Our Inaguaral Post & A Quiz: What does this Woman have to do with the Dowagiac River?

Before we show you our "kickoff" article on this issue  a dedication.

Who is this Woman, and what does she have to do with Dam Removal?

This woman was able to help people who felt as if they had no voice, that power and suits were going to decide everything for them, that promises and fake numbers would placate people and stop them from trying to get what they wanted. This woman is Erin Brockovich: A non-lawyer, unemployed single mother of 3 who took $333,000,000 from Pacific Gas and Electric, and gave it back to people who got sick and mislead. PG&E's greed was greater than their sense of decency, and she is a modern day heroine and inspiration to my daughters.

Erin's impact on them is palpable, and has motivated me to try and at least give people a voice and a chance to restore a river that has had mankind basically screwing it up with nothing to show for it to the people of Niles for the last 20 or so years.  So, before another huge environmental decision is fast-tracked with little-to-no-public input or knowledge,  we are going to speak with people at their doorsteps, at the kwikie-mart, after church, and at the Moose Lodge---and try to help the city realize that this issue its not just about economics and using the river to bail them out of their shitty economic situation.
 It's a little more than just economics, folks. Its, arguably, about one of the most beautiful, natural, free assets your town offers you. And the people who come here with their families from hundreds of miles away.

Guys, you can quit staring at her boobs now, because she might be trying to pry secrets from YOU while your watching them !     (sorry, had to throw that one in; as it appears in the film starring Julia Roberts)

 And lastly, a quote which is from 500 BC:


"In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it."
— Lao Tzu

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That said, here's our inaugural mention. An excerpt from:   South Bend Tribune--December 15. 2010 6:59AM
(see below)

New proposal for old Niles dam

NILES — There's a new possibility for the old city dam on the Dowagiac River: Removal.

At a meeting this week of the Niles City Council, representatives of efforts to remove the city dam in Watervliet approached the panel about eliminating the dam on Pucker Street in Niles, Niles City Administrator Terry Eull said. Asked about the cost, Eull said grant money might be available.

The representatives will return early next year when the council takes up the dam's fate, Eull said. Already, two private companies have offered to partner with the city to restore power production on the dam and share in the revenue.