October 7, 2021 by New Buffalo Times

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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 40, volume 80

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

Berrien County Covid Update: Health department offering additional doses and booster doses of vaccine PAGE 3

City Council does first reading of zoning ordinance amendment prohibiting new short-term rentals in residential districts PAGE 5

Pets receive their annual blessing at Episcopal Church of the Mediator PAGE 7

New Buffalo volleyball team celebrate win, experience loss during two separate games PAGE 9

CELEBRATING THE ELEMENTS

STUDENTS SHOW BISON PRIDE DURING HOMECOMING 2021 — PAGES 12-13 —

PHOTO OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS PLAYING TUG OF WAR AT THEIR FRIDAY PEP RALLY BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

The CHOSEN Season 1 Bible Study • Thurs 7pm Find Us On search: Calvary Chapel New Buffalo Visit calvarychapelnb.org for current updates, weekly bulletin & bible study information.

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

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New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

ETHICS SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM MICHIGAN PRESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER PROPRIETOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES, INC. EDITOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE EDITORIAL BOARD CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOE DURK REPORTERS/WRITERS THERESE DONNELLY FRANCESCA SAGALA LAWRENCE VON EBELER KURT MARGGRAF ALEXANDER FATOUROS SOPHIA ROSE FATOUROS STAN MADDUX KRISTIN E. FATOUROS NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE NEW BUFFALO TIMES POLITICS GUESTS QUOTES DINO N. FATOUROS PROOFING FRANCESCA SAGALA BROADCAST/ADVERTISING JANINE ADAMSKI (630) 370-0820 OR JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM SUGGESTIONS, CRITICISM, IDEAS MEDIA@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM ADVERTISING MEDIA@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM CLASSIFIED ADS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

Berrien County Covid Update HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERING ADDITIONAL DOSES AND BOOSTER DOSES OF VACCINE

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

is offering both additional doses and errien County is still experiencing high booster doses. transmission of COVID-19, The CDC has recommended Pfizer with the Berrien County booster doses for specific people. BCHD Health Department stating will be providing those about 40-50 new cases booster doses and are being reported to “We are doing our additional doses at the the department each best to keep up with regular, walk-in clinics day Friday, Oct. 1. case investigation Tuesdays in Benton According to the and contact tracing Harbor from 3 to 6 health department’s but need your help: p.m. and Wednesdays newsletter from Oct. if you test positive or in Niles from 4 to 1, the county has a are unvaccinated and 6 p.m. Only Pfizer weekly cumulative rate exposed to someone vaccine is currently of new cases at 210 per when they’re infectious, available as a booster. 100,000 population please stay home to Six months must and a weekly average isolate or quarantine. have passed since the percent positivity at Keep wearing a mask individual’s last Pfizer about 13 percent. in indoor spaces, like dose. “We are doing our at work, school, church, best to keep up with indoor meetings, stores, dditioncase investigation and other places you al third and contact tracing may have closer contact doses for but need your help: with others,” the health moderif you test positive or department’s Facebook ately to are unvaccinated and stated. severely immunoexposed to someone compromised people when they’re infectious, please stay (mRNA vaccines) are available for those home to isolate or quarantine. Keep eligible at our ongoing vaccine clinics. wearing a mask in indoor spaces, like at Those who are eligible can make an work, school, church, indoor meetings, appointment for one of the upcoming stores, and other places you may have clinics, as well as find out more closer contact with others,” the health information, by visiting www.bchdmi. department’s Facebook stated. Currently, the health department org.

Most see what you appear to be, few know what you are. — Dino

ARREST MADE IN RESTAURANT CHAIN ROBBERIES

ichigan City Police have made an arrest in connection with armed robberies at two fast food restaurants. Who robbed a bank and tried holding up another bank in Michigan City was still unknown. Vincer Mitchell, 59, of Michigan City is charged with two counts of Level 3 felony armed robbery for allegedly using a gun to take money Sept. 25 from Wendy’s at 3715 Franklin Street and two days later from Burger King at 3956 Franklin Street. According to police, the robber at Burger King demanded to speak with the manager before demanding money and then fleeing in a dark colored sport utility vehicle. On Sept. 28, police said a patrol officer discovered a vehicle matching the description of the SUV near the old Marquette Theatre. Police said Mitchell was behind the wheel and evidence connected to the robberies was uncovered. Less than 24 hours later, officers responded to an alarm at Members Advantage Credit Union at 3064 Ohio Street. The suspect requested money but fled on foot before receiving any cash. The next morning, an undisclosed amount of money was taken from Horizon Bank at 515 Franklin Street on the city’s north end. Police said it appears the suspect in that robbery left the area when he was picked up in a vehicle. It was not known if the incidents at both banks were related, police said. — STAN MADDUX

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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

Household chemicals, electronics, document shredding, and foam recycling collection to take place this Saturday

errien County residents can drop off household chemicals, batteries, home medical waste, electronics, hard foam, or Styrofoam, and get their paper documents shredded from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 9, at the Community Recycling Event at the Southeast Berrien County Landfill Recycling Center, 3200 Chamberlain Rd., Buchanan. This Community Recycling Event is for Berrien County residents only. No business waste is allowed. The event is drive through, and participants must stay in their vehicles. Staff will unload items from vehicles. Accepted household chemicals and hazards include home, garden, garage, and workshop liquids, oils, fuels, solvents, cleaners, and chemicals, as well as batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, and mercury items. Also accepted is home medical waste such as pills, liquids, aerosols, and sharps. Donations are accepted to help offset collection and processing costs. Items that will not be accepted are latex paint (can be dried out and placed in regular curbside trash with the lid off the paint can), gas grill propane tanks, fireworks, and ammunition. Green Earth Electronics Recycling will be on-site to collect household electronic waste including computers, televisions, printers, large and small appliances, microwaves, and

BUCHANAN TEACHER RECEIVES BUCKETS OF CLASSROOM SUPPLIES

ounty residents can also bring personal, paper documents for on-site shredding. Participants must remove three-ring binders, large binder clips, plastics, and metals before bringing documents (staples are ok). The Southeast Berrien County Landfill Authority is sponsoring the on-site shredding truck, providing this service free to residents. For more information, and a detailed list of accepted items, visit the Berrien County website, www. berriencounty.org/564/berriencounty-community-recycling-event, or call Berrien County Parks Department, 269-983-7111, x 8232. — STAFF

lassroom supplies were delivered Friday, Sept. 24, to Buchanan’s Moccasin Elementary by Tifanni Dash and Chapter Regent Kathleen Alton of Rebecca Dewey Chapter, NSDAR. Tifanni Dash, Community Classroom committee chair, collected supplies that were needed for second grade teacher Michelle Horvath from an Amazon wish list. Headphones, physical activity items, books for reading and indoor mental activities were brought in fun colorful tubs. A poster board with well wishes and positive words of affirmation for the students were included. Principal Michael Dunn joined the group to receive the supplies. Dunn accepted further information from the chapter on NSDAR’s database of downloadable lesson plans. These plans are collected by teachers nationwide on a large arena of topics. Lesson plans are free and easy to access. For further information on these lesson plans and how to receive classroom supplies for teachers and students, as well as additional information on National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, contact Rebecca Dewey Chapter at rebecca.deweyto@gmail.com.

REPORTS

— STAFF REPORTS

anything else with a cord or that is battery operated. There is a fee of $10 per computer monitor, $20 per television, and $10 per Freon item (i.e., air conditions, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, etc.). Other accepted electronics are free to drop off. Call Green Earth Electronics Recycling for more information at 269-326-1232. Hard foam and Styrofoam will be collected for recycling, including foam ice chests, clean “to-go” food containers, egg cartons, foam block packaging, and pink and blue Styrofoam. Foam must be clean and dry. Not accepted will be soft foam such as packing peanuts, foam bedding or squishy foam.

GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

No one is so brave that he is not disturbed by something unexpected. — Julius Caesar

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

City Council does first reading of zoning ordinance amendment prohibiting new short-term rentals in residential districts

embers of the New Buffalo City Council did a first reading of a zoning ordinance amendment that would prohibit new short-term rentals in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 residentially zoned districts at a special meeting Monday, Oct. 4. Per its official language, the ordinance will “amend Sections 2-3, 6-2, 7-2, and 8-2, and add a new section 20-8 to the New Buffalo Zoning Ordinance to prohibit new short-term rentals in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 zoning districts.” City Manager Darwin Watson said that the council was being presented with two proposals that evening: Proposal A, which would prohibit new short-term rentals in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 districts, and Proposal B, which would prohibit new short-term rentals only in the R-1 district. On Sept. 21, the Planning Commission recommended the council decline to adopt either proposal. In a 4-0 vote (councilmember Lou O’Donnell was absent), councilmembers approved the first reading of Proposal A with the following modifications: “(A) Include a new Section 4 to the amendatory text, similar to that in Proposal B, that provides: Review after Implementation. Not later than November 1, 2022, City staff shall provide a report to the Planning Commission and City Council regarding the number of registered STRs in each zoning district in the City. After receiving such report, the Planning Commission and City Council may evaluate whether the implementation of this ordinance has achieved its intent and what, if any, amendments should be

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

effect 20 days after enactment or upon made. (B) Modify Section 20-8(B)(3) of publication in a newspaper of general the proposed ordinance text to include circulation, whichever is later. language that deems an STR unit to The city currently has a moratorium be abandoned if no STR reservation on the issuance of new short-term rental summary is filed with the City for a licenses that will end Nov. 1. period of one year or more.” Watson said the 148 short-term City Attorney Nick Curcio said rentals “we have currently that are Proposal A was being recommended operating” aren’t going to be “banned.” because the second one, if adopted, “What the city is doing would “allow anyone and is regulating as we move those two residential City Attorney forward,” he said. districts, being R-2 and Nick Curcio Watson said that the R-3, to get permits, which said Proposal city is trying to “allow could result in a fairly A was being them to legally exist in significant increase in the recommended the city” and to begin number of permits in the because the second looking at “where the city.” one, if adopted, density and saturation “The concern is that would “allow points need to be” in the that might be too much anyone and those residential districts. too soon, given that you two residential Mayor John Humphrey have an ongoing zoning districts, being spoke of the “complete review by a consultant R-2 and R-3, to get contradiction” that that was hired by the permits, which has the city “operating city,” he said. could result in a outside of our own Curcio said Proposal fairly significant laws and that has to be A would allow “for that increase in the corrected.” zoning review to go number of permits “If you want to rent forward for the city to in the city.” your home, you should study areas in those be perfectly happy to zoning districts and even abide by the legal use of your designated in the R-1 district that might potentially zoning statute in your area…The city be amendable to more short-term must operate per its own laws,” he said. rentals.” Curcio said a review of the zoning map undertaken by the zoning consultant on Watson said that he’s received over 100 could “potentially result in rezoning of complaints about shortproperties to designations that allow term rentals from Sunset Short-term rentals, like your GCD Shores residents over district or other commercial districts, or the last three years, adding they’ve the creation of a new zoning district for “disturbed the peace” and resulted in short-term rentals.” “improperly parked vehicles.” It’s expected the council will do a Bart Goldberg said New Buffalo has second reading of the ordinance at prospered since the 1980s thanks to their Oct. 18 meeting. It’ll go into

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

New Buffalo Times

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“tourism and wise leadership.” “Now, you have a council that wants to return to prehistoric times…Shortterm rentals are the present and most certainly the future,” he said. Diane Pyshos said the “individuals who have property rights are residents who own single family homes in R-1, R-2 and R-3 zoning districts for their own use, not the owners who use the homes for STR purposes.” She added that “the question we need to ask is: Are we a commodity or are we a community?” Saying she’s rented for seven years, Edan Gelt said that “other cities have not tried to rewrite law and redefine what a lawful prior use is…They followed the law and grandfathered prior renters in.” Humphrey requested Laura Murray, who mentioned a “perception” of a “power hungry mayor” in her comments, be escorted out of city hall by police when he said she didn’t follow the rules and “addressed him directly” and not the council as a whole when she said “Fact: The mayor is strategically trying to control who gets STR permit access by rezoning the City of New Buffalo.” Despite pleas that “represent the majority of residents and local business owners” from the Planning Commission for more data and time, she said the council “sits here poised to cause irrevocable harm to the community and its constituents as a whole.” Tim Gro removed himself from the meeting but not before saying to councilmembers, “This is a travesty – you should be ashamed of yourselves.”

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

orming a local community of cyclists – which includes sharing in their newly found triumph of being able to get on a bike again and ride – was one of Steve Brooker’s and Taylor Lindstrom’s main motivations for opening Pedego Harbor Country at 425 S. Whittaker Street in New Buffalo. “The part that excites us is that people, once they get on them and people who maybe have not been as active all of a sudden are able to get out and ride and get outside - they feel like now they can ride a bike again and it changes their lives,” Lindstrom said. “We’ve had people come in here who are very nervous and sedentary in their lifestyle, so they have renewed hope and energy, it seems,” Brooker added. Before the recent Apple Cider Century, a woman in her 70s came into the store, worried that she wouldn’t be able to go as far as the rest of her family during the big ride. “So, she bought one of our Boomerang models and she said she’s riding 50 miles,” Lindstrom said. The couple, who live and work in New Buffalo full time (Lindstrom is a real estate broker who works at Coldwell Banker in New Buffalo and Brooker is an insurance broker who also works in real estate), were introduced to Pedego bikes while on vacation.

Pedego Harbor Country offers customers a new way to get out and ride BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

“Last year, Pedego Harbor Country has a our theme was variety of bicycle ‘Hello Fun 2021,’ models: stepbecause after through bikes, the pandemic, classics, folding we wanted to do bikes, the threethings that were wheel trike, the fat going to be fun tire bikes, and the and outdoors and city commuter. would get us out Accessories of the house…We include bike racks rented a couple for the car and of Pedego electric helmets from the bikes and we said, Thousand brand. ‘Oh my gosh, we Pedego Harbor Country on South Whittaker Street Soon, they’ll be have to have one (Photo from Facebook) getting the Sena of these because Smart Helmet, we can get out which has Blue and about and go Tooth built in further and see (so they can more and be active communicate with and have fun,” other cyclists). Lindstrom said. Also sold at Pedego They opened Harbor Country the store at South are straw hat Whittaker Street covers to go over the week of August the helmet. More 9. Since then, accessories and they’ve sold 35 apparel will be bikes. there in the spring. Lindstrom said Currently, most all their bikes are of their batteries Class Two bikes, range from a which are pedal charge of 40-some assist and/or miles up to over 70 throttle. miles, Lindstrom Pedego e bikes on display in Pedego Harbor Country “So, it really said. (Photo from Facebook) works well for In addition to people who want Lindstrom and to get out for Brooker, Pedego ther selling exercise but maybe need points are that Harbor Country also has an assistance going uphill or if Pedego is the employee, Karen (who also only brand that its windy, they can add pedal owns a Pedego bike), and a offers a five year assist or they can just crank full-service mechanic, Gary, warranty on the battery and the throttle and head over the who does service on Pedego the parts and a lifetime one on bikes. bridge to New Buffalo beach,” she said. Pedego Harbor Country is the frame.

an independent dealership, so it’s not a franchise. There are about 180 dealers throughout the country. “You can travel to many of those locations to get bikes serviced and to buy parts and get accessories - so we will honor each of those at the store,” she said.

n the spring, they hope to do bike rentals. In the meantime, Lindstrom said customers are invited to take an hour-long test ride on any of the bicycle models along a bike path to try it out “before they buy.” In keeping with their goal to connect with the local community, Lindstrom and Brooker will have a booth at the Harvest and Wine Fest in downtown New Buffalo this Saturday, Oct. 9. Eventually, they hope to set up group bicycle rides through the backroads of Harbor Country. “We want to create community by bringing people together and getting to know more people, so we’ll be scheduling group rides with lots of customers,” Lindstrom said. For more information on Pedego Harbor Country as well as to view models of bikes, visit www. pedegoharborcountry.com, their Facebook or Instagram, or call 269-231-5680. Hours of operation may vary and can be viewed on the website (they plan on staying open through Christmas).

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com Emma Weers holds Pikachu while Laszlo pays a visit

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

Rev. Darlene Kuhn leads everyone in a prayer for the animals

Pets receive their annual blessing at Episcopal Church of the Mediator

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

nimals of all kinds and from all backgrounds were given their yearly blessing during the St. Francis of Assisi Blessing of the Animals at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Harbert Saturday, Oct. 2. An Italian Catholic friar, deacon, mystic, and preacher, St. Francis of Assisi is the patron of animals as well as merchants, ecology, and Italy. His feast day is observed Oct. 4. “Let blessings be upon all the animals - those in the wild, those on farms, zoos and institutes and those in our own homes,” the Rev. Darlene Kuhn said before sprinkling the animals (and their humans) with holy water. “Strengthen us to love and care

for them as we strive to imitate the love of Jesus Christ, our lord - and God’s servant, Francis,” she added. Kuhn asked for blessings for “farm and wild animals to provide us with food, medicine and clothing;” for pets, “especially for those gathered together here today.” The group that was gathered outside of the church also prayed for the “sick abused, and neglected and abandoned animals, animals in humane societies, animals in shelters and pet stores and veterinary hospitals.” Those who had gathered were also invited to make a free-will offering to Michiana Humane Society.

139 N. WHITTAKER ST, NEW BUFFALO, MI 49117 David Lewis with Molly and Lucy and Bill Card with Thorkey

Alyce Carter with Sweetie Pie and Tootsie

269.469.9180 OPEN EVERYDAY

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

SPORTS

LaSata again hosting coat drive for Southwest Michigan kids

tate Sen. Kim LaSata is once again Kim’s Coat Drive for Kids, which seeks to provide coats to Southwest Michigan children in need. “Southwest Michigan is known for its cold winters and harsh weather coming off of the lake,” said LaSata, R-Coloma. “I originally started this coat drive to help get coats DROP-OFF LOCATIONS to as many kids as possible but ARE AS FOLLOWS: • Harding’s Friendly the generosity of folks across the Market: Berrien district is what has really made Springs – 106 E. Mars this effort a success.” St. Kim’s Coat Drive, which • Harding’s Friendly has collected and distributed Market: Bridgman – hundreds of new or gently used 3651 W. Shawnee Road coats and jackets to kids across • Harding’s Friendly the 21st District, kicked off its Market: Buchanan – third year Friday, Oct. 1. 4710 Niles Buchanan In an effort to get as many Road coats to as many kids as possible, • Harding’s Friendly LaSata’s office has partnered Market: Cassopolis – with local businesses to offer 445 E. State St. drop-off sites. Those looking • Harding’s Friendly Market: Coloma – 6577 to donate can also contact the Paw Paw Ave. senator’s office to schedule • Harding’s Friendly a pickup. Donations will be Market: Dowagiac – 102 accepted through Oct. 31. Park Place “The past couple of years have • Harding’s Friendly been an incredible success,” Market: Niles – 407 LaSata said. “I’d like to thank Broadway everyone who has donated and • Harding’s Friendly helped keep kids warm during Market: Three Oaks – the harsh winter months. 6832 U.S. 12 “I encourage everyone who is • Harding’s Friendly able to consider donating your Market: Three Rivers – gently used coats and jackets 808 W. Michigan Ave. and, if you feel compelled and • Roger’s Foodland: St. Joseph – 4039 have the means, please also Hollywood Road consider donating new or never worn coats.” For more information or to schedule a donated coat pickup, call 517-373-6960 or email SenKLaSata@senate.michigan.gov. — STAFF REPORTS

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

hat a difference a week makes. After witnessing last week’s embarrassment against the Cleveland Browns, a lot of Bears fans had to ramp up their courage to watch this week’s game against the Detroit Lions. The fans who stayed were rewarded handsomely with a 24-14 Bears victory, and witnessed a complete reversal of the ineptitude the Bears displayed the week before. I’m going to give coach Matt Nagy a lot of credit for relinquishing the play calling duties to offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. Nagy, who was hired for his offensive knowledge, has not been able to be successful in his play calling since he took over as head coach. He obviously loves that part of his job, but in order to keep that job he needed to swallow his pride and hand over those duties to one of his assistants. He did that this week and the Bears responded. The upcoming schedule is very tough for the Bears, but at least the team now appears to have a fighting chance. The baseball season ended Sunday, and has been a most interesting one for our Chicago teams. The White Sox lost to the Tigers 5-2, but still won their division by 13 games, and begin their playoff run Thursday in Houston. The Sox are healthy and ready for their run that will hopefully lead them to the World Series. The Cubs finished with a victory over the playoff bound Cardinals, but finished

24 games behind the division winning Brewers. The team traded their best players this year and surprisingly played almost as well without them. If I had the chance to be the General Manager of the Cubs, I would try to accumulate as many really good players as I could, and leave the other teams to go after the great players. When you sign a great player, you have to pay them so much money that you can’t afford to acquire good players to surround them. Then, if your star players underperform or get injured, your team is in a lot of trouble. Good scouting and smart trading along with judicious free agent signings are all part of fielding a pennant contending team. The pennant race in the National League’s West division was great. The Los Angeles Dodgers won 106 games, but couldn’t catch the San Francisco Giants who finished with 107. In the American League, four teams had a chance to tie for two spots on the last day of the season, but the Red Sox and Yankees both won, knocking out the Blue Jays and Mariners. Great pennant races are amazing. Teams play 162 games and sometimes, like this year, the champion isn’t decided until the last game. It’s just another reason that baseball is my favorite sport. Carl Sagan said, “If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first create the universe.” Refuse hate. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

I think sometimes in life the biggest challenges end up being the best things that happen in your life. — Tom Brady

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

NEW BUFFALO VOLLEYBALL TEAM CELEBRATE WIN, EXPERIENCE LOSS DURING TWO SEPARATE GAMES

Raiders in defeat lose quarterback BY STAN MADDUX

he Red Arrow Raiders lost the homecoming game at New Buffalo High School Friday, Oct. 1, and quarterback Michael Bombin, who’s also a star player on defense. The Raiders (2-3) were defeated 36-14 by Maple Valley High School from Vermontville. The Lions scored the only points of the first half, which was dominated by hard hitting and turnovers from both teams. A Maple Valley touchdown midway through the first quarter was set up by an interception of a deep pass from Bombin and 15-yard return of the ball to the 40-yard line of the Raiders. Eventually, the Lions drove the ball to the Raiders’ 10-yard line. Later, three plays ran five yards into the end zone. The Raiders seemed positioned to score early in the second quarter when Eli Thomas recovered a fumble inside the 10-yard line of the Lions. However, Thomas fumbled the ball away as soon as the Raiders took the field on offense. Maple Valley, though, could not convert the turnover into points. The Lions on their next series of downs scored a 45-yard touchdown after completing a short pass; however, the play was called back on a penalty. The next pass from the Lions was intercepted by Thomas, who crossed mid-field on a 20-yard run back. A short time later, Bombin, while running with the ball toward the sidelines, was tackled and helped off the field.

An ice pack was placed on his left knee and he didn’t see action for the rest of the game. The loss of Bombin, an elusive runner as quarterback and fierce playmaker as a middle linebacker, seemed evident on offense and defense. Maple Valley came out in the third quarter moving the ball almost at will. The Lions quickly opened a 20-0 lead on a 43-yard touchdown run then after intercepting a pass by freshman quarterback Ethan Lijewski crossed the goal line three plays later. The first touchdown for the Raiders came early in the fourth quarter when Thomas, who was at quarterback, completed a 20-yard pass to Andrew Flick. Ben Coffeen then ran the ball one yard into the end zone.

ny hope of a comeback was squashed when Maple Valley on their next series of downs marched into the end zone on two running plays that covered 65 yards. Head Coach Matt Johnson said Bombin underwent a medical examination of his knee on Monday but was still waiting for the results. He doubts if Bombin will be able to play this Friday against Lawrence at River Valley High School. “He said it’s still pretty swollen. It’s not looking good but I’m keeping my fingers crossed,” Johnson said.

he New Buffalo girls’ volleyball team split their last two matches. The Lady Bison defeated Grace Christian Saturday, Oct. 2, by taking all three sets 25-15, 25-15 and 25-17. Freshman Jane Funk with 10 kills and Ava Johnson with 15 assists led the offensive attack for the Lady Bison. Amanda Jones shined on defense for the Lady Bison with 16 digs. Among the other contributors on offense were Ellie Cybuliski with six kills, along with Ashley Hauseman and Shannon Dewit with four kills apiece. The Lady Bison lost to Berrien Springs Monday, Oct. 4, in three consecutive sets 25-22, 25-15 and 25-23. Jones led the offense with six kills and 19 digs on defense. Dewit had four kills and nine digs while Funk contributed three kills and 11 digs. Johnson racked up 11 assists. The loss dropped the Lady Bison to 8-10-2 on the season, but they’re 4-1 in the white division of the Berrien Cass St. Joseph conference. — STAN MADDUX

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10 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

Local football coach like ‘Rudy’ BY STAN MADDUX

e made his way from New Buffalo High School to the gridiron of college football for the Michigan Wolverines as a walk-on. Matt Johnson wound up with a national championship ring. He was also a teammate of superstar quarterback Tom Brady and other players later starring in the NFL. Johnson, now athletic director and head football coach at New Buffalo High School, credited his journey similar to the one depicted in the 1993 movie “Rudy” to hard work and perseverance. He tried for about a year to learn how to try out for the team before finally being led to an assistant coach, who right away opened the door. Given just 20 minutes to report for a workout with the team, Johnson said he raced back to his dormitory and grabbed his shorts and a t-shirt. Due to a rush of adrenalin, perhaps, he made what’s normally a half hour round trip back to the practice field on time. “I just kept calling. I kept trying and when other guys were told no after the fourth or fifth call, I kept calling, calling and calling,” he said. Johnson was impressive enough to make the practice squad and later during his first season began suiting up for games. He took the field for the first time at the University of Hawaii just weeks before the Wolverines were declared the 1997 national champions. Johnson said he played in about a half dozen more games for the Wolverines

over the next three seasons. That’s more games than Rudy Ruettiger, who in the 1970s refused to give up on his dream until the hallowed gates at Notre Dame stadium opened to him as a walk on. Ruettiger played just one series of downs on defense for the Irish during the last regular season game and recorded a sack. His teammates carried him off the field. Johnson’s college football career did not end with such fanfare but he went on to earn four state championship rings as a high school football assistant coach in Tampa, Florida. He also gets to enjoy trips down memory lane when people find out he was a Wolverine and teammate of Brady in all four of their four college football seasons.

Johnson described Brady then as very nice and respectful but focused more on football. “He was there to get better and do a job,” he said.

ohnson was mostly a receiver and defense back for the Bison but also played quarterback during much of his senior year. He received interest in playing football from Valparaiso University and a few other small college football programs but enrolled at the University of Michigan strictly for academics at the advice of his father. He didn’t believe his son was physically capable of playing football at such a high level. In many ways, Johnson said his father was right but he couldn’t ignore his desire to play and was dedicated to

doing whatever it took to make it happen - even if he didn’t get into many games. “That was my goal: to be able to suit up for games and, hopefully, earn playing time. I was fortunate to get that,” he said. Johnson, a defensive back and member of the special teams in college, did not receive a football scholarship until his senior year. His goal was now making second string; however, a broken wrist sidelined him for much of his final season. Johnson wound up on the same field with Brady again during the 20th anniversary of the 1997 national championship. He hadn’t talked to Brady since their college days and didn’t go up to him during the celebration. Johnson said he’s not sure if Brady would even recognize him because of his limited role with the Wolverines and everything the superstar quarterback has accomplished ever since, including a record seven Super Bowl rings. “There were people all over Tom that whole day so I kept my distance. I interacted with the guys that I spent the most time with at Michigan and kind of caught up with some of those guys,” he said. Occasionally, Johnson said he tells his Cinderella story to his players to let them know where hard work and determination can take them. “The thing I’m most proud of is to be able to come from a small school the size of New Buffalo and play not only Division I football but to be on a team that won a national championship. And to do it as a walk on, that’s just not a normal experience,” he said.

To me, football is so much about mental toughness, it’s digging deep, it’s doing whatever you need to do to help a team win and that comes in a lot of shapes and forms. — Tom Brady

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 11

SERVICE LEAGUE ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW COMING NEXT SATURDAY

he signs of fall are here – crisp, cool weather, emerging brilliant fall foliage colors and the New Buffalo Service League Arts and Crafts Show scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, in the gyms at the New Buffalo High School/Middle School located at 1112 E. Clay Street in New Buffalo. More than 100 arts and crafts booths will be offering handcrafted items for the home, yard, holidays, and beautiful wearable art items as well as delectable edibles, toys, and floral décor. Service League members will be having their famous bake sale with a mouth-watering variety of home-

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baked goods, so you’ll want to make sure you get there early. In addition, members will be offering their luncheon menu (complete with homebaked apple slices, get your very own before they sell out) for busy shoppers and crafters. Proceeds of the show are dedicated to the Mary Ann Frey Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship awards to area high school seniors each year. Admission to the show is $2 (which includes door prize ticket, additional tickets available for purchase) and the building is handicap accessible. —

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12 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

Students show Bison pride during Homecoming 2021

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

tudents at New Buffalo High School took part in a week of friendly competition and a celebration of Bison spirit – which included paying homage to the Four Elements – during this year’s Homecoming Spirit Week, which took place Monday through Friday, Sept. 27 to Oct. 1. Each class was asked to choose one of the Four Elements – Earth, Air, Wind, and Fire – and decorate a golf cart with the one that they had chosen. First place in the golf cart competition went to the seniors’ cart, which exhibited fire. Second place went to the juniors’ cart which exhibited water; third place went to the sophomores’ cart, which had an air theme; and fourth place went to the freshmen, who decorated an earth-themed cart. Students decked themselves

The Bison mascot made an appearance at the elementary school pep rally

The female half of the student population plays

Zoe Price, Georgia Arvanitis, Carys Gallas, Laura Gradowski, and Ava Johnson pose with the spirit jug

The high school band marches through the halls before Friday afternoon’s pep rally

Golf carts ready to take center stage at the Homecoming game

High school students engaged in competitive games during Friday’s pep rally

Students play powder puff football in the football field

Homecoming Court members Shannon DeWit, Gabby Levine and Ava Johnson

The high school color guard perform before Friday’s afternoon pep rally

The high school band plays at the elementary school pep rally

Elementary school students show their Bison spirit at their pep rally

Students pose after a game of powder puff football Sunday afternoon

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The color guard puts on a show during the elementary school’s pep rally

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 13

Homecoming Queen Georgia Arvanitis with King Diego Cervantes

The female half of the student population plays some powder puff football Sunday afternoon

Juniors shout out their graduation year during Friday’s pep rally

High school students played competitive games during Friday’s pep rally

Cheerleaders rally on students during the high school’s afternoon pep rally

High school students play tug of war in the gym during their pep rally

out in outfits for the various themed days that took place during Spirit Week. Winners of this year’s Spirit Week were the seniors. Second place was the juniors, third place was the sophomores, and fourth place went to the freshmen.

Athletic director Matt Johnson referees during the tug of war at the elementary school pep rally

The New Buffalo High School Band marches through the halls before the pep rally

The color guard performs during the elementary school pep rally

High school athletes are introduced at the elementary school pep rally

Members of the New Buffalo High School Band perform before Friday’s game

The Raiders football team play tug of war with the elementary students at their pep rally

tudents and other alumni cheered on members of the Homecoming Court and student representatives during the Bison varsity football game against Maple Valley High School Friday (see page 9). Crowned king and queen were Diego Cervantes and Georgia Arvanitis. Other members of the Homecoming Court were Allie Ransom, Nick Peters, Zoe Price, Jaden Landess, Gabby Levine, John Feather, Shannon DeWit, and Ben Coffeen. Student representatives were Eva Bauer and Aiden Sokol, freshmen; Ava Johnson and Elliott Bourne, sophomores; and Carys Gallas and Neil Johnson, juniors.

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14 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 15

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16 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

HOR0SCOPE OCTOBER 7-13, 2021

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

The energy coming your way may cause a shift in your partnerships. Whether they are changing careers or just going through an emotional issue, you will have to make adjustments to compensate for their absence, which ultimately gives you the chance to implement some exciting ideas.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

The energy coming your way now, will have you feeling more lighthearted and factual, helping you read situations with more clarity. Even if you don’t feel confident enough to make any big moves, prepare for them now. Watch and listen rather, than reacting prematurely or ending things abruptly.

Be aware that it will be easy to put yourself in quite the predicament, if you don’t get all the facts before getting involved in something. It’s more of not being prepared or having the tools, than not wanting to do it. Be aware that motives could be misunderstood or taken out of context this week.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

You will be itching to make some kind of move this week. Whether it is a career change for artistic reasons or a change to you daily routines for health reasons, be sure you get all the facts and do your research before you make any major moves. Change is in the air, when the leaves start falling.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

Before jumping into buying something new or changing up your entire line, go back over your original plan. There is a definite shift in the cosmic vibes happening this week and things could change rapidly over the next month. So, rather than making a big move now, prepare instead.

Be aware that there are some shifts happening with a few of the bigger players on the planetary stage and you will be feeling it. What you once held dear or though you valued most, won’t seem as important this week, helping you to cut the cord on outdated items and belief systems.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Some blockages or obstacles will be removed this week but there will be some residual resistance from partners or the people you deal with, that may linger for the next week. Be aware that any hard issues you actively overcome now, will provide a stable building block for future relationships.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 Your confidence may be lacking a little this week but you are definitely ready to change things up at work. There may be a shifting of protocol or a change in policy within the company, or a change in your schedule that just won’t work for you. Either way you have been itching to make a new start.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

The vibe coming your way this week, may make you feel a little lazy and cumbersome but get ready because some big shifts will be happening in the cosmos, giving you the ability to not only understand what is cluttering your life and weighing you down, but how to get passed it.

The energy radiating from the stars will be turning around this week, stirring up some of the more private areas of your life, like family and intimate partnerships. There is a lot happening on an inner level that may not be ready for primetime. So, keep the script in the editing room for now.

There will be a lot happening for you on a personal level, as the great benefactor and the great maleficent turn direct in your sign this week. Be aware that this is the time to visualize the life you want and focus in on that. It will be easy to go off on a mental tangent now. So, keep the crazy reeled in.

There is a secretive quality to the energy directed at you this week, and it would be wise to keep your feelings or perceptions under wraps, until the energy is cleared at the next full moon. Pay attention to your dreams and intuitions from now until then, as they will be very clear and on point.

All my Art is about me. — Dino

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 17

New Buffalo Library to offer program on baseball at the House of David

he Friends of the New Buffalo Library will present a program on baseball at the House of David, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. Michigan time in the library’s Pokagon Room, Thursday, October 14, at the New Buffalo Township Library, 33 N. Thompson Street, New Buffalo. Benjamin and Mary Purnell founded a religious commune, the Israelite House of David, in Benton Harbor in 1903. The Purnells also started a host of businesses meant to publicize the group and bring in some income. The House of David was heavily invested in Southwest Michigan’s fruit-growing industry and operated a cold storage facility in Benton Harbor. It owned hotels, an amusement park, even a gold mine.

But the group’s most famous venture was a bearded, long-haired baseball team that attracted big crowds in the 1920s and 1930s as they traveled the country and more than a few times added celebrated major leaguers, including pitchers Grover Cleveland Alexander and Satchel Paige, to their lineups.

earn about Baseball at the House of David from Brian D. Carrol, PhD, historian and archivist for the Israelite House of David, in this informative and entertaining program. Like all programs in the Community Forum series, this presentation is free and open to all. Use of face masks at this event is requested. — STAFF REPORTS

Three Oaks Township Public Library to open new parking area with green space at ribbon cutting ceremony

few years ago, when the Three Oaks Township Public Library Board decided to refinish the back parking lot, they saw a bright opportunity to provide a green space for book readers and the public to enjoy. The construction took longer than anticipated since the project was expanded to include a beautiful gazebo with seating. After years of anticipation, the outdoor area will officially open to the public during a ribbon cutting ceremony performed by the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce at 4:30 p.m. Monday,

Oct. 11. The public is invited to the celebration. The library will offer complimentary cider and donuts at an outdoor reception to follow the ceremony, weather permitting. “The new outdoor space is so nice, the library will be able to offer outside programs next summer,” Cheryl Kersey, library director, said Three Oaks Township Public Library is located at 3 North Elm Street in Three Oaks. For more information, please visit their website at www.threeoaks. michlibrary.org or call 269-756-5621. — STAFF REPORTS

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18 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

Student enrollment surging in LaPorte agriculture classes BY STAN MADDUX

lasses on agriculture in LaPorte have experienced a sharp increase in student enrollment. The agriculture program at La Porte High School that started in 2014 was expanded last year to grades 6, 7, and 8. High school enrollment in the Future Farmers of America sponsored program over the past four years has doubled to about 200, while roughly 100 middle schools are taking the courses this year. The program has also grown from one to two full-time instructors. Senior Tristan Naue said he wouldn’t be as interested in coming to school without the program and its hands on learning. “The text book classes you’re just doing it to pass. I feel like this is a lot more interesting because you can see it being like applying to the real world,” he said. Jesi Davenport, an instructor and FFA advisor, said some of her students have no prior experience in farming, but are curious about food production and obtaining skills like fixing machinery useful in agriculture, other lines of work and do it yourself projects at home. Most recently, the high school students learned how to wire an electrical switch. Restoration of an old Allis Chalmers lawn tractor already on site is planned at some point. Students also do things like plant and harvest corn and soybeans at a five acre school district owned parcel. They sell the corn out in the community and deliver the soybeans to a local grain elevator for

purchase. “We got a lot of community support for our program,” Davenport said. Students are also taught how to judge quality of soil to determine if a site is better suited for agriculture or housing and whether a septic tank can be installed based on ground condition and what type of septic system should be installed. Judging the quality of crops and livestock, which can help with profit margins on the farm, is also taught. The skills of the students are then put to the test at FFA sponsored judging contests throughout the state. Senior Audrey Jeffers, who owns a few pigs and cows along with a horse, said livestock judging is right up her alley.

er goal is to study animal science at Purdue University and go on to become a zoologist. Jeffers, president of the LaPorte FFA chapter, said the bond she feels with her teachers and classmates is what she likes most about the program at her school. “It’s just a great group of people that I get along with really well,” she said. Also included in the curriculum is instruction on electrical wiring and welding. Junior Gavin Redlin, a part-time worker at several farms, said he doesn’t know exactly what he’s going to do after graduating but feels the courses are preparing him for what his role will be in the workforce. “I’m just a working kind of guy. It’s very hands on. You learn a lot of things,” he said.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 19

Lieutenant Richard Johnson, Special Agent Paul Brady, Undersheriff Chuck Heit, Vanessa Holocek-Thun of New Buffalo Railroad Museum, and Detective Aaron J. Delgado

Stop to save lives

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY VANESSA HOLOCEK THUN

o #STOPTrackTragedies, Operation Lifesaver, along with CSX Railroad Police and Amtrak Police, hosted a Mayoral Proclamation with New Buffalo Mayor John Humphrey at the New Buffalo Railroad Museum Friday, Sept. 24. Safety near railroad tracks and concern about grade crossings where roads cross railroads were the primary reason for this event during the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Rail Safety Week, according to a press release. West Michigan has had many incidents of trespassing and collision accidents, which Operation Lifesaver want to reduce through education. The New Buffalo area has the 110 MPH Amtrak trains, which cross many roads and passing through many towns as they head to Detroit, as well as the 65 MPH trains as they head to Grand Rapids. — STAFF

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20 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

Amid Covid, cashless society proposal emerges BY MARK ANDERSON

onverting to a cashless society — something seriously questioned by those dedicated to privacy and ethical, democratic monetary principles — was seriously discussed Sept. 13 by the Brookings Institution, a well-connected D.C. “think tank.” The program featured India-born Cornell University Economics Prof. Eswar Prasad, whose new book, “The Future of Money: How the Digital Revolution is Transforming Currencies and Finance” postulates that the world is approaching a tipping point where cash is phased out. The Financial Times’ US Managing Editor Gillian Tett, who’s well-known for moderating Chicago’s annual Pritzker Forum on Global Cities, moderated a panel on digital currency regulation that included Stanford University economics Prof. John B. Taylor, who’s the Advisory Board chair of the Dallas Federal Reserve’s Globalization and Monetary Policy Institute; he was joined by Swedish central banker Cecilia Skingsley and Mr. Prasad, among others. For central banks to stay in the game— so that the digital replacement for US Federal Reserve Notes (and presumably US coinage) can still be “Fed-issued money” — Central Bank Digital Currencies, or CBDC’s, would have to be rolled out. These were recently described by the New York Times as follows: “A central bank digital retail currency is, basically, electronic cash. Like a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, it is data-based and doesn’t exist in the physical world, but the similarities end there. Unlike cryptocurrency, it is backed by a government, meaning it is likely to be more universally recognized as … something you can use broadly to buy goods and services and to pay taxes.” While Prasad conceded that every cashless transaction will “leave a digital trace,” he doesn’t foresee any problems that cannot be “managed.” The Brookings Institution’s David Wessel interjected, however, that

LOCAL INTELLI GE NCE

developing CBDC’s might prompt the Federal Reserve “to impose negative interest rates,” which might derail CBDCs. Negative interest rates made big headlines around 2013 when they reduced depositors’ accounts in Cyprus. Under such rates, customers pay the banks a storage fee to hold on to their money—rather than earning interest on savings. Meanwhile, Sweden is floating an “eKroner” CBDC test run to possibly replace Kroner notes and coinage. Skingsley said that, under the eKroner, Sweden’s central bank, the Riksbank, “can maintain its role in history into the future” and attach its stamp of authority to an official digital currency just as it has done with notes and coins.

aylor noted that America’s private central bank, the Federal Reserve, under cautious chairman Jerome Powell, might take five years to implement a CBDC. Powell said the Fed would not make such a fundamental change without an act of Congress. Yet, due to recent COVID-inspired stimulus checks issued to the population, Congress might accept such a measure. Moreover, digital money access may someday be linked to “vaccine passports,” wherein those without such passports could be refused commercial transactions, creating a segregated society. Economics author Oliver Heydorn, who writes at socred.org, took issue with the cashless concept: “The great danger with a Central Bank Digital Retail Currency, especially if it replaces cash and coin, is that the inherent lack of privacy under such a system also implies a transfer of control from the individual citizen to the state. Indeed, it puts central bank owners in the position where they can impose conditions or outright refuse a citizen’s access to the economy by freezing that person’s digital bank accounts, thereby denying him access to money.” Contact longtime Michigan journalist Mark Anderson at truthhound2@yahoo.com.

New Buffalo Times

— SINCE 1942 —

OBITUARIES Irene Claire Brinkman

1933-2021

rene Claire Brinkman, 87, of Union Pier, Michigan passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday September 22, 2021. Irene was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 6, 1933 to the late Margaret and Albert Youdell. She was a graduate of Kirtland High School in 1951 in Kirtland, Ohio. Irene worked at the News Dispatch, where she met her husband, and at Phillips Drill as a secretary. She married Richard Brinkman on December 20, 1952 in Michigan City, Indiana. They resided in Michigan City until 1968, and then had a home built in Union Pier where they enjoyed spending their retirement years. After their move to Union Pier, she became a secretary and later a business manager at the New Buffalo Schools for the next 28 years. Besides her career, Irene was also very involved in her community. She was an active member of the New Buffalo Service League for 40 years! She was very proud of the annual Craft Show and giving scholarships to New Buffalo

students. She also was on the Miss New Buffalo and Blossomtime committees, MARSP organization, Pine Grove Cemetery board, Pokagon Fund board, and the Timberlane Shores Board of Directors, frequently with leadership roles as a President, Secretary or Treasurer. She also supervised the township and school board elections. During her free time, she enjoyed gardening with flowers and vegetables, spending time with her two grandsons, working during holidays at a local florist, and helping with Blessings in a Backpack. Irene was preceded in death by her husband Richard, sister, Winnie (Bob) Spratt, and her grandson, Jeffrey Adamec. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia (Arthur) Adamec of Gladwin, grandson, Justin (Mary) Adamec of Grand Rapids, sister Dot Gallion of Michigan City and many nieces and nephews. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo from 6-8 PM on Thursday October 7th. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday October 8, 2021 at the Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo, with visitation from 10 AM until the time of service. Interment will take place in a private ceremony at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those planning an expression of sympathy may consider Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan, or Caring Circle of Spectrum Health Lakeland.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021 21

PUBLIC NOTICES

Buried man rescued from trench collapse BY STAN MADDUX

man was taken to a hospital after being completely buried in a trench collapse in LaPorte. Witnesses estimated the man’s head was beneath 12 to 18 inches of dirt, according to a LaPorte Fire Department report. Firefighters just after 12 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 29, were called to 201 Park Street. According to the report, the man was part of a crew with a subcontracting firm that was boring underneath the ground to lay fiber lines when the drill bit broke. A backhoe was used to dig a trench to try and recover the broken bit. The man jumped into the 10 feet deep and three foot wide hole to see if he could grab the bit when the walls of the trench caved in. However, LaPorte Fire Chief Andy Snyder said no shoring was placed against the walls of the trench to keep it from collapsing on him. “That’s the problem right there. That’s the issue,” he said. According to the report, a co-worker at the controls of the machine used the backhoe to start removing the dirt covering the man. Snyder said another co-worker using a shovel was able to expose the man’s head and neck before firefighters showed up in less than three minutes.

Firefighters placed medical backboards against the walls of the trench to keep it from collapsing again while digging out the man. Snyder said the victim climbed out of the hole on his own about 15 minutes later and then walked into the street and 30 N Whittaker St collapsed. Deli by day He described the man as being incoherent. “He was not really speaking. He was not aware so much of his surroundings,” Snyder said.

THE CITY OF NEW BUFFALO WATER DEPARTMENT WILL BE FLUSHING FIRE HYDRANTS BEGINNING OCTOBER 1ST, 2021. City water customers may experience discolored or cloudy water. If this occurs, customers are asked to run their water for 5-10 minutes. If these conditions persist, please contact the City of New Buffalo Water Filtration Plant at (269) 469- 0381. 30 N Whittaker St Deli by day

30 N Whittaker St Bar by night

ccording to the report, the man had a laceration extending from his back to the back of his head. Snyder said it appears Open 6 days Open 6 days Open Thursday-Monday O davidsdeliandcoffee.com davidsdeliandcoffee.com thefalsefrontbar.com his skin was scraped by the teeth on the backhoe as it was scooping out the dirt. He said the injury and other INTEGRITY • EXPERIENCE • SUCCESS complications that can develop from lack of oxygen and pressure to the body from the dirt appeared to be concerning enough for paramedics to decide to CHICAGO, IL • NEW BUFFALO, MI transport him to a trauma center at MARK A. LAROSE Memorial Hospital in South Bend. ATTORNEY AT LAW The name of the man and his MLAROSE@LAROSEBOSCOLAW.COM condition were not disclosed. CONTACT US REAL ESTATE: Full Service Residential, Commercial, Easements, Beach Rights NEW BUFFALO According to the report, he worked for 269-469-8440 Addison Underground Utilities out of CHICAGO BUSINESS LAW: Corporations, Partnerships, LLCs, Sole Proprietorships 312-642-4414 Evansville. TOLL FREE INJURY LAW: Serious Injuries, Wrongful Death, Accidents Attempts to reach the company were 877-500-1965 WWW.LAROSEBOSCOLAW.COM unsuccessful.

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22 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

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