Editor's Note: The Thunder Country News Room will be closed beginning Friday afternoon through the weekend for the holiday. Regular news updates and web page updates will resume Monday morning.
Michiana celebrates Independence Day
Friday, July 3, 2009 9:29 AM
from staff and wire reports
UNDATED - Government offices were closed today as a long Fourth of July holiday weekend begins.
Many government offices in Michigan will also be closed on Monday, as the state has its second of six furlough days in an effort to cut $22 million from the budget.
State police road patrols will continue Monday and prisons and veterans' homes will be staffed. Unemployment call centers also will be open.
The communities of Wolcottville and Sturgis launch their holiday fireworks tonight, at Taylor Park and at Kirsch Municipal Airport.
The Sturgis Exchange Club will host their annual Ribs On The Runway Fourth of July celebration at the airport.
Three area rib vendors will be there to share their wares with the public. And as in years past, people can vote for their favorite rib vendors.
In addition other food booths will be in attendance for the evening selling everything from ice cream to elephant ears.
Monica Smith of the Exchange Club says there will also be several extra activities for children.
Ribs on the Runway will run from 5 P.M. until 12 A.M. True Oldies 993 will be broadcasting from 6 until 11 P.M., plus once again will bring you the music for the fireworks show.
Other fireworks displays are scheduled tonight at Lake James and Coldwater Lake.
On Saturday Topeka holds its annual Fourth of July celebration with lots of family activities, entertainment, and fireworks at dusk in East Park.
Rome City's fireworks display is Saturday at the Sylvan Lake Dam, while Kendallville's Bixler Lake Park will again host the Fourth of July celebration and fireworks.
Angola's big Fourth of July parade is Saturday, followed by activities in Commons
Park and fireworks at dusk.
Auburn woman unresponsive following house fire
Friday, July 3, 2009 9:05 AM
AUBURN - Firefighters rescued a woman from her burning Auburn home Thursday morning in the 800 block of Cherokee Court.
The Auburn Fire Department reports the blaze broke out just before 11:00am.
Firefighters were told there could be people trapped inside. Crews encountered smoke and flames coming from the home when they arrived.
Home occupant Kitty Starbuck was found unconscious near a bathroom and was quickly taken outside to the front of the home.
Assistant Fire Chief Michael Good says she was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Rescue crews performed C.P.R. on her before Starbuck was taken to DeKalb Memorial Hospital. She was later transferred to St. Joe Hospital in Fort Wayne.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Auburn Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal's office. Auburn got mutual aide from the Garrett and Waterloo Fire Departments.
Officer dives into car to stop mobile meth lab
Friday, July 3, 2009 9:04 AM
COLDWATER - Officers arrested two Coldwater men and a Branch County Sheriff's Department deputy suffered minor injuries yesterday morning during the investigation of an alleged rolling meth lab.
Reports say Deputy Tony Reyna was on the passenger side when a vehicle containing the two suspects started to drive away after it was stopped for erratic driving.
Reyna held on to the vehicle for several hundred feet...then dove into the car and successfully subdued the driver.
34-year-old Bart Petriken was arrested on numerous charges including fleeing and eluding. He along with 31-year-old Brian Fields were both booked on charges of operating and maintaining a meth lab.
Both were arraigned yesterday in Branch County District Court.
Van Buren Co. sheriff's deputy pinned between cars
Friday, July 3, 2009 9:09 AM
DECATUR, Mich. (AP) - A southwestern Michigan sheriff's deputy who stopped a car to check for a possible impaired driver was pinned against his patrol car when another suspected drunk driver plowed into him on the side of the road.
After the traffic stop in Decatur just before 2 a.m. Friday, Van Buren County sheriff's Deputy Matt Konkle went to retrieve a breath test kit from the trunk of his patrol car when another car slammed into him, pinning him between both vehicles.
Konkle was taken to a hospital in Paw Paw with leg and other injuries, but
is expected to be released later in the day. The driver of the car that hit
the officer is a 26-year-old
Dowagiac man. He was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Trash can crashes through store window in Angola hit-n-run
Friday, July 3, 2009 9:03 AM
by Jim Measel
ANGOLA - Three people suffered minor injuries in a hit and run accident that crashed a trash barrel through the front window of the Then and Now Antique Store in downtown Angola on Thursday afternoon.
The crash, which took place at about 3:00, involved a car, an S.U.V. and a
third vehicle.
Angola Police say a juvenile male left the scene and was eventually captured
after his vehicle was found at Ju-Le-An Estates on West Mill.
All of the injured persons were taken to Cameron Hospital.
The damaged window was later boarded up.
The Steuben County Sheriff's Department and Indiana State Police assisted Angola officers.
Cellphone distracts driver
Thursday, July 2, 2009 3:09 PM
MILFORD TOWNSHIP - A Kendallville woman was injured Wednesday when her car crossed the center and struck a pickup truck in LaGrange County's Milford Township.
21-year-old Carrie Buchs suffered pain to her shoulder and left side and her vehicle was totaled in the collision.
Police say Buchs told them she was distracted and was using a cellphone at the time of the crash, which happened on County Road 600-South just east of 900-East.
They say the other driver, 50-year-old Jeffrey Vanallen of Harlan was unable to avoid the collision. He was not injured.
Police cited Buchs for driving left of center.
Deer hunts planned at 17 Indiana state parks
Friday, July 3, 2009 9:12 AM
CHESTERTON, Ind. (AP) - No deer hunting will be allowed at Indiana Dunes State Park this year even as hunts are planned at 17 other parks across the state.
State parks natural resources chief Mike Mycroft says hunters culled enough deer from the park along Lake Michigan last year to make a 2009 hunt unnecessary.
The Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for the deer hunts planned for Nov. 16-17 and Nov. 30-Dec. 1.
Parks where firearm hunts will be held are Chain O'Lakes, Charlestown, Harmonie, Lincoln, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial.
Archery hunts are set for Fort Harrison and Clifty Falls parks.
Hunters killed 1,468 deer last year during hunts at state
parks.
Compromises on education led to passage of new state budget
Thursday, July 2, 2009 10:15 AM
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Gov. Mitch Daniels says Indiana taxpayers came out ahead in the special legislative session.
He
says the extra session resulted in a two-year budget that increases overall
funding for public schools while preserving much of the state's reserves...(listen)
Daniels says the $27.8 billion budget passed by the General Assembly on Tuesday spends a little more than he would have liked.
The two-year budget will increase overall state spending on public schools
by an average of 1.1 percent in the first year and 0.3 percent in the second
year. But many school districts with declining enrollments will get less money
than they got this year, while some suburban districts with growing enrollments
will get large increases...(listen)
Democratic House Speaker Bauer says that even though some schools with declining enrollments will get less money, that doesn't mean they don't face higher costs for things such as utilities and health insurance...(listen)
Bauer says school funding "is rocket science," and it's time for a comprehensive study on the way state tax dollars are distributed to schools.
NIPSCO natural gas rates go down
Thursday, July 2, 2009 10:34 AM
MERRILLVILLE - Customers of NIPSCO will pay 26-percent less for their natural gas in July.
A decrease in wholesale prices will reduce the bill of the average residential customer using 50 therms of natural gas by almost 10-dollars this month compared to June.
Two SPD officers promoted
Thursday, July 2, 2009 8:16 AM
by Mike Stiles
STURGIS – Two officers with the Sturgis Police Department have been promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Officer Amanda Coney will be promoted on July 6 and will take over the day shifts' 1st Platoon.
Coney was hired into the Department in February 2005 and had previous law enforcement experience with the Edwardsburg and White Pigeon Police Departments.
She has served as the Sturgis Youth Services Officers and has recently become an Arson Investigator.
Officer Ryan Banaszak will be promoted to Sergeant July 20 and will take over the night shifts' 4th Platoon.
Banaszak was hired in June 2005 and has served as the department's Youth Services Officer and recently been in the position of Drug Enforcement Officer.
Sturgis Director of Public Safety David Northrop says both Coney and Banaszak have worked hard to achieve the position of Sergeant and the department is proud to have them serve is this capacity.
Neighbor demands action against too-tall house at Lake George
Thursday, July 2, 2009 8:15 AM
by Jim Measel
ANGOLA - The Steuben County Plan Commission was asked to enforce county ordinances concerning a house on at Lake George that has generated angry feelings between neighbors.
The Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals voted on June 8th to deny a post construction variance on the house after it was built seven feet higher than what is permitted in Steuben County Zoning Ordinances. The ordinance calls for two-story homes without basements to be no more than 27 feet high.
Neighbor Jim Getz could not hide his anger last night as he blasted county officials for what he felt was a lack of response. Getz's attorney John Grimm from Auburn asked that the work be stopped on the house because it does not conform to county ordinances.
County Plan Director Zach Michels said he was working with the contractor to bring the house up to requirements including those for ceiling heights. But he admitted, mistakes were made.
County Attorney Don Stuckey said the house has to be given a chance to come into compliance. He added no occupancy permit will be issued until that happens. Drainage and grade elevation have been the main concerns raised by neighbors.
Sturgis JOBS Committee to push casino project with new legislators
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 1:09 PM
by Mike Stiles
STURGIS – While it doesn't look like a casino will be coming to Sturgis any time soon, the drive to create jobs at Fawn River Crossing is continuing.
On Tuesday, State Representative Matt Lori issued a news release saying the possibility of changing current state gaming laws to allow the Burt Lake Band to establish an Indian casino in Sturgis was slim, due to the current political climate in the legislature.
Wednesday morning the JOBS Committee in Sturgis issued a news release saying they believe there are more than just legal challenges that are hindering the proposed casino development. The JOBS Committee says the issue has do to with political agendas and with protecting market share of the existing gaming industry in Michigan.
The JOBS Committee says their goal is still the same: to find legitimate, permanent jobs for the Fawn River Crossing area.
The Committee says they have a champion in the Michigan House in Matt Lori. With a new set of state Senators coming into office next year the Committee's goal will be to tap into their fresh ideas and support for local job growth initiatives.
Six hurt in crash near Constantine
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 1:08 PM
CONSTANTINE – Six people were injured in a two vehicle collision south Constantine Tuesday afternoon.
Michigan State Police from the White Pigeon Post say 37 year old Randall Criddle of White Pigeon was driving west on Stears Road and failed to stop at the intersection of U.S. 131. As he crossed the highway, Criddle's vehicle was struck by a northbound auto, driven by 18 year old Anthony Mott of Three Rivers.
Criddle and his two passengers, 17 year old Kenneth Criddle and 15 year old Justin Criddle were taken to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Their conditions were released due to HIPPA restrictions.
Mott along with his passengers, 19 year old Aviel McClain and 6 month old Avah Mott, were also taken to Bronson Hospital. They were all treated and released.
Organizational meeting set for midweek farmer's market in LaGrange
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 1:07 PM
LAGRANGE - An organizational meeting for a midweek farmers market in LaGrange will be next Wednesday, July 8 at 7:00 PM in the first floor meeting room of the LaGrange County Office Building.
Anyone interested in selling produce and home processed baked goods, jams, and jellies at a midweek market opportunity in addition to the several Saturday markets in the area are encouraged to attend.
Purdue Extension Educator Steve Engleking will facilitate the meeting to develop basic rules and select leadership for the new market.
Contact the Purdue Extension Office at 260-499-6334 with any questions.
Steuben hires Noble County engineer
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 1:06 PM
ANGOLA - For the first time in over two years, Steuben County has an engineer.
Keith Lytton began his new job today after he was recently hired by Steuben County Commissioners.
The position has been open since April of 2007 when Dave Sommerlott left.
Lytton was most recently the engineer in Noble County.
Daniels quickly signs new 2-year state budget bill
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 7:54 AM
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has quickly signed into law a new two-year state budget that lawmakers approved just hours before the current spending plan was to expire.
Daniels signed the bill Tuesday night in his Statehouse office about an hour after the Senate adjourned. The Republican governor says the budget has some flaws but does limit spending to preserve Indiana's reserves.
The governor planned to speak with reporters about the new budget this morning.
The Republican-controlled Senate voted 34-16 in favor of the plan, which the Democrat-led House had passed on a 62-37 vote amid impassioned debate earlier in the day.
Lawmakers had faced a midnight deadline to pass a new budget or stopgap funding measure to prevent most of state government from shutting down.
State Rep says legislative action for Sturgis casino is futile
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 7:53 AM
by Mike Stiles
LANSING – A state legislator says chances are slim to change Michigan gaming laws to allow an Indian casino in Sturgis.
State Representative Matt Lori of Constantine says after looking into the issue, the legal hurdles for the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, combined with the dynamic in the Legislature at the current time, are too much to overcome.
The Burt Lake Band has tried and failed to receive federal recognition as a tribe four times. Without federal recognition, Lori says the tribe is unable to establish a casino under state gaming laws.
State Senator Cameron Brown of Sturgis previously said he believed it would not be possible to gain recognition from the state to modify gaming laws, and Lori's investigation confirms that position.
Lori says from his point of view, it would be fruitless to continue pursuing legislation that has very little hope of succeeding at this time. Rather than give people false hope, Lori says we need to move on to find another solution.
Lori says he is willing to meet with developers and Sturgis City Officials
on how best to proceed.
Dry end to June
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 7:52 AM
LAGRANGE - Most of the precipitation we received in June came on just two days.
Rainfall for the month in LaGrange totaled 2.69 inches, but nearly all of that came during the first half of the month.
There were 20 days with no precipitation, including the last eleven days of the month.
Trooper layoffs reach local posts
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 1:58 PM
by Mike Stiles and Jim Measel
UNDATED – Two area Michigan State Police Posts are losing troopers due to funding cuts from the state.
The White Pigeon post is losing two troopers. Post Commander First Lieutenant Mike Risko says even with the loss of the troopers, he is still below the number of officers he is supposed to have...(listen).
Risko says when he was assigned the new troopers, it allowed him to have more options in terms of investigations and coverage...(listen).
The Coldwater State Police Post is also losing two troopers. The layoffs at both posts took place Sunday after the troopers union voted not to take furloughs.
Michigan State Police Director Peter Munoz says he was disappointed a solution could not be found to avert the layoffs.
Risko says he doesn't see his or any other post around the state getting their lost troopers back any time soon.
Man says brother beat him in fight over child's car seat
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 11:35 AM
HOWE - A rural Howe man who showed up at Parkview-LaGrange Hospital Monday afternoon with injuries to his head, back and arm says he was beaten by his brother.
The victim told LaGrange County Sheriff's deputies the fight started over an unreturned child seat.
The victim was struck in the head numerous times with a tie rod end according to the police report.
No arrests were made.
Child's death leads to indictment against Topeka woman
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 8:38 AM
LAGRANGE - A Topeka woman is charged in LaGrange County with neglect of a dependent.
31-year-old Christy Shaffer is facing two counts after reportedly being indicted by a grand jury in the death of 15-month-old Alissa Guernsey last March.
The Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne reports Guernsey was in Shaffer's custody at the time, and that the two were related.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Children Services said Shaffer had passed a background check before the child was placed with her, but was not a foster parent.
Three LaGrange County residents face St. Joe burglary charges
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 8:37 AM
by Mike Stiles
CENTREVILLE – Preliminary hearings are set for three suspects arrested in connection with break-ins to some Sturgis businesses.
Twenty-seven year old Nathan Lumbard of Howe, 33 year old Dustin Gonser and 21 year old Stephanie Gonser, both of LaGrange were arrested last week following a lengthy investigation.
Lumbard was arrested at his business, Lone Eagle Landing in Sturgis while the Gonsers were arrested in LaGrange.
Detective Sergeant Geoff Smith of the Sturgis Police Department says the break-ins occurred between August and November of 2008 at Infinity Ink, Lonespruce Farm Service and Omni Source.
Smith says reoccurring patterns kept appearing during the investigation. Tips called in by citizens and evidence from the crime scenes led investigators to the suspects.
Lumbard and both Gonsers are being held in the St. Joseph County Jail until their preliminary hearings which are set for July 7 in St. Joseph County District Court.
Lumbard was currently out on 200 thousand dollars bond from LaGrange County relating to two charges of battery with a deadly weapon.
Two area troopers part of Michigan layoffs
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 8:42 AM
COLDWATER - Two Michigan State Police troopers from the Coldwater Post are among the nearly 100 troopers around the state who have been laid off as part of Michigan's latest round of belt tightening.
The layoffs took place on Sunday after the troopers union voted last week not to take furloughs.
Michigan State Police Director Peter Munoz says he was disappointed a solution could not be found to avert the layoffs. He said in a statement that there was no doubt the layoffs will impact the level of service the department provides.
Judge sentences Angola man to 60 years for setting fire to car containing teen
Monday, June 29, 2009 12:27 PM
by Jim Measel
ANGOLA - Steuben Superior Court Judge William Fee accepted a plea agreement this morning for a man charged with setting a car on fire that contained a 13-year-old girl.
Under
terms of the plea agreement, 40-year-old Joe Gil Junior was given a total of
60 years in prison on a Class A felony of Arson Resulting in Bodily Injury and
for being a habitual offender.
In exchange for his guilty pleas, Class A felony charges of attempted murder and child molesting were dismissed by prosecutors.
Gil was arrested on December 11th after the girl suffered serious burns in the incident which took place outside of Gil's Angola residence.
Prosecutor Tom Wilson said the victim did not want to be in the courtroom and instead submitted a letter to the judge. After silently reading the letter, Judge Fee chewed out Gil by calling what the defendant did callous and one of the more depraved and cruel things that he has seen during his time on the bench.
The judge said he accepted the plea agreement in order to bring closure to a situation that could have turned out worse and he called the victim a survivor.
Gil only rocked back and forth in his chair and showed no emotion as the sentence was pronounced.
Todder drowns at Cass Lake Saturday
Sunday, June 28, 2009 7:09 PM
by Tim Murray
CASS LAKE - A toddler who turned up missing was found at the end of a pier at Cass Lake northwest of Shipshewana on Saturday.
3-year-old Kennedy Stansbury of Wakarusa was swimming with friends and relatives around 5:30 p.m.
She was found in water about four feet deep. CPR was started and an ambulance took her to Parkview LaGrange Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 6:31 p.m.
Conservation Officer Rodeny Clear says an autopsy on Sunday determined the cause of death to be asphyxia caused by accidental drowning.
Conservation officers were assisted by the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department, LaGrange Police Department, Shipshewana Police Department, Topeka Police Department, Shipshewana Fire Department, LaGrange County EMS, and the LaGrange County Coroner's Office.
Wolcottville woman drowns at Dallas Lake on Saturday
Sunday, June 28, 2009 2:34 PM
by Tim Murray
DALLAS LAKE - A Wolcottville woman drowned while playing frisbee with the family dog at Dallas Lake late Saturday afternoon.
Indiana Conservation Officer Rodney Clear says 41-year-old Kelly Smith swam out to deep water to retrieve the frisbee when she struggled and slipped below the surface at about 4:56 p.m.
Within 12 minutes, Harold "Bud" Rea of Wolcottville was able to dive 12 to 16 feet and recover Smith, who was taken to a waiting ambulance at shore.
But Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy conducted Sunday determined her death was caused by asphyxiation due to drowning.
Conservation officers were assisted by the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department, Topeka Police Department, Topeka Fire Department, Johnson Twp. Fire Department, LaGrange County EMS and the LaGrange County Coroners Office.
Three hurt in rollover on Toll Road
Monday, June 29, 2009 5:33 AM
PASSENGER INJURED - Orland firefighters and rescue crews tend to a Pennsylvania man who was ejected from an SUV that rolled over on Saturday near Orland. (Photo: Orland Volunteer Fire Department)
by Jim Measel
ORLAND - One person was flown to Lutheran Hospital and two others were injured after an SUV containing a family from Pennsylvania rolled over on the Toll Road near Orland just after noon on Saturday.
Indiana State Police say the accident happened near the 134 mile marker at about 12:20pm after the driver tried to change a C.D.
A backseat passenger in the SUV, 26-year-old Andrew Horvath of Balacynwyd, Pennsylvania, was ejected and apparently the vehicle rolled over him before it came to a stop. He was flown to Parkview with a broken pelvis.
The driver and another passnger were taken to Cameron Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Man huffing aerosol cans arrested behind drug store in Sturgis
Monday, June 29, 2009 12:39 PM
by Mike Stiles
STURGIS – A Sturgis man was arrested on Saturday night after he allegedly became ill while inhaling an aerosol cleaner.
Sturgis
Police were called just before 8:30 P.M. that 35 year old James Howard had been
breathing an aerosol propelled cleaner. Police were advised that James was walking
to the Rite Aid store to acquire more aerosol.
While heading to the store, Police were notified that Rite Aid employees had seen Howard steal aerosol containers and was now behind the store inhaling the propellant.
Police found Howard on the north side of the store breathing the propellant and then convulsing. Medical aid was called in.
Howard recovered quickly and was then arrested for retail fraud and use of inhalants.
Boy discovers pot growing near Orland
Monday, June 29, 2009 6:40 AM
(Photo: Steuben County Sheriff's Department)
by Jim Measel
ORLAND - An 11-year-old boy made quite a discovery while walking his dog on Sunday morning in the area of 900 West and Orland Road.
The Steuben County Sheriff's Department says after the dog got away, the youngster found the animal along with a total of 44 cultivated marijuana plants in five gallon buckets that were growing along a tree line near a swamp.
All of the plants were between three to four feet high and were being protected by a canopy of trees.
No arrests have been made and an investigation is continuing. The plants were removed by the Sheriff's Department and were being prepared to be destroyed.
Vandals damage Milford Elementary
Monday, June 29, 2009 12:32 PM
MILFORD TOWNSHIP - Police say vandals damaged Milford Elementary School sometime during the weekend.
A custodian this morning noticed someone had climbed onto the roof of the school and damaged the cooling unit for the kitchen freezer.
They also broke the roof top air shaft for the gymnasium heater and air conditioner
The damage was estimated at $2,000.
LaGrange County deputies say the damage may be related to other acts of vandalism in the Pretty Lake area over the weekend.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Department or Crimestoppers.
Reckless golf cart driver jailed
Monday, June 29, 2009 12:33 PM
MILFORD TOWNSHIP - Callers to the LaGrange County Sheriff's Department reported a reckless driver, saying he nearly struck others near Big Long Lake.
He was driving a golf cart.
Deputies arrested 22-year-old Max Exner of Fort Wayne after determining he had been consuming alcohol.
During an inventory of the golf cart, police say they found marijuana as well.
Officer's charged Exner with possession of marijuana.
Budget impasse could shut down state parks by Wednesday
Saturday, June 27, 2009 6:42 AM
by Jim Measel
INDIANAPOLIS - There is a strong possibility Pokagon and Chain O' Lakes State Parks could close on Wednesday if state lawmakers can not come up with a budget deal by midnight Tuesday.
That's when the old budget ends and the state technically runs out of money.
If Pokagon closes just before the Fourth of July holiday, it would have a large impact on Steuben County's economy which highly depends on tourism dollars.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels says he's prepared to keep essential and some social services running if there is no budget. Daniels says he would use emergency powers to ensure that state police and prisons continue to operate but much of the state government would shut down.
That would include state parks, B.M.V. branches and even casinos which are regulated by the state. Thousands of state employees would also be furloughed.
Questions to officials at Pokagon State Park were referred to the state D.N.R. A spokesman in Indianapolis would only say they were waiting for further information from the governor's office.
Both political parties have drawn their lines in the sand during the bitter budget negotiations. Since it started on June 11th, the General Assembly's special session has seen a lot of partisan bickering on the budget but as of yet, no deal.
No wake order lifted on Branch lakes
Friday, June 26, 2009 3:18 PM
COLDWATER - With a hot weekend on the way there was good news for boaters who have had to watch their speed on Branch County lakes over the last few days.
Branch County Sheriff Warren Cannon says the slow no-wake orders issued earlier this week for the north and south chain of lakes in the county has been lifted as of noon Friday.
The no wake orders were issued when lake levels rose following last week's heavy rain.
All boaters are being urged to be alert to high water and be considerate of property owners along the lake shores. Canon says marine patrols will be enforcing state laws this weekend for any negligent use of watercraft that results in a wake or swell causing damage.
Huntertown man charged with molesting in Noble County
Friday, June 26, 2009 3:17 PM
ALBION - Noble County police claim a Huntertown man molested a child at the Deer Lake Campground.
65-year-old Cecil Paul Banks is in the Noble county Jail charged with a class C felony of child molesting.
Police say the alleged incidents happened from April of 2006 through the end of 2007 and involved a child under the age of 14.
No bond has been set.
St. Joe County jobless rate inches higher in May
Friday, June 26, 2009 7:57 AM
LANSING – Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates rose in May in St. Joseph and Cass Counties.
St. Joseph County's unemployment rate for May was 15 percent, up seven-tenths from April's 14.3 percent figure.
Cass County's rate went from 10.6 percent in April to 11.5 percent in May.
Branch County dropped one-tenth of a percent from 14.9 in April to 14.8 in May.
Statewide the seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate was 13.9 percent. That's up from 12.6 percent in April. In May 2008, the unemployment rate across Michigan was an even 8 percent.
Rick Waclawek, director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information, says total employment levels increased seasonally in the majority of the state's labor regions, while labor force levels were up in nearly all areas.
Mendon man killed in Kalamazoo County crash
Friday, June 26, 2009 7:56 AM
VICKSBURG – A Mendon man is dead following a two vehicle crash Tuesday.
The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department says 20 year old Benjamin Burkett was driving north on 31st Street when his pickup collided with a pickup driven by 45 year old John Silsby of Vicksburg, who was driving west on YZ Avenue.
Burkett was taken to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo where he was pronounced dead.
Silsby and his two passengers, 32 year old John Crist of Vicksburg and 16 year old Joshua Blonde of Litchfield, were treated and released at Bronson Hospital.
Investigators say Silsby and his two passengers were wearing their seatbelts. It's still not known if Burkett was wearing his seatbelt.
Kendallville man rolls car along SR 3
Friday, June 26, 2009 7:55 AM
WAYNE TOWNSHIP - A Kendallville man was injured when he lost control of his car rolled into a field along State Road 3 north of Kendallville Thursday afternoon.
The Noble County Sheriff's Department says 34-year-old Dennis Jue went off the right side of the highway south of County Road 1000-North. He apparently overcorrected and the vehicle left the road sideways, hitting an embankment before rolling over into corn field.
Jue was airlifted from the scene by Samaritan and taken to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Information about his condition was not available.
DeKalb judge to hear lawsuit against Steuben Regional Waste District
Thursday, June 25, 2009 2:07 PM
ANGOLA - DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Monte Brown has accepted the appointment as Special Judge in a lawsuit involving the Steuben Lakes Regional Waste District.
Steuben County Judges William Fee and Allen Wheat earlier recused themselves from the case since they are waste district customers.
The District is named as the defendant in a lawsuit filed last month in Steuben Superior Court by property owners Clay Crabill, Neal Lewis, Thomas Smith and Gale VanWagner which challenges the district's power of eminent domain.
No court hearings have been scheduled yet.
Skinner to remain chief of Steuben County Community Foundation
Thursday, June 25, 2009 2:06 PM
by Jim Measel
ANGOLA - Dr. Oren Skinner will stay on as the Steuben County Community Foundation's Chief Executive Officer through June of 2011.
The Foundation announced Thursday that the Board will have a committee establish a succession plan for a change in leadership over the next two years.
Skinner was named interim C-E-O a month ago when Sharon Stroh resigned.
With a decrease of over $91,000 from last years budget the board also decided Thursday to cut 30% of its staff by not replacing the Development Officer and Youth Association positions.
The budget decrease was blamed on the economic downturn and a reduction in overall revenue.
The Board also selected Kim Tubergen as it new chairperson as outgoing chairwoman Ellen Bisson was honored for her two years of service.
Outdoor enthusiasts beware of meth making trash
Thursday, June 25, 2009 1:52 PM
by Tim Murray
UNDATED - This is the time of year when more people enjoy being outdoors, but Indiana State Police say you need to be aware of the potential for coming into contact with the materials left behind by those who make methamphetamine.
Walkers, joggers and bikers should be cautious about the debris they encounter along roadways.
Members of the Meth Suppression Section say one-and-a-half gallon gas cans are a popular choice among illegal drug makers.
Other items to watch for are battery casings, ziploc bags, empty blister packs, and containers like pop bottles and jars that contain a granular material. They may or may not have a tube extending out the top, but either style is extremely hazardous.
Cylinders found in odd places like the middle of a field, a ditch line or woods could be used to transport anhydrous ammonia, which is extremely dangerous when contacted or inhaled.
You should never handle such items, but call local or state police about your discovery instead.
Former ER doc won't face retrial on sexual misconduct charges
Thursday, June 25, 2009 8:18 AM
by Mike Stiles
CENTREVILLE - There will be no retrial for a former Sturgis Hospital emergency room doctor accused of sexually assaulting some of his patients.
St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough announced Wednesday that he will not seek a new trial for Terence Whiteman on charges of criminal sexual conduct and delivery of a controlled substance.
Whiteman had been hired through an agency to work periodically in the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room. He was convicted on multiple charges in May of 2008, but that conviction was overturned.
Police started investigating Whiteman after some of his patients said he sexually assaulted them. Whiteman's conviction was overturned due to mistakes made by the judge, prosecutor, the defense attorney and the investigating officer, Luis Rosado.
McDonough and Sturgis Director of Public Safety David Northrop say there is plenty of blame to go around in this case. Both agreed that they didn't want the victims to have to testify again.
Five youths arrested for burglary spree
Thursday, June 25, 2009 8:17 AM
CENTREVILLE – Five people have been arrested in connection with six burglaries in the Nottawa area.
St. Joseph County Sheriff Brad Balk says four juveniles and 1 adult were arrested for burglarizing three houses and three barns around Sand Lake and Lake Templene.
The suspects range in age from 15 to 17 years old with the 17 year old being charged as an adult.
Balk says five of the break ins occurred during the same overnight period in April. The other was a single incident in March. Thirty items of stolen property identified with these break ins was recovered.
Two injured in SR 3 crash Wednesday
Thursday, June 25, 2009 8:15 AM
KENDALLVILLE - A crash at State Road 3 and Waits Road near Kendallville sent two people to the hospital yesterday afternoon.
Noble County police say a vehicle driven by Renee Rogers failed to yield at the intersection and was struck by northbound car driven by John Shank of Kendallville.
Shank and his wife, Margaretta, were taken to Parkview-Noble Hospital for treatment.
5-year old pulled from city pool
Thursday, June 25, 2009 11:31 AM
NAPPANEE, Ind. (AP) - A 5-year-old boy who was found unconscious in a city swimming pool in Nappanee has been transferred to Memorial Hospital in nearby South Bend.
The child was pulled Wednesday from a pool in Nappanee's Stauffer Park by a lifeguard who saw him lying face down in the water.
Nappanee EMS director Jim Sumpter says the lifeguard immediately began CPR and the boy "started breathing on his own" after about one minute.
The child was taken to Goshen General Hospital and later transferred to South Bend.
Sumpter says the boy's name has not been released and he didn't know the boy's condition Thursday.
Reward offered for stolen mower
Thursday, June 25, 2009 8:14 AM
LAOTTO - A $1,000 reward is being offered after a mower and trailer belonging to the LaOtto Regional Sewer District were stolen this week.
The district's Kathy Troyer says the items were stolen sometime Monday night or Tuesday. The trailer was recovered in Steuben County on Tuesday night but the mower which is described as tan or brown 2000 Grasshopper with a six foot deck and roll bar is still missing.
The Noble and Steuben County Sheriff's Departments are investigating. If you have information, call 489-2810, 897-2570 or the Noble County Sheriffs Department at 636-2182. Your identity will remain confidential.
Property fraud alert program now available in LaGrange County
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 1:37 PM
by Tim Murray
LAGRANGE - The LaGrange County Recorder's office is now offering a free service that alerts property owners to possible fraudulent activity.
County Recorder Sharon Shiltz says the Property Fraud Alert service doesn't prevent fraud from happening, but provides an early alert warning system.
Sign up is done through a web site and requires a person's name, phone number or email.
That website is here.
Scrappers find money in junk
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 1:42 PM
by Sheila McCrae
BRONSON - As the economy continues its struggles, some are turning to scrap metal as a way to generate income.
According to Gary Caudill from Caudill and Sons in Bronson, Michigan, you can turn trash into cash, and earn a sizeable amount of extra money if you know the tricks of the trade.
With the downturn in the economy, Caudill says scrapping for medal has become increasingly popular.
The side of the road is one of the best places to find junk metal. People regularly set out unwanted items they no longer want; however, trash hauling companies charge extra for taking larger items. Caudill reminds to always make sure that you are going about things according to the law.
Turning in scrap metal for money is a way to make extra cash and recycle materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Boaters told to slow down in Branch County
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 8:18 AM
COLDWATER - The heavy rain from late last week is causing some high water issues in parts of Branch County.
Sheriff Warren Canon along with the Branch County Drain Commission added Coldwater Lake to the list of South Chain lakes in the county that are under a Slow-No Wake Zone declaration until further notice.
Other lakes affected include First, Marble, Archer, Loon, Mud, Bartholomew and Long.
Unhappy boaters have flooded the sheriff's department with complaints. Canon says water levels will be monitored on a daily basis and the no wake declaration will be lifted when water levels have receded.
Sturgis Hospital posts May deficit
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 12:16 PM
by Mike Stiles
STURGIS – For the first time in several months, Sturgis Hospital experienced a monthly net loss.
Chief Financial Officer Bill Johnson gave a rundown of the May figures to the Hospital Board of Trustees during their Monday meeting...(listen).
The average daily census was also down from a peak of 20.3 in February to 14.5 in May.
The inpatient cost of care also went down from just over two thousand dollars to 1970 dollars during the same time period.
Johnson says the number of outpatient registrations in May were just over 6100, compared to over 6500 in April.
Despite these factors, Johnson says Sturgis Hospital continues to operate close to a break even point for year to date operations.
LaGrange County housing sales up in May, values down
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:39 AM
by Tim Murray
UNDATED - The number of homes sold in LaGrange County during May doubled from a year ago.
But figures released by the Indiana Association of Realtors also shows the value of the homes sold went down.
The median sales price of $131,000 was off nearly 23 percent from May 2008.
Sales figures for Noble County showed a 36-percent decline in the number of sales, but the median price rose just over 6 percent to $82,750.
In Steuben County, home sales were off 39 percent from a year ago, and the median sales price of $123,000 was off nearly 15 percent.
DeKalb County sales in May were down nearly 36 percent from last year, and the median price was off 7.6 percent to $78,500.
Karl Berron of the association says the statewide declines for May were smaller than the numbers posted in April.
He recommended that buyers who are considering whether to purchase a home should get into the market sooner rather than later because interest rates have begun to tick upward from their historical lows.
Dental records used to identify Steuben County crash victim
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 11:00 AM
by Jim Measel
ANGOLA - Steuben County Coroner Rodney Snyder has confirmed the person killed in Sunday's crash on I-69 near the 200 North overpass was 42-year-old Beth Smith, the wife of PGA Tour golfer Chris Smith.
A positive identification was made through the use of dental records because of the intensity of the fire inside of the SUV..
The Steuben County Sheriff's Department says tire marks on the side of the road indicate the drivers side tires of the southbound SUV were on the berm on the median side of the interstate when it veered out of the passing lane.
The driver, who was identified as 16-year-old Abigail Smith, apparently overcorrected, went off the road and into the median. It then went into the northbound lane where the driver of a bus carrying members of a semi-pro football team from London, Ontario tried to avoid it.
Sheriff's Department Sgt. Phillip Nott says that there is no information at this time as to why the vehicle was on the berm or why the driver swerved.
Abigail Smith and her 12-year-old brother Cameron were both flown to Lutheran Hospital. Due to HIPA laws, an update on their conditions is unavailable as a hospital spokesman said yesterday they were not listed in their directory.
Republican caucus chooses Mike Strawser for LaGrange County Council
Monday, June 22, 2009 8:04 PM
CONTESTANTS MEET - New LaGrange County Councilman Mike Strawser (right) talks with Peter Cook (left) and Rob Elliot (center) following last night's Republican caucus vote. (Thunder Country News Photo)
by Tim Murray
LAGRANGE - LaGrange County Republican precinct committee persons chose a familiar face to fill an open at-large position on the County Council Monday night.
Mike Strawser of Wolcottville prevailed on the second ballot during the caucus at Lakeland High School.
Strawser picked up an 11-4 victory over Peter Cook of Wolcottville. Rob Elliot of LaGrange was eliminated from contention on the first ballot.
Strawser served 12 years on the county council previously, and said the recent sale of his real estate business allowed him the opportunity to seek the office again. (listen)
Among the issues facing the council, Strawser says he remains undecided about implementing a Local Option Income Tax until he sees what the state does with the 2009 budget. (listen)
He says he would not support using Major Moves funds to reduce the bond for a new LaGrange County Library.
The council seat became vacant when the caucus chose Larry Miller to fill the county commission seat left open by the death of Roger Boots.
