TODAY: Sunny and a high of 82.

TONIGHT: Clear skies and a low of 58.

FRIDAY: Sunny in the morning then turning partly cloudy with a high of 78.

SATURDAY: Partly sunny with a chance of showers. High of 82.

SUNDAY: Partly cloudy and a high of 82.

MONDAY: Partly cloudy with a high of 85.

TUESDAY: Partly cloudy with a chance of showers. High of 85.

WEDNESDAY: Sunny with a high of 85.

City Budget Overview
7/29/2010 8:45 AM
Mike Stiles
(STURGIS) – Sturgis City Commissioners have set a date for a public hearing on the 2010-2011 fiscal year budget. During Wednesday's meeting, City Manager Mike Hughes gave a brief overview of the budget. While he didn't get into the actual numberst, Hughes did talk about some of the factors that are affectingthis year's budget, like reduced property tax revenues, State shared revenues and Act 51 funds. Hughes says one of the positives that has helped the City is the reduction of full-time employees. In 2005 there were 119 full-time City employees. Currently there are 91. The public hearing on the 2010-2011 budget will be held during the Commission meeting on August 11.

EPA: 1M gallons of oil may be in Mich. river
7/29/2010
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) - Federal officials now estimate that more than 1 million gallons of oil may have spilled into a major river in southern Michigan. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released the update Wednesday night, shortly after the governor sharply criticized efforts to contain oil flowing down the Kalamazoo River. Gov. Jennifer Granholm warned of a "tragedy of historic proportions" if the oil reaches Lake Michigan, which is still at least 80 miles downstream from where oil has been seen. Enbridge Inc. owns the pipeline that leaked the oil, and its CEO said earlier Wednesday that the company has made "significant progress."

Coldwater Man Charged With Kidnaping In Indiana
7/28/2010 - 4:25 PM
Tim Murray
(HUNTINGTON) – A Coldwater man is facing charges in Huntington County, Indiana related to the alleged abduction of his ex-girlfriend. Fifty-one year old Jack Hower is currently jailed in Branch County on Michigan charges of driving while suspended, domestic battery and false imprisonment. Indiana State Police say Hower allegedly entered a residence near Huntington on Monday morning and forcibly removed 33 year old Julie Musser of Coldwater. They say he forced her into her own van and left with the intention of driving her back to his residence in Coldwater. Indiana authorities contacted Branch County deputies who located the van and stopped it. In Huntington County, Hower is charged with one count of kidnaping, two counts of criminal confinement, and one count of battery.

Busy Night For Commissioners
7/26/2010 - 4:25 PM
Mike Stiles
(STURGIS) – There's a full agenda waiting tonight for the Sturgis City Commission. The evening will start with a work session to discuss the Department of Public Services' facility design and build request for proposals. During the regular meeting, the Commission will be presented with the second reading of a snow removal emergency ordinance. There were some questions during the first reading on when a snow emergency should be declared. Other items on tonight's agenda will be setting a public hearing for the 2010-2011 fiscal year budget and the first reading of a uniform traffic code ordinance amendment. Tonight's Commission work session will start at 5:30 PM and the regular meeting gets underway at 7 PM. Both will be held in the Wiesloch Room at City Hall and are open to the public.

Announcement Concerning Glen Oaks
7/28/2010 - 4:25 PM
Mike Stiles
(CENTREVILLE) – For the next couple of days, there's only one way to get to Glen Oaks Community College. Officials at the school say construction has started on the main parking lot. Because of this work, the Sauger Lake Road entrance to Glen Oaks will be closed for today and Thursday. If you are heading to the school, you must use the Shimmel Road entrance, and follow the cones to the appropriate parking area. Also, Glen Oaks officials say the A.L.L. Program, Food For Thought, that was scheduled for Thursday at 12:30 PM has been cancelled.

White Pigeon Library Collecting Supplies
7/28/2010 - 4:25 PM
Mike Stiles
(WHITE PIGEON) – The White Pigeon Library is already get ready for children to go back to school. Kelley Taylor says the Library is collecting new or gently used backpacks and school supplies for "Operation Backpack". Donations will be accepted through August 24. The backpacks will then be distributed through Central Elementary School. If you have any questions about what kind of school supplies to donate, you can contact Taylor or the library staff at 483-7409.

Colon School Board Ready For New Year
7/28/2010 - 4:25 PM
Mike Stiles
(COLON) – The Colon School Board is getting ready for the upcoming school year. During their recent organizational meeting, the Board elected Ernie Baker to remain as President and Eric Bower to stay as Vice President. Bower will also serve as Treasurer this coming year, and Rusty Hyder will serve as Secretary. In other organizational business, the Colon School Board voted to hold their regular meetings on the third Monday of every month starting at 6 PM. The exception will be the meetings in December and February when they will be on the second Monday in those months. All of the Board meeting will be in Colon High School.

Spade Receives Endorsement For Senate Race
7/28/2010 - 4:25 PM
Mike Stiles
(ADRIAN) – A candidate for the Michigan Senate has picked up an endorsement from a state agency. The Michigan Public Transit Association had given their endorsement to Democrat Doug Spade, who is running for the 16th District State Senate seat, currently held by Cameron Brown. MPTA Director Clark Harder says Doug Spade is a strong advocate for the working people of Michigan, and Spade will support the state's public transit system that more people are relying on. The Michigan Public Transit Association is a statewide group whose membership includes the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority, among other urban public transit systems and smaller rural systems. Spade cited the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority as a success story, helping meet community needs and a model for other areas of the state. Spade is unopposed for his party's nomination to run for the Michigan Senate.

Oil pipeline leak pollutes major Michigan river
7/28/2010
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (AP) - Southern Michigan is learning that devastating oil spills aren't limited to the Gulf Coast. Crews are working to clean up an estimated 877,000 gallons of oil that coated birds and fish as it poured from a pipeline leak into Talmadge Creek and eventually into the Kalamazoo River. Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm toured the area by helicopter Tuesday night and said more resources are needed. The river eventually flows into Lake Michigan, but officials don't believe oil will seep that far. Calgary, Alberta-based Enbridge Inc.'s affiliate Enbridge Energy Partners LP of Houston owns the pipeline. Its chief executive says "we're going to clean it up." The pipeline carries about 8 million gallons of oil daily from Griffith, Ind., to Sarnia, Ontario. President Barack Obama has pledged a swift response to requests for help in dealing the spill. White House spokesman Matt Lehrich says Michigan Democratic Congressman Mark Schauer updated the president about the spill Tuesday. The cause of spill is under investigation.

Eight Arrested On Drug Charges
7/27/2010 - 2:15 PM
Mike Stiles
(FLOWERFIELD TOWNSHIP) – An investigation into drug manufacturing ended Monday night with the arrest of eight people. Detective Sergeant Jim Hart of the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department says the SCAN Unit along with Sheriff's Deputies and the Three Rivers Police K-9 unit executed a search warrant in the 51 thousand block of Creglow Road in Flowerfield Township. Officers found an active meth lab along with evidence of manufacturing and distribution of meth. Seven male subjects and one female were arrested and lodged in the St. Joseph County Jail on multiple charges including production of meth, possession of meth, and maintaining and frequenting a drug house. Drug Lab Disposal Service was contacted to deal with the active lab and to remove other hazardous materials from the house.

Community Mental Health Public Hearing
7/27/2010 - 2:15 PM
Mike Stiles
(CENTREVILLE) – A special public hearing is scheduled for this afternoon. Community Mental Health of St. Joseph County will be hosting the public hearing regarding the quality and delivery of services they provide. The Michigan Department of Community Health requires input prior to allocating future services. Interested citizens, community leaders and all stakeholders are encouraged to attend and provide comment. The public hearing will be held in the Dresser Auditorium at Glen Oaks Community College, starting at 5:30 PM. The regular monthly board meeting will follow the public hearing.

Burglaries Up In Cass County
7/27/2010 - 2:15 PM
Mike Stiles
(CASSOPOLIS) – Since the beginning of July, Cass County has seen an increase in daytime burglaries of homes. Sheriff Joseph Underwood says the hardest hit has been the southwest portion of the County, specifically Milton, Howard, Jefferson, Ontwa and Pokagon Townships. The burglaries are occurring throughout the day at residences where no one is home at the time. Underwood says thieves seem to be targeting windows and sliding doors that are left open or easily accessed. They enter the dwellings and steal various items including electronics and jewelry. There have also been reports that suspects are using different vehicles and may case a neighborhood by knocking on the doors and asking questions either about items in the yard or for directions. If someone answers the door the suspects move on. If not, they break in. Underwood encourages all citizens to report suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Office immediately by calling the non emergency number at 445-1560. Tips on the recent burglaries can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-342-STOP.

Fair Board Decides On Saturday Entertainment
7/27/2010 - 2:15 PM
Mike Stiles
(CENTREVILLE) - A decision has been made on what to do about the Saturday night entertainment at this year's St. Joseph County Fair. Fair Manager Bill Johnson announced last week that Saturday head liner Kellie Pickler and Chris Young, who was set to open for George Jones on Thursday night, had cancelled their appearances at the Fair. Both are on tour with Rascal Flatts and will be opening for them. After a meeting late last week, the Fair Board has announced that the Saturday night entertainment at the Fair will be "Satisfaction, the International Rolling Stones", touring tribute band. Johnson says he and the Fair Board understand the frustration this year's cancellations have caused. As a way to make it up to the community, the Saturday "Satisfaction" show will be free. Anyone who purchased Kellie Pickler tickets can get a refund by calling the ticket office at 888-873-0550. If you ordered your tickets through Stars Ticket Plus, you can contact them at 888-585-3737.

State says 3 horses confirmed with encephalitis
7/27/2010
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan authorities say a viral brain disease that can kill humans has been confirmed in three horses this year in the state. Mosquitoes can spread eastern equine encephalitis to horses and humans, and authorities say people should use repellant or stay out of areas with heavy mosquito infestations. The departments of Community Health and Agriculture said Monday that Michigan State University confirms a 3-month-old filly from Calhoun County and a 12-month-old male from Barry County tested positive for the illness. One other horse case was confirmed last week in Cass County. The state says there are several horses in Cass County "highly suspect" for the disease.

840,000 gallons of oil leaks into Kalamazoo River
7/27/2010
MARSHALL TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - A pipeline company says 840,000 gallons of oil has leaked into a creek that feeds into the Kalamazoo River in southwestern Michigan. The oil leaked Monday from a 30-inch pipeline that carries about 8 million gallons of oil per day from Griffith, Ind., to Sarnia, Ontario. The Battle Creek Enquirer says the leak estimate comes from Chicago-based Enbridge Liquids Pipelines. Company General Manager Tom Fridel says the cause remains under investigation. The oil spilled into Talmadge Creek, which flows northwest into the Kalamazoo River. The site is in Calhoun County's Marshall Township. Authorities have evacuated two homes near the leak.

Report: Michigan slips in child well-being ranking
7/27/2010
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan's struggling economy is hurting children. Michigan fell to 30th in the latest state-by-state ranking in the Kids Count survey from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Michigan ranked 27th last year. The latest Kids Count report is being released Tuesday. Michigan has had the nation's highest unemployment rate for much of the past four years and that's reflected in the rankings, which are based primarily on data from 2007 and 2008. Michigan ranked 44th among the states with 31 percent of children living in families where no parent had full-time, year-round employment in 2008. The national average was 27 percent. Nine other measures of child well-being are included in the survey.

Update On Fatal Crash
7/26/2010 - 3:15 PM
Mike Stiles/AP
(LOCKPORT TOWNSHIP) – A 5 year old boy remains in critical condition following a weekend crash that killed his younger step-brother. Michigan State Police say that 5 year old Jayden Everett along with Gary and Rikki Cannon, both 28, were flown to a Kalamazoo Hospital from the scene of the crash. Cannon's vehicle was driving north on Lutz Road near Fairchild Road just before 2 PM Sunday when it crossed the centerline, went off the road and crashed into a tree. Pronounced dead at the scene was 4 year old Dominic Cannon. Troopers says that Gary Cannon is in fair condition, while Rikki Cannon's condition was not immediately available. Police say that alcohol and drugs are believed to be a factor in the crash, which is still under investigation. Troopers also say that seat belts and child restraint seats were being used.

ACT Scores Mixed in St. Joseph County
7/26/2010 - 3:15 PM
Mike Stiles
(UNDATED) – Four St. Joseph County schools saw their 2010 ACT scores go up from last year. Three others saw their scores drop and one remained unchanged in 2010. According to the Michigan Department of Education, the average ACT Scores as part of the Michigan Merit Examination, are 19.3. That's up from a score of 19 in 2009. This year's test was taken by 110 thousand 11th graders around Michigan. Locally, Sturgis saw their ACT score drop one-tenth of a percent from 19.3 in 2009 to 19.2 in 2010. The best score among St. Joseph County schools was Mendon at 20.8. That's an increase of sixth-tenths from 2009 when their score was 20.2. Centreville went up from 18.1 to 19.1. Constantine increased from a score of 17.3 to 19. Three River also saw their score go up from 18.8 to 19. Burr Oak dropped from a 15.8 in 2009 to 15.4 in 2010. White Pigeon saw their scores drop from 18.6 to 17.9 while Colon had the same score as last year at 18.5. Bronson saw an increase in their score from 17.1 in 2009 to 17.8 in 2010. Coldwater also saw their score go up from 18.5 to 19 in 2010. Nationally the 2010 ACT average score was 21.1 out of possible 36.

Constantine Applies For Land Grant
7/26/2010 - 3:15 PM
Mike Stiles
(CONSTANTINE) – The Village of Constantine is looking to get a grant that would help them purchase land to add to one of their parks. The property in question is currently owned by Aaron Cullifer and borders the east end of Riverview Park. It is approximately three and a half acres in size. Village Manager Mark Honeysett says there is a state grant that would help the Village acquire the property. If the purchase is done, Honeysett says the Village would like to extend the boardwalk along the St. Joseph River and then in the future, develop the rest of the land into a park. The grant would require a survey of the property and any closing costs involved in the transfer of the property. Honeysett says those costs are being figured into the grant so that if it is approved, there would be very little, if any, out of pocket expense for the Village. The Village Council approved sending the grant application to the State.

Head Start Taking Applications
7/26/2010 - 3:15 PM
Jim Measel
(UNDATED) – Applications are being accepted for Head Start in LaGrange and Steuben Counties. Head Start is for children between the ages of three and five. This is for the centers in LaGrange, Fremont and Angola. Children must be three years old by February 1 to be eligible. The program is four days a week, Monday through Thursday from September to May. Head Start also has a full day, 11 month program in LaGrange which runs Monday through Friday. For an application, please 260-495-4775 or 1-800-551-9819.

Child Killed In Fatal Crash
7/26/2010 7:25 AM
Mike Stiles
(LOCKPORT TOWNSHIP) – A four year old Three Rivers boy was killed in a one vehicle crash Sunday afternoon. Michigan State Police say a vehicle was driving north on Lutz Road just before 2 PM Sunday when it crossed the center line and went off the road, striking a tree. The occupants, a 28 year old man and women along with a 5 year old boy all from the Three Rivers area, were trapped in the vehicle and removed by area firefighters. The 4 year old boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The other members of the family were flown to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo by area air care services. The names of the individuals involved have not been released pending family notification. Investigators are still trying to determine if child restraints and seatbelts were used by the occupants. Alcohol and drugs are believed to be a factor in the crash. Troopers were assisted by the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department along with firefighters from the Fabius Park Township and Three Rivers Departments.

Car-Buggy Accident
7/26/2010 - 7:25 AM
Tim Murray
(CLEARSPRING TOWNSHIP) – A Topeka woman and her horse were injured Friday night when a car struck a buggy in LaGrange County. Twenty year old JoAnna Gingerich was transported to Parkview-LaGrange Hospital complaining of lower back pain. LaGrange County Sheriff's deputies say Gingerich was traveling on County Road 600 South when a northbound vehicle driven by 17 year old Daryl Lambright of Shipshewana allegedly disregarded a stop sign and struck the buggy at 10:11 PM. Police ticketed Lambright for disregarding a stop sign.

New Number For Sturgis Electric Emergencies
7/26/2010 - 7:25 AM
Mike Stiles
(STURGIS) – Sturgis Electric customers have a new number to call in the event of emergencies. Electric Department Supervisor John Griffith says in the event of an electric utility emergency, customers should call 659-7255. The new number went into effect Friday. Griffith says by using the new contact number, customers will be able to report individual outages as well as get updates on wide spread outages and other emergency information.

Ind. Toll Road company claiming lawsuit immunity
7/26/2010
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - The private company the runs the Indiana Toll Road is fighting a lawsuit over the highway's condition after a winter storm by claiming it should have governmental immunity. The lawsuit was filed in federal court against ITR Concession Co., which operates the toll road under a 75 year lease awarded in 2006. A driver claims in the federal lawsuit that the highway should've been closed before her December 2008 crash in LaGrange County when she lost control of her car on ice and snow and went down a 40 foot embankment. The driver's attorney, Michael Ely, says common law is that governments can't be sued for weather-related issues, but he doesn't think a private company should be able to claim such immunity.

State of Mich. finalizing policy on social media
7/26/2010
LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The state of Michigan plans to consider what its employees and agencies post on social media websites as matters of public record and subject to Freedom of Information Act requests. Kurt Weiss, a spokesman for the state's Department of Technology, Management and Budget, tells the Lansing State Journal for a story published Sunday that the state is working to finalize a policy. Weiss says the policy is expected to be completed in August. Lawyer Herschel Fink, who specializes in media law, says it appears that the concept is untested in Michigan courts. He says he thinks that such activity by government should be considered public record. Michigan uses social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter to communicate with the public.

Recovery effort continues in Lake Michigan crash
7/26/2010
LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) - Authorities say the effort to recover the bodies of four people missing since a small plane plunged into Lake Michigan while flying a cancer patient to the Mayo Clinic is continuing. Mason County Undersheriff Tom Trenner says recovery efforts resumed Sunday, with boats in the water and crews searching beaches between Ludington and Manistee. They also were looking for signs of the plane. Trenner says nothing new had been found as of early Sunday afternoon. He says 8-foot waves made the search more difficult. After combing the area for 27 hours, authorities abandoned hope Saturday of finding alive the four missing since the crash Friday several miles off the west Michigan coast. The pilot was rescued. The plane was flying to Minnesota from the central Michigan town of Alma.