Council has voted against the
direct recommendations of
the city’s boards without providing any rationale for their
vote. Although the Council
has the right to vote against
the advice of a board, it shows
respect for that board to acknowledge their recommendation and explain why the
Council’s opinion differs.
Ray Lawson
1. The most-asked question
by far is this: How well
do you feel the City
Manager is doing his
job and why do you feel
as such? Would you be
in favor of retaining or
firing the current city
manager?
I not only feel that William
VOTE continued on page 16
16
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
VOTE continued from page 15
5865 Sawyer Rd. Sawyer, MI 49125
www.sawyergardencenter.com
269-426-8810
W !
O N
N PE
O
(Rusty) Geisler has
done nothing but to try
and improve the well
being of this city. Mr
Geisler has brought
the financial ratings
up since taking on the
job of City Manager.
Mr Geisler has put and
brought together a city
staff is truly working together. As a Concil Person I do go in and talk
and listen to the employees of this city and
the over all reply is that
these people are themselves pleased with Mr.
Geisler’s job. You then
go out in to the public
and ask and listen to
the people of and about
the city. There are
great thing being said
of the city and some
that are asking about
the unfinished project
in the center of town.
We are in hopes that
someone of intrest will
soon be taking on this
project. Remember the
when a vacant lot then
a house was all that was
there? I remember this
very well and to see this
possibliy come together
would be great for the
businesses,the city,
and the residents. But
with this comes a cost
and that will be that
the intrasturture will
have to be brought up
to acommadate such a
project. Also tearing up
the whole downtown
area, please remember
Three Oaks and their
down town area with
its rebuilding. These
are just a few of the
things that Mr. Geisler
has already been trying
to get information and
set up some guidelines
for a starting, on top of
the everyday running
of this city. Mr. Geisler
has always returned my
calls in a timely fashion
and tried to answer my
questions and concerns.
Not all the time do we
get the answer that we
want. Being up-front
is what I prefer, rather
than being told something just to pacify me.
It is hard to put into
words and to watch
someone work with all
the issues of this city
and not want ask why ?
Because this is his and
his families home and
who doesn’t want the
best for them. Drive by
and see Mr. William
(Rusty) Geisler in the
yard and he will stop
and talk to you and
answer your questions
and concerns. HOMETOWN !!!!!!
2. When interviewing
future candidates
for key city positions would you
consider a vetting
committee, why or
why not? Who would
make up that committee?
It has always been the
City Managers job to
interveiw new employees and or canidates
for this city. The City
Manager is the one
that will be held trully
accountable for this
choice. Who and how
can you hold a vetting
committee responsible,
and again it is the
responsibilty of the City
Manager to get the best
person. As far as being
interested in the candidates it would be great
to hear the questions
asked and answered by
candidates.
3. Do you support
purchasing vacant
land for City
parking? In general
what are the
city ordinances
which govern the
development of
parking lots?
How else would one
suggest aquiring the
property? I am not for
condemning someones’
property for a parking lot. Once a piece of
property is aquired the
city must get the most
parking spaces that
can be alotted on that
property.
4. What do you
think is the role
of city boards and
commissions?
All of these boards
and commissions are
a very viable means of
gathering information
and helpping the city
to grow and develop
according to the city
charter and by-laws. To
have these boards and
commissions bring to
the City Manager and
the City Council any
and all information and
their recommendations
is very viable to the
residents and the running of this city.
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plan your week with our event calendar on page 18!
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
neighbors
Library meeting
F
riends of the Three
Oaks Library will meet
on Monday, April 28, at
6:30pm in the Community Room
of the library. Anyone interested
in supporting the library is
welcome to attend.
Three Oaks Library is located at
3 North Elm Street, Three Oaks.
For more information, contact
threeoakslibraryfriends@yahoo.
com. — staff report
LMC Seeks
Employers
for Job Fair L
ake Michigan College
will present a Job Fair on
Tuesday, May 6, from 2
to 7pm at its Bertrand Crossing
Campus in Niles, Mich. Forty
to fifty booths will be available
for employers to recruit LMC
students and the public from the
Niles, South Bend, and Berrien
County markets.
Classrooms will be available
for employers to conduct on-site
interviews.
This event is free to both
employers and jobseekers.
Interested employers should
contact Todd Gaugler at
(269) 927-2413 or tgaugler@
lakemichigancollege.edu for
more information or to register
for the event. — staff report
Gunness at
Center for
History
B
ruce Johnson explores
the life and story of Belle
Gunness, a woman
accused of the untimely deaths
of several men in the early
1900s at “Insights in History,”
which will take place at 1:30pm
on Wednesday, May 7, at the
Center for History in South
Bend, Ind. Admission is $3 or $1
for members. Reservations are
required by May 5.
The program includes a guided
tour of a display about the
infamous female serial killer.
In 2008, Johnson researched,
narrated and presented a
documentary for the 100th
anniversary of the discovery of
the crimes of murderess Belle
Gunness and raised funds to
purchase gravestones for victims.
“The Gunness Mystery,” available
on DVD, has been shown at film
festivals throughout the Midwest.
For information, call the Center
for History at (574) 235-9664 or
visit www.centerforhistory.org. —
staff report
near and far news
please email us [email protected]
Three Oaks gets good grades,
approves bonuses
R
By Therese Donnelly in Three Oaks
eports are good in Three Oaks. At their April 9 meeting, the
Village Council revealed the results of a recent state audit and the
village manager’s yearly evaluation.
Derek Hall, an auditor for the State Treasurer’s Office, gave a
report on the 2013 audit, explaining that the Village had done
well in the previous fiscal year. While some of the accounts showed overages,
Hall explained that was because some of the street project’s line items were
paid right at the end of the fiscal year.
“It doesn’t necessarily reflect what was going on at the time,” he told the
Council.
Hall called the overall budget “exceptional” and gave the Village an A.
At the end of his first year in the position, Village Manager Adam Umbrasas
received his second job evaluation from the Council. Council members
anonymously rated him on a five-point scale for his fiscal management,
professional skills and status and other areas. He received an overall rating of
4.7, slightly up from the 4.5 he received at his six-month evaluation.
The Council approved a $5000 bonus for Umbrasas.
The Council voted to appoint Dennis Buller as Interim Police Chief for a
few months while the Council decides if they want to search for a permanent
chief. Police Chief Fred Nekvasil recently resigned due to health issues.
Village President David Grosse thanked Nekvasil for “almost 40 years of
service to the people of Three Oaks.”
Buller has nearly 30 years of police experience.
The Council approved a $3000 bonus to Clay Ackerman of the DPW/
Streets Department and Bruce Hauch of the Water/Sewer Department. The
money is allotted in the Village budget.
The Council also heard from Adam Messinger of Senator John Proos’ office
with a legislative update. Messinger explained Proos is working on legislation
to provide funding for career and technical education.
17
Betty’s Buddies
to conduct
silent auction
to support the
fight against
cancer
O
n Sunday May 4, Betty’s
Buddies will host their
Annual Silent Auction
Fundraiser. The event will
run from 3 to 6pm at The Featherbone
Restaurant, located at 6741 West
US Highway 12, Three Oaks, Mich.
There will be hors d’oeuvres and a
cash bar, along with a band providing
music. Auction items include sports
memorabilia and gift certificates to
local events and businesses.
Betty’s Buddies is a non-profit
organization that is named in honor of
Betty Grosse, who lost her own fight
with cancer in 2006. The organization
was originally started to provide
stocking caps for cancer patients,
which Betty discovered were not
normally provided during her own
treatment. Since then, Betty’s Buddies
has provided more than 5,000 caps to
five area hospitals and oncology clinics.
The organization has also provided
over $35,000 in direct assistance to
cancer patients in Southwest Michigan
and Northern Indiana in the payment
of prescriptions, utility bills, clothing
and wigs, as well as gas cards.
Sometimes members will provide
the transportation themselves. Most
recently, Betty’s Buddies purchased a
special dishwasher for a child battling
leukemia.
For more information about Betty’s
Buddies or the upcoming auction
as well as their annual golf outing,
contact Dennis Grosse at 269-7563975. — staff report
Greetings From Three Oaks, a history/photo book
Oaks Museum was also very generous with their photo
Two new books on the history of Three Oaks, which are sure
collection. If it had not been for their collections I could not
to delight area history buffs, have recently been released.
have published this book,” he said.
“Greetings from Three Oaks” is a historic photo book
Myers has published numerous other photo history
written by Berrien County Historical Association curator
books including “Historical Sketches
Robert C. Myers. The 268-page
of Berrien County,” a series of
book features historical information
“Greetings from…” books featuring
and many photographs of the early
the Michigan communities of St
settlement of the area. Readers are
Joseph, Buchanan, and Benton
taken on a pictorial journey back
Harbor, “Locomotives Along the
to the 1800s and the early 1900s.
Lakeshore” depicting the early
Myers covers such topics as the
train years, “Millennial Visions and
growth of the downtown, the Warren
Earthly Pursuits: The Israelite House
Featherbone Company, architecture,
of David” and “Autotram” which
industries, schools, churches and
tells the early stories of the Clark
social events.
Equipment Company railcars.
Myers, a published historic author,
The books are available at the
said he chose Three Oaks because
Berrien
County Historical Association,
“they have a fascinating history
located
at 313 North Cass Street in
and the town has a great sense of
Berrien
Springs,
Mich., or visit their
community, with wonderful stories
web
site
at
www.BerrienHistory.org.
to tell.” He said he was very grateful
Next week, New Buffalo Times will
to everyone who shared their
give an overview of “Adventures of a
information, including many private
Weekend Farmer,” as told by George
collections.
Robert C. Myers
A. Platz of Three Oaks Township.
“The Three Oaks Library was a
godsend and the Region of Three
— linda henderson
18
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
EventS
please send us event info at [email protected]
compiled by linda henderson
EVERY MONDAY & THURSDAY
YOGA @ Tabula Rasa Gallery
www.tabulagallerybaroda.com
every monday
ZUMBA CLASS
6:30PM. New Buffalo High School
Dance Room. $7.
EVERY TUESDAY
OPEN MIC NIGHT
7-11PM. Acorn Theater. 109
Generation Drive. Three Oaks. 269756-3879. www.acorntheater.com.
every Wednesday
Knitting at the Deli
4-6PM. David’s Deli.
All are welcome.
EVERY THURSDAY
SCRABBLE CLUB
6PM. Roma’s Pizza.
EVERY FRIDAY
STORY TIME AT THREE OAKS LIBRARY
10:30AM. www.threeoakslibrary.org. UNION PIER
___________________________
a t e l i e r s
2014
UNION PIER
___________________________
a t e l i e r s
2014
customs imports and much more
FISH FRY
5-9PM. American Legion Post #169.
New Buffalo.
EVERY SATURDAY
JOURNEYMAN DISTILLERY
TOURS & MUSIC
12:30-5PM. Journey Distillery. 109
Generation Dr. Three Oaks. 269-8202050. www.journeymandistillery.com.
THURSDAY, APRIL 17
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY
10AM-NOON. Help4SWMI Advocacy
Center. 16170 Red Arrow Highway. Union
Pier. 269-469-2559. www.help4swmi.org.
Assistance with emergency electric (AEP)
disconnects, gas vouchers and deliverable
fuels depending on availability of funds.
Also register for monthly or quarterly
U.S.D.A. food commodities distributed from
River Valley Senior Center is available, if you
financially qualify. Age is not a criteria. Call
1-800-334-7670 ext. 211 for appointment.
You must have an appointment.
HELP4swmi monthly meeting
5:30PM. Help4SWMI Advocacy Center.
If you are interested in HELP or want to
find out about volunteer opportunities
at the Advocacy Center and outside, this
meeting is open to everyone.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNTS
9AM. Barney’s Market. New Buffalo.
11AM. NBBA Hunt At Oselka Park. New
Buffalo. 1PM. Lakeside Association
Hunt. Lakeside Park. Lakeside Road and
Red Arrow Highway. Lakeside. 1PM.
American Legion Post #169. 19139 W.
US 12. New Buffalo.
The Easter Bunny will be traveling from hunt
to hunt to visit the children. Bring a basket to
each event for gathering eggs and prizes.
MAKE AN EDIBLE MUSHROOM LOG
10AM-NOON Fernwood Botanical Gardens.
13988 Range Line Road. Niles. 269-6956491. www.fernwoodbotanical.org.
New Buffalo High School’s Envirothon
team, the Omnipotent Energizer Bunnies,
will show you how to raise oyster and
shitake mushrooms at home for use in
your recipes. Participants will be able to
make and take a mushroom log home.
$5 (Members Free).
THE OAK RIDGE BOYS
8PM. CST. Blue Chip Casino. Stardust
Event Center. 777 Blue Chip Dr.
Michigan City. 219-879-7711.
www.bluechipcasino.com.
Tickets from $35.
TUESDAY, APRIL 22
GIVE BACK DINNER-LOGAN CENTER
5PM. Bentwood Tavern. Marina Grand
Resort. 600 W. Water St. New Buffalo. 269469-1699. www.bentwoodtavern.com.
Logan Center will be the beneficiary of
the evening. Enjoy a meal, cocktails and
socialize with fellow community members.
Fifty percent of the proceeds will be
donated back to support people with
disabilities achieve their desired quality of
life. Reservations are suggested.
THURSDAY, APRIL 24
MICHIGAN WORKS!
10AM-NOON. Help4SWMI Advocacy Center.
On site career coaching, resume and
cover letter development and interview
preparation. A minimum of six attendees
is needed for this workshop. A listing of
current job openings in Berrien County
is available during HELP office hours
and you may use the office computers to
apply for jobs. Call for an appointment.
FRIDAY, APRIL 26
AD FEST AND FEAST 2014
7PM Acorn Theater.
Back by Popular demand, this is one of
the most fun-filled evenings of Art Attack
weekend. Direct from the New York
Festival of International Commercials,
“Ad Fest and Feast,” is an evening of
viewing the world’s most award-winning
and funniest television commercials
of 2013. Sample cuisine prepared by
Harbor Country’s finest chefs. Enjoy fun,
food and laughter. Reservations are
recommended. Tickets are $40.
FRIDAY-SUNDAY,
APRIL 25-27
ART ATTACK 2014
10AM.-6PM. Throughout Harbor Country.
269-469-5409. www.harborcountry.org.
The 21st Annual weekend celebrates the
arts in the eight towns of Harbor Country.
Art Attack features gallery receptions,
artist demonstrations, group exhibitions,
live performances, culinary tastings, and
more at inns and specialty shops! View a
brochure and map on the web site.
The information for these events is correct, as of the
Tuesday before publication date. Please contact the
events listed with any questions. And please send us
any events at [email protected]. Deadlines
are the Fridays before the following week’s publication.
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Exit 12, bike path projects in the
works in Chikaming Township
R
by francesca sagala in chikaming township
ecently, members of the Chikaming Township Board have been
working to improve the nature of the surrounding area.
At the Township meeting on Thursday, April 10, Theresa Priest,
Zoning Administrator and Land Official, gave a presentation
on beautifying the areas surrounding both the eastbound and
westbound Exit 12 ramps. Priest said she would like to get locals, merchants and
business owners to help beautify the area by cleaning it up, as well as planting
native flowers or other vegetation, which could possibly involve getting a local
person who is familiar with native plants to help. She also said she would like
to get members of the Park Board, as well as the River Valley Garden Club, on
board. Priest said the area is not well maintained, as no one picks up the plants.
She said it’s important that people coming off the expressway get a good first
impression, as they are the “gem of Harbor Country.”
Board members reacted positively to Priest’s idea, and approved it.
“Don’t get mad when I hand you all orange vests to clean up,” Priest warned
Board members.
Board members also confirmed their commitment towards their bike path
project. The Board had approved using approximately $75,000 towards the
project, which would involve bike lanes in the vicinity of Youngren and Lakeshore
roads, with a striped highway crossing nearby. Supervisor Wayne Werner said
while the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is willing to assist
them with funding, they want to make sure Board members are fully committed
to maintaining the bike paths.
Currently, Werner said he has “no idea of the actual cost” to maintain the
trails, although he said that the cost range would be around $1,300 per year.
Bill Marske proposed that Board members commit up to $2,000 “for now”
per year for the maintenance of the paths; if they discover it will cost more,
than they can come back and discuss what they should do. Board members
approved Marske’s proposal.
Board members accepted the resignation of Planning Commission Vice
Chairman Robert Beemer. Members also approved the Planning Commission’s
recommendation to appoint three new members- Grace Rappe, Andrew Brown
and Dick Carlson- to fill vacant spots on the Commission by a vote of 4-1.
Board members also approved members of the Zoning Board to attend the
MTA workshop, “ABCs of ZBAs,” to take place in Battle Creek, Mich., as well as
Chief of Police Todd Taylor and Fire Chief Mike Davidson to attend the Great
Lakes Homeland Security Conference from May 13 to 15 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Also at the meeting, Board members reviewed a Denial of Land Division.
Priest said Mark Ulrich and Laurie Mykelby want to acquire 10 acres of a
14-acre parcel of land; however, this would only leave about 4.93 acres to
be maintained by seller William Jurak, and zoning ordinances call for the
remainder of the parcel after a split to be at least 10 acres. Board members
voted to overturn the denial.
Board members approved Sally Taylor’s Co-op to Condo request for L & L
Homeowners Association per the Planning Commission’s approval. The co-ops
are two units, each with its own address.
Dreams of Duneland Bus Tour
D
r. Ken Schoon’s new
book, “Dreams of
Duneland,” is the
inspiration for a
sweeping tour that
will change the way people think
about the region.
An educator, geologist, author
and northwest Indiana native, Dr.
Schoon is retired from the School
of Education at Indiana University
Northwest following a 40-year
career. The author of a number
of books, Schoon’s latest is an
illustrated introduction to the Dunes
region, its history and future.
“The Dreams of Duneland”
tour is scheduled for Saturday,
May 17, from 9am to 5pm. The day
begins at Dunes Learning Center,
located on the grounds of the
historic Good Fellow Youth Camp,
inside Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore. Following a brief
presentation, a chartered bus will
transport participants to historic
and natural sites highlighted
in the book, including Bailly
Homestead, Chellberg Farm and
the Century of Progress World’s
Fair Homes. Tickets for this unique overview
of the natural history and ecology
of the dunes are $65 per person.
The price includes transportation,
lunch and a copy of “Dreams
of Duneland” to take home. For
information, or to purchase tickets
online, visit duneslearningcenter.
org/educators-adults or phone
Dunes Learning Center at 219-3959555 x4. — staff report
New bylaws for
Pokagon Fund
T
he ongoing issue over
representatives to The
Pokagon Fund may soon
reach a conclusion, as the Pokagon
Band of Potawatomi Indians Tribal
Council has amended a bylaw
regarding the removal of township,
city and tribal representatives. All
amendments must be approved
by the three parties to the Local
Agreement - the New Buffalo City
Council and Township Board will
likely discuss this at upcoming
meetings.
During the The Pokagon Fund’s
October 2013 meeting, the Board
of Directors voted to remove New
Buffalo Township representative
Paul Oselka, claiming he failed
to disclose potential conflicts of
interest. Oselka has maintained
there was no impropriety. After
meeting to discuss the issue,
the Township Council appointed
Trustee Pete Rahm to serve as
interim representative.
New Buffalo Township Council
sent a letter to the New Buffalo
City Council and the Pokagon
Band Tribal Council requesting
both groups’ assistance in
opposing the removal. The letter,
signed by all five Township Council
members, asserted that when The
Pokagon Fund’s Board of Directors
removed Oselka, it went against
the Local Agreement and The
Pokagon Fund bylaws.
The January 13 letter cited
bylaws, including that any
amendment to bylaws or articles
must be approved by a vote of 75
percent of the total board, and that
“representatives shall serve until
they resign or are replaced by the
respective governing bodies that
appoint them.”
Tribal Council member and The
Pokagon Fund Board of Directors
Chair Roger Rader shared the letter
with the Tribal Council, which voted
unanimously to amend the bylaws,
establishing a procedure for the
removal of a representative if there
should be a conflict of interest or
financial gain. According to Rader,
“After careful consideration and
deliberation, the Pokagon Tribal
Council unanimously approved the
creation of this bylaw to ensure the
integrity and longevity of the Tribe’s
generosity in the community.
Never should the 501(c)(3) status
of The Pokagon Fund be at risk
or in question. This bylaw assures
that the Board of Directors of The
Pokagon Fund is able to safeguard
the assists of the Fund as the law
and Local Agreement intended.”
— therese donnelly
19
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www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
to your health
the many benefits
of organic food
by karen edwards ND, MH
Dr. Edwards is a Board-certified Doctor of Naturopathy and Master Herbalist, nutritional
speaker and writer. She has owned Holistic Alternatives for 17 years, although she does
not take new patients. She founded a monthly meet-up group where she teaches taking
responsibility for your health naturally, with a focus on teaching the raw truths to better
health. To attend a meeting or learn more, visit www.laportecountyveganrawgroup.com.
S
qualified. dedicated. innovative.
real estate:
full residential, condominium and
commercial real estate services including
sales, purchases and exchanges, family
cottage planning and tax planning
estate planning/proBate:
powers of attorney, wills, living trusts,
elder law, probate and trust administration
17656 u.s. highway 12
new Buffalo
(269) 469-5297
Business law:
corporations, l.l.c.s, purchases and sales,
and liquor licenses
www.passarokahne.com
pring is here, and most of
our diets are beginning to
change towards healthier
foods. On the list are more
vegetables and fruits that
are lighter in calories, which our
bodies need to cleanse and rebuild
from winter overload.
Every year, more and more
savvy consumers are purchasing
organic, and it seems that every year
the stakes of why you should get
higher- from protecting the health
of your family in future generations,
to preventing the collapse of the
bee population, and doing our part
against climate change.
The benefits of eating organic food
go straight to the farm, where no
pesticides and chemical fertilizers
are used to grow organic produce.
This means better health for you,
that workers and farm neighbors
aren’t exposed to potentially harmful
chemicals, that less fossil fuel is
converted into fertilizers and that
there will be healthier soil that
should sustain crops for generations
to come.
Soil is the foundation of the food
chain. The primary focus of organic
farming is to use practices that build
healthy soils. Organic soil is alive
and full of nutrients and probiotics
that feed and nourish life. Many of us
have heard, “Organic food isn’t more
nutritious - don’t waste your money.”
However, The Soil Association
says that an organic diet increases
consumption of vitamins, minerals,
antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
Those who eat organic foods will
also agree to this. When food isn’t
genetically modified and poisoned
with chemicals, we are getting the
food that was originally meant for
our consumption and health.
Organic farmers have to make
sure that the land is chemical-free
for three years before they can farm
any food on this land. There are no
pesticides used in growing organic
food. Why should you care about
pesticides? Pesticides are toxic by
design! Different pesticides have
been linked to a variety of health
problems, including hormone
disruption, cancer and brain
toxicity. Organic agriculture is one
way to prevent any more of these
chemicals from getting into the air,
earth and water that sustain us.
Much of the commercial food supply
is contaminated with hormones,
antibiotics, GMOs and neurotoxic
pesticides.
Forty years ago, we didn’t call it
organic… it was just food. There
were no mutations of the genes and
we didn’t have to worry about the
cocktail of poisons from pesticides.
Pesticides can remain in the body
for years. Many chemicals from our
food are not readily excreted and
can remain for years in our blood,
adipose (fat) tissue, semen, muscle,
bone, brain tissue, or other organs.
Chlorinated pesticides, such as DDT,
can remain in the body for 50 years.
This gives you an idea of why we
have so many health issues today.
As consumers, it is important to be
diligent and knowledgeable about
what we are eating.
Organic certification is the public’s
assurance that products have been
grown and handled according to
strict procedures without toxic
chemicals.
One complaint is that organic
food is more expensive. This is a
no-brainer, as strict guidelines for
organics are laid out. Organic food
must only use allowed practices
and substances. Three big specific
restrictions apply to organic foods:
they cannot use irradiation, sewage
sludge, or genetic modification.
People are finally starting to realize
that you get what you pay for.
If you are not able to purchase all
of your food organic, then stick to the
dirty dozen. This is a list of the fruits
and vegetables likely to contain the
highest amounts of pesticide residue.
This list can change from year to
year. For 2013, the foods listed were:
apples, celery, cherry tomatoes,
cucumbers, grapes, hot peppers,
nectarines, peaches, potatoes,
sweet bell peppers, spinach and
strawberries.
Our local organic farms are very
busy right now, preparing their
soil and planting the cold crop
vegetables. Make sure to support
your local organic farmer. This area
of the Midwest is offering more and
more farmers who grow organic
food. Farmers markets and co-ops
are readily available here. Eat organic
food for your own health and the
health of our planet.
To Your Health… Karen
The information presented in this article is
not medical advice and must not be used as a
substitute for medical treatment. This information
is meant for educational purposes only.
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
horoscope
April 17-23, 2014
as interpreted by Sandy “star” Bendt
Aries March 21—April 19
If you have been working on
changing your operations,
then this week will go very
smoothly, but if you have
been resistant to change,
this week may take you by surprise. Be
completely honest about how your current
system is working and be ready to remove,
delete, or update your whole operation.
Libra September 23—October 22
This is the week to pick out
new colors for your bedroom,
rearrange the furniture, or
design some outside living
space. Let your focus and
concentration turn towards home projects
that will make your space more functional.
Get rid of clutter and unused items, and
create more space to breathe in.
Taurus April 20—May 20
There is a serious need to
go it alone and identify your
own problems. Don’t let other
people diagnose your issues
or outline your healthcare
routines. You are in total control of your
body and can manage yourself just fine. The
important thing is to embrace your rock solid
willpower.
Scorpio October 23—November 21
It is important you stop
thinking about all the
changes you would like to
make and just start doing
them. What you want is not
that far off, and the stars are moving into an
alignment that generates prosperity. Once
you start doing the work, the changes will
happen very quickly. Moving on and up!
Gemini May 21—June 21
You are prone to do things
without planning, and this
has gotten you into trouble
before. Now you have the
opportunity to see what is
up and coming and have the foresight to
prepare, so do that. Take time to make the
right move first, and then you won’t have to
backtrack or undo your hard work.
Sagittarius November 22—December 21
Some of your support staff
or systems may not follow
through as you had hoped.
You might have to confront
someone about where
their loyalties are. Perhaps they have not
understood how much you were counting on
them, or the system in place isn’t designed
for your type of problem.
Cancer June 22—July 22
This week you will be
contemplating what it would
be like to get deeper into
a relationship. You have
a definite idea of how you
want things to be in your home and private
life. You’ll be okay with spending more time
together, but in the end, may pass on the
idea of permanently staying together.
Capricorn December 22—January 19
You will be very adamant
in taking care of your own
problems and fixing things
yourself, but it doesn’t hurt
to get tips from someone
who has already done it. You may feel like
your problems are not complicated enough
to warrant the need for help, but knowing
someone can help is comforting.
Leo July 23—August 22
A new health program may
challenge your ideas about
food and how your body is
reacting to it. You are more
willing to look at the deeper
causes, or the earlier experiences you have
had with food and nutrition, than ever before.
It is time to compare your existing diet
program with current scientific data.
Aquarius January 20—February 18
You will be feeling more
vivacious and robust
physically. It is important
you turn this energy inward
and challenge some of your
mental processes, rather than focus on the
problems of those around you. Follow your
own ideas of happiness and go deeper into
your own experiences.
Virgo August 23—September 22
Take the initiative to
communicate with strangers,
socialize with unusual
groups, and don’t be afraid
to approach any estranged
friends you might run into this week. Be openminded and listen, and you just might discover
something unusual and motivational. That will
be essential to your soul’s evolution.
Pisces February 19—March 20
Lady Luck might not be with
you at the casino this week,
but stop by a garage sale
and you may find the deal
of a lifetime. You will find
yourself in the right place at the right time to
get super deals on furniture, antiques, and
unusual artifacts. Keep your eyes open and
stop at those weird flea markets.
please call or email us for a subscription
269-469-1100 / [email protected]
New Buffalo Times
21
22
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
police
blotter
week of
april 7-12, 2014
april 7
False Alarm
PBT (x2)
april 8
PBT
april 9
PBT (x2)
april 10
Abandoned Vehicle Checks (x2)
Background Investigations
Assist Other Agency/NB Township
Driving while License Suspended
april 11
PBT (x2)
Fingerprints
Deliver Council Packets (x5)
Assist Other Agency/Texas Prisoner
Transport Van
Found Property (x2)
Ordinance Violation
april 12
General Assist
Property Damage Investigation
False Alarm
PBT
Suspicious Situation
Property Damage Accident
General Assist
Assist Other Agency/Three Oaks PD
Assist Other Agency/NB Township PD
classified ads
public notices
Apartments For rent
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING
Center of New Buffalo
1 bedroom apt. No smoking, no pets.
$550/mo. Utilities included except elec.
202-701-9174
NEW BUFFALO
Newly remodeled 3-bedrm. 1,000 sq. feet, 2nd floor
apartment for year round rental. Available May 1.
269-469-1364
houses For rent
CENTER OF NEW BUFFALO
1 Bedroom Cottage & 2 Bedroom Home.
No smoking, no pets. Avail. Immed.
202-701-9174
boat slips For rent
RESERVE YOUR 2014 BOAT SLIP AT THE
MOORINGS in New Buffalo, Mi.
30’- 46’ slips with price reduction for first time renters
on select slips! www.mooringsassociation.com.
Call 269-469-5790
The City of New Buffalo Planning Commission will hold a
Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 6:30pm, in the
Community Room, New Buffalo City Hall, 224 West Buffalo
Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117.
The purpose of this Public Hearing is for a Special Land
Use request for Shannon Bowen. This pertains to Article 10
Central Business District; Section 10-2 Uses Permitted by
Right and Special Use Permit; (25) Used retail merchandise
sales conducted entirely within an enclosed building and
handling product lines classified as antiques and used
second-hand surplus or factory seconds. The Zoning
Ordinance is available online at cityofnewbuffalo.org and City
Hall. More information regarding this request is available at
City Hall. The property tax codes for these properties are
11-62-0340-0137-00-1 with an address of 110 N. Whittaker C
and 11-62-0340-0137-01-9 116 N. Whittaker B Street,
New Buffalo, MI 49117.
There will be a Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
following the Public Hearing to consider this request.
Immediate seasonal opening for Pool Attendant,
Maintenance & Night Security.
Contact The Moorings @ 269-469-5790
This meeting is an open meeting. The notice is posted in
compliance with Open Meeting Act, Public Act 267 of 1976
and the Americans with Disabilities Individuals with disabilities
requiring auxiliary aids should contact the City Clerk by writing
or calling the following: Allyson Holm, City Clerk (269) 4691500, 224 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo, MI 49117.
for sale
All interested parties are urged to attend.
help wanted
Slightly Used Avantco Single-Door Glass Display
Freezer. LED Lighting, On Lockable Wheels.
Bought in June for $2100; Only $1800.
269-612-8797
Fish for Stocking
Most varieties pond lakes Laggis’ Fish Farm
269-628-2056 Days / 269-624-6215 Evenings
services
Hillary Bubb, Chairman
City of New Buffalo Planning Commission
BID NOTICE
The City of New Buffalo, Michigan, is requesting sealed bids
until 2pm (Michigan Time), on Friday, April 25, 2014, for the
construction of a 325’x2’x2’ retaining block planter at the
City’s Beach located at 100 Marquette Drive, New Buffalo.
Little Paws cat care
The personal and human touch for those times
when you’re away from home. Ask about plant
watering and other small things.
CAll 269-469-8314 or email [email protected]
Bid specifications are available from 8am to 4pm Monday –
Friday, Wednesdays until 6pm, at City of New Buffalo
City Hall at 224 W. Buffalo Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Telephone: 269-469-1500 (City Clerk Office).
wanted
Bids shall be sealed and clearly marked on the outside
“Sealed Bids –“Beach Planter”
Pre-1950s NEW BUFFALO TIMES or
1930s NEW BUFFALO SWEEP. If you’re cleaning
the attic or an old trunk, please think of us.
Stop by our office at 139 n. whittaker
in new buffalo or call us at 269-469-1100.
The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids
and waive any irregularities therein.
Allyson Holm, City Clerk
service/professional directory
HOWARD’s
excAvAting
For your Landscape
and Excavation Needs
Black Dirt, Clean Fill,
Landscaping Stone
Mulch of all Kinds, Sand, Stone
and Gravel for Driveways
nO JOB tOO Big OR tOO sMALL
269-591-1521
18853 West US 12 in New buffalo
www.howardsexcavating.com
GET WELL
For: Stomach, Colon, Liver, Gall-Bladder, Pancreas, Rectal Disorders
www.STOMACHDOCTORS.COM
Rakesh K. Gupta MD,
Low out of pocket expense
Honors most private insurance
Accepts approved amounts from insurance
2500 Niles Avenue Ste. 9, St. Joseph, MI
269-428-2221/219-874-8711
www.newbuffalotimes.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
easter egg hunt
Saturday, april 19th
11:00am / OSelka park
easter egg hunt and visit
with the easter bunny
Open tO children ageS 1-12
every child getS an eaSter baSket
pluS Special
gOlden egg prizeS
refreShmentS
prOvided
thank yOu tO
the pOkagOn fund
fOr the eaSter
egg hunt
23
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Thursday, April 17, 2014
www.newbuffalotimes.com