November 26, 2020

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 48, volume 79

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Thursday, November 26, 2020

Grand Beach Village Council discusses options for 42 Acres land purchase PAGE 3 Berrien County health officials report continuing increase in seven-day average number of cases PAGE 4 Gov. Whitmer statement on state board of canvassers vote to certify 2020 election results PAGE 6 Teachers, staff at New Buffalo High School adapt to MDHHS emergency order PAGE 7 Thanksgiving gift cards distributed to students through Blessing in a Backpack PAGE 8 Local Rebecca Dewey Chapter raising funds for ‘Wreaths Across America’ PAGE 9 Dear Berrien County: An open letter is issued to residents regarding COVID-19 PAGE 10

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Grand Beach Village Council discusses options for 42 Acres land purchase

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

embers of the Grand Beach Village Council have hit a roadblock with regards to the sought-after 42 Acres, which the village has been trying to acquire for the past few years.

Last summer, the village received a $2.4 million Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund (MDNRTF) grant for the undeveloped property, which includes the driving range, pond and wooded area, that is currently owned by Grand Beach Land Development. To receive the grant, the village raised 25% of the project’s estimated $3.2 million project cost in matching funds.

Recently, the village has had two appraisals done on the property, which came back much lower than the $3.2 million asking price. The appraisals, which were turned into the state, came in at $1.2 million and the other at $1.965 million. The state came back with the determination of $1.2 million.

Lindley said that the Village’s first appraisal of the 42 Acres was $2.2 million, which was based on the use being residential. The state requires that appraisals be done based on comparable properties.

Since the 42 Acres is so unique, finding comparable properties is a challenge, Lindley said.

The village contacted the more recent appraiser, Soper and Associates, to see if they would raise their appraisal using some of the comparables that the other appraiser, ADAMS and Associates used.

Soper said it would be able to raise it if given comparables that could help justify the increase.

At the Village Council’s Wednesday,

Nov. 18, meeting, Village Council President Deborah Lindley said that Soper was able to raise the appraisal from $1.2 million to $1.375 million based on an appraisal that for $1.25 million for a one-acre property on Marquette Drive that was sent from Rob Gowe of Berkshire Hathaway.

Lindley said that she’s contacted the Land Development and that they’re not satisfied with the $1.375 million appraisal amount. She said if the Land Development would be willing to pay for half of the cost for another appraisal, it would be $3,000 plus it would be $200 an hour if there were additional charges.

She said she’s talked with Sid Mathias, one of the partners in Grand Beach Land Development, who said that he has an appraiser who’s on the state certification list; however, Lindley said she’d like to ask him first if he has comparables.

“It goes back to that fact that if we don’t have comparables that are larger tracts of land at a higher price… If we don’t have the comparables, then there’s no sense in going on with project or paying more money for an additional appraisal,” she said.

Councilmember Blake O’Halloran said he thinks it’s important to see where Grand Beach Land Development “stands” in terms of selling the land.

Councilmember Steve Slater said he felt that councilmembers would be “negating” themselves if they began “throwing more money at another appraisal hoping to get a better number.”

“If the seller believes there’s a better number out there it’s incumbent on them to present that information instead of us spending money to raise the price,”

he said.

Lindley said that after the village’s 25% match, they still have $99,575 plus The Pokagon Fund Grant that it received toward the purchase of the land.

“Considering how much money we have right now, we can very easily put out $1.5 million if the state agrees to take the $1.375 million appraisal,” she said.

Lindley repeated that no millage will be instated to pay for the purchase of the property, which was promised to residents Councilmembers agreed that Lindley would talk with Mathias if he wants to pay for another appraisal as well as how if he knows of any comparables because “if we don’t have those, then it’s not worth any money” for an additional appraisal.

“Otherwise, we (the village) can probably come up with $1.5 million,” she said.

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ouncilmembers adopted a resolution to opt out of PA 152 of 2011.

Councilmembers accepted year-end salary adjustments for 2020, including for police chief Ryan Layman who Lindley said has gone “above and beyond” his duties coordinating virtual meetings as well as pro shop employees, who O’Halloran said deserve “a little bit of a year-end adjustment” for keeping everyone healthy and safe during the coronavirus pandemic.

Councilmembers agreed to extend insurance for 90 days for employees who’ve been laid off or are on disability.

The 2021 meeting schedule and changes to the COVID Preparedness and Response Plan were approved.

I have learned that to be with those I like is enough.

— Walt Whitman

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO MAYOR JOHN HUMPHREY CITY COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) MEETING Meets on the 2nd Thursday May, September, and November at 8AM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS Meets on the first 1st Tuesday Quarterly at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP 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 CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP 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 7:30PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

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Berrien County health officials report continuing increase in seven-day average number of cases

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

t a Facebook Live update If the test is positive, individuals Friday, Nov. 20, Nicki should remain self-isolated for 10 days Britten, health officer at following the start of symptoms or Berrien County Health starting from the date their test was Department, said that the collected if they weren’t experiencing seven-day average number of cases symptoms. that’s being reported to the health Those who think they’ve been department has continued the alarming exposed to someone who has COVID-19 climb that’s been happening since the should quarantine for 14 days following beginning of October. the exposure.

Hospitalizations “We’ve seen an 11“I spoke earlier continue to rise, as Dr. to 12-fold increase in how we’re doubling Loren Hamel, president number of cases over the number of of Spectrum Health that seven-week period cases we’re seeing Lakeland, said that the of time,” she said. every 10-14 days – seven-day average of If the trend continues, I want to see that hospitalizations related to Britten said, the number growth slowing COVID-19 throughout last of daily cases could and even if we’re week has been in the low increase to 400. still seeing growth, 60s (the previous week, it starting to watch As of last Friday, the was in the low 50s). that slow down,” health department said As of Monday, Nov. she said, adding that, over the last seven 23, the number of that ultimately, days, the percent of hospitalized non-ICU she’d like to see positive tests was 21.6% patients was 60. The the number of - a 4% increase from the number of ICU patients cases reach a previous week (17.5%). remained steady at three. “maintenance Last week, the county Hamel reiterated that level.” also saw more than 1,100 the fear continues to be new cases. staff members contracting the virus.

As of Monday, Nov. 23, the health “When COVID increase across the department was reporting 5,954 community it increases with our team positive and probable cases, a 30-day members as well – their rate of getting recovered total of 2,304 (which refers sick is about the same as everyone else to the number of individuals who had in the county,” he said. confirmed COVID-19 test results and Britten said she’ll know if the county are alive 30 days after referral) and 33 is “headed in the right direction” with deaths. regards to COVID-19 cases when Members of the community can take there’s “slowed growth.” the continuing community spread of “I spoke earlier how we’re doubling COVID-19 into their own hands by the number of cases we’re seeing every isolating at home even before they 10-14 days – I want to see that growth receive results from their tests.

slowing and even if we’re still seeing growth, starting to watch that slow down,” she said, adding that ultimately, she’d like to see the number of cases reach a “maintenance level.”

It was announced last Friday that Pfizer submitted an application to the FDA to approve its COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use.

The vaccine could be available as early as December – although not to everyone due to the vaccine being in short supply at first.

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ritten said that, as part of the emergency use authorization guidance coming out, prioritization group has been set by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

There are two parts to Priority One groups, with the first comprised of healthcare providers. The Priority 1B group will be comprised of healthcare providers that “may not have fit in the highest tier of risk,” said Britten, as well as people who are over 65 and those with underlying chronic conditions.

It could be next March before those who are in 1B category receive the vaccine and into May before the country is equipped to vaccinate the general public.

“Emergency use authorization does not necessarily mean a lot of corners have been cut and it’s not safe – there’s a lot of data out there about the vaccine and it’s undergoing that process but it’s an expedited review process,” Britten said.

Don’t believe everything you hear: Real eyes, Realize, Real lies.

— Tupac Shakur

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

GOV. WHITMER STATEMENT ON STATE BOARD OF CANVASSERS VOTE TO CERTIFY 2020 ELECTION RESULTS

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ov. Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the Michigan State Board of Canvassers voted to certify the results of the November 2020 election Monday, Nov. 23: “I commend the three members of the State Board of Canvassers who voted to follow the law and certify the 2020 election results today.

The people of Michigan have spoken. Presidentelect Biden won the State of Michigan by more than 154,000 votes, and he will be our next president on January 20. I also want to thank Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and the local clerks across Michigan who made sure this year’s election was free, fair and secure, and the voters who turned out in record numbers to make their voices heard. Now, it’s time to put this election behind us and come together as a state to defeat our common enemy: COVID-19.”

— STAFF REPORTS

Pokagon grant, Tri-City Reading Council makes virtual author assembly possible for students

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he pandemic did not stop the Tri-County Reading Council, which is led by Tri-County is led Bridgman Literacy Specialist Lacy Payne Mary Cooper, a sixth-grade teacher at New Buffalo Middle School, from virtually bringing a renowned author to three area schools.

According to a letter issued by New Buffalo Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie, River Valley Schools Superintendent Scott Bojanich and Bridgman Public School Superintendent Shane Peters, the Council’s partnership with New Buffalo Area Schools sought to bring author Marc Tyler Nobleman to southwestern Michigan for a “fun literary event” when students in first through sixth grades from New Buffalo, Bridgman, and River Valley participated in a long-awaited assembly with Marc Tyler Nobleman Friday, Nov. 6.

Nobleman is the author of “Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman (which made the front page of USA Today) and “Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman” (which led to a TED Talk and changed pop culture history, inspiring Batman & Bill, the first documentary based on children’s nonfiction). He has presented at elementary, middle, and high schools internationally (from Thailand to Tanzania) and blogs about adventures in publishing (from research victories to enthusiastic librarians).

Prior to the pandemic back in the spring, the Council booked an assembly for three local schools with a grant of $2500 from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians a week prior to the event. Cooper and Payne put the grant on hold and after trying to reschedule a face to face assembly, they finally decided to book a virtual event.

“Although the plan changed, students across the area, whether they were home because of temporary closure/quarantine or sitting in a classroom with their peers, logged on to Zoom for a fun hour of learning with Nobleman,” the letter stated.

“Wonderful virtual presentation!

Even from a distance, the author was able to connect and engage my class!

It was great to be able to get to know an author/illustrator’s ‘secrets’ that you would never know of otherwise!

A huge thank you to the Pokagon Fund, Tri-County Reading Council and others for arranging this fantastic opportunity,” one teacher from New Buffalo said.

The letter said that Nobleman’s presentation “told a tale of a real-life detective story. He revealed secrets he uncovered and mysteries he helped to solve while researching his nonfiction books on the creators of Superman and Batman.”

A post event survey provided positive feedback for this event. One of the F.C. Reed Middle School shared, “The opportunity to do something different was appreciated.” Three Oaks Elementary School Principal Patrick Zuccala emailed, “Thank you for organizing the virtual author visit, it was very cool. The students were excited to meet Marc Nobleman and were intrigued by his stories and how much time and effort went into creating his works. Virtual visit was great! Definitely worth the time!”

“A huge thank you to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians Fund for this fantastic opportunity provided by their generosity. During these crazy times, their grant flexibility allowed for our students to still enjoy this experience and for a short while allowed our students to connect and feel somewhat normal again,” the letter said.

New drive thru service a hit at city hall

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The doors at LaPorte City Hall have been closed since early in the pandemic but transactions are occurring face to face again thanks to a virtual drive thru.

The new social distancing option is already proving to be a major time saver especially when signatures are required on documents.

Instead of waiting days for the U.S Post Office to deliver and return signed paperwork, exchanges can be completed in a vacuum during a single drive up visit.

“There’s definitely an advantage. We’re lucky to have it,” said Clerk-Treasurer Courtney Parthun.

Gina Allen got the water turned on at her new residence by doing things like signing papers delivered back and forth in a tube.

The container travels inside a vacuum line activated by a simple push of a button.

Allen said she liked the service but wishes life was back to normal again.

“I’d rather go inside but that’s what it’s coming to,” she said.

City Hall has remained fully staffed, with business conducted strictly by mail, electronically, on the phone or in drop boxes until the drive-thru opened Nov. 4.

City employees and customers in the drive thru see and talk to each other on a monitor and speaker.

Dave Parsell pulled up to pay a water bill.

The retiree was glad he didn’t have to get out his car to use a drop box or struggle up the many steps to the billing office inside City Hall.

“I really like it. It’s very convenient,” Parsell said.

Parthun said the drive thru costing about $70,000 was paid for entirely with federal COVID-19 relief funds.

“It’s a nice feature to have here for residents,” she said.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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SCHOLASTICS

Teachers, staff at New Buffalo High School adapt to MDHHS emergency order

tudents and teachers at New Buffalo High School were ready to begin their second trimester when a new emergency order issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) suspended in-person learning for high schools statewide.

According to Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie at the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education meeting Monday, Nov. 23, that day was the beginning of the second trimester. The epidemic order was issued Sunday evening, Nov. 15.

“Two days later, they (the teachers) were giving exams – we were out of school Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and high school teachers were able to pull off giving final exams,” he said.

The order, “Pause to Save Lives” enacts a three-week pause targeting indoor social gatherings and other group activities in an effort to curb rapidly rising COVID-19 infection rates.

Included in the order is the suspension of in-person learning for high schools as well as colleges and universities, with K-8 schools remaining open based on an individual district’s choice (as of Monday, both the elementary school and middle school remain open at New Buffalo).

The order took effect Wednesday, Nov. 18, and remains in effect through

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Dec. 8 at 11:59 p.m. adding that teachers and staff at the At the Nov. 15 livestreamed Facebook middle and elementary schools are also conference, Chief Medical Executive and prepared.

MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Dr. “If we need to go that route, if we need Joneigh Khaldun said, that of the 200 to go remote there, I’m confident in outbreaks the department is currently their ability to do a great job,” he said. investigating among K-12 Board president schools and staff, 49% Chuck Heit credited Included in the of them are associated teachers and staff and order is the with high schools and administrators for suspension of inof the total individual getting through the first person learning cases associated with trimester – a goal of for high schools outbreaks, almost Leslie’s at the beginning as well as colleges two-thirds of those are of the school year, he and universities, associated with high said. Everyone, including with K-8 schools schools. support staff, has been remaining open According to the working hard cleaning in based on an COVID-19 Berrien RESA between classes. individual district’s Dashboard at www.

“I remember when we choice (as of nbas.org, as of Monday, first started you (Leslie) Monday, both the there were three current said if we got through elementary school confirmed and probable Thanksgiving we’re going and middle school cases in isolation to be in good shape and remain open at (representing the we’re here and we’re New Buffalo). number of current school going to keep rolling,” associated confirmed and Heit said. probable cases of COVID-19 identified, Board members gave the required reported and isolated) at New Buffalo, monthly approval of an extended with one at the elementary school and COVID-19 Plan Method of Instruction two at the middle/high school level. for New Buffalo Area Schools of inAt the last board meeting, Leslie person and virtual education. said that there were 47 students in quarantine as well as one probable case. eslie said that he’s working At one point, 62 students had been in on continuing to improve the quarantine.

Bison Virtual Academy at the Leslie gave thanks to the teachers secondary level. for reacting quickly to the new order, “I think we have a good

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No thank you, Grief the opinion is no option; Infinity.

The rules are the rules are the rules, Nature bids.

— Dino

program in place at the elementary level but we’ll continue to try and make improvements and keep making it better,” he said.

During the public comment section, Michelle Pliske said she’s thankful for the “significant” changes the virtual academy has undergone at the elementary level.

“The kids are remaining happy, they’re learning, I’m seeing them progress – so it’s two thumbs up for a parent with three kids doing the virtual,” she said.

Board members approved the employment of the following in 20202021 coaching positions: Wayne Butler, baseball head coach; Jamie Flick, baseball assistant coach; Jason Haskins, softball head coach; Jim Mullen, softball assistant coach; Nathan Jones, track head coach; Renee Fitts, track assistant coach; Karla Madison, track assistant coach; Amy Ingle, tennis (girls); Edward Fidler, golf (boys); Erik Beers, soccer head coach (girls); Nicholas Talbott, soccer assistant coach (girls); Vance Price, middle school track; Natalie Walter, middle school Track; and Lisa Knoll, middle school track Heit said that the coaches were staff members as well as returning coaches.

Board members approved the employment of Jose Martinez in the position of elementary noon aide.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Thanksgiving gift cards distributed to students through Blessing in a Backpack

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ven though no Thanksgiving boxes were delivered this year, volunteers with the New Buffalo chapter of Blessings in a Backpack still managed to slip in a little something to some families who may have been in need of a little extra help to get through the holiday.

According to Mary Robertson, a member of Water’s Edge United Methodist Church, gift cards worth $50 were distributed to 11 recipients of the Blessings in a Backpack program, which is supported by Water’s Edge.

For the past two years, volunteers have put together boxes brimming Thanksgiving turkeys (courtesy of Jackie’s Café in New Buffalo) as well as nonperishable items to get children and their families through the holiday weekend. Members of Water’s Edge United Methodist Church in New Buffalo usually donate items but due to the church being closed to services throughout the majority of the pandemic, Robertson decided to forego the boxes in favor of the gift cards this year.

This year, families were given the cards to use they please for food for the feast as well as the Thanksgiving break. Students were given notes, informing their families that they have the option to receive a gift card.

In its 10th year at New Buffalo, Blessings in a Backpack gives bags of nonperishable items of food to students at New Buffalo Elementary School who may not be receiving enough nourishment at home every Friday.

This year, there are 24 students who are receiving backpacks (or rather, grocery bags) of food. Last year, the number were 32 students. The number has fluctuated through the years, with one year being 55 students.

Robertson, who chairs the New Buffalo chapter. said that she believes that some students participating in the New Buffalo Area Schools’ Bison Virtual Academy may have played a role in this year’s number of students.

Robertson said volunteers continue to take safety precautions when packing the bags.

“We wearing masks, checking temperatures and wearing gloves,” she said.

Bags were packed in the spring as well, when in-person learning was suspended.

Along with meals being distributed to students outside of the school buildings and at other spots in New Buffalo by members of food services in the school district, students continued to receive a bag every Friday.

“We were putting in 10 to 11 nonperishable food items in a week,” said Robertson, adding that she thinks volunteers might’ve missed one week.

The challenge was finding the necessary food to put in the box, as certain items continued to be “scarce” in grocery stores week after week. Robertson said she credits Kel Penny, pastor at Water’s Edge, for continuing to shop in search of food at Meijer and Aldi’s. Recently, Robertson said she had an issue finding cereal.

“I was told that they only order 12 boxes at a time,” she said.

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unds for food also have been in short supply, although Robertson said that so far, the New Buffalo chapter has been able to manage. In March, the Louisville-based Kentucky Fried Chicken (Blessings in a Backpack also originated in Louisville) donated $400,000 to the nationwide charity organization, and Robertson said that they received a grant for $4,800 to use toward the purchase of food.

The two food drives that are usually held during the summer at Barney’s Market in New Buffalo are also a big fundraiser, with guests purchasing food at the market and donate money toward the purchase of food, although that wasn’t possible this past summer.

Those who wish to make a donation can make out a check to Blessings in a Backpack.

Robertson said that checks can be given to Water’s edge, which is located at 18732 Harbor Country Drive in New Buffalo.

Professional female baseball player passes away

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BY STAN MADDUX

local woman in the same professional baseball world portrayed in the hit movie “A League of Their Own” has passed away.

Dorothy Christ was 95.

She died Nov. 2 at Golden Living Center in LaPorte.

Christ was 19 when she made an out in her only at-bat for the South Bend Blue Sox in 1948.

The utility player was traded twice that season to the Ft. Wayne Daisies and Rockford Peaches in her only year in the “All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.”

The league formed in 1943 with 10 teams from the Midwest folded in 1954.

In 1973, 10-year-old Chuck Smith of LaPorte was stunned by how hard his second cousin threw the ball with perfect mechanics while playing catch with her for the very first time.

“That was the part that kind of blew me away. She didn’t throw like girls did back then,” he said.

He said Christ also told him between throws she was once a professional baseball player.

Smith, not knowing women ever competed on the diamond at such a high level, dismissed her claim.

He still wasn’t convinced even after she turned up the heat a bit on her throws to prove a point.

“I just kind of let it go. I wasn’t buying it,” he said.

Smith said he never really thought about it again until watching the 1992 movie about the league starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell.

He immediately asked her about the film the next time he saw her less than a week later at his mother’s house.

She already had seen the box office hit.

“Is that what you were talking about all of those years ago. She said yeah. Exactly,” he said.

He said Dorothy liked the movie very much but claimed the characters were not nearly as tough as the real players.

Smith said she later began receiving baseballs and other things in the mail for her to sign from people discovering she was one of the over 600 players in the history of the league.

Dorothy, homesick and tired of the traveling, retired after one season to take a job as a telephone operator and moved to South Bend, he said.

Smith was still growing up when Dorothy moved back to her childhood home next door to take care of her aging parents.

The next few years between the two were quite special especially when Dorothy, after seeing Chuck outside, grabbed the mitt she always kept in her vehicle.

“She’d say, hey Charlie. Do you want to play some catch? I’d say, bring it on,” he said.

Smith said she later moved back to South Bend but they still saw each other at family gatherings or visits in LaPorte.

Even in her 70s, Smith said the balls she threw him never touched the ground.

“She was such a young spirit.

Humble. She was a great friend.

A great friend,” he said.

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

SPORTS From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

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hank you, Theo. Even though there were some bumps along the road, you did a fabulous job. Under your direction, the Cubs finally shed their lovable losers image and became champions. Under your leadership, the ballpark was saved, the neighborhood was transformed, and best of all, the team became winners. When you arrived nine years ago, everything was a mess. At that time, you told us that ten years was about as long as a person could be really effective in a job, because after that people need a new voice. Nine years later, you left so that the people that would be here for the next ten years could begin rebuilding for the future. You are assured of a place on the Cubs’ Mount Rushmore.

As important as turning the Cubs into winners, you did it with men who were classy. My favorites in the class department are Rizzo, Lester, Hayward, Ross, and Zobrist. On the field they were joined by Bryant, Baez, Schwarber, Contreras, Darvish, and Hendricks. I miss Joe Maddon and Dexter Fowler and wish that Gleyber Torres, Eloy Jimenez, Dylan Cease, and others didn’t have to be traded. You all have changed me. I went from a Cub fan to a proud Cub fan.

Good luck to all of you in the future and congratulations on a job well done.

The ball in squarely in Jed Hoyer’s court.

He has been Theo’s right hand man and general manager for the last nine years and I’m confident he will continue to

maintain the team’s excellence. There will probably be a lot of changes in the near future, but before you know it Cub fans will be celebrating again. I can hardly wait for this pandemic to end and I can return to Wrigley Field...which, by the way, just became a National Historic Landmark.

The Bears had their bye this week, and they were terrible last Monday night, so I won’t spend much time on them this week, but... the Packers, Vikings, and Lions all lost on Sunday, so maybe the season isn’t over yet. I’m hoping that Mitch Trubisky returns to the starting lineup next Sunday night and the Bears beat the Packers. If that happens, the last five weeks of the season could be exciting.

Finally, the Bulls draft pick, Patrick Williams from Florida State, kind of came out of left field, but I think he’s going to be great. He’s only nineteen but he’s a great athlete who likes to play defense and has an NBA body already. I believe he will help this year and blossom into a star in the near future. For the first time in a long time, Bulls fans are looking forward to the season and hoping to make the playoffs.

Carl Buechner said, “They may forget what you said but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Happy birthday Sue, we sure do miss you. Stay safe. Be kind. Have fun. Happy Thanksgiving.

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

9

Local Rebecca Dewey Chapter raising funds for ‘Wreaths Across America’

F

rOM OCT. 26 TO NOV.

WILL BE COLLECTING FUNDS UP TO

26, VOLUNTEERS FROM COLUMBIA FALLS, MAINE, TO THREE OAKS HAVEBEENFUNDRAISING

TUESDAY, DEC. 15.

TOENSURETHATALLVETERANSAT FORTCUSTERNATIONALCEMETERY ARE HONORED THIS DECEMBER. THE REBECCA DEWEY CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION (NS-DAR) IS WORKING HARD TO ENSURE THAT ALL VETERANS LAID TORESTATFORTCUSTERNATIONAL CEMETERY HERE IN SOUTHERN MICHIGAN ARE HONORED THIS DECEMBER ON THE NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA DAY. THIS YEAR, THE CEREMONY WILL BEHELDSIMULTANEOUSLYACROSS THE COUNTRY AT MORE THAN 2,100 PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS SATURDAY, DEC. 19. THE GOAL IS TO PLACEALIVE,BALSAMFIRVETERAN’S WREATH AT THE HEADSTONE OF EVERY VETERAN BURIED THERE, WHICH WILL SPREAD PATRIOTISM AND ENSURE THAT NO ONE IS FORGOTTEN. LOCALLY, THE REBECCA DEWEY CHAPTER NS-DAR IS FUNDING TOSPONSORWREATHSNEEDEDTO HONOR EVERY VETERAN AT FORT CUSTERNATIONALCEMETERY.EACH WREATH SPONSORSHIP COST $15.

THECHAPTERISNOTONLYRAISING MONEY TO PUT WREATHS ON

NATIONAL WREATH ACROSS AMERICA DAY IS A FREE, NONPOLITICAL EVENT OPEN TO ALL PEOPLE. IT IS A 501(C)3 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION FOUNDED TO CONTINUE TO AND EXPEND THE ANNUALWREATH-LAYINGCEREMONY ATARLINGTONNATIONALCEMETERY BEGUNBYMORRILLWORCESTER,A MAINE BUSINESSMAN, IN 1992.

THE ORGANIZATION’S MISSION, REMEMBER, HONOR, AND TEACH, ISCARRIEDOUTINPARTEACHYEAR BYCOORDINATINGWREATH-LAYING CEREMONIES IN DECEMBER IN ARLINGTON, AS WELL AS AT MORE THAN1,400VETERAN’SCEMETERIES AND OTHER LOCATIONS IN ALL 50 STATES AND BEYOND. “EVERYDONATIONANDWREATH SPONSORSHIPAREAMEANINGFUL GIFTFROMAGRATEFULAMERICAN WHO KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS TO SERVE AND SACRIFICE FOR THE FREEDOM WE ALL ENJOY,” KAREN WORCESTOR,EXECUTIVEDIRECTOR OF WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA, SAID.“WEARESOGRATEFULTOTHE REBECCA DEWEY CHAPTER, NSDAR OF THREE OAKS, MICHIGAN, FORPARTICIPATINGINOURMISSION TO REMEMBER, HONOR, AND TEACH.” THOSEWHOWOULDLIKEFURTHER

VETERAN’SGRAVES,BUTAPORTION

INFORMATIONONHOWTODONATE

OFTHEPROCEEDSWILLBEDONATED

SHOULDCONTACTSANDYWILHOIT,

TOTHELOCALBLUESTARMOTHERS

REBECCA DEWEY NS-DAR, AT

GROUP AND A LOCAL VETERAN’S

SSWILHOIT@AOL.COM. — STAFF

GROUP.MEMBERSOFTHECHAPTER

REPORTS

A billion dollars, it has to be there. That’s our number, a billion, straight out of the gate.

And you don’t even have to give it to me all up front. Give us $100 mil over 10 years.”

— LaVar Ball

www.newbuffalotimes.com

10 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Dear Berrien County Chiropractic Care Neuropathy Treatment 20 years experience

Massage Massage Therapy Therapy Membership Discounts Membership Discounts Licensed Therapists Licensed Therapists

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AN OPEN LETTER IS ISSUED TO RESIDENTS REGARDING COVID-19

T

C H EC K O U T O U R NE W LO C AT I O N IN SOUTH BEND

2 3 1 S . M I C H I G A N S T, S O U T H B E ND, I N 4 6 6 0 1 F I ND U S O N I N S TAG R A M & FAC E B O O K ! @ T H E E A R LY B I R D E AT E RY W W W.T H E E A R LY B I R D E AT E RY.CO M

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CMYK / .ai

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CMYK / .ai

he following letter, dated Thursday, Nov. 19, was recently issued by leaders from business, government, nonprofit organizations, public health, and health care across the area to resident of Berrien County with regards to coming together to fight COVID-19: Dear fellow Berrien County residents: Together we represent businesses, nonprofit organizations, public health, local government, and health care organizations that collectively employ thousands of Berrien County residents.

But today, we write to you as fellow Berrien County citizens, as your friends and neighbors.

We write as people who care for this community and for the health and safety of all our residents. We believe we can all work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the impact this pandemic is having on individuals, families, and our local businesses.

New COVID-19 cases in Berrien County are 9-fold higher than they were six weeks ago. Case counts are now doubling every 10 to 14 days demonstrating the exponential growth of how a virus spreads.

Our health care system predicts exceeding surge capacity within the next two to three weeks if these trends do not reverse. The window of time for assisting our health care heroes to continue operating within their capacity is growing smaller by the day. Our health care system is struggling to keep staff members healthy, and testing and other supplies are beginning to dwindle nationwide. Staying safe will help

our hospitals maintain manageable capacity during the surge.

As we head into this holiday season, we must remain committed to reducing the spread of COVID-19 however we can. Health officials encourage reconsidering plans for gathering with more than two households. COVID-19 will not take a break for the season and neither can we. We all have a shared responsibility to wear masks, maintain social distance, and sanitize hands and surfaces.

While we are masked and socially distant, we also need to continue to support our local businesses by ordering takeout meals, shopping local, and continuing to do business with local service providers.

Businesses in Berrien County have implemented several innovative measures to ensure that customers and staff are well protected while maintaining daily operations.

We believe in the creativity and ingenuity of our business owners to make it through tough times, in our mutual commitment to one another’s health and wellbeing, and in the resilience of our residents.

Our response is more effective if we are united in our efforts to face this virus together. Our collective action can control the severity of COVID-19; with immediate action we can help save lives and keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed, allow our schools to remain open, and keep workers employed. As we continue to battle this pandemic, we ask that you join us in making short-term sacrifices for the longterm vision of a stronger, healthier community and economy here in Michigan’s Great Southwest.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020 11

ORNAMENTS • CANDLES • HOLIDAY WALL ART STOCKING STUFFERS GALORE

AS ALWAYS, STRANGE AND WONDERFUL THINGS

www.newbuffalotimes.com

12 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

REAL ESTATE LAKE FRONT

Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.

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© 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 26, 2020 13

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www.newbuffalotimes.com

14 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

The Kankakee Grille Open at Four Winds New Buffalo

T

he Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and its Four Winds Casinos is pleased to announce that the Kankakee Grille will open at Four Winds New Buffalo is now open.

According to a press release, the Kankakee Grille features a diverse menu of comfort food with a modern twist, including hearth baked pizzas, soups and salads, and hometown favorites along with craft beers and specialty cocktails.

The Kankakee Live stage will offer a variety of live music and entertainment, with the full schedule available on the Four Winds Casinos website. The Kankakee Grille also features comfortable outdoor seating as well as access to the Four Winds New Buffalo pool bar. It is in the same location as the Hard Rock Cafe, which closed in October.

“The Kankakee Grille has been a favorite destination among guests at Four Winds South Bend since the property opened in 2018, and we are thrilled to bring it to New Buffalo,” said Frank

Freedman, chief operating officer of Four Winds Casinos, in a press release. “Our team has once again done an exceptional job in creating an original dining experience that is unique to Four Winds.”

Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council chairman and CEO of the Pokagon Gaming Authority, added, “Since Four Winds New Buffalo opened 13 years ago, we have continually strived to exceed the expectations of our guests. The Pokagon Band is very proud of the work by our Casino Operations Team to develop and establish the Kankakee Grille. We have no doubt it will be well received by our guests that visit Four Winds New Buffalo.”

The Kankakee Grille New Buffalo will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, with the bar open until 10 p.m. and from noon to 10 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, with the bar open until 11 p.m. More information is available at www.fourwindscasino.com/ newbuffalo/dining/kankakee-grille-nb.

— STAFF REPORTS

REST IN PEACE

SCRUFFY

THE FAITHFUL NEWS HOUND

30 N Whittaker St Deli by day

Open 6 days om davidsdeliandcoffee.com

LOCAL TREASURES WILL BE SHARED IN FRIENDS OF LIBRARY PRESENTATION

30 N Whittaker St Bar by night

Monthly pickup dates thefalsefrontbar.com

D

etails on plant and animal species that call Berrien County home will be shared during a Friends of New Buffalo Library Zoom presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, featuring Ryan Postema, executive vice president of Chikaming Open Lands.

Postema will discuss the wide range of ecosystems, from prairies and wetlands to forests and dunes, that provide the habitat for an abundance of unique, rare and protected plants and animals. He also will share what is being done to help preserve these species and their habitats.

For log-in information for the Dec. 8 program, check the events section of the New Buffalo Township Library’s website or Facebook page or email new. buffalo.fol@gmail.com. — STAFF REPORTS

OBITUARIES

Allen Edward Backus

A

1953-2020

llen Edward Backus, 67, of Three Oaks, died Thursday, November 19, 2020 in his home.

He was born September 28, 1953 in Niles, Michigan the second child born to Melvin Sr. and Lois Backus.

He married Sandra Gilley May 18, 1974, from which their son Dustin “Dusty” Backus was born.

Allen lived his life to the fullest.

30 N Whittaker St He cherished his granddaughters Bar by night immensely. He loved animals and had many over the years. He had a quick wit and awesome sense of humor. As hard as it was to live with him, it will be harder living without him.

Allen was a 1972 graduate of New Buffalo High School. After high school, he served in the United Monthly pickup dates States Marine Reserves from 1973 thefalsefrontbar.com to 1979. He was a member of the

Berrien County Sheriff’s Posse, Mounted Division from 1981 to 1983.

He was also a member of the Randall Couchman American Legion Post #204 in Three Oaks. Allen retired from Bosch in Stevensville after working with them for several years.

Allen will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by one son, Dustin (Emily Horvath) Backus of Sawyer; his mother, Lois Backus of Three Oaks; five granddaughters, Ellie, Bella, Presley, Kinsley, and Brynn all of Sawyer; one sister, Joyce (Jim) Yech of Bridgman; one brother, Melvin (Angela) Backus, Jr. of Three Oaks; one uncle, Leo Backus of Niles; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father.

The family will observe a private remembrance.

Mr. Backus will be laid to rest in Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City, Indiana.

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

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020 15

HOR0SCOPE

N0VEMBER 26-DECEMBER 2, 2020 AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

Any limitations you are experiencing you are likely imposing on yourself. If you want to experience more freedom of expression, then you have to make it happen. The fear of not being physically appealing or that others don’t want to share things with you may be at the root of your reservations.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

There is a lot of sensitivity around home and family commitments this week. Your sense of obligation may be challenged or an outright denial by others will challenge your ideas surrounding the role you assume in your family. The real issue is linked to your need to outshine the competition.

You are very sensitive to women and issues surrounding motherhood.

There is a strong intuitive vibe around you now, and you seem to know when others need help or support. If you start to feel like someone needs assistance, reach out to them. Perhaps, a simple text will be all they need.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Relationships may feel a bit painful now and there’s a good possibility some tears will be shed over the sense of separation from loved ones, but this is giving you the opportunity to clear out past commitments and start fresh. The real issue is your own feelings of not being loved or accepted.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

Being overly passive in relationships may have consequences this week. If you don’t speak up people will overstep or assume you are taking responsibility when things don’t go their way. Be sure you are communicating directly and openly, to guarantee you won’t be misunderstood.

You may be relying too much on the opinions of others and could be overly sensitive to what social media outlets say now. Their validations or lack thereof may disappoint you. In response you might smother others in the hopes of feeling needed. The key to happiness is not giving a …

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

You may feel very restricted by the guidelines you have to follow within a certain group or network.

Work past restrictions by dealing with people one on one, rather than dealing with things over social media or in the public eye. The key to healing is to make peace in your relationships.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 It will be easy for you to spend money to feel better this week. Retail therapy might be good for buying presents, but is it really how you want to deal with not feeling valued personally? Just because you buy expensive gift for others, it does not mean they will give you more affection.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

Get out there and enjoy your life more. There is a lot of spontaneous options opening up but you need to go for them. This is a great week to incorporate interesting options into your agendas. The doors of perception open when you’re laughing and having fun.

This is a very abundant time for Scorpio and your manifesting powers are at an all-time high. Be sure you are using this gift wisely by spreading love and good cheer, rather than engaging competitive activities or aggressive dialogue. You are sensitive to any talk about your image or personal style.

Get out of your comfort zone and approach authority figures. Don’t wait for problems to arise or financial obligations to increase to motivate you to reach out to bosses or higherups. If you make the first move, they will be more open to your opinions and ideas.

Questions of value and self-worth could keep you up worrying this week. You may feel like people don’t value your hard work or don’t see how much effort you are putting forth. The key to overcoming these insecurities is learning to love yourself more and taking more pride in your talents.

I don’t design clothes, I design dreams.

— Ralph Lauren

www.newbuffalotimes.com

16 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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.

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

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Call Diane 219-344-2265

Use of pipe alleged in grandmother beating

A

BY STAN MADDUX

Michigan City area man allegedly used a pipe in the beating of his 93-year-old grandmother.

Cylis Tursi, 21, was charged last Thursday in LaPorte Circuit Court with two counts of level 5 felony domestic battery.

He was already charged with criminal recklessness and pointing a firearm, both level 6 felonies, for allegedly firing gunshots at his mother the day prior to the Oct. 23 beating.

According to court documents, Turski asked his grandmother for money to purchase a vehicle to replace the one involved in a recent crash.

After his request was turned down, he began striking the woman with his hands and a pipe over various parts of her body, court records disclosed.

Police said it appears the beating lasted for hours until the woman managed to call her daughter for help.

LaPorte County Police responded to the home in the 8600 block of W. 200 North.

A strategy for preventing further injury was developed before officers while approaching spotted Tursi outside a door.

A bean bag round fired from a gun stunned Tursi long enough to be safely taken into custody.

Police said the badly bruised and bloodied woman was taken to the hospital but her injuries were not believed life threatening.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

I

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2020 17

PUBLIC NOTICES

by invitation only

A PLEASANT SUNDAY FOR AN UNCOMMON OLD MAN

VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH

BY LAWRENCE VON EBELER

t was a wild and crazy Sunday for an uncommon old man.

I was picked up by a friend to go to our Converge Church services on the cold, very wintry day. I dressed extra warm and did not wear a tie as usual, but instead I wore a wool red and black plaid pull-over shirt from New Zealand, and my 25-year-old red Polo Indian blanket coat (which is very warm). I slid into his classic Audi TT sport car that he just purchased from someone in Texas. The car is 20 years old and in cherry condition and has only 20,000 miles on it (the only problem with it being the physical challenge of getting in and out of it since the car is so low and small, but it’s well worth the trouble for an uncommon old man).

In church, we sat with our masks on and at least 6 feet away from the nearest person. I sat at the front of the church as usual. I like the chairs with arms for getting up and down for the various hymns and prayer requests. Also, I love being near the piano with Cindy’s magnificent voice! I tend to go to sleep much too often. One time, when Pastor Jeff’’s microphone squawked very loudly, he said, “Well, that ought to wake up Larry!” The entire congregation laughed over that. I grinned and waved, red-faced.

I am still unable to say that my nodding off ended with that incident.

After this Sunday’s service, I went to Pastor Jeff, who was standing near the alter with a rusty, old bucket on it.

I asked him: “What is the bucket for?”

He replied that it was a prop for a point he was making in the sermon,

where he burned a dollar bill and dropped it into the bucket. Before he answered, I realized that I had inadvertently exposed the fact that I was sleeping through one of his always inspirational sermons - again. (“Open mouth, remove foot…”)

After the service we went for brunch at Jacki’s, which is always a nice treat.

I had my usual eggs Benedict, which is phenomenal. I also ate my friend’s thick toast, with lemon puree jam, and blueberry preserves on the side (with extra butter - it was delicious).

His wife gave me half of her blueberry waffle order, plus all of her sausage patties. I got a carryout box for all of that. I have no pride, none.

When the server came to the table with the bill, he announced that Jacki was selling her fudge (so delicious) for $14 a pound, with all of the proceeds going to “Meals on Wheels,” which has been faced with a tremendous demand since the pandemic began. My friend gave the server $20, but told him to keep the fudge. Well ’Ol Big Mouth Piggie piped right up and said: “I’ll take the fudge!” And I did, and it’s delicious.

Again, I have no personal pride.

O

n the way home through New Buffalo, we decided to go to see the 20-foot high waves we had heard about. We parked literally on the beach and took in nature’s wrath and swore that the waves were like a Tsunami crashing into the shore line.

I’m sure the beachfront homeowners

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were going berserk. We will pray for them.

Resuming our trip, we made it home to my modest little abode, which is sort of a pain to get to as the Red Arrow road construction makes the short route miserable to drive through with all of the barrels and cones that swerve back and forth in a really maze-like configuration. They are reducing the four lanes down to three, with the alleged rationale being that it will make for a safer left-hand turn.

Finally, we arrived at my beautiful little three acres of heaven. It may be a little rough around the edges, but it’s home to me, and my sweet new, runaway dog that I adopted from the Michiana Humane Society, who is a wire-haired Dachshund mix with giant ears that stand up straight from his little head, is always at the door to greet me. Thank you, Johanna (MHS executive director) for my doggie! He was the only small dog that they had and she didn’t remember she had him until the attendant piped up and reminded her of my Roscoe. He is notably the first dog that I’ve had all of my life that was not a Lhasa Apso. I had six of them and had to have the last one put to sleep. I got Roscoe the same day, knowing that I’d be so despondent without a dog to love.

My Harry II was honored appropriately with a Celebration of Life, with prayers, entertainment, hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails There truly isn’t any place like home sweet home and a dog greeting you at the door.... At least, for an uncommon old man.

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