TODAY: Cloudy this morning then turning partly sunny with a slight chance of afternoon showers. Breezy and a high of 72. Wind gusts up to 35 MPH.

TONIGHT: Cloudy and breezy with showers likely and a low of 52.

SATURDAY: Partly sunny and windy with a chance of showers. High of 66.

SUNDAY: Sunshine with a high of 72.

MONDAY: Sunshine with a high of 82.

TUESDAY: Sunny with a high of 85.

WEDNESDAY: Partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers. High of 78.

THURSDAY: Partly cloudy and a high of 78.

What Should Be Done With Historic Depot
9/3/2010 – 8:20 AM
Mike Stiles
(STURGIS) – There seems to be some problems with the old depot building in Sturgis. The building, located at 200 West Main Street, is the current home to the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sturgis Historical Society. But over the last few years it has developed some leaks and other issues. During a recent work session, Sturgis City Commissioners heard from Blair Bates, a consultant from the Kalamazoo area. Bates says instead of fixing the slate roof, there are other matters with the building that need to be addressed first. Mayor John Carmichael says the long term goal is to keep the depot building, but they do have some concerns about the cost. After some spirited discussion, the Commission agreed to put the matter on the agenda for their meeting on September 8.

Four Horses Diagnosed With EEE In St. Joseph County
9/3/2010 – 8:20 AM
Mike Stiles
(COLDWATER) – Four additional cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been diagnosed in horses in St. Joseph County. The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says they were notified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture Thursday morning regarding the EEE cases. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a virus that typically affects horses but can be spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Steve Todd, Health Officer for the CHA says people should stay inside during prime mosquito biting hours. If you do go outside, use a repellant with DEET and wear long pants and long sleeved shirts. EEE in humans is rare with most people who become infected having no symptoms. However, Todd says if symptoms do develop, they can be confused with the flu. There is a vaccine that prevents the disease in horses, but to date there is nothing for humans. If you would like more information, you can visit the CHA website at www.bhsj.org.

White Pigeon Has New Head Start Preschool Classroom
9/3/2010 – 8:20 AM
Mike Stiles
(WHITE PIGEON) – White Pigeon is the sight of a new Head Start classroom for the 2010-2011 school year. Debbie Bedard, Director of Education and Children's Services for the Community Action Agency, says the new classroom will be at White Pigeon High School. CAA will also provide transportation for children around the White Pigeon area. The classroom will be updated to help ensure high quality services for young children. There will also be new components to enhance learning in the areas of reading, writing and social development. Head Start provides classroom environment for children who are three and four years old from low to moderate income families. Children participate in fun activities that encourage them to develop socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally. The program is provided at no cost to the families.

Medical Errors At Indiana Hospitals
9/3/2010
Tim Murray
(INDIANAPOLIS) – A new report shows Indiana hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers recorded 94 preventable medical errors in 2009, a drop from the 105 mistakes made in 2008 and 2007. Hospitals in the area reporting such errors last year include Parkview-LaGrange, Goshen General, Elkhart General, Memorial and St. Joseph in South Bend and Lutheran in Fort Wayne. The most common error in the 2009 report was a foreign object such as a sponge left in a patient after surgery. Elkhart General had one such error. The report released Monday by the state Department of Health counted 17 instances of surgery performed on the wrong body park. There was one incident each at Memorial South Bend, St. Joseph South Bend and Lutheran Fort Wayne. Memorial South Bend also reported one instance of operating on the wrong patient and one instance of using the wrong gas or contaminating a patient's gas line. Pressure ulcers, or bed sores, occurred 22 times in 2009, down from 33 the previous year. Parkview LaGrange reported one such incident and Goshen General had two. The report from the Indiana Medical Error Reporting System credited the drop in bed sores to a statewide initiative focused on improving care for patients at risk for developing such sores.

Update On Death Investigation
9/1/2010 – 4:40 PM
Tim Murray
(TURKEY LAKE) – An autopsy failed to determine the cause of a Stroh area man's death last Saturday. What the autopsy did show was that 19 year old Thomas Freed did not sustain any life threatening injuries from a fall as was initially reported to LaGrange County deputies. Freed, who was wheelchair bound, was at a party on an island on Big Turkey Lake when he collapsed for unknown reasons. Medical personnel and police found the 19 year old Prairie Heights High School graduate unresponsive. He was taken to Cameron Memorial Community Hospital in Angola where he was pronounced dead. Police say Freed's blood alcohol content was .29 percent, more than three times the legal limit. Toxicology results are pending and the investigation continues.

Car-Motorcycle Crash
9/1/2010 – 4:40 PM
Mike Stiles
(STURGIS TOWNSHIP) – Only a minor injury was reported following a collision between a car and a motorcycle Tuesday evening. The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department says a 50 year old Sturgis man was stopped on his motorcycle on Balk Road, waiting to turn left. A car, driven by an 18 year old Sturgis man was west bound on U.S. 12 and attempted to turn north onto Balk Road when he slid through the intersection and struck the motorcyclist. The driver of the motorcycle was taken to Sturgis Hospital for treatment of an ankle injury. The driver of the car was not injured, but he was cited for violation of basic speed. Deputies were assisted at the scene by the Tri Township Fire Department, Life Care Ambulance and Sturgis Towing.

Sturgis Teen Dies After Being Run Over
9/1/2010 – 7:25 AM
Mike Stiles
(STURGIS) – A Sturgis teen is dead after being run over by a car Tuesday afternoon. St. Joseph County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the intersection of U.S. 12 and White School Road just west of Sturgis at 12:45 PM Tuesday. Investigators say 17 year old Joshua David Hughes was riding his bicycle west on U.S. 12 on the south side of the road. Hughes lost control of his bike and fell into the path of an eastbound vehicle driven by 88 year old Sarah Hardesty of Sturgis. Hardesty was unable to stop her vehicle and struck Hughes. Hughes was pronounced dead at the scene. Hardesty was not injured. Deputies were assisted by Sturgis Police, the Tri Township Fire Department and Life Care Ambulance. The accident remains under investigation.

More On LaGrange County Death Investigation
9/1/2010 – 7:25 AM
Tim Murray
(LAGRANGE) – LaGrange County police are investigating the death of a 19 year old from the Stroh area. Sheriff Terry Martin says the man was taken to Cameron Memorial Community Hospital in Angola where he was pronounced dead Saturday. Martin says the man's blood alcohol content was well above the legal limit. Sheriff's Department Detective Don Foust told the News-Sun that Thomas Freed collapsed at a party. An autopsy failed to determine a cause of death. Foust says there were no signs of physical trauma. Freed graduated from Prairie Heights High School earlier this year.

LaGrange County Death Investigation
8/31/2010 – 3:20 PM
Tim Murray
(LAGRANGE) – LaGrange County police are investigating the death of a 19 year old from the Stroh area. Sheriff Terry Martin says the man was taken to Cameron Memorial Community Hospital in Angola where he was pronounced dead Saturday. Martin says the man's blood alcohol content was well above the legal limit. Details of the investigation and the circumstances surrounding the man's death have not been released yet.

Bronson Man Arraigned On Meth Charges
8/31/2010 – 3:20 PM
Mike Stiles
(COLDWATER) – A Bronson man has been arraigned on drug charges following his arrest Monday. Branch County District Court officials say 45 year old Thomas Frank Fulop is charged with operating and maintaining a meth lab. He is being held in the Branch County Jail on 75 thousand dollars bond. Bronson Police stopped Fulop's vehicle just after 12 AM Monday and found meth components in the car. Fulop gave police permission to search his house at 438 North Walker Street, where they found items used to manufacture meth. Four young children were removed from the house and placed into the custody of Child Protective Services. Fulop is scheduled to have his preliminary examination in Branch County District Court on September 9.

Coldwater Man Found Guilty Of Arson
8/31/2010 – 3:20 PM
Mike Stiles
(COLDWATER) – A Coldwater man has been found guilty on two counts of arson in connection with a three year old fire. A jury in Branch County Circuit Court found 22 year old Devin Maggart guilty on charges of arson and placing explosives near property in connection with a fire that destroyed a Quincy School district portable classroom. According to Branch County Circuit Court officials, the charge of arson is a ten year felony while the charge of placing an explosive device is a twenty year felony. Maggart was arrest and charged with the crime in July 2009. The jury deliberated for 11 hours before announcing the verdict. Maggart is scheduled to be sentenced on September 27.

Boil Water Advisory For Shipshewana
8/31/2010
Tm Murray
(SHIPSHEWANA) – Shipshewana water superintendent Tom Sheline says they've posted a 48 hour boil water advisory for residents and businesses on East Middlebury Street between Morton Street and Wolf Drive, due to a water main break.

One Injured In Semi-Train Collision
8/30/2010 -2:05 PM
Mike Stiles
(WHITE PIGEON TOWNSHIP) – A Nappanee, Indiana man was injured when his semi was struck by a train near White Pigeon. St. Joseph County Sheriff Brad Balk says 59 year old Robert Herr of Nappanee was driving north on Crooked Creek Road just south of U.S. 12 and failed to stop at the railroad tracks. His semi and trailer were struck by an eastbound Michigan Southern train operated by 38 year old Marc McCarty of Wolcottville. Herr was taken to Sturgis Hospital for treatment of his injuries. McCarty was not injured in the collision.

Busy Weekend In Leonidas Township
8/30/2010 – 2:05 PM
Mike Stiles
(LEONIDAS) – Two different incidents brought the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department to Leonidas Township over the weekend. Deputies were called to the 50 thousand block of Fulton Road Friday evening. Sometime between 2 and 7 PM, unknown individuals entered into an out building by prying open the doors. Once inside, the suspects rummaged through the building, but left suddenly. It's not known if the suspects were scared away when the homeowner returned or if something else made them leave. No items were immediately noticed missing. Sunday evening around 6 PM, Deputies were called to the 51 thousand block of Shorts Road to investigate the theft of scrap metal. The homeowner told investigators he noticed a silver Dodge Caravan had pulled into his back yard by a pile of scrap metal. When the homeowner yelled at them, one suspect drove away, heading south on Shorts Road. The other suspect was seen running towards the road. He is a white male in his early 20's, with sandy blonde hair that was over his ears. He was wearing a ball cap and red running shorts. Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call the Sheriff's Department at 467-9045.

Traffic Stop Leads To Bronson Meth Bust
8/30/2010 - 2:05 PM

(BRONSON) - A traffic stop led to a methamphetamine bust early Monday morning at a home in Bronson. Bronson Police say the stop took place shortly before 2:00 am. They say the officer who made the stop found meth components in the vehicle. The driver then gave police permission to search his home in the 400 block of North Walker which led to the discovery of what were described as meth making ingredients. The man, whose name has not been released pending a District Court arraignment, was arrested for operating and maintaining a meth lab. Four children in the home were placed in the custody of child protective services. A hazerdous materials team from Plainwell had to be called in to remove the items from the house. The Branch County Sheriff’s Department and Bronson Firefighters assisted at the scene.

Two Girls Injured In Burr Oak Accident
8/30/2010 – 7:15 AM
Mike Stiles
(BURR OAK) – Two young girls were seriously injured after being struck by a truck and trailer while riding a scooter in Burr Oak. Michigan State Police from the White Pigeon Post say the incident happened around 1:15 PM Saturday. The girls, ages 11 and 5, were on the scooter and turning left onto South Burr Oak Road. The truck was traveling south on Burr Oak Road and the scooter drove into the path of the truck and the two vehicles collided. The girls were flown from the scene by West Michigan Air Care to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. They are both listed in serious condition in the intensive care unit. None of the individuals names have been released. Assisting at the scene were the Colon and Burr Oak Police Departments, the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department and the Burr Oak Fire Department. The crash remains under investigation.

Bronson Schools Informational Meetings
8/30/2010 – 7:15 AM
Mike Stiles
(BRONSON) – Voters in the Bronson Community Schools District will decide the fate of a millage issue in November. If approved the millage would be used to construct a new K-6 Elementary School and do upgrades and renovations to the High School. Bronson Superintendent Jim Modert says two community informational meetings and two tours of existing facilities have been scheduled. The Community informational meetings will be on Tuesday September 14 and September 28 starting at 7 PM in the High School Cafeteria. The facilities tours will be on Wednesday September 22 starting at 5:30 PM and then on Saturday October 9 beginning at 10 AM. Both tours will begin at the Chicago Street School and will take approximately two hours. If you would like more bond proposal information, you can visit the district web site at www.bronson.k12.mi.us.

Brown Loses In Runoff Bid For SOS Nomination
8/30/2010 – 7:15 AM
Mike Stiles/AP
(EAST LANSING) – A state lawmaker from Sturgis has lost his bid to become the next Secretary of State for Michigan. During Saturday's Republican state convention, Oakland County Clerk Ruth Johnson defeated State Senator Cameron Brown of Sturgis in a runoff election. Calhoun County Clerk Anne Norlander, State Senator Michelle McManus and State Representative Paul Scott all lost in the first round. Last week, outgoing Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land endorsed Brown for the position. Land can not run again due to term limits. Several political analysts say Johnson won the nomination after courting supporters from the Tea Party.

Republicans name candidates
8/30/2010

EAST LANSING, MI. (AP) - The Michigan Republican Party has named their candidates for state offices for this November's elections. Former Court of Appeals Judge Bill Schuette nabbed the attorney general nomination Saturday over Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Mary Beth Kelly won the chance to share the Supreme Court ballot with GOP Justice Robert Young. The only real surprise was that Michigan State University Regent Donald Nugent lost to Mitch Lyons, a former Michigan State football player who also played with the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mich. Democrats nominate Thomas, Morris for court
8/30/2010
DETROIT (AP) - Michigan Democrats have nominated recently appointed Supreme Court Justice Alton Thomas Davis and Oakland County Circuit Judge Denise Langford Morris to run for the state's high court in November. They will be on the ballot against Republican-nominated candidates Supreme Court Justice Robert Young Jr. and Wayne Circuit Court Judge Mary Beth Kelly. Democrats also confirmed picks Sunday they had endorsed at an April convention. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton is the party's nominee for attorney general, while Wayne State University associate law professor Jocelyn Benson was nominated to run for secretary of state.

Michigan State working to keep out unwanted pests
8/30/2010
EAST LANSING, MI. (AP) - Michigan State University officials say they're working to make sure bedbugs aren't tagging along when thousands of students move back to campus this week. The East Lansing school has experienced only a handful of minor bedbug incidents over the past couple of years. But the Lansing State Journal says reports of the bugs being on the rise around the country has Michigan State on higher alert.
That's especially because Detroit is a major feeder area for Michigan State. Pest control company Terminix said last week Detroit is one of the nation's most bedbug-infested cities. Bedbugs have been making a comeback over the past five years, and the Ingham County health department says it has seen an increase in calls from people needing help.