November 17, 2022

Committee to explore future of Chikaming Township’s parks system PAGES 4-5

Three Oaks Village Council recognizes longserving and departing councilmembers PAGE 6

Teacher’s Credit Union donation encourages reading at elementary school PAGE 8

Lady Mustang face off against police officers, firefighters during ‘The Match’ PAGE 10

Paying their respects to those who served during Veterans Day

New Buffalo Times

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

— SINCE 1942 —

ETHICS

Seeking public comment on 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for Southwest Michigan

EDITOR

NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE EDITORIAL BOARD

CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOE DURK REPORTERS/WRITERS

THERESE DONNELLY

FRANCESCA SAGALA

LAWRENCE VON EBELER

KURT MARGGRAF

ALEXANDER FATOUROS

The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission is seeking public input on the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

The CEDS Committee has outlined six goals to work towards over the next five years. These goals aim to improve economic conditions for everyone working, living and visiting southwest Michigan. Socioeconomic data, a SWOT Analysis and public engagement informed the committee on the priorities of the region. What makes this plan comprehensive is looking beyond traditional economic development by incorporating quality of place, sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion.

The six goals include:

Quality of Place - The quality of place is the features of the natural and built environment as well as the human networks and systems that combine to make a location a healthy, desirable, competitive and economically viable place to live.

Education and Workforce – An educated and talented workforce is vital for the continued growth and development of the region’s economy.

Business Support – Supporting local business, both large and small. Infrastructure – Infrastructure includes many aspects of the built environment around us including roads, bridges, air, rail, utilities and broadband internet. These elements drive the economy forward.

Economic and Environmental Sustainability – Economic development should be conducted in a way that helps minimize the risk of future economic hardship and protects the environment for generations to come.

Equity and Inclusion –Economic prosperity should positively impact all members of the community and never should further disadvantage underserved populations.

The 2022 CEDS can be found at https://www.swmpc.org/downloads/ draft_swmpc_ceds_2022_for_ public_comment.pdf. Public comment will be accepted through Dec. 16 through www.surveymonkey. com/r/2022CEDSDraft.

If you have questions, please contact Jerrid Burdue at burduej@ swmpc.org. — STAFF REPORTS

‘Prancer’ village, film director John Hancock to participate in Snowflake Stroll

TThe Region of Three Oaks Museum (TROTOM) will present an afternoon with John Hancock from 3-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Three Oaks Heritage Hall, 8 E. Linden Street, in the Village of Three Oaks. The event is part of the community’s holiday festivities that include a Snowflake Stroll in the historic downtown and a tree lighting ceremony at Carver Park.

Hancock will be on hand to sign autographs and answer questions about the making of “Prancer” – the beloved 1989 Christmas tale (which starred Sam Elliott, Chloris Leachman, Abe Vigoda and Rebecca Harrell). Hancock directed the movie that was filmed in Three Oaks and the nearby New Carlisle area. He is perhaps best known for his work on “Bang the Drum Slowly.” His most recent movie, “The Girls of Summer,” was also filmed in Three Oaks and featured many locals in the cast.

The Prancer Village model will be on display during the event. The model depicts the main street of the village as it appeared in the movie, complete with retro touches like older cars, a Christmas tree lot and snow. It was built by Don Bowman, who had worked for the FAA creating miniatures of airports around the country and retired to LaPorte. After it was featured in the movie, the model sat in the attic of the Three Oaks Township Library for many years until TROTOM Board members Nick Bogert and Randy Miller restored the main three sections in 2020. Last year, Liz Thomas and Chuck Garasic added lights to illuminate it.

DVD copies of the movie, packaged with TROTOM’s documentary on the making of the movie, will be available for $15.

The Region of Three Oaks Museum collects and displays artifacts, papers, and records that tell the story of the historical heritage of the region. The museum is open Memorial Day through October and presents programming year-round with live and online events.

Metaverse isn’t a thing a company builds. It’s

Local Government Meetings

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL

MARK ROBERTSON, ROGER LIJESKI, JOHN HUMPHREY, BRIAN FLANAGAN, VANCE PRICE

City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION

MEETINGS

to be determined

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD

PETE RAHM, MICHELLE HEIT, JUDY H. ZABICKI, PATTY IAZZETTO, JACK ROGERS Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM

NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD

FRANK MAGRO, LISA WERNER, HEATHER BLACK, DENISE CHURCHILL, BRADLEY BURNER, VANESSA THUN

CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD

DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, BILL MARSKE

Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM

CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM

THREE OAKS

THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM

VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM

GRAND BEACH Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MARY ROBERTSON, CLERK DEBORAH LINDLEY, BLAKE O’HALLORAN, JAMES BRACEWELL, PETER DOERR, PAUL LEONARD, JR. MICHIANA

VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

Committee to explore future of Chikaming Township’s parks system

=BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Considering a proposal for the dissolution of the current elected Chikaming Township Park Board was approved by voters during the Nov. 8 general election, members of the Chikaming Township Board of Trustees approved creating a committee to report back to the board with regards to ideas for how to move forward with the parks system at their Thursday, Nov. 10, meeting.

Chikaming Township Supervisor David Bunte said he’s spoken briefly on forming some type of transition advisory committee or some type of committee to “discuss the options that are available to see what fits best for the scale and scope of all our parks and beach access points for us.”

He’s reached out to people who’ve expressed interest in further researching options, including Fran Wersells, Deborah Hall-Kayler (a former park board chair) and Walt Knake, who was a previous parks board director for 11 years for Western Springs, Illinois.

Trustee Rich Sullivan also volunteered to be the board trustee on the committee.

Sullivan said it’s important to be “realistic about the size

of what the township is” in terms of how they want the parks system to look.

“We need to really have people seriously look at what are the expectations for a township this size (roughly under 3,000 people) - what are the expectations that these people want and also are they willing to pay for it because down the line it may become a situation for you may have to have a special millage for park and recreation,” he said.

Bunte added that he also wanted to convey to the public that they can give their input on the matter, passing it onto Sullivan.

An overwhelming number of voters also approved the proposal with regards to the township levying .35 mills library millage for a period of six years, which will raise an estimated $250,000 in the first year the millage is levied, “of which equal portions will be distributed to Bridgman Library, New Buffalo Township Public Library and Three Oaks Township Library.”

The township has a contract with the three libraries that will expire June 2023, which requires it to continue to pay the $30,000 annual fee ($10,000 per library) as well as penal fines, which will be distributed equally among each library.

Bunte said they’ll still be required to distribute penal fines. The millage will be on the December 2023 tax roll.

Board members approved Bunte proceeding with a preliminary proposal from Enterprise on their open leasing program.

Chikaming Township Fire Chief Allen Weich said that two agencies in the area contract with Enterprise for a fleet services type program, during which they can get vehicles from different manufacturers.

It’s an open lease program, meaning the township is leasing the vehicles and not purchasing them.

Weich said the township can order vehicles for the public safety side and they will come equipped with items such as a siren and light bar packages when dropped off.

Enterprise recommends a five-year replacement program, and that the number of vehicles the township receive now can be swapped out in five years. The program will include newer vehicles and a less – or possibly no – maintenance cost on them, as well as the chance for the vehicles to increase in resale value every year.

In the first year, the township would look at getting nine vehicles entered into the program. The program requires the township to have 20 leased vehicles.

Chikaming Township Police Chief Todd Taylor said that the township doesn’t have to lease all 20 vehicles and that they just will have 20 vehicles “that need to be utilized by Chikaming Township.”

The first year would cost around $96,000, which also includes participation in the maintenance program.

Board members approved Taylor applying for a grant through the Par Plan Grant Risk Reduction Grant Program to replace the police department’s body worn cameras.

Board members approved Bunte submitting three grants through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ $65 million Michigan Sparks Grant program.

No match is required, and individual grant amounts range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $1 million.

The township can submit up to three grant applications for projects related to parks and recreation. The first one would be for the Sawyer Square, which is a proposed gathering

You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.

— Dolly Parton

space on the former fire station property in downtown Sawyer. The second one would be for the improvements in the redesign and landscape of Lakeside Park on Red Arrow Highway, which would potentially be renamed Veterans Memorial Park and have an exit and entrance that would come off the linear park. The third application would be for the next phase of improvements to Harbert Community Park, which could involve the installation of a restroom facility that could serve also serve as the trailhead of the linear park as well as pickleball courts.

Board members adopted a resolution opposing House Bill 4722 and Senate Bill 446, which will restrict local restriction on short term rentals.

Bunte said the bills are going into lame duck session and it’s expected the Michigan Legislature will try to pass some legislation on limited control of short-term rentals.

Board members approved allowing Bunte proceeding with a letter of intent for bidding for auditors, as their one-year agreement with their current one has expired.

Board members approved the fire department’s request to replace its Emergency Reporting and Active Alert software with First Due.

Weich said that First Due has an all-in-one program, which means it can replace Active Alert as well as the department’s reporting software and is the new NEMSIS compliance standard.

More refining for marijuana sales proposal

BY STAN MADDUX

New Buffalo officials are trying to work out the final kinks of an ordinance that would allow for the retail sale of marijuana in the city.

The New Buffalo Planning Commission voted to allow John Weiss, an attorney from Chicago, to amend the language in the proposal Tuesday, Nov. 15.

The planning commission previously gave a favorable recommendation to the proposal, which was later rejected by the city council and sent back to the planning commission for revision.

Mayor John Humphrey said he felt the wording in the document was “very good” but not tight enough to guarantee the measure holding up in court should it be adopted by the city council and legally challenged.

“It’s not comprehensive enough for what we need for something of this magnitude,” he said.

The heart of the issue seems to involve a proposed requirement that no marijuana shop can be closer than 1,000 feet from a school, church or the city’s commercial district.

The planning commission voted unanimously to have the distance measured from property lines instead of the front doors of buildings.

That procedure will be among the changes reflected in the revised ordinance expected to be presented at the next planning commission meeting, perhaps, in January.

Eligible parcels outside the required boundaries will also be identified in writing at the recommendation of New Buffalo City Manager Darwin Watson.

“Then it’ll be one package to give to you,” he said.

There seems to some dispute on

whether the 1,000 foot restriction should remain or be reduced.

Planning Commission member Debbie Schmidt said she was concerned about people who bought property for opening a marijuana shop but their parcels do not meet the proposed distance requirement.

However, Planning Commissioner member Paul Billingsley said those people should have waited until after restrictions governing such operations were finalized.

“Buying property when nothing has been approved is a dice roll,” he said.

Billingsley also pointed out support of the measure by the planning commission hinged on the 1,000 foot restriction to keep it away from the immediate presence of children and other people who might be offended by such an establishment.

He also noted the proposed radius is common statewide for establishments selling other things such as liquor.

Humphrey estimated there are just a handful of parcels that would be eligible to house a marijuana retail operation under the current proposal.

“With this language in here, I would be surprised if there’s more than three or four that meet the criteria,” he said.

When final consideration will be taken by the city council is not clear.

Billingsley advised all of the time necessary be taken to make sure the proposal is to everybody’s liking since there are no deadlines to meet for taking action.

OPINIONS

GLOBAL OPINIONS On Fear

OPINION BY DINO N. FATOUROS

How fleeting can Fear become from not wanting anything that’s not truly valuable?

It seems, my opinion on what’s valuable and what’s not valuable significantly weighs on how I feel, on my opinion, where a life time is utilized?

How much more likely am I to live Happily practicing contentness, not wanting or desiring things outside of Nature and outside my control? Like you, somewhere along the way, I was influenced to believe things valuable that after a long enough time line view, turned out to be more like slavery.

Now what?

Consider know what’s valuable according to Nature and know what’s not valuable according to Nature? Cheers

The Boreal Forest

Three Oaks Village Council recognizes long-serving and departing councilmembers

APPROVES APPLICATION FOR GREEN OAKS CULTIVATION LLC

BY THERESE DONNELLY

Members of the Three Oaks Village Council said goodbye to two members at their Wednesday, Nov. 9, meeting.

Long-serving councilmember Steve Graziano did not seek a new term during this election. Councilmembers thanked him for his years of service to the community. Village president Richard Smith presented Graziano with a plaque and gift as a show of thanks on behalf of the village.

Graziano said he was proud to leave the village in better shape than when he first joined the council. He noted in the beginning of his tenure, the village struggled financially and was forced to sell a park to Berrien County in order to meet payroll.

Councilmember Colleen Newquist was not elected for a new term. Her fellow councilmembers thanked her for her time. Planning Commission chair Gene Svebakken expressed his appreciation for Newquist’s years serving on the council and other committees.

“You’ll be missed,” he told her.

Smith congratulated re-elected councilmember Becky Thomas and welcomed newly-elected members Lois Jones and Jason Niemzyk. Jones and Niemzyk will take the oath of office before joining the December council meeting

The council revisited a request for a marijuana microbusiness license for Green Oaks Cultivation LLC at 300 E Ash Street. The council had a public meeting at its October meeting but tabled a decision because the documents presented at the meeting indicated the property would be owned by a third party while initial application paperwork indicated it would be owned by Green Oaks.

At the November meeting, applicant Michael Morse presented a letter of intent for purchase and documents from Hollywood Crown to address concerns expressed. Graziano expressed concerns about the council receiving documents to make an immediate decision but it was clarified Morse’s documents simply supplemented material the council already had access to.

Current property owner John Balich was also at the meeting and, when asked by councilmember Tyler Ream, said he was confident in Morse’s plan.

Morse said that while Hollywood Crown will own the land, he is purchasing all necessary equipment and will be doing buildout work.

Graziano said he still has reservations, but noted

the application had been properly submitted and it was the council’s job to approve it. The council voted unanimously to approve the application.

The council previously voted to accept an offer from Berrien County to purchase the building at 21 N. Elm, where the village office is housed, for a “nominal fee.” At the November meeting, Village Manager Dan Faulkner said he and village attorney Charles Hilmer had ordered a survey and title work and he hoped to be able to present results to the council at the December meeting.

Smith reported the short-term rental committee had its first meeting Oct. 31. Regular meetings are planned to address different rental issues, and Smith said the committee will give public notification on meeting topics.

At the proposal of councilmember Joe Hyman, who is council liaison to the Parks and Recreation Board, the council discussed wording to a proposed amendment to Ordinance 93.01 to state the board chair must be a village resident, and the board will hold an annual election to determine a board chair and secretary. Hilmer explained the council could approve wording, but could not create or enact an amendment at the current meeting.

At the request of the DDA, the council approved moving the farmers’ market from Thursday evenings to Friday evenings in 2023. Hyman said vendors had expressed a preference for Fridays and hours would remain the same. Ream asked if it would be possible to ask downtown businesses owners for comments. Business owner Tom Pauly, who was in the audience at the meeting, said he did not feel the scheduling would affect businesses, but he felt it was good for the community.

The DDA is currently seeking a market manager for the 2023 season.

Hyman announced the annual Snowflake Stroll is scheduled for Nov. 26, with a parade, tree lighting, free buggy rides, a visit from Santa, a book giveaway from the Rotary Club and donkeys and Clydesdales from Paws for Humanity.

Faulkner told the council organizers from the Apple Cider Century have requested permission for street closures for the 2023 bike ride, which will be the 50th year of the event. Faulkner suggested putting the request on the December meeting agenda so the council can discuss all 2023 events at once.

Tree removal quotes came in higher than planned, Faulkner told the council, so the list of trees to be cut down will be addressed across two years in order to fit into the budget. Newquist asked why trees had been chosen for removal, and Smith said they had been identified as diseased or dead. Faulkner added one tree had already fallen.

The council accepted Tree Core Complete Tree Service’s bid of $9575 for the tree removal.

The village police department’s computer systems need updates, according to Police Chief Carl Krause. He said the department needs a new office computer, a required software update and new laptops for two of the squad cars. Faulkner said an anonymous donor had contributed $1000 for the purchase and the council approved the remaining $9000.

The council approved a resolution for a Sparks Grant application, which would help purchase amenities for the Watkins Park improvement project.

Jeff Norris of the Snowbusters Snowmobile Club asked the council for input on snowmobilers accessing village businesses including restaurants and gas stations without causing safety issues. Norris said electronic trail maps are available on the Michigan DNR’s website, and paper maps are being revised. Krause said there have been complaints of snowmobilers racing down Linden Street towards the fields by the Legion Hall. Norris said the club could provide signage but he acknowledged it was hard to control all users. Krause said he did not want to outright ban snowmobilers but also had concerns about riders crossing the train tracks outside of designated crossings. He said Michigan law is unclear on if snowmobiles are allowed on sidewalks.

In committee updates, Ream said the joint park plan with Three Oaks Township is proceeding and he hopes to present it to the council next month.

Updating the council on efforts to find new officers, Krause said he and Faulkner had interviewed four candidates- two were not a good fit, one was a no-show and the other did not return follow-up phone calls. He said he had unsuccessfully reached out to Lake Michigan College and Southwest Michigan College looking for candidates. He is also looking into funding to send a candidate through the police academy but would still need to find a suitable candidate.

Donald Ryman recognized for historic preservation by DAR Rebecca Dewey Chapter

Members of the Rebecca Dewey Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution presented the “Excellence in Historic Preservation” award to one of the Buchanan Preservation Society’s members, Donald F. Ryman, at the society’s annual meeting Sunday, Oct. 30.

Previously, the society had received a DAR Preservation Award for its historic preservation accomplishments in Buchanan.

Ryman is well known in Berrien County, having served for many years as a county commissioner and on the board of the Berrien County Historical Association. Worried that Buchanan was losing its historic buildings, Ryman and his wife, Martha, organized the Buchanan Preservation Society. This led to the saving of the Pears Mill and the Mill Race from destruction. As a result, the public can take a step back in time and observe and 1800 working mill.

Living in an historic house, the Rymans became interested in other homes in Buchanan. Ryman wrote a series of articles for Buchanan’s weekly newspaper about the history of Buchanan and its many historic homes. This led to several books, a walking tour guide and finally the creation of Buchanan’s two National Register Historic Districts.

Ryman remains an active member of the Buchanan Preservation Society.

Since 1890, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, an all-women’s lineage service organization, has done work in historic preservation. The NSDAR has encouraged recognition of significant volunteer efforts in historic preservation at the community, state and national levels and catalogs historic sites and properties.

Contact Rebecca.deweyto@gmail.com for more information about the NSDAR or visit www.dar.org. — STAFF REPORTS

Thank you card from granddaughter lifts spirits of war veteran

BY STAN MADDUX

Aformer New Buffalo man is beaming with pride over a homemade thank you card from his 6-year-old granddaughter for his military service.

John Benson, 75, said the only nicer gift for him would be living long enough to watch his granddaughter, Emma, grow up.

Benson said he cried tears of joy after Emma during her birthday party gave him a hug while handing him the card for Veterans Day.

His six years in the U.S. Army included one year of combat duty in the Vietnam War.

“I was proud. I was happy and I was very honored that little girl gave that to me,” he said.

The front of the card is titled “Veterans are the heart of America.”

Emma, a kindergarten student at Westville Elementary School, drew the outline of a heart and filled the inside with pieces of green and brown paper resembling camouflage that she glued to the surface.

The inside of the card features a smaller camouflage colored heart and Emma saying in writing “I’m thankful for veterans who protect us.”

Benson said he was taken aback enough by his granddaughter’s unexpected expression of gratitude that he had to step away.

“I didn’t want everybody who was

there to see tears coming down my cheeks,” he said.

Benson has lived in Rolling Prairie for about the past 30 years.

He was drafted into the military after graduating from high school and escaped injury during his active duty in the war. He later moved to New Buffalo and resided in other communities like Three Oaks before settling down in Rolling Prairie.

Benson said he’s glad to have served time in battle and wouldn’t think twice about returning to active duty, even now, if called upon.

“I’d go tomorrow. I feel that strong about our country,” he said.

Adding to his emotions from receiving the card was the feeling of gratitude he felt considering the reaction to soldiers returning home from the war the nation lost was often the exact opposite.

“That’s more respect than I got when I came home,” he said.

Benson said he plans to place the card into a frame and hang it on his living room wall.

He said the only nicer gift for him would be living long enough to watch his granddaughter grow up in a country that’s still free.

“You can’t put a price on that,” Benson said.

SCHOLASTICS

Teacher’s Credit Union donation encourages reading at elementary school

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

A$1,000 grant from Teacher’s Credit Union (TCU) promises to turn even more students at New Buffalo Elementary School into dedicated readers.

At the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education’s Monday, Nov. 14, meeting, New Buffalo Elementary School Principal Adam Bowen said that, for the past two years, the school has teamed up with TCU, which has helped the school with its reading program, Achieve 3000.

This year, four bikes – two for the lower elementary students and two for the upper ones (one boy and one girl) - will be purchased. Bowen said that, through the Achieve 3000 program, students can earn incentives, which is all based on their individual growth. Students who meet their growth periodically throughout the year get tickets, which will be put into a raffle at the end of the year. At an awards ceremony, four students will be randomly picked to receive a bike, helmet and maybe water bottles.

“Thanks to TCU, we’re able to do this with their donation and that’s what we’re planning on using the money with,” Bowen said.

The elementary school also received a letter from Berrien RESA regarding MiMTSS, or Michigan’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports, recognizing the school achieving the Silver Level for its work in implementing the PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) framework into its school.

New Buffalo Area Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Michael Lindley said several county superintendents will be visiting the elementary school Tuesday to look at how the school is

using data and how it’s collecting it and “looking at the elementary school for a model for data.”

Board members approved the employment of Madeline Selby in the position of Bison After School Enrichment (BASE) director.

Lindley said they’ve been advertising for new BASE employees since before school started and Bowen sent home a letter to parents, which elicited a response from five interested parents

and one student. He said he’ll be coming to the board at the next meeting for recommendations.

The hiring of Pano Arvanitis in the position of eighth grade basketball coach for the 2022-2023 school year was approved.

Board members approved the employment of Joshua Hyman as advisor for Mock Trial extracurricular

for 2022-2023 school year, pending background check.

The employment of Todd Tanksley and Darrick Fairchild to coach Robotics for 2022-2023 was approved.

Board members approved employing Mary Ludwig as the middle school cheer coach for 2022-2023, pending background check.

The employment of Amber Lowry as paraprofessional was approved.

The employment of Jocelyn Tuszynski as fall play director, pending background check, was approved.

The employment of Maxwell Folino as radio club substitute was approved.

Due to not having many applications for a social worker and two special education teachers, Lindley said that they’ll be advertising for the positions at 105 colleges through Handshake.

Board president Lisa Werner suggested doing a time share, adding that having two part-time people occupy a position may elicit more interest.

Linda Wash, wife of former BASE director Rodney Wash, who resigned from his position last month, said that the recommendation for the new BASE director that night “confirmed” her last statement that was made at the previous meeting that stated her husband “endured tormented, hostile work environment and retaliation and a complete violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”

“I do wish the BASE program good luck,” she said.

Lindley said that current board members as well as the newly elected ones were given a tentative outline for the superintendent search. The Jan. 9 meeting will include a presentation on the details in the outline.

Adam Bowen, Tracy Saylor, TCU service center manager, and Melissa Lijewski, Title 1 teacher, accept TCU’s donation (Picture courtesy of Facebook)

From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

AAs I remember, it started when I was just a child. We would get home from church, watch Flash Gordon on the television, and whenever the Bears were playing a road game, my Dad would come into the front room and tell me to turn on the Bears game. We watched the games together and bonded, while my Mom and Sisters and baby brother went about doing whatever they did.

Back in those days, the season was only 12 games long and home games were blacked out, so we had just 6 precious Sundays, and I loved every minute of sharing those games with my Dad. In 1956, the Bears got to the championship game and even though they lost to the Giants 47-7, at least I got to spend an extra Sunday with my Dad.

Then, in 1963 the schedule had increased to 14 games but the championship game was blacked out in Chicago and we had to listen to the game on the radio( the Bears beat the Giants 14-10 ). The game was played at Wrigley Field and the best seat in the house cost $12.50.

My college years were next, and I got in the habit of going to bars with my friends to watch the games through closed circuit television. That tradition continued even after graduation and lifelong friends were made.

Then, we started our own families, and the traditions continued Even though some have moved far away, we keep up with texts during the game and phone calls afterwards. The Bears, like the Cubs, aren’t a super successful franchise, but that makes their

occasional winning seasons all the more fun.

All of this background has a point. Sunday, I watched some of the most entertaining football games I’ve ever seen. The Bears have a quarterback who may end up being great. For the last four weeks, Justin Fields has been phenomenal. Even though the Bears continue to find ways to lose this year (31-30 against the Lions), the future is bright.

After the Bears game, the network switched to the Minnesota Vikings versus the Buffalo Bills, and that game was unbelievable. Each team was sure they had pulled out a victory until finally, the Vikings pulled out an incredible 33-30 overtime victory. The next game pitted the Green Bay Packers against the Dallas Cowboys, and the Packers came from behind to beat the Cowboys 31-28 in overtime. Even though the three other teams in the Bears division all won,

I feel extremely confident that next year, and for years to come, the Bears will be ready to compete with anyone. As a matter of fact, they play each of their division rivals again this year and I won’t be surprised if they emerge victorious.

I almost always end my column with a quote, and this has been my favorite so far. Henry James said, “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.”

Be kind to one another. Make good choices. Keep smiling. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

Legion scholarship opportunities

The American Legion Department of Michigan has announced its oratorical contest for high school students. Contestants are eligible for scholarships ranging from $1000 to $2000, with an opportunity to advance to the national competition in Indianapolis, where additional scholarships of $20,000 to $25,000 will be awarded.

Contestants must register with the American Legion, Department of Michigan by Friday, November 18. Once registered, contestants will be notified of dates, times and locations of contests at the district and zone level.

To be eligible, contestants must be citizens or lawful permanent residents of the US, have permanent residency in Michigan, be enrolled in an accredited high school or home-school program in 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade and no older than 20 years of age.

All orations must be between 8 and 10 minutes in length and be on some aspect of the Constitution, with an emphasis on citizens’ duties and obligations to the government. At the contest, speakers will be asked to deliver a three to five minute speech on a topic selected by a contest official. The assigned topics areAmendment VI, ensuring the accused a fair and speedy public trial; Amendment X, reserving powers not delegated to the United

States to the States respectively, or to the people; Amendment XIV granting citizenship rights to all people born or naturalized in the United States; Amendment XVI, granting Congress the power to lay and collect taxes without apportionment among states and without regard to any census or enumeration.

Further details can be found at michiganlegion.org.

Additional scholarships are available for qualifying students who are a direct descendant (including step-child) of an honorably discharged veteran or an active duty service member, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and financial need.

The William D. and Jewell Brewer scholarship awards $500 to high school seniors or college students for a nationally accredited college, university or trade school in Fall 2023. The Guy M Wilson scholarship awards $500 to high school seniors who plan to attend a Michigan accredited college, university or trade school in Fall 2023.

The Legion is also offering a Teacher of the Year award for K-12 teachers, which includes a $500 grant for an education project of the teacher’s choice.

Applications are available at school.

Understand: people judge you by appearances, the image you project through your actions, words, and style. If you do not take control of this process, then people will

— 50 cent

see and define you the way they want to, often to your detriment.

Lady Mustang face off against police officers, firefighters during ‘The Match’

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Having just clinched the conference title for the second year in a row, members of the girls’ varsity volleyball team at River Valley High School were more than geared up to face off against their last opponents before calling it a day on this year’s volleyball season: members of the Chikaming Township fire and police departments.

Supporters of both the public safety department and the volleyball teams gathered in the River Valley Middle/ High School gymnasium to view what was dubbed “The Match” between the two teams Wednesday, Nov. 9.

The Lady Mustangs won the first two quarters; however, the first responders and police officers gained points and won the final quarter.

Chikaming Township Police Chief Todd Taylor said the evening was reminiscent of one that took place in 2017, during which Buckeye Donkey Ball brought along their donkeys for a donkey basketball tournament with four teams of local players for the high school’s post prom fundraiser

“We’d want to ramp that up again after Covid,” he said.

Taylor credited Chikaming Township Fire Chief Allen Weich for conceiving the idea to engage with the volleyball team, adding that he and police officer Paige Holtz arranged that night’s event.

“This is about community - it’s about making sure that public safety is involved with our kids and community,” he said.

To gain entrance to the game,

members of the public were required to bring in food items or toys.

Holtz said the food will be going to the Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry and the toys will be brought back to the station, where they’ll be donated to Toys for Tots.

The station will be doing a “Fill a Police Car and Fire Truck for Toys for Tots” event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at the Chikaming Township Fire Bays, located at 13535 Red Arrow Highway in Harbert. Santa will also be making an appearance, and children and their families will be welcome to take a picture with him.

“We figured we might as well combine our Toys for Tots initiative with today’s

event,” Holtz said.

For those who are unable to make it to Saturday’s event, a donation box is in the front lobby of Chikaming Township Center.

Heidi Michaels, the head coach at River Valley High School, said that she hopes the event will get “bigger and bigger.”

‘Everyone seemed to have a good time - so that was the point of it,” she said.

Michaels said that, in addition to reaching district finals and winning the conference title, the team tied for first place.

“But we won the conference tournament, which hasn’t been done in River Valley history ever - so that was great for the girls, it was a good confidence booster,” she said.

Members of the Chikaming Township public safety department gear up for the game

The teams congratulate eachother on a game well played

Firefighters and police officers give the volleyball team a run for their money

Members of the girls varsity volleyball team face off against the firefighters and police

The two teams pose for a group shot

The firefighters and police officers face off against the volleyball players

Spring Creek Horses Help Foundation saddles students with lessons on responsibility, confidence

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Having never had the chance to get to know a horse before, Bryce McDowell had his doubts about getting up on one.

“Yes - I was scared,” he said.

But after spending some time learning how to put a saddle on a horse, how to speak to a horse (observing if a horse’s ears are flat down on their head, McDowell said, tells you that they may be upset) and picking up on some other equine tidbits, McDowell was ready to ride.

“I felt like I was in the sky – like I was flying,” he said.

A fifth grader at The River of Life Christian School in Benton Harbor, McDowell can credit his newfound confidence to the school partnering with Spring Creek Horse Help Foundation in Three Oaks to add horses to its curriculum.

Since mid-September, every Friday the school has transported seven or eight fourth-, fifth-, and sixth graders to Three Oaks to attend a three-hour, equine-assisted learning program on horse behavior, horse care and horseback riding.

Two groups of students arrived at the farm once a week, with each group spending four weeks with the horses. Students wrapped up their equine lessons Friday, Nov. 11, by sauntering down a trail with their horses in the broad countryside surrounding the farm.

Amanda Kasper, a Title 1 teacher at River of Life, said that the experience allowed students to fully immerse themselves in the care and keeping of a horse – such as learning how to talk to the horse, how to brush it and then, finally, how to ride and lead the horse.

In tending to their horse, students also learned responsibility.

“They have a different horse each time - but they have to take care of that horse,” Kasper said.

The River of Life Christian School exists to provide a Christ-centered education to all children regardless of their socio-economic situation.

Kasper said that Donald Pearson, principal at River of Life, is always on the lookout for different opportunities for students to become engaged in what they’re learning. One week, all the school’s students trooped over to the farm to visit with the animals and see what experiences are in store for them when they reach the upper grades.

“It’s fun because you see kids where they’re doing different learning experiences at school, but this is different when they’re here and you can see them get more comfortable and just learn as they’re doing things,” Kasper said.

Kasper said one of the benefits of the program is that

the students each get a volunteer, who gives them their undivided attention.

Heather Sommers, who just began taking lessons at Spring Creek Farm, said that she’s found being a volunteer has given her a unique glimpse into the students’ transformation.

“I’m pretty amazed at how quickly the kids (will) bond with their horses - and for us, how we build that relationship with them and see that confidence,” she said.

Sommers has also witnessed the students’ transformation around others as well.

“When I’m with the student or child, it kind of helps them open up…I don’t know if it’s the horse’s presence or energy that allows the student to be calm and open up in that way but that’s been pretty neat to see that relationship develop with them,” she said.

Alison Grosse, president of Spring Creek Horses Help Foundation, said that helping children learn to trust is one of the goals behind letting them spend time with the horses.

In addition to River of Life, children from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Southwest Michigan have come to the farm. The farm also offers individual lessons packages.

Grosse said that students have worked through trust issues as well as social and academic ones – any struggle a child may find themselves up against, the foundation will provide them with the tools to overcome it.

“Animals are amazing - they calm people, they can also show you what you’re feeling…It will be reflected by the horse: If you’re excited, the horse is going to get excited, if you’re calm, the horse will stay calm,” Grosse said.

Having rode horses all the time at her former home in South Carolina, Elizabeth Carden said she’s happy to volunteer with the students to bring them an opportunity they might not otherwise experience.

“It’s a good chance to let the kids who don’t usually get to be around a horse experience it because I felt so fortunate growing up to be able to have that because it’s so powerful for me,” she said.

At least one student said she was interested in prolonging her experience of being a horsewoman in the future.

After grooming the horses, cleaning their stalls and learning more about them (like how they used to be the size of small dogs), sixth grader Jamoin Nelson said she’s ready for more.

“I want to come back here someday – it would be fun to come back and see the horses again,” she said.

Students head out for some trail riding

Students learning to ride outside the barn

Bryce McDowell learns to ride with the assistance of Elizabeth Carden

Volunteers lead students on their horses

Paying their respects to those who served during Veterans Day 2022

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

PHOTOS BY FRANCESCA SAGALA AND THERESE DONNELLY

Members of the New Buffalo community paid their annual respects to those who’ve served their country on Veterans Day Friday, Nov. 11.

Students at New Buffalo Middle/ High School hosted a breakfast and ceremony for local veterans. Breakfast was served in the cafeteria by members of the high school’s student senate. Students and veterans then trooped into the Performing Arts Center, where they paid respects to their “hometown heroes” and learned about the true meaning of Veterans Day from Wayne Butler, the keynote speaker, who was a Fire Controlman, 1st Class in the United States Navy. Kathy Dohner and her father,

Ken Shelby, a veteran of the United States Army and United States Air Force, along with middle school social studies teacher Nathan Tripp, announced the winner of the Patriots Pen essay contest: Camille Czech.

Winners of the Voice of Democracy essay contest were: Justus Rowland, first place; Phoebe Zalewski, second place and Drew Bowen, third place. Honorable mention entries were Michael Kuhn, Carmen Holt, Rafael Santos and Jacqueline Behzadi.

That evening, veterans and their families and friends enjoyed dinner at the New Buffalo American Legion Post 169.

Jenn, John McGreehan, Barb Welsh, Mary Rose Roberts, Joel Heuring

Laney Strother gives a history of Veterans Day

Jaylen Eidam and Amanda Jones pay repsects to hometown heroes

Thank yous from students

New Buffalo American Legion Post 169 Color Guard

Camille Czech shakes Ken Shelby’s hand after the ceremony

Wayne Butler gives the keynote speech

Bradley Brunner plays Taps

Students thank veterans while standing in a receiving line

Veterans enjoy the student senate’s breakfast Ken Shelby (center) stands with the American Legion Post 169 Color Guard

Hometown heroes stand for recognition

Kathy and Frank Schmidt

Wayne Butler shakes the hands of students in the receiving line Wayne Butler Sr., Dean Leitz, Wayne Butler Jr. and Tom Staadt

Ken Shelby (center) stands with winners of the Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy essay contest

The New Buffalo High School Band plays a medley of patriotic tunes

Kathy Dohner and Nathan Tripp present the essay winners

Carole and Dennis Shubert, Bonnie and Robert Kliss

OBITUARIES

BettyLou S. Ahrens

1942-2022

BettyLou S. Ahrens, 80, of Three Oaks, was born to eternal life Sunday, November 13, 2022, at The Arbors in Michigan City, Indiana.

She was born September 8, 1942, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Milton and Ethel Schreurs Nicolaus. She married her high school sweetheart Ronald Ahrens February 10, 1962 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

In 2003 she moved to Three Oaks, Michigan to share in her husband’s ministry. BettyLou enjoyed painting, all kinds of crafts, and serving God in the various churches she called home.

BettyLou will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her husband of sixty years, Pastor Ron Ahrens of Three Oaks; four daughters, Dawn (Vernon) Koch, Wendy (Jeff) Wiczynski, both of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Heidi (Mike) Miller of Appleton, Wisconsin, AmyJo Conwell of Shawano, Wisconsin; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two infant brothers; three brothers-in-law; and one grandchild.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate BettyLou’s life on a date and at a time to be announced.

The family prefers contributions in memory of BettyLou be made to Harbert Community Church, Post Office Box 197, Harbert, Michigan 49115, designated for the Missions Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks.

Please share a memory or a message online at www. wagnercares.com.

Robert Orville Hardmon

1935-2022

Robert Orville Hardmon, 87, of Three Oaks, Michigan and Sun City West, Arizona, died peacefully Wednesday, November 9, 2022, in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began April 14, 1935 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of Robert, Sr. and Letha Hardmon. He married Rosalie Wilson May 1, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois.

Robert served honorably in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps. He retired from Commonwealth Edison and the U.S. Postal Service, both in Illinois. Robert and his wife enjoyed traveling and visited all seven continents.

Robert will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Rosalie Hardmon; two sons, Travis Hardmon, Tracy (Marjorie) Hardmon; one granddaughter, Zahabre Hardmon; two sisters, Martha (Fred) Jackson, Verna White;and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter-in-law, Lisa Hardmon; one sister, Joyce Young; one brother, Preston “Sonny” Barrett; one brother-in-law, Bruce White.

The family will observe a private remembrance.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www. wagnercares.com.

DEATH NOTICES

Democrat party chairman resigns

BY STAN MADDUX

LaPorte County Democrats will have a new leader after a majority of party candidates locally suffered resounding election night defeats.

Dr. Vidya Kora has announced he’s stepping down as party chairman.

Kora cited frustration over what he described as a growing number of local residents voting Republican without considering the talents Democrat candidates bring to the table.

“Unfortunately, over the last few election cycles, the local issues, their accomplishments and the qualifications of the candidates have taken a backseat to national false narratives by media and social media in a highly polarized environment,” he said.

He said the party has tried its best to overcome “Trumpism” in LaPorte County.

However, Kora said nothing has seemed to work here even though parts of the nation have moved away from the influence of Donald Trump, the nation’s 45th president.

“We are behind the curve in our county,” he said.

Kora also placed some of the blame for the struggles of Democrats locally on the lack of moderates in the party at the national level.

“I am hopeful that some of the national Democrats will move left of center from their far-left positions which will appeal to more independents and rural voters,” he said.

Among the losses by Democrats were in the races for sheriff, prosecutor and county commissioner.

Prosecutor John Lake lost by nearly 1,000 votes in his bid for a second term while Commissioner Sheila Matias fell close to 4,000 votes short of reelection.

Andy Hynek was defeated by Republican Ron Heeg for sheriff by over 2,500 votes.

According to the election results, Republicans had close to 2,700 more straight ticket votes than Democrats.

“I believe it is time for younger leaders within the Democratic Party with fresh ideas to step up and take over the mantle of leadership. It will be in the best interest of the party as well as the community in the long run,” Kora said.

THREE OAKS – Henry Paul Turley, 95, of Three Oaks, died peacefully Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks.

Cause of building collapse determined

BY STAN MADDUX

Experts have identified what they believe caused a vacant three story building in downtown LaPorte to partially collapse.

Structural changes sometime in the early 1900s is blamed for the front one-third of the building coming down on the night of Oct. 26.

Originally, LaPorte City Engineer Nick Minich said the roughly 150 year old structure in the 700 block of Lincolnway was three separate buildings.

Minich said the first floor of each building was later joined together by tearing down weight bearing brick walls.

The walls helping to support the structure were replaced with steel columns and beams.

The end result was more floor space for Lows, a popular clothing store until closing roughly 40 years ago.

Minich said the work was solid but changed how the weight of the

building was distributed from the original design.

He said the weight load shifted a bit more toward the front, leaving that section more prone to not holding up over time.

“That caused the structural deficiency that eventually became a failure,” he said.

Minich said what exactly broke or shifted to cause the collapse was not known but the usual affects from age likely added to the weight related stress on that portion of the building.

“It’s almost impossible to determine what the failure was but we do know it’s related to the renovations that happened many years ago,” he said.

The roughly 150 year old structure was being remodeled to offer retail on the first floor and apartments on the upper levels, officials said.

Minich said the current work was strictly cosmetic and not a factor.

Fortunately, nobody was inside or passing by the structure during the collapse that sent a good number

of bricks into the eastbound and westbound lanes.

In response, city officials are in the process of developing a program aimed at preventing another collapse.

Mayor Tom Dermody said it’s too early to know how the program will work but grants and other sources of revenue could be involved.

He said the money would help property owners pay to have their buildings inspected and fix any major problems.

The downtown consists primarily of structures erected well over a century ago.

However, Minich said he’s not aware of any other building joined together like the one that collapsed.

“We’re looking at trying to create something, kind of a voluntary program to help people have peace of mind,” Minich said.

FRIENDSHIP BOTANIC GARDENS TO HOST ‘GOBBLE GOBBLE TURKEY WALK

Friendship Botanic Gardens will host the Gobble Gobble Turkey Walk, a free event for children and families celebrating Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST Thursday, Nov. 24.

Children will have the chance to embark on a gnome scavenger hunt throughout the Symphony Loop of the Gardens and to count the hidden gnomes and get a Thanksgiving treat. Then, visit the Native American Heritage Garden and enjoy getting a first-hand look at Indigenous Peoples’ cooking techniques as a garden educator does a cooking demonstration over an open flame.

Children are also invited to check out the Cleveland-Cliffs Children’s Garden, an arena for interactive play experience which includes a playset, Whimsical Cabin, waterspout and a sensory garden.

This event is weather-dependent. Please check the gardens’ main Facebook page Thanksgiving morning for updates.

Friendship Botanic Gardens is located at 2055 E. U.S. Highway 12 in Michigan City. —

STAFF REPORTS

PICKLEBALL IN NEW TROY

For those who have trouble getting physical when it’s cold and dark outside, the folks at the New Troy Community Center have just the thing to get them moving.

Pickleball is a fun game for all ages. Played with paddles in the center’s gymnasium, the game is a cross between badminton, tennis, and ping-pong. All ages and levels of expertise are welcome, including those who’ve never played before.

Pickleball is open to the public on Mondays, beginning at 5:30 p.m., with a tutorial for beginners, followed by open play. There is no charge to participate, although donations are always welcome.

The New Troy Community Center is an allvolunteer facility run by the non-profit group Friends of New Troy. It is located at 13372 California Road in New Troy.

For more information, contact friendsofnewtroy@yahoo.com or 269-426-3909.

— STAFF REPORTS

HOROSCOPE

NOVEMBER 17-23, 2022

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

This is the time to request favors and get the validation you need to feel better about pushing forward with your career goals or entering a long-term partnership. Start focusing on the potentials you will open up by joining forces with another or shifting jobs.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Look beyond present conditions and seek out new potentials. Don’t get weighed down by how things may have or have not turned out. Turn your attention to new ventures and partnerships. Know that you gave all you had when it was needed and now you can move onward.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Be sure that your relationships and business collaborations are in balance and you are both contributing equally. When both sides of the partnership are being fulfilled and sharing the load, then the potential for growth increase exponentially. If you have hit a stalemate, maybe you need talk.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

All the health goals and job potentials seem to be up for grabs now.

You can envision and meditate for only so long and then it’s time to really make some moves on the physical plane. That time is now, moonchild. Embrace the opportunity to do things better and more effectively.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

This is the time to get your home in good working order. By getting things cleaned and organized, you will open up the energy to other areas of your life. One small movement on the home-front can open up fortuitous changes in the larger world now. Baby steps can be powerful.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

Start embracing opportunities to talk about your creative abilities. Take an art or writing class; give yourself the space to express yourself. This is the time to get in tune with your talents and flaunt your style a little more. Use humor to take pressure off overbearing situations.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22

There are some chores or changes that can only be put off for so long. This is the time to embrace those things you have been ignoring and face hard tasks with a resolute attitude. The energy is ripe with opportunity to make some very important transitions and modifications.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

This is a very lucky and auspicious time for Scorpio. This is the time to ask for favors, find the things you need, and make some headway financially. If things get complicated or seem out of reach, stick to the basic law of attraction. Be in a positive state of expectation and it will appear.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

There is a secretive and mysterious vibe about you now. This is not the time to mince words with people because you will be kind of hard to read. If you are not direct and to the point, you may set off alarm bells. The last thing you need now is drama. Keep it simple.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

Dig into who you are and what keeps you from going full force. Explore that shadow side now. Retreat into your own space, knowing that your full potentials are in there waiting to be actualized. Friends and social connections will have a mirroring affect, use it wisely.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

Open your mind to all the ways you can connect with people. Let your view of the world expand beyond the current space you live in. Understanding the interconnectedness is a big part of the energy coming your way now. Once you truly embrace that, you will be surrounded by friends.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

Start using your ability to read people and situations more this week because the opportunities are out there. Networking and exploring new avenues of business is where you will succeed now. Trust in your ability to see through the smoke and mirrors to the real Mckoy.

Major brush fire stopped by goal line stand

BY STAN MADDUX

It took a defensive line of firefighters to put out the advancing flames of a major brush fire reaching up to 30 feet high in LaPorte County.

The goal line type stand by about 50 firefighters possibly saved several nearby homes.

“It was definitely something I’ve never seen in my lifetime,” said Pleasant Township Fire Chief Kevin Bluhm, a firefighter for well over 30 years.

Bluhm said it took over 10 hours with help from a helicopter repeatedly dropping buckets of water from nearby Fish Lake on the flames below to put out the blaze Thursday, Nov. 10.

Firefighters from a dozen departments responded to the fire in the area of Indiana 4 and 600 East.

Bluhm said the flames of a burning pile of brush in a field were apparently spread by strong winds.

The fire left a one mile long and half

mile wide footprint of burned vegetation like young trees on mostly farm land no longer in production.

Growth remaining from a recently harvested field of corn and soybeans also burned.

Bluhm said the difficult to reach fire on soft ground was nearly knocked down on several occasions but gained new life each time the winds shifted and blew the flames in a different direction.

It was a few hours into the night when the fire now consuming 15 to 20 foot high cat tails began moving toward the two lane state highway.

Bluhm said he did not want burning

embers from the blaze getting blown across the road and setting fire to a field near a half dozen or so homes.

So, a line of firefighters with hoses attached to numerous tanker trucks was formed on the pavement as quickly as possible.

They began saturating the ground in front of them with water.

About a half hour later, Bluhm said the wall of fire stopped advancing toward them once reaching the muddy soil just 20 feet from where they stood. He said meeting such high flames

head on was somewhat frightening but he was confident in the front line strategy.

“We did what we needed to do,” he said.

It wasn’t long before the fire was extinguished.

Just as challenging as the wind, perhaps, was the soft ground.

Bluhm said the ground can only hold so much weight because of large pockets of spongy peat moss below the surface.

One reason for the helicopter was several of the fire trucks venturing out to the flames wound up getting stuck.

Mike Kellems, a retired LaPorte County police officer and former volunteer firefighter, happened to witness the stand made by firefighters.

“It was without a doubt one of the largest field, woodland fires I think I have ever seen in my over three decades in emergency services. What a valiant effort,” he said.

CLASSIFIED ADS PUBLIC NOTICES

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FOR RENT NEW BUFFALO RETAIL

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NEW BUFFALO

Rent Year Round in New Buffalo. 1 or 2 bedroom apartments starting at $800 per month. Quiet living—no pets. For more information call 269-469-1364.

HELP WANTED LOVE WORKING OUTDOORS AND IN THE TREES?

Awesome, outdoor, low covid exposure, summer work. C&A Arborists, your local tree care professionals, are looking for help!! Drivers license required, CDL preferred. Please call 269-756-2571, mail jamietreephilosophy@gmail.com.

FULL TIME COOK POSITION IN LAPORTE

1 Year Experience. Call Oak Woods Manor for more details. 219-362-6600.

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

EXPERIENCE PREFERRED

Carpentry drywall flooring tile setting windows doors and decking. Must be 18 years or older with valid drivers license. Heavy lifting involved. 219-808-1329. johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com.

SERVICES

FISH FOR STOCKING

Most Varieties Pond and Lakes. Laggis Fish Farm 269-628-2056 Days 269-624-6215 Evenings.

ELDERLY CARE NEEDED?

Compassionate help available to care for your loved ones. Experienced and Dependable. Call Diane 219-344-2265.

NOTICE OF TOWNHALL MEETING REGARDING THE CITY’S UTILITY RATES

WHEN: Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 5:30 PM

WHERE: New Buffalo City Hall, 224 W. Buffalo Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117

8 kids a day are accidentally killed or injured by FAMILY FIRE.

FAMILY FIRE is a shooting involving an improperly stored gun, often found in the home. ENDFAMILYFIRE.org