The following parking lots will be closed both Saturday and Sunday early for artist parking and then opened at 10:00 a.m. both days for general parking.  City parking lot #3 at the corner of Ship and Lake Blvd., city parking lot #7 at the NE corner of State and Elm St., city lot #4 at the NW corner of State and Elm St. and the eastern half of the 500 blk. of Elm St.

2 hr. parking enforcement will be suspended for Friday July 9th and the remainder of the weekend.   

The festival neighborhood no parking zones will be in effect from Saturday July 10th through Sunday July 11th.  The no parking zone is bordered by Broad to the north, Sutherland Avenue and Hoyt Street to the south, Lake Boulevard to the west and Wayne Street to the east.  Streets running north-south will have no parking on the east side, and streets running east-west will have no parking on the south side. 

Festival goers are encouraged to use shuttle buses and avoid downtown St. Joseph because of the limited parking. Shuttle buses are located at Kelley’s Bowl (Cleveland near Lakeshore Dr) and Edgewater Tech Center which is located off of Momany Dr in St Joseph.

Assault with Intent to Do Great Bodily Harm less than Murder

Victim: 
Aldres Malagon 51 Yrs. Old, residing at 3532 Browntown Rd.   

Suspect: 
Primo Guevara Mayo  Hispanic/Male 31 Yrs. of age. Resides at 3532
Browntown Rd., Weesaw Twp.

Primo Guevara Mayo

The Berrien County Sheriff's Office responded to an assault at the above location and time. Upon arriving it was found that the victim had suffered multiple stab wounds and the suspect Mayo was the alleged perpetrator. Mayo had fled the scene prior to officers arrival. The victim was transported by Medic 1 Ambulance to Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph where he was treated for his injuries and is currently listed in stable condition. The cause for the assault is unknown however appears to be the result of a verbal agruement that escalated.

Anyone that knows the whereabouts of Mayo are asked to contact the Berrien County Sheriff's Office at 269-983-7141 or Crimestoppers at 800-342-STOP.

SMALL ANIMAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE APPROACHING

Registration is open to any Berrien County resident, ages 6 to 20 years of age. A few special classes are available for 5-year olds. The exhibitor age is as of January 1, 2010. Entry forms may be turned in any time up to the appropriate deadline date. Entry forms may be brought to the fair office between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday on or before July 1st; postmarked on or before July 1st; or placed in the drop box outside the fair office after office hours until midnight on July 1st. The Fair Office will be open Wednesday, June 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday, July 1 special hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to accept entries, but exhibitors are encouraged to get their registrations in early.

Other upcoming deadlines include the Berrien County Youth Fair King and Queen contest which is open to any high school 11th or 12th grade student of the past school year who is a current BCYF exhibitor. The King and Queen contest deadline is

July 1st. Exhibitor families with camping units wishing to register to camp during fair week must have their registration forms in by July 1st. Camping information and forms are available at bcyf.org. Finally, registration for all still exhibit areas (crafts, flowers, horticulture, and home economics) is August 1st. Registration for still exhibits are open to Berrien County residents, ages 5 to 20 years of age. No late entries will be accepted. Questions can be addressed by contacting the fair office at 269-473-4251. Berrien County Youth Fair dates are August 16-21 with the theme "A Treasure Chest of the County's Best."

ST. JOSEPH 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS TRAFFIC AND DETOUR

Motorist should be aware that there will be limited parking below the bluff as Whirlpool Field is no longer open for parking.

Following the fireworks traffic north of the river will detoured north and east of downtown St. Joseph in an effort to alleviate traffic congestion.

Traffic after the fireworks traveling north from the edgewater area will be directed north on Upton Dr. to Klock Rd. and to M-63. Traffic south will be directed south on Upton Dr. to Whitwam Dr. The southbound traffic lanes on M-63 at Klock Rd. will be closed for a short period of time to allow traffic to clear in downtown St. Joseph. Motorist are asked to find an alternate route avoiding downtown St. Joseph due to the heavy traffic congestion following the fireworks.

Traffic south of the river will be directed onto Main St. from Port St., Ship St. and Broad St. Traffic from Silver Beach and Lions Park area using Park St. will be directed south on Lake Blvd. to Lakeshore Dr.

Motorist are asked to be patient and expect long periods of stopping due traffic backups. 

Sodus Township Accident

The driver of the second vehicle was Heriberto Rivera from Florida. Rivera was uninjured.

This accident remains under investigation.

St Joseph Contractor Scam

The suspect stated a relative of his repaired her roof 3 years ago and some shingles had come loose. He stated he would need $50 because he had 6 workers with him. He then advised her he would need to get some hot water from her in the basement and she followed him downstairs. He filled up two buckets of hot water and told the resident to stay in the basement because he would be right back to get the other bucket of hot water. The elderly resident went back upstairs after a short period of time and the suspect had left out the back door doing no roofing work.

Fortunately, in this incident, nothing appears to be missing and no one was hurt.

The suspect was described as a w/m approximately 35 years old with no facial hair. He was approximately 6'2" tall weighing 200 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans with a dark colored baseball cap on.

Please be aware of this type of contractor scam. Remember, if you did not call a contractor for work, NEVER allow a stranger into your home, call 911 to have a police officer respond to your home to identify the culprits and complete an investigation.

Antique Tractor & Car Show Rolls into Berrien Springs

(Berrien Springs, MI) Hundreds of antique tractors and cars are expected to roll into the Berrien County Youth Fair Antique Tractor & Car Show for the annual event at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds June 18 and 19. This year's show is an antique tractor show with the addition of an open car show. The show is supported by members of the Michiana Two-Cylinder Club and sponsored by 97.5 Y-Country radio and many local businesses.

"The fair is proud to offer this event to the community, which serves as a fundraiser for the fair and offers one-of-a kind tractor-related entertainment,” said Don Byers, event co-chairman and BCYF board member. Byers said this year's all-color antique tractor show will offer a tractor parade, a toy tractor show, concessions, and an open car show. Byers said, "Saturday will be a big day for us with the Garden Tractor Pull and also a free pedal pull for kids."

Tractor Pull Coordinator and BCYF board member, Jon Vollman, is expecting "about 75 hooks" for the tractor pull which takes place on Friday, June 18 starting at 6:00 p.m. in the Grandstand. The pull includes two antique jackpot classes of 5,350 lbs. and 6,450 lbs, plus 8,000, 10,000, 12,000 classes, and a Super Farm tractor division. Saturday, June 19 features a Garden Tractor Pull starting at 11:00 a.m. sponsored by Ridge and Kramer. Vollman was appreciative of all the local sponsors who contributed to making this a success.

The pedal pull, sponsored by Ford-Fordson Collectors Association National Director Carl Davis, is for kids weighing 35-65 pounds and takes place on Saturday, June 19. The event is free, with registration from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the competition starting at 10:30 a.m. BCYF board member, Don Byers, said all of the participants "receive a participant ribbon and badge while they last."

The addition of the open car show to the tractor show is supported by many area car clubs. The event is rain or shine, since cars can be displayed both inside and outside.

Ticket prices are $5 per person, with kids 12 and under free. Tickets are available at the gate. Entrance is through Gate 2 on Old U.S. 31 and Gate 3 on Shawnee Road in Berrien Springs. Show hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 18, then 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 19. The Berrien County Youth Fair is handicap accessible and wheelchairs are available. For more information, call event chairpersons Jon Vollman at 269-655-6475 or Don Byers at 269-471-4445, or the fair office at 269-473-4251.

The full schedule is available at www.bcyf.org.

Benton Harbor Drug Bust

At the time of the search warrant execution, the officers located Ervin Allen and Carmilia Jones inside of the residence. Also located inside of the residence was a three year old child. (Note: When the officers entered the residence, both Carmilia Jones and Ervin Allen were in the process of smoking marijuana, while the three year old child was present in the home).

During a search of the residence, the officers located and seized approximately $200 worth of marijuana and other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking.

The officers also located and seized a police scanner, which was in operation at the time of the search warrant execution.

Ervin Allen is also currently on parole through the State of Michigan's Department of Corrections for a previous narcotic related conviction.

Both Ervin Allen, Benton Harbor and Carmilia Jones, Benton Harbor were lodged at the Berrien County Jail on their above mentioned respective charges pending their arraignments in the Berrien County Trial Courts.

The three year old child, who was inside of the residence at the time of the search warrant execution was turned over to the custody of family members.

Niles Drug Bust

This search warrant execution was the result of a two week long investigation conducted by the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit after the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit had received several complaints from area citizens of suspected narcotic activity taking place at this residence.

At the time of the search warrant execution, the officers located Simeon Fox, Niles, Alicia Washington, Niles and two other adult subjects inside of the residence.

During a search of the residence, the officers located and seized $400 worth of crack cocaine, $50 worth of marijuana, and other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking.

As a result of this search warrant execution, Simeon Fox and Alicia Washington were lodged at the Berrien County Trial Courts on their above mentioned respective charges pending their arraignments in the Berrien County Trial Courts.

The other two adult subjects, who were inside of the residence at the time of the search warrant execution were released with no criminal charges being sought against them.

Storm Damage

They can report any storm-related damage by calling 1-800-815-5485.

Operators will be available at the Berrien County Call Center from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

It is important for residents and businesses to keep careful records of repairs made due to the recent storm. Here are some other tips:

Keep a list of items that have bee damaged or destroyed;

If you have insurance, call your insurance agent to report your claim;

Dispose of damaged property that presents a health hazard or that may hamper clean-up operations. Be sure to document fully all discarded items if a damage inspector contacts you.

Whirlpool Fire

Fire crews cleared the scene at 13:08 Hrs (1:08 PM).

Drug Bust

ARRESTED #2: William David Stayback III, New Buffalo, MI.

On 6/3/2010 at approximately 8:45 pm, the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit with assistance from the Berrien County Sheriff Department's New Buffalo Township Road Patrol, the Pokagon Tribal Police Department, and the New Buffalo City Police Department executed a search warrant for illegal narcotics at 412 E. Buffalo St. (City of New Buffalo) following a two week long investigation into illegal narcotic activity at this residence.

This investigation began after the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit had received complaints from concerned area citizens of suspected narcotic activity taking place at this residence.

At the time of the search warrant execution, the officers located the two above mentioned suspects and a third adult inside of the residence.

During a search of the residence, the officers located and seized approximately $3,500 worth of processed marijuana and five "live" marijuana plants (According to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, a mature marijuana plant is capable of producing up to $1,000 worth of marijuana). The officers also located and seized two firearms and other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking and marijuana manufacturing inside of this residence.

The officers also seized a 1999 Honda automobile under the State of Michigan's Civil Forfeiture Law.

Both William Staybuck and Jared Long were lodged at the Berrien County Jail on their above mentioned respective charges pending their arraignments in the Berrien County Trial Court.

The third adult subject, who was located inside of the residence was released and no criminal charges are being sought against that individual.

BCYF Fish Fry Fundraiser Announced

BCYF Board Member and Fish Fry Committee Chair, Mark Young, said they won’t run out of fish this year. "Last Year we were overwhelmed with the support of our local community to help the youth exhibitors of Berrien County. We had no idea so many would come to the dinner! This year we are going to be loaded for bear and have enough fish to feed all of you who want to come out and support us again."

More committee members have been added and the event will now include a silent auction, with all proceeds going towards the youth premium fund. The Board of Directors is working to create packages for bidding. There are already donations of Veterinary Services, a family four-pack of Disney World park hopper passes, NASCAR tickets and autographed merchandise, and even a load of cut, split, and delivered firewood. Even with last year’s fundraiser, the BCYF Board of Directors had to reduce the amount of premiums for the exhibitors, as the poor weather during fair week added to their bottom line deficit.

Young said, "The goal of this event is to raise as much money as possible to reward the efforts of the youth of Berrien County and the hard work they put into the thousands of exhibits showcased at the Fair each year." Last year there were 2,647 youth exhibitors showing over 14,500 exhibits.

The committee is still in need of supply donations for the event with fish being the biggest need. Individuals and companies interested in contributing time, supplies, or donation items for the silent auction, please contact the Fair Office at 269-473-4251. Tickets to the Fish Fry are $10 and include fish, sides, dessert, and a drink. Carryout will be available.

Bicycle/Pickup Truck Personal Injury Crash

Jonasson was taken to Lakeland Medical Center ER by Medic 1 Ambulance for treatment for her injuries. Neither Hyrns nor his passenger were injured.

Saint Joseph Twp PD, Medic 1 Ambulance and the Saint Joseph RSVP officers assisted St. Joseph City PD at the scene

BCYF Large Animal Deadline is June 1st

Berrien County Youth Fair Exhibitor Handbooks and entry forms, which include all of the guidelines for being an exhibitor, are now available on-line at www.bcyf.org. There are also copies at the Fair Office in Berrien Springs and all Berrien County Public Libraries that can be viewed.

Entry forms for equine and llama/alpaca are customized forms and can be picked up at the Fair Office. Horse and llama 4-H clubs have appropriate entry forms for their members. Exhibitors who are not members of 4-H will need to pick up their equine or llama/alpaca forms at the Fair Office in Berrien Springs.

No entries will be accepted after the deadline. Entry forms can be turned in anytime from now until the appropriate deadline date. The Fair Office will hold special hours on Tuesday, June 1 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to answer questions and accept registrations.

Animal identification rules from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) include:

DAIRY & BEEF:

GOATS:

SHEEP:

The USDA tag number must be on the entry form when it is turned in to the Fair Office by the June 1st deadline, so tags need to be ordered as soon as possible.

In addition to the USDA required ear tag, individuals registering market animals will also need to come to the Fair Office and pick up the BCYF ear tags for those animals. BCYF ear tags must be in the animals’ ear by July 1st or the entry will be disqualified.

Other registration deadlines include:

*July 1ST: Small animals (rabbits, poultry, cats, dogs, pocket pets)

*August 1ST: Still exhibits (crafts, home economics, flowers, horticulture, variety classes)

The Fair Office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. A special drop box is located just outside the office doors and contains entry forms. There is also a slot for completed entry forms. Completed registrations can be mailed to the Fair Office, P.O. Box 7, Berrien Springs, MI 49103; hand delivered during office hours; or placed in the drop box any time. Registrations will be accepted from now up to the appropriate deadline date. Early registration is encouraged so deadlines are not missed. Contact the Fair Office at 269-473-4251 by phone or at bcyf@bcyf.org by e-mail with questions. Fair dates are August 16-21, 2010.

Drug Arrest

During this traffic stop, Deputy Dodd placed Ernest Vankirk under arrest on a misdemeanor charge of Driving on a Suspended Operator's License.

During a search of this vehicle, Deputy Dodd located several components and ingredients commonly used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Deputies from the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit, who are certified in the investigation and dismantling of methamphetamine laboratories were then contacted and the investigators from the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit then responded to the scene to assist in the investigation and the collection of the evidence.

As a result of this investigation/traffic stop, Deputy Dodd placed Ernest Eugene Vankirk III under arrest on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine Laboratory Components, Maintaining a Drug Vehicle, and Driving on a Suspended Operator's License.

Ernest Vankirk was lodged at the Berrien County Jail pending his arraignment in the Berrien County Trial Courts on the above mentioned charges.

Drug Arrest

Arrested Persons:

ARRESTED #1: Dayrl Andrew Jackson, Benton Harbor, MI. 
     
CHARGES: 
#1: Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Deliver. 
#2: Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Deliver. 
#3: Maintaining a Drug House. 
     
ARRESTED #2: Shalisa Marie Moore, Benton Harbor, MI. 

CHARGES: 
#1: Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Deliver. 
#2: Maintaining a Drug House. 

At the time of the search warrant execution, the officers located and detained Dayrl Jackson and Shalisa Moore inside of the residence.

During a search of the residence, the officers located and seized approximately $300.00 worth of Heroin, approximately $300.00 worth of marijuana and other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking.

The officers also located and seized $105.00 in U.S. Currency and three cell phones under the State of Michigan's Civil Forfeiture Law.

Dayrl Andrew Jackson is currently on Probation through the United States Federal Government for a Bank Robbery, which he committed in the City of Benton Harbor in April of 2004.

Both Dayrl Andrew Jackson and Shalisa Marie Moore were lodged at the Berrien County Jail on their above mentioned respective charges pending their arraignments in the Berrien County Trial Courts.

Dayrl Andrew Jackson may also be facing charges in the United States Federal Courts for violation of his probation.

Sundays in the Park presented by Huntington Bank

Sunday in the Park Concerts presented by Huntington Bank warm-up act at 6pm/ headliner listed below at 7pm

June 13 Jypsi
June 20 Special Consensus & Stevie Coyle
June 27 Fillmore’s Ladder
July 4 Goldmine Pickers
July 18 Subdudes & Lonesome Meadow
July 25 Twenty Three
August 1 Deadwood
August 8 Niles Riverfest featuring Chris Young
August 15 Millish
August 22 Lost Road Ramblers
August 29 First Love

Thursday Night LIVE Niles Summer Concerts- FREE

Shows start at 7pm

June 24 Mike Struwin & Roots Down
July 1 Wildcat
July 8 Peach Tree Otis
July 15 Take Aim
July 22 Octaghandi
July 29 The Oblates of Blues
August 5 Niles Riverfest featuring The Whistle Pigs
August 12 Mark Flick and the Tools
August 19 The Van Dyke Revue 
August 26 Unraveling String Band

Wednesday Night Concerts in the Park

All Wednesday Night Concerts begin at 7pm

June 16 Carole & Kaye’s Dixieland Jazz Band
June 23 The Balos Family
June 30 Chris Young, Elvis Impersonator
July 7 Lake Effect Winds
July 14 The Swing Sisters
July 21 Tim Dudley, Elvis Impersonator
July 28 YMCA Family Night featuring Jetta & The Jelly Beans
August 4 Al Mott, One Man Variety Band
August 11 Lake Effect Jazz
August 18 River Bend Chorus
August 25 Alligator Blackbird

UPDATED - Bluff Stairway Restrooms

The suspect is currently lodged at the Berried County Jail.

SUSPECT: Matthew James Yech, male, 20 years of age, of Stevensville, MI.

CHARGES: 2 counts of Breaking and Entering-10 yr. felony each count and 2 counts of Arson- 10 yr. felony each count.

Niles Inhjury Accident

Niles Shooting

Ironworkers Lend a Hand to BCYF Swine Project

BCYF Swine Committee members have been working since October to design pens and raise money to replace 46 pens in the Swine Barn, which will then house an additional 192 pigs. Total pig capacity will be grow from 288 to 339 for fair week. A separate barn will support tack for the youth exhibitors. Previously, part of this tack barn had included add-on pens for swine exhibitors that were never intended to be permanent, but funding kept the fair board from replacing the temporary units, and a need for more pens grew. The new layout in Swine Barn provides for more pens, a greater number of aisles, better flow through the barn and safe housing.

BCYF Swine Project Chairperson, Gaye Blind, contacted the South Bend Ironworkers Local 292 and worked out a deal that benefited everyone. If the fair could provide the materials through fundraising, then the apprentices could get practice by making the swine pens, and at no charge to the fair. Blind said, “This project is really coming together with the work of so many people, whether they are building the pens, asking for donations, or spreading the word about this project that is so meaningful to the BCYF swine exhibitors and their families.”

Community support is welcome, and the first $5,000 will be matched with grants from the Upton Foundation and the Hanson Family Foundation. The Blue Ribbon donation program is posted on the fair’s website at www.bcyf.org where potential donors can find out more information and fill out a donation form.

Bluff Stairway Restrooms

Both Police and Fire responded to the scene and observed both the men' and women's restroom were on fire. After the fire was extinguished by the St. Joseph Fire Department, an investigation of the scene began.

It was determined the lower glass portion of the doors to both restrooms were smashed out allowing entrance by the suspect(s) who ignited materials found in each restroom.

The restrooms were under construction at the time of the incident, damage to the restrooms is extensive, no dollar estimate at this time.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Easton at 983-2571, 983-3608 or the anonymous tip line, 985-0301.

Drug Search

These search warrants were the results of investigations conducted by the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit, which began after the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit had received tips from area citizens in regards to illegal narcotics at these residences.

During the execution of these search warrants, the officers seized crack cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, and other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking.

As a result of these search warrant executions, the officers arrested the above mentioned subjects on their above mentioned respective charges.

All the above mentioned subjects were lodged at the Berrien County Jail pending their arraignments in the Berrien County Trial Courts.

As a result of these search warrant executions, the officers also seized $424.00 in U.S. Currency under the State of Michigan's civil forfeiture law.

Boater Safety Class

The class is FREE and open to students ages 12 years old and up. Please bring a sack lunch and a #2 pencil.

Pre-registration is required. To register, please email marinediv@berriencounty.org. Please include legal name, date of birth, address, and phone number. You will receive a return email with confirmation.

Please visit the Sheriff's Dept. web site at www.bcsheriff.org for more information and other class listings.

BCYF Looking for Performers

The Al Barbott Memorial Stage was donated by the Barbott family two years ago, and then PA and lighting equipment were donated by the AEP Cook Nuclear Plant ‘Heart of Cook’ grant last year. The stage is located outdoors in the “mall” area of the fairgrounds, surrounded by concessionaires, benches, and picnic tables for fairgoers to rest, eat, and take in some free entertainment.

The goal of the committee is to have at least five acts per day on the stage. Clown judging and youth award ceremonies also take place on the stage. Other events scheduled so far include a Tae Kwon Doe demonstration, a quintet, a 30-person chorus, a Christian band, a string ensemble, cheerleading and dance performances, a pipe and drum demonstration, a country act, and the popular Frozen T-Shirt Contest.

Individuals or bands interested in performing at the fair need to send in a CD with sample music and a promotional packet with contact information by May 17 to:

Berrien County Youth Fair
Attn: Al Barbott Stage Committee
P.O. Box 7, Berrien Springs, MI 49103

AEP Donation

in the photo from left to right are:Jack Strayer, BCYF Expo Arena Director of Development & Marketing, Joe Jensen, AEP's Cook Nuclear Plant Chief Nuclear Officer and Senior Vice President, Bruce Foster, BCYF President and Board Member and Dan Stacey, BCYF Expo Arena Project Chairman and Board Member

BERRIEN SPRINGS MI - The proposed Expo Arena at the Berrien County Youth Fair moved closer to its planned groundbreaking when it received a $150,000 gift from The American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation at the monthly meeting of the Berrien County Youth Fair (BCYF) Association Monday night.

"Thanks to the philanthropy of The American Electric Power Foundation, the Expo Arena project at the BCYF is becoming a reality," said Bruce Foster, the Chairman and President of the Berrien County Youth Fair Association board. "This is our first major gift and we are expecting many more in the weeks ahead as we approach our ground-breaking after this year's BCYF in August."

The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power and its utility operating units. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP's 11-state service area.

The BCYF board announced plans for the Expo Arena last year. When completed, the Expo Arena will offer a year-round, climate controlled facility for equestrian events, circuses, rodeos, farm shows, boat and auto shows, home and garden shows, mid-sized conventions, concerts and other family fare.

The proposed Expo Arena will cover 6.1 acres under one roof and will include a 500-stall stable and indoor warm-up ring, a 4,000-seat main arena, and a hospitality center that will feature a 14,000 square foot all-purpose banquet room with a full service kitchen and a cafeteria.

Barry Visel, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) Community Relations Manager, believes the Expo Arena will serve as a catalyst for the economic development of Berrien County.

"We see the Expo Arena at the Berrien County Youth Fair as a key factor in the future development of central Berrien County and the adjacent communities that AEP serves," Visel explained. "As our region emerges from the economic recession, this project will help create badly needed jobs and bring in new revenue to the region. We at I&M are delighted that The AEP Foundation is the first organization to step up and help out the Expo Arena fundraising endeavor."

Joe Jensen, Chief Nuclear Officer and Senior Vice President at AEP's Cook Nuclear Plant, and also an avid horseman, called the Expo Arena a facility the people of this area can view with pride.

"Not only will it showcase the talent and accomplishments of young people," Jensen said, "it will also provide enhanced opportunities to help with youth education, 4-H initiatives and strengthen civic partnerships."

Jack Strayer, Director of Development and Marketing for the Expo Arena, reported to the Fair board that there are $3.5 million in pledges and cash at the present time. Strayer added that his goal is to raise $5 million by the tentative August groundbreaking date of Aug. 21, 2010. The anticipated completion date of the Expo Arena is the spring of 2012.

For additional information about AEP, please contact Marta Elliott, I&M Corporate Communications, at 547-236-4965.

Drug Arrest

During the execution of the search warrant, the officers located Tamon Turner of Benton Harbor inside of the residence. During a search of the residence, the officers located and seized approximately $600 worth of crack cocaine and other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking. The officers also located and seized a loaded 22 caliber semi-automatic handgun, which was located with some of the crack cocaine.

The officers also seized $414.00 in U.S. Currency under the State of Michigan's civil forfeiture law.

Tamon Turner was lodged at the Berrien County Jail on charges of Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Deliver and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony pending his arraignment in the Berrien County Trial Courts.

Buchanan Woman Dead After Traffic Accident

This accident remains under investigation by the Berrien County Sheriff's Dept.

BCYF Offers Free Open House for First Time Youth Exhibitors

The open house is a free event, held at the Berrien County Youth Fair in the Youth Memorial building on May 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. A short orientation kicks off the program with information on where to get exhibitor handbooks and entry forms, their deadlines, and how to fill out entry forms and entry tags. Fair Manager, Lana Stover-Henderson, said "Participants will learn about documentation entry requirements that may be necessary, such as registration papers, identification numbers, and health regulations. Each animal species is different, and superintendents for each animal building will be on hand to answer specific questions."

Office Coordinator, Gail Holmes, said "Community members want to know how and where to purchase animals, and whether you need to be in a 4-H club to exhibit (you don't!), and this open house will be able to answer those questions and hopefully get even more kids involved." Some benefits of being an exhibitor include receiving a free week-long pass to the fair, possibly winning ribbons and prize money, and creating lifelong memories and a sense of pride.

The open house will focus not only on animal exhibits, but will also have information regarding still exhibits in floral, horticulture, home economics, and crafts. Entry day procedures will be explained, and future exhibit clinics for many divisions will be announced at the open house.

If you would like to attend the open house, please RSVP by phone at 269-473-4251 or by e-mail at bcyf@bcyf.org. Important registration deadlines to know include: June 1 large animals; July 1 small animals; August 1 still exhibits.

In an effort to both save money and to be more environmentally friendly, exhibitor handbooks are available on-line only at www.bcyf.org beginning May 1. The Fair Office and all public libraries in Berrien County also have copies on reserve to view. Entry forms are available on-line, at the libraries, and the fair office. Youths age 5-20 can exhibit stills. Youths 6-20 can exhibit animals, and five-year olds can show in several animal classes, but not all. Age is determined as of January first. For more information, see www.bcyf.org or contact the fair office at 269-473-4251.

The 65th annual Berrien County Youth Fair is August 16-21 with this year’s theme "A Treasure Chest of the County’s Best."

First Time Exhibitor’s Open House: Thursday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Berrien County Youth Fair’s Youth Memorial building.

Commission And Board Seats Open

   
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, 2010