November 25, 2021

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

1

LIFE IN NATURE ON THE SANDY SHORE

New Buffalo Times

news

50¢

TT HH EEOO FF FF IC IA LLNN EE WW SS PA PP EE RROO FFNN EE WWBB UU FF FA LL OO• •SS IN CC EE1 1 99 44 42 IC IA PA FA IN

CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 47, volume 80

www.newbuffalotimes.com

Thursday, November 25, 2021

New Buffalo planners recommend revised site plan for proposed restaurant PAGE 4 Village of Grand Beach closes on Grand Beach Nature Preserve property PAGE 5 New Buffalo Business Association donates festival tips toward helping residents PAGE 6 New territory charted for extending adequate broadband PAGE 7 New Buffalo school board approves architecture firm to expand elementary kitchen PAGE 9 Indiana, Michigan units involved in vehicle pursuit ending in New Buffalo Township PAGE 17

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS...

BREWSTER’S THROWS PIZZA PARTIES FOR HUNGRY READERS — PAGE 10 —

PHOTO OF STUDENTS ENJOYING THEIR PIZZA CREATIONS BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

2

www.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

___________________________________________________________________ 685 West Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 | (269) 983-0325 | passarokahne.com 17656A US Highway 12, New Buffalo, MI 49117 | (269) 469-5297 | Fax: (269) 983-0328

• Business/Tax Law • Estate Planning • Medicaid & Long-Term

Care Planning

• Real Estate • Special Needs Planning • Probate and Trust

Cheer through the New Year with 0.00%* intro APR! Plus, earn rewards on your holiday shopping.

Administration

Sunday 10:15 am IN PERSON SERVICE Nursery and Childrens Church PARKING LOT SERVICE OPTIONAL

Find Us On search: Calvary Chapel New Buffalo

Listen In Your Vehicle At 89.1 FM

Visit calvarychapelnb.org for current updates, weekly bulletin & bible study information.

1615 East Buffalo St • Pastor Len Pera • 269-548-9980

Apply today at tcunet.com/CreditCards ©Teachers Credit Union. See TCU Visa Credit Card terms and conditions for details. *APR=Annual Percentage Rate.

0.00% APR until November 3, 2022 on purchases and balance transfers posted to the account by January 31, 2022.

After that, your variable APR will be 11.25% to 15.25% based on creditworthiness.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

ETHICS SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM MICHIGAN PRESS ASSOCIATION MEMBER PROPRIETOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES, INC. EDITOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE EDITORIAL BOARD CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOE DURK REPORTERS/WRITERS THERESE DONNELLY FRANCESCA SAGALA LAWRENCE VON EBELER KURT MARGGRAF ALEXANDER FATOUROS SOPHIA ROSE FATOUROS STAN MADDUX KRISTIN E. FATOUROS NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE NEW BUFFALO TIMES POLITICS GUESTS QUOTES DINO N. FATOUROS PROOFING FRANCESCA SAGALA BROADCAST/ADVERTISING JANINE ADAMSKI (630) 370-0820 OR JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM SUGGESTIONS, CRITICISM, IDEAS MEDIA@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM ADVERTISING MEDIA@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM CLASSIFIED ADS

CLASSIFIEDS@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM

SUBSCRIPTIONS

SUBSCRIPTIONS@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM

COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH NEW BUFFALO TIMES INFO@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM Periodical Postage paid in New Buffalo, MI. Postmaster, please send address changes to: NEW BUFFALO TIMES PO BOX 959, New Buffalo, MI 49117 ©2021 NEW BUFFALO TIMES, INC. PUBLICATION NUMBER 377960 CIRCULATION 5,000+ WEEKLY

NEW BUFFALO TIMES distribution: Milda’s Corner Market • Customs Imports Sawyer Garden Center • The Whistle Stop David’s Delicatessen • Grand Variety Barney’s • Knoll Bros. • Stray Dog Infusco Coffee Roasters Black Currant Bakehouse The Marina Grand • Redamak’s Outpost Sports • Big C Lumber Between Casey’s and Nancy’s Sawyer Hardware • The Harbor Grand Froehlics . Three Oaks Journeyman Distillery . Three Oaks The Acorn Theater . Three Oaks The Lakeside Inn For the most convenient location, you can subscribe to get the NEW BUFFALO TIMES in your mailbox or inbox.

Please email us for E-TIMES, info@newbuffalotimes.com.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

3

New Buffalo zoning ordinance being updated

T

BY STAN MADDUX

he zoning ordinance in the Houseal also vowed to greatly City of New Buffalo should simplify what’s now viewed by local be more specific and much officials as a confusing ordinance easier to understand when lacking many land use specifics the dust settles from a governing future construction. major overhaul of the zoning laws in He said a zoning ordinance should the coming months. not require an attorney to understand Houseal Lavigne Associates out of and apply.

Chicago has started undertaking a four “We will make this as user friendly step process that should as possible,” he said. be completed when a Parking was cited as Mayor John final draft of the zoning one of the areas lacking Humphrey said ordinance is presented specifics in the current the outcome to the city council for ordinance. has included consideration in eight New Buffalo Planning construction months.

Commission Chairman of new homes John Houseal is Paul Billingslea in violation president and founder wondered if the updated of setback of the municipal ordinance should requirements planning organization, recommend the number on small lots which has updated of vehicles allowed and damage to zoning ordinances in at a house based on the aesthetic communities large and square footage and appearance of small throughout the whether a house should the city. country. have a driveway that He told members of can accommodate all the New Buffalo City Council and New vehicles to avoid vehicles having to be Buffalo Planning Commission during parked in yards. a joint workshop Thursday, Nov. 18, one of the goals is having a zoning e said such lack of detail ordinance that reflects what the in the current zoning community wants to accomplish with ordinance, which was future development. last updated more than 10 years ago, Another goal is making the has resulted in variances granted zoning laws fair to developers and for construction “on almost every property owners close to where new lot in the city” and developments construction is targeted or proposed. not consistent in appearance with “It has to work for all parties neighboring structures. involved,” he said.

H

Mayor John Humphrey said the outcome has included construction of new homes in violation of setback requirements on small lots and damage to the aesthetic appearance of the city.

He said tourism has a lot to do with the new construction over the past three decades along with a “wild west attitude” toward putting up buildings where they shouldn’t go.

“We need to protect the character of this town from being swallowed up,” Humphrey said.

Houseal said imposing standards for new construction in an updated zoning ordinance can eliminate inconsistencies and be created in a way not to discourage future investment in the city.

Billingslea suggested the updated zoning ordinance require an initial review of a project and filing of design standards from a developer before a hearing is held on any new proposed construction.

“That should help us get the right kind of developments,” he said.

Humphrey said he feels an updated zoning ordinance, if done effectively, can protect restrictions that are soon to be imposed on the number of shortterm rentals to promote more fulltime residency.

He said student enrollment is down enough that school officials are looking to Indiana to help fill up the classrooms.

I don’t like to treat a piece of clothing like an object of art because I don’t consider myself an artist. I’m a designer. — Frida Giannini

4

www.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN FLANAGAN City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS to be determined NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD PETE RAHM, MICHELLE HEIT, JUDY H. ZABICKI, PATTY IAZZETTO, JACK ROGERS Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD CHUCK HEIT, PRESIDENT HEATHER BLACK, VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HASKINS, TREASURER LISA WERNER, SECRETARY JOYCE LANTZ, TRUSTEE FRANK MARGRO, TRUSTEE PATRICIA NEWSTON, TRUSTEE CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, BILL MARSKE Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

New Buffalo planners recommend revised site plan for proposed restaurant

M

M

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

embers of the City of New Buffalo Planning Commission approved and recommended a revised site plan for a restaurant that’s being proposed in downtown New Buffalo to the New Buffalo City Council at a special meeting Tuesday, Nov. 16.

Members approved the recommendation in a 4-0 vote, with planner Bill McCollum, who’s serving as architect for the project, abstaining.

The applicant, Damon Marano, was requesting site plan approval for the proposed restaurant at 1 N. Whittaker Street, which is in the Central Business District (CBD).

Earlier this year, the location had been presented to the Planning Commission for a special use permit for outside seating by another applicant. The new site plan that was being presented that night, however, was not requesting any outdoor seating.

McCollum said the new plan differs from the previous one, which would’ve involved pulling the façade of the building back about 12 feet so there’s outdoor seating but on city property.

The site plan being presented that evening involved maintaining the existing perimeter of the building.

New mechanical units on the roof will be screened, so they can’t be seen.

A series of windows will also go all the way around the building.

The existing building will contain he approved of the project but was four commercial spaces, with a still concerned about the additional pharmacy already occupying one parking that was described as being of these spaces. McCollum said the “not concrete,” such as if the parking restaurant will occupy 50 percent of lot gets sold. the first floor.

Chair Paul Billingslea said that Beer l McCollum said that the owner also Church also requires some of that G wants to do another seating area in parking in the Farina lot W the basement, where to accommodate their Since the new there will also be a prep seating, adding that he p site plan involves kitchen. doesn’t think they can fi space being Since the new site plan allow Beer Church to do added in the involves space being M basement, it was that but tell someone added in the basement, R being proposed else they can’t. it was being proposed t that evening that that evening that 12 i 12 additional e added additional spaces be w spaces be used that r used out of the Farina out of the Farina parking is p parking lot parking lot (located an issue p (located across across the street on in New the street on w U.S. 12/Buffalo Street).

Buffalo that’s “bad going U.S. 12/Buffalo a The lot currently has on worse,” and that the o Street).

The lot 90 spaces, with Beer city is looking at ways to ( currently has 90 Church being involved spaces, with Beer alleviate it. for some of those spaces.

Church being “I’d love to see a He said total seating involved for some c building get used and capacity for the of those spaces. cleaned up a little bit restaurant, including the i it could definitely use downstairs and upstairs, d some updating,” he said. is 320, which is “based on the code.” f Planners recommended to the city “So, what we’re asking for is site council that the rezoning of property plan approval to bump the façade up t on S. Willard Street from General to where it already is, the basement a Commercial District to R-1 Single restaurant and this additional parking w Family Residential. over here – so there’s three things to Planners reelected Billingslea to be s be considered,” McCollum said. p chair of the Planning Commission.

Planner Don Stoneburner said that b B

A law is valuable, not because it is a law, but because there is right in it.

— Henry Ward Beecher

H

s a u

r p T o

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Village of Grand Beach closes on Grand Beach Nature Preserve property

M

embers of the Grand Beach Village Council learned that the village has finally closed on the 42 acres – or, as it’s legally referred to as, 45.8 acres – of the Grand Beach Nature Preserve at their Wednesday, Nov. 17, meeting.

Deborah Lindley, village council president, said that everything got finished up late that afternoon.

The village received a $2.4 million Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund (MDNRTF) grant toward the property’s purchase, which includes the driving range, pond, and wooded area, in 2018. In 2019, the village raised the remaining $800,000, or 25 percent of the project’s $3.2 million project cost, in matching funds, which were made up of generous donations and a 10 percent match from the land’s owners, Grand Beach Land Development (GBLD).

Lindley said that the process to try to acquire the undeveloped land has taken close to six years.

“This is property we will have for indefinitely to enjoy and it’s at our disposal…I think it’s really a lasting legacy for this council,” she said.

Councilmembers unanimously agreed to hold off on taking any further action on a draft short-term rental ordinance, which was drafted by the Planning Commission.

At last month’s meeting, Lindley said she hoped to hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance; however, this was before the recent passage of state House Bill 4722 on Oct. 27.

The bill, which will be moving onto the state Senate, states that short-term rentals aren’t commercial but are a residential use.

Police chief Ryan Layman said that it requires municipalities to allow up to 30 percent of their residences to be rentals.

There’s also a limit on only allowing one person to own two houses for the

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

purpose of renting. The bill does allow for local units of government to carry out inspections on the rentals.

While he felt that this version of the bill was “workable,” he would prefer that everything stay the same as it is now, and municipalities can develop an ordinance if needed.

Councilmember Paul Leonard said that at some point, the senate will pass their version of the bill and the question is if Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will sign it.

“At this point, I think we might just need to take a deep breath and pause and wait and see what happens in Lansing,” he said, adding that he still believes that the issue is of local concern and shouldn’t involve the state.

Lindley said that state Rep. Brad Paquette (R-Niles), who was one of the coauthors of the bill, took his name off it.

“At least when he came to New Buffalo and spoke and listened to the communities around here, he did listen and he did try to change things,” she said.

Layman advised everyone to contact state Sen. Kim LaSata (R-Coloma) about their opposition to the bill as it heads for the senate.

Councilmembers approved the following terms for members of the Parks and Recreation Committee (with chair Pete Doerr abstaining): Judith Blackburn, Ed Trainor and Doug Blaw, two-year terms and Ed Brandes and Harry Walder three-year terms.

Councilmembers approved the following terms for members of the Golf Committee (chair Blake O’Halloran abstained): Doerr, O’Halloran, Jack Grace, and Michael Moore, three-year terms and Brendan Duffner, Clay Putnam, Walder, and Don Butler, two-year terms.

Councilmembers approved the 2022 meeting schedule. Meetings will continue to be held at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month except in December, which will be the second Wednesday.

Councilmembers approved contracting

L

Fire leaves family homeless

F

with Cardenas to perform the scope of work involving tree trimming and tree removal for $23,000.

Money to pay for the tree cutting could come from the cashier’s check the village received for the sale of its rental golf cart fleet, which was $32,000, O’Halloran, golf commissioner, said.

O’Halloran said the work will benefit the golf course. He was able to work with one homeowner to let them allow for the removal of three trees on their property to open up the second hole tee for sun.

The motion that passed, however, only included two of these trees. The original motion included the three trees but didn’t pass, with Lindley voting “nay” and O’Halloran, Leonard, Doerr, and Bracewell voting “yea” (the motion required more votes due to it being a budget increase).

indley said that she was concerned about the third tree on the homeowner’s property that would require cutting down a limb over their house, which is private property, and that she’d like to look at the tree herself.

Councilmembers also approved making an amendment to the 2021-2022 Golf Fund to reflect the expense.

Councilmembers approved a $2 increase in hourly wages across the board for pro shop employees, with O’Halloran saying that the shop was competing against a lot of businesses that are raising their wages.

Councilmembers approved opting out of PA 152 of 2011. Lindley said that not doing so would require village employees to pay a 20 percent contribution in their health insurance premium.

Councilmembers approved renewing the village’s health insurance with Priority Health for another year.

Councilmembers approved giving give a $2,000 stipend to an employee whose spouse is on Medicare to help cover the cost of copays.

5

Fire left a LaPorte man and his mother temporarily homeless but CPR saved the lives of some of their pets.

At about 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, firefighters responded to a small single-story house at 907 Park Street.

LaPorte Fire Chief Andy Snyder said it appears the man was cooking when a grease fire erupted in a pan on the kitchen stove.

After trying to put out the fire safely, the man fled the residence and called 911.

He also notified his mother, who was at work.

Snyder said the flames spread into the living room but were extinguished by firefighters within minutes.

“It was a very smoky fire,” Snyder said.

Three cats and a dog were not breathing when found near the front door of the residence.

Snyder said oxygen was pumped into the lungs of the pets through a mask placed over their faces and a technique designed to help the heart start beating again was applied.

He said a dog and one of the cats resumed breathing and were taken to the Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center until other arrangements are made by the owners for their future care.

Two guinea pigs in cages in a back bedroom were not harmed.

Damage was estimated at $15,000.

Snyder said the Red Cross was notified to provide the man and woman with temporary shelter and other needs to help them get back on their feet. — STAN MADDUX

6

www.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

T

ips from generous visitors and residents to New Buffalo’s Harvest and Wine Fest, which is put on by the New Buffalo Business Association (NBBA), last month will go a long way in helping members of the community get around in an easier fashion.

During the one-day event, 100 percent of cash tips were collected to be donated toward Neighbor by Neighbor (NBYN), a local initiative that directs others to social services like legal aid, substance abuse support groups, assistance with electricity bills, or food assistance.

A check in the amount of $700 was presented to Peg Kohring, executive director of NBYN, at the office at 16170 Red Arrow Highway in Union Pier Tuesday, Nov. 16.

The money will go toward building another wheelchair ramp at a home in Harbor Country. Through a partnership

V

New Buffalo Business Association donates festival tips toward helping residents

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

“We’ve had some gray areas in the past where people think we just split the tips, but you don’t know how long you were there or how much you worked - so last year, we decided, ‘Let’s donate them to somebody,’” she said.

W

Colleen Neubauer, Leslie Wood, NBYN Advisory Board member, Peg Kohring, Audrey Tuszynski, and NBBA Board members Traci Lauricella and Gary Wood

with NBYN, teacher Robert Hughes and students in the Building Trades class at New Buffalo High School created and installed ramps at two homes in September.

Colleen Neubauer said people donated their tips wherever

they could while they were out enjoying the festival, which is held in New Buffalo every fall.

“We had a tip jar where we were selling the drink tickets and not just at the bars but the folks who were selling the drink tickets - they were tipping even

in there,” she said, adding that there were signs indicating where the money would be going toward on each jar.

Neubauer added that the decision to donate the tips proved to be a simpler solution to figuring out how to split them.

hen thinking of a local organization that could benefit from the tips, Audrey Tuszynski, president of the NBBA Board of Directors, said NBYN was the first one that came to mind.

“I know a lot of people who utilize it, so it’s a great local connection,” she said.

Kohring said NBYN wanted to install four ramps but ran out of money before a third one could be installed.

“We did two of them, but one had to go so far around - the second one was way expensive but this one’s a direct shot, so this will get me a third one,” she said.

‘Prancer,’ movie memorabilia to be featured during this weekend’s ‘Snowflake Stroll’

isitors to Three Oaks can get ready for an old family film favorite when The Region of Three Oaks Museum (TROTOM) shows “Prancer” in conjunction with Three Oaks’ holiday festivities Saturday, Nov 27.

There will be two showings-- one at 3:30 p.m., before the Christmas parade, and one at 6:15 p.m., after the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony.

Showings will be at the Heritage Hall (8 E. Linden Street). A model of the village featured in the movie’s last

scene will be on display, as well as other Prancer memorabilia.

The two showings will be free (although there will be a donation jar for those who want to support the museum).

The following is the schedule for the Three Oaks Snowflake Stroll, which will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. Nov. 27: 2 to 4 p.m. Sandy Acres Clydesdales will have two young horses in Carver Park for a photo opportunity. Holiday carolers will be singing throughout the downtown area.

2 to 3 p.m. Ice Creations will be

carving an ice sculpture in Carver Park.

3:30 p.m. The Region of Three Oaks Museum will be playing “Prancer” at Heritage Hall.

3:30 to 5 p.m. Ice Creations will be carving a larger ice sculpture in Chamberlain Path right where the kaleidoscope used to sit.

5 p.m. A small parade downtown following Santa and friends to Carver Park.

5:30 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony in Carver Park 5:45 p.m. Santa will be in Carver Park for photo opportunities. Toys for Tots

will be present for folks to sign up for a family to buy gifts for this season.

They’ll also be taking cash donations.

6:15 p.m. There will be a second showing of “Prancer” at Heritage Hall.

8 p.m. The Newports live at Acorn Theater performing their new single and alternative take on Tom Waits’ “Goin’ Out West”!

The gazebo in Dewey Cannon Park will be lit up for photo opportunities and Santa and Mrs. Clause will be at Poppy Hill Vintage throughout the day.

— STAFF REPORTS

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

Members of SADD spearhead water bottle donation to Benton Harbor

W

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

hen members of and Girls Club of Benton Harbor, the SADD (Students where they will be distributed to Against Destructive the families when the children’s Decisions) chapter parents pick them up from or drop at New Buffalo them off at the center.

High School hear about a problem “So, we kind of threw this within their community, they want together a little last minute because to do something about it. we wanted to get water out to them So, when the students kept before Thanksgiving,” Arvanitis hearing about the ongoing Benton said.

Harbor water crisis, where residents Students were more than happy continue to experience elevated to help with the effort. levels of lead in their municipality “When it was shared, we kind of supplied drinking jumped on right way water, their as quickly as possible growing concern while everyone was spurred them to really wanting to action. help,” Bowen said.

“We definitely Arvanitis said that knew it was a big members also engage problem and we in activities that point just kept hearing fellow students in the Students, along with teacher about it and right direction.

Nicole Bowen (far left), stand by the water bottles hearing about “We do a lot it - and finally, we of things geared decided, maybe we towards students should actually do something about making good decisions, like talking it,” Georgia Arvanitis, who’s been about things like drunk driving part of the group for a long around dances, and community time, said. works things - anything you can do Members decided to get the to make the community a little bit whole school involved. They better,” she said. jumpstarted a competition between Bowen said that the group plans advisory classes (which are to focus on doing good works within determined by where a group of the school such as decorating the students end up each school day, teachers’ classroom doors for the like a homeroom). The advisory holidays to promote school spirit class that brought in the most water and to get everyone in the mood will get a pizza party sponsored by for the upcoming holiday season.

SADD and high school principal SADD will also be sponsoring its Wayne Butler. annual talent show at the high Nicole Bowen, the high school’s school before Christmas break. health teacher who also serves as Bowen said that the group may be advisor of SADD, said for about combining with the student senate two and a half weeks, the entire for some activities, since there’s school – from freshmen to seniors an overlap in student involvement – brought in 24-ounce bottles of with both groups. Currently, there water. The bottles were transported are around 10 to 15 students in in the school’s van to the Boys SADD.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

7

New territory charted for extending adequate broadband

A

BY STAN MADDUX

free do it yourself internet speed test is viewed as a major breakthrough in extending adequate broadband quicker to underserved Indiana residents.

Close to 20,000 tests have been run on computers and devices since the speed test was made available to the public on the Indiana Farm Bureau website in late May. The LaPorte County Office of Economic and Community Development Executive Director Tony Rodriguez said the game changer is the speed test reveals the provider at each location.

Rodriguez said that allows communities wanting to expand access to higher speeds to go directly to providers they know have the capability instead of searching for companies they hope can meet their needs.

Another advantage is knowing exactly where an upgrade is needed instead of just a general area.

“That’s the nut Indiana Farm Bureau cracked,” he said.

According to INFB, the speed test was developed by GEO Partners, LLC. The software company out of Burnsville, Minnesota, is also working on gathering internet speed data in five others states, including Kentucky, INFB said.

Marissa Mikel, an Indiana Farm Bureau regional manager for six counties including Lake, Porter and LaPorte, said the results are confirming suspicions that need for higher internet speeds is greatest in the rural areas.

“It definitely proves what we’ve been hearing,” she said.

The results are shown in color coded dots on a map of the state posted on the Indiana Farm Bureau website.

Mikel said a red dot marks an area with less than 10 megabytes of speed, which isn’t enough to run a business

and, in some cases, work or learn from home.

She said adequate speed considered 25 megabytes or more are marked on the map with green dots.

INFB President Randy Kron said the data will help the state invest where adequate service is actually needed and develop infrastructure that doesn’t overlap.

In LaPorte County, the map revealed tests were conducted at 291 locations, with the highest speeds provided at just six locations by Automated Data Systems and DataCamp.

Most customers with adequate speed in La Porte County are served

by Comcast Cable Communications, Frontier Communications and Surf Air Wireless.

M

ikel said testing will be available for an indefinite period, but communities can start using the results now to seek federal and state grants to help offset a provider’s cost of extending adequate service.

She said the data should help secure funding by confirming exactly where the greatest needs exist, she said.

The data will also be presented by Indiana Farm Bureau to the state legislature to try and leverage more broadband extension dollars when the governing body meets in January for its 2022 session.

Mikel said she’s pleased with the response, so far, but hopes more people take the test to further nail down precisely where adequate service is lacking.

She said the test will also ensure money for broadband extension projects goes strictly to companies that deliver adequate service, not providers that might not be able to live up to their promises.

The test is available at www.infb. org/speedtest.

8

www.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

SPORTS

Singers to present ‘A Christmas Menagerie’

M

ark your calendars and celebrate the holiday season with the Harbor Country Singers (HCS) at 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 18, at Real Life Community Church, 12 E. Michigan Street in Three Oaks.

The concert will feature a program of choral Christmas music and dance. Donations are welcome, and the program will be streamed on the School of American Music’s Facebook Live feed. Visit SAM’s Facebook event page, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/172748403280590/ events, for details.

This year’s concert showcases the music of John Rutter, an English composer and conductor who’s known for the many Christmas carols he’s composed or arranged.

“You’ll hear familiar melodies like ‘I Saw Three Ships,’” said Pat Putnam, HCS producer, “as well as beautifully arranged carols you may not have heard before.”

Directed by HCS Founder Cindy Dryden, the concert will combine vocals, piano, and dancers in “A Christmas Menagerie,” which has been designed to evoke the childlike wonder of Christmas.

“I’m excited to invite a variety of local talent to add dimension and color to this year’s program,” said Dryden.

“Our own accompanist, master pianist Maggie Martin, will share her unique, golden renditions of Christmas melodies, and dancers from

Imagine Worship, a local liturgical dance company, will bring their graceful movements to the timeless ‘Still, Still, Still.’ By concert’s end, everyone will be a vital part of our musical menagerie.”

The concert is free, but donations are accepted, and reservations are requested.

For more information, to make a donation, and to reserve a spot, please visit the events page of the School of American Music’s website, schoolofamericanmusic.com.

All current Covid protocols will be observed.

E

stablished in 2016, the Harbor Country Singers is an independent community chorus supported by the School of American Music (SAM) and a grant from the Pokagon Fund.

Founded and directed by Cindy Dryden, HCS rehearses and performs in Harbor Country for holidays and other community events.

The School of American Music provides education, performance, and audience opportunities in music and the related arts in the Southwest Michigan area.

Currently engaged in raising money for The Future Fund, SAM aims to establish an endowment to guarantee its financial future. Every dollar donated to the Fund is matched by the Michiana Arts Foundation. SAM is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all contributions are taxdeductible. Donations can be made on SAM’s website. —

STAFF REPORTS

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

H

aving a football, hockey, basketball and two baseball teams is one of the perks of being a Chicago sports fan. In the fall and winter, the Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls are competing and in the spring and summer, the Sox and Cubs are playing. When I was a young man, our teams didn’t win many championships, but since 1985, Chicago’s teams have been the last ones standing twelvek times. While the Cubs floundered this year, they reached the playoffs in five of the six previous seasons. The White Sox have participated in the post season the last two years and seemed poised to keep that streak going for quite a while. The Bears have made twelve playoff appearances since winning the Super Bowl in 1986 and may have finally found their elite quarterback in Justin Fields. The Blackhawks have been Stanley Cup champions three time since 2010. Finally, the Michael Jordan led Chicago Bulls won six championships in the 1990’s Although it doesn’t always seem like it, Chicago’s teams have brought their fans plenty of joy, so instead of being sad that the Bears lost a heartbreaker to the Baltimore Colts, let’s focus our attention and joy on the Bulls. They beat the Knicks tonight ( Sunday ) 109-103 to run their record to twelve wins and five losses. After four straight seasons of sub .500 play and missing the playoffs, the Bulls are back and they’re back with a vengeance.

They’re playing better than they have since the Jordan years, and they’re not just playing winning basketball. The Bulls are playing exciting, team oriented ball, and they’re playing it better than practically anyone thought they would. They went on an extended west coast trip and won three out of five. The

only team that beat them handily was the Golden State Warriors.

Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley have done a fantastic job of putting together this team. They hired Billy Donovan to coach and he appears to be the perfect fit. Next they began to improve the roster and boy, did they improve their roster. Ball and LaVine form a terrific backcourt. Green and DeRozan are dynamic forwards and Vucevic is a great center. The three reserve guards are Caruso, Dosunmu, and White, all spark plugs, and the reserve forwards are Jones, Bradley, and Brown. Most of these players can play multiple positions, which makes them even harder to defend. The team is so good that they won six out of the last eight without Vucevic, who tested positive for Covid, but should return shortly and without the injured Patrick Williams, who is gone for the season due to an injury in the fifth game. Make no mistake, the Bulls will contend for championships for the next few years, and watching them will be both fun and exciting.

Let us not forget the quickly rising interest in professional women’s sports. Chicago is. extremely well represented by the Chicago Sky, the women’s basketball team won the championship this year and the Red Stars came in second in the Women’s soccer league.

These ladies are playing at a very high level and are a lot of fun to watch.

Former Bulls coach Phil Jackson said “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team”.

Refuse hate. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

Nobody is going to outwork me.

— Derrick Henry

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

9

SCHOLASTICS

New Buffalo school board approves architecture firm to expand elementary kitchen

M

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

embers of the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education gave their approval of the district moving forward on improving the elementary school kitchen when they approved TowerPinkster Architecture for its expansion at their Monday, Nov. 22, meeting.

Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie said Tower Pinkster has a lot of experience working with K-12 schools, especially across the western part of the state. He added that they have one person on their staff who does nothing but working on school kitchens.

“That elementary kitchen is one of our needs especially going through the pandemic – we’re trying to get people spaced out a bit more,” he said, adding that’s it’s also gotten old.

Leslie said the expansion will increase the work area for the cafeteria staff members and allow the area around where the freezer is to be enclosed.

He added that he’d also like to see what the cost would be to expand the cafeteria seating and once it’s known what the projected bids are, a decision can be made on whether that’s something the school district should pursue.

Board members also accepted bid from EER in the amount of $256,454 for the chiller at the middle/high school building. Board president Chuck Heit said two other bids were received.

Board members accepted the resignation, with regret, of Sherman Rodney Craig, who will be retiring from more than 13 years in the maintenance department and as a bus mechanic at the end of the year, Dec. 31, 2021.

The employment of Sean Brennan as

freshman boys’ basketball coach for the 2021-2022 school year was approved.

Leslie said there are 30 high school boys who are interested in playing basketball, including 10 freshmen, 10 to 11 who are interested in playing junior varsity, and about 10 for varsity.

Brennan previously coached for LaLumiere, Marquette High School and Notre Dame in Michigan City.

Leslie said that elementary school principal Adam Bowen will be recognized at the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principal Association (MEMSPA) Region 5 Principal of the year at their annual conference Thursday, Dec. 9, which he said is “very well deserved.”

The elementary school will kick off their Bison Credit Union with Honor Credit Union Monday, Nov. 29, which Leslie said has been in the works for almost two years.

River Valley was hiring a new wrestling coach, Hunter Liberty, a 2014 River Valley graduate, that evening. New Buffalo has a co-op with the River Valley wrestling team.

Board members did a second reading on and approved the following board policies: 0100 - Definitions, 0167.3 - Public Participation at Board Meetings, 1630.01 - FMLA Leave, 3120 - Employment of Professional Staff, 3131 - Staff Reductions/Recalls, 3430.01 - FMLA Leave, 5460 - Graduation Requirements, 5722 - School-Sponsored Publications and Productions, 6114 - Cost Principles - Spending Federal Funds, 6152 - Student Fees, Fines, and Supplies, 6423 - Use of Credit/Debit Cards, 7450 - Property Inventory, 8310 - Public Records, 8320 - Personnel Files, 8330 - Student Records.

Rebecca Dewey NSDAR commemorates Tomb of the Unknow Soldier

O

n Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Shedd Cemetery on Spring Creek Road, the Rebecca Dewey Chapter, Nation Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), commemorated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

During a ceremony, which included lanterns and candles, the pollinator garden to Sylvester Shedd, pioneer settler of the Three Oaks area was dedicated.

Besides the garden, the NSDAR has acquired a cemetery sign and a contemplation bench that has been installed as well as the American flag. Grave stones have also been repaired.

This cemetery is a great reminder of our outstanding people of the area and their contributions to the area. The NSDAAR thanks Three Oaks Township Supervisor George Mangold for his support in efforts to preserve and restore this

cemetery.

The cemetary can be found by following Three Oaks Road south from Three Oaks to Spring Creek Road then left to the first hill for Shedd Cemetery.

Members are also inviting everyone to remember the fallen by participating in Wreaths Across America.

Members will be helping Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan, to remember and honor veterans by laying remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.

Members of the public are being asked to help members honor and remember as many fallen heroes as possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Day, or inviting their family and friends to attend with them.

More information can be found at www.wreathsacrossamerica. org/M10171P. — Staff Reports

www.newbuffalotimes.com

10 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

LaSata’s annual coat drive a success

Abigail Daugherty checks out the students’ pizza creations

Students enjoy topping their pizzas before they go into the oven

S

tate Sen. Kim LaSata effort come together. I hope we announced Thursday, can continue to build more local Nov. 19, that the annual partnerships and help even more Kim’s Coat Drive for Kids kids next year.” had come to a close and Teresa Belote, St. Joseph County 142 coats and 31 pairs of snow Intermediate School District pants were donated to kids in superintendent, agreed and also need. extended a heartfelt thank you to “I originally started this coat those who donated. drive to help “The generosity kids stay warm of our local during the residents never harsh Michigan ceases to amaze winters,” said me,” Belote said.

LaSata, R-Coloma.

“Thanks to the “Unfortunately, incredible support many kids go of this year’s without a warm donors, more than coat, and I knew 40 St. Joseph that with the County students kindness and will now have a generosity of folks warm coat this LaSata partners with Mildred across southwest winter.”

C. Wells Academy Business Michigan we could Mildred C. Wells Manager DeVal Washington and really make an Academy School social worker Rhonda Milard to impact and change Leader Latrisha distribute donated coats that.”

Corona said these LaSata’s office coats will help has collected and distributed keep students warm and allow hundreds of new or gently used them to focus on their schoolwork.

“These donations will truly coats and jackets to kids across the make a difference in these kids’ 21st District — a success that the lives,” Corona said. “Winters down senator places on the shoulders of here can be brutally cold, and thoughtful residents, school staff who help distribute donated coats, unfortunately, many children do not have a warm jacket that fits. and the local businesses who This year’s coat drive will make partnered with her office to reach a significant difference for many more kids in need. students and make sure they stay “The last couple of years have warm this winter. I want to join been an incredible success, and Sen. LaSata in thanking those I’d like to thank past and present who donated. Your donations donors who lent a helping hand,” have left a monumental effect on LaSata said. “The kindness of people in each of our communities communities all over the region.”

— STAFF REPORTS is what has really made this

S

Brewster’s throws pizza parties for hungry readers

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

tudents at New Buffalo Elementary School who are hungry for reading – and pizza - closed out another successful year of literacy and pizza when they trooped over to Brewster’s Italian Café in New Buffalo this month.

To celebrate reaching their reading goals through the Kids Read Now summer reading program, students took turns visiting the restaurant and making their own mini pizzas (which included watching chef Tyler Anderson, the “pizza guy,” slip them into the wood-fired oven).

According to Melissa Lijewski, Title 1 coordinator, the 121 students who participated in this year’s program were split into five groups.

This is the third year that the school has been participating in the program, which is open to students in kindergarten through fourth grade.

Kids Read Now aims to reduce the “summer slide,” as students who read throughout the summer should be able to pick up where they left off in the spring in terms of their reading levels and test scores.

“The program offers eight separate books that they send over the summer and students report those books as they finish reading them and the students who finish the program get to come and make pizza here,” Lijewski said.

Due to Covid-19, students chose their toppings and had their pizzas premade and delivered to them last year.

New Buffalo Elementary School Principal Adam Bowen was first approached by Abigail Daugherty, a 2013 New Buffalo graduate who’s the catering, events, and marketing manager at Brewster’s, about doing the pizza parties.

“We were trying to come up with some fun incentives and when she reached out it just happened to work out perfect as a way to encourage kids to read over the summer,” Lijewski said.

Daugherty said a similar pizza-making program was done when she and other members of the Brewster’s staff, were students at the former St. Mary of the Lake Catholic School.

“

We just remember having so much fun doing it…We like to be a part of their lives and so we get to do that by having them come here and make pizzas with them and reward them for something as amazing as reading,” she said.

Daugherty, who’s worked at Brewster’s for around five years (her mother worked there for 20 years), said that owner Maria Cleveland and the staff like to find ways to be involved in local causes, such as with Blessings in a Backpack and the Harbor Country Pride event held in June.

“We just really love being a part of the community and being able to give back,” she said.

The best customer service is if the customer doesn’t need to call you, doesn’t need to talk to you. It just works. — Jeff Bezos

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021 11

Feel at Ease with McGhee’s

SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION EMERGENCY SERVICE • LICENSED & INSURED

FREE Aprilaire Humidifier with purchase & installation of a furnace - or -

$100 OFF purchase & installation of Aprilaire Humidifier LIMITED TIME OFFER

Get into the holiday spirit with 0.00%* intro APR

Join our C.A.R.E. Club Maintenance Program

Platinum credit card

on purchases & balance transfers!

We service all brands and provide “Air Quality” Products Facebook “f” Logo

269-466-0123 • 269-469-6388 7301 Red Arrow Hwy., Stevensville, MI 49127

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f” Logo

CMYK / .ai

Learn more at tcunet.com/CreditCards © Teachers Credit Union. See TCU Visa Credit Card terms and conditions for details. *APR=Annual Percentage Rate.

0.00% APR until November 3, 2022 on purchases and balance transfers posted to the account by January 31, 2022.

After that your variable APR will be 7.25% to 17.25% based on creditworthiness.

www.newbuffalotimes.com

12 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

REAL ESTATE LAKE FRONT

MAKE YOUR VACATION STAY YOUR EVERY DAY

Nothing endures but personal qualities.

— Walt Whitman

Caleb Dryden Realtor •

®

CloseWithCalebNow.com 269-588-5055

EACH LOCATION IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

PRICE REDUCED

ROB GOW CHRIS PFAUSER 16624 WESTWAY DRIVE, NEW BUFFALO $3,950,000 - 7BD, 7.1BA

SOLD

6887 YOUNGREN ROAD, HARBERT $695,000 - 3BD, 2BA

13772 SUNS END, HARBERT $3,395,000 - 4BD, 2.1BA

UNDER CONTRACT

16128 MEADOW DRIVE, UNION PIER $695,000 - 3BD, 2BA

SOLD

4043 COMANCHE TRAIL, MICHIANA $593,000 - 3BD, 2.1BA

52001 LAKE PARK DRIVE, GRAND BEACH $1,699,000

ShorelineAdvice.com

269.612.4104

30 W. Buffalo St. New Buffalo, MI 49117

SOLD

19349 HIGHLAND DRIVE, NEW BUFFALO $510,000 - 2BD, 2BA

© BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021 13

Your Homegrown Realtor Jason Sutton

Jason Sutton 269.326.2473 jasonsutton@atproperties.com www.jasonsuttonrealtor.com

VISIT MY WEBSITE DOWNLOAD MY APP

Featured Property 11068 Riverview Dr New Buffalo, Michigan

RESIDENTIAL

11068 Riverview Dr

$1,350,000

New Buffalo, Michigan

Let the tranquility of nature whisk you away to one of the most relaxing settings that New Buffalo has to offer. Overlooking the Galien River, this spacious 5BD/4BA has all the accommodations one could dream of. Enjoy Lake Michigan and Beautiful Views.

Built in 2017 features include primary bedrooms, laundry, and family gathering rooms on both main and upper levels. Modern open concept kitchen comes with stainless appliances and an expansive middle island that offers extra seating. Property has deeded beach access.

Will Schauble

Jason Sutton

Klaus Nyman

Lauren Potts

Jack Wehner

Jade Smith

Lydia Heyn

312.860.4192

269.326.2473

269.932.8835

269.447.5840

312.406.9258

269.208.1231

916.735.2053

2 N Whittaker St, New Buffalo, MI 49117.

At World Properties Michigan, LLC, a subsidiary of At World Properties, LLC. | At World Properties Indiana, LLC, a subsidiary of At World Properties, LLC.

www.newbuffalotimes.com

14 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

CLASSIFIED ADS Please submit your classified ad via email at classifieds@newbuffalotimes.com. New Buffalo Times can now accept online payments with a credit card or paypal. Go to our website, www.newbuffalotimes.com, and submit $14 per week for a classified ad of up to 160 characters. Deadline is Friday 5PM before the following week’s publication.

FOR RENT

NEW BUFFALO RETAIL US 12 high-visibility rental & pop-up spaces next to popular yoga studio.

Great parking. 700-2,000 SF. Call to view/rates @ 312-259-4011.

NEW BUFFALO Year Around Rental. Large 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.Will be available in September/October. Quiet Living, no pets. $750-$925 per month. For more information call 269-469-1364.

HELP WANTED

Year-round part time help needed for an eclectic gift shop in the heart of New Buffalo. Approximately 24 hours per week, including weekends. Prefer some retail experience, but not necessary. Will train. Please submit basic resume to deedeeduhn@hotmail.com, or drop off at Customs Imports, 139 N Whittaker Street, New Buffalo. You can also call 312-282-6019 for an appointment.

LOVE WORKING OUTDOORS AND IN THE TREES? Awesome, outdoor, low covid exposure, summer work. C&A Arborists, your local tree care professionals, are looking for help!! Drivers license required, CDL preferred. Please call 269-756-2571, email jamietreephilosophy@gmail.com.

FULL TIME COOK POSITION IN LAPORTE 1 Year Experience. Call Oak Woods Manor for more details. 219-362-6600.

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS EXPERIENCE PREFERRED Carpentry drywall flooring tile setting windows doors and decking. Must be 18 years or older with valid drivers license.

Heavy lifting involved. 219-808-1329. johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY A part-time position is available at the New Buffalo Township Library and will be posted until the application deadline of June 25, 2021. The position is scheduled for approximately 12 to 20 hours per week, including evenings and some Saturdays. We are seeking an individual who is flexible, friendly, and comfortable working with patrons of all ages.

Applications can be received at the New Buffalo Township Library, located at: 33 N. Thompson Street, New Buffalo, MI.

SERVICES

FISH FOR STOCKING Most Varieties Pond Lakes.

Laggis Fish Farm 269-628-2056 Days, 269-624-6215 Eve

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

ADVERTISING . MARKET . DIGITAL

PLEASE CONTACT JANINE L. ADAMSKI

JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM • (630) 370-0820

I

We Banjo 3 to bring their ‘A Winter Wonderful’ tour to The Acorn next weekend

reland’s brightest acoustic band, We Banjo 3 (WB3), will celebrate this holiday season with all things “A Winter Wonderful,” including the release of their first holiday CD and a U.S. tour in December (their first in 21 months), when they perform at The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4.

Tickets are $50 and $85. For more information call 269-756-3879 or visit acornlive.org.

Since 2012, We Banjo 3 has toured the U.S. several times a year, building a passionate and loyal following. The Galway, Ireland quartet––comprised of two sets of brothers, Enda and Fergal Scahill and Martin and David Howley––have fine-tuned their knack for seamlessly converging the shared and varied traditions of Americana, Bluegrass, and Celtic music with popsensible songcraft to create a truly unique signature sound.

On tour, WB3 continually push musical boundaries while maintaining an unwavering devotion to the essential audience experience. For the upcoming December tour dates, the band will host festive holiday shows––featuring performances of traditional holiday tunes from both Ireland and from the U.S. (in addition to plenty of the fanfavorite original compositions that have made them such a beloved live band).

We Banjo 3’s first ever holiday album, “A Winter Wonderful,” will be available on all digital music platforms beginning Dec. 3. With the eight-song collection––

which features traditional holiday tunes from their native country and from the United States––Ireland’s brightest acoustic band delivers a seasonal recording like no other. Special guests include Scott Mulvahill (double bass), Kiana Howley (fiddle) and Ruth Smith (vocals).

WB3’s Martin Howley says of the tour, “The friendships and kinships we’ve experienced on the road all over the world were interwoven into an incredible celebration last year during the pandemic with our livestreamed concerts. The holiday edition, ‘A Winter Wonderful,’ was a particular highlight, so we want to make it an annual tradition. We are so thrilled to return to the U.S. after close to 21 months off the road for our Winter Wonderful tour, which will include very special livestream on Dec. 18 direct from the Rocky Mountains. Our fans can celebrate the holiday season with our banjo family in venues and in their living rooms.”

Stay up to date with We Banjo 3 on Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter WB3 has been a fan favorite at a diverse range of festivals, including BottleRock, Summer Camp, ROMP, Wintergrass, Merlefest, Milwaukee Irish Fest and more. Their most recent fulllength album releases, “Haven” (2018) and “Roots To Rise Live” (2019), each reached the #1 position on Billboard’s Bluegrass chart. — STAFF REPORTS

New Buffalo Times

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021 15

HOR0SCOPE

NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 1, 2021 AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

Your emotional power is your greatest gift this season. When you feel passionate and positive, express it. This is a great time to simply tell someone how much you appreciate them.

The effects of a good conversation will go far and stretch way into the next year. Put your cards on the table.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

It’s time to shine Lion.

Gather the family and friends and make it as large gathering as you can. The more people you have over the more fun you will have. If you’re not much of a cook, ask people to bring what they can, and you’ll be surprised at the amount of delicious food you’ll have.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

Making peace and building bridges in estranged relationships will be easily done this Thanksgiving.

Business relationships will become much more profitable if you bury the hatchet or let go of the having to compete. Also, you will be blessed with good fortune in legal matters.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 This Thanksgiving make it a point to reach out to neighbors or make that call to a sibling you don’t usually spend much time with and catch up on each other’s lives. If you can visit, do it.

This week it’s all about spending time together and creating peace in the world.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

This Thanksgiving is a good time to handle debt or financial issues that have been a sore subject. If you are able to forgive a debt, do it.

Letting go of having to be paid back might open up a relationship that has been strained. Or better yet, perhaps a debt you have will be forgiven.

gGEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Your work or career will keep you quite busy this Thanksgiving and you may decide to put in some extra hours to keep up with demand.

Just be sure to take some time to relax and recuperate. If you have to skip dinner with the family, be sure to catch up before the weekend is over.

Sometimes it’s good to drive past the house you grew up in or visit places you have fond memories of from childhood. If you are unable to visit your childhood home, make an old family recipe that you haven’t had in a long time. Connecting with the past feels good now.

It’s time to take relationships to the next level or turn things up a notch. The heat is on and it’s time to get cooking. Don’t shy away from opportunities to get closer and let go of negative memories. This Thanksgiving is all about getting closer and welcoming new vibrations.

Put on a happy face because you’ll the one bringing the laughter and ensuring a good time for all this Turkey Day. You will have a knack for getting people out of their shells and opening up to share the things they are grateful for. You will enjoy caring for others this holiday.

Keep your eyes open and be ready to help people when you can. Be that person that helps a stranded motorist or carries the heavy packages for our elders. You may never know how far a small gesture of kindness can go. It might turn a misfortunate situation into a real blessing.

You will have a knack for making people feel wanted and valued this Thanksgiving. So, if you have a not so familiar person at your table this year, sit next to them and be sure your family includes them in the conversation. You will be especially outgoing and communicative this week.

You will be blessed with a very magnetic personality this Thanksgiving weekend and would be wise to put it to good use by reaching out to estranged family members or friends.

Also spending time with parents or people who have a parental influence will make a difference now.

Like you, I to used to want to control my environments … but not the Butterfly. — Dino

www.newbuffalotimes.com

16 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Indiana, Michigan units involved in vehicle pursuit ending in New Buffalo Township

P

olice from multiple units were involved in the arrest of a suspect as he drove in a stolen vehicle from outside the state line into New Buffalo Township Wednesday, Nov. 17.

According to a press release from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 12:45 a.m. Nov. 17, several Indiana police units were in pursuit of a 2015 white International, 4300 Box Truck that was stolen out of Chicago that was heading eastbound on I-94 into Michigan.

Deputies Utt and Belden with the New Buffalo Township Patrol joined the pursuit as it passed the Welcome Center in New Buffalo Township. Prior to it entering Michigan, Indiana police units were able to deploy stop sticks and deflate the tires on the truck. The vehicle finally came to a stop near Exit 4, where the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Indiana police were able to deploy a K9 that caught the suspect, Sergio Covarrubias, 24, from Chicago, after biting him.

“The suspect continued to resist officers while being taken into

custody,” the press release said.

Covarrubias was taken to Spectrum Health Lakeland to be treated for the dog bites sustained during the foot pursuit and for a blood alcohol test. He was later lodged in the Berrien County Jail by Deputy Utt. The vehicle was towed by Roger’s Wrecker Service.

C

ovarrubias was being charged with Fleeing and Eluding Police 4th Degree, OWI with High BAC, Receiving/ Concealing Stolen Property, Police Officer Resist and Obstruct, Open Container Alcohol in Motor Vehicle, and Driving without Valid Operator’s License.

Agencies involved were the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office – New Buffalo Township Patrol, Hammond Police Department, Indiana State Police, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office, Porter County Sheriff’s Office, Pokagon Tribal Police Department, and New Buffalo City Police Department. — STAFF REPORTS

No injuries in falling tree crash

A

139 N. WHITTAKER ST, NEW BUFFALO, MI 49117

269.469.9180 OPEN EVERYDAY

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @customs _ imports

BY STAN MADDUX

Guardian Angel, perhaps, was looking out for two Berrien County men involved in a freak motor vehicle accident.

Harold Hanlin, 59, of Bridgman was traveling U.S. 20 near Indiana 212 outside Michigan City Nov. 11, according to La Porte County Police.

A large tree during a period of high winds and rain came down and landed on top of his 2021 Chevy Silverado, according to La Porte County Police.

Police said the tree, fortunately, made impact behind the passenger compartment of the moving pick-up truck.

H

owever, the cap over the bed of truck broke loose, flew off and struck a 2010 Ford Fusion driven by Glenn Gore, 71, of Three Oaks.

Gore was traveling behind the vehicle the tree landed on.

Police said there were no injuries.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021 17

Cows survive cattle truck fire

Q

BY STAN MADDUX

uick response to a burning cattle truck by police officers with fire extinguishers is credited for none of the cows heading to slaughter in the Chicago area from being seriously injured.

“The back of the trailer was fully engulfed in flames getting really close to the cattle inside,” said LaPorte County Deputy Sheriff Andy Hynek.

The back eight tires on both sides of a two-level trailer caught fire Nov. 18 apparently from heat generated by the brakes locking up, said Coolspring Township Assistant Fire Chief Warren Smith.

According to Indiana State Police, the driver, who was westbound on the Indiana Toll Road, pulled over and stopped on the shoulder of the fourlane highway near Westville at about 4 a.m.

Hynek said he and two other police officers from Indiana State Police and Westville tried dousing the flames with fire extinguishers as the 37 cows inside the trailer became increasingly restless.

Separating the cows from the flames was a metal wall containing holes for ventilation.

Hynek said the hair on the hides of some cows began singing from flames shooting through the ventilation holes.

“They were pretty freaked out. They were stomping and rocking back and forth trying to get away,” he said.

The officers were trying to drive back the flames that were advancing toward the cows when the tanks on their extinguishers ran dry.

Luckily, that’s when firefighters arrived and put out the flames in about 10 to 15 minutes.

Smith said the fire was hot enough to cause some melting of the aluminum trailer at the back end.

There was also fire damage to the trailer’s fiberglass roof toward the rear, he said.

According to Indiana State Police, none of the cows heading to a

slaughterhouse from Shipshewana were injured.

Fortunately, Smith said the compartment directly above the eight burning double-axle tires contained no cows.

“It could have been a whole lot worse,” he said.

Bill Field, a farm safety expert at Purdue University, said the cows probably survived because of the officers combating the flames until firefighters showed up.

Field said heavy smoke and flames typical in tire fires could have been kept down enough to keep the cows from becoming totally unnerved or succumbing to smoke inhalation.

“If they can’t get out of there, those cows are just going to go nuts,” he said.

Field said cows packed into a trailer don’t have much room to move but while in a state of panic they can work their way into a position to trample each other because of their brute strength.

C

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF ADOPTION NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Zoning Ordinance regulating the development and use of land has been adopted by the legislative body of the Township of New Buffalo, Berrien County at a meeting held on November 15, 2021.

The adopted ordinance will be available at https://newbuffalotownshipplans.org/ and at New Buffalo Township Hall, 17425 Red Arrow Hwy., New Buffalo, Michigan 49117.

This ordinance shall be effective 8 days following publication.

INTEGRITY • EXPERIENCE • SUCCESS

ows injured during transport can also be costly for the CHICAGO, IL • NEW BUFFALO, MI rancher.

MARK A. LAROSE Nowadays, Field said ATTORNEY AT LAW fewer slaughterhouses MLAROSE@LAROSEBOSCOLAW.COM accept cows with broken limbs even if CONTACT US REAL ESTATE: Full Service Residential, Commercial, Easements, Beach Rights the meat on the rest of the carcass is NEW BUFFALO 269-469-8440 still high quality to avoid the risk for CHICAGO BUSINESS LAW: Corporations, Partnerships, LLCs, Sole Proprietorships 312-642-4414 negative publicity in a more sensitive TOLL FREE INJURY LAW: Serious Injuries, Wrongful Death, Accidents world.

877-500-1965 WWW.LAROSEBOSCOLAW.COM He also said cows that don’t

look injured once they get to the

30 N Whittaker St 30 N Whittaker St slaughterhouse might30 N Whittaker St be rejected or sell

Bar by night Deli by day Deli by day for considerably less money.

That’s because of damage physical contact can cause underneath the hide.

Field said bruises, as an example, are from blood vessels leaking, which causes discoloration of the meat.

“There’s nothing wrong with that animal being processed for meat. It’s our perceptions of that. We’d rather bury an animal like that or have it Open 6 days Open Thursday-Monday O disappear than be part ofOpen 6 days the food thefalsefrontbar.com chain,” he said. davidsdeliandcoffee.com davidsdeliandcoffee.com

www.newbuffalotimes.com

18 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

Professionals in all of your tree care needs “Opening Doors To Affordable Housing”

We Build Modular Homes Year Round Located On The Corner of Fail Road & Highway #2 Over 5 Model Homes On Display

800-729-5664 www.laportehousing.com

Modular Home Construction

Maple City

Tree SpecialiSTS

REMOVAL STUMP GRINDING removal stump grinding TOPPING PRESERVATION topping preservation TRIMMING STORM DAMAGE trimming storm LOT & LAND CLEARING damage

free estimates

the cost-effective alternative to new housing

Customize Your Own floor Plan Remodeling/ Home Improvement/ New Construction

Commercial • Residential 37 Years Experience • Insured

219-808-1329

johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com Residential Builder MI License No. 2102222731

Dennis Jeffers, sr.

219-393-3155 maplecitytree@comcast.net

ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE PLEASE CONTACT JANINE L. ADAMSKI JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM (630) 370-0820

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

New Buffalo Times

— SINCE 1942 —

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021 19

NEW BUFFALO LIBRARY PROGRAM TO EXPLORE PLANT, ANIMAL ADAPTATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

C

hikaming Open Lands Executive Director Ryan Postema will explore the ways in which plants and animals adapt to man-made environmental challenges at a Community Forum program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, at New Buffalo Township Library.

Those challenges include residential and agricultural development, landscape fragmentation, climate change and so forth. Postema’s presentation will also look at how preservation of natural areas creates a more resilient landscape in the face of a changing world.

The New Buffalo Township Library is located at 33 N. Thompson Street in downtown New Buffalo. The Community Forum programs, now in their eighth year, are sponsored by the Friends of the New Buffalo Library. The programs are always free, and all are welcome to attend. Please wear a face mask at this event. — STAFF REPORTS

Whittaker Street 11 N.N.Whittaker Street Suite A A Suite NewBuffalo, Buffalo, MI MI 49117 New 49117

269.469.3636 269.469.3636

T.269.358.8159

www.hometownpharmacy.com www.hometownpharmacy.com “Just what thewhat doctorthe ordered!”

“Just

doctor ordered!”

Best live music in Harbor country UPCOMING SHOWS Open Mic Night hosted by Bryan Lubeck

THU 11/11 8 P.M. ET

Ides Of March

Heartache Tonight

FRI 11/12 8 P.M. ET

SAT 11/13 8 P.M. ET

Judy Collins

Midnight Rider

Dancing Queen

SUN 11/14 8 P.M. ET

FRI 11/19

WED 11/24 8 P.M. ET

8 P.M. ET

Open Mic Night hosted by Dylan Reed Leavitt

THU 12/2 8 P.M. ET

The Newports SAT 11/27 8 P.M. ET

The Nielsen Trust

We Banjo 3

FRI 12/3 8 P.M. ET

SAT 12/4 8 P.M. ET

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

acornlive.org

www.newbuffalotimes.com

20 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2021

(269) 469-4438 212 S. Whittaker St. (269) 469-4438 212 S. Whittaker St.

Gregory A. Bubb, CIC

269-469-4438 212 S Whittaker St. New Buffalo, MI

www.harborcountryinsurance.com WWW.HARBORCOUNTRYINSURANCE.COM www.harborcountryinsurance.com

Featherbone bourbon

tm

Last feather rye whiskey tm

NOT a king rye whiskey tm

protecting your investment

SANDBAG EROSION PROTECTION

WE BUILD BEACHSTAIRS DUNE RESTORATION • PLANT DUNE GRASS

89 POINTS

93 POINTS

Find your adventure

93

Trust It To Be Wonderful

POINTS

RESTAURANT

DISTILLED, BOTTLED, SERVED, AND SOLD IN THREE OAKS, MI | JOURNEYMAN.COM

16409 Red Arrow Highway | Union Pier