Farmer's market closes today

Saturday, September 4, 2010 7:02 AM

ELKHART (AP) - The American Countryside Farmers Market near Elkhart will close its doors on Saturday, just a little over three years after opening.

Many merchants tell The Elkhart Truth that the past month has been the best of the year for traffic and sales.

American Countryside officials announced in late July that the 51,000-square-foot red barn would close. The airy market opened in May 2007, on the eve of the economic downturn.

The facility cost about $4 million and was built predominantly by Amish workers

Owners of the facility have said they plan to consider other business models.

Steuben Council trims budget

Saturday, September 4, 2010 7:01 AM

by Jim Measel

ANGOLA - The Steuben County Council finished up work on the county's proposed 2011 budget on Friday morning.

They decided to trim $70,000 from the 2010 budget in order to get down to a targeted amount of just under $10.5 million.

As Council President Bill Booth and Council Member Linda Hanson discussed, the money taken out included $30,000 from the E-M-S director's salary since that position has been unfilled for the past year.

County Auditor Pam Coleman added everything is on schedule for fall tax collections in November.

Pending a scheduled adoption of the 2011 salary ordinance on September 14th, full time county employees will get a $500 across the board salary hike in addition to a step increase.

Department heads did not ask for any new hires when they submitted their 2011 budgets.

Avilla man accused of molesting 8 years ago

Saturday, September 4, 2010 7:00 AM

AVILLA - An Avilla man is accused of molesting a girl eight years ago.

Indiana State Police arrested 53-year-old Frederick Weese on Friday following a week-long investigation.

The investigation was initiated by the Noble County Division of Family and Children.

The allegation claims Weese had inappropriate contact with the girl at a residence in Ligonier back in 2002 when the girl was 8-year-old old.

Weese was booked at the Noble County Jail on a preliminary charge of class-A felony child molesting.

Woman who fell from balcony was drunk

Saturday, September 4, 2010 7:04 AM

KALAMAZOO (AP) - Police say an 18-year-old woman critically hurt in a fall from the second-story balcony of a Western Michigan University fraternity house had been drinking.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reports Friday that Jordyn Sanderson had a blood-alcohol level of 0.18 percent - more than twice the legal limit for driving - when she fell early Wednesday morning.

Sanderson was taken to Bronson Hospital, where she remains in critical condition with a fractured skull.

Police say it's not clear if the Lansing Community College student from Portland had been drinking at the Sigma Pi house but alcohol was being consumed there.

The university has suspended the fraternity.

Cromwell man accused of making meth

Friday, September 3, 2010 2:03 PM

ALBION - A Cromwell man is accused of making methamphetamine.

Police arrested 25-year-old Johnnie Franklin Howard just before midnight Thursday night.

He's charged with manufacturing meth and possession of precursors with intent to manufacture.

Howard was held in the Noble County Jail at Albion pending a court appearance.

LaGrange man hurt in crash near Elkhart County line

Friday, September 3, 2010 11:25 AM

EDEN TOWNSHIP - A LaGrange man was injured in a LaGrange County crash early Thursday morning.

44-year-old James Wilson complained of hip and back pain after his S-U-V struck a car that entered his lane after striking a tree.

23-year-old Brooke Foster told police she swerved to avoid an animal and left the road before striking the tree.

Foster was not injured.

Wilson said he couldn't see Foster's car due to the darkness and rain and because it didn't have any lights on.

Police ticketed Wilson for not having insurance.

The crash happened on County Road 600-South at 1100-West at 5:37 a-m.

Semi crashes, leaks fuel

Friday, September 3, 2010 12:46 PM

THREE RIVERS – Thursday's rain contributed to a semi accident that spilled fuel on the highway.

The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department says a semi tractor trailer, driven by 40 year old Jose Carmona of Lawton, was driving on U.S. 131 near Hoffman Road when he lost control of his rig on the wet pavement and it crashed, spilling fuel on the roadway.

The Three Rivers Fire Department arrived and contained the leaking fuel, keeping it from going down the drains and into a nearby river.

The highway was closed for approximately four hours while a hazardous materials crew from South Bend cleaned up the area.

Investigators say Carmona was not injured in the crash.

Man kills alligator in corn field near Burr Oak

Friday, September 3, 2010 11:37 AM

BURR OAK, Mich. (AP) - A Burr Oak man simply wanted to gather some sweet corn for the family freezer.

He didn't expect to have to deal with a 34-inch alligator rushing at him.

Jeff Adamski was in a corn field on a recent evening when two women came running from a few rows over, screaming that they had seen an alligator.

He checked it out and sure enough, there it was.

Adamski tells the Sturgis Journal he "backed away," and the gator "darted at me." He then backed up faster, and the animal kept coming.

That's when Adamski says he decided to deal with the problem, considering what an alligator could do to a child if he let it go.

The newspaper reports Adamski grabbed a 4-foot bar out of his truck and killed the alligator.

More cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis reported in St. Joseph County

Friday, September 3, 2010 8:17 AM

by Mike Stiles

COLDWATER – Four additional cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been diagnosed in horses in St. Joseph County.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says they were notified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture Thursday morning regarding the EEE cases.

Easter Equine Encephalitis is a virus that typically affects horses but can be spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Steve Todd, Health Officer for the CHA goes over the steps people can take to help prevent getting EEE...(listen).

EEE in humans is rare with most people who become infected having no symptoms. However, Todd says if symptoms do develop, they can be confused with the flu...(listen).

There is a vaccine that prevents the disease in horses, but to date there is nothing for humans. If you would like more information, you can visit the CHA website .

Trine University kicks off new season in new stadium

Friday, September 3, 2010 11:45 AM

by Jim Measel

ANGOLA - There were fireworks on and off the field on Thursday night as Trine University opened its new Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium.

A record crowd of over 5,100 fans jammed their way into the renovated facility to watch the Thunder smash Manchester 55-7 in the football programs first home night game.

The pageantry included fireworks, sky divers and a motorcycle escort for the Thunder mascot Thor.

Zollner Stadium features new home grandstands, suites, lounges, a fitness center, locker rooms and offices.

The stadium will eventually be the home for the university's football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey programs.

Boy pleads guilty to shooting father near Cromwell

Thursday, September 2, 2010 2:32 PM

WARSAW - A 15-year-old northern Indiana boy has offered to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit murder in the shooting death of his stepfather in exchange for prosecutors dropping charges of murder and aiding murder.

The Times-Union of Warsaw reports that KosciuskoCircuit Court Judge Rex Reed will decide Sept. 27 whether to accept the plea agreement. If he does, the teen faces 20 years to 50 years in prison.

The boy and a 12-year-old friend are accused of shooting to death 49-year-old Phillip Danner in April at his home near Lake Wawasee.

The 15-year-old boy testified Wednesday that he and his friend waited for Danner in a living room and shot him when he entered.

Bond Set At $25,000 For Wolcottville Man On Traffic Accident Charges

Thursday, September 2, 2010 2:38 PM

by Jim Measel

ALBION - Bond for a Wolcottville man was set at $25,000 on Thursday during a Noble County initial hearing on charges that were filed after a August 22nd traffic accident that investigators think was alcohol related.

40-year-old Harold Bruce is facing five charges and two infractions in connection with the accident when he collided with another car at an intersection southwest of Kendallville.

The crash seriously injured one of his two daughters.

Not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf during the initial hearing.

Bruce surrendered at the Noble County Jail after he was released from Parkview-Noble Hospital.

NIFL seeks to consolidate with NIPSCO

Thursday, September 2, 2010 12:51 PM

by Tim Murray

AUBURN - Northern Indiana Fuel & Light has filed a proposal to consolidate with Northern Indiana Public Service Company.

N-I-F-L is already owned by NIPSCO's parent company, NiSource.

As part of the consolidation process, N-I-F-L filed a natural gas base rate case with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission – it's first in nearly 20 years.

In a news release the company said residential customers would see a smaller base rate increase under the consolidation proposal than if the company remained as a stand-alone company.

The company said staffing levels will not be impacted by the filing, and existing facilities where employees work will remain in place.

It goes on to say the consolidation would allow N-I-F-L customers to take advantage of programs, products and services already offered to NIPSCO customers.

Classic cars, planes make Labor Day weekend in Kendallville busier than usual

Thursday, September 2, 2010 12:30 PM

by Tim Murray

KENDALLVILLE - Labor Day Weekend is always a busy one around Kendallville with the annual Bluegrass Festival at the fairgrounds.

But this year the city will see about 250 classic cars parade through the streets on Friday before a speed exhibition and other activities at the airport.

The Auburns, Cords and Duesenbergs will leave Auburn at noon and head to Waterloo before turning west on U-S 6 towards Kendallville.

They'll arrive in Kendallville between 1:15 and 1:30 p-m and head south on Riley Street to Diamond Street, then west to Main Street and back north again to State Road 3 and the airport.

That's where the Ab Jenkins Memorial Duesenberg Exhibition of Speed...a sort of gentleman's race will put the cars side-by-side on the airport runway.

There will also be vintage aircraft on display, including a World War II B-25 bomber, one of only two still in existence.

Gates at the Kendallville Airport open at noon with the race starting at 3:30. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $25 for families.

Meanwhile, the bluegrass festival kicks off this evening with a free admission community night.
Admission Friday is $8, with Saturday admission at $15 and Sunday $12. A weekend pass is $25.

Key foes won't campaign against Ind. tax caps vote

Thursday, September 2, 2010 2:35 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana Farm Bureau and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce have decided they won't campaign this fall against the referendum on putting property tax caps into the state constitution.

The two groups urged legislators to vote against the constitutional amendment that passed the General Assembly in January. It must be approved by voters in the November election to
take effect.

Both groups oppose the caps because they think it's unfair to treat commercial and residential property differently.

But the Farm Bureau's Bob Kraft tells The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Ky., that it put up its best fight in the Legislature and fell short.

Smaller groups such as the Indiana Urban Schools Association plan to continue fighting the amendment, relying on public meetings and low-cost advertising.

Sturgis ponders fate of troubled depot

Thursday, September 2, 2010 12:31 PM

by Mike Stiles

STURGIS – There seems to be some problems with the old depot building in Sturgis.

The building, located at 200 West Main Street, is the current home to the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sturgis Historical Society. But over the last few years it has developed some leaks and other issues.

During a recent work session, Sturgis City Commissioners heard from Blair Bates, a consultant from the Kalamazoo area.

Bates says instead of fixing the slate roof, there are other matters with the building that need to be addressed...(listen).

Mayor John Carmichael says the long term goal is to keep the depot building, but they do have some concerns....(listen).

After some spirited discussion, the Commission agreed to put the matter on the agenda for their meeting on September 8.

Toll Road trooper resigns and faces criminal charges

Thursday, September 2, 2010 8:22 AM

by Tim Murray

ANGOLA - Steuben County Prosecutor Tom Wilson filed a single felony count of official misconduct against a state trooper who resigned his commission Tuesday.

28-year-old Michael Mosier also faces two misdemeanor counts of battery.

Mosier is accused of groping a 19-year-old woman and ordering her into his squad car along the Toll Road in Steuben County.

Mosier was a trooper for just 2-and-a-half years and was assigned to the Toll Road.

A state police news release say the charges resulted from an investigation by the State Police Criminal Investigation Division.

Wilson directed Mosier to appear in court at a future date to answer to the charges.

No other information was released.

Feds raid Butler home

Thursday, September 2, 2010 8:20 AM

by Jim Measel

BUTLER - A Butler man was among six suspects arrested on Wednesday as part of a federal investigation into the trafficking of ice or crystal methamphetamine.

Taken into custody during a raid at his home in the 400 block of East Main was 32-year-old James B. Morris II after he was indicted by a federal grand jury in Fort Wayne on four counts of distributing methamphetamine.

Indictments were also returned against five Fort Wayne residents. Three were charged with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The Northeast Indiana SWAT team took part in the Butler raid.

The U.S. Attorneys Office says the F.B.I. along with the Safe Streets Task Force and Gang Narcotics Enforcement Team served search warrants at eight residences. The round up came after a year-long investigation in the Fort Wayne area.

G-NET is comprised of special agents and detectives from the F.B.I., the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriffs Department and the Fort Wayne Police Department. The IMAGE Drug Task Force joined local and federal drug enforcement officials in the investigation.

Judge reinstates Democrat to Steuben ballot for clerk

Thursday, September 2, 2010 8:19 AM

by Jim Measel

ANGOLA - The on again, off again race for the Steuben County clerk's office is on again.

In a ruling issued on Monday, Steuben County Circuit Judge Allen Wheat vacated a July 27th ruling by the Steuben County Election Board and placed Democratic candidate Mahlon Lautzenhiser back on the November ballot in the election for County Clerk.

Lautzenhiser was removed from the ballot when the Election Board felt he was not a registered voter following a challenge to his candidacy by Republican Marian Nix.

In his appeal, Lautzenhiser says the board's decision was erroneous because his status as a registered voter was accepted by the clerk's office up until he filed his candidacy in July.

Lautzenhiser also said he should not have been purged off of the voting records because he did not change his address and it was done so without his knowledge.

Judge Wheat said in his seven page ruling that the Steuben County Voter Registration Board failed to follow protocol under state law when they removed Lautzenhiser as a registered voter by omitting the first step of a two step process concerning his address.

Missing Auburn teen found

Thursday, September 2, 2010 8:18 AM

AUBURN - Auburn Police say a teenage boy has been found safe and sound after they say he left his home Tuesday night without permission.

Police Sgt. Steve Vallance says 15-year-old Riley M. Randall was located about 24 hours after he left the Jerry Junction Apartments on Rohm Drive.

Vallance says Auburn Police will now be working with the DeKalb County Juvenile Probation Department.

He adds the police department would like to thank everybody who assisted in the search.

Bicyclist dies in U-S 12 crash

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 7:18 AM

STURGIS TOWNSHIP - A Sturgis teen is dead after being run over by a car Tuesday afternoon.

St. Joseph County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the intersection of U.S. 12 and White School Road just west of Sturgis at 12:45 PM Tuesday.

Investigators say 17 year old Joshua David Hughes was riding his bicycle west on U.S. 12 on the south side of the road.

Hughes lost control of his bike and fell into the path of an eastbound vehicle driven by 88 year old Sarah Hardesty of Sturgis. Hardesty was unable to stop her vehicle and struck Hughes.

Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene. Hardesty was not injured.

Deputies were assisted by Sturgis Police, the Tri Township Fire Department and Life Care Ambulance.

The accident remains under investigation.

Fire strikes barns, silo near LaGrange

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 5:26 AM-UPDATED 10:36 AM

by Tim Murray

CLAY TOWNSHIP - A fire of unknown origin destroyed two barns and a silo southwest of LaGrange on Tuesday evening.

LaGrange firefighters were called to the Wilma Beechy farm on County Road 250-West just before 5:30 p-m.

Elmer Beechy occupies the farm and spotted the barn on fire.

LaGrange Fire Chief Matt Huffman says the first barn was about 40 feet by 100 feet in size and was full of hay.

A smaller 20 by 30 feet unattached barn was also destroyed along with a silo full of silage.

Firefighters were able to spray and cool down the house, which was next in line, and a second small outbuilding. The house's siding was scorched.

Beechy told Huffman two calves may have perished in the fire, but other animals inside the barn were saved.

Firefighters from Shipshewana and Topeka assisted LaGrange units and remained on the scene till about 10 p-m.

Elmer Yoder Excavating assisted with demolition of the barn so firefighters could extinguish hot spots.

No injuries were reported.

The cause remains under investigation.

Death of Turkey Lake man prompts investigation

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 12:02 PM-UPDATED 6:26 AM Wednesday, September 1, 2010

by Tim Murray

TURKEY LAKE - An autopsy failed to determine the cause of a Stroh area man's death last Saturday.

What that autopsy did show was that 19-year-old Thomas Freed did not sustain any life-threatening injuries from a fall as was initially reported to LaGrange County deputies.

Freed - who was wheelchair bound - was at a party on an island at Big Turkey Lake when he collapsed for unknown reasons.

Medical personnel and police found the 19-year-old Prairie Heights High School graduate unresponsive.

He was taken to Cameron Memorial Community Hospital in Angola where he was pronounced dead.

Police say Freed's blood alcohol content was .29 percent...more than three times the legal limit.

Toxicology results are pending and the investigation continues.

Feds arrest Noble County man on meth charge

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 9:35 AM

ALBION - U-S Marshals arrested a Kimmel man Tuesday on a meth charge.

26-year-old Gayle Lowell Barden was booked into the Noble County Jail early Tuesday morning on a charge of dealing methamphetamine.

Barden is held without bond pending a court appearance.

Transition time for Auburn collector car auction

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 9:12 AM

by Jim Measel

AUBURN - A traditional Labor Day weekend event in northeast Indiana will have a new beginning this year.

Preparations are all but finished for the inaugural Auburn Fall Collectors Car Auction that is being hosted by Auctions America which is a subsidiary of RM Auctions.

The company bought Kruse International and the auction park near Auburn in July and Chief Financial Officer Ed Cepuran says the past two months have been hectic... (listen)

Company President Donnie Gould says beside the classic cars, memorabilia will be auctioned off...(listen)

He says the automobile auction will start on Thursday and end on Sunday with hours from 11:00am until 8:00pm each day...(listen)

Organizers say over 1,000 collector cars will be presented during the auction.

MSD sees increased enrollment

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 9:09 AM

by Jim Measel

ANGOLA - The M-S-D of Steuben County school board got some good news about student enrollment last night.

M.S.D. of Steuben County Superintendent Brent Wilson told the district's school board during a special meeting on Tuesday night that enrollment is up by 54 students so far this school year.

While there has been an 11 student drop at the middle school, Wilson says there are 46 more students at the high school. The four elementary schools all had small increases in their student populations.

Each new student means an additional $5,500 in state funds for the district. Wilson says the official count will be taken on September 17th.

In other business, the board approved an additional full day kindergarten section for Carlin Park Elementary. Because of that, Judy Wakefield was hired as a new kindergarten teacher.

The board also formally approved the district's budget for capital projects and bus replacements.

Pot in car leads to charges against Westview High School students

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 12:00 PM

EMMA - Four Westview High School students face disciplinary action along with criminal charges after police found a controlled substance in a student's vehicle Monday.

Westview High School Principal Rich Cory notified the LaGrange County Sheriff's Department after receiving information about the incident.

Marijuana was found in a 1996 Dodge Intrepid belonging to one of the students.

Their names were not released because the four are juveniles.

Jury finds Coldwater man guilty of arson

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 11:59 AM

by Mike Stiles

COLDWATER – A Coldwater man has been found guilty on two counts of arson in connection with a three year old fire.

A jury in Branch County Circuit Court found 22 year old Devin Maggart guilty on charges of arson and placing explosives near property in connection with a fire that destroyed a Quincy School district portable classroom.

According to Branch County Circuit Court officials, the charge of arson is a ten year felony while the charge of placing an explosive device is a twenty year felony.

Maggart was arrested and charged with the crime in July 2009.

The jury deliberated for 11 hours before announcing the verdict.

Maggart is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27.

Bronson man arraigned on meth charge

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 11:58 AM

by Mike Stiles

COLDWATER – A Bronson man was arraigned on drug charges following his arrest Monday.

Branch County District Court officials say 45 year old Thomas Frank Fulop is charged with operating and maintaining a meth lab. He is being held in the Branch County Jail on 75 thousand dollars bond.

Bronson Police stopped Fulop's vehicle just after 12 AM Monday and found meth components in the car.

Fulop gave police permission to search his house at 438 North Walker Street, where they found items used to manufacture meth.

Four young children were removed from the house and placed into the custody of Child Protective Services.

Fulop is scheduled to have his preliminary examination in Branch County District Court on September 9.

Shipshewana issues boil water advisory

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 8:14 AM

SHIPSHEAWNA - Shipshewana water superintendent Tom Sheline says they've posted a 48 hour boil water advisory for residents and businesses on East Middlebury Street between Morton Street and Wolf Drive, due to a water main break.

Indiana report shows number of bed sores declining

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 8:16 AM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A new report shows Indiana hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers recorded 94 preventable medical errors in 2009, a drop from the 105 mistakes reported in 2008 and 2007.

Hospitals in the area reporting such errors last year include Parkview-LaGrange, Goshen General, Elkhart General, Memorial and St. Joseph in South Bend, and Lutheran in Fort Wayne.

The most common error in the 2009 report was a foreign object such as a sponge left in a patient after surgery. Elkhart General had one such error.

The report released Monday by the state Department of Health counted 17 instances of surgery performed on the wrong body part. There was one incident each at Memorial South Bend, St. Joseph South Bend, and Lutheran in Fort Wayne.

Memorial South Bend also reported one instance of operating on the wrong patient and one instance of using the wrong gas or contaminating a patient's gas line.

Pressure ulcers, or bed sores, occurred 22 times in 2009 - down from 33 the previous year. Parkview LaGrange reported one such incident and Goshen General had two.

The report from the Indiana Medical Error Reporting System credited the drop in bed sores to a statewide initiative focused on improving care for patients at risk for developing such sores.

Warrant issued for Wolcottville man following crash

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 8:18 AM

ALBION - Noble County authorities have issued a warrant for a Wolcottville man's arrest following a August 22nd traffic accident that investigators think was alcohol related.

40-year-old Harold Bruce along with his 31-year-old wife Janice and the couples two daughters were injured in a two-vehicle crash at 500 East and 415 North southwest of Kendallville.

Harold Bruce is wanted on three felony counts of driving under the influence as well as two misdemeanor charges.

The Noble County Sheriff's Department said at the time of the accident that a car driven by Bruce failed to stop at the intersection and pulled into the path of a southbound car driven by Michael Burton of Fort Wayne.

Deputies say Harold Bruce told them his brakes did not work. But, police say they found open alcoholic beverage containers in and around the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Traffic stop leads to meth bust in Bronson

Monday, August 30, 2010 2:00 PM

BRONSON - A traffic stop led to a methamphetamine bust early Monday morning at a home in Bronson.

Bronson Police say the stop took place shortly before 2:00am. They say the officer who made the stop found meth components in the vehicle. The driver then gave police permission to search his home in the 400 block of North Walker which led to the discovery of what were described as meth making ingredients.

The man, whose name has not been released pending a District Court arraignment, was arrested for operating and maintaining a meth lab.

Four children in the home were placed in the custody of child protective services.

A hazardous materials team from Plainwell had to be called in to remove the items from the house.

The Branch County Sheriff's Department and Bronson Firefighters assisted at the scene.

Two jailed on meth possession charges

Monday, August 30, 2010 1:43 PM

ALBION - Police in Noble County arrested two people over the weekend for allegedly possessing methamphetamine.

22-year-old Christopher Jacobs Arispe of Wawaka was arrested Friday. He was held without bond pending a court appearance.

23-year-old Jeremy Lee Luna of Kendallville was lodged Sunday on a warrant. Bond for Luna was set at $10-thousand dollars.

Both men were lodged in the Noble County Jail at Albion.

Indiana police start online system for meth tracking

Monday, August 30, 2010 2:02 PM

PUTNAMVILLE, Ind. (AP) - Indiana police have a new online system aimed at helping investigators track the sale of cold medicine as they try to find those making methamphetamine.

State police say the pharmacies at Walmart, Target and CVS are voluntarily using an online system to electronically send sales data on medicines with the meth ingredient pseudoephedrine to a database.

That system will make it easier for investigators to spot those buying large amounts of the medications than checking paper logs at individual stores.

First Sgt. Niki Crawford says that investigators needed just an hour to find a group that that bought 1,300 grams of pseudoephedrine in the last year. She says that the group might not
have been spotted without the electronic data.
--
Online:
Indiana Methamphetamine Investigation System

Cameron neighborhood changing as houses are sold prior to construction

Monday, August 30, 2010 1:42 PM

by Jim Measel

ANGOLA - The neighborhood around Cameron Hospital is starting to change as the hospital carries out plans to build a new facility.

A total of 15 homes along with several garages were auctioned off piece by piece over the last two Saturdays in preparation for demolition.

The homes were on East Gale, East South, South Euclid and South Washington.

Seven were auctioned off on August 21st, eight more were auctioned off this past Saturday.

Hinsdale Auctioneering of Coldwater was commissioned by Cameron Hospital to sell the homes and garages to make room for the new hospital construction and expansion.

The earliest construction will start is next May. Plans call for the new hospital to be occupied in September of 2012.

Pedestrian hit by Fort Wayne cop dies

Monday, August 30, 2010 1:44 PM

FORT WAYNE - That pedestrian who was struck by a police cruiser in Fort Wayne last Friday morning has died.

Fort Wayne Police issued a statement this morning saying 34-year-old Rodney Haynes died from injuries he suffered when he was struck by a squad car at North Clinton Street and Lima Road.

Police say it's not clear if Haynes was crossing the street or standing there when he was struck by Officer Kevin Jolas' police cruiser.

Jolas was responding to a non-emergency call without his red lights or siren activated.

A standard alcohol breath test on the officer was negative. A blood test is pending.

Fort Wayne Police Chief Rusty York said there's no reason to believe Haynes was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, but blood tests will be done.

Brown bid for secretary of state ends

Monday, August 30, 2010 8:15 AM

EAST LANSING – A state lawmaker from Sturgis has lost his bid to become the next Secretary of State for Michigan.

During Saturday's Republican state convention, Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson defeated State Senator Cameron Brown of Sturgis in a runoff election.

Calhoun County Clerk Anne Norlander, State Senator Michelle McManus and State Representative Paul Scott all lost in the first round.

Last week, outgoing Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land endorsed Brown for the position. Land can not run again due to term limits.

Several political analysts say Johnson won the nomination after courting supporters from the Tea Party.

Dates set for Bronson bond meetings, school tours

Monday, August 30, 2010 8:16 AM

by Mike Stiles

BRONSON – Voters in the Bronson Community Schools District will decide the fate of a bond issue in November.

If approved the bonds would be used to construct a new K-6 Elementary School and do upgrades and renovations to the High School.

Bronson Superintendent Jim Modert says two community informational meetings and two tours of existing facilities have been scheduled.

The Community informational meetings will be on Tuesday September 14 and September 28 starting at 7 PM in the High School Cafeteria.

The facilities tours will be on Wednesday September 22 starting at 5:30 PM and then on Saturday October 9 beginning at 10 AM. Both tours will begin at the Chicago Street School and will take approximately two hours.

If you would like more bond proposal information, you can visit the district web site.

Two girls seriously hurt in Burr Oak

Monday, August 30, 2010 5:09 AM

BURR OAK - Two girls were seriously injured when their scooter turned into the path of a truck and trailer in Burr Oak Saturday afternoon.

The girls, ages 11 and 5, were flown to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo where they were listed in serious condition.

Michigan State Police say the accident happened on South Burr Oak Road at East Main Street.
They did not release the girls' names or the name of the truck driver.

Police from Colon, Burr Oak, St. Joseph County, and Burr Oak firefighters assisted at the scene.

Train strikes truck near White Pigeon

Monday, August 30, 2010 10:32 AM

by Mike Stiles

WHITE PIGEON TOWNSHIP – A Nappanee man was injured when his semi was struck by a train near White Pigeon.

St. Joseph County Sheriff Brad Balk says 59 year old Robert Herr was driving north on Crooked Creek Road just south of U.S. 12 and failed to stop at the railroad tracks. His semi and trailer were struck by an eastbound Michigan Southern train operated by 38 year old Marc McCarty of Wolcottville.

Herr was taken to Sturgis Hospital for treatment of his injuries. McCarty was not injured in the collission.

Three injured in crash near LaOtto

Monday, August 30, 2010 8:18 AM

LAOTTO - Three people were injured on Sunday night in a two vehicle crash at the intersection of County Road 327 and 11-A in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Police say a car driven by 45-year-old Julie Lothamer of Auburn failed to yield at the intersection just before 6:00pm and struck another car driven by 48-year-old Jane Pepple of Auburn on the drivers side.

A passenger in the Lothamer car, 22-year-old Shawn Lothamer of Fort Wayne, suffered a concussion and minor abrasions. Julie Lothamer and another passenger, 21-year-old Kalynn Clark of Fort Wayne, both complained of pain. Pepple was not injured.

Both vehicles were described as a total loss.

Kendallville man crashes near Corunna

Monday, August 30, 2010 5:09 AM

CORUNNA - A Kendallville man escaped serious injury Saturday night in a traffic accident near Corunna.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department reports 20-year-old Dalton J. Jones was traveling on State Road 327 at about 10:30pm when he lost control of his vehicle and went off the road.

The car struck two trees and sheared off a utility pole at its base before it rolled onto the drivers side and came to rest in a yard in the 3500 block of State Road 327.

DeKalb County Police says Jones suffered minor cuts and scrapes.

Corunna Fire Rescue and DeKalb County E.M.S. assisted at the scene.

David Rogers Days Festival this weekend

Saturday, August 28, 2010 6:52 AM

WOLCOTTVILLE - The LaGrange County of 1845 is on display today and tomorrow at David Rogers Memorial Park between Wolcottville and Topeka.

The David Rogers Days Living History Festival begins this morning at 10 and ends Sunday at 5 p-m.

Pioneer home skills will be on display with hands-on stations to get festival go-ers involved.

A children's activity area is featured both days, and many performers will take to the main stage throughout the festival.

Today a haystack supper is followed by folk dance at 6 p-m.

Admission is $2 per person and $10 per group.

The park is at 2355 West County Road 550-South.

July jobless rates climb in Michigan counties

Saturday, August 28, 2010 6:57 AM

LANSING – Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates increased in southwest Michigan during the month of July.

That follows a statewide trend according to the latest information released by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.

Total employment declined seasonally in most regions over the month, while labor force levels were little changed.

St. Joseph County saw its unemployment rate jump from 12.9 percent in June to 15.1 percent in July. That's still below the July 2009 rate of 16.4 percent.

Branch County's unemployment rate increased from 12.7 percent in June to 14 percent in July.

Cass County went up from 10.4 in June to 11.6 in July.

Kalamazoo County's rate rose from 10.9 percent in June to 12 percent for July.

The statewide unemployment rate increased from 13.1 percent in June to 14 percent in July. That's still better than one year ago, when the July 2009 statewide unemployment rate was at 14.7 percent.

Feds arrest 370 immigrants in 10-state bust

Friday, August 27, 2010 2:31 PM

CHICAGO (AP) - Federal officials in Chicago say they've have arrested 370 convicted illegal immigrants and immigration fugitives in a three-day bust in 10 Midwest states.

In a news release Friday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says some of the people arrested included gang members and sex offenders.

The operation ended Thursday and arrests were made in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, Michigan and Ohio. Other arrests were made in Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska.

Officials initially said arrests also were made in South Dakota but later removed that state from the list.

ICE Director John Morton is in Chicago to talk about the arrests at an afternoon news conference.

Sturgis teen charged with child molesting

Friday, August 27, 2010 2:30 PM

LAGRANGE - A Sturgis man is facing child molesting charges in LaGrange County.

LaGrange County Sheriff's deputies arrested 18-year-old David Lopez-Garcia of Sturgis Thursday on two counts of child molesting.

He's lodged in the LaGrange County Jail.

Middlebury residents injured in separate crashes near Shipshewana

Friday, August 27, 2010 2:28 PM

NEWBURY TOWNSHIP - A Middlebury woman was injured when her car left a LaGrange County road and struck a utility pole Thursday night.

Police say 32-year-old Terese Shoemaker suffered a chest injury in the crash along LaGrange County Road 1150-West south of County Road 25-South.

Shoemaker had been drinking but tested below the legal limit.

She told officers she swerved to miss an animal in the road.

The car struck a Verizon telephone box and a NIPSCO utility pole at around 9:21 p-m.

In the other crash, aMiddlebury teenager is facing charges after crashing just after midnight Friday in LaGrange County.

16-year-old Brian Yoder was transported to Parkview-LaGrange Hospital after the car he was driving left County Road 900 West south of 50-North and struck a tree.

The vehicle came to rest on the passenger side.

Yoder complained of unspecified pain.

Deputies say Yoder had been drinking and charges are pending.

Steuben County is StormReady community

Friday, August 27, 2010 2:33 PM

by Jim Measel

ANGOLA - Steuben County is now a StormReady community.

The National Weather Service held a recognition ceremony on Thursday at the Steuben County Community Center to honor the work local officials have done in getting the county prepared in the event of severe weather.

Michael Lewis from the National Weather Service said communication between various agencies is a key...(listen)

He says there is an open line of communication between the weather service and Steuben County Emergency Management Director Bill Brown... (listen)

Angola Fire Department Captain Terry Gary was also honored for his efforts on tornado sirens around the county.

The three year Storm Ready designation will help the county pursue grants.

To qualify as "StormReady", communities have to do such things as establish a 24 hour warning point and emergency operations center; have more than one method of getting severe weather forecasts and warnings and develop a formal hazardous weather plan.

Crash near Ligonier injured three

Friday, August 27, 2010 7:44 AM

LIGONIER - Two men were flown to Parkview Hospital following a Thursday morning traffic accident near Ligonier.

The Noble County Sheriff's Department says 53-year-old Jeffrey Hochstedler of Goshen suffered injuries to his left arm, chest and head after he went left of center and crashed into another vehicle driven by 75-year-old Alden Fausnaugh of Ligonier.

Hochstedler and Fausnaugh were both flown to Parkview Hospital where at last report they were in serious condition.

A passenger in Fausnaugh's vehicle, Marvey Sponhauer of Ligonier, was taken to Parkview Noble Hospital and is said to be in stable condition.

Steuben district wins award

Friday, August 27, 2010 7:42 AM

ANGOLA - The Steuben Lakes Soil and Water Conservation District is one of three districts in the state to win a District Showcase Award.

Kayleen Hart from the Steuben Lakes District says the award is from the Indiana State Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and is given out yearly to districts who have done exceptional projects.

The Steuben District was honored for its efforts to improve the water quality in the Pigeon Creek Watershed.

Hart says she applied for the award last month.

Districts in Allen and Delaware Counties were also honored for their work.