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LIFE IN NATURE ON LAKE MICHIGAN

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 40, volume 85

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Thursday, October 8, 2026

Workshop addresses housing needs in the township PAGE 6 Longtime crafter Joan Putzke gears up for final ‘Arts and Crafts Show’ PAGE 8

Local legend reflects on career in major leagues and NBA PAGE 18

MAY PEACE BE WITH YOU...

PETS RECEIVE THEIR BLESSING IN HONOR OF ST. FRANCIS — PAGE 10 —

2 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 2

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This month, we’re honoring all the women who have fought the devastating effects of breast cancer. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As we observe this important time of year, we reflect on the impact this disease has on the lives of women in Michigan and all across America. We remember and honor these women, their families, and all those they love. Our staff members at all Starks Family Funeral Homes are wearing pink to support those who survived, and more importantly, to honor those who did not. We’ve seen firsthand the terrible effects of breast cancer among members of our own families. That has committed us to raising awareness and money to find a cure for a disease that strikes one in every eight women in our country. We hope you’ll join us in honoring and remembering breast cancer victims and survivors. And we hope you’ll contribute to the research that seeks to end its devastating effects on our wives, mothers, sisters, and daughters. Tom Starks, Owner

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Spotlight of success shining on La Porte

he City of La Porte has been named Indiana’s “Community of the Year.” The award from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce was in recognition of the city’s commitment to strengthen the local economy, enhance quality of life for residents and create pathways to prosperity for local businesses. Among the other factors cited were new housing to support local workforce growth, ongoing efforts to revitalize downtown and surrounding neighborhoods along with collaboration leading up to a Microsoft data center now under construction. “Its momentum is evident across nearly every measure that matters to community and economic vitality,” said Indiana Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders. She said the city also keeps investing in experiences that build pride and connection, like special events, public

BY STAN MADDUX

of setting high expectations, competing with the best and expecting to win. “That mindset pushes us to think bigger, work harder and look for opportunities to move our city forward,” he said.

art, parks and place-making. During the Oct. 1 announcement at City Hall, Mayor Tom Dermody said his administration since he was elected in 2020 has operated under the goals

he city was also credited with building partnerships such as the one with Microsoft that will bring millions of dollars annually in additional property tax revenue into the city and school corporation along with future careers in the technology sector and significant construction activity over the decade it takes to complete the data center. “As a team, we’ve hung our hat on the message and mindset that La Porte is the place to be. This designation reinforces that ideal and recognizes our position as a community that is making big moves. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about the future as we continue to build on this momentum,” Dermody said. LaPorte officials will receive the honor at the Indiana Chamber’s 37th Annual Awards Dinner on Nov. 5 in Indianapolis.

Masayoshi Son announced a hundred trillion self-replicating selfevolving AI agents will be born and that they will self-evolve. On Earth humans have stood at the Top of all life. Is the age of human supremacy over, or did we just leap fast forward? — Dino N. Fatouros

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Local Government Meetings

SONGWRITER BARBARA GRAFF’S ‘ON MY OWN’ RECEIVES NEW LIFE IN COVER RELEASE BY ERICA NICOLE

New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO VANCE PRICE, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL MARK ROBERTSON, ROGER LIJEWSKI, KAREN GEAR, RICH KNOLL, VANCE PRICE City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD HOWARD MALES, MICHELLE HEIT, MICHELLE HANNON, PATTY IAZZETTO, BARBARA ANDERSON Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 4PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM SHERIFF BERRIEN COUNTY Sheriff, Chuck Heit Undersheriff, Greg Sanders NEW BUFFALO AREA RECREATIONAL AUTHORITY Meets at 9AM on the 2nd Wednesday of every other month (odd) at New Buffalo Township Hall, 17425 Red Arrow Highway New Buffalo NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD LISA WERNER, JOHN HASKINS, DENISE CHURCHILL, JENNIFER SUMMERS, VANESSA THUN, STEPHEN DONNELLY, GREG VOSBERG The Board meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 6PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, ARTHUR ANDERSON Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH Meets on the 3rd Wednesday at 5PM EST KIMBERLY WOLNIK, CLERK-TREASURER HARRY WALDER, JACK GRACE, ED SEBASTIAN, PETER DOERR, EDWARD BRANDES MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

Work begins on Harbor Country Drive

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ork began on Harbor Country Drive in New Buffalo Township

Thursday, Oct. 1. Per a Berrien County Road Department press release, Harbor Country Drive will be resurfaced and milled and will receive a two-inch hot mix asphalt (HMA) overlay between the New Buffalo City limits and north of I-94. As of Monday, Oct. 5, paving has been completed.

Weather permitting, contractors anticipate work to be completed this month. Harbor County Drive will have intermittent lane closures between the city limits and north of I-94 during construction. Expect possible travel delays until construction has been completed. Drivers should anticipate lane closure and traffic controlled by flaggers and remember to reduce speeds when traveling through work zones. Watch out for construction workers and equipment.

Suffering becomes beautiful when anyone bears great calamities with cheerfulness, not through insensibility but through greatness of mind. — Aristotle

ianist and songwriter Barbara Graff is proud to announce the release of “On My Own,” a cover of her original song recorded and released by Nashville Female Country Artist of the Year Erica Nicole. The recording is available now on all major streaming platforms. Listeners can stream Erica Nicole’s version of “On My Own” at On My Own as recorded by Erica Nicole “On My Own” is a song about recovery in the triumphant sense. It is a song about the messy, unglamorous, deeply human act of getting up anyway. Graff channeled that resilience into a piece of songwriting that is, at its core, about survival and the kind of love that looks like forward motion. “There is something surreal and humbling about hearing a song you wrote in a quiet moment suddenly living in someone else’s voice,” she said. “Hearing the amazing vocalist Erica Nicole, Artist of the Year in Nashville, give that song new life — to know it might reach someone who needs to channel those same emotions — is everything I could have hoped for as a writer,” Graff added. Nicole’s country interpretation of Graff’s pop song, “On My Own,” brings a distinct artistic sensibility to the material, honoring the emotional core of the original while making the song unmistakably her own. Through her incredible vocal performance and the excellent production by Kent Wells (who produced for Dolly Parton for years and has produced many other Nashville stars), Nicole transforms the intimacy of Graff’s songwriting into something that feels both personal and expansive — a testament to the way a well-crafted song can speak across different voices, perspectives, and lived experiences. The result is a recording that stands on its own merits while deepening the emotional resonance of the original composition. “I hope that whoever finds this song, finds something in it they can hold onto — whatever they’re moving through. That’s all I ever wanted ‘On My Own’ to do,” Graff said. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Workshop addresses housing needs in the township BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

fforts to address housing in New Buffalo Township were kicked off at a housing workshop at the New Buffalo Township Public Safety Building Tuesday, Sept. 29. Flywheel Community Development Services Founder Ryan Kilpatrick addressed issues that could be driving housing shortages not just in the township but across the country. While houses with plenty of bedrooms exist in Michigan, older, empty nester adults who may want to sell, refinance or downsize might not have incentive to do so, as the mortgage rate from when they first bought the home has increased from around 3% to today’s 7%. This affects younger adults who want to start families and available housing options. “We have this mismatch between housing that actually exists and housing we actually need,” he said. People in certain professions, such as EMTs, who Kilpatrick said make around $40,000 to $50,000 starting out and can afford generally around $1,000 a month in rent, may have difficulty finding a place to afford to live at that price point. The median sale price of houses in the township is now closer to $680,000. Kilpatrick said the 2026 Berrien County Housing Needs Assessment conducted by Bowen National Research in partnership with Cornerstone Alliance studied all rental units in the county and found that, out of all 5,000 across the county, only 32 are available. He added that the supply and demand model was also at play: Employers have available job openings at any given time, with possibly thousands of workers competing for potentially 32 available units. If there are thousands of people competing for only 32 rental units, Kilpatrick said, landlords will raise the prices. “If I’m just trying to make ends meet and this is my way of producing a living for my family, if I can raise the rent I might,” Kilpatrick said. When there isn’t enough housing for upperand middle-income households, “they are going to outcompete our lower income households,” Kilpatrick said. The study also gathered information about short-term rentals: 54% of homes in the township don’t have year-round households

living in them, with 55% of homes not having year-round households in the nearby city. In the county, it’s 20% and in the state, it’s 12%. While Kilpatrick said people buying or building a home for the sole purpose of turning it into an STR happens on a regular basis, there is currently no law in Michigan that prohibits this from occurring. Local units of government can regulate how homes are used. Noting that the construction of starter homes at scale stopped around 2007 due to the foreclosure crisis, Kilpatrick said that the township could consider allowing people to start out with a smaller unit on a smaller lot, with the potential to add onto it later. “As we move forward, what we want to be doing is thinking about what is a regulatory environment that supports more choices – the question is are there choices that make sense for other households and should we allow those to occur in some places, not everywhere; where it makes sense?” Kilpatrick said. He added that they then could consider incentives that are necessary “make that truly affordable to the workplace.” Regulating use, such as not allowing STRs in every district, is also an option; however, it needs to be adopted as a local ordinance. Looking at the standards in the zoning ordinance and deciding if they’re needed in some parts of the township might be necessary, Kilpatrick said. New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit said the workshop’s purpose was to start the conversation regarding housing and shortterm rentals in the township. Antero Group is conducting a lodging survey, which can be found through a link on New Buffalo Township’s Facebook. The Planning Commission has been working on a proposed updated Master Plan, which addresses housing, with Heit adding that they’re “trying to lay the groundwork for some different types of housing as well.” “We’re trying to take all the steps, we’re trying to hear from you, and we’re trying to make good decisions,” she said. The proposed Master Plan, which is required to be updated every five years, will be available for public review on the township website, and a public hearing will also be held in the future.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

First baseball players signed by Quillbacks BY STAN MADDUX

he first three players have been signed by a team from New Buffalo joining a summer league of major league baseball prospects. One of them is Rob Czarniecki, an outfielder from Chesterton viewed as one of the top players in the state. “As an outfielder, he brings a rare combination of speed, strength and instincts to the field. Rob has the ability to impact the game in so many ways,” said Tracy Woodson, a former major league player and manager of the team, the Dune Coast Quillbacks. Czarniecki is committed to playing baseball at the University of Kentucky. The Quillbacks also signed TJ Woodson, the manager’s son and shortstop at the University of Baylor. “Defensively, he is reliable, instinctive and makes the game look easy. Offensively, TJ uses the entire field, controls the strike zone and consistently puts the ball in play,” he said. The other player signed is Clay Hartje, a catcher out of Johns Hopkins University. Woodson likes his proven experience behind the plate and quality left-handed swing in the line-up. “He understands the game, competes every inning and gives you a tough, experienced at-bat,” he said. Beginning in 2027, the Quillbacks will play at New Buffalo High School on a field that recently had lights

installed for night games during the season from late May to mid-August. Grandstand seating for about 500 people is also in the process of being added on a field featuring a highquality artificial turf infield and natural grass similar to what’s used in several major league stadiums in the outfield. The season will consist of 80 games with half of the games played at home against teams in the Northwoods League. The league with 26 teams from throughout the Midwest and Canada is known for developing elite college baseball talent. More than 400 players in the league since it was established 33 years ago have advanced to major league teams. The players include three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, former Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale and Nico Hoerner, the current second baseman for the Chicago Cubs.

he Quillbacks are hoping to draw fans as far north as St. Joseph and Benton Harbor in Michigan and to the south and west in Indiana from communities like LaPorte, Michigan City, Chesterton and Valparaiso. The team’s primary owners are Brian Williams, a scout from the Texas Rangers, and Tom Rowland, a former college baseball player who played in a similar league out east. Both men are currently residents of New Buffalo.

WITH HONORS

Pat Fisher, president of Harbor Country Hikers, was honored by the Grand Beach Village Council on Sept. 17, 2026. Pat worked with the Village on a volunteer basis to map and design a trail signage system for their 50-acre Grand Beach Nature Preserve. He received a plaque recognizing his substantial contributions, along with a standing ovation from residents at the ceremony. Pictured from right to left: Pat Fisher, Peter Doerr, Village Council Member, Harry Walder, Village Council President, and Gary Kagan. — PHOTO PROVIDED BY KIMBERLY WOLNIK

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Longtime crafter Joan Putzke gears up for final ‘Arts and Crafts Show’

ALLEGED DRUNK DRIVER COLLIDES WITH BY FRANCESCA SAGALA AMBULANCEALLEGED ince 1987, Joan Putzke has been selling her variety Putzke said she sells her items at The Hidden Gem in DRUNK DRIVER of handcrafted items at the New Buffalo Service downtown New Buffalo, a gift store in Iowa and has had a COLLIDES WITH League Arts and Crafts Show. request from one in Missouri. Now, she’s getting items ready for her final one For about 15 years, she’s made laundry bags in school AMBULANCE

next weekend before she moves to Oklahoma to be closer to her children. The 43rd annual fair will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at New Buffalo High School, 1112 E Clay Street, Oct.17. With over 100 talented vendors, the show features an array of handmade treasures—from cozy clothing and unique home décor to dazzling jewelry and delicious specialty foods. Guests can also stock up on mouthwatering homemade treats at the bake sale and swing by the cafeteria for a hearty breakfast or lunch, including the League’s famous apple slices. Admission is $2. Proceeds from the show support local scholarships and community needs. While the fair now extends to two gyms, the cafeteria and the rotunda, Putzke said she remembers when it filled “every nook and cranny” of the downstairs cafeteria in the former middle/high school on Whittaker Street. “It was a very awkward setup because we couldn’t have our own tables - the cafeteria had stationary tables and they had little stools, like an old-time counter, so you had to arrange all your wears around that,” she said. Then it moved to the Slater Gym until moving to the new school on Clay Street, where it “got bigger.” Putzke said she only missedr two shows: one when her son was running in a race, although her items were still there and the year the show was cancelled due to Covid. Putzke, who started sewing her own clothes when she was 15, said she tries to sew every day. She sells a variety of sewing items at the show every year: pillows, aprons and children’s clothing, as well as purses and tote bags. This year, she’ll be selling her Christmas tree pillows and her newest item: paperless paper towels, which are soft, two-ply flannel towels that can fit on a paper towel roll and be washed with dish towels.

olice say a La Porte man was colors for graduating seniors, which are placed in laundry driving impaired when he caused baskets full of items and given to the League’s annual a collision with an ambulance scholarship recipients. It was something that Putzke started containing a patient. doing years before joining the League. Jack Parker, 64, is charged in La “After my own children graduated from high school, we Porte Superior Court 3 with Class had so many invitations to parties that I started doing it A misdemeanor operating while then and I made a little kit - soap and a roll of quarters and intoxicated. According to La Porte Police, the the dryer sheet and then the laundry bag in their school investigation shows the ambulance colors,” she said, adding that some still have them. Today, the League gives around eight scholarships to on Sept. 30 had its lights and siren activated while transporting an 80-yearseniors, six of which are theirs and two others that are paid ols man experiencing trouble breathing for by other families. It all began with the Maryann Frey to Northwest Health. Scholarship, which was named in memory of Maryanne Police said the ambulance was Frey, a valedictorian at New Buffalo High School who wasturning from Lincolnway onto Tyler St. killed three weeks before graduation after an automobile when Parker pulled into the path of the rig, which broadsided his 2021 Toyota accident in May 1962. Corolla. Smaller ones were added through the years, including the Irene Brinkman scholarship, named after longtime member Showing signs of impairment, Parker told investigators he was heading home and craft show chair Irene Brinkman. from Walmart after consuming four beers, police said. utzke said she’s sat on the committee to choose His alleged blood alcohol level was each scholarship’s recipient. The scholarships .115%. go toward students’ college educations as well as Police said there were no injuries. trade schools. Parker was also cited for failure to Having been part of the League since 2007, yield the right of way to an emergency Putzke said she’s participated in many service projects, such vehicle. as contributing personal items for baskets for women on During his initial court hearing on Mother’s Day, Berrien County Cancer Service’s Pennies forFriday, Oct. 2, the judge took under advisement, a request from his defense Patients fundraiser and supporting sports teams. Being a vendor at the Arts and Crafts Show will always attorney that would allow Parker to drive with an ignition interlock device have a special place in her heart, though. installed on his vehicle until the case is “I’ve often said that I would rent the space bring a rocking resolved. chair and just be there because it’s such a great day - you Such devices don’t let engines start if get to see people that you haven’t seen in a long time,” shealcohol is detected in a driver’s breath. said. — STAN MADDUX

Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity. — Lou Holtz

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

LaPorte County 4-H DISPO GOES From the Bleachers PINK: SIX youth tops in food MICHIGAN collection statewide STORES COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

BY STAN MADDUX

outh in 4-H in LaPorte County raised more food for the needy than any other participating 4-H program in the state. The over 23,000 pounds of food collected by 4-H’ers during the LaPorte County Fair in July was about 5,000 pounds more than the secondplace finisher, the 4-H youth from downstate Miami County. Youth in 4-H from 40 counties took part in the annual “Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer” challenge presented by Farm Credit Mid-America and sponsored by Rural 1st. “That’s a pretty good haul for all of our local food banks,” said Brett Kessler, treasurer of the LaPorte County Fair Board. About half of the food was in the form of one-pound packages of ground beef from animals shown by 4-H’ers during the fair and sold during the livestock auction at the fair to individuals and organizations donating them to the cause. Kessler said the meat came from 19 goats, 24 lambs, four steers, 18 hogs and over 90 chickens. “I think everybody was really happy about the effort that went into it, and I think the 4-H’ers are proud of their hard work,” he said. The remainder of the food was in the form of canned goods and other non-perishable items set inside donation containers placed throughout the fairgrounds and from companies making sizable edible contributions. One of the leaders of the winning effort was Kelsey Guadarrama, an educator at the Purdue Extension branch in LaPorte County. “I was really excited,” is how she described her reaction when learning about the first-place statewide finish. In the same competition last year, the LaPorte County 4-H’ers raised more than 9,500 pounds of food and just over 13,000 pounds of food in the previous two years combined. Guadarrama said the totals were much higher this year after 4-H youth taking part in the drive set a goal of finishing higher than any other 4-H group in the state. “They were really focused on making sure they reached out to people in the community,” she said.

LAUNCH OCTOBER BREAST CANCER CHARITY

ispo, a Michigan cannabis retailer with six locations across the state, is going pink this October with a month-long breast cancer awareness charity at each of its stores. The “Pink October” campaign features local charity initiatives, special events, and in-store promotions throughout the month at Dispo locations in New Buffalo, Battle Creek, Romeo, Whitmore Lake, Bay City, and Hazel Park. “Breast cancer touches nearly every family — ours, our teams’, and our customers’,” said a Dispo spokesperson. “Pink October is our way of turning a month of great deals into real support for the organizations doing the work in our communities.” Community members can support the cause simply by shopping at any Dispo location during October — a percentage of every purchase will be donated to breast cancer research. About Dispo Dispo is a Michiganlicensed cannabis retailer with locations in New Buffalo, Battle Creek, Romeo, Whitmore Lake, Bay City, and Hazel Park. Must be 21+ to shop.

Three Oaks Spooktacular returns with ‘Out of This World’ Halloween celebration

hree Oaks is preparing for an invasion this Halloween — and everyone is invited. Stroll Three Oaks will present Spooktacular: Out of This World Saturday, Oct. 31, bringing an afternoon and evening of Halloween fun to downtown Three Oaks and Dewey Cannon Park. The free, family-friendly celebration will feature games, treats, prizes, trick-or-treating and a lineup of creative community activities. The main Spooktacular Park Party runs from 4–7 p.m. at Dewey Cannon Park. The Halloween fun begins well before Oct. 31, with the River Valley Schools Scarecrow Challenge, on display Oct. 12–31 throughout downtown Three Oaks. Created by River Valley students, the scarecrows give the community a chance to see the students’ creativity on display and vote for their favorites. The Scarecrow Challenge is sponsored by The Pokagon Fund and is part of Stroll Three Oaks’ effort to engage local students while bringing even more Halloween spirit to the village. In keeping with this year’s “Out of This World” theme, Spooktacular is inviting residents of all ages to get creative and Build Your Own UFO. Participants can create a homemade UFO or spaceship and bring it to Dewey Cannon Park for a special display and judging from 4–6 p.m. Creations can be loaded into the park after noon, with winners announced during Spooktacular. Cash prizes will be awarded. Whether it flies, rolls, glows or simply looks like it arrived from another galaxy, creativity is encouraged. At 5:45 p.m., things get even more

entertaining with The Inflatable Race, a costumed dash — or waddle — from Carver Park to Dewey Cannon Park. Teens and adults will race downtown wearing inflatable costumes while spectators line the route to cheer them on. Prizes will be awarded, and the event is sponsored by The Drawing Room. Spooktacular is part of a full afternoon and evening of Halloween activities around the village. Downtown trick-or-treating runs from 4–6 p.m., while the Spooktacular Park Party continues until 7 p.m. The evening continues at 8 p.m. with Halloween events at several Three Oaks destinations, including a Journeyman Murder Mystery Dinner, Featherbone Halloween Party, and Ghouls

“S

pooktacular is about giving families another reason to come together, have fun and experience the creativity and community spirit that make Three Oaks special,” said David Ball, Stroll board member “From our River Valley students to local businesses, volunteers and neighbors, so many people are helping bring this year’s celebration to life.” Spooktacular and other Stroll Three Oaks community events are made possible through the support of local businesses, organizations, neighbors and visitors. Donations help fund music, activities, decorations and family programming throughout the year. For Spooktacular details, Scarecrow Challenge voting and information about supporting Stroll Three Oaks, visit www. strollthreeoaks.org. — STAFF REPORTS

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10 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Pets receive their blessing in honor of St. Francis

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Francis receives a blessing from Rev. Karen Joy Kelly

Rev. Karen Joy Kelly blesses pets at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator

Dolly explores her world at Paws for Humanity

n honor of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, Oct.4, pets received their annual blessing at a Blessing of the Animals at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Harbert and at Paws for Humanity in Three Oaks Saturday, Oct. 3. The events are done in the tradition of pets and other animals receiving blessings from clergy, which recognizes their importance in people’s lives and in God’s creation. Paws for Humanity also welcomed its newest little blessing: Dolly, the newest Alpaca who was just born and named from visitors’ submissions.

Carolina Horist holds Habibi as she receives her blessing at Paws for Humanity

Father Brian Hasting blesses pets at Paws for Humanity

Rev. Karen Joy Kelly blesses pets at Episcopal Church of the Mediator

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BY GEORGE M. KRUEGER contributor for the Irish as the season ood morning, ladies and gentlemen. Notre Dame progresses. and Miami both took care Meanwhile, the Hurricanes traveled to of business on the gridiron Clemson and secured a dominant 41-13 this Saturday. victory on Saturday night. They also let Notre Dame beat North Carolina their opponent hang around through the 37-26. The game felt a bit like a child first half before tightening the screws playing with their food before finally and pulling away from Clemson for the deciding to eat it. It certainly wasn’t win. their cleanest performance of the Next week, Notre Dame will host year, but the bottom line is to win the Stanford Cardinal in South Bend, and move on, which they did.CJ Carr, while Miami enjoys a well-timed bye Notre Dame’s second-year standout week. Looking ahead to the November quarterback, looked very good and 7 showdown in South Bend, the latest stayed in complete control of the game. ticket prices on StubHub range from Carr—currently one of the favorites for $858 up to $3,715. the Heisman Trophy—completed 21 Yikes! I am afraid those prices will of 29 passes for four touchdowns. The only climb higher the closer we get, other offensive standout was freshman running back Jonaz Walton, who carried provided both teams keep doing what they are supposed to do. the ball 23 times for 120 yards. Walton Until next week, showcased explosive speed and natural power, proving he could be a major Thank you

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OBITUARIES

Dorothy Fay 1929-2026

orothy Fay, 96, of Three Oaks, died peacefully Saturday, September 5, 2026. Her life began November 19, 1929 in Three Oaks, Michigan the third of five children born to Herbert J. and Leila H. Flick. . Dorothy and her husband owned BL Fay Oil Company in Three Oaks. They trailered all over the Unites States, Canada, and Mexico. They took special trips to Hawaii, Alaska, once by cruise and once in their motor home via the AlCan Highway, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tahiti. Dorothy also loved spending time at home in the country

and with family and friends. She was a member of the Eastern Star and Blossomland Fezettes. She also spent 83 years as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of Three Oaks. Dorothy will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her two daughters, Susan Jones, Connie Warnke; one stepdaughter, Nancy (Hans) Heintel; three grandsons, Michael (Christie) Jones, Matthew Jones, and Zachary (Kayla) Fay Meyers; four great granddaughters, Evie, Rosalie, Delilah, and Freya; two sistersin-law; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Bernard “Barney” L. Fay; four siblings, Marjorie Siuda, Herbert W. Flick, Robert J. Flick, Sr., James W. Flick; and one stepson, David R. Fay. Friends and family will gather to celebrate Dorothy’s life on a later date and at a later time, to be announced. The family prefers contributions in memory of Dorothy be made to Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 Cleveland Avenue, Stevensville, Michigan, 49127. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel. Please share a memory or a message online www.wagnercares.com.

A Writer’s Life...

DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ANIMATION

BY JACK OLESKER

roundbreaker As I previously said, “‘Deke’ (no relationship to ‘DIC’) Heyward, enjoyed a fortyyear career in the industry, writing and producing countless television series and films, including The Dick Clark Show, Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine, Wuthering Heights (!), and The Abominable Dr. Phibes. Deke was an executive at numerous studios, including Hanna Barbera, where his son, Andy, would work for a time. I was honored Andy chose me to work with his dad. As Deke walked with me along the long corridor, he spoke lovingly about Winky Dink and You, an animated series he’d created early in his career, a series Bill Gates would someday refer to as “the first interactive TV show.” I remembered it from my childhood, the show having a successful 65-episodes run on CBS from 1953 to 1957. Like many children, I owned a Winky Dink Kit, which contained Crayons, a wipe cloth and, most important of all, the vinyl Magic Screen we’d press onto our TVs, the Magic Screen adhering thanks to static electricity. Years before the quiz show scandals, Jack Barry served as the host of Winky Dink and You. In each episode he’d provide a running voiceover narrative for Winky Dink – the show’s star who had, appropriately enough, star-shaped hair – as Winky Dink battled villains. The interactive element would come in, for example, when Winky would be chased to the edge of a crevasse. With no way of escaping the villain closing in on him, Jack Barry would implore viewers to use their Crayons to draw a bridge on the Magic Screen so Winky could run across. After millions of kids dutifully did just that and Winky had run across

our bridges, Barry would next instruct us to erase the bridges so the villain couldn’t catch Winky. Again, millions of us tykes obliged, the villain coming to a screeching halt, us kids feeling pride from helping out our hero. Clever and way ahead of its time. Remake, reboot, sequel. Nothing dies in Hollywood. The entertainment industry has produced a long line of films and television series that eventually got a second shot at success, in some cases succeeding. The reasons for having a second go at success are many. Sometimes it’s having a star attached who happens to love the project. Other times current events align to make a concept viable once again. Often it’s driven by a producer’s or director’s deep affection for a project they once championed. Listening to Deke wax poetically about Winky Dink and You, I knew this was a show for which he had fond memories. When we reached the end of the corridor, Deke opened his office’s door. A well-dressed, slender young woman with long brown hair was sitting in a chair. She stood and smiled at us as Deke said, “Jack, I want you to meet Lauren Shuler Donner. She’s going to be the producer for Winky Dink and You, and you’re going to be working with her.” As Lauren and I shook hands, I told her I was looking forward to it. My ‘looking forward to it’ was piqued by virtue of my knowing that not only was Lauren an established producer but, in addition, she was married to famed movie producer Richard Donner, who had produced the blockbuster film, The Goonies, which racked up box office revenues of $125 million, based on a $19 million budget. Winky Dink and You was shaping up to be a great credit on my resume.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 15

HOROSCOPE OCTOBER 8-14, 2026

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

Partnerships could get a little dicey this week. Where you would like to be more romantic, peaceful and create beautiful experiences, the people you are with may be more confrontational, boisterous and unapologetic. Prepare to make choices but be kind, as mean behavior will have consequences, now.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Take time this week to focus on health and wellness routines this week. Cut out bad habits and negative influences, as they could prove consequential in the next few weeks. Surround yourself with people that are doing the things you want to do or are working on the same type of self improvement.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

This is not the time to be dramatic or make situations worse by continuing to misrepresent the facts. Let the situation be what it is. No need to inflate or create doubt. Don’t cover for people and certainly don’t take the fall if, you are not responsible. This is the time to be factual, upfront and honest.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

This is the time to be more proactive and involved in making your home and family unit more secure and less conspicuous. As much as you feel at ease and lighthearted about your safety, the reality is it’s better to error on the side of caution and be proactive when it comes to security systems.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

Be very cautious when speaking to people this week as the things you say or

subscribe to may have consequences. Be truthful and thoughtful before you get more involved or sign paperwork. It’s okay to pump the brakes and pause to reflect and sit with your feelings before responding or acting.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

Watch your spending, now. Try to put off important purchases until you have thought about all the other things that you may need to go with said purchase. The energy now is about reflecting and learning to transcend everyday experiences. Better to day dream, than make practical decisions. LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 It is important to be kind this week and avoid situations where your intentions could be questioned or construed. Invest in making your life more peaceful and healing by embracing some moon magic and creating a space where all people will feel welcome and able to open up to a higher healing vibration. SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER21 The energy coming your way this week is all about being more private or doing things in a more secluded way. Avoid situations or obligations that put you in the spotlight for a spell. You’ll be much more effective doing things from backstage and behind the scenes or anonymously now.

propaganda or the clash of an angry crowd, take time to reflect on possibilities and how good, peaceful things can and do happen, like magic.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER22—JANUARY19

If you feel constrained or restricted this week, try to make the most of it by using the down time to develop skills in another area where you do have mobility or opportunity. Develop other areas of study and investigate fully the things you can get a hold of. If the all the doors are closing, open a window.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20— FEBRUARY 18

There could be some roadblocks and restrictions to your path forward this week. Rather than using the situation to feel restrained use it to perfect a different skill or follow up on previous educational or career opportunity. Don’t sit idle just because what you thought should happen isn’t. Get prepared.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19— MARCH 20 There is no shame in admitting that things aren’t working out before it gets bad. In fact, it is the only way to start changing things. Know that you may have to spend time listening to opposing views, but there is a certain lunar vibration coming in now that can create peace and true union.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER21

Gather your inner moonlight and refresh yourself in it. The energy coming in this week can be a little loud and boisterous. Rather than getting caught up in

All graffiti is low-level dissent, but stencils have an extra history. They’ve been used to start revolutions and to stop wars. — Banksy

16 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Michiana Humane Society’s Fur Ball returns next weekend

ichiana Humane Society is inviting the community to saddle up for an afternoon of fun and fundraising at the third annual Fur Ball from 2-5 p.m. Central time Sunday, Oct. 18, at White Oak Farm Venue in Michigan City. This year’s country meets disco celebration will feature an open bar, wood-fired pizza and heavy appetizers, disco music, country line dancing, silent and live auctions, a raffle, and opportunities to directly support the animals in Michiana Humane Society’s care. Reserved tables have already sold out, but individual tickets are still available. Tickets are $150 per person and include a $100 tax-deductible donation to Michiana Humane Society. “This is a party with a purpose,” said Johanna Humbert, executive director of Michiana Humane Society. “The Fur Ball gives our community a chance to have a wonderful afternoon together while helping provide the veterinary care, shelter and second chances our animals need.” Guests will have plenty to bid on, from a stay at a private four-bedroom home on Kauai and the chance to make a beloved pet Mr. or Ms. Fur Ball 2027, to silent auction favorites like “Dine Michiana,” featuring gift cards to over 15 local restaurants. The silent auction opens at noon Central time Monday, Oct. 12, giving supporters nearly a week to browse and bid before Fur Ball. New this year, guests can also take a chance on a travel raffle, with one lucky winner choosing from four vacation packages: Myrtle Beach, a tropical beach getaway, Lake Tahoe or Iceland. It’s another way to support the animals and dream about your next adventure. The event will also feature a Fund-a-Paws appeal supporting Michiana Humane Society’s veterinary program, helping strengthen the shelter’s ability to provide timely care and give animals a healthier start on their second chance. Guests are encouraged to embrace the theme with cowboy boots, denim, fringe, rhinestones, sequins or their own combination of country and disco style. Michiana Humane Society anticipates another sellout after The Fur Ball reached capacity in each of its first two years. Advance registration is encouraged to secure a spot. To purchase tickets or learn more about Fur Ball, visit michianapets.org/FurBall. All proceeds benefit Michiana Humane Society and its work providing shelter, veterinary care and second chances for pets in need. Michiana Humane Society serves approximately 1,000 animals each year. Through adoption, foster care, veterinary services, community assistance and other programs, MHS works to create second chances for pets and the people who love them. — STAFF REPORTS

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To Your Health COLUMN BY KAREN EDWARDS ND

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18 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

Local legend reflects on career in major leagues and NBA

BY STAN MADDUX

ickers Theatre in Three Oaks was packed Tuesday night for a presentation by one of only 13 people to ever play in the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. Ron Reed, who grew up in nearby LaPorte, Indiana, is also one of only five pitchers in major league history to record at least 100 wins, 100 saves and 50 complete games in their careers. In addition, he was the starting and winning pitcher for the Atlanta Braves in the game where his teammate, Hank Aaron, eclipsed Babe Ruth’s career home run mark in 1974. “I’ve been living off that glory for a long time,” said Reed, whose response drew laughter and applause from the audience of more than 100 people. Reed, 83, said he never played varsity sports until he was a junior at La Porte High School where he starred in baseball, basketball and football. That was the year when Ken Schreiber was hired as head coach of the varsity baseball team. Schreiber went on to win seven state high school baseball titles and more than 1,000 games until retiring in 1998. Reed said his father taught him how to pitch, but he learned about the fundamentals of the game and conditioning from Schreiber, a disciplinarian he compared to his father. “They acted the same. They talked the same. They were both tough guys, but they both required respect,” he said. As a senior, Reed accepted a scholarship offer to play basketball at the University of Notre Dame where he also played baseball for one season. Reed, who averaged close to 19 points and 14 rebounds per game in his three seasons for the Irish, was chosen in the third round of the NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons. He averaged about eight points and four rebounds a game as a power forward for two seasons before deciding to give

baseball his full attention. He quickly moved up the ranks in the minor leagues and was on a major league mound for the first time several months later with the Braves. Reed made the National League AllStar team in 1968 and remained with the Braves until traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1975. He gave up just four home runs in 175 innings for the Cardinals but was traded the next season to the Philadelphia Phillies, who won the World Series in 1980 with Reed as one of the leading pitchers coming out of the bullpen. He retired in 1984 after one season with the Chicago White Sox at the age of 41. Reed said the first batter he ever faced in the major was the great San Francisco Giant, Willie Mays, who grounded out. The next hitter, slugger Willie McCovey, hit a home run that was way over the center field fence. He said McCovey and George Foster of the Cincinnati Reds were among the most challenging batters for him to get out during his 19-year major league career.

eed, perhaps, had the most difficult time with Al Oliver, an All-Star player with the Pittsburgh Pirates and later, the Texas Rangers and Montreal

Expos. “I could have rolled it up there, and he would have hit it,” he said. Reed, who has lived in Georgia for about the past 60 years, said he comes to La Porte for one week every year to visit family, friends and attend a Notre Dame home football game. He credited the university for opening the door to his baseball career by contacting a major league team with room on one of their minor league rosters during a summer between NBA seasons. “I’m one of the luckiest people on the planet to say I got to baseball because of Notre Dame. I love that school,” he said.

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THANK YOU!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026 19

The first annual Up On a Hill Music Festival is officially in the books! Over three special nights, we welcomed nearly 600 guests to the beautiful 18-acre Apple Blossom Resort in New Buffalo—and experienced the true meaning of MUSIC. PLACE. PURPOSE. There are so many people to thank for making the festival such a success.

WE ARE SO G R AT E F U L T O OUR SPONSORS Premier Sponsor: Dwell Vacations Presenting Sponsor: Indiana Michigan Power Supporting Sponsor: The Neighborhood Hotel Supporting Sponsor: Journeyman Distillery Presented By: Neighbor by Neighbor Community Partners: Dune Coast Cares Foundation New Buffalo Community Education Foundation PLUS: Garden Grove Inn Granor Farms State Farm / Tom Rossman Berkshire Hathaway / Rob Gow & Chris Pfauser Robert and Nancy Davis David Ball and Dennis Ferry Anchor Pointe Vacations Larry and Corky Richman Gary and Leslie Wood Hometown Pharmacy

A very special thank you to Jorge Alvarez at Dwell Vacations, who generously donated the venue, along with his staff, tables, chairs, linens and countless hours of his time. His generosity made this festival possible. Thank you as well to our wonderful partners, Dune Coast Cares Foundation and New Buffalo Community Education Foundation, for the great teamwork, collaboration and commitment over the past several months. It was a pleasure working together to bring this event to our community. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteers, financial sponsors and in-kind sponsors. Your generosity, time and support helped create three memorable nights of music while supporting an important purpose. We couldn’t have done it without you. We look forward to seeing you at Up On a Hill again next year! Keep us in mind at uponahill.org. Sincerely,

Bob Murphy Executive Director Neighbor by Neighbor www.neighborbyneighbor.org

20 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026