June 8, 2023

Election board rejects language in recall petition PAGE 4

Local high school musicals awarded at LMC’s WAVE Awards

PAGE 6

La Porte County man charged over his alleged obsession with Taylor Swift PAGE 9

Bike and Brunch celebrates its 10th anniversary PAGE 18

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Mayor feels push back in La Porte annexation effort

La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody says enough signatures have been obtained for the city to move forward in the process of annexing the 39 North Conservancy District.

However, the district board seems to be telling the mayor not so fast if victory is what he’s trying to declare.

Dermody made the announcement about having the necessary signatures the day after a city imposed May 31 deadline expired for property owners in the district to sign a petition in favor of annexation.

“We are excited to partner with the conservancy board and its residents to improve the infrastructure in this area and position the 39 North community for future growth,” he said.

In response, the board during its regularly scheduled meeting on Friday voted not to further discuss permission to annex unless it’s provided a fiscal plan on how the city will deliver services to district residents for three-years after they’re annexed.

“The fiscal plan is required under statute so that both this board and the city council knows what’s the cost of taxpayers,” he said.

The city has offered $2 million to purchase the water and sewer lines the district paid $5.2 million to have installed over 20 years ago in exchange for the board approving a consent agreement for the city to annex.

The infrastructure worked to bring more industrial and residential growth

BY STAN MADDUX

to the district whose boundaries extend along Indiana 39 from the city limits to the Indiana Toll Road.

However, the district can no longer grow unless the water lines are replaced with larger ones to meet demand from more customers.

The city has presented a plan to finance what would be an over $10 million cost for adding water capacity to the system.

Currently, the district lacks the funding to pay for such improvements. .

To return to the bargaining table, the board also wants to know if proceeds from a sale of the infrastructure can be given to district property owners in the form of credits on their water and sewer bills as compensation for their investment.

District Attorney Shaw Friedman said there is some reason to believe the funds might have to go to county government judging from a previous case law decision related to annexation.

“This board and the city council needs to know where’s that money go. Can it go out and be paid out as discounts to the freeholders of this district as I think folks would like to see or can it not,” he said.

Friedman also said he’s not been presented with any of the signatures Dermody claims to have obtained.

The signatures on a petition must be filed in court by Oct. 1.

Once filed, Friedman said they can be challenged to make sure they meet

the requirements during a verification process, he said.

Under state law, municipalities have to acquire support from either a majority of property owners or property owners representing 60 percent of the assessed valuation to annex targeted areas.

The effort in La Porte has turned bitter recently with people opposed to annexation criticizing Dermody for taking a heavy handed approach.

He’s been called a “bully” and portrayed as one in drawings posted on social media.

Dermody said it’s unfortunate some people took things personally since his push for annexation began three years ago.

He said the effort was strictly about doing what’s right for both sides.

Dermody said district residents would have better services without an increase in property taxes while the city would expand to an area ripe for more growth once upgrades are made to the water system.

“What’s best for these residents and business owners has always been at the heart of this discussion and we are happy to have their support to move forward,” he said.

Friedman said litigation is an option for the district if Dermody were to move forward in the annexation process without a consent agreement.

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

Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30PM

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 4PM

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP

PLANNING COMMISSION

Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM

SHERIFF BERRIEN COUNTY

L. Paul Bailey, Sheriff

Chuck Heit, Undersheriff NEW BUFFALO AREA

RECREATIONAL AUTHORITY

Meets at 10AM on the 2nd Wednesday of every other month (odd) at New Buffalo Township Hall, 17425 Red Arrow Highway New Buffalo

NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD

LISA WERNER, JOHN HASKINS, DENISE CHURCHILL, BRADLEY BURNER, VANESSA THUN, STEPHEN DONNELLY, GREG VOSBERG

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

Election board rejects language in recall petition

Another attempt to recall the mayor of New Buffalo has failed to clear the first hurdle.

The Berrien County Election Board on May 31 failed to approve the language on a petition seeking to recall John Humphrey over the dramatic increase in water and sewer bills.

The board felt the language stating the reason was not clear enough for voters to understand when deciding whether to remove Humphrey prior to the end of his four-year term.

The petition stated Humphrey should be recalled because of his decision at a city council meeting June 20, 2022, where he voted to approve updating the schedule of water and sewer rates effective Aug. 1, 2022.

The board felt the language was not factual because it sought to recall Humphrey as council member and mayor.

Humphrey was elected to the city council in November of 2020 and later appointed mayor by a majority of the city council.

The board also cited typos in the language that make it unclear.

“I thought they did a thorough job in reviewing the petition and language based on state statute,” Humphrey said.

Humphrey said the language on the petition also made it seem as if he acted alone in raising the water and sewer rates.

He said the vote by the city council was unanimous after following the standard process used in decision making.

“We showed a tremendous amount of due diligence in how this decision was made. To act like this was an individual action or something I did by myself or took lightly is completely untrue,” he said.

During the hearing, Humphrey presented language he believed was more well-rounded for voters to make an educated decision on a petition.

His proposed language states the increase in water and sewer fees was a

BY STAN MADDUX

unanimous decision by the city council and came at the recommendation of the city manager and the city’s financial advisors to comply with the city’s legal requirements as a member of the Galien River Sanitary District Sewer Authority.

The board did not respond to the language he suggested.

Humphrey said most of the rate hike is from increasing the ready to serve fee on sewer service from $14 to $60.

He said the increase was needed because rates hadn’t been raised enough since the late 1990s to keep up with the city’s share of the rising cost for operating and maintaining the waste water treatment plant.

New Buffalo, New Buffalo Township, Chikaming Township, Lake Township and Bridgman form the Galien River Sanitary District, which operates and maintains the plant also serving Weesaw Township.

Humphrey said the city’s fund used for plant operation and maintenance had more than $300,000 in red ink annually in recent years because of inflation outpacing the amount collected in sewer fees.

Property tax revenue was allocated to cover the yearly sewer fund deficits, he said.

Humphrey said the sewer fund now has a surplus, which frees up property tax dollars once servicing the deficit to go toward roads and other projects in the city.

The recall petition was filed by New Buffalo resident and business owne r John Taylor.

Taylor said chances are the language will be revised on another recall petition in hopes of gaining approval from the election board.

“I think we’ll have another run at it. I believe that to be the case,” he said.

Election board approval of language on any recall petition in Berrien County opens the door to a signature drive.

A required number of signatures from registered voters in a community where a recall is sought must be obtained by petitioners and validated by the election board for a special election to be called.

Taylor said Humphrey did not formally act alone in deciding to raise water and sewer rates but it’s his agenda a majority of the city council seems determined to put through ever since he was elected.

He said a ban on additional short term rentals in residential areas is one of Humphrey’s agenda items the council adopted last year.

Taylor helped obtain signatures in a recall attempt of Humphrey last year over his support of the new the short term rental cap.

The drive fell short when the Berrien County Clerk’s Office threw out enough signatures to cause the amount to fall below the 219 verified signatures required for a special election.

Taylor said a lot of people, including business owners, are struggling from increases of 50-percent of more on their bi-monthly utility bills.

He said a better decision would have been to phase in the increase over a several year period to prepare water and sewer customers now left suffering from “sticker shock.”

Time is running out for opponents of Humphrey to have him removed from office early.

In Michigan, elected officials in Michigan cannot be the target of a recall during their first and last years.

Humphrey will begin the final year of his current term in November.

Taylor said a lot of citizens are upset with Humphrey and his “cavalier attitude” on decisions despite how the public feels.

“There’s a fairly large ground swell of volunteers who want to see this go forward,” Taylor said.

Local high school musicals awarded at LMC’s WAVE Awards

Dwayne Whitmyer, director of the New Buffalo Performing Arts Center, received the “Outstanding Set Design in a Musical” award at the second annul WAVE Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theatre at the Mendel Center Mainstage on the Benton Harbor Campus Wednesday, May 24.

Nine local high Schools participated in the awards ceremony.

This year’s WAVE Awards had grown to include students and arts educators from Berrien, Van Buren, and Cass Counties in Michigan and St. Joseph County in Indiana. The participating schools were evaluated by 12 adjudicators, and about 550 students participated in the musicals that were reviewed.

“It is astonishing how the arts community has rallied around this idea. In just one year, we have almost tripled the number of participating schools and have seen tremendous growth in returning schools,” said Kristopher Zook, LMC Dean of Arts & Sciences and founder of the WAVE Awards. “It was a fantastic night to celebrate and honor high school musical theatre in our community. We want to foster the talent of these students and give them even more opportunities to learn and grow while building a sense of community in the arts that lasts well beyond high school.”

All nominees received an LMC Red Hawk Scholarship good for a threecredit course taken within the next four academic years and written feedback from a panel of arts professionals. The lead actor recipients also received $1,000 WAVE Award Scholarships to participate in LMC Visual & Performing Arts coursework.

The Esprit de corps Award recognizes the spirit of support and unity that a school demonstrates in its shows.

“The Esprit de corps Award honors those who go above and beyond, working hard to bring theatre to their students and community. It is a reminder that rolling up our sleeves, giving our time and support, and lifting one another up are important parts of the arts and are needed in the world today,” said King.

“It is astonishing how the arts community has rallied around this idea. In just one year, we have almost tripled the number of participating schools and have seen tremendous growth in returning schools,” said Kristopher Zook, LMC Dean of Arts & Sciences and founder of the WAVE Awards.

“It was a fantastic night to celebrate and honor high school musical theatre in our community. We want to foster the talent of these students and give them even more opportunities to learn and grow while building a sense of community in the arts that lasts well beyond high school.”

Loosely designed after Broadway’s famed Tony Awards, the WAVE Awards recognizes, encourages, and promotes high school theater. Individuals and productions from participating schools were nominated in 14 acting and technical categories. Two of those categories, Outstanding Featured “Special Cast Member” in a Musical and the Esprit de corps Award, were new for this year.

The Outstanding Featured “Special Cast Member” in a Musical recognizes students and advisors who create memorable characters for the shows using carpentry, puppetry and robotics.

The following is list of the other 2022-2023 WAVE Award winners: Outstanding Lighting Design in a Musical - Dowagiac High School, “The SpongeBob Musical”, Lincoln Clark; Outstanding Costume Design in a Musical - Dowagiac High School, “The SpongeBob Musical”, Ravan Bakeman and Paige Behnke; Outstanding Choreography in a MusicalPaw Paw High School, “Footloose: The Musical”, Sophia Marie Louden; Outstanding Musical Direction in a Musical - Penn High School, “Cinderella”, Andrew Nemeth; Outstanding Orchestra (Band) in a Musical - Lakeshore High School, “Legally Blonde: The Musical”, Matthew Pagel; Outstanding Featured Ensemble in a Musical - Bridgman High School, “Shrek, Jr.”, Fairytale characters; Outstanding Featured “Special” Cast Member - Dowagiac High School, The SpongeBob Musical”, Gary; Dowagiac Robotics Club operated by Olivia Stockwell; Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical - Cassopolis Ross Beatty High School, My Fair Lady”, Alfred P. Doolittle, Ethan Pflug; Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical (two awards were given in this category) - Dowagiac High School, “The SpongeBob Musical”, Squidward Q. Tentacles, Jessica Schrader and Penn High School - “Cinderella”, Gabrielle, Tess Kavadas; Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical (three awards were given in this category)Bridgman High School, “Shrek, Jr.”, Fiona, Summer Fast; Paw Paw High School - “Footloose: The Musical”, Ren McCormack, Max Crawford; St. Joseph High School, “Mamma Mia!”, Donna Sheridan, Abby Berry; Esprit de corps Award - Hartford High School, “Shrek: The Musical;” Outstanding Direction in a Musical - Paw Paw High School,” Footloose: The Musical” Kristofer M. Perkins and Outstanding Musical Production: Penn High School; “Cinderella.” —

A Symphony Orchestra

Summer Pop Up Concert Series to take place in New Bufflo, St. Joseph and surrounding area

After a successful start last week, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra’s Pop Up! Concerts will continue this Thursday, June 8, and will feature members of the symphony orchestra and friends.

Cellist Brooke Bennett and his wife, violinist Jessica Bennett will perform at 4 p.m. in the garden at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, 505 Market St., St. Joseph. The Bennett’s will share a wide variety of music for string duo including classical favorites, popular fiddle tunes, Irish jigs, Broadway hits and well-known film music.

These concerts were started during the pandemic as a thank you to the community for its support of the SMSO. They are free to the public; however, if you are so moved, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to help ensure the fiscal health of the SMSO. The SMSO hopes the community will enjoy these rousing orchestral offerings.

The Wood Stock and Grill food truck will be on site for anyone who would like to purchase food or drink to enjoy during the concert.

The following is the upcoming schedule for additional Pop-Up Concerts:

• JUNE 15 – The Formosa Duo will perform at 4 p.m. at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, St. Joseph

• JUNE 22 – The Martin Wind Duo will perform at 4 p.m. at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, St. Joseph

• JUNE 29 – A String Chamber Ensemble will perform at 5:30 p.m. at the Lions Pavilion Park, New Buffalo;

• AUGUST 3 – A String Quartet will perform at 6 p.m. at the Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph;

• AUGUST 10 – A Classical Duo will perform at 6 p.m. at the Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph;

• AUGUST 17 – The Dvorak String Quintet will perform at 6 p.m. at the Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph;

• AUGUST 24 – The KalHaven Strings will perform at 6 p.m. at the Dwight P. Mitchell City Park, Benton Harbor nd

• AUGUST 31 – A String Quartet will perform at 6 p.m. at The GhostLight Theatre, Benton Harbor.

These concerts are supported, in part, by the Berrien Community Foundation, The Monday Musical Club, New Buffalo Arts Council, Horizon Bank of New Buffalo, as well as an award from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

— STAFF REPORTS

TOWN SQUARE

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New Buffalo Times

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

FOR THE RECORD...

As the former city treasurer, I am writing to clarify statements from the May 25th article “New Buffalo Mayor the target of another recall attempt”. In reference to the status of the city’s sewer fund, it was stated that “the city’s fund used for plant operation and maintenance had more than $300,000 in red ink annually in recent years” and “property tax revenue was allocated to cover the yearly sewer fund deficits”.

I served as the city treasurer since 2016. I was proud to be an integral part in bringing the city into financial stability and promoting financial transparency. This letter is not a commentary on specific persons or politics. It is simply to correct information.

The upcoming budget can be viewed on the city’s website by clicking on “meetings”, then “city council meetings” then “4-20-23 final packet”. The sewer fund budget is on page 30 of the packet. The net of revenues/appropriations—fund 590 line at the bottom of the page shows whether each year ended with a surplus or a deficit. In 2017-18 the fund ended with a surplus of $124,698; in 2018-19 a surplus of $219,827; in 2019-20 a deficit of $219,563; in 202021 a surplus of $119,157; and in 2021-22 a surplus of $26,360. The sewer fund had a deficit once—in 2019. That being said, sewer costs have increased and it has been difficult to fund preventative maintenance. However, the statement that the sewer fund had more than $300,000 in red ink annually in recent years is inaccurate.

Additionally, at the top of the same page under “estimated revenues”, line 590-000-699.000 “transfer in” shows any monetary transfers made into the sewer fund. One transfer was made in 2017 to cover the sewer’s fund’s portion of the bond payment for the downtown project. No other transfers have been made from the general fund into the sewer fund in the past 6 years. Property tax revenue is deposited into the general fund. Therefore, general fund monies or property taxes have not been allocated to cover yearly sewer fund deficits. And, as previously clarified, there have not been yearly sewer fund deficits.

I wish my successor the best and sincerely hope the city continues to be fiscally responsible.

KATE VYSKOCIL, NEW BUFFALO

Pieces of La Porte history to be on auction block

BY STAN MADDUX

The public will get a chance to own some of the original wooden seats in the near century old Civic Auditorium in La Porte.

A one-week online auction for the seats is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Friday, June 8.

The bidding will end at noon June 16.

Civic Auditorium Director Brent Binversie said 270 of the 1,382 seats in the building where the late comedian Bob Hope once performed will go out for bid.

Binversie said there are just three single seats in the building while the rest come in sections of mostly 13 seats held together on a single steel frame.

Just the single seats and sections of two to seven seats along with a handful of 13 seat sections will be available for bidding, he said.

Binversie said the rest of the seats will be turned over to Larson Danielson Construction, the La Porte based company hired to take out the seats as part of the final stage of a $6 million modernization of the building.

Larson Danielson was involved in constructing the Civic Auditorium completed in 1929.

“We’re very happy to have them involved in the renovation project here in 2023,” he said.

The old seats will be replaced with plastic seats that are two inches wider with cushions and cup holders.

The seating aisles and steps will be widened. Hand rails in the aisles are also going to be installed.

Binversie said the idea is for the audience to feel more comfortable and safer while attending concerts, sporting events and other functions.

He said the upcoming improvements, which

include air conditioning, will better position the Civic Auditorium booked more for entertainment by the city in recent years for hosting additional events particularly during the summer.

Binversie said he believes there will be a good response to the auction because of the history of the seats.

He said the seats also carry sentimental value for people who used to attend La Porte High School basketball games years ago when the facility was the home of the Slicers or some other major event or special occasion.

“We have received a lot of calls about when they are going up for sale,” he said.

The bidding will start at $50 for single seats and climb until reaching $350 for 13 seat sections.

Money collected from the auction will be placed into the general fund of the park department, which oversees the Civic Auditorium.

Big name acts who performed there in more recent times include country music superstars Randy Travis and Clint Black along with the late Davey Jones of the Monkees.

Park Department Superintendent Mark Schreiber said Charlie Finley brought his World Series champion Oakland A’s to the Civic Auditorium for a banquet in the early ‘70s.

Finley, who died in 1996, lived just outside La Porte.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for those who want a piece of La Porte history to be able to own it,” he said.

New Buffalo library program to celebrate great comediennes

Film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek will present a program on classic comediennes from movies and TV at the New Buffalo Library at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 20.

The program will include a multimedia presentation featuring funny women such as Gracie Allen, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden and more.

Bochenek is an archivist, film historian and scholar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. She is also president of the Windy City Film Fanatics. Her programs are popular at libraries, including the Newberry Library

in Chicago, and at other venues. She is a regular columnist for Turner Classic Movies and an assistant professor at Purdue University.

Bochenek’s presentation in New Buffalo is sponsored by the Friends of the New Buffalo Library. All are welcome, and there is no charge to attend.

The New Buffalo Township Library is located at 33 N. Thompson Street in downtown New Buffalo. — STAFF REPORTS

Crash involving a train, vehicle results in serious injuries

Adriver received serious injuries after his vehicle was hit by a train in Galien Township Monday, June 6.

According to a press release from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office that was made by Lt. Johnson, at approximately 11:29 a.m., first responders were dispatched to the rail road crossing on Pardee Road near U.S. Highway 12 in Galien Township for a train versus car crash.

“The vehicle was traveling south on Pardee Road and went around the activated rail road crossing arms and was hit by the train traveling west. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle received serious injuries,” Johnson stated in the release.

The driver, who was a 44-year-old male from Three Oaks, was transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital. As of June 7, he was in stable condition. The crash is still under investigation.

Responding agencies were Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Three Oaks Police, Chickaming Police, Amtrak Police, Three Oaks Ambulance, SMCAS Ambulance and Galien Fire. —STAFF REPORTS

SPORTS

From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

While basically a column about sports, there have been times when sports were not the focus.

As I sat down to write this week’s column, I thought this might be one of those weeks. After some deliberation, I decided to rethink my position. After all, the NBA finals have begun and appear to be headed toward an exciting, hard fought conclusion. About one third of the Major League Baseball season is over and little has been decided.

The NFL always finds ways to pique our interest and their Organized Team Activities are absolutely doing that across the nation but particularly in Chicago where Bears fans can’t wait to find out how good their team will be. Finally, hockey has returned to center stage in Chicago with the Blackhawks about to draft super kid Connor Bedard. I’ve been around a very long time, and I can’t remember the last time the Blackhawk and Bear fans were this excited and optimistic.

So, is the optimism warranted? Let’s start with the Bears.

They were the worst team in the league last year. Since then the Packers traded the quarterback that “owned” the Bears, Aaron Rodgers. The Bears added two starting offensive linemen, an exceptional wide receiver, a couple of defensive linemen, two linebackers, and a cornerback. Most importantly, fans are excited about their quarterbacks improvement. Going from worst to first, at least in their division, is not out of the question. Fans, including myself, can’t wait for September 10th. when opening day pits the Bears against the Packers.

What about the Blackhawks? Somehow, it doesn’t seem fair that an entire rabid fan base are pinning their hope’s on a 17-year-old, but that’s exactly what is happening. Right now, Bedard is only a prospect, but the young man has credentials that only superstars can match. In fact, this past season in the Canadian Hockey League, his accomplishments included player of the year, top scorer, and top draft prospect, becoming the first player in league history to win all three awards.

I heard a hockey professional wonder aloud if Bedard would score a point a game in his rookie season. Probably not this season, but soon the Blackhawks should be back in contention for multiple Stanley Cups. With all the attention on the Bears and Blackhawks, maybe the Bulls can rebuild quietly and Chicago can become the winter sports capital of the nation.

I would be remiss if I didn’t talk a little bit about baseball. Both the Cubs and Sox had better weeks and because they play in divisions that aren’t very strong this year, they’re still in the race. White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendricks won his recent battle with cancer and today, on National Cancer Survivor Day, he won his first game since his return. Congrats Liam, we’re all proud of you.

Shel Silverstein said, “I will not play at tug o’ war. I’d rather play at hug o’ war, Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles And rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, And everyone grins, And everyone cuddles, And everyone wins.”

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

Software is eating the world, but AI is going to eat software.

— Jensen Huang

La Porte County man charged over his alleged obsession with Taylor Swift

BY STAN MADDUX

ALong Beach man was still being held Wednesday, June 7, in the La Porte County Jail on allegations that include being stopped by security multiple times in his bid to reach superstar recording artist Taylor Swift.

Mitchell Taebel, 36, of 2020 Golden Gate Drive is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with level 5 felony stalking; level 6 felony intimidation along with invasion of privacy and harassment, both misdemeanors.

The man was returned to the jail following his initial hearing Tuesday after Judge Jamie Oss denied his request to be released on his own recognizance.

Taebel was being held on $15,000 cash only bond.

The 33-year-old Swift is in the midst of her wildly popular Eras Tour, which included three recent performances at Soldier Field in Chicago and upcoming shows Friday and Saturday in Detroit.

According to court documents, his alleged criminal activity beginning March 25 included sending a voice message to her official Instagram account stating “he would happily wear a bomb if he cannot be with his soul mate.”

The next day, he allegedly left a message for Swift’s father claiming to be her “soulmate” and sent her a picture the following week on Instagram of someone firing a handgun at a gun range, police said.

The picture also contained a message threatening harm to Swift and all of her dancers.

In another message to the pop artist, he said “Y’all get ready you thugs because we’re going to cancel this damn tour and still destroy you,”

according to court documents.

Attached to that message was a picture of a man holding an AR-15 rifle, police said.

In the coming weeks, there were also messages from Taebel expressing a desire to meet and for them to be together and then “shoot ourselves if we had to,” court documents revealed.

On May 5, police said Taebel traveled to some luxury condominiums in Nashville, Tennessee, believing Swift was there and, while claiming to be a “popular TV host, asked security to let her know he was in the lobby.

He allegedly fled when police were called.

According to court documents, he went to Nissan Stadium in Nashville where Swift was scheduled to perform that evening.

He was near a VIP area when recognized from a list of security threats and removed for safety reasons.

After returning home, he allegedly posted a message wishing death for people who think it’s illegal to go to where somebody lives to see if they want to meet.

Police said he also maintained thoughts of him being elected President and Swift becoming his First Lady.

According to court documents, Swift’s management team obtained a temporary restraining order, which was served to Taebel on May 13.

He allegedly violated the order by posting more messages about Swift and tagging her on social media, court records disclosed.

Taebel has accounts dedicated to Swift on YouTube and Facebook.

New Buffalo seniors given praise, advice on navigating the ‘marathon of life’

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

At the New Buffalo High School Class of 2023’s commencement, which took place in the middle/ high school’s multiplex field Saturday, June 3, New Buffalo High School Principal Tracy Ripley listed the following accomplishments that the students have achieved while at New Buffalo: 12 of them are Senior Scholars, 13 students have STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) endorsements, six have achieved the Seal of Biliteracy, two of them have received the Career and Technical Education Student of the Year award and three have postsecondary endorsements and certifications already achieved.

In addition, the class has 354 college credits earned with an additional 132 potential college credits that they’re waiting for scores on as well as $236,000 in scholarship money.

“To say the class of 2023 is outstanding is quite an understatement,” Ripley said. Students accomplished all this while navigating a global pandemic, which took place in their freshmen and sophomore years.

“To the class of 2023, this has truly been an historic and unforgettable journey that has prepared you for the future, whatever it may hold – students, individually, your experience is unique but together, you share a common experience as members of the New Buffalo High School Class of 2023,” Ripley said.

As coaches for both the middle and high school track teams, the class’ co-advisors, Natalie Walter and Nate Jones reminded the class that an age-old saying applied to their individual experiences to get to these achievements: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Since they were embarking on their respective teaching careers when the students were still in middle school, Walter and Jones got to witness the students reach certain “mile markers” in their school careers.

The graduates fill the multiplex field

Treasure Samuka poses with her diploma

Amelia Selir accepts her diploma

Jaylen Eidam accepts his diploma Alexander Thompson walks across the stage

Benjamin Dailey accepts his diploma

Addison Stover and Amelia Selir reflect on junior and senior years

This includes inside the classroom as well as outside, as Walter said they “played with poise and promise” at band concerts, “dominated the track and field in athletics,” “unleashed their creative sides” in theater and “dressed to impress” at dances.

After these first “miles together” in their education, Jones told the students they then found their “footing and your interests and gained more confidence as you set your sights on the next mile marker: high school.” Like any race, students then changed their strategy and created “new goals” for themselves, tackling new extracurricular activities and academic pursuits.

Each decision that the graduates made, Jones said, helped them “figure out how to propel you to your next checkpoint: graduation.”

“Now, as you gear up for the next part of your marathon, whether you enter directly into the workforce, pursue a trade or continue your education, remember to trust yourself, go forward with confidence and determination, continue to utilize your skill sets and knowledge and go after what’s important to you…Remember the lessons learned and embrace any and all challenges, take advantage of the opportunities that will come your way and savor the victories,” Walter said.

Camille Czech, who gave the senior address, said that she has no doubt that, whatever individual paths the students choose to tread down in the marathon of life, they will make an impact on society.

But she advised students to let society also have an impact an them.

“See the potential in every opportunity that is presented to you and reach for it - you will never know how much of an influence one decision will have on your life until that decision is made,” she said.

Students should also be on the lookout for what they admire most about individuals around them and strive to be like them as well as “be kinder, be selfless, be dependable, be a leader.”

“I challenge you to go out of your way each

Brady Lewis accepts his diploma

Alexie Joyner-Parmley poses with her diploma

Camille Czech gives the senior address

Samantha Smith accepts her diploma

The high school band plays Nostalgia

The newly graduates Class of 2023

The Senior Scholars face the crowd

day to make someone’s time on Earth alittle better - even the smallest action can have the greatest impact…It’s so easy to make a significant difference in other people’s lives, so why not do it?” she said

“I m so incredibly proud of everything my class has accomplished thus far and I‘m eager to see what we achieve in the future.”

This year’s crop of Senior Scholars are: Camille Rosemarie Czech, Richard Eberly, Matthew Duane

Fidler, Carys McColl Gallas, Amanda Jean Jones, Ren Sandra Nash, Keagen Currie Papke, Joseph Robert Pokuta, Ella Kensington Roch, Samantha Ann Smith, Addison Paige Stover, and Alexander Keith Thompson.

Members of the Class of 2023 are: Romario Alex Arana***, Marta Catherine Baughman**, Aaliyah Marie Bradshaw*, Ava Grace

Brown*, Luke Robert Lee Brown, Jordan Elizabeth Bryk, Evan S Burian, ThomasWhite Ciccarelli, Ethan Collis, Ellie Kathleen Cybulski*, Camille Rosemarie Czech****, Benjamin Allen Dailey, Jaylen Jason Eidam*,

Haruki Richard Eberly****, David Lucas Fairchild*, Matthew Duane Fidler***, Carys McColl Gallas****, Estelle Globensky, Ariana

Leticia De La Rosa-Huizar, Landon Jason Haskins*, Samuel John Haskins*, Neil Edward Johnson, Amanda Jean Jones****, Kaitlyn Marie Jones*, Theodore Kohl*, Lillyana Eve Landess, Dru Thompson

Larimer*, Brady Edward Lewis*, Caleigh

Lynn Livengood*, Milo Ludwig, Evan Michael Messinger*, Ren Sandra Nash***, Maxwell Ross Nikkel*, Isabella Simone Notorangelo**, Keagen Currie Papke****, Alexie Ann JoynerParmley***, Joseph Robert Pokuta****, Ella Kensington Roch ****, Lily Rae Ruszkowski, Treasure Ella Samuka*, Elizabeth Nicole Schmock***, Amelia Ann Selir*, Gavin Joseph Sexton, Samantha Ann Smith****, Evan Roger Spriggs**, Addison Paige Stover****, and Alexander Keith Thompson**.

(Accumulative G.P.A. for past 11 trimesters)

****Summa Cum Laude (Gold Cord)

*** Magna Cum Laude (Silver Cord)

**Cum Laude (Bronze Cord) Honors (Blue Cord)

Certificate of Attendance: Matilde Alessandrini, exchange student.

Ellie Cybulski and Aaliyah Bradshaw reflect on freshman and sophomore years The graduates enter the multiplex field

Evan Roger Spriggs carries his diploma

Neil Johnson leads the turning of the tassels

Keagen Papke walks across the stage Elizabeth Schmock carries her diploma

Senior class advisors Nate Jones and Natalie Walter address the class of 2023

Senior class co-presidents Carys Gallas and Ren Nash address their class

Ella Roch and Amanda Jones sing the National Anthem

Isabella Notorangelo carries her diploma

Maxwell Nikol is excited to receive his diploma

Graduates do the turning of the tassels

Members of the New Buffalo Class of 2023 toss their caps in the air

Senior class co-presidents Ren Nash (left) and Carys Gallas (right) pass the totem pole to junior co-president Ava Johnson

PUBLIC NOTICES

ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Operating: 6.8170 Mills

Operating: .9354 Mills

Emergency Services:.9386 Mills

Door opens gain for electric vehicle battery plant

BY STAN MADDUX

Tax abatement has been approved for a proposed electric vehicle battery making plant that would employ a projected 1,600 people outside New Carlisle.

$24 an hour.

The goal is for the plant to be operating in 2026.

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO 2022 WATER QUALITY REPORT

Please be advised that the 2022 Water Quality Report is available online at www. cityofnewbuffalo.org/ documents/water-qualityreport-2022/

A paper copy will not be mailed unless requested by calling City Hall at 269-4691500.

The proposed budget will be adopted at the Village of Michiana Council Meeting immediately following the public hearing. Action on the 2023 millage will also be taken at that meeting.

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

It’s now up to General Motors and Samsung to decide whether to go ahead with the estimated $3.5 billion investment.

“We’re just kind of in a waiting game,” said St. Joseph County Economic Development Corporation Director Bill Schalliol.

The St. Joseph County Council on May 23 voted unanimously in favor of tax abatement on the development proposed on a close to 700 acre site on Indiana 2 in Olive Township.

Schalliol said that is the same site General Motors and LG Energy Solution single out last year for building an over $2 million dollar electric vehicle battery making operation with a projected similar sized workforce.

“We believe it’ll be a pretty popular place to apply and work when they get up and running,” he said.

Bert Cook, executive director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, said a plant that size would have a positive impact on the community located about 20 miles west of the site.

He said how much of an impact is difficult to predict but there would be La Porte residents working there and bringing more money back for the local economy if they’re paid more than they’re making currently.

“I think those would be terrific wages for individuals and that would represent great opportunity for many people here,” he said.

VILLAGE OF MICHIANA BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARINGON THE PROPOSED 2023-2024 FISCAL YEAR MILLAGE & BUDGET

The Village of Michiana will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2023-2024 fiscal year budget and the proposed millage rates for 2023 on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 12:45 p.m. EST at the Village of Michiana Village Hall, 4000 Cherokee Drive, New Buffalo, 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

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.

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, New Buffalo, 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 BOARD

4000 CHEROKEE DRIVE NEW BUFFALO, MI 49117

269-469-4600

The plans were scrapped when LG Energy Solution broke away from the partnership but later revised when General Motors and Samsung joined hands to construct a facility to make batteries for electric vehicles.

To his knowledge, Schalliol said the New Carlisle area site consisting of all farmland is the only location being looked at for the proposed three million square foot development about four miles southeast of New Carlisle.

“We’re just waiting for them to finalize the decision. We anticipate that will happen here in the next month or so,” he said.

If constructed, Schalliol said he doesn’t expect any problems with finding enough workers despite the tight labor market, citing a development agreement that calls for the average salary at the plant to be no less than

Cook said additional businesses like suppliers to the plant would likely go up near the facility, creating more jobs for residents in the area.

“It’s a big project for sure. Absolutely,” he said.

Schalliol said purchase agreements have been struck with all of the present land owners who agreed not to farm this year.

General Motors and Samsung want to begin construction before the end of the year and don’t want to compensate the farmers for their losses if dirt started being moved prior to the fall harvest.

“If they choose to move forward they can without having to buy out crops or anything,” he said.

DEATH NOTICES:

THREE OAKS – Dallas Trine, 79, of Sawyer, died Sunday, June 4, 2023. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks.

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

HOROSCOPE

JUNE 8-14, 2023

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

Take some time to review your finances. You may be spending more than you realize. There is a part of you that feels the need to hold back on purchasing items you don’t necessarily need, but you understand the value of having extra in case family or friends need to use them.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Release your unwanted possessions, and get rid of outdated clothing. Clear out clutter, and create a space that you can be productive in. Once you start going through things, and you start releasing items that have kept you emotionally tied to the past, your energy levels will return.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

You will be feeling very introverted, and more retrospective this week. There are things you may have been boisterous about in the past, but now you are keeping a tight lid on your situation. You are ready to do any heavy lifting on your own, and will make your own way, using your inner strength.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

Turn that nurturing inward. Schedule a massage, or a day at the spa, and get recharged.

It’s okay to take a day for grooming and pampering. Cancer forgets how important that down time is. They stay so busy, they forget to take a night off. Get out of those work cloths and put your feet up.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

It is important to get some friend time in this week. Family life has been very demanding this year for Leo, and your professional life has taken up any extra time you have managed to find. Now you’re going to have the opportunity to reconnect with friends and catch up on all the latest. Party on.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

Taking the lead, and speaking up is not always easy for Virgo, but you are going to have to set things straight and keep the boundaries reinforced. People often overlook details you never miss. Be up front about the things you notice. It just may secure you that raise or promotion you want.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22

As much as you like to keep things all Even Steven, there are some things that always seem unfair. You cannot make everybody happy, and you cannot be the peace maker if others prefer to fight. Take the higher road by staying out of it. Expand beyond the situation by turning the balancing act inward.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

You will realize that you and another are connected in a way that is mutually beneficial. You may think that you are just coworkers, but ultimately the two of you create a team, that needs cooperation to succeed. Know that when the team succeeds, you benefit. Give more, get more.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21

Certain aspects of your home life could be inhibiting you from getting closer to that someone special. Don’t let your daily routines interfere with taking time to connect with others. Perhaps you can let some chores slide in order to have more one on one time with loved ones.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

You will be filled with a lot of vigor and creative energy now. You will be blowing through the chore list like you’re working with seven clones. Wether you are moving furniture, painting, or just doing basic cleaning, once you get started, you will be amazed by how fast and how efficient you are.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

Get creative with financial situations. Don’t get stuck thinking there is only one way to organize your documents or payment methods. You are entering a very beneficial time monetarily but you have to go after it, and work with it in ways that seem unconventional. Change is good.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

When it comes to living arrangements it’s all about chemistry, and getting into a flow of things. Don’t let other people dominate your negotiating, or interfere with your opportunity to move things in a new direction. This is the time to cut ties, and move into a space or environment that inspires you.

There is no place like Greece, the universe.

— Dino N. Fatouros

HARBOR COUNTRY HIKERS TO FOCUS ON INVASIVES AT JUNE HIKE

Invasive plants have an adverse impact on local and migrating wildlife. Alex Florian, an invasive species coordinator for the SW x SW Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA), will discuss how best to handle these undesirables during a Harbor Country Hikers hike Saturday, June 17, starting at 10 a.m., at the Harbert Road Preserve in Three Oaks.

The Harbert Road Preserve has seen many disturbances over the years, and this has created ideal conditions for out-of-place plants to take root and thrive. The 90-acre preserve has wide and inviting wetland, prairie and woodland trails and nesting habitats for birds of all types.

The two-mile hike is rated moderately physically difficult. The Hikers recommends participants wear long pants, a sun hat, sturdy shoes or boots, and insect repellent, and bring plenty of water.

Though membership in the Hikers is preferred, this hike is free and open to all.

For driving directions to the Harbert Road Preserve, visit www. harborcountryhikers.com or the group’s Facebook page. — STAFF REPORTS

Pay for play alleged in emails

BY STAN MADDUX

There appears to be no end to the political fireworks dominating La Porte County Commission meetings.

La Porte area resident Patrick Meany during Wednesday’s meeting presented emails he alleged reveals La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz has weaponized his office.

The emails are over an $11,000 payment the commissioners approved for services provided by former county government attorney Shaw Friedman.

Stabosz, though, still has possession of the check.

Meany said the emails from Stabosz show he is not mailing the check until county government pays his legal bills from a lawsuit filed against him by Friedman over withholding payment from him on previous checks approved by the commissioners.

“Basically, what we have here is an auditor who is using his office as a tool to withhold payment to bills that have been approved by the commissioners. Vindictive,” he said.

Stabosz said past payments he withheld from Friedman were over services he questioned as valid while auditing his invoices.

He said Friedman never provided the information he sought for him to try and justify those services.

Stabosz would not say if he has any questions about the billings from Friedman he’s presently withholding

payment on.

However, Stabosz said he’s being sued personally by Friedman over the previous billings when he should actually be sued in his capacity as auditor.

He said the county council should be paying his legal tab since he was acting as auditor in the scrutiny he applied to Friedman’s billings to make sure tax dollars are spent properly.

His legal tab currently stands at $9,600.

“It’s inappropriate for the auditor not to have the support of the finance authority, the council, and the commission when he’s trying to protect La Porte County from a rogue vendor.

Stabosz was often accused of targeting Friedman for political reasons.

In an out of court settlement reached with the county commissioners late in 2021, Stabosz agreed to pay Friedman more than $26,000 from other payments he withheld but not the $2,500 he questioned on that billing statement.

Friedman is suing Stabosz personally over some of his billings from last year, claiming his actions as auditor are driven by his personal feelings against him.

However, Stabosz said some of the work listed on previous invoices fell outside the scope of his duties as county attorney in areas like politics.

30 N Whittaker St Deli by day

30 N Whittaker St Bar by night

30 N Whittaker St Bar by night

Bike and Brunch celebrates its 10th anniversary

It’s been 10 years and, so far, nothing has rained on the parade of the cyclists who gather every June for Radio Harbor Country’s annual fundraiser, Bike and Brunch.

“June is supposed to be one of our more wet months, but we’ve been fortunate - someone’s on our side,” Dave Knoebber, who owns the farmhouse on Wilson Road in New Buffalo Township that serves as the starting point for the annual ride, said.

The first year, the ride started out in front of the radio station’s former headquarters in Three Oaks. Back then, there were only 25 cyclists. For this year’s ride, which took place Sunday, June 4, Knoebber said there were 160 people who had signed up for it.

This year’s ride was made possible with the help of those who work at the radio station as well as several local businesses, which supplied

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

the brunch at Knoebber’s property after cyclists had finished their ride through the surrounding countryside: Luisa’s Cafe and Harbert Swedish Bakery, Flagship Specialty Foods and Fish Market, The Peasant’s Pantry, Infusco Coffee Rosters, Artesian Farm, Red Arrow Roadhouse, Red Barn Bakery, Heston Supper Club and Sawyer Home and Garden Center.

The annual ride attracts people from all walks of life. Knoebber said a chief executive officer once told him he makes more contacts at the event than any other one.

“So, there’s a lot of reasons outside of bike riding (that people come): friendship, new contacts, the buffet,” Knoebber said, adding that cyclists who ride in the Apple Cider Century in September in Three Oaks also sign up.

Radio Harbor Country WRHZ 93.5 FM and WRHC 106.7 FM is a lowpower FM radio station in Sawyer, Michigan, with a 100-watt transmitter

that reaches a six-to-10-mile radius that serves the area known as Harbor Country. The station provides original arts and education, with a diverse mix of music.

Knoebber, who’s been with the station for 17 years, hosts “Harbor Country Arts Scene.” The show airs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on the station’s Sawyer and New Buffalo networks.

“I usually interview artists of the area, or we play certain kinds of music as musical interludes, but the important thing is I give all information of what’s happening in the art galleries, the theaters on that program,” he said.

This could mean updating listeners on what’s happening at The Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City or Music in the Park, which is kicking off its 25th anniversary at Dewey Cannon Park in

Three Oaks Saturday, June 10. Later this month, Knoebber will be holding “Summertime is Watercolor Time” at his gallery at his farmhouse, during which he’ll be doing watercolor demonstrations and people will be invited to paint in the gardens.

“What we’re doing is introducing people, both the artist and the non-artist, to the visuals – the environment of Harbor Country,” he said.

For a schedule of shows on Radio Harbor Country, visit www. radioharborcountry.org.

The station recently celebrated its first year at its new headquarter at 12291 North Red Arrow Highway in Sawyer.

“It’s such a happy place, it’s very clean, everything you need is right there in the studio – it’s like walking into the radio station WGN,” Knoebber said.

Cyclists embark on their ride

Joy Kishta, Joanne Fitzsimmons Abele and Kate Vyskocil pose before their ride

Ryan and Marisa Heise pose by the farm (and the famous cow)

Cyclists start on their journey

Cyclists sign in for their ride

Janet Musikantow helps prepare the brunch