February 2, 2023

PHOTO BY STAN MADDUX

New Buffalo Times

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For the

Berrien County law enforcement officials

Law enforcement officials in Berrien County have released a statement to the community condemning the actions of the five police officers from the Memphis Police Department, who severely beat 29-yearold Tyre Nichols during a traffic stop in Memphis, Tennessee Jan. 7.

After being hospitalized in critical condition. Nichols died three days later.

The City of Memphis released video footage last weekend showing Nichols being beaten by officers of the Scorpion unit.

The statement states that the law enforcement leaders serving Berrien County “are horrified by the vicious attack on Nichols by the former members of the Memphis Police Department.”

“What they have done, and what we have witnessed in the

graphic videos, leave each of us disgusted at the actions of those former police officers. This incident is in complete opposition to everything we stand for in law enforcement,” the letter said.

The law enforcement leaders said that they “support the quick and appropriate actions by the Chief of Police of the Memphis Police Department in firing those responsible and charging them with murder.”

“They have disgraced the law enforcement profession and betrayed their oath of office. The use of excessive force is always unacceptable. We all have sworn to protect and serve the residents of our communities with professionalism and compassion, and we will continue to do so,” the statement said.

“We are committed to and train to protect human life and to treat everyone with dignity

and respect. We will continue to ensure the equal treatment of all individuals. Each of us believe in having open communication and true partnerships with our community. We are focused on keeping Berrien County safe and we are committed to working together, with our community, to treat all residents with respect, fairness, and dignity.”

The statement was signed by the following law enforcement officials:

• Sheriff L. Paul Bailey, Berrien County Sheriff’s Office

• Undersheriff

Chuck Heit, Berrien County

Sheriff’s Office

• Inspector Ryan

Schoonveld, Michigan State

Police 5th District

Headquarters

• Lieutenant Jeremy

Carlisle, Michigan

State Police Niles

Post

• Prosecutor Steve Pierangeli, Berrien County Prosecutors

Office

• Director Daniel McGinnis, Benton Harbor

Department of Public Safety

• Chief Greg Abrams, Benton Charter Township Police

Department

• Director Steve Neubecker, St Joseph City

Department of Public Safety

• Director James

Millin, Niles City

Police Department

• Chief Paul Toliver, Berrien SpringsOronoko Township

Police Department

• Chief Gary Soper, Lincoln Township

Police Department

• Chief Randy Leng, St Joseph Charter

Township Police Department

• Chief Daniel Unruh, Bridgman

City Police Department

• Chief Wes

Smigielski, Coloma

Township Police

Department

• Chief William Lux, Pokagon Tribal

Police Department

• Chief Tim Sutherland, Watervliet City

Police Department

• Chief Rich Killips, New Buffalo City Police Department

• Director Timothy Ganus, Buchanan City Police Department

• Chief Shawn Martin, BarodaLake Township Police Department

• Chief Todd

Taylor, Chikaming Township Police Department

• Chief Ryan

Layman, Grand Beach-Michiana Village Police Department

• Chief Carl Krause, Three Oaks Township Police Department

• Chief Charles Sherene, Eau Claire Village

Police Department

• Chief Robert Krauss, Galien Village Police Department

When you stay in Amsterdam for 14 days straight, the intelligence services begin to socialize with you. — Dino N. Fatouros

‘horrified’ by ‘vicious attack’ on Tyre Nichols

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

RECREATIONAL AUTHORITY

Meets at 10AM Wednesday every other month at New Buffalo Township Hall, 17425 Red Arrow Highway New Buffalo

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

HARRY WALDER BLAKE O’HALLORAN, JAMES BRACEWELL, PETER DOERR, EDWARD BRANDES

MICHIANA

VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL

Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

New Buffalo Area Recreational Authority Five-Year Plan gains approval

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

After months of collaborating with two other municipalities as well as eliciting input from the public, the New Buffalo Area Recreational Authority (NBARA) has a Five-Year Parks and Recreation Plan.

A survey, which was made available to the public last July through September and then reopened through last October, elicited 303 responses. Recently, two public hearings were held, during which Abonmarche, which assisted with the plan, presented it to the city and township residents.

The plan will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources by Feb. 1.

The plan contains individual sections for the City of New Buffalo and New Buffalo Township, both of which are members of the NBARA. The city and the township were updating their respective recreation plans and chose to do it in conjunction with the NBARA. The NBARA also has a master plan so it can apply for grants on behalf of New Buffalo Area Schools, the other member of the NBARA, which can’t apply for MDNR grants.

An updated plan is required for a

municipality to be eligible for state grants. While the city and township can still apply for their own grants, Patrick Donnelly, parks director for New Buffalo Township, said that as a group, the municipalities can apply for a group grant as well.

Applying as a group increases the chance of receiving a grant, Donnelly said.

“I think it does present a good image that we’re all working together,” he said.

Seeing as how the deadline to apply for a state grant for the 2023 grant cycle is April 1, Donnelly said he doesn’t see the NBARA applying for any grants this time around.

“As we move forward, I think we’ll start to focus on a bigger project and something we’ll aim for the 2024 grant cycle…No one has brought up a big specific plan yet, so we’re kind of brainstorming,” he said.

The NBARA did order two new water fountains that should be installed in the spring, with one behind the elementary school and the other at the city boat launch.

The New Buffalo Township Parks Department is currently looking at grant possibilities for a disc golf course at its Glassman Park location.

An upgrade to the township’s bocce ball courts and the possible addition of some winter activities by November/ December are also being considered. Last fall, the township added a 20-foot and a 10-foot sunshade to the splash pad location.

More local grants, such as through the Upton Foundation, can be applied for throughout the year.

Within the pages of the plan are what Donnelly described as “general” goals: Maintain and improve the access, usability and resiliency of the community recreation area; develop additional recreational opportunities to meet the current and future needs and desires of the community with a geographical balance along with safe and convenient access; ensure year-round activities are available for visitors and residents; and enhance partnerships and relationships with residents (fulltime and seasonal), tourists, youth and adult sports leagues, local businesses, agencies, community organizations, neighboring municipalities, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Berrien County and the State of Michigan.

People think that a liar gains a victory over his victim. What I’ve learned is that a lie is an act of self-abdication, because one surrenders one’s reality to the person to whom one lies, making that person one’s master, condemning oneself from then on to faking the sort of reality that person’s view requires to be faked…The man who lies to the world, is the world’s slave from then on…There are no white lies, there is only the blackest of destruction, and a white lie is the blackest of all.

— Ayn Rand

Responses from the survey can also be viewed in the plan.

“It was clear people love what we’re doing with nonmotorized trails - they want more trails - but they also want improvements to Oselka Park and an indoor facility,” Michelle Hannon, a member at large of the NBARA, said.

Oselka Park improvements include some electrical updates in the field, lights for night games, a first aid station and more storage for equipment. A need for a soccer field also rose to the top, as well as winter activities.

Hannon said that a “good project to identify what is missing” with regards to recreation in the area would be a “map resource.”

“We’ve talked about that both as the recreational authority and as a township parks committee, some sort of inventory of what’s in our area - so we’re not being duplicative if there’s something available here, we can put our money into something that’s missing,” she said.

Representatives from each of the NBARA’s respective members sit on the authority’s board of directors, which makes the collaborating easier.

Currently, the NBARA meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday every other month at New Buffalo Township Hall.

Corewell Health Foundation Southwest Michigan awards $224,000 to local non-profits

Corewell Health Foundation Southwest Michigan, formerly Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation, awarded a total of $224,016 in grant awards in 2022 through the Community Wellness Endowment to local non-profits that closely align with Corewell Health South’s mission.

Since the inception of the Community Wellness Endowment in 2015, the Foundation has distributed more than $1.5 million in grants. The purpose of the Community Wellness Endowment is to help support non-profit organizations that promote community health and wellness to populations within Berrien, Van Buren and Cass counties in southwest Michigan. Support is focused on existing programs, new programs and capital needs.

“This unique grant program allows us the opportunity to give back to area non-profits and the people they serve,” said Soroya Pierre-VanArtsen, president, Corewell Health Foundation Southwest Michigan. “It also helps us advance our mission to improve health, instill humility and inspire hope within our community.”

The organizations that received a grant award in 2022 include:

• Berrien County Blanket Brigade

• Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Michigan

• Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation

• Michiana Family Center

• Friends of New Troy

• Present Pillars

• Senior Services of Van Buren County

• Strong Women of Faith Breast Cancer Support Group

• The Salvation Army, Niles

• WeECHO Youth Services Inc.

Applications for the next grant period are due by April 4, 2023. For more information, visit www. lakelandhealthfoundations.org.

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REDUCING ANTI-LGBT PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION...

Prejudice, discrimination, and violence toward Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals are major social problems. Many studies have demonstrated that members of these groups are at increased risk of being excluded, insulted, bullied, assaulted, and murdered. They are also at significantly increased risk of suicide.

Adolescent and young adult LGBT individuals are especially vulnerable. Schools need to be aware of this and to provide a learning environment in which every student can feel safe.

What can be done to reduce, and eventually eliminate, prejudice, discrimination, and violence toward LGBT individuals? Research studies have identified a number of effective interventions:

Gay-Straight alliances (or Gender and Sexuality Alliances) in high schools. These are after-school clubs in which LGBT and non-LGBT students join together for discussions and collaborative activities. GSA clubs have been shown to be beneficial for both groups of participants. Schools that have established these clubs have seen a significant reduction in anti-LGBT prejudice and bullying.

Educational workshops for teachers and administrators. These activities provide important information about LGBT students’ vulnerabilities, and suggest effective methods for providing needed supports and preventing or countering anti-LGBT bullying.

Reading books and watching videos about the experiences of LGBT individuals. These activities increase awareness and empathy and reduce anti-LGBT prejudice.

In Southwest Michigan, we are blessed to have an institution, the OutCenter, that provides expert consultation to teachers and administrators, helps schools organize and maintain GSA clubs, consults with parents about the best ways to support their LGBT child and themselves, and provides a safe space for LGBT individuals and nonLGBT allies to meet for discussions and collaborative activities. To learn more about the OutCenter’s programs, please contact Program Director Gerik Nasstrom at gerik@outcenter.org

— DR. LARRY FELDMAN, LAKESIDE

Master planning process has begun in the Village of Grand Beach

Members of the Grand Beach Master Plan Task Force began envisioning a new and improved Grand Beach when they met to kick off the master planning process Tuesday, Jan. 24.

Member Diane Cody said that a municipality must review its plan per a bill that was written in 2008.

“But after a while you have to look at your plan and say is it meaningful anymore and do we go in and change a few things or do we go in and gut it and start again?

I think it was in agreement that we go in and start again,” she said.

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

the village and “looking at things and recording data” to finding sources of that data online, Walder said.

Walder noted that there’s been two censuses since the last master plan.

“Someone’s going to go and take the data from those two master plans and compare them and put that data into this document,” he said.

how the pandemic affected the village with regards to the prices of houses and how more people were living in the village more often as opposed to going to the city. Also included would be the type of village housing and its demographics.

A key part of strategic or master planning, Cody said, is asking: “Where are we now?”

and subgoals.

The first step is data gathering from a variety of sources, from driving around the village and “looking at things and recording data” to finding sources of that data online, Walder said.

Harry Walder, a member of the task force as well as president of the Grand Beach Village Council, said that a master plan is needed to address what the village is going to look like in five, 10, 15 and 20 years.

“It’s going to address the things that, at the end when it’s all done, that the council needs to consider funding, constructing, building, repairing - whatever that comes out of that master plan,” he said.

The first step is data gathering from a variety of sources, from driving around

Once everything has been assembled and Cody has pulled it together in some format, a consultant will be hired to take the data that was collected and the results of surveys, townhalls and focus groups and “put it into the legal format it needs to be in so it qualifies by state law as a master plan,” Walder said.

Per a master plan timeline that was distributed to members of the task force, a Request for Proposal (RFP) would be sent out for a consultant in August.

The plan would be required for approval first from the Planning Commission and then the village council.

Cody said the plan could start with an introduction to Grand Beach and the purpose of the plan, as well as an executive summary, in the first section. Next, it would give a brief history of the village, which Cody said could highlight

“Then we start gathering the input from people and saying, ‘Okay, where do you think where we are, do we need any changes, what are the good things?’” she said.

Opportunities for input from the community could come from the survey, with a first survey scheduled to be sent out Feb. 23-March 5 according to a master plan timeline. Focus and Zoom groups could take place this summer, and possibly a town hall meeting in August.

Saying that “nothing is set in stone” with regards to gathering input, Cody said that the first short survey will gather information on issues such as demographics. Other surveys may be needed to “prioritize things and digging deeper into a particular topic that we need to have input from them.”

Input gathering will help them formulate goals, which Cody said she believes should be a “reasonable number” but have several subgoals underneath each one. An “action plan” would put “accountability” to the goals

When asked to identify what they believe to be the “treasures” of Grand Beach, members of the task force listed the beach, golf course, its community aspect, how the village has no businesses, its seclusion off the main highway, how it’s an “enclave” (which ties into safety), its recreational opportunities, its generational aspect and the family histories of the village and its location (being within 20 minutes of larger cities or two hours of Chicago). Cody said that survey participants will be asked to also identify the positives of the village.

When asked how the village could be improved upon, members listed the following items: beautifying the pier, having viewing platforms, the clubhouse and utilizing it more on a daily basis, village infrastructure (such as power line), playgrounds, the maintenance building, making a plan for beach/ lakefront resiliency, roads and streetlights, community engagement (such as making newcomers feel more welcome in the village), redoing the tennis courts and making a pickleball court (which could mirror the one in the Village of Michiana) and possibly opening that area up for more parking.

Members will spend the next few weeks gathering data on different topics, with their next meeting scheduled for March 24.

‘EMPTY BOWLS’ DINNER TO TAKE PLACE LATER THIS MONTH N

ew Buffalo High School will host its annual Empty Bowls Benefit Dinner from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, in the middle/high school cafeteria at 1112 E. Clay Street in New Buffalo.

Members of the New Buffalo High School Pottery Club and attendees of the Community Pottery Workshop have been working hard to create some beautiful bowls for the event.

For a suggested donation of $10, guests are invited to choose a ceramic bowl made by a high school student or adult in the pottery workshop before enjoying a meal of chili or soup, a drink and a dessert.

This event is sponsored by New Buffalo High School Student Senate and the New Buffalo Fine Arts Council. Proceeds will benefit the New Buffalo chapter of Blessings in a Backpack, which is supported by Water’s Edge United Methodist Church in New Buffalo.

Bison ambushed by Cougars

BY STAN MADDUX

From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

Ebb and flow. Each life experiences it. Heck, each day does. Certainly, each season, each game does. One of my favorite singers, John Prine said, “That’s the way that the world goes ‘round, You’re up one day, the next you’re down, It’s a half an inch of water and you think you’re gonna drown, That’s the way that the world goes ‘round.”

A few years ago, my daughter suggested I read a book by Fredrik Backman called A Man Called Ove. I loved it and recently I saw there were two movies based on the book. One of the movies featured Tom Hanks and they Americanized the man’s name to Otto. I really wanted to see it, so last night we went out to the theater for the first time in a while and witnessed one of the finest movies I’ve ever seen. Talk about ebb and flow, the movie goes from heartbreaking to heartwarming and back again and takes the audience along for the ride. See it if you want your heartstrings tugged. Somehow, that story led me to the NFC and AFC championship football games that were played Sunday. The first game featured the Philadelphia Eagles versus the San Francisco 49ers and in the beginning, it was an evenly fought contest. The 49ers started the game with their third string quarterback, Brock Purdy, who had played and won the previous seven games. When his elbow got injured, they had to use their fourth stringer, until he suffered a concussion.

They had run out of quarterbacks, so they had to put Purdy back in but he couldn’t throw the ball, so all they could do was run. Needless to say, the Eagles won rather easily 31-7 and are now off to the Super Bowl.

The second game featured the Kansas City Chiefs against the Cincinnati Bengals and this game wasn’t decided until the final three seconds of the game. Both team’s played great and they were very evenly matched but in the end, a 45yard field goal by kicker Harrison Butker gave the Chiefs a 23-20 victory.

I was really impressed with the Bengals coach Zac Taylor who refused to blame Joseph Ossai for his late hit that set up the winning field goal. Instead, Taylor said any one of twenty plays could have changed the outcome. That’s the kind of leadership that builds champions.

So it will be the Chiefs versus the Eagles for this years title in a couple of weeks. Then, at least locally, we can look forward to next season.

The ups and downs, ins and outs, highs and lows that make up the ebb and flow of a football season. Time to move on.

Pitchers and catchers report in a couple of weeks.

Knute Rockne said, “One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than fifty preaching it.”

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

Lack of rebounding all season long was an even bigger factor in the latest defeat suffered by the New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team.

The Bison (1-11) gave up more than twice as many rebounds than they grabbed in a 71-38 loss at Countryside Academy Friday, Jan. 27.

The taller and more athletic Cougars pulled down 50 rebounds compared to 22 rebounds for New Buffalo, which continues to struggle from lack of size and youth.

Second and third chance buckets from offensive rebounds had a lot to do with Country Academy (7-3) leading by nine points after the first quarter and being ahead 39-10 at halftime.

The Cougars missed every one of their

19 three-point shots during the game but shot 56% from two-point range.

In comparison, the Bison hit 20% of their shots from beyond the three-point line and 33% of their two-point shots.

The Cougars took 26 more shots than the Bison because of their edge in rebounding and the Bison committing nine more turnovers.

Freshman Sam Tripp led the Bison with 10 points.

Juniors Elliot Bourne and Andres Becerra scored 15 points combined.

Freshman Nick Haskins added four points while junior Cameron Forker contributed three points.

The next home game for New Buffalo is Feb. 7 against Covert, which lost to the Bison earlier in the season.

The more you seek the uncomfortable, the more you will become comfortable.

— Conor McGregor

#BeUnderstood

La Lumiere facing tournament bid challenge

LAKERS STORM TO VICTORY AT HOME

BY STAN MADDUX

The boys’ basketball team from La Lumiere School appears to have an uphill battle this season for another chance at a national title.

Head coach Pat Holmes said his team (12-6) is on the “outside looking in” right now for the Geico Nationals, which features just eight teams in the three-day tournament beginning March 30.

The Lakers had four losses last season before being knocked out in the first round of the tournament in Ft. Meyers, Florida.

Despite six losses, Holmes said most of the defeats were decided by five points or less against teams in what could be viewed as the toughest conference in the nation.

Now in its second season, the National Interscholastic Basketball Conference has teams from states like Florida, New York and Arizona.

Several of the teams in the NIBC are considered a lock for invitations to the tourney.

Currently, the Lakers are ranked No. 9 in the nation.

Holmes said his team cannot lose two of the dozen or so games left in the regular season and expect to receive an invitation.

“We got to continue to win,” he said. Holmes said the team, which lost eight core players from last season, is beginning to show signs of peaking, though.

He said this year’s brand-new starting line-up and key players off the bench following a learning curve are playing better as a unit now.

“We got to be playing good team basketball to give ourselves the best chance to win,” he said. Holmes said the team has also been hurt at times from sickness or injury.

“We’re close. We can compete with anybody, but we got to bring it every single day. Every possession matters,” he said.

The Lakers’ roster includes players such as Kaleb Glenn, a 6’7” forward heading to the University of Louisville next year and 6’9” center Gus Yalden, who’s going on to play at the University of

Wisconsin.

Zaide Lowery, a 6’4” senior guard, is committed to the University of Marquette, while 5’ 8” guard Trenton Walters has signed on with Radford University.

La Lumiere won the national champion in 2017 and were runners-up in 2019.

The boys’ basketball team at La Lumiere School with five slam dunks cruised to victory at home Saturday, Jan. 28.

The Lakers defeated St. Francis, a college preparatory school from Wheaton, Illinois, 80-36.

Glenn put the Lakers ahead 14-5 with a slam dunk midway through the first quarter.

La Lumiere began putting the game out of reach in the second quarter when sophomore Danny Murray sank a three-point shot from the baseline followed by three-point buckets from beyond the top of the key by junior Isaiah Henderson and senior Trenton Walters.

The Lakers led 46-24 when Lowery sank a 40 foot shot at the halftime buzzer. Glenn, after grabbing a pass, started the third quarter with his second slam dunk of the game and then later dished the ball to Yalden, who went up for a slam dunk.

A short time later, Glenn raced down the court for another slam dunk to increase the lead to 30 points.

In the fourth quarter, there was no let up from the Lakers in their offensive fireworks capped by Lowery when he dribbled in for thunderous slam dunk to make the score 72-33 with just three minutes left on the game clock.

Holmes said he was pleased with his team’s performance against a squad featuring several solid players.

“I thought our guys did a pretty good job playing selfless and trying to make a play for their teammates, which has been the point of emphasis all year,” he said.

The defense held the Spartans to just 12 second half points.

Local hoopster named to McDonald’s All American Team

From shooting to running a fast break, she makes everything on a basketball court look almost look easy.

Ashlynn Shade, a 5’ 11” senior at La Lumiere School, has been named a McDonald’s All American.

Shade said she was in class using an iPad when she was notified in a text message on Jan. 24 of her selection from more than 700 girls nominated from across the country.

She clicked the link and up on the screen came a video about her being chosen to participate in the most celebrated post season high school All American girls’ basketball game.

Shade said it was surreal to think she was viewed in the same light as some of the best girls’ basketball players who ever played.

“It’s such an honor to be part of that list because it’s so, like, historically amazing,” she said. Shade, who has committed to the University of Connecticut, will play for the 12 member East squad March 28 at the Toyota Center in Houston.

Joining her on the Huskies next season is KK Arnold of Germantown, Wisconsin, who was chosen to play on the West team.

Shade said she knew the players were going to be announced that day but went to school trying not to think about it or get her hopes up too high.

“I’m just glad to be part of it. It was just like totally unexpected,” she said. Shade led Noblesville to the Indiana High School girls’ basketball state championship last year and was considered the overwhelming favorite to be named Indiana Miss Basketball for 2023.

Since La Lumiere, which is outside LaPorte, is a college prep school, the

BY STAN MADDUX

Lakers are not eligible to compete in the state tournament.

Shade is also not eligible for Indiana Miss Basketball.

Nevertheless, Shade said she made the right choice to attend La Lumiere and live in a dorm on campus away from her family about 30 miles north of Indianapolis.

She said the decision was tough but one she felt was best for her growth academically and on the basketball court.

Shade said she also believes the move has helped her to become more independent to further help in her transition to college.

“I had a lot of great friends on that team. We built a lot of great memories, but I’m super happy about the decision I made and I don’t have any regrets about it,” she said.

The Lakers (8-9) are in their fourth season of upgrading the program

to compete against top competition mostly from Indiana and Illinois.

Shade scored 25 points Saturday in a loss against undefeated South Bend Washington, which is No. 1 ranked in the state and No. 7 ranked in the nation.

Earlier in the season, she poured in 44 points against No. 13 ranked in the nation, The Webb School outside Nashville, Tennessee.

“We’ve played the hardest schedule in the country and feel confident in saying that,” said Lakers Head Coach Matt Marvin.

Shade is averaging 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists a game.

She’s shooting 55% from twopoint range and 40% from beyond the three-point line.

“She doesn’t miss open shots. It’s pretty incredible to watch,” Marvin said.

He also cited her physical strength, instinct and unselfish play as among her other strong points on the court.

In second grade, Shade said she actually hated basketball when she first competed on a boys’ team coached by her father, a physical fitness instructor.

She tried other sports before returning when her elementary school later started a girls’ basketball program.

Shade said it’s been a labor of love ever since, with a hard work ethic passed down from her parents. She also credited her success to coaches, teammates and friends over the years.

“Obviously, I put in the work and put all of the time and effort into it, but it’s not an individual thing for me. It’s a family thing. It’s a circle thing,” she said.

Lakers put scare into top ranked girls team

BY STAN MADDUX

The La Lumiere School girls’ basketball team leading late in the second quarter lost to No. 1 ranked South Bend Washington over the weekend.

McDonald’s All American, Ashlynn Shade, had 16 of the Lakers first 21 points in the first half.

However, the Panthers trailing by two points scored the last nine points during the final 90 seconds of the second quarter to go into halftime leading 28-21.

South Bend Washington continued to pour it on in the third quarter for a 21 point advantage going into the final period.

The momentum changed drastically after the undefeated Panthers began double teaming Shade, who was held to just nine second half points.

The Panthers also forced a lot of turnovers leading to points in the second half by putting more pressure on the ball when it was in the hands of other Lakers players.

La Lumiere outscored the Panthers by five points in the fourth quarter in the 60-44 loss.

Head Coach Matt Marvin said he wasn’t surprised about the run from the Panthers, who seemed to surge in the second quarter and early in the third quarter in all of their previous games this season.

“We blinked and the next thing I knew it was 40-23,” he said.

Marvin said his players also put up and missed too many three point shots instead of trying to work the ball for a better shot against the defensive pressure.

“Washington is really, really good,” he said.

The Panthers are also ranked No. 7 in the nation.

Marvin said he congratulated his players for giving 100-percent against one of the best teams in the nation before a packed home crowd.

“I don’t believe in moral victories, but I’m really, really proud of how they conducted themselves and left it all out there until the end,” he said.

Students, parents on the move during ‘Family Fitness Night’

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

After a two-year hiatus, the mini winter Olympics were back at New Buffalo Elementary School during Family Fitness Night, which took place in the gym Thursday, Jan. 26.

“It was something kids and parents enjoyed - I like to see fitness bleed out into the community,” Erica Johnson, elementary school gym teacher, said.

New Buffalo Elementary School

Principal Adam Bowen said that there were about 275 people who came through the gym that night, which is the most they’ve had for the event in its three years of existence.

Having the parents participate with the students is important, he added.

“What we want to do is engage with the families and have them participate with us…It’s not talking to them, they’re actually engaged in the event,” Bowen said.

The night required parents and children to move around the gym, which had different stations boasting a variety of fitness activities. Activities, which were carefully chosen to encourage movement in certain parts of the body, included crawling through tunnels, climbing up and down on the “Wall of Mats” and swinging back and forth on a rope that was hanging from the ceiling. Students scaled a rockclimbing wall to promote upper body and grip strength. At the “Hippity Hop” station, students learned lower body strength by hopping on big bouncy balls from one end of the gym to the next. At the “Scooter Pull,” students took a ride on a scooter and could pull using their upper body, lifting their legs or, for an extra challenge, laying on their backs.

Johnson said she uses equipment that she’s been accumulating through the years for the event and thanked the high school for letting her borrow

equipment as well as the district’s administration for purchasing equipment through the years.

The activities were set up in an American Ninja Warrior style course.

Students gear up for the event by participating in similar activities in gym class for two weeks throughout the school year: One week in November and then, this year, the week before the fitness night.

The course involves making students feel brave and that they can “overcome things that are a struggle or hard” and achieve their goals.

“We talk about goals, and we end the week with ‘I Am a Warrior’ – no matter what you do, did you accomplish something, were you successful,” Johnson said, adding that students also sign a wall.

Johnson makes a video of the students doing “cool things” and then lets the students watch themselves being a “warrior on TV.”

Since students like games, Johnson will often put skills within “game mode.”

“When you hide the skill in the game, kids don’t know if they’re just constantly throwing at a target…In this day and age, where kids are in front of screens a lot, they need to have the love of movement and I hope that’s what I‘m fostering in students,” she said.

Currently, students receive 35 to 45 minutes of gym class twice a week.

In addition to weekly gym classes, students in kindergarten through fifth grade have also participated in special activities to keep their bodies moving, such as Bike to School Day in May, field day and the nationwide Jump Rope for Heart event, which raises money for the American Heart Association.

Students scale the rock climbing wall in the gym

Students do the scooter pull at Family Fitness Night

Levi Zeiger swings from a rope

Students master the Cargo Climb in the gym

Children climb the wall of mats at Family Fitness Night

Xaylee Metz swings from a rope

Students participate in the Cargo Climb at Family Fitness Night

Students bounce from one end of the gym to another at the Hippity Hop station

OBITUARIES

Bruce Elton Warren

1949-2023

Bruce Elton Warren, 73, of Three Oaks, died peacefully Monday, January 23, 2023, in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began December 1, 1949, in Michigan City, Indiana the youngest of three children born to Wilbur and Ruth Warren. He married Linda Mathewson December 19, 1981, in Stevensville, Michigan.

Bruce loved animals. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors whenever he could. He played softball often and was on a league in St. Joseph. He cherished spending time with his family and dogs. He loved watching Jeopardy and learning the trivia that came with it, as well as educational shows. Bruce was a die-hard football fan, especially the San Francisco 49ers, and loved watching football with his family. He was a hard worker and enjoyed his job at the Four Winds Casino.

Bruce will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by wife of forty-one years Linda, daughters, Diana (John) Hinrichsen of Lake Station, Indiana; Kimberly WarrenRodriguez of Bridgman, Brittany Warren of LaPorte, Indiana; son, Kevin (Heather Disse) Warren of LaPorte, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Justin, Juliann,

THREE

Natalie, Hailey, Gabriel, Nevaeh, Keyanna, Matteo; one great grandson, Dallos; two sisters, Ruthann (Charles) Zabel of Three Oaks, Carol (Bob) Conway of Niles; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Timothy Hinrichsen.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 12:00 noon until time of service at 2:00 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks.

Bruce will be laid to rest in Posey Chapel Cemetery.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Bruce be made any animal rescue organization of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

Sunday 10:15 am

OAKS – Betty Jean Lambert, 71, of Galien, died peacefully Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks.

FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST NEW LAPORTE PROSECUTOR

Afederal lawsuit alleging wrongful termination has been filed against the new prosecutor of LaPorte County.

The legal action was taken at U.S. District Court in Hammond by two employees of the former prosecutor, John Lake.

Nancy Hawkins and Anthony McClintock allege they were let go by current prosecutor, Sean Fagan, because they were supporters of the former prosecutor in last year’s campaign.

Fagan defeated Lake by nearly 1,000 votes in the November election and officially took office Jan. 1.

According to the lawsuit, Fagan violated the former employees’ freedom of speech rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution by retaliating against them for supporting the candidate of their choice during the campaign.

According to the lawsuit, Fagan during the campaign filed a police report alleging intimidation against a Michigan City man for his words directed at him on Facebook.

McClintock, a retired Michigan City Police officer, was an investigator for the prosecutor’s office at the time.

According to the lawsuit, McClintock looked into the allegations but ruled there were no grounds to seek charges.

The lawsuit alleges his lack of findings was another reason McClintock was terminated.

The plaintiffs are seeking no less than $500,000 in damages apiece and a return to the former positions.

When contacted, Fagan said he could not respond to the lawsuit since the case is still pending before the court.

— STAN MADDUX

A Day in the Life

TWO MINUTES OF SILENCE

BY LAWRENCE VON EBELER

There are instances in life when the call for “two minutes of silence” seems too standard and simple; however, that simple gesture seemed amazing a few days ago.

In fact, this past week’s event would alternately have seemed too little for the extraordinary event as opposed to a massive civil unrest. There were peaceful demonstrations across the country. Rioting never came to pass, thank God. The pleas from the mother of Tyre Nichols for peace had an enormous influence on this outcome, no doubt.

The senseless slaying of yet another young Black man - this time in Memphis – was described everywhere by the press. The most brutal scenes, which were filmed by the SCORPIAN’s own body cameras, were shown on every television channel. They also recorded the sound of Tyre’s screaming and calling out for his mother. This was the slaying of a young man on his way home to visit his mother by five officers, who beat this young man to death for allegedly driving recklessly.

So far, no evidence supports that charge.

The five officers were fired for that lack of evidence to substantiate the charge. There was no firearm on the young man, no evidence of alcohol, no reason ever to call for the subsequent beating that took his life, as he called for his mother at one point in the beating and whose family lived not far away. For an alleged infraction of a reckless driving charge of which, as stated by the chief of police, there was no evidence or substance.

The five officers subsequently beat young Tyre Nichols senselessly with their batons, their laser guns, their boots and spraying pepper spray – all while shouting vile things to the victim.

Three days later, he died in the hospital. The press gave it page one. The television stations attached equal importance to it, with their morbid description of the incident and the actual body cameras that filmed the viewing of the carnage. Many prominent people were attending a press conference, including the mother and stepfather. Led by their attorney, they bravely addressed the crowded press conference. Besides her condolences over her son’s horrible demise, the main message of the mother, who bravely spoke despite her grief, was to urge citizens to not riot. It was a very needed gesture. There have been demonstrations all over the country; however, no rioting has been reported thus far. In the meanwhile, there were front page stories by all the news organizations and the non-stop urging that any plans for rioting be struck.

The heavy weight of the entire Scorpion gang probably resented Tyre’s athleticism and proceeded to beat him senselessly, not unlike the Rodney King incident some 30 years ago.

It is startling to look like the Rodney King incident so long ago. Since then, there has been little improvement that has been made since that horrible nightmarish event took place. We seem to go from pillar to post with the same kind of horrible scenes played out over and over. Somehow, it seems that for all our good intentions, we seem to be inept to implement true police reform and racial equality that would end this kind of treatment and disregard for our Black and Brown citizens.

We can take care of the world, but we can’t seem to clean up our own act -right here at home.

HOROSCOPE

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

A healthy dose of realism is what will be needed this week. When communication problems hit, keep it real. Don’t get caught up in hypotheticals. Stay focused on the facts and what is happening presently. A good dose of humor and a friend to lean on, never hurt either.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Friends and social media may clutter what is really important this week. It’s important to sift through information and not get frazzled by things that aren’t really essential to the story. Keep conversations light with friends. Avoid giving too many emotional details. Stick to the facts.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

It’s time to toughen up this week and get your mind out of the fairytale and into reality. Embrace some different perspectives by talking to people and looking at how they handle issues before acting off the cuff. Don’t keep secrets or try to handle situations alone.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

The week ahead will have some definite pressure moments to it and it’s important you maintain connections and communications with the outside world. This is not the time to go it alone but to harmonize your efforts with others and tackle big issues together. Focus on being part of a team.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

This is the time to really get behind yourself and push forward. You may have to face some adversaries this week but if you stay focused on the facts and stand firm in your resolve, you will succeed. Partners may be more pragmatic than usual. So, don’t speculate too much.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

There is a tough vibe headed in this week and it will be important to stay grounded and somewhat hardheaded. Don’t be swayed by what may or may not happen. Know that your intentions make things happen and staying grounded in the truth is what keeps the situation real and on target.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22

It’s time to become a bigger part of the group and get more involved in social matters. You may have to deal with some differing perspectives that appear to clash with your ideas but if you take the time to evaluate another’s point of view, you will find that it increases your chances for success.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

Get ready to become a part of a bigger team that has the potential to take your career to the next level. The week ahead may not be an easy one but it will definitely get you on track to see how much you need to be part of a team. Your skills will harmonize greatly with others now. Don’t hold back.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

The work place could be a source of frustration this week. You may be dealing with a clash of personalities or an inability to understand perspectives but it’s important to realize the importance of unique evaluations and how they contribute to the grand scheme of things.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

Sometimes we all need backup and having a choir there behind you is exactly what you need to showcase your talents. Don’t shy away from the spotlight because you’re not there alone. There is a whole ensemble for you to harmonize with. Start the show already!

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

The week ahead will have some hardships and frustrations to it but the key to success is recognizing the unique perspective your partner or close associate has. Realize that in order to get the hard work done you will need to incorporate your ideas with another’s. Synchronize your talents.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

The energy coming in for the week ahead is all about shifting your awareness and accepting the perspectives of others. Talk to people more and learn from their experiences. Don’t let your inner frustrations inhibit your ability to listen to people or accept their ideas. Let go of your pride.

FEBRUARY 2-8, 2023

I love working with different musicians in the studio, that’s a real joy working with someone for the first time. — Bob Seger

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

In accordance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act, Public Act 267 of 1976, MCL 15.261, et. seq., the City Council will hold two (2) public hearings on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.*

THE PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC HEARINGS IS FOR THE FOLLOWING:

Vacating a portion of the South Clinton Right-of-Way (West Detroit to City Limits)

Vacating a portion of South Kenzie Right-of-Way (East Detroit to East Clay)

*This is an in-person meeting only and there will be no video participation options. The public is welcome to attend the meeting at 224 W. Buffalo Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117.

Per the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids should contact the City Clerk by writing or calling the following:

City Clerk’s Office

224 W. Buffalo Street New Buffalo, MI 49117

(269) 469-1500

afidler@cityofnewbuffalo.org

AMY FIDLER, CITY CLERK

POSTED: FEBRUARY 2, 2023

Celebrated pianist Patricia Barber to perform in Three Oaks

CONCERT IS A FUNDRAISER FOR THE SCHOOL OF AMERICAN MUSIC

In her first-ever performance in Harbor Country, composer, singer and pianist Patricia Barber will kick off Art Attack 2023 with a fundraiser for the School of American Music (SAM).

Barber will perform an exclusive set of original music and classic jazz for an audience limited to 200 guests at 7 p.m. Friday, April 28, at the Acorn Theatre, which is located at 107 Generations Drive in Three Oaks.

Tickets are $100 and can be purchased on the Acorn’s website at www.acornlive.org.

A renowned songwriter, Barber infuses harmonic sophistication and incisive lyrics with distinctive style and passion. She won a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2003 and has released 13 albums, including the 2021 recording “Clique,” a collection of covers and standards released by Impex Records. According to NPR arts and culture reporter Susan Stamberg, who wrote the album’s liner notes, Barber, “… respects traditions, bends them to make her own points and freshens them into something new.” Tunes include classics by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Stevie Wonder, Lee Hazlewood, Lerner & Loewe and Thelonious Monk.

Over the course of her career, Barber has played jazz clubs and concert halls, produced records in Chicago and New York, collaborated with opera legend Renee Fleming and acclaimed composer Shulamit Ran and concertized while teaching jazz singing as a Townsend Resident Fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. She was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and

Sciences in 2019.

Among her endeavors, Barber is a firm supporter of music education.

“I believe music schools are a force for good in villages, cities and countries that have them,” she said. “Music brings joy and social cohesion. Learning music can inspire passion, purpose and appreciation for the larger musical institutions that are so important to culture.”

“I’m sure that anybody who lives in Three Oaks can see the positive influence the School of American Music brings to the community,” Barber added. “I am thrilled to do what I can to support it.”

The concert is a benefit for the restricted Future Fund endowment for SAM.

The restricted purpose of the fund is to compensate a future executive management when the volunteers who currently do the job are no longer in a position to do so. There could not be a better, or more responsible investment to make to guarantee the future of low-cost music education in our area,” SAM Board of Directors President Garth Taylor said.

The School of American Music provides education, performance, and audience opportunities in music and the related arts in the Southwest Michigan area. SAM is a 501(c)(3) organization. All contributions are tax-deductible and matched by the Michiana Arts Foundation. Donations can be made on SAM’s website www. schoolofamericanmusic.com. — STAFF

FREE MAPLE SUGAR TIME DEMONSTRATION RETURNS TO FRIENDSHIP BOTANIC GARDENS

Friendship Botanic Gardens will host a free afternoon of winter wilderness discovery at the annual Maple Sugar Time Demonstration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST Sunday, Feb. 26.

Visitors are welcome to take a self-guided nature walk through old-growth woodland trails before stopping by the maple sugaring station to learn how the early inhabitants of North America produced maple syrup.

Long-serving garden volunteer Jude Rakowski will demonstrate the processes of harvesting and boiling Red Maple sap to make a foodstuff that was crucial to the survival of the early settlers.

A dedicated steward at Friendship Botanic Gardens, Rakowski spends the entire year gathering and chopping wood to fuel the fires used to boil the maple sap.

Please note that this event is dependent on weather conditions. Please check Friendship Botanic Gardens on Facebook for information about rescheduling in the week prior to Feb. 26.

A volunteer-based, not-forprofit organization, Friendship Botanic Gardens is a community treasure and an oasis of formal gardens and wooded nature trails tucked in an old-growth forest surrounding Trail Creek. It is located at 2055 East U.S. Highway 12 in Michigan City, Indiana.

For more information, contact volunteer@ friendshipbotanicgardens.org or visit the Facebook page. — STAFF REPORTS

CLASSIFIED ADS

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

FOR RENT NEW BUFFALO RETAIL

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

NEW BUFFALO

Rent Year Round in New Buffalo. 1 or 2 bedroom apartments starting at $800 per month.

Quiet living—no pets. For more information call 269-469-1364.

HELP WANTED LOVE WORKING OUTDOORS AND IN THE TREES?

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

FULL TIME COOK POSITION IN LAPORTE

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

SEEKING AN ADMINISTRATIVE

ASSISTANT

FOR SMALL OFFICE

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

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS EXPERIENCE PREFERRED

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

SERVICES

FISH FOR STOCKING

Most Varieties Pond and Lakes.

Laggis Fish Farm

269-628-2056 Days

269-624-6215 Evenings.

ELDERLY CARE NEEDED?

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