My thanks to the variety of people who met with Community Editor Scott Novak and myself last Thursday. The Broadway Café was kind enough to provide coffee in Cassopolis in the morning. And Sherman Ostrander allowed us to use the Edwardsburg Board Room later in the day. This was our chance to let folks know that we are highly interested in learning about good local stories for our newspapers with tips as to how to get the information into our hands.

Dawn Bolock, of Coldwell Banker in Edwardsburg and who serves the community in many roles, told us about a survey that was done with local high school students.

They were asked to discuss the future they would like to see for them within the community. Look for that story soon.

Tracy Herself, superintendent of Cassopolis Schools, joined us. Finally, I have now met all of the supers in Leaderland. He made a commitment to help foster a regular school feature Vigilant that will also appear on www.leaderpub.com.

Sherm and his staff are considering something similar.

Over the coming months, we will have similar meetings throughout the region.

Hopefully, you can make the next one.

Great hikes

Last week’s column regarding hiking provided some great feedback. Jay, of Niles, suggested Love Creek Nature Center near Berrien Center among other trail ideas.

He also reminded me that my buddy and former Southwestern Michigan College teacher Ron Gunn established a hiking group, Cairn Stone out of Dowagiac. Libbi sent me a list of trails a mile long and also mentioned Gunn’s group. Once I get myself in a little better shape, I’ll hook up with them.

Harry Thibault, chairman of the  Niles Township Parks Commission, asked for my patience as good things are on the way. He reminded me that construction of the first phase of the River Valley Trail will begin in the spring. Beginning with a 3.3-mile segment from the state line to the Brandywine Creek Nature Park (BCNP), the trail will eventually connect to the Niles city trail that ends on Fort Street.

While substantial funds have been received. Donations are still needed.

This is something Leader Publications would like to get behind to help the cause.

Sunday, I accidentally had my longest walk to date, 3.7 miles. I should have mapped it out first as I was only planning on walking 2.5 miles. I did a loop from Bertrand to 13th to Ironwood and back to 13th. While not as hot as today, it was still plenty warm. I felt really great until the very last stretch when a barking pit bull ran out after me. I froze in my tracks as I imagined my calf with those massive jaws wrapped around it. Fortunately, the owner was present and called him off in the nick of time. And that along with car traffic is why I’m trying to hunt down a variety of great hiking trails.

Michael Bennett can be reached at michael.bennett@leaderpub.com or (269) 687-7700.