Milda’s Corner Market • Sawyer Garden Center • The Whistle Stop
David’s Delicatessen • Barney’s Knoll Bros. • Stray Dog Infusco Coffee Roasters Black Currant Bakehouse
The Marina Grand • Redamak’s Big C Lumber
Between Casey’s and Nancy’s Sawyer Hardware • The Harbor Grand Froehlics - Three Oaks Journeyman Distillery - Three Oaks
The Acorn Theater - Three Oaks The Lakeside Inn
For the most convenient location, you can subscribe to get the NEW BUFFALO TIMES in your mailbox or inbox. Please email us for E-TIMES, info@newbuffalotimes.com.
HALLOWEEN PARADE ON TAP FOR THIS SUNDAY
The New Buffalo Community Halloween Parade is Sunday, Oct. 27, on the block of North Thompson Street and East Mechanic Street in New Buffalo.
NParticipants should arrive for the costume contest at 2 p.m. The parade will step off at 3 p.m. Trick or treating in the city is scheduled for 3:30-5:30 p.m. — STAFF REPORTS
ew Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit addressed the “number of comments” that called the fence that has been erected along U.S. Highway 12 as part of the Marquette Greenway “ugly” at the New Buffalo Township Board’s Monday, Oct. 21, meeting.
“That specific fence is required by Amtrak to be in their right of way, which we have an easement, to be in that right of way,” she said, adding that it was paid for out of grant funding and not tax payers’ dollars.
Restoration work that handles drainage still needs to occur, which is the reason for the ponding.
With regards to comments that the township has also received about “road noise,” Heit said that the roads are chip sealed to prolong the life of a road.
“That does make it a little louder but that’s not going to ruin your tires - it’s a little louder, a little rougher,” she said.
With regards to the “crumbling” of the CSX bridge over U.S. Highway 12, Heit said that Rep. Tim Walberg will be contacting CSX directly.
“There’s always a pile of crumbles coming from that wall in particular,” she said.
Board members approved a quote for
$170,486.18 from deBest Inc. for tree clearing and construction of a disc golf course at Glassman Park.
Tony McGhee of Abonmarche said that the township had received a $200,000 allocation from the state budget in this last cycle for the course, along with other local monies that the township has put together for the project.
He added that he’s also worked with the park board to put together a master plan for the park. A package that was put together was then split into two packages, one for tree clearing and one for the rest of the construction work. After the bids for those packages came back high, McGhee reached out to deBest Inc. in South Haven, which also owns Lake Arvesta Farms and built a disc golf course there.
MGhee said that deBest is scheduled to begin work on the course Oct. 28.
“If we get a good winter, you could be playing disc golf this winter yet because he’s going to hit that pretty hard to get it done,” he said.
McGhee will be returning to the park board and choosing other items, such as a pavilion and pit toilet, to go back up for bid this winter for spring construction.
Heit said the township has some funds from The Pokagon Fund that could be used toward those items. She said another extension letter could be put in and the
items could be done as a “two phase deal.”
Board members approved a third outdoor assembly permit, with Heit saying that they’re allowed four, for Urb Cannibis from 9 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Oct. 28.
An automatic aid fire response agreement with Chikaming Township was approved.
Final approval of a special land use was granted to JARS Ventures 11 LLC to operate an adult-use marijuana establishment at 11451 O’Brien Court.
Preliminary approval was granted for a special land use to NB Retail, Inc. to operate an adultuse marijuana establishment at 19554 M-239, as well as to Upper Shelf Farms at 13899 Grand Avenue.
Approval of an SLU was granted to Apple Blossom Resort to operate an outdoor event space at 10788 Krueger Road.
Board members approved an invoice for $185,396.13 from the Berrien County Road Department for the Marquette Greenway. A resolution to rezone a portion of land located at 10299 U.S. Highway 12 from AGR to C-2 to be consistent with the zoning of surrounding properties, which will correct an oversight of the zoning map, was adopted.
The only real difference between a coastline like New Buffalo’s
Local Government Meetings
New Buffalo Times
CITY OF NEW BUFFALO
JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL
MARK ROBERTSON, ROGER LIJEWSKI, 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, MICHELLE HANNON, 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
Sheriff, Chuck Heit
Undersheriff, Greg Sanders
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
October thru March at 5PM EST
KIMBERLY WOLNIK, CLERK-TREASURER
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
THumphrey recognized for years of service to city
he Monday, Oct. 21, New Buffalo City Council meeting marked the last official one for Mayor John Humphrey.
Humphrey, who is not seeking a new term this Election Day, has served the city for several years.
During Monday’s meeting, City Manager Darwin Watson presented Humphrey with a plaque and thanked him for his “many years of dedication,” in particular for serving as mayor from 2020 to 2024.
Humphrey’s fellow council members joined Watson in thanking Humphrey
“It’s been a humbling and educational experience,” said Humphrey of his time serving the city.
He thanked his wife and daughters, as well as the city staff. Humphrey especially thanked Watson, noting the city has had 15 city managers in 25 years, with Watson being the longest-serving.
“Without stable city administration, the city cannot move forward-it can only attempt to catch up.”
Humphrey also wished all the candidates in the
BY THERESE DONNELLY
upcoming election good luck.
On Watson’s recommendation, the council approved an agreement with municipal financial advisors Bendzinski and Company to act as the city’s dissemination agent for administrative obligations regarding city bonds. Watson explained the city is required to provide the Securities and Exchange Commission with annual reports and disclosure of material events. Bendzinski will provide reporting services for five years at a rate of $1,000 per year.
Watson said Andy Cambell, who formerly worked with the city on behalf of the accounting firm Baker Tilly, will perform the reporting services.
In a previous meeting, the council approved maintenance and repair for the Street Department’s backhoe. West Side Tractor had provided a quote of $5,969.21, and the council approved work up to $10,000 to plan for additional costs.
Further diagnosis revealed total costs will be $13,681.99. The council
approved the new amount, with Humphrey noting a brand-new backhoe could cost close to $100,000.
The council approved a right-of-way maintenance agreement with Post Boy Restaurant, at 207 N. Whittaker Street. Watson explained the owners had done some improvements to the city right-of-way immediately adjacent to the restaurant property, including benches and plantings, to enhance the restaurant’s appearance. The city still owns the right-of-way, but under the agreement, Post Boy will be responsible for maintaining the piece of land.
Humphrey compared the agreement to a lease.
The council also approved the second reading of four ordinance amendments.
The amendments address Chapter 8, modifying the terms of hawking and peddling; Chapter 9, setting business registration dates from issuance instead of Jan. 1 to Dec. 31; Chapter 23, setting long-term rental registration dates from registration rather than July 1 to June 30; Chapter
8 of the Zoning Ordinance, amending the process for site plan reviews.
In public comments, resident and former councilmember Jack Kennedy expressed concern about the expected cost of 2025 fireworks. Kennedy said he felt the money would be better spent on street improvements.
Councilmembers clarified that they had agreed to the quote on the condition that the business community contribute part of the costs.
Councilmember Vance Price added the council should make a definitive decision soon.
Price also asked if the city could provide a schedule of expected leaf pickup, noting residents may end up raking the same pile repeatedly while waiting for the leaf vacuum to come.
Councilmember Roger Lijewski noted the leaf vacuum is currently out of service for repairs and the street department may rent one while waiting. Watson said the city can make a schedule available.
With no further business, Watson reminded residents to register and vote in the Nov. 5 election.
When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor. — Elon Musk
Village council approves allowing stairs construction across boulevard HEARS UPDATE ON LIGHT AT VILLAGE ENTRANCE ON U.S. 12
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Members of the Grand Beach Village Council approved a motion with regards to lakefront homeowners constructing stairs across Grand Beach Boulevard at their Wednesday, Oct. 16, meeting.
The motion states that lakefront homeowners can construct stairs across Grand Beach Boulevard “from their property to the beach” as well as can “build decks over the rock revetments on Grand Beach Boulevard subject to the following conditions: a) Stairs would be allowed upon obtaining zoning approval and a building permit for those stairs; b) A deck would be allowed upon obtaining zoning approval, a building permit and paying an annual lease fee of $1,000. Both approvals would be subject to the additional following conditions: The execution of the Construction Agreement for Stairs and Decking, as well as the Construction Agreement for Stairs only, as prepared by the Village Attorney contained herein.”
Councilmembers approved the motion in a 4-1 vote, with Blake O’Halloran being the dissenting vote.
Parks and Beaches Commissioner Peter Doerr said that he met with representatives from Amtrak and the Marquette Greenway a week ago and learned that they are looking at moving the gates at the bike crossing at the railroad tracks further out several feet to widen the street there, which would give more room for the non motorized path, as well as adding curbing.
He added that they weren’t interested in the village building a separate crossing, which would be too expensive.
The village and New Buffalo Township have been pushing to get a light at the entrance to Grand Beach on U.S. Highway 12. Doerr said that a representative from MDOT said that there’s a “very, very, very strong chance” of a light being put there if there’s a road diet there. If the four lane highway remains,
getting a light will “get kicked down the road for many, many years.”
It was agreed that Doerr would reach out to MDOT to present on the safety aspect and other details of a road diet at a future council meeting.
Councilmembers approved entering into a Grand Beach-Michiana Joint Policing Agreement, effective Jan. 1.
Ed Brandes, who serves as police commissioner, said that the most significant change to the updated agreement is that Grand Beach will now be paying half of police chief Ryan Layman’s benefits package and will split all the maintenance and acquisition costs for vehicles.
Councilmembers approved the purchase of security cameras from Omni Entertainment for $8,101.78. Council president Harry Walder said that this is the same contractor that the Village of Michiana uses and that Layman will be able to view both villages’ cameras on the same cloud-based software system.
Councilmembers approved putting the $22,369.62 from the Local Revenue Sharing Board into the Major Streets fund.
The purchase of a driving range golf ball dispensing machine for a cost not to exceed $11,000, which includes the purchase of 50 buckets and shipping charges, was approved in a 4-1 vote. Councilmember James Bracewell voted “nay,” as he feels that this decision should be left up to whoever will be appointed new golf commissioner after the upcoming election.
The hiring of Merritt Engineering to review and advise on the storm water drainage proposed by Haven was approved. The contract, which is approximately $1,200 to $1,500, will be funded from the Building Fund. Walder said the drawings have been submitted to the village for the stormwater drainage but the village lacks the expertise to evaluate them.
SPORTS
From the Bleachers
COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
Because the Bears had a bye week, my friends and I had more time to watch other teams and comment about them. My takeaway from Sundays games goes like this.
The Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers are all really good. Thank goodness the Bears made the decision to move on from Justin Fields and draft Caleb Williams.
I still like Fields, but I don’t think the Bears would have much of a chance if he was still the team’s quarterback. Fans that always look at the gloomy side of things don’t have nearly as much fun as optimistic fans.
The NFC looks to be the best division in the NFL. Sunday’s game between the Lions and Vikings was a real barn burner. Both teams looked outstanding, but in the end, the Lions emerged victorious by a score of 31-29. The Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers, and both Detroit and Minnesota, looked better than both of them.
The Green Bay Packers eked out a victory over a very good Houston Texans team 24-22, and in the process, solidified their position near the top of the division. For optimistic Bears fans, the challenges in the weeks ahead are something to look forward to, while the pessimistic fans think there is no way the Bears can compete with their division rivals.
As for the quarterbacks, after six games, Caleb has shown definite progress and seems to be heading toward being the franchise quarterback the Bears have forever been seeking.
The other choice the Bears made was to trade Justin
Fields to the Steelers.
He led the Steelers to a 4-2 record to begin the season, but the offense was underwhelming so they replaced him this week with Russell Wilson. Wilson led the Steelers to a 37-15 victory and Fields seems destined to spend the rest of the season on the bench. Justin is a likable guy who is blessed with a great amount of athletic ability, but this is his fourth season, and Caleb, after just six games, is already a better quarterback. I hope they both prosper. Whatever teams you root for, I hope you are able to enjoy them from start to finish. The pessimists seem to be happy saying that they told you so whenever things don’t go their teams way and only get to really enjoy things after jumping on the bandwagon near the end of championship seasons.
On the other hand, optimistic fans who have cheered the team when they were playing well and suffered through the down times seem to feel more joy because they have more time and emotion invested.
The Bulls and Blackhawks aren’t supposed to be very good this season, but I think they’re going to surprise everyone and be better than the experts think.
I wouldn’t mind at all if the Bears and Lions meet in the playoffs with the winner going on to play in the Super Bowl. Oh, and the Cubs, Sox, and Tigers will all be much improved.
Martha Troly-Curtin said, “Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
Raiders solid in first gridiron win of season
BY STAN MADDUX
The Red Arrow Raiders looked impressive in their first actual high school football victory of the season Friday, October 18.
The Raiders defeated Eau Claire 44-20 at home on senior night at River Valley High School.
Head Coach Matt Johnson said it was the best performance by his players, who were the healthiest they’ve been as a whole in a season plagued by injuries.
“It was nice to have our full team and get what we felt was a good quality win,” he said.
The Raiders wasted no time putting the first points on the scoreboard.
On their first series of downs, quarterback Ethan Lijewski gained more than 40 yards on two rushing
plays before completing a short pass to M’Nason Smothers in the end zone.
Smothers then caught a pass from Lijewski for a two point conversion.
Eau Claire on their first series of downs fumbled the ball, which was recovered by the Raiders at the Beavers’ 32 yard line by Travion Floyd.
Lijewski and Kyran Collis then rushed for 15 yards apiece before Lijewski on a keeper took the ball into the end zone.
Late in the first quarter, the Beavers were at the Raiders’ 32 yard line when Floyd intercepted a pass and took the ball downfield for 28 yards.
The Raiders, though, were unable to score.
Lightning struck again for the Raiders on defense in the second quarter when back to back sacks of the quarterback by
David Nicely and Lucas Forker forced Eau Claire to punt on fourth down with 35 yards to go for a first down.
Taking advantage of their good field position, Lijewski on a keeper ran to the Beavers’ 10 yard line before completing a screen pass to Smothers, who took the ball into the end zone.
Adam Slavens then caught a pass in the end zone for the two point conversion.
The Beavers pulled to within 22-6 just before halftime. Eau Claire remained within striking distance until the Raiders took more of commanding lead late in the third quarter.
Lijewski ran for 232 yards on 28
carries and completed nine passes for 99 yards.
Nicely led the defense with nine tackles.
Forker, Floyd and Ekolu Brown combined for another 19 tackles. The final game of the season for the Raiders is Friday at Bridgman, an always tough opponent that has struggled a bit more this season.
Johnson said he believes his team from the improvement they showed against Eau Claire can be competitive against Bridgman if his players limit their mistakes throughout the game.
“If we are mentally disciplined, I think it’ll be a good game. I’m confident we can win. We just have to do our job,” he said.
New Buffalo girls volleyball team gearing up for weekend tournament
BY STAN MADDUX
The New Buffalo High School girls’ volleyball team hopes to continue their winning ways at home during the upcoming conference tournament.
The tournament hosted at New Buffalo High School is Saturday, Oct. 26.
“It’s been a good season,” said Head Coach Bruce Molineaux.
The Lady Bison (21-10-3) are the third seed in the tournament behind Michigan Lutheran School and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School.
Molineaux said the goal is to play Our Lady of the Lake, the overwhelming favorite to win the tournament, for a shot at the championship.
The state ranked Lakers are 28-2 and 10-0 in their division of the Berrien Cass St. Joseph Conference.
The Bison lost all three sets but were competitive in their match with the Lakers during the regular season.
Reaching the championship game won’t be easy considering the number of other evenly matched teams like River Valley and Howardsville Christian in the conference.
“The teams in the league are very similar. The only difference is Our Lady of the Lake has the two girls that can really put the ball down. Otherwise, the teams are very similar,” he said.
Molineaux said he focused
heavily during practice this week on things like striking the ball hard with accuracy along with blocking returned shots at the net to try and his position his team for a deep run.
“We’re going to work on our offense and defense this week and see if we can get some breaks here and there and pull something out,” he said.
Scrimmage games were also held against the junior varsity team.
The Lady Bison were defeated in three sets in their last regular season match to a very good Cassopolis team.
New Buffalo was leading late in two of the sets.
“We just didn’t finish,” Molineaux said.
Benita Puskinigus with 10 kills and Riley Tertel with 21 assists led the way on offense followed by Cassidy Saunders, who had 8 kills.
Saunders was also a key figure on defense with 19 digs just one behind the team leader in digs, Meagan Fatter.
Molineaux said limiting mistakes is always key to victory but hopes playing the tournament at home can be a deciding factor since their regular season games against Michigan Lutheran, Our Lady of the Lake and River Valley were on the road.
“Home field helps a little bit,” he said.
Input being sought on Berrien County Parks Plan
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS TO HOLD PANCAKE BREAKFAST
BTBerrien County Parks and Recreation officials are seeking public input on the development of the 2025-2029 Berrien County Parks Five Year Plan. The plan will cover Rocky Gap, Silver Beach, Love Creek, Madeline Bertrand, Historic Courthouse Square, Paw Paw River and Galien River County Parks.
Through Nov. 18, a draft of the 2025-2029 Five Year Plan will be available to view online at www. berriencounty.org/1966/five-yearplan.
Printed copies will also be available to view at the following locations during business hours:
• Watervliet District Library, 333 N. Main Street, Watervliet
• Berrien County Administration Center, Parks Department, 701 Main Street, St. Joseph
• New Buffalo Township Library, 33 N. Thompson Street, New Buffalo
• Madeline Bertrand County Park, 3038 Adams Road, Niles
• Love Creek County Park, 9292 Huckleberry Road, Berrien Center
Comments, ideas, and suggestions for the future of Berrien County Parks can be emailed to parks@ berriencounty.org or by sending written comments to Berrien County Parks, 701 Main Street, St. Joseph MI, 49085 by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18. These ideas will be considered and incorporated into the plan.
The Berrien County Park System is made up of seven park properties, totaling approximately 650 acres. The next Parks and Recreation Plan will help guide Berrien County in its development and improvement efforts over the next five years and serve as a strategic reference document for future decision making.
he Knights of Columbus Council 14366 in New Buffalo will be sponsoring a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10, to support the Niles Women’s Center. All proceeds from
this breakfast will go to support the purchase of a new ultrasound machine. There is nothing like a new mother able to see her child for the first time. Please come out to support the event and spread the word.
Only donations will be accepted. A representative from the Women’s Center will be on hand to answer any questions and provide information. Those who are interested in assisting with the Knights’ work should contact the local membership director t md14366@mikofc.org or the Grand Knight at GK14366@mikofc.org. Those who are interested can also join online for free at www.kofc.org/join. — STAFF REPORTS
JOURNEYMAN PRESENTS 20 24
HALLOWEEN
DANCE PARTY
COSTUMES | COCKTAILS | MUSIC
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
8:00PM - 11:00PM LOCAL TIME | 21+ | $18 ADMISSION THREE OAKS, MI & VALPARAISO, IN
Spectacular Tournament of Playwrights Finals slated for next weekend
The Spectacular Tournament of Playwrights Finals will return to The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.
This 10-minute play writing competition is open to writers to bring top-tier original works to The Acorn stage.
This year’s finalists are Paul Bowman of New Albany, Indiana, for “Two Guitars;” Julius Farrell of Chicago for “Heaven’s Receptionist;” Romney Humphrey of Seattle for “The Bench;” Mary Donnet Johnson of Knoxville, Tennessee, for “Are You Really Seeing Me Right Now?;” Rebecca Kane of Astoria, New York, for “Dream Meaning” and Jeff Kaufman of Studio, California, with “Senseless.”
With the help of Twin City Players in St. Joseph, the Beckwith Theatre in Dowagiac and the Tin Shop in Buchanan, the work of these six finalists will come to life on The Acorn stage, bringing in stage talent from our corner of Southwest Michigan, and concluding with an audience vote to determine which one of these playwrights will win the 2024 competition.
Bowman has had one act plays staged in 13 states, Canada and Australia. Twenty three of his short stories and four short plays have been published in literary
magazines. He has also written screenplays and novels.
Farrell attended college in Mississippi, where he played football before returning to Chicago. For more than 30 years, Farrell worked in protective services security for the Chicago Cubs. He recently returned to Columbia College to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in creative writing.
Humphrey is a former media writer/producer and nationally produced playwright with recent play productions in California, Connecticut and Oregon. She has received numerous national and international awards for her television and screenplay writing including Best First Time Screenwriter Feature for “20” at the World Film Festival in Cannes and Finalist at the LA Film Festival, 2022 for “Liu”.
Kane’s writing has appeared in numerous theatres, festivals and readings in New York City and beyond, with credits including Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival, Last Frontier Theatre Conference, William Inge New Play Festival and the National Women’s Theatre Festival. Publications include repeated features in Smith & Kraus’s “Best of 2023” and “Best of 2024” collections and internationally
published literary magazines.
Johnson’s work has been widely produced, published in several collections, recognized by national competitions and commissioned by arts organizations who are dedicated to promoting positive change in their communities through theater-based endeavors.
Aplay Kaufman wrote, “First Aid,” was a winner of the 2024 Long Beach Playhouse New Works Festival. Kaufman directed, produced and wrote the Emmy-nominated American Masters documentary about playwright and LGBTQ activist Terrence McNally, Every Act of Life. He also directed / produced a Critics Choice-nominated documentary about Iranian human rights activist and political prisoner Nasrin Sotoudeh, “NASRIN.” In 2023, Kaufman organized a global women’s rights campaign with Amnesty International, PEN America, RFK Human Rights, MS. Magazine, The Feminist Majority Foundation, and others. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at acornlive.org. General admission is $25 and reserved seating is available for $50.The Acorn is located at 107 Generations Drive in Three Oaks. — STAFF REPORTS
Runners, walkers unite to ‘Run to the Center of the World’
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Andrew Gast said it was his sister, Lisa Wolf, whom he had to thank for finishing first place in Friends of New Troy’s 13th annual Run to the Center of World Saturday, Oct. 19.
With a time of 21:12.3, Gast came in first place as well as was the first male to cross the finish line. Wolf, who had a time of 23:07.7, was the first female.
“I talked to my sister last year and she said we should sign up - it’s always great support for everyone here in New Troy,” Gast, who was wearing a “Gast Family Farm Racing Team” shirt, said.
Wolf, who placed first in the 5K last year, said she was only able to get her brother to come out this year.
“Next year, I’m going to bring more siblings,” she said.
The siblings, who hail from the St. Joseph/ Stevensville area, have recently run in the Berlin Marathon, which had 55,00 runners, in Berlin, Germany.
Wolf said she enjoys the camaraderie of a smaller 5K, though.
“You get to talk to people and you get to cheer for people as they’re running,” she said.
Patrick Russell, who said it was his first time running a 5K, came in third place overall with a time of 22:29.7.
A triathlete from Bridgman, Russell said that running in it helped him with his training.
“It’s good practice for the running portion,” he said.
Lisa Papai of Three Oaks was back in the running game after giving birth to her daughter, Olive, seven weeks ago.
Before getting pregnant, she had run a half marathon.
“I started running four weeks after she was born, so this is the longest I’ve run after a year,” she said.
Callie Carroll accepts her wood carved medal
Andrew Gast races to the finish line
Patrick Russell races to the finish line
Craig Miller races to the finish line
The Run to the Center of World is the Friends of New Troy’s biggest fundraiser, with proceeds going to the general operations of the community center in New Troy.
The 5K began and ended in the parking lot of the community center’s parking lot.
The lot is a part of FONT’s ongoing Exterior Revitalization Project, Victoria Petroff, president of FONT’s board of directors, said.
She said the sidewalk is around the memorial garden, the facade has been installed, everything has been painted and the concrete has been finished. This week, the parking lot was scheduled to be poured.
New signs for the front of the gym will be coming from Art-FX Signs and Graphics. Sawyer Garden Center will be giving new trees and shrubs as part of the center’s new landscaping in the front either this year or next spring.
“Our next Run to the Center of the World, our building is going to look entirely different,” she said.
FONT is coordinating with Weesaw Township’s revitalization of the adjacent park. Petroff said that the multisport court is in as well as the pavilion and the walking track.
“We’re working in collaboration with them on the parking lot because half of the parking lot and the property is theirs and so, when the parking lot gets poured and the asphalt done, I believe the majority of that project is done,”s he said.
Walkers make their way down California Road
Racers and walkers received wood carved medals
Lisa Wolf crosses the finish line
Jenny Gabbard distributes the wood carved medals
Lisa Papai holds 7-week-old Olive with Hunter (left)
Terry Hanover greets racers and walkers
Tara and Eric Heiser get ready to race with their dogs, Wyatt and Sadie
Handmade items, apple slices abound at Arts and Crafts Show
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
This year, seven half bushels of Jonagold apples were used to make the famous apple slices for the New Buffalo Service League’s 41st annual Arts and Crafts Show, which took place in the gyms at New Buffalo Middle/High School Saturday, Oct. 19.
Liz Rettig, who handles the show’s kitchen duties, said that about 15 members of the league gather at St. Mary of the Assumption in Three Oaks to peel the apples and roll the dough before delivering them to the school. There, Patty Iazzetto, the food services director, bakes them the night before the show.
Sawyer Garden Center supplies the apples to the league for a good price.
Usually, the slices are gone by 1 p.m.
“Many people buy a whole tray,” Rettig said.
The tried and true recipe comes from the aunt of Linda Colvin, an honorary member of the league, and her mother.
“Sometimes, she comes to the show just to see how her apple slices are doing,” Rettig said.
Nearly 80 vendors were touting their handmade crafts at this year’s show, Nancy Gino, chairwoman of the show, said.
“We’ve had quite a few new vendors, so it has been full of new items,” she said.
Visitors check out the vendors in one of the gyms
Seasonal swags were on display
Autumnal shadowboxes are on display at the show
Members of the New Buffalo Service League display their famous apple slices
Vendors interact with visitors to the craft show
In the last three years, the league has grown from having 22 members to 44. Gino said that all the members pitch in, with Pam Covert and Dianna Smith serving as co-chairs. Hollis Oselka mans the bake sale and Jen McGreehan does the raffle. Members also bake items for the bake sale.
This year, the league achieved nonprofit status
“So now, we can take donations and the donors can write it off, so that should expand our finances,” Gino said.
Proceeds from the show go toward yearly scholarships that the league gives to seniors at New Buffalo High School.
On average, Gino said that the league gives around seven or eight scholarships. Students apply for them at the end of February and beginning of March.
“Then we have a committee come here and check out the applications and talk to the principal and counselor and they make their decision from there,” Gino said.
The decision making takes place on a school day, with students being called from their classrooms.
The league meets the second Wednesday of every month from September through May at the New Buffalo Yacht Club. At the May meeting, students are invited to a dinner with their parents to receive their baskets.
Students also receive big laundry baskets, which Gino said league members fill with everything they’ll need for college.
“It’s so heavy that the dads have to carry it out - so I don’t know if they’re happier with the money or the basket of goodies,” she said.
Visitors browse one of the booths
Jen Gino and Jennifer McGreehan stand by the display for the raffle
Carved items were on display at the show
Romy Collier displays her clock made from Lake Michigan rocks
Sue Syverson displays her rustic wooden signs
Truck stop card game robber in custody
BY STAN MADDUX
Aman is facing allegations he took thousands of dollars two men brought to a card game to gamble with in the parking lot of a truck stop outside Michigan City.
Darrell Noel III, 40, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 3 felony robbery.
According to court documents, the Cincinnati, Ohio, man on Aug. 28 knocked on the door of a camper attached to a pick-up truck in the parking lot of Love’s Truck Stop along U.S. 421 near Interstate 94.
Two men inside the camper, who didn’t know the suspect, accepted his offer to “double” their money in a card game to be played between two semi-trucks parked in the lot nearby, police said.
Police said they showed up with $10,000 in cash and left the rest of the $17,000 they had in a sack inside the camper.
At some point, Noel allegedly grabbed $7,000 from the men and took off in a pick-up truck across the parking lot.
The victims, who wanted their money back, held on to the driver’s side door
while being dragged across the pavement, according to court documents,
Police said one of the men hanging on to the truck let go and was run over by one of the back wheels of the fleeing vehicle, which then crashed into a semi parked in the lot.
Noel allegedly fled the scene in the vehicle stolen from a car rental agency in Cincinnati.
Police said the man run over suffered a number of abrasions on his skin and a possible fractured ankle.
Noel, who was booked into the La Porte County Jail Sunday, Oct. 20, was being held on $20,000 bond. He could face anywhere from a three to 16-year sentence.
According to police, the men claimed they drove here from Texas pulling the camper to purchase another camper for sale online.
However, police said they could not answer why they would come here with a camper with no ability to hook up another camper for the trip back home.
Cocaine brick recovered in traffic stop
BY STAN MADDUX
Aman returning home from Chicago was found during a traffic stop in La Porte County with a brick of cocaine.
Those are the allegations faced in La Porte Circuit Court by Keisand SantiagoMaldonado, 32, of Milton, Pennsylvania.
According to court documents, a sheriff’s deputy stopped him Oct. 17 for erratic driving on the Indiana Toll Road near Rolling Prairie.
The driver said he made the 10 hour trip during the night to visit his grandmother,
but the officer felt it was strange for him to be returning home less than three hours later, according to police.
Police said the officer’s increasing suspicions led to a search of the vehicle and recovery of a grocery bag containing a brick of cocaine wrapped in foil.
Depending on purity, the estimated value of the cocaine weighing one kilogram was placed at $30,000 or more.
Santiago-Maldonado could face anywhere from a 10 year to 30 year sentence on a Level 2 felony charge of dealing cocaine.
ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19
HOROSCOPE
OCTOBER 24-30, 2024
AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT
Some new power dimensions will be established this week. Whether you are advancing to a position of power or getting a new boss, you will have to contend with some different modes of operation. There is an element of letting go but the changes will bring financial gain.
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
Now is the time to get deeper into your own journey and life path. Relationships may get shook up now but it’s helping you realize whether people are helping or inhibiting your growth. There may be a lot of hard work here but you have the strength to endure any changes.
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
Let go of the past and lose some of those fancier notions this week. It’s about getting down to basics and handling situations without fanfare or drama. When you focus on what’s important, you will see that standing in integrity far outweighs fame and financial rewards.
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
Domestic issues are likely to return and relationships could be tested this week. There is a sense that you are locked or blocked in but the reality is you are free to move on at any time. Look to new friendships or living arrangements, that’s where you will find happiness and fulfillment.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
There will be some shifts on the home front this week. The family dynamic may undergo some shifts in what’s important or necessary for the household to continue. Even if talks don’t go so well, it doesn’t mean you won’t see positive changes. Don’t let disagreeable partners discourage you.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
Delve deeper into projects at home. Don’t walk away or get discouraged if things don’t go exactly as planned. Any mishaps you experience now will bring about changes and opportunities that will surpass any previous ideas or plans. Embrace blockages and trust in new ideas.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22
Working from home or putting in more hours on household projects is important now. Even if you have a hard time feeling good about your work or performance, other people will be happy with the results. On another note, you can expect some positive changes financially.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
Embrace a new you. Turn away from negativity or authority figures that are rooted in childhood fears of abandonment and insecurity. Take some time to get in touch with your innermost feelings. Even though it feels like party time, take some time for self-refection this week.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21
Take a break this week. Spend some time in solitude to get in touch with what you really want out of relationships and social connections now. People may try to intrude on your personal time or pry into your personal life, helping you see how important privacy and solitude are.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
There may be some issues that are hard to talk about or some people who are not easy to talk to, but you will have the opportunity to face them on your own terms now. There will be some unexpected breakthroughs and happiness now. Relationships will make you feel more energized.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
Your persuasive powers are keen now; just be sure you don’t take advantage of others. Use your influence to create positive changes and mend broken relationships. Family issues may flair up again, giving you a chance to solve problems with love rather than arguments.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
Prepare for some unexpected news surrounding travel or education plans this week. Also, some of your ethical stances may need reviewed or revised. This is not the time to shy away from challenges but investigate differing points of view with an open mind. Get ready to move into some new territory.
We live in a world in which courage is in less supply than genius. — Peter Thiel
TSchool of American Music seeking new executive director
he School of American Music is pleased to announce its intention to hire its first part-time, salaried executive director.
The school has been very fortunate to have had two outstanding volunteer directors, currently Donna M. Mitchell, who became ED in 2017, preceded by Priscilla Hellenga from 2012-2017. The school very much appreciates the wonderful service of these two directors, who helped shape the school to become an excellent school of music.
The executive director is responsible for the facilitation of all organizational and administrative aspects of the organization, including friendraising and fundraising, financial management, venue management, communications, marketing and public relations, human resources and working with the board on the strategic growth of the organization. The executive director maintains artistic and educational standards and ensures their implementation across the entire organization. In addition, the executive director is responsible and accountable for
all aspects of the organization, including implementing the policies set by the board of directors. The ideal candidate will have nonprofit management experience and a keen interest in music.
To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to Katha Kissman, board member and governance committee chair, at kkissman@hotmail.com. The deadline is Fridy, Nov. 15.
The School of American Music, located in Three Oaks is a nonprofit school that provides education, performance, and audience opportunities in music in the Southwest Michigan area.
For more information, please contact the School of American Music at 269-409-1191 or schoolofamericanmusic@gmail.com or visit School of American Music on Facebook or the website www. schoolofamericanmusic.com. — STAFF REPORTS
Input being sought for Chamberlain Path expansion
The Three Oaks Parks and Recreation Board and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) are excited to announce the installation of a new rain garden adjacent to Village Hall, which is the catalyst for expanding Chamberlain Path.
The rain garden will improve stormwater management, prevent erosion and create a natural habitat for wildlife, while adding beauty and functionality to the space. This initiative marks the beginning of an ambitious expansion project aimed at enhancing the heart of downtown Three Oaks.
Located at the center of the village, Chamberlain Path connects key commercial areas, making it an ideal location for both beautification and economic growth. The rain garden is just the first step toward transforming this vital commercial pathway into a multifunctional community hub.
As the expansion progresses, the
community can expect to enjoy a variety of exciting activities in the space. Initial ideas include pop-up artisan markets, fitness classes, fire rings for relaxation, live performances, attending outdoor movie nights and more. Community input will play a key role in shaping the park’s design, ensuring it reflects the community’s needs and desires. Public restrooms and parking spaces are top priority in the final plans.
The Parks and Recreation Board and DDA are committed to gathering community feedback before finalizing the plans for the Chamberlain Path expansion. Residents are invited to participate at Chamberlain Path during trick or treat on Sundy, Oct. 26, and Prancer Palooza Saturday, Dec. 14. Interactive voting will be available for residents to share their preferences and help determine the best activities for the space.
For more details and to provide feedback online, visit www.
strollthreeoaks.com/chamberlainpath or scan the QR code on posters displayed in local businesses and community sites throughout Three Oaks.
While Chamberlain Path is expanding, the Parks and Recreation Board has also been active across other parks in Three Oaks. Improvements at Dewey Cannon Park include gazebo repairs, tree protection and plans for a new restroom facility. The board was busy hand watering and mulching the new plantings at Carver Park this summer to ensure they became established during the hot and dry months of summer. Watkins Park has also been a focus, with a grant application submitted for pickleball courts (which unfortunately was not awarded), and plans for a controlled burn to remove invasive species in the prairie basin at the top of the park. —
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Thursday bible study 7pm ET
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Bare Bones ending its run in downtown La Porte
BY STAN MADDUX
The lifespan of a La Porte gastropub, which was viewed as a catalyst for bringing more people into downtown when it first opened in 2019, is coming to a disappointing end.
Bare Bones at 518 Lincolnway has announced its doors will close Nov. 9.
“We’re heartbroken for the chapter of Bare Bones to come to an end in our lives, but are proud of the space we were able to carve out in La Porte for the time we could,” said co-owner and executive chef Blake Murray in his post on the Bare Bones website.
“The decision was far from easy,” he added in his post.
Murray is also one of the owners of Burn ‘Em Brewing in Michigan City, now in its 10th year at a new, much larger location that opened earlier this year on U.S. 12 east of Franklin Street.
Burn ‘Em Brewing, which also serves food, relocated from its original location at 718 Freyer Road on Michigan City’s east side.
Mike Riehle, president of the La Porte Urban Enterprise Association, said talks were recently held with the owners at Bare Bones to see if there was anything else the city could do to help keep their
doors open.
Under an incentive program, the owners of Bare Bones were allowed to operate from a UEA owned building as long as they made a certain amount of capital improvements to the three story structure and remained in business for at least five years.
The decision to close came several months after meeting the five year requirement.
Riehle said Bare Bones was chosen for the program under a belief the owners would have the same type of success with their business concept here as they had in Michigan City.
He said the owners did seemingly everything possible to duplicate that success and had many loyal customers but, for whatever reason, fell short of expectations.
“I think, for the most part, they’ve been a very big part of our downtown and it’s unfortunate that we have to see them go,” he said.
The craft beer offered at Bare Bones is made at Burn ‘Em Brewing, which also offers various brands at the retail level.
PET OF THE WEEK
TINA
Tina is a pit bull/Labrador retriever mix, and has the best puppy energy, She may be a bit timid, but walks nicely on a leash, and understands the concept of pottying when she is outside. Tina is about seven-months-old, spayed, up-to-date with her vaccinations, and weighs about 32-pounds. She is very redirectable and treat-motivated. She would seem to be good around another resident dog, and loves everyone. Tina is at a great age to introduce to children, but would benefit with good training.
Youth return to the stage at Open Mic Night
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Family, friends and fans came out to see the latest in entertainment’s youngest crop of talent during the third Youth Night at The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts’ monthly Open Mic Night Sunday, Oct. 20.
The evening featured singers, guitarists and songwriters - all of whom were in high school or elementary school.
Next month’s Open Mic Night, which is Sunday, Nov. 12, will feature Hannah Baird, who was a top 10 finalist in The Acorn’s Singer/Songwriter Competition this summer. For future inquiries, contact openmic@acornlive.org.
Aaron Conley performs a song he’s written on the guitar Layna Hannon sings and strums her guitar Parker Kolosci strums her ukele Hailey Amster plays her guitar and sings
