Downtown shop starts adult-use pot sales
BUCHANAN — Adult-use marijuana sales have started at Zen Leaf dispensary downtown, but transactions currently remain curbside pickup only.
Adult-use, or recreational, marijuana sales are open to any adult age 21 or older with valid ID.
Zen Leaf opened last May as a medical marijuana provisioning center open only to Michigan patients with state approval to buy.
Because of coronavirus concerns, the shop currently is taking all orders via its website and offering curbside pickup. A delivery service is expected to begin soon.
Wilson, Ludman to retire from SMC
DOWAGIAC —Southwestern Michigan College faculty members Larry Wilson, of Niles, and Don Ludman, of Dowagiac, will retire in May.
Wilson, chair of Advanced Technology, started at the college in 2008 as a part-time construction trades instructor after four decades in the industry. He joined the faculty full time in 2011. His Construction Trades Green Technology students gained real-world experience building Habitat for Humanity houses. His trades program allows students to earn a certification, a two-year degree or a bachelor's degree in coordination with Ferris State University.
Ludman, who holds degrees in communications, theology and psychology, started teaching part time at the college in 1984 and joined the social science faculty full time in 2013. He has taught human development, psychology, abnormal psychology, introduction to world religions, and social work. Ludman has pastored parishes as an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church and worked as a therapist and residential care specialist in Cass County.
College President Joe Odenwald said he was sorry the school can't host a retirement sendoff because of current restrictions on gatherings.
"We wish them the best," Odenwald said in a news release, "and are delighted that they spent a great portion of their professional lives at SMC."
Nonprofit workshop online
SOUTH BEND — The free NonProfit Roundtable Workshop that local consultant John Pinter holds each month will be virtual from 8-9 a.m. Tuesday via Zoom. He will focus on beginning or updating an emergency response plan, since COVID-19 has caused charities to adjust their plans. The meeting will be at https://bisk.zoom.us/j/388410449. For questions, email him at john.pinter1224@gmail.com.