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New Buffalo Royal Court gives back at toy drive
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
For the second year, members of the New Buffalo Royal Court threw a party, while also giving to their peers at Christmastime, during their toy drive at Roma’s Pizza in New Buffalo Sunday, Dec. 8.
Members of the 2025 court, who were just crowned last month, invited members of the community to enjoy pizza, sing karaoke, participate in an “Ugly Sweater Contest” and bring a toy or gift card for a child or teen at New Buffalo Area Schools. The donations will be transported to New Buffalo Area Schools, where they will be distributed.
As a special treat, diners were also treated to an appearance by the man in the red suit.
Pageant coordinators Tracy Tanksley and Angela Dupre
Members of the Miss New Buffalo Royal Court enjoy pizza Court members perform a royal karaoke
The 2025 Royal Court poses with Santa
Santa visits with the royal court Santa pays a visit to Roma’s Pizza
First Runner-up to Little Miss New Buffalo Lily Jaspering visits with Santa
Local Government Meetings
New Buffalo Times
CITY OF NEW BUFFALO VANCE PRINCE, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL
MARK ROBERTSON, ROGER LIJEWSKI, KAREN GEAR, RICH KNOLL, 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
HOWARD MALES, MICHELLE HEIT, MICHELLE HANNON, PATTY IAZZETTO, BARBARA ANDERSON
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, JENNIFER SUMMERS, VANESSA THUN, STEPHEN DONNELLY, GREG VOSBERG
CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP
CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD
DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, ARTHUR ANDERSON
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 at 5PM EST
KIMBERLY WOLNIK, CLERK-TREASURER
HARRY WALDER, JOHN GRACE, ED SEBASTIAN, PETER DOERR, EDWARD BRANDES
MICHIANA
VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL
Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM
Chikaming Police Lt. Roe elevated to deputy chief of police
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Members of the Chikaming Township Board approved a recommendation from police chief Todd Taylor to elevate Lt. Jason Roe to deputy chief of police at their Thursday, Dec. 5, meeting.
Taylor said that he’s currently in law school and hoping to graduate next August, with the goal of taking the bar in February 2026. Around that time, he’d like to fully retire from law enforcement.
A succession plan, which includes the discussion of looking “in house” for a replacement for Taylor, was approved by the Public Safety Commission. Chikaming police officers also expressed that they wanted an in-house replacement, and that Roe would be a potential candidate for the job.
Taylor said that Roe’s “unique perspective of law enforcement,” as well as his education, training and two decades of law enforcement experience, make him a suitable candidate.
As deputy chief of police, Taylor can groom Roe for his potential role of police chief.
He added that he’ll rely on Roe to continue to lead the department in the coming months as he cares for his wife, who’s recovering from a serious injury.
“He’s stepped up to the plate without complaint and grabbed that helm and steered the ship in the right direction when I’ve been gone these last few weeks and I’m proud of him for that,” Taylor said.
Township supervisor David Bunte said that he has a “huge amount of respect” for Roe.
“I think it’s fortunate to have someone in your ranks that could fill your seat,” he said.
Trustee Rich Sullivan said that Roe’s
training and how he interacts with other police officers convinced him he’s suited for the role.
“I strongly support your recommendation,” he said.
Clerk Paula Dudiak said Roe’s always been a help to her.
“Every time I ask for something you’re there and I have great respect for you,” she said.
Board members declined to add a complaint hotline to the township’s Rentalscape agreement.
Bunte said that the issue of not having the hotline was brought up by a member of the community. The township went to an online complaint form as opposed to having a 24-hour hotline when it switched from Granicus to Rentalscape.
The cost to add a 24-hour hotline service through Rentalscape would be $3,000 a year.
Per data collected by fire chief Allen Weich and the public enforcement officer through the prior rental hotline, in 2021, the township received 24 complaints directed with rental properties, 16 in 2022, 20 in 2023 and, so far, 13 in 2024. Currently, the township has 500 registered properties.
Dudiak said that there’s a phone number now, where someone can talk directly to the owner of a residence.
Bunte added someone also can complete an online form and contact dispatch, where an officer can do dispatch if available depending on the complaint’s “severity.”
Arthur Anderson said that, per the statistics so far, the township has received maybe seven or eight calls last year.
Sullivan said that a noise or parking complaint, whether it’s with regards to a rental property or a neighbor, can already
be handled either by contacting the township or the police department.
He added that the basic plan states that “calls are referred to the appropriate staff without follow-up required.”
“We already have a township where people can call, we already have nonemergency numbers that people can call for these types of things – I just think it’s a waste of money,” he said.
In 2024, he said that six of complaints were regarding noise, three trash and that they “have other avenues to enforce things we already have on the books.”
Board members accepted the ordinance as presented regarding the zoning ordinance text amendments. The amendments were approved at the last meeting; however, Bunte said that this was the “formality” of approving them with the ordinance that has been produced by attorney Charles Hilmer.
The following board appointments were approved: Public Safety Committee, Sullivan; Zoning Board of Appeals, Liz Rettig; Planning Commission, Arthur Anderson; Local Revenue Sharing Board, Sullivan and Galien River Sanitary District, Bunte.
Board members approved appointing Tim Hawkins and Ed Gramberg for another twoyear term each on the Board of Review and Pam Gonzalez to take the place of Lee Strohl for a two-year term on the board.
Board members approved the Metro Act permit application for Midwest Energy for right-of-way telecommunications permit. Bunte said that the permit is for Midwest Energy to access the township’s right of way to do the township’s internet fiber optic cable main.
The world prospers when kings philosophize and philosophers reign. — Diogenes the Dog
SPORTS
From the Bleachers
COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
As I sit to write about the oh so disappointing Bears loss to the San Francisco 49ers today, a news flash came across my computer screen.
The New York Mets just agreed, in principle, with free agent outfielder Juan Soto on a $765,000,000 15-year-contract.
If Soto is unhappy, or thinks he can make even more money, he can opt out after five years. None of the money is deferred, and if he hits certain levels of excellence, the contract can escalate to over $800,000,000.
If my math is still solid, that’s at least $51,000,000 a year for 15 years, to play baseball for six or seven months a year.
Let’s break it down a little further.
Last season for the Yankees, Soto played in 151 games. If he duplicates that this season, he’ll be making just under $300,000 per game. He had 713 plate appearances which breaks down to near $75,000 per at bat. He had 166 hits, so he will make about $325,000 per hit.
Don’t get me wrong, Soto is an extremely talented hitter, but he is a pretty average base runner and defender.
Do the players agents enter into the negotiations with guns? How can anybody in their right mind pay one player (out of 25) that much money? How can the smaller market teams begin to compete with New York or Los Angeles?
Will a beer and a hot dog cost $50? Will any parent be able to bring their kids to a Major League game? Will baseball eventually become a secondary sport because a generation of children never get
to attend any games?
Over my years of writing this column, I think it’s become obvious how much I love baseball.
I’ve hinted at things that I believe would help the game and keep it prosperous for generations. A salary cap would be a good start. Less greed from the owners, players, and especially agents sure wouldn’t hurt.
When negotiations are taking place only owners and players are represented.
Fans also need a seat at the table because without fans, the owners and players would not be able to make the ridiculous amount of money they do.
A fan couldn’t sit in on individual contracts, but they could help limit the price of beer and hot dogs. Maybe, if the fans were represented, the best players salaries would be closer to $20,000,000 than $50,000,000, and agents wouldn’t be able to have such a big influence on this beautiful sport.
I sure hope something happens before it’s too late and other sports, like ping pong or pickle ball, surpass it in popularity.
In football news, the Bears were pitiful against the 49ers. They probably did learn that the interim head coach isn’t ready to be the Bears head coach next year. I sure hope they get it right this time before our quarterback gets hurt.
Pete Rose said, “Playing baseball for a living is like having a license to steal.” Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
If you got a kid that makes everybody better, you mean to tell me you wouldn’t take him over a guy that’s averaging 40 points but the team’s losing? — LaVar Ball
Victory snatched from Raiders following comeback
BY STAN MADDUX
The Red Arrow Raiders were on the brink of a come from behind victory but lost in the final minute of play in girls’ high school basketball.
The Raiders (0-2) were defeated 19-17 by Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School in a home game Tuesday, Dec. 10, at New Buffalo High School.
Head Coach Jason Alexander said his mostly sophomore players are still trying to develop some chemistry during the first season for the combined basketball programs from New Buffalo and River Valley high schools.
“We’re just trying to figure it out. We’re trying to learn each other,” he said.
Trailing 10-5 midway through the third quarter, the Raiders drew closer on a three point bucket from Laney Strother.
The Raiders pulled to within one point when Shyann Spaulding grabbed an offensive rebound near the rim and put the ball into the net.
A short time later, Spaulding put the Raiders ahead on a lay-up just before the end of the quarter.
The Raiders extended their lead to five points on a free throw and later a nothing but net three point shot from Peyton Swain.
The Lakers marched to victory, though, by scoring the final eight points of the game during the last four minutes on the clock.
Spaulding had a chance to force overtime on a pass she grabbed close to the rim but missed a short shot at the buzzer.
Alexander blamed the loss on his team giving up a lot of easy buckets and the Lakers hustling more for loose balls late in the game.
“They wanted it more than we did it seems like at the end,” he said.
Spaulding led the Raiders with nine points.
Bison shaky but still undefeated
BY STAN MADDUX
The New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team is off to a 4-0 start to the season after defeating Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School 44-32 at home Tuesday, Dec. 10.
It was the ugliest win, so far, this season by the Bison, who turned in stellar, much higher scoring performances in their previous games.
New Buffalo Head Coach Nate Tripp said the lack of production on offense was mostly from bad shot selection.
“There’s a time to run and there’s a time to be patient. That’s going to be addressed,” he said.
The Bison scored the first seven points on buckets near the rim from Lucas Forker, M’Nason Smothers and
Nick Haskins then New Buffalo went up 9-2 when Sam Tripp after a steal dribbled in from half court for a lay-up.
The stage for a dominating victory appeared sealed by an impressive block of a shot along the baseline from Brysun Perry, but the play on offense suddenly turned messy from mostly poor shot selection.
The Lakers outscored the Bison by one point in the second quarter to trail 19-11 going into the third quarter.
Forced shots and lack of passing to open shooters continued for the Bison throughout the second half.
New Buffalo was up by as much as 12 points but each time poor shooting mostly from selfish play opened the door for the
Lakers to pull somewhat into striking distance.
The 6’4” Forker led the Bison with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
The 5’8” Smothers added 10 points along with 12 rebounds.
The poor display on offense was a result of Tripp during timeouts not demanding better shot selection as much.
Once the team strayed from the system, Tripp said he wanted his players to decide on their own how to get back to being effective at scoring to further the progress they’ve shown in their knowledge of the game and maturity since last year.
“I was looking for them to step up and
show their basketball I.Q. All I can say is I wouldn’t want to be them at practice tomorrow,” he said.
The showing was disappointing after a 67-60 victory on the road over a much better Michigan Lutheran squad Friday, Dec. 6.
The Bison, who were in control during the entire game, managed to hang on despite all but one of their starting players fouling out of the game in the final minutes.
Trevor James finished with 19 points, while Smothers had 18 points and Perry contributed 11 points.
The Bison scored more than 80 points in each of their first two blow out victories against Bangor and Eau Claire.
SCHOLASTICS
Teachers approved tenure status at New Buffalo Area Schools
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
The New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education approved tenure status for three teachers at their Monday, Dec. 9, meeting.
The following teachers were granted tenure: Ashley Jager, high school art teacher; Karen Muckey-Martinez, elementary school Spanish teacher and Danika Piotrowski, second grade teacher.
Superintendent Adam Bowen said that all three of them were hired during a remote interview process during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was a first for the district.
“I remember it was the most dynamic round of interviews during that time and that has continued to hold true ever since they’ve been here in the district… They’ve done such wonderful things for the district and bring fresh new perspectives and have that energy, which is something we really need,” he said.
Bowen added he doesn’t anticipate the teachers’ “highly effective” consecutiveness changing anytime soon.
Carrie Johnson, the assistant superintendent for instructional services at Calhoun Intermediate school District, presented New Buffalo Elementary School with the 2024 silver level of Michigan’s Association for Supervision
and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Whole Child Award.
Johnson, who represents Region 7 on Michigan’s ASCD Board, said that the award is a “reflection of the whole staff’s efforts and the whole
community’s understanding that it does take all of us to support the Whole Child initiative.”
“Congratulations to New Buffalo Elementary School and their team but also, as an
extension, to all of you and your community,” she said.
Johnson presented a certificate as well as a check to the elementary school from Michigan’s ASCD to “use to continue to further their efforts
to support the whole child, the whole staff and community efforts.”
New Buffalo Elementary School Principal Melissa Lijewksi said that the award “embodies” the school district’s vision statement: “Every student, every day.”
“This award reflects the hard work that we put in not just focusing on the academics but also on the social emotional learning of our students,” she said.
Board members approved the 2024-2025 Teacher Retirement Incentive Plan.
Currently, Bowen said that around 10 teachers in the district are eligible for retirement and that, within the next couple of years, a majority of that group will be retiring.
The goal, he said, is to “phase out” those retirements.
“We wanted to slow that process so we can have not just a big influx in one yearthat’s the purpose of this plan,” Bowen said.
Board members learned of the following hires, which were approved by Bowen: Ashley Floraday, lead track coach for Spring 2025; Alexandrea Beckman, daycare aide and Evan Burian, BASE lead.
Keri Haskins, Angela Robertson, Carrie Johnson and Melissa Lijewski pose with the Michigan ACSD certificate
Students deck out the city, township hall trees
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Students from New Buffalo Elementary School trooped over to New Buffalo City and Township halls for the traditional decking the trees out in handmade ornaments Monday, Dec. 9.
As a reward for their generosity, students were given bags full of treats as well as and the chance to do crafts and play some Christmas-themed games, as well as to visit with the Jolly Old Elf himself.
New Buffalo Township Treasurer Patty Iazzetto helps students with a craft
Students deck out the City Hall tree
New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit helps students with a craft
Students enjoy a craft at City Hall
‘Hoosiers’ bus coming to La Porte basketball extravaganza
BY STAN MADDUX
The atmosphere of the ESPN televised La Porte Invitational is often compared to the movie, “Hoosiers,” which is based on the real story of a team from a small school downstate winning the Indiana high school boys basketball title in 1954.
The old school-type setting inside the near century old Civic Auditorium, where some of the nation’s best young talent on the hardwood will play again next month, will become even more of a vintage Indiana basketball event.
That’s because the actual school bus transporting players from the fictional “Hickory Huskers” in the 1986 movie will be there and open for tours.
“It’s pretty cool,” said Jack Arnett, executive director of the La Porte County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
LCCVB was the lead agency behind La Porte becoming home for the invitational, which features nearby La Lumiere and other college prep schools with top notch basketball programs.
Bringing in the 1939 Chevy bus is part of the kick-off for the fourth annual La Porte Invitational, which is scheduled Jan. 9-11.
Arnett said the bus will be parked outside the arena, where the sidelines of the regulation sized basketball floor barely fit between the 1,160
balcony seats on both sides of the court.
People can go inside the bus and listen to some of the history about it from 2-8 p.m. at no cost.
The bus will be there for just one day.
“There’s no doubt that it’s going to enrich the experience of everyone coming to the game,” said Brett Binversie, director of the municipally owned Civic Auditorium.
The first game of the La Porte Invitation between LaLumiere and Sunrise Christian Academy begins at 4 p.m.
Two other games are
scheduled later evening.
Four games are on the card for each of the next two days.
Some of the 11 teams playing in the invitational are among the highest ranked college prep school squads in the nation.
Many of the players are committed to or being recruited by major Division 1 college programs.
Arnett said the historic feel inside the Civic Auditorium helped bring the competition to La Porte and secure a recent commitment to host the invitational the next three seasons.
He said it has been fun to
watch the faces of players and coaches accustomed to modern facilities light up when they first step onto the court.
“Not only are they going to see a gym that takes you back but they’re going to see the actual bus from Hoosiers. It’s just a perfect fit,” Arnett said.
The bus was actually used from 1939 to 1949 to transport students to school in Indianapolis and 40 miles northwest of the state capital in Lebanon.
The bus is owned by Darryll Baker, who will have the bus towed to La Porte from his east
central Indiana home to avoid wear and tear on the engine and other mechanical parts.
Arnett said he accepted a $500 donation from the LCCVB, which is also paying for the expenses of his trip, to bring the bus to the event.
According to hickorybus.com, his grandfather, Jack Baker, purchased the bus after it was placed out of commission and turned it into an RV.
Mr. Baker still had it when the director and writer of the movie, who was looking everywhere for a bus to use in the filming, came knocking.
He later sold it to a couple, who used the bus in parades and other special events to celebrate the team depicted in the movie from Milan in the southeast part of the state, according to the website.
In 1996, his grandson bought the bus and still uses it for similar purposes.
The bus was in La Porte this year for the city’s annual July 4th parade.
“It was very well received by the crowd. Everybody was raving about that bus,” Binversie said.
Tickets on sale now for the invitational are $30 and $20 depending on the location of the seats above the floor.
They can purchased at www. La Portecivicauditorium.com or at the Civic Auditorium box office.
“Sales are going very well, so far,” Binversie said.
Episcopal Church of the Mediator brimming with sounds of the season
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
The sounds of the season echoed throughout the Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Harbert the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 7.
Christmas tunes, such as “Christmastime is Here,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” and “Silent Night” were sung by the Harbor Country Singers. Led by director Maggie Martin, the singers were accompanied by members of the HCS Brass Quintet and the HCS Jazz Trio.
In the spirit of the season, concertgoers also brought a personal hygiene or paper products donation for Neighbor by Neighbor, a nonprofit connecting vulnerable residents of southwest Berrien County with resources and services.
The next day, the Singers put on an encore concert at The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts in Three Oaks.
The singers perform traditional Christmas tunes
The singers perform Christmas carols
The HCS Brass Quintet performs
Joel Cooper and Ryan Cid perform as part of the HCS Jazz Trio
Rev. Darlene Kuhn welcomes everyone
The audience sings during a candlelit Silent Night
Director Maggie Martin accompanies the singers on the piano
Many achievements cited by mayor in State of City speech
BY STAN MADDUX
La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody touted a long list of accomplishments, which ranged from major infrastructure upgrades to more new housing development, this year in his State of the City speech Monday, Dec. 9. Despite the many achievements, Dermody said his vision for what La Porte can be has not fully materialized.
“We still have a lot of work to do,” he said. Dermody began his 30 minute speech at the Civic Auditorium by revealing his administration every day operates on the guiding principles of “setting high standards, competing with and for the best and expecting to win.”
He’s wrapping up his fifth year as mayor following a 10 year run in the state legislature.
Dermody said reconstruction of Truesdell Avenue, which included new sidewalks, has turned Fox Park into more of a summer destination for things like annual concerts and use of the walking trail around Clear Lake.
He said another dent was placed into the estimated $100 million needed to replace aging water and sewer lines, with the work completed on I Street and adjacent neighborhoods.
Dermody said more “ancient” water and sewer lines will start being replaced next year on Indiana Avenue, with help from a $1 million federal grant along with state funding the cost of repaving.
He said another $2.5 million in federal funds were used to improve drainage on Boyd Boulevard, a project that makes it possible for the city’s industrial base on the east side to further grow.
“This is what government should be, putting politics aside and getting things done,” he said.
Dermody said the year was also marked by the start of construction on 200 or more new homes at all price levels and drawing closer to breaking ground on other residential developments such as the more upscale Beechwood Lakes, a 110 unit subdivision planned beside Beechwood Municipal Golf Course.
He also revealed more than 40 affordable homes should begin going up next year on a portion of Scott Field and inside the old Washington School building.
Dermody said the biggest new investment was landed in June when the city struck a deal for Microsoft to construct a $1 billion data center on nearly 500 acres on Boyd Boulevard just east of U.S. 35.
Other commercial successes included the ongoing construction of a Chipotle restaurant on Pine Lake Avenue along with an agreement to start building a huge family fun center next year at nearby NewPorte Landing.
Other successes cited by Dermody this year included annexation of the 39 North Conservancy District and the new residential and industrial growth starting to occur there already.
He said keeping the city clean remained a top priority. Over 3,400 code violations have been issued so far this year, along with 250 loads of furniture and other unwanted materials in public use being taken dumpsters to a landfill.
Dermody also said 9,600 pot holes were filled, which was an increase of 4,000 from the previous year.
The goal is to fill each pot hole within 48 hours after one is reported.
Dermody said the 79 drug related arrests made by the police department is an extension of his commitment to eliminate drugs locally as a major problem.
“People will doubt our ability to win this war but why would we not set our standards high when it comes to protecting our youth and the community,” he said.
City Attorney Nick Otis said the word “relentless” on one of the t-shirts Dermody likes to give away to promote pride in the community describes the mayor’s work ethic and what he demands from his administrators.
“Some department heads may, occasionally, use the word exhausting. The mayor is truly relentless when it comes to improving our city,” he said.
VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH 2025 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE
January 15, 2025 -5:00 p.m. ET
February 19, 2025 -5:00 p.m. ET
March 19, 2025 -5:00 p.m. ET
April 16, 2025 -5:00 p.m. ET
May 21, 2025-5:00 p.m. ET
June 18, 2025 -5:00 p.m. ET
July 16, 2025 -5:00 p.m. ET
August 20, 2025 -5:00 p.m. ET
September 17, 2025 -5:00 p.m. ET
October 15, 2025 -5:00 p.m. ET
November 19, 2025 -5:00 p.m. ET
December 17, 2025 -5:00 p.m. ET
REGULAR MEETINGS WILL BE HELD ON THE THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
A Writer’s Life...
DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ANIMATION
BY JACK OLESKER
The Littles are big… November 1983. How could it have been so long ago…and yet feel like yesterday?
I’m sitting alone in my leased Studio City condo, petrified. Jean Chalopin had slipped a sample script for the series I am to write for under my door and I am going through it, shocked that it runs just twentyeight pages. I am supposed to tell a whole story in just 28 pages?! And, to boot, my teleplay will have to contain a main story and a sub-plot!
Back then, my last published novel – a historical saga entitled The Young Dragons (Signet) -- ran 486 pages; that’s about 650 typewritten pages. And now I am supposed to tell a whole story in 28 pages?! And they are script pages – sometimes with just a word or two of dialog on a line! I’m getting worried. Fortunately, I have a distraction – the sample script for the ABC television series, The Littles. The story centers around a family of tiny creatures, complete with cute curly tails, living in the walls of the Biggs’ family’s home. Grandpa, Lucy, Tom and Dinky Little are adorable characters who go on wondrous adventures, all the time trying to avoid being captured by evil Dr. Hunter and his ferret.
How do ya not fall in love with that? I do. But what I don’t appreciate is how rare it is for a writer who has never written for network television to be writing for an ABC network television series right out of the starting blocks.
No matter. If Jean Chalopin wants writers who can tell a great story and deliver scripts fast, then he is about to get more than he’d ever bargained for.
Lights, Camera, Littles, the title of the script from Season One of The Littles that Jean slipped under my door is written by Jeffrey Scott. I enjoy the script and learn from it. I want to read more. I want to learn more. I walk to Jean’s DIC Entertainment studios,
located over a beauty shop a couple blocks from the condo building we both live in.
The small clutch of offices hustle and bustle with activity, a mélange of producers, directors, animators and secretaries rushing to and fro. A young receptionist directs me to Lori Crawford’s office. Lori is DIC’s Director of Creative Affairs. Pretty, with girl-nextdoor shoulder-length hair, big doe eyes, an infectious smile but an attitude that says she has no time for anyone who doesn’twork as hard as she does, Lori runs roughshod over DIC’s writers, artists, directors and anyone else in the creative area. Over the coming days, weeks and years she becomes one of my favorite people.
I hand Lori the manilla envelope with Jeffrey Scott’s typewriter-written script –this is back in the days when writers who could afford them were typing on Selectric III typewriters -- and ask if I can see another script. She opens a file drawer and says, “Take your pick.”
I look at thirteen numbered scripts in file folders, each with a title and Jeffrey Scott’s name on them. Incredulous, I ask, “He wrote every episode of the first season?” Lori nods, a barely discernable smile playing on the corners of her lips. I look back at those thirteen files.
I don’t know much about the entertainment business yet, but I know whoever this Jeffrey Scott is -- like the Littles -- he’s big, too. And it all happened so fast...
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
DECEMBER 12-18, 2024
AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT
The time is ripe for exploring and encountering new things. Your mental energy is running high which will absorb information easily now. Use this vibe to its fullest by exploring different cultures or ancient places. Whether you decide to travel or not, at least hit the library and explore through books.
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
Your tone could be quite serious this week, and you’ll want others to reciprocate your intensity by following through on promises immediately. Situations and relationships will be more dramatic with some comfort zones being disrupted and a certain amount of control will need to be surrendered.
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
This is not the time to sit home alone. Get caught up in the holiday spirit by going out and being with others. Join in on festivities and enjoy the sharing by telling your story and imparting the wisdom you carry. Even though you have a very youthful quality, you have experience beyond years.
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
The stars are blessing you with tremendous strength and willpower this week, making it the perfect time to get a handle on your daily routines and habits. If you have any health concerns address them with certainty now. Getting more exercise and choosing healthier meals is easy now.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
You have a flair for dramatics this week. Turn that energy toward the theater or performing art, rather than create issues in your relationships. If you start to feel like you need to outshine or compete for attention with someone or something, walk away and give yourself a chance to realign your energy.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
There is no place like home, and this week that is where you will want be. No matter what your schedule is make sure you block out some time to relax and recharge. A little tender, loving, care goes a long way now. If possible, book a massage or a spa day. If not, be sure to get some extra sleep.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22
It’s all about communicating and learning more about your environment. Check out your surroundings, and make sure you are understanding all you can from your situation. Take the advice and wise counsel that is being offered to you by others. Learn from their mistakes and make the most of your time.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
You have a natural talent for finding things of value this week. This is a great time to take inventory of what you value and what you hold dear. You have the gift of long vision now, and can easily see what preparations are needed to create fertile soil for future planting.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21
The things that you previously identified with or felt an affinity with are changing, and this week you will feel some definite shifts in what you connect with. You are in the first stages of a new beginning and are at a point where the old is out, but the new has yet to materialize.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
This is a great time of year to turn your focus inwards and get in touch with what your soul yearns for. Any kind of pampering or nurturing will go a long way for you now. So, whenever you have the opportunity, relax, pull back and tend to your own needs, then you will be more generous.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
Talking with people will be very important for the Water Bearer this week. Socializing, peoplewatching and being part of a larger group will help you feel more spirited and youthful now. Debating and openly discussing differences in ways that are inclusive and productive can happen now.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
Take sometime this week to build your image or create your brand. Let yourself become more public minded and consider what you would like to contribute to society as a whole. Consider what you would like people to remember you by and work towards that goal.
I mean, they say you die twice. One time when you stop breathing and a second time, a bit later on, when somebody says your name for the last time. — Banksy
La Porte County challenging NIPSCO rate hike request
BY STAN MADDUX
La Porte County government is getting directly involved in challenging a proposed 31 percent hike in NIPSCO electrical rates.
The La Porte County Commissioners Monday, Dec. 9, voted to hire the law firm, Friedman & Associates, as an extra voice for NIPSCO customers without room for a rate hike in their already tight budgets.
“Our state now has the 12th highest electrical bills in the country and NIPSCO charges the highest rates in the state,” said attorney Shaw Friedman.
Citing a report from the not-forprofit Citizens Action Coalition, Friedman said the rate hike would mean the average NIPSCO residential customer seeing their monthly electric bills increasing by just over $42 to nearly $179.
CAC said the request for a rate hike comes at a time when more than 40 percent of Hoosiers are struggling to pay for basic necessities.
After last year’s increase in NIPSCO electrical costs, Friedman said the current rate charged by NIPSCO for 2,000 kilowatt hours of electricity is nearly $100 more than the state average.
Friedman also said NIPSCO has some of the longest power outage service restoration times for investor owned utilities and is below average in scoring under the latest J.D. Powers Customer Satisfaction report for utilities in the Midwest.
“If you’re paying the highest rates in Indiana and some of the highest in the nation, shouldn’t you have customer satisfaction that is the highest as well,” he said.
Steve Holifield, who begins his first term as commissioner Jan. 1, urged La Porte County to challenge the rate hike proposal.
Holifield said a number of residents on fixed incomes have called him
to express concerns about potential higher utility bills.
“I just hope you guys do the right thing to help keep NIPSCO in check,” he said.
Business owner Ed Arnold suggested the commissioners join the rate hike challenge and, eventually, compete with NIPSCO by forming their own La Porte County Rural Electric Membership Corporation to offer lower rates.
“It would take a lot of work. We do have that option,” he said.
Commission President Connie Gramarossa said that people wanting to open small businesses in La Porte County are discouraged by what they would have to pay in utility costs.
“It’s important to me we do something to help folks,” she said.
Friedman has taken on NIPSCO multiple times in the past with successes that included rebates to customers and the utility reversing its decision to close its customer service facility in La Porte.
“La Porte County has shown over the past two decades one county can make a difference,” he said.
In September, NIPSCO filed a request for a 22 percent increase in electric rates with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
According to NIPSCO, the increase generating $368 million annually is needed for transitioning from coal-fired power plants to renewable energy sources, support sustainable energy investments and upgrades to aging infrastructure throughout its transmission and distribution system.
NIPSCO said the rate increase would be fully implemented in March of 2026.
When including hikes in other fees, CAC said the rate increase would actually be 31 percent.
PET OF THE WEEK
SPUD
Spud is a an almost threeyear-old tiny pit bull that weighs about 48 pounds. When she gets excited, her little paws do the cutest tippy-taps and can melt hearts. She is spayed, and her vaccinations are upto-date. Spud loves booty scratches and patience more than treats, but treats are always good. She has a timid and reserved personality. Spud is still learning how to be around other pets and children, but will get exhausted after her zoomies.
Longstory debuts in Three Oaks
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
True to its name, Longstory has quite the story attached to it.
In a past life, the building at 8 Maple Street in Three Oaks was a laundromat and a post office.
Recently, it was the Three Oaks Social Club before being forced to shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After the clothing store of Suzanna Bierwirth, who played a role in the social club’s creation, moved across the street, Russ Baer said he and his wife, Andrea Bucsi, felt that the space needed to return to its roots.
“We felt we really needed to bring it back to what we originally thought, which was community,
and up the game a little bit and create a restaurant/bar that attracts people to sit down for a little while and enjoy each other and the things that we could offer,” he said.
Heidi Smith, who is using her experience in the hospitality industry and as a certified health coach to lead the restaurant as general manager, helped bring Longstory off the ground.
An interior designer, Bucsi reimagined the inside. In addition to a spacious dining area, the space also features a cozy lounge and an intimate private room that can accommodate 16 guests.
“She really created a beautiful space that I think we feel comfortable holding our family
and friends and community in,” Baer said.
Plans include expanding the space by creating an outdoor patio with a potential wine/beer garden at the long-abandoned lot across the street, which Baer and Bucsi own.
With regards to its menu, Baer said Longstory is a full-service restaurant, complete with a smattering of small plates as well as main dishes, soups and salads and desserts. Also featured is a variety of white, red and sparkling and rosé wines.
Chef Tony Houser said that Baer and Busci envisioned a Mediterranean-style menu.
“When we first got together, they wanted a Mediterranean-
style diet, which is more of a healthy style,” he said.
Houser added that having what he calls an “approachable” cuisine makes diners feel “like they’re full but they’re not totally overstuffed.”
“That’s kind of how we developed some of the stuff we have,” he said.
Houser said the chicken shawarma, which is marinated chicken, herbed grains, tzatziki, cucumber, hummus, garlic sauce, red onion and pita, was originally “an afterthought” but is now the main dish.
Recently, Longstory hosted a
Champagne tasting and dinner pairing, with more community events being planned for the coming months.
A dentist by trade, Baer said that it was his father who introduced him to the community-minded spirit that pervades the hospitality industry
“I think as a kid, I grew up in Northwoods Supper Clubs because that’s where my father would take me…He liked to hang out with the guys in Northwoods Supper Clubs and so always, all my life, I’ve enjoyed hospitality,” he said.
For more on Longstory, visit Longstory3oaks on Facebook and Instagram or www. longstory3oaks.com.
Russ Baer discusses Longstory’s origins while Harbor Country Chamber Executive Director Kimberlee Wendt and Andrea Bucsi look on
Husband and wife team Russ Baer and Andrea Bucsi cut the ribbon on Longstory with the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce
