City council awards contract to repair beach concession and boat launch roofs
New Buffalo school board approves Building Trades project proposal PAGE 6
New Buffalo boys’ basketball gearing up for 2024-2025 season PAGE 8
Students, staff honor ‘Hometown Heroes’ PAGE 10
Library honors longtime patron during first Flag Dedication PAGE 11
JazzReach
Dividends will be paid automatically for the first two (2)
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.
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —
ETHICS
SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM
MICHIGAN PRESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER
PROPRIETOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES, INC.
EDITOR
NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE EDITORIAL BOARD
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
JOE DURK
REPORTERS/WRITERS
THERESE DONNELLY
FRANCESCA SAGALA
LAWRENCE VON EBELER
KURT MARGGRAF
ALEXANDER FATOUROS
SOPHIA R. FATOUROS
STAN MADDUX
KRISTIN E. FATOUROS
NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE NEW BUFFALO TIMES POLITICS GUESTS
QUOTES
DINO N. FATOUROS
PROOFING
FRANCESCA SAGALA
BROADCAST/ADVERTISING
JANINE ADAMSKI (630) 370-0820 OR JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM
PUBLICATION NUMBER 377960 CIRCULATION 5,000+ WEEKLY
NEW BUFFALO TIMES distribution:
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.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awards grant to Chikaming Open Lands and partners for habitat restoration in Galien Watershed
The Sustain Our Great Lakes Program announced Sept.
30 that Chikaming Open Lands (COL), along with its partners, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, was the recipient of a three-year, $260,000 grant from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation.
Led by COL, the partners will use the funding to enhance habitat throughout the Galien River watershed by controlling invasive species, re-introducing disturbance regimes, and re-establishing native plants across 15 protected natural areas to benefit various insect pollinators, migratory and resident birds, reptiles and amphibians, and other wildlife species, a press release stated.
The partners will continue management activities across approximately 438 acres and expand restoration work over nearly 1,100 more acres including priority wetland habitat.
“These activities will benefit not only resident and migratory wildlife populations, but also the local community by preserving scenic landscapes, improving water quality, and reducing the economic impact caused by invasive species,” said executive director Ryan Postema. “Moreover, they will help safeguard the Great Lakes basin from
continued spread of invasive species.”
Sustain Our Great Lakes is a public–private partnership that supports habitat restoration throughout the Great Lakes basin and advances the objectives of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a federal program designed to protect, restore and enhance the Great Lakes ecosystem. Administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the program receives funding and other support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Caerus Foundation, ClevelandCliffs, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the USDA Forest Service.
Chikaming Open Lands is the local land conservancy dedicated to preserving the open spaces and natural rural character of Berrien County. Chikaming Open Lands works to protect and restore native plant and animal habitat, improve water quality, and permanently preserve ecologically significant forests, prairies and wetlands, as well as prime farmland and other open spaces in our community. Chikaming Open Lands has been instrumental in protecting and preserving more than 2,200 acres since its founding in 1999. —
STAFF REPORTS
What is inherently wrong with the word ‘politician’ if the fellow has devoted his life to holding public office and trying to do something for his people?
— Richard J. Daley
TOWN SQUARE
LETTERS TO THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES: THE VIEWS HERE DO NOT REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES. THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES ASKS THAT YOUR LETTER TO THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES, BE UNIQUE, KIND AND BASED ON REASONED FACTS. THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO NOT PUBLISH ANY CORRESPONDENCE FOR ANY REASON. PLEASE KEEP YOUR LETTERS TO 300 WORDS OR FEWER. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR LETTER TO INFO@NEWBUFFALOTIMES. COM. THANK YOU.
HONORED TO SERVE...
Iwould like to take this opportunity to thank all of the residents of New Buffalo Township who have supported me over the years that I have been a member of the New Buffalo Township Board. In 1991, the untimely death of Supervisor Helen Durlin created a vacancy that was filled by Trustee Jack Kennedy. That left a Trustee position open and I was asked if I would be interested in filling that position, which I was.
During my time on the board, I have watched this township grow with soaring property values, worked with the Pokagon Band win the Development of the Four Winds Casino, adding two new Fire Stations which will serve his well for decades to come. The building to Glassman Park which allows kayak launching and includes a Frisbee Golf Course. We developed the Township Complex which includes the new Township Hall Pavilion, Splash Pad and Basketball Court which was mainly funded by the gracious and generous Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians.
Nationally, we are a divided nation but we must come together. A former president said the way to do this is to turn to religion because religion is about love. We must do as it says in Matthew 22: 39, Love thy neighbor as thy self. Hold your loved ones and family close and may God bless each and everyone of you.
— PETE RAHM
New Buffalo Times
Local Government Meetings
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
City council awards contract to repair beach concession and boat launch roofs
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Members of the New Buffalo City Council awarded a contract to IBM Construction, LLC, for $19,650 to repair the respective roofs of the beach concession and boat launch buildings at a special meeting Thursday, Nov. 7.
City manager Darwin Watson said that the recommendation is based on “craftmanship and time to finish the project.”
Mayor John Humphrey said that repairing the roofs would be a “temporary,” three to five year fix.
“I don’t think we really have any other options,” he said.
Watson said that IBM can do the work before the end of the year whereas J & B West Roofing and Construction, which offered a low bid, couldn’t be done until the spring.
Watson added that the roofs are leaking and that, every morning after a storm, a shingle from the roofs is found in the parking lot.
Councilmembers approved the purchase of a leaf vacuum for the streets department.
The 25 yard pull behind machine will be purchased from Michigan MTech for $117,302.41.
Watson said the combination leaf vacuum chipper combination machine, which the city purchased in 2018 to remove leaves from the roadside, has
needed several repairs since being purchased and is currently in the shop for repairs “at a crucial time in the season.” He added that every third call at city hall has been with regards to picking up leaves.
The parts to repair the current truck are going to be in excess of $7,000.
Watson said that, once the truck is fixed, the city will sell it to a “very interested party” and may get around $67,000 back for it.
Councilmembers approved a revised school resource officer (SRO) agreement with New Buffalo Area Schools, which will provide SROs to the school district year-round.
Watson said that city police chief Rich Killips and New Buffalo Area Schools Superintendent Adam Bowen will be working out the details of the contract.
The city has provided SROs to the district since August 2018.
Killips said that having a year-round SRO will provide an extra layer of security during summer camp and will allow the SRO to engage in strategic and security planning, which happens during the summer months.
In September, the city council approved what Humphrey was essentially an “over $100,000,” threeyear contract with R&R Pyrotechnics for the city’s fireworks display. In discussion with the New Buffalo Downtown Development Authority,
Humphrey said that members are interested in engaging in a fundraising effort to provide at least half of the money for the fireworks contract to the city. The exact method of how the cash will be collected and reimbursed with the city is still to be determined.
Councilmember Mark Robertson said that he’d first like to see the plan presented before moving forward with it.
Humphrey said that a serious discussion needs to be had about paid parking in the city’s commercial business district and general commercial district.
He said that making these areas pay by the plate parking would give residents the same benefits they get with beach parking. Every resident could put in two plate numbers, with Humphrey saying that those plates will “automatically always be paid.”
Revenue from paid public parking could pay for parking enforcement.
“We already have a system that will allow them (residents) to be able to park for free - this is really for our visitors to contribute to their time here,” he said.
Councilmembers agreed that more discussion, such as enforcement, needs to be had on the issue, with more people needing to be involved in the conversation.
History repeatedly shows no creature more hideous than man who chooses not to make virtuous reasoning prince of his soul and its actions.
— Dino N. Fatouros
Berrien County Health Department offers Flu, COVID-19
immunizations
ahead of holiday season
With the flu season here and holiday gatherings around the corner, the Berrien County Health Department is reminding community members it offers both flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Flu and COVID-19 shots are available by appointment at BCHD’s Benton Harbor office, 2149 E. Napier Ave., and Niles office, 1205 Front St., during business hours. Community members can call 269.926.7121 to make an appointment for flu and COVID-19 shots.
The Health Department offers the regular flu shot for children, adults and seniors and the high-dose flu shot for seniors 65 and older. The cost for these vaccines is covered by most insurance plans.
“We encourage community members – from children to seniors – to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19,” said Karen Kortebein, public health nurse and school health coordinator at BCHD. “Getting these two immunizations is a great way to protect yourself and others from illness as we head into the winter months when we see an uptick in flu and COVID-19 cases and as many families and friends gather for the holidays.”
In addition to vaccines, BCHD recommends following everyday preventive measures to stop the spread of germs, including:
• Avoid close contact with other people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
• Follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidance regarding isolation and masking if you test positive for COVID-19.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits, including getting plenty of sleep, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious foods.
In terms of vaccines, BCHD recommends:
• Flu: Everyone 6 months and older should get this season’s flu vaccine, which will protect against severe disease and hospitalization even though you might still get influenza if exposed. It’s especially important to get this vaccine if you have an underlying medical condition such as obesity, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, emphysema or a suppressed immune system.
• COVID-19: Everyone 5 years and older should get the updated FDA-approved COVID-19 booster. For infants and children 6 months to 5 years, for whom it is still being given under Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA, the vaccine decreases the risk of hospitalization and ICU stay, even for those who have no medical risk factors. It also reduces the risk of long COVID in children and adults. For older adults, the highest risk group, a COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of hospitalization and intensive care stay.
Community members can also schedule their COVID-19 vaccine through their primary care provider.
For more information about BCHD’s vaccination services, visit www. berriencounty.org/639/immunizations. For more information on seasonal respiratory viruses, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website. — STAFF REPORTS
COVID-19 proof living for seniors increasing in La Porte
BY STAN MADDUX
Construction has begun on what’s billed as the region’s first senior citizen living facility designed to resist COVID-19 and other airborne viruses.
Bella Largo Senior Living is going in close to the Hampton Inn on Indiana 39 on the far north side of La Porte.
The nearly 50,000 square foot, single story building will contain 33 assisted living units and 30 memory care units along with 50 full-time employees.
The cost of construction is projected at $16 million.
Developer John English said the building will have advanced air purification technologies, including a pathogen killing ultraviolent lighting system in the duct work, to kill airborne viruses like COVID-19 before they get inside.
“It increases air quality and cleans out bacteria at the same time,” he said.
In the event of another pandemic, the facility will have a 500 square foot room for residents separated by glass to privately visit with friends and loved ones after screened to avoid the lockdowns during the previous pandemic.
“We’ll never have that scenario where people can’t see their loved ones,” he said.
Other features include nature trails for use by residents, access to onsite therapists, farm to fork meals and some units with three season porches facing a pond.
English said the memory care units will have bright colors and other features that give people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease a feeling of safety and comfort.
Monthly rent will start at $3,500 for one bedroom and studio units
ranging from just under 500 square feet to over 700 square feet.
English said the cost will reflect the amount of assistance each person in a unit requires in their daily living.
The help can range anywhere from help getting dressed and bathing to reminders about taking medication.
English said the hope is for the facility to begin operating early in 2026.
One of the owners of the senior living facility is La Porte area resident Deb Arnold, who said it took about four years of planning, hard work and perseverance to reach the start of construction.
“We are proud to see the reality of what we’ve all worked toward,” she said.
Bert Cook, executive director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, said the project will meet a “tremendous need” in the community with an aging population, which is a trend nationwide.
Cook said other advantages include the location of the site next to the Indiana Toll Road providing easy access to and from the facility.
He said especially satisfying is the senior living facility becoming the second major development to commit to an area of the city annexed in March.
The other development is an 81,000 square foot facility that will bring in plastic pellets in bulk for distribution to customers nationwide.
The projected cost of constructing and equipping that operation is $24 million.
No stop to housing boom in sight
The march for more new housing in La Porte continued with ground breaking Tuesday, Nov. 12, at a large subdivision with plans to grow by more than 20 percent.
The drawings at Whispering Meadows call for another 38 mostly three bedroom homes with basements and attached garages.
The subdivision has grown to about 150 homes since the first one was built in 2006.
TLa Porte based developer Mitch Feikes said he expects all of the new single story homes to be constructed within the next three to four years based on current demand and the recent slight drop in interest rates on a mortgage.
Feikes said the sale price for the homes will start at about $320,000.
“We’re just a local company putting out a good product,” he said.
The ground breaking occurred a week after construction from another developer began on 160 homes at Severs Road at Park Street.
Other residences have also been gone up since the push for more new housing began when Mayor Tom Dermody took office in 2020.
“We heard on day one of this administration we need housing, housing, housing. We’ve seen it. We have more to do and there’s going to be housing for everybody,” he said.
A 2022 study recommended the construction of more than 1,600 homes for sale and rent to modernize the housing stock in a community where 80 percent of the residences were constructed prior to 1980.
“This is a sizable development but it’s just a tip of the iceberg. We got to continue to put units on the market,” said Bert Cook, executive director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership.
Feikes said there’s enough ground at the subdivision to construct another 50 homes after the latest ones are built.
Other plans for new housing include Beechwood Lakes where construction of more than 100 upscale homes beside the municipally owned Beechwood Golf Course could begin sometime next year. — STAN MADDUX
New Buffalo Times
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE
— SINCE 1942 —
SCHOLASTICS
New Buffalo school board approves Building Trades project proposal
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
New Buffalo Area Schools
Superintendent Adam Bowen thanked the community of New Buffalo for approving the renewal of the school district’s operating millage, which appeared on the Nov. 5 ballot, at the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education meeting Monday, Nov. 11.
The proposal passed with a 1,659-942 vote.
Per the proposal, the operating millage of 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, is “required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance. The remaining 1.875 mills are only available to be levied to restore millage lost as a reduction required by the Headlee amendment and will only be levied to the extent necessary to restore such reductions.”
The overall six-year millage will be 19.875 mills. As a result of the millage’s approval and the district levying 0.2037 mill in 2025, the school district will collect about $196,276 in revenue. About $18,548,151 will be collected in 2026 as a result of 18 mills being levied in 2026.
Board members approved the proposal from TowerPinkster for the 2025 Building and Trades storage building project.
Bowen said that it’s “very unlikely” that a piece of property at Bison Preserve, the school district’s planned unit development (PUD) that will be located on Lubke Road across from the elementary school, will be available for the students to construct a house next year.
He said that a storage building will address storage concerns at the properties located near the middle/high school.
The building would be constructed on a wooded lot that exists next to the transportation building. Bowen said that members of the transportation, operations and athletics departments and Building Trades students gave input on the building’s purpose.
The proposal requires a “state of Michigan stamp of approval” from an architect to do the project. Bowen said TowerPinskter will sit down with the
different departments to discuss the building’s purpose before putting together a design.
The building will match nearby buildings, with blue siding and a blue steel roof, and will store equipment such as tractors, Bobcats and salt spreaders.
The proposal for the roof replacement at the transportation building for $58,682 was approved.
Bowen said the district did “encumber some money this year, which will be spent for the replacement. The district went out to bid for the project, with Weather Shield being the lowest bid.
Two flat roofs were replaced at the middle/ high school this year. Other roofs will need to be replaced within the next couple of years, specifically at the middle/high school.
“So this will be a kind of ongoing project,” he said.
Bowen said that he met with Suzanne Cramer, union president, with regards to offering different insurance options for district employees, adding that the district received its new rates from MESSA.
He said that, after talking with a MESSA representative and hearing from the union, it was determined that three different plans could be offered to employees. Open enrollment is currently happening with the current plan, ABC1 Rx. Paying the second option, which offers different tiers for prescriptions, is for families that don’t have a lot of prescriptions and would lower their rates for them. The third option, ABC2, would be for those who don’t frequent the doctor and has a higher deductible.
“We thought we could offer a couple different cost savings for our employees yet maintain what we’ve always offered to everyone else,” Bowen said.
The cancellation of the Monday, Dec. 23, meeting was approved.
Board members heard of the hiring of Curtis Brewster for eight grade girls basketball.
Board members convened into Closed Session to conduct a superintendent’s periodic evaluation.
SPORTS
From the Bleachers
COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
Back in the 1950’s, I was a preteen kid living on a side street in Chicago, a street that had very little traffic except for people who lived on the block. Dave, Chuck, Guy, and I often played touch football on the street, stopping only when the occasional car would come by. Because each side only had two players, a few of the rules had to be changed. Whoever was the center hiked the ball to the quarterback, and then took off to become the receiver. The opponents would have a defender covering the receiver and the other defender would rush the quarterback.
However, the receiver had to have a little time to get open, so before rushing he had to count to five. The chant went like this, “One one thousand, two one thousand,” etc. up to five.
The reason I remembered this today is that a friend texted me near the end of the Bears game and reminded me of the games we used to play and said that maybe the NFL could institute the rule of counting to five before rushing the quarterback, at least for the teams playing the Bears.
I found his comment both humorous and sad, and I thought back to those days. Although we were all good friends, occasionally we would get angry.
If two who were angry with each other were on the same team, the quarterback would throw the ball close to a tree, trying to get his receiver to run into it, or a parked car, or whatever else may have been a hindrance.
We would draw the plays up with a
stick in the grass. If only three could come out to play, one of us would have to be the all-time quarterback.
We didn’t have a timer, so we played until we got called for dinner, then came back out and played until the streetlights came on. Those of you who are young probably can’t believe that we played such primitive games back in the day, but I swear it’s true.
We formed bonds that remain to this day, and as a matter of fact, we just all got together at a wedding to celebrate one our friends granddaughters wedding day.
Having lifetime friends is a blessing. Having been through the happy times, sad times, and adventurous times with someone who puts your lives in context. Someone who knows every story you’ve told because they’ve heard it a million times, but as we get older, sometimes they seem new again.
Don’t get me wrong, new friends are great too. So anyway, young or old, liberal or conservative, get out and make a friend. If you’re lucky like me, that friendship could last a lifetime.
Muhammad Ali said, “Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It’s not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anythin.”
Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
P.S. For all the Lions fans, man are they good!!
My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness, then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength.
— Michael Jordan
New Buffalo boys’ basketball gearing up for 2024-2025 season
BY STAN MADDUX
The New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team is looking to build upon its remarkable turnaround last season that included a victory in the District 4 tournament.
The team lost two key players to graduation but others with good talent are on hand to try and fill their shoes.
“We have kids that are ready to step in that in their own way are going to contribute as much and even more,” said Head Coach Nate Tripp.
This year’s team includes a core of juniors winning just one game as freshmen starters on the varsity to victories in a majority of their games after a slow start last season.
Not only have his players grown physically with help from weight lifting, Tripp said their knowledge of the game received a boost from playing more than a dozen games during the summer.
Tripp said some of the games were played during a three day period near the Upper Peninsula against teams they had never competed against.
Without scouting reports or film to prepare for those games, Tripp said he let his players figure out for themselves what to do against their opponents on the court to further increase their “basketball I.Q.”
Tripp said a better understanding of the game is key to things like creating better shot opportunities and limiting turnovers.
“This summer was all about players figuring things out,” he said.
Players he expects good things from include juniors Lucas Forker, Sam Tripp and Nick Haskins along with senior M’Nason Smothers.
Expect the dynamic 5’9” Smothers to keep splitting time between guard and center because of his ability to dribble
the ball and jump above the outreached hands of much taller opponents for rebounds and short buckets.
The 6’4” Forker should get most of the time at the center position where he often dominated last season offensively and defensively.
Other ball handlers will be Haskins and Tripp along with junior James Shaw, who’s nursing a nagging knee injury right now.
Tripp will also be relied on heavily for his shooting ability.
The much improved Bryson Perry, a 6’4” junior, is also expected to play a key role after receiving limited time off the bench last season.
In addition, Tripp said he likes the potential of senior Keyon Tomilo, who moved here with his family from Ohio during the off season.
“He might be our faster player
in the program,” he said.
Tripp said not only are his core players talented but so are his bench players, giving him more depth than he’s ever had since becoming the head coach here less than a decade ago.
“We have such a balanced attack this year,” he said.
Tripp said he believes this year’s team has a good chance to advance deeper into the post season and could draw some comparisons to the remarkable senior rich 2021-22 squad that made it to the first round of the regionals.
Currently, Tripp believes there is nobody on the schedule his team can’t beat as long as they play together.
“It’s going to take a whole team effort. That’s the beautiful thing about our guys. They genuinely like each other and they will play for each other,” he said.
685 West Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 | (269) 983-0325 | passarokahne.com 17656A US Highway 12, New Buffalo, MI 49117 | (269) 469-5297 | Fax: (269) 983-0328
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
Students, staff honor ‘Hometown Heroes’
BY FRANCESA SAGALA
Students and staff at New Buffalo Middle/ High School paid their respects to some “hometown heroes” during a Veterans Day ceremony Monday, Nov. 11, at the Performing Arts Center.
The ceremony, which was put on by teacher Christine Beushausen and performing arts director Dwayne Whitmyer, , featured students from the fine arts department performing skits, giving speeches and singing patriotic songs.
Members of the high school band also performed a medley of patriotic tunes. Veterans were present to shake the hands of students in a receiving line and enjoy refreshments after the ceremony.
Veterans after the ceremony
Middle school teachers and students shake the hands of veterans
Students sing a song during the ceremony
Veterans stand when their names are called Students thank veterans during the ceremony
Library honors longtime patron during first Flag Dedication
New Buffalo Township Library held its first Flag Dedication on Veterans Day Monday, Nov. 11, to honor longtime patron and friend, Ed Homolka.
The dedication was sponsored by the Putzke family, Julie Grynwich, library director, said.
“Ed and Joan Putzke have sponsored our flags for many years, and we felt that it was fitting that Ed be our first honoree,” she said.
Ed passed away last August.
The gathering, which was outside the library, included Ed’s wife Yvonne, and his daughter Maggie, along with many friends, to raise the flag in Ed’s
The library will be offering a Flag Dedication program to honor loved ones. A family member, family, organization or friend may sponsor a flag that will fly at the library for a period of two months. At that time, the flag will be given to the person or family that sponsors the flag.
They will also receive the poster that will be displayed in the library’s lobby for the honoree.
The cost of the dedication is $100. These funds will be used to purchase a quality flag, as well as to support the library. — STAFF REPORTS
Michigan City native, veteran reflects on career
BY STAN MADDUX
She grew up in Michigan City and later played a role in gathering intelligence used to help the president decide the next military steps to take in the Middle East.
Anna Lloyd, who retired from the U.S. Marines as a master sergeant in 2018, was the featured speaker during the 37th annual Veterans Day ceremony before a large crowd at the Civic Auditorium in La Porte.
Lloyd, a 1997 graduate of Michigan City High School, said all veterans whether in combat or not deserve “immense gratitude” for helping to defend the country and the personal sacrifices their acts of selflessness that came with it.
“These brave individuals wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America in the amount up to and including their own lives for the freedoms we all have and hold so dear today,” she said.
Lloyd recalled her parents giving their written consent for her to join the military since she was only 17.
She knew absolutely nothing about the operations of an aircraft but was chosen by the military to become an electrician on helicopters.
Five years later, she was given the task of inspecting repairs on helicopters and giving her stamp of approval if she felt the work was good enough for them to return to the air.
“Lives depended upon by technical skills,” she said.
Lloyd, though, credited her instructors for making sure from the very beginning she would become a master at her craft.
“I was in awe of their expertise and leadership,” she said.
In response to the terrorist attacks at home in September of 2001, she was deployed twice to Iraq.
After returning, Lloyd said she was tired and thought about retiring but stayed when offered a chance to be trained at fixing various equipment used for
gathering intelligence against the enemy.
She put her new skills to work during two more deployments to Iraq.
On one occasion, Lloyd recalled the role she played in obtaining cell phone data, which was translated and sent back to military officials and the president to help decide the next step in the conflict.
She later served in Congress bringing awareness to issues impacting veterans and military security.
Toward the end of her military career, Lloyd said she was in the Pentagon helping to formulate the best possible military advice for consideration by the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Security Council and the president.
“When I say these people are the best of the best in the military, they are. Intelligence doesn’t come close to describing these people,” she said.
Lloyd is now a volunteer with Task Force Argo, a group of 240 private citizens across the globe working to get U.S. citizens and U.S. allies in Afghanistan out of the country.
They were left behind in 2021 when the U.S. pulled its long time military presence out of the foreign nation.
Initially, Task Force Argo was able to get about 2,100 people out of the terrorism ravaged country.
More than 7,000 other Afghans have been relocated to other countries since the group partnered with the U.S. State Department on the effort.
Lloyd ended her 15 minute speech by urging school children in attendance to get involved whether be through the military or some other cause.
“However you choose to serve, please just serve and serve in the most self-less ways,” she said.
Lloyd now lives downstate in Carmel with her husband, Jeremy, who she met while they early in their military careers.
The couple has three children.
SERIOUS INJURIES IN HEAD-ON CRASH ON U.S. 12
The Berrien County Police are investigating a head on collision that left three people with serious injuries on U.S. 12 outside Grand Beach.
The crash happened about 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, near Grand Beach Road.
Police said the investigation shows an eastbound Chevy Malibu driven by Victor Becerra, 27, of Hammond, Indiana, veered over the center line and collided with a westbound Nissan Rogue operated by Paul Brickner, 57, of Chesterton.
After being extricated from the car, Becerra was transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend with multiple broken bones and injuries to his lower extremities, police said. As of Wednesday, he was listed in good condition.
Bricker was taken to Corewell Health in St. Joseph, Michigan, with undisclosed injuries and was released this week.
Police said a passenger in the Becerra vehicle, Monica Rodriguez, 26, also of Hammond, was transported to Franciscan Health near Michigan City with what were described as life threatening head and facial injuries. She was released earlier this week.
Investigators were waiting for blood test results to determine if alcohol or drugs were factors in the collision.
Police said claims by witnesses that Becerra may not have had his headlights on remain under investigation.
Other agencies involved in the accident included the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Berrien County Sheriff Crash Unit, New Buffalo Township Fire Department, police officers from Grand Beach, the City of New Buffalo, Three Oaks and Long Beach Police and Fire along with Medic 1 and La Porte County Emergency Medical Service. — STAN MADDUX
OBITUARIES
Chris Mars
1948-2024
Chris Mars, 76, of Three Oaks, died Friday, November 8, 2024, in the presence of his family.
His life began September 24, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, the youngest of two boys born to William and Louise Mars. He married Sharon Peterson in 1979.
Chris honorably served in the US Air Force and later was proud to serve as a Berrien County Deputy Policeman. He enjoyed spending his time outside landscaping. He had a passion for cars and loved sharing that with his son, Chad. They could often be found looking at new and old cars all over the states of Michigan and Wisconsin, and the city of Chicago. Chris enjoyed finding and trying new places to eat and going to the movies with his son. He also selflessly took care of his mother, Louise.
Chris will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his only son, Chad (Rachel) Mars of Three Oaks.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his ex-wife Sharon Peterson.
The family will observe a private remembrance. The family prefers contributions in memory of Chris be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www.wagnercares.com.
IA Writer’s Life...
DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ANIMATION
BY JACK OLESKER
n the Beginning…
It’s a brutal February day in 1959. A teacher teaches arithmetic in Myra Bradwell School’s fourth grade classroom on Chicago’s South Side as a snowstorm rages outside. The boy in the fifth desk in the third row is looking at the windows, listening to the wind and snow outside,imagining another ‘part of the story’ in his mind. For the boy, dinosaurs are alive and well in 1959 Chicago. They roam the streets, wreaking havoc, Jeeps with soldiers racing to contain the beasts.
It will be a decade before the boy knows the ‘part’ he’s envisioning is called a scene.
He turns and sees a classmate passing a folded sheet of paper toward him. At last it’s in his hands. He opens it to see a Crayon drawing of a roaring T-Rex surrounded by soldiers firing at it. He smiles and murmurs, “Perfect.”
The boy puts the sheet of paper that is a ‘storyboard’ into his notebook. Then he passes a piece of paper with the next scene description back to the classmate who drew the storyboard.
Suddenly, he hears his teacher say, “Jack Olesker, you’re never going to amount to anything!”
Over six decades from that day, in the home office where I’ve written many of my more than 1,200 episodes of television, 18 movies and six novels, I smile with remembrance and whisper a heartfelt, “Thank you.” My lips purse and I offer a kiss to that teacher, wherever she may be. I’m grateful for her having been there, her criticism goading me on…in the beginning.
By way of introduction, I’m Jack Olesker, President & CEO for 24/7 Productions. I’m a writer, producer and director who has written, produced and directed over 1,200 episodes of television and 18 films, mostly in animation. I also served a stint as president of a motion
picture and television studio in Chennai, India. Lest that sounds a bit immodest, legendary University of Alabama Coach Bear Bryant famously said, “It ain’t braggin’ if it’s true.” In my case, it’s true; it’s all true. I’m the real deal. I was there, on the ground, during The Golden Age of Television.
First and foremost, thanks to all of you for being here. I do a lot of conventions and public appearances. When I’m signing mini-posters of shows I’ve been involved with, many fans thank me for the impact I had on their childhoods. I always say “Writers, producers, directors and actors are nothing without fans, so I’m the one who should be thanking you.”
With that said, I want to briefly visit the title of this column: A Writer’s’ Life…During The Golden Age of Television Animation. I know that begs the question, “Why is he ignoring the fact that The Golden Age of Animation began with the release of the Disney short filmSteamboat Willie on November 18, 1928?”
Well, I wasn’t around in the 1920s. But I was around during The Golden Age of Television Animation during the 1980s and 1990s. Not only was I “around”, I was a big part of it. And later on I’ll get to exactly why it was golden.
But for now, I’d like to take you on a tour of that particular Golden Age. So let’s go…
Jack Olesker’s career in the entertainment industry spans over four decades. He has served as a story editor in L.A. as well as president of a motion picture and television company in Chennai, India. His writing ranges from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Care Bears and Hello Kitty’s Furry Tale Theater to documentaries and horror novels and murder mysteries for adults.
ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19
HOR0SCOPE
N0VEMBER 14-20, 2024
AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT
The key to success is believing in yourself and not being afraid to show it but there may be some things you need to learn before you can really feel comfortable going for it. Take some self-inventory and get in touch with what you really want before investing anything or getting others involved.
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
Know that the right people will be there at the right time. There will be no forcing or asking. They will just be. The important thing is to gather your own strength of will. Be your own inspiration. When you think you don’t need help is when help will arrive. Start the project and they will come.
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
Pay special attention to your dreams and intuitive vibes this week as they could provide valuable insight. Pay particular attention to any bad habits that might be highlighted or any scheduling type problems that you feel. Be prepared to make changes. Disappointed? Maybe. Surprised? No.
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
This is a good time to step back and get back to believing in yourself before you rush out into the world. Instead of working hard to express yourself or be understood, work on knowing yourself better. Hermit mode always benefits the crab. It comes quite natural, actually.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
This is the week to strengthen your image and social standing. Before you spill your guts or express some of your heartfelt desires consider who is listening. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting yet, brutally honest people. Yes, you want people to support you but they better be trustworthy.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
Warning extra guests or unexpected arrivals will prove to be a handful this week. Before you get too charged up, calm yourself by communicating any anxieties or worries you are experiencing with the surprise visitors. The ability to communicate trepidations is what will solidify the group.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22
Take some time to consider what is really important and at stake before, you revitalize commitments. There may be some unexpected changes as to what you consider valuable or worthwhile in a partnership. It’s not just about financial balance. It is also about both partners feeling fulfilled.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
Part of wearing your heart on your sleeve is everyone can see where your boundaries are. The disrespectful can’t help but push it when they see it. Which gives you the ability to immediately spot and stop a creep. When you know your self-worth, it shows. Honor your boundaries.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21
The key to success this week is solitude and refreshment. It will be easy to get bogged down with outside opinions and familial pressures now, and you may lose sight of what you really want and need. It is important to get your schedule adjusted to include some alone time.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
The inability to get your point across will come to an end now. The luminaries will be aiding you in finding the right way to connect with hardheaded people. There will be some interesting friendships formed now that will prove to be very beneficial creatively; both artistic and financial.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
There is a shocking effect to information you bring to the table this week. Before you get other people involved consider the level of drama the situation may create for them. Certainly, be honest and forth coming but prepare to be gentle as well. Lead with love and a gentle curiosity.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
Some very provocative information could come your way this week, that may change some of your perspectives on current romantic situations or creative endeavors. Even if the news is exaggerated or hyped up, it may still have some truth to it. Best to investigate before confronting.
Whosoever is delighted in solitude is either a wild beast or a god. — Aristotle
Falling enrollment has school targeted for closure
BY STAN MADDUX
The school board in La Porte is considering a recommendation to close a grade school in response to longstanding enrollment declines throughout the school district.
The recommendation to close Lincoln Elementary School was made Monday, Nov. 11, by La Porte Schools
Superintendent Dr. Sandra Wood in a meeting attended by more than 100 parents and other stakeholders.
After a public comment period, the school board voted to take the recommendation under advisement and make a decision at a special meeting Nov. 18.
Wood is recommending the school be closed because of an average districtwide loss of 60 students annually over the past 10 years.
As a result, the amount of revenue coming into the district from the state has declined since education revenue is based on student head counts.
Wood, who took over as superintendent at the beginning of the school year, said she knew going in that closing a school was among hard decisions that needed to be made to shore up school finances.
“The previous wait and see approach will only worsen the problem,” she said.
To her knowledge, Wood said the amount of kindergarten students that came into the district this year was below 400 for the first time, which reflects a study projecting continued
enrollment declines until 2030.
She blamed factors such as lower birth rates and competition for students from other school districts for the drop in students.
Wood said other school districts in the state are also struggling with declining enrollments for the same reasons.
Parents and other members of the Lincoln Elementary School community spoke out against closing a school they described as having among the highest student test scores in the school corporation.
They also cited the school being within walking distance for students in a low-income area of the city, where transportation can be an issue at some households and more than 70 percent of students receive free or reduced lunch during the school year along with free lunch during the summer.
“Closing Lincoln School would disconnect families from their support systems they rely on,” said Lincoln School parent, Chelsie Timm.
Third grader Lilliana Holt told the school board she and her younger brother, Cameron, walk to school together most of the time and don’t want to ride a bus to another school.
“Please don’t take down my favorite school. Thank you,” she said.
The proposal calls for Lincoln students to be redistricted to Hailmann, Riley and Indian Trail elementary schools beginning in the fall of 2025.
‘DRAG AT THE DUNES’ AT DUNES THEATRE
Dunes Arts Foundation will be presenting “Drag at the Dunes” at 6 p.m. CST (7 p.m. EST) Saturday, Nov. 23, at Dunes Theatre. Hosted by Wilma Fingerdo, the event will feature friends and performers from Welcome to the Other Side. Featuring performances by Jayda Pill, Monique Moyet and special guests, this special 21 years and over event will have a full cash bar as well as an on-site food truck, Pepe’s Fork in the Road. Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased at www.dunesarts.org. Dunes Theatre is located at 288 Shady Oak Drive in Michigan City. — STAFF REPORTS
PET OF THE WEEK
EARL GREY
Earl Grey is a pretty four-yearold girl with a cute face. She is getting comfortable with people, as she was found as a stray. She would love to find a home with someone that has experience with handling rabbits. Earl Grey is spayed, and her vaccinations are up-to-date. She is more comfortable in her kennel, but prefers the door open to have the option to roam free and snoop around. Once she gets to know you, she will prefer some snuggling with back massages. Earl Grey prefers the cardboard toys, and would love to be part of your home.
JazzReach exposes students to world of jazz
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
The River Valley Jazz Orchestra debuted at The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts Friday, Nov. 8.
At least, this is what Christopher McBride, the alto saxophonist for JazzReach’s Metta Quintet, called the ensemble, which was composed of 17 band students at River Valley High School and director Kirstin Pagel.
For the second year, The Acorn partnered with JazzReach, a nationally recognized New York City-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, performance, creation and teaching of jazz music, to present free community and educational programming.
This year, the quintet stood for a four-day residency because of sponsorships through Live Music Society, Berrien Community Foundation and Tom and Mary Ives, Nikki Gauthier, artistic and creative director at The Acorn, said.
The Metta Quintet presented a free community concert Wednesday and “Stolen Moments: The First 100 Years of Jazz,” a multimedia program, was presented on Saturday.
Elementary students from New Buffalo, Three Oaks and Bridgman trooped to The Acorn Wednesday and Friday for “Get Hip!,” an interactive introduction to jazz that illuminates the art form’s cultural origins, concepts about improvisation and creative self-expression, as well as explores the role and responsibility of each individual member of the jazz ensemble and how they all must work together to serve and achieve the collective goal of making great music.
Band students at River Valley participated in “Sittin’ In and Groovin’ Out,” an intensive, three-day residency that culminated with Friday night’s performance with the Metta Quintet.
Gauthier said that students had to sign up to perform with the Metta Quintet, with McBride directing the ensemble.
The Metta Quintet’s professional musicians paired off with a section or sometimes even worked with an individual student as they rehearsed for two days in the school’s auditorium. Some students even stepped
up to the plate and played a solo or did improvisation.
“So they’re really teaching them and supporting them and working side by side in these rehearsals,” Gauthier said.
Being in a marching band, Hans Schuman, founder and executive director of JazzReach, said that the students had never been exposed to playing jazz.
“So we’re staring at ground zero but they (the Metta Quintet) are such good educatorsthey’re really great at bringing the kids out of their shells and just breaking the ice,” he said.
Having the same expectations being placed upon them as that of professional musicians was another way for the young musician to come out of their comfort zones, said.
“That in and of itself, I think, is the reward and not so much playing with us but just having the experience and having higher expectations imposed upon them and having to meet them - ‘Let’s go back to measure five, let’s go back to letter e and work this phrase again, let’s loop it,’” Schuman said.
Founded in 1994, JazzReach began its educational program in 1997.
“Get Hip!” was JazzReach’s first educational program. Jelani Pitcher, an actor by trade, narrates the program.
“There was never a point where the music stopped – they (the musicians) are just basically playing the entire way through to underscore the narration and make sure a consist momentum and pace …It’s tended to work well being able to convey the themes and messages of any given show while at the same time, the musicians can concrete on what they’re playing,” Shuman said.
Musicians who were performing in the Metta Quintet at The Acorn were Schuman, a drummer; McBride; pianist Roberto Acosta; bassist Adi Meyerson and saxophonist Julian Lee.
Most of the musicians live in New York City.
“These are all really in demand artiststhey’re at the top of their field,” Schuman said.
River Valley students rehearse with the Metta Quintet on Friday
The Metta Quintet puts on a show for elementary students
Chris McBride plays his saxophone during Friday’s rehearsal session
New Buffalo and River Valley students listen to the Metta Quintet’s performance
Jelani Pitcher narrates the elementary school program
Chris McBride directs the students during Friday’s rehearsal
