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.
Outgoing mayor to serve as advocate for the city
BY STAN MADDUX
New Buffalo Mayor John Humphrey will still be at the plate swinging a bat for the city after serving the final day of an often stormy but productive term.
Humphrey said he will be working as a private contractor with other groups to fight at the state level of government for changes that would benefit New Buffalo and other municipalities.
For example, Humphrey said he hopes to be directly involved in an effort to secure more state sales tax revenue for communities like New Buffalo to offset costs associated with tourism paid by local governments.
Currently, he said “$50 to $60 million” is spent on various goods in New Buffalo each year primarily during the tourism season.
In return, though, Humphrey said the city receives only about $180,000 a year in sales tax revenue from the state.
Humphrey said the amount from Lansing hardly covers the expense of things like fixing streets with shorter lifespans from more visitors traveling in New Buffalo.
He said residents paying higher property taxes should not be the solution to filling the financial gap.
“People that live here should not be carrying the cost of having tourists come here while businesses make all of the money,” he said.
He also wants to push for a change in how the state distributes other sources of money so the amount collected by the city is more balanced with the much higher amount received by the school system.
“I have various windows where we can work on these things on behalf of the town and I’m happy to do it,” he said.
Humphrey said he chose not to run again
because the 20 or more hours he spent on what’s a part time job paying $2,500 a year took too much of his time away from his work in the private sector.
“I need to get back to making more income than I was able to devoting as much time as I was to this,” he said.
A Wanted man captured in two county pursuit
Humphrey said he also had his family to think about financially.
“To continue to do this would be an additional drain on the resources that I provide them. It was time for me to take a break,” he said.
Humphrey served as mayor during his first and only term on the city council when chosen by his colleagues to act in that capacity.
Ranking highest on his list of achievements included changes in the city’s zoning ordinance to ban new short term rentals from operating in residential areas and casting the deciding vote not legalize the retail sale of marijuana in the city.
Humphrey said as many as 10 marijuana shops could have opened in the city limits in addition to the numerous dispensaries that have already and continue to go up in New Buffalo Township along Michigan 239 and U.S. 12.
He said dispensaries in the city would have added traffic to the heavy congestion already experienced during the summer and further increased the complaints of marijuana use at the beach since the marijuana shops began opening in the township.
“It would have been a disaster,” he said.
His final day will be November 18 when the city council is sworn into office and appoints a new mayor.
A man wanted for several alleged crimes is facing additional charges following a police chase through Michigan City that ended with the fleeing driver crashing.
Jonathan Sanchez, 34, is charged with resisting law enforcement and two other counts in connection with the Sunday afternoon pursuit.
According to La Porte County Police, officers were heading to the Colonial Mobile Home Park in the area of 400 West and 700 North in Springfield Township.
They were going there to arrest Sanchez on several warrants after information developed he was living at that location possibly with his girlfriend, who was the registered owner of the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander he was driving.
Police said Sanchez was spotted near the trailer park traveling at twice the 30 mile per hour speed limit.
Sanchez quickly accelerated, triggering a westbound chase to U.S. 20 then Michigan Boulevard where Sanchez struck the side of a vehicle stopped in traffic near Jackson St. police said.
At one point, police said Sanchez damaged one of his front tires by running over a curb.
The damaged tire fell completely off the rim but the chase continued on U.S. 12 and west to The Pines where Indiana State Police took the lead in the pursuit.
The chase was still on U.S. 12 when the trooper a short time later forced the suspect off the road and into a tree.
According to police, Sanchez admitted using methamphetamine earlier in the day.
Life is like a movie, it’s not the cinematography but the excellence in the acting that wins the Emmy. — Dino N. Fatouros
He’s also charged with reckless driving and possession of drug paraphernalia for two pipes typically used for smoking heroin being recovered from the vehicle.
Sanchez was taken to Franciscan Health to have what were believed to be minor injuries sustained in the crash evaluated. — STAN MADDUX
Local Government Meetings
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
Election 2024 results
COMPILED BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
THE FOLLOWING IS AN UNOFFICIAL LIST OF RESULTS IN BERRIEN COUNTY OF THE NOV. 5 GENERAL ELECTION
MUNICIPALITIES
City of New Buffalo
Councilmembers, Three Open Seats (Four-Year Terms): Brian Tully Flanagan, 320; Karen Jo Gear, 469; Richard Lee Knoll, 570; Roger Lijewski, 569 and Jacob Vravis, 253.
Chikaming Township
Supervisor, Four-Year Term: David Bunte, 1,146.
Clerk, Four-Year Term: Paula Dudiak (R), 1,438.
Treasurer, Four-Year Term: Liz Rettig (R), 1,363.
Trustees, Two Open Seats (Four-YearTerms): Arthur H. Anderson (D), 1,111; Rich Sullivan (R), 1,059 and Deborah Hall Kayler (no party), 778.
Trustees, Two Open Seats (Four-Year Terms): Arthur R. King (R) 795 and James Pelletier (R) 755.
Grand Beach
Councilmembers, Two Open Seats (Four-Year Terms): John Grace 185 and Edward Sebastian 133
Michiana Councilmembers, Three Open Seats (Four-Year Terms): Michael Botelho, 105 Timothy McCarthy 103 and Nancy Thill 86. Partial term: Michael Mumper, 100.
Three Oaks
Village President, Three-Year Term: Steven Graziano 490.
Trustees, Three Open Seats (Four-Year Terms): Joseph Hinman, 390; John Kramer, 357; Michael Springer, 385 and Dennis Wojtczak, 220.
COUNTY OFFICES
Prosecutor (Four-Year Term)
Trevor J. Maveal (D) 33,445 and Amy Byrd (R) 47,889.
Sheriff (Four-Year Term)
Chuck Heit (R) 50,648 and Al DiBrito
(no party affiliation) 17,128.
Clerk (Four-Year Term)
Jessica Ashley Jackson (D) 34,223 and Stacy Loar-Porter (R) 45,866.
Treasurer (Four-Year Term)
Shelly Weich (R) 56,804.
Register of Deeds (Four-Year Term)
Lora Gnodtke Freehling (R) 56,361.
Drain commissioner (Four-Year Term)
George McManus III (R) 56,204.
Surveyor (Four-Year Term)
John Kamer (R) 55,705.
Board of Commissioners
District 9 (Four-Year Term)
Janet Henderson (D) 3,863 and Alex Ott (R) 4,213.
District 10
Mac Elliott (R) 5,427.
37th District (Two-Year Term)
Angela Jones (D) 12,627 and Brad Paquette (R) 22,193.
38th District (Two-Year Term)
Joey Andrews (D) 21,293 and Kevin Whiteford (R) 18,879.
SCHOOL BOARDS
Lake Michigan College (Two Open Seats, Six-Year Terms)
Joan Smith, 40,885 and Mark Weber, 39,172.
New Buffalo (Three Seats, Six-Year Terms)
Stephen Donnelly 1,631, John Haskins 1,493 and Gregory Vosberg 1,300.
Partial terms: Vanessa Thun (term ending Dec. 31, 2028), 1,788 and Jennifer Medina-Summers (term ending Dec. 31,
No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking. — Voltaire
2026), 1,679.
River Valley (Two Open Seats, Six-Year Terms)
Jennifer Alderink
2,462 and Jennifer Strefling
3,013.
MILLAGES
Three Oaks Township Fire Protection
Millage Renewal Proposal
Yes - 927 No - 262
Three Oaks Township
Ambulance
Millage Renewal
Proposal
Yes – 948 No - 243
New Buffalo City Proposal for Park Improvement
Millage Renewal
Yes – 572
No -383
New Buffalo City Proposal for Road Millage
Yes – 538 No- 435
Grand Beach
Village Proposed
Charter
Amendment to Change Fiscal
Year to July 1
Starting in 2025
Yes - 195 No - 39
School districts
New Buffalo Area Schools Operating
Millage Proposal
Yes – 1,659
No - 942
Seraphina and (right) Genevive Ohl and Ramona Hurlbutt stand by the packed boxes
Calvary Chapel invites public to drop off a shoebox
for ‘Operation Christmas Child’
BY FRANCESA SAGALA
As is tradition, Calvary Chapel New Buffalo is inviting members of the community and beyond to pack a shoebox with school supplies, toys and other essentials to make a difference in a child’s life.
Shoeboxes can be dropped off at the church, located at 1615 East Buffalo St., as part of Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week, which is Nov. 18-25.
Shoeboxes can be dropped off at the following times: from 2:304:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Nov. 18, 19, 20 and 22; from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19; from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23; from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25.
Members of the church had already packed over 400 shoeboxes Sunday, Nov. 3, during which they held a packing party.
Pastor Len Pera said that certain items, such as the around 400 wooden tic tac toe toys that are built by Bob Warren, are built during “builder’s days.” Others, like bar soap and washcloths, are bought.
“We accumulate all this stuff all year long and it just builds,” he said.
Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Relief.
Pera said the shoeboxes, along with items that are left over, are packed in a big box and taken to Samaritan’s Purses’s processing center for the Midwest in Aurora, Illinois.
Volunteers go through the boxes, ensuring that the correct items are in place. Sometimes, they’ll fill up boxes with the leftover items.
Boxes are then shipped to Boone, North Carolina, where they’re sent to children in places all over the world and across the country.
Pera said that boxes have gone to Ukraine, India and Africa, as well as Indian reservations.
He said he wants to tell anyone who’s interested in packing a box that it won’t cost them anything, as the church covers a big portion of the shipping cost.
“We just want to make it an event where parents and grandparents could bring their kids and say, ‘This is something outside of ourselves, we want to think about someone else and we want to think about those that don’t have what we have,’” he said.
For the third year, students from New Buffalo High School’s SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) are pitching in,” Nicole Bowen, SADD’s advisor, said.
“We collected last week so I brought a bag of stuff, and we’re collecting for next week also,” she said Nov. 3.
Tammy Ohl, who, with Bob and Linda Warren, heads the collection effort, said that members of the church are continuing to come up with ideas on what to make and buy for the shoeboxes.
“It is their heart’s desire to make something, to add something to the box for these kids that would bring them joy and make their life easier,” she said.
After filling out a label indicating if the box is for a boy or girl and its ideal age range, those who pack a box can scan a QR code to find out where the box ended up.
Several years ago, Ohl said that the church sent some boxes to Ukraine. They received a letter, which had birds, a sky and other “happy” symbols, on it, from a little boy, along with a picture of him holding a stuffed puppy that he’d received in the box.
“He comes to mind so much because Ukraine has been in a time of war, so you really think about what his life was like before and what it’s like now,” she said.
HIKE TO EXPLORE
GRAND MERE STATE PARK
The trails of Grand Mere State Park, which has 1,000 undeveloped acres of wetlands, woods, sand dunes and a beach, in Stevensville, Michigan, will be explored during a hike at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, with the Harbor Country Hikers.
Partly because it is protected by dunes from Lake Michigan, Grand Mere has many natural features not found in the rest of the state. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1968. Hikers President Pat Fisher will lead the 1.5-mile hike, which is expected to last about two hours. The hike is rated moderately physically difficult for loose sand and several climbs along the way. Those who attend are advised to dress in layers, wear a warm cap and sturdy shoes or boots, and bring plenty of water. Although membership is preferred, all are welcome to participate in this event. For driving directions and additional information about the Hikers, visit www. harborcountryhikers.com or the group’s Facebook page. — STAFF REPORTS
Area nurse saves life at college football game
BY STAN MADDUX
Anurse at a Berrien County hospital is going to another college football game at the University of Alabama, but this time at no cost for her recent life-saving efforts inside the stadium.
A video of her overcome by emotion afterwards has gone viral with nearly seven million hits on the internet.
The hit rock song “My Hero” released in 1998 by the Foo Fighters is the sound track for the video taken by an unknown fan and posted on Instagram.
Erin Mender, 30, said she doesn’t think of herself as a hero, though.
She said her actions were more about feeling obligated to help because of her medical skills.
“It’s hard not to feel like you have a duty to do,”she said.
Mender was at the October 26 game against Missouri with her fiancé, Mike Eldridge, both of La Porte.
She first leaped into action by assisting a middleaged fan who passed out and fell in his nearby seats just before kick-off in 90 degree weather.
Mender said the fan, who suffered an abrasion to his forehead, had a rapid pulse, an irregular heartbeat at times and low blood pressure.
“He was just really shook up. He didn’t understand what was going on,” she said.
She helped medics carry him out of the stadium for transport to the hospital.
Then, while returning to her seat close to the top of the stadium, an elderly medic who had just assisted her with the fan passed out.
Mender said she rushed the short distance over and yelled at the man.
She also shook him but he was not responding.
Unable to find a pulse, Mender said she laid his body on a bleacher and started CPR.
A minute after starting chest compressions, she said the man gasped, regained consciousness, sat up and began talking to her.
Quickly, her emotions swung the opposite way from the panic and intensity she was experiencing with a life in her hands.
“It was such a relief,” she said. Mender said she stayed with the man until medics returned and took him away.
It wasn’t long before Mender filled with emotions broke down in the arms of her fiance, Mike Eldridge, a teacher at La Porte High School.
Mender said she tried watching the game but her focus wasn’t on the field.
It was more on things like how the life-saving outcome could have been much different and whether both men were doing o.k. now.
“I was just not present at all, like at all,” she said.
Mender said the first man she assisted is doing well based on her conversation with him after he later reached out to her.
She’s hoping the other man will contact her soon after hearing from a third party he was doing better.
“In a sense, I need closure. I can’t stop thinking about him,” she said.
She and Eldridge were given tickets for November 30 when Alabama plays at home against Auburn in a rivalry match between the two teams.
They are the guests of Vista Hosts and Homewood Suites, which is also donating $3 on behalf of Mender to the American Heart Association for every hotel room booked for an Alabama game until the end of the season.
Mender, who has gone to college football games in the past at Notre Dame and Purdue said she didn’t really get into college football much until after meeting Eldridge, who’s a huge fan of the Crimson Tide.
“The environment prior to the game was so fun. I can’t wait to go back and, hopefully, just have a normal experience,” she said.
Mender has since been making videos about how important it is for the general public to be trained in CPR and posting them on social media.
She works at Corewell Health, a hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan.
“I live in a world where everyone is CPR certified, so, I guess it never dawned on me to think about that kind of thing. But, now, I definitely am,” she said.
Return to peace top priority for elected commissioners
BY STAN MADDUX
Ending four years of extreme political fighting is top priority for both newly elected members of the La Porte County Commissioners. But, only time will tell whether incumbent Joe Haney and Steve Holifield, who are both republicans, can avoid such clashing once taking their seats on January 1.
Haney, 47, defeated Randy Novak by about 2,200 votes for a second term in a race featuring a lot of mudslinging especially in the final weeks of the campaign.
Holifield, 59, won by a similar margin over veteran law enforcement officer democrat Mike Kellems in a race both candidates described as positive and respectful.
Novak, a retired Michigan City fire chief, will return to his seat on the La Porte County Council to serve the remaining two years on his third term.
He often defended himself against claims by Haney and La Porte County Auditor Tim Stabosz of benefitting financially for supporting no-bid contracts awarded to contractors and being a puppet for power brokers within the party. Novak alleged Haney was a puppet for Stabosz, a major financial supporter of the Haney’s campaign and a campaign contributor of money to a select number of other republican candidates.
The 59 year old Holifield, a farmer and president of the Lincoln Township Board, said he has a long record of working with people and plans to do the same with Haney.
Holifield, though, said he will not tolerate continued political firestorms triggered by Haney, Stabosz or anyone else during commissioners meetings that have La Porte County government labeled even downstate as a “laughingstock.”
Instead, Holifield said he will insist any disputes between the commissioners be discussed privately to avoid more public drama.
Stabosz, on the other hand, will no longer be auditor when his term expires December 31.
He was defeated by Holifield in the May primary.
Holifield said he expects Stabosz to keep showing up but there’s not much he can do to stop him from creating friction should he try during the public comment portion of meetings.
His plan is to let him speak his mind until he has nothing left to say.
“It’s like a crying baby. Once they’ve cried long enough they usually go to sleep and be quiet,” he said.
Haney said he intends to work with Holifield as long as they are on the same page against things like hiring and awarding contracts to family members and what he described as other “shady” dealings.
“That’s my hope. I haven’t had a chance to speak with him yet. We’ll see,” he said.
La Porte County Councilman Mike Rosenbaum will vacate his seat to become the next La Porte County Auditor.
Rosenbaum, a republican, ran unopposed.
His seat will be filled in a vote by republican precinct officials from within the county during a caucus sometime in January.
Stabosz said he has strong interest in becoming a candidate for the open seat and has been lobbying precinct officials for their support.
Holifield, who has a vote as a precinct committeeman, said the party should not elect Stabosz to fill the two years left on Rosenbaum’s term since he was defeated in the primary.
“We should not ignore that and put him in,” he said.
Haney said he wants to know who is seeking the seat first before supporting anyone but feels Stabosz is qualified to serve in that capacity.
“I think he would be a fine addition,” he said.
SPORTS
From the Bleachers
COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
I’m really happy that the World Series was so interesting, because it will keep me from spending too much time thinking and writing about the Bears.
Let’s get the bad stuff out of the way first.
After a week of chaos and denial, the Bears played, by far, their worst game of the season on Sunday. A game that figured to be an even match, turned into a route. The hangover from last week’s Hail Mary last second loss lingered with the players, and the fans, the game quickly turned ugly. When the dust settled, Arizona not only kicked the Bears’ butts (29-9), but they may have taken the wind out of their sails, and ultimately ended their season.
The coaching and game plans started bad and got worse.
The offense was inept. The defense was terrible. They came in with a lot of injuries, and left with even more. Their season that seemed so promising a couple of months ago, has deteriorated to the point that it looks like we have to wait until next year, again.
Next year, it seems like the Bears will have a new coaching staff, draft or sign free agents a bevy of offensive and defensive linemen, and hope that this year hasn’t broken their shining star, quarterback Caleb Williams.
On to baseball. The World Series was outstanding.
While competitive balance in baseball is largely ignored, I must admit that seeing so many outstanding players on the field at one time was
exciting.
The biggest superstars weren’t the best players during the series, but plenty of the other players stood out.
The Dodgers pitching was exceptional, the Yankee shortstop, Anthony Volpe, led them to their only victory, but the most valuable player was, without a doubt, Freddie Freeman, of the Dodgers.
I’ve been a fan of Freeman’s since he played for the Atlanta Braves.
A few years back, the Braves were demolishing the Cubs. The game was out of hand, so the Cubs put Anthony Rizzo in to pitch to Freeman and, defying all odds, struck him out. They were both smiling and having fun and it gave the game a human touch.
When the series started, and in the first game, Freeman hit a walkoff grand slam homer, I told a few of my friends that Freeman was my favorite, non-Cub, baseball player.
In the second game, he hit a bomb in the first inning to give the Dodgers the lead, and they never looked back. He even hit a homer in the third game, and while the best of the best, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge struggled, but Freeman—sore foot and all—was the shining star. Maybe next year, the Cub’s will meet the Detroit Tigers in the World Series, and one of our own can be the hero.
Plato said, “Books give a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
Lady Bison take District 4 tournament favorites to brink
BY STAN MADDUX
After a slow start, the New Buffalo High School girls’ volleyball team caught fire against state ranked Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School but fell just short in the District 4 tournament semi-finals Wednesday, Nov. 6, at River Valley High School.
“We just couldn’t get over the hump,” said Head Coach Bruce Molineaux.
The Lady Bison lost the first
set 25-17 but stormed back after trailing 9-4 in the second set.
Points from an overpowering spike at the net by Nicky Durham and unreturned serve from Josie Humphrey evened the score at 17.
A kill at the net by Cassidy Saunders from a set by Meagan Fatter evened the score again at 19.
The Lady Bison took the lead on a kill from Humphrey and were on the verge of winning the set but the Lakers scored the
final three points to claim victory 27-25.
In the deciding third set, New Buffalo led 3-1 after scoring a point from a block at the net by Benita Puskinigus.
The Lady Bison soon trailed but kept the score close with the Lakers ahead by no more than three points throughout the game.
Another point on a ball drilled by Durham evened the score at 17.
The Lady Bison then fell
behind by two points but evened the score again then took a 23-22 lead on three consecutive unreturned serves from Riley Tertel.
The Lakers took the match, though, by scoring the final three points to win the set.
Molineaux said his players became much more competitive after overcoming some early jitters, perhaps.
“It’s been like that all year
long, really. We’re not a start out quick team but once we get in the groove we play well,” he said.
Molineaux felt his players, who are mostly seniors, also stormed back from being determined in wanting to extend their final high school season.
“They don’t want to lose. I don’t want to lose, but it still hurts,” he said.
New Buffalo finished the year with a record of 24-13-3.
Original plays take the stage at ‘Tournament of Playwrights
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Michael Lasswell, who hails from Dunes Summer Theatre in Michigan City, said that George Jean Nathan, an American drama critic and magazine editor, once wrote the following: “An actor without a playwright is like a hole without a donut.”
“So tonight, we’re offering you half a dozen donuts - someone ate the other six on the way over here,” Bill Lindblom, box office and volunteer coordinator at The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts, said during his and Lasswell’s stint of emceeing the Spectacular Tournament of Playwrights Saturday, Nov. 2.
The tournament featured six 10-minute plays, which were chosen from playwrights from across the country that brought their top-tier
work to The Acorn.
Last year, Michael Bond, The Acorn’s senior production manager, said that about 40 playwrights sent in about 70 plays.
“This year doubled,” he said.
Members of the reading committee read through the plays that were submitted from this year’s around 80 playwrights and looked at different criteria such as voice, message and other elements.
Soon, they were left with the top six plays, which were brought to life on The Acorn’s Turner Stage Nov. 2 by actors from Beckwith Theatre in Dowagiac, Tin Shop in Buchanan and Twin City Players in St. Joseph.
Lasswell said that the horror writer Stephen King said he “wrote novels because kidnapping people and forcing them to act out your make believe worlds is technically illegal.”
“And we have in fact tonight
kidnapped 14 fantastic actors and forced them to perform these roles for you,” Lindblom said.
After viewing the finalists, audience members voted on the top three winners by scanning a QR code.
The winner of the $500 first place cash prize was “The Bench” by Romney Humphrey of Seattle. Second place for a $200 prize was “Are You Really Seeing Me Right Now” by Mary Donnet Johnson of Knoxville, Tennessee, and the $100 third place cash prize went to “Heaven’s Receptionist” by Julius Farrell of Chicago.
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”.
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.
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.
Lucinda and Mark Moriarity comiserate over life in The Bench
Janet Davies and Michael Bond have it out in Two Guitars
Willow Turner addresses Lloyd Bolick in Are You Really Seeing Me Right Now
Cassie Holmes and Avery Saylor in Dream Meaning
Michael Lasswell and Bill Lindblom serve as emcees
Corinna Darr, Trevor Hough and Kelly Carlin perform Heaven’s Receptionist
Large housing development taking shape in La Porte
BY STAN MADDUX
A
major need for new housing in La Porte is again being addressed at a nearly shovel ready, once heavily wooded site.
Currently, more than two miles of water and sewer lines combined are being extended to the 35-acre site annexed into the city last year at Park Street and Severs Road.
The $12 million construction plans call for 10 single family homes, nearly 100 townhomes and more than 50 apartments at the development called “Hunter Woods.”
La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership Executive Director Bert Cook said it’s one of the largest housing developments in the city’s recent history.
It just scratches the surface on the work that’s still needed to meet the demand for modern housing options in the community, though.
“This is a great project. We want to see more like this but we still got a long ways to go,” he said.
Cook said the first new homes could start going up late this year but more likely in the spring.
It’s expected to take five to 10 years for all of the homes to be constructed but how fast they go up depends on how brisk the sales, he said.
The homes available to purchase are expected to have a price range of somewhere from $340,000 to $405,000.
Monthly rent for the two and three bedroom apartments should be anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000.
During a Wednesday groundbreaking ceremony, local government agencies working together was hailed as key to making the development possible.
The city is paying the brunt of the nearly $2 million cost of running municipal utilities to the site but county government is chipping in close to $500,000.
La Porte County Council President
Randy Novak said the need for new housing is great throughout the county so helping the city is also good for the county.
He called the partnership “a no-brainer.”
La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody, who has been aggressive in his pursuit for new residential construction since taking office in 2020, said the cost not offering more housing options to prospective and current residents is much greater in the long run.
The goal is to attract more new residents by adding homes with greater market appeal.
The vision is also to draw from people that will be filling the many jobs at an Amazon data center and electric battery making plant going up outside New Carlisle and the Microsoft data center planned in La Porte.
A study in 2022 recommended over 900 homes for ownership and more than 750 rental units be added in the city to achieve
balance in a housing stock with just 20 percent new construction since 1980.
Since 2020, the new housing includes 200 resort-type apartments near Clear Lake and several townhomes priced at more than $700,000 apiece beside Fish Trap Lake.
Roughly 40 affordable units inside the once-condemned Monroe Street Apartments downtown have been restored and modernized.
Low to mid-priced homes are also going up at the former Tibma Bakery site on Woodward Street and on 18th Street across from Kesling Middle School.
More new housing continues to be added to the existing Whispering Meadows subdivision along Indiana 4 on the city’s southeast side.
Future construction of new homes is also planned beside Beechwood Golf Course.
“We have a lot of catching up to do to say the least,” Dermody said.
THE FLOOD GATES ARE NOW OPEN!!!
WOMAN CHARGED IN BABY’S STARVATION DEATH
AMichigan City woman could face significant prison time for the starvation death of her infant son.
Shianne Gramlin, 21, is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with neglect of a dependent causing death.
Her nine week old son passed away in April but charges were not filed until recently after cause of death following an autopsy was ruled starvation from malnourishment.
According to court documents, the investigation shows Gramlin strictly breast fed the boy, whose weight had dropped from more than nine pounds at birth to over six pounds when he passed away at Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
Police said Gramlin told investigators she also nursed her older son who lost weight until switching him to formula after she was diagnosed with a deficiency in her milk.
According to court documents, Gramlin said she was interested in switching her youngest son to formula after noticing his weight loss but wanted approval from a doctor like she obtained for her other son.
Police said the infant passed away soon after he arrived at the hospital by helicopter a day before his scheduled doctor’s appointment.
The appointment was more than a week after it was scheduled but Gramlin decided to wait instead of taking him to an urgent care facility or hospital emergency room to be seen by a doctor sooner, police said.
The investigation shows the boy, after being discovered unconscious, was driven by Gramlin and his father to Franciscan Health, which made arrangements for him to be airlifted.
Police said it took the parents one hour, though, to leave their home with the child.
According to court documents, Gramlin told investigators she conducted regular feedings and didn’t mean for this to happen to her son. She was being held in the La Porte County Jail on $100,000 bond.
Gramlin could face anywhere from a 20 to 40 year sentence on the current charge. — STAN MADDUX
OBITUARIES
Nicholas
Fulbright,
Jr. 1960-2024
Nicholas Fulbright, Jr., 64, of Three Oaks, passed from this life to the better side, Thursday, October 24, 2024, his home surrounded by loved ones
His life began April 5, 1960, in Buchanan, Michigan, the second youngest of five children, born to Nicholas Sr. and Sally Fulbright. He married Debbie Ringer in Niles, Michigan.
Nick was a hardworking, tirelessly caring, and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.
Nick and Deb shared a story of enduring true love that began in the first grade. They fell in love in high school. They spent some time apart, lived in different states and married different people, but never stopped thinking of one another. Nick and Deb finally reconnected in 2009. They made a home and rebuilt their life together in a way that inspires those around them to never give up on finding the love of a lifetime. They tied the knot in 2018 officially and have plans to reconnect again on the other side, which we all know they will.
He was a loving father. He was fun, rode the roller coasters, hit the water slides, and made sure his children gained life experience. When his kids became adults, he guided with a steady hand and rarely offered unsolicited advice. He remained their confidante, friend, and biggest cheerleader to his last day.
Nick was a successful businessman during his working years. He and his brother, Keith, established a custom tool and die company in Niles, building it from the ground up. Nick was always grateful to those they employed, valuing grit and hardworking people.
He was a member of both the American Legion and the Masonic Temple.
Nick is survived by many friends, but none closer than Rory Robinson. Nick and Rory’s friendship is nearly as old as they are having met when they were five. Rory’s wife Cheryl (Deb’s sister) gave Nick the nickname “Gator”. He earned this name because he was always a prankster and wanted to get the party started, an insta”Gator.”
He is also survived by his integrity. Before being
self-employed, Nick worked for Aramco and moved his family to Saudi Arabia for several years. That was an exciting time during his life professionally, and personally. He looked back on that time fondly.
Nick held all his siblings in the highest regard. The family are fans of car racing--their dad owned an Indy car that raced in the 1964 Indy 500. Going to the Indy 500 Time
Trials is an annual pilgrimage they’ve enjoyed together for decades and was always a favorite pastime of Nick’s. He remained close with his brothers and sisters to his last day, and they were a great comfort to him throughout his life.
Above all else Nick, “Papa,” adored his grandchildren and they each adored him greatly. He loved entertaining them and was a very talented T-Rex. He was good at--and enjoyed--talking to them about the things they found important.
Nick had a special connection with his nephew, Nick Fulbright, whom he loved dearly and had the opportunity to spend extra time with in his last few years. Nick was so proud of his nephew who overcame many obstacles in his life to shine like the man his Uncle Nick knew he always was.
Nick will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of fifteen years, Debbie Fulbright of Three Oaks; one daughter, Anna Marie Fulbright of Spokane, Washington; one son, Benjamin (Deanna) Fulbright of Berrien Springs; two stepsons Brendan (Stephanie) Harlan of Ruskin, Florida, Trevor (Chelsea) Harlan of St. Joseph; five grandchildren, Noah, Adalyn, Mickey, Sloane, Nora; one sister, Peggy (Tharon) Taylor of Franklin, Kentucky; two brothers, Jerry (Jill) Fulbright of Sturgis, Keith (Mandy) Fulbright of Berrien Springs; one sister-in-law Sandi Fulbright of Northport, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Ray Fulbright; and his dearest friend, confidant, and brother-in-law, Wayne Spletzer.
Family and friends will observe a private remembrance.
The family prefers contributions in memory of Nicholas be made to the Randall Couchman American Legion Post #204, 204 West Linden Street, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128 or the Niles Masonic Temple, 227 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.
WOMAN LEAVES BAR AND CRASHES WITH KIDS HOME ALONE
Awoman allegedly left her children at home to go out drinking then crashed on her way back into one of the brick planters in downtown La Porte.
Ashley Krol, 32, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with Level 6 felony neglect of a dependent and operating while intoxicated as a Class A misdemeanor.
According to court documents, La Porte Police about 4 a.m. on October 27 responded to 505 Lincolnway on a report of a motor vehicle crash with injuries.
Upon arrival, police said Krol was still inside her car with blood on her hands and the smell of alcohol on her breath.
Court documents revealed Krol told investigators she was heading home from a nearby bar just prior to striking the brick planter.
According to court documents, a blood test revealed her blood alcohol level was .302 percent, well above the legal .08 percent limit.
During the investigation, police said information developed that her two children were home without adult supervision, which was confirmed when an officer went to her residence.
The ages of her children were not disclosed.
Krol was taken to the La Porte County Jail and posted bail the next day.
During her initial court appearance, a hearing was scheduled for November 27 for her to update Judge Tom Alevizos on her efforts to obtain private legal counsel. — STAN MADDUX
CALVARYCHAPELNB.ORG
We are a non-denominational church teaching through the bible line by line
Sunday service 1015 ET
Thursday bible study 7pm ET
Saturday men’s bible study 915 ET in person and zoom
Saturday women’s bible study 1030 ET on zoom 1615 E Buffalo St. New Buffalo, Mi
A Day in the Life
SAYING GOOD-BYE TO MY ‘PRAIRIE FARM’ HOUSE
BY LAWRENCE VON EBELER
There are some things that are surprisingly traumatic.
Driving by my old “Prairie Farm” house, which is where I lived for 22 years, is one of those things; however, my heart hearkening back to some great memories can take away some of the sadness of losing my house, my lovely little “Prairie Farm,” forever.
I have missed those three acres of beautiful trees, including 32 giant oaks and the 40 foot high stunning pine trees - all of which backed up to a woods that was to die for.
When we first moved there, my wife Bobbie and I hadn’t arrived from Columbus until three in the morning. We were totally exhausted from that very long trip of five hours in a truck cab, with a dog and a cat squirming to get out. Loading the truck, even with three professional movers, was exhausting.
I set a new record for our many moves over the years by packing over 200 boxes the night before. Nothing got broken! We also had a house sale of things we didn’t want to take two days before, which tends to make one a little tired, too.
Departing was challenging, too. The very first turn we could not get around because it was too tight for our giant truck. The German village still had the charming brick paved roads and this corner was still from the small era. We had to back all the way down a block to turn on the larger intersection.
We arrived in Harbor Country about 3 a.m. without stopping for coffee or anything else, while going not much faster than 45 mph with the weight of the load.
When we got to the new house no luxury awaited us. I had arranged for sleeping in my office, with a bed and a blow-up mattress on the floor. We got up in the morning, with truly no clue about how we would unload the creaking, 24-foot truck packed to the gunnels, including the tailgate.
But then the clouds parted and a strapping young man, along with his stout friend, appeared and offered to help us. They completed the job far in advance from what we had expected, and they were so nice, too.
While not a high priority, settling and decorating the house was easy - for the most part. With no arguments, that part was fun. Unpacking all those boxes I packed was not so much fun.
Eventually, we painted the interior. This was a more
than 100 year old house that was remodeled with a new kitchen, baths and hardwood floors. It was all a delight for us.
We held dinner parties to introduce ourselves to the neighborhood and joined with friends that we had from previous lives. Immediately, we felt most comfortable in Harbor Country.
The three acres of the property was a slight challenge to maintain. After mowing the lawn once on a 20 year old John Deere mower, it was enough for me. It took me all day and I was exhausted just running that old mower for six or eight hours. How did I ever think it would be fun?! We got lawn service real quickly.
Several years later, my Bobbie was stricken with several health issues. Eventually, they made her too ill to enjoy much more than our weekly shopping trips in her wheelchair, which I took her on regularly. Some of the stores became really familiar with us before she passed. She shopped as long as she could get into a wheelchair every Saturday. There was a collection of garments that still had their price tags on them in her closet after she passed.
When she was still in hospital, I bought her a Valentino watch for Valentine’s Day; however, she never got to wear it. After she passed, I ventured to try and return it. I was lucky to get the assistant manager of the store and I asked her if it was possible to return it (without a receipt). When she asked me what was the reason for the return and I told her that Bobbie had died, she choked and broke down crying and refunded me. Bobbie made friends wherever she went.
I had a “celebration of life” for her in that old “Prairie Farm” house that we loved so much, using the house and the large wrap-around deck. Its adjacent shady lawn is where I chose to give her eulogy and the pastor gave his blessing.
There was one exceptional incident: I had ordered three dozen long stemmed white roses, which were Bobbie’s favorite. I chose to arrange them not in a vase but in a “spray” across her definitively vacant chaise lounge in the living room. It was there where the roses were inadvertently sat upon by a guest holding his food and making himself comfy, who realized too late what he had done. Things happen.
It was a great old farm house, which has been leveled and is now gone (except for the indelibly fond memories).
ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19
HOR0SCOPE
N0VEMBER 7-13, 2024
AS
INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT
Be more ambitious and outgoing in the career and public image department. It is important to realize that what you are currently seeking may not lead to financial fulfillment in the long run. You may need to think bigger or get into something more daring. Stop playing it safe. Be bold.
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
This is the time to put more into your education and open your mind to new potentials and possibilities because what you are currently involved with may not connect you with the right people or open up the best opportunities. The question is what is your end goal and why.
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
What you considered a balanced partnership may turn out to be a little one-sided now. What you once interpreted as a caring and interested person may turn out to be very domineering and controlling. This is the time to be very blunt when it comes to sharing resources and reciprocity.
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
Even though you have every intention of executing a well thought out plan at this time, the universe will prove to have other plans for you. The best thing to do is stay in contact with the people you have committed to and do your best at the time you are performing. Go with the flow.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
Just because something feels exciting and serendipitous, it doesn’t necessarily always lead to a committed situation. Many times, it leads to drama and unexpected consequences. This is the time to move into a more detached state and look at things more factually. Stand on business.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
It is important to engage in heartfelt discussions and displays of affection now. Just because you are home and sharing a space with someone doesn’t mean you are connecting or even emotionally bonded. Relationships and family dynamics will require a little extra involvement, this week.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22
Focus on your actual interactions with partners. Engage in more physical activities; look for actions to relay your intentions and feelings rather than words. Communicating with words alone doesn’t always lead to understanding. It’s time to show how you feel through actions and attitude.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
Use your ability to be direct and to the point when dealing with money and financial arrangements this week. You are well aware money can’t buy you love but it sure makes things easier to handle and if you are being short changed it’s time to make things right. Be cold about the cash.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21
Being present doesn’t always mean there is participation. Merely showing up will not cut it this week. Now is the time to actively create the situations you desire. Prepare those creature comforts for yourself alone. No one is going to pack your lunch this week. You want it? Do it.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
The energy coming your way this week is all about retreating and healing surreptitiously. There may be a situation that would best be left quietly but it will prove difficult not to create a scene. There is much restraint and patience needed now. Remember silence says more this time.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
Social validation doesn’t always give you the success you think it will. Comments and likes can be a drain on your creativity. It can stifle true expressions out of the fear of judgement. This is the time to be more authentic and seek inner approval. Release yourself from the burden of endorsement.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
You don’t have to be the boss to be an agent of change. The person with the title isn’t always the one making the decision, yet they’re the one responsible when something goes wrong. Be sure if you authorize something you know who is really making the suggestions and if they are good ones.
PUBLIC NOTICES
DEPUTY CLERK
Village of Grand Beach is hiring a fulltime deputy clerk with benefits, 35 hours per week M-F
Minimum 2 yrs. clerical, customer service and bookkeeping experience. Proficient in Word and Excel.
QuickBooks and BS&A helpful.
Responsibilities include a wide range of
clerical,
and administrative support functions.
Visit grandbeach.org, Village News for full job details, job description and application.
Send cover letter, application and resume to 48200 Perkins Blvd., Grand Beach, MI 49117 or to clerk@ grandbeach.org. No phone calls please.
CLASSIFIED ADS
Please submit your classified ad via email at classifieds@newbuffalotimes.com. New Buffalo Times can now accept online payments with a credit card or paypal. Go to our website, www.newbuffalotimes.com, and submit $14 per week for a classified ad of up to 160 characters. Deadline is Friday 5PM before the following week’s publication.
HELP WANTED
The School of American Music is pleased to announce its intention to hire its first part-time, salaried Executive Director. 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 ideal candidate will have nonprofit management experience and a keen interest in music.
30 N Whittaker St Deli by day
PET OF THE WEEK
BEAN BEAR
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to kkissman@hotmail. com. Deadline is November 15, 2024.
Bean Bear is enthusiastic, happy-go-lucky, and everyone is his friend. His tail wags so fast it turns into a blur. He is such a great size, as he weighs about 39 pounds. He is also neutered, and his vaccinations are up-to-date. Bean Bear would do well with someone who is active and energetic like he is. He would be great as companion to a runner, hiker or walker. Bean Bear knows how to sit, and is very tuned into whomever he is working with. He could do well around children over eight years old.
PostBoy takes guests on unique, nostalgic food journey
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Having spent many summers in New Buffalo, Ben Holland said he always longed to transform the corner of Mechanic and North Whittaker streets into something more.
“I told everyone, ‘I will do it one day,’” he said.
That day came Friday, Nov. 1, when Holland, along with members of the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce, cut the ribbon on PostBoy: A nearly-three-yearsin-the-making, 10,000 square foot indoor-outdoor restaurant.
“You have a dream and you go for it but you don’t always have a path on how you get there, so it took awhile but I think all the delays helped it to become what it is today,” Holland said.
Holland, who spent his professional life working in investments, said that his exposure to the hospitality industry came from working in restaurants and bars throughout college.
“I enjoy bringing people together and the fun that comes from being in a restaurant and sharing a meal together, sharing drinks together… I
wanted to create something that people in New Buffalo could enjoy and the people coming up here could enjoy, too,” Holland said.
Joining Holland in his new venture is James Galbraith, a chef/restaurateur, who hails from Houndstooth and Anemel in Benton Harbor. He has over 20 years of industry experience, which includes studying under some of Chicago’s most acclaimed chefs at celebrated dining institutions such as Intro, Blackbird, Elske, S.K.Y., Bellemore, BOKA.
Other members of the team include Dont’e Shaw, the chef de cuisine, who has two years of experience working in the kitchen of Alinea, a three star MICHELIN-recognized restaurant often regarded as one of the best in the world; Aaron Mace, the general manager, who has served as a seasoned manager across several highly regarded restaurants in Chicago including Lyra, BLVD, The Promontory, City Winery and Big Star; Krystin Reuber, the bar director, whose resume includes Brewster’s Italian Café, The False Front and Tomcat Tavern and Samantha
Noble, the assistant general manager, who has worked at Journeyman Distillery and Anemel.
Inside, Holland said he would describe PostBoy as having a “little coastal influence, a little of a Danish touch to it and a little bit of retro touch to it as well.” The space was designed by Chicago’s 555 International, whose previous work includes Logan Square’s Andros Taverna, Roister, and Gemini.
Outside, there’s a 1949 Ford mail truck, which was procured from Eureka, Montana, and was restored by Dixon MotoWorks in Stevensville, Michigan. Plans are for the truck to sell merchandise on the 6,000-square-foot patio, sharing the space with a stage for live music and entertainment. Also outdoors are a custom pergola from Italy, two outdoor fire pits and a takeout window.
A chef with a penchant for “thinking outside of the box,” Galbraith said that PostBoy’s menu boasts New American food with a unique twist.
“What really drives me is global - trying to figure out how to blend other cultures,” he said.
Not everyone is eager to plunge headfirst into this “global” food scene. With this in mind, Galbraith said that he’s ensured that a warm river of nostalgia runs through each of Postboy’s offerings. The gnocchi, which is a potato pasta, features a citrus cream on the bottom, smoky bacon, and chives - all the staple ingredients of a loaded baked potato. The classic fried chicken sandwich has been amped up with Calabrian chile oil and cacio e pepe mayo. Chilaquiles mussels include chipotle broth, chorizo and crispy tostadas. Even the French onion dip, a common beachgoing treat, has been elevated with crunchy potatoes, brie, ravigote, smoked trout and roe.
“It’s trying to bridge that gap between maybe people that aren’t foodies or haven’t gone outside of their little space and are maybe a little more picky, trying to teach them on a lateral level and not talking down on anybody…It’s kind of giving things that they already like in a different way that may spark their interest and make
little light go off in their brain,” Galbraith said.
He said he hopes the offerings give guests “something more than food, something they can be excited about.”
The drink menu features a unique array of cocktails, like the Necromancer, with tequila, absinthe, plum and sparkling sake. Non-alcoholic options include the California Sober, which features zero-proof tequila, umeboshi, grapefruit and CBD tincture.
Holland said he hopes that guests can sit back and soak in the whole experience - interior and exterior design, food and drink - that is Postboy.
“I hope people really enjoy it and it becomes a spot people grow to lot and create a lot of memories in,” he said.
PostBoy is located at 207 North Whittaker St. in New Buffalo and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 a. m. to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made on Tock. For more information, follow along on social at @PostBoyNB on Instagram or visit PostBoyNB. com.
James Galbraith and Ben Holland welcome everyone to PostBoy A
Federally insured by NCUA. APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Subject to membership requirements. All credit union programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. APY accurate as of the last dividend declaration date. Dividend Qualifications: Dividends will be paid monthly on your Boost Savings account balance if you have direct deposits totaling at least $4,000 going into a consumer checking account (excluding HSAs) under the same Everwise membership as the Boost Savings during the prior dividend period. Dividends will be paid automatically for the first two (2) dividend periods starting from the account opening date. After the first two initial dividend periods, dividends will be paid based upon meeting the Boost Dividend Qualifications. If you do not meet the Boost Dividend Qualifications no dividends (0.00%) will be paid.
