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OBITUARIESBrown Funeral HomeStarks & Menchinger Family Funeral HomeMcLauchlin-Clark Funeral HomeSwem Funeral HomeSommerfeld-Smith Family Funeral HomePobocik Funeral HomeLOCAL NEWSThe Pub Break-InDeputy Dave Albers was dispatched to "The Pub" tavern for an alarm. On arrival, he found an open window on the business. Witnesses gave Deputy Albers a description of a male who just left the Pub's parking lot. Officer Schaaf of the New Buffalo City Police Department was on his way to assist Deputy Albers and found a person matching the description still in the area. Detectives and crime scene investigators from the Berrien County Sheriff's Department were called to assist at the scene. Forensic evidence and witness statements tied the individual who had been detained to the burglary. Deputies arrested Darius Battle of Michigan City, Indiana for breaking and entering a business and lodged him at the Berrien County Jail.
Sheriff's Kid CampThe Berrien County Sheriff's Department is announcing the fourth annual "Sheriff's Kid Camp." This camp wil be an action packed three day event that will provide your children with safety talks and hand-on demonstrations by law enforcement, fire and EMS professionals. A sample of programs include bike safety, fire safety, internet safety, and a tour of the Berrien County Courthouse and justice system.The camp is open to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. The camp is on a first come, first serve basis, so the first to register will be guaranteed placement. Space is limited to the first 40 who sign up, dead line is June 6, 2010. The cost is only $25.00 per child which includes great lunches, a free T-shirt, water bottles, sling bag, goodie bag and a graduation certificate upon completion. Sheriff L. Paul Bailey and McGruff the Crime Dog will be the special guest.
Time:June 22nd sign in starts at 7:30 a.m. Program runs from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. June 22nd ,23rd, and 24th, 2010Registration and information is available at the Berrien County Sheriff's Department in St. Joseph and Niles Courthouse or you may contact the Berrien County Crime Prevention Unit at 983-7141 ext. 7221. Applications and information is also available online at www.bcsheriff.org. We are looking forward to another great "SHERIFF"S KID CAMP" - Let your friends know about this camp!!!!
Buchanan Drug BustOn 3/4/2010 at approximately 9:50 am, the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit with assistance from the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Road Patrol executed a search warrant for illegal narcotics at a residence, located at 12782 Red Bud Trial (Township of Buchanan).At the time of the search warrant execution, the officers located and arrested James Andrew Stanley of Grass Valley, California and Jose Gregorio Luna of Nevada City, California inside of this residence. During a search of this residence, the officers located and seized approximately $2,000 worth of marijuana as well as other pieces of evidence in regards to illegal narcotic trafficking. The officers also located and seized $3,116.00 in U.S. Currency under the State of Michigan's civil forfeiture law. As a result of this investigation/search warrant execution, Jose Luna and James Stanley were both lodged at the Berrien County Jail on charges of Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Deliver 2nd Offense and Maintaining a Drug House 2nd Offense, pending their arraignments in the Berrien County Trial Courts.
Rock, and a Legend, are Back at the Fair![]() Charlie Daniels Band (Berrien Springs, MI) You have probably seen him on Geico Insurance commercials lately, and this summer you can see him under the covered Grandstand at the Berrien County Youth Fair: The Charlie Daniels Band. Charlie and his fiddle, along with country newcomer Eric Church as the opening act, will perform in the Grandstand in a long-awaited return since his last stint in Berrien Springs in 2001. And rock fans will be happy about rock coming back to the fair with Skid Row and Firehouse, with a first time ever General Admission “no seats” section for that show. Tickets for all six nights of fair week Grandstand entertainment will go on sale Saturday, April 17. The BCYF Entertainment Committee announced today that the Charlie Daniels Band will headline the Grandstand entertainment on Wednesday, August 18. With his signature “bullrider” hat and showing off his skills on the guitar, fiddle, and mandolin, the fans are sure to hear “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” for which the country music legend is most famous. A full-fledged member of the Grand Ole Opry, Daniels has gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums, multiple awards from the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music, the Gospel Music Association, and a Grammy. Before the Charlie Daniels Band hits the stage, rising country newcomer, Eric Church, will take the stage on August 18. A native of North Carolina, he’s been writing music since he was 13-years old and also taught himself how to play the guitar. Coming onto the country music scene in 1996 with “Two Pink Lines,” he made a name for himself and has had other hits such as “How Bout You,” “Guys Like Me,” “Love Your Love the Most,” and his latest release, “Hell on the Heart.” Country concert night is sponsored by Chemical Bank and 97.5 Y-Country. On Thursday, August 19, Skid Row and special guest Firehouse will bring rock back to the fair. It has been about ten years since the fair has featured a rock band. Board member Mark Young said, “After several years without a rock-n-roll show, the Entertainment Committee thought this was the right year to let the new generation of "Classic Rock" play in the Grandstand. As a member of that new generation I am excited to see two bands I saw in my high school and college days perform at the fair.” At this show the Grandstand will have a special General Admission section for concert- goers who choose to stand during the show, which will be accessed with a special wristband. Reserved track seats and Grandstand bleacher seats will still be available. Multi-platinum status band, Skid Row, began in 1986 with founding members Snake Sabo and Rachel Bolan. Frontman, Johnny Solinger, and the band have logged a few hundred thousand bus miles touring since their early “hair band” days. Fans will hear songs like “18 and Life,” “I Remember You,” and “Youth Gone Wild” when they make a stop at the Berrien County Youth Fair. Special guest Firehouse will be the opening band. Firehouse has been rockin’ worldwide for over a decade. You can expect to hear what Firehouse is famous for, which is soulful, melodic hard rock, in songs like “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” and “Love of a Lifetime.” The rock concert is sponsored by Rock 107 WIRX. The rest of the BCYF Grandstand lineup includes the traditional Truck and Tractor Pull on the opening day of the fair, Monday, August 16, sponsored by WSJM radio. Kids Day is Tuesday, August 17 with three free Circus Continental shows, sponsored by United Federal Credit Union and 98.3 the Coast. The rodeo style show, Bullmania, returns on Friday, August 20, and the extremely popular Demolition Derby closes out the fair on Saturday, August 21, presented by ROCK 107 WIRX. Tickets for grandstand entertainment go on sale Saturday, April 17. New this year will be two different ticket sale times. Tickets purchased in person or by phone will start at 8 a.m. at the Fair Office in Berrien Springs, or by phone at 269-473-1500. On-line ticket sales will begin at 2 p.m. the same day at www.bcyf.org. The fair is once again offering a special deal on one-day gate admission tickets April 17 through August 1. The sale price will be $5.00 each with the purchase of a grandstand ticket, which is $1 off of the regular price. The 65th annual Berrien County Youth Fair, with the theme “A Treasure Chest of the County’s Best,” is August 16-21.
$169,000 SEIZED![]() On 3/2/2010 at approximately 1 pm, Deputy Marc Hopkins effected a traffic stop on a vehicle which was traveling west-bound on I-94 near the 27mm for a violation of the State of Michigan's Motor Vehicle Code. At the time of the traffic stop, the vehicle was being driven by a 33 year old male subject from the Oakland County Michigan area. Also present in the vehicle was a 27 year old female from the Wayne County Michigan area. During this traffic stop, Deputy Marc Hopkins's Narcotics Detection K-9 made a positive indication on this vehicle for the presence of illegal narcotics. During a search of this vehicle, Deputy Marc Hopkins located and seized over $169,000.00 in U.S. Currency. This U.S. Currency was seized under the State of Michigan's Civil Forfeiture Law. Deputy Marc Hopkins was assisted at the scene of the traffic stop by members of the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit, the Saint Joseph Township Police Department, the Michigan State Police, and the Baroda-Lake Township Police Department. The two occupants of this vehicle were released upon completion of this traffic stop and the investigation in regards to the seizure of this U.S. Currency is continuing.
Open Board PositionsSt. Joseph – The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has announced that the following boards or commissions have positions with terms expiring or have vacancies and are seeking volunteers who would like to serve. The County Board has a procedure that allows for other County citizens to apply for positions on boards or commissions even though a current board member whose term is expiring may re-apply and seek re-appointment. If you are interested in serving on any of these boards or commissions, please contact the Berrien County Administration office at 269-983-7111, ext. 8095 or email akrieger@berriencounty.org, or you may download an application from the www.berriencounty.org website. The acceptance period for applications is through Wednesday, March 17, 2010.The Berrien County Board of Health has one position with a term expiring. It is required to be a licensed physician in order to apply for this position. The Board provides policy leadership and oversight for the Health Department. Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. and the term is for five years. The Mental Health Authority has two positions vacant and two with terms expiring. The Mental Health Authority (Riverwood Center) provides information, care, and services ranging from occasional counseling sessions to full intervention for those with severe disabilities or mental illness; providing the choices, the means, the interventions and supports for optimal mental health and recovery for the citizens of Berrien County. The composition of the Mental Health Authority is made up of representation of providers of mental health services, recipients, or primary consumers of mental health services, agencies, and occupations having a working involvement with mental health services and the general public. The term is for three years and the meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. The Land Bank Authority has one position with a term expiring. The Land Bank Authority is made up of the Berrien County Treasurer, three citizens, and three Commissioners-At-Large. The Authority strives to strengthen and revitalize the economy of Berrien County by assembling or disposing of public property, including tax reverted property in a coordinated manner to foster the development of the property and to promote economic growth. The term is for four years and the meetings are held on the 4th Thursday at 12:30 p.m. The Land Preservation Board has two vacancies, one for a farmer and one involved in conservation. There are also two positions with terms expiring, one being a farmer and one being a realtor, representing the interests in either Royalton, Lincoln, Bainbridge, Sodus, or Berrien Townships. The purpose of this board is to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Commissioners on the priorities for the purchase of farmland development rights; the price and method of compensation relative to the purchase of such development rights; and apply for state, federal or other sources of grant funds to assist the purchase of development rights. The terms for the positions are three years. While this board is not meeting on a regular basis, it is necessary to maintain this board which will eventually meeting quarterly in the early morning hours. The Public Transportation Local Advisory Committee has two positions that are vacant; one Disability Advocate and one general public. The purpose of the board is to serve as an advisory body to the Board of Commissioners on public transportation issues. The ideal candidates would be people who use the public transportation system. The terms are four three years. The board meets three times a year at 10:00 a.m. at the Berrien County Administration Center, 701 Main St., St. Joseph. The 9-1-1 Advisory Board has one citizen vacancy. The purpose of the Advisory Board is to promote the continued operation of the 9-1-1 Emergency System, to promote public awareness, and to serve in the advisory capacity to the Berrien County Board of Commissioners by giving advice and making suggestions with respect to the overall general provision of the 9-1-1 service to the citizens of the County. The board meets on a Wednesday, every other month in the morning. The terms are for three years.
Drug Arrest In Benton HarborOn 2/24/2010 at approximately 7:20 am, the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit with assistance from the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Road Patrol executed a search warrant for illegal narcotics at 2012 Taylor St. (Township of Benton) following a two-week long investigation into alleged narcotic trafficking at this residence.At the time of the search warrant execution, the officers located Horatio White, Kotina Atkins both of Benton Harbor, and two other adult subjects inside of the residence. Also located inside of the residence was a infant child. During a search of the residence, the officers located and seized approximately $600 worth of marijuana and other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking. Under the State of Michigan's civil forfeiture law, the officers seized $366.00 in U.S. Currency. Horatio White, who was currently on electronic tether at 2012 Taylor St., for a previous narcotic related conviction was lodged at the Berrien County Jail on charges of Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Deliver 2nd Offense and Maintaining a Drug House 2nd Offense. Kotina Atkins was lodged at the Berrien County Jail on charges of Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Deliver, Maintaining a Drug House, and on a valid fugitive warrant for probation violation out of the State of Indiana. The infant child was turned over to the custody of family members. The other two adult subjects, who were inside of this residence at the time of the search warrant execution, were released with no criminal charges being sought against them.
Marijuana Plants Seized![]() On 2/22/2010 at approximately 745 pm, the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit with assistance from the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Road Patrol executed a search warrant for illegal narcotics at 5997 Snyder Rd. (Township of Berrien), following a week long investigation into suspected narcotic activity at this residence. At the time of the search warrant execution, Richard Collier, Berrien Springs was located inside of the residence. During the execution of the search warrant, the officers located and seized eighty-nine (89) live mature marijuana plants (according to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, a mature marijuana plant is capable of producing $1,000 worth of marijuana). The officers also located and seized approximately $4,000 worth of processed marijuana as well as other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking. The officers also located and seized two firearms from inside of this residence. Under the State of Michigan's civil forfeiture law, the officers located and seized $341.00 in U.S. Currency and misc. pieces of lighting fixtures, which were used in the indoor manufacturing of marijuana. The officers also seized a 1995 Chevrolet Blazer under the civil forfeiture law. Richard Allen Collier was lodged at the Berrien County Jail on his above mentioned charges, pending his arriagnment in the Berrien County Trial Courts.
Buchanan Drug ArrestOn 2/23/2010 at approximately 8 am, the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit with assistance from the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Road Patrol executed a search warrant for illegal narcotics at 15810 W. Clear Lake Rd. Apt# 11 (Township of Buchanan), following a week long investigation into suspected narcotic trafficking at this residence.At the time of the search warrant execution, the officers located Henry Blackmon Jr. and Jessica Tabbert, both of Buchanan, inside of the residence. Also located inside of the residence was a three year old child. During a search of the residence, the officers located and seized approximately $300 worth of marijuana as well as other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking. Under the State of Michigan's civil forfeiture law, the officers seized $81.00 in U.S. Currency and two cell phones. The three year old child was turned over to the custody of family members. Both Henry Blackmon Jr. and Jessica Tabbert were lodged at the Berrien County Jail on charges of Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Deliver and Maintaining a Drug House, pending their arraignments in the Berrien County Trial Courts.
Health CarePresident Obama will bring a comprehensive proposal to the bipartisan meeting that builds on the progress Congress has already made and aims to give the American people and small business owners more control over their health care choices.
CLICK HERE - Health ProposalSt. Joseph FireOn 2/17/2010 at approximately 4:38 PM the City of St. Joseph Fire Department was dispatched to a Commercial Store structure fire at 1607 Lake Shore Dr., Rooster’s Party Store, in the City of St. Joseph. The St. Joseph Police and Fire dispatch center received a 911 call stating that there is a fire in the kitchen area of the store. Fire crews under the command of Capt. Aaron Filippo arrived on scene to find smoke showing from the building. Fire crews quickly located a pressure deep fryer on fire in the food preparation area of the store and were able to extinguish it with a dry chemical fire extinguisher. Fire crews evacuated the occupants out of the building and cleared the smoke from the store. The cause of the fire has not been determined and is estimated to have caused approximately $3,500.00 in damage. As a precaution, the Berrien County Health Department was notified to inspect the business after the fire.Fire crews cleared the scene at 5:07 PM.
Fatal Traffic AccidentOn Tuesday, 2/16/10 at approximately 12:59 pm, Deputy Jen Newman was dispatched to a car vs tree with entrapment accident on Cleveland Ave, north of Glendora Rd. in Weesaw Township.Upon arrival, Deputy Newman found a single vehicle had left the roadway and struck a tree. Weesaw Township used the Jaws of Life and Medic 1 responded to the scene to treat the single female occupant of the vehicle. The female was pronounced dead at the scene. This accident is under investigation.
UPDATEDThe victim/driver in Tuesdays 2-16-2010, single vehicle crash on Cleveland Rd. just north of Glendora Rd. is Genevieve Schuh (age 86) from Buchanan MI. Ms. Schuh was driving south on Cleveland in her 2001 Toyota , when she hit a icy spot lost control and slid off the east side of Cleveland Rd. Her divers door struck a large tree. An autopsy showed that Ms. Schuh died from a head injury.A witness at the scene reported that Ms. Schuh did not appear to be speeding at the time of the crash. The crash is still under investigation.
Could you effectively defend yourself if attacked?The Berrien County Sheriff's Office is offering free self-defense classes, through RAD (Rape Aggressive Defense System). RAD is a comprehensive personal safety course for women that focuses on awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance. The primary focus is on basic education of confrontational principles and personal defense. Safety and survival in today’s world requires a definite course of action. The RAD System of realistic defense techniques provides women with the knowledge to make an educated decision about resistance.RAD is not a martial arts program. It is a basic self-defense program that any woman, no matter her age or physical level, can learn. The tactics are simple! The class is being offered to all females, 14 years of age and above. The course is 12 hours long and is offered in 3 evenings, lasting 4 hours each night. All sessions must be attended. Best of all, the class is FREE! Our next RAD class is scheduled As follows:
March 8,15, 22, 2010 Berrien County Sheriff’s Department - 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. 919 Port Street St. Joseph, MichiganTo register, or for more information, please call Deputy Karen Klug with the Berrien County Crime Prevention Unit at (269)983-7141 Ext. 7221
SNOWMOBILE SAFETY CLASS
Date: Saturday, March 6, 2010
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Berrien County Sheriff’s Dept. Training Facility
7110 Angling Rd.
Coloma, MI 49038
Cost: Free - Ages: 12 years old & up
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Registrations will be taken by email only. Please send registrations to: marinediv@berriencounty.org.
Please include legal name, date of birth, address, phone number, parental contact phone number (if under 16 years old). You will receive a confirmation with additional information once registered. This program is designed to allow youths, between the ages of 12- 16, to operate snowmobiles without direct adult supervision. Parents are encouraged to attend as well. Classroom materials will cover safety issues, legal requirements, proper operation and maintenance, and will conclude with a written examination.
“Assistance To Firefighters Grant Program”Lincoln Charter Township Fire Department is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant through the Department Of Home Land Security “Assistance To Firefighters Grant Program” The request to fund the purchase of critical communication equipment for the department will ensure that all personnel have the ability to communicate in the event of a MAYDAY situation or for normal fire ground operations. Communication is key to providing safe and effective control of events whether at fire scenes or search and rescue events. As a result of this funding the department will be fully equipped to provide safety to all firefighters as well as the citizens of Stevensville / Lincoln Township who we serve. The grant award amount is $20,519.00 the Township will be required to match $1,025.00.
Berrien County May 4, 2010 School Board CandidatesArraignment of Hit & Run Driver |
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