Father Charged Following Infant's Death
Thursday, July 29, 2010

BRYAN - The father of a 4-month old infant is in police custody following the child's death Tuesday. Bryan Police say Aiden Oehler-McGinley died at Toledo Children's Hospital from injuries he suffered on Monday.

The father - 20-year-old Kevin Oehler - is charged with endangering children, which is a second degree felony. He's held at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio.

Angola High School Registration Set For August 10, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010

ANGOLA - Registration for all Angola High School students will begin on Tuesday, August 10th. The school will be open from 1 to 7 p-m to take care of registration. The activities include updating student demographic information, picking up class schedules, locating lockers and classrooms, paying book fees, getting parking passes. Also sports passes and yearbooks will be available for purchase, lunch accounts paid, and parents can sign up for online access to the student database.

For more information contact the counselors at Angola High School

Hamilton Community Schools Back To School Event
Thursday, July 29, 2010

HAMILTON - Hamilton Community Schools will hold a Back to School Event on August 3rd and 4th for parents of children in grades K 12 in the main gymnasium.
Two sessions will be held. One will take place August 3rd from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm with another session August 4th from 4:00 until 8:00pm.
Seventh grade orientation will also take place on August 4th at 6:30pm.

Refreshments will be provided on both days.

Organizers say parents will be able to pick up their child’s schedule and drop off school supplies while meeting the new administrative team.
There will also be opportunities to prepay for cafeteria expenses, pickup and pay for assorted items. Extra curricular and athletic opportunities can also be explored.

For more information about the event, you can call Hamilton Community Schools at 488-2161.

Ohio Police Station To Be Re-Built
Thursday, July 29, 2010

MILLBURY, Ohio (AP) A northwest Ohio police station destroyed by a tornado last month will be rebuilt in hopes of opening in the fall of next year.

Lake Township trustees voted Wednesday night to use an estimated $1.7 million in insurance money to replace the township administration building, which housed the police department and other offices.

The building was in the path of a tornado with winds up to 175 mph that struck the area near Toledo on June 5. Six people were killed.

The trustees plan to include a storm memorial in the new administration building and are currently taking designs and bids.

The old police headquarters will be demolished in coming weeks. Several police cruisers left mangled by the tornado will be used for car crash rescue training.

Democrat struck from ballot for Steuben County clerk
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 8:56 AM

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

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

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

The election board agreed.

That leaves Republican Shelly Herbert unopposed for the office.

Waterloo man injured when cycle crashes
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 7:49 AM

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

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

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

Self-inflicted gunshot fatal to Auburn man following traffic stop
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 7:50 AM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coldwater Man Allegedly Abducts Ex-Girlfriend
Wednesday, July 28, 2010

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

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

Indiana State Police say Hower allegedly entered a residence near Huntington on Monday morning and forcibly removed 33-year-old Julie Musser of Coldwater. They say he forced her into her own van and left with the intention of driving her back to his residence in Coldwater.

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

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

Turnout sparse for NIPSCO gas rate hearings
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 7:48 AM

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

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

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

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

Angola BZA approves gun sales
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 12:00 PM

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

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

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

Rolling Stones tribute band replaces Kellie Pickler at St. Joe Grange Fair
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 2:33 PM

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

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

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

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

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

Estep pleads guilty, mentally ill, to charge of child molesting
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 3:27 PM

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cable cut interrupts some phone service in Steuben County
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 2:34 PM-UPDATED Wednesday, July 28, 2010 7:47 AM

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

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

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

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

Kendallville man hurt as pickup flips
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 7:12 AM

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

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

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

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

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

Calzado was not injured.

Angola teen gets prison sentence for burglary of home


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

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

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

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

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

Following his release Lundgren must serve five years of probation. er 13th.

4-year-old dies in single vehicle crash


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

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

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

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

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

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

An investigation is ongoing.

Man dies in mobile home fire at Lake of the Woods


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

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

Firfighters believe the fire began in that room.

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

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

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

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

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

Damage was estimated at $50-thousand dollars.

Rainfall causes Angola sewer overflow


Rainfall causes Angola sewer overflow

Monday, July 26, 2010 9:38 AM

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

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

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

NIPSCO natural gas rate hearings held tonight and Tuesday


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

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

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

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

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

Police find mobile meth lab in man's car


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

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

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

Angola BZA to hear special exception request for firearm sales


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

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

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

Angola income survey starts today


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

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

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

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

Seven Injured In Williams County Wreck
Friday, July 23, 2010

(EDON, OHIO) - Seven people were injured Wednesday afternoon when a van pulled in front of a tractor trailer just east of the Indiana-Ohio line. The Ohio Highway Patrol says the crash happened at the intersection of U.S. 20 and State Route 49 at about 2:40pm. The driver of the van and five passengers were from Detroit while the semi was driven by a Florida resident. The van driver and one of his passengers were flown to Parkview Hospital. The other four passengers in the van as well as the truck were treated and released from nearby hospitals.

Live Hand Grenade Found By Youngsters In Nettle Lake
Sunday, July 11, 2010

(NETTLE LAKE) - There were some anxious moments on Saturday night at Nettle Lake in Williams County after some youngsters found a live hand grenade in the lake. After the discovery was reported at about 5:20pm, police and firefighters secured the area on Lake Shore Drive when they determined it was indeed a live grenade. The Toledo Police Department's Bomb Squad and the U.S. Military were contacted for assistance. It was determined it was an explosive or a chemical grenade from the Vietnam War era. Bomb technicians built a hole and lined it with cement. They moved the grenade into the hole at about 11:00pm and detonated it. A piece of concrete hit a nearby lake cottage and caused some minor damage. No injuries were reported. Williams County Sheriff Kevin Beck said it was very fortunate the youngster who made the discovery did not pull the pin on the grenade. Northwest Township firefighters and Williams County E.M.S. assisted at the scene.

Eight Injured In Crash South Of Bryan
Friday, July 9, 2010

(BRYAN) - Eight people were injured early Friday afternoon when two vehicles collided at the intersection of U.S. 6 and U.S. 127 south of Bryan. The Ohio Highway Patrol reports a 1998 Chrysler Grand Caravan driven by 36-year-old Staci MacGregor of Napolean struck another vehicle driven by 61-year-old Barbara J. Taylor of Bryan broadside at about 12:40pm. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage. MacGregor and five passengers between the ages of six and 33 all suffered non-life threatening injuries and were taken to Bryan Community Hospital. The injured included a pregnant woman, 33-year-old Carrie Kaufman of Napolean. Because of her condition, Kaufman was flown by air ambulance to St. Vincent's Hospital in Toledo. Taylor was life flighted to the University of Toledo Medical Center where at last report she was in serious condition. A passenger, 34-year-old William Taylor of Bryan, was taken to Bryan Community Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The Williams County Sheriff's Department assisted at the scene along with the Bryan and Edgerton Fire Departments, Williams County E.M.S. and Lifesquad along with medics from Stryker and Edgerton.

Two Hillsdale County Men Killed In Crash
Thursday, July 8, 2010

(JONES) – A crash in Jones, Michigan claimed the lives of two Hillsdale County men Wednesday afternoon. Cass County Sheriff Joseph Underwood says 60 year old Howard Hawkins of Addison was driving south on M-40 just after 5:00pm and failed to stop at the intersection of M-60. Hawkins vehicle was struck by a westbound truck driven by 22 year old Christopher Korp of Niles. Authorities say Hawkins and a backseat passenger, 66 year old Kenneth Fisher of North Adams, were pronounced dead at the scene from injuries suffered in the crash. All parties were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash, which is still under investigation.

NWS Issues Heat Advisory For Wednesday
Wednesday, July 7, 2010

(ANGOLA) - The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Wednesday from 12:00noon until 9:00pm. Afternoon highs are expected to get into the low to mid 90's with heat index readings of 95 to 100 for a period of several hours. The combination of heat and humidity will pose a risk for heat stress for those with outdoor activities this afternoon. You are being urged to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.

WCSD Investigate Gun Thefts From Two Homes
Wednesday, June 30, 2010

(WILLIAMS COUNTY) - The Williams County Sheriffs Department is looking into the reported theft of fire arms and other items in a pair of home burglaries. Four guns including a 20 guage shotgun were taken from a home on County Road 13 near Pioneer. Also taken were a TV and a laptop computer. Four more guns including a 16 gauge shotgun were taken from another home burglary on U.S. 127 near West Unity. Thiefs also took a compound bow, a knife and three computers. Both of the burglaries were reported within three hours of each other Tuesday afternoon and evening. The total loss was estimated at about $4,000.

Hamilton To "Celebrate Freedom" This Weekend
Tuesday, June 29, 2010

(HAMILTON) - The town of Hamilton will "Celebrate Freedom" during their 4th of July celebration this weekend. Most of the activities are scheduled for Saturday but there will be some events on Friday evening including a fish fry and the crowning of the Tot King and Queen at the Fish and Game Club along with a Flotilla Lighted Boat Parade at the Millpond. Saturday's events include the parade starting at 12:00noon at Brookside Park. At least 50 units will be in the parade which will head south towards the railroad tracks. The parade grand marshalls will be long time Hamilton residents Doctor Wayne and Betty Schrepferman. The day will be capped off by a fireworks show at Hog Hill. The gates open at 6:00pm. There is no admission but donations will be accepted. For more on Hamilton's 4th of July events, go to the web site hamiltonindiana.org.

Another Round Of Storms Deliver Sunday Punch
Monday, June 28, 2010

(UNDATED) - For the third time in nine days, severe storms went through the area on Sunday afternoon. The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana issued a severe thunderstorm watch into the early evening and Steuben County was placed under a severe thunderstorm warning just after 4:00pm. For the second time this week, a large tree was knocked down by strong winds about a mile south of Angola on Old U.S. 27. A large tree and power lines were also knocked down in Kendallville. In northwest Ohio, a thunderstorm wind gust of 72 miles an hour was measured at Defiance while a house was set on fire by a lightning strike in Napolean. After a stormy and soggy June, National Weather Service forecasters are predicting a sunny and dry week. There is even better news for folks whose nerves are frayed by all of the June storms, no severe weather is mentioned in the extended forecast.

Storms Destroy Historic Edgerton Town Hall
Thursday, June 24, 2010

(UNDATED) - The historic Edgerton Town Hall was destroyed on Wednesday night as severe weather damaged several buildings and injured a firefighter. Edgerton Mayor Lance Bowsher says the old and vacant town hall is gone. Part of the building, which dates back to the 1880's, fell onto the adjacent fire department headquarters causing heavy damage. Bowsher says a firefighter was hurt by falling debris. The firefighters suffered a broken collar bone, leg and arm. A National Weather Service meteorologist says a survey team will be sent to the area to determine whether there was a tornado touchdown. The Williams County sheriff's office says buildings and rooftops were damaged. There was also a report Wednesday night of two semi rigs resting against a train in Edgerton. The National Weather Service reports there was straight line wind damage with winds estimated at 100 miles an hour. The wind damage path was about three miles long and a quarter of a mile wide.

Bogus $20 Bills Passed In Defiance
Thursday, June 24, 2010

(DEFIANCE) - The Defiance Police Department says they have gotten a pair of counterfeit $20 bills from two separate businesses. Police are asking area banks, merchants and consumers to be aware of getting counterfeit U.S. currency in $20 denominations. If you get currency that is questionable, examine it carefully or contact your nearest lae enforcement agency. Anyone with leads or information about the phony money should call Defiance Police at 419-784-5050.

Fire Destroys Waterloo Home, Occupants Suffer Minor Burns
Saturday, June 19, 2010

(WATERLOO) - Two adults and eight children suffered what were described as minor burns on Saturday morning when a fire destroyed a home in Waterloo. The adults and a child went to a nearby hospital on their own for treatment. The fire in the 300 block of South Franklin was reported at about 3:30am. The house was said to be fully involved when firefighters arrived. Waterloo firefighters got mutual aide from Butler, Corunna, Angola and Auburn crews. Garrett firefighters stood by at the Corunna Fire Station. Crews cleared the scene at about 7:10am.

Meth Lab Dump Site Found In Williams County
Thursday, June 17, 2010

(NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP) - No suspects are in custody after items from a meth lab were found along a road in Northwest Township. The items were found on County Road 5.75 near County Road S by the Williams County Sheriff's Office and members of the Multi Area Narcotics Team. A Hazmat team from the D.E.A. had to be called in to help clean up the mess. Williams County Sheriff Kevin Beck says a small dump site like the one which was found on Thursday can cost between $1,500 and $2,500 to clean up. The discovery of the meth lab items is still under investigation.

Three Arrested In Meth Bust At Bryan Pharmacy
Thursday, June 10, 2010

(BRYAN, OHIO) - Three people were arrested Tuesday in Bryan after authorities say they tried to assemble chemicals for the making of methamphemine. Arrested at the Rite Aid store on West High Street in Bryan were 30-year-old Tonya Willis of Fort Wayne along with her parents James and Cheryl Price of Montpelier. All three were booked at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio. After the arrest, the Multi-Area Narcotics Task Force searched the Price's home on County Road R near Montpelier for evidence in connection with the case.

Seven Reported Dead From Tornado, Lake H.S. Destroyed
Monday, June 7, 2010

(MILLBURY, Ohio) - (AP) - The National Weather Service now says the tornado that killed five people in northwest Ohio over the weekend had winds of up to 165 mph, was up to 300 yards wide and may have traveled 10 miles. Weather service meteorologist Will Kubina in Cleveland said Monday the tornado was by far the most severe of four confirmed tornadoes that hit northern Ohio on Saturday. The deadly tornado destroyed at least 50 homes and left another 50 severely damaged. Lake High School in Millbury was left in ruins hours before graduation. State officials reported that 1,000 power customers were still out in the area Monday morning.

Five Killed In Ohio Storms, Lake High School Damaged
Sunday, June 6, 2010

(MILLBURY, Ohio) - (AP) - Authorities say tornados and thunderstorms that swept through the Midwest overnight killed at least five people in Ohio, destroyed 50 homes and damaged a high school
gymnasium where graduation was to be held Sunday. Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn says that among those killed were a person outside the heavily damaged Lake Township police department and a motorist on state Route 795. Fire Chief Todd Walters of Lake Township says several people
were taken to hospitals. Authorities are still searching through homes and Walters couldn't say whether anyone is missing. The roof and a back wall were torn off the Lake High School gymnasium and buses were flipped and one was tossed across a school parking lot. Graduation ceremonies were scheduled to be held inside of the gym on Sunday.

Defiance Man Dead After Apparent Accidential Shooting
Saturday, June 5, 2010

(DEFIANCE, OHIO) - A Defiance man died Thursday after he was apparently accidentially shot by a 12-year-old boy. The Defiance County Sheriff's Department says 21-year-old Fred Graziani Junior died from a shotgun blast in his home on Ohio 15. Deputies think he was showing the gun to the youngster. As Graziani was walking out of the room, the boy apparently thought the gun was unloaded and pulled the trigger. Graziani was struck on his right side. He was pronounced dead after being flown to a hospital in Toledo.

Bryan Motorcycle Crash Following Chase Kills One, Injures Another
Tuesday, June 1, 2010

(BRYAN, OHIO) - Bryan Police have released the details on a fatal motorcycle accident which took place during a chase Saturday morning. Police say they were trying to stop a motorcycle driven by 23-year-old Adam Weisner of Bryan. They say he traveled at a high rate of speed and went through two stop signs before he failed to make a turn, hit a curb and struck a large shrub in the 200 block of South Portland Street. A passenger on the cycle, 41-year-old Andrea Andrews of Napolean, was ejected during the crash and was later pronounced dead after being taken to Bryan Hospital. Weisner was Life Flighted to a hospital in Toledo. Police say charges are pending and the crash is still under investigation.

Michigan Supreme Court Reinstates Lawsuit Against Hillsdale Eye Clinic
Wednesday, May 26, 2010

(HILLSDALE) - (AP) - The Michigan Supreme Court says the wrong address is not a reason to stop a woman from filing a medical malpractice lawsuit against her former eye doctor. The court's 4-3 decision reinstated a lawsuit Tuesday against
David Gossage and Gossage Eye Center in Hillsdale. Donna DeCosta's lawsuit in Hillsdale County was thrown out when a judge said she failed to give notice within a two-year period. The notice was sent before the period expired in 2006, but it was mailed to an old address. Justice Elizabeth Weaver says any defect was "minor" and "technical." The Supreme Court's three conservative justices disagreed. Gossage lawyer Rob Kamenec said he couldn't comment Tuesday evening because he hadn't seen the decision.

Two Injured In Plane Crash Near Defiance
Monday, May 24, 2010

(DEFIANCE) - Two people were injured on Sunday afternoon when a private plane crashed about seven miles north of Defiance. The Ohio Highway Patrol reports 45-year-old Paul Drasutis was piloting the plane when it stalled and he was forced to make an emergency landing which caused heavy damage to the aircraft. Troopers say Drasutis and a passenger, 45-year-old Francine Meyer of Defiance, were both taken to Defiance Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The F.A.A. was notified and investigators are expected to be at the scene on Monday.

High Water And Flooding Still Being Reported
Monday, May 24, 2010

(UNDATED) - Friday nights heavy rain combined with a soggy month of May is still causing some high water and flooding problems. The National Weather Service says moderate flooding is expected on the Tiffin River near Stryker which will affect Defiance, Fulton and Williams Counties. Recent heavy rainfall combined with saturated ground conditions will cause the Tiffin to rise above the 15 foot moderate flood stage on Monday afternoon and crest at 15.1 feet Monday evening. That's four feet above the 11 foot flood stage. Residents in the village of Stryker will be affected and many roads will become impassible. This crest compares to a previous crest of 14.8 feet in February of 2009. The flood warning will continue on the Tiffin until further notice. Meanwhile, the flood warning for the St. Joseph River at Three Rivers affecting Elkhart, Branch and St. Joseph Counties has been extended. Minor flooding is expected along the St. Joe.

Three Injured In DeKalb County Crash
Sunday, May 23, 2010

(GARRETT) - Three people were injured in a chain reaction crash on Saturday night on State Road 8 near Garrett. DeKalb County Police report a vehicle driven by 17-year-old Chelsea Miller of Avilla struck the back of another vehicle driven by 17-year-old Shayna Anglin of Kendallville at about 9:30pm. The Anglin vehicle was then forced into the back of a pickup driven by 31-year-old Jarrett Funk of Bryan which had stopped to make a turn into a driveway. The Anglin car had stopped behind it. Miller suffered head and neck pain while Anglin suffered head pain. A passenger in the Funk vehicle, Chelsea Funk, suffered pain to the abdomen.

High Water Reported Following Friday Storms
Saturday, May 22, 2010

(UNDATED) - Heavy rains during the late afternoon and evening hours on Friday has led to numerous reports of high water and flooded basements. The Weather Channel reports 2.55 inches of rain fell on Friday in Angola bringing the rainfall total for May up to 6.2 inches. National Weather Service Observer Ed Nagle measured 1.8 inches of rain which brought Angola's total for May up to 6.56 inches. Normally, the city of Angola gets 3.88 inches of rain during May. Angola Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent Craig Williams says over two inches of rain caused a combined sewer overflow. Williams says the preliminary information indicates the C.S.O. lasted from 90 minutes to two hours with the total flow estimated at 120,000 gallons. A complete report will be distributed once the data has been analyzed. The Williams County Highway Department measured 4.8 inches of rain. Rainfall totals throughout the area for the most part were between two and four inches. Area law enforcement agencies reported flooding early this morning with many roads still impassable. Numerous small creeks and streams continue to be out of their banks. Basements were flooded in Edon, Montpelier, Butler and at other locations. Water was up to the bumpers on cars in Waterloo and several wash outs were reported in DeKalb County. Minor flooding of many area rivers is expected following Friday's heavy rainfall. Williams County roads that have been closed by high water include County Road 13 north of State Route 34 and N-30 between 375 and County Road 4. In DeKalb County, State Road 1 between County Roads 64 and 68 along with U.S. 6 between County Roads 47 and 53 are closed due to high water. Drivers are being urged to stay away from high water areas and do not attempt to drive through them.

Hamilton School Board Approves Administration Hires
Tuesday, May 11, 2010

(HAMILTON) - The Hamilton School Board approved recommendations to fill four administrative positions on Monday night as district officials restructed some duties. The board agreed to have Superintendent Mark Gould assume the Hamilton High School principal duties. The board also approved the hiring of Pioneer, Ohio native Barbara Weber as the new Hamilton Elementary School principal. Weber has spent the last 20 years working as an educator in California. Gould said there were 26 applicants for the job which were reviewed by an 11 person committee. In addition, Bill Thomas was named the Student Activities Coordinator for Hamilton Community Schools and longtime elementary teacher John Dutton was named Administrative Assistant. Dutton's duties will include the overseeing of discipline, attendance and transportation. In other business, the board voted to proceed with a study and grant application for a renovation and upgrade project that will take care of wall cracks and the settling of some floors. Gould said the project would be less than $2 million and it would not be financed through a tax increase.

Two Killed In Williams County Crash
Tuesday, May 11, 2010

(WEST UNITY) - A two vehicle accident on U.S. 127 south of West Unity on Monday afternoon took the lives of two Williams County residents and left another critically injured. The Ohio Highway Patrol identified the fatal victims as 80-year-old Norris Brillhart of West Unity and 61-year-old Beth Elegeer of Bryan. They were both pronounced dead at the scene by the Williams County Coroner’s Office following the accident which took place at about 1:00pm. Troopers say a van driven by Elegeer was traveling north on U.S. 127 near County Road J when it went left of center and collided head-on with a truck driven by Brillhart which was coming from the opposite direction. 79-year-old Margaret Brillhart of West Unity was a passenger in Brillhart’s vehicle. She was taken by air ambulance to Toledo University Medical Center where at last report she was in critical condition. The accident is still under investigation.

Storms Rumble Through Parts Of NW Ohio
Saturday, May 8, 2010

(SANDUSKY, Ohio) - (AP) - A tornado apparently moved through northern parts of Ohio on Friday night. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for Erie County and eastern Ottawa County. The agency said a tornado was spotted located six miles northeast of Huron and 11 miles east of Sandusky, moving east at 50
mph. An Erie County sheriff's dispatcher in Sandusky did not provide details on the extent of the storm damage, if any. An Ottawa County sheriff's dispatcher said there was little damage in the county and no injury reports. There was some rough weather in parts of northwest Ohio on Friday night. Power lines were knocked down on Painter Road in Ayersville while several trees were reported down in Defiance County. Dime sized hail was reported in Paulding County while baseball sized hail was reported three miles south of Holgate. Wind gusts in Henry County were measured at 75 miles an hour. Those strong winds knocked some trees down across the CSX tracks a mile east of Deshler.

WCSD Look Into Military Medallion Theft From Cemetary
Thursday, May 6, 2010

(BRYAN) - The Williams County Sheriffs Department is investigating the theft of an undetermined amount of bronze military medallions from the Barrett Cemetary on West Mill Street in Pioneer. An employee of the cemetary reported the theft Wednesday afternoon. It's not known when the theft took place and the value of the medals is also undetermined. Police are trying to determine if Wednesday's theft is tied to the stealing of 41 bronze markers from the Boynton Cemetary near Stryker on April 19th. In a seperate case, the Sheriff's Department is investigating the theft of 25 aluminum semi tire rims from a home on County Road C-60 near Edgerton. The value of the tire rims was estimated to be $7,500.

Teen Hit By Car At Williams County Fairgrounds
Wednesday, May 5, 2010

(MONTPELIER) - A Montpelier teenager was injured on Tuesday afternoon when she was struck by a car at the Williams County Fairgrounds. The Williams County Sheriff's Office says a car driven by 16-year-old Taylor Davis of Montpelier was turning while 16-year-old Ashlyn Kerby ran after her dog to keep it from being hit by the car. Kerby suffered serious injuries when she was struck by the vehicle. She was flown to a Toledo hospital for treatment and the Sheriff's Office says the accident is still under investigation.

Charges Against Mina Dismissed Over Lab Test
Saturday, May 1, 2010

(ANGOLA) - The Steuben County Prosecutors Office has dropped drug charges against a New Jersey truck driver following a lab test of a substance which authorities at first thought was methamphetamine. 48-year-old Jorge Mina of Union City, New Jersey was formally charged on Thursday with a Class A felony of Dealing in Meth and a Class C felony for Possession of Meth after the Indiana State Police said they found over 900 grams of meth in a suitcase after a trooper stopped his semi on the Toll Road near Orland early Wednesday morning on a traffic violation. Prosecutors said Friday afternoon they had gotten information from the State Police that the substance which had previously tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine was in fact not a controlled substance. The State Police Crime Lab indicated it was not able to identify the substance. Mina was immediately released from the Steuben County Jail and the two felony drug charges against him were dismissed.

OHP Trooper Hurt In Turnpike Chain-Reaction Crash
Friday, April 30, 2010

(MONTPELIER, Ohio) - (AP) - Authorities say an Ohio Highway Patrol trooper was injured Thursday morning when a tractor-trailer slammed into his cruiser on the Ohio Turnpike in Williams County which set off a chain reaction crash. A patrol spokesman says the trooper Tommy Alexander is in a Toledo hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The Toledo Blade reports Alexander suffered a shoulder injury in the accident which happened about 13 miles east of the Indiana-Ohio state line at about 8:40am. The patrol says Alexander had stopped a speeding van and was approaching the passenger side when the truck went off the road and hit his cruiser. The force from the impact pushed the cruiser into the van, which then knocked the trooper over the guardrail. No one else was seriously injured. The patrol says it's investigating and that no charges have been filed.

Two Arrested Following Williams County Domestic Dispute
Thursday, April 29, 2010

(BRYAN) - The Williams County Sheriff's Department arrested a man and a woman on Wednesday following a domestic dispute near Bryan. Sheriff Kevin Beck says deputies were called to a home in the 10,000 block of County Road A after a 9-1-1 call was received about a man with a gun. Beck says they took 38-year-old William Krontz II into custody without incident after deputies found him with a .22 caliber pistol. Deputies later determined that Krontz was involved in a physical altercation with 50-year-old Janeen Green of Bryan. Krontz and Green were both taken to C.C.N.O.. Krontz was arrested for aggravated menacing while Green was arrested for assault. Both were being held pending their appearance in Bryan Municipal Court.

Defiance G.M. Plant Getting Upgrade, More Jobs
Wednesday, April 28, 2010

(DEFIANCE, OHIO) - The General Motors plant in Defiance is getting a $115 million upgrade as the company looks to build cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines. The plant is also expected to add 189 workers from a pool of laid off employees to its workforce. It's all part of a $890 million investment by G.M. involving five plants around the country including one in Bedford, Indiana where 245 new jobs will be created. The investment by G.M. is expected to preserve or create about 1,600 jobs. The upgrades were announced on Tuesday fresh off of G.M. paying back its federal bailouts.

Freeze Warning Issued For Wednesday Morning
Tuesday, April 27, 2010

(NORTH WEBSTER) - Even though the merry month of May starts this weekend, below freezing temperatures are in the forecast for early Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service office in northern Indiana has issued a Freeze Warning for 4:00am until 8:00am on Wednesday morning as widespread frost is expected with a period of sub-freezing temperatures possible in some areas. The mercury may dip to between 28 and 30 degrees across much of the area with the coldest readings expected north of Monticello to Lima, Ohio. Forecasters say the cold temperatures may result in damage to sensitive vegetation.

Hicksville Man Given Probation, Surrenders License For Hit-Run
Tuesday, April 27, 2010

(AUBURN) - A man from Hicksville, Ohio will not be able to drive again after he was sentenced Monday in DeKalb Superior Court One in connection with the death last October 5th of a worker painting aerial markings on State Road One near St. Joe. As part of a plea agreement, 78-year-old Robert Volkert was given a one year suspended sentence and was placed on probation for one year after he pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to stop after an accident resulting in injury. The original Class C felony of failing to stop after an accident involving death was dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Volkert's drivers license was also suspended for one year and Judge Kevin Wallace ordered him not to reactivate it following the suspension. 22-year-old Andrew Landes of Indianapolis was killed in the incident.

Former Air-Way Workers Get Favorable Benefits Ruling
Friday, April 23, 2010

(HAMILTON) - The Indiana Department of Workforce Development says a recent ruling by the U.S. Department of Labor will help some former workers at Air-Way Manufacturing, including on-site leased workers from Pro Resources, in Hamilton. Those workers maybe eligible to receive services under the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance program. The program is available to workers who are displaced due to foreign imports or shifts in production out of the country. The federal ruling was issued last week and it applies to workers totally or partially separated from employment on or after October 23, 2008 through two years from the date of certification.

Clean Up Continues, Leaks Stopped At Train Derailment Site
Tuesday, April 20, 2010

(EDGERTON) - The clean up continues after a train derailed on the Norfolk and Southern tracks near Edgerton, Ohio on Monday morning. Williams County authorities say 37 eastbound cars left the tracks at about 9:15am. There were no injuries and no fire broke out but denatured alcohol leaked from eight tankers which led to about 25 homes south of the derailment being evacuated. Traffic also had to be rerouted for a short time. Denatured alcohol is a clear, colorless liquid with a fragrant odor and burning taste. It is highly flammable and irritants skin and respiratory systems. Firefighters from eight departments and the Williams County Hazmat Team were at the scene on Monday for almost nine hours. Williams County Emergency Management Agency Director Tim Jonovich says Norfolk Southern has contractors working on the clean up and monitoring the air. All of the leaks have been plugged up but it's not known how long it will take for the wreckage to be removed from the route which connects Chicago with the east coast. The derailment is being investigated by Norfolk and Southern officials.

Camden Man Arrested For Theft Of Deer Antlers
Monday, April 19, 2010

(CAMDEN, MICHIGAN) - Michigan State Police have arrested a man from Camden, Michigan after they say he stole a very large amount of deer antlers from a Jackson County taxidermy service in September of 2008. Troopers say 56-year-old Marvin Daglow concealed the antlers in his barn and falsely entered them into the Safari Club International records claiming he killed the deer on his farm. Daglow was being held in the Hillsdale County Jail on a charge of receiving and concealing stolen property. A felony charge in connection with the break in will be sought in Jackson County. Police also seized a grizzly bear skin that they suspect was illegally obtained from Alaska. They also seized a human skull that Daglow claims he got from the widow of a deceased Notre Dame professor. Ironically, the person who originally brought the antlers into the taxidermy business for mounting works for the police department in Livonia, Michigan.

150 Mile High Speed Pursuit On Toll Road Ends Near Toledo
Monday, April 19, 2010

(ELKHART) - The man who led police on a 150 mile pursuit along the Indiana Toll Road and Ohio Turnpike is expected to face numerous charges in Elkhart County. 26-year-old Michael Montgomery of Garfield Heights, Ohio surrendered to the Ohio Highway Patrol after his S.U.V. ran out of gas near the Toledo Express Airport Saturday morning. The incident began near Bristol at 10:19am when an Indiana State Police trooper stopped Montgomery for a speeding violation. During the stop the trooper found marijuana in his possession. That's when Montgomery sped away in his new GMC Terrain. The chase continued east at speeds approaching 120 miles per hour. Montgomery threw a bag from his vehicle along the Toll Road in Elkhart County that was later recovered and determined to be crack cocaine. Deputies from the Steuben County Sheriffs Department were among those assisting. Attempts to stop the vehicle using stop sticks at the 143 mile marker were not successful. Montgomery's vehicle damaged two toll booths at the entrance to the Ohio Turnpike, where Ohio troopers took up the chase. Ohio has three outstanding felony warrants for Montgomery, who is expected to face a charge of dealing cocaine among many others when he's returned to Indiana.

SCSD Deputy Dragged By Car, Suspect Tasered And Shot
Monday, April 12, 2010

(FREMONT) - A deputy with the Steuben County Sheriff's Department fired his weapon on Sunday afternoon on Van Guilder Road near Fremont as authorities say he was being dragged by a moving vehicle. Indiana State Police are investigating the incident. According to State Police Detective Kevin Smith, at approximately 1:50pm the Sheriff's Department got a complaint of a man allegedly exposing himself in the area of Clear Lake. About 20 minutes later, a Steuben County Sheriff's Department deputy saw a vehicle matching the description given to authorities in the area of State Road 120 and the Indiana Toll Road. He stopped the vehicle and at some point the deputy decided to take the driver into custody. A fight then broke out between the driver, who was identified by police as 47-year-old Charles G. Moore, and the deputy whose name is not being released by authorities pending completion of the investigation into the incident. Smith says the deputy deployed his taser, but Moore returned to his vehicle where the deputy continued to try and subdue him. Smith says Moore then drove off with the deputy being dragged down the road. Before freeing himself from the car, the deputy fired at least one round which struck Moore in the upper torso area. Moore’s vehicle continued down Van Guilder Road for less than a mile before it crashed. He was found by a Trooper and a Clear Lake Police Officer who had to deploy his taser before taking Moore into custody. The deputy was taken to Cameron Hospital where according to Sheriff Rick Lewis, he was treated and released. Lewis adds the deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave. Moore was flown to Parkview Hospital where he is said to be in stable condition.

Triton Ready To Begin Hamilton Operations
Saturday, April 10, 2010

(HAMILTON) - A new business is about ready to begin operations in the former Eagle-Picher building in Hamilton. Triton Metal Products officials say the move to Hamilton will help them create over 100 jobs by 2014. A total of 55 jobs will be moved from West Unity, Ohio to Hamilton by the company. Plans for the new business were first announced during last December's annual dinner for the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation. The business was formed by Industrial Steering Products which is based in Bryan, Ohio as part of an $4.8 million expansion of its production operations. The company manufactures parts for various industries. The former Eagle-Pincher plant in Hamilton had been empty for almost two years. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Triton Metal Products up to $620,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on job creation plans.

WCSO Investigate Car Lot Theft
Monday, April 5, 2010

(UNDATED) - The Williams County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft of a vehicle from the Bryan Auto Depot on State Route 15. The Sheriff's Department says sometime after 7:00pm Friday night and 9:00am Saturday morning, someone dropped off a 1996 Jeep and stole a 1993 Pontiac Sunfire. The suspect or suspects also drove a 1992 Buick into the field across the road and damaged nine other vehicles on the lot. The total loss is undetermined at this time.

NWS Allows Red Flag Warning To Expire
Friday, April 2, 2010

(NORTH WEBSTER) - The National Weather Service in northern Indiana has allowed a Red Flag Warning to expire at 8:00pm on Friday evening. Although some areas were near the criteria for a Red Flag Warning, temperatures have dropped into the 60's while relative humidity values are expected to get above 25 percent during the night and winds have diminished. The Red Flag Warning meant no burning was allowed Friday afternoon and evening due to the warm weather, high winds and dry conditions.

Judge Orders Eight Suspected Militia Members Held Until Trial
Friday, April 2, 2010

(DETROIT) - (AP) - A federal magistrate has ordered eight suspected members of a Midwest Christian militia accused of conspiring to overthrow the government to remain locked up until trial. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald J. Scheer said during his ruling Friday that federal prosecutors had provided the court with "very disturbing information." Defense attorneys say they plan to appeal Scheer's ruling, but a hearing isn't expected until next week. The eight are suspected members of a group called the Hutaree which is based in rural Michigan. They are among nine charged this week with seditious conspiracy, attempting to use weapons of mass destruction and other crimes. The ninth is being held in Indiana.

One Minor Injury Reported From East Point Accident
Thursday, April 1, 2010

(YORK TOWNSHIP) - One person suffered a minor injury on Thursday morning when a semi and a pick up truck collided at the East Point Plaza on the Indiana Toll Road. One of the vehicles caught on fire which prompted Angola and Metz firefighters to be dispatched at about 5:40am. The fire was quickly put out after crews arrived. One lane has been shut down because of the accident on the east bound side which is under investigation by the Indiana State Police.

No April Fooling, Highs In The 80's On Friday
Thursday, April 1, 2010

(UNDATED) - Those who did not go to Florida for Spring Break are getting the last laugh on those who spent hundreds of dollars trying to get away from the cold and wet springs we normally have. Temperatures well above normal are expected to continue through the Easter holiday weekend. Forecasters say Thursday's high will be in the upper 70's. Temperatures are expected to top the 80 degree mark on Friday. The extended forecast is calling for cooler weather over the weekend but highs will still be above normal. Saturday's highs are expected to be in the low 70's with possible showers and thunderstorms and drop into the mid 60's on Easter Sunday. Normally, the high temperature this time of year is only in the low 50's.

Last Christian Militia Suspect Arrested In Hillsdale County
Tuesday, March 30, 2010

(WHEATLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich.) - (AP) - The F.B.I. says the last of nine people charged with plotting to kill police has been apprehended in Hillsdale County following a search. Andrew Arena, head of the FBI's field office in Detroit, says Joshua Matthew Stone peacefully surrendered about 8:00pm Monday night at a home in Hillsdale County's Wheatland Township about 30 miles from the site of a weekend raid. The 21-year-old Stone is scheduled to be arraigned in a Detroit federal court on Tuesday afternoon. Authorities say Stone's father and seven others charged Monday were part of the Michigan-based Christian militia group known as Hutaree. They say the group plotted to kill a police officer and slaughter scores more by bombing the funeral, all in hopes of touching off an uprising against the government. Arena said Stone was in a house with five adults and a child. Arena says they all were there willingly and weren't being held hostage. Stone was the only suspect not arrested in the weekend raids.

Reward Offered For Mobile Home Arson
Tuesday, March 30, 2010

(SCOTT TOWNSHIP) - A reward is being offered by Steuben County Crime Stoppers following a Saturday morning fire in Scott Township which is being called an arson. Crime Stoppers Coordinator Shari Dean says suspects set an unoccupied mobile home at 2589 East Metz Road on fire. It was reported at about 6:50am and called under control about 20 minutes later. The mobile home was called a total loss. 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 log on at www.steubencountycrimestoppers.org. You are given a secret code number and you don't have to give your name. Crime Stoppers pays cash rewards of up to $1,000.

Woman Freed, Armed Man Killed To End Standoff Near Waterloo
Saturday, March 27, 2010

(WATERLOO) - A five hour standoff ended late Friday afternoon when police shot and killed an armed man who had held his wife hostage inside of a home on U.S. 6 east of Waterloo. Authorities say when negotiations broke down, a member of the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Services
Team fatally shot 38-year-old Wayne King at about 5:00pm after he refused to release his 40-year-old wife Dawn. She was removed from the home on a stretcher, taken to a nearby helicopter and flown to Lutheran Hospital for treatment of shotgun wounds to the legs. The DeKalb County sheriff's department says they were called to the home shortly before noon Friday in response to a reported domestic dispute and officers were fired upon several times by someone inside. Police officers from various agencies including Northeast Indiana SWAT team members and the Steuben County Special Response Team were called in after King barricaded himself in the home. Two children managed to escape before police arrived. Police set up a parimeter around the house and tried to negotiate with King throughout the tense afternoon. A Lutheran Air helicopter landed nearby at about 2:00pm and police closed U.S. 6 east of Waterloo at County Road 41 during the standoff. Authorities say King's wife had a protective order against him.

Kalasz Gets 20-40 Year Sentence On No Contest Plea To Second Degree Murder
Monday, March 22, 2010

(COLDWATER) - A man who was charged in connection with the shotgun death of a fellow group home resident in February of 2009 was given a prison sentence of between 20 and 40 years on Monday morning in Branch County Circuit Court. 51-year-old Kenneth Emil Kalasz pled no contest to a second degree murder charge last month in the death of 55-year-old Donald Miller after lawyers for the two sides reached a plea agreement. A trial was scheduled to take place last week. Kalasz was arrested moments after Michigan State Police arrived at the Country Meadows Adult Foster Care Group Home in Branch County's California Township and found Miller dead from a single gun shot wound. In exchange for the no contest plea, prosecutors dropped open murder and felony firearm charges.

Note States Bomb At Waldron School, Nothing Found
Friday, March 19, 2010

(JONESVILLE) - Police did not find any explosive devices at the Waldron Schools in Hillsdale County on Thursday night after a note was found that implyed a bomb maybe on the premises. State Police Troopers from Jonesville were called to the school at about 9:20pm. The school was searched by a Michigan State Police K-9 team out of Lansing who are trained in the detection of explosives. Nothing suspicious was found and the school was deemed safe for normal use early Friday morning. The investigation into the incident is continuing.

Sky Warn Classes To Be Offered In Montpelier
Friday, March 19, 2010

(MONTPELIER, OHIO) - A National Weather Service Sky Warn Spotter Training session will be held at the Montpelier Fire Department on South Monroe Street this Tuesday night. The free training class will start at 7:00pm and it's open to the public. For more information, call the Williams County Emergency Management Agency at 419-636-8497.

Hamilton School Board Allows Boomerang Backpack Program To Proceed
Tuesday, March 16, 2010

(HAMILTON) - The Hamilton School Board gave their approval on Monday night so that a Boomerang Backpack program could possibly start by the end of this school year. Bill Stockberger from the Steuben County Community Foundation says they hope to have a six week pilot program in Hamilton that will be supported by FIST, the Hamilton American Legion, the Hamilton Lions Club, the Hamilton Fire Department and one of the sororities in Hamilton. Boomerang Backpack programs are also available in the M.S.D. of Steuben County, Fremont and Prairie Heights school districts. It provides healthy weekend snacks for students who are in free or reduced meal programs at their school. In other business, the board approved a traditional 2010-2011 school calendar in which the students first day would be on August 11th. A proposed balanced calendar was tabled for one year for further study. In addition, Superintendent Mark Gould announced the district may have to lay off four teachers because of budget cuts. Students in the Hamilton school district will be in class on April 16th and 30th due to weather cancellations. As of right now, the last day for students is still May 27th.

Bryan Plant Closing, 138 Losing Jobs
Thursday, March 11, 2010

(BRYAN, OHIO) - A total of 138 workers at New Era Ohio in Bryan, Ohio will be out of a job starting on May 7th. According to a Worker Adjustment Retraining Notification letter that was mailed earlier this week, the plant on West Mulberry Street will cease operations by the end of September. The shut down comes after Ingersoll Rand decided to move production to a South Carolina plant. The New Era plant in Bryan manufactured machined parts and Ingersoll Rand was its only customer. The employees who are getting laid off include salaried and hourly personnel. The news comes as another economic blow to Williams County where the January unemployment rate was 16.4 percent, the 12th highest in Ohio.

Beck Asks Citizens To Get Involved
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.

MAN Unit Arrest Montpelier Man In Meth Case
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.

MAN Unit Takes Down Edgerton Meth Lab
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.

Mote Murder Trial Moved To July 1st
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.

MSP Investigate North Adams Bank Robbery
Thursday, February 18, 2010

(NORTH ADAMS, MICHIGAN) - 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.

Three Injured In Camden, Michigan Crash
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.

Dolman Gets 52 Years On Child Porn Convictions
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.

Two Ohio Troopers Injured In Williams County Crash
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.

Williams County Under Level 2 Snow Emergency, County Offices Closed
Wednesday, February 10, 2010

(UNDATED) - A winter storm warning remains in effect until 7:00pm Wednesday night but the damage has already been done. Between seven to ten inches of snow has fallen in the area since early Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service says winds gusting up to 35 miles an hour will cause blowing and drifting snow on Wednesday and there could be an additional accumulation of up to two inches. Williams County is under a Level 1 Snow Emergency. In addition, all Williams County offices including the courthouse will be closed on Wedneday. Public Safety offices including the Sheriffs, E.M.S., 9-1-1, Hillside and Engineers will run specific to their office guidelines. Conditions also improved enough Wednesday afternoon to alloe DeKalb County to lift its snow emergency.

Bryan Man Charged With Breaching Detroit Airport Security
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.

Camden Woman Killed In Friday Night Crash
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.

11 Escape From Burning Richland Township Home, Teen Uninjured After Jumping From Roof
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.

Pregnant Defiance Woman Killed In Crash, Baby Delivered
Thursday, January 28, 2010

(DEFIANCE) - A Defiance woman who was six months pregnant lost her life Thursday morning in a traffic accident on State Road 15 near Blosser Road in Defiance County but doctors were able to deliver her baby girl. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports 22-year-old Kaitlyn Knox died while being treated at Defiance Regional Medical Center following the accident which took place at about 8:30am. Her baby was at last report in critical condition according to the State Highway Patrol. Troopers say Knox lost control of her vehicle and it slid left of center where it struck a car driven by 29-year-old Elizabeth Stockinger of Bryan. Stockinger was treated and released from Defiance Regional Medical Center. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage in the accident.

Metz FD Gets Federal Grant For New Tanker
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.

MAN Unit Seize Pot Operation, Clean Up Meth Dump Site
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.

Williams County Unemployment at 14.9%
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.

Students Escape Injury In Williams County Bus Accident
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.

Man Injured By Falling Tree Near Hamilton
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.

WCSD Annouce Arrest Of Three Bogus Phone Call Suspects
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.

State Highay Patrol Investigate Defiance County Fatal Accident
Monday, January 18, 2010

(DEFIANCE) - The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released details of a traffic accident which took the life of an Archbold woman on Thursday afternoon in Defiance County. Troopers say 55-year-old Susan Barrett was traveling on Carpenter Road near Nagle Road at about 1:30pm when she lost control of her car on the slush covered pavement. The car then went off the road and struck a ditch. Barrett was taken to Mercy Hospital in Defiance before being transferred to St. Vincent's Hospital in Toledo where she was pronounced dead. Troopers say alcohol was not involved in the crash and Barrett was wearing her safety belt.

Montpelier Nursing Home Collecting Haiti Earthquake Supplies
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.

Montpelier Man Convicted Of 13 Felony Charges
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.

Autopsy: Bryan Murder Victim Died From Blunt Force Trauma
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.

Woman Dies In Edgerton Crash, Samaritan Helicopter Clips Wires
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.

No Injuries Reported From Three Monday Night Fires
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.

Williams County Police Warn Of Bogus Phone Calls
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.

Yagelski Named New Mayor Of Montpelier
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.

Montpelier To Get New Mayor
Monday, January 11, 2010

(MONTPELIER) - A new mayor in Montpelier, Ohio is expected be named tonight during the Montpelier Village Council meeting. In an open letter to citizens issued on Friday, Mayor Michael Long said the poor economy has 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. The gym was recently moved to Hillsdale County.

Community Leader Bob Troll Dies In Traffic Accident
Saturday, January 9, 2010

(JAMESTOWN TOWNSHIP) - Former Clear Lake Town Board President Robert Troll was killed late Friday morning in a two vehicle traffic accident on Steuben County Road 50 West north of Feather Valley Road. Troll was 79. Besides the Clear Lake Town Board, Troll has also served as a member of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation's Board of Directors. He has also done work for the Steuben County Community Foundation. The Steuben County Sheriffs Department says Troll was a passenger in a vehicle that was driven by his 77-year-old wife Judy when it apparently went out of control at about 11:20am due to the snow and slush covered road surface. The Troll vehicle then went left of center and was hit on the passenger side by a mini van that was driven by 27-year-old Shawntee Nusbaum of West Otter Lake. Mr. Troll was pronounced dead at the scene by Steuben County Coroner Rodney Snyder. Judy Troll was taken to Cameron Hospital for treatment of shoulder and head injuries. Nusbaum was not injured. The Sheriffs Department states in a news release that no charges are expected to be filed at this time. The Sheriffs Department was assisted by Fremont Police and Fire, Indiana State Police, Steuben County Communications and the Steuben County Coroners Office. Troll is the second former Clear Lake Town Board President to die in a traffic accident in the last month. Jack McArdle and his wife Karen died December 11th in a DeKalb County accident.

Oversized Load Schedule Moved Up To Wednesday
Wednesday, January 6, 2010

(UNDATED) - With the National Weather Service issuing a winter storm watch for Thursday, the Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indiana State Police have decided to move up the schedule for an oversized load to travel from the Indiana-Michigan state line to Marion to Wednesday morning. Officials say the oversized load on southbound I-69 will reduce speeds and cause traffic obstructions. The load is scheduled to leave the Indiana-Michigan state line at 8:30am. It is expected to arrive in Fort Wayne about an hour later and at its final destination at the General Motors plant in Marion sometime around 12noon. The load is 24 feet wide, 14 foot by 6 inches tall and weighs 555,000 pounds. Additional loads are expected to be moved through the months of January and February. Motorists may want to take an alternate route in order to avoid expected delays on southbound I-69. Diamond Heavy Hauling of Shandon, Ohio is transporting the oversized load.

Man Charged With DeKalb County Murder Has Initial Court Hearing
Tuesday, January 5, 2010

(AUBURN) - A Fort Wayne man charged with killing his girlfriend as part of a violent New Years Day rampage in DeKalb County made his initial court appearance on Monday. 39-year-old Ronnie R. Jones is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of 32-year-old Melissa Patrick. She was found shot to death in an Auburn group home where she worked. Jones is also facing two counts of attempted murder and a charge of recklessness with a firearm after authorities say he tried to kill his former wife Sara Grimm and her boyfriend Jason Patrick at the Waterloo home they shared. Not guilty pleas were entered on behalf of Jones during his initial hearing. He is being held without bond pending his next court appearance which is scheduled for March 8th.

Auburn Woman Murdered, Boyfriend In Custody After Rampage
Saturday, January 2, 2010

(AUBURN) - It was a violent start to the New Year in DeKalb County on Friday. An Auburn woman was found shot to death and a Fort Wayne man was taken into custody after he allegedly told police he shot her. Indiana State Police say 39-year-old Ronnie R. Jones is being held in the DeKalb County Jail on a preliminary charge of murder. Police were first called to a home in Waterloo just after noon on Friday on a breaking and entering report. When they arrived, Jones surrendered to Waterloo Deputy Marshall Gary Warfield. Police say Jones told officers he had just come from a home in Auburn where he had just shot and killed a woman that he would not name. When police went to the Auburn home, they found 32-year-old Melissa Patrick dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Police say Patrick was Jones' girlfriend. They add Jones told them he went to the Waterloo residence with the intent to kill his estranged wife and her boyfriend. Witnesses told police that when no one answered the doorbell at the Waterloo home, Jones fired several rounds from a semi-automatic handgun into the front door. Gunfire was returned from the inside by the boyfriend which may have struck Jones in the right leg. Jones then got into his S.U.V. and drove it into the house. The two adults and six children inside fled through the back of the house. Jones then fled to another location on County Road 427 where he was apprehended by Waterloo Police. Jones was treated for his injuries at Parkview Hospital before he was released back into police custody.