bh looking for a few good...

March 31, 2011Volume 10, Number 13 Benton Harbor, MI Michigan 49022and South Bend, Indiana

Informing, Enhancing, Showcasing, Promoting and Educating Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana

50¢

ComplimentaryCommunity Newspaper

Visit our Website: www.bentonspiritnews.com

EARLY VOTING IN APRIL FOR SOUTH BEND RESIDENTS

SEE PAGE 11

NOTRE DAME GIRLS BASETBAKLL TEAM GOES TO FINAL 4• GOOD LUCK! •

Benton Harbor Community Development Director Regina Sistrunk stands with a model drawing of a home that can be rehabilitated through the NSP-2 program.

YOU COULDOWN THIS

HOMESEE PAGE 9

By Princella TobiasMichiana Spirit Correspondent

He is the winner of two gold-selling albums, three Grammys, six Dove

Awards, two Stellar Awards, and a Soul Train Award, among many other recog-nitions, under his belt. Israel Houghton

and New Breed brought the house – that is the House of God – down on March 26 at Faith Apostolic Ministries in South Bend, IN.

“I could not miss this concert. Israel is one of the newest greats in gospel music, with a powerful message,” stated Carey Kimble, trumpet player and resi-

dent of South Bend. Kimble was not alone. The Faith Apostolic Church had a line of hundreds waiting to enter this free concert and the large church had people - of every background, race and genera-tion - standing wall to wall inside.

Lynn Coleman, Assistant to Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, City of South Bend.

welcomed all and Pastor Jonathan Miller of Faith Apostolic Church and his band, YPJ (Youth Pastor Jonathan) and FVC (Flesh vs. Christ) were the opening acts in an afternoon of gospel entertainment.

Israel, who has been in full time worship ministry since 1989, is known

Israel: The Man, The Music, The Message Internationally-Acclaimed Gospel Award Winner

Israel Houghton & New Breed at Faith Apostolic Ministries in South Bend

More on ISRAEL, Page 3 and 11

Israel Houghton performing to crowd in South Bend, INIsrael Houghton and New Breed Performing at Faith Apostolic Ministries to a full house

BH Looking For A Few Good Homeowners

By Ralph Heibutzki, Spirit Correspondent

Faced with falling housing values, and skyrocketing foreclosure rates, local residents may feel inclined to pass up the chance of becoming a homeowner. However, lend-

ers and social service organization representatives brought the opposite message to the Benton Harbor Housing Summit on March 23, at the Carl Brown Business Center, 200 E. Paw Paw Ave., Benton Harbor. For Katie Rozniak, of the Southwest Michigan Neighborhood Housing Service (SMNHS), that message is simple: it is possible to own a home, while saving money. “You can have both of those things,” Rozniak said. “You can save money, you can pay your bills, and you can have fun, and I don't care how much money you make.”

Mortgage bankers Candy L. Kulich and Rebecca Moore brought an equally encouraging message from Chemical Bank to the 50 or so people attending the summit. “Don't be afraid to come in to any one of us – we're not perfect,” Kulich said. “A lot of us have been in (bad financial) situations, and our credit has been dam-

aged. We've all been there – if they don't want to admit it, that's fine, but everybody's been there.

More on HOUSING, page 5

• March 31, 2011 YOUTH


The Silver Beach Carousel is ready to hop into spring with a lineup of

events that will entertain visitors of all ages. The planned fun includes hands-on activities as well as special guests. Families are sure to appreciate these free events held in honor of the spring break holiday as well as celebration of the new season. A full schedule is listed below. For more information on these and other events, go to www.silverbeachcarousel.com.

March 30 through April 9 - FREE checkers, chalk for sidewalk drawing outside the carousel and hula hoop fun.

Friday April 1 & April 8 - Enjoy evening carousel rides with friends and family. The Carousel will be open extended hours until 9 p.m. on these Fridays, so join us for some nighttime fun.

Saturday, April 2 - For a “smash-

ing” start to Spring Break, try the brand new Penny Smasher machine in the Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum.

Sunday, April 3 - FREE cot-

ton candy handmade on the original Silver Beach Amusement Park cotton candy machine by the “Cotton Candy Queen” herself – Deb Shermak. Deb started her cotton candy career dur-ing the days when the Silver Beach Amusement Park welcomed visitors.

Tuesday, April 5 - “Kiddies Day” is back at the carousel — FREE popcorn all day

Wednesday, April 6 – John Dudley, magician, 2:30 pm FREE show in Shadowland.

Friday, April 8 – Nelson “The Animal Guy” brings live animals to Shadowland for -- FREE 45-minute shows at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. A wallaby is one of the featured guests planned for this Wild Safari ... mak-ing this a can't miss event!

Saturday, April 9 - LiveStatue performing FREE from 11 am – 4 pm in and around the carousel build-ing - dressed in golf-style attire, we salute the Masters Golf Tournament and Harbor Shores.

Benton Spirit Welcomes Two New Team MembersRachel Ash and David Jones, Interns

By: Rachel AshSpirit Youth Correspondent

David Jones is a 17-year old junior at Dream Academy High School in

Benton Harbor, MI. His loves include eating spaghetti and his favorite ath-letic pursuit, basketball. At times, Jones seems to be a little shy, but in reality, he is very serious about whatever task he is taking on and he loves to joke around and have fun. He is also a great co-worker.

Jones has an interview with Stanford University in California coming up, but he really wants to attend Georgia Tech University. He plans to study computer engineering and music. Jones’s hobbies include basketball, writing and singing.

He is the oldest of three siblings. His sister, Laneva Jones, is currently attending Dream Academy where she is a sophomore. His other sister, Brianna, is a student at Fairplain Middle School. Jones will graduate in the spring of 2012 from Dream Academy High School. By then he will know which one of those elite schools will be lucky enough to have him as a student.

More on David Jones• Birthday: March 22 (Zodiac:Aries) • Favorite Food: Spaghetti • Mom: Bridgette Brooks • Favorite Colors: Green and purple

By: David JonesBenton Spirit Youth Correspondent

I want to introduce you to my new co-worker, Rachel Ash. Seventeen-year old Ash is the newest member of the Benton Spirit Community Newspaper in Benton Harbor, MI. She has been intern-ing at the Benton Spirit for a week now.

Ash is a junior at Dream Academy High School located in Benton Harbor, MI. and is the youngest of five siblings, all sisters. She played basketball for the Dream Academy Girls’ Basketball team. Her third oldest sister, Ashley Ash, is attending college at Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac. Ash sees herself going to college to become a biologist. Her plans are to attend Cedar Ville University in Ohio.

Ash has also attended Water Street Glass Works (WSGW) located in down-town Benton Harbor. WSGW is an art program using glass and fire. This program contains glass blowing, fusing and bead making. She did one of the three which was fusing. Fusing is when you melt glass on top of glass to make different kinds of art. She really enjoyed this program and created different kinds of art each time she attended. She is a gifted artist, a good friend and a great co-worker.

More on Rachael Ash• Birthday: February 7 (Zodiac: Aquarius) • Favorite Food: French Fries • Favorite Color: Blue • Dad: Don Ash

SPRING BREAK FUN FAMILY EVENTS SILVER BEACH CAROUSEL • MAR 30 - APR 9

By: Patricia Payne, Spirit Correspondent

The Benton Spirit Community Newspaper recently formed a partnership with Dream Academy High School to mentor students interested in media tech-

nology. After only a week, juniors, Rachel Ash and David Jones, are proving themselves to be eager, dedicated youth, who are fast learners and great people

to work with. In addition, Dream Academy is fully invested in the success of these two young people and are working with the Benton Spirit to assess their progress and help them grow in the workplace.

Jones and Ash are interesting, serious and both have an infectious sense of humor. You will see their work in the Youth pages of the Benton Spirit. Who knows where this will lead. Welcome David and Rachel.

Meet David Jones Meet Rachel Ash

David Jones, 11th Grader

Rachel Ash, 11th Grader

SPONSOR THE

• Youth Page• Children’s Page• Summer Youth Calendar Page

CALL269/926-4241

“Building Communities from Generation to Generation”

Want to advertise on our Youth Page, call me, David Jones @ (269) 926-4241.

“Training and Mentoring at Spirit News! “We love it!”

• March 31, 2011 PUBLISHER/EDITORIALS

The Power of OneBy Princella Tobias, Founding Publisher, Spirit Community Newspapers

Visit our Website: www.ben-

The Benton Spirit and Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper is published on Thursday.

Deadline:The deadline for submission is the Friday BEFORE Thursday’s published date. Exceptions can be made for paid sub-mittals, but confirmation by the Spirit is needed.

We prefer information to be submitted by e-mail to:[email protected] or you can send:FAX: (269) 925-4540MAIL: P.O. Box 465 Benton Harbor, MI 49023 WEB SITE: www.bentonspiritnews.com

Distribution:The Benton Spirit Community Newspaper is distributed throughout the communities of Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana and growing, on Thursday. Online version is sent by Saturday.

Subscription: A copy of the Benton Spirit will be mailed first-class to you for only $35 for 6 months or $70 for a year.

The Power of Freedom of Speech. Note: editorials and letters to the editor are not the opinion and/or view of the Benton Spirit, but the viewpoint of the author.

P.O. Box 465Benton Harbor, MI 49022Telephone: (269) 926-4241

Fax: (269) 925-4540www.bentonspiritnews.com

Publisher - Princella TobiasCo-Editor - Desmond Murray, PhDAdministrator - Patricia Plaut-Payne

Aspiring Young Journalists: - Benton Harbor Public Library Teen Advisory Board, Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan, HHUM, and I’m Saving Myself.

Community Liaison - Ralph Heibutzki, Candrice Williams, Greg Osmun, Tyler DeJong, Linda Strohl, Richard Smith, Tim Johnson, Trenton Bowens, Stephan Tinsley, Elaine Osmun, and Pastor Michael Carson.

Advertising Sales - Princella Tobias

No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without permis-sion from the publishers. All rights reserved worldwide.

GOP Living in Fairy Tale World

Like Rip Van Winkle, Fred Upton has finally awakened after more than

20 idle years. It is ironic that his sopo-rific performance in Congress apparently qualified him for a top chairmanship in the new Republican dominated House. He recently held town hall meetings all over the 6th District to explain why he has reversed himself on practically every issue. Don't worry, Fred, we all know jobs are scarce these days.

It was billed as a "listening" tour, but for the most part, the audience did the listening while Upton tried to sell House Speaker John Boehner's agenda, which can be summed up in the words of the late Leona Helmsley: "Only little people pay taxes". But unlike "The Queen of mean", Fred and his Congressional handlers are making an impressive effort to rewrite the Robin Hood legend, making the Sheriff of Nottingham out to be the good guy.

And why shouldn't working fami-lies subsidize the rich? Republicans have a proven record of encouraging people to continue to vote against their own interests. They win elections by appeal-ing to the fears and prejudices of their constituents. But in the mythical land of Upton it is even easier. As several of my Republican friends have told me in so many words, he has simply become a habit. Opposing his positions openly is not an option. After all, what would their friends at Rotary think?

At a recent musical event, a lifelong Republican friend expressed the hope that our government would continue to sup-

port the Arts. I asked her why she didn't pressure Upton and his friends to stop try-ing to kill funding for the Arts? She said: "Oh, they wouldn't listen to me. I'm too liberal for them."

Many of us in Southwest Michigan continue to live in a world of fantasy. Even though the emperor has no clothes, (actually, Fred did look rather smart at the meeting I attended in Stevensville, in his Brooks Brothers shirt, grey cashmere sweater and impeccably tailored black slacks), we pretend not to notice. The lucky ones among us may never have to wake up to the fact that the yellow brick road no longer leads to the Emerald City and brains and hearts are in short supply these days.

The biggest fairy tale of all is that Upton even pretends to be listening to anyone other than Boehner. The fix is in, and Fred and his acolytes, John Proos and Al Pscholka, are wasting no time socking it to the little people who, incidentally, are not without blame for their plight. Many of them don't even bother to vote, and then wonder why they're not living hap-pily ever after.--Scott Elliott, Benton Harbor

Justice for Eddie PeekWe were glad to see that justice was

served for Eddie Peek (RIP). The drunk driver who killed him will serve time. Benton Spirit, we feel that if it wasn’t for you and Eddie Peek’s family staying on top of this and giving it coverage, this drunk driver would had been given a mere slap on the hand. We are glad to have the Benton Spirit Newspaper here in our

community. To Eddie Peek’s family, you serve as an example to others to fight for what is right. Amen!--Shirley Brown, Benton Harbor, MI

Stop the siege against environmental protections

In a recent Washington Post Op-Ed two Republicans, William Ruckelshaus and Christine Todd Whitman, each a for-mer head of the Environmental Protection Agency, strongly criticize the anti-envi-ronment bill introduced by Representative Fred Upton and recently passed by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. They note that this bill would, for the first time ever, “disap-prove” of a scientifically-based finding, in this case that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare, and that the EPA established this finding in response to a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that greenhouse gases fit within the Clean Air Act definition of air pollutants.

These writers also criticize the House-passed budget-reconciliation bill that would cut the EPA’s budget by nearly a third and impede its ability to protect our air and water.

The Republican “siege against the EPA and environmental progress” is truly reprehensible. When even commit-ted Republicans like Ruckelshaus and Whitman speak out so passionately, the rest of us cannot remain silent. Please urge Fred Upton to abandon his destruc-tive campaign against clean air and clean water.--Sandy Feldman, Lakeside, MI

What if it all depended on me.To change the world.To change the world?

What if my only responsibility was to change the world.To change the world? Let me be the ONE.

To start a revolution.Let me sing my song to the people of the

world. It all begins with.

ONE THE POWER OF ONE.JOINING THE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF

PEOPLE BELIEVING IN ONE.

THE POWER OF ONE. DON’T HANG AROUND. STAND UP OR SIT DOWN.

AND BELIEVE WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD TOGETHER

WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD TOGETHER

What kind of love can conquer disease.And change the world. And change the world?

What can I do to make poverty history.And change the world. And change the world?

Let me be the ONE. To start a revolution.Let me sing my song to the people of the world.

To the children of the world.It all begins with…

ONE THE POWER OF ONE.JOINING THE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF

PEOPLE BELIEVING IN ONE.THE POWER OF ONE. DON’T HANG AROUND.

STAND UP OR SIT DOWN.AND BELIEVE WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

TOGETHERWE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD TOGETHER

Please don’t close your eyesPlease don’t turn away. Let your voices rise.

Put love on display. And make a difference now.I believe you and me. Can make a difference now.

Oh oh oh. Oh oh oh Oh oh oh It all begins with ONE

You can hum the sound, shake or snap to the to the beat, but have you ever listen to the words of song.? Powerful! Gospel artist Israel Houghton’s visit to South Bend captued a full house;

because of his message. Below is one of his #1 hits, “The Power of One.” May you all embrace his message as you read the lyrics to this song.

The Power Of One Lyrics - By Israel Houghton

• March 31, 2011 COMMUNITY

By Ralph Heibutzki Spirit Correspondent

Asserting he's not looking at a per-manent commitment, Emergency

Financial Manager Joseph Harris left little doubt about the imprint that he wants to leave on the city he's run for nearly a year now. About 75 residents packed a 90-minute town hall meeting held on March 24 at the Carl Brown Business Center, 200 Paw Paw Ave., where Harris outlined his 53-point strategic plan for turning the city's troubled finances around, including an estimated $4 million deficit, and a $10 million pension fund hole.

The 23-page document spells out initiatives for the 2011-13 fiscal years – which focus on upgrading performance in areas like accounting and finance, for example. “This is what you will use to determine whether or not we're on track,” Harris said. The event marked the first town hall meeting that Harris has overseen since last February, and is intended as a monthly affair, he told local media after-ward. Harris wouldn't say if that means an end to anymore Benton Harbor City Commission meetings – a scenario that has been raised, following the recent pas-sage of legislation that essentially makes EFMs like himself all-powerful in manag-ing municipal governments.

Governor Rick Snyder signed the bill, sponsored by State Rep. Al Pscholka (R-Stevensville), two weeks ago. Of his commission critics, Harris said, “I think that they're an embarrassment to the com-munity. I think that they're an embarrass-ment to themselves. At the same time, they're not in my way. So, they can criticize the (EFM) legislation, they can criticize the governor, they can criticize me personally. But until they can criticize the performance, it's just barbershop talk -- beauty shop talk. It's useless diatribe.” The next official town hall meeting is set for Wednesday, April 13.

Harris is also mulling proposals to eliminate the commission's at large seats, which would reduce its strength from nine to five members. Voters could be asked to decide the idea in November, if Harris adds that language to the city charter.

Asked by the Benton Spirit how a smaller commission fits his vision for city govern-ment, Harris responded, “Let's face it – St. Joe has five (city commissioners). We have twice as many commissioners. Did we do twice as good a job? I'm saying, there's no need for it (the nine-member lineup).”

“We Know That We Have Some Issues”

Harris's presentation followed other updates from City Commissioner Bryan Joseph, who's consistently supported him; assistant Debbie Popp; Public Safety Director Roger Lange; and Deputy City Manager Darwin Watson. A brief question and answer session wrapped up the night. In his own remarks, Harris outlined how he intends to accomplish his major priori-ties – making city government work more efficiently, and improving performance. Those goals won't happen, he asserted, until the city reduces the cost of providing basic services.

For that reason, Harris will continue moving toward a public safety model, in which firefighters and police officers train to do each other's jobs. “We are taking

this one step at a time, but we are doing this with the help of a pub-lic safety con-sultant – and d i s c u s s i n g issues, how other cities and commu-nities have fared,” Harris said. “There's no question that it is the most expen-sive portion of the bud-get.” Harris is also talking about shared services with

nearby municipalities, which is men-tioned in Snyder's budget proposal, and the EFM's strategic plan, as well. “We can use best practices, which includes public safety officers, compressed air foam – using the best of e v e r y t h i n g , and sharing services. We're in step with what the gov-ernor is asking us to do,” he said.

As anoth-er example, Harris cited the city's water department, whose billin-gand operat-ing practices have long been a bone of contention among residents and commissioners. Harris repeated his intention – voiced earlier this week – to turn over employees and functions to Severn Trent Services, a South Bend, Indiana-based wastewater treatment firm. Rate increases are also likely to cover income the city will lose from Benton Charter Township custom-ers switching to their own water plant, he said. “We know that we have some issues – and trust me, we will address them, and we expect you to hold us accountable,” Harris said. “We're going to recruit dedi-cated, skilled people, and then, we will keep them trained. We will train them to do their jobs with optimal ability.”

“We Do Need To Catch Up”About 40 percent of city meters suf-

fer leakage or other problems that make accurate readings difficult – forcing the city to estimate many bills, which run two months behind, Harris said. To solve the problem, the city will bill its customers in April and June, respectively, for their last two months of service – which should get the city caught up, he added. Rev. James

Jowers, of 1167 Broadway, asked how that proposal will affect people, if rates are going up, saying, “Some of the citizens are just barely paying for that one month. In other words, are you going to give them time to pay that?” Harris responded that those issues have been taken into account. “We will give you time to catch up. The fact that we are two months behind means we have half a million dollars less in the bank than we should have,” Harris said. “So we do need to catch up.”

The strategic plan also envisions major efforts for beautification, parks cleanup, and replacement of playground equipment. The city also wants to bring in part-timers to trim tall grass at the city's numerous vacant lots, for which owners will be cited and charged, he said. Progress will depend on the city's financial condition – but all three items are priorities for the new fiscal year, which starts July 1, Harris said. “You have the makings of a beautiful riverfront. That is a part that has been neglected,” he said.

“We Pay The Bills – We're Still Here”Those themes sounded good to resi-

dents like Charles Henry, of 1127 Union, who sounded a cautionary note in asking the last question. Having read the strate-gic plan, Henry hoped the experts who have advised Benton Harbor for so long will take residents' ideas on board, he

said. “Start listening to the citizen residents of Benton Harbor – not metropolitan Benton Harbor, but the city,” Henry said. “We pay the bills. We're still here. We were here when the city was rich and thriving, and we're here now. The solutions come from us, not from outside, not from any corporate entities, not from state legislation relative to an EFM.”

In responding, Harris repeated previous analogies of stockholders losing their say when companies go bankrupt – which is what's hap-pened to Benton Harbor's political leadership, he added. “What has happened here is, the citizens who elected their representatives, (and) hired management – they've lost

their rights,” Harris said “I am, in effect, the state-appointed receiver.” Still, com-pared to other communities with EFMs – such as Ecorse, or Pontiac – “this is easy,” Harris said. “I'm not going to say, 'I'm going to be out of here in a year or two', but I'd have to say, two or three (years).”

Questioned why his experience will turn out differently when critics maintain that EFMs haven't had much success state-wide, Harris told the Benton Spirit: “That's a good question. I'm not going to speak for the other emergency managers – I can only speak about me. I have no reason to be pessimistic. If you take a look at the strate-gic plan, I think you'll agree, there's abso-lutely nothing there that seems off the wall – unless you're concerned with, 'how much money do we have?' Money might be an issue, in terms of how fast we do it (imple-ment the objectives). Why? Because we don't know what's going to happen with state revenue-sharing. We've got some issues with regard to property taxes and state revenue-sharing. We'll have to wait and see just how that falls out.”

Joe Harris, EFM for City of Benton Harbor, speaks at Town Hall Meeting

Benton Harbor resident Charles Henry speaks at town hall meet-ing

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“We Expect You To Hold Us Accountable”: EFM Lays Out Strategic Plan At Town Hall Meeting

March 31, 2011 • HOUSING

Looking For A Few Good Homeowners: BH Summit Outlines Housing Ins And Outs

Keep your chin up, and walk in to us, because you put your pants on the same way we do.”

Much of the two-hour session, spon-sored by the Benton Harbor Community Development Department, focused on clearing the obstacles toward owning a home. Although credit is part of that discussion, that's not always the biggest obstacle that Community Development Director Regina Sistrunk sees. “It's just the encouragement, informing people that it's not as hard as they think, and it's not impossible – you just have to discipline and motivate yourself to do it, period,” Sistrunk said. “That's it.”

One promising avenue is the NSP-2 (Neighborhood Stabilization Program), for which the city received a $13.9 mil-lion grant to rehabilitate or redevelop up to 68 homes, Sistrunk said. The city took on SMNHS as a partner for the project,

while working to bring local lenders on board – which was another major reason for holding the summit, Sistrunk said. “This is the first thing, right here, that we've got to start with – getting these people able to get these mortgages,” she said. The grant ends in February 2013. “We have to have identified all of our potential projects and redevelopment areas for the new construction within this year, and actually have the construction start. It's a fast-paced grant,” Sistrunk said.

The first project focuses on redevel-oping and rehabilitating five foreclosures in a designated “Tipping Point” target area running from Empire to Emery Avenues, and Marian Avenue, to Milton Street, she said. Applicants must fall within 50 percent below, to 120 percent of Area Median Income (AMI), to quali-fy. “There's a broad range now (of income representation),” Sistrunk said. “That's another reason why I love this program. I finally feel like we have enough funds, and we have this whole strategy that has been identified with MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority), and HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) – to finally make a significant impact that you will be able to see.”

The completed homes will definitely tell their own story when they're done, Sistrunk said. “These are going to be

some extraordinary houses – we have put up to $100,000 to $110,000 towards the rehab portions, and the added ameni-

ties, which goes above and beyond your normal rehab,” she said. City resident Toriano Coleman believes that NSP-2 program could help him make that kind of transition. “It seems like it's a real good idea for Benton Harbor,” Coleman said. “The mortgage seemed like it's a fair price to pay for each month, and I like it a lot.” Coleman currently lives in a 30-year-old home inherited from his late parents. “I'm trying to sell that, (and) get our own home. It (NSP) seemed like a nice program, hopefully (one) we can benefit from,” he said.

Gloria Osby and sister Diane Williams hoped to get details about spe-cific issues. “I just want to purchase a (property in) foreclosure, in Benton Harbor, and I'm not having much luck with that,” said Osby, who lives at Thurgood Marshall Home. Williams voiced concern about a financial issue that will probably need more research, she said, during a session break. “I'm working with a law firm to improve my credit score,” Williams said. “But your score goes down every time you check it. I've been with them (the law firm) since November, and if I check on it, it's going to affect my score negatively. So how do I get around that?”

For residents wanting to learn the ins and outs, Rozniak's agency will offer a “Financial Education Boot Camp.” The program will run from noon to 1p.m. on

Tuesday and Thursday, from April 5 through 21, at SMNHS's office, 777 Riverview Drive (Building D, Suite 210), Benton Harbor. The sessions will probably repeat at night this summer, too. Rozniak plans to teach the class, whose approach differs in one major way from other classes like it. “They tend to be a bit critical of how people spend their money, and they're not very respectful of how hard it is to get by,” Rozniak said. “One of the things that we teach is, you have to make room for money to play with. You've got to have that little bit of money to play with – but that doesn't mean you can't have a goal to buy a house.”

The trio also focused on credit issues that can hurt an applicant's chance of buying a house. For exam-ple, paying off old debts will hurt credit scores for awhile, because it becomes current again, Rozniak said. “A lot of times, you never know exactly how they

come up

with the score, because they don't share their entire scoring schedule with any-body,” Rozniak said. “It's better to make a mistake of paying something off, than not paying it off. It may hurt you for awhile, but in the long run, you're going to be better off.”

Getting credit bureaus to admit posi-tive information – such as repaying old debts – can be a struggle, Moore said. “You have to get your own discharge of the lien, and mail it to all three (major credit) bureaus. They'll report you, but

they don't care about reporting the good. They just want their money,” she said. Moore advised attendees to save their paperwork, with a receipt to show that a debt has been paid – because multiple attempts are often needed to erase nega-tive information. “Even if you've report-ed it (a detail) once to the credit bureau, (and) mysteriously, it shows up again – you still have that receipt, showing you paid it off. They're golden,” she said.

Sistrunk plans to make the housing summit an ongoing event, with the next one tentatively set within four or five weeks, she said. Like last week's event, two lenders will be invited to avoid overwhelming people with information, Sistrunk said. “Four lenders would be too much, for this size of a housing summit. I just wanted to do two (at a time). We're going to keep banging at it,” she said. For more information about the NSP-2 pro-gram, or upcoming summits, call (269) 927-8420. For more about “Financial Education Boot Camp,” RSVP by email-ing [email protected], or call (269) 277-5830.

BH HOUSING, continued from page 1

THIS HOUSE COULD BE YOURS

“We are encourgaing City of Benton Harbor residents to take advantage of this housing opportunity. Home ownership is an important accomplish-

ment and our Economic and Community Development team is here to assist in owning your own home through the Neighborhood Stabilitzation Program. --Mayor Wilce L. Cooke, City of Benton Harbor

Homeownership takes work, but it can be done, Katie Rozniak, of the Southwest Michigan Neighborhood Housing Service, told residents.

Benton Harbor resident, Toriano Coleman

SPONSOR A SENIOR SPIRIT PAGE • CALL (269) 926-4241SEND YOUR SENIOR NEWS TO: [email protected]

• March 31, 2011 SENIOR SPIRITSt. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center

3271 Lincoln Avenue, St. Joseph, MI • (269) 429-7768

“We are Wild About Our Volunteers” and to celebrate you, we are inviting all volunteers to call or come by to sign

up, before April 7, in order to participate. Please indicate your area of volunteering when signing up. This Center would not be what it is without you. You are all very much appreciated and we hope

you can join us on the 12th! We have another challenge from an anonymous donor who would like people to match their $40 gift. Mention this challenge when you make your donation! who would like people to match their $40 gift. Mention this challenge when you make your donation!

MONDAYS9:15 a.m. Resistive Exercise Class9:30 a.m. Quilting Group10:30 a.m. Range of Motion Exercise Class12:30 p.m. Bridge1:00 p.m. Hand & Foot Cards1:00 p.m. Music & Motion Low Impact Aerobics

TUESDAYS9:00 a.m. Resistive Exercise Class10:15 a.m. Range of Motion Exercise Class1:00 p.m. Euchre12:45 p.m. Bridge1:00 p.m. Art Class w/ Dee Hunter1:00 p.m. Advanced Line Dancing2:00 p.m. Beginning Line Dancing

WEDNESDAYS10:00 a.m. Greeting Card Making10:00 a.m. Zumba9:30 a.m. Scrabble (last Wed. of each month)12:00 p.m. Mah Jong Game1:00 p.m. Dominoes1:00 p.m. Music & Motion Low Impact Aerobics

THURSDAYS9:00 a.m. Resistive Exercise Class10:15 a.m. Range of Motion Exercise Class12:45 p.m. Bridge1:00 p.m. Cribbage

FRIDAYS9:00 a.m. Mah Jong Game9:30 a.m. Canasta, 2nd & 4th10:00 a.m. Advanced Line Dancing10:00 a.m. The “Misfits” Practice11:30 a.m. The “Dreamers” Practice1:00 p.m. Euchre

MONTH AT A GLANCE April 7 BP Clinic: 9-11:00 a.m.April 7 Bunco: 1:00 p.m.April 8 Foot Clinic: by appointmentApril 12 Volunteer Brunch: 9:00 a.m.April 14 Alzheimers; Know the Signs: 10:00 a.m.April 14 Bingo: 1:00 p.m.April 15 Commodities: Monthly 9 a.m. - noonApril 15 Armchair Travel: 10:00 a.m

Message from Board President, Madeline BentleyVolunteer Appreciation Breakfast • Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 9 a.m.

WEEKLY SCHEDULED ACTIVITIESAARP (866) 227-7448Alzheimer’s Education and Referral Center (800) 438-4380American Dietetic Association (800) 366-1655American Inst. Cancer Research (800) 843-8114American Kidney Fund (800) 638-8299American SIDS Institute (800) 232-7437Area Agency on Aging (269) 983-0177Benton Charter Township (269) 925-0616Benton Harbor Fire Department (269) 926-2231Benton Harbor Police Department (269)927-8414Berrien County Sheriff (269) 983-7141Berrien County Health Department (269) 926-7121City of Benton Harbor (269) 927-8408City of St. Joseph (269) 983-2571St. Joseph Charter Township (269) 429-7703Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (800) 344-4823Drug Abuse Referral Hotline (800) 662-4357Elder Abuse (800) 996-6228Epilepsy Foundation of America (800) 332-1000Health & Human Service 2-1-1Helen Keller National Center (800) 255-0411Human Services/FIA (269) 934-2000Lakeland Health Care (269) 683-5510Lincoln Charter Township (269) 429-1735Medicare / Medicaid Assistance Program (800) 803-7174Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (800) 441-7055National AIDS Hotline (800) 342-2437National Child Abuse Hotline (800) 422-4453Nat’l Council on Child Abuse & Family Violence (800) 222-2000National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233National Do-Not-Call (888) 382-1222National Grief Recovery (800) 445-4808National Health Information Center (800) 336-4797National Mental Health Association (800) 433-5959National Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222National Parkinson’s Foundation (800) 327-4545National Reye’s Syndrome (800) 233-7393National Substance Abuse Helpline (800) 662-4357Organ Donor Hotline (800) 243-6667Orton Dyslexia Society (800) 222-3123Prostate Information (800) 543-9632Riverwood Center (269) 925-0585Secretary of State (888) 767-6424Senior Info Line (800) 654-2810Senior Legal Hotline (800) 347-5297Social Security (800) 772-1213To Report a Scam (877) 765-8388Veteran Affairs (269) 934-9123Village of Stevensville (269) 429-1802

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

March 31, 2011 • SENIOR SPIRIT

April Showers Brings May Flowers!Happy Birthday to everyone born in April!To celebrate, we will be taking a trip to the Cross Roads Mall in

Kalamazoo, April 5, 2011. Seating is limited. For more information, please contact Elaine at 269-927-2497.

Let’s Go Bowling at Blossom Lanes in Benton HarborApril 14, 12:30 p.m. Shoes are included, Come and Enjoy!

Incomed Tax Deadline - April 14The deadline for Income Taxes is approaching. So call and get your

appointment before it’s too late.

Happy Easter!April 21, there will be a Easter Dinner and program starting at 11 a.m.

So if you have an Easter speech or reading that you would like to read, call Elaine at (269) 927-2497.

Wanted Board Members!The Benton Harbor/Benton Township Senior Services Inc. is recruit-

ing new board members, so if you think this is something that you may be interested in, stop in at 225 Colfax Ave. and pick up an application or call (269) 927-2497 to inquire.

The Benton Harbor/BentonTownship Senior Center would like to thank all of our Senior’s that come in the center on a daily basis to sup-port this center.

What’s Happening - Benton Harbor-Benton Township Senior Center

225 Colfax Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI • (269) 927-2497

Be n t o n H a r b o r

Mayor Wilce Cooke joined Mayor Robert Judd, of St. Joseph, Niles Charter T o w n s h i p Supervisor Jim Kidwell and St. Joseph Charter T o w n s h i p Trustee Gary Bluschke in delivering meals to seniors. The group joined Senior Nutrition Services for its “National

Mayors for Meals” campaign, held on March 23. Cooke and his fellow elected officials delivered

meals to many homebound clients, and joined them for lunch at the program’s major sites, including the Benton Harbor Senior Center. The campaign sponsor is Meals on Wheels Association of America.

Mayors for Meals

Mayor Cooke (left) and Senior Nutrition staffer (right) deliver meals to area seniors.

Gary Bluschke (left) with St. Joseph Mayor Robert L. Judd (right) and Senior Nutrition Executive Director


ALLOW SPIRIT NEWS TO REACH AND CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY - SPONSOR A PAGE TODAY

CALL (269) 926-4241

First Chance, Inc. kicks off Global Youth Service Day weekend

Thursday April 14, 2011 by feeding the hungry in our community. In part-nership with 6 Degrees/Emergency Shelter Services, The Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen, Michigan Works! and JA Foods, area youth will set up a mobile soup kitchen in the 6 Degrees Parking lot on Thursday evening April 14 to provide a hot dinner and fellow-ship to the hungry in our community.

First Chance, Inc. of Benton Harbor, MI was selected this past March 2011, as a Youth Service America/Sodexo Lead Organizer to coordinate projects for area youth to educate them, as well as others, on the daily struggles of hunger that impact people of all ages in Benton Harbor.

Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates, and mobi-lizes, millions of youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service based learning. Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is the largest service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth. GYSD is celebrat-ed each year in over 100 countries.

All youth in the immediate and surrounding communities are wel-come to participate. Volunteers will arrive onsite beginning at 3:30PM to set up tables and chairs. At 4PM Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen Director Merry Stover and Emergency Shelter Services Executive Director Alysia Babcock will give a presentation to

our youth volunteers detailing the struggles of being hungry and the effects it has on children, families and the community at large. Afterword, we will set up and serve dinner, gra-ciously donated by JA Food Service, to area hungry and homeless individu-als and families. Together the youth volunteers will join millions of others worldwide during this weekend to make an impact on one of our earths most critical issues, hunger.

Founded in 1999, First Chance, Inc. serves 700 to 900 youth each year focusing on academic enrichment and youth development. Our academic components include curriculum expan-sion, tutoring and homework help; our youth development centers on char-acter development, drug and violence

prevention, abstinence, mentoring, counseling, sports and recreation, community service, the performing arts, family services and activities.

The combination of these pro-grams provides the desperately needed skills our youth require to make pro-active choices vs. reactive choices, leading to improved academic success, lower dropout rates and improved self-esteem through personal achievement.

To volunteer or be a part of Global Youth Service Day email Melissa Reed at [email protected] or call (269) 277-5411. For media inquiries or questions about First Chance, Inc. contact Ms. Melinda Bowman through email [email protected] or by phone at (269) 277-5411.

1st Chance Join Millions Worldwide for Global Youth Service Day

March 31, 2011 • COMMUNITY

• March 31, 2011 SOUTH BEND SPIRIT: GOSPEL


for incorporating contemporary gospel and worship music with a blazing energy. As a singer, composer, multi-instru-mentalist, producer and worship leader, he has created a broad range of songs that have become standards in houses of faith around the world. Israel and his wife Meleasa, and their two children, Mariah Engelique, and Israel Duncan II reside in Austin, TX. Israel and Meleasa founded New Breed Ministries in 1995. He also leads worship regularly at Lakewood Church in Houston,

Texas with Pastor Joel Osteen. He is also the National Director of Music and Worship for Champions for Christ a high impact ministry to college and professional athletes with Pastor Greg Ball. He is currently finishing an Israel and New Breed album produced by Tommy Sims and due out in October.

A former member of Fred Hammond and RFC, Isreal has also worked with the Young Messiah Tour, TBN, Crystal Lewis, Anointed, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, and Yolanda Adams, to name a few of the artists he has col-laborated with – all in the name of breaking down musical barriers and drawing together people of all races, ages and cultures through worship.

Israel practices what he preaches by support-ing social justice efforts. This includes serving as a spokesman for the international relief organiza-tion World Vision and by supporting medical and mercy missions.

ATTENTION WOMEN:Invest in Yourself TODAY - Hurry and Get Your Ticket to this Life Changing

Women’s Event. Sign up NOW - Your child 12-19 is FREE

ISRAEL, continued from page 1

March 31, 2011 • SOUTH BEND SPIRIT: GOVERNMENT


By Ralph Heibutzki & Pat Plaut-PayneMichiana Spirit Correspondents

With a crowded Common Council ballot, and an eight-way mayoral

race, voters in South Bend, IN will have plenty of options in this year’s primary election, which is Tuesday, May 3. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and voters must declare a party (either Democratic, or Republican). Tuesday, April 4 is the last day that anyone can register to vote.

Indiana is an early voting state. You may vote from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and also on Saturday, April 23 and 30, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lobby of the County City Building in South

Bend, or at the Mishawaka County Annex.Absentee voting is allowed. Some bal-

lots have already been mailed out (includ-ing military, and out-of-towners). The top vote-getters are on the ballot for the general election on Tuesday, November 8, which is a municipal election only. Three at large seats are open, with the top three vote-get-ters on each party ticket advancing to the November election. For Districts 1-6, only the top Democratic or Republican vote-get-ter goes on to the fall ballot.

For more information, contact St. Joseph County Indiana Clerk Terri Rethlake at (574) 235-5054, or visit www.indianavot-ers.com. You must have a driver’s license for this option. For additional information,

go to your local DMV branch, or to the County City Building, 227 W. Jefferson, Fourth Floor, South Bend.

Mayor’s RaceEight candidates are vying to suc-

ceed incumbent Democrat Stephen Luecke, who has been in office since 1996, but is not running again. The Democratic side includes Berry Barrett, 2043 South Bend Ave.; Pete Buttigieg, 107 W. North Shore; Ryan Dvorak, 215 W. North Shore Drive; and Felipe Merino, 2124 W. Western Ave., all of South Bend, IN. Republican may-oral candidates include Wayne Curry, 1056 Burns Ave., South Bend; William (Bill) David, 1631 Lincolnway East, Apt. 111,

South Bend; and Will Taylor, P.O. Box 8, of Notre Dame, IN. Democratic incumbent John Voorde, of 1029 Clermont Drive, South Bend, IN, is also running unopposed for South Bend City Clerk.

South Bend Common Council (At Large)

The South Bend Common Council consists of six districts, plus at large rep-resentatives, whose officeholders represent the city as a whole. The Republican at large field includes Keith A. Beringer, Jr., P.O. Box 10214, and Mike Niedbalski, 1212 Sunnymede Ave., both of South Bend, IN.

APRIL STARTS ELECTION TIME IN SOUTH BENDChoice Not An Issue In South Bend Primary Races

SOUTH BEND • PRIMARY ELECTION POLLING PLACES MAY 3, 2011The Board of Commissioners of the County of St. Joseph, approved the voting places for the Primary Election to be held Tuesday, May 3, 2011. The voting places were approved at the Board of Commissioners meeting held March 15, 2011, as follows:

DISTRICT 1130101 #2 Fire Station, 402 Martin Luther King Dr130102 American Legion Post #50, 1633 N Bendix Dr130103 M R Falcons, 3212 Keller S130105 Leeper Park Tennis Center, 900 N Lafayette Blvd130106 Brown School, 737 Beale St130107 Near Northwest Neighborhood CTR. 1005 Portage Ave130108 Pinhook Park Pavillion, 2801 Riverside Dr130110 Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1836 Portage Ave130112 Westminster Presbyt. Church, 1501 W Cleveland Rd130113 Marquette School (Door 8), 1905 College St130115 #7 Fire Station, 1616 Portage Ave130117 Pinhook Park Pavillion, 2801 Riverside Dr130118 LaSalle Intermediate Academy, 2701 Elwood Ave130120 M R Falcons, 3212 Keller St130121 St. Paul Lutheran Church, 51490 Laurel Rd

DISTRICT 2130201 Western Plaza Hi-Rise Bldg, 628 Western Ave130202 Karl King Riverbend Tower, 515 E Monroe S130204 Portage Township Trustee Office, 133 N William St130207 Portage Township Trustee Office, 133 N William St130208 Charles Martin Youth Center, 802 Lincolnway West130210 Martin Luther King Center, 1522 W Linden St130211 John Kennedy School (Door #2), 609 N Olive St130212 Charles Martin Youth Center, 802 Lincolnway West130213 Epworth Mem. United Method. Church, 2404 Lincolnway W130214 Alexis Coquillard School, 1245 N Sheridan Ave130217 LaSalle Intermediate Academy (Main Door), 2701 Elwood Ave 130218 Z B Falcon Nest #80, 323 S Sheridan St130219 Lafayette School, 245 N Lombardy Dr130220 Charles Black Center 3419 W Washington St, South Bend, IN 46619

\DISTRICT 3130303 Studebaker School, (Door 2), 724 E Dubail St130304 YMCA Building, 1201 Northside Blvd130305 Jefferson School (Main Entrance-All Purpose Rm), 528 S Eddy130306 St Anthony's Gym (South Door), 2310 E Jefferson Blvd130307 John Adams High School (Door 12), 808 S Twyckenham Dr130309 American Legion Post #303, 2503 Mishawaka Ave130311 Gospel Center Missionary Church, (No. Parking Lot Ent), 930 S 30th St, 130312 Gospel Center Missionary Church, 930 S 30th St130313 Evangel Heights United Methodist Church (North Do114 N Ironwood Dr, 130317 St Matthew's Auditorium, 1015 E Dayton St130318 Lincoln School (Main Entrance), 1425 E Calvert St130319 St Matthew's Auditorium, 1015 E Dayton St, South Bend, IN 46613130320 Riley High School (North Door), 1902 S Fellows St130322 Studebaker School, (Door 2), 724 E Dubail St

DISTRICT 4130403 Northeast Neighborhood Center, 803 N Notre Dame Ave, South Bend, IN130404 McKinley School (Door 14), 228 N Greenlawn130406 University of Notre Dame, JACC Gate 10130407 Howard Park Senior Citizen's Center, 604 E Jefferson Blv130408 Perley School, 740 N Eddy St130410 Brown School, 737 W Beale St130412 Perley School, 740 N Eddy St,130414 Good Shepherd Montessori School, 1101 E Jefferson Blvd130415 #3 Fire Station, 1805 McKinley Ave130416 St Peter's United Church of Christ, 915 N Ironwood Dr130417 Teamster's Union Local #364 (West Door), 2405 Edison Rd 130418 South Bend Elks Club, 3535 E McKinley Ave130419 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1021 Manchester Dr130420 St Anthony's Gym (SDrive), 2310 E Jefferson Blvd130421 St Peter's United Church of Christ, 915 N Ironwood Dr130425 Redeemer Missionary Church, 2313 Solomon Ave130426 Teamster's Union Local #364 (West Door), 2405 Edison Rd

DISTRICT 5130508 #10 Fire Station, 5303 York Rd130509 Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 S Twyckenham130510 Virginia Tutt Library, 2223 Miami St130511 Riley High School (North Door), 1902 S Fellows St, South Bend130512 James Monroe School, (Door #4, Rm 114 off Carroll St), 312 Donmoyer St, 130516 Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 S Twyckenham130517 John Marshall School, 1433 Byron Dr130518 John Marshall School, 1433 Byron Dr130519 O'Brien Recreation Center (Office Door), 321 E Walter St130521 First Baptist Church (Rear Entrance), 3010 S Ironwood***********130522 First Brethren Church, 4909 S Ironwood130523 St Paul's Retirement Center, 3602 Ironwood Rd130524 #10 Fire Station, 5303 York Rd130525 Southside Christian Church, 1329 Jackson Rd130526 Southfield Village, Inc, 6450 Miami Circle130527 Church of God, 16555 Ireland Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46544130528 Crest Manor Church of Brethren, 1342 Berkshire Dr

DISTRICT 6130607 St Casimir Annex (Rear), 1308 W Dunham St130609 St. Adalberts Heritage Center, 519 S Olive St130611 UAW Local #5, 1426 S Main St130613 UAW Local #5, 1426 S Main St130615 Harrison School (Main Door), 3302 W Western Ave130616 #6 Fire Station, 4302 W Western Ave130617 West Side Democratic Club, 617 S Warren St130618 Pierre Navarre School, 4702 W Ford St130619 #6 Fire Station, 4302 W Western Ave130620 Wilson School (Door 1), 56660 Oak Rd130621 #5 Fire Station, 2221 Prairie Av130622 James Monroe School (Door #4, Rm 114 off Carroll St), 312 E Donmoyer St, 130623 Harrison School (Main Door), 3302 W Western Ave130625 Hamilton School, (Door #5), 1530 E Jackson Rd130626 #5 Fire Station, 2221 Prairie Av , South Bend, IN 46614

SOUTH BEND POLLING PLACES

More on SOUTH BEND ELECTIONS,page 14



ATTENTION: BENTON HARBOR and BERRIEN COUNTY RESIDENTSIT IS NOT TOO LATE TO GET HELP WITH YOUR TAXES

CALL: 2-1-1 today!2-1-1: This number (2-1-1) is an information telephone line to help people with human service needs.

March 31, 2011 • COMMUNITY

Spirit News extends a special “Thank You” to all of the

organizations listed in this week’s edition for advertising with us

Your partnership means a lot to us and our mission to Inform, Enhance,

Showcase, Promote & Educate!

Call for discounted advertising to reach your community!

(269) 926-4241 - Michigan(574) 248-3935 - Indiana

www.bentonspiritnews.com

Michiana Spirit Community Newsnow in South Bend

• March 31, 2011 CLASSIFIEDS

Harbor Habitat is currently looking for qualified individu-als to join our team! Positions include: Fund Developer, ReStore Director, ReStore Manager, ReStore Sales Associate, ReStore Delivery Driver, ReStore Showroom Associate, and ReStore Warehouse Associate. Visit www.harborhabitat.org for more information on these positions and how to apply. EOE

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BS/adv.March 17, 2011The Twin Cities Area

Transportation Authority regu-larly scheduled board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at 12:00 noon at their office, 275 Wall Street, Benton Harbor, MI.

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Wanted: CARS!

1967-69 Camaro or any muscle car. Or, Grand National/T-type Regal. Call (810) 252-9194.

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ClassifiedsEMPLOYMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE

CNA OPEN HOUSE!

When: March 23rd from 2pm-6pm.

Where: Lakeland Specialty Hospital6418 Deans Hill RoadBerrien Center, MI 49102.

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EMPLOYMENTDRIVERS

SOUTH BEND ELECTIONS, continued from page 14

EMPLOYMENTDRIVERS

WANTED

BUSINESS

Eight Democrats are seeking the at large seats, as well, led by District 1 incumbent Derek D. Dieter, 1829 Portage, South Bend, IN, who’s seeking this office, instead. Al “Buddy” Kiristis, 722 Marquette Ave., and Karen L. White, 1921 Malvern Way, South Bend, IN, are the two incumbent office-holders on the ballot. The other candidates include Gavin Ferlic, 1610 Cedar St.; Miles, 738 S. Grant St.; Kelvin D. Poindexter, 1106 W. Western Ave.; Dustin Saunders, 119 La Porte Ave.; and Stephanie Spivey, 1812 Dutch Ct., all of South Bend, IN.

South Bend Common Council (Districts 1-6)District 1: Democratic candidates hoping to succeed

Dieter include Marty Heirty, 2025 Inglewood Place; Andrew B. Jones, 2560 Flint Ct.; Richard “Ricky” Klee, 2010 Hollywood Road; and Tim Scott, 711 Forest Ave., all of South Bend, IN. The Republican slate features two candidates, Eric R. Harris, 4441 Laurel Creek, and Mike Stack, 2332 Pebble Creek Dr., both of South Bend.

District 2: Incumbent Democrat Henry Davis, Jr., of 5117 Idelwood Dr., South Bend, is looking to fend off a challenge from Charlotte Pfeifer, 1013 W. Washington St., South Bend, with the winner going straight to the November election. No Republican filed for this seat.

District 3: Democrat Valerie S. Schey, 1314 E. Wayne St., South Bend, IN, is the only candidate on her party’s side. She’ll face against the top vote-getter on the Republican side, which includes: Chris Adamo, 702 S. 27th St., Cole B. Belt, 1504 Hoover Ave., and Sheila A. Bergeron, 605 S. Sunnyside Ave., all of South Bend.

District 4: One of the more crowded ballots features five Democratic candidates, including Thomas A. Cavanaugh, 204 S. Greenlawn; Marcus Edward Ellison, 214 Ashbury Ct.; Fred Ferlic, 830 Oak Ridge Dr.; Jim Neal, 215 Swanson Circle; and Tim Rouse, 605 Cherry Tree Ln., all of South Bend. Rouse is currently an at large incumbent, but hoping to win a spot in this race. Republican Gary King, 730 N. Hill St., South Bend, is the only candidate running on his party’s ticket.

District 5: Republican David A. Varner, 1306 Clayton Drive, South Bend, is the only candidate in this race.

District 6: Incumbent Democrat Oliver Davis, 1801 Nash St., South Bend, is competing against Anthony P. Ross, 2524 Emerson Forest Parkway, South Bend, for a spot on the November ballot. Republican Jim Stewart, 213 Luelede St., South Bend, will face the winner this fall.

Support the Spirit’s Aspiring Young Journalist Program

WHAT? Benton Spirit Publisher, Princella Tobias, has become a sales representative for Avon to help raise funds for the Spirit’s Aspiring Young Journalist Program.

WHY? It’s Training - Education - Mentoring - Pregnancy and Crime Prevention, and creating a new leader for the Benton Spirit.

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March 31, 2011 • COUPON/BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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JIM’S HEATING SERVICE 372 S. FAIR AVENUE

BENTON HARBOR, MI 49022

SHOP: 269/926-1512•FAX: 269/926-1705EMERGENCY: (269) 449-6196

OWNER: JIM WHITELOW

10% OFF Service Call

Time to get your Air Conditioner & Furnace Checked!

Dialo’s Catering"Homemade Food

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Not valid with other discounts. Party of 50 or more. Must mention coupon when ordering.

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• March 31, 2011 EDUCATION

At Benton Harbor Charter School,

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