Niles Daily Star

SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2021 SERVING NILES, BUCHANAN AND EDWARDSBURG

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

ON LEAVE
Teacher under

NEXT
investigation
after Facebook
Live shows he
planned to meet
14-year-old at
hotel P9

STOP?
‘MINI WOODSTOCK’
Niles City Council considers allowing
inaugural cannabis festival P5

DRINKS ON THE GO
Buchanan commission considering
starting social district P6

TOP NOTCH
Buchanan man recognized as
Local officials informed Berrien County Telecommunicator of the Year P7
wants out of ‘transportation business’ ARRAIGNED
Niles teacher accused of assaulting
student pleads not guilty P8

FAMILIAR FACE
Former Miss Buchanan now serving as
prosecuting attorney in Berrien County P13

OBITUARIES
Lucille Brazo Edward Sherrick
Elda Dillman Dylan Stafford
Ina Hare
Pamela Payne
Stephen Richer
Sandra Sharrer P18-19
Niles Library, History Center host story walk P10 Apple Festival prepares for craft show P11 Spring sports reconvene after spring break P15
Page 2 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 Niles Daily Star

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Niles Daily Star LOCAL GOVERNMENT Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 3
The Niles City Council approved three events on its agenda Monday evening, includ-
ing the Niles Memorial Day Parade, Renaissance Faire and Skerbeck Spring Family
Carnival. All events are subject to COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time. (Leader
photo/CHRISTINA CLARK)
Three events approved by
Niles City Council Monday
By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
NILES – The Niles City Council approved
three events as a part of its agenda during the
regular Monday evening meeting.
Council members approved the event ap-
plications as part of the consent agenda in a
unanimous vote on Monday evening. Coun-
cil members Travis Timm and Georgia Boggs
were absent from the meeting.
“It’s exciting to see events on our agenda
again,” said Mayor Nick Shelton. “I’m hopeful
that we’ll be able to carry these out while fol-
lowing all of the pandemic restrictions at the
time of these events.”
The Memorial Day Parade, hosted by the
American Legion Larue Messenger Post 26,
had its permit application approved by the
council. According to the city council report,
prepared by Public Works Director Joe Ray,
the event is proposed to be 9 a.m. to 11:30
a.m. Monday, May 31.
“The route is the same as in past years, be-
ginning at the corner of State and W. Main
Street, then east on Main Street to Oak Street,
east on Oak Street to E. Main Street, and east
on E. Main Street to Silverbrook Cemetery,”
Ray’s report said.
Both Ray and City Administrator Ric Huff
recommended the approval of the request.
The second event on the agenda to be
approved was the Skerbeck Spring Family
Carnival, to be hosted May 20-23 at the Four
Flags Apple Festival grounds.
The Apple Festival Committee noted that it
RECREATIONAL & MEDICAL CANNABIS
gave permission to Skerbeck Entertainment
Group to use the grounds, and verbal approv-
al was given by Niles School District Superin-
tendent Dan Applegate, as long as COVID-19
restrictions were followed by Skerbeck.
The third event the council approved was
the Niles Renaissance Faire to take place at
Plym Park May 14-16.
“Performers and vendors of historical
crafts and clothing will be stationed through- INDIANA RESIDENTS WELCOME
out the park. Licensed food vendors, in-
cluding restaurants from our downtown, WITH VALID ID (21+)
will sell food and beverages,” said the city
council report, prepared by City Clerk Linda
Casperson. 1140 SOUTH 11TH STREET
According to the report, the Niles Commu-
nity Development Department and a volun-
NILES MICHIGAN
teer Renaissance group are coordinating the
event and vetting acts and vendors for the MONDAY-SATURDAY 10AM-8PM
faire.
Historical theater performances, period SUNDAY 10AM-4PM
music and dance, craft demonstrations, ar-
chery and arms demonstrations were listed
as attractions for the event. FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS
The event will be enclosed and ticketed. RECEIVE 15% OFF
At the end of the city council meeting,
council member Charlie McAfee said that Di-
ane Bass, executive assistant with the city of FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Niles, was retiring this month.
“[I’d like to] let her know that’s a job well
FOR MORE DEALS
done, and we will really miss her,” McAfee
said.
Shelton said Bass would be missed. ORDER ONLINE NOW AT
“She’s been an absolute gem and a treasure.
She’s been a part of the city for so long,” Shel- WWW.GREENSTEMMI.COM
ton said.
Page 4 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 FOCUS Niles Daily Star

Next stop?
By CHRISTINA CLARK jurisdictions better.
Local officials informed Berrien County
wants out of ‘transportation business’
Currently, the city of Niles has a half mill on the Berrien Bus concept.
christina.clark@leaderpub.com “Berrien Bus has always been the rural pro- millage, and Buchanan has a one mill millage “I think we need to be tougher than that,” Di-

N
vider, but they don’t have local funding,” she to generate funds to support the Niles DART Costanzo said. “We are doing a good job serv-
ILES – Running errands, being trans- said. “They get rural federal dollars. They get and Berrien Bus services. Not all jurisdictions ing our constituents. We may end up taking
ported for doctor appointments and some state [ funding] match, but without the that would fall between areas requiring service on other transportation responsibilities that
more could become more challenging local funding piece, it’s just not sustainable.” would have funding to support It at this time, impacts the level of service we are providing to
for some Berrien County residents, as Niles DART has already begun working with including Berrien Springs. The Berrien RESA, our constituents. I don’t know why we would
county officials reportedly seek to end its Ber- Buchanan to combine services. stationed in Berrien Springs, has contracts take this on and enable the county to ditch it.”
rien Bus program. “We would gear up quickly, working togeth- with Berrien Bus, which could potentially be Huff said over the next 30 to 60 days infor-
Niles Dial-A-Ride Transportation, or DART, er with the county and working with state and transferred in the event of a shift in transpor- mation would be gathered to present to the
and the city of Niles are in preliminary consid- federal partners to put it together as quickly as tation responsibility. council members for “further thought and
erations and discussions with Berrien County possible,” Getman-Dissette said. “There are still things we need to explore consideration.”
concerning expanding its service area. She said the fiscal year begins in October for legally, but it’s [the city’s] understanding that

“
“There was some inter- seeking funding and grants. we can develop a new, small regional transpor-
est in combining Niles and A decision on combining tation that is basically a ‘pay for play’ type
Buchanan public transpor- services would ideally need system,” Huff said.
tation services. Buchan- to be reached by that time. Huff said townships
an’s public transportation “We don’t want to leave “We don’t want to leave and municipalities want-
service is currently being anybody without service anybody without service ing to use the potential
offered through Berrien that has been relying on that has been relying on service could set a special
County,” said Niles City Ad- the bus. These are folks the bus,” Getman-Dissette assessment district, mill-
ministrator Ric Huff Mon- that rely on bus service to said. “These are folks that age, or pay from general
day evening during the Niles get to work, to get to the rely on bus service to get to funds a per capita rate
City Council Committee of doctor, to get to and from work, to get to the doctor, to be included in the
the Whole meeting. “Ber- the grocery story. We want to get to and from the gro- service area.
rien County has made the to make sure folks that are cery story. We want to make Council mem-
determination that they will relying on the service now sure folks that are relying on ber Jessica Nelson
not be in the transportation continue to have service to the service now continue to spoke frankly about
business.” the extent possible.” have service to the extent her concerns.
Huff said the county had possible.” “We are all famil-
approached the city about KELLY GETMAN-DISETTE Monday night, Huff said iar with how curses
combining and transferring Niles DART Director the other area the county work, right? You have
the transportation services had approached to take to pass it on and have
for Niles DART to proceed over public transportation someone accept it,” Nel-
with for a central area in the was in the St. Joseph, Ben- son said. “I think it’s ab-
south county area, including ton Harbor and Watervliet solutely a critical need.
Buchanan, Niles and Ber- area. I absolutely wish that
rien Springs. According to Huff, the Berrien County would be
“It makes a lot of sense from a rider’s per- county has approached the city with the idea able to make this work
spective,” Huff said. “There’s a lot of movement of transferring the capital and cash assets to in away that would have
between Buchanan and Niles. The continuity the city of Niles for buses and to invest in a us have an integrated
of services makes sense.” newly constructed bus transportation facility, service across Berrien
Currently, the Niles DART system and Ber- repair facility, storage facility and transporta- County.”
rien Bus have separate fare systems. Com- tion hub in the city. She expressed con-
bining the two would streamline the fares “These are all positive. I think, initially, in cern about the times
for riders. general conversation, it’s the right choice. I transportation would
“We don’t want anyone to lose service, but think it makes a lot of sense to have this trans- be needed, which
it’s not sustainable in its current form,” said portation node within these jurisdictions and would fall into longer
Kelly Getman-Dissette, Niles DART director, of to help our citizens move about in them,” hours than Niles DART
Berrien Bus, on Wednesday. Huff said. “My concern is, while there’s money currently offers. She also
Getman-Dissette, who has been with Niles to get into this and capital to get into — and mentioned the shortage of bus drivers in
DART since 2009, said discussions have maybe a brand new, sparkly facility to get the area.
gone on for years on how to improve ser- into this — how do we keep it going from that Council member John DiCostanzo said he
vice in the county and work together across point forward?” did not want to enable the county to give up
 Niles Daily Star LOCAL GOVERNMENT Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 5
Niles City Council hears
proposal for cannabis festival
City representatives discuss pros, cons of hosting marijuana event in early fall
By CHRISTINA CLARK
-
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
-
NILES – Niles City Council members
discussed what some called “the next
Woodstock” during a committee of the
whole meeting Monday evening.
City Administrator Ric Huff intro-
-
duced the application from the Michigan
Cannabis Festival to council members,
d
expressing concern about the “untested”
nature of the event.
The Niles Music Cannabis Festival,
originally applied to be hosted from July
14 through July 18, according to its ap-
plication with the city of Niles, is now
considering pushing its tentative date
back to September, according to event
organizers. By pushing the date back,
the organizers hope there will be few-
er COVID-19 restrictions on events and
event attendance. Currently, the Michi-
gan Department of Health and Human
Services mandates that outdoor events
not exceed 1,000 people.
“We don’t have a track record of how
many people will try to attend this,”
Huff said. “I know [organizers] men-
tioned that they have some big-ticket
bands that are interested [in playing this
event]. That in itself could attract an aw-
ful lot of people.”
Controlling the access to the event
would be difficult, according to Huff.
Some potential locations have been
identified for the event to aid in
the security.
Riverfront Park South, near the Ruff
and Tumble Dog Park and French Paper
dam, was identified as a potential space
to be utilized.
“You can control access on Bond Street
from the north and south there. There’s
a river controlling access from the west
and a swamp controlling access from the
east,” Huff said. “It would be fairly easy
to keep track of who is there and diffi-
cult for someone to crash the party, so
to speak.”
Huff said planning should be conser-
vative for the first event of its kind in the
area, due to so many unknowns for the
event type and the nature of COVID-19
trends and mandates in Michigan.
According to the event application,
24 vendors have been identified in-
cluding eight food vendors, eight mer-
chandise vendors and eight marijuana
dispensaries
“We have big plans to bring some real
nice [music] acts. You’ve mentioned
Woodstock. This would be the next
Woodstock for Niles,” said Michigan
Cannabis Festival Chief Executive Offi-
cer Germaine Redding. “But it all comes
with safety. That’s my main focus for do-
ing any event. If people buy a ticket, they
expect to come safe and leave safe.”
Michigan Cannabis Festival’s Chief
Operating Officer Mel Spencley said
Redding has more than 20 years of work-
ing as a production manager and run-
ning music festivals.
City council member John DiCostanzo
was in support of the event and what it
could mean for Niles.
“I think this is an outstanding oppor-
tunity to be the first one in the state. I
think it would attract a lot of attention
to the city,” DiCostanzo said.
He said organizers seemed to have a
“pretty good” safety plan, as included in
the application was their plan for securi-
ty at an East Lansing event.
“I kind of view this as a mini-Wood-
stock event,” DiCostanzo said. “I think if
it’s really good music, and people party-
ing in the park, it’s going to be a lot of
fun.”
Council member Jessica Nelson ex-
pressed some concern upon realizing the
Niles event would potentially be among
the first of its kind in the state of Mich-
igan. Nelson expressed concerns about
Niles’ ability to handle a large influx of
out-of-town people staying for a week-
end event of potentially very large size.
“When anyone comes to a city for an
event, they don’t just come for the event
– they come and enjoy the city,” Nelson
said. “So, what does that look like, and
how do we handle that? Not only from
a security or public safety point of view,
but as an accommodation point of view.”
No actions were taken on the discus-
sion as of Monday evening.
Page 6 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 LOCAL GOVERNMENT Niles Daily Star
Buchanan Commission considers social district
By DEBRA HAIGHT
Leader Publications Contributor
BUCHANAN – Community de-
velopment efforts were on the
front burner at Monday night’s
Buchanan City Commission meet-
ing. Commissioners discussed cre-
ating a social district downtown
and heard about an expansion
of the summer concert series at
the Common.
The social district idea was in-
troduced by Community Devel-
opment Director Rich Murphy. He
noted that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
and the state legislature estab-
lished the social district designa-
tion last summer in an effort to
support restaurants in the midst
of the pandemic. Social districts al-
low people to consume alcohol off
premises in shared common areas.
Murphy called the social district
concept an economic develop-
ment tool for the city. He said 40 or
50 communities around the state
have “opted in” to having social dis-
tricts so far, the closest one being
the city of Niles. He expects many
more to be applying in coming
weeks and months.
“It allows municipalities to es-
tablish a geographic area where ex-
isting liquor licensees can sell alco-
hol on their premises which then
can be consumed in the social dis-
trict area,” he said. “This is an im-
portant time in Buchanan’s history.
The summer season this year will
be a comeback for the community.”
“This would mean more visitors
and economic activity,” he said.
“It could work in concert with the
special events being planned and
discussed. This is the single most
important economic thing we can
do to stimulate the local economy.
… Going into the summer season
people ask what we can do to help
local business; this is a no brainer.”
While Murphy said he has heard
only positive comments from com-
munity development directors he
has talked to in other communi-
ties, Buchanan Police Chief Tim
Ganus said he has some questions.
“I do have some concerns. I’m
not sure what it would look like
and where it would be,” Ganus said.
“In other areas they’ve used a side
street and I’m not sure if we can do
that. I don’t think we can, I don’t
want to block streets off. I would
like to have a lot of information
before I’d feel comfortable giving a
thumbs up.”
Commissioner Patrick Swem
said he thinks it can be done safe-
ly and said he was “very intrigued.”
Mark Weedon said he thinks peo-
ple may be confusing the social dis-
trict with what Niles is doing with
its outdoor dining experience that
has closed off a section of Second
Street. He said other social districts
he has visited have clear boundar-
ies with markers and signs.
“I’m open to anything that will
create an environment where
people want to come and visit,”
Mayor Sean Denison said. “This
will require a lot of conversations
with businesses that serve alcohol,
shops and people. Maybe people
don’t want it, but it’s a conversation
we have to have.”
In public comments, former
commissioner Dan Vigansky ex-
pressed skepticism. He said he has
held a liquor license in the past
and said he had concerns about
liability, rules and regulations.
“Where is this going?” he asked.
“Are we going to allow people to
walk around with a beer? The next
thing will be a glass of wine or
smoking a joint.”
Murphy also gave an update
on the master plan. He said plan-
ning commissioners have finished
work on an updated master plan
and will be presenting the draft to
the commission in coming weeks.
People will have opportunity to re-
view and comment on the plan be-
fore it is adopted. It can be found
at cityofbuchanan.com.
Commissioners approved an
application to the Community
Economic Development Associa-
tion of Michigan’s Fellowship Pro-
gram. If selected, the city will host
a community development fellow
for a 15-month period at total cost
of $6,000.
City Manager Heather Grace
said she is familiar with the pro-
gram from her previous job as
the city manager of West Branch,
Michigan. She said the fellow they
worked with there proved helpful
in identifying grant opportunities.
She called the fellowship program
a good training route for recent
college graduates while also help-
ing out the city.
Commissioners also heard from
Michael Rowland of the Michigan
Community Gateway Foundation
about his organization’s efforts to
promote the community. They’ve
established two funds to gather
donations to expand what was the
“Last Saturday” concerts to more
dates over the summer months
and support the maintenance of
the Common.
Rowland said they hope to have
expanded funding in order to do
four to five shows this summer. The
concerts will be at the Common
stage but with options to stream
concerts to local restaurants and
other areas of the downtown. He
said they are also working with the
Three Oaks-based Acorn Theater
to host a singer songwriter compe-
tition and other events.
For her part, Grace said she is
working with the foundation as
well as others interested in the
community to have a more robust
summer concert series as well as
other events during the year to
bring more visitors to the city and
promote tourism. She said she’s
also working on a new city poli-
cy to allow for and regulate food
trucks in the city.
Monday’s two-and-a-half-hour
meeting also featured action in
other areas. The city has hired a
new city attorney after putting out
a request for proposals. Commis-
sioners chose Mowitt Drew of the
Kotz, Sanster Wysocki PC law firm
over two others including Richard
Racht of Bittner Jennings, the cur-
rent city attorney.
Commissioners said they had
not been satisfied with Racht’s
service and noted that Drew’s of-
fice is local, in the Longmeadow
development between Niles and
Buchanan. Grace said that while a
lot of business can be done virtual-
ly, it does save cost and expediency
to have an attorney who is closer
geographically.
Niles Daily Star BERRIEN COUNTY Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 7

Buchanan man recognized as

Telecommunicator of the Year
SUBMITTED
BERRIEN COUNTY — A Buchanan
man has been named Berrien County’s
Telecommunicator of the Year.
During the Berrien County Board of
Commissioners’ meeting on Thursday
morning, four 911 dispatchers were hon-
ored for their service.
Annually, 911 operators from the
county emergency communications cen-
ters are invited to nominate their peers
for consideration for the designation of
911 Telecommunicator of the Year.
These anonymized nominations are
considered by representatives from the
county’s 911 Advisory Committee. The
presentation was made by Jack Fisher,
executive director of Medic 1 Ambulance
Berrien County’s 911 Telecommunicator of the Year and chair of the Berrien County 911 Advi-
was awarded to Tyler Prenkert on Thursday during the sory Committee.
Berrien County Board of Commissioners meeting. (Sub- The award is presented during Nation-
mitted photo) al 911 Public Safety Telecommunicators
Week, which is annually recognized in
April. 911 Telecommunicators are the
call takers and dispatchers, known as the
“first first responders” for their integral
role in the response to an emergency call,
providing pre-arrival instructions over
the phone and mobilizing and coordinat-
ing the field response.
The award for Telecommunicator of
the Year was presented to Berrien Coun-
ty Dispatcher Tyler Prenkert for his calm
demeanor, control, intuition and ability
to reason through complex multifaceted
calls. Prenkert’s handling of a call last De-
cember for a house fire from a resident
trapped inside was highlighted.
Prenkert was able to calm the caller
and quickly determine viable options for
the woman, who had limited mobility,
providing instructions to her that helped
aid in her surviving the fire.
“This call was just one excellent point
in his overall performance, but one that
should be recognized for a job well done
as a well-rounded telecommunicator
and representative of Berrien County
that we are proud to have on staff,” wrote
the staff member who nominated Pren-
kert.
Also recognized were nominees Niles
Dispatcher Earl Shaffer for his willing-
ness to go the extra mile for callers and
his partners, and for his calm demeanor;
Berrien County Supervisor Sarah Blur-
ton for her knowledge, adaptability and
going above and beyond for her team-
mates; and Berrien County Supervisor
Cassidie Pointer for her attentiveness to
her team and hands-on leadership.
“We have amazing, caring, hard-work-
ing 911 telecommunicators in Berrien
County,” said Berrien County Public Safe-
ty Communication Center Director Cait-
lin Sampsell. “Celebrating them as indi-
viduals and their team effort is always
one of the highlights of my year.”

Public defender’s office to increase staff

By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
BERRIEN COUNTY – Staffing lev-
els are set to increase at the Berrien
County Public Defender’s Office after
a vote from the Berrien County Board
of Commissioners Thursday morning.
The commissioners also voted to take
steps to combine the Friend of the
Court and the Prosecutor’s Office.
Jim Curran, chair of the Administra-
tion Committee, spoke about a meeting
the committee had with Berrien Coun-
ty Chief Public Defender Paul Jancha.
“Annually, the public defenders’
office puts together a budget. That
budget request is sent to the state for
approval, and that’s how we fund the
bulk of our public defender’s office,”
Curran said.
In the resolution concerning the
budget for the BCPD office for fiscal
year 2022, the requested amount from
the state for the year is $4,077,849. The
county’s share is $569,469.67.
Curran then introduced some of the
changes being requested by the BCPD.
“When the Michigan Indigent De-
fense Commission created the MIDC
in our public defender’s office, they had
standards that the state set that they
wanted compliance with and wanted
[the county] to meet,” Curran said.
“We have to date received our stan-
dards that we have been complying
with.”
For fiscal year 2022, the state gave a
fifth standard for the county to meet.
“[The fifth standard] is judicial in-
dependence separating the court
from the public defender’s office. The
task of screening clients either for
indigent or partial indigent has been
handled by the court. Now, that task
is being assigned to the public de-
fender’s office.”
The reassignment will mean an
increased workload for the office,
which was addressed in a budget
staffing request.
“To meet that added demand,
[ Jancha] would like to add two pub-
lic defender positions, and reclassify
the office manager to an office ad-
ministrator to account for the added
work, and to better clarify the work
being done,” Curran said. “The second
change [ Jancha] is requesting is to
add a social worker position.”
The public defender’s office current-
ly has a single social worker on staff. A
second would help support the office,
Curran said.
Curran also reported that Jancha
said the MIDC has set out guide-
lines for dealing with adult criminal
activity.
“It’s been noted that there is time
allocated from the public defenders’
staff to non-adult activity time, which
would be family division, juvenile,
child protective services, that type of
thing,” Curran said.
Jancha had requested the county
pick up a portion of the bill for those
tasks and activities for the fiscal year
2022, to the amount of $9,720.27.
Grant funding is the bulk of what
supports the public defender’s office,
according to Curran.
Page 8 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 PUBLIC SAFETY Niles Daily Star

Niles teacher accused Two area residents sentenced for assault, drugsT
of assaulting student Buchanan man’s probation
Berrien
extended, judge County Sheriff's Dept.
orders
2020, in the city of Buchanan. He had ini-
tially been charged with assault with intent
credit for one day served and $658 in finesB
and costs. He was given credit for one daya

pleads not guilty

to do great bodily harm less than murder. served for contempt of court for failing to
Press Release The 2018 probation stemmed from a con- appear at a previous court proceeding.
anger management ________________________________________________________________________________________________
viction for attempted larceny from a per- The incident occurred Dec. 14, 2018, ine
son from a 2018 incident in Buchanan. the city of Niles. s
By SARAH CULTON By DEBRA HAIGHT Defense attorney Lanny Fisher said his Defense attorney Kaitlin Locke notedv
sarah.culton@leaderpub.com Leader Publications Contributor client has made real progress and is now that the case goes back to 2018, and her cli-h
employed. He noted that his ent was not arrested until 2020. a
NILES — A Niles teacher accused of assaulting two stu- NILES ­— Two area resi- client had substance abuse “He has turned his life around,” she
dents has pleaded not guilty. dents were sentenced Mon- issues in the past which he said. “He is working. he’s married and hasc
Thursday, Southside School teacher Sara “Sally” Irons, day in Berrien County Trial has gotten help for. For his two minor children he supports. His lifea
of Niles, was arraigned on an assault and battery charge, Court for assault and drug part, Paolucci-Hitchcock consists of going to work and going backP
a 93-day misdemeanor. In court, Irons, without her lawyer offenses. apologized for “messing up” home. Thankfully, he’s changed his lifes
present, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Joseph Paolucci-Hitch- before and said he wanted to around without jail time.” a
Irons was arrested March 15 after turning herself in to cock, 22, of Buchanan, plead- put everything behind him. “He’s a completely different person thant
police. ed guilty in two cases, one Berrien County Trial Judge he was in 2018,” she added. “His father hadh
According to a report released by the Niles Police Depart- for aggravated assault from Sterling Schrock extended recently passed and he was going throughS
ment, Irons, a special education teacher with more than 25 a 2020 incident and one for a Paolucci-Hitchcock’s proba- a hard time and acting out and acting irra-t
years in the Niles Community Schools district, is accused of probation violation in a 2018 tion for another year on the tionally. He is doing much better. His familyf
assaulting a student on Jan. 12. case, and was sentenced Joseph 2018 case. is doing better and he is sober.” c
On the day of the alleged incident, Irons noticed a student to credit for 49 days in jail Paolucci-Hitchcock “There appears to be She and Jennings said he was takingp
with an unauthorized cellphone, according to the police re- already served and $635 in enough time left to monitor controlled substances at the time of the
port. Irons then pushed the student up against a shelf and fines and costs on the assault case. Photo Date: 7/7/2020you onAMprobation and there is a new law
2:38:00 2018 incident in order to get to sleep. v
wrapped herself around the student from behind, “almost His probation was extended from three where probation can be extended with a Judge Schrock added psychological andfi
like a bear hug.” During this time, Irons was attempting to years to four years in thePAOLUCCI-HITCHCOCK,
Name: 2018 case. An- JOSEPH newTITEL
charge,” he said. substance abuse assessments to Jennings’t
“snatch” and “claw” the phone away from the student. Oth- other condition wasRace: added
UNKNOWN
for him to Sex: MALE Demetris Drew Jennings, 31, of South probation term and ordered him to get hisa
er staff members observed the incident and intervened. get anger management assessment and DOB:Bend, pleaded guilty to attempted obtain- high school diploma. Jennings’ probationo
Age: 22 4/29/1998
The incident occurred at Southside School, 1450 Silver- treatment. ing a controlled substance by fraud and can be shortened if he completes all the
Height: 510 Weight: 175
brook St., Niles, which operates programs for low-incidence The 2020 incident occurred May 21, was sentenced to two years’ probation, probation conditions early. E
Build: Complexion:
special needs students and students who are not achieving,
primarily due to an inability to control their behavior. Hair Color: BLACK Eye Color: BROWN

School officials later told police that the training district

NEWS IN BRIEF
teachers are given would not have called for physical re- Four arrested in drug search
straint in the case of refusal to surrender personal property. DOWAGIAC — Four area
Irons was placed on administrative leave on Jan. 13. On residents were arrested Wednesday
Feb. 17, the student’s mother told police she wanted to pur- on drug charges following the
sue charges against Irons. execution of a search warrant in
According to the police report, at the time of the Jan. the city of Dowagiac.
12 incident, school administrators were investigating two The Cass County Drug
other incidents involving Irons and a different student. Enforcement Team announced
The first occurred Oct. 23, 2020, in the hallway of South- that on Wednesday CCDET
side School. The police report notes that the incident was detectives conducted a search
caught on video but does not provide further details. The warrant in the 500 block of N. Front
second incident occurred Oct. 30, 2020. A student alleged Street in the city of Dowagiac.
Irons pulled their ear inside a classroom. Though the in- Detectives detained five
cident was not caught on video, the student can be seen individuals located at the address
on surveillance footage on the day of the alleged incident and began to search the premises.
walking out of a homeroom cupping their ear. A few hours Detectives located a large
later, Irons can be seen on footage talking to a fellow staff amount of methamphetamine,
member “mimicking pulling herself by the back of the hair/ methamphetamine paraphernalia
nape and pulling her ear.” and stolen property.
When interviewed by administrators about the Oct. 30, A 31-year-old male, a 23-year-
2020, incident, Irons denied it had happened. old male, a 21-year-old female
Due to the not guilty plea, Irons’ case will now proceed and a 32-year-old female were
to trial, with court appearances to be scheduled for a later arrested for possession of
date. methamphetamine. The suspects’
Previously, Irons had posted a bond of $500, which Judge names are being withheld pending
Sterling Schrock continued. Irons is not to have any con- arraignment on the charges in
tact with the alleged victim or any witnesses.
the fourth district court. The
investigation is still ongoing at
this time.
Agencies assisting with the
search warrant were Dowagiac
Police Department, Cass County
Sheriff ’s Office and the Cass
County Felony Detectives. Anyone
with information regarding this
case or any other criminal activity
is asked by detectives to call the
Cass County Tip Line at 1(800)
462-9328.
Dowagiac man arrested
for possession of meth
DOWAGIAC — A Dowagiac man
has been arrested for possession of
meth.
The Cass County Drug
Enforcement Team announced
that on Thursday CCDET
detectives conducted a search
warrant in the 200 block of
Pennsylvania Avenue in the city of
Dowagiac.
Detectives detained one
individual located at the
address and began to search
the premises. Detectives
located methamphetamine and
methamphetamine paraphernalia.
A 35-year-old male was arrested for
possession of methamphetamine.
The suspect’s name is being
withheld pending arraignment on
the charges in the fourth district
court. The investigation is still on
going at this time.
Agencies assisting with the
search warrant were Dowagiac
Police Department, Cass County
Sheriff ’s Office and the Cass
County Felony Detectives. Anyone
with information regarding this
case or any other criminal activity
is asked by detectives to call the
Cass County Sheriff ’s Office Tip
Line at 1 (800) 462-9328 or contact
the Sheriff ’s Office through the
Anonymous Web Tip Line at ccso.
info.
 Niles Daily Star PUBLIC SAFETY Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 9

Teacher faces disciplinary action for allegedly soliciting 14-year-old

By AMBROSIA NELDON
ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com
NILES — A Brandywine teach-
er was put on leave from his po-
sition after he was recorded on
video attempting to meet what
-he believed was a 14-year-old girl
at a hotel.
The Facebook Live video, re-
scorded and posted April 2 by
a Facebook group called PCI:
kPredator Catchers Indianapolis,
eshows Patrick Stier, 44, entering
a hotel room in South Bend with
the intent to meet a teenager
dhe met on the internet. Instead,
Stier was met by adult represen-
-tatives from the group, who con-
yfronted him about messages ex-
changed between he and a decoy
pretending to be 14 years old.
Though not identified in the
video, Stier’s identity was con-
firmed by Brandywine communi-
ty members and former students
sas the video circulated Facebook
over the weekend.
e Stier teaches Career Technical
Education and CADD at Brandy-
were not police and that he was
not under arrest.
The woman, not pictured on
camera, identified herself as the
person Stier had been messag-
ing, and later tells him she is 34
years old, though she had led Sti-
er to believe she was 14.
“You know from our texts that
I questioned it over and over and
over, and through my bad judg-
ment I showed up,” Stier said in
the video.
Stier admitted to sending inap-
A screenshot of a Facebook Live video recorded by PCI: Predator propriate pictures and express-
Catchers Indianapolis captured a man they referred to as “Frank ing desire to take a shower with
Smith” — who was later identified as Patrick Stier — visiting a ho- the alleged teenager.
tel with the intent to meet a 14-year-old. (Screenshot) One member of the group
identified himself as the father
wine High School. hotel room to find an adult fe- of a teenage girl and a member of
Brandywine Superintendent male instead of a teenager. A Bikers Against Predators.
Karen Weimer said in email Sun- minute or so later, two adult men “What you’re doing right there
day morning that she was made jumped up from behind a bed is you’re admitting to doing the
aware of the video around 9 p.m. and confronted him. wrong thing,” the man said. “You
Saturday, and that disciplinary Stier attempted to leave the already knew that it’s against the
action is “in the process.” hotel room but was persuaded law.”
“[Stier] will be on leave and by the three adults, members of Stier said he was a divorced fa-
will not be in the classroom,” Predator Catchers Indianapo- ther of two adult sons, and agreed
Weimer wrote. lis, to “have a conversation.” The that his actions were wrong.
In the video, Stier entered the members assured Stier that they Throughout the video, Stier
said he repeatedly questioned
whether the person he messaged
was actually 14 and asked if he
was going to be part of a sting or
on “To Catch a Predator.”
“And still you kept going and
going and going,” the female said.
When asked for comment Sun-
day, PCI: Predator Catchers Indi-
anapolis declined to comment.
“At this time, we have not yet
identified ‘Frank Smith,’” page
managers wrote in a Facebook
message. “Until we know more
about this situation, we decline
to comment. We appreciate you
reaching out.”
Weimer said the district
would follow state law and
board policies throughout the
investigation.
Stier has not been arrested in
either St. Joseph County, Indiana,
where the sting occurred, or Ber-
rien County, where he teaches.
As of press time, Stier had not
been arrested.
Attempts to reach Stier
were unsuccessful at time of
publication.

POLICE LOG — APRIL 8-11

April 8
12:27 a.m. – S. Ninth/Hickory, traffic
4:50 a.m. – 1300 block Bond, abandoned ve-
hicle
7:44 a.m. – Silverbrook/S. 14th, traffic stop
8:10 a.m. – E. Main/Maple, traffic stop
8:42 a.m. – N. 13th/Louis, traffic
9:27 a.m. – Silverbrook/Inner, obstruction of
justice/warrant
11:09 a.m. – 1200 block S. 11th, unwanted
person
11:26 a.m. – 400 block S. 11th, disturbance
12:10 p.m. – S. Third/Huron, traffic stop
1:11 p.m. – S. Lincoln/Clay, traffic stop
1:43 p.m. – S. 13th/Marion, traffic stop
2:24 p.m. – Lake/N. 16th, traffic stop
2:54 p.m. – 1400 block Fort, disturbance
3:15 p.m. – Silverbrook/S. 11th, traffic stop
4:08 p.m. – Inner/Silverbrook, obstruction of
justice/warrant
4:22 p.m. – 1600 block Cherry, threat
6 p.m. – Inner/Silverbrook, meals
6:16 p.m. – 400 block S. 11th, threat
6:35 p.m. – Cass/N. Front, utility
6:37 p.m. – 400 block S. 11th, obstruction of
justice/warrant
April 9
3:50 a.m. – 1000 block Lake, alarm-burglary/oth-
ers
4 a.m. – 300 block N. Second, traffic
4:44 a.m. – 100 block N. Fourth, alarm-burglary/
others
6:23 a.m. – 1300 block N. Fifth, disturbance
7 a.m. – Inner/Silverbrook, meals
7:33 a.m. – 500 block Broadway, assault and
battery
11:46 a.m. – N. Fourth/Sycamore, traffic stop
12:51 p.m. – N. St. Joseph, suspicious person
1:26 p.m. – 1400 block Merrifield, malicious de-
struction of property
3:18 p.m. – N. Sixth/Sycamore, traffic
3:26 p.m. – S. 15th/Maple, assault and battery
3:37 p.m. – 1800 block N. Fifth, fraud
4:04 p.m. – 1200 block S. 11th, larceny
4:57 p.m. – N. 16th, civil dispute
7:03 p.m. – E. Main, alarm-burglary/others
8:38 p.m. – N. 13th/Regent, hit and run/operating
while intoxicated/driving while license suspended
10:31 p.m. – 1600 block N. Fifth, disturbance
10:59 p.m. – 1600 block Huron, noise
11:56 p.m. – 700 block Poplar, breaking and en-
tering
April 10
12:05 a.m. – 1300 block Silverbrook, domestic vi-
olence
1:53 a.m. – 500 block Dey, suspicious situation
7:33 a.m. – Cherry/E. Main, hit and run/operating
while intoxicated/driving while license suspended
9:04 a.m. – 600 block Woodruff, traffic
9:36 a.m. – 500 block Hawthorne, civil dispute
10:53 a.m. – 900 block S. 11th, trespassing/un-
wanted person
11:11 a.m. – 600 block E. main, disturbance
11:22 a.m. – Cherry/ S. 11th, traffic stop
11:45 a.m. – 600 block E. Main, violation of con-
trolled substance act
12:07 p.m. – E. Main/Maple, traffic stop
1:11 p.m. – 17th/Cherry, traffic stop
1:38 p.m. – S. Fifth/Cherry, indecent exposure
2:54 p.m. – 1600 block N. Fifth, motor vehicle
theft
7:02 p.m. – N. Fifth/Wayne, traffic stop
7:32 p.m. – 1600 block N. Fifth, traffic stop
8 p.m. – N. Fifth/Ferry, traffic stop
8:17 p.m. – Grant/Spruce, traffic stop
9:22 p.m. – 900 block S. 11th, property destruc-
tion accident
9:35 p.m. – 1200 block S. 11th, suspicious vehicle
10:01 p.m. – S. Fifth/Oak, traffic stop
10:21 p.m. – 1200 block S. 11th, assault and bat-
tery
10:56 p.m. – Inner/Silverbrook, suspicious situa-
tion
11:38 p.m. – 1200 block Regent, noise
April 11
12:18 a.m. – 900 block S. 14th, noise
12:31 a.m. – Silverbrook/S. 11th, traffic stop
12:41 a.m. – S. 11th/Silverbrook, traffic stop
12:52 a.m. – 1300 block Bond, suspicious vehicle
1:08 a.m. – S. Third/Bond, traffic stop
1:17 a.m. – 1700 block Broadway, assault and
battery
1:51 a.m. – Broadway/N. 15th, hit and run/operat-
ing while intoxicated/driving while license suspend-
ed
4:45 a.m. – 1600 block N. Fifth, disturbance
8:43 a.m. – 1200 block S. 11th, traffic stop
9 a.m. – E. Main/N. Fifth, personal injury acci-
dent
10:06 a.m. – 1500 block Rolling Hills, trespass
11:53 a.m. – 900 block S. 11th, traffic stop
12:19 p.m. – S. Fifth/Superior, traffic stop
12:51 p.m. – N. Front/Wayne, traffic stop
Page 10 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 EDUCATION Niles Daily Star
Students ‘cautiously’ return to
classrooms after spring break
By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
BERRIEN COUNTY – Stu-
dents around Berrien County
left for spring break on April
2, and returned to classrooms
with their peers on Monday.
Despite urges by Michigan’s
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Fri-
day for schools to take a two-
week break from both sport
and in-person instruction to
slow the spread of COVID-19,
Brandywine Community
Schools, Buchanan Communi-
ty Schools and Niles Commu-
nity Schools kept to plans to
have in-person instruction.
“We listened to the governor
on Friday,” said Niles Commu-
nity Schools Superintendent
Dan Applegate, of the area
superintendents. “We all met
with the Berrien RESA and
Berrien County health officials
within an hour. We discussed
the recommendations.”
Applegate said the schools
looked to the Berrien Coun-
ty Health Department for
guidance.
“Anytime you look at the
Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention website, the
Michigan Department of
Health and Human Services,
they all say to talk to your lo-
cal health officials,” Applegate
said. “We try to figure out what
is locally the best thing to do.”
The BCHD’s guidance con-
cluded that in-person instruc-
tion would be best.
“In Berrien County, there has
been a rise in COVID-19 cases
since the beginning of March
moving from an average of
23 cases per day on March 5
to an average of 50 cases per
day on March 29,” said a letter
signed by BCHD Health Offi-
cer Nicki Britten and Medical
Director/Pediatrician Rick
Johansen. “Since March 29,
cases have remained flat with
10 straight days of no appre-
ciable increases. While there
are many regions in the state
with exceptionally high rates of
new COVID-19 cases, Berrien
County has one quarter the
rate of new cases per day com-
pared to areas currently the
hardest hit in Michigan.”
Buchanan Community
Schools Superintendent Patri-
cia Robinson sent a letter to
school families on Friday that
stated the school would be
closely monitoring COVID-19
information.
“In the days ahead, consis-
tent and careful reviews of
data will determine the ability
to continue in-person learning
and/or spring sports,” Robin-
son said in the letter. “Every-
one will have to do their part to
keep in-person learning avail-
able to the students of Berrien
County.”
In the letter, she urges fam-
ilies to continue to social dis-
tance, wash hands, wear masks
as directed and to not send stu-
dents who are ill to school.
Brandywine Community
Schools Superintendent Karen
Weimer also released a letter
on Friday to families.
“Our area is one of the few
in the state where nearly every
school district has been able to
offer in-person instruction in
August and has continued to
keep their doors open for the
past seven months,” Weimer
said in the letter. “This prog-
ress can directly be attributed
to educators’ commitment to
safety, including cohorting of
students, practical social dis-
tancing, frequent hand-wash-
ing, participating in daily
health screenings and wearing
facial coverings.”
Students involved in spring
sports will now need to be test-
ed weekly for COVID-19 due to
a recent Michigan Department
of Health and Human Services
order.
Applegate said the Niles
Community Schools athletes
began tests last week.
Reading on the road
Niles District Library, Niles History Center debut story walk
By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
NILES – The colorful illustrations,
characters, sound effects and antic-
ipation of turning the page to reveal
a new scene are all earmarks of chil-
dren’s story time in a classroom or the
library. The daily tradition at the Niles
District Library has been missed by
many families due to the COVID-19
pandemic over the last year.
Over the weekend, the library host-
ed its first “story walk.” The story walk
featured “Do Unto Otters: A Book
about Manners,” by Laurie Keller, a
Michigan-based author. Attendees
could walk to signs placed in the
grass, spaced out on the grounds of
the library to look at the illustrations
and read each page of the book on
their journey down the sidewalks.
Tara Hunsberger, youth services
team leader with the Niles District
Library, misses the regular times each
week she used to have each week
to connect with the children in the
community. Prior to COVID-19, there
were multiple story times throughout
each day available to attend. The cre-
ation of the story walk is one way to
re-engage with the area’s children and
bring stories back to them safely.
“It’s an exciting new project,”
Hunsberger said. “We are trying to
adapt to the crazy COVID-ness as
best we can, while still providing the
same services to our patrons.”
The story walk was created through
a partnership between the Niles His-
tory Center, 508 E. Main St., and the
Niles District Library, 620 E. Main St.
While the library has been able to re-
open and offer limited services and
activities to patrons, the Niles History
Center has remained closed through-
out the COVID-19 pandemic.
“[Niles History Center Director]
Christina Arseneau and I wrote for
a grant for the Berrien Community
Foundation to do an outdoor learn-
ing experience,” Hunsberger said. “We
wanted to have an option that was
socially distanced and safe, but still
provide programming. The story walk
is part of that, and part of the grant is
doing local history exhibits that they
would do.”
The organizations were awarded a
grant through the foundation for the
initiative.
The neighboring organizations
usually host school field trips regu-
larly throughout the year to present
literature and local history to stu-
dents of many grade levels. The limits
on gatherings, in addition to precau-
tions from schools and from the or-
ganizations themselves, have halted
regularly scheduled programming for
more than a year now. Arseneau and
Hunsberger created the story walk
model to be used in multiple ways to
benefit both the history center and
library.
“[The story walk] can travel. We can
go to local parks. We can bring the
exhibits and story walks to schools.
We can take it to the river and the ex-
hibits can change depending on what
is going on and what the needs are,”
Hunsberger said. “It’s exciting. It’s a
diverse exhibit that we have, and it
can be what it needs to be.”
Associated with the grant was the
purchase of materials to create the
story walk — the signs with inter-
changeable windows for new pages
of books or photos and captions of
exhibits. The library also purchased
books from the Michigan Reads pro-
gram, which highlights picture books
by Michigan authors. Lesson plans
and activities accompany the books
from the program.
The Niles District Library is work-
ing on its offerings inside the facility,
as well as outside. Hunsberger said
the library recently hosted its first
story time in about a year. The story
times require registration with limit-
ed spacing, and will be offered every
two weeks.
In the meantime, Hunsberger
hopes to have another story walk
available for the community soon.
Details on upcoming events can be
found at NilesLibrary.com/calendar.
Niles Daily Star BUSINESS Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 11
The Apple Festival Spring Market is planned to be hosted May 15 and 16. Around 60
vendors and 15 food trucks have already been secured for the seasonal event. (Lead-
er file photo)
Apple Festival prepares
for Spring Market this May
By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
NILES – Next month, the Four Flags Ap-
ple Festival grounds, located at the corner of
North 17th and Lake streets, is planned to be
full of vendors, food trucks and a car show
for residents to enjoy.
From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 15
and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 16, the Ap-
ple Festival Spring Market will be hosted at
the grounds.
“I am most looking forward to seeing all
of the awesome vendors and small business
owners showcasing the items they have been
working hard to make,” said Abby Zeider,
vice president of the Four Flags Apple
Festival.
According to Zeider, the market current-
ly has about 60 vendors and 15 food trucks
registered to participate in the festival. Or-
ganizers are no longer accepting food truck
applications, but will be accepting market
vendor applications until May 3.
The cruise-in style car show will take place
on Sunday, May 16, during the market. Par-
ticipants can arrive before the market opens
at 9:30 a.m., and throughout the day, enter at
a separate entrance on Lake Street.
Hosting the Spring Market with COVID-19
precautions and mandates still in place
meant following some of the outlines orga-
nizers put together for last year’s Harvest
Market.
“Booths and aisles will be spaced out, and
we will have sanitizing stations throughout,”
Zeider said. “We also encourage families to
bring a picnic blanket so they can sit in the
field and enjoy their food.”
The Apple Festival Spring Market is the
Apple Festival’s first event of the year.
“We are actively planning our normal Ap-
ple Festival weekend this fall, as well,” Zeider
said. “There are a few contests we have opted
not to host this year due to COVID-19 safe-
ty, including the Apple Pie Eating Contest,
Apple Seed Popping, Backyard Grillers and a
few more, but we hope to bring them back
in 2022.”
The Apple Festival is scheduled to take
place Sept. 30 through Oct. 3.
“It is a little nerve-wracking to plan a
large event such as the Apple Festival in
such uncertain times, but our board real-
ly feels like we can carry on the traditional
o the Apple Festival in the safest way pos-
sible,” Zeider said. “Ultimately, everything
depends on state restrictions, but we are
staying optimistic.”
There is a $5 parking donation during the
Apple Festival Spring Market. Masks are
recommended by organizers. No pets or
weapons will be allowed in the event, as the
Four Flags Apple Festival grounds is school-
owned property.
For vendors interested in signing up for
the event, email AFHarvestMarket@gmail.
com for more information.
Page 12 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 REGION Niles Daily Star
By MAXWELL HARDEN
max.harden@leaderpub.com
DOWAGIAC — Todd Herter Jr. loves mov-
ies.
Some of his earliest memories include pac-
ing the aisles of Family Video searching for the
perfect film to watch. Now, more than 20 years
later, the former Dowagiac resident aims to di-
rect a film of his own.
Herter is raising funds to produce his inde-
pendent film “Dear Me”. Described as “a mix
between American Pie, Forrest Gump and a
John Hughes movie,” the film is a coming of
age tale set in the 2000s that is based on Herter
Jr.’s experiences growing up in Dowagiac.
“Throughout my life, I’ve always wondered
if the random, embarrassing things that have
happened to me would be just as funny to ev-
eryone else,” Herter said. “This story is really
like a John Hughes movie where you have your
elements of trying to find out who that individ-
ual is and trying to find out who you are while
you have friends guiding your way.”
Herter moved to Dowagiac from Niles in
elementary school and graduated from Union
High in 2008. He moved to Lakeland, Florida
after high school, where he graduated from
Keiser College with a computer graphic and
design degree in 2010.
It was there where his interest in movie pro-
duction began.
“I did short movies in college,” he said. “I did
all sorts of school projects and I loved every
minute of them. A few years ago, I thought to
myself that if Kevin Smith can make ‘Clerks’
for $12,000 back in the ‘90s and then make
‘Chasing Amy’ for $200,000, why can’t you, me
or anyone else make a movie and actually take
that chance? I took that chance.”
Herter created Cavalier Family, a produc-
tion company, for the project. He also started
an Indiegogo fundraising page and set the
ACTION!
goal at $200,000, which would cover expens-
es including Better rented equipment, travel
expenses, food on the set and submission fees
for film festivals. There are several tiers of do-
nations for interested parties, which would
receive special perks based on the option they
select.
Where a fundraising platform like Kick-
starter releases funds only after the campaign
reaches its funding goal, Indiegogo gives users
DUS graduate raising money
an opportunity to choose between receiving
funding as it comes in, or waiting to see if their
target is hit.
The project is currently $670 toward its goal.
for independent film project “It’s a lot of money,” Herter said. “But it
would put us in a situation where everyone
would feel comfortable. I don’t want anybody
to pay anything out of pocket because they’re
taking time out of their jobs and vacation days
to come and help do this.”
The project’s demo tape — a rough draft of
what donors can expect — was shot in Lake-
land, Florida and is available on the project’s
Indiegogo page. Herter hopes to shoot the film
in Dowagiac and Niles, where it all began.
“I’ve already met with the mayor, and he
likes the idea,” he said. “I’m still waiting to hear
back from some business owners and schools.
If that doesn’t work, I’m more than happy to
film outside of the area, but I’d like to be able to
film in that centralized location.”
If his film reaches his fundraising goal, Hert-
er Jr. hopes to bring awareness to Dowagiac,
the community that raised him to be the man
he is today.
“I want to be able to showcase the beau-
ty of this city,” he said. “The memories I have
are thanks to this city. I want to be able to film
downtown, film a football game and film in-
side the high school. I want to show all these
elements that were important to not just me,
but everyone in the city. There’s so much I
want to do with this film to help the city grow
and put Dowagiac on the map again.”
Herter Jr. is optimistic his project will reach
its goal. Even if it does not, chasing his dream
something he could never regret.
“Worst case scenario, it doesn’t happen,”
he said. “But at least we tried. Everything is
achievable as long as you try. If it doesn’t work
out at least you will never have the regret of
never having tried. If it does happen, I want to
be able to inspire people to chase after their
dreams. I want to be as encouraging to others
as others were to me.”
Updates on Herter “Dear Me” project can be
found on the project’s Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram accounts. Project donations can be
made through Herter’s Indiegogo page.
Niles Daily Star LIFESTYLES Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 13
A familiar face
Former Miss Buchanan graduates Notre Dame Law School to now practice criminal law
By CHRISTINA CLARK
christina.clark@leaderpub.com
S T. JOSEPH ­— A lot has changed for
Holly Lucas since she was crowned
Miss Buchanan in 2008.
Today, Lucas is a prosecuting attorney
working in the Berrien County Prosecu-
tor’s Office.
Her office window overlooks the city
of St. Joseph, with a view of the St. Jo-
seph River on its way to spill into Lake
Michigan.
She began in the prosecutor’s office in
June of last year, when the courthouse
was still completely closed to the public.
“As long as I’ve been here, it’s techni-
cally been closed. We just opened for a
few things in April,” Lucas said.
Zoom meetings and limited in-person
trials have set the stage for a different
experience in the office for Lucas.
“People will talk about how this is not
how they did it in the past. They used to
bring in all the defendants at one time
[into the courtroom],” Lucas said. “Now,
they’re doing pretty much everything
over Zoom.”
Virtual, nearly a year later, still has its
challenges.
“From an efficiency standpoint, we
couldn’t just stop doing things. I do hope
it goes back to what everyone has re-
ferred to as ‘normal,’ but I’ve only known
the Zoom-type aspects.”
The COVID-19 climate has been a de-
parture from the familiarity that set the
stage for much of Lucas’s life. Growing
up in Niles Township, she graduated
from Buchanan High school.
“I basically did everything in high
school I could. Buchanan is pretty small,
but I did National Honor Society. I was
president and vice president of different
clubs,” Lucas said. “I was very involved.” with many statutes, and works on in-
In a staff report published by Leader terpreting and understanding the laws.
Publications on Dec. 8, 2008, Lucas’ ac- She said some of the work is looking at
complishments listed included playing
volleyball, varsity tennis and varsity
softball. She was listed as being involved
in student council for four years and was
the treasurer as a senior. According to
ways laws could be written better.
“It’s not too far [ from a legislative as-
sistant],” Lucas said. “Legislative would
be writing those types of things. Crim-
inal law is by far the most interesting,
the report, Lucas had won sportsman- so far. It’s lots of court room time. I like
ship awards in both tennis and softball, that.”
and was a fixture on the honor roll for all She currently lives in St. Joseph, with
four years of high school. her husband, Justin Rodgers. The cou-
At the time of the 2008 report, Lu- ple is expecting their first child in
cas listed her goals as to study political August.
science and economics at Saint Mary’s “I’ve been relatively lo-
College, go to law school and become a cal my entire life. I like
legislative assistant to a member of Con- it that way, though,”
gress. Lucas said. “I con-
She earned her bachelor’s degree in templated moving
economics from Saint Mary’s College, to Chicago or some-
and attended the University of Notre where bigger, but
Dame’s Law School. especially with the
“I think all of those experiences prob- way my life is now
ably led me toward being a lawyer,” Lu- I couldn’t imag-
cas said. “I’m also the youngest in my ine that.”
family. I have three older brothers. I’ve She enjoys be-
always been pretty competitive.” ing near to her
After graduating from law school, Lu- family.
cas took the bar exam in Illinois, Mich- In the Berrien
igan and Indiana. She had her eyes on County Prose-
jobs in Chicago, but ultimately found cutor’s Office,
work in St. Joseph. the attorneys
She practiced transactional law, take rotations
which works with business, commerce at the coun-
and money, for the first couple of years ty’s Niles
of her career. Today, she practices crimi- courthouse
nal law in the prosecutor’s office. building.
“I knew from a young age that I want- “I’m look-
ed to go to law school,” Lucas said. “In ing forward
high school, I was going to go to law to that,”
school, and I wanted to be a legislative Lucas said.
assistant, which I think would still be “It is a little
fabulous.” bit closer
She in her current position, she works to ‘home.’”
Page 14 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 LIFESTYLES Niles Daily Star

PET OF THE WEEK

Road trip? Take

Pickles who absolutely
loves car trip. According
to volunteers, she has
wonderful manners, is
extremely affectionate
and loyal to her
human friends. Need
a break? Stop and play
fetch. Pickles is a pro-
baller and great leash
walker. She is spayed,
vaccinated, 2- to 4 years
old, and medium size.
She is ready to ride
home!
For more information,
contact Berrien County
Animal Control at (269)
927-5648.

RETIREMENT

SUBMITTED

NILES — A long-time employee of Fifth Third

Bank, 322 Broadway, St., Niles, is retiring this month.
Diane Wilcox will retire April 23 after 47 years of
service to the Niles bank branch. She began working
at the branch in July 1974, and those who work with
her said she has been dedicated to her customers
the entire time, knowing every one of them by name.
“[Wilcox] is compassionate, caring, reliable and
always willing to lend an extra hand,” said Lori
Richardson, personal banker. “Her laughter is con-
Shopping on a budget? tagious, and she is an amazing baker and loves to
bring in treats to the entire staff. [Her customers]
We can help! treat her like family and trust in her advice when it
comes to their finances. Her dedication to this com-
munity is outstanding and will be missed by not only
Find the best deals each
her fellow team members at Fifth Third Bank but by
Sunday in The Leader the community.”
After retirement, Wilcox will be spending her time
quilting, crafting, camping and hunting. She loves
Disney and watching “Harry Potter.”
Her coworkers are asking that the community
stop in to the bank on April 23 to wish Wilcox well
Leader Publications (269) 683-2100 • 217 N. Fourth St.
in her retirement.
GOT RESULTS?
scott.novak@leaderpub.com
(269) 687-7702
HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER
The Brandywine soccer team fell to 0-3 on the season with a 7-2 loss to visiting Parchment on Thursday. (Leader photo/MAXWELL HARDEN)
Parchments defeats Bobcats 7-2
By MAXWELL HARDEN
max.harden@leaderpub.com
NILES —The Brandywine girls soccer
team ran out of steam Thursday against
visiting Parchment.
The Panthers jumped out to a 3-1
halftime lead and went on to best the
Bobcats 7-2.
The loss was Brandywine’s second in
as many days following Wednesday’s
6-4 loss to New Buffalo.
“Our team is a little gassed from yes-
terday’s game,” said Brandywine coach
SPORTS SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2021
Caleb Adams. “It’s still early in the sea-
son, and we have some teaching to do.
We had some silly mistakes with play-
ing on the ground and passing back
to the goalie and stuff that we should
know. We have a short bench due to a
few injuries, but I think we played well.
We got our passing together a little bit,
and we’re still figuring out positions.”
After scoring four goals in Wednes-
day’s loss to New Buffalo, junior Bailey
Seneff got the Bobcats on the board in
the first half with a goal. Senior Ava
Doctor scored in the second half to
round out Brandywine scoring.
“[Bailey is] looking pretty good,” Ad-
ams said. “We have to get midfield to-
gether to start feeding her up top. Oth-
erwise, we have to pull her back. We
have to fill in our spots, but we’re doing
okay.”
Goalies Gabby Inman and Amithyst
VanErman combined to face eight
shots on goal. Freshman Emelyn Gon-
zalez was solid at the midfield/for-
ward positions.
See SOCCER, page 16
MORE ONLINE
For more stories and photos
visit www.leaderpub.com
HIGH SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD
Vikings, Bucks
open with wins
Track teams earn BCS
victories on Tuesday
By MAXWELL HARDEN
max.harden@leaderpub.com
NILES — The Niles and Buchanan track
and field teams took care of business in their
first meets since coming back from spring
break.
The Buchanan boys team defeated South
Haven 97-35 and the girls team won 60-48,
while the Niles boys defeated Comstock 93-
34 and the girls team 64-45 Tuesday at Niles
High School.
Buchanan junior Walker Barz earned
first-place finishes in the 800 (2:25.28), 1600
(5:11.99) and 3200-meter runs. Bucks senior
Caleb Stewart took first in the discus with a
throw of 119-11 and Caleb Graham won the
pole vault with a vault of 8 feet, while the
400 and 1600-meter relay teams earned first-
place honors.
“The relay teams have been doing well,”
said Buchanan boys coach Ryan Mohney.
“Our sprinters have been tough this year.
One of our throwers [Stewart] has improved
from about 90 feet last year to 120 feet now.
We’re gonna try to get him some help so he
can make a state run.”
Niles senior exchange student Murry Allen
took first place in the 200 (25.5), shot put
(37-0) and high jump (5-10) for the Vikings,
while senior Parker Lynden (49.52) took
first in the 300 hurdles and Kimoni McLean
(19.16) in the 110 high hurdles.
“He was the bright spot of the day for us,”
said Niles boys coach Tony Todd. “There was
a lot of good effort out there today.”
On the girls’ side, Niles junior Marika Rup-
part placed first in the high jump (4-10),
shot put (26-10.25) and discus (74-10).
“That’s a huge thing for us,” said Niles girls
coach Jani Foster. “That’s 20 points, which
made a huge difference toward us winning.”
Foster said the team has several kids out
due to quarantine right now.
See TRACK, page 16
Page 16 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 SPORTS Niles Daily Star
THE WEEK IN PICTURES
SOCCER
Continued from page 15
“She showed up today on the de-
fense,” Adams said. “I was impressed
with her performance. She’s gonna
have a starting spot back there.”
Adams said that while his team is
A full slate of spring sports took advantage of sunny and mild weather this past week at Edwardsburg, Niles and Buchanan. (Leader
photos/KELLY SWEENEY, MAXWELL HARDEN, SARAH CULTON)
young this year, it has the talent to
be successful with more experience.
“We had a lot of roster turnover,”
he said. “We lost a lot of what we
TRACK
Continued from page 15
For Buchanan, freshman El-
eanor Young (14:45.04) earned a
first-place finish in the 3200-me-
Watkins. “We want to try to better
ourselves every single chance we
can get.”
ter run, and Buchanan’s 1600 and Next up for Niles is Saturday’s Paw
thought was gonna be a good, sol- 3200-meter relay teams finished in Paw Invitational, while Buchanan’s
id team. We did have six freshmen “We have injured kids, quaran- first. Kylie Boller (14-5) took first in girls track team participated in Fri-
come out, so that’s kind of been the tined kids and COVID kids out right the long jump. day’s Watervliet Invite at Watervliet
bulk of our team.” now,” she said. “I’m just happy we got “We really focus on personal re- while the boys’ Watervliet Invite
Brandywine (0-3) hosts Michigan through our first meet with a win.” cords,” said Buchanan coach Megan takes place Saturday.
Lutheran at 5 p.m. Monday.
Niles Daily Star SPORTS Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 17
SOFTBALL
BUCHANAN 15-15, SAUGATUCK 0-0
At Buchanan
First Game
Saugatuck 000 0–002
Buchanan 662 1 – 15 16 0
Sophia Lozmack (W)
2B: Alea Fisher (BU), Hannah Herman (BU), Hail-
ee Kara (BU) 2
3B: Christin Cooper (BU), Camille Lozmack (BU)
HR: Fisher (BU)
Second Game
Saugatuck 000 – 0 2 2
Buchanan 5(10)x – 15 12 0
Camille Lozmack (W)
2B: Alea Fisher (BU), Kamille Lemon (BU)
HR: Hailee Kara (BU)
Varsity record: Buchanan 6-0
SOUTH HAVEN 7-23, BRANDYWINE 3-9
At Niles
First Gamne
South Haven 100 201 3 – 7 8 0
Brandywine 000 300 0 – 3 5 2
Lexi Young (W); Haley Scott (L)
2B: Kay Hoyt (SH) Chole Parker (B)
3B: Julia Babcock (B) Hoyt
HR: Kadence Brummit (B) Jordan Holland (SH)
Second Game
South Haven 395 06 – 23 15 3
Brandywine 401 04 – 9 9 8
Hoyt (W); Brummit (L) Presley Gogley (3)
2B: J. Holland (2), Erin Schnieder (2, SH) Alexis
Eddy (SH)
3B: Lexi Young (2, SH) Taylor Holland (SH)
HR: Brummit (2)
Varsity records: South Haven 2-0, 2-0 BCS Red;
Brandywine 0-2, 0-2 BCS Red
BERRIEN SPRINGS 9-13, NILES 2-3
At Berrien Springs
First Game
Niles 000 101 0 – 2 3 3
Berrien 002 115 x – 9 7 1
Olivia Elliott (W); Mya Syson (L)
2B: Willen (N), Maggie Coulston (BS), Elliott (BS)
HR: Alexis Rauch (N), Coulton (BS), Elliott (BS)
Second Game
Niles 120 000 – 3 1 3
Berrien 300 253 – 13 12 2
Olivia Elliott (W); Mya Syson (L), Hargreaves (5)
2B: Elliott (BS) 2, Olivia Teichmann (BS), Alayna
Wells (BS)
3B: Taylor Young (N)
HR: Elliott (BS)
Varsity records: Niles 2-2, 0-2 BSC Red; Berrien
Springs 4-0, 2-0 BCS Red
BASEBALL
BUCHANAN 3-11, SCHOOLCRAFT 2-0
First Game
Schoolcraft 000 011 0 – 2 3 0
Buchanan 000 110 1 – 3 7 5
DAILY DATA
Jack Branch, Macoy West (W, 6); Alex Thole, Red; Buchanan 0-1, 0-1 BCS Red 1. Sydney Schiele - Cadence Knight (N) d.
Luke Housier (L, 4), Jeff Gott (6) NILES 8, SOUTH HAVEN 0 Aaliyah Williams-Andrea Guzman 6-1, 6-1; 2.
2B: Murphy Wegner (BU) At South Haven Neveah Williams-Anna Johnson (N) d. Kath-
Second Game Singles erine Hor tmann - Camborley Gleason 6 -1,
Schoolcraft 000 00 – 0 0 3 1. Laura Golubski (N) d. Jessee Ford 6 -1, 6-0; 3. Stella-McDaniel-Nicole Aufie (N) d.
Buchanan 700 4x – 11 12 2 6 -1; 2. Eva Shephered (N) d. Daisy Solis Maggie Trowbridge-Kelsey Hodgeman 6-0,
Matthew Hoover (W); Eli Devisser, Jonah Evans 6-4, 6-1; 3. Meg Crites (N) d. Catalina Sarco 6-0; 4. Zoe Gondeck-Anna Kennedy (N) d.
(L, 3) 4-6, 7-6, 10-5; 4. Ariella Davis (N) d. Yasmin Samantha VanderBerk-Jessica Arkizu 6-0,
2B: Drew Glavin (BU), Hoover (BU), Murphy Weg- Becerra 6-1, 6-2 6-0
ner (BU), Levi Zelmer (BU) 2 Doubles Varsity record: Niles 1-0, 1-0 BCS Red
Varsity records: Schoolcraft 2-2, Buchanan 4-0
BRANDYWINE 5-6, SOUTH HAVEN 3-0
At South Haven
First Game
Brandywine 002 102 0 – 5 6 2
South Haven 000 003 0 – 3 2 3
Cam Barrier (W), James Barnes (S,6); D. Dan-
neburg (L), E. Cole (4)
3B: Jamier Palmer (BW)
Second Game
Brandywine 000 041 1 – 6 5 0
South Haven 000 000 0 – 0 4 3
Micah Gamble (W); A. Bomer, R. Woodhall (L, 6),
C. Denhow (7)
2B: Tyler Deming (BW)
Varsity records: Brandywine 2-0, 2-0 BCS Red;
South Haven 0-3, 0-2 BCS Red
NILES 3-9, BERRIEN SPRINGS 0-4
At Berrien Springs
Niles 000 010 2 – 3 5 2
Berrien 000 000 0 – 0 0 0
Jude Abbadessa (W), Drew Racht (6); Tyler
Ewalt, Junyoung Chung (5), Garrett Brewer (L,5)
Second Game
Niles 300 402 – 9 10 1
Berrien 000 031 – 4 3 3
Gage Vota (W), Jadon Hainey (3), Hunter Fazi (3)
2B: Cade Vota (N), Garrett Brewer (BS)
HR: Brewer (BS)
Varsity records: Berrien Springs 2-2, Niles 4-0
TENNIS
BRANDYWINE 5, BUCHANAN 3
At Buchanan
Singles
1. Jessica Williiamson (BW) d. Katie Schau
6-1, 6-2; 2. Lorna Matuszewski (BU) d. Han-
nah Earles 6-1, 6-2; 3. Mari Allen (BU) d.
Cllaire Shelton (BU) d. Mari Allen 7-5, 6-0;
4. Olivia Patrualski (BU) d. Courtney Bates
6-1, 6-2
Doubles
1 . Kat ie St r at ton - Emma H insey ( BW ) d.
Kady Roegrt-Mahkenna Olingh 6-2, 6-1; 2.
Abbie Hubbard-Morgan Horvath (BW) d. Ri-
ley Capron-Norah Kuetemeier 6-2, 6-4; 3.
Meg Pomranka-Grace Hinsey (BW ) d. Isa-
bella Bryant-Mykyna Mesenaull 6-1, 6-0; 4.
Ellie Knapp-Tressa Hullinger (BW) d. Sadie
Holloway-Caitlyn Moers 6-0, 6-0
Varsity records: Brandy wine 1-0, 1-0 BCS
Page 18 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 OBITUARIES Niles Daily Star
Dylan Stafford
Nov. 29, 2001 — March 26, 2021
Dylan Thomas Stafford,
19, of Muncie, Indiana,
passed away on Saturday,
March 26, 2021, near Shel-
byville, Tennessee.
Dylan was born on Nov.
29, 2001, in Muncie. He was
a 2020 graduate of Muncie
Central High School. Dylan
was enrolled and had been
accepted into the Ball State
University Miller Honors
College. He was a Miller
Scholarship Finalist and was
awarded the Presidential
Scholarship.
Dylan is survived by his
mom, Erin Smith (husband,
Ben), of Muncie, with whom
he lived; father, Michael
Stafford Jr. (wife, Elissa), of
Noblesville; siblings, Ryan
Stafford, Riley Stafford, Allie
Stafford, Evan Smith, Emilee
Pamela Payne
Nov. 7, 1956 — April 2, 2021
Pamela Ann (Wery) Payne, 64,
of Niles, was called home Friday,
April 2, 2021, at her residence
surrounded by her family.
Pam was born Nov. 7, 1956,
in Niles to Therese and Edwin
Wery, who preceded her in
death.
Pam was a graduate of Niles
Senior High School and re-
mained a Niles resident most
of her life where she raised her
three children. She loved being
outdoors in the fresh air and
sunshine, playing in the dirt to
grow flowers and veggies or rid-
ing on the back of a motorcycle.
She also had a soft spot for dogs,
especially her “pitties.” Pam
was loved by many friends and
adoptive kids, she was known as
mom to many.
She is survived by her sis-
ter, Angela (Alan) Karkheck,
of Brandon, Florida; her chil-
dren, Justin (Marta) Payne, of
Niles, Nicole (Mike) Snook, of
St. Joseph, and Tracy (Tommy)
Cohee, of Granger, Indiana; her
grandchildren, Gillian, Breanna,
Smith, and Piper Stafford;
maternal grandmother,
Laura Joviala (husband
Michael); paternal grand-
parents, Michael Sr. and
Susan Stafford; step-grand-
mother, Barbara Smith;
and step-grandparents,
Roy and Janet Homan and
great-grandmother, Mona
Price, as well as several very
special uncles, aunts, cous-
Travis, Dominic, Shelby, Mat-
thew, Jacob, Randall, Kendra
(Noah), Kala, Blake and Jeremy;
her great-grandchildren, Oscar
and Layla; her dear friend, Tom
Rinehart; and her beloved furb-
aby, Molly.
Pam was preceded in death
by her parents and her son, Tra-
vis Thompson, and a grandson,
Jordan.
Cremation has taken place
and a memorial service will be
held at a later date. In lieu of
flowers, donations may be made
on her behalf to Mission Hills
Memorial Garden to help with
her final resting place expenses.
ins and countless friends,
coaches and trainers, and
his long-time girlfriend,
Cate Guarnery.
Dylan was preceded
in death by his maternal
grandfather, Thomas Gilles-
pie and step-grandfather,
Billy Smith.
Dylan held many awards
and honors in his young
life. He graduated with a
4.7 GPA, was a three-year
starter for the Muncie Cen-
tral varsity basketball team
and two-year team captain.
He was the recipient of the
IBCA Academic All-State
Award; NCC Second Team
All-Conference; Indiana
Second-Team All-State and
many other honors. He had a
passion for basketball which
began in seventh grade that
spurred the development of
countless relationships with
coaches, trainers, and his
Edward Sherrick
Aug. 24, 1945 — April 8, 2021
Edward Joseph Sherrick,
75, of Niles, husband, father,
grandfather, honorable vet-
eran, first responder and
pizza chef, died peacefully at
9:45 p.m. on Thursday, April
8, 2021, at Spectrum Health
Lakeland Hospital in Niles
following a brief illness.
He was born on Aug. 24,
1945, at the same Niles hos-
pital to Joseph C. and Mae
A. (Starke) Sherrick. He was
graduated from Niles High
School and continued his
education at Indiana Uni-
versity where he earned a
bachelor’s degree in crimi-
nal justice. In 1968, he enlist-
ed in the U.S. Army, serving
as a sergeant in the Military
Police Corps. He was sta-
tioned in Vietnam for most
of 1970, earning the Vietnam
Campaign Medal for lon-
gevity in-country, and the
Bronze Star Medal for mer-
itorious service in a combat
zone, and was honorably
discharged as a veteran of
beloved Bearcat and Indy
Ice teammates, as well as
many of the kids he coached
in AAU and worked with at
the Muncie YMCA. He was
known as the consummate
team player, and his unself-
ish nature allowed him to
become the “team Chauf-
feur.” Whether it was a work-
out, a pickup game or prac-
tice, he made sure they were
on time, sometimes driving
all over the state to do so.
He had a special bond with
many coaches and trainers,
but his bonds with Dennis
Trammell, LaSalle Thomp-
son and his Bearcat coaches,
were like those of a father.
His infectious smile, half-
smirk and inclusive per-
sonality were well-known
throughout East Central
Indiana, and especially
Muncie. He marched in the
Muncie BLM Protest and
the Vietnam era.
He returned from military
service to Niles and was a
sworn officer in the Berrien
County (Michigan) Sheriff ’s
Department. He moved up
through the ranks and led
the Sheriff ’s Marine Division
as Lieutenant until his re-
tirement in 2005.
Ed had been a member
of the First Presbyterian
Church in Niles, and was
a member of the Fraternal
Order of Police Lodge #95
in Niles. He enjoyed cook-
ing, and was well-known
for his personal style of piz-
was vocal about his desire
to eliminate prejudice. His
work ethic was second to
none and well known to
people throughout the com-
munity, and his “We Before
Me” attitude was his man-
tra. He truly was a die-hard
Bearcat who bled purple
and he loved the Muncie
Community. May you find
peace now, Dylan. You are
still, and always will be so
loved. “If love alone could
have saved you, you would
have lived forever.” - David
Ellsworth
#DStaff #DylPickle #Bear-
cat4Life #OnceABearcatAl-
waysABearcat
A life celebration will be
held on Saturday, June 26,
2021, at the Muncie Field-
house, 525 N. Walnut St.,
Muncie, Indiana. Friends
and family may gather to
share and remember from
za, always trying the latest
recipes and ingredients. He
spent much off-duty time in
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,
adding to the population of
Trout Lake, where he was
preparing to open a pizza
parlor.
He was preceded in death
by his parents, Joe and Mae
Sherrick, and by an infant
son, who died in 1975.
Surviving family includes
his wife, Sandy (Parker),
and their children, Kelly (&
Becky) Sherrick and Joshua
(& Robyn) Sherrick, both
of Niles; and grandchildren
Jacob Sherrick, Joseph Sher-
rick, Jillian Sherrick, Kyle
Sherrick, and Iris Lehman.
The family of Ed Sherrick
will gather with relatives
and friends on Sunday, April
3 to 6 p.m. at the Muncie
Fieldhouse.
In lieu of flowers, we
have started the Dylan T.
Stafford Memorial Fund
for friends and family to
show their support and
to help Dylan’s “We Be-
fore Me” legacy to live on
in our community. Please
send contributions to The
Dylan T. Stafford Memori-
al Fund at The Community
Foundation of Muncie-Del-
aware County, PO Box 807,
Muncie, IN 47308. Online
donations may be made
here: cfmdin.fcsuite.com/
erp/donate/create?funit_
id=1660
Share a memory of Dylan
and leave your condolences
at gantfuneralhomes.com
The Gant and Miller fam-
ilies are honored to cele-
brate the life of Dylan with
his family and community.
18, 2021, from 1 until 4 p.m.
at the Niles FOP Lodge, 531
North State Street in Niles
to share memories and
honor his life. At 4 p.m. the
U.S. Army Honor Guard will
perform the Veteran’s Flag
Presentation and “Taps”. At-
tendance is limited, masks
required, and social distanc-
ing practiced.
Contributions in mem-
ory of Ed may be made to
the Berrien County Law
Enforcement Memorial, c/o
Berrien County Sheriff ’s De-
partment, 919 Port St., Saint
Joseph, Michigan, 49085. Ar-
rangements were made at
the Halbritter-Wickens Fu-
neral Home in Niles. Online
condolences may be left at:
halbritterwickens.com.
Ed dedicated his life to
service, in the military, in
education, and in vocation,
daily protecting the public.
He also protected and loved
those closest to him, Sandy
and the boys, and his grand-
children. All a testimony to
the greatest call of all: to love
people and love God.
 Niles Daily Star OBITUARIES Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 19
eElda Dillman
July 23, 1929 — April 9, 2021
. Elda “Eldie” Mae Dillman,
d91, of Niles, passed away Friday,
April 9, 2021, at Brentwood at
Niles.
- She was born to the late
Claude and Minnie (Heck-
athorn) Yaw on July 23, 1929.
e Eldie was a lifelong, talent-
-ed athlete, trying out for the
yWomen’s Professional Baseball
-team, South Bend Blue Sox, in
1943, although one year too
young to officially play. She
worked at the Green Giant
Mushroom Company in Niles
(“the mushroom factory”) and
Ready Theater during World
nWar II. She was active with the
Niles High School GAA (Girls
Athletic Association), was a
-professional gymnast, and avid
-dancer, particularly enjoying
square dancing, polka dancing,
country music, and rock & roll.
After graduating from Niles
High School in 1948, she wed
Verlin “Bert” Dillman, at a cer-
emony on Dec. 5, 1953, at the
Evangelical United Brethren
Church in Niles. She was a tele-
phone operator supervisor/
trainer, choosing to become a
full-time mother and home-
maker, devoted to her family
while continuing to enjoy some
of her favorite hobbies and pas-
times. A close group of high
school friends (“Club”) met reg-
ularly for over 50 years. She en-
Ina Hare
July 27, 1933 — April 10, 2021
Ina L. Hare, 87, of Niles,
passed away on Saturday,
April 10, 202,1 in Niles.
She was born on July 27,
1933, to the late Charles and
Claudine Fox in Edwards-
burg. On Jan. 26, 1952, she
married the love of her life,
Thomas Hare Sr. Ina loved
to crochet, go camping and
ride motorcycles.
Ina is survived by her chil-
dren, David (Sue) Hare, Jim
Hare, Deborah Hamrick,
Diana Hare, Rebecca Hell-
joyed sewing, reading, all kinds
of music, nature, celebrating
the changing of seasons, apple
& berry picking, going for tan-
dem bike rides, and, especially,
her large family, each holding a
large, very special place in her
loving heart: brothers and sis-
ters, nieces, nephews, cousins,
aunts, uncles, and their spous-
es & partners, children and
their children following.
Eldie was a lifelong mem-
ber of the Evangelical United
Brethren Church in Niles, lat-
er Grace United Methodist
Church, currently New Journey
United Methodist Church. She
particularly enjoyed the annu-
al mother/daughter banquets
held each spring. Her sweet
disposition will always be re-
membered by her family and
friends, and her beautiful smile
will remain as a fond memory.
Eldie is preceded in death by
her parents, her husband of 60
busch; eight grandchildren;
16 great-grandchildren; two
great-great grandchildren;
years, Verlin “Bert,” her infant DEATH NOTICES
daughter, Deborah Dillman,
and her seven siblings.
Debra Akey, 50, of Mishawaka, former- FuneralHomeNiles.com.
Eldie is survived by her son,
ly of Niles, passed away Monday, April 12,
Rex Dillman, of Buchanan, and
2021, at the Center for Hospice in Mish- Sylvia Nick, 68, of Eau Claire, passed
her daughter, Valerie Wurn
awaka. Arrangements are pending with away Saturday, April 10, 2021, at her
(Michael), of Osceola. She is
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Ser- home. Arrangements are pending and
also survived by her grand-
vices. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. entrusted to Brown Funeral Home &
child, Kristen Hood (Sean) and
Cremation Services, Niles. BrownFuner-
her two great-grandchildren,
Walter Bankston, 78, of Niles, died alHomeNiles.com.
Irelynn and Kohen Hood.
Wednesday, April 14, 2021. Hoven Funer-
A memorial service to cel-
al Home, Buchanan. Mark Nolan, 69, of Niles, died Satur-
ebrate Eldie will take place
day, April 10, 2021. Arrangements are be-
Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Brown
Jimmie Brown, 83, of Benton Harbor, ing made by Halbritter Wickens Funeral
Funeral Home at 5 p.m. with a
passed away Thursday, April 8, 2021. Ar- Home, of Niles.
time of visitation one hour pri-
rangements are pending with Brown Fu-
or. Children are welcome.
neral Home & Cremation Services, Niles. Pauline Oswalt, 63, of Niles, passed
Those wishing to make a
BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. away on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at Spec-
memorial donation in honor of
trum Lakeland, Niles. Arrangements
Eldie have been asked to con-
Dustin Clubb, 40, of Niles, died Tues- are pending and have been entrusted to
sider New Journey UMC, 302
day, April 6, 2021. Arrangements are be- Brown Funeral Home, Niles.
Cedar St., Niles, or Pet Refuge,
ing made by Halbritter Wickens Funeral
Inc., 4626 S. Burnett Dr., South
Home, of Niles. John Schick, 52, of Battle Creek,
Bend, 46614. The family wishes
passed away unexpectedly Thursday,
to thank the dedicated staff,
Stephen Elo, 65, of Niles, passed away April 8, 2021, at Bronson Methodist Hos-
past and present, of Brentwood
on Sunday, April 11, 2021, at his home. pital in Kalamazoo. Arrangements are
at Niles who have joined the
Arrangements have been entrusted to currently pending with Brown Funeral
Dillman family over the past
Brown Funeral Home, Niles. Home, Niles.
seven years, along with West
Woods staff who also have sup-
Monica Martin, 72, of Buchanan, Anita Schindler, 84, of Niles, passed
ported & assisted Eldie and the
passed away on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, away on Friday, April 9, 2021, at Spec-
family.
at Lakeland Hospital, St. Joseph. Ar- trum Lakeland, Niles. Arrangements
Due to the current COVID-19
rangements are pending and have been are pending and have been entrusted to
restrictions, please maintain a
entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles. Brown Funeral Home, Niles.
social distance of 6 feet, wear
a mask and understand we are
Patricia McCauslin, 90, of Edwards- John Walter, 70, of Niles, passed away
limited in the number of family
burg, died Thursday, April 15, 2021. Ar- on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at his home.
and friends allowed at the fu-
rangements are pending at Connelly Arrangements are pending and have
neral home.
Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassop- been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home,
Arrangements have been
olis. Niles.
entrusted to Brown Funeral
Home & Cremation Services.
Janice Morris, 79, of Niles, passed Joseph Yakim, 75, of Niles, passed
away Sunday, April 11, 2021, at St Joseph away on Friday, April 9, 2021, at Elkhart
Regional Medical Center. Arrangements General Hospital, Elkhart, Indiana. Ar-
and sisters, Rose Fairman are pending and have been entrusted rangements are pending and have been
and Mary Jennings. with Brown Funeral Home, Niles. Brown- entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.
She is preceded in death
by her parents, Charles and
Claudine; husband, Thomas;
sons, Thomas Hare Jr, Leon-
ard Hamrick, Trent Hell-
busch; daughters, Penny
Hare, Cathy Hare; brothers,
Charles Fox, John Fox; and
grandson, William Hare.
Ina’s wishes were to be
cremated. Arrangements
have been entrusted to
Hoven Funeral Home, Bu-
chanan. Online condolences
may be made at hovenfuner-
als.com.
Page 20 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 OBITUARIES Niles Daily Star
We’ll be there when you need us most
Lucille Brazo
May 14, 1922 — April 14, 2021
Lucille Brazo, 98, of Niles,
passed away at Indiana Univer-
sity North in Carmel, Indiana
on Wednesday, April 14, 2021.
She was born on May 14,
1922, to the late Harl and Edith
(Seppi) Sanderson in Maricopa,
Arizona.
On Oct. 18, 1946, she wed
James C. Brazo at a ceremony
in Las Vegas, Nevada. Family
always came first well beyond
her own needs. Her backyard
gatherings, walks through her
beautiful property and woods
were the highlight of many
people. Lucille enjoyed main-
taining her flower gardens and
growing and preserving veg-
etables for the whole family.
One of her favorite pastimes
was sitting and laughing with
her grandkids and great-grand-
kids. She could always be found
Stephen Richer
July 8, 1955 — April 8, 2021
Stephen C. Richer, 65, of Niles,
passed away at his residence on
Thursday, April 8, 2021, sudden-
ly, of natural causes.
He was born on July 8, 1955,
in Niles to the late Charles M.
and Mary V. (Smith) Richer.
Stephen graduate from
Cassopolis High School, class of
1973. He worked for many years
in the RV Industry prior to his
retirement. On Sept. 23, 1988,
he married Hazel McGraw at a
ceremony in Sumnerville.
He was an active member of
the Moose Lodge #978 in Niles
where he held every office, re-
Sandra Sharrer
Nov. 13, 1979 — April 6, 2021
Sandra Lynn Sharrer, 41,
of Niles, died Tuesday, April
6, 2021.
Her life began Nov. 13,
1979, in Berrien Springs,
the youngest of three chil-
dren Born to Rick and Linda
Sharrer.
Sandra will be great-
ly missed by family and
crocheting or knitting afghans
for everyone and with the left-
over yarn would crochet hats
for the new babies at the hos-
pital. Christmas was a time for
cookies, she was well known for
her Kieflie making which she
passed down to several gener-
ations. She attended First Pres-
byterian Church in Niles where
she was a member of Board of
Deacons.
Lucille worked several years
ceiving his fellowship in 2001.
Stephen enjoyed time on the
golf course, watching NASCAR
and a sports enthusiast, cheer-
ing for the Detroit Lions and
friends. She is survived by
two daughters, Lilly Sowers,
Shyann Sowers; one son,
Dennis Solloway, III; her
mother, Linda Sharrer; one
sister, Selena Smith; one
brother, Shawn Sharrer; four
nieces, Denise Kreiter, Erica
Williams, Stephanie Sharrer,
Aryanna Sharrer; and two
nephews, Josh Mills, John
Solloway.
Family and friends gath-
at Electrovoice in Buchanan
before moving to sales at Sears
in Niles, and retiring from Sears
in Mishawaka.
She was preceded in death by
her parents; husband, James C.
Brazo; grandson-in-law, Larry
Davis; daughter-in-law Sue Bra-
zo; siblings, Hubert Sanderson,
Milton Sanderson, Merle Sand-
erson, Margaret Langley, Ruby
Thompson, Mildred Apodac,
Vera Raine and Vivian Oster.
Lucille is survived by her
sons, Dan (Jo) Brazo, Carlos
(Kathy) Brazo and Matthew
(Kristi) Brazo, all of Niles;
grandchildren, Kim Davis, of
Indianapolis, Indiana, Cindy
(Tim Batalis) Brazo, of Grang-
er, Indiana, Jenny (Rick) Sly, of
Muskegon, Michigan, Jamie
(Bryan) Hall, of Niles, Karlee
Brazo Havens, of Niles, James
Brazo, of Niles, and Alex (Jor-
dan Hernandez) Brazo, of Niles;
great-grandchildren, Ava Hall,
Zander Hall and Presli Haven
University of Michigan. One of
Stephen’s final days was spent
doing what he looked forward
to, working on his yard.
Stephen is preceded in
death by his parents; his wife,
Hazel Richer; and a sister,
Dawn Miltenberger.
He is survived by his siblings,
Charles M. Richer II, of Elkhart,
Cindy Sumner, of Niles, and
Tina Meehling, of Kalamazoo;
his step-mother, Peggy Rich-
er, of Niles; Several nieces and
nephews; step-brothers, Ed
Dettling, of Webberville, Mich-
igan, and Michael Dettling, of
Kentucky; step-sisters, Kathy
(Donnie) Batman and Karen
Dettling, all of Niles; as well as
ered Tuesday, April 13, 2021
from 4 until 6 p.m. in Con-
nelly Chapel Wagner Family
Funerals, 202 N. Broadway
St., Cassopolis for a time of
sharing memories and tell-
ing stories.
Arrangements have been
entrusted to Connelly Chap-
el Wagner Family Funerals,
Cassopolis. Please share a
memory or a message on-
line: wagnercares.com.
all of Niles; and many extend-
ed family members and close
friends.
Funeral services will be held
1 p.m. Tuesday, April 20, 2021,
at Brown Funeral Home, 521
E. Main St. in Niles with visita-
tion beginning at 11:30 a.m. She
will be laid to rest at Highland
Cemetery in South Bend next
to her husband. Following the
committal service, family and
friends will gather at the Grand
LV, 104 N. Third St. in Niles for a
time of food and celebration of
Lucille’s life.
Memorial contributions may
be made in Lucille’s memory to
the Niles Senior Center or First
Presbyterian Church in Niles.
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.
Hazel’s children and grandchil-
dren.
Stephen’s family will gather
to celebrate his life at 1 p.m.
Saturday, April 24, 2021, at the
Moose Lodge #978, 2277 N.
Fifth St., Niles.
Memorial contributions
may be made in Stephen’s
memory to Moose Lodge
#978, 2277 N. Fifth St., Niles, Mi
49120.
Remembrances of Stephen
may be left for his family at
www.BrownFuneralHome-
Niles.com.
Arrangements have been
entrusted to Brown Funeral
Home & Cremation Services,
Niles.
 Niles Daily Star COMICS Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 21
-

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COMICS PUZZLES
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BORN LOSER FRANK & ERNEST

GRIZZWELLS THATABABY
Page 22 • Saturday, April 17, 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

Page 24 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 www.leaderpub.com Niles Daily Star
Niles Daily Star CLASSIFIEDS Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 23

Classifieds
Marketplace
217 N. Fourth St. LeaderPub.com
NILES, BUCHANAN AND Niles, MI 49120 classifieds@leaderpub.com
SURROUNDING AREAS (269) 591-6105 public.notices@leaderpub.com

Employment
Job Opportunities
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
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
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
Job Opportunities Job Opportunities Job Opportunities
PRODUCTION CNC OPERATORS
WANTED FOR MILL & LATHE
WORKERS 1st, 2nd, 3rd Shifts.
EIA & Conversational
NEEDED Machines. Experienced
US Cargo • Bristol, Indiana
Seeking full-time workers.
preferred, but will train.
Apply at www.deltamach.com
Hourly & Rate Positions. or in person:
•Steady year-round work Delta Machining, Inc.
•Competitive pay 2361 Reum Road
•Excellent benefits.
Niles MI 49120
Please visit us at
1280 Commerce Drive, Do you have available jobs?
Bristol, Indiana
or call 574-848-1335 Call 269-591-6105 to let others know
We invite you to join our about job opportunities
strong family of employees! at your business.
Need to find
the right employee?

days. EOE. Must be able to pass pre-hire
Apply online: drug test/background check.
www.americanmillwork.com Benefits: paid holiday/vacation,
health/dental/vision/life
Apply in person 9am-2pm insurance, 401k retirement.
or send resume to:
American Millwork LLC Send resume or apply in
4840 Beck Drive person at the corporate office:
Elkhart, IN 46516 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
Elkhart, IN 46516
Do you have available jobs?
Call 269-591-6105 to let others know Now Hiring:
about job opportunities
at your business.
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:
NOW HIRING!!! Jessen Mfg. Company
Full-Time & Part-Time PO Box 1729,
Direct Care Workers Elkhart, IN 46515
in Southwest Michigan jessen@jessenmfg.com
Hourly wages starting
at $10.25/hr Apply in person 8AM-3PM:
1409 W. Beardsley Ave,
LQFOXGLQJEHQH¿WV Elkhart IN
WE CAN HELP.
Reach the county for less using Leader
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Fapco in West Buchanan Hiring
LeaderPub.com.
Full-Time Packers
Call 269-591-6105.
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
Hiring Immediately!!!
Call 800-782-0167
Homecare workers needed to Raise your hand if you
provide bathing, housekeeping, want your business to
and running errands for clients.
$10-$12 per hour!! make LESS money next
PAID WEEKLY AND $100 year.
SIGN ON BONUS!
Flexible hours!!
Please call: 269-254-2082
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No phone calls please. 269-591-6105
Niles 24
Page Daily Star
• Saturday, April 17, 2021 www.leaderpub.com
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
Production Work
Start Immediately
Hourly Rate
Attendance Bonus
2-week Performance Raise
Some Overtime Available
7:00am-3:30pm
Apply in Person.
3001 Tuscany Drive
Elkhart, IN 46514
Job Opportunities
Part-Time General Labor
Weekend Workers Postle
Extrusion
Postle Extrusion,a
leading manufacturer of
aluminum extrusions
located in Cassopolis,MI,
is looking for part-time
General Laborers for
weekend opportunities.
Looking for extra money?
We have just the work for
you! Work Friday,
Saturday,and/or Sunday.
Work 8hrs,10hrs,or 12hrs.
:HDUHÀH[LEOHDERXWWKH
days and the hours for
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 Orchard Hills Country Club
and click on Golf Course Maintenance
Employment, or Full-time and Part-time
send resume to: positions available
Please call:
HR@postledistributors.com
269-409-8650 to apply.
NOW HIRING
MULTIPLE OPENINGS
$12/hr plus Overtime!!
Insurance
**PAID WEEKLY**
APPLY at:
Brothers Baking
27260 Max St,
Edwardsburg
CLASSIFIEDS Niles •Daily
Saturday, April 17, 2021 PageStar
25
Job Opportunities Job Opportunities Job Opportunities Job Opportunities
Berrien Woods University of Notre
Apartments Dame du Lac in
NOW HIRING Notre Dame, Indiana,
Maintenance Tech & seeking Graphic
Leasing Representative Design Specialist.
)XOOWLPHZLWKEHQH¿WV To assure full consideration,
Monday-Friday submit a letter of application,
8:00am-5:00pm Bono de Contratación
curriculum vitae, link to an
Please call for an online portfolio, and names of
Una empresa de 3 references (include phone
application extrusión de aluminio en numbers & email addresses).
269-684-7779 crecimiento ubicada en Apply at:
EOE el suroeste de Michigan, https://apptrkr.com/2203588
ahora está Notre Dame is an affirmative
contratando para los action/equal opportunity
siguientes puestos: University encouraging diversity.
•Trabajo General
•Primer, Segundo y GreenMark Equipment
Tercer Turno Service Technician
Do you have available jobs? Sodus, MI
Ofrecemos salarios
Call 269-591-6105 to let others know
competitivos, excelentes Requirements:
EHQH¿FLRVGHVDOXGN •Strong mechanical aptitude
about job opportunities •Small engine repair, diesel
at your business. y seguro de vida.
engine, hydrostatic
transmission experience
Aplicar en Persona:
Now Hiring 201 N.Edwards St. Excellent work environment,
Mechanic’s Assistant. Cassopolis,MI 49031, Competitive Wages & Benefits
2 years experience Aplicar en línea en: (health/dental/vision/401k)
required for truck and www.postledistributors.com
trailer maintenance. y haga clic en empleo, www.greenmarkequipment.com.
40+ hours/week. o envíe un currículum a Email resume:
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Bonus program.
Insurance available.
Paid holidays & vacation. Looking for Do you have available jobs?
Please contact Darrell: a home?
Call 269-591-6105 to let others know
574-295-1905 Look in our classifieds section and
about job opportunities
dpritt@superiortireaxle.com
learn of great deals for you
and your family. at your business.
Page
Niles 26 • Saturday,
Daily Star April 17, 2021 www.leaderpub.com
CLASSIFIEDS Niles •Daily
Saturday, April 17, 2021 PageStar
25

Want to Buy
Job Opportunities Job Opportunities Job Opportunities Merchandise Hunting & Fishing
Merchandise
Production/Assembly Sampco is hiring! We are
Workers needed. currently looking for light WANTED
Full time plus hours
per week. Saturday
assembly and machine
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ESTATE TAG SALE 269-591-6105 Accepting new customers for
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Will Do Custom space, for start up date of
Estate Sale Roto-Tilling May 1, 2021
12869 Main Street, Buchanan $25-minimum please call Dan at
269-876-2393 for details.
April 23rd & 24th 269-240-4323
9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.
Furniture, appliances,
antiques, tools, trains,
collectibles and more. Miscellaneous Rentals
Cash only.
For Sale
Garage Sales The Restoration Station
New and used items Apartments
BILL’S APPLIANCES Antiques/appliances/decor,
furniture/tools/toys,
Used/New, Scratch & plus more.
Dent, Appliance Estate Clean-outs.
Find out how to get our most Garage sale 1420 S.11th St,Niles Handyman Services
Online auction @
popular phones, call now! 2504 bluff st (269)340-5952 http://therestorationstation.
Niles, 4/16 21-4/17/21 9-2
Men’s clothing, Collectibles, myshopify.com

877-324-4002 Furniture, Household items, Refrigerators 814 State Street

Tools, Toys, Holiday items, Cassopolis
+XQWLQJ ¿VKLQJ VRPHWKLQJ IRU
Stoves 269-845-5274
everyone everything must go Washer/Dryers
PDNHRIIHUV5DLQRU6KLQH Microwaves
Freezer 18’x40’ Pole Barn with 12’
Moving Sale Garage Door. $200
1808 PLOT ST Dishwashers You dismantle & move.
April 23rd and April 24th Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm Call (269)697-9542
8am-5pm Saturday:10am-4pm
© 2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the Globe logo are registered Everything for sale from dishes Sunday: Closed Put your ad here
trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
to furniture and more! Landlord Discounts!! call 269-591-6105.
Niles 26
Page Daily Star
• Saturday, April 17, 2021 www.leaderpub.com
Apartments
Karl King Holdings,LLC
“Where The City’s
Finest Call Home”
NOW LEASING!!!
•Pet Friendly
•Utilities Included
•Income-Based Rent
Apartments for Independent
Seniors(62-up, handicap/
disabled)
515 E.Monroe Street
South Bend,IN 46601
574-282-2896
TTY:1-800-743-3333
Transportation
Automobiles
2011 Chevy Malibu LT,
4 Door, Power Windows,
Locks, Cruise, Onstar,
Steering Wheel Controls.
Good Runner.
Price Reduced $5,995
Call: 269-262-6448
FOR SALE
2017 Kia Forte 4dr
Low mileage! Only $750
down! $325 a month! No
Interest. No Credit Checks.
No Banks to deal with. We
GRDOORIRXU¿QDQFLQJLQ
house. Stop by today for
your new vehicle!
Call Scarlett Auto Sales for
more information
269-461-4197
We Have Interstate Batteries!
2006 Chevy Van Express.
Good condition. $6,000 or best
offer. Phone 269-449-0865,
Automobiles
FOR SALE
2018 Kia Forte 4dr
Low mileage! Only $750
down! $325 a month! No
Interest. No Credit Checks.
No Banks to deal with. We
GRDOORIRXU¿QDQFLQJLQ
house. Stop by today for
your new vehicle!
Call Scarlett Auto Sales
for more information
269-461-4197
We Have Interstate Batteries!
Motorcycles &
ATV’s
1999 Kawasaki Voyager 12
Touring Bike New Carlisle Area.
Good condition. 80k road miles.
¿UP&DOO
RU
Trucks, SUVs
& Vans
2007 Freightliner
Columbia 120 Semi with
sleeper, runs good, no DPF
RU'()ÀXLG0HUFHGHV
Diesel Engine, 450HP
approx. 600k miles on a
QHZFUDWHGPRWRUZLWK
QHZFDPEHDULQJVQHZ
WXUERDQGDLUFRPSUHVVRU
that offers good fuel
HFRQRP\VSHHGQHZ
FOXWFKJRRGWLUHVGXDO
100-gallon tanks, air
suspension with new bags
and suspension, leather
seats, air, power windows,
SRZHUORFNVORDGHG
JRRGFRQGLWLRQ
PRICED REDUCED!!
$16,995
PHONE CALLS ONLY,
NO TEXT
PLEASE CALL GREG
(269)262-6448
CLASSIFIEDS Niles •Daily
Saturday, April 17, 2021 PageStar
27
Trucks, SUVs Construction Junk Removal Miscellaneous
& Vans Services
Michiana Masonry AMERICAN TRASH
& Construction BUSINESS SERVICES
Trash & Junk Hauling METAL ROOFING regular and
All your Masonry needs! shingle style, HALF OFF ON
Chimney Cleaning •Appliances•Truck•Trailer SPECIAL COLORS! Also,
Insured & Bonded •Labor•Rental Properties lifetime asphalt shingles
Senior Discounts •Demo Clean-Outs available. Licensed and insured
269-362-1566 builders. Quality work for
Veteran Owned 40 years!
Company 517-575-3695.
574-904-8760
Drywall Services GoAmericanTrash.com EMPLOYMENT
1988 Chevy K-1500 ATTENTION EMPLOYERS!!!
Truck, 4x4, Orange with Reach across the state with
Snowplow, Tilt, Air, Lawn Care a Michigan MegaMarket
Statewide Classified Network
Sliding Rear Window, Tow
Package, Excellent Tires & Landscaping EMPLOYMENT classified ad.
Reach 1.9 Million
PRICE REDUCED $2,495 households within highly read,
Call Greg: 269-262-6448 local home-delivered
newspapers and shopping
guides each week! A 25-word
ad is just $249.00, $10 for
additional words per-week!
Buy 3 ads, receive each 4th ad
FREE! Call
1-800-783-0267
2010 Dodge Caravan,
today!
6 Cylinder, Front Wheel FAST ACT
EMPLOYMENT-DRIVERS
EXP’D TANKER DRIVERS
Drive, 3rd Row Seat,
Double Sliding Doors, LANDSCAPING & *$5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS
Local/Regional/OTR (NonHaz)
Cruise, Tilt, Power LAWN CARE H/D/V Ins 401K w/Match.
Windows, Locks, On Google/Facebook A.M. Express Inc.
AM/FM CD, Very Clean. •Retaining Walls •Mowing 906-212-5166
Priced Reduced $5,995 •Bobcat Service Apply online.
Call: 269-262-6448 •Tree Service •Excavation www.amexpressinc.com
(*new drivers)
•Junk Removal
Do you have •Land Clearing •Hauling MATTRESSES
•Dumpster Rentals
available jobs? Home Improvement •Brush Removal
Adjustable Bed Brand
New with Imcomfort gel
Call 269-591-6105 to let others know •Mulch & Rock Installation memory foam mattress. Retail
•Structure Demolition Cost $3,995.00, sacrifice for
about job opportunities HOME REPAIRS &
Call:269-357-5956
at your business. $875.00. Call for showing or
REMODELING delivery:
Over 35yrs Experience! www.fastactlandscaping.com 989-615-2951.
Services •Kitchens •Bathrooms
•Porches •Decks
•Windows •Doors
Spring Clean Ups MEDICAL
VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!
•Siding •Window Wrapping Schedule spring clean 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL
$99.00 FREE Shipping! 100%
‡)DVFLD 6RI¿W ups, mowing, pruning guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW!
•Mobile Welding and all your yard 888-835-7273
Caregiving Call:Randy landscaping needs! Hablamos Espanol
269-782-3139 Call: 269-362-2735
MISCELLANEOUS
KARE SERVICES 269-208-9838 Pond/Lake Weed Removal
bondhomeimprovements.com Tools (The #1 alternative to
Compassionate
Home Care Services Miscellaneous chemicals.) Performs C.P.R.
(269)684-1984
Services Cuts-Pulls-Rakes.
Made in Michigan.
(574)292-2900
email: kmkaidan@aol.com Insurance 989-529-3992.
www.KAREService.com AUCTIONS WeedgatorProducts.com
Weekly Online Auctions - Enter promo code GATORMI
Senior Life Insurance Firearms, Sporting Goods, for discount.
Tools, Lawn & Garden,
Concrete Work No medical exam.
Guaranteed Issue.
Antiques & Collectibles! Go to: Pole Barns & Garages by
www.Bid.SherwoodAuctionSer- Standale Lumber Utility
As little as $29/mo. viceLLC.com Building Specialists Serving
Don’t leave a burden
BRADY CONCRETE for details. Contact Michigan for 60+ years Call
for your family! Auctioneer Joe Sherwood for Caleb @ 616-446-0542
Specializing in:
•Flat work of all types 574-310-9718 your LIVE ONSITE Auction Ryan @ 419-350-2690
Needs www.StandaleLumber.com
•Seawalls•Pole Barn Floors (800)835-0495
•Stamped Concrete Looking for
AMISH BUILT mini cabins or
•Bobcat Services a home? Tyra Online Auction Oak Grove storage sheds delivered to your
Free Estimates, Insured (Howell) MI. Low Mileage site anywhere in Michigan!
Fast, Dependable Service Look in our classifieds section and
86 Trans Am, tools, vintage Starting at $2,750.00.
269-445-3349 or collectables & much more Bid mynextbarn.com
learn of great deals for you
April 22 -26 narhiauctions.com 989-832-1866
269-591-0100 and your family. 810.266.6474
Page 28 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 www.leaderpub.com Niles Daily Star
Niles Daily Star CLASSIFIEDS Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 27
Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Roofing and Guttering Public Notices Public Notices
Services Services Services g
22, 2021. Approve Invoices/ Ganus are happy with, and the
p y g [ ]
MISCELLANEOUS procedures. Real dental Bill’s Roof Repair Expenditures: for April 12, 2021 lack of suitable alternatives to
Eliminate gutter cleaning insurance -NOT just a discount The Generac PWRcell, a solar Residential & Commercial in the amount of $248,529.14. move the PD.
forever! LeafFilter, the most plan. [Don’t wait!] Call now! Get plus battery storage system. •Repairs•New Roofs Authorize Manager Grace to The Commission took no ac-
advanced debris-blocking your FREE Dental Information SAVE money, reduce your •Shingles•Flat Roofs Approve BCBS Renewal: Au- tion on this item.
gutter protection. Schedule a Kit with all the details! reliance on the grid, prepare for •Metal/Rubber•Flashing thorize Manager Grace to sign New Business
FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 1-877-253-3162 power outages and power your •Chimney Repairs the approval for the renewal +LJK 3UR¿OH  0DULKXDQD
15% off Entire Purchase. 10% www.dental50plus.com/55 home. Full installation services •Vent Pipes•Gutters•Sidings of the City’s Health Insurance Permit Renewals+LJK3UR¿OH
Senior & Military Discounts. #6258 available. $0 Down Financing Lifetime Warranty on All Coverage by Blue Cross Blue has submitted renewal applica-
Call 1-844-369-2501 Option. Request a FREE, no Labor Performed Shield through Nulty Insurance tions and fees for the following
DIRECTV - Every live football obligation, quote today. Call Free Estimates (3.4% increase in premium over permits:
Earthlink High Speed Internet. game, every Sunday - any- 1-855-476-9698 Call Us Now!! previous year). 1. Medical Marihuana, 804 E.
As Low As $49.95/month (for where - on your favorite device. 269-591-5700 Downey moved, seconded by Front St., Provisioning Center,
the first 3 months.) Reliable Restrictions apply. Call IVS- HEARING AIDS!! Buy one/get Money to accept the consent $5000, PC1, 04.12.2020
High Speed Fiber Optic 1-888-351-0154 one FREE! Nearly invisible,
Visit us at: calendar as presented. Roll 2. Adult Use, 804 E. Front St.,
Technology. Stream Videos, fully rechargeable IN-EAR billsroofrepair.com call vote carried unanimous- Retailer Establishment, ALUM-
Music and More! High-Speed Internet. We NANO hearing aids priced and Facebook!! ly. RE1, $5000, 04.12.2020
Call Earthlink Today instantly compare speed, thousands less than Scheduled Matters from the All documentation is in proper
1-844-275-3510 pricing, availability to find the competitors! 45-day trial! Call: Floor order with the exception of one
best service for your needs. 1-888-489-1252 Update on the Proposed Mc- background check that has not
DISH Network. $64.99 for Starting at $39.99/month! Coy Creek Trail Expansion – yet been returned.
190 Channels! Blazing Fast Quickly compare offers from BATH & SHOWER Suzannah Deneau of Wightman Denison moved, seconded by
Internet, $19.99/mo. (where top providers. Call UPDATES in as little as ONE on behalf of Jerry Flenar of the Money to postpone the item
available.) Switch & Get a 1-844-290-4041 DAY! Affordable prices - No Friends of the McCoy Creek until all documentation is
FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. payments for 18 months! Trail gave a brief update regard- complete. Roll call vote car-
FREE Voice Remote. FREE GENERAC Standby Lifetime warranty & ing the trail. ried unanimously.
HD DVR. FREE Streaming on Generators provide backup professional installs. Senior & Proposed Letter of Resigna- Portable Toilet Bid Propos-
ALL Devices. Call today! power during utility power Military Discounts tion – JT Adkerson, the City’s al – Bid opening for placement
1-866-950-6757 outages, so your home and available. Call: FCI BUILDING current Director of Public Ser- of portable toilets at designat-
family stay safe and 877-401-2404 Shingle & Metal Roofing vices, has submitted a condi- ed parks for 2021 season took
Become a published author! comfortable. Prepare now. Home & Roof Maintenance tional letter of resignation that place on March 5, 2021. Pride
Publications sold at all major Free 7-year extended warranty LONG DISTANCE Siding & Gutters he is requesting be considered Portable Toilet Co. was the sole
secular & specialty ($695 value!). Request a free MOVING: White-Glove Windows & Doors by the City Commission. bidder. Consider acceptance of
Christian bookstores. quote today! Call for additional Service from America’s Top General Construction Money moved, seconded by the Pride Portable Toilet Co. bid
CALL Christian Faith Publishing terms and conditions. Movers. Fully insured and 269-782-7310 Downey to postpone the item for $3,796.00.
for your FREE author 1-855-922-0420. bonded. Let us take the fcibuilding@yahoo.com pending legal counsel. Roll Downey moved, seconded
submission kit. stress out of your out of state call vote carried unanimous- by Money to accept the Pride
1-866-945-3813 Having men’s health issues? move. FREE QUOTES! Call: ly. Portable Toilet Co. bid for
Thanks to science, ED can be 877-729-1638 Septic Tank Service Reports by: Departments, $3,796.00. Roll call vote car-
Arthritis, COPD, Joint Pain or optional. Try HIMS. Connect Committees, Boards ried unanimously.
Mobility Issues on the Stairs? with a medical professional CANADA DISCOUNT Water Department Trailer City Attorney Services Bid
**STOP STRUGGLING** Give online. If approved, your PHARMACY. Save up to Deer Path Excavating Proposal –Three quotes were Proposals – Review and con-
Your Life A Lift! An Acorn prescribed medication is 80% off prescriptions. Eliquis, Septic Repair and all other received from trailer dealers in sider proposals for City Attorney
Stairlift is a perfect solution! A delivered to your door. Flomax, Xarelto, Viagra, more! the area for a 7’ by 18’ enclosed Services. Bid opening for the
Excavating needs!! trailer with a ramp door. Desen- City Attorney Services request
BBB Rating. Call now for $250 FREE online visit Mention “NEWS10” to save $10
OFF your purchase. FREE http://himsnow.com/mich on first order. Please Call: 269-208-5180 berg recommended acceptance for proposals took place on
DVD & brochure. Call 833-604-0645 of the quote from lowest bidder, March 5, 2021.

Public Notices
1-855-280-6240 FREE AUTO INSURANCE (Open M-F) Trailers Midwest for $6,080.00. Swem moved, seconded by
QUOTES for uninsured and Swem moved, seconded by Downey to transfer City Attor-
DENTAL INSURANCE from insured drivers. Let us show Money to accept the quote ney services to Kotz, Sang-
Physicians Mutual Insurance
Company. Coverage for [350+]
you how much you can save!
Call 888-330-4197
Pressure Washing from Trailers Midwest for
$6,080.00. Roll call vote car-
ster, Wysocki, PC. Roll call
vote carried unanimously.
ried unanimously. CEDAM Community Devel-
Public Notices Community Development Di-
rector – Rich Murphy briefed
opment Fellowship 2021-22
Program – In partnership with
One solution for oxygen at the Commission on the potential MEDC, CEDAM seeks com-
home, away, and for travel PUBLIC NOTICE HFRQRPLF EHQH¿WV RI FUHDWLQJ munities engaged in the RRC
a “Social District” pursuant to process to host a community
Introducing the INOGEN ONE
It’s oxygen therapy on your terms City of Buchanan MCL 436.1551, and announced GHYHORSPHQW IHOORZ IRU D ¿I-
Commission Minutes the Andrews University Urban teen-month placement, begin-
No more tanks to refill. No more deliveries. No more hassles with Summary – April 12, 2021 Design Studio will make a com- ning October 2021. Fellow proj-
travel. The INOGEN ONE portable oxygen concentrator is designed (Pending Approval) munity presentation on April ects will improve organizational
to provide unparalleled freedom for oxygen therapy users. It’s
Full minutes are available at 28th 5pm at The Common. All capacity, increase local collabo-
small, lightweight, clinically proven for stationary and portable
use, during the day and at night, and can go virtually anywhere
www.cityofbuchanan.com. are invited and are encouraged ration, remove barriers to devel-
— even on most airlines. Inogen accepts Medicare and to attend and participate. Com- opment, and help communities
many private insurances! The regularly scheduled ments before and after can be reach their RRC goals (which
meeting of the City Commis- emailed to allows them greater access to
sion was held via electronic rmurphy@cityofbuchanan.com. grants). The cost of hosting the
Reclaim Your Freedom meeting on Monday, April 12, 8Q¿QLVKHG%XVLQHVV Fellow, if selected to participate,
And Independence 2021, at 7:00 p.m. Edgewater Bank –Upon further LV  LQ )<  DQG D ¿-
NOW!
Roll Call review of the updated title work, nal $3,000 payment in FY 2022.
Mayor Sean Denison, Commis- the City Attorney has opined The rest of the $60,000+ cost of
sioners Cameron Downey, Lar- that there appears to be no new the Fellow is paid for in full by
Need to find ry Money, Patrick Swem, Mark restrictions since the City pur- the MEDC.
Weedon were present. No ab- chased the property in 2013. A Swem moved, seconded by
the right employee? sences. sample resolution of sale has Downey to approve applica-
Call Inogen Today To Agenda been prepared by the City At- tion to the CEDAM Commu-
Request Your FREE Info Kit
WE CAN HELP. Downey moved, seconded by
Weedon to accept the agenda
as amended. Roll call vote
torney, should the City decide
to go forward with the pros-
pect of a sale. Manager Grace
nity Development Fellowship
2021-22 Program. Roll call
vote carried unanimously.
1-877-460-0206 Reach the county for less using Leader
Publications classifieds. Need a quick quote?
carried unanimously.
Consent Calendar
discussed that the City Police
Department’s current location is
Complete Streets – Proposed
Resolution #2021.4/223 has
Submit your ad online at LeaderPub.com.
© 2020 Inogen, Inc. All rights reserved.
Approve Minutes: Regular City one that both the PD and Chief been prepared for the Commis-
MKT-P0108 Call 269-591-6105.
Commission Meeting, March
Niles 28
Page Daily Star
• Saturday, April 17, 2021 www.leaderpub.com
CLASSIFIEDS Niles •Daily
Saturday, April 17, 2021 PageStar
29

Public Notices Public Notices Public Notices Public Notices Legal Notices Legal Notices
p p p g
sion’s consideration, as approv- TERESTED PARTIES. nance is available for public in- PUBLIC NOTICE TLEHUT, deceased
LEGAL NOTICE Date of Birth: May 27, 1935
al helps us get more trail grants. VSHFWLRQDWWKH7RZQVKLS2I¿FH
Downey moved, seconded by PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a during normal business hours. Economy Storage, 2206 Yan- STATE OF MICHIGAN
Weedon to adopt Resolution public hearing before the Plan- kee Street, Niles, MI 49120. TO ALL CREDITORS:*
PROBATE COURT NOTICE TO CREDITORS:
#2021.4/223 develop a Com- ning Commission of Howard Published: April 17, 2021 Auction Saturday April 24, 2021 COUNTY OF BERRIEN
plete Streets Plan. Roll call Township, Cass County, Michi- Linda McGregor, Zoning Admin- at 10:00 a.m. The decedent, Mildred L.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Kettlehut, deceased, died De-
vote carried unanimously. gan will be held during a regular istrator Unit # Name Decedent’s Estate
CLOSED SESSION: Potential meeting of the Planning Com- 11 Allison Watson cember 22, 2020.
FILE NO. 2021-0170-DE-D
Purchase of Real Property – mission on May 5, 2021 at 7:00 Niles Daily Star: 56 Amber Sharrai
A motion is requested to have SP DW WKH 7RZQVKLS 2I¿FH Apr. 17, 2021 71/443 Daniel Gowen Creditors of the decedent
Estate of Estella Mae DUH QRWL¿HG WKDW DOO FODLPV
the City Commission enter 1345 Barron Lake Road, Niles, HEARING 82 Tom Pryzbylinski Drake-Gulley, deceased
“Closed Session” to discuss the Michigan to consider the appli- 136 Gladis Palafax against the estate will be
Date of Birth: 04/18/1957 forever barred unless pre-
potential purchase or lease of cation by Justin Pace for a Spe- PUBLIC NOTICE 145/468 Michael Merritt
real property, pursuant to MCL cial Land Use to conduct a dog 151/153 Shari Webster sented to John Tackett, per-
TO ALL CREDITORS:* sonal representative, or to
15.268(8)(d).” [A 2/3 roll call kennel and grooming services, AUCTION 316 Jacob Saylor NOTICE TO CREDITORS:
vote is required]. located at 66211 Conrad Rd, 338 Sophia Loniello the probate court at Berrien
The decedent, Estella Mae County Courthouse, 811 Port
Downey moved, seconded by Edwardsburg MI 49112. Niles Storage, 2457 Yankee St. 347 Taren Murray Drake-Gulley, deceased, died
Swem to enter a closed ses- Niles, MI. 49120 355 Frank Moore Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
01/23/2021. and the personal representa-
sion to discuss the purchase Owner of Record: Justin C Pace May 1, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m. 356 Chase Molica
or lease of real property, pur- Parcel Number: Owner’s lien - overdue rents 439 Mathew Stuck/Tia tive within 4 months after the
Creditors of the decedent date of publication of this no-
suant to MCL 15.268(8)(d). 14-020-025-010-00 Unit Contents: Personal & Schneider DUH QRWL¿HG WKDW DOO FODLPV
Roll call vote carried unani- Parcel Address: household Items 486 Leigh Ann Norris tice.
against the estate will be for- 04/14/2021
mously. (8:03 p.m.) 66211 Conrad Rd, Edwards- 501 William Davis ever barred unless presented
Swem moved, seconded by burg MI 49112 Unit # Name: 526 Sarah Hill Rodney Chester Gulley, per-
Money to reconvene to open 25 Derek Williams 566 Verdell Baker Jr. John Tackett, 645 Circle
sonal representative, or to Ridge Drive, Buchanan, MI
session of the regular City Parcel Description: 3 9 1 F 50 & 51 Roenika Anderson 580 Jennifer Bakeman the probate court at 811 Port
Commission meeting at 8:39 SEC 25 T7S R16W COM S 586 Kathie Adams 49107, 269-695-4444
Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
p.m. Roll call vote carried 0 DEG 03’ W 1321.03 FT & E Niles Daily Star: 630 Auston Bertschy and the personal representa-
unanimously. 772.44 FT FRM N ¼ COR TH Apr. 17 and 24, 2021 Jeanette M. Jesse, P30783,
WLYHZLWKLQPRQWKVDIWHUWKH 109 North Red Bud Trail,
Resolution for Support for E 1056.80 FT, N 68 DEG 29’ STORAGE AUCTION Niles U-Stor-It, 1314 E. Main date of publication of this no-
USDA Grant for Construction 30” E 282.85 FT, N 0 DEG 03’ Street, Niles, MI 49120. Auction P.O. Box 147, Buchanan, MI
PUBLIC NOTICE tice. 49107, 269-695-3868
of DPW Building – Proposed E 300 FT, W 1425.50 FT, S 14 Saturday April 24, 2021 at 10:30 04/13/2021
Resolution 2021.1/224 in sup- DEG 37’ E 417.21 FT TO BEG. a.m.
port of a community-focused 12 A M/L AUCTION 15 Sherrie Frantz Niles Daily Star:
AAA ALOHA STORAGE Rodney C. Gulley, 6989 Long Apr. 17, 2021
USDA community facilities grant Lake Rd, Berrien Springs, MI
for various the demolition, engi- PLEASE BE NOTIFIED that you 3001 SOUTH 11TH, NILES J & J Storage, 2220 S. 13th EST/KETTLEHUT
MAY 10, 2021 49103, 269-369-1032
neering and construction of the are invited to attend the hearing Street and 2627 S. 11th Street,
DPW building. and to present your opinions or PERSONAL ITEMS Niles, MI 49120. Auction Satur-
OWNER’S LIEN OVERDUE Niles Daily Star: Need to find
Swem moved, seconded by position relative to the subject of day April 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Apr. 17, 2021
Money to approve Resolution this hearing. If you are unable RENT 57 Kendrick Middleton the right employee?
VlVIAN NEWGENT - SPACE EST/DRAKE-GULLEY
#2021.4/224 in support for a to attend the hearing, you may 211 Stephen Tholl

WE CAN
USDA Grant for Construction send a letter stating your opin- N210 238/466 James Diss
of DPW Building. Roll call ions or position to the Howard CODY MILEWSKI - SPACE 294/73 Courtney Jennings LEGAL NOTICE
vote carried unanimously. 7RZQVKLS 2I¿FH  %DUURQ J20M 345 Carol Morrow

HELP.
Communications (information- Lake Road, Niles, MI 49120, 438 Lauren Heenan STATE OF MICHIGAN
al only, formal board action is Attention: Zoning Administrator. Niles Daily Star: 454 Mary Ann Sipe PROBATE COURT
not necessary for these items, Apr. 10 and 17, 2021 COUNTY OF BERRIEN Reach the county for less using Leader
unless so desired) NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that STORAGE AUCTION Niles Daily Star: NOTICE TO CREDITORS Publications classifieds. Need a quick
Items discussed included a the application describing the Apr. 10 and 17, 2021 Decedent’s Estate quote? Submit your ad online at
Master Plan update, a market- action or relief being sought Put your ad here STORAGE AUCTION FILE NO. 2021-0114-DE-M LeaderPub.com.
ing opportunity, the board ap- and the Township Zoning Ordi- call 269-591-6105.
Call 269-591-6105.
plication process, senior prom Estate of MILDRED L. KET-
at McCoy’s Creek Recreational
Area/Centennial Park, a safe-

Prepare for unexpected

ty concern regarding the Feed
Mill, food carts and food trucks,
and the Buchanan Summer

power outages with a

Concert Series.
Executive Comments
The City Manager, Commission-

Generac standby generator

ers Swem, Money and Downey,
and Mayor Denison each gave
closing comments.
Adjourn
Money moved, seconded by
Weedon to adjourn. Roll call
vote carried unanimously.
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE!
Mayor Denison adjourned the
meeting at 9:20 p.m. 866-918-1611

FREE
Niles Daily Star:
Apr. 17, 2021
APR 12 MINUTES 7-Year Extended Warranty*
PUBLIC NOTICE A $695 Value!
Howard Township
Cass County, Michigan Offer valid February 15 - June 6, 2021
Planning Commission
NOTICE OF HEARING Special Financing Available *To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the
TO: RESIDENTS OF HOWARD Subject to Credit Approval generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.
TOWNSHIP AND OTHER IN-
Niles Daily Star EDWARDSBURG ARGUS Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 29
Board of Commissioners Chair Skip Dyes presents a flag to Tom Green to recognize his service with the Veterans
Changing of the guard
Affairs Office. (Leader photo/SARAH CULTON)
Cass County Veterans Affairs Office welcomes new leadership
By SARAH CULTON
sarah.culton@leaderpub.com
CASSOPOLIS — A change in lead-
ership at the Cass County Veterans
Affairs Office was welcomed with a
standing ovation Thursday evening.
During its regularly scheduled
meeting, the Cass County Board of
Commissioners hosted a Change of
Responsibilities Ceremony for the
Cass County Veterans Service Officer’s
position, which leads the Veterans Af-
fairs Office. Cassopolis resident Karee
Krause is taking over the role follow-
ing the retirement of Tom Green, who
served in the position for 12 years.
During the ceremony, Green was
presented with a certificate of appre-
ciation and a flag. Krause was wel-
comed into the position with a flag
that will be flown at the county build-
ing.
Krause comes to the position with
22 years’ experience in the U.S. Army
and three years’ experience as a veter-
ans service officer in Van Buren Coun-
ty. Cassopolis born and raised, she
said when she learned of the opening
in Cass County, she jumped at the
chance to serve in her hometown.
“There is nothing better than to
help the veterans in your home coun-
ty,” she said. “I’m excited about help-
ing the vets in the county. … Being a
veteran, I know the simplest thing can
change [a veteran’s] life.”
Thursday’s ceremony was emotion-
al for Green, who blinked back emo-
tion as he addressed the Cass County
Board of Commissioners.
“I don’t know where the last 12
years went, but I will say they have
been wonderful,” Green said. “I feel
elated.”
During his 12 years as veterans ser-
vice officer, Green found fulfillment in
helping veterans like himself.
Kalamazoo studio will
assist with Cass County
Historic Courthouse
By SARAH CULTON
sarah.culton@leaderpub.com
CASSOPOLIS — Plans to transform the Cass County
Historic Courthouse are moving ahead.
Thursday, the Cass County Board of Commissioners
voted to engage Intersect Studio, based out of Kalam-
azoo, for services regarding the Cass County Historic
Courthouse building to assist with s to assist with an
evaluation, programming, planning, cost and options
analysis. The project is not to exceed $98,400, and was
budgeted for in the fiscal year 2021 budget. The project
will be paid for out to the Public Improvement Fund.
The Cass County courthouse was originally con-
structed in 1898 and modernized in 1974. The court-
house annex, which is where Cass County admin-
istration works out of today, was built in 1971. The
courthouse was vacated in 2003 after the new Cass
County Law and Courts building opened.
After years of discussion and planning, the county
board of commissioners voted in 2019 that the court-
house be renovated into a county administration cen-
ter. Since then, a Historic Courthouse Committee has
been working behind the scenes.
“This particular effort has never been done yet,” said
County Administrator Jeff Carmen of the analysis to be
done by Intersect. “Everything done so far has been to
study pieces and parts and has never tried to fit ser-
vices in a building. This is the first significant step.
There have been seven studies. This is the one in 17
years that takes it to the next level.”
“There is a knowledge that you are
Intersect previously presented to the board at its
doing some good,” he said. “It’s the
April 1 meeting. During the meeting, Intersect Studio
kind of job that people will say ‘thank
showed commissioners what the courthouse’s future
you.’ You help them sometimes get a
as an administrative building could look like.
life-changing benefit that helps them
Among the list of recommendations were security
get over some of the troubles they are
areas, modernized workspaces that would promote
in. That’s the best part.”
both collaboration and flexibility, and wayfinding
Despite his love of his work, Green,
signs to help residents find the department they are
77, said he knew it was time to retire.
looking for.
“I’m past retirement age, so it just
Now that the county has voted to engage with Inter-
was time,” he said. “There comes a
sect, the studio will provide a scope of services, includ-
time when you just know it’s time to
ing meeting with departments, the county clerk and
move on to the next phase.”
treasurer, commissioners and community groups.
Before he set off into retirement,
Bill LaDitka, principal architect with Intersect Stu-
Green offered Krause some parting
dio, estimated the project could take a year.
words of wisdom.
As the analysis by Intersect occurs, Carmen said the
“She is going to find that she has a
county would be looking toward ways to fund the work
lot of support here in this county,” he
on improvements identified by the studio. He said
said. “[The Board of Commissioners]
there are several pathways available, including a bond,
believes in dedication to our veterans,
grant funding, leasing options and more.
and that’s what we are all here for. We
“[The intersect project] does not go beyond identify-
are here to give them the benefits they
ing the next step and next method of delivery,” Carmen
are entitled to. That is what we are all
said. “It is a significant step.”
about.”
Page 30 • Saturday, April 17, 2021 EDWARDSBURG ARGUS Niles Daily Star

Police respond to bomb threat

at Edwardsburg factory
By SARAH CULTON
sarah.culton@leaderpub.com

EDWARDSBURG — Police
responded to a bomb threat
at an Edwardsburg factory
Wednesday morning.
According to Ontwa Town-
ship/Edwardsburg Police
Chief Doug Westrick, units
were called to the scene of
A bomb threat was determined unfounded at North Amer-
North American Moulding in
ican Moulding Wednesday. (Leader photo/SARAH CULTON)
Edwardsburg around 9 a.m.
Wednesday on reports of a Westrick said no explo- Now, Westrick said po-
possible bomb threat made sive device was found in the lice would be following up
by a former employee. All oc- building. on leads and investigating
cupants of the building were “We just [had] to make potential suspects. All ev-
evacuated, and by 12:30 p.m., sure it’s safe,” Westrick said. idence and information
the Berrien County Bomb “Employees, as they were gleaned in the investigation
Squad cleared the building. leaving, didn’t see anything will be forwarded to the Cass
At that time, workers were unusual, but we [cleared] County Prosecutor’s Office
able to return to the building. the building for their safety.” for review.

Chamber hosting monthly giveaways

By SARAH CULTON
sarah.culton@leaderpub.com
EDWARDSBURG — The Edwardsburg
Chamber of Commerce is offering a new pro-
gram to both promote local business and give
residents a chance to win a prize.
The Edwardsburg Chamber of Commerce
recently launched a monthly giveaway initia-
tive. Each month, the chamber will announce
a prize that community members can enter to
win at a number of participating businesses. At
the end of each month, a drawing will be host-
ed, and a winner announced.
According to Chamber Administrator Roy
Smothermon, the program’s goal is to entice
residents to enter local businesses and become
familiar with businesses they may not have
otherwise known about.
“This is two-fold,” Smothermon said. “It’s
both a way to get people into the businesses
and a way for the chamber to get our face our
face out there and let people know that we sup-
port the community.”
The prize drawing for April will be a $25
gift card provided by the chamber. There are
currently four business accepting entries for
the drawing: the Cass District Library, Ontwa
Township Hall, Circle Federal Credit Union and
Lorie Bowers State Farm.
“Each month, I will go around to the various
businesses that have a box for registration. We
will gather those, take them to the chamber
meeting, and draw out a winner,” Smothermon
said. “Each month, [the prize] will be some-
thing different.”
In the future, Smothermon said he would
be working on getting more local businesses
involved with the chamber giveaway, both as
places for community members to enter and
as donors for the monthly giveaway.
“It doesn’t have to be a lot,” Smothermon said
of business contributions. “This is a way to get
people from our area into the businesses.”
Smothermon said he was inspired by a sim-
ilar program hosted by the chamber of com-
merce in his hometown in Oklahoma.
“Each month, those businesses were packed,”
he said. “It was a big success, so I thought, ‘why
not do that here?’”
Smothermon said he is hopeful the program
will be just as successful in Edwardsburg.
“I’m excited to see this grow,” he said.
For more information or to participate as a
business, contact Smothermon at admin@ed-
wardsburgchamber.org or by phone at (574)
343-3721 or (574) 215-6527.
The current prize and a list of participating
businesses will be listed each month at ed-
wardsburgchamber.org.
 Niles Daily Star EDWARDSBURG ARGUS Saturday, April 17, 2021 • Page 31

Serving up the classics

Cass County Fair Food Drive-Thru event returns
By SARAH CULTON
sarah.culton@leaderpub.com
CASSOPOLIS — A smash hit event
is returning to Cass County later this
month to appease area residents’
tastebuds.
The Cass County Fair will host a
Fair Food Drive-Thru event from 11
a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, April 23 and Sat-
urday, April 24, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, April 25. The event will take
-place at the Cass County Fairgrounds,
p590 N. O Keefe St., Cassopolis.
g At the event, residents will be able
-to drive through the fairgrounds and
nreceive their favorite fair foods curb-
side. Participating vendors include
Pretzel Wagon, May’s Caramel Corn,
eItalian and Polish sausage, El Amigo
Pepe, The Oriental Chinese, and other
fan-favorite fair foods.
“Most of our vendors had a really
so this gives them another opportu-
nity to come out and be in the com-
munity,” said Cass County Fair Board
President Brian Kuemin. “It also gives
people a chance to drive through and
have some of our really great fair food.”
According to Kuemin, participants
will be asked to stay in their cars out
of an abundance of caution amid the
ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the summer, the Cass Coun-
ty Fair hosted its first Fair Food
Drive-Thru event. At the time, event
organizers called the event a “huge
success” that drew more than 1,800
cars over three days.
“This was really well received last
year, and the community really came
out to support our vendors,” Kuemin
said. “Our first one was hugely suc-
cessful. People still want community
events, and with the pandemic, peo-
ple want to get out and do things. This
fair food?”
In addition to providing an outing
for local families and a place to sell
for local vendors, Kuemin said the
drive-thru events played an import-
ant role in fundraising for the fair-
grounds last year. The organization’s
biggest generator of revenue, the fair,
was canceled due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
“Those events certainly helped our
vendors but helped the fair too, and
every little bit helps,” he said. “We still
had lots of expenses with very limited
income last year.”
Though the 2020 fair was can-
celed due to COVID-19, Cass County
Fair Board members are moving full
steam ahead in planning the 2021
fair, scheduled for Aug. 1-7. Until then,
Kuemin said he hopes the Fair Food
Drive-Thru can be a taste of what is to
come.
“I think people should come out
and get their favorite fair food,” he

s
rough time in 2020, and many of the was an opportunity for families to said. “Hopefully it is just an appetizer The Cass County Fairgrounds will be host to a Fair Food Drive Thru
spring events are being postponed, come out, and hey, who doesn’t want for our fair.” event April 23 to 25. (Leader file photo)

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 Edwardsburg Argus

Bomb threat unfounded at local factory P30

Changing of the guard

Cass County Veterans Affairs Office welcomes new leadership
Cass County Fair to host
drive-thru fair food event P31