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BEMIDJI – Playing its first game in nine days, the Bemidji High School girls basketball team found itself trailing 47-33 with under 10 minutes left in regulation against Elk River. Then the Lumberjacks went on a run. Clara Bieber got a tough layup to fall to engage the home crowd at the BHS gymnasium. Bieber’s finish was part of a 15-7 stretch – capped by Margie Anderson’s free throw – that pulled the Jacks within five. It was the kind of response head coach Darin Schultz was eager to witness against one of Section 8-4A’s toughest teams. “I thought the girls did an exceptional job,” Schultz said. “We’ve been in the gym the last couple of days, that’s part of being in a winter sport. You have to make sacrifices, which means coming in and practicing the day after Christmas. I thought they played extraordinary today. Elk River is one of the top three teams in our section, and we were right there.” BHS kept chipping away at the Elks’ lead. Matjea Malterud took a charge on the defensive end before Karley LaZella finished another contested layup to pull the Jacks within three. However, Bemidji didn’t have enough to tie the game. Despite Elk River missing four of its six free-throw attempts in the final 90 seconds, it hung on by the skin of its teeth to pull out a 58-55 win over the Lumberjacks. “We need to find a way to get over the hump so we’re winning these games against top-notch teams,” Schultz said. “I truly believe we’re a top team in our section, but it comes down to the little things. We gave up too many offensive rebounds today, and that’s a big reason why this game played out the way it did.” Shots weren’t falling for either team early on. The Elks held a 7-6 lead as the first half crossed the midway point. Elk River pulled ahead 22-16 late in the first half before taking a four-point lead into the locker room. The Elks opened the second half on a 10-3 run. After BHS began to close the gap again, a pair of 3-pointers from Kaelee Hansen and a layup from Elsie Ostmoe extended the Elks’ lead to double digits at 43-30. Then the Jacks got to work. Malterud finished a pair of contested layups to push her point total to 12. She also collected a bevy of timely rebounds on both ends of the floor. “Matjea spends more time in the gym than anybody sees,” Schultz said. “She’s in here on her own doing the work, and it’s showing on the court. I’m so proud of her. The work she’s putting in is paying off for our team.” LaZella was also a force in the second half, scoring 10 of her co-game-high 14 points. “Karley is so unique, she’s so strong inside,” Schultz said. “Pretty much every night we play, we have an advantage inside, and that’s a really good thing for us. We can utilize the inside game, and typically, Karley starts the game inside, and the other team starts to dig and double her. That opens up everybody else.” The Jacks also did an impressive job of getting to the free-throw line, taking 28 attempts. Bemidji spent 15 minutes in the bonus combined between the first and second halves. “It’s been one of the biggest positives in our season so far,” Schultz said. “We’ve been getting to the line about 20 times a game. Tonight, I bet we were close to 30. That’s because our girls are being aggressive, we aren’t backing down from anybody. It’s only going to serve us well as we continue on with our season.” Elk River had a chance to ice the game at the free-throw line with 12.7 seconds left and a two-point lead. Joanna Talso split her attempts from the stripe before Elks head coach Ryan Mynahan took his final timeout. It allowed Bemidji (6-4) to draw up a play for the final shot down three. In the waning seconds, Liv Thompson had an open look to tie the game. However, her shot clanked off the rim as time expired. Despite entering Saturday’s game under. 500, Elk River’s (4-5) record is deceiving. Schultz credited the Elks for navigating a tough schedule in the first half of their season. “Their losses are against top-10 teams in Class 4A,” Schultz said. “They played a six-point game against St. Michael-Albertville, they’ve played some really good teams. So when I look at our team and how we measure up to that, I think we’re right on the brink. We were right there with Sartell and Buffalo. Those are some of the top-notch teams in our section.” ER 24 34 – 58 BHS 20 35 – 55 Bemidji – LaZella 14, Malterud 12, Bieber 12, Daman 6, Anderson 5, Thompson 4, LaDuke 2. Elk River – L. Osterman 14, Ostmoe 12, Hansen 9, A. Osterman 7, Meinke 6, Ostmoe 6, Worloma 3, Zimski 1.AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:05 p.m. EST
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Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF ( NYSEARCA:IVOV – Get Free Report ) shares saw an uptick in trading volume on Thursday . 46,106 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 178% from the previous session’s volume of 16,596 shares.The stock last traded at $96.17 and had previously closed at $96.23. Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF Price Performance The firm’s 50-day moving average price is $99.91 and its 200-day moving average price is $94.42. The company has a market cap of $935.48 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.72 and a beta of 1.07. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Capital Performance Advisors LLP purchased a new stake in Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF during the second quarter worth about $39,000. Aptus Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF in the third quarter worth about $57,000. Eastern Bank purchased a new position in Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF in the third quarter valued at about $61,000. Finally, Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association of America acquired a new stake in Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $79,000. Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF Company Profile The Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IVOV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P Mid Cap 400 Value index. The fund tracks an index of value-style securities from the Committee-selected S&P mid-cap 400. IVOV was launched on Sep 9, 2010 and is managed by Vanguard. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Investors can focus on these stock market themes in 2025
• DIY Journal Workshop at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 2 at the North Branch. Teens in grades 6-12 will learn tips and tricks for how to create and use journals in ways that help your brain succeed. To register, call 586-226-5083. • For those that received a new tablet, CMPL is offering programs to assist in downloading and using free library apps. A librarian will host events on how to use library apps to access free books, magazines, music, movies and more at 3 p.m. Jan. 4 or 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at the South Branch. To register, call 586-226-5073. • Bullet Journaling and Beyond at 10 a.m. Jan. 6 at the North Branch. Participants may bring a journal and pen, but a starter journal will be available for those who need one. To register, call 586-226-5083. • De-Stress Fest at 6 p.m. Jan. 7 at the North Branch. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to the library to de-stress during midterms with some crafts, games, snacks, and therapy dogs. No registration required. • Children ages 5-12 are invited for some fun with theatre at 2 p.m. Jan. 11 at the North Branch. OpenSpot Theatre’s mission is to provide a fun, creative, and inclusive arts experience that is accessible to all people and which culminates in a live performance for friends and family. To register, call 586-226-5083. • CMPL is still offering usual book discussion groups and trivia nights online each month. Register for events online at cmpl.libnet.info/events or call 586-226-5000. CMPL Main Library is located at 40900 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township. CMPL is North Branch is at 54100 Broughton Road, Macomb Township. CMPL South Branch located at 35679 South Gratiot Ave., Clinton Township. To register for programs, visit cmpl.libnet.info/events . • Spice of the Month Club 2 p.m. Jan. 7. • Family Game Night at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8. • Thursday Book Club at 6 p.m. Jan. 9. Selection is ‘Beartown’ by Richard Paul Evans. • Friends of the Library meeting at 10 a.m. Jan. 11. • The library has an ongoing canned food drive. Non-perishable foods can be dropped off during open hours. • The library is open to the public and for curbside service and phone reference service during regular hours. Patrons can place holds on items through the catalog or call to request materials. The library is located at 15875 Oak Ave., Eastpointe. To contact the library or to register for most programs, call 586-445-5096. •Presidential Book Club 6:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 6. We are now exploring other nonfiction titles about the history of the USA. Selection is part two of ‘Undaunted courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West’. by Stephen Ambrose. •Story time: Winter Session 10:30-11:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Designed for any of our tiny patrons to enjoy. We’ll sing, dance, and bounce our way into literacy. Registration required for children only. Themes for this winter will include: Snow, Cities, Feelings, Weather, Hats, Dance, Mail, Cats, Sports, Picnic, Cookies, and Bunnies. The library is holding programming at 15260/15240 15 Mile Road, Fraser. To register for programming where required, call 586-293-2055 or online at fraserpubliclibrary.org • Silent Book Club at 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 2. At Silent Book Club, there’s no assigned reading. Bring whatever book you are reading and join an evening out with fellow book lovers. All readers are welcome – eBooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books... it’s BYOBook. At the beginning of each meeting, we will have time to mingle, followed by an hour of silent reading. Registration appreciated. • Knitting and Crochet Circle 10 a.m.-noon Jan 7, 14, 21 and 28. Knitters and crocheters of all levels. Bring your own project and supplies. This group is currently accepting donations of yarn, fleece, or craft store gift cards. The group creates and donates to charitable organizations like Beaumont Little Angels, Project Linus, Compassion Pregnancy, and more to give comfort items during times of need. • Adult Take and Make Craft: Wishing Tree Jan. 8 while supplies last. Create your own wishing tree! Take the time to reflect and write down your New Year’s resolutions, then transform them into a beautiful and motivational piece of décor. Visit the library to grab your Take & Make kit starting January 8, while supplies last. Limited supplies available. • Baby Play Group 10 a.m. Fridays Jan. 10-Feb. 28 (no storytime Feb. 21) Children ages 6-24 months and their parents to spend time together and enjoy themselves, while building early literacy skills. Registration not required. Residents can request materials be delivered to their homes. Request materials, once notified they are ready for pickup, contact the library at 586-329-1261 to set up delivery time. The library is located at 38255 L’Anse Creuse St., Harrison Township. Register for classes where required at htlibrary.org . • The Librarian’s List Book Club at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 2. • Friends of the MacDonald Public Library Book Sale from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 4. • Teen: Winter Art with Buttons at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 7. • Kids Take and Make: Fake Snow Jan. 8. •Writers’ Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 8. • The Librarian’s List- Daytime Edition at 2 p.m. Jan. 9. • Adult Craft Night at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9. • Saturday Storytime at 10 a.m. Jan. 11. Most programs require registration. To sign up for programs or find more events, visit macdonaldlibrary.org and click on “events.” To contact the library, send an email to contactmpl@macdonaldlibrary.org or call 586-725-0273. The library is open and available for visits Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The library is located at 36480 Main St., New Baltimore. • Movie Musical Saturdays 11 a.m.-1 pm. Jan 4 selection is ‘La La Land’ We will provide popcorn and drinks, but feel free to bring your own snacks. All movies are rated PG-13. • DIY Lantern Making 4-5:30 p.m. Jan. 6. Make your day a little brighter with our DIY lantern making activity! Design your own custom lantern that you can take home and hang wherever you’d like. • Creating Vision Boards 4-6 p.m. Jan. 8. We will be using pictures, magazines, and quotes to plan out our goals for the future. • Sewing Machine Open Session noon-1:45 p.m. Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29 Did you know our library has 4 sewing machines available for the public to use? Stop by any of these open sewing machine sessions to work on your own projects, or learn how to use our sewing machines with a simple hands-on tutorial! • American Sign Language 6-7:30 p.m. Mondays. Those ages seven and up are invited to join professional ASL interpreter and Mount Clemens resident, Jeanne Coker for a 6 week course in signing, deaf history, and culture! The first 45 minutes will cover more basic skills and content, geared toward anyone 7 years old and up! Parents and children are encouraged to attend this portion together! The second half of the class will go more in depth and allow for some discussion and personalized instruction. Registration required. • Resume review 4-7 p.m. Mondays. Bring your resume to adult services for a resume review. Experts will critique, revise, and make it great for your next job search. If you cannot come on Mondays, call 586-469-6200 for an appointment. The library is located at 150 Cass Avenue and registration for programs where required can be done online at mtclib.org . • Tuesday Book Group 1:30 p.m. Jan. 7. Selection is ‘The Lovely Bones’ by Alice Sebold. This group currently meets in the general meeting room. Call 586-752-0603 for more details. • Teen Anime Club at 6 p.m. Jan. 7. Love all things anime and love reading manga? Watch anime, do crafts, and eat all the Pocky! Snacks will be provided. Registration not required. • Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 8. Those ages 3-5 can join for stories, songs, and a take-home craft. No registration required. The library is located at 65821 Van Dyke, Washington Township. For more information or to register where required, call 586-752-0603. • Kids Craft Week through Dec. 31. Come in and do a craft. We have an assortment of crafts to choose from. Something for kids of all ages. No registration required. • Crochet Club at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 31 and Jan. 7. Crochet beginners to experts – We take knitters and other needle workers too! Join our circle and work on your projects. • Genealogy Workshop 11 a.m. Jan. 11. Work to share resources, ideas, and support at monthly topical workshops. A genealogy librarian will be on hand to answer questions and help guide searches with free library resources and reference materials. Meetings will be held both in-person and virtually through Zoom. This month’s theme is the Updates to Genealogy Research. The library is located at 107 Church Street, Romeo. For more information or to register where required, call 586-752-2583. • Booked for the Evening at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9. Selection is ‘The Secret Life of Sunflowers’ by Marta Molnar. Please note, this program will be held in the City Hall Lobby. • Bundles for children. Fill in the form that can be found on the website, social media or in the newsletter and choose up to three topics or themes and a librarian will put together five books and place them on hold for you to pick up. • Book Match Submit a Book Match form that can be found on the website, social media or in the newsletter. More detailed responses will result in better recommendations. After finishing the form expect to receive a custom reading list within 10 business days. • Homework Help: Tutor.com offers live assistance from tutors. • Librarians are offering chat reference on Facebook at facebook.com/RosevillePublicLibraryMI . Library patrons may continue to ask questions through comments on the library’s Facebook page and via email at rsvlibrary@roseville-mi.gov or by calling 586-445-5407. The library is located at 29777 Gratiot Ave. • Board Game Day noon-4 p.m. Jan. 11. Board game enthusiasts of all ages are invited to drop in for an afternoon of fun and strategy. With a plethora of classic and modern games, there’s something for everyone to dive into. No registration required. • The youth services department, with the help of grant funding, has created 14 explorer packs for children and families to check out. Each pack contains learning tools, non fiction books, activity sheets, identification guides and other manipulatives centered on an outdoor activity. Topics include insects, bird watching, astronomy water, hiking, plants and rocks. To check out an Explorer pack or for more information, ask at the Youth Services Desk. The library is located at 22500 E. 11 Mile Road, St. Clair Shores. Registration can be done available online through the library’s website, scslibrary.org; in person, via phone at 586-771-9020, or via email to SCSYouth@libcoop.net. • Tech Talks 10 a.m. Mondays. Bring your coffee and curiosity as our tech librarian covers popular topics in the technology world. For beginners and those wanting to learn a little more. All learners are welcome. For up to date program schedules visit shelbytwp.org/library or visit the Library’s Facebook page. Additionally, library staff will be available by phone at 586-739-7414 or by email at shelbylib@libcoop.net for assistance. All digital services are available at shelbytwp.org/library. The library is located at 52610 Van Dyke Avenue, Shelby Township • BYO Book Club at 6 p.m. Jan. 2. If you love talking books but want a no pressure book club, at BYO Book Club, everyone brings a book they’ve read and loved, and you get to add more books to your TBR pile that interest you! Snacks will be served, and registration is required. • Intro to Javascript coding for kids at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 4. Kids ages 9-12 are invited to start learning various coding concepts and complete basic projects using JavaScript, a coding language that can be used to develop web-based games. Projects will be basic and take only one hour to complete, and laptops will be provided. • Library cardholders can reserve a time to use the Maker’s Space by appointment. Look for Maker Space Lab on the program calendar. • Biblio Book Box offered for adults and Teen Book Box for teens offered every month. Register and a librarian will will pick a book based on user’s preferences and include a surprise. • Toddler Time and Preschool storytimes are both offered at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays. Registration is required. Check the library calendar for full details. • PAWS for Reading 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays. The first 10 children to check in at the youth desk on Tuesday nights will be able to read to a therapy dog. • The Upton House is open for self-guided tours from 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of the month. Register up to six people in a household. Registration only required for Wednesdays. • Sterling Heights Public Library will continue curbside materials service, phone service, and home delivery/outreach service on Monday – Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 1-5 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, 24/7 digital library services are available at shpl.net. The library is located at 40255 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights. For more information or to register, visit shpl.net or call 586-446-2640. • Warren Public Library is distributing My First Library Bags at all four library branches for children from birth through age five who are Warren residents. Children can stop by any Warren Public Library branch with their parents or caregivers to receive a free bag. The bags for babies from birth through age two include a board book, sensory ball, bib, and a list of library resources in a reusable tote bag. The bags for ages three through five include a picture book, egg shaker, and a growth chart in a reusable tote bag. Bags available while supplies last and are designed to help develop early literacy skills by encouraging adults to talk, sing, read, write, and play with young children every day to help every child get ready to read and succeed when kindergarten begins. • All Warren public library branches will be able to offer a telescope for patrons to check out with a valid library card thanks to being selected to be part of NASA @ My Library, an education initiative to increase and enhance science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) opportunities for library patrons. The Warren Civic Center library will offer telescope events throughout the year as well. • Family Story Time: Tacky the Penquin at 2 p.m. Jan. 4. Celebrating all things Tacky the Penguin because Tacky is our FAVORITE penguin. Children and their families can join us for some stories and a fun penguin craft. For ages 3-8. Registration is required. • Steam Explorers: Magnetic Nom-Nom Bots at 6 p.m. Jan. 7. Improve map reading skills and learn to read a compass while hanging out with local community members and friends. Ages 4-10. Registration is required. The library is located at 23345 Van Dyke Avenue. Registration can be done online at warrenlibrary.net or by calling 586-353-0579. • Grab-and-Go Science at Busch Branch Library has science themed kits available for check out exploring topics in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with fun and kid-friendly hands on activities. Each kit also contains a related book and instructions. For children, tweens and teens ages six and up, recommended ages vary by kit and activity. More kits will be added to the collection soon. They can be checked out for 21 days and renewed up to two times and must be checked out and returned to the Busch Branch. The library is located at 23333 Ryan Rd., Warren. • Children’s Book Boxes, a subscription box program for children in grades 3-5. To sign up you must live in Warren and have a valid Warren Library card. Each box will contain 1-2 library books selected based on your preferences and one free book to keep. Boxes will contain fun surprises too! Sign up online at warrenlibrary.net/childrens-book-boxes . • PAWS To Read 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays. Children of all ages can come and read to therapy dog Desmond. The PAWS program welcomes new and struggling readers to read to a certified therapy dog. The goal is to provide a non-judgmental atmosphere in which kids can read without correction or interruption and learn not just to read, but to love reading as well. No registration required. The library is located at 1 City Square, Suite 100, Warren. All Macomb County libraries, as part of the Suburban Library Cooperative, subscribe to RB Digital which has over 100 digital magazines that can be checked out immediately. They also offer educational services through Tutor.com, which provides homework help, test preparation and term paper and resume review. Students can use their student ID number to access those services. Items for Library events should be emailed at least two weeks in advance of events to estark@medianewsgroup.com. — Macomb Daily staff
Kaipara Mayor and self-described "Trump of the North" Craig Jepson loves nothing better than fishing over summer. Across the Northland border, in Auckland waters - in the first instance at least. Northland's Mangawhai-based mayor likes to head out across the bar from his upper Mangawhai Harbour home to catch snapper, trevally and more. His favourite fishing spot is in Auckland waters, off Te Arai on the Pakiri coast, about 500 metres south of the border between the two regions. Jepson loves it because it's the quickest best place to get to. He fishes in Auckland waters' Mokohinau Islands as well. But Jepson mixes this up with Northland-based fishing too, off Bream Head and the Hen and Chickens - all depending on wind and sea conditions. The border is no more than an arbitrary line on the map when it comes to fishing. Off Te Arai is the closest to home. "It's all about how much time I have." Mangawhai living's a buzz for Jepson and his partner Jeanette Reid. "There are dolphins up the harbour and great ice creams at the pub," he said. "Mangawhai has a great vibe, I love the ability to go fishing at the drop of a hat. "I love the lifestyle. I love the people here. We often have people over for barbecues and discuss the politics of the day." He and Reid enjoy biking along Mangawhai's ever-lengthening shared path joining the settlement's north and south, which has been built in stages since 2021. Jepson also uses it to bike from home to Mangawhai-based Kaipara District Council (KDC) meetings. But it's boating and fishing that offer more appeal. Jepson's been boating for six decades, starting as a deckhand for his father out of Tauranga when he was 17. He favours simplicity when it comes to eating his fresh caught fish. "A shake or rice flour and cooked in the pan with butter." And then eaten simply with a fried egg - and peas. Much of his catch is given away. Jepson has seen Mangawhai change since he moved there 22 years ago - and there's more to come. Mangawhai is New Zealand's fastest-growing coastal settlement. When he first arrived, vacant holiday baches predominated. Fast forward two decades and it's now 60 percent permanent residents. Most are from Auckland. They work remotely, travel to and from New Zealand's largest city for all or some of the week. There are many variations of that theme, the living style transition supercharged by Covid-19. A thousand more houses are either shaping up or on the horizon for Mangawhai. Northland's southern border with Auckland is just 5km south of Mangawhai. The new 18km Puhoi to Warkworth State Highway 1 four-laning extension that opened in June 2023 has made it easier to travel between Mangawhai and Auckland. Jepson says it's already having an impact on the settlement's population growth. "The trick is trying to manage growth so that we don't kill the goose that laid the golden egg," Jepson said. He says recent technological updates to the settlement's wastewater treatment plant will help Mangawhai as it faces a significant population explosion over summer. The award-winning wastewater treatment plant is one of the most efficient in New Zealand, Jepson said. Getting rid of Mangawhai's mangroves is next in Jepson's sights. As part of this he wants to get rid of the equivalent of about 1.5 rugby fields of mangroves he can see from his house, amidst a much wider removal. His latest mission is stirring up controversy, but Jepson's not afraid to voice his at-times divisive views. Under his helm Kaipara became the only council to can its existing Māori ward , karakia have been removed from council meetings , KDC's Māori relationship agreements with local iwi terminated , and the Kaipara-based Ruawai climate adaptation pilot dumped . He is pushing for a locally based waste to energy plant , despite community opposition and has pulled out of Local Government New Zealand. His penchant for standing up for what he believes in was highlighted when he and his partner joined the Wellington protests over the Covid-19 mandates, seven months before he became mayor. The self-described "Trump of the North" was thrilled when the now-United States president Donald Trump in November won the country's elections. "It's great because it's the end of woke." He held a celebratory gathering at home in honour of Trump's success, the day after the presidency was confirmed. Jepson admires what he says is Trump's ability to go against the grain - along with the president's approaches towards freedom of choice, less government, and freedom of speech. He admires Trump's ability not to fall into what he says is the trap of "group think - knowing the truth but believing the lies". And Jepson's wardrobe now includes a Trump election campaign cap from the United States. He describes KDC as a bellwether council in the global right-wing shift Trump's 2024 election was part of. Like Trump, Jepson doesn't mind standing out - for all the wrong reasons in some people's eyes, but for the right reasons in the eyes of others. He is fine about being labelled as a black sheep mayor, comfortable going against the mainstream. "I'm not scared to confront issues we need to discuss." His 2022 election win with a 1500 vote majority, among 8000 total votes, proved that his position was popular, he said. Jepson will be standing as mayor again in the 2025 elections. "There's too much still to do." LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.Three refugees working for Stitch Buffalo have been helping outfit Bills fans for the past three years by making popular Flintstone-inspired hats for Water Buffalo Club 716 , but none of them has ever been to a Bills or an NFL game. That will change on Sunday. Members of the Water Buffalo Club pose for a group photo while tailgating outside Highmark Stadium on Nov. 3. Three refugee women who have been working with Stitch Buffalo to make fan-centric Bills gear will attend their first game this weekend. The Water Buffalo Club is taking Munawara Sultan of Pakistan, Palwasha Basir of Afghanistan and Hkawng Lung of Burma as guests to Highmark Stadium for their first Bills game experience. Buffalo hosts the New York Jets starting at 1 p.m. “We are uniting the global community of Buffalo Bills fans into one family and introducing them to the Bills Mafia,” said Therese Forton-Barnes, founder and Grand Poobah of the Water Buffalo Club. As they started making the hats, Sultan, Basir and Lung soon learned about the team, and now cheer them on and love saying “Go Bills,” Forton-Barnes said. “They are three remarkable, hardworking women who have been torn from their home countries due to their religion, social unrest or the Taliban taking over,” she said. “They now love their new home in Buffalo, and we want to show them a total game experience.” With more than 6,200 members worldwide – including celebrity and notable supporters and honorary members – the Water Buffalo Club was formed several years ago as a fun way to bring fans together locally and internationally via a signature hat that represents the unity and family bond of a herd. Palwasha Basir, a tailor from of Afghanistan, is one of three refugees working for Stitch Buffalo who will be attending their first Buffalo Bills game. The hat collection includes dedicated hats that create awareness for multiple social good initiatives, with every deluxe hat made in Buffalo by local artisan refugees who are better able to support their families thanks to the demand for the products. Forton-Barnes, who runs an event marketing company, got things started at a January 2021 wild-card round game against the Indianapolis Colts. She wanted to do something unique after being unable to attend games the entire regular season due to Covid restrictions. So, she and a friend put on Flintstone-inspired furry hats with horns on the sides and a red buffalo on the front and wore big furry coats. The hats really caught on. Since then, thousands of hats have been sold and she’s shipped them to fans in places like Mexico, Australia, Spain and Canada, along with nearly every state in America. Wearing one automatically makes a fan a member of the club, including star QB Josh Allen's parents, Joel and Lavonne Allen. Paul Kraft wears a Water Buffalo Club 716 hat with a No. 3 on it in support of Damar Hamlin during a tailgate at Highmark Stadium. Stitch Buffalo’s artisans are considered consigners, who make money from the textile art they create. Almost all the money from goods sold out of Stitch’s storefront goes back to the consigners. That’s why making these hats has been so important for the likes of Lung, Basir and Sultana. “Ongoing projects like this provide a reliable source of income for the women making them,” Dawne Hoeg, the founder and executive director at Stitch, previously told The News. “For Stitch Buffalo, the collaboration has put our programs and products in front of a whole new audience.” The Water Buffalo Club tailgates at the Big Tree Inn parking lot on the corner of Abbott Road and Big Tree Road, and will be taking a group photo with the ladies prior to the game at 10:30 a.m. The business news you need Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. 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