By Scarlet Thalman
BCR Correspondent
CHIKAMING, MI — The Chikaming Township meeting took place February 12, 2026, at the Chikaming Township Municipal Building. The meeting was characterized by township improvement efforts and detailed discussions regarding long-term infrastructure planning, financial sustainability, and community recreation initiatives.
Public comment began with one audience member, David Hiatt, who highlighted the success of his teen daughter’s local business, Zo’s Mini Donuts, which was recently featured by WSBT News and MLive.
Berrien County is home to several teen entrepreneurs, including The Sport Stash, featured in an earlier issue of the BCR.
He shared that the business signed what he described as the first Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal for a high school athlete to endorse a product — a growing trend allowing student-athletes to receive compensation for endorsements. He also noted that the business had applied to be recognized as a highlighted small business in the State of Michigan.
Hiatt thanked the community for its support and said Sawyer would be featured on WSBT that evening.
The focus on improvement and community development continued throughout the meeting in presentations and board decisions.
One of the first presentations came from Joe Martin — who provided an update on the newly established Harbert Community Park ice rink. Drone footage from the rink was shown, highlighting strong attendance during the three weeks it was open before warmer temperatures forced its closure.
The discussion then shifted toward warmer-weather planning. The 2026 Summer Concert Series lineup was announced, including performances by the Waco Boys, PT and the Cruisers, the Edgar Wilbury Experience, PS Dump Your Girlfriend, and Darkboard Compromise.
The Parks Director also indicated he would bring forward a proposal at a future meeting to allow beer and wine sales at concerts, a move intended to enhance community engagement and potentially increase attendance.
Infrastructure planning followed with a presentation from an American Electric Power (AEP) Indiana Michigan Power representative regarding the Bridgman-to-Buffalo transmission rebuild project. The representative proposed using composite utility poles instead of wood for approximately 37 poles located along the railroad corridor south of the township center toward Lakeside.
The composite poles are designed to improve durability and reliability, particularly in difficult-to-access areas near the railroad. Because outages in those areas require coordination with the railway for access, the more resilient poles would help reduce long-duration outages and improve grid reliability.
The board approved the proposal to allow composite poles in that section.
Additional business included a water and sewer update and planning presentation, approval of contracts for improvements at Cohen Park, revised engineering plans for Pier Street Beach access, routine financial approvals, and discussion of planning commission appointments.
As the township moves into the new year it is obvious that there is a commitment to not just maintaining but evolving and looking ahead we will see what results from the townships efforts.