May 26, 2022

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

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LIFE IN NATURE ON THE SANDY SHORE

New Buffalo Times

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 21, volume 81

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Thursday, May 26, 2022

Grand Beach council adopts short-term rental, trash and recycle ordinance PAGE 5

School of American Music celebrates 10th anniversary PAGE 6 New Buffalo school board approves cooperative middle school sports program with River Valley; Adopts 2022-2023 fiscal budget PAGE 8 Steady improvement for young Bison in baseball PAGE 10 The Love Spell Boutique boasts fun, flowy fashions PAGE 12

AND THEY’RE OFF...

STUDENTS, STAFF ‘RACE FOR A CURE’ AT 5K EVENT — PAGE 11 —

PHOTO BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

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City fighting railroad on historic depot takeover

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he City of La Porte is challenging Norfolk Southern Railroad over its decision to take back a historic downtown train depot restored with $3.6 million in tax dollars.

Mayor Tom Dermody is leading an effort reaching as high as Washington D.C. to try and force the major carrier of freight to return it to the community.

“We’re going every angle possible to protect these depot buildings for our community and sending a message that you can’t push the little guy around. We’re not going to stand for it,” he said.

The city using local, state and federal monies completed restoration of the two historic depot buildings in 2009.

The dilapidated buildings were slated for demolition when the city acquired rights to the property then owned by Conrail for $1 annually under a 20-year lease entered into with the railroad before the restoration, said Bert Cook, executive director of the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership.

The lease remained in effect after Norfolk Southern later acquired the railroad.

Norfolk Southern decided not to extend the lease, though, and reclaimed ownership of the property once the agreement expired on Dec. 31.

“We’re just incredibly disappointed.

They ought to be ashamed of themselves,” Cook said.

Originally, Dermody said the intent was for ownership of the depot to

BY STAN MADDUX

transfer to the city at the end of the lease.

The depot was occupied by the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership and several non-profit organizations when they were evicted by Norfolk Southern.

The restored facility was also where

Santa Claus, after being ushered into the city every year in a parade, visited with children while hot chocolate and cider were served to people gathered for the festivities.

The once bustling structures when the rail line had passenger service decades ago were a source of pride in a community deeply involved in historic preservation.

“I think those depot buildings were a major asset for everyone in the city.

They were kind of a shining star of what historic restoration can do for your community,” he said.

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EAP is now located in a nearby building it acquired for $250,000 at 605 Michigan Avenue.

Cook also said the appraised value of the depot has risen from $89,000 prior to the restoration to

$500,000 currently.

He said LEAP offered the railroad as much as $300,000 for the structures during 18 months of negotiations prior to the lease expiring.

Dermody said talks have already occurred with Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and members of the National Transportation Safety Board about use of the facility being returned to the city.

He said contact has also been made with former Indiana governor and current president of Purdue University Mitch Daniels, who’s a member of the board of directors for Norfolk Southern Corporation.

Cook said it’s a bit unsettling not knowing what the future holds for the old depot which sits empty.

“As I understand it, they’re going to try and sell the buildings at some point,” he said.

Dermody said the depot will be discussed with local, state and federal officials next month.

It’ll be brought up during a meeting primarily about trains recently stopping more frequently in front of railroad crossings here and in surrounding communities.

Dermody said representatives from the railroad are expected to be in attendance.

“They got enough business to do.

They shouldn’t be worried about two depot buildings that the city of LaPorte has fixed up, repaired and made it look like it does today. This is a fight that needs to be taken on by the city,” he said.

Once you really know yourself, can’t nobody tell you nothing about you.

— Megan Thee Stallion

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN FLANAGAN 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 CHUCK HEIT, PRESIDENT HEATHER BLACK, VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HASKINS, TREASURER LISA WERNER, SECRETARY JOYCE LANTZ, TRUSTEE FRANK MARGRO, TRUSTEE PATRICIA NEWSTON, TRUSTEE 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

Auditor sued again for not paying county attorney

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BY STAN MADDUX

he LaPorte County Auditor has been sued again by the lead attorney for LaPorte County government.

Attorney Shaw Friedman is seeking over $120,000 from Tim Stabosz.

Friedman claims he’s owed more than $40,000 for work on claims that Stabosz has not paid over the past several months.

Friedman is an independent contractor for working for county government at $150 per hour under a contract.

According to the lawsuit filed by attorney David Ambers, Friedman under state law is entitled to three times the amount owed to him as compensation for legal expenses and other punitive damages if he wins the case.

Any damages awarded would come out of the auditor’s own pocket since he’s being sued personally.

According to the lawsuit, Stabosz is withholding payment because of his personal feelings toward Friedman.

Last year, Friedman filed a defamation of character lawsuit against Stabosz for alleging Friedman runs county government by controlling elected officials. That lawsuit remains undecided.

Several months later, the LaPorte County Commissioners sued Stabosz for going against their orders to pay Friedman close to $30,000 in claims.

That matter was decided by an out of court settlement where Friedman received the money he was owed except for $2,500 Stabosz questioned in his invoices.

In response to the most recent lawsuit, Stabosz said he’s not paying claims for things like political work and duties more in line with a county administrator.

He also said his actions have nothing

to do with his personal feelings toward Friedman.

Instead, Stabosz said he’s acting strictly as auditor and withholding payment until Friedman provides more data to verify the work at question was for legal purposes.

Stabosz also claimed he’s being sued personally because Friedman might have to step down as county attorney until the lawsuit is decided if he sued him as county auditor.

“You can’t have a lawsuit against the county with which you work for because that’s a conflict of interest. He’d have to step down. So, he gets clever and sues me personally. We’re going to get it thrown out of court,” Stabosz said.

The contract stipulates Friedman shall be paid not just for legal work.

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ther duties spelled out in the contract include governmental relations and policy work in various forums like administrative and regulatory settings.

Friedman said every item in his unpaid claims line up within the scope of his duties as county attorney.

“Look at the contract. Look at the contract,” said Friedman.

He strongly denied ever billing for political work in his over 25-years of representing county government.

The commissioners recently ordered Stabosz to compensate the attorney for his latest batch of unpaid claims.

Stabosz like he did the first time vowed not to pay unless he receives more information to verify the claims.

“We’ll let a judge decide. We’ll let a judge decide,” he said.

To have great poets, there must be great audiences. — Walt Whitman

THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP LIBRARY TO HOST SUMMER READING EVENTS

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et ready to dive into “Oceans of Possibilities” with Bridging the Gap Summer Reading at Three Oaks Township Public Library.

This year, the library is focusing on keeping students ready for school in the fall by providing each child a Bridging Workbook for their grade/ age.

To help us do this, all children in preschool through eighth grade must pre-register before June 10 by visiting the library, calling 756-5621 or emailing director@threeoakslibrary. org.

During the week of June 13-18, please come to the library to pick up a special Bridging workbook and Brag Tag starter chain for all the cool Brag Tags students will earn this summer.

Tuesdays at the library will be all day (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) from June 21 to Aug. 16, where Mrs. Clark will be present with activities and fun. Those who attend each week will receive a different Brag Tag and an entry into the drawing for a grand prize.

Those who are unable to come to the library on Tuesdays can still get a Brag Tag each week by bringing their workbook sometime during the week.

The library will finish Summer Reading Aug. 16 and grand prize winners will be notified by Aug. 20.

The following special events will take place this summer: • Wednesday, June 15, 7 p.m.: Coastline Children’s Film Festival will present Disney’s “The Rescuers” • Tuesday, June 21, 1 p.m.: Marionette Playhouse Puppet Show by Jean Kuecher • Thursday, July 14, 1 p.m.: Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary Always check the library’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ threeoakslibrary or its website, www. threeoaks.michlibrary.org for pop-up events and special activities. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

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Grand Beach council adopts short-term rental, trash and recycle ordinance

embers of the Grand Beach Village Council adopted a Trash and Recycle Ordinance and a Short-Term Rental Ordinance at their Wednesday, May 18, meeting.

Per its language, the trash ordinance will “require receptacles in the Village of Grand Beach to be removed from the curb or the edge of the street and placed in an appropriate area on the property during certain times and dates” which will “increase safety in village streets.”

The ordinance will also “provide penalties for violations.”

As suggested by councilmember Paul Leonard, councilmembers agreed to delete any references to Monday or Friday and instead discuss the date of trash pickup, the date before trash pickup and the date after trash pickup.

Leonard said that this will prevent the council from having to amend the ordinance if the village changes trash vendors.

Councilmembers agreed to have the ordinance be effective July 1.

Councilmember Blake O’Halloran said that, after getting statistics last summer, it was discovered that only 10% of residents weren’t bringing trash cans back from the curb or edge of the street. He added that those who are unable to do so can work out a curbside deal with Able Disposal.

Councilmembers approved the short-term rental ordinance with caveat of “the length of the typical rental period for which the applicant intends to rent the property” being six days post Memorial Day weekend through pre-Labor Day weekend (as opposed to between May 1 and Sept 30), with all other periods being a minimum of two nights.

Per the ordinance, its purpose is to “provide for the registration and regulation of rental properties

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

for the benefit of the health, safety and welfare of the general public.”

Councilmembers agreed that it won’t go into effect until Jan. 1, 2023.

Councilmember James Bracewell, who serves as the village’s ex-officio member of the Planning Commission, said the ordinance isn’t “locked in stone.” He added that planners submitted the ordinance to the attorney as well as the council and that he believes that it will “represent the people who live here – those are the people who have been complaining.”

“Is this perfect? I don’t think so, but I think it’s a first step in responding to people who have had so much to say,” he said.

Council president Debbie Lindley said that they have a clause in the ordinance that said that “you can change things” if something doesn’t work.

“We have great renters or owners who have rented their house for years and we never had a problem but as a changing society, these (regulations) are needed,” she said.

Councilmember Pete Doerr called it a “compromise of keeping the six but doing it during a smaller period of time,” with O’Halloran adding that this “goes back to the purpose of the whole thing – a balance between the renters and the residents.”

The waiver of all claims and indemnification agreement that will be incorporated by reference in the rental registration that’s outlined under the rental ordinance was approved.

Leonard said as part of the ordinance and the rental registration, the owner or local agent would have to “execute a waiver of all claims and an indemnification agreement to protect the village, so this would be part of that.”

Before the regular board meeting, councilmembers adopted the

budgets for the 2022-2023 fiscal year and adopted the millage rate factor of 5.9196 for 2022 at a special meeting. Total estimated revenues are $1,968,255 and total estimated expenditures are $1,982,880.

Councilmembers passed a resolution to apply for $154,773.25 in funding through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) from the Transportation Economic Development Category B Program to resurface/reconstruct Holiday Hills, Royal Avenue and Grand Beach Road. The village will need to provide at least $154,773.25 toward the construction costs of the project and all costs for design, permit fees, administration costs, and cost overruns.

Subject to review and approval of the assignment agreement between the village and the New Buffalo Shoreline Alliance (NBSA), councilmembers approved a motion stating the village intends to join the lawsuit currently pending brought by NBSA for the property owners who suffered loss of property as a result of the breakwater in New Buffalo, including Grand Beach.

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eonard said that attorney Sara Senica was “comfortable” with the village becoming a stakeholder in the lawsuit, but she first wanted to review the agreement.

Leonard said Senica wants to ensure the agreement “that we execute as jumping in as a plaintiff is fair to the village and protects our fiduciary responsibilities with respect to any damages we might recover.”

“If we’re successful and we recover damages, we get a lot of money because we’ve got a lot of beachfront property that’s affected by all of this, but that money goes to the village,

it belongs to the residents - we just can’t on our own decide to give it away unless we’re getting something in return, some benefit,” he said.

In a 4-1 vote (Lindley voted nay), councilmembers approved raising the water tap fee from $3,600 to $5,000 due to increasing costs of materials and meetings.

Councilmembers approved redeploying $10,000 from the salt building fund for use of the village to trim trees.

Councilmembers approved the bid in the amount of $3,550 to add sand to the Lake Avenue beach access, which Doerr said will fill it in to allow people to walk down that beach.

Councilmembers approved Donkersloot and Sons removing the sheet metal from the beach at Royal Avenue and to perform revetment work at the Walnut Street Beach access.

Councilmembers also approved using Donkersloot putting in rock to protect the access and beach stairs at the Walnut Street Beach.

Councilmembers accepted the language for the Grand Beach Nature Preserve sign. It was suggested by Lindley last month that the large sign be installed on Golfview Road and a plaque at Rodhe Field.

Councilmembers approved adding deputy clerk Kathy Butler as a signor on bank accounts.

Councilmembers approved depositing $2,432.33 into police officer Creo Brewster’s health savings account (HSA).

Lindley said that since clerk Mary Robertson has been working at the office by herself all winter, she hasn’t had time to take any vacation days and has four weeks accumulated.

Councilmembers approved a motion to pay for two weeks of her vacation time.

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

School of American Music celebrates 10th anniversary

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

n honor of it reaching its 10-year milestone of “Community Service as a Music School and Partner in the Arts,” members of the School of American Music (SAM) threw a mini-birthday party at its student spring recital at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Harbert Sunday, May 22.

“Welcome to the 19th student recital of the School of American Music – that’s 19 of these shows over 10 years,” Garth Taylor, president and founder of SAM, said.

Taylor said the earliest known identifiable musical instrument was the flute, which was made 50,000 years ago.

It was a time when language didn’t exist – but music did.

“Why did they have music? Maybe to keep the wild animals away from the cave; maybe because it made them happy,” he said, adding that studies show that music activates pleasure chemicals in the brain – even sad music.

“So maybe the reason they had music 50,000 years ago was it made them happy - welcome to the oldest tradition in human civilization,” Taylor said.

Young – and even some adult students – played the piano and other instruments as well as sang songs, mostly from classic Disney movies.

Since a birthday celebration wouldn’t be complete without a birthday card, guests arriving at the recital signed their names to a giant card to SAM. Donna Mitchell, executive director of SAM, said Taylor held onto the idea of starting a school for many years – while going through his professional career and studying at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.

When he retired, Taylor was sitting and playing his guitar at the Three Oaks Farmers Market.

“He looked around and he said, ‘This would make a beautiful place for a school,” she said.

At first, lessons took place in four studios on the second floor of the Three Oaks Township Public Library (which

SAM still uses). Later, the board of directors voted in favor of expanding into what was the village hall at 14 Maple Street into what’s now the SAM Arts and Education Center.

“All kinds of community members came together to put in new floors, to paint, to redecorate, to outfit both the side studio and large studio into recording stations,” Mitchell said, adding that the front utility room is also used as a studio.

Allen Turner donated to the school an outdoor stage, the Spring Creek Stage, used for singalongs and concerts, such as ones put on by the Harbor Country Singers and the American Music Festival.

Lessons at SAM are available for children and adults at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of proficiency. Musical styles taught include contemporary, classical, jazz, blues, gospel, bluegrass and rock and roll. The school offers one-on-one lessons that are taught by highly qualified instructors who are also performing musicians.

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itchell said they’re in the next phase of seeking corporate sponsors for the scholarships, which have been funded by The Pokagon Fund, TCU Bank, Berrien Community Fund and Harbor Country Rotary. In addition, board members have also given private donations directly to the school.

Around half of SAM’s students are on a 50% scholarship or more. During Covid, it was at 90%. Mitchell said that all those students who came in at 90% are still with the school today.

“Many of these students you heard today would not be at lessons if it weren’t for the scholarship program…It makes all the difference in a community like ours where we have a very wide socioeconomic base,” she said.

To donate or for more information, visit schoolofamericanmusic.com.

Abby Shaw sings God Help the Outcasts

Claire Sullivan plays A Whole New World on the piano

Ben Bolinder plays Hakuna Matata

SAM Executive Director Donna Mitchell welcomes the audience to the recital.

Karina Hamann is decked out for Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Kirill Petrov (accompanied by Aglaja Petrova) plays Minuet in G on the guitar

Clay Burk sings Proud of Your Boy.

David Lewis plays So This Is Love

Members of the SAM Board of Directors also celebrated Eli Todd and Claire Sullivan turning 10

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

HARBOR COUNTRY FILM GROUP TO FEATURE CHICAGO FILMMAKER

he Harbor Country Film Group will hold its second meeting at the New Buffalo Library at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 6.

Award-winning Chicago filmmaker Rob Christopher will present his 2020 documentary “Roy’s World,” based on Barry Gifford’s autobiographical story collection of the same name. Following the screening, Christopher will lead a discussion.

The film, which features the voices of Willem Dafoe, Matt Dillon and Lili Taylor, brings the “Roy’s World” stories to life, capturing a vanished 1950s Chicago through a jazzy, impressionistic combination of archival footage, animation and spoken word. The film has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Gifford has been hailed as “William Faulkner by way of B-movie film noir, porn paperbacks and Sun Records rockabilly.” His works include the Sailor and Lula novels that inspired David Lynch’s Wild at Heart.

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he meeting will last a little over two hours, and free popcorn will be served. The New Buffalo Township Library is located at 33 N. Thompson Street in downtown New Buffalo. The Harbor Country Film Group is a program of the Friends of the Library’s Community Forum series and is free and open to all.

In accordance with current CDC guidelines, use of face masks is optional. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

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SCHOLASTICS

New Buffalo school board approves cooperative middle school sports program with River Valley embers of the New Buffalo Area Schools of Board of Education approved the cooperative sports program with River Valley Schools for middle school volleyball and boys’ soccer, with practices to be held at New Buffalo, at their Monday, May 23, meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie said the stipulation of having practices at New Buffalo was because their district had a soccer field and River Valley didn’t and they’d be “losing a coach if we have practice” at River Valley, as one of the New Buffalo coaches lives here.

He added that River Valley isn’t voting on the matter that night and he thinks that will happen at their next meeting.

“We’re at the point where we’ve been talking about this for months now and we need to get some movement on this,” Leslie said.

Trustee Heather Black thanked Leslie for reaching out to the coaches, something that was requested during the joint meeting that was held with the River Valley School Board at the beginning of this month.

Board members adopted the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget.

For 2022, 18 mills will be levied on all non-homestead

ADOPTS 2022-2023 FISCAL BUDGET

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

properties. Estimated revenue generated by this levy will be $13.4 million, or 77% of the district revenues.

Business manager Pano Arvanitis said that nonhomestead taxable valuations have been “going up and up” since 2003.

Regarding the general fund, local revenues will account for about $15.1 million of the fund, with total revenues being about $17.4 million.

Regarding expenditures for 2022-2023, payroll and benefits account for about 70% of the budget. Total appropriated will be about $18.3 million.

Arvanitis said he met with the directors of the district’s respective departments and that all expenditure levels will be basically right around 20212022 expenditures, except for increasing employment costs with regards to salaries and health insurance, which went up almost 10%.

One big addition to the budget for the upcoming year will be the return to summer camp.

Board members heard updates on food services and transportation.

Food services director Patty Iazzetto said that this year, the USDA approved all schools offering one free breakfast and

one free lunch for all students regardless of income. Next year, families will have to apply for free and reduce benefits in order to receive them and meals will not be free, Iazzetto urged everyone to write to their legislators encouraging them to keep meals free for all students nationwide.

The district received a $2,700 grant through 10 Cents a Meal for Michigan Kids and Farms, which enabled them to purchase spirit mixed lettuce from Artisan Farms in New Buffalo.

They also received a $12,500 equipment grant from the Michigan Department of Education National School Lunch Program which will be used to help purchase a walk in cooler for the elementary school kitchen after it’s remodeled.

Iazzetto added that they’ve dealt with food shortages this year, with different items coming from what was ordered (such as cream cheese instead of grapes). When the district has had to switch to different food when something isn’t available, it’s important that it’s still safe for students with allergies. Some vendors have had to discontinue and delay items and some factories have shut down due to employee and product shortages.

Transportation director Tom Whitsel said that this year, parents have been more comfortable letting their children take transportation and 212 students have asked for pickup (up from 196) and 260 have requested for drop off (up from 215), with the average amount of riders being 148. At its peak, the number of riders was 218.

Every day, the department has five buses on 14 runs traveling over 250 miles and two vans on four runs traveling over 300 miles. Two new drivers have joined the department, although it lost three.

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ew mechanic Chase O’Donnell from INDOT joined them after the retirement of Rodney Craig.

New Buffalo continues to experience a driver shortage, which is affecting 88% of public schools in the United States (up 10%).

Board members approved the following administrative contracts: Adam Bowen, for four years, 2022-2026 and Bradley Brunner, for two years, 2022-2024.

Board members approved the administrative work agreements for 2022-2023.

Board members certified the 2022 tax levy to the City of New Buffalo, New Buffalo Township, and Chikaming Township.

Board members adopted the resolution complying with the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act (152) for the medical benefit plan coverage beginning July 1, 2022, which includes district employees paying 20% and New Buffalo Area Schools paying 80% of the premium, in lieu of capping the premium.

Board members approved the following openings for School of Choice for the start of the 2022-2023 school year: kindergarten, five; sixth grade, five; seventh grade, two; eighth grade, zero; ninth grade, five; 10th grade, zero; and 11th grade, three.

Board members set the tuition rate for the 2022-2023 school year at $2,500, per child as well as approved the tuition assessment of $2,500 with possible credits for property owners paying district, real estate taxes or grandparents owning property paying district, real estate taxes, reducing the tuition by 50%.

The Membership Resolution of the Michigan High School Athletic Association for 20222023 was adopted.

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

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SPORTS From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

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onight I am going on an adventure. I don’t have a lot of knowledge about the subject I want to discuss, but that rarely stops me from expressing my

opinion.

The subject is money in sports, particularly in college athletics. This past year, the powers that be decided to change the long standing rules that did not allow college athletes to profit from their own name and likeness. At first, I didn’t know what to think about the rule change, and quite frankly, I’m still unsure. Let’s see a few of the pluses and minuses that will result.

Let’s begin with the positives. If you’re one of the most popular players on your team, play a premium position or sport, or are blessed with good looks, fans like to emulate you. It’s apparent whenever you attend a game. Many fans wear clothing with players names on the back. Institutions profit from these sales but amateur athletes get nothing. That just doesn’t seem right. I’ve often read about players who don’t even have enough money to eat while institutions and administrations are making millions. How is that fair? Because of its popularity, sports and business are intertwined and leaving the players out of the equation is just wrong.

There is only a very small percentage of college athletes who end up making money as professionals. Finally, the risk of getting paid to cheat is greatly diminished.

The other side of the coin has many valid arguments too. In my opinion, the best argument against players getting paid is that they’re just not that important. By that I mean that fans of the University of Michigan will be

fans no matter who the quarterback is. Players would just be taking advantage of fans of the team. Another argument is that they always have been paid. The scholarships that athletes receive are sometimes worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. While these arguments are valid, they don’t make things fair. Much like the rest of America, the middle class is dwindling. Coaches and athletic directors in successful programs can and do make millions of dollars. Universities profit monetarily and the prestige that winning programs enjoy helps to recruit professors and students alike. With all of these benefits it wouldn’t hurt to share some of them with the actual people that are playing the games.

The enormous amount of money that is generated, particularly through football and basketball, should be enough to make everyone happy. The publics thirst for television programming continues to grow, so all sports can be represented. Male, female, water polo, football, and everything in between should have enough funding to thrive. Let’s hope the people in charge are fair and honest.

Abigail Thomas said, “There are those people who can eat one piece of chocolate, one piece of cake, drink one glass of wine.

There are even people who smoke one or two cigarettes a week. And then there are people for whom one of anything is not even an option.”

Be careful out there. Talk to you next week.

Peace, love, and happiness.

I’m from the 805, man. I don’t have to talk about where I’m from, but I’m tough. — Tony Ferguson

Bison swept in doubleheader by Titans

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BY STAN MADDUX

he New Buffalo High School girls’ softball team stayed within striking distance for a while in both games of a doubleheader swept by Michigan Lutheran Tuesday, May 24.

The Bison (5-11) lost to the Titans at home 13-0 and 13-2.

After the Titans failed to score in the top of the first inning, the offense for New Buffalo got off to a promising start when Kaitlyn Rainwater led off with a single to right field.

She was left stranded on second base, though, when the next three hitters struck out on overpowering fast balls.

Bison pitcher Amanda Jones looked strong at times but struggled with control problems in allowing two runs in each of the next two innings.

Things started great for New Buffalo in the top of the fourth inning when the first batter for Michigan Lutheran was thrown out by second basement Amelia Seeler, who had to move far to her right to glove the ball.

However, three more runs scored after the next three hitters reached base on crisp singles and an overthrow to first base.

Runners were still on base for the Titans when third baseman Josie Humphrey, after gloving a hard-hit ground ball, made a

strong throw to first base for the final out of the inning.

The Bison threatened to score when Rainwater hit a sharp line drive single to left field to lead off the fifth inning for the Bison, but she was caught stealing second base.

New Buffalo also nearly scored in the sixth inning but a ground ball with the bases loaded led to a force out at home plate.

Seeler was later tagged out sliding into the home after a passed ball.

The score was also close midway through the second game until a couple of fielding errors by the Bison and hits from Michigan Lutheran led to big innings.

H

ead coach Morgan Motycka said her young team with just three seniors has vastly improved since the beginning of the season.

Hurting the team are moments in games when mistakes on defense result in bats coming alive for the opposition.

“We stick with these teams and we’re right there with them and then it’s just like one inning we mess up one time and they get their bats going,” she said.

“We’re seeing the progress we want to see. It’s just not reflected in the score,” Motycka added.

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10 THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

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Steady improvement for young Bison in baseball

young crop of high school baseball players in New Buffalo has six wins this year after going winless last year.

The improvement on the field has been increasingly noticeable.

The Bison were 6-5 with two ties until a recent four game losing streak in doubleheaders at home.

Head coach Wayne Butler said the hitters are making harder contact with the ball more often and gaining in other ways physically as their bodies grow toward maturity.

He said the players like last year are working hard and having fun because they love playing baseball.

“They keep battling. They’re eager,” he said.

The Bison showed their fighting spirit in the final inning of the first game with Berrien Springs Friday, May 20.

Braden Huffer hit a lead-off single over the head of the second baseman and two more batters reached base before a hustling Axel Rodriguez beat out an infield ground ball to the shortstop.

The Bison pulled to within three runs of the Shamrocks before the final hitter struck out.

The never give up attitude was also on display in the first game

BY STAN MADDUX

of a doubleheader Tuesday, May 24, at home against Michigan Lutheran.

The Bison trailing 8-1 started the sixth inning with a walk from Nick Messenger and an infield single by Jayden Burger.

Sam Wendel then hit a run scoring line drive single to

left field.

A runner was later picked off third base, but the momentum continued when Ethan Lijewski reached base on a fielding error and Andrew Flick then Vaugh Nikkel drew walks.

The next hitter popped up to the second base to end the game.

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endel also turned in a solid performance after taking the mound in the fourth inning and pitching the rest of the game.

It took him only five pitches to retire the side in the final inning on fly balls to Huffer in left field and a strikeout.

“The team has progressed,” Butler said.

Butler said the players are also getting better at decision making to avoid costly errors on the base paths and on defense.

Butler said it’s been a tough season because of a wet, cold spring forcing games to be rescheduled and some practices to be held inside the gymnasium.

He said there’s been no let up, though, in commitment to the game shown by his players “They get the most out of every situation,” Butler said.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 11

Students, staff ‘race for a cure’ at 5K event

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Students play soccer on the field

Teacher Ashley Jager takes her turn at the dunking tank

Students do target practice at a soccer bullseye

Becky Hartley and Wayne Butler take the field

Students and teachers race to Oselka Park

Teacher Curtis Brewster takes his turn at the dunking tank

The race is on at the track in the multiplex field

The student cheering section at the 5K

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

hether they were racing or just strolling around the track (and Oselka Park), those who attend and work at New Buffalo Area Schools were doing their part to eliminate cancer the balmy afternoon of Friday, May 20.

Students and staff members converged on the multiplex field at New Buffalo Middle/ High School to “race for the cure” during this year’s all-school 5K, which was hosted by the school district by the high school’s student senate.

The event began in 2016 (it was on hiatus for the past two years due to the pandemic) to honor Maria Churchill, a third-grade teacher at New Buffalo Elementary School, as she fought her own battle with cancer.

Today, Churchill, who was one of the race’s leaders, continues to be cancer free.

“She travels twice a year to the Mayo Clinic for testing but has been able to get back to running and working – two of her favorite things. We are blessed to have her here with us today to kickstart our event and be an inspiration to each and every one of us,” middle school teacher Lisa Knoll said during the pre-5K ceremony.

Students and staff purchased T-shirts for the event, as well as filled out racecar cutouts to honor or remember someone who has fought or is currently fighting cancer. T-shirts were designed by members of the high school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) and its advisor, Holli Sommerfeld, with part of the cost the shirt going toward Ann and Robert H. Lurie’s Children’s Hospital, a nationally ranked pediatric acute care children’s hospital in Chicago. A dunk tank (members of the New Buffalo Township Fire Department filled the tank), where students could “dunk” teachers from each building, also helped raise money for the charity, as well as purchases made from a concession stand (with hot dogs provided by Nancy’s By the Lake).

After the 5K, students could work off their remaining energy at stations, which included the assistance of high school students that are members of student

senate, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), GSA and Future Educators of America, that were full of outdoor activities.

Outdoor music was provided by Jammin’ with Jerry.

Vance Price and Nate Jones helped with the course markings and timing system.

Other help came from the district’s custodial staff, staff volunteers, face painters, concession stand workers. The Bison Boosters and PTO donated to the event.

As was custom, the afternoon included the honoring of staff members: Tina Brewster, Wayne Butler and Becky Hartley, all of whom will be retiring at the end of this school year.

Brewster began working for the district in 2001 as the recreational aid, which involved facilitating the weight room, cardio room and open gym areas – a role she had for 21 years. She also has been the athletic department assistant for the past three years. She has also been involved in the youth sports programs for the better part of 20 years.

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noll added that Brewster is often the “first person students and staff see and the last one they encounter.”

Knoll said the district has enjoyed having Butler as a baseball coach, athletic director, middle school principal and high school principal (his most recent role).

“Thank you for your leadership, support and kindness during your tenure with New Buffalo Middle School and High School.

Also, thank you for your inspiration to always remain #BisonStrong,” Knoll said.

Having been a teacher at New Buffalo for 43 years, Hartley has touched “thousands of young lives here in our community.”

“Her love for students, teaching math, baking goodies, field trip planning, concession stand volunteering, yearbook designing, laughing and joking, and being a constant presence in every student’s life will never be duplicated by anyone…No one gives or loves like Mrs. Hartley,” Knoll said.

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12 THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 Unique accessories abound at The Love Spell Boutique

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Krystan Iazzetto poses next to a table of accesories and clothing at The Love Spell Boutique

The Love Spell Boutique boasts fun, flowy fashions

New Buffalo native has come home to share her love of “flowy, free and fun” fashion with residents of and visitors to the area in her new store, The Love Spell Boutique.

“I call my store an antique, feminine cottage - I like things very antique looking but I want my clothes to feel flowy and free and something you don’t feel confined in,” owner Krystan Iazzetto said.

Customers who step in the store on South Clay Street will find a variety of dresses, shirts and shorts as well as accessories, such as earrings and necklaces.

Iazzetto said she gets new items every week. Recently, she’s begun carrying plus size clothing.

There are also “gifty items,” like beach blankets, beach bags and bath bombs.

Selling fun, laid back clothing was a no brainer for Iazzetto, as shopping for clothes has always

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

triggered a wave of pleasant, childhood memories in her mind.

When she was young, she and her cousin would “grab sheets and wrap them around ourselves in different ways and cut them out to make different dresses” for fashion shows.

She also remembers her grandmother dragging her along on mall runs.

“I just always loved shopping because it reminds me of being with people I love,” Iazzetto said.

A 2012 graduate of New Buffalo High School, Iazzetto studied fashion merchandise at Central Michigan University. After graduation, she moved to Dallas, where she was a sales representative for 26 different clothing lines.

After four years, she was moved to Atlanta.

As a sales representative, her job entailed traveling to 10 states at a time and

said.

Iazzetto said she plans to return to the New Buffalo Farmers’ Market every Thursday this summer as well as to be at the one in Michigan City.

While owning a store is a new experience for her, Iazzetto said she gained real-world experience while working at Darling Boutique in Michigan City.

“Seeing how they bought different merchandise and just kind of the customer interaction was interesting because you don’t learn that stuff in school – how to make your personality be bubbly and how to make a customer feel good when they’re in a dressing room and how to play off their emotions when trying things on,” she said.

If there’s one emotion that Iazzetto hopes customers will feel when they see themselves decked Fun clothing and accessories abound out in their new outfits at The Love Spell Boutique going to apparel markets in Las Vegas and New York. She even visited France for a sales meeting.

After moving back home when Covid-19 hit, she decided the time was right to start her own business.

“I saved up all of my money and started an online business - which a year later is a brickand-mortar business,” Iazzetto

while standing in front of the mirror, it’s spellbound.

“I just want them to feel good almost like they’re under a spell – ‘Oh my God, I don’t want to take this top off because it makes me feel so good’ - so I want it to kind of be a spell effect,” she said.

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he Love Spell Boutique is located at 7 E. Clay Street Unit 5 in New Buffalo.

Current hours of operation are Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More information is available by calling 269-389-9973 or at www.thelovespellboutique.com or on Facebook and Instagram.

On Saturday, May 28, there will be a grand opening event, where guests can enjoy refreshments and participate in giveaways and a gift with each purchase.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 13

Five Tips for Taking Care of Your Trees 1. Don’t prune ANY oaks from April 15th to September 30th. Oak wilt spreads readily during this time. Oak wilt will immediately kill any infected trees and will spread to your trees via root grafts if your neighbor prunes their oaks and they get infected. There is no treatment or cure for infected trees. Prevention is your Only choice.

2. Don’t “spike” your trees. Spiking causes wounds that lead to infection and tree decline. Anyone who spikes trees is causing long-term damage to the trees.

3. Avoid damage to the roots. Large trucks cause soil compaction and digging up roots cause frayed wounds that can’t heal and create access points for pathogens (fungi) that start root rot and weaken the trees structural stability. Lawn mowers can also cause damage to the root flares.

4. Keep a good amount of natural leaf litter and organic matter covering the roots under the canopy. Blowing leaves away from your trees can kill the fibrous roots by drying the exposed soil.

5. Consult an ISA Certified Arborist before doing anything to your tree.

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14 THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 15

OBITUARIES

Beverly Denise Harrington

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1935-2022

everly Denise Harrington, age 86, of Three Oaks, died peacefully Wednesday, May 18, 2022, in the comfort of her family’s presence.

Her life began September 22, 1935 in Dearborn, Michigan, the daughter of Thurber and Myrtle Becker. She married Allen Lee Harrington October 13, 1956 in Three Oaks, Michigan. After 53 years of marriage, he preceded her in death in 2010.

Beverly cherished her family and friends more than anything. She had a flare for arts and crafts, especially crocheting and ceramics. She loved to cook and watch her favorite cooking shows, traveling to northern Michigan and Florida, playing cards and board games, pinochle club, collecting antiques, snapping tons of photos over the years, and attending church every Sunday. Beverly loved her community and giving back. She was a member of

DEATH NOTICES

the Red Hat Society, Sisters in Faith, and for several years, alongside her late husband, she was Mrs. Claus in the Three Oaks Christmas parade.

Beverly will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by one daughter, Debra Robertson of Three Oaks; one son, E.J. (Tiffiny) Harrington of Marshall; one daughter-in-law, Nancy Harrington of Three Oaks; one brother, Julian (Betty) Becker of Three Oaks; one sister, Marlene Simpson of Benton Harbor; eleven grandchildren, Cody, Rachae, Troy, Elizabeth, Katharine, Anna, Joshua, Charlie, Daniel, Adeline, Samuel; nine great grandchildren, Rose, Isabella, Josephine, Cohen, Oakley, Eleanor, Arlo, Oliver, and Penelope; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents; she was preceded in death by her husband and one son, Cary Harrington.

The family will observe a private remembrance at this time. A memorial service at a later date and time will be announced.

The family appreciates all of the support and understanding they have received as they grieve this sudden loss.

Beverly will be laid to rest with her beloved husband in a private service in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Three Oaks.

The family prefers contributions in Beverly’s name be made to Three Oaks United Methodist Church, 2 East Sycamore Street, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks.

Please share a memory or a message online at www.wagnercares.com.

Doyle Eugene Tarwater

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1941-2022

oyle Eugene Tarwater, age 80, of Albuquerque, New Mexico formerly of Three Oaks died peacefully Monday, May 16, 2022 in the comfort of his family’s presence.

He died at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

His life began August 9, 1941 in Etowa, Arkansas the third of five children born to Raymond and Juil Tarwater.

The family moved to Three Oaks in 1951, where Doyle attended school and graduated in 1960. In May of 1961, he married Gloria Stanage and they made their home in New Buffalo. He started working for C&O Railroad in

Sophia N. Fatouros

1937-Wednesday, May 25, 2022 memory eternal

1965 and retired in 1985. He moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1986.

Doyle will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his children, Allan (Blanche) Tarwater of Channelview, Texas, James (Gidget) Tarwater of Conroe, Texas, Randy Tarwater of Channelview, Texas, Marla Tarwater of Channelview, Texas; five grandchildren, Justin, Aric, Kelli, Katie, Matthew; one step granddaughter, Rachel; one brother, Lyne Tarwater of Three Oaks; three sisters, Rosemary Bacon of Three Oaks, Audrey Conley of South Bend, Indiana, Betty (Dave) Umphrey of New Troy; his companion and dearest friend of twenty-two years, Delores Cheney of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Fr red Bacon; his sister-in-law, Sophia Tarwater; and brother-in-law, George Conley.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, May 28, 2022 from 12:00 noon until time of service at 1:00 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks.

Mr. Tarwater will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Three Oaks.

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

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

www.newbuffalotimes.com

16 THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

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The Acorn announces 2022 Acorn Anywhere! season

hree Oaks, Michigan - The Acorn is proud to announce the return of Acorn Anywhere! shows for summer 2022.

The concert series will kick off in La Porte June 11, travel to Fernwood Botanical Garden July 30 and conclude at The Common in Buchanan Aug. 20. All events are held rain or shine and are “BYO.” Attendees must bring their own beverages, snacks and chairs.

Ike Rielly Assassination will perform at 7 p.m.

Saturday, June 11, (doors open at 6 p.m.) at La Lumiere in La Porte. General Admission tickets are $35 advance/$40 day of show. Reserved Seating is $60 advance/$65 day of show. Tickets available at www. acornlive.org.

Since his explosive major label debut, “Salesmen and Racists,” Ike Reilly has been creating rebellious punk/ folk/country/blues-influenced rock ’n’ roll records that are poetic and cinematic.

Critical praise for his work has been plentiful, and he has garnered a wildly loyal fan base—from faithful fans in the dirty bars and rock clubs in the middle of nowhere to legendary authors.

Reilly’s songs have a unique universality that affects people. Author Stephen King wrote that Reilly’s travel band saga, “Boltcutter,” was “the best new song to come out of the Trump era.”

The New York Times called Reilly’s longtime band, The Assassination, one of the best live bands in America,

and once again they show their dexterity and growth on Reilly’s new offering, Because the Angels.

The Music of Ella & Billie is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 30 (doors open at 6 p.m.) at Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles. General Admission tickets are $35 advance/$40 day of show. Reserved seating is $60 advance/$65 day of show The Acorn is proud to present a memorable evening featuring the music of jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Featured is an all-star cast of four terrifically talented women, each with truly impressive singing, songwriting and theatrical backgrounds.

Vocalists include Patti Shaffner, Char Jones, Lauren Dukes and Meredith George. They are accompanied by the phenomenal jazz trio of Leandro López Várady, Buddy Pearson and Lannie Turner.

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est of Acorn Open Mic Night with host Joe Bisceglia will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 20 (doors open at 6 p.m. at The Common in Buchanan. The show is free, but reserved seating are $25.

Hosted by Joe Bisceglia, the show will include music from many Acorn favorites - Dylan Reed Leavitt, Jack Cunningham, Patti Shaffner, Riely O’Connor & Molly B. Moon, Joe & Paul, Brian Kanyer, Jamie Wagner and Dirty Sally.

Tickets for each show are available at acornlive.org.

Doors open for each show at 6 p.m. — STAFF REPORTS

HARBOR COUNTRY ROTARY TO HOST DINNER AND SPORTING GOODS, GARDENING ITEMS EXCHANGE

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free community cookout sponsored

by Harbor Country Rotary Club will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 15, at Watkins Memorial Park, Nels Drive and Locust Street (behind Harding’s Friendly Market) in Three Oaks.

All members of the Rotary service area are invited to join their neighbors in enjoying Drier’s hot dogs, chips, fruit, cookies, and drinks, all free of charge.

Harbor Country Rotary serves residents from the Indiana border to Browntown Road, from Lake Michigan to Dayton Road.

The event will also include a free exchange of gently used sports equipment and gardening items. Participants can bring what they no longer need and/or take what they need. Any items left at the end of the evening will be donated to Harbor Country Mission.

The Rotary Club’s new bookmobile, a traveling free library, will also be on site.

Books are free and don’t need to be returned.

The event is what Harbor Country Rotary Club President Tom Rosenbluth hopes will be the first of many community meals and exchanges to come.

“Our goal is simply to bring the community together to enjoy good food and conversation—no agenda, no speeches, no expectations beyond having a good time,” Rosenbluth said.

In partnership with the Facebook group Buy Nothing Three Oaks/New Buffalo, tables will be set up for the exchange of no longer needed sporting goods and gardening items.

“By sponsoring a community exchange, we also hope to help out people who find themselves with extra gardening tools or have kids who outgrow athletic equipment. Your extra clippers or too-small ice skates will likely find a home with a neighbor,” Rosenbluth said.

For more information and event updates, visit www.facebook.com/rotaryharborcountry.

— STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 17

HOR0SCOPE MAY 26-JUNE 1, 2022

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

There will be a tremendously strong magnetism entering your field this week and it is important you guide this to productive areas of your life. If you do not direct this energy, you may be overtaken by it and fall into a hedonistic pattern that only focuses on the physical and leaves the heart hanging.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

Travel is highlighted for you this week and it is a good time to make a clean get away or an even break. This is actually the best time to break things off and move out of bad relationships. This is the perfect time to set boundaries and standards. You will not have any trouble get rid of bad people.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

You do not mind losing if it has been a good fight with a worthy competitor.

You will not tolerate anyone who does not fight fair. You will find yourself more aggressive with others than usual this week. Especially when debating scandalous topics or confronting gossip.

Loose lips sink ships.

You are in a period of self-discovery and may be facing some things you have been afraid to see and look at. You have been refusing to see the depth at which you operate. This is an opportunity to realize what you are fully capable of dealing with and facing those things you fear on your own.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

It is time for you to fully embrace your good mood. Go ahead and sing in that shower every morning. Things may be moving at a head spinning pace but you really love the things you are doing and the opportunities you are attracting. This is your time to make money and receive extra benefits.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

You will be attracting people who will have a strong desire to take care of you and your problems. You will feel like the World is taking care of you and providing you with all that you need before you knew what you needed. The challenge will be in setting standards in order to get the best.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 The opportunity to bridge some major gaps between you another is coming your way this week. Follow your creative side in order to take full advantage of letting someone know how you really feel about them.

Humor, food and drink will go well with your charming nature in winning over anyone.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

You will enjoy looking and feeling good about yourself and your things this week. This is a great time to get your hair done or shop for some new cloths. You will have luck in finding just the right size and color.

There will be an extra charm and physical attractiveness to your personality.

Your good looks and steamy personality could get you into some trouble this week. You have a very strong magnetic personality that many people will have a hard time not noticing you. Be careful because you may attract someone who is already spoken for and you could have a jealous love triangle!

You are being stimulated to change many things and embrace new ways of doing things. It is a great time to venture out and try new food and discover new places. You may be surprised to find your new favorite place has been right around the corner all this time just waiting for you to walk into.

Tis’ the season for expansion in of love and communication.

Expect to feel a gentle push from outside forces in your love life. This is the perfect time to find exactly what you are looking for in the romance department. Be careful what you wish for because this week you just might get it.

This is an excellent time to create a harmonious space for others to talk about things that they would not normally tell anyone. Know that your kind and gentle nature is there even though you are unaware of it and you naturally put people at ease so get ready to hear some juicy love stories.

I feel I know more about AI than anyone I know, if I worked at Los Alamos, I’d work in AI. — Dino N. Fatouros

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18 26, 2022 22 THURSDAY, THURSDAY, MAY AUGUST 19, 2021

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219-393-3155 maplecitytree@comcast.net

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New Buffalo Times

Sizes from 8’x8’ to 32’x40’

— SINCE 1942 —

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 19

Mexico to New Buffalo drug kingpin awaits sentencing

BY STAN MADDUX

ustice is being handed down in connection with a human drug pipeline extending from Mexico to New Buffalo.

Adrian Romero Antunez, 35, of Chicago pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court at Grand Rapids to conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.

The announcement was made by the U.S. Attorney’s Office from the Western District of Michigan Tuesday, May 24.

According to federal authorities, Antunez was the last of eight defendants pleading guilty to their involvement in a transnational and interstate cocaine ring broken up last year.

Shipments of cocaine from Mexico were delivered to Chicago then supplied to Ivan Huerta Hernandez of New Buffalo, authorities said.

Authorities said Huerta Hernandez,

33, of 17813 Behner Road distributed the cocaine to dealers in Western Michigan and Northern Indiana.

Huerta Hernandez after entering a plea agreement recently is scheduled for sentencing July 21.

He’s looking at likely prison time and the possibility of having his 2004 Porsche Cayenne, 1969 Ford Mustang along with other cars seized because it appears they were purchased with drug proceeds, authorities said.

A

ccording to the FBI complaint, Huerta Hernandez drove to places like Benton Harbor to sell cocaine to customers and collect on debts they owed on previous buys.

The ring started unraveling from talks in Spanish and English between

Hernandez and his alleged customers on cell phones and in text messages being monitored under a court order for two months, the FBI complaint revealed.

Juan Martinez Camarillo, 37, of Michigan City, has already been sentenced to 57 months in prison.

Santiago Cardenas, 41, also of Michigan City is serving one year on probation.

Henry Nichols, 41, of Greenville, South Carolina, was given a 36-month prison sentence.

Antunez along with Donald Rogers, 62, of New Buffalo; Manuel Eudave, 54, of LaPorte; and Marcus Johnson, 41, of Benton Harbor are awaiting sentencing.

According to authorities, investigators confiscated over 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, roughly $100,000 in cash and six vehicles linked to cocaine trafficking when arrests started being made in November.

SERVICE DIRECTORY Regina Danikowski

Modular Home Construction

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Customize Your Own floor Plan Remodeling/ Home Improvement/ New Construction

219-808-1329

johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com Residential Builder MI License No. 2102222731

SVP of Mortgage Lending regina.danikowski@rate.com NMLS# 560041

630-707-7241

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Conven�onal, FHA, VA, second homes, investment proper�es, and more!

Your local mortgage lender

Dave Danikowski

AVP of Mortgage Lending dave.danikowski@rate.com NMLS# 1987671

630-606-7251 1515 W. Woodfield Rd, Ste 370 Schaumburg, IL 60173

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20 THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The City of New Buffalo has three openings on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

If you are interested in serving, please submit your application to the City Clerk’s Office by Monday, June 13, 2022 in person at 224 W. Buffalo Street or by email afidler@cityofnewbuffalo. org.

An application is available at: www.cityofnewbuffalo. org/documents/board-andcommissions-application/ Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis for all boards and commissions and are kept on file for a period of one year; applicants must not be in default to the City.

THE CITY OF NEW BUFFALO IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING RESUMES FOR A TEMPORARY (UNTIL APPROXIMATELY NOVEMBER) POSITION OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. Under the general supervision

of the City Manager, provides consistently excellent customer service in helping individuals at the front counter, answering and directing phone calls and responding to electronic communications. Carries out a variety of front counter functions including processing utility, tax and permit payments, distributes and processes mail, maintains office records, performs daily reconciliation of the cash drawer, provides general information about City services and assists department heads as needed.

Requirements include an Associate’s degree or equivalent education and at least 3 years of work relevant experience.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and able to learn municipal software programs. An opportunity to work with a great team dedicated to serving the city and its residents. Resumes will be accepted until the position if filled.

The City of New Buffalo is an equal opportunity employer.

VILLAGE OF MICHIANA BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED 2022-2023 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET The Village of Michiana will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2022-2023 fiscal year budget and the proposed millage rates for 2022 on Monday, June 10, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at the Village of Michiana Village Hall, 4000 Cherokee Drive, Michiana, MI 49117.

THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING. THE PROPOSED MILLAGE RATES

ARE AS FOLLOWS: Operating 6.9195 Mills Operating 0.9495 Mills Emergency Services 0.9528 Mills The proposed budget will be adopted at a special meeting of the Village of Michiana Village Council immediately following the public hearing. Action on the 2022 millage will also be taken at that meeting.

A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the Village of Michiana Village Hall, 4000 Cherokee Drive, Michiana, MI 49117.

This notice is posted in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Public Act 267 of 1976, as amended, (MCL 41.72a(2)(3)) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Village of Michiana Village Council will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon five day notice to the Village of Michiana Village Council.

Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Village of Michiana by writing or calling the following: Village of Michiana, 4000 Cherokee Drive, Michiana, Michigan, 49117, 269-469-4600.

The taxing unit publishing this notice and identified below has complete authority to establish the number of mills to be levied from within its authorized millage rate THIS NOTICE IS PUBLISHED

BY THE: VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL 4000 CHEROKEE DRIVE MICHIANA, MI 49117 269-469-4600

The Region of Three Oaks Museum to welcome returning ‘Oakers,’ offer Elm Street Tour on Flag Day Weekend

T

he familiar color scheme of purple and gold will welcome alumni of Three Oaks High School to their hometown museum on Flag Day weekend.

Uniforms of TOHS athletes, cheerleaders, and band members and other memorabilia will greet visitors to the museum Saturday, June 11. Three Oaks High School closed in 1966, when Three Oaks merged with New Troy schools to form the River Valley School District.

The special display will coincide with a longdelayed reunion for Three Oaks “Oakers.”

“We initially put together an exhibit of Three Oaks High memorabilia for our 2020 season,” said Judy Jackson, the museum’s collections director.

“When that reunion was postponed due to Covid, we kept the exhibit up, hoping there would be a reunion in 2021. We had to take down the exhibit this year to make way for new displays, but we kept the Three Oaks High artifacts together so we could do a pop-up exhibit on reunion weekend,” she added.

Also on June 11, the museum will offer a walking tour of Three Oaks’ historic Elm Street.

TROTOM board member Nick Bogert has been collecting images and stories of Elm Street history for more than two years. During the fourblock walking tour, Bogert will tell the “stories behind the storefronts” and show photos of Elm Street in decades past on a computer screen.

The tour will begin at 1 p.m. at the museum at 5 Featherbone Avenue in Three Oaks.

There is no admission charge for TROTOM or the walking tour, though donations are welcome.

The Region of Three Oaks Museum, open noon to 5 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October, is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the rich history of the area. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 21

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, 2, 3 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.

30 N Whittaker St CONSTRUCTION WORKERS EXPERIENCE PREFERRED day Carpentry drywall flooring tile setting windows doors and decking.Deli Must by be 18 years or older with valid drivers license. Heavy lifting involved. 219-808-1329. johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com.

SOUS CHEF/LINE COOK — PRIVATE CLUB We are looking for a professional Sous Chef/Line Cook to be the second in command in our newly renovated kitchen, following our Executive Chef’s specifications and guidelines. The successful candidate will employ its culinary skills to play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing our customers satisfaction.

Enjoy the benefits of working for a private club. Weekend availability required. Yearround employment. Competitive Wages and Seasonal Bonus. Please e-mail Ryan at Ryannbyc@gmail.com.

Open 6 days davidsdeliandcoffee.com KITCHEN ASSISTANT — PRIVATE CLUB We are looking for a motivated individual to help assist the Executive Chef with menu preparations, maintaining a clean kitchen, and dishwasher. Enjoy the benefits of working for a private club. Competitive wages and Seasonal Bonus. No experience required, will train. Weekend availability required. Year-round employment. Please e-mail Ryan at Ryannbyc@gmail.com.

30 N Whittaker St Deli by day

30 N Whittaker St Bar by night

Open 6 days davidsdeliandcoffee.com

Open Thursday-Monday thefalsefrontbar.com

INTEGRITY • EXPERIENCE • SUCCESS

CHICAGO, IL • NEW BUFFALO, MI

SERVICES

MARK A. LAROSE

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.

ATTORNEY AT LAW MLAROSE@LAROSEBOSCOLAW.COM CONTACT US NEW BUFFALO 269-469-8440 CHICAGO 312-642-4414 TOLL FREE 877-500-1965

REAL ESTATE: Full Service Residential, Commercial, Easements, Beach Rights BUSINESS LAW: Corporations, Partnerships, LLCs, Sole Proprietorships INJURY LAW: Serious Injuries, Wrongful Death, Accidents

WWW.LAROSEBOSCOLAW.COM

O

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22 THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

T.269.358.8159

ADVERTISING . MARKET . DIGITAL

New Buffalo Times

PLEASE CONTACT JANINE L. ADAMSKI JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM • 630-370-0820

139 N. WHITTAKER ST, NEW BUFFALO, MI 49117

269.469.9180 OPEN EVERYDAY

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @customs _ imports

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022 23

Trust It To Be Wonderful Don’t miss our new concert series that puts the spotlight on regional talent every Wednesday night.

MIDWEST MADE

Whittaker Street 11 N.N.Whittaker Street Suite A A Suite NewBuffalo, Buffalo, MI MI 49117 New 49117

RESTAURANT

269.469.3636 269.469.3636

16409 Red Arrow Highway | Union Pier

www.hometownpharmacy.com www.hometownpharmacy.com “Just what thewhat doctorthe ordered!”

“Just

doctor ordered!”

___________________________________________________________________ 685 West Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 | (269) 983-0325 | passarokahne.com 17656A US Highway 12, New Buffalo, MI 49117 | (269) 469-5297 | Fax: (269) 983-0328

• Business/Tax Law • Estate Planning • Medicaid & Long-Term

Care Planning

• Real Estate • Special Needs Planning • Probate and Trust

Administration

Feel at Ease with McGhee’s

Buddy Pearson 3

Mike Struwin Band

Water Street Wranglers

Sankofa

Abbie Thomas Band

Chicago Farmer & The Fieldnotes

WED 6/15 7 P.M. ET WED 6/22 7 P.M. ET WED 6/29 7 P.M. ET

Open Mic w/ The Edgar Willbury Experience WED 7/6 7 P.M. ET

Kaitlin Rose & The Band of Thorns WED 7/13 7 P.M. ET

WED 7/20 7 P.M. ET WED 7/27 7 P.M. ET

WED 8/3 7 P.M. ET

The Backups & The Get Downs WED 8/10 7 P.M. ET

Lake Effect Jazz Big Band WED 8/17 7 P.M. ET

Find more events at

acornlive.org

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION EMERGENCY SERVICE • LICENSED & INSURED

FREE Ecobee 3 Thermostat, Aprilaire Media Air Cleaner & First Year C.A.R.E Club Membership

WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD WITH THE INSTALLATION OF AN AIR CONDITIONER UNIT WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Join our C.A.R.E. Club Maintenance Program We service all brands and provide “Air Quality” Products Facebook “f ” Logo

269-466-0123 • 269-469-6388 7301 Red Arrow Hwy., Stevensville, MI 49127

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24 THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2022

Sunday 10:15 am

Do you have a growing to-do list?

A Home Equity Line of Credit can help!

Apply today at tcunet.com/HomeEquity ©Teachers Credit Union. NMLS# 686706. All loans subject to equity qualifications, credit approval and membership requirements.

IN PERSON SERVICE Nursery and Childrens Church PARKING LOT SERVICE OPTIONAL

Find Us On search: Calvary Chapel New Buffalo

Listen In Your Vehicle At 89.1 FM

Visit calvarychapelnb.org for current updates, weekly bulletin & bible study information.

1615 East Buffalo St • Pastor Len Pera • 269-548-9980

AVA I L A B L E 5 P M 8 C L O S E walk-ins encouraged and limited reservations available

T ue s d ay pasta tr adition W ed ne s d ay FResh catch T hur s d ay heart y homest yle

362 journeymandistillery.com | downtown three oaks | 269-820-2050 |