Niles Daily Star

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021 SERVING NILES, BUCHANAN AND EDWARDSBURG

leaderpub.com • $1.00 Established 1886

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

NEXT STEPS
Downtown Development
Authority takes on

C
NODE expenses P8

RO KY ROLLING UP SLEEVES
Niles-Buchanan YMCA to host

ROAD
Johnson & Johnson vaccinations P3

GREEN LIGHT
State approves Niles social district, which
could allow visitors to roam with alcohol P4

TREE CITY USA

Dowagiac, Buchanan receive
national recognition P6

IMPROVEMENTS AHEAD
Berrien County commissioners
approve 911 grant P9

GUEST COLUMN
State small business relief
Niles Township discusses resurfacing, repairs plan stuck in gridlock P10

OBITUARIES
Phyllis Ballard Ronald McIntosh
Bernetta Black Stephen Richer
Susan Carroll Gary Schrader
Cheryl Hickman Michael Smith
Larry Johnson Allegra Worcester
Walter Karpinski Robert Wreggelsworth
Samuel Lacy P12-13 FEMA offering assistance for COVID funerals P2 Men sentenced for assault, fleeing police P5 MHSAA releases 2021-22 classifications P15
Page 2 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 FOCUS Niles Daily Star
FEMA offering assistance for COVID funerals
Brown Funeral Home to host program to help families navigate process
By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
NILES – An unexpected death
in the family can add a financial
burden to the emotional loss.
For many families in the area,
COVID-19 has been the cause of
an unexpected loss over the past
year. In Berrien County alone, the
health department reported Fri-
day morning it had confirmed 228
deaths due to COVID-19.
A Niles funeral home is hoping
to help families and individuals
who have lost someone, directly
or indirectly, to COVID-19 con-
nect with funeral cost reimburse-
ments from the Federal Emergen-
cy Management Agency.
On March 24, FEMA announced
it would provide financial assis-
tance for funeral expenses related
to COVID-19 that occurred after
Jan. 20, 2020.
Locally, Tim Brown, owner and
operator of Brown Funeral Home
and Cremation Services, 521 E.
Main St., said he and his team will
be there to help residents with the
process.
“We wanted to let families
know, especially whether they had
a funeral with us or with anyone,
if they’d like assistance in apply-
ing for the reimbursement from
FEMA that we could help walk
them through the process,” Brown
said.
The assistance could bring up to
plication possible.”
Brown said families may have
had to take loans our or put ex-
penses on a credit card to pay for
services.
“In many cases, it was unex-
pected and families were finan-
cially not prepared,” he said.
As a part of the funeral industry,
Brown said he witnessed families
burying two loved ones within the
same week during the height of
the pandemic. Though no amount
of money could take away from
the grief of the sudden loss of a
loved one, Brown said the FEMA
assistance can ease the financial
burden.
“Financial havoc that is also
caused on some of those has been
very difficult,” Brown said. “That’s
what the program is designed
to do, to offer a way to get reim-
bursed for those expenses.”
The program opens for appli-
cants on April 12.
“At FEMA, our mission is to help
people before, during and after
disasters. The COVID-19 pan-
Tim Brown, owner/operator of Brown Funeral Home in Niles, is demic has caused immense grief
part of an organization that helped shape the legislation resulting for so many people,” said Acting
in FEMA providing financial assistance to those who incurred FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton
funeral expenses due to COVID-19. The assistance individuals can in a released statement. “Although
qualify for is up to $9,000. (Leader file photo) we cannot change what has hap-
pened, we affirm our commitment
$9,000 per individual who passed. legislation to assist families. to help with funeral and burial ex-
The assistance is a long time “It’s been ongoing for the last penses that many families did not
coming for Brown. For the last three or four months,” Brown said. anticipate.”
several months, he has been work- “I’ve attended a couple different Eligibility for COVID-19 funeral
ing with the National Funeral Di- training sessions so that [Brown assistance requires the applicant
rectors Association, in partner- Funeral Home] would be a little to be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen
ship with FEMA, to work on this better equipped to make that ap- national or qualified alien who in-
curred the funeral expenses. Mul-
tiple individuals who contributed
to funeral expenses should apply
as a single applicant and co-ap-
plicant. Applicants may apply for
multiple deceased individuals.
The deaths from COVID-19
must have occurred in the U.S. or
in U.S. territories.
The assistance is intended to
help with the costs directly related
to funeral services and interment
or cremation.
Brown said anyone who is inter-
ested in guidance for filing for the
assistance can reach out to Brown
Funeral Home at (269) 683-1155.
“We can set up a time when
[those interested] can come in.
We have several staff members
trained specifically to file that
claim,” Brown said.
The offer from Brown Funeral
Home is open to anyone, not just
families who hosted a funeral with
the company, Brown said.
“We’ve been contacting a lot of
the families we have served that
have family members who passed
from COVID-19 or COVID-19 re-
lated symptoms to let them know
we already have a lot of their doc-
uments they need here,” he said.
“After April 12, we can help if
they’d want that. Most of our fam-
ilies have asked us to assist with
that.”
More information from FEMA
on COVID-19 funeral assistance
can be found at fema.gov/disas-
ters/coronavirus/economic/fu-
neral-assistance.
 Niles Daily Star COVID-19 Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 3
sJohnson and Johnson vaccine
-clinic to be hosted at YMCA
dBy CHRISTINA CLARK
ychristina.clark@leaderpub.com
-
NILES – The single dose Johnson and John-
son COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed in an
9upcoming clinic in Niles to residents.
Members of the Greater Niles Chamber of
Commerce email list received word Thursday
that the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, 905 N. Front
St., would host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic on
April 21 with the Johnson and Johnson Janssen
vaccine.
- The clinic will be at the new gym at the
eNiles-Buchanan YMCA on Wednesday, April
n21, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The single dose John-
son and Johnson’s Janssen vaccine is currently
approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food
.and Drug Administration for those 18 years and
older.
According to Kayla Foster, marketing direc-
tor with the YMCA of Greater Michiana, com-
lmunity partners were given advance notice of
tthe clinic. Registration will be opened to the
hgeneral public next week.
Gillian Conrad, communications manager
fwith the BHCD, said the health department has
tbeen partnering with agencies to distribute the
vaccine, and has been giving them priority ac-
-cess to register online.
Though Conrad said the Johnson and John-
-son vaccine has been available in the county
.for a few weeks now, it remains the least distrib-
uted version of the vaccine in Berrien County.
-According to data released Michigan Depart-
hment of Health and Human Services Thursday,
roughly 5,000 of the nearly 75,000 vaccines dis-
Atributed in the county had been from Johnson
eand Johnson.
- “A lot of people want the Johnson and John-
-son vaccine. There are a variety of reasons why
people want it,” Conrad said. “A lot of the inten-
tions from the federal government was to use it
in harder to reach communities.”
During a March 16 joint update from the
BCHD and Spectrum Health Lakeland’s Pres-
ident Loren Hamel, Hamel compared the ad-
ministration of the Johnson and Johnson vac-
cine to that of a flu shot.
He said the advantage of the Johnson and
Johnson vaccine was its single-dose nature, and
not requiring the extreme refrigeration the two-
dose vaccines require.
The extreme refrigeration required for
COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna, and espe-
cially Pfizer, limit its distribution to sites with
special deep freezers.
On Feb. 27, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whit-
mer commented on the FDA authorization of
the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
“Our vaccine rollout will continue to focus on
our most vulnerable, promote equity and priori-
tize our essential workers and at-risk Michigan-
ders. The addition of this one-and-done vaccine
will help us get shots in arms quicker,” Whitmer
said.
In Berrien County, Conrad said demand for
the vaccine has been overwhelming.
“We have been attempting to offer it in a vari-
ety of communities,” she said.
The health department predicts appoint-
ments for the April 21 Johnson and Johnson
clinic will fill quickly.
Outside of the Johnson and Johnson vac-
cine, the health department will host a Pfizer
vaccine clinic Saturday, April 17 at Niles High
School, 1441 Eagle St., Niles. Appointments are
limited and require pre-registration at bchdmi.
org/1745/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information.
In the Niles and Buchanan areas, Rite Aid
locations have the Moderna vaccine available.
The Moderna vaccine is the most widely-dis-
tributed version of the vaccine in Berrien Coun-
ty, with more than 50,000 doses delivered to res-
idents, according to MDHHS.
Conrad said residents in surrounding areas
may be experiencing a harder time finding a
vaccine appointment, which is why the Berrien
County Health Department has welcomed Cass
County residents into its clinics.
“Cass County is a smaller county, and they
have a smaller health department that they
share with Van Buren County,” Conrad said.
“We are fortunate to have great partnerships
with great partners in the area, providers and
a strong health department that has made this
commitment.”
Page 4 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 BUSINESS/PUBLIC SAFETY Niles Daily Star

State approves Niles social district Niles DDA leaders

By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
NILES – An official social dis-
trict in Niles downtown was given
a fresh pour toward its next step
from the state on Tuesday.
The Michigan Department of
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Liquor Control Commission re-
leased a list of 39 cities around
the state approving governmental
units that have established social
districts. Niles is the lone city in
Berrien County approved to take
next steps in licensing of business-
es to participate in selling alcohol-
ic beverages to be enjoyed outside
of participating restaurants and
bars, as visitors shop and socialize.
In August 2020, the Niles City
Council approved a social district
for the city in a seven to one vote,
with council member Georgia
Boggs being the lone vote against
the district.
At the August meeting, Lisa
Croteau, director of marketing
and administration for the Niles
Main Street/Downtown Develop-
ment Authority, said it was not
just about giving people a place to
drink alcohol.
“It’s about having this be an add-
ed amenity when people come to
town to allow them to wander and
explore,” Croteau said at the time.
“They might find a business they
didn’t know was here that might
become their favorite place once
they find it.”
On Wednesday, Croteau said six
businesses were sent information
about next steps to participate
in the city’s social district – an
area defined by being downtown,
and serving alcoholic beverages
in approved containers for those
21 years of age and older to par-
take in as they move around the
dedicated space downtown. The
businesses previously considering
participating in the social district
currently have existing liquor li-
censes with the state.
The Niles Outdoor Dining Ex-
perience, on Second Street at the
corner of East Main Street, allows
for residents and visitors to the
Niles downtown to use the space
to have alcoholic beverages and
food at the tables and around the
fire pit. The NODE was approved
for a year in its current location by
the Niles city council in a split vote
of five to two on March 22. The
NODE is located nearly halfway
between Iron Shoe Distillery, 3 N.
Third St., and Front Street Pizza
Pub, 510 N. Front St., two business-
es considering participating in the
social district.
“I believe the social district is a
huge piece of The NODE,” Croteau
said on Wednesday. “There’s no
better place for it. If you’re going
to be wandering through [town], it
is a central location. As we expand
and make it a more fun place,
make it a more attractive place, I
believe it will be a huge asset and
amenity for downtown to bring in
people.”
During the Niles DDA meeting
Wednesday morning, vice presi-
dent Justin Flagel said he had done
research on social districts in oth-
er cities.
discuss next steps
“Long before we approved the
social district in Niles, I did many
hours of research, especially in the
state of Ohio, for about five years,”
he said. “I spoke to cities, small
and large — cities way smaller
than us and as large as Toledo. One
hundred percent across the board,
the replies were that they had
zero issues as far as an increase in
criminal behavior or troubles with
public drunkenness or things that
[citizens] may be concerned about
with the social district.”
Flagel said he had notes and
contacts he would be willing to
share with members of the DDA.
The next steps for the social
district would include businesses
wishing to participate to get ap-
proval from the state’s liquor con-
trol commission.

POLICE LOG — MARCH 31-APRIL 4

March 31
4 a.m. – 600 block N. Front,
suspicious person
4 a.m. – 300 block N. Second,
traffic
4:06 a.m. – 200 block Cass,
alarm, fire or carbon monoxide
7 a.m. – Inner/Silverbrook,
meals
8:07 a.m. – 1300 block Broad-
way, breaking and entering
9:44 a.m. – 200 block Cass,
larceny
10:18 a.m. – 900 block S. 15th,
civil dispute
11:31 a.m. – 700 block Platt,
larceny
11:45 a.m. – 1200 block S. 11th,
obstruction of justice/warrant
12:47 p.m. – 400 block S. 11th,
traffic stop
1:21 p.m. – 700 block Oak, lar-
ceny
1:21 p.m. – 900 block Silver-
brook, traffic stop
2:20 p.m. – Grant/N. Lincoln,
traffic stop
2:43 p.m. – Silverbrook/Inner,
obstruction of justice/warrant
2:59 p.m. – S. Lincoln/Em-
mons, traffic stop
3:39 p.m. – Grant/Spruce, traf-
fic stop
4:32 p.m. – 2300 block N.
Fifth, traffic stop
4:58 p.m. – N. Fifth, traffic stop
5:07 p.m. – N. Fifth/Lake, traf-
fic stop
5:31 p.m. – N. 13th/Lake, traffic
stop
5:48 p.m. – 500 block Bond,
suspicious situation
5:55 p.m. – N. Eighth/Lake,
traffic stop
7:29 p.m. – 700 block Poplar,
fraud
9:55 p.m. – 1100 block S. 11th,
traffic stop
11:46 p.m. – 1100 block S. 11th,
alarm-burglary/others
April 1
2:38 a.m. – 1600 block Syca-
more, assault and battery
2:17 p.m. – 900 block Broad-
way, fraud
2:55 p.m. – Grant/Market, traf-
fic stop
3:09 p.m. – N. St. Joseph, hit
and run/operating while intoxi-
cated/driving while license sus-
pended
4:09 p.m. – 1700 block Oak,
parking/traffic/abandoned vehi-
cle
4:52 p.m. – Grant/N. Lincoln,
traffic stop
5:23 p.m. – N. Fifth/James,
traffic stop
5:57 p.m. – Grant/N. State,
traffic stop
9:02 p.m. – N. 17th/Cass, traf-
fic stop
9:19 p.m. 0 N. Seventh/E. Main,
traffic stop
9:46 p.m. – S. Fourth/Michi-
gan, traffic stop
10:51 p.m. – 300 block E.
Main, malicious destruction of
property
11:40 p.m. – E. Main/N. Ninth,
traffic stop
11:52 p.m. – 1600 block N.
Fifth, assault and battery
11:55 p.m. – E. Main/N. Ninth,
traffic stop
April 2
1:33 a.m. – 1500 block Hickory,
suspicious situation
4:30 a.m. – 1100 block S. 11th,
alarm-burglary/others
7:34 a.m. – Grant/S. St. Jo-
seph, traffic stop
7:47 a.m. – Broadway/N. 14th,
traffic stop
11:34 a.m. – N. Tenth/Ferry,
traffic stop
12:57 p.m. – N. Eighth/Lake,
traffic stop
1:09 p.m. – Terminal/Industrial,
traffic stop
2:23 p.m. – S. Third/Huron,
traffic stop
2:58 p.m. – 1600 block Maple,
fraud
3:02 p.m. – Lake/N. Ninth, traf-
fic stop
5:14 p.m. – S. 11th/Cherry, traf-
fic stop
6 p.m. – Inner/Silverbrook,
meals
7:43 p.m. – N. Front/Pucker,
traffic stop
7:53 p.m. – Plym Park/Mar-
mont, traffic stop
8:23 p.m. – S. Ninth/Oak, traf-
fic stop
8:37 p.m. – N. Fifth/E. Main,
traffic stop
9:33 p.m. – N. Front/Howard,
traffic stop
10:54 p.m. – S. 11th/Oak, traffic
stop
11:08 p.m. – Terminal/Lake, hit
and run/operating while intoxi-
cated/driving while license sus-
pended
11:15 p.m. – 1300 block Broad-
way, traffic
11:19 p.m. – 600 block Broad-
way, disturbance
11:49 p.m. – 1500 block Hicko-
ry, noise
11:58 p.m. – 1400 block Broad-
way, suspicious vehicle
April 3
12:37 a.m. – 1100 block S. 11th,
alarm-burglary/others
12:38 a.m. – 1300 block
Broadway, traffic
1:14 a.m. – Broadway/N. 14th,
traffic
1:37 a.m. – 1300 block N.
Eighth, civil dispute
2:04 a.m. – Inner/Silverbrook,
obstruction of justice/warrant
2:11 a.m. – Wayne/N. Fifth, traf-
fic stop
4 a.m. – 300 block N. Second,
traffic
7 a.m. – Inner/Silverbrook,
meals
7:33 a.m. – Grant/Spruce, traf-
fic stop
8:08 a.m. – 1700 block Termi-
nal, alarm-burglary/others
9:43 a.m. – S. 11th/E. Main,
traffic stop
10:17 a.m. – S. 15th/Silver-
brook, traffic stop
10:22 a.m. – 1200 block S.
11th, assault and battery
11:24 a.m. – Taft/S. 17th, per-
sonal injury accident
1:01 p.m. – S. 15th/Silverbrook,
property destruction accident
1:51 p.m. – 600 block S. Third,
obstruction of justice/warrant
2:39 p.m. – 600 block Platt,
traffic stop
3:19 p.m. – S. 17th/Oak, traffic
stop
4:28 p.m. – N. Sixth/Howard,
noise
4:34 p.m. – S. 11th/Silverbrook,
malicious destruction of property
4:36 p.m. – 600 block N. Sixth,
noise
4:57 p.m. – 1400 block Maple,
suspicious person
5:02 p.m. – 1300 block Wells,
larceny
5:28 p.m. – S. 14th/Oak, traffic
stop
6:41 p.m. – S. 16th/Cherry,
noise
7:20 p.m. – Broadway/N.
Ninth, personal injury accident
9:16 p.m. – Sycamore/N. Sixth,
noise
April 4
12:05 a.m. – 1600 block N.
Fifth, traffic stop
12:40 a.m. – 400 block N.
Front, traffic stop
 Niles Daily Star PUBLIC SAFETY Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 5
Niles man sentenced to nine to
e
y
15 years for criminal sexual conduct
e
South Bend man gets
l
rprobation for fleeing
e
police, causing crash
By DEBRA HAIGHT
Leader Publications Contributor
NILES – A Niles resident is going
to prison after being convicted of
dcriminal sexual conduct.
Jacob Allan Ross, 29, of Niles,
pleaded guilty to third-degree crim-
linal sexual conduct and was sen-
stenced Monday in Berrien County
-Trial Court to nine to 15 years in
-prison. He has credit for 200 days
already served and must pay $198
in fines and costs. He must also reg-
ister as a sex offender.
The incident occurred last year
on Sept. 16, 2020, at a residence in
,Niles Township when he assaulted
a woman living in the same house-
hold where he lived.
Defense attorney Kaitlin Locke
,noted that Ross has never received
any substance abuse assessment or
ctreatment in his past encounters
with the criminal justice system.
She said Ross’ mother was a drug
addict and his father had served
time in prison.
“The presentence report makes
it seem like he is minimizing his
behavior, and that’s not the impres-
sion I got from speaking to him,”
she said. “He takes full responsibil-
,ity for his action. He’s never spent
more time in jail that he has here.”
c She asked Berrien County Trial
Judge Sterling Schrock to sentence
her client to five or seven years in
prison which would be below or
at the low end of the sentencing
guidelines.
“He knows he deserves some
time, but he needs counseling and
rehabilitation and treatment for his
substance abuse,” she said.
. “I believe that can be completed
in much less than nine years,” she
added. “The minimum sentence
is seven years, and I’d ask for five
Jacob Allan Richard Romeo
Ross Hill Jr.
years but at least 84 months.”
“I want to take full responsibility
for my actions,” Ross said before the
sentencing. “I apologize to the vic-
tim and I hope she can forgive me
some day.”
Judge Schrock said he was mind-
ful of Ross’ prior record.
“I understand his upbringing
could be a reason for that, but there
are consequences for his behavior,”
he said.
In another sentencing, an Indi-
ana resident was sentenced to pro-
bation for fleeing police.
Richard Romeo Hill Jr., 29,
of South Bend, pleaded guilty to
fourth-degree fleeing and eluding
police and was sentenced to two
years’ probation in the Swift & Sure
Probation Program, credit for 25
days already served and $598 in
fines and costs.
The incident occurred Feb. 7
when he fled police trying to make
a traffic stop in Niles Township.
Assistant Prosecutor Kate Arnold
described Hill’s actions as “pretty
risky behavior.”
“This was an incident that start-
ed in Michigan, went into Indiana
and caused a crash,” she said. “We
ask for probation and jail as well.”
Defense attorney Edwin Johnson
said his client made a bad decision.
“He made a bad choice,” he said.
“He was having some family diffi-
culties, and he saw the police be-
George Lawrence
Tovey
hind him and tried to get away. He
knows what he did was wrong, and
he takes responsibility. I don’t think
you’ll see him back here again.”
Judge Schrock told Hill that he
would not impose any additional
jail time but wanted him to under-
stand that there could be more jail
time or even prison if he violates
his probation and does not com-
plete the Swift & Sure program.
“What you need to understand
is that you have to follow the or-
ders,” he said. “If you do not, ev-
ery violation you appear before a
judge for will be jail time. It’s just a
question of how long. If you use up
too many opportunities, it’s high-
ly likely you will be sentenced to
prison. It’s time for you to change
your behavior.”
In other sentencings:
• Desmond Tutu Taylor, 31, of
Niles, pleaded guilty to carrying a
concealed weapon and was sen-
tenced to 18 months’ probation,
credit for two days served and $658
in fines and costs. The incident oc-
curred Jan. 1 in Niles.
• George Lawrence Tovey, 29, of
Eau Claire, pleaded guilty to fleeing
and eluding police and attempted
carrying a concealed weapon and
was sentenced to two years’ proba-
tion, credit for two days served and
$726 in fines and costs. The inci-
dent occurred Sept. 6, 2020, in Niles
Township.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Niles man hospitalized af-
ter motorcycle, SUV crash
BERTRAND TOWNSHIP
– A Niles man sustained criti-
cal injuries following an acci-
dent between his motorcycle
and a sports utility vehicle
Wednesday.
According to a statement
from Michigan State Police
Niles Post Trooper James
Lund, first responders were
dispatched to a personal in-
jury crash at U.S. 12 highway
near West Chicago Road in
Bertrand Township.
According to Lund, after
initial investigation, it ap-
peared the driver of the SUV
came to a stop at the inter-
section of U.S. 12 and West
Chicago Road. The driver
entered the intersection, and
into the pathway of a west-
bound motorcyclist on U.S.
12.
The operator of the mo-
torcycle is a 64-year-old man
from Niles.
The motorcyclist was
wearing a helmet at the time
of the crash. He was trans-
ported by Southwestern
Michigan Community Am-
bulance Service to Memorial
Hospital in South Bend with
critical injuries.
The driver of the SUV sus-
tained no injuries.
The crash remains under
investigation.
MSP were also assisted
at the scene by the Pokagon
Tribal Police Department,
Berrien County Sheriff ’s De-
partment – Niles Township
and the Bertrand Township
Fire Department.
Man hospitalized
following Cassopolis shoot-
ing
CASSOPOLIS — A man is
in stable condition following
an early Saturday morning
shooting in the village of
Cassopolis.
At 1:15 a.m. last Saturday,
the Cassopolis Police Depart-
ment was dispatched to the
300 block of S. East Street in
the village of Cassopolis for a
report of gun shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers locat-
ed a 35-year-old man inside
a residence suffering from a
gunshot wound to the neck.
The victim was stabilized by
medics and transported to a
local hospital.
The alleged shooter,
a 42-year-old man from
Cassopolis, left the scene pri-
or to police arrival.
As of 8:22 a.m., the victim
was in stable condition, and
the case remains open pend-
ing more investigation.
The Cassopolis Police De-
partment was assisted on
scene by the Cass County
Sheriff ’s Office, Michigan
State Police, Pokagon Tribal
Police, Cass County CDET
team and PrideCare Ambu-
lance.
Cass County Sheriff’s Office
K9
locates suspect in Wayne
Township
WAYNE TOWNSHIP — A
Dowagiac man has been ar-
rested thanks to the work of
one of the Cass County Sher-
riff ’s Office’s four-legged em-
ployees.
Sheriff Richard Behnke
reported that deputies re-
sponded to an active alarm
at a residence in the 52000
block of Lake Shore Drive in
Wayne Township.
Deputies arrived at the lo-
cation and observed that all
the doors to the residence
were locked. Deputies ob-
served some movement in-
side the residence and made
contact with the homeown-
er who was out of town.
K9 Faust was requested to
search the residence and lo-
cated a 57-year-old Dowagi-
ac man barricaded in a room
in the basement. Deputies
also located firearms and
chainsaws that the subject
was attempting to steal from
the residence.
Page 6 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 COMMUNITY Niles Daily Star
Tree City U.S.A.
Buchanan, Dowagiac receive national recognition
By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
S OUTHWEST MICHIGAN –
The trees are just beginning
to bud in southwest Michigan,
but two cities bloomed as Tree City
U.S.A. honorees at the beginning of
April.
The cities of Buchanan and Dow-
agiac were among the 124 commu-
nities throughout Michigan to be
recognized by the Michigan De-
partment of Natural Resources and
Arbor Day Foundation with a Tree
City U.S.A. designation for 2020.
“People don’t think of a city full
of trees as a forest. In fact, it is,”
said Dowagiac Mayor Don Lyons.
“It takes management as any forest
does. We can’t afford to let it run
wild.”
Aligning the thought that trees in
the city are actually an urban forest
is something Lyons said Dowagiac
worked to do years ago. The city
has received the Tree City U.S.A.
distinction since 2007.
“It’s been a long-standing honor,”
Lyons said. “It does require that we
do certain things relative to man-
aging herb and forest. We do those
[requirements] every year. We are
proud to have another year as a
Tree City.”
In a released statement from the
Michigan Department of Natural
Resources, the Tree City U.S.A. pro-
gram has four standards communi-
ties must meet.
“The standards that must be met
each year are: a city department
or tree board, a public tree care
ordinance, a community forestry
program with an annual budget of
at least $2 per capita and a proc-
lamation and celebration of Arbor
Day, which takes place April 30 this
year,” the statement said.
Lyons said Dowagiac has bud-
geted for its forestry and has sev-
eral ordinances in place related to
its trees.
“Anytime the city takes a tree
down, we are obligated to plant an-
other one,” Lyons said.
Lyons said the city works to en-
sure it has a variety of trees on the
city’s properties.
In years’ past, there were more
ash and elm trees in the state. In
the early 2000s, like many commu-
nities, Dowagiac lost its ash trees
to the arrival of the emerald ash
borer, an invasive insect. Elm trees
had faced an invasive tree disease
previous to that.
“We have lost all but one of our
giant elm trees,” Lyons said. “We
are carefully looking after that.”
A few of the tree species found in
the city are maple, basswood and
walnut.
“We try to use species that pro-
vide shade and a fair amount of
leaves to pull carbon dioxide out
of the atmosphere. There’s a lot of
reasons to have the right species of
trees,” Lyons said.
The city’s Arbor Day celebrations
in the past have included giving
away tree saplings to residents.
With COVID-19, the celebrations
themselves have been on hold.
“We always have a resolution be-
fore city council to acknowledge
[Arbor Day’s] importance,” Lyons
said. “Those are things that we can
do to help draw attention to the
need for managing an urban forest
well.”
Kevin Sayers, a representation
of the Michigan DNR’s urban and
com-
muni-
ty forest-
ry program,
said communities honored with
the distinction receive items like
hats, flags, and an annual metal
medallion to affix to an existing
plaque to show the city’s commit-
ment to the trees.
“One-hundred twenty-four com-
munities were certified this year,”
Sayers said. “This is up from the re-
cent past, but just shy of our record
of 126 communities.”
In addition to the communities,
nine college campuses, one health-
care institution and one utility ser-
vice company were recipients of
the distinction for 2020.
A representative with the city
of Buchanan could be reached for
comment on the city’s Tree City
U.S.A recognition as of publication.
Niles Daily Star LOCAL GOVERNMENT Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 7
Road repairs center discussion at township meeting
Board members vote on match for special assessment districts, discussed pickleball courts
By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
NILES TOWNSHIP – During the regu-
lar Niles Charter Township board meet-
ing Monday evening, road improvements
came under discussion, as did pickleball
court repairs and department updates.
The board set a public hearing for the
Evergreen Road improvement costs for
the April 19 meeting, which begins at 6
p.m. at the township building, 320 Bell
Road.
The township board received a quote
from Wightman to resurface 475 feet of
Evergreen Road. The area between Park
Lane to the north side of the Niles city
property would be ground, graveled,
primed and double chip sealed, working
with the Berrien County Road Depart-
ment.
The total estimated cost from Wight-
man is quoted at $37,000.
“Evergreen is in poor shape,” said
Trustee Hershel Hoese.
The board also approved Supervisor
Jim Stover to seek quotes for work to be
done on Bicknell Road.
Stover had a letter from a resident of
Bicknell Avenue, which had “six or sev-
en” signatures attached supporting road
improvements to be done on the street.
Stover said he hoped the resident would
get more signatures representing those
on surrounding streets, including from
Wightman, Scott and McKee streets.
Treasurer Jim Ringler mentioned an-
other residential neighborhood had sub-
mitted a petition to the township about
roadwork on Shamrock Hills.
“They know the township is in no po-
sition to 50-percent [of paving and/or re-
surfacing costs],” Ringler said. “They are
willing to step up and pay. We used to do
this at 25-percent.”
Ringler said the Shamrock Hills resi-
dent who submitted the petition said he
would go back and acquire signatures
for the 75-percent cost to be on the resi-
dents, with a 25-percent match from the
township.
“I would like to make a motion that our
township participation be at 25-percent
on all special assessment public equity
road improvement going forward,” Ring-
ler said.
A special assessment district in Michi-
gan is an area where local improvements
will be made. These assessments are
made with those who request the change
in mind to fund it, as it will benefit those
in the immediate area most.
Ringler said he believed the township
would have the funds to match the 25
percent, but he would not be afraid to
“borrow and bond” it, as it was an infra-
structure improvement.
“We were never in the road business to
begin with. How many meetings have we
sat here and talked about roads?” Ringler
said. “We’re budgeting money for roads,
and we shouldn’t even be in the road
business at all.”
With Clerk Terry Eull and Trustee
Richard Cooper absent from the meet-
ing, all motions passed unanimously
with present members.
Later at the meeting, Jill DeLucia, chair
of the Niles Charter Township parks
board, presented an estimate of costs of
repairs obtained by those who play orga-
nized pickleball on the township’s courts
for maintenance. DeLucia said the pick-
leball players were informed there had
not been any maintenance budgeted in
the parks’ budget this year, and had piv-
oted to ask for scaled back work to the
courts.
“They have agreed that they would
undertake the repairs themselves. [The
pickleball league] wants to see if the
township can help with the paint [costs],”
DeLucia said.
The league also asked that the trees be
cut back from behind the courts, as they
drop debris onto the courts. The town-
ship board agreed they would consider
covering the cost of paint, but needed to
see a quote on the paint first. A quote on
the paint itself was not available at the
time of the meeting.
Also Monday, Ringler updated the
board that talks to make Niles Charter
Township Fire Department acting-chief
Tim Jesswein the full-time fire chief are
moving forward.
“We’ll have something before you at
the next meeting,” Ringler said.
He said if hiring is finalized, then hir-
ing a full-time firefighter to replace Jess-
wein’s position will move forward at that
time.
Page 8 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Niles Daily Star
Niles DDA takes on NODE expenses
Improvements, safety concerns, code violations
discussed at special meeting Wednesday
By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
NILES – The Niles Downtown
Development Authority/Niles Main
Street is considering ways to im-
prove the Niles Outdoor Dining Ex-
perience’s execution.
The Niles DDA discussed its op-
tions moving forward with The
NODE during its meeting Wednes-
day morning. The DDA approved a
motion, with Chair Bryan Williams
and board member Wendy Halder
abstaining, to take over expenses of
running The NODE from the city.
The DDA voted to use $2,500 from
its general fund to make immediate
improvements to The NODE, and
will request that the city provide
120 service hours throughout the
year on maintenance issues, such
as utility maintenance. The DDA
will seek to have the city bury The
NODE’s gas line as well.
Throughout the course of the
meeting, business owners, DDA
members and potential members
discussed concerns about The
NODE’s safety, as well as brought
forth potential solutions in to ele-
vate its execution.
During the meeting, Lisa Cro-
teau, director of marketing and
administration for the Niles DDA,
said two potential paths to fund the
improvements had come forward.
“The city has been able to get
some COVID-19 [relief] money, and
we are trying to figure out what it
can be used for,” Croteau said. “[City
Administrator Ric Huff] will ask
about streetscapes and walling in
The NODE.”
Croteau said the funding did not
appear until a few weeks ago.
“It’s a council decision as to how
that money is spent,” she said.
Another option was brought to
the table by Daniel Ashley, owner of
UltraCamp, 123 E. Main St., which
sits west of The NODE. He proposed
leasing The NODE from the city,
bringing in architects to design
the space and leasing it back to the
DDA at a reduced cost.
“I think a lot of this is really am-
biguous at this point,” Ashley said,
as many of the ideas are conceptu-
al. “I’ve been trying to do this kind
of stepping into the gap that exists
[around The NODE]. There are a lot
of lines that have been drawn where
people are on both sides of The
NODE. My fear is that everybody’s
kind of entrenched and not looking
at how to solve this challenge and
come up with something beneficial
for everybody involved. That’s really
what I’ve been working toward.”
The NODE has been topic of con-
troversy for the community. The
installation won recognition from The Niles DDA went over options to improve The NODE’s overall appearance and safety on Wednesday
MLive, a statewide news outlet, as morning. During the meeting, business owners discussed the orange jersey barriers and possible
“Michigan’s Best Outdoor Dining solutions for improving the installation. (Leader photo/CHRISTINA CLARK)
in Kalamazoo and SW Michigan”
in February. Arthur Havlicek, pres-
ident and chief executive officer of ley said. “The benefits and nega- terested in the field. One idea is to small, orange barriers wouldn’t re-
the Southwest Michigan Regional tives associated with The NODE are get younger minds involved in the ally do much in the way of that.”
Chamber, has also spoken positive- almost all anecdotal.” planning process for The NODE, as Williams said the barriers
ly of the impact of The NODE for lo- Ashley said he has had some ini- well as college students. were full of “hundreds of gallons”
cal businesses. tial meetings with architects who The two options — using of water.
However, 28 business represen- specialize in urban planning. COVID-19 funding to improve The “I don’t know if they will stop a
tatives signed a petition that was “As far as specific plans as to NODE and exploring options with semi, but they will stop traffic,” he
presented to the Niles City Council what The NODE would look like or Ashley — were not put to a vote said. “We have plans for concrete
in support of relocating The NODE features it would have, I think any- with the Niles DDA. planters [in their place].”
from its current location. thing in that direction is really, real- During the meeting, questions Keeping the gas line up to code
During the March 22 Niles City ly early,” he said. “I think one of the were raised relating to the safety of was a particular concern of Reno’s.
Council meeting where the council challenges is that there hasn’t been The NODE by DDA board member “Talking to our city inspector, af-
approved The NODE in its current very much community input on applicants, Melanie Kennedy, own- ter he went through and checked
location for at least another year, The NODE, and understandably so. er of The Grand LV, 104 N. Third St., the multiple violations, he said it
public comment was split on the The reason it came into existence and Stephanie Reno, owner of SLR should have been up to code in or-
issue, with community members was a bit of a crisis mitigation. Peo- Pilates and co-owner of Trap House der to have anybody there,” Reno
both for and against The NODE in ple were trying to act quickly. I feel 24 SLR, both on E. Main Street in said.
its current location. The council we’re beyond that point now.” downtown. Both inquired about Williams acknowledged there
passed the measure in a split vote Ashley believes his proposed stronger barriers to be put in place had been two issues needing to be
of five-to-two. leasing process would remove than the orange jersey barriers fixed with the gas line to the fire-
Ashley would like to see solutions some of the red tape from the city’s currently blocking the street from pit, including caulking to be done
to an installation surrounding busi- processes and allow things to move traffic. around the gas line connection and
nesses have strong feelings about. more quickly in the way of improve- “That’s something we should a concrete bollard next to its meter.
“I don’t think we’ve brought any ment. consider when you’re inviting fam- Croteau said she thought the
actual experts to the process so far. One of the architects Ashley has ilies and children to hang out in the caulk on the connection had been
It’s been everyone’s opinions about spoken to is a professor who runs a street with oncoming traffic in both completed, and the bollard was on
what they think is done right,” Ash- camp for school-aged students in- directions,” Kennedy said. “The order.
Niles Daily Star LOCAL GOVERNMENT Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 9
Berrien County commissioners approve 911 grant
Public safety response to
be upgraded as geographic
information systems improve
By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
BERRIEN COUNTY – Improve-
ments will begin this year on
Berrien County’s 911 location re-
sponse, thanks to a grant Berrien
County commissioners voted to
accept on Thursday.
Commissioners passed two
resolutions during Thursday’s
regular Berrien County meeting.
In a unanimous vote, commis-
sioners authorized the county to
accept a grant from the state of
Michigan’s project NG911. The
program works to fill gaps in the
geographic information systems,
or GIS. Berrien County was iden-
tified as a location in need of im-
provement.
According to Caitlin Sampsell,
director of Berrien County 911/
Public Safety, the grant accept-
ed by the board on Thursday will
never actually come to the coun-
ty itself. The commissioners ap-
proved the letter of participation
with the program, which will
then be provided to the state and
the identified vendor to work to
create an improved address over-
lay system. Once Berrien County
911 gets paired with a vendor,
the vendor will then take the
lead on a location overlay system
upgrade to assist first respond-
ers to a caller’s location more
accurately.
“Our county was identified as
one of the localities that does not
have an address point layer. We
would benefit from this grant,”
Sampsell said.
The address point layer will
create a mapping system akin
to how “pins” or points are seen
on structures using software like
Google Maps.
The system, when complete,
will help direct first responders
to a situation more efficiently.
“Your address might not fall at
the exact point it would should
up on a map,” Sampsell said. “If
we have an address in the sys-
tem, the street point is one place,
but the structure could be in an-
other. [With this system], we’ll be
able to direct responders to the
location more quickly.”
The system will also help in sit-
uations when calls from outside
of Berrien County’s boundaries
come through to its 911 dispatch
centers.
“We have a tower in the Eau
Claire area, and we will often get
Cass County calls because the
cellphone is hitting off of that
tower,” Sampsell said. “The call-
er could be in Cass or Van Buren
county. That creates an inherent
delay. We then have to manually
identify that it is not in our area
and transfer them to the correct
911 center. This should help elim-
inate those delays in the future.”
Sampsell said that Berrien
County has been participating
with the 911 GIS Repository in
Michigan since 2017 through a
signed agreement for the benefit
of 911 Public Safety Answering
Point operations.
These steps will help take the
current systems to “Next Gen-
eration 911,” which will use GIS
data. The “Next Generation 911”
is a move to have systems pro-
cess modern communication
types, like text message, multi-
media and potentially video.
“It changes [911] from our old
lines to a more reliable and resil-
ient network that can be report-
ed easier and quicker,” Sampsell
said.
The GIS address point gap fill
project will take place through
the year by a vendor, while the
Berrien County 911/Public Safe-
ty works with it to address any
adjustments needed.
“Ultimately, this project is a
really amazing opportunity for
us and for our GIS department,”
Sampsell said. “This is really la-
bor intensive when you do it
in-house. There are hundreds
and hundreds of addresses in
the county. It takes a lot of man
hours. They’re able to do the
heavy lifting for us and get going
to build on that going forward.”
According to Sampsell, the
911 Grant Program is funded
through the National Telecom-
munications and Information
Administration and National
Highway Traffic and Safety Ad-
ministration. It formed a NG911
Technical Advisory Committee
in 2019 “to provide administra-
tive and technical oversight of
the funding Michigan received
through its 911 Grant Program.”
A portion of that grant is dedi-
cated to the gap fill project for
GIS address points.
Page 10 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 OPINION/EDITORIAL Niles Daily Star

Niles Daily Star GUEST COLUMNS

ADMINISTRATIVE
GENERAL MANAGER
Ambrosia Neldon
(269) 687-7700
Choose to take one for the team
ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com

ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Rhonda Rauen
(269) 687-7711
M ajor League Baseball is un-
derway across the nation
amid hype and high hopes.
Twenty-six of the 30 teams played on
opening day, kicking off a full sched-
rhonda.rauen@leaderpub.com
ule of 162 regular season games. This
was an especially sweet beginning
EDITORIAL for fans after 2020’s truncated
MANAGING EDITOR
season. And the fans were there – in
Sarah Culton
(269) 687-7712
limited numbers, with masks on, but
sarah.culton@leaderpub.com they were there.
League commissioner Rob Man-
SPORTS EDITOR fred reflected, “I have never seen the
Scott Novak kind of anticipation for an opening
(269) 687-7702 day that I sense with respect to this
scott.novak@leaderpub.com
one.”
REPORTERS Leading up to the big day, players
Christina Clark and their families followed strict
(269) 687-7720 safety protocols to keep COVID-19
christina.clark@leaderpub.com cases and quarantines at a mini-
mum. And it worked. Only one team
Max Harden had to delay their first game due to a
(269) 687-7706
positive test.
max.harden@leaderpub.com
This type of discipline and ac-
countability gives me hope for the
ADVERTISING
CHRISSIE KAUFMANN
is a group fitness
instructor at the YMCA
of Greater Michiana.
rest of us, as well. Many of us are
tired of the pandemic, of its restric-
tions and requirements. We wonder
how long our community will be
threatened by this insidious virus
and its variants. We are tempted to
let down our guard.
There are reasons to believe,
however, that the final innings are in
sight. Vaccines are becoming avail-
able to increasing numbers of us,
and if we combine vaccination with
our current tools of masking, social
distancing, testing and quarantin-
ing, we may be able to turn the tide.
Again, another parallel from the
MLB: their current plan is to mass
vaccinate all players and staff who
are willing. If teams reach an 85
percent or greater vaccination rate,
then they will be allowed to remove
safety protocols among themselves.
However, when they are out in pub-
lic, they still plan to mask up. Getting
through the season depends on it.
St. Louis Cardinals president John
Moseliak said it well: “I do feel…
there’s this sense that the pandemic
is behind us. I don’t think that’s a
healthy mentality yet.”
Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised
that professional baseball players
are willing to “take one for the team.”
In fact, this popular expression has
its roots in the game itself. To help
his teammates advance to the next
base, a batter will sometimes sacri-
fice his average by hitting a fly ball
or bunt. To make the double play, a
shortstop sometimes uses his body
to block the runner sliding into base.
I asked my baseball aficionado
friends for examples of “taking one
for the team.” In addition to the
above examples, they also men-
tioned getting hit by the pitcher
to get on base, and even getting
beaned as revenge for a previous
walk. It seems that in the collective
effort to win the game, players are
routinely required to trade their
personal comfort for the good of
the team. Baseball takes patience
and strategy.
Our community is also grappling
with an opponent that will require
patience and strategy to beat. We
can choose to take one for the team
by getting vaccinated, getting tested,
quarantining, wearing masks, social
distancing and hand washing –
each of us making the right play
at the right time. We need to play
smart. If enough of us do our part,
we can all make it through this
season.
And who knows — we might
even win the game.

State small business relief trapped in gridlock

MARKETING CONSULTANTS
Jen Bounds
(269) 687-7717
jennifer.bounds@leaderpub.com

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
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W hen Michigan received $5
billion in federal COVID
funds last December, it
represented crucial relief for our
members and thousands of hurting
businesses across the region. Much
to our collective dismay, that small
business relief since has fallen vic-
tim to political gridlock in Lansing.
To recap, the governor released
her $5 billion spending recommen-
dation in mid-January. The Legis-
lature answered by sending three
supplemental budget bills totaling
$3.5 billion to her desk in early
March. Consistent with the intent
of the federal funds, both plans
centered largely around financially
supporting public health, educa-
tion, and small business survival in
our state.
Among the proposals unique
to the Legislature’s plan, however,
were a series of small business
relief initiatives that our chamber
strongly supported, including:
• $150 million to stabilize the
ARTHUR HAVLICEK
is the President and CEO
of the Southwest Michigan
Regional Chamber. He can
be reached at (269) 757-0216
or by email at ahavlicek@
smrchamber.com.
Unemployment Trust Fund;
• $300 million for a Property Tax
Relief program;
• $55 million for an Unemploy-
ment Insurance Relief program;
• $16.5 million for an on-premis-
es Liquor License Relief program;
• $22 million for a Food Estab-
lishment License Relief program;
and
• $11.5 million for a License and
Inspection Fee Relief program.
Despite initially passing with
wide bipartisan support, these
proposals ultimately failed to
garner the governor’s approval. On
March 9, she utilized her line-item
veto authority to remove the $555
million in small business-related
relief while approving roughly $2.5
billion in spending toward other
priorities.
At the time, Gov. Gretchen Whit-
mer’s administration indicated the
small business-related proposals
hadn’t been negotiated with her
office and represented “key points
of difference” between her admin-
istration and state legislators. The
Legislature promptly repackaged
these proposals into a new bill and
sent them back to her desk in the
hopes that she would reconsider.
Since little had changed from the
previous iteration, Governor Whit-
mer opted to veto that legislation
as well.
As a result of this gridlock, no
dollars have been actually dis-
bursed toward small business
survival from the $5 billion we re-
ceived over three months ago. This
should frustrate every business
advocate, every job provider and
every citizen in the state.
Rather than assigning blame
for this situation, let us instead
remind our executive and leg-
islative leaders of their shared
responsibility to develop, negoti-
ate, and pass meaningful budgets
that allocate spending towards our
state’s most important priorities.
These priorities should reflect the
most pressing needs of Michigan’s
citizens and, right now, little could
be more important than sending
much-needed relief to struggling
businesses and families.
As the voice for business in the
region, we are imploring our state
leaders to find a way to get these
funds across the finish line – even
if it means making a few political
concessions.
After all, what is compromise
but a shared sacrifice for the
greater good? Over the past year,
Michigan small businesses have
made countless, unprecedented
sacrifices on our behalf.
Lansing simply has to follow
their example.
Niles Daily Star LOCAL Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 11

The city of Niles and M.A.A.C. Properties have begun cleaning up the parks for the warmer months to come.
Views of the river will be opened up. Trash will be picked up, and safety surfaces will be placed around play

Spring cleaning
structures. Leader photo/CHRISTINA CLARK)

k
Contractors prepare parks as residents head outdoors
By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
NILES – Spring is coming, and the
parks are getting a refresh.
The city of Niles owns more than 20
parks throughout the city limits. Many
will be seeing some maintenance at-
tention in the coming weeks.
Contractors can already be seen
giving Riverfront Park a general clean-
up for the coming warmer weather
in Niles. Greenery is being cut back.
Views of the river are being opened
up. Trash is being collected, and play-
grounds will get fresh safety surfacing.
“The revitalization will help rejuve-
nate the parks and provide citizens
with a clean, fun and safe atmosphere
to enjoy their downtime while also
observing COVID-19 guidelines,” said
a release from the city.
The city’s parks contractors,
M.A.A.C. Properties, have begun the
process at Riverfront Park, near the
Amtrak bridge.
“We are required to maintain a veg-
etative buffer [to the St. Joseph Riv-
er],” said Niles Department of Public
Works Director Joe Ray. “We do need
grass and low-growing plants to block
[debris] from entering the river. We try
to hold off and wait every few years to
do a more aggressive trim or cut.”
Ray said the grass near the river still
will need to stand about a foot tall.
“We are doing a little more in-depth
trimming,” Ray said. “There are some
things we will end up removing and
grass seeding to make it look cleaner.”
The riverbanks are not the
only parts of the parks receiving
maintenance.
Play structures will be getting new
safety surfacing, or wooden ground
mulch, after April 15.
“It’s ground in a way that it shouldn’t
have sharp edges,” Ray said.
The safety surfacing will provide a
softer, and safer, surface for children
to play on.
The mulch will not become avail-
able to the city until mid-month, but
soon after it will be installed at the
play structures around the city.
“I surveyed every park that has play
structures that require a safety surfac-
ing material underneath them,” Ray
said. “Those are all going to be shored
up, so they’ll have the proper amount.”
The structures themselves will
be tightened up and maintained
as needed.
Litter and trash in the parks are
being addressed currently by the con-
tractors.
“The biggest thing is trash. Some of
[the parks] are really bad,” Ray said.
The contractors begin their work
with the city in April and continue
through October. The cleanup being
done currently will help get the parks
back into a more appealing condition
from the wear and tear of the fall and
winter months, Ray said.
Page 12 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 OBITUARIES Niles Daily Star

Phyllis Ballard great-grandchildren; sib-

Jan. 2, 1945 — April 7, 2021
Phyllis Ballard, 76, of Niles,
peacefully passed away at
South Haven Nursing Home
on Wednesday, April 7, 2021,
following an extended ill-
ness.
She was born on Jan. 2,
1945, to the late Charles and
Bernice (Hanes) Nichols in
Niles.
After graduating from
Niles High School, Phyllis
went on to wed Ralph Bal-
lard at a ceremony on De-
cember 30, 1962 in Niles.
Phyllis was a homemaker
most of her life and enjoyed
doll collecting and always
looked forward to the time
she was able to spend with
her grandchildren. A woman
of faith, Phyllis was a mem-
ber of St. Mary of the Immac-
ulate Conception Catholic
Church in Niles.
She was preceded in death
by her parents; and several
brothers and sisters.
Phyllis is survived by her
sons, Brian (Robin) Bal-
lard, of Hopkins, Michigan,
and Jeffrey (Holly) Bal-
lard, of Granger, Indiana;
four grandchildren; two
lings, Mary Ellen Ickes and
Norman “Bud” Nichols, both
of Niles; and many extended
family members and close
friends.
Cremation has taken
place, and the family will be
remembering Phyllis with
a private family service fol-
lowed by an interment at Sil-
verbrook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions
may be made in Phyllis’
memory to The Humane So-
ciety of Southwest Michigan
& Kindred Hospice of Por-
tage, Michigan.
Condolences, photos, and
memories may be left for
the family at BrownFuneral-
HomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been
entrusted to Brown Funer-
al Home & Cremation Ser-
vices, of Niles.

DEATH NOTICES
Cheryl Hickman, 69, of Niles, died Sun-
day, April 4, 2021. Arrangements are being
made by Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home,
of Niles.
Ronald K. McIntosh, 74, of Niles, passed
away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at his
home. Arrangements have been entrusted
with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Ser-
vices, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.
Stephen Richer, 65, of Niles, passed away
at his residence on April 8, 2021, of natural
causes. Arrangements are pending and en-
trusted to Brown Funeral Home & Crema-
tion Services, Niles. BrownFuneralHome-
Niles.com.
Michael D. Smith, 76, of Niles, passedK
away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at Lake-N
land Regional Medical Center in St Joseph.h
Arrangements are pending with Brown Fu-2
neral Home in Niles. BrownFuneralHome-
Niles.com. 8
(
Allegra Worcester, 84, of Niles passeda
away April 4, 2021, at Lakeland Hospital ina
Niles. Arrangements have been entrusted tor
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services,
Niles. i

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 Niles Daily Star OBITUARIES Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 13
-
d
Larry Johnson
Jan. 12, 1954 — March 27, 2021
Larry Paul Johnson, 67, of
Buchanan, passed away at
Memorial Hospital in South
nBend on Saturday, March
27, 2021.
Larry was born on Jan. 12,
-1954, to the late Cecil and
-Johnnie Mabelene (Brass-
field) Johnson in Niles.
After high school, Larry
worked as a machinist and
-started in a tool and die
apprenticeship. He worked
-as a tool and die maker for
many years until he retired
dfrom Modineer Company
in 2018. On Dec. 16, 1977,
-he married Linda Straw in
a candlelight ceremony at
nFirst Presbyterian Church
-in Niles. Together, they
-raised their three children.
Larry loved his family.
From coaching different
Susan Carroll
March 8, 1971 — April 3, 2021
Susan Carroll, 50, of
Kalamazoo, formerly of
Niles, passed away at her
home on Saturday, April 3,
2021.
She was born on March
8, 1971, to the late Linda
(Hamm) Carroll in Niles,
and raised by her mother
and step-father, John Mor-
rison.
Susan went on to work
in fast food and retail in a
variety of places through
the years, while raising
her five children. She at-
tended, with health per-
mitted, Granger Commu-
nity Church. Susan always
enjoyed shopping, eating
with her grandchildren
and cooking for family
To place an obituary, work with
your local funeral director, or
contact Leader Publications.
sporting teams that his
children and grandchil-
dren played, to helping fix
up his children’s houses, he
was a devoted and very in-
volved father. Anyone that
knew Larry, knew that he
would lend a helping hand
to anyone and there wasn’t
a project he couldn’t figure
out. He was the true defi-
nition of a handyman. He
and friends.
She was preceded in
death by her mother, Lin-
da Carroll-Hamm; step-fa-
ther, John Morrison; her
spouse of 26 years, Mi-
chael Thomas; brothers,
Ray and Roy Carroll.
Susan is survived by her
children, Michael Carroll,
PHONE: (269) 687-7712
EMAIL: obits@leaderpub.com
loved hunting, golfing, fish-
ing, traveling to warmer cli-
mates, and spending time
at Hemlock Lake sitting
around the campfire with
his family and friends.
He was preceded in
death by his parents, Ce-
cil Johnson and Mabelene
Chadwell; brother, James
Johnson; and grandson, An-
thony “AJ” Johnson.
Larry is survived by his
devoted wife of 43 years,
Linda Johnson; daughters,
Jamie (Arunas) Balciaus-
kas, of Galien, and Lind-
sey Johnson, of Niles; son,
Adam Johnson, of Niles;
grandchildren, Adeline,
Lily and Lucas Gill, of Niles,
Kairo and Kody Johnson,
of Niles, and Meile Balci-
auskas, of Galien; sisters,
Glenda Foster, of Niles, Jan-
ice Boyer, of Yipsilanti, and
Kathy (Craig) Sly, of Niles;
Tamisha Carroll, Johnnell
King, Kenneth Thomas, all
of Niles, and Rochele ( Jake
Zuidema) Thomas, of Ka-
lamazoo; nine grandchil-
dren with one soon to join;
sister, Tammy (Clifford)
Baxter, of Niles; and many
extended family members
and close friends.
and many extended family
members and close friends.
In keeping with Larry’s
wishes, he has been cre-
mated. Due to the ongoing
pandemic, his family will be
hosting an outdoor celebra-
tion of life this summer. In
a private ceremony, Larry
will be laid to rest on April
14 at Silverbrook Cemetery
in Niles, next to his grand-
son.
Those wishing to make a
memorial donation in Lar-
ry’s name may do so to the
family in care of Brown Fu-
neral Home by calling (269)
683-1155.
Condolences, photos,
and memories may be left
for the family at BrownFu-
neralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been
entrusted to Brown Funer-
al Home & Cremation Ser-
vices, of Niles.
Funeral services will be
held on Tuesday, April 13,
2021, at Brown Funeral
Home 2 p.m. with a time
of visitation beginning We’ll be there when you need us most
one hour prior. Interment
will follow at Mission Hills
Memorial Gardens.
Those wishing to make
a contribution may do so
in care of Brown Funeral
Home or gofundme.com/
help-lay-susan-carroll-to-
rest.
Condolences, photos,
and memories may be left
for the family at BrownFu-
neralHomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have
been entrusted to Brown
Funeral Home & Crema-
tion Services, of Niles.
Susan will be fondly re-
membered for her love of
family and kind spirit.
Page 14 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 OBITUARIES Niles Daily Star
Bernetta Black
Nov. 14, 1926 — April 5, 2021
Bernetta I. Black, 94, of
Mishawaka, passed away April
5, 2021, at the Rescare Home
in South Bend. Bernetta was
born Nov. 14, 1926, in Ber-
rien Springs, Michigan to the
late Floyd and Inza (Weaver)
Dunifin.
Surviving is her broth-
er, Robert Dunifin, and her
daughter-in-law, Melody
Rockwell, both of Niles; her
grandchildren, Brian (Tonya)
Rockwell, of Cassopolis, Stac-
ey (Mike Waterbury) Rockwell
and Sherry (Mike) Antisdel,
both of Niles. Also surviving
are her great grandchildren,
Nicholas, Sean and Taigan
Rockwell and Corissa Antis-
del as well as four great-great
grandchildren. Preceding her
in death was her husband,
Harry Black; her son, Harold
Rockwell and her siblings,
Harold and Donald Dunifin,
Dorothy Wallace, Betty Cun-
ningham, Edward Dunifin and
Doris Biggs.
There will be no formal ser-
Walter Karpinski
Aug. 31, 1937 — March 22, 2021
Walter “Dodge” Karpinski,
83, of Port St. Lucie, Florida,
passed away on March 22,
2021.
Dodge was born in Buchan-
an to the late William and
Helen Karpinski. He remained
in Buchanan until 1983 when
he retired to Florida. Prior to
retirement, Dodge worked
as a branch manager at In-
ter-City Bank in Buchanan.
Dodge was a huge sports
enthusiast. He played many
sports in high school, loved
softball and golf, coached his
sons’ little league and floor
hockey teams, and truly just
enjoyed watching and partic-
ipating in all sports.
Dodge was the beloved hus-
band of Carolyn for the past
60 years; loving father of Dan-
iel (Sandra) and David (Terri);
adored grandfather of Jordan,
vices for Bernetta, but the fam-
ily asks that you remember her
in your own special way. Cruz
Family Funeral Home and Cre-
mation Service of Osceola has
been entrusted with her care.
Bernetta was employed by
the Holiday Inn hotels in the
housekeeping department for
16 years. Her kind spirit caused
others to gravitate toward her
and she made many friends
throughout her lifetime. For
more than 20 years, she met
daily with a group of her
friends at the McDonald’s in
Indian Ridge Plaza where they
would laugh and tell stories.
Shaina Jacob (Zaki), Dodge,
and Devin; cherished great
grandfather of Brody; dear
brother of Bill, Chris, John,
and Rick.
A celebration of Dodge’s life
will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contri-
butions may be made to the
Concussion Legacy Founda-
tion.
Funeral arrangements were
entrusted to the care of Yates.
Samuel Joe Lacy
Oct. 3, 1943 — April 6, 2021
Samuel Joe Lacy, 77, of Dow-
agiac, passed away at Lakeland
Hospital in Niles on Tuesday,
April 6, 2021.
Sam was born on Oct. 3,
1943, to the late Samuel and
Lura (Leak) Lacy in Ripley,
Tennessee. After graduating
from high school, Sam moved
from Tennessee to Jackson,
Michigan and then to Dowa-
giac where he went on to work
in the heating and air industry
where he continued until he
retired from Rudy’s as a Coiler.
On Oct. 17, 1973, Sam wed Ear-
nestine Williams in Dowagiac.
Robert
Wreggelsworth
Nov. 4, 1960 — April 1, 2021
Robert M. Wreggelsworth,
60, of Buchanan, passed away
on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at
his home.
He was born on Nov. 4,
1960, in Buchanan, to John
and Sue Ann (Ketchum)
Wreggleworth. Robert has
worked several different jobs
throughout his lifetime. The
one he was best at was an all-
around handyman. He could
Gary Schrader
Feb. 13, 1949 — March 29, 2021
Gary Schrader, 72, of Niles,
passed away on March 29,
2021, with his family at his side.
He struggled for two weeks
battling COVID-19. Sadly, the
virus was stronger than he
was.
Gary was born on Feb.
13, 1949, in Niles to the late
Richard and Joan (Albaugh)
Schrader.
He was a lifelong resident of
the Niles area. On Oct. 30, 1987,
he married the love of his life,
Patty True; she survives along
with his daughters, Lisa (Jen)
Frantz and Cindy Henning.
Already missing him are his
He was preceded in death by
his parents, Samuel Lacy II and
Lura Alice (Leak) Lacy; daugh-
ter, Melinda Williams; grand-
daughter, Alister Mincey;
fix anything; he enjoyed just
tinkering with “stuff.” During
grandchildren, Cierra Hen-
ning, who resided in the home
with Gary and Pat, Corbin,
Aleaya, Jenna and Zay Frantz,
all of Dekalb, Illinois and Pe-
nelope True of Dekalb, Illinois.
He is also missed deeply by his
great-granddaughter, Malaya
Coleman; and siblings, Flor-
ence Sparks, Earline Mitchell,
Idella Stenson, and Leak Lacy.
Sam is survived by his wife
of nearly 48 years, Earnestine
Lacy; daughter, Emily Phil-
lips, of Union City, Georgia;
grandchildren, Charmaine
Mincey and Darrius Coleman;
great-grandchildren, Bryson,
Sydney and Derion; siblings,
Orapha Crook of Bells, Tennes-
see, Deborah Pitts of Memphis,
Tennessee, Mai Vera Brooks
of Dowagiac, Michigan, Avery
Halliburton of Halls, Tennes-
see, and Laura (James) Mor-
gan, of Spring Arbor, Michigan;
and many extended family
his younger years, you would
often find him hunting or fish-
ing.
Robert is survived by his
mother, Sue Ann Wreggels-
worth, of Buchanan; sons,
Robert Wreggelsworth, of
Mishawaka, Jesse Wreg-
gelsworth, of South Bend;
step-children, Valerie Gun-
nett and Danny Grimes; two
grandchildren; brothers, John
(Kelly) Wregglesworth, Tim
Wregglesworth; along with a
host of extended family; and
several close family friends.
He was preceded in death
dog, Abby.
Gary had a great love of the
outdoors. He loved to fish,
hunt and was always active.
His greatest love was that for
his family. He was completely
devoted to them.
He retired from Niles Town-
ship after 30 years of service,
where he was manager of the
Public Works Department. In
the past three years, he worked
part-time as a security guard
for Roger Lange Investigation
and Security.
Gary always looked forward
to going “up north” and he
and Pat enjoyed many trips to
the casinos. Gary was always
a hard worker and a friend to
those in need. The loss of Gary
has devastated his family, but
members and close friends.
Homegoing service to honor
and celebrate Samuel’s life will
be held on Monday, April 12,
2021, at Brown Funeral Home
in Niles at noon with a time of
visitation one hour prior. Elder
James Bray will be officiating.
Due to the current COVID re-
strictions, masks and social
distancing are required.
Condolences, photos, and
memories may be left for the
family at BrownFuneralHome-
Niles.com
Arrangements have been
entrusted to Brown Funeral
Home & Cremation Services,
of Niles.
by his father; siblings, Fred
Wreggelsworth, Lee Wreggels-
worth, and Juanita Schoen-
feld.
In keeping with his wishes,
cremation has taken place. His
family is planning on hosting a
celebration of his life, later in
the spring.
Condolences, photos, and
memories may be left for
the family at BrownFuneral-
HomeNiles.com.
Arrangements have been
entrusted to Brown Funeral
Home & Cremation Services,
of Niles.
his legacy will live on.
A time of visitation washeld
on Saturday, April 3, 2021, from
2 until 4 p.m. at Brown Funeral
Home in Niles and will con-
clude with a brief tribute to
Gary.
In keeping with Gary’s love
of the outdoors and his com-
mitment to Niles Township,
memorial contributions may
be made payable to Niles
Township, Community Park,
320 Bell Road, Niles, Michigan
49120.
Memories of Gary may
be shared with his family at
BrownFuneralHomeNiles.
com.
Arrangements have been
entrusted to Brown Funeral
Home & Cremation Services.
GOT RESULTS?
scott.novak@leaderpub.com
(269) 687-7702
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
According to classification numbers released this week, Buchanan was one of several teams moving down a class for the 2021-22 season. (Leader file
photo)
Buchanan moving down to Class C
SUBMITTED
EAST LANSING — Classifications for
Michigan High School Athletic Associ-
ation elections and postseason tourna-
ments for the 2021-22 school year have
been announced, with enrollment breaks
for postseason tournaments posted to
each sport’s page on the MHSAA website.
Classifications for the upcoming
school year are based on a second se-
mester count date, which for MHSAA
purposes was Feb. 10. The enrollment
figure submitted for athletic classifica-
SPORTS SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
tion purposes may be different from the
count submitted for school aid purposes,
as it does not include students ineligible
for athletic competition because they
reached their 19th birthday prior to Sept.
1 of the current school year and will not
include alternative education students if
none are allowed athletic eligibility by the
local school district.
All sports’ tournaments are conducted
with schools assigned to equal or nearly
equal divisions, with lines dependent on
how many schools participate in those
respective sports.
For 2021-22, there are 746 tourna-
ment-qualified member schools. Schools
recently were notified of their classifica-
tion, and sport-by-sport divisions were
posted to the MHSAA website on April
5. MHSAA Executive Director Mark Uyl
said schools may not subsequently lower
their enrollment figure. However, if re-
vised enrollment figures are higher and
indicate that a school should be playing
in a higher division, that school would be
moved up.
See MHSAA, page 16
MORE ONLINE
For more stories and photos
visit www.leaderpub.com
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
Eddies’ Hoover
wins state crown
Bailey, Heath finish third
overall at Division 3 finals
STAFF REPORT
GRAND RAPIDS — The final weekend of high
school wrestling turned out to be a successful
one for area grapplers.
Edwardsburg senior Jackson Hoover (22-4)
brought home the biggest prize
as he captured the Division
2 145-pound individual state
championship as he defeat-
ed Fenton’s Jack Conley 7-2.
Hoover finished third at 140
pounds last season.
Hoover swept through his
four matches at Van Andel Are- Jackson Hoover
na in Grand Rapids on Friday.
He pinned Croswell-Lexing-
ton’s Aaron Lieber in 1:53 to start his title march.
He then won back-to-back matches against Low-
ell wrestlers, winning by decisions over Tacho
Gonzales 4-1 and Will Link 7-2. Link had defeat-
ed Hoover earlier in the year in overtime.
Hoover was not the only Eddies to earn a state
placing on Friday. Caden Reece was seventh at
171, Tanner Hursh seventh at 215 and Tabor
Lock eighth at 189.
Division 3
Also on Friday, Dowagiac and Brandywine had
wrestlers earn All-State status as Wyatt Bailey
finished third at 285 pounds for the Chieftains,
while Hunter Heath finished third at 160 pounds
at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo.
Both Bailey and Heath are three-time state
placers. Bailey finishes the season at 29-1, while
Heath was 31-3.
Dowagiac’s Jordan Simpson (24-5) finished
sixth at 112. He is a two-time state placer.
Division 4
Cassopolis’ William Westphal finished sev-
enth at 135 pounds in Division 4 at the Van Andel
Arena in Grand Rapids on Saturday. Westphal
finishes his three-year career with a 99-23 overall
record.
Page 16 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 SPORTS Niles Daily Star

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Student Advisory Council seeking applicants

SUBMITTED
EAST LANSING — The
Michigan High School Ath-
letic Association is seeking
student-athletes to become
members of its Student Advi-
sory Council beginning with
the 2021-22 school year.
Four boys and four girls
from the Class of 2023 will be
selected to two-year terms,
and will meet on matters
related to maintaining and
promoting a proper perspec-
tive and sensible scope for
high school sports in Mich-
igan. Eight members from
the Class of 2022 already are
serving on the Council, while
eight members from the Class
of 2021 are leaving the Coun-
cil this spring.
To be eligible for the com-
mittee, candidates must be a
member of the Class of 2023,
complete the official applica-
tion including answering the
three short-answer questions,
submit a letter of recommen-
dation from a school admin-
istrator, have a cumulative
GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0
scale) and be available for all
scheduled meetings.
In addition, candidates
should show a history of
leadership on athletic teams
as well as with other extra-
curricular activities, commu-
nity service projects, or in
the workplace; and show an
understanding of the role of
school sports and have ideas
for promoting a proper per-
spective for educational ath-
letics.
Applications are due to the
MHSAA by 4:30 p.m. on April
28. Applications can be down-
loaded from the Student Ad-
visory Council page of the
MHSAA Website and must be
returned via e-mail. The link
to the MHSAA page is mhsaa.
com/Schools/Students/Stu-
dent-Advisory-Council.
The Student Advisory
Council meets six times each
school year, and once more
for a 24-hour leadership
camp. In addition to assisting
in the promotion of the edu-
cational value of interscholas-
tic athletics, the council dis-
cusses issues dealing with the
4 “S”s of educational athletics:
scholarship, sportsmanship,
safety (including health and
nutrition) and the sensible
scope of athletic programs.
A fifth S — student leader-
ship — is also a common
topic. Members contribute
in planning Sportsmanship
Summits, Captains Clinics
and other student leadership
events, and assist with medal
ceremonies at MHSAA cham-
pionship events.
Newly-chosen members
will join the following from
the Class of 2022: Brinlee
Barry, Caledonia; Faith Bre-
inager, Frankenmuth; Ami-
na Ferris, Dearborn; Nicolas
Johnson, Britton Deerfield;
Brenna Kosal, Peck; Ashton
McNabb, Three Oaks River
Valley; Brock Porter, Orchard
Lake St. Mary’s; and Melik
Williams, Ypsilanti Lincoln.
The eight new members of
the Student Advisory Council
will be notified by May 7. The
2021-22 meetings are tenta-
tively scheduled for Aug. 29,
Oct. 3, Dec. 5, Feb. 13, April
24 and May 15. Meetings will
take place at the MHSAA Of-
fice in East Lansing. Addition-
al video meetings will also be
scheduled throughout the
year. For more information,
contact Andy Frushour at
the MHSAA (517) 332-5046
or andy@mhsaa.com.

MHSAA
Continued from page 15
es A and B increased four students from
2020-21, the break between Classes B and
C increased seven students, and the break
between Classes C and D also is seven stu-
Southfield Bradford Academy
Tawas

Moving Up from
Hamtramck Oakland
International Academy
Highland Park Sigma Academy
for Leadership
dents more than the 2020-21 school year. Class D to Class C Shepherd FlexTech
Only three MHSAA Finals champions The new classification breaks will see Burton Madison Academy
awarded so far during the 2020-21 school 13 schools move up in Class for 2021-22 Detroit Cornerstone Lincoln Enrollment Breaks by Classes
year will be playing in different divisions while 24 schools will move down: King Academy (Number of schools
in 2021-22. Grass Lake, which won the International Academy of Flint in parentheses)
Division 4 boys bowling title in 2020, will Moving Up from Class B Lawrence Class A: 835 and above
be back in Division 4 for that sport next to Class A St. Helen Charlton Heston (186 schools)
season after also winning the Division 3 Coopersville Academy Class B: 399 – 834 (186)
championship this winter. The Okemos Warren Michigan Math & Class C: 189 – 398 (187)
boys tennis team, fresh off a Lower Penin- Moving Down from Science Academy Class D: 188 and below (187)
sula Division 1 championship, will return Class A to Class B Westland Universal Learning
to Division 2 where it most recently won Bloomfield Hills Marian Academy
finals titles in 2017 and 2018. Clinton last Ionia
week claimed its second-straight Division New Boston Huron Moving Down from
4 team wrestling championship and will Class C to Class D
be competing in Division 3 next season. Moving Up from Class C Birmingham Roeper
Traditional classes (A, B, C, D) — for- to Class B Bloomfield Hills Academy

GET THE PLAY BY PLAY

merly used to establish tournament clas- Detroit Jalen Rose Leadership of the Sacred Heart
sifications — are used only for MHSAA Academy Detroit International Academy
elections. To determine traditional clas- Detroit Southeastern Eau Claire
Follow the game live by following @LPSportsReport on Twitter, and liking Leader Publications
sifications, after all counts are submitted, Otisville LakeVille Memorial Ironwood Sports on Facebook
tournament-qualified member schools Redford Westfield Prep Jackson Prep
Check leaderpub.com for photos, videos, box scores and more for local athletic events
are ranked according to enrollment and Watervliet Munising
then split as closely into quarters as pos- New Buffalo Subscribe to your local newspaper for in-depth interviews, features and player spotlights
sible. For 2021-22, there are 186 member Moving Down from Norway
schools in Class A and Class B and 187 Class B to Class C Petersburg Summerfield
member schools in Class C and Class D. Blissfield Saginaw Michigan Lutheran
Effective with the 2021-22 school year, Brooklyn Columbia Central Seminary
schools with 835 or more students are in Buchanan Vestaburg
Class A. The enrollment limits for Class Canton Prep
B are 399-834, Class C is 189-398, and Dearborn Riverside Academy West New Postseason Eligible
schools with enrollments of 188 and few- Detroit Voyageur Prep Tournament Schools in 2021-22
er are Class D. The break between Class- Grayling Detroit Skills & Trade Prep
Niles Daily Star COMICS Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 17

COMICS PUZZLES
ADAM
& ALLEY OOP

ARLO & JANIS BIG NATE

BORN LOSER FRANK & ERNEST

GRIZZWELLS THATABABY
Page 18 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 COMICS Niles Daily Star

SODOKU PUZZLE MODERATELY CONFUSED CROSSWORD PUZZLE

HOW TO PLAY: Each row, column ANSWER TO PREVIOUS
and set of 3-by-3 boxes must
contain the numbers 1 through 9
without repetition.

DIFFICULTY RATING: 5/5

REALITY CHECK

BREVITY

HEART OF THE CITY

Niles Daily Star www.leaderpub.com Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 23
Niles Daily Star CLASSIFIEDS Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 19

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American Millwork,
leader in production of quality
hardwood mouldings, seeking
Maintenance Tech.
Requirements:
•Electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic
trouble-shooting/preventive
maintenance skills, applied
to production machinery and
buildings.
•Self-motivated
•Leadership skills.
•Cutting torch, welder, forklift
experience
Complete benefits package,
health/dental/vision/life
insurance, 401(k), paid
holidays/vacation/personal
days. EOE.
Apply online:
www.americanmillwork.com
Apply in person 9am-2pm
or send resume to:
American Millwork LLC
4840 Beck Drive
Elkhart, IN 46516
Selling your home?
Advertise here and sell it faster.
Call Classifieds at 269-591-6105.
Job Opportunities
North American
Forest Products
North American Moulding
Edwardsburg, MI
Accepting applications for the
following positions:
Day & Night Shift.
Our night shift works
(4) 10-hour shifts.
Three day weekends!
•Machine Feeders & Catchers
•Piece Rate Positions
(You control what you make!
Some make $24/hour)
•CDL Class A Drivers
Must be able to pass pre-hire
drug test/background check.
Benefits: paid holiday/vacation,
health/dental/vision/life
insurance, 401k retirement.
Send resume or apply in
person at the corporate office:
27263 May St
PO Box 600
Edwardsburg, MI 49112
Fax:269-663-5302
Email: hr1006@nafpinc.com
EOE
LOCAL BOX TRUCK
DRIVER NEEDED
26’ BOX TRUCK, NEW
LEASED EQUIPMENT
•FULL TIME
•MUST BE ABLE TO
LIFT 60 POUNDS
•REQUIRES DRIVER TO
LOAD /UNLOAD TRUCK
•VALID CHAUFFEUR
LICENSE
•MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE
***HOURLY,401K,
***VACATION/HOLIDAY PAY
Apply in person
27328 May St
Edwardsburg, MI
Job Opportunities
American Millwork,
leader in production of quality
hardwood mouldings, seeking
dependable individuals for
1st & 2nd shifts.
Requirements:
•Continuous lifting
•Basic math skills
•Ability to work in fast-paced
environment
•Wood experience a plus
Complete benefits package,
health/dental/vision/life
insurance, 401(k), paid
holidays/vacation/personal
days. EOE.
Apply online:
www.americanmillwork.com
Apply in person
Monday-Friday 10am-2pm
American Millwork LLC
4840 Beck Drive
Elkhart, IN 46516
NOW HIRING!!!
Full-Time & Part-Time
Direct Care Workers
in Southwest Michigan
Hourly wages starting
at $10.25/hr
LQFOXGLQJEHQH¿WV
APPLY TODAY!!
269-427-8400
beaconspecialized.org
Do you have available jobs?
Call 269-591-6105 to let others know
about job opportunities
at your business.
Job Opportunities
PRODUCTION
WORKERS
NEEDED
US Cargo • Bristol, Indiana
Seeking full-time workers.
Hourly & Rate Positions.
•Steady year-round work
•Competitive pay
•Excellent benefits.
Please visit us at
1280 Commerce Drive,
Bristol, Indiana
or call 574-848-1335
We invite you to join our
strong family of employees!
CNC OPERATORS
WANTED FOR MILL & LATHE
1st, 2nd, 3rd Shifts.
EIA & Conversational
Machines. Experienced
preferred, but will train.
Apply at www.deltamach.com
or in person:
Delta Machining, Inc.
2361 Reum Road
Niles MI 49120
Job Opportunities Job Opportunities
NOW HIRING
WAITRESSES & COOKS &
HOSTESS
Apply in person at
The Nuggett Downtown Grill
202 E. Main, Niles
No phone calls please.
Hiring Immediately!!!
Homecare workers needed to Raise your hand if you
provide bathing, housekeeping,
and running errands for clients.
want your business to
$10-$12 per hour!! make LESS money next
PAID WEEKLY AND $100
year.
SIGN ON BONUS!
Flexible hours!!
Please call: 269-254-2082 We didn’t think you would. Do you
need to successfully market on a
Advantage Plumbing tight budget? Leader Publications
Hiring PT Classified Marketplace has
Warehouse attendant
Must be able to lift 50lbs, pass
customizable programs available
to fit any budget.
background check/drug test
and have valid driver’s license.
Apply in person 9am-4pm DON’T WAIT!
Monday-Friday at
2400 N 5th street
Call TODAY
269-591-6105
Niles, MI
GreenMark Equipment, a John Deere dealer
with locations in Michigan & Indiana, is seeking
a Service Technician for our Sodus location.
This position would be involved in the setup,
maintenance, and repair of compact tractors, utility
tractors, lawn & garden equipment as well as handheld
power equipment. The ideal individuals would have a
strong mechanical aptitude & previous exposure to small
engine repair, diesel engines, & hydrostatic transmissions.
GreenMark Equipment offers an excellent work
environment, competitive wages, and an industry
leading benefit plan including health, dental,
vision & a matching 401k.
For more information regarding
GreenMark Equipment visit our website
at www.greenmarkequipment.com.
Or to apply directly email resume to
dslagh@greenmarkequipment.com
Page 24 • Saturday, April 10, 2021
Page 20 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 CLASSIFIEDS Niles Daily Star
Job Opportunities
Experienced Aluminum
Extrusion Operators
Postle Extrusion a leading
manufacturer and
distributor of aluminum
extrusions, is seeking
quality minded production
workers for its Cassopolis,
MI facilities on all 3
production shifts.
**Hiring
Bonus Available**
**Increased Starting
Wage Rates**
We are looking for people
that will be running
various aluminum extrusion
machines to ensure parts are
ran and cut properly
throughout the extrusion
process.
Open Positions:
•Machine Operators/
Press Operators
•Saw Operators
•Stretchers
•Saw Helpers
•Forklift Drivers
•Packers
Postle offers highly
competitive wages and an
H[FHOOHQWEHQH¿WSDFNDJH
(Medical, Dental, Vision,
and 401k plan with
company match).
Apply in person at
201 N. Edwards St.
Cassopolis, MI 49031,
apply online at
www.postledistributors.com
and click on
Employment, or send
resume to
HR@postledistributors.com
The City of Buchanan has
multiple job openings:
full-time Bookkeeper, City
Attorney services, seasonal
Administrative Assistant (2
positions), seasonal public
works positions, For more
information, go to
www.cityofbuchanan.com
and view Employment
Opportunities under the City
Services tab. Come join our
team and see why we say
“Life if Better Here.”
Job Opportunities
NOW HIRING
MULTIPLE OPENINGS
$12/hr plus Overtime!!
Insurance
**PAID WEEKLY**
APPLY at:
Brothers Baking
27260 Max St,
Edwardsburg
Now Hiring:
Screw Machine Setup/Operators
CNC Lathe & VMC
Seeking qualified employees
with 2+years experience for
Acme Gridley/Brown & Sharpe
Departments.
Outstanding Wages/Benefits:
Stipend Pay Medical Plan,
Life Insurance, 401K
Paid Vacation/Holidays,
Christmas Bonus.
Send Resume:
Jessen Mfg. Company
PO Box 1729,
Elkhart, IN 46515
jessen@jessenmfg.com
Apply in person 8AM-3PM:
1409 W. Beardsley Ave,
Elkhart IN
Now Hiring
Mechanic’s Assistant.
2 years experience
required for truck and
trailer maintenance.
40+ hours/week.
Hourly pay.
Bonus program.
Insurance available.
Paid holidays & vacation.
Please contact Darrell:
574-295-1905
dpritt@superiortireaxle.com
www.leaderpub.com
Job Opportunities Job Opportunities
Fapco in West Buchanan Hiring
Full-Time Packers
Clean environment.
1st shift 7am-3pm
2nd shift 3pm-11pm
3rd shift 11pm-7am
*ISO 9001:2015 Certified*
Advancement opportunities,
medical benefits, 401k, etc.
216 Post Road, Buchanan MI
Call 800-782-0167
Part-Time General Labor
Weekend Workers Postle
Extrusion
Postle Extrusion,a
leading manufacturer of
Berrien Woods
aluminum extrusions
Apartments located in Cassopolis,MI,
NOW HIRING
is looking for part-time
Maintenance Tech & General Laborers for
Leasing Representative
weekend opportunities.
)XOOWLPHZLWKEHQH¿WV Looking for extra money?
Monday-Friday We have just the work for
8:00am-5:00pm you! Work Friday,
Please call for an Saturday,and/or Sunday.
application Work 8hrs,10hrs,or 12hrs.
:HDUHÀH[LEOHDERXWWKH
269-684-7779 days and the hours for
EOE
weekend work.
If you are interested in
joining the Postle Team,
apply in person at
201 N.Edwards St.
Cassopolis,MI 49031,
apply online at:
www.postledistributors.com
NOW HIRING!
Snyder’s Pool & Spa and click on
Summer crew Employment, or
April-October. send resume to:
Work outdoors with HR@postledistributors.com
&HUWL¿HGWHFKQLFLDQ
Apply w/resume and
references.
High schoolers, college age,
Production Work
Start Immediately
and retirees, others welcome
to apply. Hourly Rate
269-684-8792 for phone Attendance Bonus
interview. 2-week Performance Raise
Some Overtime Available
Do you have available jobs? 7:00am-3:30pm
Apply in Person.
Call 269-591-6105 to let others know
about job opportunities
3001 Tuscany Drive
at your business. Elkhart, IN 46514
Niles Daily Star
Job Opportunities Job Opportunities
GreenMark Equipment
Service Technician
Sodus, MI
Requirements:
•Strong mechanical aptitude
•Small engine repair, diesel
engine, hydrostatic
transmission experience
Bono de Contratación
Excellent work environment, Una empresa de
Competitive Wages & Benefits extrusión de aluminio en
(health/dental/vision/401k) crecimiento ubicada en
el suroeste de Michigan,
www.greenmarkequipment.com. ahora está
Email resume: contratando para los
dslagh@greenmarkequipment.com siguientes puestos:
Production/Assembly •Trabajo General
Workers needed. •Primer, Segundo y
Full time plus hours Tercer Turno
per week. Saturday
hours required when
needed. Hourly, Ofrecemos salarios
attendance bonus, competitivos, excelentes
holiday-vacation pay, EHQH¿FLRVGHVDOXGN
401K with company y seguro de vida.
match, insurance
Apply in person Aplicar en Persona:
27328 May St 201 N.Edwards St.
Edwardsburg, MI Cassopolis,MI 49031,
Aplicar en línea en:
Sampco is hiring! We are www.postledistributors.com
currently looking for light y haga clic en empleo,
assembly and machine
o envíe un currículum a
operators for our South Bend
facility. Apply in person to 915 HR@postledistributors.com
West Ireland Road or email at
careers@sampco.com.
Applications can be found at
https://sampco.com/contact-us/.
Security Officers
Full-Time & Part-Time
Openings
South Bend & Bristol IN
& Niles MI areas.
IDEAL FOR RETIREES
Please call (574)232-9653
from 11am-4pm Monday-Friday
EOE
Orchard Hills Country Club
Golf Course Maintenance
Full-time and Part-time
positions available
Please call:
269-409-8650 to apply. The Pop Shoppe
Needs convenient store
clerk. PT/FT.
University of Notre Apply in person at
Dame du Lac in State Rd. 933 N,
Notre Dame, Indiana, at State Line Rd.
seeking Graphic
Design Specialist. Need to find
To assure full consideration,
submit a letter of application,
the right employee?
WE CAN
curriculum vitae, link to an
online portfolio, and names of
3 references (include phone
HELP.
numbers & email addresses).
Apply at:
https://apptrkr.com/2201001 Reach the county for less using Leader
Publications classifieds. Need a quick
Notre Dame is an affirmative
quote? Submit your ad online at
action/equal opportunity
University encouraging diversity. LeaderPub.com.
Call 269-591-6105.
Niles Daily Star www.leaderpub.com Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 25
Niles Daily Star CLASSIFIEDS Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 21
Miscellaneous
Merchandise Hunting & Fishing
For Sale Rentals Automobiles Automobiles
FOR SALE
The Restoration Station 2017 Kia Forte 4dr
Antiques & New and used items
Antiques/appliances/decor, Apartments Low mileage! Only $750
down! $325 a month! No
Collectibles furniture/tools/toys,
plus more.
Interest. No Credit Checks.
Estate Clean-outs. Karl King Holdings,LLC No Banks to deal with. We
“Where The City’s GRDOORIRXU¿QDQFLQJLQ
$$$$ Handyman Services
Finest Call Home”
2011 Chevy Malibu LT,
house. Stop by today for
Online auction @ 4 Door, Power Windows,
Now Buying http://therestorationstation. NOW LEASING!!! your new vehicle!
Locks, Cruise, Onstar,
Small Collectibles myshopify.com •Pet Friendly Steering Wheel Controls. Call Scarlett Auto Sales for
& Antiques 814 State Street
Cassopolis
•Utilities Included Good Runner. more information
Zippos, watches, knifes •Income-Based Rent Price Reduced $5,995 269-461-4197
269-845-5274 Apartments for Independent We Have Interstate Batteries!
¿VKOXUHV Seniors(62-up, handicap/
Call: 269-262-6448
Bring us your small disabled) Do you have available jobs?
items or call for viewing 515 E.Monroe Street 2006 Chevy Van Express.
Call Bill at Want to Buy South Bend,IN 46601
Good condition. $6,000 or best Call 269-591-6105 to let others know
offer. Phone 269-449-0865,
Bill’s Appliances Merchandise 574-282-2896
about job opportunities
574-323-4187 TTY:1-800-743-3333
at your business.

269-340-5952 WANTED
STANDING TIMBER
WANTED: Large Michigan lumber
Antiques, collectibles,
jewelry, watches. GUN & KNIFE SHOW manufacturer seeking
Dr. Saxton South Bend, IN. land owners with 25 or
574-309-3666 St. Joseph County 4H fair more mature hardwood
grounds. trees to sell
April 17th & 18th
Call: (517)566-8061
Deals & Bargains Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 9am-3pm qualityhardwoodsinc.com
Admission: $5 free parking
All state and

 
  

Place Your Deals & federal laws apply Looking for
Bargain in the For more info 765-993-8942

 
     
    
&ODVVL¿HGV1RZ a home?
       

 

269-591-6105 Look in our classifieds section and
  

!
 " #$  
 
  
%
Lawn & Garden learn of great deals for you
     &
 '  !

Furniture and your family.

 ( !
 (  

 ( 
& Appliances
Pets & Livestock 

 
  

   
 
  
  ) 
  
   
 )  
 )
 
 
 )


 
       
Earth Care Lawn Service Livestock 
) 
')  
  
 
Accepting new customers for
Spring Clean Up, Lawn Care, '
 
 
   

!
 " 
and Wood Privacy Fence
Installation. Residential & LAGGIS FISH FARM  ) 
 
  
*
 
 
Commercial. We are FISH FOR STOCKING 


 
 
   
 



 
 
Experienced, Reliable and Most varieties  '   
  
Insured. Free estimate Ponds, Lakes
269-445-7514
Laggis Fish Farm   

  


   
(269)628-2056 Days 

    
 )
    
BILL’S APPLIANCES Will Do Custom (269)624-6215 Evenings
Roto-Tilling 
 
  % 
  
   
Used/New, Scratch & $25-minimum #* 


Dent, Appliance
1420 S.11th St,Niles
269-240-4323
Notices Transportation +, 
-
    # " 

 "
,   .  /  
(269)340-5952 Need to find
)     
  

  
the right employee?
Refrigerators 

   


 0
  0
 
Automobiles
Stoves
Washer/Dryers
WE CAN Community Events 

 )  
 
    


 


  
   1 

Microwaves
Freezer
HELP. INDOOR FLEA MARKET
DOWAGIAC
)   2
Those interested in renting " 
 
 
Dishwashers Reach the county for less using Leader
a spot for indoor flea market
Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm Publications classifieds. Need a quick space, for start up date of
 
         

Saturday:10am-4pm quote? Submit your ad online at May 1, 2021
Sunday: Closed LeaderPub.com. please call Dan at    

Landlord Discounts!! Call 269-591-6105. 269-876-2393 for details.
Page 26 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 www.leaderpub.com Niles Daily Star
Page 22 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 CLASSIFIEDS Niles Daily Star
Motorcycles & Trucks, SUVs Trucks, SUVs
Automobiles
ATV’s & Vans & Vans Services Home Improvement
FOR SALE HOME REPAIRS &
2018 Kia Forte 4dr 1999 Kawasaki Voyager 12 REMODELING
Touring Bike New Carlisle Area.
Low mileage! Only $750
down! $325 a month! No Good condition. 80k road miles. Caregiving Over 35yrs Experience!
•Kitchens •Bathrooms
Interest. No Credit Checks. ¿UP&DOO
RU •Porches •Decks
No Banks to deal with. We KARE SERVICES •Windows •Doors
GRDOORIRXU¿QDQFLQJLQ Compassionate
Home Care Services •Siding •Window Wrapping
house. Stop by today for Looking for (269)684-1984 ‡)DVFLD 6RI¿W
your new vehicle! a home? (574)292-2900 •Mobile Welding
Call Scarlett Auto Sales email: kmkaidan@aol.com Call:Randy
for more information Look in our classifieds section and 1988 Chevy K-1500 www.KAREService.com 269-782-3139
269-461-4197 learn of great deals for you 2007 Freightliner
We Have Interstate Batteries! and your family.
Truck, 4x4, Orange with 269-208-9838
Columbia 120 Semi with Snowplow, Tilt, Air, bondhomeimprovements.com
sleeper, runs good, no DPF Sliding Rear Window, Tow Concrete Work
RU'()ÀXLG0HUFHGHV Package, Excellent Tires

DENTAL Insurance Diesel Engine, 450HP

approx. 600k miles on a
QHZFUDWHGPRWRUZLWK
PRICE REDUCED $2,495
Call Greg: 269-262-6448 BRADY CONCRETE
Specializing in:
Insurance
Medicare does not cover dental care1. That means if you need dental work done, QHZFDPEHDULQJVQHZ Looking for •Flat work of all types Senior Life Insurance
it can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of your own pocket. WXUERDQGDLUFRPSUHVVRU •Seawalls•Pole Barn Floors No medical exam.
Get Dental Insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. It helps cover that offers good fuel a home? •Stamped Concrete Guaranteed Issue.
over 350 procedures — from cleanings and fillings to crowns and dentures. HFRQRP\VSHHGQHZ •Bobcat Services As little as $29/mo.
FOXWFKJRRGWLUHVGXDO Look in our classifieds section and
learn of great deals for you
Free Estimates, Insured Don’t leave a burden
• See any dentist you want, but save more with one in our network 100-gallon tanks, air
and your family.
Fast, Dependable Service for your family!
• No deductible, no annual maximum suspension with new bags 269-445-3349 or 574-310-9718
• Immediate coverage for preventive care and suspension, leather 269-591-0100
seats, air, power windows,
Call to get your FREE Information Kit
SRZHUORFNVORDGHG
1-844-319-0359 JRRGFRQGLWLRQ Junk Removal
PRICED REDUCED!! Construction
dental50plus.com/shelby $16,995
PHONE CALLS ONLY, AMERICAN TRASH
NO TEXT 2010 Dodge Caravan, Michiana Masonry Trash & Junk Hauling
PLEASE CALL GREG 6 Cylinder, Front Wheel & Construction
(269)262-6448 Drive, 3rd Row Seat, All your Masonry needs! •Appliances•Truck•Trailer
Double Sliding Doors, Chimney Cleaning •Labor•Rental Properties
Do you have available jobs? Cruise, Tilt, Power Insured & Bonded •Demo Clean-Outs
Windows, Locks, Senior Discounts Veteran Owned
AM/FM CD, Very Clean. 269-362-1566
1
“Medicare & You,” Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2020
Call 269-591-6105 to let others know Company
Includes the Participating (in GA: Designated) Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Product not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/
certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, LA, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for
about job opportunities Priced Reduced $5,995 574-904-8760
similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN); Rider kinds B438/B439 (GA: B439B). at your business. Call: 269-262-6448 GoAmericanTrash.com
Drywall Services
6255

Lawn Care
& Landscaping

Do you have
available jobs?
Call 269-591-6105 to let others know
about job opportunities
at your business.
FAST ACT
LANDSCAPING &
LAWN CARE
On Google/Facebook
•Retaining Walls •Mowing
•Bobcat Service
•Tree Service •Excavation
•Junk Removal
•Land Clearing •Hauling
•Dumpster Rentals
•Brush Removal
•Mulch & Rock Installation
•Structure Demolition
Call:269-357-5956
www.fastactlandscaping.com
Niles Daily Star www.leaderpub.com Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 27
Niles Daily Star CLASSIFIEDS Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 23
Lawn Care
& Landscaping Public Notices Public Notices Public Notices Public Notices
p
Public Notices
y
PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE Niles, MI 49120 time.
Spring Clean Ups Economy Storage, 2206 Yan- AUCTION Owner: Brandywine Communi- Bids shall be marked clearly
Schedule spring clean Public Notices kee Street, Niles, MI 49120.
Auction Saturday April 24, 2021
AAA ALOHA STORAGE
3001 SOUTH 11TH, NILES
ty Schools
1830 S. 3rd Street
on the outside of the envelope
with one of the following HIGH
ups, mowing, pruning at 10:00 a.m. MAY 10, 2021 Niles, MI 49120 SCHOOL FREEZER
PUBLIC NOTICE
and all your yard Unit # Name PERSONAL ITEMS 269-684-7150
landscaping needs! 11 Allison Watson OWNER’S LIEN OVERDUE Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at
ONTWA TOWNSHIP NOTICE 56 Amber Sharrai RENT Architect: Wightman Brandywine Schools Adminis-
Call: 269-362-2735 OF PUBLIC 71/443 Daniel Gowen VlVIAN NEWGENT - SPACE 2 303 Pipestone Rd WUDWLYH 2I¿FHV ORFDWHG DW 
ACCURACY TEST 82 Tom Pryzbylinski N210 Benton Harbor, MI 49022 S. 3rd Street, Niles, MI 49120
OF VOTING EQUIPMENT 136 Gladis Palafax CODY MILEWSKI - SPACE 269-927-0100 on April 6th, 9:00 am local time.
Pressure Washing The purpose of this testing is to
145/468 Michael Merritt
151/153 Shari Webster
J20M
Bid Date: Bids will be received
Meeting is highly recommend-
ed, but not mandatory
ascertain that the equipment will 316 Jacob Saylor Niles Daily Star: at the Districts Administration
correctly tabulate the votes 338 Sophia Loniello Apr. 10 and 17, 2021 2I¿FH ORFDWHG DW  6 UG Bid documents may be viewed
cast in the April 4, 2021 Special 347 Taren Murray STORAGE AUCTION Street Niles, MI until 9:00am at the following Plan Rooms on
School Election. 355 Frank Moore local time on Wednesday, April or after March 31, 2021:
NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN that PUBLIC NOTICE
356 Chase Molica 14, 2021. Bids will be opened
The Test will be held on Tues- 439 Mathew Stuck/Tia publicly and read aloud at that www.gowightman.com
day April 20, 2021 at 10:00 AM Cass County Medical Care Fa-
Schneider cility is taking bids for mowing
The Test will be conducted at: 486 Leigh Ann Norris
Ontwa Township Hall of the grounds. Must be able
501 William Davis to keep all grounds mowed to
26225 US 12 Edwardsburg, MI 526 Sarah Hill
49112 acceptable appearance. Must
566 Verdell Baker Jr. have commercial auto and lia-
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO 580 Jennifer Bakeman
ATTEND bility insurances. Email all bids
586 Kathie Adams no later than 5pm on 4/16/2021
630 Auston Bertschy to jmeyer@ccmcf.org for con-
Tina VanBelle, Ontwa Township
Clerk sideration.
Niles U-Stor-It, 1314 E. Main
Street, Niles, MI 49120. Auction Niles Daily Star:
Niles Daily Star: Saturday April 24, 2021 at 10:30
Apr. 10, 2021 Apr. 10, 2021
a.m. BIDS/LAWNCARE
ACCURACY TEST 15 Sherrie Frantz
PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE
Roofing and Guttering J & J Storage, 2220 S. 13th
Abandon vehicle auction Street and 2627 S. 11th Street, BRANDYWINE COMMUNITY
Niles, MI 49120. Auction Satur- SCHOOLS
Friday April 16 @ 8:30 AM. day April 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. INVITATION TO BID
Bill’s Roof Repair 2006 BMW Vin# 57 Kendrick Middleton
Residential & Commercial WBAVB13586KX33386 211 Stephen Tholl Project Name: High School
•Repairs•New Roofs 2005 GMC Vin # 238/466 James Diss Walk-in Freezer
•Shingles•Flat Roofs 1GKET16S856200659 294/73 Courtney Jennings
•Metal/Rubber•Flashing Contact RoadRunner Towing & 345 Carol Morrow Project Description: Install
•Chimney Repairs Recovery @ 438 Lauren Heenan new walk-in freezer at exterior
•Vent Pipes•Gutters•Sidings 269-429-5080 for viewing loca- 454 Mary Ann Sipe of building. Includes concrete
Lifetime Warranty on All tion and times. Bidding starts at pad/footings, pipe bollards,
Labor Performed required fees. Niles Daily Star: electrical, and new freezer.
Free Estimates Apr. 10 and 17, 2021
Call Us Now!! Niles Daily Star: STORAGE AUCTION Project Location: Brandywine
269-591-5700 Apr. 10, 2021 High School
Visit us at: AV/06 BMW 1700 Bell Road
billsroofrepair.com
and Facebook!!
Prepare for unexpected
power outages with a
Generac standby generator
FCI BUILDING
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!
Shingle & Metal Roofing
Home & Roof Maintenance
Siding & Gutters
866-918-1611

FREE
Windows & Doors
General Construction
269-782-7310 7-Year Extended Warranty*
fcibuilding@yahoo.com
A $695 Value!
Septic Tank Service Offer valid February 15 - June 6, 2021
Deer Path Excavating
Septic Repair and all other
Special Financing Available *To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the
Excavating needs!! Subject to Credit Approval generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.
Please Call: 269-208-5180
Page 28 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 www.leaderpub.com Niles Daily Star
Page 24 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 CLASSIFIEDS Niles Daily Star

Public Notices Public Notices Public Notices Public Notices Public Notices Public Notices
g g J J y p
Reprographic Arts, wwww. installation of tack coat, 2 coats 14, 2021. Bids will be opened and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
raplanroom.com of rubber, install black top coat- publicly and read aloud at that Any aspect of the proposed plan SECTION II. This franchise shall take effect
Builders Exchange of Michigan, ing time. amendment may be discussed after its adoption, acceptance
home.grbx.com at the public hearing and all in- Said Facilities shall be con- and publication as required by
Dodge Plan Room, www. Project Location: Brandywine Bids shall be marked clearly terested persons will be given structed in a manner that shall law.
construction.com/products/ High School on the outside of the envelope an opportunity to be heard. not unreasonably interfere with
dodge-planroom 1700 Bell Road with one of the following HIGH the traveling public in its use of Dated this 22nd day of March,
Niles, MI 49120 SCHOOL FREEZER Niles Daily Star: the streets, thoroughfares, al- 2021.
Niles Daily Star: Apr. 10, 2021 leys, bridges, and public places.
Apr. 3 and 10, 2021 Owner: Brandywine Communi- Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at HEARING City of Buchanan, County of
BIDS/FREEZER ty Schools Brandywine Schools Adminis- SECTION III. Berrien, State of Michigan
1830 S. 3rd Street WUDWLYH 2I¿FHV ORFDWHG DW  PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE Niles, MI 49120 S. 3rd Street, Niles, MI 49120 The rights, privileges, and fran- Mayor, Sean Denison
269-684-7150 on April 6th, 10:00 am local City of Buchanan chise hereby granted shall be in Mayor Pro Tem, Mark Weedon
BRANDYWINE COMMUNITY time. Meeting is highly recom- County of Berrien, State force and effect for a period of Commissioner, Cameron
SCHOOLS Architect: Wightman mended, but not mandatory of Michigan thirty (30) years from the date of Downey
INVITATION TO BID 2 303 Pipestone Rd Ordinance No. 2021.03/421 the passage of this Ordinance, Commissioner, Larry Money
Benton Harbor, MI 49022 269- Bid documents may be viewed but revocable at the will of the Commissioner, Patrick Swem
Project Name: High School 927-0100 at the following Plan Rooms on An Ordinance granting a City Board unless approved by
Running Track Improvements or after March 31, 2021: revocable franchise to Indiana vote of the electors. I hereby attest that the forego-
Bid Date: Bids will be received Michigan Power Company, its ing Ordinance was adopted by
Project Description: Prepare at the Districts Administration www.gowightman.com successors and assigns, for The rights, privileges, and fran- the City of Buchanan, County of
track, long jump, high jump, and 2I¿FH ORFDWHG DW  6 UG Reprographic Arts, wwww. the right to acquire, construct, chise hereby granted shall not Berrien, State of Michigan, at a
pole vault surfaces including Street Niles, MI until 10:00am raplanroom.com maintain, and operate in the be construed to be exclusive regular meeting held on March
URXWLQJRXWFUDFNV¿OOLQJFUDFNV local time on Wednesday, April Builders Exchange of Michigan, streets, thoroughfares, alleys, and the Board of the City of 22, 2021.
home.grbx.com bridges, and public places of Buchanan hereby reserves the
Dodge Plan Room, www. the City of Buchanan, Berrien power to grant similar rights, City Clerk, Barbara A Pitcher
construction.com/products/ County, State of Michigan, privileges, and franchises to
ASK US HOW TO GET THE dodge-planroom and its successors, lines and any other person or persons, Niles Daily Star:
appurtenant equipment for the

AMAZING iPHONE® 11
¿UPRU¿UPVFRUSRUDWLRQRUFRU- Apr. 10, 2021
Niles Daily Star: transmission and distribution porations. ORD 2021.03/421
Apr. 3 and 10, 2021 of electric energy to the City of
BIDS/TRACK IMPROV Buchanan, and the inhabitants SECTION IV.

FOR $0 WHEN YOU Selling your home?

Advertise here and sell it faster.
thereof, and for the transmis-
sion and distribution of the
same within, through, or across
Said Grantee shall save the City
harmless from any and all liabili-
Legal Notices

SWITCH TO AT&T Call Classifieds at 269-591-6105. said City of Buchanan, Berrien ty arising in any way from Grant-
County, State of Michigan. ee’s negligence in the erection, LEGAL NOTICE
maintenance, or operation of
PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Buchanan, Berrien said Facilities, except to the ex- STATE OF MICHIGAN
County, State of Michigan, or- tent arising out of the City’s neg- PROBATE COURT
COUNTY OF BERRIEN dains: ligence or willful misconduct. COUNTY OF BERRIEN
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SECTION I. SECTION V. Decedent’s Estate
HEARING ON THE ADOPTION FILE NO. 2021-0199-DE-D
OF AN AMENDMENT Indiana Michigan Power Com- Whenever said Grantee shall
TO THE BROWNFIELD pany, its successors and as- begin the erection or installa- Estate of DEBORAH LYN
REDEVELOPMENT PLAN signs (hereinafter called “Grant- tion of any lines or equipment, KIETA, deceased
FOR THE COUNTY ee”) is hereby granted the right, it shall promptly and diligently Date of Birth: 8/6/56
OF BERRIEN PURSUANT privilege, franchise, and author- prosecute the work to comple-
TO AND IN ACCORDANCE ity to acquire, construct, main- tion and leave the streets, thor- TO ALL CREDITORS:*
WITH THE PROVISIONS tain, and operate in, above, oughfares, alleys, bridges, and NOTICE TO CREDITORS:
OF ACT 381 under, across, and along the public places where such work The decedent, DEBORAH
OF THE PUBLIC ACTS streets, thoroughfares, alleys, is done in as good condition of LYN KIETA, deceased, died
OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN bridges, and public places (as repair as before such work was 2/23/21.
OF 1996, AS AMENDED the same now exist or may commenced.
hereafter be laid out) of the City Creditors of the decedent
PLEASE TAKE NOTE THAT a of Buchanan, Berrien County, SECTION VI. DUH QRWL¿HG WKDW DOO FODLPV
public hearing shall be held be- State of Michigan, lines for the DJDLQVWWKHHVWDWHZLOOEHIRU-
fore the Berrien County Board of transmission and distribution of Wherever in this Ordinance, HYHUEDUUHGXQOHVVSUHVHQWHG
Commissioners on April 22nd, electric energy, either by means reference is made to the City or EDWARD ANTHONY KIETA,
2021 at 10:30am in the Coun- of overhead or underground the Grantee, it shall be deemed SHUVRQDOUHSUHVHQWDWLYHRUWR
ty Board Chambers, 701 Main conductors, with all the neces- to include the respective suc- WKHSUREDWHFRXUWDW3RUW
Street, St. Joseph, Michigan. sary or desirable appurtenant cessors or assigns of either; 6WUHHW 6W -RVHSK 0, 
The purpose of the hearing is to equipment (the “Facilities”), to and all rights, privileges, fran- DQGWKHSHUVRQDOUHSUHVHQWD-
consider whether to approve an render public utility service in chises, and obligations herein WLYHZLWKLQPRQWKVDIWHUWKH
$PHQGPHQW WR WKH %URZQ¿HOG said City and to the inhabitants contained by or on behalf of GDWHRISXEOLFDWLRQRIWKLVQR-
Redevelopment Plan submitted thereof by supplying electric said City, or by or on behalf of tice.
Find out how to get our most on behalf of M63 Investment, energy to said City and the in- said Grantee, shall be binding
LLC, the developer of Har- habitants thereof, and persons XSRQ DQG LQXUH WR WKH EHQH¿W Edward Anthony Kieta, 1335
popular phones, call now! bor Woods, and pertaining to or corporations beyond the lim- of the respective successors or +LFNRU\ 6W 1LOHV 0, 
property located within Benton its thereof for all purposes for assigns of said City, or of said 

877-324-4002 Charter Township having the which electric energy is now or

IROORZLQJWD[LGHQWL¿FDWLRQQXP- may hereafter be used, and the
ber: 11-03-0007-0017-19-8 and transmission and distribution
Grantee, whether so expressed
or not. 1LOHV'DLO\6WDU
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11-03-0007-0013-00-1 of the same within, through, or SECTION VII. EST/KIETA, E.
across said City of Buchanan,
All information related to the State of Michigan, subject to This Ordinance shall be accept-
proposed plan is available for such reasonable regulation of ed by the Grantee within sixty Do you have available jobs?
SXEOLF LQVSHFWLRQ DW WKH RI¿FHV the placement and operation of (60) days from the date of the
of the Berrien County Commu- the Facilities as the City Board passage of same. Call 269-591-6105 to let others know
© 2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered
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 Niles Daily Star EDWARDSBURG ARGUS Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 25

Child abuse prevention workshop scheduled

tBy SARAH CULTON “It will educate on how to respond better when
e
ysarah.culton@leaderpub.com we do see [child abuse and neglect] when advo-
cating for children,” Carter said.
, CASSOPOLIS — April is National Child Abuse Leigh Feldman, president of the Cass County
Prevention Month. To recognize the designation, Youth Council, said the program was created
two Cass County agencies have partnered to host with industry professionals in mind but that
f
an event designed to help individuals spot and anyone was welcome to register and attend the
prevent child abuse. virtual event.
The Cass County Youth Council and Great “Every year, the Youth Council typically hosts
nStart Collaborative have partnered a luncheon in April for the commu-
to host a workshop from noon to
1:30 p.m. April 21 titled “Breaking the
nity professionals who are involved
with child abuse prevention,” she said.
Cass County jury trials again on
Deadly Silence: Changing the Silent
-Culture of Trauma and Abuse.” The
y
free program will be hosted virtual-
“This year, with COVID, we weren’t
going to be able to host a luncheon, so
we began looking at a virtual event. …
hold after spike in COVID-19 cases
f
aly, and registration can be found by Unfortunately, [child abuse] is some- By DEBRA HAIGHT Those changes include equipping the Cir-
searching “Cass County Child Abuse thing that is never going to go away Leader Publications Contributor cuit Courtroom with audio/visual technol-
Prevention Workshop” on Eventbrite. fully, so it’s important that we are ogy to be able to broadcast proceedings on
com. aware of it and are reminded what CASSOPOLIS – Jury trials are again on the court’s YouTube page as well as put up
The event will be led by Kev- Kevin McNeil to look for and keep our eyes out for hold in Cass County after a recent spike in physical plexiglass barriers to separate and
in McNeil, a motivational speak- potential higher-risk factors that can COVID-19 cases. They had been scheduled protect people.
er, victim advocate, author and founder of lead to child abuse and neglect. Then, we, espe- to start next week on April 12. The new procedures will call for using the
The Twelve Project, an organization that cially as professionals in the field, canidentify Cass County Chief Judge Sue Dobrich re- building’s probate courtroom for jury selec-
educates the world on the effects of trau- those and help prevent child abuse and neglect.” ported Monday that the county’s positivity tion to allow for social distancing and then
ma and abuse on individuals, families and Feldman said she hopes the community and rate on a seven-day average is above the 10 having jurors sit spaced out in the jury box
communities. agency professionals will benefit from the pro- percent level. State court officials have man- and around the courtroom during trials. Jury
McNeil is a retired special victim’s detective gram and leave with both new knowledge and a dated that counties’ positivity rate average deliberations will also take place in the pro-
with the DeKalb County, Georgia Police Depart- renewed sense of purpose in the work that they has to be below the 10 percent level to con- bate courtroom.
ment. According to his website, McNeil created do for Cass County’s children. duct jury trials. Everyone in the courtroom will be re-
The Twelve Project to “be the bridge between the “I want people to walk away from this with the Information on the Michigan Safe Start quired to wear masks, although exceptions
lack of knowledge and awareness about abuse hope that child neglect and abuse is something Map shows that the Cass County positivity will be made for the attorneys and the wit-
and people’s desire to learn.” we tackle and that there is hope for prevention rate was 15.4 percent on a seven-day average nesses. The attorneys will be allowed to take
Anna Carter, Cass County Great Start Collab- in the future,” she said. “If we come together as a and was at 17.4 percent out of 87 tests ad- off their masks to ask questions and witness-
orative director, said the event would educate team, we can protect the children in our commu- ministered on one day-on March 31. es will not wear masks so jurors will be able
participants on how to not only look for the signs nity and outside our community, as well. I want This is the second time since the start of to see their faces and the court recorder can
of abuse and neglect but how to listen for them people to know that there is hope that we can the pandemic where Cass County court offi- record their testimony.
as well. tackle this monster.” cials have prepared to restart jury trials only The first trial that was to have been hosted
to have to pull back when positivity rates starting next week was that of former South-
OTEPD POLICE LOG — APRIL 1-2 rose. The first time it happened was last fall western Michigan College instructor George
when another wave of COVID-19 cases was Field. No new date has yet been set for that
April 1 4:09 p.m. — Kraus/May, traffic 12:49 p.m. — Lake, malicious surging. trial. Field is accused of criminal sexual con-
12:14 a.m. — Lawndale/Shirley, stop destruction of property Dobrich and other court officials have duct, perjury and insurance fraud dating
traffic stop 4:38 p.m. — Elkhart/Davis, traf- 3:51 p.m. — US-12, civil com- been preparing the Law & Courts Build- back as far as 2015. He was charged in the
12:44 a.m. — May/Conrad, traf- fic stop plaint ing for months to get ready for jury trials. fall of 2017, shortly after he was fired by SMC.
fic stop 6:33 p.m. — Redfield/Cassop- 6:37 p.m. — May/Adamsville,
3:54 a.m. — US-12/Eagle Lake, olis, traffic stop traffic stop
traffic stop 7:04 p.m. — M-62, domestic 7:01 p.m. — Hamilton/Cass,
4:15 a.m. — US-12/Red Pine, 7:28 p.m. — US-12, traffic stop traffic stop
traffic stop 8:30 p.m. — US-12, traffic stop 7:22 p.m. — US-12/Adamsville,
7:31 a.m. — May, motor vehicle 8:39 p.m. — Elkhart, general driving complaint
theft assist 8:58 p.m. — Redfield/Conrad,
11:03 a.m. — Redfield/Ad- civil complaint
amsville, driving with suspended April 2 9:39 p.m. — US-12/Lane, traf-
license 12:18 a.m. — M-62, suspicious fic stop
2:08 p.m. — M-62, breaking vehicle 9:42 p.m. — Adamsville/Red-
and entering 12:42 a.m. — US-12/M-62, traf- field, traffic stop
2:09 p.m. — Lane/US-12, prop- fic stop 10:21 p.m. — May/Eagle Lake,
erty damage accident 2:17 a.m. — Sheridan, assault traffic stop
2:58 p.m. — Dailey, vin inspec- 12:36 p.m. — North Shore, res- 11:01 p.m. — M-62/US-12, traf-
tion idential alarm fic stop
Page 26 • Saturday, April 10, 2021 EDWARDSBURG ARGUS Niles Daily Star
Edwardsburg man gets one year for assault
Three Rivers man sentenced
to probation for meth possession
By DEBRA HAIGHT
Leader Publications Contributor
CASSOPOLIS – An Edwardsburg
man will spend more time in jail af-
ter being sentenced for assaultive be-
havior Friday in Cass County Circuit
Court.
Anthony Lee Schar, 32, of North
Shore Drive in Edwardsburg, plead-
ed guilty to assault with intent to do
great bodily harm less than murder
and domestic violence, both as a ha-
bitual offender, and was sentenced
to 365 days in jail with credit for 234
days already served. He must pay
$2,098 in fines and costs.
The incident occurred July 21,
2020, at a residence on North Shore
Drive in Edwardsburg when police
were called to the scene about a dis-
turbance. The victim of the assault
told police that Schar had become
enraged and tried to choke her. Po-
lice found finger marks and bruising
on both sides of her neck.
“This is a concerning offense.
Strangulation is always concerning,
especially in a domestic violence
situation,” said Assistant Prosecutor
Thomas Hubbert. “He’s been down
this road a few times.”
“He’s been through mental health
court and had other opportunities,”
he added. “I think the sentencing
agreement makes sense in this case.
I hope he can address his issues af-
ter he is released and begin to make
changes so we don’t run into this
anymore.”
Defense attorney Robert
Drake noted some positives in
the situation.
“He has a lengthy history of drug
use but not a lot of meth use since
his las sentence,” he said. “He in-
tends to go back to live in Indiana
with his mother. That’s where his
daughter is.”
“I want to apologize to the court
for my actions,” Schwar said. “I’m
just ready to get back out there, cor-
rect my wrongs and become a better
person. I’m ready to get out there and
give it another shot.”
Cass County Circuit Judge Mark
Herman said he was concerned
about Schwar’s longterm drug use.
“One of my concerns is that you’ve
been abusing drugs since you were
15,” the judge said. “Your attorney
said your meth use has been cur-
tailed but the reality is that it will
continue to be problematic if you
don’t address it.”
“My second concern is that this is
not your first criminal involvement
for domestic violence,” he added. “A
good father doesn’t use drugs or hit
women. If you continue to do so,
your child will think it’s OK to use
drugs and abuse women. It’s hard to
Anthony Schar Jonathan Frye Jose Galvan
tell your kid to do as I say and not as 2020, around Shavehead Lake in Por-
I do.” ter Township. Frye fled from police
Judge Herman warned Schwar on M-40 at speeds of 90 miles per
that any future assault convictions hour or more and was found hiding
could land him in prison. in the woods and complaining of leg
“Your guidelines are only going to injuries when found. Police found
get higher,” he said. “You need to real- meth at the scene.
ize that any future assaults may land He was also sentenced to credit for
you in prison, and you will be away time served, 166 days, and $625 in
from your daughter for a long period fines and costs for use of meth in a
of time.” separate incident last year.
Also Friday, a Three Rivers man Judge Herman noted that Frye is
was given the chance to get away also facing charges in Elkhart Coun-
from drugs and complete a proba- ty, Indiana and St. Joseph County,
tion program. Michigan. The St. Joseph County
Jonathan Russell Frye, 37, of East charges will be dismissed if Frye
Broadway in Three Rivers, pleaded completes the Cass County proba-
guilty to possession of meth and flee- tion successfully. The Elkhart County
ing police, both as a habitual offend- charges date back to 2016, and their
er, and was sentenced to three years’ status is unclear.
probation, credit for 166 days served Judge Herman said he would give
and $2,696 in fines and costs. He Frye the opportunity to complete the
must complete the Adult Treatment Twin County program where early
Court and Twin County Corrections reports indicate he is doing well, but
Program. reminded him that his guidelines call
The incident occurred July 10, for a prison sentence if he violates
Jessica Lindahl
his probation.
“You’re 37 years old with six chil-
dren. You have a 10th grade educa-
tion and you’ve been using drugs
daily since you were a teenager,” the
judge said. “It’s time to either grow
up or go to prison, it’s really that sim-
ple. I hope you’re aware of that. If you
go to prison, it will be because you’ll
make me send you to prison.”
In two other sentencings:
• Jose Carmen Galvan, 26, of
Thickstun Street in Dowagiac, plead-
ed guilty to use of meth and was sen-
tenced to credit for 41 days served
and $1,475 in fines and costs. The
incident occurred Sept. 16, 2020, in
Dowagiac.
• Jessica Marie Lindahl, 39, of
Vicksburg, pleaded guilty to pos-
session of analogues and driving
while impaired by drugs and was
sentenced to two years’ probation,
credit for four days served and $2,318
in fines and costs. The incident oc-
curred Dec. 30, 2020, near Marcellus.
 Niles Daily Star EDWARDSBURG ARGUS Saturday, April 10, 2021 • Page 27
t Edwardsburg Chamber Adminis-
trator Roy Smothermon poses for
a photo. The chamber is currently
raising funds to donate person-
alized tumblers to each senior
graduating from Edwardsburg High
School in 2021. (Leader photo/SAR-
AH CULTON)
-
-
s
-
uSomething to remember
Chamber fundraising to donate tumblers to graduating seniors
By SARAH CULTON
fsarah.culton@leaderpub.com
-
- EDWARDSBURG — Members of the Ed-
wardsburg Chamber of Commerce know
what it means to be a proud Eddie. That is
nwhy they are raising funds to provide gradu-
ating seniors a gift to take with them, no mat-
fter where they go, to remind them of where
-they came from.
g The Edwardsburg Chamber of Commerce
sis currently collecting funds to donate a per-
,sonalized tumbler to each member of Ed-
wardsburg High School’s graduating class.
-The tumblers, colored an Eddie orange, will
be personalized with each student’s name
and be etched with an Eddie figure. To fund
the project, the chamber will need to raise
roughly $2,800.
“This is a way to give back to seniors and let
them know that not only the chamber but the
community appreciates them,” said Cham-
ber Administrator Roy Smothermon. “This
is something we can give them to take with
them to remember graduating from Edwards-
burg and being a part of the community.”
Smothermon said he got the idea for the
tumbler project from the Cassopolis/Vanda-
lia Chamber of Commerce, which did some-
thing similar for its seniors last year. Bolt
Laserworks in Cassopolis is handling the en-
graving.
After a year that has been marked by
COVID-19 precautions and online classes,
Smothermon hopes the tumblers can bring a
smile to seniors’ faces.
“[Seniors] have struggled in the last year
with COVID and all that and being in and
out of school,” Smothermon said. “I just can’t
imagine what it was like for them not to be
able to see their friends and participate in the
extracurriculars they have. It’s been a tough
year, and we wanted to something to show
that we appreciated them.”
According to Smothermon, about $1,800 of
the project’s goal has already been collected.
He hopes the chamber can raise the remain-
ing funds by the end of the month.
“The community has been very support-
ive so far. I’ve been amazed at how much our
community members and local businesses
have given so far,” Smothermon said. “We ar-
en’t asking people to give an arm and a leg. If
they want to donate enough to buy one tum-
bler, we would appreciate that. Every little bit
helps.”
Community members who would like to
donate to the tumbler project can do so at
edwardsburgchamber.org or by calling Smo-
thermon at (574) 343-3721.
“We are just really excited about this proj-
ect,” Smothermon said. “We are excited to
work with our seniors and provide something
for them.”
Cassopolis
Cassopolis Family Clinic
261 M-62 North, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Medical (269) 445-3874
Mon. - Thurs. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.,
Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
Sat. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Dental (269) 228-8500
Mon. - Thurs. 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.,
Fri. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Phones Only)
Pharmacy (269) 228-8505
Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.,
Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Ranger Wellness Center
22721 Diamond Cove Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031
(269) 445-WELL (9355)
See website for current hours.
Niles
Niles Community Health Center
1951 Oak Street, Niles, MI 49120
Medical (269) 262-4749
Mon. - Thurs. 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.,
Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.,
Sat. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Obstetrics & Gynecology (269) 683-0300
Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Behavioral Health (269) 665-8800
Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Pharmacy (269) 665-8900
Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.,
Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Niles Community Health Center Dental
Our Family. Caring For Yours.
www.cassfamilyclinic.org
122 Grant Street, Niles, MI 49120
(269) 262-4364
Cassopolis Family Clinic Network is an Mon. - Thurs. 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
equal opportunity provider and employer.
 Edwardsburg Argus

Edwardsburg man sentenced for assault P26

Something to

Cass County to host workshop

remember
Chamber fundraising to donate tumblers to graduating seniors
on child abuse prevention P25