September 17, 2026

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LIFE IN NATURE ON LAKE MICHIGAN

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 37, volume 85

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Thursday, September 17, 2026

City council interviews prospective council candidates PAGE 4

Walkers, runners unite in honor Kiki at second 5K PAGE 8

Raiders cruise to first win in high school football PAGE 9 Corn mazes reflect images of Dolly Parton PAGE 18

LEST WE NEVER FORGET...

STUDENTS, COMMUNITY COMMEMORATE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11 — PAGES 10-11 —

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Family of shot officer blasts prosecutor for reported plea offer

he family of a La Porte County Police officer paralyzed from being shot in May is blasting a plea agreement reportedly offered to the suspected gunman.

Particularly hurtful to the family is the suspect, Sharod Grafton, allegedly stood over an already badly wounded Jon Samuelson during a struggle to deliver a fourth shot, but the gun jammed.

“He intended to kill Jon,” said the victim’s father, Doug Samuelson, a retired Michigan City Police officer.

Samuelson said the 32-yearold Grafton of Chicago should go to trial and face a potential maximum 40-year sentence for attempted murder, if convicted, along with additional time if a jury also finds him guilty on any of his remaining counts.

However, Samuelson said the plea offer would dismiss a weapons enhancement charge that could bring Grafton another roughly 15 years or more of imprisonment.

“I think he deserves every minute of time we can give him, and I think Jon deserves that,” he said.

Brian Wright, President of the Fraternal Order of Police Dunes Lodge #75 in Michigan City, is calling for La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan to resign as a civilian member

BY STAN MADDUX

of the local FOP chapter.

Wright, a sergeant during the afternoon shift at the Michigan City Police Department, called the reported plea offer “a slap in the face” to law enforcement and a source of anger and discouragement from officers feeling Fagan doesn’t have their backs.

“They’re very unhappy and feel like we’re being let down,” he said.

When contacted, Fagan did not confirm or deny if a plea agreement was offered, saying he could not publicly discuss specifics in the case to avoid the potential of a mistrial should the case go before a jury.

“I appreciate the public feedback, as the ability to advocate and speak freely is constitutional bedrock.

However, I cannot comment beyond the public record as it could be considered prejudicial to the defendant, preventing him from getting a fair trial,” he said.

The matter became an issue after a letter by Samuelson’s wife, Quinn, was recently posted on the FOP Dunes Lodge #75 webpage on Facebook with a message for readers to share.

In the letter, Mrs. Samuelson said the prosecutor’s office knew her husband wanted the case to

go to trial during a meeting with them in August to discuss options in moving forward with the allegations.

However, Samuelson said there were no further talks between the prosecutor’s office and her family before learning about a plea offer.

“A violent criminal like this does not deserve the mercy of a plea deal, especially when it’s done behind the victim’s back and by a prosecutor whose platform was pro law enforcement,” she said.

Samuelson said she spoke to Fagan about the plea offer but the common theme of their conversation was him telling her that “he understands.”

“F

agan has not witnessed Jon struggling to get in and out of his wheelchair.

Fagan has not heard Jon begging God for his legs to fully come back online each and every day. Fagan has not had his life turned upside down. So, no, he does understand,” she said.

According to authorities, Samuelson in May was heading to a police training session when he stopped to help Grafton, who he thought was a disabled motorist.

For unknown reasons, Grafton asked to be taken to a hospital, police said.

We feel before we judge.

— Dino N. Fatouros

Police said Samuelson drove him to Franciscan Health, a hospital along Interstate 94 outside Michigan City, and escorted him inside.

Samuelson then left but returned a few minutes later after learning Grafton was a suspect in the theft of his mother’s car at gunpoint in Chicago, police said.

During a confrontation in the emergency room area, Grafton allegedly shot the officer three times and fled but was soon captured on foot.

One of the rounds lodged in his spine, causing paralysis from the chest down, according to police reports filed with the court.

There’s also an online petition drive asking any plea offers be pulled and the case go to trial.

If prosecutors go forward with a plea agreement, Samuelson and his family hope the judge presiding over the case rejects the deal and, eventually, the case winds up before a jury.

Samuelson said his son is more than willing to go into a courtroom and testify about the shooting.

“Jon needs to have his day in court. Whether he walks into the courtroom by a walker or a wheelchair, Jon needs to be in that court,” he said.

Currently, Grafton has a trial date scheduled for Nov. 9.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

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

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City council interviews prospective council candidates

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

our candidates were interviewed for the spot left vacant by Karen Gear on the New Buffalo City Council at a special meeting Monday, Sept. 14.

The spot will be for Gear’s unexpired term that ends Dec. 1, 2028.

Council members will appoint a new member at their rescheduled Sept. 17 meeting.

Brian Campbell, who has a background in finance, currently sits on the Harbor Commission.

Regarding the city’s identity, Campbell said it’s “well-maintained” and “wellrun;” however, he also said there’s a challenge with the “tension” that exists between the year-round residents and visitors who frequent the city.

Some of the biggest challenges facing the city are the cannabis dispensaries surrounding it, as he noted that it will be interesting to see how it will be managed “when it suddenly starts to consolidate,” in which there will be “lots of new real estate created by it but what’s going to go in there in round two.” He also said the large

vacant area downtown is a challenge, as well as “trying not to make this a suburb of Chicago.”

Campbell also listed the vacant downtown lot as one of the city’s biggest opportunities.

Steven McNay, who has children in the school district and has been involved in the elementary school PTO and other activities, said he feels the city’s identity “is dying, unfortunately” due to the marijuana dispensaries surrounding the city.

“I’ve talked to a lot of folks who like to come here and the first thing they see when come off the expressways and come up through Michigan City is Township property and that already gives them a bad taste for what they’re going to experience of New Buffalo,” he said.

He added that it’s “a great community and great opportunity for people,” which is hindered by those “negative connotations.”

A challenge is the high cost of living, as there should be more apartments, community areas, which may involve “tapping empty lots, empty areas and trying to

convert it into city property to maybe develop into lower cost of living.”

If he was on the council, he said he’d “do everything I could” to try to get the vacant Whittaker spot back to the city and converted into community space.

He said one of the biggest opportunities is for the city to create public facilities for visitors.

Margaret Murray, whose background includes sitting on the Planning Commission and city council, serving as mayor and mayor pro tem and on the Downtown Development Authority, said she feels the city is a “very popular vacation spot but also a wonderful home for regular residents.”

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he biggest challenge facing the city is parking in the summer as well as “just covering all the services in the summer months adequately.” The city has an opportunity to attract students to the great schools and for the city to “keep servicing everything in a proper way.”

Tom Rowland has a

background in investment management and financial leadership. He also cofounded Dune Coast Baseball, a summer collegiate franchise, where he collaborated with the city council and New Buffalo Area Schools and is a board member on New Buffalo Community Educational Foundation.

One challenge is for the city to be a summer focused town while also trying to “keep it vibrant and alive and continue to make it a great place to be year-round.” Ensuring the development around the city is “responsible and in line with residence value” is also a challenge, as well as coordination amongst the institutions.

Rowland sees the city has an opportunity to “grow with intention by planning thoughtfully with infrastructure, parks, public spaces and economic development,” as well as to continue to enhance the schools and attract students and the year-round identity, whether through more recreational offerings and cultural programming.

Never tell the truth to people who are not worthy of it.

— Mark Twain

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MHS TO HOST ‘REMEMBER ME THURSDAY’

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lease join the Michiana Humane Society from 6-7:30 p.m. CST Thursday,

Sept. 24, for the 13th annual Remember Me Thursday to remember the pets you have loved and lost.

Each light represents a life that mattered. A name we still remember. A love that never really leaves you.

Join the shelter by honoring your pet with a luminary dedication. The staff will prepare and place the luminarias for the ceremony outside of the shelter.

You are welcome to make your luminaria personal by decorating the bag with a photo, a name or a special message. You may do so at the event or pick up your bag(s) from MHS in advance.

A decorating table will be set up starting at 5:30 p.m. (CT) for anyone who’d like to add photos, drawings, or messages to their luminarias.

The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. (CT) with a few words, followed by the lighting of the luminarias. They will remain glowing until the sun goes down.

You do not need to attend the event to dedicate a luminary.

To dedicate a luminary, visit www.michianapets.org. — STAFF REPORTS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

Three Oaks updates

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BY THERESE DONNELLY

arge Item Pickup in the village is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17. Volunteers from American Legion Post 204 and Mason Lodge 239 will work with Lakeshore Disposal to haul away furniture, mattress, rugs, and other household items that are too large to be picked up during the regular trash pickup service.

Residents are asked to have all items on the curb by 7 a.m. on the day of pickup to ensure workers can collect all items.

This collection will not accept construction materials, items containing freon (such as refrigerators or air conditioners).

Some items not accepted by the large item pickup might be accepted at the Berrien County community recycling event scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Southeast Berrien County Landfill Recycle Center, located at 3200 Chamberlain Road, Buchanan.

The county will accept household chemicals and foam and polystyrene for disposal, shred personal documents and (with a fee) accept electronics.

Apple Cider Century returns to Southwest Michigan on Sunday, Sept. 27. Bike routes of varying lengths will begin and end in Three Oaks.

The ACC is one of the largest cycling events in the Midwest, and up to 5,000 riders are expected to take part in this year’s bike tour. Police and volunteers will help with direct traffic at busier intersections, but riders will be present along many backroads.

The village is also initiating a new, optional notification process to keep residents informed during urgent and emergency situations including waterline breaks, hazmat situations, AMBER and Silver alerts.

Residents can sign up at reachalert.com by clicking on “Sign Up” in the upper corner of the screen, entering “Village of Three Oaks” in the Network Name and indicating if they wish to receive alerts via text message, voice call or email.

Trick or Treat in the village will be from 4-6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31.

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5

Utility honored for restoring power after major storm

BY STAN MADDUX

ndiana Michigan Power has been recognized for a quick response in restoring power after a major June storm.

The company has received the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Recovery Award, a very coveted honor in the industry.

The award recognizes the dedication of I&M employees, contractors and crews from neighboring power companies who worked tirelessly to restore power following multiple rounds of severe weather on June 11 and 13.

The storms caused widespread damage across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan, leaving thousands of customers without power.

The hardest-hit areas were South Bend and Elkhart, where an EF-2 tornado with winds of up to 115 mph damaged poles, power lines and other electrical equipment.

During one of the largest storm recovery efforts in recent company history, I&M’s storm restoration team worked nearly

136,000 hours in challenging heat and humidity to repair more than 300 broken poles and rebuilding more than 700 sections of power line.

Such dedication helped restore power to approximately 62,000 customers with over 90% of customers having their power restored within 42 hours, I&M said.

Winners for the EEI Emergency Recovery Award were selected by a panel of judges through a nomination process.

“When severe weather strikes, our member companies mobilize around the clock to restore power safely and as quickly as possible for the customers they serve,” said Drew Maloney, President and CEO of EEI. “This honor reflects the skill and determination of I&M’s workforce, who prepare yearround so they’re ready to face the toughest conditions and get the lights back on for communities who depend on them,” he said.

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Acorn executive director Ashley Magnus announces her departure

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he Acorn Center for the Performing Arts has announced that Executive Director Ashley Magnus will be departing the organization after a transformative period of growth, expanded community engagement, and strengthened organizational sustainability.

Magnus joined The Acorn at a pivotal moment in its history and helped lead the nonprofit performing arts center through a period of significant growth and evolution. During her tenure, The Acorn expanded its programming and audiences, welcomed tens of thousands of patrons, grew arts education and free community programming reaching hundreds of area students each year, and strengthened partnerships with schools and community organizations.

The organization also grew donor and sponsorship support and made significant investments in its historic theater, patron experience, and longterm sustainability.

“Serving as executive director for The Acorn has been one of the great privileges of my career,” said Magnus.

“I am incredibly proud of what our staff, board, artists, donors, partners, volunteers, and audiences have built together. The Acorn is so much more than a performance venue — it is a gathering place, an economic and cultural anchor, and an organization that creates meaningful connections through the arts. While the decision to leave is bittersweet, I am excited for my next professional chapter and deeply confident in The Acorn’s future.”

Board Chair Jen Shoup credited Magnus with helping strengthen

both The Acorn’s impact and its organizational foundation.

“Ashley’s leadership has been instrumental in moving The Acorn forward,” said Shoup. “She has brought tremendous energy, vision, and commitment to this organization while building relationships throughout our community and beyond. The Acorn is stronger because of her leadership, and the Board is deeply grateful for everything she has contributed. We wish her tremendous success in this next chapter and look forward to building on the strong foundation she leaves behind.”

Magnus will work with The Acorn’s board and staff to support a smooth leadership transition.

Additional information regarding the organization’s transition plans will be shared in the coming weeks at acornlive.org.

“W

hat makes this place extraordinary is the community that believes in it. I will always be proud to have been part of its story, and I can’t wait to see what comes next,” Magnus said.

The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit performing arts organization located in Three Oaks, Michigan, presenting a diverse range of live music, arts, education, and community programming in its historic theater.

Through performances, partnerships, and educational initiatives, The Acorn brings artists and audiences together and contributes to the cultural vitality of Southwest Michigan and the greater Harbor Country region. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

Walkers, runners unite in honor Kiki at second 5K

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

very 18 minutes, a brain aneurysm ruptures.

This sobering statistic was unknown to Sharon Frederickson and her family when she learned that Katelyn “Kiki” Kelly,” her niece and goddaughter, passed away from a brain aneurysm at the age of 34 in September 2024.

“When I saw that and did more research on it, I wanted to not have this be in vain, I wanted to have it be something where we remember her and hopefully help other families, so they don’t have to experience what we experienced,” Frederickson said.

This was the driver behind the second annual Kilometers for Katelyn-Kiki Kelly 5K Fun Run/Walk, which started at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church and ended at Casey’s Bar and Grill in New Buffalo Saturday, Sept. 12.

A La Porte resident and graduate of New Buffalo High School, Kelly was well-known in the area, having worked at a variety of area establishments: Casey’s Bar and Grill and False Front, both in New Buffalo, Shoreline Brewery in Michigan City and Union Social in Union Pier.

At Casey’s, guests could bid on silent auction items and enjoy food and live entertainment.

Frederickson said that young people are getting aneurysms.

“And if you live in the hospital forever, you have to learn how to walk and do all that stuff depending on where it was,” she said.

Per Kilos 4 Kiki’s Facebook, on Oct. 17, 2026, the $35,000 that was raised through last year’s event, in partnership with The Bee Foundation, will be awarded as a brain aneurysm research grant in Katelyn “Kiki” Kelly’s name.

The Bee Foundation has named Amol Mehta, MD, of Weill Cornell Medicine, the recipient of the 2026 TBF Katelyn Kelly Memorial Research Grant.

The grant will be formally awarded

in Kelly’s name at The Bee Foundation Gala.

According to its website, the foundation is “dedicated to saving lives and providing hope by funding preventative research, raising awareness, advocating for better policy, and supporting aneurysm families and survivors.”

Frederickson said The Bee Foundation alerted their family to the fact that brain aneurysms are hereditary.

“The head of neurology told us when Kiki died that it wasn’t genetic, but when we joined up with The Bee Foundation, they were like, her sister should get MRA,” she said, adding it’s more detail focused than an MRI. Funds from this year’s 5K will go toward next year’s research, Frederickson said.

Cam Peterson, who was dating Kiki when she died and had her two dogs, Helly and murphy, with him, said that the event spreads awareness.

“When it happened - we didn’t know what was going on it, wasn’t even a thought,” he said.

K

elli Moles, who didn’t know Kelly personally, said she and her son, Hunter, and Charlie Alvarez, who both attend seventh grade at New Buffalo Middle School, wanted to participate after hearing her story and to “support a good cause and exercise.”

“We’re trying to run a 5K every month just to explore the area and get some exercise,” she said.

Lindsey Winebrenner said she walked last year. This year, she was there for Heather Lamber, who was friends with Kelly.

“I was here supporting her,” Wineburner said.

For more information on Katelyn “Kiki” and brain aneurysm awareness, visit kilos4kiki.org or www. thebeefoundation.org.

Runners head to Casey’s

Runners and walkers congregate in the parking lot

Walkers arrive at Casey’s parking lot

Participants relax in Casey’s patio

Runners head down the streets of New Buffalo

Runners and walkers start their journey

Kiki’s supporters pose before the 5K

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

T

he calendar says it’s mid September. The temperature is in the 50s.

The National Football League regular season is underway. I pinched myself and it hurt. The Bears scored 59 points in their season opening win against the Carolina Panthers. Full stop.

I know the first four facts I stated were true, but the fifth? The Bears scored 59 points in their season opener? That can’t be true, can it?

The Bears had never scored more than 45 points in an opening game.

The year they scored 45 points was 1948. That’s 78 years ago and the team they defeated that year was the Green Day Packers.

Those same Packers who currently reside in last place in their division with an 0-1 record. The Bears and Lions won and the Vikings beat the Packers so all the teams in the NFC north are 1-0…except the Packers.

The Bears certainly weren’t perfect. They committed 12 penalties that cost them 57 yards.

In the second quarter, the Bears wonderful coach Ben Johnson, attempted to have Caleb Williams pick up two yards on a quarterback sneak. That in itself wasn’t too bad, but it was fourth down…and the ball was on the Bears 22 yard line!

Eventually, the Panthers ended up tying the game 31-31 before the Bears offense proved to be unstoppable. The final score was 59-37 and the 96 total points scored in the season opener were the most ever.

So, why the change? How did the Bears become an offensive juggernaut. How did the team

known mostly for its defense become a team that wants to set the record for most points scored in a season?

First of all, the general manager made a shrewd trade and ended up being able to draft a generational quarterback, Caleb Williams.

The general manager, Ryan Poles, made up for a mistake he made by hiring Matt Eberflus. Poles fired Eberflus during the season, something the Bears had never previously done, and began their search for a new head coach.

A few were considered but the minute the Bears interviewed Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, the Bears knew who they wanted. To the Bears and their fans delight, Johnson wanted the Bears too. Johnson came to town and immediately began to transform the team and more importantly began working with his quarterback.

Under Eberflus, Williams had been okay but nothing special.

The first year under Johnson he became special and this year the sky seems to be the limit. The Bears combination of coach and quarterback is the envy of every team in the NFL. I believe that multiple championships are in the near future and a lot of records will be broken.

This season should be a special one.

“Good better best, Never let it rest,’til your good is better and your better best,” Be kind. Talk to you next week.

Peace, love, and happiness.

Hey, Im not surprised, motherf’cker.

— Tommy McMillen

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Raiders cruise to first win in high school football

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BY STAN MADDUX

he Red Arrow Raiders looked much improved Friday, Sept. 11, in winning their first game of the high school football season.

The Raiders (1-2) defeated the Van Buren Vipers on the road, 66-28.

“We did a lot of good things,” said Head Coach Matt Johnson, who was particularly encouraged by the play of his mostly inexperienced offensive line.

Unlike the previous match ups against Bridgman and Breckenridge, the offensive line was able to give junior quarterback Colten Lijewski more time to stay in the pocket before passing and open plenty of holes for him to run through.

Lijewski finished with 300 yards rushing and over 230 yards passing.

The Vipers after receiving the kick-off quickly moved the ball down the field before scoring on a 25-yard touchdown pass.

The Raiders came back, though, to take the lead at the end of the first quarter on a short touchdown pass to senior August Johnson and a 25yard pass to senior Drew Bowen for a touchdown on their next series of downs.

The Raiders extended their lead early in the second quarter on a long touchdown run by Lijewski and never

looked back.

The lead grew to 40 points late in the third quarter when Johnson began putting in second stringers to give them more game experience.

Johnson said he was also encouraged by the improved play of his defensive line, which also had mostly new players to the start season.

He especially liked the pressure the defense line was able to put on the quarterback and other ball carriers.

“We were in their backfield a lot,” he said.

L

ijewski completed 16 consecutive passes until his final throw of the game for about 25 yards after nearly caught fell harmlessly to the

ground.

Johnson had three receiving touchdowns along with 115 yards receiving.

Brody Nikkel, a junior, had a receiving a touchdown and ran the ball once into the end zone.

On defense, Nikkel, Lijewski and senior Hunter Gnodtke recorded quarterback sacks.

The Raiders play next Friday night at New Buffalo High School against Twin Cities.

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10 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

Students, community commemorate 25th anniversary of 9/11

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

he reason Denise Churchill is alive today is because of “one small decision.”

As a 30-year-old on her way to work in the financial district on Sept. 11, 2001, Churchill took the Long Island Railroad into Manhattan.

While she planned to run a few errands in the World Trade Center before work, at the last second, she changed her mind: She grabbed coffee at her favorite spot before going into her office, which was one block away from the south tower.

“That one boring decision is the reason I’m speaking to you today,” Churchill, who’s president of the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education, said to New Buffalo Middle School students and community members in the New Buffalo Middle/High School multiplex Friday, Sept. 11.

When Churchill got into the elevator of her office building, it shook hard as it went up, and the lights flickered. Gazing out the window of her office, she saw papers floating everywhere “like floating confetti.” After getting off the phone with family, she witnessed the second plane hit and “explode right there.”

“I dove under my desk because the fireball was so huge, I was so sure it was going to swallow my building, too,” Churchill said.

Even though no one in her building had evacuated, she chose to walk the 12 flights of

stairs and onto the street. As she approached the corner diagonal to the World trade Center, she looked up and “saw a massive hole in the towers, smoke pouring out of it, papers still flying everywhere.”

A wall of great smoke and debris began rolling down the street as the tower collapsed straight toward her, and people were “sprinting toward me, screaming.” A force of debris cloud knocked Churchill into a parked car, and a cloud took her.

“I couldn’t see anything, I couldn’t breathe, it was as if I inhaled a bucket of sand and dust,” she said.

Using her duffel bag as a shield and tying her sweatshirt around her face, she made it 30 blocks to her martial arts studio. She was transported to Cabrini Hospital, where first responders were being treated.

For the next several days, she stayed at the apartment of her sister, who worked at 7 World Trade Center on the north side of the towers, who spent hours using tweezers to pick shards of debris out of Churchill’s skin.

New Buffalo Township firefighters do a Stair Climb on the bleachers

New Buffalo Township Fire Chief Jamie Flick remembers that day’s first responders

C

hurchill said she wanted students to remember the attacks were carried out by al-Qaeda with an extremist ideology led by Osama bin Laden - not a religion, not a nationality, not the billions “around the world who practice Islam peacefully.”

Students do a Stair Climb on the bleachers

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 11

“S

Students are handed patriotic beads after walking up the bleachers

Denise Churchill recounts her experience in New York on Sept. 11, 2001

Middle school students sing patriotic tunes

The high school band performs patriotic tunes

o, if you ever hear someone using that day to paint an entire religion or entire region of the world as an enemy that is not remembering 9/11 correctly, it’s actually doing what extremists want: turning people against each other,” she said.

She also wanted them to remember the power of small decisions.

“You don’t know which ordinary Tuesday choice, what kindness, which risk, which moment you choose to help someone instead of walking past them is going to end up being the one that matters most so don’t wait for tragedy to find out: choose well today, choose someone today.”

Teacher Lisa Knoll said many of the students who were gathered there that day were “not yet born or were very young” when the terrorist attacks occurred; however, the “importance of remembering lives on.”

“It is our responsibility to honor those who were lost and to carry forward the lessons of courage, service and unity,” she said.

New Buffalo Middle School Principal Dan Caudle said all 246 passengers and crews on the four planes died, along with 2,606 people at the World Trade Center and 125 at the Pentagon.

Many gave their lives to prevent even more deaths,

including 343 firefighters, 72 police and 55 military personnel.

“There are many stories of heroes on the ground and in the air during the attacks. The firefighters and police of New York City worked diligently to save thousands of people before the buildings collapsed,” Caudle said.

He added that passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 fought back to gain control of the plane and that how many lives were saved from heroic acts are unknown.

Students and community members did a Stair Climb on the bleachers, where they completed seven and a half laps to meet the goal of 2,200 steps, or 110 floors – representing the distance climbed by first responders that day.

N

ew Buffalo Fire Chief Jamie Flick said that, when first responders arrived at the towers, they “weren’t thinking about becoming heroes, they weren’t thinking about history or recognition.”

“While climbing floor after floor carrying heavy equipment, they knew the building was damaged, they knew it was dangerous, they heard the same alarms, they felt the same smoke, they felt the same fear as everyone else - but they kept climbing, because they knew people needed help,” he said.

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12 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 30 N Whittaker St Bar by night

30 N Whittaker St Deli by day

A Day in the Life MEMORABLE DINNER WITH FRIENDS...

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Open 6 days davidsdeliandcoffee.com

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BY LAWRENCE VON EBELER

am given to entertain, even now relegated to a wheelchair. I am a Open Thursday-Monday fool sometimes. thefalsefrontbar.com I invited a darling elderly couple, Marie and Dick from church, and my new friend Camille, who ultimately became (regrettably) the hostess with the mostest! Robin, my caregiver, I asked to help with the food preparation, for which she is very gifted.

I prepared the menu with Cornish hen, roasted asparagus, and baked potatoes for the main course, with French onion soup and tossed salad beginning the meal.

The cocktail hour began with shrimp and deviled eggs. Marie and Dick don’t drink, but Camille and I had a glass of wine. I asked Dick to bring his trumpet and he played several songs, including “God Bless America,” a tribute to 9/11, and we all said a little prayer; that was a nice touch for 9/11.

Then, after French onion soup was served, came the tossed salad. Then

the main course was attempted to be served, for which we discovered, to our total embarrassment, that Robin and I had forgotten to add the potatoes into the big pot with the chicken breasts!

Substituted, since the butcher only had one Cornish hen. How could that happen? My lousy luck, and not pre-ordering them. So we just served the breasts with only the roasted asparagus.

Dessert was a marvelous fruit salad prepared by my good friend Christine, along with her chocolate brownies.

(She had no idea about my dinner party.) She also remembered Rosco with Farmer’s Dog food. She’s another saint! She also brought flowers, as usual, that I call “snowballs,” that made three beautiful bouquets! One I used for an arrangement along with the candles on the table that made a beautiful centerpiece. So, for all of the usual foibles, the dinner was at least memorable.

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OBITUARIES

Patrick Elwood Rickerman

P

1954-2026

atrick Elwood Rickerman, 72, of Galien, died peacefully Saturday, August 21, 2026 His life began February 17, 1954 in South Bend, Indiana, the only child born to Elwood and Helen Rickerman.

Pat graduated from Galien High School in 1972. He earned mechanical and electrical engineering degrees at Andrews University. Pat proudly worked at Bendix South Bend and retired from Memorial Hospital South Bend. Pat was a collector of many things, including antique cars and motorcycles. He enjoyed dining at many local establishments and visiting with friends. Pat was a member and volunteered at Feeding America, Galien American Legion, Bend of the River Gun Club and River Valley Antique Power Association. He was a long-time member of the Olive Branch United Methodist Church until it closed

and most recently attended the Community of Christ Church in Galien.

Pat will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his family, Tom (Ann) Rickerman of Baroda, Audrey (John) Whitten and their children, Ellis and Lydia of Buchanan, Margo (Bob) Depue of Galien, Todd Depue and his son Lance of Niles and Brent Depue of Galien.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life Eternal at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 in Galien Community of Christ Church, 110 South Cleveland Avenue, Galien, Michigan 49113.

Elder Lewis Lambert will officiate.

Pat will be laid to rest in Galien Township Cemetery.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Pat be made to Feeding America, 3070 Shaffer Avenue Southeast, Kentwood, Michigan 49512, to the Galien American Legion Post #344, 402 North Main Street, Galien, Michigan 49113, or to Galien Community of Christ Church, 110 South Cleveland Avenue, Galien, Michigan 49113 Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel. Please share a memory or a message online at www.wagnercares. com.

DEATH NOTICES THREE OAKS – Anna Goodenough, 86, of Three Oaks, Michigan passed away on Wednesday August 12, 2026. She will be laid to rest with her family in Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 13

What’s Happening, Hillary?

YOUR CURATED GUIDE TO THE BEST IN NEW BUFFALO, AND BEYOND! FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18:

• Open Notebook: A Community Writing Circle at Bridgman Public Library | Bridgman | 2:30PM [Free] • River Valley Garden Club Fall Garden School | September 18 & 19 [Registration Required] • Oaktoberfest at the American Legion Post 204 | Three Oaks | Friday 6-9PM, Saturday 1210PM, Sunday 12-5PM [Free] • School of American Music Jazz Fest | Three Oaks | Friday 8-10PM, Saturday 1-10PM, Sunday 12:30-2:30PM [Tickets] • Prom at Peat’s Cider Social | Stevensville | 9PM [Tickets] • Autumn Equinox Sound Healing at Dancing Feet Yoga | New Buffalo | 7PM [Tickets] • Music Bingo at SideYard | Sawyer | 7PM [Free] • Live Music at Shady Creek 5PM CT, Union Pier Social 7PM, Burn ‘Em Brewing 7:30PM CT, The Acorn 8PM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19:

• Fall Fest at Lake Bluff Park | St. Joseph | 9AM2PM [Free] • Fired Up 5K | New Buffalo Township | 9AM [Registration Required] • Jammin’ with Save The Dunes | Michigan City | 1PM CT [Tickets] • Round Barn Public House Kölschfest | Baroda | 12-10PM [Free] • Floral Equinox Day Retreat at Inner Freedom | Buchanan | 12PM [Tickets] • Annual Equinox Celebration Night Market at SideYard | Sawyer | 6-10PM [Free] • Live Music at Round Barn Estate 12PM, Gravity Winery 12PM, Round Barn Tasting Room 3PM, Local Pour 4PM, Union Pier Social 7PM, The Acorn 8PM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20:

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24:

• Thomas Gabriel (Grandson of Johnny Cash) Live at The Acorn | Three Oaks | 8PM [Tickets]

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25:

• Drinking History: The Real History of Michigan Wine with Steve Salisbury at Lake Michigan College | Benton Harbor | 6PM [Tickets] • Dolly Night featuring The Library That Dolly Built documentary at The Three Oaks Public Library | Three Oaks | 7PM [Free] • Whiskey Strings Fest at Round Barn Estate | Baroda | 11AM-8PM [Tickets] • Live Music at Rolling Embers 4PM, Shady Creek Winery 5PM CT, Lake Time Brewing & Spirits 7PM, Union Pier Social 7PM, Burn ‘Em Brewing 7:30PM CT, The Acorn 8PM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26: • Michiana Pottery Tour | Various Locations | Saturday 10AM-5PM, Sunday 10AM-4PM [Free] • Mushroom Exploration! at Fernwood Botanical Gardens | Buchanan | 1PM [Tickets] • Pumpkin Wall Hanging Workshop with Banana Knots at The Sandpiper | Bridgman | 1PM [Tickets] • Harvest Moon Night Hike at Love Creek County Park | 7PM • Punk Rock Burlesque Vol 8 at Burn ‘Em Brewing | Michigan City | 8PM CT [Tickets] • Live Music at Gravity Winery 12PM, Round Barn Tasting Room 1PM, Local Pour 4PM, Fernwood Botanical Gardens 6PM CT, Union Pier Social 7PM, SideYard 7PM, Four Winds Casino 9PM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27:

• Burn ‘Em Brewing Oktoberfest | Michigan City | 11AM CT [Free] • Journeyman Match Play Putting Tournament | Three Oaks | 10:30AM [Registration Required] • Live Music at Gravity Winery 2PM, Round Barn Estate 2:30PM, Shoreline Brewery 3PM CT, Shady Creek Winery 3PM CT, Four Winds Casino Pool 5PM

• Apple Cider Century Bicycle Tour | Three Oaks | 6AM-12PM [Registration Required]

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21:

• Maker’s Meet Up at Handmade Studio | Sawyer | 3-6PM [Free]

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22:

• Field & Fire Experience by Journeyman Distillery and Deer Creek Hunt Club | Three Oaks | 2:30PM [Tickets]

• Jazz Night at Shoreline Brewery | Michigan City | 7PM CT [Free] • Toddlers’ International Food Festival at Friendship Botanic Gardens | Michigan City | 10AM CT [Free] • Burn ‘Em Brewing Polkatoberfest | Michigan City | 6PM CT [Free] • The Return of BINGO at Union Pier Social | Union Pier | 6:30PM [Cover Charge to Play]

• Creektoberfest at Shady Creek Winery | Michigan City | 12-6PM CT [Tickets] • Wander and Wonder: A Forest Therapy Experience at Friendship Botanic Gardens | Michigan City | 11AM and 2PM CT [Tickets]

• Live Music at Gravity Winery 2PM, Round Barn Estate 2:30PM, Shoreline Brewery 3PM CT, SideYard 6PM, The Acorn 8PM

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30:

• Up on A Hill Music Festival at Apple Blossom Resort | New Buffalo | 6PM [Tickets]

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14 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

A Writer’s Life...

From the Dish Pit...

A HIGHSCHOOLER’S TAKE ON REAL LIFE TOPICS

P

BY SYLVIE DARLING eople Over Politics These ads aren’t One advantage of working designed to spark at a coffee shop is the intelligent political opportunity to observe the conversation; way people interact on a they’re designed to attack a candidate’s daily basis. A group of particularly character. entertaining individuals gathers in the Social media provides another corner most mornings to sip their coffee example. On a daily basis, light political and chat about a range of different disagreement can ignite into a relentless topics – from critiques of different competition of name-calling and sports teams to animated stories about personal attacks. How tragic that we live college life to, of course, the inevitable in the land of the free, yet so often feel political debates. I’ve overheard enough unable to freely express our opinions of these conversations to understand without being stamped with a label and that the men hold a wide variety of shoved in a box. political beliefs, yet they argue with Is this the political environment we each other with genuine respect and want our children to grow up in? One understanding. After hours of lively where they’re judged not by the content debate and multiple refills of dark roast of their character, but the color of the coffee, their meetings always end the political banner in their yard? Not by same way: with wide smiles, claps on the conditions of their heart, but the the back, and repeated phrases of, “See candidate they vote for? ya tomorrow, friends!”

My hope is that we, as Americans, Although respectful political debates will learn to understand one another’s are commonplacearound the shop, I’ve hearts, minds, and stories before found them extremely rare in many judging one another by our political other public environments. In today’s beliefs. I think we’ll be surprised by how society, we’re often conditioned to see much respect will creep into our tone, a person’s differing political view as a how much rationality will return to our direct reflection of their morals and to conversations, and how much tension judge them accordingly. Even in the will dissipate from the political stigmas professional political arena, candidates that have clouded the air for decades. frequently attack their opponents’ Maybe, one day, we’ll become character before offering a factual more like the men in the shop: able to disagree without making enemies, argument against their policies. The challenge ideas without attacking political ads this time of year are a character, and willing to greet one common example, featuring black-andanother with warm smiles, claps on white photos of scowling candidates the back, and an eagerness to return slapped with accusatory labels like tomorrow and do it all over again. “greedy,” “weak,” and “power-hungry.”

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

New Buffalo Times

— SINCE 1942 —

DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ANIMATION

T

BY JACK OLESKER

he Fall and Rise of Barry & Enright Productions Charles Van Doren and the esteemed Van Doren name were shattered. At first it seemed the professor would wriggle off the hook during the 1950 Congressional hearings into game shows. Prior to the scandal he was tremendously respected by the American public. During the hearings, Van Doren sounded contrite, saying he’d made a mistake he regretted. Careful not to offend their constituents, members of the committee initially treated Van Doren with deference…until one Congressman had finally had enough.

David Halberstam writes in his book The Fifties: “Congressman Steve Derounian announced that he saw no particular point in praising someone of Van Doren’s exceptional talents and intelligence for simply telling the truth.

With that, the room suddenly exploded with applause, and [Congressional investigator] Richard N. Goodwin knew at that moment ordinary people would not so easily forgive Van Doren.”

Van Doren’s television career was destroyed, NBC rescinding their job offer. Van Doren resigned his teaching position at Columbia. The television industry savaged Jack Barry and Dan Enright. Their gameshows canceled, vilified for their deceptions, they were virtually blacklisted by the industry. And yet…yet…

Americans have a penchant for redemption. After a period of exile, they finally made a comeback in the early 1970s, producing a number of popular gameshows. And that was how I found myself walking into The Joker’s Wild production offices in 1978.

After I told the receptionist I was here for The Joker’s Wild tryouts, she flashed a welcoming smile, buzzed me

in and told me to go to the third door on the left. I walked along a quiet hallway and opened the third door on the left to find a classroom with about two dozen people sitting in desks, a pencil on each desk. Not needing to be told, I took my place at one of the desks.

A couple minutes later a twentysomething production assistant entered carrying a stack of papers. As he walked along the aisles, placing one of the tests on each of our desks, he cautioned, “Please don’t open the tests until I tell you to. You’ll have twenty minutes to answer the questions. When I call ‘time’, close the tests and I’ll collect them. Afterwards we’ll call you to another office for a quick interview. If we want you to appear on The Joker’s Wild you’ll be called within a week. If we don’t call then just know that we appreciate your trying out for the show.”

I breezed through the test in about fifteen minutes and waited. As I was waiting, I thought about how the questions were mostly at the high school level with a couple of tougher questions sneaked in between.

About half an hour after the tests were collected, I followed the production assistant to a small office where yet another production assistant had me sit. She was very nice. Actually, everyone I’d met was very nice. She asked me questions, mostly about my work history. She seemed genuinely interested when I told her I was a published author, quickly scribbling notes.

I left Barry & Enright Productions’ offices, hoping the one-week waiting period would pass quickly, confident I’d made the cut. There’s an old saying, “Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.”

Amen…

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

HOROSCOPE SEPTEMBER 17-23, 2026 AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21

It is really important to check in with partners or collaborators before doing things on your own this week. There may be some consequences or blow back that can be avoided if you make adjustments or get more information before actually doing it. The energy is all about cooperation and balance now.

School is in session and it’s time to learn how to adapt with a new or more advanced approach to interactions. The energy this week is directing you towards being more strategic and calculated when dealing with people or social situations. Little things matter now and will be a big part in decision making.

This is not the time to follow the crowd or get caught up doing what other people think you should do. This week take your time. Investigate things fully and make sure you are doing what is right for you as an individual. There is a lot happening on the social scene but it doesn’t have to include you.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

CAPRICORN DECEMBER22—JANUARY19

This is the time to really consider your own feelings and intuitions about the healthiness of something before incorporating it into your daily routine. Certain side effects or the financial investment it requires from you may need to be reconsidered before you can continue with its use on a regular basis.

When you really commit to things, projects or people, then you will see all the requirements and obligations that go with them. You can try to prepare for what is coming but there is a bit of mystery or hidden elements that will only come to light once you’re fully immersed in the thing.

You might not be taking things as serious as you could be right now, which could cost you some clout and financial advances.

This is the time to make adjustments and consider how things operate or how things connect on a bigger scale. Be more retrospective and strategic when it comes to public image.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 It is important to be a bit more careful with partners and people that depend on you because you may see things differently than they do now. In order to work together effectively you may need to open up different ways of thinking about things through education or ethical examples.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER21 This is the time to take health and lifestyle choices more seriously.

Playtime is over and the time for actively committing and following through is here. If there are people or places that need cutoff, do it. Th energy is all about pulling back, evaluating and then standing strong with those decisions.

Be aware that some of the things you are doing could have social ramifications that you may not have considered. This is the time to go slow and be more calculated or thoughtful when doing things. Look for ways to connect with people rather than alienating them or coming off as uncaring.

It is very important to understand the power of something before you use it in your daily life.

The energy coming your way will require you to make some adjustments and fine tuning before you can take control of things and master them. Look deeper into your heart and you will know where to start.

This is the time to really evaluate the path you have chosen and how you have communicated those decision to others. There may be some announcements or new ways of preparing someone for your change in direction but ultimately, whether they agree with you or not, tell them. Don’t leave them hanging.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

You may be ready to get fully invested in something only to find out there are more hoops to jump through than you thought or you may have to go against a long standing agreement to uphold your commitments. Either way some major adjustments will need to be made this week. Stay flexible.

When you think everything is someone else’s fault, you will suffer a lot.

When you realize that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy. — Dalai Lama

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026 15

16 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

Singers hosting meet and greet

T

he Harbor Country Singers invite singers of all experience levels to a special Meet + Greet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Harbert.

No audition is required - just a love of singing and making music with others.

Come out and meet Music Director Maggie Martin, Producer Pat Putnam, and members of the Harbor Country Singers. Learn about rehearsals, this year’s holiday music, and what it’s like to be part of this welcoming community ensemble.

This year’s free holiday concerts will be held at 4 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5, at Episcopal Church of the Mediator, 14280 Red Arrow Highway in Harbert and 4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 6, at The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts, 107 Generations Drive, in Three Oaks.

The Harbor Country Singers are a community outreach program of the School of American Music, bringing people together through the joy of singing and providing free concerts for our community.

The Harbor Country Singers are supported in part by The Pokagon Fund. For more information about the School of American Music, visit www. schoolofamericanmusic.com. — STAFF REPORTS

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

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SERVICE DIRECTORY Gregory A. Bubb, CIC

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ANNUAL STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP New Buffalo Times Inc. Local Intelligence . Since 1942 Publication: 337-960 52 Issues Annual Subscription price $78+ The New Buffalo Times is owned by New Buffalo Times Inc. of New Buffalo, Michigan.

Dino N. Fatouros owns 100% of New Buffalo Times Inc.

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— SINCE

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To Your Health COLUMN BY KAREN EDWARDS ND

AN APPLE A DAY

bloodstream. This prevents rapid insulin spikes, here is an old adage that offeringenergy says “An apple a day the cost-effective alternative throughout the day and long-term keeps the doctor away.” to new housing metabolic health.A great food for This was a prescription by balancing blood sugar. many doctors back in the Insoluble fiber also adds bulk day to ensure overall health balance. to stool, ensuring efficient transit Doctors knew the many benefits of through the digestive tract. Fiber eating this delicious fruit. Today, promotes a long-term feeling of nutritional science still confirms fullness that supports healthy weight that eating apples regularly in your management.

This is why an apple diet provides many benefits that is a great snack mid-morning when support long term health and disease blood sugar usually crashes. prevention.

Apple peels are exceptionally rich The main therapeutic value of in polyphenols, especially quercetin. an apple is the pectin. This is a johnrtaylor1953@gmail.com Quercetin is a potent antioxidant super power type of soluble fiber Residential Builder and anti-inflammatory agent, that found in the cell walls. Pectin acts neutralize oxidative stress, protects MI License No. 2102222731 as a prebiotic, passing through the cellular DNA, and strengthens upper digestive tract still intact until cardiovascular health. A medium reaching the colon.This is where apple offers nearly 10% of your daily beneficial gut bacteria ferment the vitamin C. This is necessary for pectin into short-chain fatty acids, collagen building, immune defense, and break down fiber in your colon. and protecting cells against free The three main types are acetate, radical damage.Collagen is the key propionate, and butyrate. These fatty structural support for your skin, joints, acids nourish the intestinal lining, and bones. The anti-aging peptide. reduce inflammation, and support Apples supply essential immune function and health. In electrolytes that aid in blood pressure today’s standard American diet, this is regulation and fluid balance. They an important missing link. also offertrace amounts of Vitamin K, Once in the digestive tract, pectin copper, and B-complex vitamins. forms a gel-like matrix that binds Can you see that an apple a day can to bile acids and break down to offer a lot of nutrition that your body absorb fats. Thepectin acts as natural needs? Apples can deliver genuine detergents to pull LDL (“bad”) 1942 — daily maintenance for your digestive, cholesterol out of the bloodstream cardiovascular, and immune systems. forcing the liver to produce fresh They offer an intense breakdown bile. This helps maintain healthy lipid of vitamins, minerals, and plant levelsthat helps signal hormones. compounds that our bodies need.

A medium apple provides nearly 5 Apples are in season right now in grams of total dietary fiber, offering our area. There are so many varieties both soluble pectin and insoluble to choose from. Have you had your fiber. This is mainly found in the peel. apple today?

The peel is very important to eat.

Just give it a good wash with vinegar water or baking soda.

Disclaimer: Everything here is for The structural matrix created by nutritional education and is not meant insoluble and soluble fiber slows the to diagnose, treat prevent or cure. See your doctor when you have questions. absorption of natural sugars into the

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LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

New Buffalo Times — SINCE 1942 —

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18 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026

F

Corn mazes reflect images of Dolly Parton

BY STAN MADDUX

arms from Indiana and Michigan are among just a handful nationwide offering corn mazes featuring the likeness of late country music superstar Dolly Parton.

The mazes were created before the entertainer died on Aug. 25, but her passing could result in more people than originally expected coming to celebrate her life and mourn her death in the corn.

“We’re very saddened by her loss, but we’re excited for the opportunity,” said Ed Robinette, a fourth-generation owner of Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery outside Grand Rapids, Michigan.

“Me and my friends and family, we’re all big Dolly fans. So, everyone is all excited,” said Ashley Perez, general manager of Harvest Tyme Family Farm near Lowell, Indiana.

The two farms along with 18 others nationwide and in Canada have images of Parton in their corn mazes under an agreement struck with her in the spring of 2025 to promote her Imagination Library.

Imagination Library has provided over 300 million books to children worldwide to encourage them to read since founded in 1995 by Parton, who was inspired by her father’s inability to read and write.

A portion of the proceeds from the corn mazes will go to Imagination Library.

The mazes were planned well before her death as part of the annual Country Music Corn Maze campaign with help from The Maize Inc., a group helping farmers annually choose an image or theme for their corn mazes to generate interest from paying customers.

Originally, the Dolly mazes were supposed

trees.

Robinette is hoping the Dolly maze, which also features images of a butterfly and guitar, brings more people to his farm than usual in the coming weeks as temperatures begin to feel more like autumn.

“Dolly has a lot of followers and that’s the reason we chose it. We thought it would be of great interest to our visitors. It should be a good year,” he said.

to debut in the fall of 2025.

However, the death of her longtime husband, Carl, pushed things back a year out of respect for Dolly and her need to mourn.

Work on the maze images began in the spring when the corn plants were just a few inches above the ground.

“Dolly’s impact on the world and her love for farming is immeasurable and our corn maze tributes now take on new meaning and significance as we honor her and her beloved Imagination Library,” said Brett Herbst, founder of The Maize Inc. and designer of the Dolly mazes.

Robinette said the 6.5-acre corn maze at his family farm has a new image each year.

One of them was the American Flag commemorating the anniversary of the Sept.

11 terrorist attacks on U.S. soil from 25 years ago and cartoon character, Charlie Brown.

He said thousands of people come to his farm every fall to pick apples, take part in the maze and other attractions like wagon rides and a bounce house.

There’re also a farm market, cider mill and bakery at the farm, which has about 18 acres of apple trees, a half dozen acres of sweet cherry trees and two to three acres of peach

A three to fouracre maze displaying a different image each year is offered at Harvest Tyme Family Farm along with wagon rides and pumpkins from a one to two-acre patch.

People can also ride the 10 carnival rides on the property, which is open to the public strictly during the fall season.

Perez also expects a larger turnout judging by the number of social media posts about this year’s maze.

“I

’ve seen multiple comments about, you know, we’re definitely coming this year because of this,” she said.

According to The Maize, people navigating each of the mazes will look for clues and play an interactive game quizzing them on how much they know about the singer from East Tennessee.

The locations of the mazes can be found at https//:themaize.com/pages/dolly.

The Maize creates mazes for over 320 farms and has designed more than 6,000 corn mazes since first introducing the concept in 1996.

Herbst said nearly 120 of those mazes have been images of country music stars and depicted country music themes within the past four years.

LIBRARY TO HOLD ‘DOLLY DAY’

T

he Three Oaks Township Library will be holding a special evening celebrating the life, heart, and incredible legacy of Dolly Parton at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept.

25.

The library will be showing the documentary “The Library That Dolly Built: Celebrating the People Who Made Dolly’s Dream Come True,” a wonderful look at the people and passion behind Dolly’s Imagination Library.

The Friends of the Three Oaks Library will be giving books to children in honor of Dolly and her lifelong commitment to putting books into the hands of children. Dolly’s Imagination Library has gifted more than 300 million free books to children around the world.

There will also be a special pink cake in honor of Dolly’s famously colorful and joyful style.

Dolly is also quite the cake fan - she has shared that coconut cake is one of her favorites and has even created her own line of cake mixes. — STAFF

REPORTS

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