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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
(UNDATED) - Indiana Workforce Development reported on Wednesday morning that Steuben County's January unemployment rate went up to 13.1%. That's an increase of a half percent from the revised December figure of 12.6%. Steuben County's rate was the 10th highest in Indiana. Elkhart County was still tops at 15.6% with Noble County in second at 14.4%. The Noble County rate went up by one-tenth of one percent from December. DeKalb County's 12.2% unemployment was the 24th highest. It was up from 11.9% in December. While LaGrange County had the seventh highest unemployment rate in Indiana at 13.3%, it was down from the previous months rate of 13.7%. Indiana's preliminary seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for January 2010 did not change from the revised December 2009 rate of 9.7% as the Hoosier State matched the national jobless rate. Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Teresa Voors says similar to the rest of the nation, Indiana isn't seeing much change right now. She adds the state's unemployment rate appears to be holding relatively stable based on the slowing of job losses. Seasonally-adjusted total non-farm employment in Indiana declined by 2,000 in January. Sectors reporting significant employment increases included Manufacturing, Financial Activities along with Professional and Business Services. Sectors reporting significant employment declines included Private Education and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality and Construction. Steuben County had 615 more people in the January work force. A total of 14,182 found employment while 2,141 were out of work. Of Indiana's 92 counties, a total of 66 had double digit unemployment in January. Indiana still has lower unemployment numbers when compared to the neighboring states of Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and Illinois.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
(ANGOLA) - One of two men who were arrested on March 1st after police found an alleged meth lab in a home near Orland that was on the real estate market is now facing a felony drug charge. 36-year-old Larry Wiseman Junior has been charged by Steuben County Prosecutors with a Class B felony of attempted manufacturing of methamphetamine. His case will go through Steuben Circuit Court where a pre-trial conference has been scheduled for April 12th. Wiseman along with 40-year-old Timothy Wiswell were arrested for felony home invasion by the Steuben County Sheriffs Department and Orland Town Marshall Brooke Norton in the home at 7730 North 1000 West. Police say they also found items consistent with the manufacture of meth. Two children ages five and three who were inside of the home were taken into custody at that time by the Steuben County Division of Family Services. A dog was also taken to the Steuben County Animal Shelter.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
(COLDWATER) - A new Superintendent has been chosen for the Coldwater Community School District. Doctor Tina Kerr was named to the position Tuesday night during a special meeting of the Coldwater School Board. If she accepts a contract offer, Kerr will officially begin her new job on July 1st. Kerr takes over for Doctor Dale Martin who has retired. Chief Financial Officer David Disler is currently serving as the Interim Superintendent. Kerr is presently the Superintendent of the Bangor Township School District near Bay City, Michigan. There were 27 applicants for the Coldwater Superintendents job.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A U.S. Secret Service agent who is assigned to guard the President of the United States and other heads of state will be speaking at Trine University later this month. Lesley Cochran-Timm will is scheduled to appear as part Trine University’s Distinguished Speaker series on Monday, March 22 at 7:00pm in the Fabiani Theatre. Her presentation is entitled, “Worthy of Trust and Confidence,” which takes its title from the Secret Service motto. Cochran-Timm graduated from Tri-State University in 1995 after earning a degree in criminal justice. She has served with the U.S. Secret Service for over 13 years. She was assigned to the Presidential Protective Division in 2003. Besides President Obama, Cochran-Timm has also guarded former Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush Sr. and Jimmy Carter along with former Vice Presidents Al Gore and Dick Cheney. Before the evening presentation, she plans to spend time with students and faculty at various locations around the campus.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
(COLDWATER) - Coldwater fire officials say a teenager experimenting with a lighter and a container of lighter fluid accidentially started a fire late Tuesday night at 137 North Clay. The fire quickly spread to a chair and other furniture and later caused heavy damage to the basement area. There was fire in the basement of the two-story, three-unit apartment building when fire crews arrived. All of the building occupants got out safely after they were alerted by a 17-year-old living in a basement bedroom where the fire started. Flames extended briefly up into the first floor. There was significant smoke damage throughout the structure. The building was occupied by the owner and his 17-year old son and four occupants in the two second floor apartments. A dog was rescued and revived by firefighters using the PET resuscitation device which was donated two years ago. Firefighters were on scene for almost three hours. There were no injuries reported.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The U.S. House has passed a bill sponsored by Congressman Mark Souder that would name the Rome City Post Office the “SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office.” The 20-year-old Hartge was killed just outside of Baghdad in May of 2007 while he was serving in Iraq. Hartge was a lifelong resident of Rome City. He enlisted in the army during his senior year at East Noble High School following the events of 9-11. Hartge received a Commendation Medal for outstanding achievement in the capture of Abu Hassan, and a bronze star for his actions on the day he was killed. Hartge’s mother and stepfather reside in Rome City while his father lives in Delaware, Ohio.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Council approved a request for just over $22,000 in Major Moves money on Tuesday morning to help fund work on a strategic plan which is being put together for the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation. The E.D.C. Board of Directors hired Thomas P. Miller of Indianapolis in January at a cost of $52,000 to put together the plan. They were one of 25 firms to submit proposals. Citys and towns who have representatives on the E.D.C. board are contributing funds to help pay for the work. E.D.C. Executive Director Gary Nielander said everybody has pitched in so far except for the town of Hudson. Hudson Town Manager Ward Odom says the town has not been a member of E.D.C. since January 25th. The money approved by the County Council was $1,000 less than what was being requested after some Council members disagreed over how much the county should contribute.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - A Howe man is charged with dealing methamphetamine. Indiana State Police arrested 48-year-old Joseph Trushel Monday on charges of dealing meth and possession of meth. Information from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics Team implicated Trushel in the manufacture of meth. A State Police detective and two LaGrange County Sheriff's Deputies went to Trushel's residence, but say Trushel ran out the back door when they arrived. He was chased down and detained. Police say they found meth and paraphernalia in his possession. The path that Trushel fled down contained meth making supplies and two one-pot meth labs according to police. The state police clandestine lab team assisted at the scene, as did LaGrange Police, the IMAGE Drug Task Force, and the Department of Natural Resources. Trushel was lodged in the LaGrange County Jail.
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
(LIGONIER) - An attempt by police to serve a warrant led to the arrests of two people on drug charges Monday night. Noble County deputies had a warrant for Bonnie Hall for a probation violation. They found Hall hiding in a bedroom closet inside her home at Indian Lakes Mobile Home Park. Police say drug paraphernalia was in plain view so they obtained a search warrant and found two grams of cocaine, digital scales, several bags with white powder residue inside, a ledger and about $900 in cash. They arrested Hall on the warrant and on charges of possession of cocaine and paraphernalia. Roman Cruz of Ligonier was also charged with possession of cocaine and paraphernalia.
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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A fire early on Tuesday morning in a home near Cameron Hospital is being called accidential in nature by Angola Fire officials. Firefighters were sent to 405 East South Street just after 4:30am. The fire was called under control at about 5:15am but not before it had caused nearly $60,000 worth of damage to the Kristen Fitzpatrick residence. Angola Fire Department Public Information Officer T.R. Hagerty says there was heavy fire damage in the area of the furnace and kitchen as well as in the attic. In addition, heavy smoke damage was reported throughout the home. Everyone inside of the home got out safely and there were no injuries. The Angola Fire Department got mutual aide from Fremont, Pleasant Lake, Hamilton and Hudson crews. Salem Center firefighters stood by at the Angola station. Firefighters cleared the scene at about 10:20am following a large amount of overhaul work involving the home's insulation.
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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Nearly 50 local government and business representatives showed up Monday afternoon at the Steuben County Community Center for a meeting that organizers hope will help shape a better economic future for northeast Indiana. The Steuben County Economic Development Corporation along with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership hosted the meeting which is part of a project called Vision 2020. Mark Becker from the Northeast Indiana Foundation pointed out there has been a decline in per capita income in northeast Indiana over the last 15 to 20 years. He added the Fort Wayne area did not fare well in several economic catagories from 1997 until 2007, even before the recession hit. It's felt the region is not reaching its full potential and Becker says they hope to have several bold iniatives when a vision is put together later this year. Partnership officials are holding the same kind of meeting in all ten counties in region this week as part of an information gathering process. A Vision Economic Summitt has been scheduled for June 23rd. The project was made possible through a Lilly Grant.
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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
(BRUSHY PRAIRIE) - Faced with shrinking enrollment and a $400,000 budget cut as ordered by the state of Indiana, the Prairie Heights School Board on Monday night approved recommendations from Superintendent Allen Middleton to reduce staff by 21 1/2 positions for the 2010-2011 school year. In addition, Milford Elementary will be kept open for the next school year for kindergarten, first and second graders only. Third and fourth grade students as well as special education will be moved to Prairie Heights Elementary. Grades K through 2 will stay at Milford, with one class at each level and enrollment will be capped so that there would be one teacher per grade level. The Milford recommendation was passed 5-0. Middleton said they want to keep the building active and see what kind of enrollment numbers they get in the fall. The loss of 21 1/2 staff positions include five temporary teachers, four funded through Title One grants, four-and-a-half positions at the high school as well as a total of eight positions at the Middle and Elementary Schools. Board member Bob Ledgerwood voted against both recommendations on non-renewals and reduction in force. He felt the district should make cuts in other areas such as travel, insurance and utilities. Middleton says the district has to make adjustments after the loss of 174 students over the last three years. The Prairie Heights Education Association feel the district should explore other ways to cut the budget.
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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals granted conditional approval Monday night to a post construction variance for a home on Lake George which has been at the center of a dispute between neighbors for almost two years. William and Constance Carroll were seeking a variance for a height of 34 feet, 11 inches which deviates from the 27 feet allowed in county ordinances. Several conditions were imposed as the request was approved 5-0 for the property on Lane 130-A. There must be a working drain in the driveway to prevent runoff onto a neighbors property. The other conditions include having the tile along a property line drain to the lake and erosion control has to be installed prior to construction.
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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
(SCOTT TOWNSHIP) - Three Angola residents were taken to Cameron Hospital on Tuesday morning following a multiple vehicle accident on U.S. 20 at County Road 350 East. The Steuben County Sheriffs Department says the crash happened at about 6:10am as 33-year-old James Spence slowed down in the extremly heavy fog while trying to find 350 East in order to turn north. 48-year-old Sheldon Likes was also heading west when he came up behind Spence's pickup truck. Likes tried to swerve but he collided with the back of the Spence vehicle. Both vehicles went off the south side of the road. As both drivers got out to check on each other, the Sheriffs Department says a semi came through and struck Spence's pickup. The semi driver stopped to check on the other drivers but then drove off heading east. Spence complained of pain to the back while his passenger, 37-year-old James Neely, complained of pain to the head and Likes complained of pain to the hip.
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Tuesday, March 9, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Lakeland Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation in Angola is responding to a story in Sunday's Indianapolis Star which indicated many Indiana nursing homes are understaffed. Lakeland officials say they were recently ranked in the top 25 of Indiana's 510 nursing homes by two federal agencies. Both sets of ratings are based on three cycles of inspections of about one year each. The Star reported many of Indiana's nursing homes employ fewer critical staff members than are needed to care for their residents. Its investigation shows staffing levels are particularly low at the state's large number of for-profit nursing homes and that those homes dominate the ranks of Indiana's most poorly performing homes.
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Monday, March 8, 2010
(WARSAW) - The results of a straw poll taken during a tea party event in Warsaw Saturday were encouraging for Marlin Stutzman's Senate campaign. A debate among five Republican candidates for U-S Senate was followed by the vote, and Howe's Stutzman came in first with 80 votes according to the South Bend Tribune. Fisher's businessman Richard Behney was second with 76. Don Bates of Richmond got 47 tea party votes. Former Congressman John Hostettler received 18 and for Senator Dan Coats came in last with 16 votes. The Tribune said about 400 people attended the debate. 237 participated in the straw poll. The results may indicate how the conservative Tea Party movement and conservative Republicans are viewing the race.
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Monday, March 8, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Democratic Central Committee has announced plans for what they are calling their first annual "Dems Day Out" on March 20th. The party will have a booth at the Farm and Home Expo rather than the regularly scheduled Breakfast Club meeting. A noon luncheon will follow at the Angola Moose Lodge. A press release issued by the Steuben County Democratic Party says local, state and federal candidates will be in attendance and they will be making remarks starting at 1:00pm. The luncheon costs $10 or $5 with a party ID card. Reservations are encouraged but not required. A seat can be assured by calling Elten Powers at 475-1293 or online at steubendemocrats.org.
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Monday, March 8, 2010
ANGOLA — This years Steuben County Literacy Coalition Alphabet Affair will be held at a new location. It will be held at Glendarin Hills Golf Club on Friday night, April 30th. Organizers say this years event will feature the illustrious letter “I.” Every year, the Steuben County Literacy Coalition and community partners celebrate literacy by throwing a costume party themed on a letter of the alphabet. This is the events ninth year. The Literacy Coalition wants everyone to use their imagination and come up with garb that fits the letter of the day. The proceeds will help support the Literacy Coalition’s many community programs. To learn more about the Alphabet Affair or the many items the Literacy Coalition offers, call 665-1414. You can also check out the Literacy Coalition on Facebook.
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Monday, March 8, 2010
(HAMILTON) - Because of the Monday night Class 1A Boys Basketball Sectional Championship game between Fort Wayne Canterbury and Blackhawk Christian at Hamilton High School, the regular monthly meeting of the Hamilton School Board has been delayed for one week. The meeting is now scheduled to take place next Monday night, March 15th, at 6:30pm in the Hamilton Cafeteria. The one week delay for the school board meeting is just part of a domino effect. The boys basketball sectional final had to be moved to Monday night because the Canterbury girls basketball team was playing for a Class 1A state championship this past Saturday.
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Monday, March 8, 2010
(UNDATED) - Gas prices went up over the last week in Michigan and Ohio but have been dropping in Indiana in recent days. The auto club Triple-A says Michigan gas prices have gone up by an average of over seven cents a gallon to $2.72 while Ohio gas prices have risen eight cents in the last week to $2.68. The web site Indianagasprices.com says the average price in Indiana has dropped almost a nickle in the last week to just below $2.67 a gallon. Prices at several service stations on North Wayne Street in Angola were just above that. Bloomberg News is reporting that crude oil have risen to above $82 a barrel amid growing confidence that the economic recovery is proceeding and set to bolster fuel demand.
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Monday, March 8, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - A divided LaGrange County Council voted to subsidize sewer and water rates at the Fawn River Crossing development from economic development funds Monday morning. The recommendation came from county commissioners in order to keep the rates for the fledgling industrial and commercial development competitive with Sturgis. The council voted 3-to-2 to appropriate up to $78,000 per year for the rate subsidy from $200,000 in economic development income tax funds.
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Monday, March 8, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - Indiana State Police arrested a Rome City man last Thursday on a LaGrange County warrant for dealing methamphetamine. 33-year-old Jesse Napier was booked in the LaGrange County Jail following a five month investigation by the IMAGE Drug Task Force. IMAGE says undercover officers and informants purchased meth from Napier in LaGrange County. Rome City police and the LaGrange County Prosecutor's Office assisted in the arrest. Napier was held being without bond pending an initial court hearing.
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Monday, March 8, 2010
(AUBURN) - Officials for a nursing home in Auburn say they have taken corrective internal measures after resident Greg George was taken to Cameron Hospital and left there in January. George had made several complaints about his treatment at the Wesley Nursing Home before he was taken to Cameron. According to "The Herald-Republican", the state of Indiana found that Wesley failed to readmit a resident who had been transferred elsewhere. In addition, the newspaper reports the staff did not notify Wesley's administrator that George was a potential danger to himself or others and there was no written policy that requires allegations of abuse be reported to the administration. George spent a week in a room near the Cameron emergency room. He is now living in a Marion facility.
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Monday, March 8, 2010
(STURGIS) – A February accident has claimed the life of a Sturgis man. Deputy Police Chief David Ives says 38 year old William Yake died Sunday from injuries suffered in a February 23 accident. Yake had been riding his off road vehicle at a high rate of speed on East Lafayette at 7:25pm on February 23 when a dog is believed to have run into his path. Police found the dog dead in a ditch and Yake critically injured laying in the roadway. He was not wearing a helmet. Yake was taken to Sturgis Hospital and then flown to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo where he passed away.
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Saturday, March 6, 2010
(WOLCOTTVILLE) - A South Bend man was hospitalized after leading police in Wolcottville on a pursuit just after midnight this morning. A LaGrange County deputy attempted to stop Bruce Stahl for a traffic violation on North Main in Wolcottville. They say Stahl sped away on State Road 9 before losing control in the curve on the south side of Rome City. Stahl's vehicle rolled over several times before coming to rest on its top. Firefighters had to extricate Stahl from the wreckage, and he was flown by Samaritan to Parkview Hospital with unspecified injuries. Police will seek charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, operating a vehicle with a lifetime suspension, and operating while intoxicated.
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Saturday, March 6, 2010
(ROME CITY) - The discovery of an alleged meth lab led to the arrest of a Rome City man on Friday night. The Noble County Sheriffs Department says deputies went to a home on Harriman Street on a follow up investigation where they met with Steve Beecroft and a woman who both lived at the home. Officers arrested Beecroft on an outstanding warrant and noticed the odor associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine. Police say they found precursors, paraphernalia, and an active one pot meth lab. Two young children were removed from the home and placed in the custody of the Department of Child Services. The state police meth lab team assisted in the cleanup. Police will seek charges of manufacturing meth and possession of meth.
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Friday, March 5, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A Steuben County Sheriffs Department Corporal who rescued a man from a burning Jimmerson Lake home last week was honored Friday morning as Chris Emerick was given a Cerificate of Valor by Sheriff Rick Lewis. Emerick was on routine patrol when the fire was reported at 75 Lane 420 early last Thursday morning. After being told by a neighbor there was a man inside, Emerick went around to the back and had to use his flashlight to find home resident Jeff Parker through heavy, black smoke. Parker was between five to ten feet inside of the home so Emerick had to get low and crawl inside to pull him to safety. Parker along with a woman were taken to the St. Joe Center Burn Unit in Fort Wayne. Parker attended Friday's ceremony and aside from some bandages on his left fingers, he says he is fine. Members of the Sheriffs Department and the Angola Fire Department were on hand for the ceremony in the Sheriffs Department lobby. The home sustained about $150,000 worth of damage. The cause of the fire is still undetermined.
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Friday, March 5, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Members of the Cameron Hospital Benefit Ball Committee recently presented the Cameron Hospital Foundation with a check for over $53,000 that will be used to buy a new fetal monitor and postpartum beds for the Genesis Center Obstetric Unit. Hospital officials say this is the largest annual gift ever presented to the hospital during the 25 years that the ball has been held. More than $600,000 has been raised for hospital equipment over the years. The 2010 Cameron Benefit Ball will be held Saturday, December 4 at Pokagon State Park's Potawatomi Inn. The theme for this year’s ball will be “Let It Snow.”
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Friday, March 5, 2010
(VALPARAISO) - Coldwater Police Department Deputy Director Mark Bartell says their investigators are confidant a man arrested on Wednesday afternoon following a bank robbery in Valparaiso is the same person who recently held up a Century Bank and Trust branch in Coldwater. 35-year-old Joseph Campbell of Elkhart is suspected in at least 10 similar robberies in Indiana and Michigan. Campbell was arrested after a driver called police when he saw red smoke from an exploding dye pack fill a car leaving a bank. Officers soon stopped that car and arrested Campbell. Police say Campbell admitted to robbing the Valparaiso bank and committing other robberies in Indiana and Michigan. Valparaiso Detective Sgt. Jeff Balon says Campbell picked banks randomly but avoided the Elkhart area so he would not be recognized. Campbell was being held in the Porter County Jail pending the filing of federal bank robbery charges. Bartell says Coldwater Police continue to work with the F.B.I..
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Friday, March 5, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Officials for the Go Angola downtown group have announced they have made their first donation of $1,500 towards a bench for Angola's Downtown 2020 Project. Members of the community are still being encouraged to make donations toward the revitalization since there are still several items that need to be purchased. Those items include litter recepticles, planters, tables, chairs, benches and landscaping. The group's first Garage Sale And Flea Market attracted nearly 400 shoppers and 32 booths. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, April 10th from 9:00am until 3:00pm at the Central School Gym.
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Friday, March 5, 2010
(HAMILTON) - A Hamilton man was arrested by the Steuben County Sheriffs Department on Thursday night after investigators say he panicked and left the scene of an accident involving a horse-drawn vehicle. 53-year-old Ricky Lynn Stephens was booked on a misdemeanor charge of leaving the scene of a personal injury crash. He was later released after posting bond. The Sheriffs Department says the accident happened on County Road 450 South west of 700 East when the Stephens car hit the front left portion of the horse drawn vehicle. According to their report, Stephens said he did not see the vehicle driven by 27-year-old Jacob Wagler of Hamilton because there were no lights on it. In turn, Wagler said it was still light out and that the Stephens vehicle did not have its lights on. Wagler complained of pain to his abdomen and pelvis following the accident.
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Friday, March 5, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - A picture of an empty LaGrange County corn field is featured in an Indianapolis T-V station's investigative report of the way the state reports job creation numbers. W-T-H-R says it's analysis of the job creation figures touted by Governor Mitch Daniels' administration shows that up to 40 percent of the job commitments made by companies to the state have never been fulfilled. That picture of a corn field in LaGrange County is where the state claims 107 jobs were created. It's the site where Ultra Soy of America planned to build a soy diesel plant near South Milford, a $131-million dollar investment that hasn't happened. The report says the discrepancy has to do with the difference between job commitments and actual jobs created. The station says State Government Performance Reports issued by the governor's office repeatedly refer to job commitments as if they were real jobs. The inflated numbers showed up in the governor's own biography and a 2008 re-election ad for Daniels. When W-T-H-R asked Indiana Economic Development Corporation Director Mitch Roob for detailed information about which companies receiving state incentives fulfilled their job commitments, Roob declined, saying that information is not available to the public for competitive reasons.
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Friday, March 5, 2010
(ANGOLA) - An electrical problem is being called by Angola Fire Department officials as the likely cause of a Wednesday night fire at an industrial building at 1401 Wohlert Street. It took about a half hour to get the fire under control. No injuries were reported. The blaze caused about $50,000 worth of damage. The building is occupied by Hi-Pro Incorporated, Commercial Pallet and Recycling, Case Transport and Third Generation Transport.
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Friday, March 5, 2010
(BRUSHY PRAIRIE) - A special meeting of the Prairie Heights School Board has been scheduled for this Monday night to take action on proposed staff reductions and the future use of Milford Elementary School. The meeting will be held at 7:00pm in the High School Auditorium. Board members conducted a special meeting this past Monday night to discuss a proposed cost reduction plan that would include the loss of 21 1/2 staff positions in the district. The proposed cuts are part of a $400,000 budget reduction for this year that the district has to make as ordered by the state of Indiana. Positions that the district is looking to be cut include five temporary teachers, four funded through Title One grants, four-and-a-half positions at the high school as well as a total of eight positions at the Middle and Elementary Schools. As for Milford Elementary, Superintendent Allen Middleton has proposed moving third and fourth grade students as well as special education to Prairie Heights Elementary. Grades K through 2 would remain at Milford, with one class at each level and enrollment capped so that there would be one teacher per grade level. Various administrators would also have their duties changed under Middleton's proposal. He feels the board must adjust the number of teachers to make up for a loss of 174 students over the last three years but the Prairie Heights Education Association feel the district should explore other ways to cut the budget.
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Friday, March 5, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - Anyone who's ever moved knows what a daunting job it can be. So imagine moving tens of thousands of books and other media. That's the task underway now as the LaGrange County Public Library's collection is moved from the library on Spring Street in LaGrange to the former Jayco building on North Detroit Street. Library Board member Martin Franke is hoping the community will respond and lend a hand. Volunteers are needed Saturday morning starting at 8:00am to hopefully finish most of the moving. Anyone who has a pickup truck can help move materials. Library Director Mary Hooley and Franke are also asking anyone who has cardboard boxes that can be used to pack up books to bring them to the library. Franke says the library board didn't want the expense of hiring a mover and they're hoping for a big boost from the community.
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
(TOPEKA) - A LaGrange County recreational vehicle plant is re-opening after being closed for more than one year. Jayco has announced it plans to re-open the Starcraft R-V facility with about 50 employees initially. Some 244 workers lost their jobs when Jayco suspended Starcraft operations in January 2009 and shifted its remaining production to a plant in Middlebury due to the credit crisis, high fuel prices and falling consumer confidence. Starcraft General Manager Jim Jacobs says the Topeka plant will begin producing its Autumn Ridge travel trailer line. He said additional Starcraft production will be phased in as market conditions allow. Jacobs said they always intended to resume production in Topeka if the R-V market rebounded. He says the company plans to make improvements at the plant as conditions improve.
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
(ANGOLA) - It took almost a half hour for a fire at an industrial building at 1401 Wohlert Street in Angola to be called under control on Wednesday night. The fire was reported at about 6:00pm. Angola got mutual aide from Pleasant Lake, Hamilton, Orland and Fremont firefighters while Hudson crews were called up on standby. No injuries were reported. Angola Fire Chief Mike Meek says there were flames in a partition area when firefighters arrived along with smoke. The cause of the fire in the building that contained four businesses is not known yet but Meek says it is not considered suspicious. He says the blaze caused about $50,000 worth of damage. The building is occupied by Hi-Pro Incorporated, Commercial Pallet and Recycling, Case Transport and Third Generation Transport.
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A Bronson man is facing two felony charges following an alleged violent domestic dispute last Friday morning at a Steuben County residence. 28-year-old Brandon David Eichler was formally charged during an initial hearing on Wednesday with a Class C felony of battery with a deadly weapon after he was accused by prosecutors of stabbing a woman in the leg with a knife. Eichler is also facing a Class D felony of strangulation in connection with the same incident. The Steuben County Sheriffs Department was called after the woman managed to get to a neighbors home. According to court documents, Eichler is also accused of using a butchers knife to cut the womans hair. The woman was taken to Cameron Hospital for treatment of her injuries. Eichler was arrested on a warrant on Tuesday. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf during an initial hearing in front of Magistrate Randy Coffey and Jim Burns was appointed as Eichler's attorney. Bond was set at $30,000 with no 10 percent allowed. Eichler was ordered not to have any contact with the alleged victim if he should post bond. His case will go through Steuben Circuit Court where a pre trial conference was scheduled for April 5th.
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - Someone posing as a representative of the Internal Revenue Service is asking businesses to complete a tax form and fax it to a number. LaGrange County Sheriff's detectives say it's a scam. Faxing tax documents from and to the I-R-S is not accepted protocol for the agency. Preliminary investigation revealed the scam fax originated in Arkansas. The I-R-S and Arkansas authorities were notified. Anyone receiving a request for tax information by fax is asked to call the LaGrange County Sheriff's Department at 260-463-7491.
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A House Bill co-authored by State Representative Dick Dodge this session to extend the final report due date of the Lake Management Work Group is ready to be signed by Governor Daniels. The Lake Management Work Group was scheduled to expire July 1 of this year. House Bill 1040 would extend this date one year to July 1, 2011. The group consists of 26 members and is responsible for lake policy studies, hearing public input, as well as overseeing and coordinating local, state and federal funds for specific lake programs.
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Plan Commission on Wednesday night granted primary approvals for three minor subdivisions. Approved were Phillip and Patricia Zabst's petition for the “Zabst Subdivision” which will include two lots on 20 acres in the 5600 block of South Meridian Road in Steuben Township. In addition, the Plan Commission approved petitions from Jane Gates for the Gates Acres minor subdivision that will include three lots on eighty acres on 400 East in Scott Township. A minor subdivision called the “Grace Ingledue Addition” was also approved. It will include one lot on nearly an acre and a half of ground along 700 South in Steuben Township. In other business, the Plan Commission approved Kevin & Jennifer Wall's Special Exception request for a mobile home in an Agricultural Zoning District on 325 West in Steuben Township.
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Thursday, March 4, 2010
(BRYAN) - Williams County Sheriff Kevin Beck says there is a way citizens can assist law enforcement officials in the fight against crime. He invited Williams County residents on Thursday to become Associate Members of the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association. Membership appeals will be in the mail shortly and individuals can join on a volunteer basis for as low as $20. Information is available on line at buckeyesheriffs.org or by calling the association at 1-800-589-2772. You can also be part of the program by calling the Williams County Sheriffs Office at 419-636-3151. The association does not solicit memberships over the phone. All solicitation is done by mail.
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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
(AUBURN) - A man who police say robbed an Auburn business on Tuesday afternoon got more than he bargained for as several citizens came to the aide of the business owner and subdued the suspect until police arrived. Auburn Police Chief Martin McCoy says a man walked into the Zesto’s/Auburn Deli restaurant on Touring Drive at about 3:00pm and indicated he was armed. After he ordered employees onto the floor, the suspect tried to run off with an undetermined amount of cash. That's when his troubles began. Business owner Rex Carroll ran after the suspect and tackled him at the front of the building. The two got into a fight which attracted the attention of several citizens who then helped Carroll subdue the suspect. Auburn Police arrived a short time later and took the suspect, who was identified as 30-year-old Brian Keith Reynolds of Kendallville, into custody. Reynolds was taken to DeKalb Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries prior to being booked at the DeKalb County Jail on a Class C felony of Robbery. The stolen currency was recovered and McCoy says no weapons were found in Reynolds’ possession.
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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
(WOLCOTTVILLE) - A Wolcottville man already facing prison time for fondling a young boy was arrested on another child molesting charge. 39-year-old Thomas Slaughter was arrested Monday afternoon by Noble County authorities on allegations that he fondled a young girl at his home in Wolcottville. He was also charged with possession of a legend drug without a prescription and resisting law enforcement. Slaughter was scheduled to be sentenced Thursday on the original charge but that could be delayed pending the outcome of the new case.
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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
(MONTPELIER) - A Montpelier man was arrested Tuesday night after agents for the Multi Area Narcotics Task Force say they found the beginning stages of a methamphetamine lab at a home in the 100 block of Biscayne Boulevard. Agents went to the home to execute a search warrant. They say a man identified as Tim Heinze ran out of the home and led officers on a foot chase. He was captured inside of a nearby residence a short time later. Heinze was arrested on an outstanding warrant and a charge of manufacturing meth which in Ohio is a second degree felony. The Williams County Sheriffs Office says the matter is still under investigation and additional charges are pending. It's the second meth bust for the MAN unit this week and the third one this year.
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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District's annual meeting and dinner will be held next Thursday night, March 11th. It will include an update on a rain barrel program that was made possible by an I.D.E.M. grant that was awarded to the district last year. The program includes the installation of rain gardens and green roofs in the city of Angola. This is the District’s 60th Anniversary and they are inviting everyone to come celebrate their success. A hog roast will take place at 6:30pm before the annual meeting in the Steuben County Community Center's Multi Purpose Room. The Annual Meeting is free and open to the public. The cost of the meal is $5 per person. Reservations should be made as soon as possible at the district's office or by calling 665-3211, extension 3.
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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A Steuben County family was recently honored by Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and Indiana Agriculture Director Joe Kelsay with the Hoosier Homestead Award. The Benson R. Lewis family was recognized for their 100 year commitment to Indiana agriculture. Their farm near Hudson was established in 1899. Skillman pointed out that the farm has gone through wars, a depression, numerous recessions and countless seasons of challenging weather. The Lewis family joins more than 4,500 Hoosier Homestead farms. To earn such an honor, farms have to be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year.
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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Trine University officials say its Middle College enrollment has seen a 30 percent increase from the previous semester. They cite the expansion of programs which include online courses and courses at local high schools for college credit. Middle college coordinator Kelly Stout says tuition has also been reduced for Trine Middle College students. She programs are now in place for students with high financial need.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(ORLAND) - Two men were arrested by the Steuben County Sheriffs Department and Orland Town Marshall Brooke Norton on Monday after authorities say they found a meth lab in a home near Orland that was listed for sale through a real estate company. Police say they encountered 36-year-old Larry Wiseman Junior of Orland along with 40-year-old Timothy Wiswell and two children ages five and three inside of the home at 7730 North 1000 West that is currently owned by a financial institution. While doing a check for persons inside, Tim Troyer from the Sheriffs Department found items consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine. Wiseman and Wiswell were arrested for felony home invasion while the Steuben County Division of Family Services took custody of the children. A dog was taken to the Steuben County Animal Shelter. The Sheriffs Department says in a news release that a report pertaining to the alleged meth lab will be submitted to the Steuben County Prosecutors Office for further review and possible charges.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - (AP) - Indiana's revenue picture is showing no signs of improving. Tax collections for February fell $86 million below a revised December forecast. Revenue is down $166 million in the first three months since that forecast. Revenue has fallen $895 million below a May forecast that lawmakers relied on to pass the current two-year budget in June. Gov. Mitch Daniels has imposed hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts already, but the state will exhaust what was a $1.3 billion surplus by the time the current budget cycle ends in June
2011 if revenue trends continue. The state would be operating in a deficit at that point unless
further steps are taken.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(BATAVIA TOWNSHIP) - Two people were killed Monday morning when their pickup truck crashed head on into a tree just off of U.S. 12 near Nash Road in Batavia Township. The crash happened at about 10:30am. The victims have been identified as 78-year-old Fredda Rodocker and her 59-year-old son Terry Lee Rodocker. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Bronson firefighters had to use the jaws-of-life to cut both occupants out of the vehicle. The Branch County Sheriffs Department says both of the Rodockers were wearing seat belts and the air bags deployed. The Sheriffs Department investigated the accident with the help of the Michigan State Police. According to the preliminary investigation, the vehicle was heading east when it left the road and struck the tree. There were no eyewitnesses to the accident.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Angola Fire Chief Mike Meek was given permission by the Angola City Council on Monday night to pursue the purchase of a 2009 fire engine at a cost of about $295,000. The engine was supposed to have gone to Cleveland, Ohio but it became available when that city could not afford to buy it. It's now available to Angola at a savings of $62,000. Meek says they had three engines a year ago but had to take one of out service due to age and the cost of repairs. Another engine was damaged during the Lone Tree Point fire on Lake James last April. In other business, the Council passed an additional appropriation ordinance on second reading. The ordinance currently calls for $28,000 to come out of the Riverboat fund and $50,000 to out of CEDIT money. But City Clerk-Treasurer Deb Twitchell explained that will drop to a total of over $58,000 for the third reading as they would not need $35,000 for additional engineering services on the Public Square project. Meanwhile, City Planner Julie Cole was told to keep negotiating a price for additional design engineering on sidewalks and streetscape as part of the Angola Revitalization Project.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Steuben County Commissioners turned down a request from a lawyer representing the Walden Woods Community Association to have the county amend zoning ordinances so that small additions could be allowed on the campground's lots. Attorney John Schwarz wanted Commissioners to ask the Steuben County Plan Commission to amend the ordinance. But County Plan Director Zach Michels and Building Commissioner Frank Charlton were strongly against the request. The request from Walden Woods died for lack of a motion. In other business, Steuben County Commissioners gave Tom Friend from the County Health Department permission on Monday to go ahead and get a trailer that would be used in case of an emergency. Friend said it would have come in handy during the recent distribution of H1N1 and seasonal flu shots. He said it would store basic items such as tables and chairs. There was some discussion as to where to store the trailer but a decision will be made at a later time.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(BRUSHY PRAIRIE) - Prairie Heights School Board members conducted a special meeting on Monday night to discuss a proposed cost reduction plan that would include the loss of 21 1/2 staff positions in the district. The proposed cuts are part of a $400,000 budget reduction for 2010 the district has to make as ordered by the state of Indiana. Positions that the district is looking to be cut include five temporary teachers, four funded through Title One grants, four-and-a-half positions at the high school as well as a total of eight positions at the Middle and Elementary Schools. Meanwhile, the future use of Milford Elementary School is still up in the air. Superintendent Allen Middleton has proposed moving third and fourth grade students as well as special education to Prairie Heights Elementary. Grades K through 2 would remain at Milford, with one class at each level and enrollment capped so that there would be one teacher per grade level. Middleton said two weeks ago the board must adjust the number of teachers to make up for a loss of 174 students over the last three years while Denise McNabb of the Prairie Heights Education Association said teachers feel a rush to make cuts is mostly impacting them. The P.H.E.A. feels the district should explore other ways to cut the budget.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(EDGERTON, OHIO) - The Multi Area Narcotics Task Force has busted its second methamphetamine lab in Williams County this year. The latest bust took place Monday afternoon at a residence on Colonial Lane in Edgerton. The Williams County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that officers found meth and several inactive labs inside. The evidence was seized and processed and the case is still under investigation. It is expected to go before the Williams County Grand Jury later this month.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(SALEM TOWNSHIP) - Salem Township will host a public meeting next Thursday, March 11 to discuss a fire territory. Township Trustee Marcia Helmuth says the proposed territory would include all three of the township's volunteer fire departments in Salem, Helmer and Hudson. The meeting will be held at 6:30pm next Thursday night at the Salem Center Volunteer Fire Department. Taxpayers are urged to attend.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(UNDATED) - Planning to drive after having a few drinks during the upcoming basketball tournaments or St. Patrick's Day? Better think again or else you will find yourself behind bars. The Tri-County Safety Partnership has announced it is joining the Indiana State Police and over 250 law enforcement agencies throughout the state in cracking down March 5th through 21st on impaired and dangerous driving. Police will be working overtime in sobriety checkpoints, on saturation patrols and other highly visible law enforcement efforts. Patrols will also focus on ticketing aggressive drivers and unrestrained motorists. Police say nearly a quarter of the 41 fatal accidents in Indiana last March involved a driver who was intoxicated. The Tri County Traffic Safety Partnership includes law enforcement agencies from Steuben, DeKalb and LaGrange Counties.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(ATLANTA) - The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private non-profit organizations in Steuben County because of various bad weather that took place between April and September of last year. Steuben County is eligible because it is next to one or more primary counties in Michigan. The loan amounts can be used up to $2 million with a four percent interest rate and terms up to 30 years. More information can be obtained by calling 1-800-659-2955 weekdays between 8:00am and 6:00pm. Completed loan applications must be returned to the S.B.A. no later than October 1st.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Trine University will host the 50th annual Northeastern Indiana Tri-State Science Fair on Saturday, March 20 in Hershey Hall. Organizers say this year’s fair will include over 300 projects by elementary and secondary students, and will be open to the public from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. A family fun festival will also be available through the Fort Wayne Science Central museum from 1:30pm until 3:30pm. Students in grades one through 12 from schools in DeKalb, Noble, LaGrange and Steuben counties in Indiana and St. Joseph County in Michigan will be participating. Five senior division projects and three junior division projects will be chosen to compete in the Hoosier Science and Engineering Fair on March 27th in Indianapolis. Two senior division projects will be selected to go on to the International Science and Engineering Fair in San Jose. The fair is sponsored by Trine in conjunction with business and industries throughout northeast Indiana.
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Monday, March 1, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Even though two members of the Steuben County Sheriffs Department are running for Sheriff, the current Sheriff is not endorsing either one of them. Instead, Rick Lewis has come out in support of Garry Osborn who is currently the Chief Deputy of the Ashley Police Department. In a press release issued by the Osborn campaign, Lewis says Osborn "has the managerial experience and the policing experience to best utilize the talent and resources available in the Sheriff’s department." Tim Troyer and A.J. Carpenter are the other Republican candidates running for Sheriff in the May Primary. After first being elected in 2002 and winning re-election in 2006, Lewis can not run again because of term limits.
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Monday, March 1, 2010
(BUTLER TOWNSHIP) - The Branch County Sheriffs Department had to clean up a methamphetamine lab that was discovered in a Butler Township home on Saturday. The Sheriffs Department says it was found in a home in the 1000 block of Annin Road. The Quincy Fire Department stood by until all of the hazardous materials were removed and the home was deemed fire safe. A cleanup contractor was called in to remove the hazardous waste. Police say the residents were cooperative with investigators. An unidentified 18-year-old was taken into custody for a probation violation. The incident is still under investigation and charges will be requested from the Branch County Prosecutors Office.
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Monday, March 1, 2010
(UNDATED) - After spiking by almost 25 cents a gallon last week, gas prices have gone down a few pennies over the last several days. Some Angola area stations were selling regular no lead for $2.63 a gallon Monday morning after the price jumped to as high as $2.69 last Tuesday. Before that, prices had been as low as $2.41. The web site Indianagasprices.com is reporting the average price in the state is $2.61. Prices in Indiana range from $2.43 in Mishawaka to $2.89 in Crawfordsville. Reuters reports the price of crude oil has gone above $80 a barrell amid concerns that Iran could cut off energy supplies to Europe over its contentious nuclear program.
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Monday, March 1, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A murder trial for an Angola woman will not take place until the summer. Steuben Superior Court Judge William Fee accepted a joint motion filed by Prosecutor Tom Wilson and Defense Attorney Anthony Krause on Monday morning to continue the Norma Jean Mote trial which was scheduled to start on March 18th. Mote is now scheduled to go on trial July 1st for the ax murder of her husband last December. The motion to continue was filed during a pre-trial conference. A final pre-trial conference was also re-scheduled for June 21st. Wilson says the motion was filed because more time was needed for scientific discovery in the case. Mote has pled not guilty to the charge which was filed in connection with the December 18th death of her 56-year-old husband Kevin. She remains lodged in the Steuben County Jail without bond.
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Monday, March 1, 2010
(BRONSON) - The U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency will be hosting a presentation and discussion on the reuse of three Bronson Superfund properties this Wednesday. The L.A. Darling, Scott Fetzer and the Bronson Reel Superfund sites will be discussed during two meetings at 3:30pm and 6:30pm. The meetings will be held at the Bronson City Offices on South Matteson Street. For more information or special accommodations, call Dave Novak at 1-800-621-8431, extension 67478.
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Saturday, February 27, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - Friends, family and former players were on hand last night as Lakeland High School basketball coach Tim Sirk was honored in an emotional postgame ceremony. Sirk, who has been battling cancer in recent years, is retiring from coaching after this season. Ironically, his last home game as the Lakers head coach came against his alma mater. Sirk was a member of the 1982 Angola Hornets sectional championship team that was coached by current Angola High School Principal Steve Grill. Angola head basketball coach Greg Holmes presented Sirk with last nights game ball. One of Sirk's former players and current assistant coach T.J. Schneider also ran down his accomplishments which included seven Northeast Corner Conference championship and sectional titles in 2003 and 2008. The 2003 sectional championship was Lakeland's first in 21 years. Sirk thanked everyone for their support saying "I feel like a winner tonight." Sirk has spent the last 15 seasons at Lakeland where he became the schools all time winningest basketball coach. He was presented with a Lakeland uniform with the number one on it. Before Lakeland, Sirk coached for five years at Hamilton. Members from the 1991 sectional championship team presented him with the game ball from that title game. Sirk was also named the winner of the Steuben County Cancer Association's first ever Hero Award.
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Saturday, February 27, 2010
(BRANCH COUNTY) - Slippery driving conditions in Branch County led to a rollover accident on Friday morning on southbound I-69 at the Fenn Road exit. The Branch County Sheriffs Department says 36-year-old Jeffrey Losey of Springport, Michigan was getting on the interstate when he lost control of his vehicle. It overturned several times before it came to rest in the center of I-69 upside down. Losey had to be freed by Sheriffs Deputies, Life Care Medics and members of the Lakeland Fire Department. He was flown to Borgess Hospital where he was treated and released.
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Saturday, February 27, 2010
(UNDATED) - Nearly three inches of snow fell in the Angola area for the 24 hour period ending at 7:00am Saturday morning as the winter of 2009-2010 shows no signs of letting up. Slick driving conditions led to numerous accidents on including at least three in northeast Indiana which involved injury. A Howe man was injured late Friday afternoon when his pickup truck rolled over along State Road 9 near 500 North. David Baumgardner complained of pain to his shoulder and neck following the crash which happened at 5:30pm. The 2006 G.M.C. pickup was totaled. An Indianapolis woman was injured in a crash on I-69 near U.S. 6 at about midnight Friday night. 20-year-old Erica White complained of pain to her lower left leg after the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department says she lost control of her van on the snow covered road and slid into an exit sign. The vehicle was described as a total loss. Another crash on U.S. 33 in Noble County sent a Columbia City man to the hospital Friday morning. Police say 41-year-old Eric Blank was northbound on 33 near Wolf Lake when he lost control on the ice and snow. His car went down an embankment and struck a tree with the driver's door. Firefighters from Noble and Thorncreek Townships had to free Blank from the wreckage. He was flown by Samaritan to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne with injuries to his left side.
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Saturday, February 27, 2010
(COLDWATER) – A judges opinion will be the deciding factor if a Branch County man gets a new trial. A jury found Thomas Foley guilty of killing his wife Dee Dee in their Girard Township home. She died from a gun shot wound to the head while in a shower. It was Thomas Foley’s claim that someone broke into their house and shot his wife during a robbery. Since his conviction in November, new witnesses have come forward that could back up his case. A hearing on the matter that started in January continued yesterday. Friday’s focus was on the investigators. Michigan State Police troopers and detectives testified about their investigation and whether they followed up with witnesses who claimed to see a strange vehicle and a person at the Foley home on the day of the murder. Judge Conrad Sindt says he will write an opinion on whether Foley will get a new trial or not, but it is not clear when that will happen.
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Saturday, February 27, 2010
(SHERWOOD TOWNSHIP) - A snowmobiler was injured Friday when he crashed into a very deep drainage ditch in Branch County's Sherwood Township. The Branch County Sheriffs Department says 33-year-old Mat Eugene Taylor was leading a group of several snowmobilers when he misjudged his location in a field and had to much speed to avoid the drainage ditch which was between 12 and 15 feet deep. A neighbor's snowplow had to be used to make a path through the snow to the location of the accident. Taylor was eventually freed and taken to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
(UNDATED) - January was a mixed bag for home sales in Northeast Indiana. According to the Indiana Association of Realtors, homes sales in Steuben and DeKalb counties were down from a year ago, while LaGrange County was unchanged and Noble County was up somewhat. The best news was in Noble County, where 13 homes were sold last month compared to just 8 the previous January. The median sales price rose by 12 percent. LaGrange County had 7 homes sell in January, the same as the previous year. Steuben County saw 16 homes sold for the month, down from 23 in January of 2009. DeKalb County had 15 homes sold for January, down 5 from the previous year. The association's Karl Berron said statewide home sales were down 1.5 percent but median prices increased 12.4 percent.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
(UNDATED) - If it's not one thing, it's another. Blowing and drifting snow has forced some school districts to either delay classes or shut down for the day. The Camden-Frontier, Reading and Waldron school districts are closed because some back roads in Hillsdale County have drifted shut. Spotty drifting has been reported in Steuben County. Several vehicles got stuck in one drift near Fremont. The situation may not get much better today. Northwest winds at 15 to 25 miles an hour with gusts up to 35 miles an hour are in the forecast.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
(LIGONIER) - West Noble Schools were closed for Friday as visitations are held today for two West Noble High School seniors who were killed in separate accidents on their way to school Tuesday morning. Calling for Amanda Musser begins at 2:00pm at Stone's Hill Community Church in Ligonier. Her funeral is Saturday at 3:00pm at the church. Brandon Replogle's viewing begins at 3:00pm at Ligonier Evangelical Church, with his funeral at 11:00am Saturday morning at the church. West Noble High School Principal Nate Lowe says shuttle bus service to Replogle's funeral will be available from the West Noble Middle School parking lot beginning at 9:30 a.m. Only family, elderly, disabled, and funeral workers should park at the church lot. One bus will be going from the funeral to the graveside service. Both families have requested West Noble High School students who attend the visitations to bring a school picture or senior picture to place in the caskets. Other gifts and notes should be directed to the families.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
(CROMWELL) - A Fort Wayne man was injured in a head on collision on U.S. 33 at Cromwell Road on Thursday. Noble County deputies say 52-year-old John Steinbach suffered head trauma and told them all he remembered was a vehicle coming at him out of control. Steinbach was taken to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. A hospital spokeswoman says he was not listed in the hospital directory this morning. Police say 20-year-old Jaclyn Felty of Goshen lost control on the icy road and crossed into the opposite lane. Felty was not injured.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
(AUBURN) - The Executive Director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Partnership has decided to retire. Galen Eberhart's last day is expected to be June 9 but according to a news release that was issued by the partnership, he has offered to remain available to the organization as a consultant after retirement and will provide training to the incoming director. Eberhart became executive director in June of 2006 shortly after the organization signed a contract to become affiliated with the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance. Officials say Eberhart was responsible for bringing in 14 projects, investments of over $47 million and 766 new jobs into DeKalb County. It's hoped the executive director position will be filled by May. Those interested in applying should visit the Indiana Economic Development Association website at ieda.org to view the job posting and requirements.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
(COLDWATER) - Branch County prosecutors have dismissed embezzlement and conversion charges against a former Coldwater High secretary. The case was filed against 55-year-old Alberta Osborne in September of 2008 after police thought thefts of student and school funds went all the way back to 1994. She was terminated by the district in late 2007. A spokesperson at the Branch County prosecutors office says the case was dismissed after Osborne paid all of the restitution. The charges were dropped on Tuesday on the same day a preliminary exam was supposed to have taken place.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - A traffic stop in LaGrange County Thursday led to the arrest on an Angola man on drug charges. A deputy stopped 36-year-old Gabrial David Hetrick on County Road 445 East near LaGrange and learned there was an active warrant from Steuben County charging him with dealing methamphetamine. Further investigation allegedly revealed several controlled substances inside Hetrick's car. He was booked at the LaGrange County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and maintaining a common nuisance.
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Friday, February 26, 2010
(AVILLA) - Police in Noble County arrested five people near Avilla Wednesday on drug charges. Officers went to a residence at 0729 South County Road 700 East with a LaGrange County warrant for 42-year-old Paul Lothamer for non-support. Lothamer came to the door and was placed in custody. Meanwhile officers noticed an odor associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine. They searched the home and determined the odor was coming from the basement where they found 39-year-old Christopher Lothamer and a one pot meth lab along with ingredients used to make meth. Police charged Christopher Lothamer with possession of precursors, possession of meth, and visiting a common nuisance. Paul Lothamer was charged with visiting a common nuisance and the warrant for non-support.
43-year-old Kenneth A. Weaver, who rented the residence, is charged with maintaining a common nuisance. 47-year-old Carol Weaver is charged with possession of meth and marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance. 19-year-old Kenneth L. Weaver was cited for possession of paraphernalia and released. Additional charges may be sought in the case. Noble County deputies were assisted by Avilla and Kendallville Police, the state police clandestine lab team, and Avilla firefighters.
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Thursday, February 25, 2010
(JIMMERSON LAKE) - A Steuben County Sheriffs Department Corporal rescued a man from a burning Jimmerson Lake home on Thursday morning. The man along with a woman were taken to the St. Joe Center Burn Unit in Fort Wayne for treatment of burns and smoke inhalation after a fire was reported at about 1:35am. The names of the two injured persons have not been released pending notification of relatives. Both victims were first taken to Cameron Hospital. The man was flown by the Samaritan Helicopter to Fort Wayne, the woman was transferred by an ambulance. Angola Fire Department Public Information Officer T.R. Hagerty says the fire at 75 Lane 420 was called under control just over a half hour after it was reported but not before the one story ranch home sustained about $150,000 worth of damage. There was heavy smoke and fire coming from the home when crews arrived. Steuben County Sheriffs Department Corporal Chris Emerick was told by a neighbor there was a man inside. Emerick went to a back door and used his flashlight to find the man through heavy, black smoke. The man was between five to ten feet inside of the home. Emerick crawled inside and pulled the man outside to safety. Angola Fire Chief Mike Meek says the cause of the fire is under investigation but they think it started in the living room area. Angola firefighters got mutual aide from Orland and Fremont fire crews. Firefighters were on the scene until about 6:40am.
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Thursday, February 25, 2010
(FREMONT) - No injuries were reported Thursday morning after a car crashed into a glass enclosure at the front of the Little Lambs Day Care building on South Renee Drive in Fremont. The accident happened at about 9:00am. George Chambers from Little Lambs Day Care says they are cleaning things up but they continue to operate as normal as possible. Chambers says the driver of the car hit a safety pole before hitting the glass enclosure. There were youngsters inside of the building and two staff members were working in a nearby office. A child in the car was not injured. Chambers adds an open house that was scheduled for Sunday will still be held.
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Thursday, February 25, 2010
(STRYKER, OHIO) - Special recognition was given on Wednesday to a pair of workers at the Community Corrections of Northwest Ohio. Corrections Officer Brian Bernath was named the C.C.N.O. Employee of the Year while Director of Nursing Chris Niese was named the C.C.N.O. Contract Employee of the Year. Bernath was honored after he confiscated contraband from an offender during a routine search that later led to information being provided in a Lucas County murder investigation. Niese was recognized for learning how to be a medical administrator during a period of transition at the facility.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - A LaGrange man is in jail charged with dealing methamphetamine after he was arrested Tuesday in Angola. 39-year-old James Hendrix II was apprehended in the 200 block of West Maumee in Angola following a seven month undercover investigation by the IMAGE Drug Task Force. Undercover officers and confidential informants made a series of meth purchases in LaGrange during that time. Hendrix was arrested by officers from IMAGE, the D-T-F and Steuben County Sheriff's Department. He was lodged in the LaGrange County Jail pending an initial hearing.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(ANGOLA) - An E-Bay auction of plastic army men that was hosted by a 6-year-old Angola boy has raised $260 for earthquake victims in Haiti. Bailey Hicks auctioned off his collection of hundreds of plastic Army men through the online auction site after seeing news coverage of the earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation January 12th. The youngster was hoping to raise $190. The auction ended Wednesday morning at 10:24am. Bailey's mother Jennifer says at least eight people put in bids adding she was proud of what her son did. Bailey plans to replenish his collection with money he earns doing household chores.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(ORLAND) - Steuben County Crimestoppers will once again host a Goofy Golf fundraiser next weekend at the Orland American Legion Post. It will be held on March 6th starting at 12:00noon with registration beginning at 11:00am. The cost is $10 per person and lunch will be included. You can bring your own putter but some will be on the premises. Cash prizes will be presented for the top three finishers.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A lawsuit has been filed against Fun Spot Amusement Park in Steuben Circuit Court by a woman who claims she was injured in a July 2008 rollercoaster accident. The suit was filed February 10th by Bloomington Attorney Dean Arnold on behalf of Stephanie Petrie. She claims she was injured when the brakes failed and the car she was in crashed into another one ahead of hers. According to court documents, Petrie feels the park was negligent and "failed to utilize reasonable care in the construction, inspection and maintenance of the roller coaster." The plantiff has requested a jury trial. Petrie is seeking damages because of what she calls medical and other expenses as well as lost wages. After being open since 1956, high unemployment and the struggling economy forced the shut down of Fun Spot last summer. A posting on Fun Spot's web site states the park will remain closed this year.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(HILLSDALE) - An Angola woman who is suspended from her job as a teacher in the Camden-Frontier school district is now facing two felony charges in Hillsdale County in addition to a sexual misconduct with a minor charge that was filed earlier this month in Steuben County. 37-year-old Dawn Schwartzengraber was booked at the Hillsdale County Jail on Tuesday on first and third degree criminal sexual conduct charges. She is free on her own recognizance after posting bond. Her arraignment is scheduled for next Wednesday in Hillsdale County District Court. Schwartzengraber is also free on bond on the Steuben County charge. Michigan and Indiana State Police both investigated the case. Authorities accuse her of having an inappropriate relationship for over two years with one of her male students who is now 17.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(LAKE JAMES) - The Angola Area Chamber of Commerce will host their 10th Annual Luncheon and Expo on Friday, March 12 at Pokagon State Park's Potawatomi Inn. This years event is being sponsored by NIPSCO, Northern Indiana Fuel And Light and Steuben County REMC. The Business Expo begins at 10:00am. Organizers say it will feature about 30 area Chamber Member businesses. The luncheon will start at 11:30am with the 2009 Awards Presentation. Awards will be given to the Chamber Business of the Year as well as for Customer Service and the Chamber Business Professional of the Year. Northern Indiana Regional Partnership Chief Executive Officer John Sampson will be the keynote speaker. The luncheon is open to anyone. Tickets are $20 per person. Seating is limited so you are being asked to register early. For more information, call the Chamber office at 665-3512 or e-mail jessica@angolachamber.org.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(WOLCOTTVILLE) - A Wolcottville man is facing a felony escape charge after Noble County authorities say he ran away from police late Monday night as he was being arrested on outstanding warrants. 25-year-old Kevin Ray Slone was being apprehended on warrants for failing to appear for court hearings in four Noble County cases. Rome City Police say Slone was being cooperative with officers but he ran off all of a sudden as he was being put into a police car. He was found still in handcuffs hiding underneath a mobile home four hours later by Noble County deputies. Slone is being held without bond pending a bond revocation hearing on March 12th. A sentencing hearing in a driving while suspended with a prior conviction case will also be held on that day.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(LIGONIER) - Two West Noble High School seniors were killed in separate crashes on U.S. 33 just south of Ligonier Tuesday morning. The first crash happened at about 7:40am on U.S. 33 about a half mile north of West Noble High School. The Noble County Sheriffs Department says a pickup truck driven by 18-year-old Amanda Musser went off the road, struck a utility pole and rolled over. The Sheriffs Department stated in a news release that Musser was not wearing a seatbelt and was partially ejected in the crash. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators think the drivers attention may have been diverted and weather was not a contributing factor in the accident. While emergency responders were at that crash, a second accident happened on U.S. 33 about three miles south of West Noble High School at the Kimmel bridge just before 8:00am. A pickup truck was also involved in the second accident as the Sheriffs Department says 18-year-old Brandon A. Replogle of Kimmell apparently lost control on the icy bridge deck. The pickup slid left of center and was struck broadside by another pickup driven by 47-year-old Jerry L. Rockey of Shipshewana. Replogle was pronounced dead at the scene. Rockey was not injured. Both of the deceased students were driving to school at the time of the accidents.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(KENDALLVILLE) - Some displaced employees from a Kendallville company are eligible to receive services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance program. The U.S. Department of Labor ruling means workers totally or partially separated from employment at Kendallville's Parts Finishing Group Indiana plant since August 10, 2008 are eligible for benefits. The workers applied adhesive to rubber automotive parts so they could be chemically bonded to metal. They may be eligible for re-employment services, job search and relocation allowances, and training. Weekly allowance may be payable to eligible workers after their unemployment benefits run out. Older workers over age 50 may choose regular TAA benefits or a wage subsidy of 50 percent of the difference between their new salary and old salary, up to $12,000. Information for employees of Finishing Group Indiana is available at their local Work One center in Kendallville, Auburn, LaGrange or Angola.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(CENTREVILLE, MICHIGAN) - After nine days of deliberations, a St. Joseph County jury announced late Tuesday afternoon that Anthony and Marsha Springer were innocent on first and second degree murder charges but they were guilty of torture and first degree child abuse. The Springers were charged in connection with the death nearly two years ago of their 16-year-old daughter Calista. She was found chained to a bed following a fire in the family's home. Under Michigan law, the torture convictions could mean life prison sentences for the Springers. First degree child abuse in Michigan has a maximum sentence of 15 years. The Springers testified during their trial that Calista was often bound, but it was to protect her from leaving the family home and possibly hurting herself or others. One of the reasons for such a long deliberation was the jury had questions about the Felony Murder charge and if there could be a lesser charges. Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman told the jury that if they could not unanimously agree on a specific charge brought against the Springers, then they must find the defendants not guilty of that charge. Sentencing has been set for April 16.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(DEKALB COUNTY) - DeKalb County Police say snowy road conditions may have been a factor in a Tuesday morning crash that injured a pair of 18-year-olds from Garrett. Police say the accident happened at about 8:15am on State Road 327 near County Road 64 when a car driven by Alex Yarian went out of control on the snowy road, went left of center and crashed into a vehicle driven by Courtney Wisel. Both drivers were pinned and had to be freed by rescue crews. Police say Yarian suffered internal chest and head injuries. He is listed in critical condition at Parkview Hospital. Wisel complained of knee pain and was taken to DeKalb Memorial Hospital for treatment. Police say both vehicles were a total loss.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Project Help of Steuben County will be holding its annual Easter Basket Giveaway for the needy on Friday, March 26th. In anticipation of the high demand for items, Project Help is asking for donations of whole hams, as well as Easter basket fillers for children such as toys, books and games. Volunteers are also needed to help fill the baskets as well as distributing them. Donations can be taken to the Project Help office at the corner of State Road 827 and Harcourt Road. For more information, call Project Help's Sheri Frank at 665-9697.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - It could be snake eyes for an effort to get a casino referendum on the ballot in Steuben County this year. The Indiana House defeated an amendment on a 57-42 vote Tuesday that would have allowed floating casinos on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River to move inland. House Speaker Pat Bauer told the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette that the land-based casino issue is pretty much dead for this years General Assembly. After the amendment to a broader Senate casino bill was defeated, Democratic Representative Bill Crawford of Indianapolis pulled the bill from further consideration in the House. The bill could be reconsidered Wednesday, the deadline for Senate bills to be amended in the House. Crawford, who was sponsoring the bill, says he has no intention to do that. He was upset that amendments to boost central Indiana's two "racinos" won support but not the inland casino language that was aimed primarily at helping riverboats in Gary, Hammond and East Chicago. "Racinos" are horse racing tracks with slot machines. The Journal Gazette reports that an amendment was considered by the House that would have allowed referendums on casinos this year in Steuben County and the city of Fort Wayne. It was criticized by Allen County representatives and later withdrawn by State Representative Craig Fry of Mishawaka before a vote was taken.
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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
(HUDSON) - The Hudson Fire Department will be host a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast on Saturday, March 6th from 7:00am until 10:00am. All proceeds will benefit the fire department. The fire department has recently remodeled their kitchen and they plan to unveil it to the public during the breakfast. In addition, Little League Baseball sign-ups will be held on March 6th from 8:00am until 11:00am.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The M.S.D. of Steuben County elementary schools will be hosting kindergarten registration on Wednesday from 8:00am until 7:00pm and this Thursday from 8:00am until 3:00pm. Parents of children eligible for 2010-2011 kindergarten are being asked to take advantage of this registration opportunity. A child must be 5 years of age by August 1st to qualify. Children do not need to attend the registration. Parents can request full day or half day classes for their child. They will need to bring their child’s social security card, official birth certificate, proof of residence and immunization record to the registration. For further information, call any of the elementary school offices in the M.S.D. of Steuben County. In addition, ISTEP Applied Skills Testing begins March 1st and will continue through March 10. Parents should check their respective buildings for their child’s testing schedules in grades three through eight. Attendance for all testing sessions is required.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A man who admitted his guilt to dealing methamphetamine two months ago was given a 15 year sentence on Monday in Steuben Superior Court. 27-year-old Robert Bonham entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors on December 14th. In exchange for his guilty plea, the state of Indiana dismissed a Class A felony of dealing in meth over three grams and an habitual offender enhancer. The case was filed by Steuben County prosecutors in June of 2008 following an undercover drug investigation. Bonham was given credit for 622 days already served and the same amount for good time credit. That means Bonham will actually serve about six years behind bars.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A man facing multiple drug charges in a pair of 2008 cases entered guilty pleas to a pair of Class C felony charges on Monday in Steuben Superior Court. 24-year-old Adam Michael Loffer pled guilty to charges of possession of methamphetamine and attempted possession of meth. In exchange for his guilty pleas, three dealing in methamphetamine charges including a pair of Class A felonies would be dropped by the state of Indiana. The state would also dismiss two habitual offender enhancers if the plea agreement is accepted by Judge William Fee. The judge took the plea agreement under advisement and scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 22nd.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Drug Free Steuben is planning to offer almost $30,000 worth of grants during the upcoming year. Officials say grants will be offered in various areas including prevention and enforcement. Grant Applications are available at drugfreesteuben.org. Applications are due in the Steuben County Prosecutor’s Office by end of business day on March 29th. Contact information is on the grant application. Drug Free Steuben is also offering Prevention Mini-Grants. The Mini-Grants are open while funds are available.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a land use variance last night for a truck repair business that would operate in a general business zoned district. The 11 acre property is located at the intersction of State Road 120 and 50 West. Thomas Road Investments owns the property and would lease it to Con-Way Freight for work on their vehicles. As many as eight people could be employed there. B.Z.A. Vice-President Bill Schmidt and others on the board wanted to make sure the repair service would remain private. After a discussion that lasted almost an hour, the B.Z.A. approved the variance on a 3-0 vote. One of the provisions included in the variance approval was that the truck repair facility would not be available to the general public.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
(FORT WAYNE) - Officials at Ivy Tech Community College have announced the selection of Dr. Jerrilee K. Mosier to serve as Chancellor for the college’s Northeast Region. Mosier will start her new job on July 1. Mosier will also oversee the college’s Fort Wayne campus as well as learning sites in Angola, Ashley and other northeast Indiana locations. Her career spans five community colleges in three states. She most recently served as Vice President of Workforce Development and Training at Edmonds Community College in Lynnwood, Washington.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - An effort by a state lawmaker to get a casino referendum on this Novembers ballot in Steuben County and Fort Wayne has stalled in a dispute over wording in an amendment to a Senate Bill. The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports Democratic State Representative Craig Fry of Mishawaka filed the amendment on behalf of former State Senator Robert Meeks who has been serving as a lobbyist for Steuben County in trying to get a referendum on the ballot. The Senate bill the amendment was attached to would make some changes to gambling laws in Indiana. But Fry later said he would not call for a vote because both sides felt the wording was unacceptable.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
(COLDWATER) - A man who was charged in connection with the shotgun death of a fellow group home resident in February of last year will not go on trial after he pled no contest to a second degree murder charge on Monday in Branch County Circuit Court. 51-year-old Kenneth Emil Kalasz was arrested moments after Michigan State Police arrived at the Country Meadows Adult Foster Care Group Home in California Township and found 55-year-old Donald Miller dead from a single gun shot wound. His trial was scheduled to start March 16th but Circuit Court officials were told last week that the two sides had reached a plea agreement. In exchange for the no contest plea, prosecutors will drop open murder and felony firearm charges. Kalasz is scheduled to be sentenced on March 22nd. He remains held in the Branch County Jail without bond.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
(ANGOLA) - (AP) - A 6-year-old Angola boy is turning to eBay to help earthquake victims in Haiti. Bailey Hicks says he asked his mother to help him sell his collection of hundreds of plastic Army men through the online auction site after seeing news coverage of the earthquake that struck the Caribbean nation January 12th. Bailey says he hopes to raise $190 to donate to the relief efforts. Bids stood at about $102 on Tuesday morning. The auction ends Wednesday. The boy says he hopes whoever wins the auction will donate the toys to Haitian children. Bailey's mother Jennifer says she is proud of her son for using his "favorite thing in the whole world" to help others. Bailey plans to replenish his collection with money he earns doing household chores.
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Monday, February 22, 2010
(NORTH WEBSTER) - A combination of snow, rain and freezing rain led to a slick mess on area roads Monday morning and forced many school districts to shut down for the day. After initially announcing two hour delays, officials in the M.S.D. of Steuben County, Fremont and Prairie Heights School districts decided to cancel classes. Nearly 2 1/2 inches of snow was officially measured in Angola while over three inches fell in Metz. To show how the weather can change in just a few miles, Hamilton schools remained opened as did districts in DeKalb County. Hardly any snow fell in Fort Wayne. School officials in Michigan cancelled classes early Monday morning as up to eight inches of snow fell north of the state line. Despite the bad weather conditions, no serious traffic accidents have been reported as of mid morning. A winter weather advisory for LaGrange, Steuben and Williams Counties and the winter storm warning for southern Michigan were lifted by the National Weather Service late this morning.
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Monday, February 22, 2010
(UNDATED) - Firefighters from throughout Steuben County were kept busy late Saturday night and early Sunday morning battling a pair of fires. The first blaze broke out at 10:23pm Saturday night at the Gordon Parr property at 9119 West 575 South. Salem Center Fire Department Captain Brent Wells says the first arriving crews were met with flames and heavy black smoke. He says the pole barn was filled with vehicles, commercial machinery and equipment. The property inside and the structure were called a total loss with damages estimated at $400,000. Nine departments were on the scene including Salem Center, Hudson, Orland, Pleasant Lake, Ashley, Hamilton, Angola, Stroh, and Helmer. Fremont firefighters stood by at the Salem Center station while Kendallville crews stood by at Hudson’s station. Wells says they were hampered by the 5,000 foot icy drive leading back to the structure along with the nature of the steel construction and the amount of commercial machinery involved in the fire. About 48,000 gallons of water were used by 61 firefighter, with no injuries. The fire was called under control just after midnight. The cause is still under investigation. The second blaze broke out at a Hamilton residence that was the scene of a fire last month at about 3:35am. Hamilton firefighters got mutual aide at 3860 East Zion Street from Butler, Waterloo, Angola, Metz and Corunna crews. Florence Township firefighters were called up to cover the Hamilton station. The fire was called under control at about 5:40am. Firefighters were called back at 9:20am due to a rekindle. The cause of the fire is not known. Hamilton Fire Chief Rodney Snyder says the State Fire Marshalls office will assist in the investigation. No injuries were reported.
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Saturday, February 20, 2010
(ANGOLA) - There will be May Republican primary races for Prosecutor, Sheriff and Surveyor in Steuben County as well as for seats on the County Commission and County Council. The filing deadline to get on the May 4th ballot passed at noon on Friday. Mike Hess is running against James Burns in the Republican Primary for Prosecutor. Current Prosecutor Tom Wilson is not seeking another term. A.J. Carpenter, Tim Troyer and Garry Osborn are running in the G.O.P. Primary for Sheriff. Current Sheriff Rick Lewis can not run again due to term limits. Incumbent Surveyor Larry Gilbert will be challenged by Kent Alwood. Gregory Leupp is running unopposed on the Democratic side. John Hughes will face a G.O.P. Primary challenge from Bill Bryan and Keith Chrysler for the District 3 seat on the Steuben County Council. Mayo Sanders along with incumbents Sara Tubergan and John Ingledue are running unopposed in May for seats on the Council. Democrat Stephen Bachelor is running for the District One seat that is being given up by Paul Sparks. Bachelor would run against Sanders in the fall. Loretta Smart and Dave Goodwin are running for the seat on the County Commission that Sanders is giving up at the end of this year. Lon Keyes is running for that seat on the Democratic side. Running unopposed in the May Republican primary are Auditor Pam Coleman along with Michelle Herbert for County Clerk and Marcia Seevers for Assessor. Steuben County Clerk Diana Penick can not run again due to term limits while long time Steuben County Assessor Larry May decided not to seek another term. 51st District State House Representative Dick Dodge will be challenged in the May Republican Primary by David Powers.
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Saturday, February 20, 2010
(NORTH WEBSTER) - National Weather Service forecasters says northeast Indiana and the surrounding region may have to endure another winter storm Sunday night and Monday. No watches, warnings or advisories have been issued as of Saturday morning. Forecasters say the precipitation associated with a low pressure system should spread into the area on Sunday and then continue Sunday night and Monday. Given the current forecast track of the low, forecasters say there could be significant snow accumulations across southern lower Michigan and near the Michigan border with Indiana and Ohio. They add there is some uncertainty on the exact track the storm will take. If it tracks to the north, there will be less snow for our area. But if it tracks to the south, then there will be more snowfall.
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Saturday, February 20, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Three candidates will run for the District One seat on the M.S.D. of Steuben County School Board which is being given up by a long time local educator. Art Ryan is not seeking another term on the school board. Kevin Beard, Annette Schueler and James Penick are running for the District One seat. District Three representatives Barbara Favourite and Glenn Armey are both running for another term. There are three candidates vying for a pair of District Three seats on the Fremont School Board. Incumbent Cindy Saltzman is running against Kimberly Bennett and Hope Korte. Incumbents Sheri Sue Thompson and Christine Seiler are also running for re-election. Prairie Heights has a contested school board race, with Joshua Keipper and James Young challenging incumbent Todd Perkins.
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Saturday, February 20, 2010
(ALBION) - Three people were injured south of Albion Friday morning when according to the Noble County Sheriffs Department, a driver failed to stop for a stop sign on 300 South at State Road 9. Deputies say 48-year-old Tony Coe of South Whitley was pinned in his vehicle due to the heavily damaged drivers door. His car was pushed into a ditch after the impact. Coe had to be freed by Albion and Churubusco firefighters. He and 72-year-old Shirley Coe of Columbia City were taken to Parkview-Whitley Hospital in stable condition. The Sheriffs Department says the car which failed to stop at the stop sign sustained heavy front end damage. The driver, 58-year-old Carolyn Snyder of LaOtto, complained of knee pain and indicated she would go to the hospital by private conveyance.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
(AUBURN) - A Hudson man entered a guilty plea to a Class A felony of aiding in robbery resulting in serious bodily injury on Thursday in DeKalb Superior Court I in connection with last May's murder of a Waterloo flea market owner. 29-year-old Matthu Sanders was scheduled to go on trial March 4th in the death of Raymond Edward Morrow. Sanders is now scheduled to be sentenced on September 27th. The Star reports Sanders would get a 37 year prison sentence and in exchange for his guilty plea, he will co-operate with prosecutors and testify against the three other defendants in the case. In addition, all other charges including a murder charge would be dismissed. Judge Kevin Wallace rejected another plea agreement involving Sanders in December. Morrow was found shot to death last May 15th at at the Walker-Rowe Airport.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
(CENTREVILLE, MICHIGAN) - There’s still no decision in the case of a Centreville couple charged in the death of their daughter. Jurors deliberated until 4:00pm Thursday but were not able to reach a decision on the charges brought against Anthony and Marsha Springer. The two are charged with felony murder, torture and child abuse in the February 2008 death of their daughter Calista. St. Joseph County Circuit Court officials say the jurors will not be deliberating today. Many of them told the court they had other responsibilities for today, prior to being selected. Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman is giving them today off, and the jurors will be brought back to Centreville next Monday.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
(SHIPSHEWANA) - A Shipshewana man is facing preliminary charges of child solicitation, child exploitation and battery to a minor. LaGrange County Sheriff's Department Detective Tad Oakley says officers arrested 39-year-old Russell Black Jr. after executing a search warrant at his residence in Hideaway Hills in VanBuren Township. They confiscated a laptop computer, web camera and cell phone Thursday afternoon. Black allegedly attempted to make physical contact with a 13-year-old LaGrange County girl at his residence last Saturday. Later, Black allegedly sent suggestive instant messages and nude photos of himself to the girl. Oakley says Black admitted sending the photos to the girl. More charges may follow a review of the case by the Prosecutor's Office. State Police detectives and a detective with the State Police Crimes Against Children Unit, along with deputies and the Prosecutor's Office assisted with the investigation.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
(SHIPSHEWANA) - A Shipshewana couple faces charges of possessing child pornography. LaGrange County deputies responded to a report of domestic violence involving 36-year-old Ray Shank and 37-year-old Veronica Shank on Monday. Deputy Ed Flowers was alerted to possible presence of child pornography on a laptop computer in the home. Detective Deven Hostetler of the state police Crimes Against Children Unit determined there were pictures of children under age 16 in sexual poses on the computer. Police charged the couple with possession of child pornography after interviewing them. Potential charges for domestic violence are pending a review by the prosecutor.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Cooperative Extension Office has scheduled their Beef Identification Day for March 7th. All Steuben County youngsters who plan to exhibit beef cattle during July's 4-H Fair must have their animals weighed and identified. This includes all beef and dairy steers along with all market, registered and commercial heifers. The weigh in and ID day hours will be from 12:00noon until 3:00pm on March 7th at the Steuben County 4-H Fairgrounds. The cost is $2 per animal. All cattle must be on a halter and dehorned. Identification will not be done at the residence of 4-H members and all 4-H'ers are responsible to make arrangements for transportation. In case of inclement weather, the weigh-in and ID date will be moved to March 14th.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Go Angola Downtown Alliance is planning two more fundraising events over the next month. A garage sale and flea market will be held this Saturday at the Old Angola High School Gym on South Martha from 9:00am until 3:00pm. Space is being sold for $20. There's a $1 entry fee. Those who pay $3 will get a GO ANGOLA Bag. For more information, call Melody Willibey at 665-6650 or log onto goangola@yahoo.com. In addition, a Prom Fair will be held on Friday, March 26th at Cahoots Coffee Cafe. Youngsters thinking about attending prom can check out ideas for clothes and hairstyles. If you would like to be involved in this event contact Mitch Davis at Mitchell’s Clothing And Tuxedos or Lee Ann Snyder at The Hair Center.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Trine University's new field house will be named in May after the founder of Steel Dynamics Incorporated. University officials say in recognition of a major gift from the company's Foundation, the facility will be known as Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Athletic and Recreation Center. Busse has been a Trine board member since 2003. Among the awards Busse has earned is the Sagamore of the Wabash which is the highest civilian award in Indiana. He has contributed regularly to the University's Annual Fund for scholarships, equipment, and campus improvements.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Former Steuben County Sheriff Thomas Hanselman has died at the age of 88. Hanselman passed away on Wednesday at Cameron Hospital. After serving as Steuben County Sheriff from 1959 until 1966, he then spent 20 years as the Chief Probation Officer for Steuben County before retiring. Hanselman was also the chair of the Steuben County Republican Party, president of the Indiana Sheriff's Association and also received the Sagamore of the Wabash award. Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 2:00 at the Weicht Funeral Home in Angola. Visitation will be Saturday from 2:00pm until 4:00pm and from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Circle Hill Cemetery. Memorials are to be directed to the Angola Christian Church and the Lake James Assembly.
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Friday, February 19, 2010
(UNDATED) - Steuben County topped the state of Indiana for the most deer killed for the fifth straight year during 2009. The Indiana D.N.R. says a record 4,102 deer were harvested in Steuben County. As for other northeast Indiana counties, just over 3,000 deer were harvested in Noble County while LaGrange County had over 2,500 deer harvested and DeKalb County reported hunters took over 2,400 deer. Indiana deer hunters shattered the previous state record in 2009 by taking more than 132,000 deer which beat the old record set in 2008 by more than 3,000. D.N.R. deer management biologist Chad Stewart says deer hunting license sales have gone up over the last couple of years as people may have more time to hunt because of high unemployment.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
(ASHLEY) - Ashley Police say two teenagers are responsible for a series of vehicle break-ins this week at Trin Incorporated. Chief Deputy Garry Osborn says there were as many as eight break–ins. Some took place late Sunday evening and early Monday morning. Items taken included small change, flash lights and keys. Most of the vehicles belonged to third shift workers at Trin Incorporated. Osborn says the vehicles were unlocked at the time. Ashley Police Sgt. Mike Kugler found numerous shoe prints in the area around Trin and followed them to a nearby residence. A 14-year-old boy from Ashley and a 15-year-old boy from Waterloo were interviewed. Osborn says the youngsters admitted to Theft and Unauthorized Entry of a Motor Vehicle. Some of the stolen property has been recovered. The juveniles were released to their parents and charges were filed with the DeKalb County Probation Department. Unauthorized Entry of a Motor Vehicle is a class B Misdemeanor.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
(BARTON LAKE) - A Barton Lake man was arrested Wednesday following a year long investigation. The Steuben County Sheriffs Department says 41-year-old Eric Capman was arrested for manufacturing methamphetamine, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. Police say they served a search warrant at Capman's home on Barton Lake and found a large amount of items associated with the manufacture of meth including 49 reaction vessels that had been used to manufacture meth and 53 Hydrochloric gas generators. The Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team was called in to help clean up the home. Capman had been arrested early Wednesday morning by Fremont Police for public intoxication and was in the Steuben County Jail when police served the search warrant.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
(CAMDEN, MICHIGAN) - Three people were injured Wednesday when two vehicles collided at the intersection of M-49 and Camden Road in Camden, Michigan. Michigan State Police from the Jonesville Post report 26-year-old Nathaniel Wilkinson of Nebraska failed to stop for a stop sign at the intersection and collided with another car driven by 61-year-old Carole Spencer of Pioneer, Ohio. Troopers say Wilkinson suffered a head injury and was taken to Cameron Hospital in Angola where he was treated and released. Spencer and her 75-year-old husband Jerad suffered minor injuries were treated and released at the scene. Troopers say the occupants of the two vehicles were wearing their seat belts. They were assisted by the Camden Fire Department and Reading Emergency Services.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The town of Wolcotville has been dealt a legal setback over its sewer rate ordinance. Steuben Circuit Judge Allen Wheat issued a ruling last week that voided the ordinance. Wolcotville was also told it has to go back to a 2003 ordinance for customers both in and out of the town. Judge Wheat's ruling comes after he heard two days of testimony during a bench trial in his courtroom. Lake Associations on Witmer, Dallas and Westler Lakes filed suit over the sewer rate ordinance. The plantiffs felt the rates are unfair to lake residents when compared to what customers in the town of Wolcottville had to pay. There were times during the bench trial when a large number of spectators overflowed out of the courtroom and into the hallway on the third floor of the Steuben County Courthouse.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
(NORTH ADAMS) - Authorities are looking for a man who held up the Southern Michigan Bank and Trust branch on Main Street in North Adams Wednesday afternoon. Michigan State Police at Jonesville say the robbery took place at about 12:40pm when a man wearing a Halloween mask got away with an undisclosed amount of money after he showed a pistol. The suspect is described as being about 30-years-old, six feet tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a grey Michigan State University sweatshirt along with blue jeans and gloves. Investigators are reviewing bank security tapes of the hold up. The F.B.I. along with the Hillsdale County Sheriffs Department are assisting Michigan State Police with the investigation.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
(BUTLER) - Ten cars of a Norfolk and Southern train derailed Thursday morning west of Butler. The derailment took place near U.S. 6 and County Road 59 at about 6:30am. Norfolk and Southern spokesman Rudy Husband says the 20-car train had two crew members on board. The train was not hauling any hazerdous materials and no injuries were reported. Husband says it will probably be a couple of weeks before its known what caused the derailment. He adds the train was heading from Chicago to Binghamton, New York. While U.S. 6 remained open a portion of County Road 59 had to be shut down by police after the derailment.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
(UNDATED) - A new Rassmussen Poll shows Howe's Marlin Stutzman leading both prominent Democrats mentioned as possible replacements for Senator Evan Bayh. The survey of 500 likely Indiana voters showed Stutzman leading Baron Hill 41 to 33 percent, and Brad Ellsworth 40 to 30 percent. In fact, the poll showed Republican Dan Coats and John Hostettler with somewhat similar margins over the Democrats. The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 3-and-a-half points.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District's annual meeting and dinner on March 11th will include an update on a rain barrel program that was made possible by an I.D.E.M. grant that was awarded to the district last year. The program includes the installation of rain gardens and green roofs in the city of Angola. This is the District’s 60th Anniversary and they are inviting everyone to celebrate their success. A hog roast will take place at 6:30pm that night before the annual meeting in the Steuben County Community Center's Multi Purpose Room. The Annual Meeting is free and open to the public. The cost of the meal is $5 per person. Reservations should be made at the District office by March 4. Please stop in the office or call 665-3211, extension 3 for tickets.
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Thursday, Ferbuary 18, 2010
(FORT WAYNE) - Another challenger has emerged to Republican Congressman Mark Souder. The Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne reports automobile dealership owner Bob Thomas will enter the Republican primary to challenge Souder. Thomas owns Ford dealerships in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. He told the newspaper he has all the money he needs to run his campaign and put on a very serious effort. He said he expects to be able to exceed anything that Souder is able to put in the campaign. Souder has more than $165,000 in his campaign account. The 59-year-old Thomas said he wants to take the views of small business owners to Congress and that it is time to send home career politicians. Phil Troyer and Charles Newman are also mounting primary challenges. Noon Friday is the deadline for candidates to file.
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Thursday, February 18, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - (AP) - If you live in LaGrange or DeKalb County, a new report shows you live in one of the healthiest areas in the state of Indiana. The report was released Wednesday as part of a nationwide report which included county-by-county health rankings for all 50 states. The findings were released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. It ranked counties by "health factors" and "health outcomes," which includes the length and quality of life of residents. LaGrange County was ranked fifth in the state in overall health while DeKalb County was ninth. In addition, Steuben County was ranked 32nd and Noble County was ranked 37th. Hamilton, Hendricks, DuBois, Boone and LaGrange counties came in among the state's top five healthiest counties while Scott County was last.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(AUBURN) - A suspended Spencerville volunteer firefighter turned himself in to DeKalb County authorities Wednesday morning on three felony charges of arson following an investigation into several suspicious fires in the area. 23-year-old Lee Yoder is free after posting a $30,000 bond. DeKalb County Police say two of the charges filed against Yoder are Class B felonies, the other is a Class D felony. The DeKalb County Sheriffs Department says the investigation started following a suspicious February 1st structure fire in the area of 6500 County Road 68 near Spencerville. The Sheriffs Department and the Indiana State Fire Marshalls along with the Concord and Spencerville Fire Departments then conducted an investigation into suspicious fires in the area over the last 18 months. A report was submitted to DeKalb County Prosecutors last Friday and a warrant for Yoder's arrest was issued on Tuesday. Yoder was suspended from the Spencerville Fire Department on February 5th pending the results of the ongoing investigation.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(ANGOLA) - An Angola man was formally charged with dealing in methamphetamine as well as three felony counts of burglary on Tuesday. 38-year-old Matthew Scott Barnthouse was accused by Steuben County authorities of making meth in a pole barn at his residence on 100 East sometime during the month of January. He is also charged in connection with the burglaries of Aggregate Industries, Merritt Sand and Gravel and Angola Concrete Products that police say took place between January 22nd and 28th. According to Steuben County court documents, nearly $3,000 was taken in the burglary at Angola Concrete Products. Money was also taken in the other two burglaries along with a construction calculator. Police got a break when co-defendant Sheldon John Nickols of Auburn was arrested January 30th in connection with the Aggregate Industries burglary. Nickols was also charged with having an illegal drug lab and maintaining a common nuisance. Bond in the two cases totaled $110,000 and not guilty pleas were entered on behalf of Barnthouse during Tuesday's initial hearing. The cases will go through Steuben Superior Court where Barnthouse is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial conference on March 22nd.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Officials at Trine University have announced that last Saturday's Scholarship Gala raised a record $162,000 for student scholarships. Nearly 400 people attended the seventh annual event at the Ketner Sports Center which was also a record. The amount of money raised doubled last years total. During the live auction, Trine Trustee Rick James and his wife Vicki purchased the naming rights to a private suite in the Fred Zollner Athletic Stadium for $27,500. Trine University President Earl Brooks II said the scholarship gala has now provided over $550,000 in scholarships.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(FREMONT) - The Town of Fremont will make another attempt to get a state grant to help fund its downtown renovation project. A Region 3-A public hearing was held before Tuesday nights Fremont Town Council meeting. Lori McCoy from Region 3-A said they will seek a $500,000 Community Focus Fund grant with the local match totaling over $389,000. She pointed out a large local match is a positive in the application. The funding would cover a two block area along U.S. 120. Town Superintendent Chris Snyder said they hoped to fund a six block area but there was not enough money in the budget for the local match. The town should know by May 1st if the grant funding is approved. If it is approved, the money would become available next Spring. Also on Tuesday night, Snyder was named as the Honorary Firefighter of the year by Fremont Fire Chief Eric Hufnagle.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(BRUSHY PRAIRIE) - The possible loss of 21 teachers in the Prairie Heights School District brought out patrons of the district to a public hearing last night. The auditorium was about two-thirds full as the administration and teachers' association presented their perspective on the $400,000 budget cut required by the state. Superintendent Allen Middleton said the board must adjust the number of teachers to make up for a loss of 174 students over the last three years. Denise McNabb of the Prairie Heights Education Association said teachers feel a rush to make cuts is mostly impacting them. Following their presentations, members from the public took their turn at the microphones for the next 90 plus minutes. Todd Gerbers urged the board and teachers to open up their communications. Ann Norris asked if the board has looked at making cuts across the board. Middleton said the board will consider last night's comments as it makes cuts and tries to minimize the impact on students.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(ANGOLA) - An Angola man was formally charged on Tuesday with felony counts of burglary and theft following a Sunday break-in at a home on Angola's east side. 21-year-old Tyler Lee Rhine is accused by Steuben County authorities of allegedly stealing a rifle from the home. According to Steuben County court documents, police say Rhine texted his alleged victim after he got into the home. Rhine was arrested later at his residence and the weapon was recovered. Bond was set at $50,000 during Tuesdays initial hearing and not guilty pleas were entered on Rhine's behalf. His case will go through Steuben Superior Court. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for March 22nd while a jury trial was set for April 29th.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - A wind farm developer has been given preliminary approval for tax abatements by the LaGrange County Council. The abatements for Pioneer Wind Energy would cover ten years if they are given final approval. The preliminary approval was requested by Pioneer and the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation. Once the exact location of the turbines as well as the number and size are determined, then the final approval will be requested. The turbines are expected to be built between Topeka and Shipshewana. Construction could start by the end of the year.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The filing deadling to get on the May Primary ballot is noon this Friday. There are so far three candidated for the District Three seat on the Fremont School Board. Incumbent Cindy Saltzman is being challenged by Hope Korte and Kimberly Bennett. Meanwhile, Republican Kay Clark is running for another term on the Fremont Town Council.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(BUTLER) - Four members of a Butler household were arrested Tuesday when police conducted a drug raid. The bust took place at a home in the 400 block of East Green Street. Butler Police Chief Jim Nichols says his department had been working on the investigation for several weeks. 42-year-old Richard Hartman and 32-year-old Dasha Borror face charges of posssession of methamphetamine, paraphernalia and marijuana as well as maintaining a common nuisance. 42-year-old Billy Parker and 43-year-old Duane Hulbert are both facing charges of maintaining a common nuisance. A juvenile was also found in the home and was later turned over to the Indiana Department of Child Services.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - A half-million dollar mistake in the design of a portion of the County 250 North project could end up costing LaGrange County about $100,000. County Highway Engineer John Crist told County Commissioners on Tuesday that a mistake in the quantity of some material required was brought to their attention by the contractor. Commmission President Phil Curtis told Crist that he thought they should have the attorney review the contract with the designer and then communicate their findings to the state. That portion of the 250 North project is a federal aid project, so LaGrange County could be on the hook for 20 percent of the additional cost. The commissioners agreed to have their attorney review the contract and report back on the county's options. Meanwhile, they approved the change order so that the contractor, E & B Paving, can get paid.
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
(BRYAN, OHIO) - A Montpelier, Ohio man convicted of over a dozen sex crimes will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars. 43-year-old Alan D. Dolman was given a total prison sentence of 52 years on Tuesday after he was convicted last month on 13 felony counts for crimes involving two young girls. Dolman was looking at a maximum sentence of 69 years. He was convicted by a Williams County jury on 11 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance as well as two charges of endangering children. Eight of the charges are second degree felonies in Ohio that carry maximum sentences of eight years in prison. Dolman's conviction came after a two-day trial.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
(ANGOLA) - More people took advantage of public transportation in Steuben County during 2009 than the previous year. Donna Holcomb from the Steuben County Council on Aging told County Commissioners on Tuesday that ridership for S.T.A.R. Transporation went up by 42 percent last year. That includes a seven percent increase for senior riders. Thanks to federal stimulus money, Holcomb says they hope to have get new computer software in the future to assist them with scheduling. Thanks to the higher amount of riders in 2009, Holcomb says they expect to get 31 percent more state funding this year. She adds they currently have nine vehicles on the road and hope to get another van sometime in June.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Steuben County officials are still trying to find a way to help the Salem Center Fire Department pay off the mortgage on their building. County Attorney Don Stuckey said during Tuesday's County Commissioners meeting that one possible solution would involve the township establishing a cumulative fire fund. County Commissioners have had their hands tied by the state of Indiana in their efforts to help out Salem Center firefighters. Commissioners were willing to use Major Moves money last year for a $200,000 loan to the fire department. But state officials said they could not use the money for that purpose because the fire department is considered to be a private entity. Ironically, the fire department lost state funding for the building several years ago when the Build Indiana Program was discontinued. In other business, some new tiles are on the way for the Steuben County Community Center. County Commissioners approved the replacement of the old tiles on two floors of the building Tuesday morning. The nearly 20-year-old tiles have been breaking apart recently. The work to replace the tiles is expected to take three days.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - Wayne Davis is back on the Republican ballot for county assessor. He was placed back on the ballot Tuesday morning after he passed an exam to earn the required Level Two assessor/appraiser certification from the state of Indiana. The LaGrange County election board voted unanimously last Friday to remove Davis from the ballot. Election Board Chairperson Sue Glick said at the time that Davis told her he was taking his Level Two exam. Glick said if Davis passed he could re-file as a candidate by this Friday's deadline. Incumbent county assessor Lori Carney filed the challenge with the election board. She and Patricia Monroe are also on the Republican ballot for the assessor office.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
(KIMMELL) - Police ended a standoff with a Kimmel man who was firing shots from his home by gassing him. Noble County deputies were called Tuesday morning to 6414 West Bortner Street in Kimmel after a woman said a bullet entered her Clark Street home and passed through several walls. Officers say the man refused their attempts to communicate and would not come out. The Noble County Special Operations Group and Northeast Indiana SWAT Team were called in and surrounded the residence. Repeated attempts to contact the man over the nearly four hour standoff were unsuccessful. The SWAT teams fired several volleys of gas into the home, which prompted the suspect to put his hands and upper body outside an open window. As one group of officers held onto him, another group then entered the home and took the man into custody. He was taken to Parkview Noble Hospital and then the Northeastern Center for psychiatric evaluation. The man's name was not released by the Noble County Sheriff's Department.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Angola City Council approved ordinances covering the rezoning of land for the proposed Center Lake Preserves Subdivision and for a retirement community on first reading during Monday nights meeting. The development is planned for the area of 100 North and Center Lake. Nearby property owner Randy Sporr objected to the zoning change as he expressed his unhappiness about the planned entrances into the development. City Planner Julie Cole said the entrances are still being worked on by developers. The Council also decided to refer recommendations concerning widths for right-of-ways and streets onto the Angola Plan Commission. It was recently discovered there were conflicts concerning widths between the Unified Development Ordinance and existing City Ordinance requirements.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010
(KENDALLVILLE) - (AP) - A northeastern Indiana auto parts plant plans to hire 65 workers in the coming months as it starts a contract with Chrysler. Creative Liquid Coatings Incorporated manager Stephen Geist told Kendallville officials that the company is buying robots and other equipment for the new production line. He said the Fort Wayne-based company's contract with Chrysler starts in July and that it plans to hire the new workers by August. Kendallville's redevelopment commission voted Monday in favor of a 10-year phase-in of city taxes on $2.5 million in equipment the company is buying. The additional jobs will double the size of the factory's workforce.
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Monday, February 15, 2010
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Indicating he was tired of the partisan bickering in Washington, Indiana Democratic Senator Evan Bayh announced Monday afternoon he will retire and not seek another term in office. Bayh's decision stunned many political observers and threw the Indiana Senate race into a wide open affair. Bayh said his "passion for service to my fellow citizens is undiminished but my desire to do so by serving in Congress has waned." He blasted the way Washington operates during a news conference in Indianapolis. Bayh said "Congress is not operating as it should, the people's business is not getting done." While he loves public service Bayh added he does love Congress. After serving as Indiana Governor, Bayh was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1998 when he defeated Fort Wayne Mayor Paul Helmke. He easily won re-election in 2004.
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Monday, February 15, 2010
(ANGOLA) - After considerable discussion, the Angola Economic Development Commission passed a final resolution on Monday morning which approves the issuance of tax exempt bonds not to exceed $16.5 million by the city on behalf of Trine University. The city is acting as a facilator. The university would use the bonds to acquire assests from the construction of the new student apartment complex next to Zollner Golf Course. Attorney Richard Starkey said last years Stimulus Act will leave the city of Angola with no liability if the university defaults. University Vice President Mike Bock said the bond sale will improve their cash flow for future projects including the construction of another 125 bed apartment complex to help meet increased student enrollment. Angola Mayor Dick Hickman pointed out that Trine students who live on campus will be included in the citys 2010 census count for the first time. But Derek Aldridge, who owns rental property near the campus, fears more university housing will have a financial impact on him and others who have rented apartments to Trine students in the past. The Angola City Council passed an ordinance on second and third reading on Monday night that authorizes the issurance of the bonds.
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Monday, February 15, 2010
(HOWE) - The political landscape facing Howe's Marlin Stutzman in his race for the U.S. Senate was turned on its ear with Evan Bayh's announcement Monday that he would not seek another term. Stutzman said he was as surprised by Bayh's pullout as anyone. He said his campaign will continue to focus on the huge federal deficits and the impact government is having on unemployment in the Hoosier state. Tuesday is a big day for the State Senator. He'll file his petitions to place him on the ballot for the U.S. Senate. Four others, including former Senator Dan Coats, hope to be on that Republican ballot in May.
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Monday, February 15, 2010
(HUDSON) - Hudson Town Manager Ward Odom says the Insurance Services Office has completed a review of fire protection within the Hudson Volunteer Fire Department area of responsibility and has changed the Hudson area's fire rating. The rating has changed from 7/9 to 5/9. Odom says this means that the fire rating for insurance has improved if you live within five miles of the Hudson fire department and have a hydrant within 1,000 feet. He points out that while the change for an individual insurance policy will be small, the total decline for all those within the five mile area will be very large. A copy of the report is available for review at the Hudson Town Hall and at the Fire Department.
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Monday, February 14, 2010
(MONGO) - The process of moving hundreds of books from a home near Mongo to the Trine University library began Monday. The collection of 19th and 20th century books from Angelo Petitti Sr.'s home library was donated to Trine by Petitti's family. Angelo Petitti Jr. says his father's neighbors would have been amazed at the collection. The senior Petitti was interested in many subjects, but the book collection features a major emphasis on American history and Chicago history and politics. Angelo Junior and his brother, Robert, say their dad's passion impacted them in different ways. Robert was drawn to science and history, Angelo to politics and labor relations. They say it reached the point where their mother forbid their father to bring home more books, so he sent them to his children instead. Some of the collection will be placed in circulation within Trine’s libraries while the rare books will be archived.
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Monday, February 15, 2010
(ASHLEY) - Ashley could become part of a fire territory covering the northwest corner of DeKalb County. Officials from Ashley, Corunna, Richland Township, Smithfield Township, and Fairfield Township have commissioned a feasibility study to determine the viability of such a fire territory. A public hearing will be conducted sometime in the future. It comes on the heels of a fire territory proposal involving the city of Angola and four nearby townships. There has also been recent talk of a fire territory being formed in the southwestern part of Steuben County.
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Monday, February 15, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Three families in northeast Indiana will be among 35 honored this Friday as Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman and Indiana Agriculture Director Joe Kelsay will present the Hoosier Homestead Award at the Indiana Statehouse. Local families being honored are the Benson R. Lewis family from Steuben County, the Wayne and Eleanor Conrad family from DeKalb County and the Bitting family from Noble County. To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years, consist of at least 20 acres or produce at least $1,000 worth of agricultural products per year. The award was created to recognize the contribution these family farms have made to Indiana. The Lewis farm in Steuben County has been owned by the family since 1899.
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Sunday, February 14, 2010
(WEST UNITY) - Two Ohio State Highway Patrol Troopers were injured early Sunday morning when their police cruiser crashed in Williams County as they were chasing after a speeding driver. The crash happened on State Road 127 about three miles south of West Unity. The Highway Patrol reports the cruiser went off the road after it went out of control and flipped over in a field before it came to rest on its wheels. The passenger, 32-year-old Trooper Matthew Uran of Bryan, was first flown to the University of Toledo Medical Center before being transferred to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center. He is in stable condition with non life threatening injuries. The driver of the cruiser, 25-year-old Jason Urbina of Holland, Ohio was treated and released at Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers in Bryan. The Highway Patrol says both Uran and Urbina were wearing their seat belts. The patrol car sustained heavy damage. The incident is still under investigation.
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Sunday, February 14, 2010
(DEKALB COUNTY) - Two people were burned Sunday after DeKalb County Police say a suspected methamphetamine lab caught fire in a mini van. Police say the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames when they arrived near the intersection of County Roads 56 and 31. They say witnesses told them there were two occupants of the van who had fled the scene. 32-year-old Ryan Dickson was found a short distance away with burns to his hands and face. He was taken to the St. Joe Center Burn Unit. Police say the owner of the vehicle, 28-year-old Jessica Frigo of Butler, was found in Churubusco last night by Whitley County Deputies. She sustained burns to her legs. Police think the fire was caused by the failure of a reaction vessel used in the manufacturing of meth. Both Frigo and Dickson will be questioned once they are released from the hospital.
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Saturday, February 13, 2010
(FORT WAYNE) - Four Prairie Heights wrestlers will compete at the State Finals in Indianapolis next weekend. Danny Hamm won the 103 pound semi-state title on Saturday at Memorial Coliseum as his record improved to 42-6. Also moving onto the state finals were Travis Barroquillo at 125, Logan Counterman at 171 and Taylor Grubb at 215. Meanwhile, Fremont has advanced to the Class 2-A girls basketball sectional finals at Eastside thanks to a 54-50 victory over Churubusco on Saturday. The Eagles will play Garrett for the sectional crown on Monday night after the Railroaders defeated Prairie Heights 44-32. Also in the girls basketball sectionals, Angola was beaten by eighth-ranked Concordia 41-27 in the Class 3-A sectionals at Leo.
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Saturday, February 13, 2010
(BRUSHY PRAIRIE) - Some students would move from Milford Elementary to Prairie Heights Elementary School next year to help the Prairie Heights School district deal with budget cuts from the state. Superintendent Alan Middleton says since the information about the general fund reduction was just released, they can not cut salaries already executed at the start of the school year because contracts that run until early August must be honored. The budget reductions would have to come from August through the end of 2010. The state has told the district it has to trim $400,000 from its 2010 budget and Middleton says to accomplish that, $1.15 million will have to be eliminated from the 2011 budget. He says the district enrollment has gone down by 174 students over the last three years while the teaching staff level has stayed at an average of 109 over the same period. Middleton has proposed moving third and fourth grade students as well as special education to Prairie Heights Elementary. Grades K through 2 would remain at Milford, with one class at each level and enrollment capped so that one teacher per grade level is achieved. In January the board voted not to renew the contract of Milford Principal Dr. Gail Green. Middleton proposed Pat Long take over as principal of both elementary schools with assistance from Middle School Assistant Principal Jeff Reed. Middleton proposed exploring other uses for Milford Elementary to maintain the building. Other administrators would have added duties. High school assistant principal Amy Bertram will split her duties between the high school and middle school. Assistant Superintendent Vicki Walker would add duties at the high school to her central office duties. A public information meeting is set for Tuesday at 7:00pm in the high school auditorium.
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Saturday, February 13, 2010
(UNDATED) - Monday is Presidents Day which means some government offices will not be open. All state and county offices will be closed, that includes the Steuben County Courthouse. In addition, there will be no mail delivery. Angola City Hall will be open on Monday.
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Saturday, February 13, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Children in grades one through 12 are being sought for membership in the Steuben County 4-H program. Famalies with students in the elementary grades may have already received enrollment information through their local schools. Enrollment information is also available to junior and senior high school students through their school offices. The enrollment deadline is March 1st. There are no fees required to join 4-H in Steuben County but specific projects will incur different costs. For more information, call the Steuben County Extension Office at 668-1000, extension 1400.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - Wayne Davis is off the Republican ballot for county assessor for now but he could be back. The LaGrange County Election Board determined Davis did not hold the required Level Two assessor/appraiser certification from the state at the time he filed his candidacy. The election board voted unanimously to remove Davis from the ballot. But Election Board Chairperson Sue Glick said Davis told her he was taking his Level Two exam. Glick said if Davis passes he could re-file as a candidate by the February 19th deadline. Incumbent county assessor Lori Carney filed the challenge with the election board. She and Patricia Monroe are still on the Republican ballot for the position.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
(AUBURN) - A suspect wanted in connection with a rash of recent burglaries in Auburn was arrested on Thursday by Fort Wayne Police. 32-year-old Scott Michael Carteaux of Fort Wayne is facing four counts of burglary and two counts of criminal mischief. The burglaries took place January 22nd and 23rd on the west side of Auburn. The businesses involved were Famous Hair, Heavenly Day Spa, DeKalb County Visitor’s Bureau, The Cupbearer, and Fashion Bug. Auburn Police Chief Martin McCoy says the suspect committed the burglaries at four of the locations and caused damage, some of it extensive, at the remaining locations in an attempt to gain entry. Carteaux is accused of stealing money and other personal items. McCoy says police identified Carteaux after someone saw a vehicle leaving the area of two of the burglaries and it was traced back to him. Police have taken evidence from Carteaux's residence and the vehicle linking him to the incidents. McCoy adds thier investigation showed Carteaux may have been involved in other burglaries around northeast Indiana. Those leads are still under investigated.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
(VANBUREN TOWNSHIP) - A LaGrange County man suffered burns Thursday afternoon when a flammable liquid exploded in a workshop. The incident happened just before 2:00pm in the 7600 block of County Road 915-West. Shipshewana Fire Chief Chad Miller says the unidentified man may have been working on a fuel tank inside the workshop, which was not attached to the house. The man was flown by Samaritan helicopter to St. Joseph Medical Center’s burn unit in Fort Wayne. The workshop sustained an estimated $3,000 to $4,000 worth of damage.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
(FLINT) - An engineer working on the Orland sewer project told the Steuben Lakes Regional Waste District Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday night that even though the cold weather has slowed down some work, the project is moving along. Steve Maxwell said they are still looking at mid to late April for all of the lines to be in place for testing and the system should be ready to go line sometime in May or June. District Superintendent Tim Frederick responded to some customers who claim the district changed the due date on their bills without notifying them. He acknowledged printing problems on payment books may have confused some but he pointed out the due date has always been the 15th of the month since the original ordinance was passed in 2002 for the sewer project.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
(BRUSHY PRAIRIE) - The Prairie Heights Drama Club will presents "Spin - A Musical Myth" this weekend. Showtimes are on Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 2:30pm and 7:00pm. Tickets are $5 per seat while a family pack for a family of five or more is $20. To reserve tickets, 351-3214 extension 4760 or go on line to www.seatyourself.biz/Prairie Heights. The show is recommended for mature audiences.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
(KALAMAZOO) – Jurors deliberated all day Thursday, and still have not decided in a case of a Centreville, Michigan couple. There have been three days of jury deliberations in the trial of Anthony and Marsha Springer. The couple face murder, torture and child abuse charges in the death almost two years ago of their 16 year old daughter Calista. She was found chained to her bed in the family’s home, which was destroyed by fire. Jurors are scheduled to resume deliberations this morning.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
(UNDATED) - A one time substitute teacher in Branch County will not go on trial in federal court next week as originally scheduled after he pled guilty to a charge of distributing child pornography over state lines. 44-year-old Douglas Jodway is looking at a sentence of between five and 20 years. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for May 12th. In exchange for his guilty plea, two other charges will be dropped by federal prosecutors. Jodway was arrested last September after police found his computer IP on a computer in Mississippi during a child porn raid. After getting a search warrant, Police say they found child pornographic pictures in Jodway's home.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Trine University will once again host a summer space camp for youngsters this summer. The 12-day ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp will start on July 11th. It is being made possible by an $80,000 grant from ExxonMobil and the Bernard Harris Foundation. Harris is a former NASA astronaut who was the first African American to walk in space. Trine was among 11 universities added to the program last year. The two-week residential camp will be for students entering grades six, seven and eight. Fifty-four students will be chosen at no cost to their families. To apply for the camps, students must be academically qualified, live in one of the designated Indiana, Michigan or Ohio counties, be genuinely interested in mathematics and science and be recommended by two teachers. More information about student eligibility and selection criteria can be found at the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp Web site at www.theharrisfoundation.org.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
(ANGOLA) – The election of new board members and officers for 2010 was recently announced by officials at Cameron Hospital. Serving in a leadership position are Terry Vanette as Chairman, Charles Nedele as Vice Chairman, Ken Dunlap as Secretary and Barbara Short as Treasurer. In addition, Oren Skinner was re-elected by the Board to serve a second three-year term and Doctor Larry Watkins was elected as a new board member. Doc Weaver was also recognized for his service to the Board during the Deecember meeting.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Attorney James W. Burns has officially filed his Declaration of Candidacy for Steuben County Prosecuting Attorney at the Indiana Elections Division in Indianapolis. Burns will run against Assistant Steuben County Prosecutor Mike Hess in the May Republican Primary. Bill Stockberger is serving as Burns' campaign chair. Current Prosecutor Tom Wilson is not seeking another term.
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Friday, February 12, 2010
(UNDATED) - There is just one week before the filing deadline for the May Primary election. In Steuben County, Auditor Pam Coleman has filed to run for another term while Shelley Herbert is running for Steuben County Clerk. Incumbent County Clerk Diana Penick can not run again because of term limits. In addition, James Penick has filed for the District One seat on the M.S.D. of Steuben County School Board. In LaGrange County, Gary Heller filed for the Republican nomination for the north district county commissioner chair now held by Phil Curtis. Curtis is seeking a third term. David Manderfeld is seeking the Democratic nomination for the north district commissioner seat. Democrat Bryce Smith will seek his party's nomination for LaGrange County Sheriff. Incumbent Sheriff Terry Martin is the only Republican on the ballot so far.
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
(UNDATED) - With the improving conditions following the nearly ten inch snowstorm, Steuben County officials announced at 9:00am Thursday morning that the Level Three snow emergency was being lifted. It was effect since noon on Tuesday. Williams County also cancelled its Level One Snow Emergency just before noon. The digging out process following the storm is continuing. Steuben County Highway Department crews were back out on the roads at about 5:00am. After being able to make some headway on main streets and roads on Wednesday, crews are trying to take care of drifts on back roads. The north-south roads had the most problem areas but no roads were shut down because of drifting. Drivers should still use caution as there maybe ice on the roads from the melting snow. Many school districts delayed the start of classes by two hours on Thursday but students went back to the classroom after they enjoyed two snow days.
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The home of the Angola Hornets High School football team maybe undergoing some renovation work in the near future. The M.S.D. of Steuben County is advertising that they will receive Sealed Bid Proposals for work on new bleachers and a press box at the field behind Angola Middle School. All bids must be received by 2:00pm on March 8th. A pre bid meeting has been scheduled for March 1st at 10:00am. There has been talk of putting in new bleachers in recent years.
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - There will be contests for Prairie Heights School Board and LaGrange County Assessor on the May ballot. James Young filed for the Milford District seat on the Prairie Heights School Board on Tuesday setting up a contest against Todd Perkins who filed previously. Incumbent LaGrange County Assessor Lori Carney filed for re-election on Tuesday. She'll face a primary challenge from Wayne Davis and Patricia Monroe on the Republican ballot.
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Steuben County taxpayers should get their property tax statements on time this year. County Auditor Pam Coleman says the Department of Local Government Finance approved Steuben County's 2010 budget and tax rate late Wednesday afternoon. It will be the first time in three years that taxpayers will have to pay before the May 10th deadline. If that deadline is firmed up, the tax statements will have to be mailed out by April 23rd. The county will not have to cut a lot out of its 2010 budget. Coleman told the County Council on Tuesday that over $81,000 has to be trimmed from the Highway Department budget and about $5,100 will have to come out of the Health Department budget.
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - LaGrange County Assessor Lori Carney is challenging the candidacy of one of her rivals for the Republican nomination. In the challenge, Carney claims Wayne Davis is not a Level One or Level Two assessor/appraiser, and that the State lists no certification for Davis. Davis and Patricia Monroe both filed their candidacies for the Republican nomination during the first day of the filing period, while Carney filed on Tuesday. The LaGrange County Election Board will meet Friday afternoon at 3:30 in the Circuit Court Jury Room to hear Carney's challenge.
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Prosecutors Office will be contributing $10,000 to the Angola Police Department's fundraising effort to get a Police Dog. The Steuben County Council approved Prosecutor Tom Wilson's additional appropriation request during Tuesdays meeting. He said the dog would be available for the county if it was needed. Steuben County Sheriff Rick Lewis pointed out that due to a recent retirement of a K-9, they were down to one dog. In addition, the Indiana State Police only have two dogs for the entire region. The Prosecutors office will contribute $1,000 a month from its pre-trial diversion fund towards the fundraising effort.
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Angola Board of Public Works and Safety spent most of their Wednesday morning meeting discussing right-of-way widths and street widths. It was recently discovered that there were differences covering those widths in the Unified Development Ordinance and existing City Ordinances. No action was taken by the Board but Mayor Dick Hickman scheduled a Friday morning meeting with department heads to discuss the differences. Recommendations out of that meeting will be made to the Angola City Council on Monday night.
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Thursday, February 11, 2010
(ANGOLA) – Cameron Memorial Community Hospital and the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department recently partnered so that officers in the Special Response Tactical Team could get some training. An empty home was provided to the S.R.T. so officers could practice securing a residence and clearing a house. The S.R.T. practices twice a month. Ironically, their training came in handy last June during a armed standoff at a home near Cameron which forced a lock down of the hospital. The donated home was one of the properties the hospital recently purchased for the construction of their new facility. Nine officers took part during the recent training mission. Chris Emerick from the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department says about 40 officers from around the region will be training at the home in April.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Steuben County remains under a Level Three Snow Emergency because of the winter storm which moved in on Tuesday morning. What that means according to guidelines from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is that routine travel or activities maybe restricted in areas because of a hazardous situation. Citizens should use caution or avoid these areas. Conditions improved enough in DeKalb County on Wednesday to allow the county to lift its Level Two Snow Emergency. Meanwhile, LaGrange Counties was under a travel warning while Williams County in northwest Ohio was under Level One Snow Emergency. In Williams County, a Level 1 Snow Emergency means caution should be used. The Winter Storm Warning for much of northern Indiana, southern lower Michigan and northwest Ohio has expired but a freezing rain advisory was issued for LaGrange, Noble and DeKalb Counties until 7:00am on Thursday morning. Steuben County officials are asking residents to only use the 911 system for emergencies. The County has activated the 211 system this is to be used for NON emergency requests such as requests for Medications, Personal Medical needs or any other non emergency requests. Officials are also asking residents to call 665-3131 to report road hazards in the County and 665-2121 for road hazards in the City of Angola. This is to be used only if there is a road hazard such as roads that are impassable or large drifts. This is not to be used to gather road information such as roads that are closed and county emergency levels.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(UNDATED) - The biggest storm of this winter has resulted in reported snowfall amounts of between seven to 10 inches. Both Angola and Hamilton got 9 1/2 inches of snow while a ten inch snowfall was recorded at Pleasant Lake where four inches fell in a 14 hour time period. The storm forced all school districts in our area to shut down for Wednesday with many school officials deciding Tuesday night to cancel classes. Numerous activities have also been called off because of the weather. The weather has forced the Carnegie Public Library in Angola to close for the day. S.T.A.R. Transportation is also not running and the Steuben County Council on Aging office is closed as well. All Northeastern Center offices are also closed.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Due to the large amount of snow which has fallen, the city of Angola has put its Routine Snow Removal Ordinance into effect as of 10:00am on Wednesday morning. That means drivers of vehicles that are parked on streets, in alleys, on the public square or in public parking lots have 24 hours to move them to allow for snow removal. If vehicles are not moved within 24 hours, they will be red tagged. Vehicles which are red tagged and are not moved by 10:00am Friday morning will be towed at the owners expense. The ordinance went into effect after over nine inches of snow fell in the city of Angola. About the same amount of snow fell in Hamilton where Fire Chief Rodney Snyder is urging all residents living near fire hydrants to clear them of snow and make them visible to firefighters in case of an emergency.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(UNDATED) - A strong winter gradually loosened its grip on northeast Indiana on Wednesday which allowed road crews to finally make some headway. Indiana State Police Sgt. Ron Galaviz said at midafternoon that I-69 in Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Steuben and Wells Counties were clear and wet. I-469 in Allen County is also clear and wet but motorists are still being urged to use caution on and around bridges, underpasses and ramps as slick spots may still exist. Galaviz adds that U.S. and State highways are predominantly clear and wet. Intermittent areas exist where snow has blown into the road from open
fields. Secondary roads are snow covered and slick and motorists may encounter drifting conditions in some locations particularly this evening. The improving conditions allowed DeKalb County officials to lift its snow emergency at mid afternoon. Road crews caught a break when the winds following the big snowfall were not as strong as first forecasted. Steuben County Highway Department crews were sent home at 3:30pm. They will be back on the roads Thursday morning at 5:00am.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - State Senator Marlin Stutzman of Howe used a news conference to toss several questions at potential primary opponent Dan Coats this morning. Stutzman is running for the Republican nomination for Senate and a chance to challenge Democrat Senator Evan Bayh. Coats, who held the Senate seat before retiring and handing it to Bayh, announced last week he’s hoping to join the race. Stutzman raised several issues about Coats’ residency and his lobbying efforts. They included lobbying for major financial corporations during the bank bailout, an oil company with ties to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and for Yemen. Stutzman said Indiana can’t afford a senator who has ties corporations, banks, and anti-American governments. Those issues were previously raised by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(CLEARSPRING TOWNSHIP) - An Albion woman was injured Wednesday morning when her car was struck by a LaGrange County Highway Department snow plow. Hanna Hoffman was transported to Parkview LaGrange Hospital for treatment of an injury to her ear. LaGrange County deputies say Hoffman was westbound on County Road 700-South when her car was struck by the plow. Police say the plow driven by Dale Beckwith of Howe was northbound on 500-West and disregarded the stop sign.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Council approved a $40,000 additional appropriation request from the Steuben Circuit Court on Tuesday morning for juvenile detention. The funding responsibility to detain certain juveniles has been with the state of Indiana. It now belongs to counties but it was not discovered until after the 2010 budget was approved. The money approved on Tuesday may not be enough. Circuit Court Judge Allen Wheat gave what he called conservative figures to the Council which showed detaining juveniles could cost the county almost $46,000 this year. The Council agreed to take the money out of health insurance. They also told the Circuit Court to submit quarterly reports as to where their funding stands. There had been fears the additional money for juvenile detention would bust the county's 2010 budget. The Council also approved a $10,000 additional appropriation request from the Prosecutors office so that they can contribute $1,000 a month towards the Angola Police Department's fundraising effort to establish a K-9 program. A $15,000 request for work in the Lions Building at the County Fairgrounds was also approved. Auditor Pam Coleman also informed the Council that the state has told the county over $81,000 has to be trimmed from the Highway Department budget and about $5,100 will have to come out of the Health Department budget.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Anticipating the passage of the Federal Jobs Bill, Steuben County Commissioners approved a recommendation from County Engineer Keith Lytton to have three engineering companies perform four resurfacing projects covering about 23 miles of roads in the county. Butler, Fairman and Seifert would work on over eight miles of Old State Road One, D.L.Z. Engineering would work on 400 West and 500 South as well as Old 27 from 800 South to the city of Angola and A and Z Engineering would work on 800 South from Old 27 to the Hamilton city limits. The total amount of quotes from the three firms was about $27,000. The projects would follow the same design and submission requirements as in last years stimulus package. Contracts could be signed as early as next Tuesdays Commissioners meeting. There is a time factor involved as the quicker the jobs are accepted, the better the chances Steuben County has of getting federal funds.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(FORT WAYNE) - United Way officials say the number of calls to Northeast Indiana’s 2-1-1 Center went up last year. They report that over 40,000 calls were placed to the 2-1-1 Center in 2009 which is a 11 percent increase from 2008. The Northeast Indiana 2-1-1 Call Center was established by the United Way in November of 2003. Officials say call volumns have doubled since the first year of operation. The top needs reported by callers in 2009 were financial assistance for help with utility bills and deposits, food and health or medical care. United Way of Allen County operates the Northeast Indiana 2-1-1 Call Center which provides service to the ten northeast Indiana counties.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(ROMULUS, MICH.) - A Bryan, Ohio man has been charged by Wayne County Prosecutors with resisting arrest after authorities say he breached security on Monday at Detroit Metro Airport. The Detroit Free Press says 27-year-old Kaylan Policherla appeared in federal court and is now facing federal and state charges in connection with the incident in which he is accused of ignoring security officers when he walked through a passenger screening checkpoint. He was later Tasered by police. The Free Press reports he was ordered to be held until a detention hearing takes place Thursday in federal court. Policherla is scheduled to be arraigned on the resisting arrest charge Wednesday in 34th District Court in Romulus.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Nearly 50 people braved the terrible driving conditions on Tuesday night to give their ideas and views on what they would like to see offered in the future at the Steuben County Park. The meeting is part of the Troyer Group's process of putting together a master plan for improvements at the park. After Mike Reese from the Troyer Group gave a brief presentation, participants broke up into four brainstorming groups over the next couple of hours. Tuesday nights meeting was part of a two day planning and design workshop which will cover the future use of the park and a 95 acre parcel that the county is looking to buy. Work on the County Park Master Plan is expected to be finished by the end of April.
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010
(UNDATED) - The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership has announced the appointment of Brandon Talbert as Director of Business Recruitment. He will start his new job on February 22. Officials say Talbert will be responsible for generating leads and cultivating contacts to bring business investment to the region. Talbert will work closely with the ten county region's local economic development organization partners including those in Steuben County. Talbert formally worked in marketing and client services in Tennessee and Virginia.
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Former Indiana University basketball coach Bob Knight is scheduled to be the speaker for Trine University’s 125th commencement on Saturday, May 8 in Hershey Hall. Knight coached at I.U. for 29 years leading the Hoosiers to national titles in 1976, 1981 and 1987. Among the records he holds is 902 career coaching victories. Knight has stressed academics and character in his players who have a 98 percent graduation rate. Trine President Doctor Earl Brooks II said Knight's respect for learning and ability to instill character in his players would make him an inspiring speaker for the 1,400-student school. During the commencement ceremony, Knight will be presented with an honorary doctor of public service degree from Trine University in recognition of his lifelong commitment to improving the lives of young people.
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
(ANGOLA) - An Angola woman who teaches in the Camden-Frontier school district was arrested on Friday by the Indiana State Police on a Class B felony for sexual misconduct with a minor. The State Police said in a news release that 37-year-old Dawn Marie Schwartzengraber was arrested by its Criminal Investigation Division. Schwartzengraber is free after posting bond. State Police say Detective Harry Nix investigated allegations that Schwartzengraber had inappropriate conduct with a now 17-year-old male student of the school over the last two years at her home and on roadways in btoh Michigan and Indiana. Michigan State Police assisted during the investigation.
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Angola Plan Commission gave their approval to zoning changes for a proposed 78 lot residential subdivision near 100 North and Center Lake on Monday night. But they decided to table the primary plat for the proposed Center Lakes Preserves project until the Angola City Council has had a chance to vote on the zoning changes. The Plan Commission gave a positive recommendation on a request from Phillips Bay LLC to have over 51 acres be zoned medium density single family residential with other nine acres zoned high density multiple family residential. The plan presented Monday night is different than the one first presented by developers last June. Engineer Joe Bishop also felt it was a better plan. In other business, Gene Burd will again be the Plan Commission President for 2010 while Jeff Martin will serve as Vice-President and Julie Cole will be the secretary.
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
(PORTAGE) - (AP) - Authorities have banned some long trucks on the Indiana Toll Road with heavy snow and high winds accompanying the winter storm hitting the state. Some lanes of the toll road near the Portage exit were closed for a time Tuesday after two semitrailers crashed. State police also reported several slide-offs and crashes on the highway. The toll road operator banned double and triple trailers until 7:00pm Wednesday night. Snowfall slowed in much of central and southern Indiana after several inches of snow fell earlier in the day. The National
Weather Service forecast up to 8 inches of snow in parts of central Indiana, with a foot or more in northwestern Indiana, followed by possible drifting from wind gusts up to 40 mph.
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010
(UNDATED) - Indiana Conservation Officer Erick J. Bolt was recently selected by the Indiana Conservation Officers of District Two to receive the District Officer of the Year Award for 2009. The counties that comprise District Two are Lagrange, Steuben, Noble, Dekalb, Whitley, Allen, Huntington, Adams, and Wells. Bolt is assigned to Whitley County and has been an Conservation Officer since November of 1995. Bolt is now eligible for the Pitzer Outstanding-Officer-of-the-Year Award for 2009. The Pitzer award is presented in “Remembrance” of Conservation Officer James D. Pitzer who was killed in the line of duty in 1961.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Officials at Trine University have announced the election of three new members to its board of trustees. Named as trustees during the boards annual meeting last month were Metal Technologies Incorporated Chief Executive Rick L. James, State Senator Dennis Kruse and Jack Shaw who is the retired president and chief executive for Hughes Electronics Corporation. James graduated from Tri-State University in 1977. Kruse has served the Indiana State Senate since 2004 and served in the Indiana House for 15 years before that. Shaw joined Hughes in 1987. He became the company C.E.O. and President in 2001.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
(HILLSDALE COUNTY) - A woman from Camden, Michigan lost her life following a Friday night accident in Hillsdale County's Amboy Township. Michigan State Police at Jonesville report 74-year-old Carol Keesecker lost control of her vehicle on snow-covered West Territorial Road at about 9:25pm. Her vehicle then went off the road and struck a utility pole. Keesecker was taken to Community Hospital of Williams County in Bryan where she was pronounced dead. Troopers were assisted by the Hillsdale County Sheriff's Department, the Woodbridge Township Fire Department and the Reading Emergency Unit.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - The state of Indiana 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. Another $80,000 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 but Councilman Mike Strawser didn't care for that idea. Council agreed to send a request to the County Commissioners asking them how they would propose making the needed cuts.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
(FREMONT) - The Fremont School Board agreed to let a wind turbine project for the school district move forward on Monday night but not before one board member said as of now he would vote against it. Jeff Hastings had concerns about the cost of the project adding he did not buy the financial projections. Board President Tim Knoblauch also had concerns about the life span of the wind turbine equipment. Scott Zigmond and Pete Beiriger from Performance Services talked about how a wind turbine for the Fremont School District can perform like one which is currently being used in the Randolph Eastern school district. Plans call for the wind turbine to be located southwest of Fremont Middle School. Zigmond said if a final approval is made, it would take between 12 and 14 months to get the wind turbine into operation. In other business, Assistant Superintendent Laurie Vaughn discussed the privately funded Summer Advantage program. She says they hope to have about 50 children in the program which is scheduled to start in the middle of June.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Carnegie Library Board of Trustees approved a request on Monday to establish a rainy day fund. Library Director Sonya Dintaman said according to state law, they have to establish a rainy day fund because of the possibility of an extra $14,000 coming from their CAGIT distribution. She said money from up to 10 percent of the library budget can be used for such a fund. In other business, the board decided to keep non-resident card fees of $39 for individuals and $75 for famalies the same for 2010.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
(MIAMI) - Unlike three years ago, there will be no state wide tour of the Super Bowl trophy throughout Indiana. The Indianapolis Colts lost Super Bowl 44 to the underdog New Orleans Saints 31-17 last night in Miami. The Colts jumped out to a 10-0 lead after the first quarter but the Saints closed to within 10-6 at halftime. The game seemed to turn on the second half kickoff when the Saints recovered an onside kick. After the lead exchanged hands twice, New Orleans took the lead for good with 5:42 to play on a two yard touchdown pass from game MVP Drew Brees to Jeremy Shockey. The Saints sealed the deal when former I.U. player Tracy Porter returned a Peyton Manning interception 74 yards for a touchdown. Many Colts fans were disappointed but they had sympathy for New Orleans because the city endured Hurricane Katrina. Some fans in Indiana were cheering for Brees who played his college ball at Purdue. The sentiment was split near the West Lafayette campus in the days leading up to the game. Brees passed for 288 yards and two touchdowns.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
(DEKALB COUNTY) - 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.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
(BRUSHY PRAIRIE) - The Prairie Heights and Westview Varsity Boys Basketball teams maybe rivals on the court but they will be on the same team in the fight against cancer this Thursday night. Thursday's game at Prairie Heights High School will be a Coaches vs. Cancer event. There will be a silent auction, Hula Hoop Contest, 3-point shots for $1.00, and half-court shots for $3.00 along with a bake sale sponsored by the Prairie Heights Cheerleaders. T-shirts are available at both Prairie Heights and Westview High Schools. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. For more information, call 665-3098.
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Monday, February 8, 2010
(CONSTANTINE) – Seven children were injured while driving to school in Constantine Monday morning. Michigan State Police from the White Pigeon Post says the vehicle driven by 17 year old Paige Hicks of White Pigeon was driving west on Stears Road when it hit a small snow drift in the road. The vehicle spun out of control, going off the road and hitting a tree. In addition to Hicks there were five female passengers and one male, ranging in age from seven to 17 years old. Three of the injured children were flown to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo by Aircare and Samaritan helicopters. They are listed in serious condition. Hicks was initially taken to Three Rivers Hospital and later flown to Bronson Hospital. The other three are at Three Rivers Hospital with non life threatening injuries. Troopers were assisted by Constantine Fire and Rescue, Three Rivers Fire and Rescue, and White Pigeon Fire. The crash is still under investigation.
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Saturday, February 6, 2010
(RICHLAND TOWNSHIP) - Nearly a dozen people had to escape from a burning Richland Township home near the Michigan-Ohio state line late on Friday night. Firefighters from eight departments in Steuben and Williams County had to battle the flames on 525 South near 900 East. The fire was reported just before 11:00pm. It was not called under control until just after 1:20am on Saturday morning but not before the home was determined to be a total loss. Crews were on the scene for about four hours. Hamilton Fire Chief Rodney Snyder says 11 people had to get out of the house including a teenager who had to jump off a roof to escape the flames. There were no injuries reported among the home occupants and firefighters. 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. Drifting snow complicated matters for firefighters. The Steuben and Williams County Highway Departments had to be called in to plow roads so that tankers could haul water to the fire scene from Edon, Ohio. Snyder says the cause of the fire is undetermined but it not considered suspicious. He says it may have started in a laundry room. The dollar amount on the damage has not been determined.
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Saturday, February 6, 2010
(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 trail of Anthony and Marsha Springer. The couple are 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.
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Saturday, February 6, 2010
(MONGO) - A short foot pursuit in the Pigeon River Fish And 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.
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Saturday, February 6, 2010
(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 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.
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Saturday, February 6, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Two men and two women were arrested Thursday afternoon during a marijuana bust at a residence in the 400 block of South Superior Street in Angola. 32-year-old Shannon William Green and 30-year-old Paul Michael Kage, Junior were both arrested on Class D felony charges of possession of marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance as well as misdemeanor charges of possession of paraphernalia. Green is free after posting 10 percent of a $7,500 bond. Kage appeared for his initial hearing on Friday where not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf. The two other people arrested, 19-year-old Nicole Paige Schnetzler and 20-year-old Amanda Victoria Treadway, were both booked on Class B misdemeanors for visiting a common nuisance. Schnetzler was being held on a probation violation while Treadway is free on bond.
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Friday, February 5, 2010
(AUBURN) - Auburn Police say they arrested a man on Wednesday afternoon on six charges following a reported armed robbery in the 100 block of North Main. Auburn Police Chief Martin McCoy stated in a press release that the robbery took place outside of a business. He says the victim told police that 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 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 because he thought that was where the suspect could be headed. Police then took 46-year-old Nicholas F. Reith into custody. Police say the stolen debit card 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 marijunana and paraphernalia. Assisting Auburn Police during the investigation were members of the DeKalb County Probation Department.
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Friday, February 5, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The next step in the development of a master plan for the Steuben County Park will take place on Tuesday night. The Steuben County Commissioners along with with The Troyer Group will host a meeting that will allow members of the public to discuss future improvements at the park. The meeting will take place in the multi purpose room of the Steuben County Community Center. A brief presentation will take place at 6:00pm to introduce the master plan process. Small groups will then be organized to develope ideas. The Troyer Group is expected to finish their work on the project by late April.
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Friday, February 5, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - (AP) - A new revenue forecast, but same results according to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. 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. 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. 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.
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Friday, February 5, 2010
(ANGOLA) - An Angola man is expected to face federal charges after he was accused of transporting a teen across state lines in order to have sex with her. The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports 40-year-old Foster Kenneth Creager is scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate on Monday in the southern district of New York State. Creager was arrested last September 11th at his Silver Lake residence on a fugitive warrant for allegedly kidnapping a 15-year-old girl he met on the internet. He was charged at that time with second degree kidnapping. Indiana State Police Detective Kevin Smith said last September that Creager drove to Poughkeepsie, New York to meet the girl. Smith says cell phone and computer records helped police in their search for Creager.
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Friday, February 5, 2010
(ASHLEY) - DeKalb County Police say a K-9 unit helped find a juvenile runaway on Thursday night. The girl was reported missing from a residence south of Ashley just after 7:30pm. She was last seen only wearing a t-shirt and blue jeans. She went out in near freezing temperatures without shoes, a coat or a hat. K-9 handler Deputy Aaron Long and his partner Gage were called in to help track the youngster about 45 minutes later after other efforts to find her were unsuccessfull. The scent was followed to a nearby barn where the girl was located safe and sound. The Sheriffs Department says this was Long and Gage's first successfull track as a team in which they found the individual they were looking for. After completing a 14 week training course, the officer and his K-9 partner have been together for almost a year. The DeKalb County Sheriffs Department says it K-9 program is funded thanks to donations from citizens and local business owners.
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Friday, February 5, 2010
(KALAMAZOO) – The father of a dead Centreville girl took the stand in his own defense on Thursday. Anthony Springer and his wife Marsha are charged with murder, torture and child abuse in the death of their 16 year old daughter Calista in February 2008. 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 testified 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 on Friday.
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Friday, February 5, 2010
(BRONSON) – Phase One of the Bronson Library remodeling project is finished. The Bronson Friends Of The Library says the building finally has barrier free access. City Manager and Friends Of The Library Treasurer David O’Rourke says the new entrance is more conveniently located adjacent to the parking lot and that many patrons who previously had problems getting up the steps to the library are taking advantage of the entrance and the new elevator. Also on display are two historically significant lights. Students at the Branch Area Career Center re-wired and prepared the lights for installation.
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Friday, February 5, 2010
(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.
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Thursday, February 4, 2010
(ANGOLA) - After a nearly one hour discussion, the Steuben County Plan Commission voted 5-2 with one abstention on Wednesday night to make no recommendation to County Commissioners about a request to vacate a public way on Lone Tree Point at Lake James. Laura and Richard Clifton petitioned to vacate a four foot wide walkway that is located between a pair of lots so that two houses could be turned into one. But Attorney Craig Benson, representating a nearby property owner, raised several objections. He felt the vacation would give the Cliftons 104 feet of lake frontage. After the vote, Plan Commissioner member Jim Crowl, who is also a County Commissioner, told the two sides to work things out before they came before the Commissioners. In other business, a new fee schedule for administrative land divisions and wind conversion systems was approved. Plan Director Zach Michels also went over proposed changes to a code for ethics and behavior for Plan Commission members. They included areas in which conflict of interest situations may come up. There is also a tentative plan to limit meetings to no more than eight agenda items. A vote is expected to be taken during next months meeting.
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Thursday, February 4, 2010
(HUDSON) - Officials in the town of Hudson have been informed by Congressman Mark Souder’s office that the Hudson Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a federal grant which will be used to buy new equipment. Town Manager Ward Odom says the department has gotten 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 that 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.
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Thursday, February 4, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Some local high school students will be trying 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 be holding what are being called "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. Nearly 30 students will be involved in the "Drop Dead" events which will take place during the Friday night girls basketball game in Fremont and during the Saturday night boys game in Angola. VOICE is made up of students from around Steuben County. For more information about the group, log onto Drug Free Steuben's web site which is drugfreesteuben.org.
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Thursday, February 4, 2010
(KENDALLVILLE) - City officials in Kendallville are scrambling to make a $1 million 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.
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Thursday, February 4, 2010
(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.
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
(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.
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
(ANGOLA) - An Angola woman has been charged by prosecutors with a Class B felony of 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 after a warrant for her arrest was issued last October. According to Steuben County court documents, a person who lived near Boyd-Patrick told police when they were called to the scene of an unrelated domestic dispute last May 22nd that she found some bags near a shed on her property. Police said the bags had a strong chemical odor which is commonly 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 was entered by Magistrate Randy Coffey on behalf of Boyd-Patrick during her initial hearing and bond was set at $50,000. The case will go through Superior Court where a pre-trial conference was set for March 15th and a jury trial was scheduled for April 22nd. A co-defendant in the case, 41-year-old Anthony Cipolloni of Angola, is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday after he pled guilty on January 11th to a Class D felony for possession of meth.
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Kindergarten registration in the M.S.D. of Steuben County has been scheduled for February 24th and 25th. Elementary schools in the district will be hosting registrations from 8:00am until 7:00pm on the 24th and from 8:00am until 3:00pm on the 25th. Parents of children eligible for kindergarten during the 2010-2011 school year will have an opportunity to request either half day or full day sessions. They will need to bring thier child's social security card, official birth certificate, proof of residence and immunization record to the registration. A child has to be five years old on August 1st of this year to qualify for 2010-2011 kindergarten classes. Children do not need to attend the registrations. If you have any questions or need further information, call any of the districts elementary offices.
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
(AUBURN) - DeKalb County Police say a Butler man has been arrested on a warrant for two Class C felony counts of child molesting. According to a brief statement released by the DeKalb County Sheriffs Department, 23-year-old Douglas Badman was arrested at his home and is being held without bond pending an initial hearing. The Sheriffs Department says the arrest took place after Badman was interviewed January 12th by DeKalb County Detective Don Lauer. Police say the alledged victim in the case is a three year old boy.
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A meeting that will feature a presentation on a possible future fire territory in Steuben County has been 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 during that meeting 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 along with township representatives are expected to be on hand for Mondays 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.
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Trine University’s Office of Student Life and Bon Appetit will be co-sponsoring a Locks of Love event next Monday in the University Center's Whitney Commons Cafe. The event starts at 10:00am. Participants will donate hair to the Locks of Love organization. In turn, Locks of Love will provide hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children who suffer hair loss from any medical diagnosis. Those who wish to donate can contribute 10-inch lengths of clean, dry hair bundled into a ponytail or braid. Hair containing permanents or dye can be used but no bleached hair can be contributed. Finishing Touch Salon will be cuttting the hair. Bon Appetit will collect donations of money, hair bows, barrettes, ponytail holders and other items. For more information, contact Deby Pranger with Bon Appetit at 665-4278.
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
(UNDATED) - It's like a bad re-run. Just like on numerous other occasions this winter, not a lot of precipitation fell Wednesday morning in Steuben County but it was just enough to slicken up the roads and cause numerous accidents. Nearly a dozen crashes were reported to Steuben County 9-1-1 Dispatch as light freezing rain led to spots of icy driving conditions. Crashes reported included one on southbound I-69 just south of the Pokagon Exit. Another was on State Road One near Clarks Landing. No serious injuries were reported.
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
(BUTLER) - Butler Police say five people were arrested during a Monday night drug bust in the 400 block of East Oak Street. 48-year-old Ben Owsley and 21-year-old Tyson Owsley were taken into custody on the most serious charges. Both were arrested on Class B felonies for possession of meth within 1,000 feet of a park or school. 47-year-old Daphne Webb was arrested on a Class D felony of maintaining a common nuisance. The other two people were arrested on misdemeanor charges. A juvenile was also arrested and later released to the custody of parents. Another juvenile was taken into custody for placement by DeKalb County Child Services. Indiana State Police and DeKalb County Police assisted Butler Police.
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
(ANGOLA) - There were not enough members of the Steuben County Board of Aviation present Tuesday night for a quorum but those who attended were given an update by engineer Mike Evans about what is going to take place over the next several months concerning a couple of projects at the airport. One is a report the F.A.A. is requesting about wildlife in the area of the airport as the result of a new layout. Evans hopes that report, which he says would cost between $20,000 and $25,000, can be done in six months. As for work on the airports taxiway, Evans and Board Attorney Craig Benson felt it would be a good idea to wait until after this July's hot air balloon event for that to take place. Due to a lack of a quorum, last nights meeting will be rescheduled for next Tuesday night.
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Even though the local economy has struggled in the last couple of years, Angola Mayor Dick Hickman has a positive outlook about the citys future. He said in his state of the city report at Monday nights 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. During last nights meeting, the City Council passed an ordinance on first reading that authorizes the issurance of tax exempt revenue bonds not to exceed $16.5 million which will allow Trine University to finance its Golf Course Apartment project. The Council also approved three additional appropriation requests. One was for $11,500 to the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation which will help fund a countywide economic development study. Another was for $5,000 for the Angola Police Department's K-9 program and another $28,000 was approved for the Police Department's Safe Routes to School program. The 2010 maximum levy tax rate of $0.9258 was also approved. Clerk-Treasurer Deb Twitchell pointed out it was a 3.4 percent increase from the 2009 tax rate.
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010
(DEKALB COUNTY) - 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 operators license when required, speed to fast for weather conditions and operating without proof of financial responsibility.
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Tuesday, February 2, 2010
(MERRILLVILLE) - (AP) - Officials for Northern Indiana Public Service Company 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., C.E.O. 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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Tuesday, February 2, 2010
LAGRANGE - LaGrange County Commissioners approved the rezoning of 5 acres near Howe on Monday. The rezoning of land owned by Lima Elevator to I-1 Industial is to facilitate an expansion of the business. It was approved by the Plan Commission last month. In other business, the commissioners agreed to advance three months payments to the LaGrange County Council on Aging. C-O-A Executive Director Bill Cunningham said the advance was needed to ease cash flow while the agency waits for reimbursement from the state. Cunningham also reported that a change in requirements by the Veteran's Administration will prevent the C-O-A from providing housekeeping services to five local veterans. Commissioners approved a remodeling of the sugar shack at Maplewood Nature Center to accommodate product sales. Parks Director Mike Metz said the South Milford Lions Club is paying for the $5,300 project. On another matter, the commissioners authorized E-M-S Director Bruce Coney to advertise for bids for a new ambulance chassis. Coney planned to do the remount later in the year, but said he fears that new emission standards could make the existing chassis that is required very scarce by then.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
(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. Meanwhile, 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 commintment each county made several years ago to a proposed distribution center. 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.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
(PLEASANT LAKE) - Melissa Beer is the Steuben County Spelling Bee champion for 2010. The 6th grader from Fremont Middle School correctly spelled "patience" in the 21st round to win Monday's Steuben County Journal Gazette Spelling Bee that was hosted once again by Pleasant Lake Elementary School. Melissa's parents are Todd and Kris Beer. She will now advance to the regional spelling bee which will be held next month in Fort Wayne. Brennan Badman of Hamilton Elementary was the runner-up. Also competing in the Steuben County Spelling Bee were Phillip McCutchen of Angola Middle School, Georgia Hewitt of Carlin Park Elementary, Trayson Lucas of Hamilton Junior High, Faiza Ahmed of Hendry Park Elementary, Destin Kuhn of Pleasant Lake Elementary and Matthew Wheeler of Ryan Park Elementary.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
(ANGOLA) - An Auburn man was formally charged on Monday in connection with a burglary which took place last weekend at Aggregate Industries in Angola. 32-year-old Sheldon John Nickols is also facing two drug charges after he was arrested Saturday night when police say an ammonia odor was detected coming from a room at the University Inn on West Maumee. Steuben County Prosecutors filed Class D felonies of illegal possession of precursors and maintaining a common nuisance. According to Steuben County court documents, items taken in the Aggregate burglary were found by police in his room. Not guilty pleas were entered on behalf of Nickols during his initial hearing in front of Magistrate Randy Coffey. Bond was set at $30,000 and his case will go through Superior Court where a jury trial was scheduled for April 22nd.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A Steuben Superior Court trial date of March 18th was confirmed on 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 couples home on West Fox Lake Road. She is being held in the Steuben County Jail without bond.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A man from Howard City, Michigan was given a five year sentence on Monday in Steuben Superior Court after he entered a guilty plea on December 28th to a Class C felony of Forgery. 26-year-old Anthony Scott Hood was given credit for serving 204 days in the Steuben County Jail and 174 days for good time credit. He was also ordered to pay restitution. Hood was arrested last July after he had been wanted on a Steuben County warrant since January of 2007 when he allegedly failing to appear for a hearing on a check deception charge. That charge was filed after Hood allegedly wrote a check for about $240 in March of 2003 to an Angola store from a closed account out of Oklahoma. Steuben County Prosecutors filed the forgery charge in September of 2008 after Hood was accused of using a fake name to rent several pieces of construction equipment from an Angola business in August of 2006. He has also been accused by Michigan authorities of using numerous fake identifications.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Officials at the Steuben County Community Foundation have announced they have awarded over $9,000 in grants to three local organizations. Oren Skinner from the Community Foundation says Community Harvest Food Bank got $5,000 in support of their Farm Wagon program. In addition, Women In Transition got $2,400 to help with their operating budget and Mount Zion United Methodist Church received $2,500 to support the coat bank for those in need. The Community Foundation reviews grant requests five times a year. The next cycle of grant requests are due at the Community Foundation office by February 26th.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
(FREMONT) - Kindergarten registration for the 2010-2011 school year at Fremont Elementary School is now underway. Registration will take place Mondays through Fridays between 8:30am and 2:30pm through February 26th. If you have a child that will be five years old on or before August 1st, you will need to come to the Fremont Elementary School office and register them for next years kindergarten. It is not necessary to bring your child. Screening will not take place until May. For more information, call the Fremont Elementary office at 495-4385.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
(ANGOLA) - An effort to establish a Phosphate Ordinance for Steuben County has come to end. Bill Schmidt, who has been backing the ordinance for almost three years, told Steuben County Commissioners on Monday that the State Chemist office felt there was no "special circumstance" for the ordinance. The proposed ordinance would have banned the use of phosphates in the county in order to control plant life in local lakes. Schmidt indicated that state officials felt the ordinance would have been difficult to enforce. The ordinance was initially passed by the county and the town of Clear Lake before the State Chemist office stepped in.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A woman who was charged in connection with a fire in January of 2009 at North Lake Manor was given a total sentence of 6 1/2 years on Monday in Steuben Superior Court after pleading guilty to charges in three cases. Diana Louise Wright entered a guilty plea to criminal mischief in the case filed by prosecutors last February in connection with the fire at 114 Ivywood Court in North Lake Manor. The building where the fire broke out is owned by the Angola Housing Authority. In exchange for her guilty plea in that case, a Class B felony of arson of a dwelling was dropped by prosecutors. Wright also pled guilty to residential entry and attempted theft in the other two cases. She was given credit for 296 days already served in jail and the same amount of time for good time credit. Restitution was ordered in the North Lake Manor case but Wright was found to be indigent thus a civil judgement was entered.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
(LIGONIER) - An Angola man was one of three suspects arrested on Friday in a methamphetamine bust at a home on 1000 North near Ligonier. The Noble County Sheriffs Department says 32-year-old James Hendrix was arrested on a Class D felony for possession of meth. In addition, 29-year-old Mark Lemings of Ligonier was arrested on three charges including a Class D felony of possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture. 34-year-old Shannon Hohenstein was arrested on four charges including Class D felonies for possession of two or more precursors with intent to manufacture and possesion of schedule four controlled substances. Police say the arrests were made after they had gotten several tips over the last month.
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Monday, February 1, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A portion of West Broad will be closed at least through mid week because of sewer work by contractors for the city of Angola. City utilities spokesperson Retha Hicks says Culy Construction will start their work today. The project is expected to last through Wednesday. A new sanitary sewer will be installed in the 600 block of West Broad Street. This section of West Broad will be closed to through traffic during the daytime hours. Access to Sheets, LP Gas and North Central Co-op must be gained from the east. Traffic will be maintained during the overnight hours.
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Saturday, January 30, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A traffic accident on Friday night knocked out power to some residents on Angola's north side including those who live at Cameron Woods. The crash happened on 100 North just west of the Angola city limits just before 9:00pm. Reports indicate a vehicle knocked down a NIPSCO utility pole and numerous power lines before winding up in a pond near the Chuck Sheets property. The driver of the vehicle had to be pulled out by police but did not require transport to Cameron Hospital. NIPSCO crews worked overnight in single digit temperatures to make repairs. A portion of 100 North between Wohlert Street and 200 West was still closed to traffic on Saturday morning. The crash is being investigated by the Steuben County Sheriffs Department. The power at Cameron Woods came back at about 12:40am on Saturday morning but not before some residents left the facility to spend the night with family members.
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Saturday, January 30, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Nearly 100 people braved the chilly temperatures at midday on Friday to watch a 20 by 11 foot aluminum cross be lifted into place at the new St. Anthony's Catholic Catholic on West Maumee. It was part of a topping out ceremony for the erection of the last steel beam at the new church. The cross was lifted into place following a speech by Angola Mayor Dick Hickman and a blessing by Father Fred Pasche. Parrish members believed it was only appropriate that a topping out ceremony at a church be conducted with the placement of its cross. There is still work to be done on the inside but construction on the church is nearing completion after it began last May. The first services are scheduled to take place during Easter weekend. Design Collaborative designed the cross. The new church is being built by Michael Kinder and Sons. ProFab fabricated the cross and it was erected by workers from Smith Erectors.
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Saturday, January 30, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A Bachelor and Silent Auction to benefit the beautification of downtown Angola will be held Saturday night at 6:30pm at Piggy's Brew Pub. There will be music by Mike Conley, appetizers and over 30 items in the silent auction. Organizers say all of the money raised will go to the beautification of downtown Angola. Benches, tables chairs, and planters are on the wish list. Tickets are $10 at the door.
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Saturday, January 30, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Two members of the Cameron Hospital Auxiliary from Angola have accepted positions on the Indiana Hospital Auxiliary Association Northeast Area board. Donna Voges is the new chairperson of the district and Cec Shultz is the district’s secretary. Voges has been a member of the Cameron Auxiliary for ten years. She served as auxiliary president from 2005 to 2008. Shultz has been the Auxiliary treasurer since she joined in 2006. The Cameron Hospital Auxiliary currently has 68 active members.
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Friday, January 29, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The kick off meeting into what is expected to be an intense three month period that will lead up to a master plan for the Steuben County Park took place on Thursday night at the Steuben County Community Center. Representatives from the Troyer Group in Mishawaka went over what will be taking place and invited members of the public to submit ideas. The next order of business will be a two day planning and design workshop on February 9th and 10th which will cover the future use of the park and a 95 acre parcel that the county is looking to buy. John Leszcynski from the Troyer Group said at this stage, all ideas are good. He said they do not want the final report to sit on a shelf and that had to be something attainable. Problem areas expected to be addressed include making the property handicap accessible and to improve access for vehicles. Work on the County Park Master Plan is expected to be finished by the end of April.
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Friday, January 29, 2010
(ANGOLA) - What was called a brainstorming session concerning fire territories in Steuben County was held Thursday afternoon in the Steuben County Community Center's Dale Hughes Auditorium. Scott Township Trustee Susan Sonner organized the meeting and she discussed the proposed fire territory involving the city of Angola and four nearby townships. Sonner said the Jamestown Township Board has tabled the matter for now. No other formal action has been taken by any of the townships that would be part of the territory. Sonner also talked about the possibility of a Steuben County fire territory being formed especially since voters may do away with their township governments at the ballot box this November. Sonner said a Steuben County fire territory would not need a new fire station. 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. After about a 45 minute discussion, it was agreed that another meeting should be put together with representatives from Umbaugh and Associates. Umbaugh recently put together a report on the possible costs for those who would be part of the proposed fire territory involving the city of Angola.
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Friday, January 29, 2010
(DEKALB COUNTY) - Slick roads caused by light snow, strong winds and bitter cold temperatures led to numerous accidents around the area on Thursday. I-69 near the Ashley exit was a particually bad spot. The northbound side of the interstate had to be closed twice Thursday morning so that jack-knifed semis could be removed. In addition, an Ashley woman was injured in a crash involving her pickup truck and a Freightliner. DeKalb County Police say 60-year-old April Anthony lost control of her southbound vehicle about a half mile south of the Ashley exit. The pickup went across the median where it struck a northbound Freightliner driven by 58-year-old Thomas Frilling of St. Mary's, Ohio. Both vehicles went off the interstate and into a ditch on the east side of the road. Anthony was taken to Cameron Hospital after complaining of chest pain. Frilling was not injured. Indiana State Police, fire departments from Ashley and Hudson, Ashley Police and DeKalb County E.M.S. assisted at the scene.
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Friday, January 29, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Acting as special judge in the case, Steuben Circuit Court Judge Allen Wheat took a lawsuit involving the town of Wolcottville under advisement on Thursday after hearing two days of testimony during a bench trial in his courtroom. Lake Associations on Witmer, Dallas and Westler Lakes filed suit last month against the town of Wolcottville over a sewer rate ordinance. The plantiffs feel the rates are unfair to lake residents when compared to what customers in the town of Wolcottville have to pay. There were times during the bench trial when there were not enough seats to accomodate all of the spectators in the courtroom. One court official said the audience spilled out into the hallway at times during the first day of testimony.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
(BRONSON) - A wood burner in the living room of a two story home near Bronson is being blamed for an early morning fire that killed two pet cats. Bronson Fire Chief Brent Wilber says the blaze at 1145 Hollow Road was reported just before 1:00am. It took firefighters about 40 minutes to get the flames under control but not before the inside of the home, owned by Roger Otis of Quincy, sustained nearly $55,000 worth of damage. Wilber says the wood burner's stove pipe caught the nearby walls on fire. The fire then extended to the first and second stories. The family renting the home managed to get out safely as smoke filled the residence and smoke alarms were activated. But Wilber says they do not have insurance and lost everything. He adds they escaped with only the clothing they were wearing. No injuries were reported. Firefighters were on the scene for almost three hours. Burr Oak firefighters assisted with a tanker.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - While President Obama's State Of the Union speech on Wednesday night featured plans for a second stimulus package and a call for businesses to create more jobs, Indiana Congressman Mark Souder joined fellow Republicans in blasting the address. Souder said it was more of the same rhetoric that's been heard for months. Souder added in a press release issued by his office, "while the president shifted his focus to job creation, he continues to embrace job-killing policies, like a second stimulus, that haven't worked." Souder also says the President "seems unwilling to back away from his drive for government expansion that stamps out job growth."
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Habitit for Humanity in Steuben and DeKalb Counties have new home thanks to a donation by Cameron Hospital. The hospital has donated a home in the 300 block of East South Street that Habitat officials hopes will be moved sometime by the end of July to an empty lot in either Ashley or Angola. The home is a one story, three bedroom home which covers 1,400 square feet. Habitat Director Don Cross says they are working to find funding to move the house. The home currently has a basement but Cross says it will have a crawl space at its new location. Cross says they are still accepting applications for the next Habitat family. More information can be found at dekalbcountyhabitat.com.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
(METZ) - After several years of fundraising, Metz firefighters have gotten a federal grant to help fund the purchase of a new pumper tanker to replace a piece of equipment which has been used for 30 years. Indiana Senator Richard Lugar's office says the Metz Fire Department is one of sixteen in the state that will get funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. According to a press release issued by Senator Lugar's office, a $220,000 grant has been awarded so that the Metz Fire Department can buy the new vehicle. The local match was $13,000. It's hoped the new vehicle will be ready for operation within the next six months. The latest round of grants to fire departments around Indiana total nearly $1.3 million.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Two fundraising events will be held this weekend in Angola to help earthquake victims in Haiti. Cahoots Coffee Cafe on West Maumee will be hosting a Haiti Relief Party on Saturday from 12noon until midnight. There is a $3 admission, other donations will be accepted. Refreshments will be served. Money will also be collected for earthquake victims on the downtown square Saturday morning from 10:00am until 12noon. In another event, Smorgies will be hosting a Haiti Relief Party on Sunday from 1:30pm until 10:00pm. Smorgies is located in the former 101 Lakes Lounge building on 200 North. All proceeds from the weekend events will be donated to the American Red Cross for Haiti Relief.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
(ASHLEY) - It was just a one inch snowfall but that combined with temperatures in the teens have made for some slick driving conditions especially on I-69 near the Ashley exit. Jack-knifed semis forced the interstate to be shut down twice on Thursday morning. The first accident near the 142 mile marker just before 2:00am caused the northbound side to be closed for about an hour. Another one at mid morning near the 137 mile marker in DeKalb County forced a temporary shutdown on the northbound side as tow trucks removed the vehicle. At about that same time, a two vehicle crash near the DeKalb-Steuben County line sent 60-year-old April Anthony of Ashley to Cameron Hospital after she complained of chest pain. DeKalb County Police say Anthony lost control of her vehicle, crossed the median and struck a Freightliner going in the opposite direction. Both vehicles then went off the interstate and into a ditch. In LaGrange County, traffic on U.S. 20 is restricted at County Road 400-East around 2:30 p-m and will likely have to be closed as wreckers attempt to recover a semi from the ditch. In Noble County, a Wawaka man was in stable condition at Parkview Noble Hospital after his car spun out and struck a utility pole near Ligonier. The sheriff's department identified the driver as 17-year-old Kyle Halderman. There was also an injury accident in DeKalb County on Wednesday night that police say was partially caused by icy road conditions. 51-year-old Kenneth Stark was injured when his Chevy Blazer failed to stop on State Road 101 near State Road 8 and slid into the front dual axle of a semi trailer. Stark complained of general associated pain. The truck driver from Covington, Ohio was not injured.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
(ANGOLA) - After recently announcing his intention to run for Steuben County Prosecutor, Assistant Prosecutor Mike Hess has officially filed his paperwork with the state of Indiana to get on the May Republican Primary ballot. Local Attorney Jim Burns has also announced his intentions to run for Prosecutor. Current Prosecutor Tom Wilson is not running for re-election. Meanwhile, two long time school board members in Steuben County have decided to seek re-election. Officially filing in recent days at the Steuben County Courthouse are M.S.D. of Steuben County Board President Glen Lee Armey and Fremont School Board member Sheri Thompson. Also filing were Democrat Steven Vaughn for the Fremont Town Council, Gail Bartlett for Hamilton Town Council, Irene Thompson for York Township Board, Beth Griggs for Jamestown Township Board, Jacque Diehl for Millgrove Township Advisory Board, Marcia Helmuth for Salem Township Trustee, KIm Kepler for Otsego Township Trustee, Barbara Cleverly for Richland Township Trustee and Norma Hinsley for Jackson Township Trustee.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - The office area of the former Jayco building on North Detroit Street will serve as the temporary home of the LaGrange County Public Library starting in April. Library board members chose Jayco Wednesday evening from among four potential sites to house the library while the existing library on Spring Street is remodeled and expanded. Library Executive Director Mary Hooley says a “generous” lease agreement is being worked out with Jayco. The News-Sun reported the rent would cost $1,438 per month for about 4,500 square feet. Hooley said more than 2,600 feet would be in the front office area of the Jayco complex, with additional space in the warehouse for the bookmobile and storage. She said a big advantage of the Jayco site was having all space on ground level and having everything, including the bookmobile, under one roof. The library plans to take possession by February 15th with the moving process lasting through March, during which time the LaGrange library will be closed. Other sites considered by the board were the former state bank building at Detroit and Spring, the former Chris's Body Express building on Detroit, and the Oil of Gladness building at Detroit and Wayne.
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
(AUBURN) - A chase which began in Fort Wayne ended near Auburn on Wednesday afternoon thanks to the use of stop sticks. Indiana State Police say Fort Wayne Police started to chase a white van at about 2:00pm on northbound I-69 near Coldwater Road. Troopers say the vehicle was being driven by 47-year-old Robert Jerome Hudson. The pursuit ended a few minutes later but picked up again in DeKalb County when Trooper Timothy Myers saw the suspect's vehicle at the 125 mile marker. Hudson allegedly tried to speed away and police say they had to use stop sticks at the 126 mile marker. Hudson continued going for about a mile with two flat tires but he eventually stopped and was placed under arrest. He was booked at the DeKalb County Jail on resisting law enforcement charges and on a Floyd County theft warrant.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A bill that is expected to have a impact on tourism in Steuben County and the surrounding region has cleared a State Senate committee chaired by Dennis Kruse. The Indianapolis Star reports the Senate Education Committee voted 8-1 in favor of the bill which would require schools in the state to wait until after Labor Day to start classes. Backers say the later start will allow families to enjoy the final days of summer before youngsters head back to class in the fall. Others feel school districts can save energy costs by not using air conditioning during the sweltering days of August. Those in the tourism industry have been trying for years to push the start of school back to after Labor Day. Opponents of the bill say it will take local control away from school districts. No matter when the school year starts and ends, students will still have to attend 180 days of classes. Michigan adopted similair legislation in 2006. If the bill becomes law in Indiana, it would go into effect in the fall of 2012.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A Crooked Lake man was formally charged on Wednesday with a Class C felony of Battery By Means of a Deadly Weapon after the Steuben County Sheriffs Department says a shooting apparently took place after he and a neighbor got into an argument. A not guilty plea was entered on behalf of 49-year-old Buddy Prince during his initial hearing in front of Magistrate Randy Coffey. Bond was set at $20,000 and a Circuit Court pre-trial conference was scheduled for March 8th. The Sheriffs Department says 26-year-old William Shelpman suffered a gun shot wound to the leg during the incident which took place just after midnight on Wednesday morning at 3040 West Sycamore Beach Road. According to a Sheriffs Department news release, Shelpman and Prince got into an argument while they were in Shelpman's home. Police say Prince then went to his home and got a handgun and confronted Shelpman. The two fought over the gun and during the struggle, Shelpman was shot in the right leg. He was first taken to Cameron Hospital before being transferred to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Shelpman's 26-year-old wife Nathasha suffered a hand injury while trying to break up the struggle. She was taken to Cameron Hospital for treatment. Steuben County Court documents indicate alcohol was involved in the incident. If Prince posts bond, he was ordered by Coffey not to have any contact with the Shelpmans. He was also ordered not to have firearms or ammunition. Prince also can not enter bars or consume alcohol. Indiana State Police and Angola Police assisted the Sheriffs Department during the investigation.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS - (AP) - A federal appeals court has ordered a new sentencing hearing for a Fort Wayne man on Indiana's death row for killing four people in July of 1997. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago ruled Wednesday that a trial court judge improperly considered aggravating factors not set out in state law when sentencing the now 34-year-old Joseph E. Corcoran. It ordered the Allen County court to hold a new sentencing hearing within 120 days. Corcoran's attorneys also argued that he was mentally ill, but the Court of Appeals said that issue should have been first raised in state court. The former Steuben County man was sentenced to death in 1999 for killing the four men in a house he shared with his sister because he heard them talking about him.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
(ANGOLA) - An Angola man was formally charged on Tuesday with two Class B child molesting felony counts. 19-year-old Mathew Andrew Esquivel was arrested on Monday at his residence following an Angola Police Department investigation which started on January 16th. According to Steuben County court documents, the alleged incidents involving an eight year old child took place between December 27th and 31st. Not guilty pleas were entered on Esquivel's behalf during his initial hearing in front of Magistrate Randy Coffey. Bond was set at $100,000. If he should post bond, Esquivel was ordered not to have any contact with the alleged victim or with anyone under the age of 16. The case will go through Steuben Circuit Court where a pre-trial conference was scheduled for March 1st.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
(ELKHART) - Starting Wednesday, no more post meetings in the garage for Indiana State Police troopers working the Toll Road. A new state police post building opens for business on County Road 17 near the Elkhart East exit at the 96 mile marker. The new building has more than three times the space of the previous building at South Bend and has a new communications tower which wasn't possible at the previous site because of proximity to the airport. It will serve more than 60 troopers and several state excise officers. The new post was paid for entirely by the Indiana Toll Road Concession Company.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Cameron Hospital recently received the American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate for a quality diabetes self-management education program. The program was originally recognized three years ago. Hospital spokesperson Laura Lutterbeck says the Association’s Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs. Programs apply for recognition voluntarily. Education recognition status is verified by an official certificate from A.D.A. and awarded for three years. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are over 20 million people in the United States who have diabetes with over six million who are not aware they have the disease.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A man who claims he was dumped at Cameron Hospital's emergency room last Monday by caretakers from an Auburn facility has found a new home. 46-year-old Gregory George is scheduled to be moved Wednesday to a facility in Marion. George's situation first came to light in a Herald-Republican article last Saturday. Authorities have been investigating why he was left behind by caretakers from the Wesley Healthcare Center where he had been living. Despite numerous media requests, no official comment has been made by the Auburn facility. George has stayed in an examination room for the past week. Cameron spokeswoman Laura Lutterbeck says the hospital was told by Wesley Healthcare that George would not be readmitted after he was evaluated and cleared for release. George said he think he was left at Cameron in retaliation for complaints he raised about privacy and television noise at Wesley.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Tuesday night was a night to honor Jim Wyatt for his 50 years of service to the Land of Lakes Lions Club. Among those honoring Wyatt was Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. Steuben County Council member Ron Parker presented a proclamation from the Governor which named Wyatt a Distinguished Hoosier. There were also proclamations from State Representative Dick Dodge and from Angola Mayor Dick Hickman who declared Tuesday as Jim Wyatt Day in the city of Angola. Among those on hand to share some humorus stories about Wyatt's service with the Lions were District Governor Don Cooper and Past International Director Wayne Madden. In honor of Wyatt's half-century of service, it was announced that Pay Serv would be making a $1,000 donation to the Lions Kids Sight Program.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
(BRYAN) - The Williams County Sheriffs Office says the Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force has seized a small marijuana grow operation from a home in Pioneer. Police say evidence consisting of several marijuana plants and cultivation equipment were taken from the home at 414 First Street after information was received by the MAN Unit and Pioneer Police. The matter has been turned over to the Williams County Prosecutors Office for further review and possible charges. In an unrelated matter, the MAN Unit was busy on Monday night taking care of a methamphetamine lab dump site outside of Alvordton. The Drug Enforcement Agency Hazardous Materials Team was called in to clean up the biohazard material. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the Williams County Sheriffs Office at 1-866-845-6760 or Williams County Crime Stoppers at 419-485-9302.
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010
(UNDATED) - The Ohio Office of Workforce Development says unemployment went up in Williams County and throughout northwest Ohio in December. Figures released on Tuesday show the Williams County jobless rate went up a half percent to 14.9 percent. That's over five percent higher than the December of 2008 unemployment rate in Williams County. The unemployment rate also went up in Defiance County to 12.8 percent. Statewide, the Ohio unemployment rate went up in December to 10.7 percent.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Organizers for the first ever hot air balloon event at the Steuben County Tri-State Airport say they have a main sponsor and commintments from enough balloonists to go forward. Organizier Walt Drewes says "Angola Balloons Aloft" is a go for July 9th, 10th and 11th. Drewes along with his wife Marcia are organizing the event which was first pitched a couple of months ago to the Airport Board. Drewes says Parkview Hospital will be the main sponsor with Raymond James Investments being the V.I.P. sponsor. Four balloon sponsors have also been secured and others are still being sought. Besides the balloons, the weekend will include World War Two era aircraft, ski divers as well as plane and helicopter rides. Parkview Hospital's Samaritan Helicopter is also scheduled to be on hand. Among the events for the balloonists will be a key grab sponsored by Peter Franklin Jewelers in which the winner will get a $1,200 watch. Gas for the balloons will be provided by Sheets LP Gas. Drewes says part of the proceeds will go to Project Help of Steuben County. He adds they will need volunteers for all aspects of the event. If you to help out or become a sponsor, you can call Drewes at 316-8577.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Angola Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3-1 on Monday night to deny a land use variance request from a property owner on 177 West who wanted to operate a repair business at his home garage. Tim Case filed the variance request for the property which is in an area zoned Medium Density Single-family residential. He told the B.Z.A. it would be temporary until the economy improves and he was just trying to support his family. But several neighbors complained about noise, traffic and property value issues. Their main gripe was with noise coming from a motorcross track on the property. Case said nobody has ever told him about a noise problem. His wife Sandy pointed out the business would not create noise. Board member Gene Burd made a motion to approve the variance for no more than one year but the other three members voted no. In other business, Brant Moore was re-elected as Board Chair for 2010 while Burd will remain Vice-Chair and Julie Cole will remain the secretary. In addition, the B.Z.A. has an opening after Ron Walter resigned due to his move to Michigan.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indiana State Police say two oversized loads will be traveling on southbound I-69 from the Indiana-Michigan state line to the G.M. plant in Marion on Thursday morning, weather permitting. Officials say the oversized loads will reduce speeds and cause traffic obstructions. This will be a double load operation. The first load will leave the Indiana-Michigan state line at 8:30am and it will be followed by a second load. Both loads exceed a half million pounds. Motorists on southbound I-69 can expect slowed traffic and may want to take an alternate route. Additional loads are expected to be moved through February.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(COLDWATER) - Two judges in Branch County have ordered the early release of 15 inmates due to overcrowding at the Branch County Jail. Judges William O'Grady and Brent Weigle certified the early releases on Monday after Jail Captain Fred Blankenship petitioned the courts last Friday. The order calls for the jail population to be reduced to no more than 90 percent of the rated 139 prisoner capacity, thus reducing the population to 125. Six of the inmates had been sentenced or were being held by Circuit Court orders, while the other nine were being held for District Court. According to the judges, those released do not present a great risk to public saftey. Most of the inmates being released early were scheduled to be released over the next six weeks.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Steuben County Township Trustees and Advisory Boards will meet this Thursday afternoon to discuss the proposed establishment of a fire territory. Members of the Angola City Council have been invited to the meeting which will start at 4:30pm in the Dale Hughes Auditorium at the Steuben County Community Center. Representatives from Umbaugh and Associates presented a draft of a proposed fire territory and the costs involved to representatives from the city of Angola and four nearby townships during a January 11th meeting. The city along with Jamestown, Pleasant, Scott and York Townships would be part of the proposed territory. Angola Fire Chief Mike Meek said as part of the fire territory, a new station would be established at Orland Road and 300 West. But several questions have been raised since the meeting two weeks ago. It's hoped those questions can be answered on Thursday afternoon.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - A LaGrange woman and her unborn child died following a two-vehicle head-on crash on U-S 20 Monday evening. The LaGrange County Sheriff's Department says Heather Martin, whose age was not released, apparently lost control on the snow and ice covered highway and spun across the center line before striking a semi. Martin suffered injuries to her left arm and thigh and her right ankle. She was conscious following the crash and transported to Parkview-LaGrange Hospital before being transferred to Parkview in Fort Wayne. She was pronounced dead about 3-and-a-half hours later. The crash happened around 9:30pm on U.S. 20 at LaGrange County Road 375 West. Tussey Dartagnan of Jackson, Michigan was driving the semi. He told police he was eastbound when he saw Martin's car spinning and tried to slow down and pull toward the shoulder, but the car struck the front driver's side of the truck. Dartagnan was treated for abdominal pain and later released.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Police in Steuben County are looking into the overnight break ins of two Angola area gas stations. They say two suspects broke into the Walmart Gas Station on North Wayne Street during the early morning hours on Tuesday and took a large amount of cigarettes. The 200 Express gas station at 200 West and 200 North was also broken into but it had not been determined on Tuesday morning if anything had been taken. Steuben County Crime Stoppers Coordinator Shari Dean says the suspects were reported to be in a dark colored older model Jeep Liberty. Anyone with information on these crimes is being asked to call Steuben County Crime Stoppers at 668-STOP or 1-800-600-HALT. You can also go to their web site, www.steubencountycrimestoppers.org. You do not have to give your name and your tip could lead to a cash reward of up to $1,000.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - (AP) - Republican Indiana Congressman Mike Pence says he won't run this year for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Democrat Evan Bayh. Pence had been considering a run and a possible showdown with Bayh, who has twice easily won election to the Senate. But the third-ranking Republican in the House says he's running for re-election to seat representing much of eastern Indiana that he first won in 2000. He says he made his decision in part because he's been given responsibility to shape a GOP comeback as chairman of the House Republican Conference. Those who have announced they will seek the Republican nomination are former U.S. Rep. John Hostettler, state Sen. Marlin Stutzman of Howe, Richmond financial adviser Don Bates Jr. and
Fishers businessman Richard Behney.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A traffic stop early Monday morning in Fremont has led to a felony drug charge being filed against a Pleasant Lake man. 29-year-old Joshua David Filley was formally charged on Monday with a Class B felony of being in possession of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school and a Class A misdemeanor of being in possession of paraphernalia. According to Steuben County Court documents, Filley was pulled over by Fremont Police on State Road 120 in front of the Fremont Elementary School for driving with a suspended license. Police report they found less then three grams meth in the vehicle after a search was conducted. A not guilty plea was entered on Filley's behalf during his initial hearing in front of Magistrate Randy Coffey and bond was set at $50,000. The case will go through Steuben Circuit Court where a pre trial conference was scheduled for March 15th. Filley was charged two weeks ago with battery while using a deadly weapon. He was free on bond at the time of the Monday morning arrest in Fremont.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(AUBURN) - Auburn Police are looking into the Friday night burglary of Buttermore Appliance on East 7th Street in which a large number of electronic devices were stolen from the business. Police say sometime between 8:45pm and 10:00pm, an unknown number of individuals entered the store and removed items from the showroom and stockroom. The individuals loaded the items into a newer red Chevrolet or GMC Express cargo van that was parked at the rear of the business. Auburn Police are also investigating a series of reported business burglaries on the west side of the city that took place last Friday evening and Saturday morning. Police say the suspects forcibly entered the “DeKalb County Visitor’s Bureau”, “Heavenly Day Spa”, “The Cupbearer”, “Famous Hair”, and the “Fashion Bug”. Police say the suspects removed cash along with stereo, digital camera and computer equipment. A witness told Police they saw a green Ford four door vehicle departing the area of one of the burglaries. Any with information on these crimes is asked to call Lt. Mark Stump or Detective Phil Snover at the Auburn Police Department 920-3200. Information can also be left with DeKalb County Crime Stoppers at 927-4811.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(ORLAND) - The town of Orland will be seeking a $50,000 Community Focus Fund grant so that a Comprehensive Plan for the town can be put together. A brief public hearing was held during a special Orland Town Council meeting on Monday. Lori McCoy from Region 3-A said the town would have to provide a $5,000 match. She said D.L.Z. Engineering of Fort Wayne will be working on the project and they plan to hold public meetings. McCoy said the grant is non-competitive and they hope to hear within two months if it has been approved.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(UNDATED) - Republican Congressman Mike Pence appears to rank best among potential challengers to Indiana Senator Evan Bayh according to an independent telephone survey of 800 likely Hoosier voters. The new Rassmussen Reports survey shows Pence leading Bayh 47 to 44 percent among respondents. Pence is said to be considering a run at Bayh following last week's Republican upset in the Massachusetts senate race. Former Indiana Congressman John Hostettler has announced he's in the race and the poll shows him trailing Bayh 44 to 41 percent. State Senator Marlin Stutzman of Howe is also in the race for Bayh's seat and the poll finds him trailing the incumbent by 12 points, 45 to 33 percent. Rassmussen says Indiana, like many other states, shows a strong correlation between support for the Congressional health care plan and voting behavior. The poll taken January 21st and 24th has a margin of error of plus or minus 3-and-a-half points.
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Tuesday, January 26, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Former Swick Broadcasting Company employee, Gary B. Mallernee, was arrested on January 13th on three Class D felony counts of theft. Mallernee is charged with stealing from the company during and after his term of employment with Swick Broadcasting. A Steuben County initial court hearing date has been set for Mallernee on March 1st.
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Monday, January 25, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A Steuben Superior Court pre-trial conference for a woman who is charged with murdering her husband with an ax has been delayed for one week. 44-year-old Norma Jean Mote was originally scheduled to appear this morning but due to an illness involving defense attorney Anthony Kraus, the court hearing was re-scheduled for next Monday morning. Mote is scheduled to go on trial March 18th after she was charged with murder in connection with the death of her 56-year-old husband Kevin. A not guilty plea was entered on behalf of the defendant during her initial hearing last month.
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Monday, January 25, 2010
(UNDATED) - Figures released Monday by the Indiana Association of Realtors showed a nearly 46% increase in Steuben County December home sales when compared to year-ago figures. The association reports there were 35 units sold last month compared to 24 in December of 2008. The median price for Steuben County homes also increased by 19.6% from the previous December to $115,000. For the year, Steuben sales were up 1.6 percent and prices fell by 6.5 percent. As for neighboring counties, LaGrange County home sales more than doubled from six in December of 2008 to 14 last month but the median price went down by over 25 percent. In Noble County, home sales went down from 19 in December of 2008 to 14 last month. The Noble County median price for homes also decreased by 9.5%. In DeKalb County, home sales went down from 26 in December of 2008 to 23 last month while the median price went up by over 12 percent. The Association of Realtors also reports that Indiana's housing market ended 2009 on an upswing. December sales statewide were up 4.1 percent from a year ago, and median prices increased 11.2 percent. That's the third consecutive month that sales were up and second that prices rose. The Association's Karl Berron says the December numbers show Indiana's housing markets are continuing a turnaround.
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Monday, January 25, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - A Wolcottville man was hospitalized and faces possible charges following a crash near Messick Lake early Sunday morning. 47-year-old Eric Zehrung was flown to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne with internal injuries following the crash. The hospital reported he was in fair condition this morning. According to a LaGrange County Sheriff's Department news release, Zehrung's mother called 9-1-1 reporting he had just battered his father, Robert Englehart. While police were en route Zehrung left the house and was driving away when he struck another vehicle and a mailbox nearby and then left the scene. As he was turning south from County Road 75 West he left the road and struck a utility box and utility pole. The vehicle flipped end-over-end down an embankment and landed on its top. The driver of the second vehicle was not injured. The case is being sent to the prosecutor, with police seeking charges of battery, leaving the scene of an accident, and operating while intoxicated against Zehrung.
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Monday, January 25, 2010
(WAWAKA) - Police in Noble County say they arrested a woman early Sunday morning after she allegedly scaled the roof of a home and was caught in the bedroom of the homeowner's son. Police say 25-year-old April Bradley of Wawaka used a ladder to climb to the roof of a home on North Albion Street in Wawaka and force her way in through a second floor window. She climbed into the bedroom where the homeowner's son was sleeping. Police took Bradley into custody without incident. She was charged with residential entry and trespass and lodged in the Noble County Jail.
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Monday, January 25, 2010
(CORUNNA) - A Corunna man was injured Saturday night in a DeKalb County moped accident. DeKalb County Police say 41-year-old Kent Treesh was traveling in the 2600 block of County Road 19 when he lost control of his moped. The vehicle overturned and slid over 30 feet before it came to rest in the middle of the road. Treesh was found sitting on the ground near to where the moped had come to rest. Police say he was unable to recall the actions resulting in the crash. He suffered fractures to his nasal cavity and was taken to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne where a hospital spokesperson says he was in serious condition.
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Sunday, January 24, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The May Republican Primary for Sheriff now has three candidates. Garry Osborn of Angola, who is the Chief Deputy of the Ashley Police Department, filed the necessary paperwork on Friday at the Steuben County Clerks office to get on the ballot. Osborn announced his intention to run for Sheriff last July. He says his campaign started almost two years ago. Osborn added he thought he would hold back from the first day’s rush before filing for the Primary. Tim Troyer and A.J. Carpenter are the other Republican candidates for Sheriff. They were among the first candidates to officially file to get on the May Primary ballot last Wednesday morning.
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Sunday, January 24, 2010
(ANGOLA) - (AP) - Authorities are investigating why a 46-year-old man was reportedly left at the Cameron Hospital emergency room by caretakers from an Auburn facility where he was living. The Herald-Republican reports Gregory George was left Monday at Cameron. He stayed the week with around-the-clock care in an examination room. Cameron spokeswoman Laura Lutterbeck says George was evaluated and soon cleared for release, but when the hospital contacted Wesley Healthcare Center in Auburn it was told he would not be readmitted. A message seeking comment was left Saturday with Dennis Sutton who is a lawyer for Wesley. George said he think he was left in retaliation for complaints he raised about privacy and television noise at Wesley.
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Sunday, January 24, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Two more officers in 2011 and a new home for the Angola Police Department are two of the long range goals listed by Police Chief Stu Hamblen in his 2009 report issued to the Angola City Council. Hamblen says the Mayor and City Council should consider increasing the staff to at least 18 officers to complement and support the departments current time-off requirements, scheduling and annexations. He says the annexation west of Angola has led to an increase in calls during the past year. Hamblen also wants city officials to consider funding for a new home for the police department. The current police headquarters was built in the 1930's. Hamblen feels it requires continuous updates due to the increased demand for technological advances.
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Saturday, January 23, 2010
(COLDWATER) - Coldwater Police are looking for a suspect after the Century Bank branch office at 745 East Chicago was robbed on Friday morning. Public Safety Director Brett Pehrson says the suspect approached the bank on foot from the nearby Bob Evans Restaurant parking lot after sitting in a car beforehand. He went up to a teller and demanded money before fleeing on foot. There was no mention in a Coldwater Police Department press release about any weapon that might have been used. The robber got away with an undetermined amount of money. He was observed leaving in a dark-colored four door Pontiac. Police are looking for a white male in his late 20's who is about five feet eight inches tall with a clean shaven head, trimmed goatee and medium thin build. He was last seen wearing faded blue jeans with a black leather coat, a charcoal color stocking cap, black gloves and white shoes. Anyone with information is asked to call Coldwater Police at 517-278-4525 or Branch County Silent Observer at 517-279-2000.
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Saturday, January 23, 2010
(ANGOLA) - More legal trouble for an Angola man who now has nine case files in the Steuben County court system. 29-year-old Dusty Ray Freed was formally charged on Friday with a Class B felony of Dealing in Methamphetamine. Bond was set at $50,000 and a not guilty plea was entered on Freed's behalf during his initial hearing in front of Magistrate Randy Coffey. The case will go through Steuben Superior Court where a jury trial was scheduled for April 8th. Freed was charged after the Steuben County Sheriffs Department went to a home in the 3500 block of West State Road 120 on December 29th during a weapons investigation. Court documents indicate a pair of plastic containers thought to be reaction vessels for the making of meth were found inside. Police say empty pill boxes and ingredients used to make meth were also found in the home.
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Saturday, January 23, 2010
(BATTLE CREEK) – Some new witnesses have stepped forward to say that a convicted killer may be an innocent man. A hearing was held Friday in Calhoun County relating to the conviction of Thomas Foley. In November a Branch County Circuit Court jury found Foley guilty in the murder of his wife Dee Dee. But he could get a new trial if Judge Conrad Sindt decides these new witnesses have pertinent information and evidence. All three are saying they saw other activity at the Foley’s home in Girard Township the day of the murder. Jeannette Moor and Jacklyn Gibson both testified on Friday that they saw a white car parked at the Foley home on the day of the murder while a third witness said he saw a truck parked there. The hearing will reconvene on February 26.
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Saturday, January 23, 2010
(PIONEER, OHIO) - The driver of a North Central school bus and her child were treated and released from Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers in Bryan on Friday afternoon after the bus collided with a car at the intersection of State Road 576 and County Road R. The Williams County Sheriffs Office says the bus driver, 50-year-old Tina Sobczak of Montpelier, did not see the car driven by Michelle McAlister of Plymouth, Michigan. The accident happened at about 3:00pm. None of the nearly 30 students on board the bus were injured. McAlister also was not injured. While the bus sustained minor front end damage, the car sustained disabling damage. The Williams County Sheriffs Department is still investigating the crash.
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Saturday, January 23, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Incumbents who serve on the M.S.D. of Steuben County School Board and the Steuben County Council have officially filed to get on the May Republican Primary ballot. Seeking re-election will be M.S.D. of Steuben County District #3 School Board member Barb Favourite and Steuben County Council member Sara Tubergen who represents District Two on the Council. Also seeking re-election will be Steuben Township Trustee Ron Hutchins, York Township Trustee Linda Bidlack and Scott Township Board Member Dale Chard.
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Saturday, January 23, 2010
(KALAMAZOO) – A jury has been seated in the trial of a Centreville couple. According to the Kalamazoo Gazette, a jury of 12 people along with two alternates was seated Friday evening in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court. They will serve for the trial of Anthony and Marsha Springer. The Springers are charged with felony murder, torture and first degree child abuse in connection with the February 2008 fire at their Centreville home that killed their 16 year old daughter Calista Springer. Calista was found chained to her bed. Anthony Springer said his daughter had special needs and the tethering was necessary to keep her from leaving her bedroom and their home at night. St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman will preside over the trial. Arguments and testimony are set to begin on Tuesday.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A vote by a State Senate Committee chaired by Dennis Kruse could come next week on a bill that would push back the start of the school year in Indiana. Those with tourism interests have been trying to get Indiana schools to start later in order so that families can spend more time together during the waning days of summer. Others say schools waste energy costs in air conditioning when students start classes in the middle of August. For a lakes country area like Steuben County and the surrounding region, the legislation could provide an economic shot in the arm. June Julian from the Steuben County Tourism Bureau and others from Steuben County were in Indianapolis on Wednesday for a committee hearing. After originally proposing that the school year would not start until after Labor Day, Julian said a compromise has been reached in which students would start classes no earlier than the fourth Monday in August. Students would still have to attend 180 days of school no matter when the school year starts. For those who worried local control was being taken away by the proposed bill, Julian says a compromise was also reached that will allow local school boards to decide when the school year ends. The start of the school year in Michigan was pushed back in 2006 and Julian says that has made a hugh difference in the Michigan Tourism industry's August revenues and numbers.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
(ANGOLA) - State Representative Dick Dodge has officially filed his paperwork to get on the May Primary ballot. The Pleasant Lake Republican will be seeking his fourth elected term in office after being appointed to the 51st District State House seat in 2004. He will be facing a challenge in the Republican Primary from Doctor David Powers of Auburn. Meanwhile, there will be a contested race in the May Republican Primary for Pleasant Township Trustee. Ken Dunlap has filed his candiacy at the Steuben County Clerks office. Mac Friedlander filed to get on the May ballot on Wednesday. Jackson Township Board member Sue Alford has also filed for the May Primary along with Hamilton District Four Town Council member Wilford Nuttle.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
(FREMONT) - The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce has presented a $1,000 check to the Fremont Steering Committee in hopes of getting a Boomerang Backpack program started. The Chamber is challenging its members to support the cause. Two fundraising events are scheduled over the next couple of weeks in Fremont. The Fremont American Legion Auxiliary is sponsoring a pancake and sausage breakfast on Saturday morning at the Fremont Legion. In addition, a benefit meal is scheduled to be held on February 5th at Fremont High School on the night of the Angola-Fremont girls basketball game. It's hope Fremont Community Schools can begin a Boomerang Backpack program in March. South Milford Elementary School in the Prairie Heights School District has joined the program. Eligible students who are taking part in the program will get their first backpacks on Friday afternoon.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
(AUBURN) - A Waterloo woman was given a 30 year sentence in DeKalb County Superior Court Two on Thursday after she pled guilty last month to a Class A felony of Dealing Methamphetamine. The Star of Auburn reports that 39-year-old Vickie Chaffins has had five previous felony convictions which was noted during the sentencing hearing by Judge Monte Brown. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed four other felony counts of dealing in methamphetamine including three Class A felonies. Also dismissed was a misdemeanor for possession of paraphernalia.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
(UNDATED) - After seeing a steady drop during the autumn months, Steuben County's unemployment rate went back up by a half percent in December to 13%according to figures released Friday by Indiana Workforce Development. Steuben and Starke Counties were tied for sixth in the state for the highest jobless numbers. The Steuben County labor force also continues to shrink as there were almost 1,000 less workers in December compared to December of 2008. Of the 15,373 in the labor force, a total of 1,997 were without jobs in December of 2009. Elkhart, Noble and LaGrange Counties had the top three unemployment rates in Indiana during December. Elkhart County had an unemployment rate of 14.8% with Noble County right behind at 14.7% and LaGrange County at 14.1%. DeKalb County had the 14th highest unemployment in the state at 12.3%. Indiana's unemployment also went up in December to 9.9%, an increase of three-tenths of a percent from November. Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Teresa Voors says the two largest factors in the December report are a drop in construction employment that could possibly be attributed to the weather and an increase in the number of unemployment claims following eight straight months of decline. Many other Midwest states saw their unemployment rates go up in December. Ohio's unemployment rate now stands at 10.9% while Michigan has a 14.6% unemployment rate.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
(KENDALLVILLE) — The man who was the football coach at Notre Dame when the Fighting Irish last won the national championship will be the guest speaker on April 22nd during the annual Kendallville Area Chamber of Commerce banquet. Former Notre Dame football coach and current ESPN analyst Lou Holtz is expected to speak on "A Game Plan For Success." Tickets are priced at $69 for chamber members and $89 for nonmembers. They can be bought at the chamber’s Web site which is kendallvillechamber.com.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS - (AP) - An Indiana Senate committee could vote on legislation next week that would allow casinos on Lake Michigan and the Ohio River to relocate inland. Proponents of the bill told the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday that inland casinos could improve their business and help them stave off new competition or possible gambling expansions in neighboring states. But a lobbyist for one riverboat casino said it had recently spent $330 million expanding its riverboat casino under current law, and land-based casinos could eat into that investment. Others suggested additions to the bill. No vote was taken on Thursday.
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Friday, January 22, 2010
(KALAMAZOO) - (AP) - The murder trial of a St. Joseph County couple whose teenage daughter died in a house fire while chained to her bed is scheduled to get underway on Friday in Kalamazoo County. The trial for Anthony and Marsha Springer was moved from St. Joseph County last October after the defense was granted a change of venue motion. Over 200 people are in the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court jury pool. St. Joseph County Circuit Judge Paul Stutesman will preside over the trial. The Springers are charged in connection with the February 2008 death of their 16-year-old daughter Calista. Her father has said she had special needs and the tethering was needed to keep her from leaving her bedroom and the family's Centreville home at night.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A topping out ceremony for the erection of the last steel beam at the new St. Anthony Church on West Maumee in Angola will be held next Friday morning at 11:30am. Members of the church believe it is only appropriate that such a ceremony be conducted when the 20 foot by 11 foot aluminum cross is lifted into place on top of the new church which has been under construction since last May. Event organizer Marilyn Karpinski says it would cost to much to put the cross up on a weekend so the ceremony will be held next Friday, January 29th. Design Collaborative designed the cross. The new church is being built by Michael Kinder and Sons. ProFab fabricated the cross and it will be erected by Smith Erectors. Everyone is invited to attend.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
(FREMONT) - It maybe the dead of winter but this years Fremont Farmers Market was discussed during Wednesday nights Fremont Town Council meeting. The Council felt things went well during the Farmers Market first year and decided to keep the dates and times the same for 2010. In addition, they decided to increase the permit fee to $25 with the money going to the Park Board. The Fremont Farmers Market is scheduled to start in May and run Saturday mornings from 8:00am until 12:00noon. In other business, an ordinance that would annex an area of land west of Fremont was introduced. No action can be taken by the Town Council until a public hearing is conducted. Due to advertising requirements, the public hearing will not take place until April 20th at 5:00pm.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Thanks in part to reduced tax revenues which has led to a tight 2010 city budget, the Angola Police Department is in the midst of raising money for a K-9 unit which Chief Stu Hamblen hopes to have in place by 2011. He said during Tuesday nights Angola City Council meeting that the fundraising has gone well. Hamblen says they have raised almost $8,000 of the $40,000 they need to start the program. The money raised includes a $5,000 donation from First Federal Savings Bank of Angola. Besides local donations, Hamblen says the department is also seeking grant funds. For more information, call Angola Police at 665-2121.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
(FORT WAYNE) - A group of leaders from around northeast Indiana held its first meeting on Wednesday that will lead to a report on the future of the region's economy. The Coordinating Group will work on various strategies that will be part of the rpeort called Vision 2020. The report is scheduled to show how northeast Indiana can be a leader in economic development over the next decade. Among those serving on the board are Trine University President Doctor Earl Brooks the second and Farmers State Bank President Joe Pierce.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Trine University will host its 36th annual High School Math Competition next Wednesday in Hershey Hall. High school students from throughout the region will be matching math skills against each other. Students will get a chance to earn Trine University renewable tuition scholarships of $5,000 for the advanced level individual winner and $3,000 to each member of the winning math team. Awards will also be presented to the teachers of the winning teams which will be used for math education. Invitations went out to high schools within a two-hour drive from Trine. Over the years, students from 79 different schools have participated. Two schools, Harlan Christian of Harlan and Madison-Grant of Fairmount will send students to the competition for the first time.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
(HOWE) - Persons interested in learning more about ice fishing can get hands on experience this Saturday at Pine Knob County Park near Howe. Master angler Jim Gust is presenting an ice fishing clinic from 8:00am to 10:00am with LaGrange County Extension Youth Agent John Emerson serving as co-instructor. Topics will include identifying Indiana fish, equipment commonly used, and how to dress for winter ice. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will provide equipment for learners to try before making their own investment. The clinic Saturday is free to all but a one-dollar donation is requested. More information is available from the LaGrange County Parks & Recreation Department at 854-2225.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
(ANGOLA) - NIPSCO will be hosting a two hour "Community Coffee" reception next Thursday morning, January 28th, at Timbers restaurant starting at 7:30am. Utility officials say the event is free, informal and open to the public. NIPSCO representatives will be on hand to answer any questions they might have about the company and its utility service.
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Wednesday, Janaury 20, 2010
(HAMILTON) - An unidentified man was injured Wednesday morning when a tree fell on him while he and other Amish men were logging in Otsego Township. The incident happened near 4195 South 600 East shortly before 9:00am. Hamilton firefighters and Steuben County E.M.S. were sent to the scene while Metz firefighters were called up on stand by. Hamilton Fire Chief Rodney Snyder says the victim suffered a serious head injury but remained conscious. He was kept warm in a four wheel drive vehicle while awaiting the arrival of the Samaritan Helicopter. The injured man, whose name has not been released, was flown to Parkview Hospital. Further information on the incident is not available.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Two Republican candidates for Steuben County Sheriff were among the first candidates to officially file their paperwork on Wednesday morning to get on the May Primary ballot. Tim Troyer and A.J. Carpenter officially filed just moments after the Steuben County Clerks office opened up. Also filing on the G.O.P. side within the first hour were Mac Friedlander for Pleasant Township Trustee, Incumbent County Recorder Dani Lou Parrish and Jamestown Township Board Member Steven Shank. Kevin Beard and Annette Schueler filed to run for the District One seat on the M.S.D. of Steuben County School Board. Other filings were made by Surveyor Larry Gilbert and challenger Kent Alwood; Incumbent John Ingledue along with Mayo Sanders and Bill Bryan for County Council; Dave Goodwin and Loretta Smart for County Commissioner and Scott Township Trustee Susan Sonner. The filing deadline for the May Primary is February 19th.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(AVILLA) - Two people were injured Wednesday morning in a crash near Avilla. The Noble County Sheriff's Department says a pickup truck driven by Ronald Leins of Auburn turned into the path of a car driven by Mari Scott of LaOtto. The crash happened on State Road 8 at Green Drive near the south junction of State Road 3. Leins was treated at DeKalb Memorial Hospital for chest pains while Scott was treated at Parkview-Noble Hospital for injuries to her head and neck. The crash happened at 7:47 a.m.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(BRUSHY PRAIRIE) - Faced with a 2010 reduction of almost $390,000 in state funds, the Prairie Heights School District is starting to do some belt tightening. The Prairie Heights School Board on Tuesday night approved a recommendation that the contract of Milford Elementary Principal Doctor Gail Green not be renewed. Superintendent Alan Middleton says this is part of an reconfiguration of district administrators. Besides the cut in state funding, enrollment in the district is down. But Middleton says Milford Elementary, which has a student population of 136, will remain open next year. District officials are still trying to create a plan to deal with the reduction in state funds. In other business on Tuesday night, the board accepted the retirement of longtime kindergarten teacher Suzanne Halsey.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Steuben County Circuit Judge Allen Wheat got a promise from County Commissioners on Tuesday morning that they will look for an attorney to help recoup some of the costs associated with detaining juvenile offenders. The financial burden of detaining juveniles has moved from the state to the local level which could bust Steuben County's 2010 budget. Judge Wheat asked Commissioners to consider having someone to collect juvenile case fees from parents. Wheat said there has been no one to collect the fees since the passage of House Bill 1001. Wheat said there are some cases involving violent offenders in which he has few options. But the judge added he would not put a child in the Indiana Department of Corrections in order to save the county money. In other business, Commissioners gave Tom Green from the Soil and Water Conservation District permission to advertise an opening due to Administrative Coordinator Barb Angel's upcoming retirement after she had worked over 30 years for the district.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A federal bonding program that has been made possible by stimulus money could be used to help pay for improvements at the Steuben County Tri-State Airport. County Commission Chair Mayo Sanders said during Tuesday morning's Commissioners meeting the money could be used for a new hangar and the paving of the parking lot. Steuben County Attorney Don Stuckey indicated the county would not be left holding the financial bag if things don't work out. The program would allow the county to bond for up to $3 million dollars with almost half of the interest costs being covered by the stimulus act. Officials from the airport recently asked the county for Major Moves money to help fund various improvements including a better security system and fencing repairs. The County Council and the County Commissioners are scheduled to hold a joint meeting concerning the airport on April 13th.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(BRYAN, OHIO) - Williams County Sheriff Kevin Beck says three suspects including two juveniles have been arrested in connection with a recent series of bogus phone calls. Beck says 18-year-old Dylan Marino of Bryan and a pair of 17-year-olds from Bryan and Ney were arrested in connection with the alleged calls that were made on January 10th. They are accused of identifying themselves as a "Detective Wilson" from the Williams County Sheriffs Department. The person on the other end of the line was then asked to come to the Sheriff's Department to get fingerprinted as part of a homicide investigation. All three have been charged with Telephone Harassment which is a first degree misdemeanor in Ohio. Marino is being charged through Bryan Municipal Court. The two juveniles are being referred to Williams County Juvenile Court. The Defiance County Sheriffs Department assisted during the investigation.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(ANGOLA) - M.S.D. of Steuben County Superintendent Doctor David Goodwin told the district's school board on Tuesday night that while the district will see a drop of nearly $700,000 in state revenues this year, the district has enough cash reserves to give it time to make some tough decisions. Goodwin told administrators last week to come up with ideas as to how each building can reduce costs over the next 18 months. He said the district currently has $3.2 million in cash reserves including nearly $1.5 million in its Rainy Day fund. In addition, Goodwin said the Central Office will trim costs by $200,000. He added the loss of state funds will not affect the classroom and that there should be no teacher reductions except through attrition. In other business, Associate Superintendent Brett Wilson said the district has dropped 13 1/2 students in its average daily membership from the fourth Friday count. As of December 1st, the district's A.D.M. was 2,888 1/2 students. The board were also told by Curriculum Director Cyndi Nausbaum that there will be a summer school program this year thanks to a 21st Century Scholar grant.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Angola City Council approved a recommendation from the Hitchcock Design Group on Tuesday night as they accepted Parrish Excavating's low bid of over $483,000 for the Public Square Streetscape Project. Parrish Excavating was the only bidder under the approved construction budget of just under $537,000. Two alternate bids were approved which will allow for landscaping work on the Square and for all of the sidewalks to be constructed with brick pavers. Ann Marie Lindemeyer from Region 3-A said part of the OCRA grant calls for landscaping work. With two alternate bids being awarded, the city will have to come up with nearly $19,000 in local match funds.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors hired Thomas P. Miller of Indianapolis on Tuesday at a cost of $52,000 to put together a strategic plan for the corporation. They were one of 25 firms to submit proposals. In addition, E.D.C. Executive Director Gary Nielander reported a local company is expected to announce an expansion by the end of March which will result in between 50 and 60 new jobs. The board decided to keep the same officers for 2010 with Mayo Sanders serving on Board President. In addition, Larry Graham, Don Farrington and Kevin Keiser were all re-elected to the board as at-large members.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - (AP) - Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels is urging lawmakers to end the practice of schools promoting third graders to the fourth grade if they can't read. Daniels also thanked lawmakers during his State of the State speech Tuesday night for passing one of his top priorities. The Senate gave final approval to the measure earlier in the day. It will let voters decide in November whether to amend limits on property tax bills into the state constitution. Daniels predicted that voters would pass the referendum, making it harder for future legislatures to undo the property tax caps in the future. Daniels also said that Indiana's state government is weathering the recession better than most states. Democratic House Speaker Patrick Bauer says Daniels should have talked more about jobs in his speech. Bauer acknowledged that Daniels did mention job commitments the state has won over the past couple of years during the speech. But he says Daniels didn't talk enough about creating new jobs now. Bauer wants to put more people to work now by tapping tens of millions of dollars in a trust fund created by leasing the Indiana Toll Road. The Democrat-controlled House also has passed a bill that would require companies with state contracts to hire 80 percent of their workers on those contracts from Indiana.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(ELKHART) - One person is dead following a house fire near Elkhart last night. Firefighters brought 47-year-old Jody Houpt out of the house for medical attention, but ultimately attempts to revive her were not successful and she was pronounced dead at Elkhart General Hospital about 10:45pm. Two other people in the home escaped. Osolo Township firefighters were called to the home on Silver Street around 10:00pm and received assistance from Cleveland Township and Bristol firefighters. Elkhart County Sheriff’s Detective John Perry said the fire occurred in the upstairs bedroom where Houpt was located. The investigation remains open, and detectives are working with the state fire marshal’s office.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The trial for an Angola man who is facing six charges of attempted murder has been delayed until the summer. 32-year-old Donald William Myers the third was scheduled to go on trial next Monday in Steuben Circuit Court. But lawyers for both sides filed a joint motion on January 8th requesting the delay. According to Steuben County court documents, defense attorney Todd Whitehurst and prosecutor Mike Hess say essential information from Logansport State Hospital concerning the defendant has not been received. In addition, the motion stateed the prosecution has recently received additional information from law enforcement concerning the case. Myers is now scheduled to go on trial June 28th. A final pre-trial conference was scheduled for May 24th. Myers is accused of shooting at vehicles and police officers in April of 2004 during an incident on U.S. 20 near Silver Lake.
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010
(NAPOLEON TOWNSHIP, Mich.) - (AP) - A Jonesville woman is charged with biting off part of her sister's nose. Bobbie Smith was held in the Jackson County Jail on a $5,000 bond after her arraignment Tuesday on charges including mayhem and domestic violence. Napoleon Township Police Chief Michael Curry says the 27-year-old woman bit off "a significant portion" of 28-year-old
Sandra Smith's nose during a fight Sunday. Assistant Prosecutor Mark Blumer tells the Jackson Citizen Patriot that photographs indicated one-third of Sandra Smith's nose was bitten off. Police recovered the detached piece, but Blumer said he didn't know if it could be reattached. Attorney David Lady told District Judge James Justin that both women were "highly intoxicated." Mayhem, defined in part under a 1931 Michigan law as mutilating another person's nose, is a 10-year felony.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - LaGrange County residents considering how they can help the humanitarian disaster in Haiti have a local option. LaGrange County Habitat For Humanity Executive Director Mont Arnold says donations made to the local Habitat organization that are labeled “Haiti Relief Fund” will go directly to Habitat For Humanity International and its relief effort in Haiti. Donating through the local chapter provides an advantage. Donations from Indiana residents of $100 or more qualify for a NAP tax credit of 50-percent of the value of the donation. Habitat For Humanity International plans a threefold response in Haiti: Mobilizing people to clear the way for shelter construction and home rehabilitation; distributing building materials and tools in shelter kits and construction of transitional housing. For more information you can call the LaGrange County Habitat For Humanity office at 463-8519.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - The Census Bureau will offer testing for local Census job openings today. The tests will be given at 3:30 this afternoon at the Shipshewana Town Hall and 5:00pm at the Orland American Legion. The Census jobs are temporary jobs paying an average of $12.50 per hour. LaGrange County's Census Coordinator Cheryl Mencsik informed the county commissioners that she just received the email this morning announcing the testing times and locations. The commissioners have been trying to promote the Census jobs as a way for LaGrange County's unemployed to gain temporary employment. They were disappointed with the lack of advance publicity given to this latest round of testing. The employee testing will be held every Tuesday through February at 3:30pm at the Shipshewana Town Hall.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - The LaGrange County Commissioners accepted a recommendation to subsidize sewer and water rates at the Fawn River Crossing Development. A study by Umbaugh And Associates determined a subsidy up to $78,000 per year is needed to make the rates competitive with other communities, based on the existing eight users. The Economic Development Income Tax Committee met last week and recommended using $200,000 in EDIT tax revenue over the next two years to subsidize the rates. Commissioner George Bachman says the system must have rates that are competitive with Sturgis or the reason for creating the system is lost. Bachman said starting the rates high could drive existing companies away. Commissioner Phil Curtis wanted to have the county attorney draft a contract with the Regional Utility District that covers the subsidy and wants to look for other ways to get the user base up. The commissioners agreed to have Curtis and County Attorney Kurt Bachman meet with the Utility District to draft the agreement.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A plan to have the Michindoh Aquifer get sole source protection from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has generated a lot of controversy on both sides of the issue in recent weeks. The groundwater from the Michindoh Aquifer is the main source of drinking water in our area. Steuben County Commissioner Ron Smith reported on Tuesday morning that he attended a meeting last week in Bryan which he said was lengthy and heated. While it's favored by the city of Bryan and some ecological groups, Smith indicated opponents don't want to deal with more government regulations. A portion of Steuben County would be affected. E.P.A. representatives say public comments will be accepted through January 29th.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
(ANGOLA) - With incumbents either deciding not to seek another term or with current office holders being term limited, 2010 promises to be a very interesting year for Steuben County politics. There will be a changing of the guard as Prosecutor Tom Wilson and County Commission Chair Mayo Sanders have decided not to seek another term in office. In addition, Sheriff Rick Lewis and County Clerk Diana Penick can not run again because of term limits. The race in the Republican Primary for the Sheriffs Office promises to be a lively one. Candidate Tim Troyer held what was called an official announcement of his candiacy on Sunday in front of over 200 people. A.J. Carpenter and Garry Osborn are also running for Sheriff on the Republican side. Besides county and township races, there will also be school board elections in all four Steuben County districts this year as well as Town Council elections in Fremont and Hamilton. While some candidates have already announced their intentions to run for office, the filing of official paperwork to get on the May Primary ballot begins Wednesday. The deadline to file in order to get on the Primary ballot is February 19th.
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Tuesday, January 19, 2010
(SOUTH MILFORD) - Another area school will be starting a Boomarang Backpack program this week. South Milford Elementary School in the Prairie Heights School District will send their first backpacks home on Friday afternoon. The program is designed to make sure students who are in free or reduced price lunch programs get enough healthy things to eat over the weekend when they are away from school. Bill Stockberger from the Steuben County Community Foundation says they hope to have Fremont Community Schools in the program sometime in March if enough money is raised. A fundraiser will take place this Saturday when the Fremont American Legion hosts a pancake and sausage breakfast.
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Monday, January 18, 2010
(FREMONT) - Just about all of Fremont is without power early this afternoon following a traffic accident on South Wayne Street by Damiron Trucking. A power line was knocked down in the property damage accident which was reported just before noon. A NIPSCO crew has been called to make repairs but power is expected to be out until mid afternoon.
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Monday, January 18, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Steuben County Commissioner Mayo Sanders has decided to seek the District One seat on the Steuben County Council which is currently occupied by fellow Republican Paul Sparks who is not seeking another term. Sanders said he was not going to run if Sparks decided to seek re-election. But he says he was approached by a number of people to fill the future vacancy. Sanders, who has been a County Commissioner since the early 90's, says he is running for the Council because he wanted to continue work on several projects.
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Monday, January 18, 2010
(UNDATED) - There will be a contested Republican primary election in May for the 51st District State House seat currently occupied by Dick Dodge. Doctor David Powers of Auburn has announced his candidacy stating that he will present himself as the conservative candidate with a strong emphasis on state sovereignty. Powers also feels the role of government is to protect and preserve the right to life for the unborn and senior citizens alike. He also stated in his campaign announcement that marriage is only between a man and a woman and as such is to be protected by the state. Powers says he has been an advocate for higher education for many years especially at the local community level which he feels in turn will lead to well-paying stable jobs. Powers graduated from Waterloo High School in 1963. Before his retirement in 2008, he was President and C.E.O. of Luther Bible College in Rockford, Illinois. Auburn attorney Codie Ross is the lone announced Democratic candidate for the 51st State House seat.
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Monday, January 18, 2010
(HAMILTON) - A Butler man who told police he fell asleep at the wheel was injured Saturday afternoon in a DeKalb County accident. DeKalb County Police say 71-year-old Ronald Herrick suffered a fractured hip in the accident which took place on County Road 59 north of State Road 8. They say Herrick went off the road and into a ditch. His car then went down an embankment and struck a tree head on. Herrick was pinned inside and had to be freed by rescue crews. He was taken to Parkview Hospital. DeKalb County E.M.S. and Butler firefighters responded to the accident.
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Monday, January 18, 2010
(PLEASANT LAKE) - A wood burner is being called the possible cause of a barn fire Sunday night at 2225 Southwest Fox Lake Road near Golden Lake Road. The fire was reported at about 8:35pm. Pleasant Lake Fire Chief Bob Anstett says flames were coming out of the back of the structure owned by Mike Ash when crews arrived. The fire was called under control at about 9:20pm. Most of the $10,000 worth of damage was contained to the inside. Pleasant Lake firefighters got mutual aide from Salem Center, Angola, Hamilton and Hudson crews. Firefighters were on the scene for about three hours. No injuries were reported.
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Sunday, January 17, 2010
(UNDATED) - After spiking to $2.79 a gallon just after the New Year holiday, gas prices around Angola have steadily gone down in the last ten days. Prices at a couple of stations on North Wayne were down to $2.59 on Sunday. The drop has mirrored a decrease in the price of crude oil which has gone down almost $4 a barrel in the last week. A stronger dollar and increased crude oil supplies are two of the reasons behind the drop in gas prices. The web site Indianagasprices.com reports the average price of gas in Indiana is $2.66. Prices range from $2.47 in Whiteland to $2.89 in Salem, Evansville and Columbus.
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Saturday, January 16, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - A LaGrange man received a 12 year prison sentence Friday afternoon for the shooting deaths of two other men last May. LaGrange Superior Court Judge George Brown sentenced 25-year-old Cory Waltmire to a total of 12 years in prison - the maximum under the plea agreement for two counts of reckless homicide. Waltmire shot 24-year-old Shaun Zimmerman of Angola and 26-year-old Jason Smith of Fort Wayne after the three arrived at Waltmire's residence in LaGrange after Zimmerman and Smith beat Waltmire at a junkyard near Angola over some marijuana that Smith claimed Waltmire had stolen from him. Judge Brown cited as aggravating circumstances that Waltmire shot both men multiple times, one after the other, and that he had a previous misdemeanor conviction. Shaun Zimmerman's mother, Michelle Mason, told the judge 12 years was not enough for the loss of two lives, but was better than nothing. Jason Smith's sister, Rachel Yoder, spoke for his family. She said Waltmire and Smith were childhood friends, and that Waltmire killed the one friend who always had his back. She said she hopes Jason visits Waltmire every day, “if only in your dreams.” LaGrange County Prosecutor Jeff Wible said afterwards the case was a difficult one to prosecute because the investigating officers felt the shootings were in self-defense. He felt the plea bargain assured that Waltmire wouldn't walk from the courthouse a free man following the killings of Smith and Zimmerman. The judge fined Waltmire $200 and ordered he pay restitution of $76,183 for medical bills.
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Saturday, January 16, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - The investigation of an accident last month led to the arrest of a suspended Topeka deputy marshal on Wednesday. Indiana State Police arrested 27-year-old Zachary Miller on a warrant charging him with a class A misdemeanor of interference with the reporting of a crime and a class C misdemeanor of leaving the scene of a property damage accident. The investigation began December 19th when Miller's vehicle was struck by an Amish buggy near the intersection of State Road 5 and U-S 20 at Shipshewana. According to Lagrange County Prosecutor Jeff Wible, Miller left the scene of that crash for unknown reason. Miller was free on bail following his arrest in November on one count of conspiracy to deal methamphetamine and three counts of official misconduct. He's accused of smoking methamphetamine and receiving cash to protect illegal drug shipments. Miller was released Wednesday from the LaGrange County Jail after posting a $3,000 bond on the latest charge.
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Saturday, January 16, 2010
(MONTPELIER, OHIO) - Evergreen Nursing Home in Montpelier is collecting relief supplies for earthquake victims in Haiti as part of International Services of Hope. Donations can be dropped off at the nursing home at 924 Charlie's Way in Montpelier at any time. Suggested items include bottled water, canned food, non-perishable food items, first aid kits, personal hygiene items, blankets, spray and liquid cleaners and bleach. They are asking that no glass items or clothes be donated. For more information, contact Fara Nickle at Evergreen Manor at 419-485-8307 or go to isohimpact.org.
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Saturday, January 16, 2010
(WILLIAMS COUNTY, OHIO) - A Montpelier, Ohio man is looking at a maximum prison sentence of 69 years after he was convicted Thursday on 13 felony counts involving sex crimes against two young girls. 43-year-old Alan D. Dolman is scheduled to be sentenced on February 16th. Dolman was convicted by a jury on 11 counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material or performance as well as two charges of endangering children. Eight of the charges that Dolman was convicted on are second degree felonies in Ohio that carry maximum sentences of eight years.
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Friday, January 15, 2010
(FLINT) - Late penalties assessed to customers of the Steuben Lakes Regional Waste District whose payments are not received on time were discussed during Thursday nights District Board of Trustees meeting. Several letters have been received by the district but Board President Bill Heckley said they are governed by state regulations when it comes to monthly bills. He said if the district does not get the money by the due date, there is nothing more they can do but make the customer pay a late penalty. District Superintendent Tim Frederick said late payments in the mail are not an issue with the local post office. He said customers who use a third party vendor such as a bank to pay their bills should check to make sure the payment has gone out. But a customer who lives on West Otter Lake says the district have moved up the due date by ten days to the 15th of the month and that they were not informed about it ahead of time. In other business, Heckley said the Orland sewer project was moving along now that the weather has improved. The work is expected to be finish sometime this spring. As a follow up to Tuesday nights meeting about a proposed sanitary sewer project in the northeastern part of the district, Heckley said they hope to have another public meeting sometime in July or August.
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Friday, January 15, 2010
(LAKE JAMES) - It's a soggy fund raiser. The Lake James Restaurant Club Paradise will be donating all of the money raised from its second annual “Parrot Plunge” on Saturday afternoon to the Steuben County United Way. Registration for those who want to the plunge into the chilly waters of Lake James will start at 12:00noon. If you are not harty enough to take a dip, there is no admission charge to watch. Steuben County United Way Executive Director Darci Gaff says they will use the funds raised from the "Parrot Plunge" to support local health and educational programming. Pledge forms are available for download from the United Way website at www.unitedwaysteuben.org. For more information, call the United Way office at 665-6196.
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Friday, January 15, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Contractor's for the Angola Wastewater Treatment Plant will be working on East Maumee Street between Washington and Euclid Streets all day on Friday. Wastewater Department Superintendent Craig Williams says Maumee Street may be reduced to one lane and access to Euclid Street from Maumee Street may be limited or completely blocked. Access to Euclid should be made from the south off of East Gale Street. Williams adds the main entrance to Cameron Hospital will remain accessible throughout the day but visitors and employees are being encouraged to access the Cameron lots from East Gale Street.
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Friday, January 15, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Officials at Trine University have announced the schedule of events that will celebrate Doctor Martin Luther King during Black History Month. Activities and events will take place during the week of February 15th in the University Center. The 20th annual celebration of Doctor King's life will be sponsored by the Office of Student Life and the Office of Student Success and Retention. Among the events will be a free program honoring Doctor King will be held on Friday, February 19th in the Fabiani Theatre starting at 7:00pm. The program is open to the public and will include a message from guest speaker Doctor Crystal B. Thomas, presentations by Trine students and performances by the Voices of Unity Youth Choir from Fort Wayne.
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Friday, January 15, 2010
(MIDDLEBURY) - An 8-year-old Middlebury Elementary School student collapsed during gym class Thursday morning and later died at Elkhart General Hospital. The Elkhart County Sheriff's Department says Nolan Lawson was doing a warm-up routine for class by running with other students who alerted the teacher immediately. She and other school staff provided medical assistance until paramedics arrived. Deputies say the death might be related to an existing medical condition. Middlebury police were assisted by Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department officers in collecting information at the school.
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Friday, January 15, 2010
(UNDATED) - Over 15,000 Girl Scouts of northern Indiana and Michiana will begin selling Girl Scout cookies today. Eight varieties of cookies will be sold this year. If you are a fan of the "Daisy Go Rounds", better hurry. This is the last year they will be sold. The annual Girl Scout cookie sale will continue through March 9th. The Cookie Program is designed to teach young girls about leadership skills in such areas as planning, problem solving and managing resources. Over 4,700 adult volunteers are involved with the northern Indiana and Michiana Girl Scouts. To find a Cookie Booth near you, log onto www.gsnim.org.
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
(BRYAN, OHIO) - Bryan Police Chief Jeff Arnold says the results of an autopsy showed that an elderly woman who was found murdered last month died from blunt force trauma to the head and face. Arnold issued a news release on Thursday concerning the death of 91-year-old Grace Kennedy whose body was found in her home at 407 John Street in Bryan. Police were called there on December 23rd to check on her well-being after neighbors saw newspapers piling up at the residence. No arrests have been made yet and the investigation into her death is continuing. Arnold says a $6,000 reward is being offered by the family and the Bryan Police Department for information about the murder which is the first one in Bryan in nearly 60 years. Anyone with information on this crime is asked to call Bryan Police at 419-636-4233 or Williams County Crime Stoppers at 419-485-9302. Arnold says all information received will be kept confidential.
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Tuesday, January 14, 2010
(KENDALLVILLE) - The State of Indiana has told the East Noble School District they will have to trim $1 million from its 2009-2010 budget. This is on top of the three percent cut East Noble and other districts around the state have to make. The News-Sun says East Noble school officials plan to cut nine instructional aides, reduce hours for teacher assistants, leave a custodian job open and move grant funding. The immediate cuts will save the district about $511,000. The balance of the cost cutting is expected to take place this spring.
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
(FORT WAYNE) - Bishop Kevin Rhoades was installed as the spiritual leader of more than 150,000 Roman Catholics in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend on Wednesday during a Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Rhoades becomes the ninth bishop of the northern Indiana diocese. He began his first homily as bishop by urging everybody to pray for the people of Haiti. The 52-year-old Rhoades comes to the Fort Wayne-South Bend diocese after being the bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg in Pennsylvania for five years. He takes over for Bishop John D'Arcy who led the diocese since 1985.
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
(ASHLEY) - Ashley Police are investigating the recent thefts of items and gasoline from vehicles. Ashley Town Marshall Scott Barnhart says no arrests have been made. He is reminding everybody to make sure their vehicles are locked. With the gasoline thefts, Barnhart says it would be wise to use a locking gas cap as well. Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to call Ashley Police at 587-9388.
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
(ANGOLA) - After two years of planning, work on the Angola Downtown Streetscape Improvement Project is just a couple of months away from getting underway. Angola City Planner Julie Cole says the work will be done in two phases since Federal Stimulus money was not secured. Cole and consultant Adam Thiess brought about 50 people up to date on what kind of work will be performed this year during a Wednesday night meeting at Cahoot's Coffee Cafe. The first phase will focus on the Public Square sidewalks. It will be funded through a $500,000 state grant as well as a $150,000 local match and $17,000 from other various community resources. Work will include the removal of broken sidewalks and curbs. It's hoped the work can start in March and end in time for the Fourth of July parade. The Angola City Council is scheduled next Tuesday night to award the contractor bid for the first phase. The second phase is scheduled to take place between July and October and will focus on work along U.S. 20 from the railroad tracks to the downtown area. Phase two is being funded by a $504,000 INDOT grant and a local match of $126,000.
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
(FREMONT) - As has been speculated in recent weeks, former Fremont Town Council President Loretta Smart has announced she is running for the North District seat on the Steuben County Board of Commissioners. So far, she and M.S.D. of Steuben County Superintendent Doctor David Goodwin have announced they are running for the Commissioners position on the Republican side while Lon Keyes is running on the Democratic side. The position is currently held by Mayo Sanders who has decided not to seek another term. In announcing her candiacy, Smart says there's a strong movement currently against politics as usual at the local and national level. She adds her candidacy represents a fresh approach to the Commissioners but Smart also feels she is someone well grounded in the lessons of local government. Smart has served on various government boards including the Fremont Town Council for 17 years. She spent seven years as the Town Council President before she recently stepped down.
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
(COLDWATER) - A man charged with using a shot gun to kill a fellow resident at the Country Meadows Adult Foster Care home in Branch County's California Township is scheduled to go on trial March 16th. 51-year-old Kenneth Kalasz is charged with killing Don Miller in February of 2009. Kalasz has been held without bond since his arrest on the day of the shooting. Branch County Circuit Court officials have blocked off three days for the trial.
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
(FORT WAYNE) - The leader of Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne says a confrontation between two boys which led to a stabbing on Wednesday was out of character for both of them. Police say a 14-year-old boy attacked a 17-year-old with a large knife in the school cafeteria after they had gotten into an argument on Tuesday. The older boy is recovering from non life-threatening neck wounds. The younger boy was arrested and Fort Wayne Police spokesman Michael Joyner says he will likely face charges of aggravated battery and possession of a weapon on school property. Concordia executive director Terry Breininger says both youngsters are good students. The private school was operating normally on Thursday.
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
(EDGERTON, OHIO) - A woman died in a two vehicle traffic accident and there were some anxious moments involving one of the Samaritan Helicopters in Edgerton, Ohio on Wednesday afternoon. Edgerton Police say a vehicle driven by 73-year-old Gwendoline Trevino of Edgerton was struck broadside as it was trying to turn into a gas station at U.S. 6 and Vine Street by another vehicle driven by 30-year-old Jennifer Horne who is also from Edgerton. A Samaritan Helicopter was called in to transport the women to Parkview Hospital. As the chopper was landing near the Edgerton Medical Center, it clipped some wires causing a utility pole to topple. The pilot managed to land the chopper but two others had to be called in. A Lutheran Helicopter flew Trevino to Parkview where she later passed away. Another Samaritan Helicopter was brought in to fly Horne to Parkview where she is listed in fair condition. The Ohio Highway Patrol, the F.A.A. and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the chopper incident.
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Hamilton Millpond Conservancy District is no more. With the state of Indiana agreeing to pick up all of the fix up costs for the dam at Hamilton Lake, Steuben County Magistrate Randy Coffey officially dissolved the district on Wednesday after a petition was filed in September. The court document states the district is no longer a benefit for surrounding property owners. It went on to say the district board has failed to produce within two years satisfactory evidence of progress in the preperation of a district plan. The district came about after the 1996 Hamilton Lake flood. Original plans called for a ten percent local match in the funds that would have been used to fix the dam. But many affected property owners objected and the matter eventually wound up in court. Some felt the state of Indiana should have pick up all of the costs for fixing the dam. Eventually, local and state officials worked things out.
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Thursday, January 14, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - There is no shortage of issues facing small businesses during this session of the Indiana General Assembly and in Congress. Barbara Quandt from the National Federation of Independent Business told LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce members on Thursday that the national health care reform bill in the Senate is a prime example. Quandt says it expands the definition of construction trades and lowers the threshold of when a business would be required to provide health insurance. If it passes, Quandt says that could have a detrimental impact on small businesses. Other issues impacting businesses include delaying the increase in unemployment taxes in Indiana, putting property tax caps into the state constitution, and extending sales taxes to include services.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Council heard a request from the Health Department's Tom Friend on Tuesday to increase the salary of the department's nurse following the recent retirement of two employees. Friend said the nurse's salary is "historically lower" than neighboring counties. He proposed taking the $3,380 saved from former Food Saniterian Bob Gose's retirement and applying it to the nursing position. Since the state has not approved Steuben County's 2010 budget, Council member Paul Sparks was hesistant to take immediate action and felt a committee should be formed in light of possible budget shortfalls. But fellow Council member Linda Hansen did not think a committee was needed right now since the final budget numbers are not known. In other business, the Council tentatively scheduled a joint meeting with County Commissioners for April 13th to discuss funding requests recently made by officials from the Steuben County-Tri State Airport. In addition, Bill Booth was re-elected as Council President for 2010 while John Hughes will again serve as Vice-President.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A Pleasant Lake man was formally charged on Tuesday with allegedly using a large metal pipe to injure another man. 29-year-old Joshua David Filley is facing a Class C felony of Battery with a Deadly Weapon. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf during Tuesday's initial hearing in front of Magistrate Randy Coffey and bond was set at $20,000. Linda Wagoner was appointed as Filley's attorney. The case will go through Steuben Circuit Court where a pre-trial conference was scheduled for March 15th. Filley was also ordered not to have any contact with the alledged victim if he should post bond. According to a probable cause affadavit filed by Indiana State Police detective Kevin Smith, the alleged incident took place after the injured man and three others went to Filley's home either late Sunday night or early Monday morning. The incident happened as the four were trying to leave but their vehicle got stuck in the snow. The injured man was taken to Cameron Hospital by the other three who were with him and he was later transferred to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. According to court document, Filley allegedly hit the man multiple times, breaking both of his arms and causing a skull fracture. The probable cause affadavit did not detail the circumstances which might have led up to the incident.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Over 50 people jammed their way into a meeting room at the Ramada Inn Tuesday night as the Steuben Lakes Regional Waste District hosted a 90 minute meeting to gather public comments on a proposed sanitary sewer project for the northeast corner of the district. The area covered includes the Outlet Malls, Pokagon State Park and Lake Charles. District Board of Trustees President Bill Heckley said if the project is pursued, it would serve over 1,300 households. But he added it would be at least five years before any dirt is moved. Heckley also said if the board felt the majority of people were against it, they would not pursue it. If the district moves forward, the next step would be a preliminary engineer report that would cost between $60,000 and $100,000. Among the items some audience members grumbled about were the proposed monthly fees. According to preliminary figures, those fees would run anywhere from $86 to $98 a month depending on the length of a loan the district would have to take out. One audience member asked district officials who was forcing them to do this. Another said no facts were being presented. Responding to one audience member, District Superintendent Tim Frederick said the project was not being mandated by the E.P.A.. He said it had been requested in recent years by Pokagon State Park, some commercial properties and by some residents. The district plans to hold another meeting to gather public imput sometime this summer.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Changes in the funding method for detaining juvenile offenders maybe a 2010 budget buster in Steuben County. The Steuben County Council approved $700 worth of transfers in the 2009 Circuit Court budget for juvenile detention on Tuesday but they maybe facing a bigger problem in the near future. The financial burden of housing juvenile offenders has switch from the state to the local level. A $40,000 additional appropriation request for 2010 is scheduled to come before the Council next month and Council member Linda Hansen felt it will not be enough. Adding to the juvenile detention funding issues is that the state of Indiana has not yet approved Steuben County's 2010 budget. That is expected to take place sometime next month.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Three area schools made the list of 188 Indiana Schools that were named Four Star Schools by the Indiana Department of Education on Wednesday. Making the list are Westview Elementary and Meadowview Elementary in the Westview School Corporation and Central Noble High School. The non-monetary awards go to schools that meet Adequate Yearly Progress guidelines and rank in the top 25 percent in I-STEP Plus scores and student attendance.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Police are looking for information regarding the Monday burglary of the Heavenly Breads and Sweets Bakery on 200 West. Crime Stoppers of Steuben County Coordinator Shari Dean says somebody got into the bakery early Monday morning and took a digital camera as well as an undisclosed amount of cash. Anyone with information on this crime or any other crime can call Crime Stoppers at 668-STOP or 1-800-600-HALT. You can also leave a tip at steubencountycrimestoppers.org. You do not have to give your name and your tip could lead to a cash reward of up to $1,000.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Health Department has announced they are resuming routine children immunization clinics starting next Tuesday, January 19th. Walk-in clinic days will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30am until 11:30am. Scheduled appointments will be available on Wednesday evenings through the month. The clinics are for routine immunizations only. Adults hours will be Monday and Wednesday from 10:00am until 11:00am and Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00pm until 4:00pm. TB tests for adults will be offered Mondays and Tuesdays. All H1N1 clinics will be held on Mondays from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at the health department. If you have any questions, call 668-1000, extension 1500.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A report released on Tuesday by the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute shows Steuben County was one of 22 counties in the state that was a donor county over the last year. That means taxpayers in those counties paid more then the county gets back. The report indicated that Steuben County was a donor county because it borders two states and has two interstate highways running through it. The report also showed that neighboring LaGrange, Noble and DeKalb Counties got more tax dollars than citizens in those counties paid.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A downtown organization has been formed by a group of businesses and citizens called the Go Angola Downtown Business Alliance. The group recently put out a calendar and they have set up a fund at the Steuben County Community Foundation called the Go Angola Fund. They plan to meet Thursday mornings at 8:30am in Cahoots Coffee Café starting on January 21st. Upcoming fundraising events include a Bachelor and Silent Auction on January 30th at Piggy's Brew Pub and a garage sale and flea market at the Central School gym on February 20th. The goal of the newly formed group is to encourage progress and development in the Downtown Angola community through a variety of initiatives.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
(UNDATED) - Steuben County and other area firefighters were kept busy on Monday evening as three fires broke out in the span of nearly three hours. Six departments were called to a house fire at 8150 East Metz Road which was reported at about 4:20pm at a home owned by Samuel Carroll. Angola Fire Department Public Information Officer T.R. Hagerty says the first units on the scene found heavy black and brown smoke coming from the house and fire showing between the house and garage area. It took almost three hours to get the blaze under control. Damage was estimated at about $100,000. Hagerty says the cause of the fire is stil under investigation. Then at about 5:30pm, a fire destroyed a barn that was owned by Jason Book at 5575 East 540 North. Fremont Fire Department Public Information Officer Brett Steele says the first units found nearly 70 percent of the barn engulfed in flames. Firefighters had to use a defensive attack to contain the blaze until other responding units could arrive. The building was used to store equipment for Book's Tree Service. Items lost in the fire include vehicles, tree service equipment and tools. The cause of the fire is undetermined and damages have been estimated at $200,000. Nearly a dozen departments were called to battle the blaze which was called under control at about 7:45pm. Crews cleared the scene just after 9:30pm. The third fire of the evening caused heavy damage to a home at 3860 Zion Street on the south side of Hamilton. It was reported at about 7:30pm and was not called under control until about 10:00pm. Crews were on the scene until nearly midnight. Hamilton Fire Chief Rodney Snyder says the cause of the fire appears to be electrical in nature. Firefighters from six departments battled the blaze. No injuries were reported from any of the three fires.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Ironically on a night when three fires broke out around Steuben County, representatives from Umbaugh and Associates presented a draft of a proposed fire territory and the costs involved to representatives from the city of Angola and four nearby townships. The city along with Jamestown, Pleasant, Scott and York Townships would be part of the territory. Angola Fire Chief Mike Meek said as part of the fire territory, a new station would be established at Orland Road and 300 West. He also said there has been talk of a fire territory being formed by townships in the southwestern part of Steuben County. Paige Gregory from Umbaugh said the funding sources would total just over $1 million. The tax rate per $100 of assessed value would be about 20 cents. She pointed out the draft was not final, it was just a place to start. After a discussion that lasted over an hour, township representatives who were present said they would take the proposal back to their boards.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
(FORT WAYNE) - An Avilla woman whose husband died in a field near Garrett two years ago has settled her lawsuit against police and government officials in DeKalb and Noble counties. Julie Squire filed suit in federal court after a bungled police response to a report of an automobile crash resulted in Duane Squire's death as he and his autistic grandson were left stranded in a farmer's field near a wooded area. The Star of Auburn reported the parties reached a settlement through a mediator. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. Two DeKalb deputies responded to a motorist's report of a vehicle leaving the road and crashing into the field. They called off their search after a Garrett police officer told them the vehicle near the woods had permission to be there. Squire and his grandson spent the night and the next morning in the frigid cold. The boy required hospitalization after police and cell phone officials tracked Squire's cell phone signal to the area.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
(HAMILTON) - The Hamilton School Board decided to keep the same officers for 2010 on Monday night. Scott Lucas will serve as president, Robert Gaff will be the vice president and Judy Manahan will serve as secretary. In other action, the board accepted the retirement of Mary Annette Poynter who has worked at Hamilton Elementary School for the past 20 years.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
(BRYAN, OHIO) - Williams County Sheriff Kevin Beck says someone is making bogus phone calls about a murder investigation. He says his department was told on Sunday that somebody called a citizen and identified themselves as a Detective Wilson of the Williams County Sheriff's Office. The caller told the person on the other end of the line they had to be fingerprinted in connection with a homicide. Beck says they do not have a "Detective Wilson" affiliated with the Sheriff's Office. He says similar complaints have been reported to the Bryan Police Department, the Defiance County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies. Beck says the bogus calls do not appear to be related to the on-going investigation into the death of 91-year-old Grace Kennedy who police think was the victim of a homicide. Telephone companies throughout northwest Ohio are assisting with the investigation and Beck says whoever is responsible will be charged if they are caught.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
(FREMONT) - The Fremont School Board approved a 2010-2011 calendar on Monday night which calls for students to go back to class one week later than in recent years. The students first day would be August 25th and they would be let out for summer on June 8th. Superintendent Ben Roederer pointed out the calendar could change if legislation is passed at the State Capital which would prohibit classes from starting before Labor Day. Roederer also reported that paperwork has been sent to Indianapolis that keeps the Fremont district eligible for stimulus money as part of the federal government's Race to the Top program. But he said the district is looking at a three to five percent cut as part of the state's belt-tightening efforts after tax collections did not meet revenue forecasts. Fremont Middle School Principal Mark Fowerbaugh also announced that at the request of students, students will be allowed to chew gum on a nine week trial basis.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
(ANGOLA) - Icy road conditions led to an Friday evening accident in Scott Township which injured an Angola man. The Steuben County Sheriffs Department says 24-year-old Clinton Penix was pulling out of a driveway when he was hit by a vehicle driven by 17-year-old Kory Willibey of Angola. According to a Sheriffs Department accident report, Willibey said he was unable to stop because of the icy road. Penix told police he did not see the Willibey vehicle. Penix was admitted to Cameron Hospital after complaining of back pain. A report on his condition was not made available by the hospital this morning.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - Talk of a possible hiring freeze for LaGrange County government came up at Monday's county council meeting. Councilman Mike Strawser asked if there was a way to prevent department heads from automatically replacing employees following a resignation, retirement or termination. County Commissioner George Bachman agreed with Strawser, but said implementing such a freeze is difficult. County attorney Kurt Bachman said the only way to enforce a freeze is for the council to go through the process of reducing appropriations from the budget. He suggested members of the council and commissioners could make it clear to department heads that such hires won't be funded in future budgets. In other personnel matters, the council approved the new county employee handbook. It also agreed to reverse its reclassification of the jail nurse from a salaried to an hourly position. Sheriff Terry Martin told council making the jail nurse an hourly position would end up costing the county more than having her remain on salary.
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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
(MONTPELIER, OHIO) - Steve Yagelski was named Mayor of Montpelier, Ohio on Monday night by acting Mayor Jason Rockey. Yagelski will finish out the term of Michael Long who resigned on Friday. It's the second time Yagelski has occupied the Mayors office. Long said the poor economy forced him to spend too much time with his businesses and not enough time attending to the business of the village. Long owns the Dairy Depot, Montpelier Skate Company and the Weigh Station Gym. Yagelski will serve as Mayor through the end of 2011.
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Monday, January 11, 2010
(ANGOLA) - A second Republican candidate has announced a run for the Steuben County Prosecutors Office. Assistant Prosecutor Mike Hess officially announced he was running on Monday. Local Attorney Jim Burns is also running for the office that will be vacated by Tom Wilson at the end of 2010 as Wilson will not be seeking a sixth term. Hess has served as the Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Steuben County since 1987. He says the 23 years serving in that position has prepared him for the challenges the community faces in 2010 and beyond. Hess was admitted to the Indiana Bar in 1981. Before his present job, Hess had a private practice and served as a Public Defender. Andy Aldred will serve as Hess' campaign chair.
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Monday, January 11, 2010
(LAGRANGE) - The LaGrange County Council has approved a resolution declaring their intent to make all unincorporated areas of the county an economic revitalization area. If confirmed, the action would make all areas outside of town limits eligible to seek tax abatement and knock 30 to 60 days off the time frame in getting abatement. Council tabled the issue last month and asked County Attorney Kurt Bachman to seek an opinion about the practice from the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance. The Council also sought a recommendation from the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation about how long such a declaration should be in effect. Councilman Jac Price says the E-D Corporation recommends making the revitalization area permanent. The Council set a public hearing on the proposal for their March 8th council meeting.
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