Blossomland News

The Saint Joesph City Commission is reviewing a proposal by community activist Trenton Bowens to paint a Black Lives Matter mural on Stadium Drive near Saint Joseph High School. The proposal was submitted at a special social justice meeting held on July 20th. At the regular meeting of the Saint Joesph City Commission of July 27th, commissioners agreed the idea deserves a review.

A snapchat video showing a recent large gathering in Benton Harbor, Michigan is causing concerns. The video shows over 100 revelers in close proximity to each other without face coverings.

According to Chikaming Township Parks, Preserves, and Beaches the community effort to rebuild the stairs at Cherry Beach has been completed on July 25th. The restoration was organized by Joe Sipek. Over $7,000 was raised in a "Go Fund Me" fundraiser and many volunteers helped with the project.

In January, high lake levels and waves caused the destruction of the steps which were recently restored by the Chikaming Township Parks in 2019. The Parks Department budget could not accommodate yet another restoration - so the community stepped up to complete the project.

The construction is now fully complete and everyone is once again welcomed to enjoy Chikaming Township's Iconic Cherry Beach.

According to the Chikaming Township Parks Website, "Cherry Beach was deeded to Chikaming Township by the Warren family in 1922. It is the largest beach, with approximately 253 feet of shoreline. There is a street level observation platform, which is handicapped accessible and a picnic site that is handicapped friendly. Parking on the weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend is by property owner pass when an attendant is on duty. The township provides maintenance, trash pickup and security patrols on summer weekends."

Since the state mask mandate took effect, Berrien County has seen a .03 overall decrease in infection rate, and has started back on a downward trend.

In response to President Trump’s threat to send federal law enforcement into cities across the nation, including Detroit, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following statements:

"It is deeply disturbing that President Trump is once again choosing to spread hateful rhetoric and attempting to suppress the voices of those he doesn't agree with," said Governor Whitmer. "Quite frankly, the president doesn't know the first thing about Detroit. If he did, he would know that for nearly two months now, Detroiters have gathered to peacefully protest the systemic racism and discrimination that Black Americans face every day. There is no reason for the president to send federal troops into a city where people are demanding change peacefully and respectfully. If the president actually wants to help the people of Michigan, he can start by picking up the phone and telling Mitch McConnell to pass the HEROES Act, so we can provide immediate relief to Michigan's families, schools, and small businesses."

“President Trump’s politically motivated threat to send ‘more federal law enforcement’ to Detroit, among other cities, has nothing to do with protecting public health or safety. It is about using the power of his office as a cudgel to punish those who use their constitutionally guaranteed rights to express views he disagrees with. Such threats undermine peace and stability in our communities by unnecessarily escalating tensions and encroaching on states’ rights,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. “We are a nation of laws, and the President’s attempts to intimidate our communities with threats of violence could not be more un-American.”

A Detroit woman was charged in a criminal complaint for her alleged role in a multi-million dollar unemployment insurance fraud scheme aimed at defrauding the State of Michigan and the U.S. Government of funds earmarked for unemployment assistance during the COVID19 pandemic, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.

Hard hit Jeweler Johnny Perri maybe closing up his business for good but, he intends to go out with a bang. Mr. Perri is burying over 1 million dollars worth of inventory of coins, and gems, and inviting you on a quest to find the treasure.

According to Covid Act Now, Berrien County continues to be at high risk as of the 7/15/2020 update. On average, each person in Berrien County, Michigan with COVID is infecting 1.15 other people. As such, the total number of active cases in Berrien County, Michigan is growing at an unsustainable rate.

There were a series of incidents across the state over the past few days, including one death resulting from a dispute over a "mask up" request. There have been no such incidents reported in Berrien County. Berrien County is a close-knit community, our friends and neighbors are retail employees, police officers, and business owners. We've shown earlier this year after the tragic death of George Floyd that we are a community of both peace and progress.

Today, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Orders 2020-148 and 2020-149, extending COVID-19 adaptation in long-term care facilities to protect residents and staff, and extending existing safety measures, including 2 hours a week of reserved shopping time for vulnerable populations, to protect consumers and employees at grocery stores and pharmacies.

“The frontline workers across the state have been the heroes of this pandemic and we must do everything we can to protect both them and our most vulnerable Michiganders.” said Governor Whitmer. “This virus is still widespread and poses a real danger to our families, and these extensions will be crucial in protecting both frontline workers, customers and our most vulnerable populations. I urge each and every one of us to do our part through physical distancing and masking up to help fight COVID-19.”

Executive Order 2020-148 maintains the strong infection control protocols in nursing homes the governor put in place at the outset of this crisis, and protects residents from eviction and employees from discriminatory action for staying home when exhibiting symptoms. Under the order, a long-term care facility is required to take specific precautions when a resident exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 — including informing employees of the facility. The order also requires nursing homes to use reasonable efforts to create dedicated units for residents affected by COVID-19. To ensure these units provide a safe environment that can meet the medical needs of COVID-19-affected residents, the order clarifies that nursing homes that create such units must provide adequate PPE to the direct care employees responsible for staffing the units and implement reliable and effective infection procedures. The governor’s order extends through August 10, 2020.

Protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of our seniors and most vulnerable residents remains a top priority for the governor. Michigan offered and prioritized nursing home testing beginning in April for every resident, and as a result of that commitment to protecting our most vulnerable residents, the state has facilitated testing for over 35,600 residents and staff in nursing homes.