January 5, 2023

The Acorn to present Led Zepplin 2, ‘Kofi Baker’s Cream Faith’ PAGE 9 LaPorte County employees moving due to flood PAGE 14

CHICAGO

PHOTO OF LENORE SENOVIC STANDING BY ONE OF HER PAINTINGS THAT’S DISPLAYED IN COURTYARD GALLERY BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

New construction for Boys and

in Michigan City

BY STAN MADDUX

The Boys and Girls Clubs of LaPorte County is planning to construct a new, much larger facility in Michigan City to meet higher demand.

The new 35,000 square foot building will have room for nearly twice the number of youth the organization can now serve in Michigan City at the former Elston High School.

Michelle Shirk, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of LaPorte County, said rising membership brought on during the pandemic is expected to reach 200 youth this summer.

Shirk said the group operates in the old library area of the school, which doesn’t have the space for adding more children.

“It’s a tight fit,” she said.

The facility planned in the area of Coolspring Avenue and Jackson Street will have room for up to 350 members and feature classrooms along with a cafeteria and gymnasium.

The new cafeteria will be able to serve all children in two shifts instead of the current four shifts.

There is no gymnasium in the space

that’s now occupied by the organization.

Other improvements include much larger age-based program areas, outdoor space and a dedicated STEM lab.

“We are going to show this community’s kids they are worth investing in,” she said.

She said the organization provides a structured, heavily supervised environment after school and during the summer for children ages 4 to 18 under a model established by the national organization

“Our kids follow curriculum that supports healthy lifestyles, character and fitness. Academic success is a huge part of our programming,” she said.

The door opened for construction when the Michigan City Board of Zoning Appeals last month voted unanimously in support of the group’s request for a zoning variance.

Anthony Novak, an attorney and board member for the youth services group, said a variance is required under local zoning rules for any community center wanting to locate in residential areas.

He said the facility will go up on three vacant lots measuring close to 12 acres in a heavily wooded area near the former YMCA building.

The new building represents the last in a three phase expansion that began two years ago when the group opened facilities in Westville and Kingsford Heights

Three more branches are opening in LaPorte beginning this month.

Shirk said demand skyrocketed during the pandemic, when parents needed a safe place for their children to be while they were at work after school buildings closed to try and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Unlike Boys and Girls Clubs in many other locations, Shirk said there is no membership fee or cost for any of the programming at the LaPorte County sites.

“We used to have a nominal membership fee. We wanted to eliminate all barriers for kids and families so everything we do is free and we’re going to keep it that way for as long as possible,” she said.

Local Government Meetings

New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

New Buffalo man returned to Indiana to face allegations on alleged bank robbery

BY STAN MADDUX

ANew Buffalo man previously held in Michigan has been returned to Indiana to face allegations that he held up a bank in Michigan City.

which was later spotted by a Pokagon Tribal Police officer parked outside Judy’s Motel on U.S. 12 just west of the New Buffalo city limits.

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CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL

MARK ROBERTSON, ROGER LIJESKI, JOHN HUMPHREY, BRIAN FLANAGAN, VANCE PRICE

City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS to be determined

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD

PETE RAHM, MICHELLE HEIT, JUDY H. ZABICKI, PATTY IAZZETTO, JACK ROGERS

Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM

NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD

PAUL KELLER, LISA WERNER, HEATHER BLACK, DENISE CHURCHILL, BRADLEY BURNER, VANESSA THUN

CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD

DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, BILL MARSKE

Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM

CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM

THREE OAKS

THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM

VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM

GRAND BEACH Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MARY ROBERTSON, CLERK DEBORAH LINDLEY, BLAKE O’HALLORAN, JAMES BRACEWELL, PETER DOERR, PAUL LEONARD, JR. MICHIANA

VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

Ryan James, 43, was being held Tuesday, Jan. 3, in the LaPorte County Jail on $15,000 bond on a level 5 felony charge of robbery.

He appeared for his initial hearing Dec. 30 in LaPorte Circuit Court, where a jury trial was scheduled for Dec. 11.

A customary plea of not guilty was entered by the court on behalf of the defendant, who also was appointed a public defender after a judge ruled that he was unable to afford private legal counsel.

James allegedly robbed First Source Bank in the 3900 block of Franklin Street Dec. 15.

According to court documents, he was wearing a surgical type of mask when he slipped a note to a teller demanding money and claiming to have a gun.

James fled with about $4,000 in a dark colored sport utility vehicle,

The motel was placed under surveillance while police and prosecutors gathered evidence to present to a judge for an arrest warrant.

During that period of time, James had a pizza delivered to his motel room and paid the tab with the stolen money based on the serial numbers on the bills matching the currency taken from the bank, according to court documents.

The arrest warrant was issued about three hours later and James was taken into custody without incident.

He was housed in the Berrien County Jail for about two weeks until the process required for transferring an offender to another jurisdiction to face charges was completed.

Police said James confessed to the robbery and stated he did not have a gun during the heist

New Buffalo Times

THANKS FOR THE BLESSINGS...

As we begin a new year, River Valley Blessings in a Backpack would like to thank those who helped close out 2022 with a special holiday pack.

Fifty-dollar grocery gift certificates for Harding’s Friendly Market in Three Oaks and a toy from Harbor Country Toys for Tots were included in each child’s December pack. The Pokagon Fund contributed funds for the cost of the food. Volunteers from Harbert Community Church, Harbor Country Rotary Club and Three Oaks United Methodist Church prepared the December food packs. Thank you all! River Valley Blessings in a Backpack provides food on the weekends for school children who might otherwise go hungry. Our program is made possible through volunteers’ time and efforts, food and cash donations, and grant awards.

For more information about the program, please visit www. blessingsinabackpack.org or our Facebook page, or call 269-756-9812.

— VICKIE WAGNER PROGRAM COORDINATOR

It’s not a faith in technology. It’s faith in people. — Steve Jobs

Alocal nonprofit has been making great strides in addressing needs with regards to health and wellness for the local community by moving forward with plans for a community center and programming for the region of Southwest Michigan just above the Indiana state line.

Harbor Country Community Center Leader Katie Maroney said that members of a steering committee met twice last fall and have been reviewing survey data that was collected over the summer from the community as well as cultivating additional ones send out to different groups, such as municipal leaders, the New Buffalo, River Valley and Bridgman school districts (which included teachers, administrators and students) and area nonprofits.

Including the additional surveys that were rolled out, Maroney said they’re getting closer to 1,500 responses.

“We would like to thank the community for participating in all of the surveys that have gone out since the summer, as we are working with several municipal leaders, the area schools and regional nonprofits as well,” Maroney said.

She added that the nonprofit would also like to thank the Steering Committee, which is comprised of a group of over 30 people representing all communities and demographics in the Harbor Country region and beyond,

Community center efforts moving into next phases of development

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

as well as a “sincere and more heartfelt thank you to the team at Abonmarche and all of our community partners.”

Now, Harbor Country Community Center will be conducting site evaluation.

To date, Maroney said up to six sites, which include existing buildings and properties as well as build to suit options, have been evaluated. With the help of the engineering firm Abonmarche, they’ll narrow those choices down to one build to suit option and one property that already exists, such as one that needs renovations or additions built out in the future.

Maroney said they have been able to identify a possible “corridor,” which “would work for all of our community members that are wanting access to this facility.”

“As we’re understanding that we’re trying to serve very large portion of the population, we want to make sure the site is centrally located, it’s accessible, we want to make sure that we have in mind ADA compliance in things and that it’s a facility that’s safe for all ages to access,” she said.

Maroney added that they also hope to have live maps for people to navigate soon on their website, and that Abonmarche has been able “to layer all of the data in correspondence with the very large Berrien County Trail Map that was put together.”

“We understand that transportation

is a huge issue pretty much anywhere but especially here in southwest Michigan and we want to make sure that this facility is accessible from multiple directions, we hope to partner with entities like the schools and DialA-Ride to get people to the facility,” she said.

The hope is to roll out some programs by the spring or summer and into this fall at either the potential location or through a hybrid approach, where existing facilities will be used in the interim to roll out some of the programs.

As the group homes in on the two sites – the build to suit one and the retro fitting one – Maroney said there’ll be a design charette process, during which community members can view the sites. A capital campaign fundraising effort will commence possibly in the spring and by the summer as the group applies for grants for all the amenities and programs.

Maroney said the YMCA of Greater Michiana has been a “great steward” of the program and hopes to get more involved in the spring and summer.

Maroney said the top of the wish list for the center is a pool. Access to healthcare, especially mental health services, also rose to the top. Meeting spaces for different community groups

is also a priority.

Maroney said there was also mention of having a safe space for local youth to hang out or participate in sports programming. A connectivity to nature was also mentioned in the survey, which could involve a facility to access year-round to indoor and outdoor activities.

In the fall of 2018, The Pokagon Fund was selected for a Rural Economic Development Cohort by the Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM). They conducted the Harbor Country Community Needs Assessment, which identified affordable housing, broadband internet, a community center and jobs as four areas of need in the region.

“We don’t take that data lightly - we definitely want to home in on the fact that the work was already completed and we’re just building off it from a community center standpoint because it’s imperative for us to define what that means to people, what does a community mean to people and how can we fulfill that wish list in that sense,” Maroney said.

Updates on the community center can be found at www. harborcountrycommunitycenter.org, where you can subscribe the email newsletter, as newsletters will begin the coming weeks, or on its social media channels.

Losses racking up for young Bison in basketball

BY STAN MADDUX

The New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team is still looking for its first win of the season after a drubbing Tuesday night against a much more talented squad.

The Bison lost at South Bend Career Academy 71-28 Tuesday, Jan. 3.

New Buffalo (0-5) shot just 34% from the floor compared to the 54% shooting from their opponents.

The lack of varsity experience and size from the Bison also showed up in rebounding.

South Bend Career Academy (43) on offense and defense combined outrebounded the Bison 30-11.

The Bison trailed 18-7 after the first quarter and went into halftime down 37-16.

South Bend Career Academy with a

roster full of veteran players over 6 feet tall added 20 points to their lead during the third quarter.

Freshman Sam Tripp led the Bison in scoring with 11 points and made three of five shots from beyond the three point line.

Junior Andres Becerra, who saw his first game action of the season, contributed seven points.

Junior Elliot Bourne scored six points and dished out four assists while senior Teddy Kohl added four points.

Nick Haskins and James Shaw, who have seen considerable playing time as freshmen, did not play.

The Bison, who have been outscored 311-184 this season, are scheduled to play again at home Friday, Jan. 6, against Buchanan.

I traveled when I was super young, so my mindset was never like a typical 8-year-old.

— Gervonta Davis

8 kids a day are accidentally killed or injured by FAMILY FIRE.

FAMILY FIRE is a shooting involving an improperly stored gun, often found in the home.

From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

Will It Go Round In Circles. Billy Preston asked that musical question on his 1972 album Music Is My Life. Fifty years later I can say with some degree of certainty that…it depends.

Certain things seem to never change. When you’re in school, the “cool kids” seem to always be cool and the nerds remain nerdy. When we become adults, things do change and the intelligent and hard working people become cool while the people who got by being cool need to develop new skills.

Sports everywhere, especially in Chicago, follow the same rules. Most of the time, the Cubs, Sox, Blackhawks, Bulls, and Bears are pretty bad. Some trips around the Sun end up with a different outcome for our teams.

The Bulls drafted a player in 1984 that changed the team’s fortunes.

Michael Jordan led the Bulls to six championships. The Blackhawks drafted Jonathan Toews in 2006 and Patrick Kane in 2007 and that duo led the Blackhawks to 3 Stanley Cup victories.

In 2005, the Sox won the World Series for the first time in 88 years, and in 2016 the Cubs won for the first time in 108 years. In 1982 the Bears hired Mike Ditka to coach the team and in 1986 they won the Super Bowl, but they haven’t won since.

For those of you who are counting, that’s a total of 12 championships. Not very many for a city the size of Chicago that boasts five professional teams. For goodness sake, the

Yankees have 27 World Series titles. However, it does prove that in the sports world, while most of the time things remain the same, occasionally things do change.

Almost every new year brings resolutions and I’m sure this year will be no different. I’d like to lose some weight, but friends have gifted me some delicious cookies, so I’m already losing that battle. So this year, I’ve decided to look at the new year a little differently.

This year, I’m going to do my best to be a better person. Both the areas I’m good at and the areas that need improvement are in play. We all can be kinder, more understanding, be a better listener, be more gracious, and generally better at everything we say and do. If I can maintain that attitude, I might not have enough time to eat those extra cookies. Anybody else want to try ?

Finally, the New Year’s Eve college football games were amazing. While both Big Ten teams, Michigan and Ohio State, couldn’t quite pull out victories, the games sure didn’t lack in excitement. Both games featured a ton of offense as all four teams marched up and down the field. The games were so much fun to watch that I want to pay more attention next season.

Greek philosopher Zeno of Citum said, “We have two ears and one mouth,so we should listen more than we say.”

Hope you all have a fabulous year. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

New party leader out to stop skid

BY STAN MADDUX

Democrats in LaPorte County have a new leader who hopes to end the struggles of local party candidates in recent elections.

Angie Henzman, 38, of Trail Creek was elected party chairman during a caucus of Democrat precinct committeepersons countywide last month.

She narrowly defeated Julie Sinclair of LaPorte.

Earlier this year, Henzman left her full-time managerial position in the private sector to become campaign manager for state Rep.

Pat Boy (D) of Michigan City.

Boy was among just a handful of LaPorte County Democrats who was successful in the Nov. 8 election.

Henzman said Boy encouraged her to seek the position vacated by Dr. Vidya Kora, who announced his resignation two days after the disappointing outcome of the election.

“I was able to leave my position in retail and focus on what I really want to devote my life to, which is politics,” she said.

Henzman said her plan is to refocus the party on serving and

fighting for the well-being of LaPorte County residents and recruiting candidates in leadership positions dedicated to her vision.

“The whole purpose of the party should be to better the quality of life of the people,” she said.

Henzman said she will also look for candidates willing to be accessible to the public and active in their communities on a more consistent basis.

She said concern about the economy wasn’t the only thing expressed from the doorsteps of many voters during the most

recent campaign.

“I heard a lot of people also saying I never see politicians actually involved in my life until the three months before every election,” she said.

In his letter of resignation, Kora said the qualities and talents local party candidates brought to the table were overlooked and the outcomes decided by what was happening in politics at the national level

He also expressed frustration with what he described as

“Trumpism” not fading in LaPorte County like it has in other parts of the nation.

Henzman said the party needs to make sure all citizens are represented equally while reassuring people voting for Democrats in the past “we’re still fighting for them.”

“I don’t care if it’s Trump country. If we’re talking south county, LaPorte or Michigan City. Our whole purpose has to be to reach into the community and make a difference. We really need just a level approach to this,” she said.

Recently, Radio Harbor Country became the recipient of a one-time special $5,000 donation from the Stevensville Meijer team for its work in enriching the lives of the people in Harbor Country. Pictured are Bob Tharp, store manager; Brittany Watts, human resources manager and Dave Repetto, board chairman of Radio Harbor Country.

Courtyard Gallery has a new owner, plans for revitalizations in the new year

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

After more than 30 years, the Courtyard Gallery at 813 E. Buffalo Street in New Buffalo is ready shake things up a bit.

Eugene Halun, who started the business in 1989, passed away Oct. 31, 2022.

Now, the business has been acquired by a new owner: Lenore Senovic, Gene’s life partner, who said she’s spent about 40 years being immersed in the world of art. While living in Hobart, Indiana, she studied under Wes Berrier for over 30 years – until he passed away.

“I really liked what I was doing – I could do a whole painting in four hours,” Senovic said, adding that she also picked up a lot of artistic tricks of the trade from a couple workshops “here and there.”

Having been raised in Indiana, Senovic “migrated” to southwest Michigan. While talking to someone in Barney’s about her love of art, they told her about the Courtyard Gallery: “You like art? You need to go there.”

After Berrier passed away, it was Halun who suggested that she take up acrylics. She started Zoom classes online with one of the artists from the gallery. Currently, several of her paintings are hanging in the Courtyard Gallery.

Seeing as how his gallery – and Halun himself – made an impact on her artistic journey, Senovic said she didn’t want to see the venue that launched Halun’s own journey ride off into the sunset just yet.

After talking with Melissa Stranad, who’s been the gallery’s director for 30 years, it was decided that they would keep it open.

“I feel like we both owe that to him…He put a lot of his life and his energy into this place, into this business - we’re kind of changing things around, be more open to new ideas and see what happens,” she said.

Goals are for the gallery to be more “public” and more a part of things in the community. Stranad said they’ve joined Art Attack, the annual art event that takes place every April, again and joined the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce.

Other plans include a guest artist of the month, with an opening for them. Classes may also be offered, as well as some wine and canvas sessions (which may take place out in the courtyard in the warmer months).

The gallery has started a YouTube channel, during which videos that will be taking viewers on a tour of different parts of the gallery will be uploaded.

The gallery will also be undergoing some renovations upstairs.

“We’re open to lot of different ideas – in this day and age, if you’re going to stay in business, any kind of business, you have to be open to ideas,” Stranad said.

For the first time, Courtyard Gallery has an artist in residence: Chris McLaughlin.

While he said he did some pencil drawings in his youth and 20s, McLaughlin didn’t pick up a paintbrush until last April.

Originally from South Bend, McLaughlin used to work in sales and had a limo service for 12 years there. After having four rib surgeries in the last two years, though, he found that he could no longer “do the things I did before.”

So, he turned to painting.

“I finished my first painting the end of (last) April…I’ve done about 48 to 50 pieces, I’ve marketed myself a lot –I’ve gone pretty quick,” he said.

Already, McLaughlin has done some live painting at The Drake Hotel in Chicago.

He said he’ll be live painting at the Courtyard Gallery

three to four days a week – mainly Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays – at his studio by the gallery’s front windows. Once a month, he may also have an open house.

Upon finishing his first piece, McLaughlin began stopping into the gallery to show his latest piece to Halun.

“I think I got to my sixth piece and after that he was ill and not in here as much…He sat down and talked to me about different things about art and what not and he was blunt and open,” he said.

Since he was able to drive, McLaughlin has been visiting the area. While he’s open to anything, he’s particularly drawn to waterscapes and skyscapes.

“I want to help (the gallery) revitalize and reconnect to the area because I love the whole area – I’ve been working this area since I’ve gotten into the art thing because it’s a great area for art,” he said.

Currently, the gallery features anywhere between 35 to 50 artists, which includes all mediums – paintings, glass, bronze, and jewelry. Artists hail from across the country.

When searching for artists, Stranad said she was pleased that not only did new artists want to be part of the revitalization of the gallery, but former ones as well.

“Even artists we’ve had in the past who are not here anymore, maybe even 20 years ago, I called them up and they’re happy to come back in - to have that happen, I just kind of walk home and I’m shaking my head and saying, ‘What’s going on? What’s going on?’…It’s a great feeling,” she said.

New owner Lenore Senovic stands outside Courtyard Gallery

Chris McLaughlin touches up an abstract painting at his studio at Courtyard Gallery

ALCOHOL RELATED NEW YEAR’S DAY FATALITY

AMichigan teenager is accused of being impaired when causing a deadly motor vehicle crash on New Year’s Day in LaPorte County.

According to Indiana State Police, at about 1230 a.m., 19-year-old Jordan Morrissey was westbound in the far-left lane of Interstate 94.

Police said he was traveling at a high rate of speed in a car when he swerved into the lane beside him, sideswiping a pick-up truck about three miles west of the Michigan state line.

The impact caused the truck to veer off the right side of the road and through a guardrail before coming to rest down an embankment, police said.

Sarah Cantrell, 73, of Lake Station, Indiana, was a back seat passenger in the truck.

Police said she was unresponsive when taken to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where she later died from her injuries.

The driver of the truck, Robert Hinkle, 47, of Hobart, Indiana, and a front seat passenger, who was not identified, were treated for injuries described as life threatening, police said.

According to police, Morrissey had an odor of alcohol on his breath.

There was also alleged evidence of recent drug use inside his 2009 Chevy Cobalt.

Morrissey is charged with level 4 felony operating while intoxicated causing death; level 5 felony operating while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury and other counts like Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana and Class C misdemeanor minor consumption of alcoholic beverage.

Morrissey, who lives near Grand Rapids, was being held in the LaPorte County Jail on $20,000 bond.

The suspect from Michigan is charged with operating while intoxicated and other counts.

Police say a trooper smelled alcohol on his breath and found evidence of recent drug use inside his car. — STAN MADDUX

The Acorn to present Led Zepplin 2, ‘Kofi Baker’s Cream Faith’

The Acorn will present the highly acclaimed tribute Led Zeppelin 2 Friday, Jan. 27, and “Kofi Baker’s Cream Faith: Performing the Music of Cream and Blind Faith” Friday, Feb. 3.

LED ZEPPELIN 2: The Live Experience recreates the sights, sounds, and pure rock and roll euphoria of a prime Led Zeppelin concert. Resplendent in satin and denim, LZ2 delivers the intense, raw energy and dynamics of songs, such as “Whole Lotta Love,” “Stairway to Heaven,” “Kashmir,” “Dazed and Confused” and many more from the entire catalog of Zeppelin studio, live and bootleg recordings.

General admission tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the show. Reserved seating is $60 in advance and $65 the day of the show.

Son of legendary drummer Ginger Baker, Kofi Baker is a name synonymous with drumming excellence. Without question, Kofi not only continues, but extends the family legacy, with outstanding skills, drive and dedication to his craft.

More than 50 years since their earthshaking debut album, family members of that hallowed trilogy Cream come together to pay

tribute to its legendary four-album reign over the psychedelic frontier of the late 1960s.

The trio features Kofi on drums, Kris Lohn on bass and Scott Tipping on guitar.

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime concert salute to the most innovative and explosive super group of all time, in the hands of those that knew them best. Watch them as they interplay live with their fathers on the big screen, bringing classic moments in rock history back to life. Listen as they share personal insights and stories, complete with rare, yet to be seen family footage and photographs - a backstage pass like no other.

This unique project began in 2017 to celebrate Cream’s 50th Anniversary in Australia and New Zealand. Such was the response, they have since played hundreds of these shows to tens of thousands of fans, across North America and the U.K.

General admission tickets are $30 and reserved seating is available for $55.

Tickets are available at acornlive.org. Both shows start at 8 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m.

The Acorn is located at 107 Generations Drive in Three Oaks. — STAFF REPORTS

Film group to screen, discuss spelling bee documentary

TThe Harbor Country Film Group will screen “Spellbound,” a documentary about eight young teenagers in their quest to win the 1999 Scripps National Spelling Bee, at its January meeting at noon Saturday, Jan. 14.

Following the screening, group leader Eve Moran will lead a discussion.

“There will be funny spots, tender moments and lots of edge-of-yourseat suspense,” Moran said. “Directed by Jeffrey Blitz and released in 2002, ‘Spellbound’ won a number of awards and earned an Academy Award nomination in 2003. It is a fine family film that will leave us, well, spellbound.”

The film received a 97 percent rating from critics on RottenTomatoes.

The group has moved its meetings temporarily to Saturday afternoons, a concession to early winter darkness and unreliable January weather. All are welcome to attend, and the popcorn is free.

The group meets at the New Buffalo Township Library at 33 N. Thompson Street in downtown New Buffalo and is sponsored by the Friends of the New Buffalo Library. — STAFF

Joyce Schuler

1929-2022

Joyce Schuler, 93, of New Buffalo, MI passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Trail Creek Place in Michigan City, IN. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 2, 2023 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 718 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo, with Fr. Basker Lopez officiating. Burial followed at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Friends visited with the family from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M. Sunday, January 1 at Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo. Memorial contributions may be made to The March of Dimes. Friends wishing to sign Joyce’s Memory Book online may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com.

Joyce was born September 25, 1929 in New Buffalo to Aaron & Opal (Lamport) Schroder. She attended New Buffalo High School, Class of 1947. On November 17, 1952 she married Clarence A. Schuler in New Buffalo. He

preceded her in death on November 19, 1966. On June 14, 1968, she married Floyd W. Schuler in New Buffalo. He preceded her in death on February 7, 2011. Joyce devoted her life to caring for her family and her home. She enjoyed tending to her flower and vegetable gardens at the house, watching the birds around her feeders, and baking fudge and other candies. She was a life-long New Buffalo resident and a devoted member of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church. She will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Susan Santana of Walbridge, OH and Cynthia (Dr. Fred) Hill of Charleston, SC; six grandchildren, Gwendolyn Dreske, Edward Dreske, Maria (Matt) Simpkins, Angela (Bo) Bosch, Theodore Hueter and Amelia (Alex Perez) Hueter; four great-grandchildren, Havana and Sydney Hirschfield, Albert Perez and AJ Bosch; numerous nieces & nephews; and a special friend from St. Mary of the Lake-Lois Stout of New Buffalo. She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, two sons-in-law-Theodore B. Hueter, III & Julio Santana, four brothers & five sisters.

Largest Amish Dealer in SW Michigan

LaPorte County employees moving due to flood

BY STAN MADDUX

Most employees in the LaPorte County Government Complex are in the process of relocating after the building was heavily damaged in a flood caused by a broken frozen water pipe.

The two inch diameter line froze after temperatures plummeted to below zero during a blizzard a few days prior to Christmas, said LaPorte County Commissioner Joe Haney.

Haney said the broken line feeding a sprinkler head was discovered Christmas Day during a routine check of the building in downtown LaPorte.

He said building checks are ordered during long weekends as a precaution.

In this case, employees did not report for work on Friday because of the hazardous travel and had Monday off since Christmas this time fell on a Sunday.

“If it wasn’t for that, we may not have known at least until folks came in which would have been on that Tuesday,” he said.

Haney said a lot of drywall from soaking up standing water on floors at each level of the five story structure along with carpeting, light fixtures and ceiling tiles will have to be replaced.

Two dozen or more computers and other pieces of equipment also seem damaged beyond repair, he said.

The amount of damage was still being tabulated but Haney roughly estimated it in the “hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Fortunately, he said the county has insurance to cover the damage and will only have to pay a $25,000 deductible on the policy.

Haney said employees from areas like the Health Department and Prosecutor’s Office are relocating to other places inside the complex unaffected by the flooding.

Room has also been found to place them inside the nearby courthouse and across the street at the LaPorte County Government Annex building.

Work stations were also being created at the Michigan City courthouse and a former county government office building at 302 W. 8th Street in Michigan City.

Other employees are working from home.

Haney said he hopes the repairs can be finished for all of the employees to return in the spring.

The LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office on the main level was impacted to a lesser degree by water running down from the upper floors.

Sheriff Ron Heeg said the damage was limited mostly to offices used sparingly by patrol supervisors toward the end of their shifts.

Just one member of his administrative staff had to relocate.

“A little bit of an inconvenience but nothing we can’t handle,” he said.

Heeg said the jail, which has about 350 beds, was not impacted at all by the flooding.

Members of the public with business to conduct at the complex are urged to call in advance to find out where the departments and individuals they need to see are located and whether contact should be carried out electronically, Haney said.

HOROSCOPE

JANUARY 5-11, 2023

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

It’s time to put that know how to good use and hone in on your leadership skills. Use your management abilities to their fullest by getting your home and finances in sync. Turn your focus towards issues that distract you from really setting up a solid household budget and make those changes.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

It’s very important to maintain your authenticity and avoid people pleasing at this time. You may want to discuss issues with others but it doesn’t mean you have to let them make the decisions for you. Learn how to say no with confidence and focus on your own happiness.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Capitalize on your ability to see potentials where others don’t. This may give you the jump on competition or those that would overlook your value as a team member. Get more recognition with others by seizing on opportunities solo and then sharing in the rewards as a team.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

Friends and relationships may be difficult this week as they reflect back to us the changes you need to make. Don’t shy away from criticism or hard to talk about subjects, especially those that really expose the truth. By letting people tell you their perspective, you may see some things that need to change.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

The energy coming your way this week is ripe with potential to overcome personal obstacles and insecurities. This is the time to face unhealthy habits and understand the stressors that may push you into maladaptive coping methods. Capitalize on the momentum of the new year and make changes.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

It’s important you start focusing on the things that make you happy. Avoid getting caught up in thinking everything has to be a chore or have rigid guidelines. Rather than sticking to the book or rigid guidelines, give yourself permission to experiment more and take a new approach to things.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22

The energy coming your way this week is all about growing and developing your career and leadership abilities, which at this time may require accepting some harsh criticism. Don’t let what people tell you upset you; let it help you. Evaluate feedback and incorporate changes without emotional attachment.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

There may seem like a lot of issues to work through relationship wise this year but know that listening to partners, be they business or romantic, requires accepting criticism and compromising on plans. This is the year to join forces and become more of a team player, professionally and romantically.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

It’s time to start putting your money where your mouth is and actually doing the things you have been talking about. Dig in and get more committed to your financial health. Don’t be afraid to pool resources or put yourself in a more vulnerable position because the potential for success is there.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

Get ready for some constructive criticism. Don’t get discouraged or feel put down if someone says they are not happy with something you have done. Use it to make things better or come to a greater understanding of what you are really trying to show people. It may surprise you.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

Capitalize on the momentum of the new year and incorporate those resolutions with solid action this week. This is the time to trust in your strength of will and ability to follow through. Know that making changes on the mental level will affect the physical choices you make.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

Sitting on the sidelines is out this year. It’s time to lace up those boots and join the team. You may have to deal with some criticism but in the end, it will help you become more aware of your talents. Once you realize what your strengths are, you will feel more secure amongst the other players.

Corewell Health South announces top baby names in 2022

Out of 1,316 local babies born to date in 2022, Jayden and Charlotte were the most popular names this year. The BirthPlace at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals in Niles and St. Joseph, the new name for Spectrum Health Lakeland hospitals, shared that the other popular names for both genders in 2022 were: Top 5 boy names: 1. Jayden 2. Elliott 3. Giovanni 4. Levi 5. Maverick

Top 5 girl names:

1. Charlotte 2. Isabella 3. Abigail 4. Evelyn 5. Chloe Corewell Health South is served by a team of 28 obstetrics and gynecology and pediatric providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives; 80 nurses; and 23 support staff. High-risk pregnant women and women with chronic illnesses considering pregnancy also have local access to advanced levels of care through a partnership with maternal fetal medicine

specialists at Corewell Health Medical Group West.

In 2022, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals in Niles and St. Joseph earned a platinum designation for maternal care from the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health for their work to improve health outcomes for mothers and combat the leading causes of maternal mortality, such as obstetric hemorrhage and severe hypertension.

For more information about the BirthPlace, visit www. spectrumhealthlakeland. org/birthplace. —

STAFF REPORTS

Hikers to explore lakefront ice Formations, stay for sunset

The Harbor Country Hikers will explore ice formations in Lake Michigan along the lakefront in New Buffalo during a Saturday, Jan. 14, hike.

The hike will begin at 5 p.m. and end after sunset. Hike Leader and Hikers President Pat Fisher will explain the water and weather situations that create a variety of ice conditions in the lake, and - cloud cover permitting - the group will remain for the sunset at 5:40 and the half hour or so of afterglow.

Twilights, Fisher said, can be “more interesting than sunsets. If the clouds don’t hide the sunset, we will witness the greatest show on Michigan’s west coast.” The hike will be shorter than

most of the group’s treks, and it’s rated “easy” for physical difficulty, but the wind off the lake in January can be brutal and those who attend should plan on dressing warmly.

Though membership is preferred, all are welcome at this event. An all-terrain rollator - a wheeled walker with oversized tires for use on unpaved surfaces - is available on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing harborcountryhikers@ gmail.com. For driving directions, parking instructions and membership information, visit the group’s website, harborcountryhikers.com, or its Facebook page, Harbor Country Hikers.

— STAFF REPORTS

CLASSIFIED ADS

Please submit your classified ad via email at classifieds@newbuffalotimes.com. New Buffalo Times can now accept online payments with a credit card or paypal. Go to our website, www.newbuffalotimes.com, and submit $14 per week for a classified ad of up to 160 characters. Deadline is Friday 5PM before the following week’s publication.

FOR RENT NEW BUFFALO RETAIL

US 12 high-visibility rental & pop-up spaces next to popular yoga studio. Great parking. 700-2,000 SF. Call to view/rates @ 312-259-4011.

NEW BUFFALO

Rent Year Round in New Buffalo. 1 or 2 bedroom apartments starting at $800 per month. Quiet living—no pets. For more information call 269-469-1364.

HELP WANTED LOVE WORKING OUTDOORS AND IN THE TREES?

Awesome, outdoor, low covid exposure, summer work. C&A Arborists, your local tree care professionals, are looking for help!! Drivers license required, CDL preferred. Please call 269-756-2571, mail jamietreephilosophy@gmail.com.

FULL TIME COOK POSITION IN

LAPORTE

1 Year Experience. Call Oak Woods Manor for more details. 219-362-6600.

SEEKING AN ADMINISTRATIVE

ASSISTANT FOR SMALL OFFICE

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office. Quickbooks knowledge a plus. FullTime position. Office is located in New Buffalo, MI. For an interview, call 708-917-0055.

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS EXPERIENCE PREFERRED

Carpentry drywall flooring tile setting windows doors and decking. Must be 18 years or older with valid drivers license. Heavy lifting involved. 219-808-1329. johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com.

SERVICES

FISH FOR STOCKING

Most Varieties Pond and Lakes. Laggis Fish Farm 269-628-2056 Days 269-624-6215 Evenings.

ELDERLY CARE NEEDED?

Compassionate help available to care for your loved ones. Experienced and Dependable. Call Diane 219-344-2265.

New Buffalo Township is seeking a fulltime Deputy Clerk, 35 hours a week. Experience with utility billing preferred. All interested parties should submit their resume’ to New Buffalo Township via mail to the address above, ATTN: Judy Zabicki. Applicants may also email resume’ and any questions to jhzabicki@ newbuffalotownship.org on or before Friday, Jan 20th, 2023.