Four children seriously injured in one vehicle crash near Constantine

Monday, February 8, 2010 1:26 PM

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CONSTANTINE TOWNSHIP - Seven children on their way to school were injured Monday morning in Constantine Township.

Michigan State Police say 17-year-old Paige Hicks of White Pigeon was the driver in that crash, that happened around 7:15.

She was westbound on Stears Road east of U-S 131 when the vehicle hit a small snow drift in the road, causing it to spin out of control and strike a tree.

The children range in age from 7 to 17. Five females were in the back while a male passenger was in the front.

Aircare and Samaritan helicopters flew three of the injured to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. The other four, including Hicks, were taken by ambulance to Three Rivers Health. Hicks was then later flown to Bronson Hospital also.

The names and conditions of the children flown to Kalamazoo were not available.

The injuries to the three children at Three Rivers were not life threatening.

Winter storm bearing down on Michiana

Monday, February 8, 2010 12:19 PM

(Source: National Weather Service Northern Indiana)

by Tim Murray

NORTH WEBSTER - It may be sunny today, but a big change in the weather is heading our way according to the National Weather Service.

All of Thunder Country is under a winter storm warning from midnight tonight through 7 pm on Wednesday.

Near blizzard and whiteout conditions are expected to develop by Wednesday as gusty winds whip an expected 7 to 12 inches of snow.

Forecasters expect some roads to become impassable by then as winds gusting to 35 miles per hour move into the area.

Travel from the South Bend Regional Airport and the Indiana Toll Road may become difficult, causing significant delays and impact to commerce.

The weather service recommends travel only in an emergency.

State tells LaGrange County to cut budget by more than half-million dollars

Monday, February 8, 2010 12:06 PM

by Tim Murray

LAGRANGE - The state is telling LaGrange County it must cut more than half-a-million dollars from this year's county budget.

Council member Kay Myers told the council that the Department of Local Government Finance ordered the cuts from the county highway and cumulative capital development budgets.

The cume cap fund budget was slashed nearly in half with a cut $379,448 ordered by the D-L-G-F.

The highway department budget took a hit of $167,492.

About half of the jail lease payment comes out of cume cap and half from economic development income taxes. Council members discussed the possibility of shifting more of the jail payment to EDIT because of the cut to cume cap.

But Councilman Jac Price said most of the EDIT revenue is already budgeted for the County Road 250 North construction project and the Economic Development Corporation...(listen)

Another $80-thousand from EDIT was going to subsidize sewer and water rates at Fawn River Crossing.

Council President Charlie Ashcraft suggested paying for 250-North out of Major Moves funds...and idea Councilman Mike Strawser didn't care for...(listen)

Council agreed to send a request to the County Commissioners asking them how they would propose making the needed cuts.

Candidates file for county council, Westview School Board

Monday, February 8, 2010 12:51 PM

by Tim Murray

LAGRANGE - Another LaGrange County Council member is seeking re-election.

Ryan Riegsecker added his name to the Republican ballot for the district 2 council seat. He's seeking his second term on the council.

He joins council incumbents Jac Price and Charles Ashcraft on the Republican ballot.

Incumbent Republican Kay Myers said Monday she hasn't decided if she'll seek another term. If she does file she'll face a primary challenge from Kenton Getz.

Lisa Bowen-Slaven will seek the Newbury Township seat on the Westview School Board.

February 19th is the final day for candidates to file for the May primary and school board ballots.

Seven children hurt in crash on way to Constantine schools

Monday, February 8, 2010 12:04 PM

CONSTANTINE – Seven children were injured in a one vehicle accident early this morning.

Michigan State Police are still on scene on Stears Road, but say the accident involved one vehicle driven by a 17-year-old while heading towards Constantine schools.

The seven children ranged in age from 7 to 17 years old.

Three of the children were flown to a Kalamazoo hospital and are in serious condition. The other four were taken by ambulance to Three Rivers Health.

Police hope to release more information later today.

LaGrange Police arrest seven

Monday, February 8, 2010 11:10 AM

LAGRANGE - LaGrange Police arrested three people on methamphetamine charges and four others on related charges over the weekend.

22-year-old Jesse Wilson of LaGrange was jailed on charges of possession of meth and marijuana, public intoxication and visiting a common nuisance.

18-year-old Dusty Edmonson of Mongo was charged with possession of meth, possession of precursors, possession of paraphernalia, and maintaining a common nuisance.

25-year-old Jon Carney of LaGrange was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, and public intoxication.

22-year-old Bryan Rowlison of LaGrange was jailed on charges of possession of paraphernalia, visiting a common nuisance and public intoxication.

18-year-old Crystal Gibson of Wolcottville faces charges of visiting a common nuisance and public intoxication.

18-year-old Kayla Wallace of LaGrange is charged with possession of a controlled substance, visiting a common nuisance and public intoxication.

And 18-year-old Charley Ellis of LaGrange is charged with visiting a common nuisance and minor in possession of alcohol.

Details of the circumstances surrounding the arrests were not immediately available.

Two charged with meth in Noble County

Monday, February 8, 2010 12:35 PM

ALBION - Police in Noble County arrested two people over the weekend on meth charges, including a Topeka man.

24-year-old Shane Anthony Zimmerman was lodged in the Noble County Jail Sunday on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of precursors with intent to manufacture.

His bail was set at 45-hundred dollars.

28-year-old Jennifer Higginbotham of Goshen was jailed Friday on a charge of possession of meth.

Her bail was also set at 45-hundred dollars.

Angola woman accused of having improper contact with student

Monday, February 8, 2010 1:07 PM

ANGOLA - An Angola woman who teaches high school in Michigan is accused of inappropriate contact with a student.

Indiana State Police arrested 37-year-old Dawn Marie Schwartzengraber on Friday afternoon on a charge of sexual misconduct with a minor.

An investigation by Detective Harry Nix alleges Schwartzengraber had unlawful contact with the now 17-year-old male student over the past two years.

Schwartzengraber was a teacher at Camden-Frontier High School in Camden, Michigan.

The activities allegedly took place in Schwartzengraber 's Angola home and along roadways in both Indiana and Michigan.

She was released after posting bond.

Michigan State Police at the Jonesville Post are assisting in the investigation.

Howe man distracted, hit tree near Prairie Heights

Monday, February 8, 2010 7:45 AM

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP - A Howe man was injured Sunday afternoon when his pickup truck struck a tree along U-S 20 near the Prairie Heights campus.

20-year-old Ryan Bond was eastbound on 20 when LaGrange County deputies say he became distracted and left the highway.

He suffered an unspecified fracture and injuries to his ankle and arm.

Stroh and Mongo firefighters assisted EMS and deputies at the scene.

DeKalb crash hurts two teens

Monday, February 8, 2010 7:42 AM

UNDATED - Two Kendallville teens were injured late Saturday afternoon in a rollover accident.

DeKalb County Police say a car driven by 18-year-old Alec Traxler went off of County Road 13 near County Road 16 at about 5:45pm.

The car then went out of control and hit a fence post broadside which caused it to roll and vault over a ditch. The car then came to rest on its top in a field.

Traxler complained of pain to the chest while a passenger, 15-year-old Abigail Ramey, complained of pain to the head and arm.

Deliberations resume Tuesday in tethering death of Centreville girl

Saturday, February 6, 2010 6:53 AM

KALAMAZOO – It's now up to a jury to decide the fate of a Centreville couple charged in the death of their daughter.

Both the prosecution and the defense presented their closing arguments Friday in the trial of Anthony and Marsha Springer - the couple charged with murder, child abuse and torture in the February 2008 death of their 16 year old daughter Calista.

St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough showed the jurors the chain that was wrapped around Calista's waste when fire fighters removed her body from the family home.

The defense has claimed that the chains were used by the Springer's as a last resort and as a form of protection.

The jury is scheduled to resume deliberations on Tuesday.

Kendallville cuts services to slash budget

Saturday, February 6, 2010 6:54 AM

KENDALLVILLE - Kendallville residents will be forced to do without free city wide cleanups, brush pickup, mosquito spraying and the transfer site.

City officials chose to cut those services and more but not fulltime employees in response to the state's order to trim 1.18 million dollars from this year's city budget.

Mayor Suzanne Handshoe said the whole community will feel the effects of the cuts.

The city will undertake no major street projects and the street light repair fund was cut.

Police and fire departments will not be filling positions.

While no full-time employees were cut, one part-time position was eliminated and two full-time vacancies won't be filled.

The city will also offer early retirement to three employees who would not be replaced if they retire.

Curtis seeks third term as commissioner

Friday, February 5, 2010 4:32 PM

by Tim Murray

LAGRANGE - LaGrange County Commission President Phil Curtis will seek another term.

Curtis registered his candidacy for the Republican nomination for North District Commissioner on Friday.

He's seeking a third term as commissioner.

Cutris was unopposed in 2006 and won 67-percent of the vote in 2002.

Eight departments battle Steuben house fire

Saturday, February 6, 2010 7:02 AM

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP - Firefighters from eight departments in Steuben and Williams County had to battle a house fire late Friday night in Richland Township.

The blaze on 525 South near 900 East broke out just before 11:00pm. It was not called under control until just after 1:20am on Saturday morning. Crews were on the scene until about 3:00am.

Hamilton firefighters were the first ones called to the scene. They got mutual aide from Florence Township, Metz, Montpelier, Northwest Township, Angola, Salem Center and Pleasant Lake.

Snowy roads complicated matters for firefighters. The Steuben County Highway Department had to be called in to plow roads so that tankers could haul water to the fire scene.

No injuries were reported. No word yet what caused the fire or the amount of damage.

Mobile meth lab in Mongo area leads to Orland man's arrest

Friday, February 5, 2010 1:31 PM

MONGO - A short foot pursuit in the Pigeon River Fish & Wildlife Area resulted in the arrest of an Orland man on methamphetamine charges Friday morning.

While patrolling the area LaGrange County Sheriff's Detective Tad Oakley spotted a Jeep Cherokee backed into the brush at a parking area.

Oakley then saw 29-year-old Landi Hammond come out of the brush to the passenger side of the vehicle.

While talking to Hammond, Oakley smelled chemicals associated with the manufacture of meth and spotted items in the vehicle commonly used in the process.

Hammond allegedly struggled with Oakley as the officer attempted to handcuff him and ran into the thick brush. Oakley was able to tackle him and take him into custody.

Preliminary charges include manufacturing and dealing meth, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of precursors, and resisting law enforcement.

The Jeep was towed to the LaGrange County Jail and processed by the State Police Clandestine Lab Team.

Assisting the investigation were Indiana Conservation Officers, state police, and sheriff's deputies.

Indiana meth lab seizures up

Friday, February 5, 2010 1:40 PM

ELKHART (AP) - Indiana police agencies report seizing 24 percent more methamphetamine labs during 2009 than they did the year before, with the greatest concentration remaining in the
state's northeastern counties.

State police say the most seizures were in Elkhart County, where 109 labs were found. Neighboring Marshall, Noble and Kosciusko counties each had at least 65 seizures.

The cluster of Jennings, Decatur and Bartholomew counties in southeastern Indiana each had between 81 and 59 seizures last year.

The 1,364 seizures reported statewide last year topped the previous high of 1,137 labs seized in 2004.

Robbery suspect arrested in Auburn

Friday, February 5, 2010 1:35 PM

AUBURN - Auburn Police arrested a man on Wednesday afternoon following a reported armed robbery in the 100 block of North Main.

Auburn Police Chief Martin McCoy says the robbery took place outside of a business. The victim told police a man followed him out of the business, approached him as he got into his vehicle and stated that he had a firearm.

Cash was demanded but when the victim said he had none, a debit card was stolen from him and the suspect fled the scene.

Following a search and investigation, Detective Phil Snover went to a residence in the 300 block of West 4th Street thinking that was where the suspect could be heading. Police then took 46-year-old Nicholas F. Reith into custody.

The debit card that was stolen was found in the snow near Reith's residence. Reith was charged with robbery, receiving stolen property and two counts of theft. He is also facing misdemeanor charges for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia.

Assisting Auburn Police during the investigation were members of the DeKalb County Probation Department.

Officers retrieve teenage from Auburn bridge

Friday, February 5, 2010 1:38 PM

AUBURN - Auburn Police say two of their officers had to pull a young woman off the edge of the 9th Street Bridge overlooking Cedar Creek late Wednesday night.

Chief Martin McCoy says the 18-year-old had reportedly made suicidal threats.

Shortly after receiving the dispatch, Officers Derek Taylor and George Gensic were able to secure the woman and pull her back over the guardrail onto the sidewalk.

She was later evaluated to determine if she was a threat to herself or anyone else.

Centreville dad takes stand in murder-torture trial

Friday, February 5, 2010 7:21 AM

KALAMAZOO – The father of a Centreville girl who died in a fire while chained to her bed took the stand on Thursday.

Anthony Springer took the stand in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court where he and his wife Marsha are charged with murder, torture and child abuse.

Anthony Springer spoke about the difficulties he had in raising Calista. He told the court that his daughter from an early age would act out and even eat lead paint. Springer also said that Calista would abuse animals and acted at times in a dangerous manner.

Springer testified that he tried to put restrictions on Calista to keep her in her room at night, but nothing was effective. He also said he never tried to hide the fact that he was restraining Calista and that no one from the Department of Human Services told him to stop.

The trial is scheduled to resume at noon today. Closing arguments are expected and it's possible the jury could get their instructions.

Testing begins on Fawn River Crossing water system

Thursday, February 4, 2010 3:15 PM

by Tim Murray

HOWE - The new water and sewer utilities at Fawn River Crossing are a step closer to going on line.

The water distribution and sewage collection systems have been substantially complete for awhile.

But Don Skinner of the LaGrange County Regional Utility District says testing of the water distribution system is now being conducted.

The wells, aerators, and service pumps are now chlorinated and on-line. Skinner says the water tower has also been filled and chlorinated.

The contractor for the project, Selge Construction, plans to start filling the distribution lines Monday.

Sewer collection lines could also be turned on by Monday.

Once an agreement between the county commissioners and the utility district is finished, Skinner says the district hopes to hold meetings sometime in March with customers and contractors to discuss connections.

Indiana revenue misses forecast again

Thursday, February 4, 2010 3:03 PM

by Deanna Martin, Associated Press Writer and Tim Murray, Thunder Country News

INDIANAPOLIS - A new revenue forecast, but same results according to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels...(listen)

The new figures show Indiana tax collections fell $75 million short of expectations in January.

Daniels said corporate and individual income taxes continue to flounder...(listen)

Daniels says the figures underscore the need for the General Assembly to pass several bills that he says would save the state about $70 million...(listen)

Daniels says combining the two state pension funds would save money by reducing investment fees without changing the benefits or funding for the separate funds.

That bill and other legislation Daniels says would save cash have cleared the Republican-led Senate and now move to the Democrat-led House for consideration.

Sturgis lawmaker encouraged by Granholm's stance

Thursday, February 4, 2010 3:10 PM

by Mike Stiles

LANSING – State Senator Cameron Brown of Sturgis says he is encouraged that the Governor expressed more of a willingness to address desperately needed government reforms.

Governor Jennifer Granholm talked about success by both individuals and business in Michigan during Wednesday's state-of-the-state speech. Brown says those successes have one common correlation...(listen).

Brown also says that tax increases can not be a part of the budget for the fiscal year that starts this October...(listen).

Granholm says she wants lawmakers to work on the new budget as if she is not there. Brown says the Governor should take an active role in working with both parties to put the budget together.

Steuben students "Drop Dead" to make point about smoking

Thursday, February 4, 2010 3:00 PM

by Jim Measel

ANGOLA - Some area high school students will try to make a point about the dangers of smoking during a couple of big high school basketball games in Steuben County this weekend.

Members of VOICE will stage "Drop Dead" events at halftime of the Angola-Fremont games.

Debby Pontecorvo from VOICE says the students want to make a strong statement against big tobacco interests...(listen)

Nearly 30 students will be involved in the "Drop Dead" event at Friday's girls basketball game in Fremont and Saturday's boys game in Angola...(listen)

VOICE is made up of students from around Steuben County.

For more information about the group, log onto Drug Free Steuben's web site .

Arsenic and Old Lace at Westview this weekend

Thursday, February 4, 2010 11:22 AM

EMMA - The Westview Theatre presents the classic comedy Arsenic and Old Lace this weekend.

Tennelle Flowers, Briauana Wisler and Austin Glenn lead a large cast in the story of two charming old ladies who ease the loneliness of old men by poisoning them.

Showtimes are 7:30 p-m on Saturday and 2:30 p-m on Sunday at Westview's Wilson Auditorium.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for students and are available at the school or online.

Dan Parks is director with Natasha Helmuth and Michael Handshoe as stage managers.

Hudson Fire Department gets federal grant for gear

Thursday, February 4, 2010 3:26 PM

HUDSON - The Hudson Volunteer Fire Department has received a federal grant which will be used to buy new equipment.

Town Manager Ward Odom says the department received an Assistance to Firefighters grant from FEMA that will total over $40,000.

The Federal share will be over $38,000 with a local match of about $2,000. Half of the money will come through department fund raising. The other half is part of the town budget.

Odom says the grant will allow the town to buy such items as helmets, turn-out gear and self contained breathing apparatus.

Daughter takes stand in parents' defense

Thursday, February 4, 2010 8:28 AM

KALAMAZOO – Family members took the stand Wednesday in the trial of a Centreville couple.

According to WWMT-TV, Courtney Springer spoke for the defense in the trial of her parents Anthony and Marsha Springer. They are charged with murder, child abuse and torture in the February 2008 death of 16 year old Calista Springer.

Courtney Springer told the court that Calista was treated the same as her sisters when it came to things like meals and clothing. But she did say that Calista required constant attention because of behavioral problems that ranged from fits of rage to eating odd things.

Courtney Springer also testified that Calista was chained to her bed for only two days before the fire that destroyed the family's home.

Calista Springer was found chained to her bed following the blaze.

Testimony is scheduled to continue today.

Angola woman charged with dealing meth

Thursday, February 4, 2010 11:04 AM

ANGOLA - An Angola woman is charged with dealing in methamphetamine following an investigation that started last May.

35-year-old Verlena Boyd-Patrick was booked at the Steuben County Jail on Tuesday on a warrant issued last October.

According to Steuben County court documents, a neighbor told police they found some bags near a shed that police said had a strong chemical odor associated with the manufacture of meth.

Boyd-Patrick is also facing two misdemeanor charges of purchasing more then three grams of precursors in a week.

Not guilty pleas were entered during her initial hearing and bond was set at $50,000.

A co-defendant in the case, 41-year-old Anthony Cipolloni of Angola, is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday after he pled guilty to possession of meth.

Kendallville told to cut $1-million from city budget

Thursday, February 4, 2010 8:27 AM

KENDALLVILLE - City officials in Kendallville are scrambling to make a one-million dollar cut in this year's city budget.

The Indiana Department of Local Government finance ordered the budget reduction on Tuesday.

Mayor Suzanne Handshoe met with city employees yesterday to break the news.

The mayor and city council finance committee plan to meet with department heads today to discuss their options and expect to announce the cuts on Friday.

Westview board member seeks re-election

Thursday, February 4, 2010 8:26 AM

LAGRANGE - A member of the Westview School Board is seeking another term.

Gerald Lee filed his candidacy for the VanBuren Township seat on the Westview Board on Tuesday.

Other candidates to file for the May ballot recently include Melisa Lewton for Clearspring Township Trustee, Christina Minnick for Eden Township Trustee, and Bill Connelly for Clay Township Trustee.

All three filed on the Republican ballot.

Council members join ballot in Steuben

Thursday, February 4, 2010 8:25 AM

ANGOLA - A third member of the Steuben County Council whose term expires this year has filed for re-election.

District Three incumbent John Hughes joins fellow Council Members Sara Tubergen from District Two and John Ingledue from District Four on the May Republican Primary ballot.

Hughes is facing a challenge in May from Bill Bryan and Keith Chrysler. So far, Tubergen and Ingledue are running unopposed in the primary election.

Another incumbent, First District Council Member Paul Sparks, has decided not to run for another term. Steuben County Commissioner Mayo Sanders is only candidate who has filed to run for the First District seat so far.

Indiana medical school plans to reduce enrollment

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 2:38 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana University School of Medicine plans to reduce the number of new students it admits next year in response to state funding cuts.

That move that could lower the number of doctors when the state already faces a shortage.

The planned cuts follow years of growing medical classes.

The Indianapolis Star reports the decision is part of cuts made by IU after Gov. Mitch Daniels in December announced higher education cuts of $150 million. In response, IU cut its budget by
$59 million, including $7 million at the medical school.

Indiana averages one doctor for every 504 people, according to the American Medical Association. An IU task force found that by 2015, Indiana could face a shortage of nearly 2,000 doctors.

Another fire territory meeting set for Steuben County

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 2:36 PM

ANGOLA - A meeting that will feature a presentation on a possible future fire territory is scheduled for next Monday afternoon.

The meeting is scheduled to start at 4:30pm in the Dale Hughes Auditorium in the Steuben County Community Center. It comes after what was called a brainstorming session was held on January 28th.

While there has been initial talk about a fire territory involving the city of Angola and four nearby townships, Scott Township Trustee Susan Sonner talked about the possibility of a Steuben County fire territory being formed in the future especially with the possibility that township governments maybe done away with by voters in November.

Steuben County and Angola city officials are expected to join township representatives for Monday's meeting.

If a fire territory involving the city of Angola is to be formed, it must be done by March 31st so it can be included in the city's 2011 budget.

Search warrant leads to meth arrest

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 2:35 PM

WAWAKA - Police arrested a Wawaka man after serving a search warrant at his residence on Tuesday.

Members of the Northeast Indiana SWAT team, the Noble County Special Operations Group, the IMAGE Drug Task Force and the Noble County Sheriff's Department executed the search warrant at 6850 North 525 West.

They charged 48-year-old Thomas Koss with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Koss was lodged in the Noble County Jail with bond set at $45-hundred dollars.

The warrant resulted from information obtained from tips and interviews during an investigation by the Noble County Sheriff's Department.

Kendallville man facing meth charge

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 2:34 PM

ALBION - Police arrested a Kendallville man Wednesday on meth charges.

24-year-old Richard Matthew Rhoades was booked into the Noble County Jail just before 2:30 a-m on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.

Bond was set at 45-hundred dollars.

No other details were available.

Blog: Coats set to enter Senate race

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 7:41 AM

UNDATED - Is the race for Evan Bayh's U.S. Senate seat about to get more interesting?

Howey Politics Indiana is reporting this morning that former Indiana Republican Senator Dan Coats will run against Bayh and that an announcement is expected sometime today.

Howey Politics Indiana is citing former Coats aide Curt Smith of the Indiana Family Institute as a source for the story.

Coats retired from the Senate in 1998. That was the year Bayh defeated then Fort Wayne Mayor Paul Helmke to win the seat that his father once occupied.

If Coats jumps into the race, he will join a crowded Republican field that includes northeast Indiana State Senator Marlin Stutzman.

Crash injures Corunna woman

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 3:06 PM

CORUNNA - A Corunna woman suffered a broken arm Tuesday morning in a two vehicle head on crash on State Road 327 north of DeKalb County Road 36.

DeKalb County Police say a car driven by 28-year-old Abel Sanchez of Bridgeport, Washington went out of control on the snow-covered road and crashed into a vehicle coming from the opposite direction that was driven by 49-year-old Jacqueline Parks.

She was pinned in the vehicle and had to be extricated by rescue crews. Parks was taken to DeKalb Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Police say Sanchez was cited for driving left of center, no operator's license when required, speed too fast for weather conditions and operating without proof of financial responsibility.

Hickman upbeat about Angola's future

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 3:01 PM

by Jim Measel

ANGOLA - Even though the local economy has struggled in the last couple of years, Angola Mayor Dick Hickman has a positive outlook about the city's future.

He said in his state of the city report at Monday night's Angola City Council meeting that Angola will be one of the communities that will come back from the recession stronger and more vibrant than ever.

He pointed out that city officials and a large percentage of people feel to come out of the recession, they must work harder and smarter than other communities.

Hickman also said the city has been able to stay in good financial shape with cash and investments totaling $13.3 million.

NIPSCO says it wants to adjust natural gas rates

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 11:44 AM

MERRILLVILLE (AP) - Northern Indiana Public Service Co. says it plans to ask state utility regulators to adjust its rates for natural gas for the first time in more than 20 years.

NIPSCO is not saying whether the rate adjustment it plans to seek in March will increase or decrease its customers bills.

NIPSCO has not filed a base rate case for natural gas since 1987.

Robert Skaggs Jr., CEO of NIPSCO parent company NiSource, says natural gas subsidiaries in Massachusetts and Kentucky won increases this past year, and a Pennsylvania subsidiary last week filed a rate case there that would hike residential customers' gas bills 6.9 percent.

NIPSCO has 712,000 natural gas customers in northern Indiana.

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Information from: The Times

NIPSCO to host coffee in LaGrange

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 11:43 AM

LAGRANGE - NIPSCO representatives are coming to LaGrange this Friday morning to meet with customers.

The utility will host a Community Coffee reception from 7:30 to 9:30 at Kelli's Kafe at 202 S. Detroit Street.

The informal event is free and open to the public.

NIPSCO representatives will be available to answer questions customers have about their utility service.

Steuben offers money for improvements to factory site at Ashley

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 11:42 AM

by Jim Measel

ANGOLA - Steuben County Commissioners matched their counterparts in DeKalb County on Monday in pledging $100,000 towards road and drainage improvements so that a possible manufacturing facility can be built in Ashley.

The money would come from a $200,000 commitment each county made several years ago to a proposed distribution center.

Steuben County Economic Development Corporation Director Gary Nielander said it would be a $30 million state of the art facility that would result in between 50 and 60 new jobs which would pay about $15 a hour.

Randy McEntarfer from the town of Ashley said the facility would be located about 2,000 feet south of the county line but it would benefit all of Steuben County.

Nielander said the distribution center they have been working on for the last couple of years is still a possibility for the nearby Klink property.

Date set for Angola woman's murder trial

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 11:40 AM

ANGOLA - A Steuben Superior Court trial date of March 18th was confirmed Monday for an Angola woman charged with murdering her husband with an ax.

44-year-old Norma Jean Mote appeared Monday for a pre-trial conference where the trial date was confirmed. Judge William Fee scheduled a final pre-trial conference for March 1st.

Mote has pled not guilty to the murder charge in connection with the December 18th death of her 56-year-old husband Kevin whose body was found in an upstairs bedroom of the couple's home on West Fox Lake Road.

She is being held in the Steuben County Jail without bond.

Steuben Commissioners to seek funding of economic development plan

Tuesday, February 2, 2010 6:50 AM

by Jim Measel

ANGOLA - Steuben County Commissioners gave tentative approval to a $26,000 funding request on Monday afternoon from the county's Economic Development Corporation to help fund an updated strategic plan.

Speaking on behalf of the E.D.C., Fremont Town Superintendent Chris Snyder said they want to put together a plan that would help create jobs.

The firm of Thomas P. Miller and Associates of Indianapolis will be working on the strategic plan. The total price tag for work on the plan is $52,500.

Snyder said funding from the various government entitles in Steuben County would be the same as to when the E.D.C. was formed in 2004.

Gary Nielander from the E.D.C. said their board felt the plan should be done by a professional firm. Snyder said it would take three to four months for the plan to be put together.

The Commissioners will make a request to the Steuben County Council to appropriate the money out of Major Moves funding in March.