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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 34, volume 85

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Thursday, August 27, 2026

Village council approves temporary council position PAGES 4-5 School board updated on a summer of improvements to school, multiplex field PAGE 6

Late summer runners, walkers gather at the Center of the World PAGE 18

LEAPS AND BOUNDS...

CELEBRATING AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY AT THE FAIR — PAGES 10-11 —

2 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 2

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Dispensary still open after board approves revoking SLU permit

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

s of the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 24, Trap Stars Outlet, located at 13964 Grand Ave. in New Buffalo, remains open after New Buffalo Township Board members adopted a resolution revoking the dispensary’s special land use permit Aug. 17. Per the resolution, Trap Stars “shall immediately cease retail marijuana operations on the property” upon its adoption, as well as “remove or lawfully transfer all marijuana, marijuana products or other inventory associated with the establishment in compliance with applicable state law and CRA requirements within seven calendar days and the removal of all signage, banners billboards, window displays or promotional materials related to the adult marijuana retail establishment from the property within 30 days” after the resolution’s adoption. The resolution was adopted after a public hearing and findings of fact to consider the possible revocation.

In an email Aug. 24, New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit said that Trap Stars “defied the township’s order to cease operations immediately.” “They are now attempting to appeal the board’s decision to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and we are working closely with our attorney on the appropriate next steps,” she said. Per a hearing notice on the township’s website, the New Buffalo Township Zoning Board Of Appeals will hold a public hearing at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Township Hall “to consider the appeal filed by PER Ill, LLC d/b/a Trapstars Outlet from the New Buffalo Township Board’s August 17, 2026, decision revoking Trapstars Outlet’s special land use permit for the adult-use marihuana establishment.” “The Zoning Board of Appeals will consider whether it has jurisdiction to decide the appeal and will render any appropriate decision on the appeal,” the notice said.

I prefer phone discussions on walks. Our best thinking happens walking— usually in a place far from work. — Dino N. Fatouros

Lawsuit filed over solar farm plans being turned down

BY STAN MADDUX

company is going to court over its plans for a solar farm being rejected by the La Porte County Board of Zoning Appeals last month. In its lawsuit, Hoosier Solar says the plans met all the requirements, but the BZA failed to list its reasons for turning down its request for a special exception to the current agricultural zoning by a 3 to 2 vote. The company also argues the process was biased from having a board member and a county commissioner reveal their opposition to the plans before the vote. In the lawsuit, Hoosier Solar said there was reason to believe BZA member Jeff Baltes has funded and participated in the distribution of signage opposing solar projects across the county. The lawsuit claims Baltes had a sign posted at his home reading “No Industrial Solar Plants on Farmland” as of April 23. The commissioners replaced Baltes with Lefeber as an alternate member of the BZA appointed to strictly vote on the special exception request. But the lawsuit alleges Lefeber attended a BZA meeting in May to speak against the request he was now empowered to vote

on, a violation of state law that requires a neutral and unbiased fact finder in BZA –quasi-judicial proceedings. The lawsuit also points to publicly made remarks from Holifield, like one that describes Hoosier Solar as “outside carpet baggers” wanting a solar farm only to possibly obtain federal tax credits for the project. The company called the statements false and disparaging to again try and illustrate how the process was not impartial and fair as required. The lawsuit filed in La Porte Superior Court 3 is asking the court to order the BZA to approve the plans. The proposed solar farm would be on about 300 acres of farmland in the eastern part of the county near the St. Joseph County line. In response, Holifield said the best location for the solar farm is the mostly secluded Kingsbury Industrial Park. He also defended his prior remarks against solar farms on farmland, saying he has a right to freedom of speech. “I got my opinions, too, and we’re not allowed to have opinions? I will stand and I will testify. I’ll do whatever I have to do to prevent this from happening,” he said.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO VANCE PRICE, 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 9AM 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 The Board meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 6PM 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, JACK GRACE, ED SEBASTIAN, PETER DOERR, EDWARD BRANDES MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

Village council approves temporary council position

embers of the Grand Beach Village Council approved John Larkin filling the temporary council position until the November election at their Wednesday, Aug. 19, meeting. He will be temporarily filling the seat that was left vacant by Ed Brandes, who announced his resignation last month. Council president Harry Walder said he and council member Pete Doerr interviewed four candidates. Doerr said they’re recommending Larkin, noting that they need someone who’s involved in committees and someone who can help them with their “very thorough and explicit agenda to get things done around here that haven’t been done for 40-50 years.” “We really thought it was important even in the three months before election regardless of what happens to have someone in place that, frankly, has been more involved and attends all the meetings,” he said. Council members also approved Ed Sebastian as president pro tem, a position also held by Brandes. Council members approved withholding any new Short-Term Rental Permits until January 2027 while the village establishes procedures to administer STRS as Special Land Uses. Per the meeting’s agenda, “the Village Council recognizes that Short Term Rentals are classified as Special Land Uses

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

under the existing Zoning Ordinance. While the Village establishes the procedures necessary to administer those requirements going forward, the Village will not accept new applications and will not issue new STR registrations or authorize new STR registrations or authorize new STR operations until January 1, 2027.” Walder said this is a result of the response that was received from a public hearing, where the “majority of responses was negative on eliminating the SLU.” “Now we need to go and enforce the SLU,” Walder said, adding that they now need a process and he’s given versions of an application form to attorney Sara Senica to look over. Walder said this will only affect grandfathered STRs. Recently, a town hall was held regarding The Keiser Foundation approaching golf and pro shop commissioner Jack Grace to lease the golf course to them and invest $6 million to rebuild the course’s nine holes and build a par-3 course for kids and families The course would operate as a 501 © (3) non-profit entity. Golf Committee members have recommended that the council take the “next step,” which Walder said is asking developer Matt Welter and Kris Keiser to come to them with a formal proposal “so we can really find out what they intend to do, a rough outline of the design” and other pertinent information.

“This doesn’t commit us to anything, we’re not agreeing to anything, we’re just saying we’d like to see the next step,” Walder said. He added that the village has a contract with a contractor regarding the irrigation project, which is slated to start next spring. “We have to have this finalized by March, which means to me we have to have it finalized by the end of the year,” he said. Council members agreed to take the next step. It was confirmed that Welter and Keiser are aware of the timeline regarding the irrigation. The awarding of the Architectural and Engineering design for the new Police Station to FGM Architects LLC was approved. The amount of the contract is $151,700 plus $1500 reimbursable expenses which will be split with Village of Michiana, so Grand Beach’s cost is $81,600.

quote from Versaw Earthworks for a contractor to be determined for the cleaning of clogged catch basins, with the anticipation of up to eight hours of work, not to exceed $3500 was approved. Streets and Water Commissioner Ed Sebastian said that there are several basins that have been identified that aren’t draining as well as they should, with three or four of them that “definitely need attention.”

‘9 to 5,’ that little song, that little story, just won’t ever end. Just like ‘I Will Always Love You,’ it just keeps comin’ back, popping up its head in one way or another. — Dolly Parton

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com bid for the Water Main project involving Sun Valley Falls, Skyhi, McKean and Knob Hill and associated connections for Engineering, permit assistance and construction engineering, in the amount of $75,000 and technical support and application for critical dunes permitting for a cost of $6,525 was approved. Sebastian said the village has several old water mains that have been identified as needing to be replaced.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 He said the Skyhi one is one of the oldest mains in the village and, due to trucks running down that road while fixing the water main break last year, the road, which was already in not the best shape, got “beaten up very badly” and it doesn’t make sense to fix the road and not replace the water main underneath. Sebastian said the work is “preliminary,” so they’d be ready to replace the main before there’s a failure. The purchase of an additional

chainsaw and extra chains for the Department of Public works not to exceed $2,400 was approved. The removal in the right of way on Hicks Avenue where a tree is leaning in a precarious manner in the amount of $3,825 was approved. A payment to JB West for $3936, per recommendation by MML Insurance carrier for repair work to the Maintenance building from the tree falling on the roof in July was approved. Council members approved Ordinance

2026-119 for Landscaping. Council members approved a quote from SealMaster Indiana for three skids of crackfill, three weeks use of the machine with air, including delivery and pick up, for $10,800, all of which will be used for crack sealing our major and local streets. Council members approved a payment to auditors Lauterbach & Amen for training on June 25 of $1600.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

SCHOLASTICS

School board updated on a summer of improvements to school, multiplex field BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

his past summer, a series of expansive improvements have been made to New Buffalo Area Schools’ middle and high school buildings and multiplex

field. Mark German, director of operations, said at the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education Monday, Aug. 24, meeting that turf installation took place at the football field and the track should hopefully be finished this weekend. Both projects were part of the district’s General Fund Obligated Bond. LED lights are also in middle and high school classrooms. The baseball field bleachers are slated to be done by October/November, and all the concrete is done. Work is being done on the transportation parking lot and the one on the west end of the middle/high school building, as German said the sidewalks should be done by Thursday or Friday morning. Due to the manufacturing being affected by the storm a few weeks ago, the schedule for the lockers has been pushed out; however, middle school lockers are slated to be done before school and high

school will be done “as soon as possible.” All the shingles sections of the roofs have been replaced, with German saying they “went back with metal” as opposed to replacing some of the areas with shingles. There’s also new LED lighting in the football field, and the baseball field lighting is done. Moss is still working on PA system upgrades, which will be ongoing throughout the year. The high school science room and elementary art room got new proxy floors and new carpeting. German said they’ve upgraded a “decent number of grounds and custodian equipment, with custodians now having battery vacuums and there being robotic mowers. Three trees have been removed and six have been replaced, mostly at the east end of the building. Mostly at the east end, some stone was put in to help direct water to the drains and get it flowing out of there. Superintendent Adam Bowen said that German’s been “a really busy boy this summer.” “I think he handled it very well,” he

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

said. Board member Lisa Werner said that the district does a lot of work in the summer; however, this was the most she’s ever heard of being done. Board members approved the middle school girls’ basketball sports merger and the middle school cross country sports merger with River Valley Schools, both beginning 2027–2028. Board members approved hiring Beth Arvanitis as student advocate for the middle/high school. She will be replacing Caroline Fortunato, who was hired as high school principal. Currently, she’s middle school administrative assistant.

owen said they did a couple of interviews with candidates, including Arvanitis. “There’re so many things Beth already knows about such as attendance and families and parents and students going on attendance plans so working through all that she kind of knows the workings of our school, so I think it’s going to be a smooth transition,” he said. Bowen added that Arvanitis did a great

job working one on one with students as an elementary paraprofessional. Board members learned that Amber Lowry was approved as middle school administrative assistant by Bowen. Noting that they had three internal candidates, Bowen said Lowry has been with the district for a few years, moving onto Bridgman for the past year as administrative assistant before returning to New Buffalo, where the district granted her an open paraprofessional position. Bowen added that they now have two paraprofessional positions to fill. Board members approved the NBAS Career and Technical Education Program (Construction Trades) and the district recommended Michigan Merit Curriculum Credit for 2026-2027. Bowen said this is an annual requirement, so students taking Building Trades can receive a credit in math and an exchange credit for languages and science and visual performing arts. Board members approved the following adult meal pricing for 2026/2027: adult breakfast, $3.40 plus tax and adult lunch, $5.60 plus tax.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

ugust is ending with a whimper for our Chicago sports teams. The Bears took one on the chin in their preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The final score of 27-9 was bad, but the Bengals seemed to be able to do anything they wanted and could have beaten the Bears by whatever score they chose. I never have put too much emphasis on preseason games, and this loss didn’t diminish my excitement for the upcoming season, but the way the Bengals second and third string reserves outplayed the Bears reserves was a bit surprising to me. Bears coach Ben Johnson had never previously lost a preseason game, but the insignificance of the game and the play of the third and fourth string quarterbacks added up to a thorough whooping. The regular season is just around the corner and it is as highly anticipated as any season since the Super Bowl winning teams some forty years ago. Now if they can just get their stadium figured out… Baseball is next. The Cubs and Sox played a terrific series against each other last week and they both looked excellent. I find it amazing that the teams each have won 82 and lost 82 since inter league play began. These crosstown games have been exciting and wonderful for the city of Chicago, except for the folly of a few knuckleheads fighting in the bleachers. Since the teams stopped playing each other, it’s been a different story. Through last Saturday, the Sox have lost two out of three and are

only five up and five down in their last ten while the Cubs have lost two heartbreakers to Seattle and have only four wins in their last 10. I’m confident that both teams will turn it around and continue their march to the playoffs. While both teams could use a bit of an upgrade to their pitching staff, injuries have been particularly brutal to the Cubs. With his team playing so well defensively and battling so hard offensively, Cub president Jed Hoyer went out and fortified the staff at the trade deadline. Everything seems to be in place for a nice run in the postseason, if the team gets hot. Peter Crow Armstrong and Alex Bregman are leading the charge offensively and the return of Dansby Swanson to the lineup should fortify the team defensively. As for the White Sox, their comeback has been remarkable. Thinking back just two years ago, the team had the worst record in the history of baseball, and now they sit in first place as the end of August approaches. They have grinders, sluggers, a solid manager, and they never give up. When they add some top notch pitchers to the equation, they look like they’ll be competitive for quite some time. So even though August may be ending with a whimper, it sure looks like September will be ending with a bang. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not be questioned about their motives.” Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness. “

Raiders hopeful entering high school football season

BY STAN MADDUX

he Red Arrow Raiders with a lot of returning seniors are hoping to at least equal last year’s one loss season in high school football.

Scoring points shouldn’t be a

problem with strong armed/fleet

after losing a number of starters in those positions to graduation. Lack of varsity experience, not size, is lacking mostly on the line on both sides of the ball. “We got to really see what we can do

footed quarterback junior Colten

with the guys that we have there,” he

Lijewski back to direct what should

said.

still be a potent offense despite the loss

Regardless, Johnson said the quick

of star wide receiver, Cooper Lynch to

footed Lijewski is elusive enough at

graduation.

quarterback to make big plays even

Head Coach Matt Johnson said

without the greatest offensive line

his replacement will be senior Drew

and his linebackers and secondary

Bowen, who seems improved after

are capable of making up for any

making a noticeable impact on offense

weaknesses in the defensive line with

last year.

their speed and tackling ability.

“Bowen has gotten bigger and faster. He does a great job catching the ball,” he said. He’s also hoping senior halfback August Johnson along with fullbacks junior Brody Nikkel and senior Hunter Gnodtke can help fill or exceed any remaining voids on offense. Johnson said he also likes the talent

ohnson said another key to success will be avoiding injuries since the roster is a bit thin on strong replacements.

“If we stay healthy, I think we

have a chance to be competitive with everybody that we play,” he said. Knowledge of the game and

and experience at the linebacker and

determination especially at critical

secondary positions.

moments are other positive factors his

“We should be really, really strong,” he said.

starting players bring to the table. “They’re the kids that when the

Johnson said the biggest question

game is on the line, they find a way to

mark right now is how effective his

make a play to win the game. They’ve

offensive and defensive lines will be

always had that mentality,” he said.

In strategy it is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things. — Miyamoto Musashi

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Candidate back on the campaign trail BY STAN MADDUX

candidate for La Porte County Commissioner has reactivated his campaign. Jody Slabaugh says he’s back to knocking on the doors of voters. The Republican Party nominee for the seat now held by Connie Gramarossa recently suspended his campaign. Slabaugh says he did so because of a “difficult public confrontation” during a Republican Party event. He provided no details about the confrontation but said his wife after they talked it over agreed with his decision. Slabaugh says he decided to become active in the campaign again after hearing from a lot of his supporters. He soundly defeated Gramrossa for the republican nomination in the May primary.

“I’ve decided the mandate from those primary voters matters more than one bad morning, so I’m back in and back knocking on doors,” he said. Slabaugh is opposed in November by Angle Henzman, who easily won the Democratic Party nomination in the primary over Ron Meer, a former twoterm mayor of Michigan City.

enzman said her campaign is not impacted by Slabaugh’s decision because his name will be on the November ballot regardless of his campaign’s status. The deadline for a candidate to remove their name from the ballot was July 15. “I just want to get to as many voters as possible to earn their votes, so I will continue as I plan to and keep doing the work,” she said.

Proposed wheel tax for La Porte County defeated

BY STAN MADDUX

proposal to impose a wheel tax in La Porte County to help make up for government revenue declines has been defeated. The La Porte County Council on Monday, August 24, voted 4-3 against a wheel tax of $7.50 on each passenger vehicle and $5 for every motorcycle on residents living in the unincorporated areas. Originally, the proposed fee was $25 per vehicle and $15 per motorcycle, but it was lowered by supporters to try and gain majority support. Council President Adam Koronka said the decision reflects the wishes of the many citizens who expressed concern about a new tax in addition to a higher local income tax imposed a few years ago to help fund police and other emergency services. About $500,000 a year would have been generated by the wheel tax for roads. The decision also means county government losing more than $3 million in guaranteed road monies from the state over the next two years because only local governments adopting a wheel tax have access to that funding. Koronka, who voted for the wheel tax, said the decision also shows how the spending of tax dollars is taken seriously by members of the governing body.

“It should provide some confidence to the voters that we’re doing to the best of our ability to both provide services and represent their concerns,” he said. Local governments throughout Indiana are considering wheel taxes and other forms of local taxation to make up for revenue declines caused by statewide property tax reform. Koronka said a wheel tax could be considered again next year. In the coming weeks, though, the council will begin examining the possibility of imposing another local income tax to help fund the county government operated ambulance service.

ight now, how much the proposed tax would be hasn’t been decided, but Koronka expects a decision on that proposal sometime in September or October. He anticipates another close vote. “The residents of La Porte County put us in a position like this not to just skate by without any hard decisions or considerations. We’re here to be a diverse group of problem solvers that represent those who put us in office and each and every one of us do to the best of our ability to represent those values,” he said.

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10 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

A view of the midway

Athena Zehr with her goat, April

Celebrating America’s 250th birthday at the fair

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

uests to the Berrien County Youth Fair marked the country’s 250th celebration with showmanship, tasty fair food and lively entertainment during this year’s “Happy Birthday America!” Berrien County Youth Fair at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds in Berrien Springs Aug. 17-22. The highlight of the fair were barns and stables full of animals, which included goats, cows, rabbits, swine, sheep, chickens, llamas and alpacas and horses. Local children and their animals participated in a variety of competitions, from equine events to livestock judging, with several winning Championship

Wyatt Miller competes in the pedal pull

and Grand Championship trophies. Other children won awards for horticulture and crafts. In addition to the competitions, there was also a traditional midway, which featured rides and carnival cuisine. Throughout the week, the Grandstand featured special performances, such as music by Jacson Dean and a demolition derby. The Berrien County Youth Fair was established in 1945 and is open to Berrien County youth exhibitors who are between the ages of 5 to 20 years old.

Jaylyn Metz competes in the pedal pull

Fairgoers participate in line dancing with Sunset Coast Country Dancers

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com Madison Burgess holds a newborn rabbit at the Wonders of Birth booth

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Jaxson rides atop one of the John Deeres on display

Lucy Madison and Sophie perform in the dog show

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12 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

‘TAKING THE MEASURE OF MICHIGAN: THE FIRST FEDERAL SURVEY:’ A PRESENTATION BY THE REGION OF THREE OAKS MUSEUM

s part of its celebration of America 250, The Region of Three Oaks Museum will present “Taking the Measure of Michigan”, a look back at the first federal survey of our area in the early 1800s. Presenter Bob Tatina— a retired college professor and Sawyer resident— has done a deep dive into how the first surveyors came up with the lines we still, in many cases, use today. Tatina will even have on hand some of the equipment used by early surveyors. Tatina will describe the hardships survey crews faced trying to stake out the townships that are still the building blocks for local government in Michigan. How did they draw the lines through the wilderness? How did they survey the marshland that made up so much of Harbor Country back then? What markers could they use to let people know where the boundaries were? Tatina’s presentation will take place at Three Oaks Heritage Hall, 8 E. Linden Street, at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4. Admission is free for museum members. Non-members are $5. — STAFF REPORTS

#BeUnderstood

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A Day in the Life

A CHALLENGING MOMENT IN MY LIFE...

BY LAWRENCE VON EBELER

ou’ve gone to church, made the deviled eggs for the pre-sermon snack table, and settled in for the sermon and presentations of the kids with their Baptism speeches. All is well when suddenly I am moved to take a step out of my wheelchair, and in so doing, fell to the hard floor, which knocked me out. A doctor came to my assistance immediately, as well as a whole circle of parishioners concerned abou my injury. In the meantime, the baptismal kids are preparing their presentations and Pastor Mike is introducing the program. Dr. Raiser is administering his attention to me, sprawled on the floor, staying next to me the whole time. Struggling to my wheelchair, I moved to the outer lobbies with my entourage. Dr. Raiser never left my side and peppered me with questions to test my consciousness and define my injury from the fall. The ambulance came and took me to the hospital for further exams by doctors and nurses before moving me to a room. One prognosis that I found rather interesting was when I choked on a drink of water, the doctor leapt in saying “pneumonia.” I have been choking and coughing on everything, and this was the first I had heard of a reason why. The newest thing is that I have some little bumps on my spine that ollagen into my lungs. Having gone through this series of events, I was assigned a bed in the regular ward and told to keep quiet and rest. That didn’t last long before I was complaining that I wanted to go home, which met with wild objections. I was told I could not go home because the doctor had not released me. I strongly objected and prepared to leave when I was placed back into bed, scolding me to obey the doctor’s orders. I threatened to sue for millions, but fell back to sleep. I was determined to go home and the nurses were equally determined to keep me in bed. To their charge that I could not go, I realized “Do you want an alarm sent?” Worth millions? They were not cowed by that charge and further addressed my straining in bed by hovering over me with five or six nurses. It was not a wonderful scene. By sheer numbers, I relented to staying in the hospital. The doctor finally came and released me to the Westwood Bridgeman facility for therapy to take two weeks. I liked that because I love the facility and staff. I am now ensconced there sharing a suite with my very ill neighbor, who is as quiet as a church mouse.

I am promised my own room after the weekend. The staff at Bridgeman are extraordinary and make me feel like “King for a Day”—attention and, seriously, the food is exceptional and all of the services are extraordinary, and I am a happy camper there to say the least. My ongoing battle with sleepless nights continues, in spite of special meds for my RLS surges which cause leg pain, thrashing, and totally sleepless nights, sometimes for days. While walking through the halls during these sleepless nights, you meet the nighttime staff, which are unique in their dedication to their profession. I’ve experienced unusual care from the entire staff. One gets to know one another when it’s in the wee hours of the day. The nurse I dubbed “Ms. Round” was totally dedicated to her unconscious patient snoring in her wheelchair bed. Nurse Round and her friend Nurse Candy, who chides her friend’s relationships with her boyfriend while being the supply side for more candy, presented me with a bucket-full. Nurse “Frenchie” was a party to this luxury. The comradery in the staff makes for a very pleasant atmosphere for them and the patients. You are treated with equal care and consideration no matter the situation—whether feisty (like eating candy) or otherwise; it’s all addressed with equal care and sensibility. I am only here for two weeks, but I look forward to the exceptional care and professionalism at their spacious building and perfect staff. It’s now almost 4:00 a.m. and I hear the staff checking on their morning duties. They never tire of attention and caring for their patients; that’s a rarity in this industry.

he first suggestion (and this is positive, not intended to be hurtful) is the practice of bringing severely compromised patients to “hang out” at the reception desk. Visitors should not be subjected to this kind of reality. The patients and caregivers can be confined to their rooms or other locations in this huge building. I had one donor friend who cancelled her intention to make a substantial donation because she was appalled by the disfigured and deformed at the reception desk. I know this suggestion is rife with criticism, but reality is not always fair. The new carpeting and the decor of the refinished conference room is quite stunning. I would offer that some ceiling spotlights should be added. The fireplace is way too small, but the room carries the day for design and taste. A great addition. Making do with an awkward situation.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 13

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14 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICES VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE 2026-119 AN ORDINANCE TO REGULATE THE HOURS OF OPERATION OF LANDSCAPING AND LAWN CARE SERVICES WITHIN THE VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH, MICHIGAN; TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT; AND TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that in accordance with Michigan law, the Grand Beach Village Council adopted Ordinance 2026-119 on August 19, 2026, at a regular Village Council meeting. The Ordinance shall become effective 30 days after publication as required by law following its adoption by the Village Council of Grand Beach, Michigan. The following is a summary of the Ordinance provisions adopted. The full text of the Ordinance can be found on the Village website, www. grandbeach.org under the main heading “Documents” and subheading “Village Ordinances and Charter”. SECTION 1. This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the “Village of Grand Beach Landscaping Hours of Operation Ordinance.” SECTION 2. PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY. This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the Michigan Home Rule Village Act, MCL 78.1 et seq., and the general police powers of the Village, to promote and protect the health, safety, welfare, and quality of life of Village residents by regulating noise-generating landscaping and lawn care activities during hours that may unreasonably disturb the peace and quiet enjoyment of residential and commercial properties within the Village. SECTION 3. DEFINITIONS. Contains definitions including Landscaping or Lawn Care Services, Person, Contractor or Landscaping Company, Prohibited Hours, and State or Federal Holiday. SECTION 4. HOURS OF OPERATION — RESTRICTIONS. Monday through Friday (non holidays):

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. zzzzSaturday PROHIBITED all day Sunday: PROHIBITED all day State or Federal Holidays PROHIBITED all day SECTION 5. APPLICABILITY. This Ordinance applies to all Contractors and Landscaping Companies operating within the corporate limits of the Village of Grand Beach, Michigan. SECTION 6. ENFORCEMENT. This Ordinance shall be enforced by the Village of Grand Beach, its designated enforcement officers, or any law enforcement officer with jurisdiction in the Village. SECTION 7. PENALTIES. Any person found to have violated any provision of this Ordinance shall be responsible for a municipal civil infraction as provided under MCL 600.8701 et seq.and shall pay $250.00 for a first offense, $500.00 for a second offense, and $1,000 for a 3rd or later offense. SECTION 8. APPEALS. Any person issued a civil infraction citation under this Ordinance shall have the right to contest such citation before the Berrien County District Court in accordance with MCL 600.8701 et seq. and applicable court rules. SECTION 9. SEVERABILITY. If any section, clause, sentence, phrase, or provision of this Ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance, which shall continue in full force. SECTION 10. REPEALER. All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with or in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency or conflict. SECTION 11. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after publication. KIMBERLY WOLNIK VILLAGE CLERK

A Writer’s Life...

DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ANIMATION

“I

BY JACK OLESKER

t comes at ya like a wave” There comes a moment in most people’s lives when they look at themselves and say “Ok, this is who I am.” At that point you either fight it and change it if that makes sense, or you embrace it. For me that moment came about half an hour after my server brought me a second piña colada as I was reclined on my chaise on the Regal Princess’ Lido Deck. I loved this writing life I was in. But I realized it was all encompassing. I realized I simply cannot not write. It was why I had lugged my portable computer and printer with me on what was supposed to be a much-needed vacation. Writing was my life, whether I was on L.A., or on the high seas. Once, years ago, a story idea came to me in the middle of the night. I remember it was a really good idea. I figured I’d start on it as soon as I got up that morning and went back to sleep. By morning, like quicksilver, the idea was gone. It haunted me ever since, but try as I did I could never recapture it. From that morning on I decided to keep a pen and notepad on my bedside table, accepting that writing was my life 24/7. Now my head was clear and focused. My lungs were “breathing”. I was where I wanted and needed to be, with Lady Lovely Locks, Maiden FairHair and, of course, the Pixietails. I set down my half-finished pina colada and went back to my cabin. Three days later, I’d written two Lady Lovely Locks and the Pixietails scripts. In between, I’d forced myself to take a break, going on an excursion

to Jamaica’s Dunn’s River Falls, just outside of Ocho Rios. I bought the required water shoes, with their rubberized soles, and lined up with a group of gutsy tourists who were going to climb the falls with me. The sight of the Dunn’s River Falls towering a hundred and eighty feet, six hundred feet wide, was chilling. Throughout the face of the falls there were hundreds of natural footholds eroded into the stone that would allow us to zig zag back and forth as we climbed ever higher. Our Jamaican guide told us for the sake of safety we were to hold hands with the person ahead and behind us, presumably steadying the line. I wondered if someone lost their footing and fell while climbing the falls’ face, would they pull the rest of us with them. But I decided not to bring this up. The climb was exhilarating, all of us drenched with spray as we climbed the thundering falls, then cheering as we made it to the top. Afterwards, our driver stopped for a snack and that was when I discovered and fell in love with Jamaica’s Red Stripe beer. With a sweet under-taste, it was like no other beer I’d ever had. I implored our driver to stop at a liquor store on our way back to the ship so I could buy a case of Red Stripe to take home. Amused, he obliged. It would be weeks after I returned to L.A. that I would discover Red Stripe beer was sold in L.A. grocery stores. No wonder our driver was amused. Well, I’d had enough of pina coladas. It was time for me to get back to L.A….and back to work.

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HOROSCOPE

AUGUST 27-SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21

This is the time to let things go in a big way and start doing things differently. The stars are creating a great flow of energy that will be there to help you feel more stable and more in tune with your inner self. This vibe will give you the courage to support yourself and be more independent.

There could be some dramatic ends or a sense of things being in their final chapter this week. Know that there is a strong energy ready to renew your sense of purpose and open up some new paths. So, don’t be afraid to move on. You have to deal with your own insecurities and shortcomings, not anyone else’s.

Be aware that there may be some things happening with family or with your home that will require a lot of attention this week. This is the time to take family connections and domestic responsibilities seriously. Get things settled first then continue moving forward with career or educational goals.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

CAPRICORN DECEMBER22—JANUARY19

It’s time to embrace a new social perspective and open up to making new acquaintances and friends. There may be people or situations that have run their course and need to be let go of in order for you to to grow or improve as person, on your own. The energy is shifting towards spending more time at home.

This week’s full moon will mark the end of a long cycle or the closing of an era that brought significant change to your life. There may be some close partnerships that no longer hold the space they once did in your life and there may be an ending or going away party that will hit you more deeply and emotionally now.

Prepare yourself for the realization that some things have run their course and it’s time for acceptance and moving forward. This is all about taking the next step and committing to following things through to completion. Know that there is a strong force ready to support and nurture you along the way.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 The energy coming your way this week will push you to evaluate the things you are doing on a daily basis and aide you in making changes. Know that there is a beneficial flow happening between you and your partners and friends. There is a lot of assistance at the ready. You are not alone.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER21 The energy coming your way this week will bring about some changes to your creative projects and possibly the feelings you have towards a close partnership. Know that a new beginning can only happen when you end something. When you create an opening know that the universe will be there to fill it.

Some of the things you thought you had control over may not be so easy to maintain this week. Be aware that there is a very strong flow of energy that may test your stamina or ability to maintain your position now. The best course of action is to communicate with friends and let go of chaotic situations. There is a strong lunar force coming your way. Use it to it’s fullest by clearing things that block your path forward. This is the time to really wrap things up and move in a new direction. There is as also a very stabilizing force that is ready to aide you in taking charge over your finances and making good purchases.

The things you have held to be of personal value may change this week as new information about the longevity or the sustainability of a thing comes under deeper scrutiny. The energy coming your way is all about making discoveries and uncovering the hidden meanings or value of things. Be the scientist.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

This is the final phase of long transition you have been going through over the past two years. Embrace this closure and say farewell to the things that no longer serve you. It is important to really let go start new trends and move forward with career changes or the way you invest your money.

It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. — Mark Twain

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 15

16 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Hike at two preserves on tap

ikers will explore Jens Jensen Preserve and Pepperidge Dunes Nature Sanctuary at 10 a.m. Sept. 5. Community science—also known as citizen or participatory science—is scientific research conducted in whole or in part by everyday people. It pairs public volunteers with professional scientists to gather data, track environmental changes, monitor wildlife, and solve local problems. We will hear more about this from Doug Morris, the Harbor Country Hikers’ next hike leader, and steward of both preserves. Doug has participated in butterfly, bumble bee, salamander and vernal pool science programs for several years now and has plenty of experiences to share. Jens Jensen Preserve contains a high-quality beech-maple forest featuring towering oak, maple, beech, black gum and tulip poplar along with seasonal wetlands. An adjacent natural area owned by the Michigan Nature Association is called Pepperidge Dunes Nature Sanctuary. Together, these nature areas preserve 45 acres and are critical for maintaining a forest canopy corridor for migratory birds that stretches from Warren Dunes State Park to Cherry Beach Road. For more information, including driving directions, visit the Hikers’ website, www. harborcountryhikers.org, or its Facebook page.

815 E Buffalo New Buffalo, MI 49117 Bus: 269-469-4442 Toll Free: 866-848-5266 www.tomrossman.net State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1211999

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 17

To Your Health COLUMN BY KAREN EDWARDS ND

offer a pill for RECLAIMING ill. People CONTROL OFHomeevery Modular are preferring Construction YOUR HEALTH a holistic,

the cost-effective alternative preventative approach. o one will argue the fact to new housing The cost of health care and that everything is rising

insurance today is forcing us to take in cost. So much to the Customize Your Own a look at the big picture. A new point that many families floor Plan revolution is taking root back to the are looking at budgets soil, kitchen medicine and home and wondering what purchases Remodeling/ apothecaries. A modern herbal can be shavedoff Improvement/ the monthly bills. Home renaissance. People desire to take When rising living costs squeeze New Construction back self-care and health. Sales of household finances, the initial cuts

herbs are at the highest they have target wants, before escalating to ever been. painful compromises on essentials. Herbalism gently works alongside Streaming apps, morning coffee trips, the body’s naturalintelligence. Herbs dining out, gym memberships, data johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com offer whole plant chemistry that plans, sporting events, etc. People are builds and balances a body, offering optingResidential to cook at home, attendBuilder free vitamins, minerals, enzymes and the community events, library MI License No.programs 2102222731 synergistic functions. and creative events that can bring no Taking care of your own body and cost enjoyment and entertainment for keeping it healthy is the new health families. care. Become knowledgeable in the Along with every other thing, wealth of information available for the cost of Insurance premiums has good health. We each need to pay skyrocketed. Families are having to attention to how processed foods take second jobs just to pay for the affect your energy and digestion. Not monthly insurance plan. Even with letting your body break down and this, it is getting so unaffordable for supporting it with good nutrition is families to be able to afford insurance the first step. Move your body every security. day. Prioritize good sleep. Get fresh Trying to get in to see a doctor air daily.Staying hydrated can ward can take six months. An Emergency off a lot of health issues in of itself. Get Room visit can cost you a month’s chemicals out of your diet. Become a wages. The cost of prescription label reader. medicine is more than families can Ridding stressors can allow your afford. Families’ emergency savings body to thrive. Practice stressare— quickly dwindling, or already 1942 reduction techniques such as deep long gone. Our healthcare system is breathing, journaling and grounding. failingdrastically. Some call it ‘disease Unplug often to balance stress maintenance’ rather than ‘health care.’ hormones and support overall Fifteen-minute doctor appointments endurance. don’t really give you quality time These are all cornerstones of good to go over your health issues and health. We are each responsible them assess a situation. Tests, drugs, for our own health. Not giving your surgeries, specialists, more tests. How health away seems to work for many. are you to get to the bottom of any health crisis. People are growing tired of a mainstream medical system that Disclaimer: Everything here is for prioritizes symptom management nutritional education and is not meant over root-cause healing. to diagnose, treat prevent or cure. See Conventional medicine seems to your doctor when you have questions.

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18 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Late summer runners, walkers gather at the Center of the World

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

unners – and walkers – were raring to go a little earlier this year for the Friends of New Troy’s annual Run to the Center

of the World.

Lilli Gast and James Kavlok

Patrick Russell nears the finish line

New Troy, said this is her third year

the secretary on the Friends of New

pregnant with her now seven-month-

Troy Board of Directors, overseeing

old son, so she “wasn’t moving fast.”

the upcoming market that will start

“He sleeps really well in the jogging

back up in September, board member

stroller,” she said, adding that she

Lorraine Hanover said they pushed

runs almost every day.

at once,” she said. Participants lined up in front of the FONT Community Center Saturday, Aug. 22. From there, they took the usual route through the winding backroads of New Troy before ending back up at the center. Arriving in overall first place in the 5K was Andrew Gast of St. Joseph, with a time of 19:13.3. Coming in second was Patrick Russell, with a time of 19:32.3, and coming in third was Meredith Kleindienst, with a time of 20:27.9. Gast, who ran the race in 2024, credited Russell for pushing him toward the finish line. “He was right with me the whole time - he ran a great race,” he said. Gast, who said he runs a “decent amount,” is currently training for the Detroit Marathon. Russell, who also ran two years ago, said he and Gast were “definitely pushing each other.” Mostly, he enjoys Nordic skiing. “This is a good way to stay in shape Runners and walkers enjoy breakfast in the community center

Kleindienst, who’s from the New Troy area and whose mother lives in running the 5K. Last year, she was

“It was a bit much to do two events

Runners and walkers are off to the races

moment,” Russell said.

Due to Marlene Newmiller, who’s

the event to August this year.

Lisa Wolf crosses the finish line

not a lot of snow around here at the

for that because obviously, there’s

The 5K Run/Walk is FONT’s biggest fundraiser of the year. This year, money was raised for a new flat roof for the center. Hanover said they were over $30,000 toward their goal, which is somewhere around $80,000 to $100,000 depending on how much materials cost when the roof gets done.

ONT received a $2,000 Heart of Cook grant, and they’ve hired Changemaker Studio to write grants and apply for two other ones.

“People have been contributing

through our website, and we really appreciate every dollar we get,” Hanover said. In addition to the markets, which

will run in the center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month through April, FONT also plans to bring back bingo. There’s also a new director for the activities room, Bath Cammiso, who Hanover said is a “great volunteer.” For more on FONT, visit www. friendsofnewtroy.org.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 19

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20 THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026

Join us at Southwest Michigan’s Premier Fall Music Festival

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SEPT 30

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Every ticket sold has an immediate impact in our community, supporting Neighbor by Neighbor, Dune Coast Baseball and New Buffalo Community Educaton Foundation.

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