January 16, 2020 by New Buffalo Times

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER

issue 3, volume 79

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Thursday, January 16, 2020

Three Oaks village manager search is underway PAGE 3

Second design charette moves along development of New Buffalo waterfront master plan PAGE 4 Chikaming Township board approves updated Five-Year Community Park and Recreation Plan PAGE 5 New Buffalo school board members elect new officers, hears presentation on major projects PAGE 6 Lady Bison off to 6-1 start; Bison rebound with blow-out victory PAGE 8

Chamber enjoy ‘American fare with Latin flair” at January mixer PAGE 10

WHERE’S THE BEACH?

Financial Peace University promises ‘financial peace’ for Harbor Country residents PAGE 15

GREAT LAKES WATER LEVELS HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME — PAGE 10 — PHOTO BY KRISTIN FATOUROS

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

Three Oaks village manager search is underway

BY THERESE DONNELLY

he search for a new village manager in Three Oaks is in full swing. During their Wednesday, Jan. 8, meeting, members of the Three Oaks Village Council interviewed three candidates for the position and scheduled a special meeting for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, to interview additional candidates. James Toth has worked in city administration for several communities. He was most recently city administrator for Walsenburg, Colorado, and told the council he is relocating to the area to be closer to family in the Crown Point, Indiana, area. Patricia Rayl just finished serving as village manager in Colon, Michigan, and has served in various administrative capacities for communities throughout the state. Kevin Gillette is a Stevensville, Michigan, resident and has previously been manager in both Watervliet and Cassopolis. He is also a substitute teacher in Stevensville. All three candidates met individually with the council to answer questions about their previous work experience, including familiarity with administration of a lagoon sewage system, as few municipalities still use

the system. At the same meeting, the council also reviewed and approved the master plan update as presented by the Planning Commission. Councilmember Colleen Newquist, who is also village liaison to the commission, said most residential zoning remained in place, but there were changes to housing density in some areas in anticipation of future housing needs. One of the primary changes was designating Enterprise Park industrial. Newquist said the land could be rezoned to mixed use if the development was deemed appropriate and protected the character of the surrounding neighborhoods. Any development that goes in must conform with the master plan. Village President Dave Grosse added the zoning would not allow big box stores, which he said were more than 10,000 square feet in area. In December, the village renewed its lease with Berrien County for the administrative building at 21 N. Elm Street. During the January meeting, the council approved renewing the School of American Music’s lease on the former village administrative building on Maple Street for five years at a cost of $1 per year.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

Local Government Meetings

Members of the community view concept plans on poster board in the cafeteria

Michael Huber (right) talks with residents at the latest design charette

New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO CITY COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) MEETING Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 8AM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS Meets on the first 1st Tuesday Quarterly at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP 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 CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP 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 VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

Second design charette moves along development of New Buffalo waterfront master plan

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ith the start of a new year and decade, the City of New Buffalo is moving full speed ahead with improving its waterfront. Last summer, the city was awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development to develop a master plan and complete preliminary engineering work for the redevelopment of the community’s waterfront area. The $58,500 project cost will be funded with the grant and matched with $7,500 in local funding. The project will look at the entire waterfront area, from the Whittaker Street Bridge to Lake Michigan, and will include areas along the Galien River, boat launch, the marina, Lions Park and beach area. Abonmarche, the city’s engineer of record, assisted with writing the grant. Members of the community milled about the New Buffalo High School cafeteria for the second design charette on Wednesday, Jan. 8, and studied six poster boards. While one board featured issues that were highlighted at the previous meeting by members of the community, another board summarized what key features that last meeting’s attendees said they’d like to see on the waterfront and surrounding area. Members of Abonmarche took all these ideas, as well as ones presented in the public input survey, and created three design concepts. “We tried to take in the public input and address issues that came up with three different solutions to make the plan, or the beach, functional but also to be respectful of what the community wants to see,” Michael Huber, a planner with Abonmarche, said. Those who were attending the meeting were invited to stick red dots on the part of the design concepts that they didn’t like and green ones on what they did like, as well as post stickynotes with their feedback. Huber said the point of that night was to “gauge” the public’s response on the proposed concepts, helping Abonmarche to ultimately create a final master plan. “The goal is for this plan to be reflective enough of the community’s input and design support so that when the city finishes the plan and decides to go out to actually construct and make changes to the beach and park in the future, they can say this is truly what the community’s vision for the park is and that it’s backed up by the fact that we had enough community input into the process,” he said. Common themes Huber said he saw at both meetings were to ensure that there’s safe pedestrian access across the North Whittaker Street Bridge to get from the downtown to the beach. Huber noted that people generally want to see the road and parking pushed back to where Lions Parks is now, rather than where it is now right up to the beach. An enlarged beach space is also a community desire.

A pavilion/restroom building that would support a classroom and an amphitheater for small music events was overwhelmingly indicated in the public input survey. A roundabout was also suggested by multiple people in the previous design charette, which may alleviate the “huge point of congestion” from Marquette Drive to the entry into the beach parking lot. “People who live on Marquette Drive and houses, they get caught in that traffic, so part of our goal is to kind of have the beach parking traffic removed from the main Marquette drive…the roundabout is hopefully a solution to keep the traffic flowing so it doesn’t stop like it currently does,” Huber said. The grant will fund the development of the master plan as well as preliminary engineering and cost estimates involving the proposed amenities. Huber said the goal was to have the plan completed in time for the next grant cycle, which begins this spring, so the city can begin applying for grants to implement portions of the project. The city will seek out grants at the state and federal level, as well as from different organizations (such as The Pokagon Fund)“A lot of factors will play into that (the project’s future timeline) - community support, city support and what kind of resources the city has to leverage grants,” he said. Tom Runkle, landscape architect with Abonmarche, added that Abonmarche planned on incorporating the planned improvements for the dune walk into the plan. The city has been selected to receive a $220,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund. The grant will be matched by $220,000 in local resources resulting in a $440,000 project. Echoing Huber, Runkle said that the plan was to take the consistent themes from this design charette presentation and “meld everything together” into a final plan. “We already had an idea of what some of issues were when the city hired us but then having the community’s input on how they want to resolve those issues conceptually and then being able to take that and refine it into more of a concrete still in conceptual level…visually you can see how things lay out better with these (diagrams),” he said. Runkle said he saw lots of comments with the first charette that residents don’t wish to have the beach be “overly programmed.” “Basically, don’t over commercialize the beachfront and try to keep it as natural as possible but try to provide some of these amenity spaces that we’re trying to incorporate here,” he said. Abonmarche representatives will be presenting on the entire process and public input at the New Buffalo City Council’s next meeting, which has been rescheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, at New Buffalo City Hall due to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

Chikaming Township board approves updated Five-Year Community Park and Recreation Plan

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

he latest draft of a Five-Year Community Park and Recreation Plan for Chikaming Township, which included additional amendments, was approved by members of the Chikaming Township Board of Trustees at their Thursday, Jan. 9, meeting. Deborah Hall-Kayler, chair of the Chikaming Township Park Board, and Arthur Anderson, vice chair, presented on the revised plan at the meeting. A steering committee had been formed to work on the plan, which will allow the township to apply for future local, state and federal grants. The plan must be submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) by Feb 1. Hall-Kayler said the process had begun last January. Park board members reviewed all the township’s properties, meetings were held and four surveys were sent out to residents, board trustees and township employees on what could be improved upon with regards to the township’s parks. “I’m confident this is a well-thought-out road map for the Park Board to follow as they pursue grants and make improvements” to the parks and beaches, Hall-Kayler said. Recreation facilities managed by the Park Board include Chikaming Township Park and Preserve, Harbert Community Park, Harbert Road Preserve, Cherry Beach, Townline Beach and five road-end beaches. Referring to one of the plans’ goals to “actively seek and collaborate with partners to acquire and restore open space and infrastructure to preserve the natural resources of the Township,” Chikaming Township Board Trustee Rich Sullivan asked if Hall-Kayler believed that there was a need to acquire more land for the township based on its size. Anderson said that the goal alluded to working with Chikaming Open Lands (COL). Hall-Kayler added that, while she personally felt that acquiring more land was “low on the totem pole” for the township, she felt it was important that the goal was in there to at least leave the possibility open to discussion. “If something were to become available anywhere in the township and if it made sense for the township to pursue acquisition, at least we have it in there and are open to conversation,” she said. It was also stated that the Park Board is currently managing more than 400 acres of real estate. Chikaming Township Supervisor David Bunte said that there will be an open meeting on the Red Arrow Highway/ Union Pier Improvement Project at New Buffalo Township Hall from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12. The meeting will present updates and progress on the project, which is scheduled to commence early this year. Wightman & Associates, the engineering firm that was chosen to work on the project (the Berrien County Road Department is managing the project), is 90% complete with

the engineering portion. Bunte said that it will be a “very, very involved and engaged project” and that it’s important that the public attend the meetings. The project grew out of safety concerns for the intersection of Union Pier / Townline Road and Red Arrow Highway. Chikaming Township is partnering with New Buffalo Township on the project. Board members approved a request to buy back four cemetery plots at Lakeside East Cemetery at 75% of the original purchase price, which would be $112.50 per plot and $450 for the total cost. Board members accepted the payment of $50 for a demolition permit to be issued Monday, Jan. 13, from the owner of a dangerous building located at 14280 Three Oaks Road. Also included in the motion was a phone call from Paul Oselka confirming that the demolition would be completed by Friday, Jan. 17, and that the debris surrounding the property would be cleaned up within the next 30 days. The owner of the property, who was present at the meeting, explained that he intended to take care of the matter sooner but got stricken with pneumonia and that he lived 90 miles away. He added that his son had been the squatter who’d been using electricity from the neighbors by using extension cords. The owner said his son had destroyed the house, and that he’d ensured that the keys were taken from him at one point. Board members approved authorizing Bunte and Chikaming Township Clerk Paula Dudiak signing papers related to the closing of property located on Three Oaks Road. Bunte notified the board that the Michigan’s Great Southwest Strategic Leadership Council Best Practices Committee has requested that communities throughout the county do an event associated with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, which is Wednesday, April 22. Bunte said he’d be speaking at the River Valley School Board Monday, Jan. 30, to get the schools involved as well. A committee could also be formed to work with the Park Board. The Best Practices Committee was also encouraging communities to partake in the Green Communities Challenge, which was initiated by the Michigan Municipal League, to achieve a bronze, silver or gold award for how it engages in sustainability. Two Board of Determination meetings will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at Chikaming Township Center, with one discussing the Union Pier Drain and another the street drain in Union Pier. Bunte said property owners impacted by the hearings were notified by mail of the hearing. Bunte said that the Sawyer Drain project, which had a meeting done on it a year ago, is currently “in limbo” and nothing has so far occurred with the Harbert Drain.

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SEPIC NOT SEEKING REELECTION AS COUNTY PROSECUTOR

errien County residents will be electing a new prosecutor for next year. In a press release, Michael Sepic, Berrien County prosecuting attorney, announced that he will not be seeking reelection to the position of Berrien County Prosecuting Attorney in this year’s upcoming election. Sepic said he began his career as a lawyer in 1979 in private practice in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, serving in various capacities as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Calhoun County (1985-1988) and Berrien County (1988-2013) before being appointed in 2013, then elected in 2014 (for an unexpired term) and again 2016, to the position of Berrien County Prosecutor. Sepic said he will remain in the area as his wife, Joann, who will continue to work as a supervisor at the Berrien County Department of Health and Human Services. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

CHALK BOARD scholastics

New Buffalo school board members elect new officers, hears presentation on major projects

embers of the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education elected new officers for their first meeting of 2020 Monday, Jan. 13. Chuck Heit will be retaining his position as president, while members elected Heather Black as vice president. Lisa Werner was elected secretary and Frank Magro was elected treasurer. Evan LeDuc of Abonmarche presented preliminary drawings on three major construction projects taking place this year: the elementary school security enhancement and the new Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) building and expansion of the existing recreation area across form the high school. The elementary school project will enhance the security to the entrance to the school building. The new secure entrance, which will consist of a covered exterior area within a vestibule area, will let the school secretary see who’s coming into the building before buzzing them in and allowing them to enter the building. In the current setup, guests can’t be seen until they’re after buzzed in and already in the school building. An overhang will also provide more space for students waiting to be picked up at the end of the day. DeLuc said the project has been expanded to include the consolidation of the principal’s office and the office of the elementary school secretary toward the back of the building with the office of the secretary of elementary school by the front entrance. The Bison After-school Enrichment (BASE) office will go where the principal’s office is currently located. The proposed timeline calls for the school district to go out to bid on the project by mid-February. The new STEAM building and expansion of the recreation area will be located across the street from New Buffalo Middle/High School at 1112 E. Clay Street. The project began with just the construction of a STEAM building but has now been expanded to include a larger recreation area. On the east side will

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

be the STEAM building with upgrades to the existing parking lot and a construction of a retention pond (on the south side of the property). The west side will include six pickleball courts, a pavilion with two barrier free restrooms, the expansion of the existing parking, the renovation of the skateboard park, and a new basketball court (the current half court has a pickleball area). The pavilion will be located near the west end of the recreational parcel. The basketball court and existing tennis courts will include lighting. Included in the STEAM building will be a full robotics field, a Performing Arts Center storage area and wood shop, a metal shop and garage with three bays (two for the district’s snow removal vehicles and one for the robotics team’s trailer) on the east side. Two workshops and a vestibule will be located to the west of the robotics field. There will also be stairs leading up to the mezzanine, allowing guests to view the robotics field. Included in the project’s expansion was the city transferring the rights-of-way to some streets to the school, which allowed for the creation of a larger recreation compound. The development of the retention pond will address the storm water issues between the property and the CSX line. According to the project’s proposed timeline, bidding could take place as early as mid-February. The project may take 10 to 12 months, DeLuc said. The STEAM building and recreation area project was approved by the City of New Buffalo Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals last week. The existing development with the tennis courts, skateboard park and basketball park and existing parking puts the project over 35% in terms of percentage of coverage and the project’s expansion increases the hard surface coverage. A New Buffalo High School graduate, Charles Covert, presented $500 to the band department in honor of Gary Doyle Collins, who passed away last March and stated in his obituary that “in lieu of

flowers, please donate to the River Valley or New Buffalo band departments.” The money was raised during Covert’s 70th-birthday-party-turned-fundrasier at Ghost Isle last month, during which the Red Deluxe Band played (of which Collins was the founding member). Board members approved the Board of Education of New Buffalo Area Schools being recognized as the policy holder for the New Buffalo 5-C Education Association regarding employee health insurance benefits per the Public Employee Relations Act (423.215, Section 15 -3a). Board members approved the wireless communication needs (800Mhz Bi-Directional Amplifier) in the amount of $27,228.40 provided by Tele-Rad, Inc. New Buffalo Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie explained that there are currently a lot of “dead spots” in the middle/ high school, preventing first responders from communicating on their 800Mhz radios if there’s an emergency. The installation of storage cabinets inside elementary classrooms in the amount of $38,798.89 provided by Media Technologies, was approved. Leslie explained that teachers were currently stacking items on top of the cabinets and additional cabinets would provide more storage space. Board members approved the month of January being declared as School Board Recognition Month. Board members did a first reading of the following board policies: #1420 - School Administrator Evaluation, #2265 - Child Care Center Staff and Volunteers, #2450 - Community and Adult Education, #2628 - State Aid Incentives ,#3210 - Staff Ethics, #3220 - Professional Staff Evaluation, #5230 - Late Arrival and Early Dismissal, #5330.02 - Opioid Antagonists, #6800 - System of Accounting, #7300 -Disposition of Real Property, #7440.03 - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, #8400 - School Safety Information, and #8462 - Student Abuse and Neglect.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

Gary Wood displays a poster board of the Marquette Greenway outside of Bentwood Tavern

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Bentwood Tavern gives back for trail development

BY STAN MADDUX

ne half of the food and beverage proceeds at Bentwood Tavern in New Buffalo Thursday, Jan. 9, went toward developing the local stretch of the proposed Marquette Greenway. Marquette Greenway is a planned 58-mile trail connecting Chicago to New Buffalo along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Proceeds from the give back at Bentwood Tavern are going toward the stretch of trail planned from the state line to New Buffalo along the U.S. 12 corridor. The Pokagon Fund has already committed $300,000 toward development of that stretch of trail with a projected cost of well over $1 million. ‘’We think it’s extremely important for the community to have this kind of facility. It’s important for tourism. It’s important for the long-time residents who live here. It’s part of our strategy for enhancing community vitality to the fullest extent possible,’’ said John Krsul, interim executive director of the Pokagon Fund. Krsul said the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission is leading the charge for obtaining additional grants to help narrow the funding gap. Gary Wood, president of Friends of Harbor Country Trails, said trails are a tool for communities to maintain and attract young, talented individuals. ‘’Millennials are very active. They like outdoor activities and they want to bike, hike. They like water trails, too,’’ he said. Wood said the local stretch of the Marquette Greenway is still in the planning stages after some changes in recent years. Right now, he said the focus is on a stand-alone trail on the north side of U.S 12 with a buffer between the trail and highway. Wood couldn’t say when construction might take place because of the amount of time already spent on the project and funding that still needs to be acquired. ‘’We’ve been working on it for many years. Obviously, we’d like to have it done sooner than later,’’ he said. Holly Dixon, events manager at Bentwood Tavern, said a give back in 2018 raised about $4,200 for the trail. She said the establishment has raised more than $125,000 from all of its give backs held four times a year for various organizations in Berrien and LaPorte counties since 2008. Dixon said applications are available on the Bentwood Tavern website for groups interested in being chosen for a give back.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

ARENA

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

o, I thought that when the fantasy football season ended and the Bears season came to a disappointing conclusion, my interest in this football season would come to an end. Boy was I mistaken. The NFL postseason has been nothing short of fantastic and my enjoyment of games that don’t include the Bears is at an all-time high. My goodness, Sunday’s games had to be extremely exciting to compare to Saturday’s games - and the games proved to be up to the task. I grudgingly admired Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers as they eked out a 28-23 victory over Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks. In the early game, the Kansas City Chiefs - led by Patrick Mahomes - roared back from a 24-0 deficit to win going away, 51-31, over the Houston Texans and Deshaun Watson. While the quarterback play on Sunday was great, Saturday’s games were a mixed bag. The league’s probable MVP, Lamar Jackson, ran and passed for more than 500 yards but his team, the heavily favored Baltimore Ravens, lost 28-12 to the Tennessee Titans and their great runner, Derrick Henry. The other game featured balanced attacks without great quarterback play, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Minnesota Vikings 27-10. While watching the news on Sunday night, the sportscaster said Bears fans were calling the game between K.C. and Houston the Trubisky game because the Bears passed up both of their quarterbacks in order to draft Trubisky. After doing just a little research, I discovered that the Bears – along with most other teams - could have drafted seven of the eight quarterbacks that played this weekend. Many people I know feel the Bears made a big mistake, but I’m not ready to throw in the towel on the young Bear quarterback yet. While there are certainly upsets in football games, great players beat good players most of the time. George Kittle and Travis Kelce are great tight ends and the best in the league and are still in the playoffs. The Bears had a revolving door at tight end, and basically got no production from them. The Bears running backs were not bad by the end of the season, but nowhere near as good as Derrick Henry, who’s still in the playoffs. Wide receivers Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill, who are both also still in the playoffs, are among the best receivers in the league. The Bears receivers are good, but not great. The point I hope I’m making is that one of the reasons quarterbacks become great is they have great players surrounding them. You need to be good at all positions - and great at some - to be serious contenders. You also need to have excellent coaching and to draft really well. The reason the Bears didn’t live up to expectations this season wasn’t just because of their quarterback. Very few of their players had outstanding seasons, and their coach took a step back too. But the good thing is, there’s always more. Next season they may all improve, stay injury free, get a little lucky, and return to the playoffs. Who knows, a return to the “big game” next year could be in the cards. Vince Lombardi said, “If you’ll not settle for anything less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your lives.” Be kind to one another. Keep smiling. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

I love when people try to be physical with me. They think that’s the way to try to guard me and to get physical with me. I use that to my advantage. — Trae Young

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

sports

Lady Bison off to 6-1 start

BY STAN MADDUX

he New Buffalo High School girls’ basketball team improved to 6-1 on the season with back to back victories on the road after the Christmas break. The Lady Bison defeated Lake Michigan Catholic 50-41 Thursday, Jan. 9. Co-captains senior Mary Mayer and junior Abby Vitale led the New Buffalo attack with 15 and 10 points respectively. The Lady Bison ended the first quarter leading 10-9 and went into halftime up by nine points. New Buffalo never trailed but couldn’t put LMC away until the final minutes of the game. ‘’They never took the lead but they would get it close then we would make another run,’’ said New Buffalo Head Coach Scott Syme. The Jan. 7 game against Watervliet was also a see saw contest but more of a nail biter with the Lady Bison trailing briefly in the fourth quarter. New Buffalo won 43-39. ‘’They closed it up down the stretch and we were able to hang on,’’ Syme said. Mayer, named to the all-conference team last season, was the leading scorer for the Lady Bison with 16 points. She also contributed seven rebounds, five steals and three assists. ‘’She had a pretty good all-around game,’’ Syme said. Vitale added seven points, seven rebounds and five steals. Junior Nadia Collins contributed six points, six rebounds and three blocked shots. Syme said the chemistry of his team with just two seniors along with a balanced attack on offense from players sharing the ball well has a lot to do with the strong start to the season. ‘’It’s a long season. I’m sure there will bumps and bruises along the way. We have some tough games coming up,’’ Syme said.

Bison rebound with blow-out victory

BY STAN MADDUX

he New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team rebounded from getting blown out by a much larger Niles squad with a blow-out victory of their own Friday, Jan. 10. The Bison defeated Lake Michigan Catholic on the road 68 to 27 in Class D play. Head coach Nate Tripp said confidence had a lot to do with the victory considering Niles is a Class B squad. ‘’We’re not overly talented. We’re not overly athletic but we play extremely hard and when the boys believe in themselves and play hard, I think we’re a solid team,’’ Tripp said. New Buffalo, the defending Class D sectional champions, led 33 to 10 at halftime against the Lakers. The score was 62 to 18 going into the fourth quarter. Tripp said his players felt they could play with Niles going in and started strong but when they started falling behind morale quickly started coming unglued. In comparison, his players knew they could beat LMC and once the game started there was no let-up in their attitude. ‘’When they doubt, they play a little tentative but when they’re confident and sure of themselves I truly believe that we’re especially for Class D one of the best teams in the area,’’ he said. Sophomore Kaden Parmley led the Bison against the Lakers with 23 points. Nate Tripp and Mark Shaw contributed 13 points and seven points respectively. Zack Forker added six points while Ryan Vinson and Michael Flick also coming off the bench scored five points each. ‘’It was just a fun game,’’ Tripp said.

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City of New Buffalo takes action to protect docks at municipal marina

Chef Eduardo Penzates, Maira Pinargote, Renee Gardner and Ashlee Jones

ue to historical high waters levels on Lake Michigan, the City of New Buffalo has taken action to remove docks at its municipal marina to avoid them being damaged over the winter. The docks could not be raised above the water level which left them exposed to potential damage from freezing waters during the winter. “The community made an investment in the marina that we felt needed to be protected and it was decided removing docks for the winter was the most prudent course of action” stated City of New Buffalo Mayor, Lou O’Donnell IV. “This will also allow us to perform additional maintenance on the docks that would not have been possible if they remained in the water” A team from Abonmarche, the City’s engineer-of-record and the King Co. of Holland, Michigan developed a plan to remove the docks and reinstall them for the 2020 boating season. During the winter months, the docks will be power washed and repainted before they are reinstalled in the spring. When reinstalled the docks will be at an appropriate level in relation to the current and projected water levels. The City of New Buffalo has long been a favorite destination of recreation boaters traveling along the Lake Michigan coast. “By taking this action with the docks, our marina will be better positioned to meet the expectations of boaters during the upcoming boating season” stated Mayor O’Donnell IV. “For most of the last season our docks were at or underwater negatively impacting their availability. Next year boaters will be able to use and enjoy the marina as they were able to in previous years.” Near record water levels on Lake Michigan have proven a challenge to communities up and down the coast for the past year. Numerous marinas had to disconnect power systems to docks when they ended up underwater, many marina slips became unusable, and property owners along the coast had to armor their shoreline to protect homes. High water levels are expected to remain and be a challenge to coastal communities throughout 2020. — STAFF REPORTS

Great Lakes water levels higher than last year at this time

ater levels on each of the Great Lakes started 2020 higher than they started 2019, a year where many record high water levels were set across the lakes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, announced in a recent press release. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers urges those impacted by the high-water levels of 2019 to prepare for similar levels again in 2020. The most recent six-month forecast of Great Lakes water levels shows water levels continuing to be well above average over this period. Unlike last year, lakes Michigan and Huron are forecasted to reach record high levels this year. “It is likely that water levels on lakes Michigan and Huron will set new monthly mean record high levels over the next couple of months,” said John Allis, chief of the Great Lakes Hydraulics and Hydrology Office, Detroit District, in the press release. “This sets the stage for coastal impacts and damages in 2020 similar to, or worse than, what was experienced last year.” The Detroit District monitors and forecasts Great Lakes’ water levels and provides the data and analysis on its website at www.lre.usace.army.mil. Several natural factors contribute to the record lake levels. Persistent wet conditions across the Great Lakes basin continue to drive high water levels. Many cities across the basin set records in 2019 for the wettest period on record. The warmer than average temperatures in December led to greater runoff due to snow pack melting, especially on lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron, leading to more water supply. The warm air also caused less evaporation off the lakes’ surface, which leads to more water in the system. The water levels of each lake peaked during this past summer or fall and since then have been in a seasonal decline, however, significant erosion continues in many locations as water levels remain extremely high. Strong storm systems and resulting large waves have led to substantial erosion along much of the Great Lakes coastline. To find more information about Great Lakes high water, visit www.lre.usace. army.mil/about/great-lakes-high-water, which includes information about how to protect property and investments along the coast and related Corps programs and authorities. — STAFF REPORTS

There is some self-interest behind every friendship. There is no friendship without self-interests. This is a bitter truth. — Chanakya

Chamber enjoy ‘American fare with Latin flair” at January mixer

BY THERESE DONNELLY

he Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce’s first mixer of 2020 had a Latin twist. Chamber members gathered at Union Pier’s Gordon Beach Inn to sample the fare from The Grove, the restaurant inside the historic inn, Monday, Jan. 13. Chef Eduardo Penzates prepared a selection of homemade and handmade dishes described as “American fare with a Latin flair,” including paella and chicken mole and fried green beans with a spicy peanut sauce. Open since June 2019, The Grove is dishing up a select winter menu and will expand in the summer. Renee Gardner, catering manager at The Grove, said they also offer catering on-site and at outside venues. After greeting chamber members, Kimberlee Beck Wendt, member services director at the chamber, said the mixer was at maximum capacity. The chamber’s new website, www.harborcountry.org, is up and running. Beck Wendt reminded members to sign up on the website.

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2020 GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE FROM ‘HEART OF COOK’

THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

City completes 2019 infrastructure improvements

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he City of New Buffalo has completed its planned 2019 infrastructure rant applications are now improvements. The fall of 2019 saw the City of New Buffalo make available for “The Heart of over $1 million of infrastructure investments in the community with Cook” Foundation Fund. significant investments made into local roadways and the Whittaker “The Heart of Cook” is a grant Street Bridge. program funded by Indiana “It is important for us to complete as much work as we can between Labor Day Michigan Power’s Cook Nuclear and the end of the traditional construction season to minimize impacts on the Plant and administered by the community and its significant tourism based economy. This makes it tougher Berrien Community Foundation on staff and our construction and design partners but is better for the overall to assist nonprofit programs community” stated David Richards, New Buffalo City Manager. “Our partners in Southwest Michigan and at Abonmarche have proven a great resource in helping us identify the best Northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. investment strategies for our resources and planning projects to mitigate potential Joseph, and Elkhart counties). disturbances.” Educational projects, human The 2019 paving program resulted in City investing approximately $600,000 services programs that support to improve almost 2.8 miles or roadways in the community. “After years of families, and environmental disinvestment, the City Council and staff are working to make annual investments protection and preservation in roads throughout the community in a strategic manner to maximize the projects are the focus areas for impact of our investments. The City has invested approximately $5 million in this grant program. The grant our street system over the past four years. We will be working on a long term review committee, comprised of funding strategy for our road system during the winter of 2020 to present to our Cook Nuclear Plant employees, residents.” stated Mr. Richards. gives special consideration A second critical project substantially completed during 2019 was the to projects that involve I&M rehabilitation of the Whittaker Street Bridge. “An inspection in 2018 identified employees. Organizations must issues with the bridge which needed to be addressed. The bridge is important have 501(c)(3) tax exempt or as it serves as the only connector in the city between the core community and the equivalent status to qualify for waterfront.” stated the City Manager. “The approximately $500,000 invested funding. “Every year we look forward into the bridge will add 20 years onto the life of the bridge saving the community to providing this funding millions if we ignored the needs and had to replace the bridge.” opportunity to the non-profits The project team was able to coordinate the work so that one lane of the bridge in our community,” said Joel was open through construction allowing traffic to cross the bridge by employing Gebbie, senior vice president traffic control devices at each end of the bridge. A few items will need to be and chief nuclear officer. “The finished in the spring but the work is minimal and will not adversely impact traffic Heart of Cook Foundation is ensuring the bridge will be ready for the 2020 summer season. one way that we can say thank you and support the nonprofit organizations that serve our community so tirelessly throughout the year.” “In 2019, the Heart of Cook provided more than $65,000 in funding to 38 non-profit programs and special projects in educational and communitybased agencies,” added Bill Downey, Cook’s employee advisory committee chair. “We love that we can partner with the Drier’s Meats, Kaminski Meats, Jackie’s Café, Harding’s, community in this way and we’reMeijer, Martin’s, Old Europe Cheese, Hildebrand Fruit Farms, looking forward this year to New Buffalo Savings Bank, Pristine Pools, helping more organizations do the incredible things they do.” Journeyman Distillery, Lady’s Inc, The Hidden Gem, Grant applications and Blue Moon Vintage Market, Chikaming Open Lands, guidelines may be obtained by visiting the Berrien Community Judy Scully, Attorney Charles A Hilmer, Foundation’s website at www. Red Arrow Dentistry, Republic Disposal berriencommunity.org/HOC. All grant applications must and the many Friends of Rotarians for their support be submitted electronically through the Berrien Community Foundation’s website. The grant and application due date is Monday, 1 N. Whittaker Street Feb. 10, 2020, with awards to Suite A grants from be announced in May. Agencies that have received funding for New Buffalo, MI 49117 three consecutive years will not be eligible to apply during this grant cycle. Those with questions should contact Susan www.hometownpharmacy.com Matheny at susanmatheny@ “Just what the doctor ordered!” berriencommunity.org. — STAFF

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

OBITUARIES

John Stephan Hubert 1944-2019

ohn Stephan Hubert, 75, of New Buffalo, MI, passed peacefully from this world on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo, MI. Weary of reading obituaries noting someone’s courageous battle with death, John wanted it known that he died as a result of being stubborn, refusing to follow doctor’s orders and raising hell for more than seven decades. Noting after outliving his second doctor and beating cancer that he was “Tough as a two-dollar steak”. John was born to parents Elizabeth (Fyffe) and John Hubert, on July 7, 1944, in Chicago, IL. They moved to New Buffalo, MI in 1949. He grew up as the eldest of three sons and attended New Buffalo High School. He was the manager of the Michigan State High School Basketball championship team in 1963; this was one of his proudest moments in his life. He married the love of his life, Lynette Sue Strefling in 1971, and they raised two sons and a daughter. He worked various factory jobs until finding a maintenance position with the Village of Grand Beach. He retired from this position in 2013. Known for his sense of humor, John always lightened the mood with a wisecrack. He enjoyed watching movies in the living room in his tidy whities and listening to his wife tell him to check the oil when something went wrong with a vehicle. He was a simple man that was an avid Chicago Bears and Notre Dame Football fan. John is survived by his wife of 48 years Lynette Hubert; sons John Hubert, Matthew (Cascey) Hubert; two brothers-Peter (Marcie) and William; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, his mother, and his daughter Dawn. The family would like to say a special thank you to The Auburn Village staff for their effort and dedication while caring for John. Per John’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life memorial service is planned for July 2020 for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the family to help with final arrangement costs. Contact email for family is Crhubert2002@gmail.com.

Keri Cecile Moran 1971-2020

eri Cecile Moran, 48, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly at 8:10 a.m., Monday, January 6, 2020 at La Porte Hospital. She was born June 28, 1971, in Chicago, IL, to Cornelius Murray Anthony and Judith Bernadette (Boleski) Moran. Keri was a loving mom who dedicated her life to her children. She was a perennial caretaker who was always there for others. Keri had an expansive network of family and friends who loved and deeply cared for her. She never met a stranger, having conversations with everyone she met. Keri worked as restaurant manager and bartender for Portofino Grill, La Porte, for 15 years. Keri enjoyed traveling, reading, gardening, cooking, the sunshine and spending time at the beach. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Keri’s family and friends are deeply saddened by her passing and will miss her immensely. Surviving are her parents, Neal and Judy Moran of Watervliet, MI; three children, Riley Maniscalco, age 25 and Jared Maniscalco, age 21 both of New Buffalo, MI and Alaina Maniscalco, age 18 of East Lansing, MI; five siblings, Christine (Tom) McCarthy of Lisle, IL, Kathy (Craig) Palmquist of Mooseheart, IL, Kevin Moran of Lisle, IL, Kelly (David) Downey of Kalamazoo, MI and Heather

(Darrin) McGee of Benton Harbor, MI; significant partner, Thomas Robinson of La Porte; eight nieces and nephews, Ethan Palmquist, Nathaniel Whittington, Kelsey Palmquist, Caeligh McCarthy, Bridget McCarthy, Declan Palmquist, Justin Downey and Margaret Downey; and numerous friends. A funeral celebrating her life was held at 2 p.m. (C.S.T.), Saturday, January 11, 2020 at Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte, (219) 362-3100 with Pastor James Bouslog officiating. Viewing and visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. (C.S.T.), Friday, January 10, 2020 and from 12 p.m. until time of service Saturday, January 11, 2020 at the funeral home. Please send condolences to the family at www.LakeviewFHC.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to her children, Riley, Jared and Alaina Maniscalco c/o Lakeview Funeral Home & Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., La Porte, Indiana 46350.

Esther Mae Thomas

1931-2020

sther Mae Thomas, age 88, of Three Oaks, died peacefully, Friday, January 10, 2020 in the presence of her family. Esther was born September 7, 1931 in Three Oaks, Michigan, the youngest of eight children, to Arthur and Bessie Martin. She married Gerald “Jerry” Thomas, Sr. November 4, 1951 in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He preceded her in death on January 25, 2015. Esther played piano for Sunday School at Three Oaks United Methodist Church, of which she was a member for many years. She had a green thumb and loved her flowers and plants. She enjoyed quilting, knitting, and crocheting. Esther loved to cook and later continued this by cooking for gatherings and functions in the area. Esther will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by four daughters, Debbie Thomas of Alexandria, Indiana, Jeanie (Bruce) Hauch of Sawyer, Cheryl Thomas of Three Oaks, Dawn Cooney of Apache Junction, Arizona; four sons, Dave (Gloria) Thomas of Three Oaks, Roger (Karen) Thomas of South Bend, Indiana, Gerald (Fawn) Thomas, Jr. of Lebanon, Illinois, Mark Thomas of Three Oaks: twenty one grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband of sixty-three years, Esther was preceded in death by one son, Paul Thomas; two sisters, Juanita Dickey, Ruth Warren: and five brothers, Wade Martin, John Martin, Bill Martin, Bob Martin, and David Martin. Family and friends gathered Wednesday, January 15, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 16, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. in Three Oaks United Methodist Church, 2 East Sycamore Street, Three Oaks, with The Reverend Brenda Ludwig officiating. Mrs. Thomas’ remains will be laid to rest beside her husband in Posey Chapel Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana. The family prefers contributions be made in Esther’s memory to Spring Creek School Restoration Fund, c/o Three Oaks Township Hall, 6810 US Highway 12, Post Office Box 55, Three Oaks, Michigan, 49128. Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

Financial Peace University promises ‘financial peace’ for Harbor Country residents

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

hile caught up in the thick of financial strife, teaches you the ins and outs of insurance and you don’t have one may feel that they’re alone in their to figure it out on your own… An expert says, ‘This is the quest to reach a point of peace with regards insurance you need and you should do term instead of life’ to their finances. and they’ll actually do the math with you,” he said. Students of Dave Ramsey Financial Peace After the video and initial exercises, students split into University, though, know that this couldn’t be farther from small groups and make their way through a series of the truth. discussion questions – a portion of the class that Patti Cantu, A nine-week course is currently being offered in the who has a background in banking and is helping out with the cafeteria of New Buffalo Middle/High School, with classes course, is one of the most important parts. having kicked off Sunday, Jan. 12. Classes run from 6-8 p.m. “When you have a problem, you’re isolated, you think every Sunday night (a class you’re the only one and you think won’t be held on Super Bowl you’re defeated – but when you Sunday). get around people that are going The course was brought to through the exact same thing the school with the help of or have gone through the exact New Buffalo Area Schools, same thing, just the fact that you Water’s Edge United can sit around in a comfortable Methodist Church in New space and hear someone else and Buffalo, and The Pokagon say, ‘This is my struggle…’and Fund, which gave a $10,000 then you’re released,” she said. grant for the program. “I think it gives people an Topics covered this past outlet of hope: ‘I made some Sunday included how to mistakes but I’m not alone in this save $1,000 for a starter and I can get out of this,’” Cantu emergency fund, determining added. A small discussion group meets during the first session if you’re a “free spirit” or of Financial Peace University Cantu said the discussions may “nerd” when it comes to also be eye-opening, as someone sitting down and doing a who’s secretly struggling may budget, and how to do a not appear to be to the rest of the monthly, zero-based budget. world. The course focuses on the “Being in banking or just going 7 Baby Steps, with the first through life, you see people you session focusing on Baby just look at and say, ‘Wow, they Step 1 (saving $1,000 for the have it great, look at their house, emergency fund). Due to grant funding from their car…’ And it’s not that way The Pokagon Fund, the first and they’re living paycheck to 80 signups are eligible for a paycheck,” she said. scholarship to attend FPU at This problem is exacerbated the cost of only $10 as long by social media, as people often as they live within the service only choose to share their good area of The Pokagon Fund in fortune with their Facebook Kel Penny (back, far right) supervises group exercises Harbor Country. While the during the first session of Financial Peace University followers. first class has already taken place, Kel Penny, pastor helley Wheeler, who at Water’s Edge, said that teaches the class with those who are interested Penny, said that the are still invited to attend course will teach the next sessions by signing participants that it’s up at harborcountryfpu. alright not to “keep up with the com. Childcare will also be Jones.” provided. “It’s okay to say ‘No, I can’t Ramsey is able to help those afford to do this,’ and if friends who’re searching for the light pressure you into it, they’re not at the end of tunnel in terms your friends,” she said. of financial troubles because This isn’t the first time he’s had his share of trouble Wheeler is teaching the course. A himself, Penny said. In the former accountant who teaches Kel Penny and Shelley Wheeler lead students in an exercise 50-minute video held at the accounting and personal finance during the first session of Financial Peace University beginning of the first class, at New Buffalo High School, students learned that Ramsey she was introduced to Ramsey had $4 million in real estate at the age of 26. His great fortune through her sister-in-law. When she became “bored” with the took a nosedive, though, when the banks called all his loans, school’s current curriculum, she discovered Ramsey’s high causing him to lose everything and to go completely bankrupt. school edition of Financial Peace University. An Evangelical Christian, Ramsey applied Biblical principles “I passed it to a couple of kids and even my hardest nuts, to help him jumpstart a brighter financial future. my hardest kids said, ‘This is cool,’” she said. Those who attend the courses will find that learning basic The best part of the university, Penny said, is it’s “come as financial principals can go a long way. you are” atmosphere. “Just learning the basics of it really helps people,” Penny “It doesn’t matter where you are - if you follow the said. principals, no matter if you’re making $20,000 a year or Those who attend the classes will pick up facts that they $100,000 a year, you can still work on the principals and live may not learn anywhere else, Penny added. them out,” he said. “There’s a whole lesson on insurance, where someone

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HOROSCOPE JANUARY 16-22, 2020

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19 It may seem like your views are drastically different than those around you this week. Rather than letting it make you feel ostracized, let it spark conversations and friendly debate. This is the time to step out of your comfort zone and see some differing perspectives.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 There is a creative, spunky vibe coming your way this week. Use it to help you make some bold changes in how you approach life. It’s time to shake off any mousey habits that have been keeping you in the shadows. Now is the time to try a new style of adornments or living.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20 It’s time to take charge my friend. The energy coming in this week will help you gain more control over your situation and make moves to become more independent and selfsufficient. Don’t be shy about advocating for your needs and staking out your territory.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21 There is a new vibe coming in now, that may bring out some of the distinct differences between you and another. Don’t get discouraged by conflicting opinions. See them as distinctions that lead to individuality and creative self-expressions. Embrace uniqueness.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21 There is a very mentally stimulating energy coming your way this week. Use it to broaden your intellect by studying unusual topics or strange happenings. It’s important you direct this energy and use it constructively, rather than letting it destabilize relationships or homelife.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21 Signals could easily get crossed this week and you may not like the things people say right now. There is also a chance that changes in your neighborhood could upset your daily routines. It’s important to be flexible and roll with the punches. Laughter is good medicine.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22 This is a very transformative time for the Crab, and it’s important to step out of your comfort zone and try something completely different. You may have to share a longkept secret, divulge embarrassing personal information, or share some tight quarters but it will be lively and exciting.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19 There is a very serendipitous energy coming your way this week, that will help you detach from expectations and embrace a more hands-off approach. Turn your focus to having fun and dig into creative projects. This is where you will generate income and confidence.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22 Humor is key this week, as your partner or people you deal with may come up with some off the wall ideas or display some bizarre behaviors. Also, there could be some destabilizing energy brewing under the surface, with people who are generally rock solid. Try to ride things out.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18 It may be difficult to fully relax, when you are at home this week. Use this restlessness to clean and organize your space. Also, this is a good time to reimagine your life. Use your daydreams to motivate and invigorate changes to your future and your goals.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22 There is a lot of work on your plate these days, and you may have some differing opinions then the people you work with or who you have hired to do the job as to how it should be handled. This is a chance for you to learn a new approach and work better with others.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20 The vibe coming your way this week is one that will make you feel the need to seek solitude. Pisces can be very empathic and can easily pick up on negative energy. The important thing is to decipher whether it’s internal or just a frequency you’ve tapped into.

Life well spent is long. — Leonardo da Vinci

SUDOKU To solve the Sudoku puzzle, your challenge is to fill each empty cell with a number 1 through 9, so that each row across, each column down, and each 3x3 box contains all the numbers 1 through 9 with no repeats. Good luck solving!

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

EVENTS Reach 5,000 + unique Event goers each week. Please send your Event you wish to publish including the number of times in Advance of your Event that you wish to Advertise to Media@NewBuffaloTimes.com Additionally, please mail $28 for each time you wish your Event published to New Buffalo Times P.O. Box 369 New Buffalo, Michigan 49117 Thank You Reaching 5,000 + unique Event goers each week.

IS YOUR ADVERTISING NOT WORKING FOR YOU? YOU NEED DURKWURKS!

DAILY EVENTS

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY See weekly library events on page 3.

EVERY MONDAY

ZUMBA 6:30PM. New Buffalo High School High Gymnasium/Dance Studio. 111 E Clay St. New Buffalo. 219-614-8847. Teacher is Marie Crist. $7 per class.

CALL TODAY! WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

219-331-9230

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

EVERY THURSDAY

EVERY THURSDAY & SUNDAY

CSNY TRIBUTE— MARRAKESH EXPRESS RETURNS! 8PM. Acorn Theater. Reserved seating tickets are $55 and general seating are $30.

STORY TIME AT THREE OAKS LIBRARY 10:30AM. www.threeoaks.michlibrary.org.

DESIGN

NEW TROY INDOOR FLEA MARKET 9AM-3PM. New Troy Community Center. 13372 California Rd. New Troy. 773-803-9773. Hosted by New Troy Flea Market and the Friends of New Troy, the market lasts until April. DUNES GEOCACHE ADVENTURE DAY 10:30AM-4PM CST. Indiana Dunes State Park. 219-926-1390. This is a fun annual geocaching event that lets any level of geocachers come together to compete and enjoy the beauty of our Indiana Dunes region. All you need is a GPS unit or the geocaching app on your cell phone, along with a sense of adventure. Full details can be given by calling the nature center, or searching for the event page with zip code 46304 at www.geocaching.com.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

EDITORIAL & MARKETING

SECOND AND THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

KNITTING AT THE DELI 2-4PM. David’s Deli. All are welcome. TRIVIA NIGHT At dooley’s 7-9PM. Dooley’s Lake House Pub. 310 W Buffalo St. New Buffalo. 269-469-2247. www.dooleyslakehouse.com. OPEN TRAP PRACTICE 6:30-9:30PM. New Buffalo Rod and Gun Club. 10487 Kruger Rd. New Buffalo. Open to the public. Contact Bob Kruger at 269-612-0983.

LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

HARBOR COUNTRY BOOK CLUB 6:30PM. New Buffalo Township Library.

EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC at night AT DOOLEY’S 8PM. Dooley’s Lake House Pub.

EVERY SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

GENIUS NIGHT AND OPEN MIC 6:30-9:30PM. Elsie Earl Studios. 200 W Buffalo St. New Buffalo. www.elsieearlstudios.com. The night will feature local and area literary performance and visual artists sharing their unique talents before an audience. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided. The cost is $5.

EVERY SATURDAY

YOGA AT THE PARK 9AM. New Buffalo Township.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, JANUARY 24-26

NEW BUFFALO RUNNING OF THE BULL PUB CRAWL 2020 12:30-10PM. New Buffalo. newbuffalo.bull@gmail.com. The crawl will begin at Dooley’s Lakehouse Pub 310 W Buffalo Street, at 12:45 p.m. No admission fees. Must be 21 years of age or older to participate. Pay as you go at each of the local hot spots for food and beverage. Costumes encouraged, but not required. BOOTLEGGIN’ AT BARKER MANSION 5-7PM CST. Barker Mansion. 631 Washington St. Michigan City. 269-8731520. www.barkermansion.com. Four area restaurants will compete for the best cocktail. Tour the mansion while listening to live music, sipping some spirits and noshing on a delicious spread of food. There will be two “cocktail tours,” 5PM and 8PM CST. Each tour is limited to 100 people. General admission tickets are $45. THIRD ANNUAL EYE BALL 6PM. The Grand Beach Clubhouse. 48200 Perkins Blvd. Grand Beach. Featuring cocktails, a martini bar, and live entertainment by the Madhatters. Tickets are $75.

BLUE MOON VINTAGE MARKET 10AM Friday-5PM Sunday. Blue Moon Vintage Market. 16860 Three Oaks Rd. Three Oaks. 219-851-0900. www.bluemoonvintage.net. Featuring 6,000 square feet of vintage, industrial, architectural, home decor, Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan and more. There is no entry fee. Re-staged monthly.

OPEN MIC NIGHT AT THE ACORN WITH HOST JOE BISCEGLIA 8PM. Acorn Theater. Come experience Harbor Country’s most exciting array of acts, packed into one night on the fabulous Acorn stage with a state of the art, professional sound system. No admission fee, but donations are encouraged.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

WINTERFEST 2020 HORSE DRAWN WAGON RIDES 1:30-3:30PM CST. City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department. 250 Pine Lake Ave. La Porte. Come out and enjoy a free, peaceful ride through beautiful Soldiers Memorial Park. After your ride, warm up next to the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate inside cozy Cummings Lodge.

FIFTH ANNUAL ST. JOE WINTER BEER FEST NOON-4PM. Corner of Broad Street and Lake Boulevard. St. Joseph.www. stjoetoday.com. Craft beer enthusiasts will enjoy sampling from local and regional Michigan breweries. Tickets are $35/person and includes sample cup, 12 tokens, winter comradery and music. One token is a four-ounce sample. You must be age 21 or older to attend. Tickets can also be purchased by phone or in-person at The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College at (269) 927-1221 or at St. Joseph Today Welcome Center, 301 State St., St. Joseph.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

The information for these events is correct, as of the Tuesday before publication date. Please contact the events listed with any questions. Please send us any events at events@newbuffalotimes.com. Deadlines are the Fridays before the following week’s publication.

It’s great to be here. It’s great to be anywhere. — Keith Richards

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

The Harbor Crossing manufactured housing plan does not belong in New Buffalo Township. Citizens Opposed to New Buffalo Harbor Crossing Manufactured Homes strongly opposes the proposed project on Kluver Road due to a number of negative effects it will have on the entire New Buffalo community including: •

Increased ﬁnancial strain on public schools

•

Signiﬁcant environmental repercussions

•

Promotes predatory housing that negatively impacts residents

•

Places an increased burden on emergency services and public utilities

To join in opposition, we encourage you to attend the New Buffalo Township Board meeting on Tuesday, January 21 at 3:00 p.m. and speak out against this plan. Let the New Buffalo Township Board know this is important to you. Send an email to mheit@newbuffalotownship.org to express your opposition to the Harbor Crossing manufactured housing plan.

Paid for by Citizens Opposed to New Buffalo Harbor Crossing Manufactured Homes, Inc.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2020

17684 US 12 NEW BUFFALO, MI 269-469-9069 WWW.GHOSTISLEBREWERY.COM

BEER CHURCH BREWING CO.

24 S. WHITTAKER ST. NEW BUFFALO, MI 269-586-3864 WWW.BEERCHURCHBREWING.COM

14906 RED ARROW HIGHWAY LAKESIDE, MI 49116 269-612-0290 WWW.WHLNINEYRDS.COM

134 E. BUFFALO ST. NEW BUFFALO, MI 269-469-0200 WWW.VILLANOVAPIZZERIA.COM

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT OUR

BISON

212 S. WHITTAKER ST. NEW BUFFALO, MI 269-469-4438 WWW.HARBORCOUNTRYINSURANCE.COM

STUDENTS!!! 310 W. BUFFALO ST. NEW BUFFALO, MI 269-469-2247 WWW.DOOLEYSLAKEHOUSE.COM

219 W. MADISON AVE. NEW BUFFALO, MI 269-586-3748

45 N. WHITTAKER ST. / /New NEW BUFFALO, MI 45 North Whittaker Buffalo, MI 269-469-2222 269-469-2222 67016701 W. West US 12 / /THREE OAKS, MI US 12 Three Oaks, MI 269-756-2222 269-756-2222 742 S. WHITTAKER ST. NEW BUFFALO, MI 269--469-3697

Sawyer Road / Sawyer, MI 6485 6485 SAWYER RD. / SAWYER, MI 269-426-3100 269-426-3100

WWW.NEWBUFFALOSAVINGS.COM

C. BRYAN STROTHER, DC 1 W. MADISON NEW BUFFALO, MI 269-469-1310 WWW.NEWBUFFALOCHIROPRACTOR.COM