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Three Oaks Village Council approves
BY THERESE DONNELLY
The Three Oaks Village Council’s Wednesday, Dec. 11, meeting was the last of the year and the first headed by recentlyelected Village President Steve Graziano.
Village Manager Dan Faulkner explained a recent review of ordinance amendments in the village over the last five years revealed not all had been published properly. The council approved a motion to publish a synopsis of all the amendments. Village Attorney Charles Hilmer called the action a way to “clean all of these loose ends up.”
In a similar action, the council also reapproved a request from 2023 to rezone 10 W Linden from Residential to Commercial 1. The approval will be published. The agenda included a request to rezone 111 N Elm Street from Mixed Use 1 to Mixed Use 2 after councilmember Lois Jones told the rest of the council the request lacked a plan for conditional parking. Owner Hick Hawes said the parking was part of the development plan, but the council tabled the request.
Faulkner informed the council the village’s offer on property at 6650 West Central had been accepted.
During the November meeting, the council had a question regarding if fulltime village employees accrue leave based on hire date or when they became full-time employees. The council decided to research the issue before making a decision. At the December meeting, Graziano recommended keeping with the village’s employee handbook, and use the date of full-time employment. The council approved the motion.
Andrew Rudd of Wightman and Associates informed the council a recent soil boring had determined the ground
at the wastewater treatment plant was insufficient to support a planned road. He recommended removing the soil and replacing it with stable sand at a cost of $12,800 to better support the paved road for heavy equipment. The work, approved by the council, will be included as a change order for the system improvement project.
Water department employee Matt Lindsey told the council work to clear Deer Creek, and the second discharge at the ponds, is complete. Structure work between ponds 1 and 2 is underway.
Faulkner said both Lindsey and Joe Fender have recently passed their water treatment licensing.
At the recommendation of the Parks Board, the council approved up to $1000 to purchase a privacy surround for the toilets at Watkins Park. Faulkner said the surround is not affixed to the ground.
He added the only concern he had heard was that the surround would block the line of sight for parents with children using the Timber Town play structure. The council approved the surround with final determination from Faulkner and police chief Carl Krause.
The council also approved a recommendation from the Parks Board for two tulip trees to be planted in Dewey Cannon Park. Graziano said the trees will be donated to the village.
Graziano announced Joan Brown has been reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Board, Tina Olson and Steve Diller to Planning Commission, Mike Kennedy and Gene Svenbakken to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Jason Niemzyk as council president pro-tem
Due to changes in the council after the November elections, and personnel changes in village hall, the council voted to change the authorized signers on village bank accounts. The original motion was to
authorize Graziano, Niemzyk and Village Clerk Kim Johnson while removing former Village President Richard Smith, Theresa Schmaltz and Joe Hinman, but Jones said the clerk has authorization to write checks and should be separated from the signing authority. Faulkner said Johnson is performing bank reconciliation and should have access to account information. After discussion, the council authorized Graziano and Niemzyk. Councilmember John Kramer remains an authorized signer. All village checks require two authorized signatures.
The council approved the 2025 holiday schedule, event schedule and meeting schedule.
Krause reported AEP crews have been in the village repairing several streetlights that have recently gone dark. He also said as of Jan. 1, 2025, the village police department will no longer be the jurisdictional police for Three Oaks Township. He said TOPD will continue to provide emergency services but routine service will come from Berrien County or the Michigan State Police.
In public comments, Bridget Verdun asked the council to consider her offer to purchase a village-owned lot adjacent to her property at 114 N. Elm Street. She said no easement exists, but the layout requires cars to drive on her land to access the lot, causing damage to her property. She said a survey by Wightman and Associates confirmed cars need to transgress her property to access the lot. Additionally, Verdun said an appraisal determined the lot is unbuildable, reducing its value to $13,500. Verdun said if she purchases the land, she plans to offer to allow Jackson Family Cycle to use it for parking for a period.
Philosophy shows how wisdom has a divine source; and also shows how many earthly “goods” (e.g., wealth, beauty, power, luck) are fleeting at best.
happiness lives in the pursuit of wisdom, infinity. — Dino N. Fatouros
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
City Council accepts grant to purchase AEDs
Emergency responses were part of the New Buffalo City Council’s meeting agenda Monday, Dec. 16.
Dan Peterson of the Pokagon Fund has been discussing placing Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for Oselka Park. At the December meeting, the council voted to accept an unsolicited municipal grant from the Pokagon Fund totaling $5,872 to purchase two AEDs, with all-season cabinets, plus signage. Under the terms of the grant, the city is responsible for designing and ordering signage, installation of the equipment and maintenance of the units.
New Buffalo Mayor Vance Price suggested additionally training coaches for the New Buffalo Sports summer leagues on use of the AEDs, but not action was taken at the time.
BY THERESE DONNELLY
provide a dedicated phone number for complaints. The last contract the city signed with Granicus was for $17,175.73 in June 2024.
approved reappointing Jack Kennedy and Tom Evans to one-year terms on the Board of Review, and appointing Migs Murray to a one-year term.
As part of its short-term rental policy, the city has contracted with Granicus Host Compliance to gather data from rental properties advertised online and provide a dedicated phone number for complaints. The last contract the city signed with Granicus was for $17,175.73 in June 2024.
On the recommendation of city staff, the council voted not to renew the contract with Granicus, and instead approve a new contract with Deckard Technologies. Police Chief Rich Killips explained Deckard’s base module will provide similar services for $5,000. Staff additionally requested adding a BS&A Community Development online module, which will allow online submission of building permits, rental renewals, and online payments for renewal fees, building permit fees and other community development fees. Killips said that, if Granicus costs remain the same, the Deckard contract will save the city more than $11,000 over two years.
St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church submitted a special event application for its annual family festival, scheduled for May 21-25. Price said the application includes permission for road closures and signage. The council approved the application.
The council approved a performance resolution with the Michigan Department of Transportation, giving the city permission to work in the state right of way, while holding the state harmless against damage or injury incurred during any such work.
Price said the resolution is passed every three years to allow the city access for work such as water and sewer line repair.
After a brief discussion, the council voted to approve the fire services agreement between the City of New Buffalo and New Buffalo Township. Price said the conditions of the agreement have not changed since the previous agreement.
As part of its short-term rental policy, the city has contracted with Granicus Host Compliance to gather data from rental properties advertised online and
Councilmember Roger Lijewski noted monitoring short-term rentals in the city have been an issue, and the new service will help the city save money on administering and managing rental licenses.
The council approved the 2025 city meeting calendar, setting all the regular council and board meetings and holidays for the year.
On the recommendation of City Manager Darwin Watson, the council
Addressing the council, Rennie Burian asked the council to consider purchasing a new liner for the ice rink at Oselka Park, rather than cancelling the rink this season. Burian said the liner is roughly $700, plus delivery. Lijewski said many people don’t seem to know the city has a skating rink in the winter and asked if it could be moved to a more accessible location, such as Lions Park, across from the public beach. Burian said the location had been considered, but blowing sand from the beach would be damaging to the rink. Councilmember Rick Knoll asked Burian to speak with Watson later in the week.
It is one thing to train officers on fighting crime. It is a whole other thing to train them to build friendships and relationships, which are integral to fighting crime. This takes time, effort, and patience on the part of police officers.
— Rahm Emanuel
To Your Health
COLUMN BY KAREN EDWARDS ND
HOW TO AVOID OVEREATING DURING THE HOLIDAYS
None of us want to deny ourselves the delicious rich foods that are in excess during the holidays. Office parties, friendand family gatherings, and lots of homemade cookies. Here are a few ideas that can help you enjoy these gatherings, while not overindulging, gaining weight and sabotaging your health.
PLAN AHEAD. If you know you are going to a gathering where there will be tempting foods, schedule them in. Eat a healthy snack before you go that is high in Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids. This will satiate your pleasure center in your brain that will help you not be tempted for the sugary rich foods. EFA’s are also beneficial in overall weight loss. Foods rich in Essential Fatty Acids: Snacksfilled with Flax, hemp or Chia seeds, Avocado, Raw Walnuts, pecans, Wild rice, lentils, beans, tofu, spinach salmon and more. Research some that works for you. “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” – Karen Edwards
ARE YOU REALLY HUNGRY.
Most of our seeminglyhunger comes from thinking about food, smelling food and seeing food. Just like any animal, it causes salivation. This in turn signals our brain to eat. This is why we overeat at the holidays with food being all around us. When this happens, ask yourself if you are truly hungry or are being triggered by the food in front of you. This is why it is important to load up on EFA’s. For me this works well. Some people have the ability to eat just one treat, while others have one cookie and it opens the floodgates to eat a
dozen. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. It takes about 20 minutes for our bodies to feel full, so we can do a lot of damage by this time. Japanese call this Hara Hachi bu. Meaning taking in food only until 80% full. Take your time when you chew and allow your body to process each bite before putting more food into your mouth. There is evidence that following this practice leads to a lower body mass index and increased longevity, and is being studied that this practice helps prevent dementia later.
KEEP HIGH FIBER. If you know you are having a big holiday dinner, or party, then focus your other meals on high-fiber fruits and vegetables. Keep lots of fruit available for snacks throughout the day and keep vegetables cut up. High fiber and high protein dips like hummus orguacamole are life savers when you feel hungry and don’t want more high calorie food. Eat a lot of plantbased foodsalways, but especially during the Holidays to keep the colon moving and eliminating all the processed sugars, flour and dairy you may be excessively consuming.
MAINTAIN YOUR EXERCISE.
Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity each day to help burn more calories and help you feel healthier during the holiday season. Even if this is just chair exercising or stretches. Walk if you can.
Township board hears update on Harbor Country Drive path
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Members of the New Buffalo Township Board approved a change order of $27,000 to Antero Group for the Harbor Country Drive shared use path for wetland delineation, culvert design and EAGLE permitting at their Monday, Dec. 16, meeting.
Eric Neagu of Antero Group said that the project will build off the bridge improvements that were done at the Exit One bridge by extending the path from that development down to the New Buffalo City limits. Hopefully, he said that the path can continue down past that to “make a much stronger connection.”
While working through the project, it was discovered, through the Berrien County Road Department, that a culvert needs to be extended north of the trail “to come through.” Neagu said that, since Harbor Country Drive acts as a buffer for water, most of the water flows toward the drive, which means there’s a pipe system and a lot of wetlands created along there, which creates a challenge for a trail concept.
He said the goal is to find some funding, which would be “aligned with other improvements” happening in the area, to help pay for some of the trail’s cost.”
The trail wouldn’t be completed until 2026.
“Once it’s done, it will be a pretty significant asset,” Neagu said.
New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit said that some pedestrian lighting may also go in. Neagu said that a bench and bump out area is also being planned.
Increasing the code enforcement officer’s hours from 35 to 40 per week at the current rate of pay was approved.
Board members approved hiring Rich McGrew as an additional building inspector for $50 per hour and increasing Bill Lambert’s pay to $50 an hour.
The first pay application to PayJay Inc. for $336,623.22 for the U.S. 12 water sewer project was approved. Heit said that the project is about a month in and that the water project should be completed at the end of January and the sewer maybe not until the end of April.
The final pay application to LC United Painting for $149,00 for repainting the water tower was approved.
Board members adopted a renewable energy resolution to support local control and claim of the appeal against the Michigan Public Service Commission regarding renewable energy.
Heit said they did pass a resolution are opposing the Renewable Energy Act that was approved by the state; however, their attorney, Mike Comier, is representing communities as they are suing the states for taking away the local control with regards to their renewable energy ordinances.
Board members granted final approval for an SLU for the following to operate adult-use marihuana establishments: Weber Family Ventures LLC, Covington Plaza Investors LLC, NBNC LLC, JARS Holding LLC and Releaf Center.
Karen Edwards is a boardCertified Dr. of Naturopathy, Master Herbalist, Vegan and Raw food Chef. She is owner of Holistic Alternatives in New Buffalo and La Porte for over 25 years.
Per an audit report from Kruggel Lawton, governmental activities saw an increase of about $1.49 million and water, sewer and marina funds increased about $175,000.
The general fund saw an increase of $238,000 and the months of fund balance is 16.2 months.
Preliminary approval for an SLU for Green Mountain New Buffalo LLC to operate an adult-use marihuana establishment was approved.
Heit said that the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant of $300,000 was received for Phase Two of the Marquette Greenway, adding that most of the funding for that was through the RAISE grant in Indiana. Phase Two isn’t scheduled to be completed until 2026.
Microsoft progressing toward data center construction on farmland
BY STAN MADDUX
Microsoft continues to work behind the scenes toward future construction of a $1 billion data center on what’s historically been productive farmland in La Porte.
La Porte Economic Advancement
Partnership Executive Director Bert Cook said Microsoft representatives have paid numerous visits to the city since a deal was struck in June to build the data center on close to 500 acres of farmland on Boyd Boulevard just east of U.S. 35.
Cook said the purpose of their visits is to complete the standard procedure for getting any construction site approved and ready for ground breaking.
He said the process includes doing all of the necessary work in areas like engineering to obtain building permits from the city and tap into existing water and sewer lines surrounding the site.
Northern Indiana Public Service Company has also been involved in the process to extend natural gas and electrical service to the parcel.
Cook said the hope is start moving dirt on the projected 245,000 square foot data center by late next year or early in 2026.
He said Microsoft seems to be working to complete the long process quicker than originally anticipated.
“It’s a massive project so it takes quite a bit of time to get all of the details in line,” he said.
The project has been hailed as the largest economic development project in the city’s history and one that will have a noticeable lasting impact on the community of about 23,000 citizens.
As many as 200 people will be employed at the facility by the end of 2032 in jobs described as high wage, high tech positions.
Microsoft committed to building the data center after the city council approved its
request for a 40 year tax exemption strictly on the high tech equipment to be contained inside the facility.
In exchange, Microsoft will refund as much as $2.5 million or 30 percent of its tax savings a year under the lifetime of the agreement.
The funds will be divided between the city’s Redevelopment Commission and the La Porte School Corporation.
“It’s just an incredibly exciting project,” Cook said.
According to the La Porte County Assessor’s Office, Microsoft purchased all of the land from the previous owners in separate transactions in 2023 and early this year for a combined $20.8 million.
The previous owners were listed as Rhoda Farms and CL Core Rhoda.
The transactions occurred in 2023 and early in 2024 after the land was annexed into the city at the request of the now previous landowners, who expressed a desire for their ground raising corn and soybeans to be redeveloped, officials said.
During his State of the City speech on Dec. 9, Mayor Tom Dermody said the landing of Microsoft mirrored his administration’s three guiding principles of “setting high standards, competing with and for the best and expecting to win.”
“When people asked if we ever thought Microsoft would come to La Porte, our answer was yes,” he said.
Cook said working with the Microsoft representatives as they move through the process has been a pleasure and a great opportunity for him, personally.
“Microsoft has been one of the best companies to deal with. Incredibly community minded and I think aware and cognizant of the impact their project has on a community like ours,” he said.
Accident claims life of worker at plant
BY STAN MADDUX
Awork place fatality in La Porte County is under investigation. It happened about 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Alexander Chemical Corporation at Kingsbury Industrial Park.
Matt Gill, safety and security manager at the plant, said an event resulted in the death of a contractor performing work on an empty storage tank.
La Porte County Coroner Lynn Swanson identified the victim as Joseph Ehrhart.
She said the La Porte County resident in his late 20s passed away early Monday at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, where he was taken by medical helicopter.
Gill said another contractor and an employee of the company whose names were not released suffered non-life threatening injuries and were treated on site, he said.
Further details about the event were not disclosed by the company, which is a chemical production and distribution facility whose products are used for water treatment.
“Alexander Chemical extends their deepest sympathy to those who have been affected,” Gill said.
The Indiana branch of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed the agency has
initiated a safety compliance inspection at the facility.
“At Alexander Chemical Corporation, one of their goals is to maintain a safe workplace to ensure that all hazards are eliminated and to ensure that each of their employees and contractors are trained to perform his or her daily duties in the safety manner possible,” Gill said.
At the time of the event, Gill said the company requested assistance from the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office, La Porte County Emergency Medical Service, the Kingsbury Fire Department, La Porte County Hazmat, the Kingsford/ Union Fire Department, Indiana State Fire Marshal and La Porte County Emergency Management Agency.
The company is cooperating with all agencies in their investigations, Gill said.
Swanson said the autopsy was in St. Joseph County because state law requires forensic examinations occur in the jurisdiction where death takes place with the expense of the autopsies from the county of residency.
She did not have his specific address. Swanson said she does not know the results of the autopsy, which could take several weeks for her to receive.
“Eventually, I’ll get them,” she said.
La Porte wins national title in Pop Warner Football
BY STAN MADDUX
The Greater La Porte Slicers team in the age 10 and under bracket won the Pop Warner national championship.
The team defeated the Norristown Bengals from Pennsylvania 39-6 in the national finals on Friday, Dec. 13, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Head Coach Mike Nelson said the team was on a mission this year after losing in the national semi-finals last season.
The team was recognized Monday night during the La Porte City Council meeting.
“It was a heck of a run. I couldn’t be more proud of these guys,” said Head Coach Mike Nelson.
The team went 8-0 during the regular season and won six consecutive games in the post season to win the national title.
Rush Loftus, a member of the offensive line, told the city council “good team work” was among the keys to their championship season.
Nelson held up the glass football shaped trophy during his brief presentation.
All 19 members of the squad along with Nelson and his assistant coaches posed for pictures with members of the city council and Mayor Tom Dermody while applauded by the audience.
Dennis Nelson, Jr. whose son, Dennis, III, is a tight end on the squad, said the players worked especially hard since January to take the extra steps needed to accomplish their goal.
“I’m just really proud of them for persevering through a tough bracket and making little old La Porte on the map with a national championship,” he said.
The Slicers defeated last year’s national champion, the Coconut Grove Cowboys from Miami, Florida, 27-26, in two overtimes to reach the national finals.
Coach Nelson gave much of the credit to his offensive line for their excellent work in protecting the quarterback and creating holes for his ball carriers to run through all season long.
“We’ve got the best offensive line in the country,” he said.
SPORTS
From the Bleachers
COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
My favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs, made a big deal this week. The deal, like most of the deals the Cubs make, comes with a lot of risk. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, and I’m more confused than ever.
A few short years ago, in 2016, the Cubs beat the Indians to become World Series champions for the first time in my life. I spent a couple of weeks on cloud nine, sharing the thrill with friends, family, and whoever else wanted to relive the excitement.
For me, it was even more exciting than the Blackhawks three Stanley Cup victories between 2010 and 2015, the White Sox World Series victory in 2005, the 1990s, when Jordan led the Bulls to six championship seasons, and even the Bears Super Bowl victory in 1986.
Because of all the thrills of those championship teams, and the spills of the many seasons in between, I became a diehard Chicago sports fan. No matter who joined my teams, I instantly became a fan. I even loved the Cubs when they traded Lou Brock for Ernie Broglio.
But the ridiculous cost of going to a ball game, parking your car, getting a beer and a hot dog, etc. etc., has taken much of the joy out of going to a game in person.
Then the players started making so much money that the teams and league decided to start charging to watch the games on television. Heck, the radio broadcasts are even being overrun with commercials.
Back to the deal the Cubs made this week.
They acquired Kyle Tucker, a player with superstar potential.
Tucker was injured last season, but in the half season he did play, his statistics were as good or better than other Cubs full season numbers.
He is in the final year of his contract, so if he’s great his new contract will be enormous. If he’s not so great or gets injured, he won’t help the Cubs get back to the World Series this year.
The Cubs gave up their third baseman, a decent relief pitcher, and their first round draft pick last year to acquire Tucker, so expectations will be high. Since the Cubs traded many of their World Series stars, their farm system has been very highly rated. I wish their president Jed Hoyer hadn’t given so many no trade contracts, because some of the youngsters paths to the big leagues are blocked by veterans.
The veterans are good but the last two years they haven’t been as good as the Brewers, and second place is no longer good enough for the fans.
This season will be a huge success for me if three or four kids start contributing and the team at least makes the playoffs, but if both of those things don’t happen, it’s going to be very disappointing. Hooray for little league, high school, and college baseball which are always fun to watch.
Martin Luther King said, “We are now faced with the fact, my friends, that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.” Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
Bison lose first game in drubbing by Shamrocks
BY STAN MADDUX
The New Buffalo High School boys’ varsity basketball team suffered their first loss of the season at Berrien Springs Monday, Dec. 16.
The Bison (5-1) lost to the much bigger and more athletic Shamrocks 65-27.
“They scouted us well and knew what we wanted to do and their size and athleticism hurt us,” said New Buffalo Head Coach Nate Tripp.
Tripp also took part of the blame for the drubbing.
“I need to have a better plan in place. My guys are great. They deserve better from me,” he said.
Despite the loss, Tripp said he was encouraged by the continued improvement of Trevor James on defense and play making ability of Sam Tripp.
He said center Lucas Forker is still making strides in his decision making on the court.
Tripp said the Shamrocks focused mostly on stopping Forker and Tripp with a lot of double teaming and switching on defense.
“They were ready for us,” he said.
M’Nason Smothers led the Bison with eight points while James finished with six points.
The loss followed an impressive 75-42 victory against Howardsville Christian at home on Friday, December 13.
The Bison finished the first quarter leading 10-4 but the offense with help from the three point shooting of Tripp and James caught fire in the second quarter.
Later, Forker after grabbing a rebound dribbled the full distance of the court for a lay-up to give the Bison a 19 point lead just before halftime.
James opened the third quarter by nailing a three point shot.
The lead grew to 32 points late in the quarter on a three point bucket from John Bradshaw and lay-up from Forker after he grabbed a crowd pleasing no look pass from Tripp.
Tripp, who nailed five three point shots, led all scorers with 19 points.
Forker scored 14 points while Smothers and James contributed 12 and 10 points respectively.
Tripp credited the victory to the continued solid play of a smothering defense and working the ball much better to find open shooters.
“Our guys were wide open and they can shoot when they’re open,” he said.
Three Oaks, La Porte throw a ‘Prancer Palooza’ A ‘PRANCER’ HOMECOMING
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Like her “Prancer” character, Rebecca Harrell Tickell was quite the plucky young actress.
A stuntman, Bobby Porter, who was a stunt double in “Annie,” tackled the scene where character, Jessica Riggs, placed a shining star atop the Victorian mansion of Cloris Leachman’s character and the scene where she fell off the roof of her house and into a woodpile.
When it came time to do the scene where her character sledded down the hill and under the gate surrounding Leachman’s house, Harrell Tickell was determined to do it.
“We had a whole lot of conversations about that, and I said, ‘I’m doing it’ and they put a helmet underneath my yellow hood and then I was like, ‘I’ve got this’ - I really was pretty fearless actually,” she said during a panel that was hosted by Vickers Theatre during “Prancer Palooza” in Three Oaks Saturday, Dec. 14.
Oscar-nominated director John Hancock, who’s also directed the “Bang the Drum Slowly” starring Robert DeNiro, said he remembers Harrell Tickell being fearless around Boo, the reindeer who played Prancer, too.
While Boo poked a hole in
the cheek of her wrangler while trying to attach it to a turnbuckle in the street, Harrell Tickell said that she could make her do things and go places that the wranglers couldn’t.
To prepare for her interactions with Boo, Harrell Tickell fed her for a week.
Boo was pregnant throughout the film because, when pregnant, reindeer hold their antlers longer.
The day after filming wrapped up, Boo lost her antlers. In that same week, Harrell Tickell lost her front tooth.
The cinematic gem, which was filmed in Three Oaks and nearby La Porte, Indiana, in the winters of 1988-1989, also starred Sam Elliott, Cloris Leachman, Abe Vigoda and Michael Constantine and premiered in theatres in November 1989.
The following day, a panel was held before a 1500-member audience at the La Porte Civics Auditorium.
The panel at Vickers, which also included Rutanya Alda, who played Aunt Sarah; Belinda Bremner, who portrayed the teacher, Mrs. Bedelia and editor Dennis O’Connor, spent a half hour reminiscing about their time on set.
The color guard from the American Legion Post 204 march down Elm Street
John Hanock, Rebecca Harrell Tickell and Dennis O’Connor reminisce about Prancer
Llamas march in the parade down Elm Street
Chihuahas from the BB2 Crew from the Michiana Humane Society enjoy the sights on Elm Street
The Vicker’s Theatre recognizes actor Sam Elliott
Editor Dennis O’Connor and director John Hancock appear in the parade
Chihuahuas from the BB2 Crew from the Michiana Humane Society appeared in the parade
The Michiana Humane Society is represented down Elm Street
Since she was required to sing offkey in the film, Harrell Tickell said that she developed stage fright; however, she has since started to write and sing songs again.
She also received a keepsake, which she still has today: a pair of ruby earrings from Elliott.
Scenes showing the Rigg’s family home, barn and deer shed were filmed at one of Hancock’s fruits farms at 701 E. 700 North in La Porte.
O’Connor, who didn’t believe in Santa before the film, said he has the following response when people ask him what he’s done for Christmas: “I gave you ‘Prancer.’”
He added that the film goes “deeper” than the typical holiday film fare as it deals with “sadness and loss.”
“But obviously the transformation at the end for Sam (Elliott) looking up at the sky, ‘I’ve got my daughter back...’ To me, it’s more of a film than just a Christmas movie in a lot of ways,” he said.
An unknown actress from a farming community, Harrell Tickell said that Hancock turned her into a movie star at 9 years old when he chose her for the starring role.
Suddenly, she couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized, and even appeared on the “Today” show. “Prancer” posters have appeared in Russia, Germany and Jamaica.
After being portrayed as a “victim” and “eye candy” in a string of horror
films, Harrell Tickell, who received a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Young Actress for her role in “Prancer,” she became an environmental activist and award-winning filmmaker.
“I really feel like that’s what Jessie would’ve done: She would’ve made films about connecting people to each other and to the environment and to nature and I learned to do that through making ‘Prancer,’” she said.
Hanock said he felt “so centered” making Prancer” and went on to make five more films in the area.
“This is such an ideal place to make a movie - all the different looks, the beauty of the area,” he said.
Alda said the film reminds her of the power of childhood innocence, which she believes that, at one point, everyone has “experienced, and also the loss of innocence.”
“It’s my thought in my mind that we have to remember that pure innocence,” she said.
Bremner said the movie represents “what Christmas should be and so often isn’t.”
“This film reinforces for me that we are more alike than we are different, which is a message that we really need right now when we are so divided - but if we can be untied by kindness and belief in goodness, then the true spirit of Christmas still lives and it lives all year,” she said.
Sarah Bremner, Rutanya Alda, John Hancock, Rebecca Harrell Tickell and Dennis O’Connor reminisce about Prancer
The space next to Drier’s in Three Oaks contained pictures from Prancer
Dogs of all breeds and sizes march down Elm Street
Dogs of all sizes appear in the reindog parade
The 2024 Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Royal Court appears in the parade
Rebecca Harrell Tickell, who portrayed Jessica, rides in the parade
The Mid-America Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team appears in the parade
Dogs of all shapes and sizes appear in the parade
The Grinch marches down Elm Street
Student musicians greet the season
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Young musicians at New Buffalo Middle/ High School heralded the season on a high note when they performed during their annual New Buffalo Bands Winter Concert, which took place at the New Buffalo Performing Arts Center Wednesday, Dec. 11. Students in the 6th Grade Band, the Blue and Gold Band (which consists of seventh and eighth graders) and the High School Band performed a medley of holiday tunes, which included the traditional “Up on the Housetop” to “Can Santa Can-Can?” and “Angels in the Bleak Midwinter.”
Members of the audience were invited to sing along to a popular contemporary tune, “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
The performance was directed by Ayrielle Hoyt, who serves as band director.
6th Grade Band members perform at the concert
Blue and Gold Band members perform holiday tunes
The High School Band performs a medley of holiday tunes
High School Band members perform holiday tunes
THE EDGAR WILBURY EXPERIENCE PLANS POST CHRISTMAS GIGS
For those who are looking for great entertainment during the holidays,
The Edgar Willbury Experience has added some dates after Christmas.
The Edgar Willbury Experience is a ’70s and ’80s rock and roll cover band that has become one of the most followed bands in the area. Co-founded by bassist Frank Rotondo and vocalist and harmonica player
Fred Lange (aka Edgar Willbury), the band plays many deep cuts from some of the greatest rock acts of the past. Guitarists Nate Sypian and Scott Dresden are veterans at their craft and drummer Tony Borden with Rotondo solidify a perfect rhythm section.
Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist
Leslie Sypian adds an incredible spark that takes the band to another level. Brian Barber controls the sound and has it down to perfection.
From the Rolling Stones and The Kinks to Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Talking Heads and The Cars, you need to see this band if you’re a music lover.
From 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, the band will be at Watermark Brewery in Stevensville. From 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, they will be performing an afternoon gig at Local Pour in Sawyer.
On New Year’s Eve, you can catch them at Timothy’s Restaurant on Red Arrow Highway in Union Pier, with music beginning around 9:30 p.m.
— STAFF REPORTS
THE FLOOD GATES ARE NOW OPEN!!!
WED-THURS: 4-9 • FRI: 4-10 SAT: 3-10 • SUN: 3-9
Mother faces charges of abusive spankings
BY STAN MADDUX
ALa Porte County woman could face time in prison for allegedly going overboard in spankings of her adopted son.
Laurie Lentz, 62, is charged in La Porte Circuit Court with two Level 5 felony counts of domestic battery.
According to court records, authorities became involved in late March when evidence of the alleged acts were reported to officials at South Central School where the 11 year old boy is enrolled.
The evidence includes photographs of nearly a dozen purple marks on the child’s buttocks along with 15 smacking sounds and screams from the boy captured on a video recording taken during one of the spankings inside the family’s home in Wanatah.
Police said the investigation revealed the injuries were inflicted with a computer charging cord and cooking spoon.
According to court documents, the punishment was over poor grades on the boy’s report card and him not placing the charging cord after using it back inside a wooden bench where it’s normally stored.
Police said the evidence indicates the boy was whipped about once a month and his father tried intervening but wasn’t always home during the punishments.
Lentz, who was arrested on December 12, was still being held Tuesday in the La Porte County Jail on $15,000 bond.
She could face anywhere from a one to six year sentence on each count.
DEATH NOTICES
THREE OAKS – Thomas Wolf, 78, of Lakeside, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks.
A Writer’s Life...
DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ANIMATION
BY JACK OLESKER
Ibegin writing for children’s television…
I read more Jeffrey Scott scripts. He’s amazing – smooth, a great storyteller, making it all look effortless.
After I digest the scripts, Lori Crawford gives me the ‘Series Bible’ for The Littles television series. A Series Bible is an essential component for every television series. Series Bibles run from fifty to a hundred and sometimes more pages. They contain sections about the Concept of the series, the Characters and their interactions, the Locations in which those character exist, the Format of the series, which demonstrates how episodes will work, a Story Springboards section with brief descriptions of possible episodes and, finally, a Conclusion section.
Series Bibles are essential because, along with the Pilot Episode Script, they form a ‘Presentation Package’ to present the series to the television broadcast acquisitions executives whose job it is to decide whether or not to greenlight a series for production. Series Bibles have to not only contain the above-mentioned sections but must be written in a cohesive and compelling manner to persuade broadcast executives that a series is worthy of being greenlit.
Once a series has been greenlit for production, its Series Bible lives on as a blueprint for the show’s writers, revealing the world of the series, all who inhabit it and how they all act, interact and react to challenges and conflictsof their world.
I have a blast reading the Series Bible for The Littles…three times. For me one of the most exciting parts is the Story Springboards section. There are half a dozen story springboards near the end of The Littles’ Series Bible, each just one or two paragraphs long. I am in awe about how the writer gives the essence of an entire episode in such a short space. I would come to learn that in the entertainment industry this ability to vividly portray something in a limited amount of time or space is called ‘pitching’. In years to come I
will be known in the children’s entertainment industry as an ace pitcher.
After I read several more of Jeffrey Scott’s scripts and The Littles’ Series Bible, Jean Chalopin and I have a lot of meetings, mostly in the living room of his condo. Sometimes we discuss Jeffrey’s work. Sometimes we discuss how Jean sees characters and situations working. He speaks very little about the format and structure of episodes, paying me the compliment of knowing I have done my homework which included devouring books on writing for television.
After our preliminary discussions, Jean has me write a story springboard for my first Littles’ script -- an episode I titled The Forest Littles. The springboard features the Littles leaving their comfortable home and venturing into a nearby forest where they fall into jeopardy. Together, we polish my springboard until Jean is happy with it. Next Jean tells me to expand the springboard into a ten-page‘treatment’, outlining a scene-byscene synopsis of the episode, bits of dialogue included, which I do.
We spend a day editing my treatment. Finally Jean tells me to write the script.
By now we have a modus operandi -- me a night owl, he an early bird. And so, a week later, at midnight I slide my first television script under Jean’s door and go to bed, confident my golden fingers are taking me where I want to go.
By morning I’d find I have a lot to learn.
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
19-25, 2024
AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT
The energy radiating towards you this week will help you connect with people. Open up to sharing life experiences and you will be rewarded with new friends and deeper connections with family. Be more generous and out-going. Don’t sit on the sidelines this holiday. Join the celebration.
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
This is a great time to invest in the future and focus on stabilizing new projects so they have the ability to be all that you envision them to be. Get serious about your money and how you deal with valuable items. Don’t get complacent or brush off new opportunities because they look difficult.
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
This is a very expansive time for you. Everything you focus on has the propensity to increase. Be sure to direct those thoughts towards union and commitment, not selfish gain. The energy around you is far reaching so be aware of how you wield it; let it be about the big picture.
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
Partnering up and joining forces will be popular themes this holiday season. Even if you are venturing out solo, there will be an opportunity to get closer to someone and share in the holiday festivities. Even if it’s just for one cold winter night, it will warm the heart the whole year through.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
The energy coming your way this week is all about connecting friends and loved ones. This is a great time to throw a party and introduce people. Set the stage for a love story and cupid will take his aim. Be the jolly matchmaker and the spirit of the season will bring it all together.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
Focus on connecting with coworkers and the people who help you out on a daily basis. A simple holiday chocolate bar could bring much needed joy to those you see all the time but really know little about. Be kind and generous to all. You never know who needs it the most at this time of year.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22
The vibe coming your way this week will inspire you to travel or seek out some new holiday traditions. It’s time to explore and try new things. Don’t get bogged down with the same old holiday routines. Do something different. Make something unique and from the heart. Share it.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
The time is right for connecting with that special someone and enjoying the sparkle of the holiday lights. Cozy up with a hot chocolate and know that the union and connection you desire has been present all along. When you organize your winter holiday be sure to include some romance and candle light.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21
Get the conversations going with partners and collaborators. Start embracing the idea of being a more meaningful part of the team. That means being more authentic and forthcoming when situations are causing you stress. Use that sense of humor to soften the delivery of your disappointment.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
It’s time to put a little more focus on yourself and do a little something special just for you. Get yourself a much-needed gift. Whether it is a nice warm coat or paying someone to help you tackle a big project at home. Get things done for yourself and you’ll be much merrier.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
Be more dramatic and expressive this holiday season. Put your heart on your sleeve and don’t be afraid to show some emotions with the people you care about. It’s all about clearing the air and using this stressful time to know what needs to happen to create a better year ahead.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
Home is where the heart is. Now is the time to make your space cozier and inviting. Create a place to get warm and be well fed. Once you take good care of yourself, others will want to take better care of you too. Show people how to treat you by creating peace for yourself first.
Former Michigan City mayor passes away
BY STAN MADDUX
Aformer two term mayor of Michigan City is being remembered for keeping the city’s financial house in order before there was a riverboat casino generating millions of dollars annually into public coffers.
Bob Behler, Jr. was also known for changing out of his familiar suit and tie into work clothes to join city employees on jobs working with their hands.
It was announced that Behler passed away on Dec. 4 at his home in southern California after a four-year battle with prostate cancer.
He was 84.
“He was a good and dedicated public servant. He was truly not in it for himself,” said Paul Przybylinski, who was on the city council for several years when Behler was mayor.
According to his obituary, Behler was on the city council for 12 years before serving as mayor from 1988-1995.
His narrowly lost his bid for a third term in the May primary to fellow democrat Sheila Matias, who went on to victory against her republican opponent in the November general election.
“Mayor Behler’s life was truly committed to service above self through his military service, his love for his family and his public service,” she said.
Behler was a U.S. Marine veteran whose first four years of active military duty were in places like Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and Guantanamo Bay, according to his obituary.
He spent another 22 years with the Indiana Army National Guard.
In 1994, Behler was named La Porte County’s first “Veteran of the Year.”
After his tenure as mayor was over, he helped coordinate military security for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and served as La Porte County Clerk and La Porte County Treasurer, according to his obituary.
Przybylinski said Behler did not
have “the luxury” of riverboat proceeds coming into the city yet always managed to deliver public services under a balanced budget.
“He ran the city well and lived within his means,” he said.
Blue Chip Casino opened less than two years after Behler’s tenure as mayor was over.
Przybylinski also described Behler as “very fair,” “straight up” and a “model citizen.”
“He always addressed my concerns,” he said.
Ron Meer, the mayor here from 2012 to 2019, was employed by the Michigan City Sanitary District for several years under Behler.
He said Behler was hard working and always professional in how he conducted himself as mayor but he wasn’t afraid to get dirty.
On more than one occasion, he said Behler put on waders to help him and other city employees remove logs, tree limbs and other debris from Trail Creek.
“He was right there working alongside us. He was hands on. He would get out there and see what was going on out in the community,” Meer said.
Meer said he first met Behler in 1982 when he became his first landlord at an apartment house he moved into after graduating from high school.
He said Behler responded quickly to anything that needed fixing and being handy conducted the work himself.
According to his obituary, Behler and his wife, Janice, relocated to Encinitas, California near San Diego in 2008 to be close to their only grandchild.
A mass celebrating his life will be held in early spring at St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception Church in Michigan City followed by the interment of his ashes with full military honors at Greenwood Cemetery.
PET OF THE WEEK
ROSEANNE
Roseanne just wants to be loved, and will demand it. Whether you like it or not, she will be by your side, or in your arms or lap, most of the time. With a face like Roseanne’s, who could resist? She is childfriendly, and is spayed with her vaccinations up-to-date. Roseanne has short hair, and is about one year old.
Arrangements are being
Carolers greet winter at Harbert Community Park
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Harbert Community Park is gearing up for the winter season.
Carolers, which featured members of the Harbor Country Singers, greeted the upcoming Christmas holiday with the park’s annual caroling event at the historic Carl Sandburg Pavillion Sunday, Dec. 15.
This week, Joe Martin, the township’s parks director, said that the ice-skating rink is scheduled to go in the week before Christmas.
“If we get three or four really cold days below freezing, we’ll at least get it set up and then once we get the cold snap, we’ll fill it with water and then it’ll freeze,” he said.
There will be no rental fee for the skates, with the concession stand being left unlocked for those who don’t bring their own skates to grab whatever size skates they need.
Martin said skaters can enjoy a bonfire and possibly warm refreshments from some food trucks, such as from Ben’s Pretzels.
Like last year, skaters should check the Chikaming Ice Rink Facebook page for updates on the rink, which is weather dependent.
“We had four days, but with those four days, we had a lot of people,” Martin said.
At the Dec. 5 Chikaming Township Board of Trustees meeting, Martin said that three bids are in for improvements to the park and are being reviewed by Abonmarche, with an announcement scheduled at the January meeting.
Design elements were finalized by Abonmarche, with ground scheduled to be broken on the improvements in the spring.
Improvements to the park that have been proposed by the SPARK grant award are two pickleball courts, an ADA compliant bathroom that’ll be adjacent to the dog park and a connection to the linear park with a trailhead and additional concrete pathways for access to all areas of the park.
Martin added that a cover for pavilions for the stage area, which will provide shelter for bands performing there from the heat and rain during the summer months, is also included in the improvements.
This summer, the park was the spot for five well-attended concerts.
Harbert Community Park is located at 13411 Red Arrow Highway in Harbert.
Carolers gather at Harbert Community Park
A view of the Chikaming Ice Rink last winter
Carolers gather in front of the historic Carl Sandburg Pavillion
Deborah Hall Kayler with Valentino rings the bells during caroling
