January 26, 2023

Grand Beach creates master plan task force

PAGE 3

Public hearing next for proposed marijuana zoning PAGE 4

New Buffalo school board hears about proposed middle school schedule PAGE 6

Mustangs defeat Bison boys basketball

PAGE 8

Miss Stevensville First Runner-up Lauren

Vegter crowned 2023 Miss Spirit PAGES 10-11

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Grand Beach creates master plan task force

The Village of Grand Beach officially launched its efforts to create a new master plan when members of the Grand Beach Village Council approved creating a Master Plan Task Force as well as appointing members to the task force at their Wednesday, Jan. 18, meeting.

A kick-off meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Council president Harry Walder said that he and Diane Cody, a member of the task force, spent the last month getting everything organized.

The following were appointed to the task force: Cody, Bob Barnes, Jerald Dyson, John Hoover, Paul Leonard, David Manecke, Gina O’Halloran, Ed Trainor and Harry Walder.

Tuesday’s meeting was open to the public.

“We’re not limiting this - we want all the input we can get,” Walder said.

Walder said the goal of the task force, which will be a subcommittee of the Planning Commission, is to develop all the data for the master plan, to “assemble it as best we can” and that hopefully by August or September, a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be issued to hire a consultant to “take that work that we did and put it into the proper format legally that satisfies state requirements for a master plan.” Everything will then come back to the village council for its approval.

The issuing of the RFP and the hiring of the consultant will go through the Planning Commission. Planners will then bring it to the council.

The task force will dissolve “upon completion of their task,” Walder said.

Councilmember James Bracewell if everyone on the task force is a village resident and has the ability to vote. Walder said that they’re all property owners in the village and that they don’t all vote. Bracewell asked if the village updated its

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Parks and Recreation Plan, nonresidents filled out a committee form and voted on various issues. He said that, as a member of the council, he felt that, on the last five pages of the revised plan, the percentages where it showed the number of people “truly interested in a topic” and then what the committee wanted “wasn’t in sync.”

Walder said this wasn’t being done that way and that the task force isn’t “deciding what’s in the master plan - they’re deciding what’s considered to be in the master plan.”

Councilmembers heard from Devin Moore of Triple D Excavating with regards to maintenance on a revetment at a house at 50005 High Point Lane that will require being granted access to the lake access point at Lake Street.

The project will involve heavy machinery, excavators and a semi-tractor trailer to import material.

Moore said the water at the property has lowered a foot or so since he did a site evaluation on it in June, when it was a minimum of 11-12 feet. He added that it’s “pretty common practice to traverse in high water with our machinery.”

The project will likely begin after April 1, as they’re still in the process of procuring permits from Michigan Department of Great Lakes, Environment and Energy.

Councilmembers were concerned that the construction may run into Memorial Day, and no work would be permitted after that day.

The Rules of Procedure were adopted (which is done after every election).

Councilmember approved appealing Ordinance 46, which deals with a range of wages for the village’s staff. Walder said that the council must modify it every year, while still having to “go through approving any increases anyway” and that appealing it would prevent them from having to go through that annual process.

Councilmembers approved the purchase of telemetry computer system, software

transfer and HMI Software from Peerless Midwest for the water department for $8,460 and to amend the water fund budget capital outlay in the amount of $8,460. Walder said the existing computer is about seven years old and needs to be replaced to be current.

The purchase of a 43-inch smart television, along with a mounting bracket for the wall, for an amount not to exceed $500 was approved, as well as to amend the General Fund budget for miscellaneous council expenses in the amount of $500.

The purchase of a 50-inch television and brackets for the Building Inspection Department for a cost not to exceed $500 and to amend the Building Inspection Fund budget for office supplies for $500 was approved.

The purchase of an iPad for an amount not to exceed $1,500 and cellular service for an amount not to exceed $300 for the Building Inspection Department and to amend the building inspection fund budget for office supplies in the amount of $1500 and a telephone and internet in the amount of $300 was approved. Walder said that assistant building inspector Chad Butler will need the iPad so he can monitor jobs and look at drawings while in the field inspecting.

Councilmembers approved appointing the following individuals to the Planning Commission: Paul Leonard for a term ending Aug. 31, 2024, and Liz Vaughn Graham for a term ending Aug. 31, 2025.

The following individuals were appointed to the Parks and Recreation Committee: Jerald Dyson and Norman Cherrette.

Councilmembers adopted a resolution to adopt the Berrien County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Councilmembers adopted a resolution in support of the Berrien County Trails Master Plan.

Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been. — Mark Twain

Local Government Meetings

New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

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

Public hearing next for proposed marijuana zoning

BY STAN MADDUX

Apublic hearing is the next step before a decision is made on whether to allow marijuana dispensaries in the City of New Buffalo.

The New Buffalo Planning Commission was presented with a proposed zoning map showing where such establishments can operate if the city decides to allow for the sale of marijuana Wednesday, Jan. 18.

New Buffalo City Manager Darwin Watson was asked to schedule a public hearing for the planning commission and city council to receive feedback together on the proposed zoning map before the commission makes a recommendation to the city council.

On Monday, Jan. 23, Watson said no date has been chosen yet but the goal is to have the public hearing sometime before the end of February.

The proposed zoning map restricts the sale of marijuana to just a handful of areas in the city.

Marijuana dispensaries would not be allowed within 1,000 feet of a school or church and could not be adjacent to residentially zoned areas.

The sale of marijuana would also be prohibited within the city’s central business district.

City attorney John Weiss suggested removing churches from the distance requirement to avoid opening the door to a potential legal fight.

Weiss said religious establishments are not included under state law on what can be protected with the 1,000-foot requirement.

The distance requirement was allowed to remain when New Buffalo Planning Commission Chairman Paul Billingslea, who supports the restriction, said changes could be made later to comply with any legal challenge.

“We can always dial it back,” he said.

Planner Debbie Schmidt said she also feels strongly in favor of the requirement.

“I don’t have a problem with marijuana being in town. I just want it to be somewhere where it’s not going to be such an issue for some community members,” she said.

“I think the people of New Buffalo have been clear. They do not want marijuana dispensaries next to their churches and I think that’s something the city will make an effort to support,” said Mayor John Humphrey.

Overall, Schmidt said she was satisfied with the proposed regulations.

“The zoning we put together I think is a good balance for the whole community,” she said.

Humphrey said he believes the proposed zoning reflects the wishes of most citizens, who support the sale of marijuana but only in a select number of locations.

“I don’t think there’s an appetite for 15 marijuana dispensaries. I think there’s an appetite for a few,” he said.

One of the locations eligible for a marijuana dispensary under the proposed zoning is the former Pizza Hut site.

Humphrey said the property is not within the central business district and is separated from a nearby residential area to the south by U.S. 12.

The city council will decide whether to allow for the sale of marijuana once the zoning requirements are in place.

Humphrey said a vote on allowing marijuana dispensaries could be taken, perhaps, in April.

Stuyvesant Town also was a safe haven, yielding a community of loyal, lifelong friends. As kids, we would hang out at the playgrounds until it was too dark to see. Later, we shared the raptures and torments of adolescence in a wild 1960s New York City scene. With numerous temptations and very few limits, we hung together and guided one another through many storms. Maybe that’s why I have always found comfort in community. Whether in newsrooms, campaigns, or the White House, I have thrived in communal settings, finding emotional nourishment in the friendships and camaraderie of the team.

— David Axelrod

City attorney John Weiss discusses proposed zoning ordinance map

American Legion announces upcoming leadership programs

The American Legion has announced opportunities for statewide leadership programs.

Michigan Boys’ State and ALA Girls’ State are leadership programs for high school juniors, offering mock local, county and state government exercises to teach leadership, citizenship and the democratic process. There is a $25 registration fee paid by students. The cost of the program is underwritten by Legion posts, Auxiliary units and other civic organizations.

Boys’ State is June 18-24 at Grand Valley State University, Allendale Campus. Applications and more information can be found at michiganboysstate.org. The deadline is May 1.

Sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary, Girls’ State is June 18-24 at Michigan State

University, East Lansing Campus. Applications and information are available at michalaux.org/girlsstate.

The Student Trooper program is a partnership with the Michigan State Police Training Academy for students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades who are interested in a career in law enforcement. The one-week program includes physical training, gun safety training with live weapons, underwater rescue and recovery drills, and crash site investigation.

There is a $475 fee for the program. Scholarships may be available through Legion posts. The application deadline is April 10.

For information or an online application, visit www.michiganlegion.org/trooper. — STAFF REPORTS

LaPorte bringing in license plate readers

BY STAN MADDUX

The City of LaPorte is joining other communities that have turned to motor vehicle license plate readers to help fight crime.

The city has entered into a two-year contract with Flock Safety, a nationwide provider of automatic license plate recognition technology. Under the contract, the company founded in 2017 will install and maintain about a dozen cameras reading the license plate numbers of passing vehicles at entranceways into the city.

Police chief Paul Brettin said he expects the equipment to be up and running by April.

The expense will be over $30,000 the first year because of start-up costs and about $27,000 the following year.

Brettin said the purpose is strictly to improve law enforcement and public safety considering the technology already exists and motor vehicles are used in about 70% of crimes.

He said the devices are not for catching speeders and other traffic law violators or anything that might be viewed as invasion of privacy.

“These are not for facial recognition. These are not for moving violations. They don’t even take the picture of the occupants,” he said.

He said information on vehicles linked to various crimes such as murder, robbery and child abduction will be entered into a system for cameras scanning license plate numbers to give notice of

any matches.

“Whether it be stolen, known for drug use. Any crimes. Anything like that, it’s going to alert,” Brettin said.

A lot of time is expected to be saved in locating suspects just from knowing the most recent location of a suspected vehicle and direction it was traveling.

Alerts will also be given if a license plate is detected out of state because LaPorte and other law enforcement agencies with the technology across the country will be tied into the system.

Currently, license plate readers are in the process of being installed in Michigan City.

Brettin said LaPorte will be one of the last communities in the region to utilize the technology.

Board member Mark Kosior said a lot of violation of privacy questions have been raised but no lines are crossed from scanning license plates on vehicles using public roadways.

“This is absolutely completely appropriate and I think it really speaks to the ability for our police department to enforce the safety for our residents in this community,” he said.

Brettin said he’s confident the devices will increase the success rate of catching criminals, returning stolen belongings to their rightful owners and saving lives in cases like kidnapping.

“How would you not want that. I don’t know how people cannot support that,” he said.

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New Buffalo Times

CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR POSITION ANNOUNCED...

In November of 2022, the residents of Chikaming Township overwhelmingly voted to dissolve the elected Park Board. Within days, the township appointed a 4-person committee to explore various ways of incorporating the management of the parks and beaches into Township government. Trustee Rich Sullivan, former Park Board Chair Deborah Hall-Kayler, Western Springs Park Director Walt Knacke and myself interviewed near-by townships and made our suggestions to the full Chikaming Township Board on December 9, 2022. We favored the hiring of a Director of Parks & Recreation. The Township Board approved our suggestion and the full job description and application (requires a resume be included) was posted on January 17, 2023 and can be found at www. chikamingtownship.org.

What the township is looking for is someone who is comfortable working within an organization, has good people and leadership skills, is both articulate and literate and has the ability to assess what is needed and to figure out how

to get it done. A willing spirit of cooperation and a positive outlook are key qualities. The salary range is $45,000 to $60,000 commensurate with experience.

The township is prohibited by law from discriminating on the basis of sex, age or physical ability. Young and old are welcome to apply. I urge anyone interested to tune up their resume to reflect some of the items in the job description and to apply. Please let others know about this opportunity. Whoever is hired will not be alone: they will have help and resources to draw on including the talents and experience of former Park Board members and township staff. This can be a GREAT JOB and the incumbent will have a wonderful and rare opportunity of creating a brand-new department & position.

The deadline for applications (with resume) is February 3,2023.

There are 3 ways to submit an application:

1. Email: DBunte@ chikamingtownship.org

2. Drop off at the township offices at 13535 Red Arrow Highway, Harbert Michigan

3. Mail to: David Bunte, Supervisor, Chikaming Township, P.O. Box 40, Harbert, Michigan 49115 Stay well and good luck! — FRAN WERSELLS, UNION PIER

SCHOLASTICS

New Buffalo school board hears about proposed middle school schedule

Members of the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education heard about a potential new middle school schedule for the 2023-2024 school year at their Monday, Jan. 23, meeting.

Currently, the middle school schedule has seven class periods and finishes up with a 30-minute bonus period. The proposed new schedule would be similar to the high school one, with a five period day followed by the 30-minute time period at the end of the day.

New Buffalo Middle School Principal Dan Caudle said this would create more instructional time during the day, as it would move the core classes to 72 minutes and would create “extra time we need for targeted intervention.”

Currently, there are 60-minute class periods.

Caudle said that 32 minutes a day are spent just during passing period alone.

“If we add that extra time going from seven to five, we pull some of the passing period time, we’re going to get an extra 12 minutes each class period,” he said.

The biggest change would be the elective classes or afternoon classes. Currently, there are three 35-minute classes after lunch during fifth, sixth and seventh hour; however, in the new schedule, elective classes would operate on a rotating Blue and Gold Week Schedule. Classes would take place during fifth hour, be every other day and would be 72 minutes.

Caudle said that, while the time with the electives wouldn’t be as much as the core instructional time, it’s still an extra

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

10 minutes every two weeks. He said the schedule would make it easier when planning sixth through 12th grade presentations and activities, as it would “allow for the middle and high school to feed off each other a little bit more and give and take in some of the neat programs they have in the high school.”

It would also provide more “equity” in planning time for teachers and give them an entire planning period “all in one chunk” and possibly streamline teachers’ schedules, as Caudle said it would “pull back” on some of their crossover teachers “so we just have middle school teachers and high school teachers.”

Caudle said a drawback would be with band and Spanish students, as much of their elective time would be used up with those two classes.

He added that students would be able to do more in-depth activities in a 72-minute class period versus a 32 or 35 minute one.

Students would be offered two electives as opposed to the current three.

Board trustee Bradley Brunner said that, in a recent survey, the students expressed a great appreciation for those electives.

“When we reduce the amount of choices that kids can take as an elective class and reduce the amount of time they have with those elective classesthat’s a significant priority shift in my mind,” he said.

Caudle said there’s no “pullback” on time and there’d be more time in band than there is now; however, students

just wouldn’t get it every day. New Buffalo High School Principal Tracy Ripley gave some positive updates on the high school.

The school offers a variety of sports as well as student clubs, which allows it to achieve one of this year’s SIP Goals: “Ensure that every student feels attached and belongs.”

Currently, the school offers 14 advanced placement courses. In general education, students can get a STEM Endorsement, Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish) or become a Senior Scholar. Currently, the school offers students the chance to take 43 different career and technical educational courses. The school partners with AK Smith Career Center, which offers 13 programs. Ripley said she’d like to utilize more of the 30 additional programs that are offered throughout the county (the school hosts one of them, Building Trades, on site).

This year, the school has added some intervention courses, as Ripley said there’s been a “little lapse in learning gaps that weren’t there prior to Covid.”

Regarding spring 2022 PSAT and SAT scores, 69.9% of all ninth through 12th graders met the benchmark or higher in English and 58.9% met the benchmark in math.

Regarding the SAT taken by the juniors last spring, 67% of juniors achieved the benchmark in English, which put the school at fourth in the county. In math, they came in fourth in the county with 47% meeting the benchmark.

New Buffalo High School earned

a high national ranking in 2022 Best High Schools, which U.S. News released recently. By earning a national ranking in the top 40%, New Buffalo High School achieved status as a U.S. News Best High School. The school was ranked 72 out of 908 public high schools in Michigan.

Board members amended the 20222023 budget.

For 2022, 18 mills were levied on nonhomestead properties or commercialtype properties to fund the majority of general operations. Those revenues estimated to generate by the levy for the property tax was $13.4 million or 76% of the district’s revenues.

Regarding the General Fund Revenue, local revenues are around $15 million, the state is $2 million, federal revenues are $224,237, local revenues are $139,728 for a total revenue figure of $17.6 million.

Regarding expenses, payroll and benefits are about 70% of the budget and the remaining expenses are around 32%.

Regarding General Fund expenditures for 2022-2023, total expenses are $18.8 million.

Board members accepted the resignation letter of Amy Quick, co-op boys tennis coach, effective immediately.

Board members approved the employment of Adam Lijewski as the head baseball coach for 2022-2023, pending background check.

Board members approved the employment of Katrina Turensek and Erika Johnson as BASE Leads, effective immediately.

From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

This week, almost all of my attention was focused on a surgical procedure that I needed to get done.

My eyelids no longer wanted to keep themselves upright and I was losing my peripheral vision. This hampered me in many ways, but especially while driving. The surgery, called Blepharoplasty was over in an hour and a half, and three days later I’m almost done icing my eyes. A good amount of swelling and bruising takes place, so much so that my youngest grandson saw some pictures of me and proclaimed that those pictures were NOT of his grandpa. Personally, I believe I look like a street fighting man. Tomorrow I am going to attend the wake of a good friends sister ( I hope I don’t scare anybody).

There were four playoff games this weekend, and because I was laid up, I got to witness all four. Actually, that’s not completely true. For twenty minutes out of every hour, I had to put an ice pack on my closed eyes. Listening to about a third of each game was quite pleasant, but it was a good thing the Bears weren’t playing or I’m not sure I would have been as good a patient.

As for the games themselves, San Francisco beat Dallas in a close game that never seemed as close as it was. Earlier Sunday, Cincinnati beat Buffalo in a game they controlled from beginning to end. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati’s quarterback, really impressed me, and I won’t be surprised if he ends up being one of the best

ever. Buffalo’s quarterback, Josh Allen, is also a great one.

On Saturday, Kansas City held on to defeat Jacksonville in another battle of two great quarterbacks. The other Saturday game featured Philadelphia against the New York Giants and was the only game that wasn’t competitive. Philadelphia ran over the Giants and was clearly the far superior team.

Jalen Hurts completes the playoff teams with great quarterbacks and once again points out the importance of the position. One of the more interesting story lines will be how well San Francisco’s rookie quarterback will be able to compete against this years best.

Next week’s games will determine the Super Bowl participants, so once again it’s time for my fearless prognostications. I believe Philadelphia will defeat San Francisco and Cincinnati will beat Kansas City and in the big game, Cincinnati will eke out a victory over Philadelphia. Next year at this time, I’m hoping the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears are part of the playoff discussion.

Don’t look now, but pitchers and catchers for the Cubs report February 15th., one of my favorite days of the year.

Author John Irving said, “You only grow by coming to the end of something and by beginning something else.”

Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

Mustangs cruise against Lady Bison

BY STAN MADDUX

The New Buffalo High School girls’ basketball team, looking to snap a sevengame losing streak, was soundly defeated at River Valley Friday, Jan. 20.

The Mustangs leading 13-0 at the end of the first quarter cruised to a 4814 victory.

There was no giving up by the Lady Bison, though.

The Bison had still not scored early in the second quarter when freshman guard Ava Mancini took a charge to eliminate a bucket from a shot made after contact.

With just over a minute left before halftime, Mancini scored the first points for New Buffalo by sinking a pair of free throws.

A short time later, Mancini figured into the scoring again when she passed the ball to senior Bella Notorangleo, who hit a short bank shot.

River Valley leading 27-4 at halftime continued moving the ball seemingly with ease and nailing open jump shots, including several from beyond the three point line.

Sophomore Kayanna Lange, senior Alexis McCarty and junior Natalyn

Heckathorn were especially effective. Early in the third quarter, Heckathorn, after dribbling down the baseline and from the opposite side of the court, drove in both times for lay-ups.

McCarty later grabbed an offensive rebound for a bucket close to the rim.

The lead grew to 34 points with help from a pair of lay-ups from Lange, who used her size to create open shots down low and grab rebounds.

New Buffalo (2-10) outscored the Mustangs 8-2 in the final period.

Fourth quarter highlights for the Lady Bison included freshman Angelina Bryk taking the ball full court for a lay-up and senior Lexi Parmley making two shots, including a short put back from an offensive rebound.

The Mustangs improved to 5-4 and 4-1 in conference play.

Lange led River Valley with 18 points.

McCarty and Heckathorn scored 8 points and 7 points respectively. Parmley was the leading scorer for New Buffalo with four points.

When Microsoft buys Activision, it’s a Game changer.

— Dino N. Fatouros

Mustangs defeat Bison boys basketball

The boys’ basketball game wasn’t close but the rivalry was evident judging by the size of the crowd and effort by players from New Buffalo and River Valley high schools.

The Mustangs, after storming out to a big lead at home Friday, Jan. 29, defeated the Bison 79-59.

River Valley, with superior athletic ability and four seniors in their starting line-up, seemed to be a mission in jumping out to an 8-0 lead on a slam dunk by Jayden McNabb, who quickly scored again on a driving windmill style lay-up.

The first field goal from the young Bison came halfway through the first quarter when

BY STAN MADDUX

freshman Sam Tripp nailed a shot from beyond the three point arch.

The lead grew to 25 points in the second quarter on a short jump shot by McNabb, who later fell to the floor after missing a slam dunk attempt.

The ball from the missed dunk was grabbed by the Bison and swiftly taken down the court for a baseline jump shot made by junior Elliot Bourne.

New Buffalo (1-9) trailed 42-20 at halftime.

The third quarter began with McNabb driving the baseline for another thunderous slam dunk.

A short time later, the Bison cut the lead to 19 points on a three point shot by freshman James Shaw.

However, the Mustangs (5-4) came roaring back to go up by 28 points with help from a three point shot by McNabb and fleet footed senior Josh Seifert driving around defenders for a lay-up.

McNabb led the Mustangs with 18 points while Seifert and senior Cadden Krieger each scored 17 points.

Shaw finished with 17 points for the Bison followed by 10 points apiece from freshman Nick Haskins and senior Landon Haskins.

Tripp and Bourne each scored 8 points.

New Buffalo, from the pressure defense applied by the Mustangs, committed 28 turnovers compared to 15 turnovers for River Valley.

BISON LOSE TO BRIDGMAN BEES AT HOME

The New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team lost at home Tuesday, Jan. 24, to Bridgman 81-38.

The Bison (1-10) kept the game close for a while but the Bees midway through the first quarter on both sides of the court began pouring it on.

Using their advantage in size, ball handling and shooting skills, Bridgman converted what seemed like a flurry of turnovers into buckets at various distances from the rim.

The Bison trailed at halftime 42-19.

New Buffalo played more competitively in the third quarter but seemed to collapse after junior Elliot Bourne, while slicing his way through the Bridgman defense, sank a nifty short jump shot early in the final period.

The Bees (7-4) scored 19 of the final 23 points to cruise to victory.

Senior Gloe Riley led the balanced Bridgman attack with 16 points.

Bourne led New Buffalo with nine points while James Shaw and Sam Tripp, both freshmen, along with junior Andre Becerra each scored six points.

— STAN MADDUX

Miss Stevensville First Runner-up Lauren Vegter crowned 2023 Miss Spirit

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Amember of the 2023 Stevensville royalty took home the crown for the 10th annual Miss Spirit of Blossomtime Pageant.

First Runner-up to Miss Stevensville Lauren Vegter was crowned by Miss Spirit 2022 Kirsten Krause Saturday, Jan. 21, at St. Joseph High School Auditorium.

“Everybody put in so much hard work and to be crowned Miss Spirit is just so amazing and I’m so beyond thankful,” Lauren said, and added “thank you, Mom and Dad.”

The daughter of Melissa and Charlie Vegter, Lauren is a senior at Lakeshore High School. She is a recipient of the Excellence in Education Scholarship. Lauren will receive a $1400 scholarship award and various gifts and prizes for being crowned Miss Spirit of Blossomtime 2023. Lauren is involved in Math and Science Center, is a member of the National Honor Society and the Lakeshore Band/Color guard and Varsity Poms.

Lauren revealed that she feels “blessed” to have been participating in the Blossomtime Festival since she was 5 years old, whether as a titleholder or a volunteer.

Her gratefulness to Blossomtime shown through in her answer to the question that was posed by emcee Tim Taylor: “If Miss Spirit was being given a key, what door would that open to you?”

Lauren said that she would love to have the opportunity to give back to the festival and show the community “how great Blossomtime really is” as well as how “truly amazing” the agriculture is in the region.

When asked what event she would add to Blossomtime, Lauren said that she’d add a Upick with the queens, which would “be a great way to highlight the agriculture in our community” as well as to “showcase and

Area kings line the stage

The top five finalists await the crowning

The Three Oaks and River Valley Royal Court was there for support

First Runner-up to Miss Bridgman Alivia Abram graces the stage

The community kings make an appearance

Lauren Vegter is crowned Miss Spirit of Blossomtime 2023 by Miss Spirit 2022 Kirsten Krause

Miss Spirit 2019 Maya Schuhknecht pins a special pin to Miss Spirit 2022 Kirsten Krause

First Runner-up to Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Camille Czech answers her onstage question

Miss Spirit 2022 Kirsten Krause welcomes everyone to the 10th annual pageant

First Runner-up to Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Camille Czech poses in her evening wear

=First Runner-up to Miss New Buffalo Sami Smith poses in her formal wear

share with our communities how relevant Blossomtime is” and its importance to the community.

Vegter was one of the five finalists, which included First Runner-up to Miss St. Joseph Abbie Kalin; First Runner-up to Miss South Haven Camborley Gleason; First Runnerup to Miss New Buffalo Sami Smith and First Runner-up to Berrien Springs Hannah Sorenson.

The People’s Choice award, which was voted on by the pageant attendees was won by Abigail Bowers, first runner-up to Miss Edwardsburg.

All top five contestants were awarded $200 scholarships.

The Miss Spirit of Blossomtime Pageant is open to all Blossomtime communities first runners up and offers another young woman an opportunity to enjoy the many events and activities her sister queens will participate in. This year, 18 young women from the following communities competed for the title of Miss Spirit 2023: Bangor, Benton Harbor, Berrien Springs, Bloomingdale, Bridgman, Buchanan, Cassopolis, Coloma, Eau Claire/ Sodus, Edwardsburg, Hartford, New Buffalo, Niles, South Haven, St. Joseph, Stevensville, Three Oaks/River Valley and Watervliet.

Lauren will go on to compete in the Showcase of Queens/ Mr. Blossomtime Pageant and is eligible to win all the queen awards at the Sunday night showcase. For the Miss Blossomtime Pageant, she will also be eligible for all awards and titles, including the title of Miss Blossomtime. Mr. Blossomtime and the Showcase of Queens will be held Sunday, April 16, at 6:30 p.m. at LMC Mendel Center. Miss Blossomtime will be held Monday, April 17, at 7 p.m. at LMC Mendel Center. Premier seating for each night is $45. General admission seating for each night is $40 and will be available March 21 by calling or e-mailing the Blossomtime Festival Office at 269-861-0998 or office@ blossomtimefestival.org.

Top Five Finalists Lauren Vegter of Stevensville, Abbi Kalin of St. Joe, Camborley Gleason of South Haven, Sami Smith of New Buffalo and Hannah Sorenson of Berrien Springs

Contestants open the show with a song and dance number

Contestants grace the stage in their formal wear

Miss Hartford Raven Ledesma, Miss New Buffalo Amelia Selir and Miss Berrien Springs Linda Klein

The New Buffalo Royal Court was there for support

Emcee Timothy Taylor welcomes everyone to the 10th annual pageant

Emcee Timothy Taylor welcomes everyone to the 10th annual pageant

Contestants pose in their formal wear

The first runners up open the show with a song and dance number

First Runner-up to Miss Bridgman Alivia Abram answers her onstage question

BCYF market beef and carcass class registration deadline

Market beef and carcass class registration for the 2023 Berrien County Youth Fair is underway and registrations must be received at the fair office by Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Exhibitors must be at least 5 years old to show animals at the 2023 fair. Berrien County youth between the ages of 5 and 20, as of Jan. 1, 2023, may register their market beef animals in person at the fair office, by mail or online.

All beef and dairy animals must have a Radio Frequency Electronic Identification (RFID) tag number listed on the exhibitor entry form, which is issued by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and can be obtained by calling 800-292-3939 or

is Feb. 1

online at www.michigan.gov/mdard.

Completed registration forms may be dropped off at the fair office (Monday - Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.); mailed to the fair office (Berrien County Youth Fair, PO Box 7, Berrien Springs, MI 49103); placed in the drop box located near the entrance to the fair office or completed online at www. bcyf.org by midnight Feb. 1.

Information necessary to register a market beef animal includes name of exhibitor, exhibitor number, RFID number, address, telephone number, address where animal is housed, department, division and class number and breed(s) to be registered. Market beef classes consist of: Shorthorn, Hereford, Angus, Simmental, Chianina, Dairy, Market Heifer and Crossbred. Class numbers are available on BCYF

website, www.bcyf.org. Animals must be entered in the correct class at the time of weigh-in. Market beef animals that are tagged on weighin day can only be exhibited by the exhibitor that registered that animal. If more than one animal is registered by members of the same family, a family backup can be designated at weigh-in. There will be no changes allowed among siblings on entry day. Each exhibitor may register four animals, but only two animals may be exhibited at the 2023 Berrien County Youth Fair, which will be Aug. 14 - 19. All market beef that are registered to come to the fair must be brought to the fairgrounds to be ear-tagged and weighed from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at the beef barns, Buildings 53 and 52. For more information, visit www. bcyf.org.

A LOVE SONG SING-ALONG TO CELEBRATE VALENTINE’S DAY

The Harbor Country Singers will be leading a Valentine’s Day love song sing-along at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at Episcopal Church of the Mediator, located at 14280 Red Arrow Highway in Harbert.

The sing-along is free, but a food item donation for Neighbor by Neighbor is requested. Peanut butter, pull-tab cans of soups, stews, tuna, ravioli, spaghetti or anything that is easy to heat is preferred.

The sing-along will include songs such as “My Girl,” “When a Man Loves a Woman,” “Love Me Tender,” “It Had to Be You,” “Lean on Me” and “You’re the Inspiration.” Song books with music and lyrics will be provided.

“If you like to sing, please come and join us. It will be fun and a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day!” Pat Putnam, the producer of Harbor Country Singers, said.

Song leaders will be Diane Ruzevich, Donna Mitchell and Putnam. Accompaniment will be by Maggie Martin on piano, Cara Bettig on percussion and Tom Parisi on guitar.

The Harbor Country Singers is a program of the School of American Music and is supported by a grant from the Pokagon Fund. For more information, please contact the School of American Music at schoolofamericanmusic@ gmail.com or 269-409-1191 or visit School of American Music on Facebook or the website www.schoolofamericanmusic.com. — Staff Reports

A Day in the Life

BIRTHDAY MUSINGS...

BY LAWRENCE VON EBELER

What do you celebrate when you’re turning 84? (Being alive, for one thing!)

As I think back about my long life, there are more than a few things that I recall being significant. Let me count the ways….

I was married twice. The first time was to Susan, whom I met in college. We first met in an art class and sat next to each other. It was clearly a matter of destiny that I would fall in love: She was running for class president at the time, and I just thought she was the cat’s meow! She had a pixie haircut that was quite different at the time, as well as a perfect profile (with a pug nose). We married before we graduated, and I had dropped out of school to work a year and she had taken a teaching job as an elementary art teacher. I sold magazines that summer (or rather, I tried to sell magazines), and then I commuted from Muskegon, where Susan taught, to Kalamazoo for my last year of college.

We got married in South Bend at a nice chapel in a large church. It was quaint, with mostly family that had gathered for it. It was a budget wedding, since we were still in school and paying for it!

After I graduated, Susan and I both got jobs in the Royal Oak Michigan school district, where we both taught art (she in elementary and I in junior high). After two years, we both moved, with her taking my place in the junior high. I moved to the senior high at the second largest high school in Michigan (at the time).

One day, Susan’s aunt came by to visit us in our darling apartment by the waterfall and swimming pool and mentioned that she had just met a woman, whom she knew that I would just love! (She didn’t say Susan would, too.) We subsequently arranged for her to pick me up at my school to go meet this fabulous woman, where she was working in an antique shop on Woodward Avenue nearby. When we arrived, the lady was not on the sales floor. So, the aunt went to the office in back. There, she found her working and told her I was waiting to meet her on the sales floor. This glorious woman came out of her office and walked briskly toward me. I heard birds chirping, my knees knocked, and I could barely speak. Succumbing to my feelings,

Susan and I later divorced but not until seven years later did Bobbie and I get married. She wanted to make things less complicated, since she had just divorced with six kids ranging in age from 8 to 16. I knew I was in love and would want to marry her, but she was not certain that was such a good idea with all those kids (that it would be like going “from the frying pan into the fire” for me). She moved to Toronto (so we both would not do anything rash). After she’d moved back two years later, we married. I had, in the meantime, quit teaching and took a partnership position with a design gift store chain as the advertising and merchandising director. After marrying and buying our first house (a slightly antiquated Fischer Family Home), we were invited on our first New Year’s Eve across the street (in the Buick mansion, no less) for a party. We got a call from Kathleen’s boyfriend in total panic because Kathleen had collapsed in our foyer. We ran across the street and had her rushed to the hospital. It was later confirmed that a brain tumor had erupted.

The long and short of it was that she survived but would never regain the total use of her right arm and leg, and her speech was largely taken. Miraculously, she got married and lived another 35 years. The husband was injured in an auto accident the day after he got out of the service. The accident left him debilitated much like Kathleen, which was how they met: while in therapy. An outstanding couple who lived happily together until she passed away this last year.

This past New Year’s, I called Susan to wish her a happy new year. (We still are friends, after 63 years). She is now dating a man who is 10 years her junior. They just got back from two weeks in Montreal. We also celebrated our 63rd “No Anniversary” at Timothy’s this last June and I must say she still looked as beautiful as the day I married her. The man at the booth across from us must’ve thought so, too. He came and talked to us for 20 minutes, leaving his wife sitting alone. Then, he sent drinks over and generally made a fool of himself.

Sadly, my glorious Bobbie passed away 17 years ago. But life goes on.

HOROSCOPE

JANUARY

AS

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

You will feel very enthusiastic about your career and your ability to get things accomplished this week. This passion will make you more vocal about your talents, which will put you in contact with people who need your services or that can further your career, in some way. A very auspicious week.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Your home-life or a family member will dominate much of the week ahead. There will be a need to establish new boundaries because you will want to protect certain parts of your private life from interruption or intrusion. Reinforce boundaries but don’t cut people off completely.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Conversations and interactions could turn a bit controversial this week, causing some people to feel excluded and hurt. There could be a power struggle or a need to dominate another to keep them from hurting or displacing relationships you care about. Stand up for things you care about now.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

Your energy levels will be on the rise, giving you the wherewithal to accomplish those more physically demanding tasks this week. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of another because working as a team will not only accomplish twice as much, but it will help you perfect your creative ideas.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

There is much focus on your physical well being and your daily routines right now, and there could be a real urge to make some drastic changes but don’t overdo it. Be cautious that you don’t overindulge or make permanent changes to your appearance. Be mindful when engaging in physical activity, also.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

Talking with others will stimulate you creatively and will make you pull some of those forgotten creative projects out of the closet. Whether you start painting or writing again, getting your space ready to work in will be a big part of your creative process and will also help to reset your emotions.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22

You will be much more involved with family and their decisions about where and with whom they want to live, this week. Generally, you like to avoid direct confrontations but this week you’ll be much more impatient and vocal about what you think they should do. Arguments are likely.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

Your world will feel very dominated by rules and regulations this week, which could make you may feel a bit stifled. But the good news is, is that you are very determined to succeed now and are willing to work hard to past all the red tape. No matter how weighed down you feel, you will make it to the top.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

It may become evident that other people do not hold the same values you do and even though this will cause some discomfort or disillusionment, you won’t let it sway you from your beliefs. In fact, it will cause you to become more steadfast in your position. Dig in but don’t be obstinate.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

This week you will find your niche within the larger group and will feel like your input is appreciated and acted upon. You will feel like you can rest and relax, now that you’ve accomplished getting your ideas out to a larger audience. A celebration of sorts may be in order.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

A sunny disposition awaits you this week. No longer will you feel like you have to brood or fight to get your points across to higher ups. There will be a sense of relief and accomplishment in business relationships. You will definitely be ready to move on to more personal projects now.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

There will be some drama at work or a coworker may try to pull you into a personal situation this week. It will be best to avoid getting into anything that could affect your standing or reputation within the company, so be sure to be completely honest and above board with coworkers.

26-FEBRUARY 1, 2023

INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true. — Charles Dickens

THREE OAKS LIBRARY HOSTING ‘READ WITH HAZEL’

The Three Oaks Township Public Library and Paws for Humanity invite children (and book lovers and dog lovers of all ages) to “Read with Hazel at the Library.”

Hazel is a certified therapy dog who lives and works at Paws for Humanity in Three Oaks. Hazel will be at the library from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23 and March 2 and 9. For more information, call the library at 269756-5621. —

PUBLIC NOTICES

VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNTY OF BERRIEN STATE OF MICHIGAN

ORDINANCE TO REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 46

ORDINANCE NO. 2023-105

Effective: February 5, 2023

AN ORDINANCE TO REPEAL ORDINANCE NO. 46, BEING A WAGE ORDINANCE

THE VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH ORDAINS:

SECTION ONE: Ordinance No. 46 of the Village of Grand Beach is hereby repealed and declared to be of no further effect.

SECTION TWO. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Ordinance was adopted by the Village Council of the Village of Grand Beach on the 18th day of January 2023, and was ordered to be made effective 10 days following its publication.

ORDINANCE DECLARED ADOPTED.

HARRY WALDER, PRESIDENT MARY ROBERTSON, CLERK

No lake ice has bait shops reeling

BY STAN MADDUX

No ice on the inland lakes from an unseasonably mild winter, so far, is putting a near freeze on sales at bait shops in the area.

Tony Childers, owner of Chief’s Bait Shop in Michigan City, said his business compared to this time last winter is down 75%.

He’s also suffered financial loss from having to replace a lot of live bait dying before it could be purchased by customers.

“It’s trying times for sure,” Childers said.

Eddie Hueston at Pine Lake Bait and Taxidermy in LaPorte estimated his sales are down 90% from a typical winter.

Right now, most of his customers need crickets and other forms of live bait to feed lizards and other reptiles they keep at home as pets.

“The impact as far as our business here is down big time. Real big. We’re just trying to stay afloat,” he said.

Ice thick enough to walk on and cut holes into for wetting a line formed during an arctic blast just before Christmas.

Childers said he nearly ran out of the live bait he had in stock from customers lining up to get inside.

Thinking the subzero weather would lead to a strong ice fishing season, he placed huge orders for red worms, night crawlers and minnows.

However, the ice disappeared several days after Christmas, when the temperatures warmed up and haven’t dipped below freezing long enough for ice to form again.

Childers said he later placed a second order since live bait lasts for only up to 30 days.

“I couldn’t get bait in fast enough, and as soon as I got it in business

dropped and pretty much all of it died,” he said.

A week ago, he decided not to man his store to save on energy costs.

Childers said customers must call in advance now and he’ll meet them at the door with their orders since he lives just a short distance away.

“It’s all disappeared in the blink of an eye,” he said.

Childers said what little bait leaves his store is going mostly to a handful of diehard fishermen going for steelhead and salmon in Trail Creek and other streams even though it’s not time yet for those fish to migrate in from Lake Michigan.

Hueston said he’s still manning the shop during regular business hours, but things are definitely not the same.

Coming in are mostly customers needing bait to feed their reptiles and frustrated ice fishermen wanting to simply visit.

“Last year at this time, we had ice. We were busy. We had customers in here every day. The guys were loving it,” he said.

There is hope.

The National Weather Service is calling for temperatures to be just slightly above and below freezing during the day and into the teens at night until at least the end of the month starting on Friday.

If the forecast proves accurate, Childers said it could take a week or longer for the lakes to safely freeze over.

Hueston, though, feels it might take just three or four days.

“We’re hanging in there. That’s all we can do is hang in there,” he said.

Hikers to focus on Michigan’s megafauna at February hike in Three Oaks

HHarbor Country Hikers President Pat Fisher will kick off a hike at the Hoadley Nature Trail in Three Oaks with a discussion of Southwest Michigan’s ice age megafauna. Until about 11,000 years ago, mammoths, giant beavers and other massive mammals roamed our local landscapes. Until recently, their disappearance was blamed on overhunting by early Americans. But new studies suggest there were other reasons for the extinction of these outsized animals.

Following his 15-minute presentation, Fisher will lead attendees on a 1.15-mile hike on the Hoadley Trail. The trail is home to a wide variety of wetland flora and fauna. It loops around the Schwark Stormwater Wetland, a natural drainage area, then proceeds through a mature wetmesic flatwoods forest.

The event begins at 2 p.m. and is expected to last about two hours. Those who attend are advised to dress for the weather and bring plenty of water. Depending on the weather, there may be some muddy or icy patches on the trail. Membership in the Hikers is preferred, but all are welcome at this event. An all-terrain rollator--a wheeled walker with oversized tires for 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

STAFF REPORTS

Harbor Country Hikers members and guests pose at the Hoadley Trail trailhead before a 2018 hike

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.

The Acorn to presents ‘The Way Down Wanderers’

The Way Down Wanderers will bring their energetic style of bluegrass musicianship to The Acorn Saturday, Feb. 4. Often referred to by fans as one of the hardest-working, hardest-touring bands on the circuit today, the five-piece Illinois-based act not only proves that classification with their jam-packed tour schedule but also on stage every night, with youthful exuberance and a lively stage show, as reliable as it is infectious. High energy percussion, mandolin, guitar, bass, banjo and fiddle weave seamlessly together to create an experience for fans that has sold out shows across the UK and the United States, filling the front rows with fans not just singing along to one tune, but singing along to all of them.

Music enthusiasts are not the only ones taking note. Critics and tastemakers alike have awarded the young artists an impressive number of accolades, ranging from official showcases at AmericanaFest (2018) and International Bluegrass Music Association (2016)

to Whitstable UK Session of the Year (2017), a BBC Scotland Session (2017) as well as Finalist, International Song Writing Competition (2015 & 2016), Chicago’s Best Emerging Artist,

Deli Magazine (2014) and Songpickr’s Best Songs Spotify Playlist (2016) among others. The young men are no strangers to the festival circuit either, having played major National and Regional

Festivals, such as Merlefest, Summer Camp, Red Wing Roots Music Festival and Saskatchewan Jazz Fest all across the United States, Canada and the UK. The band has also graced the stage of

venues such as Bluegrass Underground, The Fox Theater, Park West, The Vogue, The Station Inn and The Gramercy Theater.

To form the Way Down Wanderers, Collin and Austin welcomed

jazz percussionist John Merikoski, classical upright bassist John Williams and banjo player Travis Kowalsky. The quintet’s years on the road have built a devoted grassroots following, which the band cherishes.

Collin points to the connection with audiences as a key cultivator of their latest songwriting.

“Having a group that listens and absorbs your music who you can identify with as a community,rather than just fans, opens us up as writers to feel more comfortable about openly discussing personal things that we’ve been through in a song,” he said.

General admission tickets are $25 advance and $30 the day of the show. Reserved seating is available $50 in advance and $55 the day of the show. Tickets are available at www. acornlive.org.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.

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

The Way Down Wanderer