Lakeland schools announce registration

Friday, July 30, 2010 2:28 PM

LAGRANGE - Lakeland School Corporation announced registration dates for the coming school year.

Registration will be held at all Lakeland school buildings on Wednesday, August 18th from noon to 7 and on Thursday, August 19th from 10 a-m to 5 p-m.

School supply lists are available on the Lakeland web site under the word SCHOOLS using the drop down menu to highlight your student's building.

Lakeland students return to classes on Thursday, August 26th.

Two arrested, one escapes following pursuit of stolen vehicle

Friday, July 30, 2010 11:58 AM

BIG TURKEY LAKE - An observant Indiana trooper helped capture two of three men who fled while driving a stolen vehicle from the area of Big Turkey Lake on Thursday afternoon.

Trooper Matt Lazoff heard a dispatch from Steuben County Communications about the stolen vehicle, which he spotted moments later at State Road 327 and 500-South.

As he turned around on the vehicle it sped up and fled east of 500-South.

Lazoff spotted it again a few minutes later on 700 South just east of 725-West. The pursuit went east on State Road 4 and then into DeKalb County on County Road 15.

The vehicle turned down a private drive and then drove 10 to 15 feet into a corn field, where the occupants fled the car on foot.

One suspect was captured immediately by an Ashley police officer. A second suspect was captured around 3 p-m following a manhunt involving officers from several departments.

They are identified as 36-year-old Brian Edward Domer of Hudson and 19-year-old Cody David Mullins of LaGrange.

Both are charged with possession of stolen property and resisting law enforcement.

Police know the identity of the third suspect and plan to file charges against him as well.

Woman critical following house fire near Kendallville

Friday, July 30, 2010 11:57 AM

KENDALLVILLE - A woman was in critical condition following a house fire along U-S 6 west of Kendallville Thursday afternoon.

According to the News Sun of Kendallville, firefighters found the woman in the front room of the home after a passing ambulance spotted the flames.

The victim was flown to the St. Joseph Medical Center Burn Unit in critical condition. Her name was not released.

Firefighters from Orange Township, Kendallville, Albion and Johnson Township put the fire out.
The cause of the fire was not known.

Packed house expected for public meeting on SLRWD expansion

Friday, July 30, 2010 12:21 PM

FLINT - The Steuben Lakes Regional Waste District will host a public meeting Saturday to discuss a possible sanitary sewer project for the northeastern corner of the district.

The hearing will be held in the Ramada Inn's banquet room Saturday morning starting at 9:00 and a large turnout is expected.

A meeting last January at the Ramada Inn drew an overflow crowd to a smaller meeting room. It was called after the district was approached by Pokagon State Park and some businesses and residents of the area about a possible sewer project.

District Board Chairman Bill Heckley said at the January meeting the board had no desire to pursue a project if they felt the majority of people were against it.

Such a project would include things like environmental impact and archaeological studies as well as a review by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Opponents to a project have cited concerns about the hook-up fees imposed and a refusal to allow seasonal users to be billed by usage. They also object to the district's claim that there is an environmental need for a sewer system.

St. Joseph County voters to choose county commissioners candidates in primary

Friday, July 30, 2010 12:20 PM

by Mike Stiles

CENTREVILLE – On the local scene, next week's primary election could be very interesting.
All seven County Commission seats are on the ballot. Three districts have multiple candidates and one has a single candidate.

In District #1 which takes in Flowerfield, Park and parts of Lockport and Mendon Townships, incumbent Rick Shaffer is running unopposed. Incumbent Gerry Loudenslager is also unopposed for his District #2 seat, which takes in Leonidas, Colon, Nottawa and part of Mendon Township.

Michael Dunlap is not seeking re-election to District #3. Allen Balog and James Bippus, both of Three Rivers, are seeking the Republican nomination for the seat, which covers the City of Three Rivers along with southern Lockport Township and Florence Township.

Incumbent Robin Baker is unopposed in District #4, which includes Fabius, Constantine and Mottville Townships.

In District #5, incumbent Jerry Ware is being challenged by former County Commissioner Monte Bordner. District #5 is made up of White Pigeon, Sturgis and Fawn River Townships.

David Pueschel is not seeking re-election to District #6 which is made up of Burr Oak and Sherman Townships. Don Eaton is running unopposed for the nomination.

In District #7 incumbent John Dobberteen is being challenged by former Sturgis City Commissioner CaraLee Mayer. District #7 is made up of the City of Sturgis.

The polls will be open next Tuesday from 7 AM to 8 PM.

Mongo teen on TV Sunday during Inside Indiana Business

Friday, July 30, 2010 11:56 AM

MONGO - The teenage entrepreneur from Mongo we introduced you to last week will be on TV across the state this Sunday.

Fourteen-year-old Aleena Sallot, who recently opened a casual wear business called Boondock Designs, LLC, along with Mary Popovich, marketing coordinator for the NEISBDC, were guests on yesterday's taping of "Inside INdiana Business" with Gerry Dick.

Their interview segment will run this Sunday on WPTA in Fort Wayne 11 a.m., at 8:30 a.m. on WSJV Fox 28 in South Bend, and at 9 a.m. on South Bend PBS Station WNIT.

Diesel from irrigiation unit reached Fawn River near Orland

Thursday, July 29, 2010 10:23 AM

Image: Google Earth

by Tim Murray

ORLAND - A quick response may have limited the damage caused by a diesel fuel spill into Fawn River near Orland.

The spill happened July 16th and involved a diesel fuel mishap at an irrigation system according to Mark Larimer of Lord's Seed.

He says a water leak caused the spilled diesel to run off into the Fawn River, creating a sheen on the water.

Between 20 to 25 gallons of diesel were involved.

Larimer's company hired E-R-S, a contractor from Fort Wayne, to contain and clean up the spill.

Booms were put on the river to collect the diesel and soil around the spill site was excavated.

Indiana Department of Environmental Management Public Information Officer Amber Sinkelstein says work on restoration of the soil is continuing and that Lord's has placed a spill pen around the irrigation pump fuel tank.

The site is close to the Fawn River State Fish Hatchery. District Fisheries Manager Neil Lidet says there were no issues from the spill at the hatchery.

Sinkelstein says a survey was conducted downstream but no determination was made as to how far the contamination spread.

Storm topples dugout at Howe

Thursday, July 29, 2010 6:43 AM

by Tim Murray

UNDATED - At least part nearly every county in our listening was under a severe thunderstorm warning at some point yesterday afternoon.

The storms brought high winds and heavy downpours to some areas.

In Howe, a dugout at The Howe School was destroyed by winds that blew the roof to the other side of the road and flattened the walls. There were also reports of several trees knocked down in Howe.

Winds also toppled trees at Oliver Lake, near Topeka, and near Cree Lake north of Kendallville.

Rainfall amounts included 1.45 inches northeast of Goshen, three-quarters of an inch at Millersburg, nearly two inches at Leesburg in Kosciusko County, and 1.61 inches at Woodburn in Allen County.

Coldwater man accused of abducting ex-girlfriend in Huntington County

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 2:27 PM

HUNTINGTON - A Coldwater man is facing charges in Huntington County related to the alleged abduction of his ex-girlfriend.

51-year-old Jack Hower is currently jailed in Branch County on Michigan charges of driving while suspended, domestic battery and false imprisonment.

Indiana State Police say Hower allegedly entered a residence near Huntington on Monday morning and forcibly removed 33-year-old Julie Musser of Coldwater.

They say he forced her into her own van and left with the intention of driving her back to his residence in Coldwater.

Indiana authorities contacted Branch County deputies who located the van and stopped it.

In Huntington County Hower is charged with one count of kidnapping, two counts of criminal confinement, and one count of battery.

Pipeline company doubles spill clean-up efforts; criticized for delay in reporting

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 11:59 AM

By Tim Martin
Associated Press Writer

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) - A company operating a pipeline that dumped an estimated 877,000 gallons of oil into a southern Michigan river says it's doubling its work force on the containment and cleanup effort.

Officials with Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge Inc. made the announcement during a Wednesday update on the spill. The company had about 200 employees and contractors working on the spill a day earlier.

The Environmental Protection Agency also is bringing in additional contractors.

Oil leaking from a 30-inch pipeline coated birds and fish as it poured into a creek and flowed into the Kalamazoo River, one of the state's major waterways, before it was shut off Monday.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer of Michigan has said Enbridge was slow in alerting federal authorities to the spill.

Enbridge officials have said the spill was detected between 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Monday.

Schauer released a document saying the incident was not reported to the National Response Center until about 1:30 p.m.

Democrat struck from ballot for Steuben County clerk

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 8:56 AM

by Tim Murray

ANGOLA - The Democrat candidate for Steuben County Clerk won't be on the ballot in November.

The Steuben County Election Board voted 3-0 Tuesday evening to remove Mahlon Lautzenhizer's name from the ballot.

Republican Marion Nix challenged Lautzenhizer's candidacy by claiming he was not a registered voter at the time he filed for the position.

The election board agreed.

That leaves Republican Shelly Herbert unopposed for the office.

Self-inflicted gunshot fatal to Auburn man following traffic stop

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 7:50 AM

by Tim Murray

FORT WAYNE - A DeKalb County man did not survive a self-inflicted gunshot during a traffic stop yesterday.

24-year-old Trenton James Stuller of Auburn died at around 6:30 p-m at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Stuller grabbed a handgun from under his leg and shot himself in the head when a state trooper pulled him over and asked him to step out of the car.

The incident happened around 2:20 yesterday morning at the intersection of Maplecrest and Stellhorn Roads in Fort Wayne.

Trooper Caleb Anderson made the traffic stop on Stuller for an equipment violation.

A search of the vehicle following the shooting turned up a one pot meth lab under the front passenger seat.

The web site "Indiana's Most Wanted" listed an outstanding warrant from Steuben County for failure to appear in court on charges of possession and manufacturing meth.

The site listed a tattoo on Stuller's back that said "Death Before Dishonor"

Waterloo man injured when cycle crashes

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 7:49 AM

ASHLEY - A Waterloo man was injured Tuesday evening when he lost control of his motorcycle on a DeKalb County road near Ashley.

18-year-old Tucker Erwin suffered bruises to his face and head in the crash along County Road 39 that happened at 7:38 p-m.

Police say Erwin was southbound in a curve when the cycle began to shake and crossed the center line before leaving the road and ejecting Erwin.

Turnout sparse for NIPSCO gas rate hearings

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 7:48 AM

UNDATED - The turnout was underwhelming at two public hearings on a request by NIPSCO to increase natural gas bills nearly 3 percent.

Fewer than 50 people attended a hearing Monday evening at the Grand Wayne Center in Fort Wayne.

Just seven people spoke at a similar hearing at the Century Center in South Bend last night.

Pro-business and economic groups generally spoke in favor of NIPSCO's request, while those who serve low-income and retired residents voiced concerns about the increase.

Cable cut interrupts some phone service in Steuben County

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 2:34 PM-UPDATED Wednesday, July 28, 2010 7:47 AM

ANGOLA - Phone service in the Fremont and Clear Lake areas remains intermittent following a cable cut yesterday afternoon.

Frontier Communications hoped to have repairs made by late in the afternoon but later said they were taking longer than expected.

Steuben County Communications tells us this morning that intermittent outages are still possible.

The Fremont Fire Station and Clear Lake Town Hall were activated Tuesday afternoon as emergency response centers.

Police arrest eight in drug investigation

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:57 AM

FLOWERFIELD TOWNSHIP – An investigation into drug manufacturing ended Monday night with the arrests of eight people.

Detective Sergeant Jim Hart of the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department says the SCAN Unit along with Sheriff's Deputies and the Three Rivers Police K-9 unit executed a search warrant in the 51 thousand block of Creglow Road in Flowerfield Township.

Officers found an active meth lab along with evidence of manufacturing and distribution of meth.

Seven male subjects and one female were arrested and lodged in the St. Joseph County Jail on multiple charges including production of meth, possession of meth, and maintaining and frequenting a drug house.

Drug Lab Disposal Service was contacted to deal with the active lab and to remove other hazardous materials from the house.

Estep pleads guilty, mentally ill, to charge of child molesting

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 3:27 PM

ANGOLA - Another plea agreement's been struck in the case of an Angola man charged with molesting.

32-year-old Scott Estep pled guilty but mentally ill on Monday to the charge in Steuben Superior Court.

Judge William Fee, who has rejected previous plea agreements in the case, scheduled sentencing for September 13th.

The agreement calls for a sentence of 20 years in prison.

Estep admitted to having intercourse with a 3-year-old girl.

Previous mental evaluations of Estep found he has an extremely low I-Q.

Kendallville man hurt as pickup flips

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 7:12 AM

LAOTTO - A rollover crash in DeKalb County last night injured a Kendallville man.

19-year-old Cameron Rogers was a passenger in the pickup truck driven by 17-year-old Bryant Calzado of Kendallville.

Rogers suffered a fractured hand and lower arm. He was transported to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. A hospital spokeswoman said he was not in the hospital's directory this morning.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's Department says Calzado was driving west on County Road 66 west of State Road 3 when the road turned from pavement to gravel.

Calzado's truck began to swerve and he overcorrected, causing it to spin into a ditch and roll onto its top.

Calzado was not injured.

Rolling Stones tribute band replaces Kellie Pickler at St. Joe Grange Fair

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 2:33 PM

by Mike Stiles

CENTREVILLE - A decision has been made on what to do about the Saturday night entertainment at this year's St. Joseph County Fair.

Fair Manager Bill Johnson announced last week that Saturday head liner Kellie Pickler and Chris Young, who was set to open for George Jones on Thursday night, had cancelled their appearances at the fair. Both are on tour with Rascal Flatts and will be opening for them.

After a meeting late last week, the Fair Board has announced that the Saturday night entertainment at the Fair will be "Satisfaction, the International Rolling Stones Show", a touring tribute band.

Johnson says he and the Fair Board understand the frustration this year's cancellations have caused. As a way to make it up to the community, the Saturday "Satisfaction" show will be free.

Anyone who purchased Kellie Pickler tickets can get a refund by calling the ticket office at 888-873-0550. If you ordered your tickets through Stars Ticket Plus, you can contact them at 888-585-3737.

Lady Antebellum sells out the house at Elkhart County Fair

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:59 AM

GOSHEN - Fans of the country crossover group Lady Antebellum descended on Goshen Monday by the thousands.

They started lining up outside the gates at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds at 5 a-m to claim a seat for last night's concert.

The final ticket was passed out at 6 p-m to a girl who turns 11 next Monday.

In all, some 85-hundred people attended the sell-out concert.

Trackside seats were sold out when sales began in May.

Angola BZA approves gun sales

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 12:00 PM

ANGOLA - There was no opposition Monday night to a commercial special exception request from Larry's Lock & Safe Service.

The business needs the exception to conduct the sales of firearms, accessories and ammunition at its property at 1601 North Wayne Street.

The Angola Board of Zoning Appeals had no concerns about the request and approved the special exception according to City Planner Julie Cole.

ACT scores are mixed for area schools

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 7:11 AM

by Mike Stiles

UNDATED– Four St. Joseph County schools saw their 2010 ACT scores go up from last year.
Three others saw their scores drop and one remained unchanged in 2010.

According to the Michigan Department of Education, the average ACT Scores as part of the Michigan Merit Examination, are 19.3. That's up from a score of 19 in 2009. This year's test was taken by 110 thousand 11th graders around Michigan.

Locally, Sturgis saw their ACT score drop one-tenth of a percent from 19.3 in 2009 to 19.2 in 2010.

The best score among St. Joseph County schools was Mendon at 20.8. That's an increase of sixth-tenths from 2009 when their score was 20.2.

Centreville went up from 18.1 to 19.1. Constantine increased from a score of 17.3 to 19. Three River also saw their score go up from 18.8 to 19.

Burr Oak dropped from a 15.8 in 2009 to 15.4 in 2010. White Pigeon saw their scores drop from 18.6 to 17.9 while Colon had the same score as last year at 18.5.

Bronson saw an increase in their score from 17.1 in 2009 to 17.8 in 2010. Coldwater also saw their score go up from 18.5 to 19 in 2010.

Nationally the 2010 ACT average score was 21.1 out of possible 36.

Angola BZA approves special exception to allow gun, ammunition sales

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 10:11 AM

ANGOLA - There was no opposition Monday night to a commercial special exception request from Larry's Lock & Safe Service.

The business needs the exception to conduct the sales of firearms, accessories and ammunition at its property at 1601 North Wayne Street.

The Angola Board of Zoning Appeals had no concerns about the request and approved the special exception according to City Planner Julie Cole.

Angola teen gets prison sentence for burglary of home

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 7:09 AM

by Tim Murray

ANGOLA - An Angola teenager was sentenced to 12 years in prison Monday for burglary.

17-year-old Nathan Lundgren's guilty plea was accepted by Steuben Superior Court Judge William Fee, who issued the maximum sentence under the plea agreement.

Lundgren's case was moved to adult court because of the seriousness of the charge, which resulted from the burglary and theft of a safe from an Angola home last August.

The judge suspended six years of the sentence and granted credit of nearly one year for the time Lundgren has spent in custody and another 356 days of credit for good time.

If he earns additional good time credit he would end up serving about two more years.

Following his release Lundgren must serve five years of probation.

Police find mobile meth lab in man's car

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 7:10 AM

ANGOLA - An Angola man was in court Monday after being stopped Saturday with an alleged mobile meth lab.

32-year-old Aaron Brown is charged with manufacturing meth. He could get up to 20 years in prison if convicted of the class B felony.

Magistrate Randy Coffey appointed a public defender for Brown and set his next for September 13th.

NIPSCO natural gas rate hearings held tonight and Tuesday

Monday, July 26, 2010 11:21 AM

UNDATED - The first of two informational meetings and public hearings on NIPSCO's rate change request for natural gas customers is this evening in Fort Wayne.

The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor will conduct an informational meeting about the regulatory process and field hearings at 5:30 p-m in the Grand Wayne Center in Fort Wayne.

That's followed at 6 p-m by the formal public hearing to receive oral and written comments about NIPSCO's natural gas rates by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

The process will be repeated Tuesday evening at the Century Center in South Bend.

NIPSCO is seeking new and fixed monthly charges on natural gas bills to help cover operating, maintenance and infrastructure costs.

Man dies in mobile home fire at Lake of the Woods

Monday, July 26, 2010 6:13 AM

LAKE OF THE WOODS - A rural Hudson man died early Sunday morning when fire swept through a residence near Lake of the Woods.

49-year-old Kirk Perrine was sleeping with his dog in a rear bedroom of the home at 11990 East 650-South Lot #2.

Firfighters believe the fire began in that room.

Three other occupants managed to escape the home without serious injury.

They woke to find the home full of smoke and partly engulfed in fire at 4:20 a.m.

Foul play is not suspected according to LaGrange County Sheriff's Detective Donnie Faust.

Firefighters from Helmer, Stroh, Salem Center, Mongo and Johnson Township put out the blaze.

The LaGrange County Coroner and State Fire Marshal's offices were at the scene along with LaGrange County E-M-S.

Damage was estimated at $50-thousand dollars.

4-year-old dies in single vehicle crash

Monday, July 26, 2010 6:12 AM-UPDATED 11:20 AM

LOCKPORT TOWNSHIP - A 5-year-old boy remains in critical condition following a crash in southwest Michigan that killed his younger stepbrother and injured both of his parents.

Michigan State Police say Jayden Everett and Gary and Rikki Cannon, both 28, were taken to a Kalamazoo hospital after their northbound car crossed the center line and crashed into a tree at
1:46 p.m. Sunday in Lockport Township.

Four-year-old Dominic Cannon was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gary Cannon, who was driving, is listed in fair condition. Rikki Cannon's condition was not
immediately available.

Police said in a statement alcohol and drugs "are believed to be a factor," but did not elaborate.

Investigators said seat belts and child-restraint seats were being used.

An investigation is ongoing.

Orland budget work session today

Monday, July 26, 2010 9:39 AM

ORLAND - The town of Orland holds a budget workshop meeting this afternoon.

Clerk-Treasurer Rhonda Engle says the session will start at 5 p-m in the Orland Town Office.

Angola BZA to hear special exception request for firearm sales

Monday, July 26, 2010 9:40 AM

ANGOLA - The Angola Board of Zoning Appeals meets this evening to consider a commercial special exception for Larry's Lock & Safe Service.

The company wants to conduct the sales of firearms, accessories and ammunition at its property at 1601 North Wayne Street.

The meeting starts at 6 p-m in the council chambers at Angola City Hall.

Angola income survey starts today

Monday, July 26, 2010 9:38 AM

ANGOLA - Angola Economic Development & Planning Director Julie Cole says a consultant will begin an income survey for the city of Angola starting today.

Staff from University Research Consultants will be calling a sample of Angola city residents to obtain general income range and demographic information. They will not request specific personal information.

The wage survey is used to maintain the city's eligibility for various grants. It's conducted once every four years.

If you have questions you can contact Cole at Angola City Hall.

Rainfall causes Angola sewer overflow

Monday, July 26, 2010 9:38 AM

ANGOLA - Rain early Saturday morning resulted in Angola's fourth combined sewer overflow of the year.

Wastewater Superintendent Craig Williams says close to a half inch of rain fell between 3:30 and 5:15 Saturday morning.

That resulted in 487 gallons of combined wastewater and runoff to leave the city's site at Water & Martha Streets.

Car strikes buggy, injures Topeka woman, horse

Saturday, July 24, 2010 6:47 AM

CLEARSPRING TOWNSHIP - A Topeka woman and her horse were injured Friday night when a car struck a buggy in LaGrange County.

20-year-old JoAnna Gingerich was transported to Parkview-LaGrange Hospital complaining of lower back pain.

LaGrange County Sheriff's deputies say Gingerich was traveling on County Road 600-South when a northbound vehicle driven by 17-year-old Daryl Lambright of Shipshewana allegedly disregarded a stop sign and struck the buggy at 10:11 p-m.

Police ticketed Lambright for disregarding a stop sign.

Noble 4-H auction sales up from last year

Saturday, July 24, 2010 6:48 AM

KENDALLVILLE - Sales at Friday's Noble County 4-H Auction surpassed last year's total.

This year's auction raised just under $200-thousand dollars for the 715 entries, an increase of almost 15-thousand from last year.

Butit fell short of the record set two years ago when almost $239-thousand dollars was paid.

Indiana issues warning about high algae levels

Saturday, July 24, 2010 6:51 AM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana State Department of Health says there are possible high levels of blue-green algae at many of the state's reservoirs and lakes.

The department says Friday that people should use caution when swimming or participating in other recreational water activities.

Blue-green algae are organisms that grow and live in brackish or fresh waters. The health department notes they can grow quickly and can increase in abundance with increased temperature, sunlight and nutrients.

Exposure to blue-green algae can lead to rashes, skin, eye irritation and other effects.

Storms bring high winds, heavy rains

Saturday, July 24, 2010 6:49 AM

UNDATED - High winds and heavy rains lashed parts of Michiana Friday evening.

The National Weather Service posted a flash flood watch for LaGrange and Steuben Counties.

94-hundredths of an inch of rain fell near LaGrange overnight. Flooding was reported in the Battle Creek area.

The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms that moved across southern Michigan packed winds of more than 80 mph, knocked out power to about 72,000 customers and
caused flooding.

The weather service says a funnel cloud was reported Friday evening in the Monroe County community of Carleton.

Tornado confirmed in Branch County

Friday, July 23, 2010 12:21 PM

UNDATED - The National Weather Service and the Branch County Emergency Management Agency confirmed that a weak EF-0 tornado took place in Branch County on Thursday evening.

Damage was reported along Fenn and Fillmore Roads. Isolated tree damage was reported with large branches near the top of trees torn off.

A barn and a chicken coop also sustained some damage.

Officials say the damage was consistent with winds of between 65 and 85 miles an hour.

Information is still being gathered on the damage path, length and exact locations.

A tornado warning was issued for parts of Branch and Hillsdale Counties just before 6:00pm on Thursday night due to Doppler Radar showing a thunderstorm was strong rotation in it.

Mongo teen launches own business

Friday, July 23, 2010 12:07 PM

by Tim Murray

MONGO - Most teens look for ways to make money during the summer, but few do what Aleena Sallot did.

She opened her own business.

The 14-year-old from Mongo has her own line of casual wear which she sells over the internet and at area fairs.

The idea of starting a business began during spring break...(listen)

The inspiration for the name of her business came from its location...(listen)

The name helped to inspire the clothing designs...(listen)

Aleena's parents, Jeff and Sharon Sallot, provided start-up funding and her mom, who works for a business incubator program in Whitley County connected her with others who could help.

Her first week resulted in over $400 in sales at the Whitley County 4-H Fair.

After attending Prairie Heights her first eight years of school, Aleena starts her freshman year at East Noble next month. She hopes to keep the business going through high school... (listen)

You can check out Aleena's clothing at her website.

Records set at Steuben 4-H auction

Friday, July 23, 2010 12:06 PM

by Jim Measel

CROOKED LAKE - Two records were broken on Thursday during the annual livestock auction the Steuben County 4-H Fair.

The record for started calves was broken twice. Ashton Seller's grand champion animal sold for $2,500 which broke her 2006 record. The price was topped near the end of the started calf auction when Reed Evans sold his animal for $2,650.

There was also a record in Dairy Steer. Hannah Buell broke the Dairy Steer record set two years ago by $300 when her grand champion animal went for $3,800.

The take from Thursday's auction was over $146,000 .

DeKalb jury convicts Florida man in murder of flea market owner

Friday, July 23, 2010 12:19 PM-UPDATED 3:09 PM

AUBURN - A DeKalb County jury has recommended that a Florida man be given a life prison sentence without parole for the murder of a flea market merchant.

52-year-old Jeffrey Cain is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Kevin Wallace on August 20th.

The jury returned guilty verdicts on two charges of murder and a count of armed robbery after deliberating for about two hours.

The second murder charge was filed because authorities claimed he intentionally killed Raymond Morrow in May of 2009 while committing or trying to commit a robbery and that Cain was hired to kill Morrow.

The verdicts were returned after a four day trial..

June home sales figures released

Thursday, July 22, 2010 12:39 PM

by Tim Murray

INDIANAPOLIS - Sales of single family homes in Northeast Indiana were a mixed bag in June according to the latest figures from the Indiana Association of Realtors.

While the pace was mostly up from a year ago, it was down in some areas from the previous month.

In LaGrange County 20 homes were sold in June, ten fewer than in May, but six more than were sold a year ago. The median sales price of more than $110-thousand dollars was down almost 22-percent from the previous year, and about the same as this May.

37 homes sold in Noble County. That was one less than the month of May, but 16 more than June of 2009. The median sales price in Noble County was $88-thousand dollars, up eleven percent from a year ago and up about $85-hundred dollars from May.

In Steuben County 41 homes were sold in June, four more than in May but three fewer than the previous June. The median price of $110-thousand dollars was up 11 percent from a year ago and about $16-thousand dollars more than in May.

Sales across Indiana increased 8.6 percent from a year ago as the federal tax credit continued to stabilize prices and spur activity.

Stutzman campaign poll claims big lead for Marlin in Third District race

Thursday, July 22, 2010 12:40 PM

UNDATED - The campaign for Republican Congressional candidate Marlin Stutzman is touting a new poll showing Stutzman with a solid lead over Democratic opponent Tom Hayhurst.

The poll shows Stutzman leading Hayhurst by 27 points, 56-29 percent. Libertarian Scott Wise has two percent.

Stutzman's biggest strength is in Kosciusko and LaGrange Counties where he is favored by 65 percent of poll respondents.

Hayhurst's best county is Steuben County where he trails Stutzman by nine points, 46-37 percent.

The telephone survey of 400 likely voters was conducted Monday and Tuesday by American Viewpoint and paid for by the Stutzman campaign. The margin of error is plus or minus five percent.

The poll results come after recent reports that Hayhurst had a nearly 6-1 edge over Stutzman in fundraising.

LaGrange County employee reports email scam

Thursday, July 22, 2010 12:37 PM

FORT WAYNE - State Police at the Fort Wayne Post are cautioning residents about an email scam involving an area credit union.

Detective Devon Hostetler says a LaGrange County employee received an email on his personal email account purporting to be from Fort Financial Credit Union. It requested personal account information claiming their was unusual or high risk activity on the account.

The credit union does not solicit account information by internet or telephone.

If you receive a similar email you should never give out your account or personal information. Instead, call your financial institution before calling police.

Suspects arrested in Angola "short-change" attempt

Thursday, July 22, 2010 12:36 PM

by Jim Measel

ANGOLA - Two suspects from Elkhart are in custody after Angola Police say they tried to "short change" a clerk at the Angola Wal-Mart store on Wednesday.

Police say 36-year-old Darrius L. Branch and 40-year-old Eugene J. Scott were arrested for theft near the store's entrance.

They report the suspects were involved in other incidents reported in LaGrange County earlier in the day.

Branch and Scott were booked at the Steuben County Jail.

The LaGrange County Sheriff's Department, Fremont Police and the Indiana State Police assisted in the investigation.

Short changing takes place when someone usually buys a small item with a large denomination of money. After the transaction, the suspect will then ask to clerk to make some change. The clerk is some cases becomes confused and gives back more money than what is due.

Angola Police are asking area businesses to be vigilant at this time of year and to report any suspicious activity to them.

Commissioners adopt tighter controls for Register of Deeds office

Thursday, July 22, 2010 9:54 AM

by Mike Stiles

CENTREVILLE – St. Joseph County Commissioners have approved recommendations regarding the Register of Deeds department.

The Commission ordered an audit of the department in May, following the arrest of Register of Deeds Cynthia Jarrett on a charge of embezzlement by a public official over 50 dollars.

The auditing firm came back with four recommendations for the County to consider. County Administrator Judy West says the first recommendation is about the deposit process.....(listen).

The second recommendation states that if a department doesn't receive a cash deposit from the Register's office, that Judy West is to be contacted.

The other recommendations are to make sure that the cash drawers in the Register of Deeds office have the ability to be locked; and that a policy be implemented so that someone other than the person completing a transaction would have authority to void a transaction.

The Commission approved the recommendations. They also requested that Jarrett present her department's annual report prior to October 19 and that she also show how the recommendations have been implemented.

Hamlin named supreme showman; 4-H livestock auction concludes fair

Thursday, July 22, 2010 9:52 AM

CROOKED LAKE - Hailey Hamlin was named the Supreme Showman for the 2010 Steuben County 4-H Fair on Wednesday night at Rensch Hall.

She is a nine year 4-H member and belongs to the Flint Arrows 4-H Club. She was representing the sheep barn in the Supreme Showman contest.

Meanwhile, Austin Penick from the Flint Arrows showed the Supreme Grand Champion animal during the Dairy Show on Wednesday morning.

Penick also showed the grand champion registered holstein while Cody Bachelor had the grand champion registered jersey.

The fair wraps up today with the livestock auction starting at 10:00am.

Singers cancel scheduled shows at St. Joseph County Grange Fair

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 2:59 PM

by Mike Stiles

SCHEDULE TO FILL - St. Joseph County Grange Fair Manager Bill Johnson has two entertainment slots to fill for this year's fair following the pullout by two singers. (Thunder Country News Photo)

CENTREVILLE - Two acts who were going to perform at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair have canceled their appearances.

Fair Manager Bill Johnson made the official announcement Wednesday morning that Kellie Pickler who was to be the headline act Saturday night at the Fair, and Chris Young, who was to open for George Jones on Wednesday night, had both cancelled their shows.

Johnson says both are under contract to open for Rascal Flatts and that is what they will be doing...(listen).

Johnson says the challenge facing him and the Fair Board with two months to go before the Fair starts is what to do with Saturday night...(listen).

The Fair Board will hold a special meeting Friday evening. Johnson says he will lay out several different options to the Board and let them decide which way to go.

They will make an announcement early next week on what will happen with Saturday night.

To date, approximately one thousand tickets have been sold for the Pickler concert. Johnson says the Fair will reimburse people who purchased Kellie Pickler tickets and now may not want to come to the Fair on Saturday.

Proposed library merger in Noble County would not trim payroll

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 11:18 AM

ALBION - A group studying the possible merger of Noble County's library systems says no current library employees would lose their jobs under the merger.

They spent most of a study committee meeting Tuesday developing a staffing structure for the county system.

Noble County Public Library Director Sandy Petrie said the reorganization would allow staff members to specialize and do an even better job.

She said some employees may receive a raise, while others may see no difference in their pay. No one will receive a pay cut under the proposal.

The directors of the Kendallville, Ligonier and Noble County libraries based their recommendations on the assumption that Albion would serve as the main library in a merged system.

That would reduce the costs of implementing the merger by reducing changes to signage.

That designation of a main library will be a topic when the study committee meets Saturday in Kendallville.

They've set up a Facebook page for the public to stay informed on the merger progress.

Steuben Economic Development Corporation adopts strategic plan

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 2:46 PM

ANGOLA - The Steuben County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors approved the final draft of a strategic plan for the county on Tuesday.

The plan was put together by Thomas P. Miller and Associates of Indianapolis. It calls for the development of Biomedical Engineering in the county as well as the promotion of entrepreneurship and a diversification of the county's auto manufacturing base.

Miller felt the plan was aggressive and that it should be promoted throughout Indiana.
The E-D-C wanted to put together a strategic plan in hopes of attracting new investment to Steuben County.

With hopes of making Steuben County a center for biomedical engineering, the plan cites Trine University's new Bock Center for Biomedical Engineering and the university's graduate degree program as well as Trine working with Grace College and Ivy Tech Community College at Warsaw to establish a School of Professional Studies branch campus.

Miller said they interviewed over 100 people during their work on the strategic plan.

Suspect in credit union robbery arraigned

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 10:01 AM

by Jim Measel

COLDWATER - One of the suspects captured in connection with the hold up of the Allegis Credit Union in Coldwater was arraigned late Tuesday afternoon in Branch County District Court.

26-year-old Austin Michael Wynn of Ligonier was arraigned on charges of armed robbery, conspiracy to committ robbery and felony firearm. Bond was set at $500,000 and a preliminary exam was scheduled for August 3rd.

The other suspect in the case remains lodged in the Steuben County Jail. Officials say 37-year-old Jason Allen Oetting of Little Otter Lake will not have his initial hearing until Thursday afternoon. It will be held at the same time as a previously scheduled hearing in another case.

Oetting was booked Monday on a Class D felony for resisting law enforcement after a police chase that started in Branch County ended in the area of 300 West and 600 North.

Central Noble chooses new superintendent

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 8:40 AM

ALBION - Central Noble School Board members chose a new superintendent Tuesday.

Christopher Daughtry comes to Albion from the Tippecanoe school district at Lafayette where he was director of transportation.

Daughtry also taught at the elementary level in Lafayette and was principal at Wabash Elementary School for three years.

Dr. Paul Thomas served as interim superintendent this past school year.

ATV flips, lands on Ashley man

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 8:39 AM

ASHLEY - An Ashley man was hospitalized following an off-road vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon.

Indiana Conservation Officer Patrick Heidenreich says 23-year-old Adam Fifield was riding the ATV in a mowed field behind the Ashley Villas when he crested a hill, went airborne and then rolled end over end upon landing.

The ATV rolled on top of Fifield.

He suffered neck, back and internal pain and was transported to Cameron Memorial Hospital.

The crash happened just after 4:30 p-m.

Ashley police and firefighters assisted at the scene.

Man misses deer, hits pole

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 8:38 AM

ELKHART TOWNSHIP - One person was injured trying to avoid a deer on a Noble County road Tuesday afternoon.

19-year-old Eric Corn of Taswell suffered cuts to his hands and back pain when his SUV rolled over and struck a utility pole near 2757 West County Road 1000-North in Elkhart Township.

The vehicle swerved to avoid a deer in the roadway and left the south side of the road, coming to rest on its top.

Corn was flown to Parkview Hospital where he was listed in fair condition this morning.