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OBITUARIES

Brown Funeral Home

Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home

McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home

Swem Funeral Home

Sommerfeld-Smith Family Funeral Home

Pobocik Funeral Home

LOCAL NEWS

Fourth Annual Saturday Passport Day

The Berrien County Clerk’s Office will be open from 9 A.M. to noon on Saturday, February 27, 2010. Passport applications and passport photographs will be processed at the Berrien County Administration Building, 701 Main Street, St. Joseph.

“We offer this service as a courtesy to those customers who have a difficult time visiting our office during the usual workday hours; this seems to be especially helpful to families who need to visit us to apply for passports,” said Clerk Stine.

The fee for a first-time passport is $100, which should include a $75 check or money order that is payable to the U.S. Department of State. Passport photos, which are required, are available in the Berrien County Clerk’s Office for $8.

NOTE: Valid passports are required for children of every age. Children age 15 and under must be accompanied by both parents. Passport fees for children are $85.00 with a check or money order for $60.00 going to the Department of State.

To apply for a U.S. passport, residents must provide:

A completed passport application form (available in the Clerk’s Office or from http://travel.state.gov).

Proof of U.S. citizenship in the form of a previous passport, certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

Proof of identity which includes a driver’s license, government or military I.D. is required. Social security cards cannot be accepted.

Travelers who need additional information about new passport regulations and traveling outside of the United States may visit the U.S. Department of State web site at http://travel.state.gov.

Arraignment of Hit & Run Driver

On 2-5-2010, Bradley Dean Osban was arraigned in the Niles Fifth District Court on the charge of Failing to Stop at a Serious Personal Injury Accident that had occurred on 1-5-10. The accident happened at 7:41am, in the downtown Village of Berrien Springs. Bradley Osban has been remanded to the Berrien County Jail in lieu of $20000 bond. There has been a Pre-Exam Hearing scheduled for 2-12-10.

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Drug Search

At the time of the search warrant execution, the officers located Jason Richard Zuhl and a twenty year old female inside of the residence.

During a search of the residence, the officers located and seized approximately $300 worth of marijuana and other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking. The officers also located and seized six firearms from inside of this residence.

Jason Richard Zuhl of Stevensville was arrested and lodged at the Berrien County Jail on charges of Possession of Marijuana with the Intent to Deliver 2nd Offense, Maintaining a Drug House 2nd Offense, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Felony.

The 20 year old female was released with no criminal charges being sought against her.

Benton Harbor Drug Arrest

This search warrant was the result of a two-week long investigation into suspected narcotic sales taking place at this residence. This investigation began after the Berrien County Sheriff Department's Narcotics Unit had received complaints from concerned citizens in regards to suspected narcotic activity taking place at this residence.

During the execution of the search warrant, the officers located Mary Anzetta Kelly and a 33 year old male subject inside of the residence.

During a search of the residence, the officers located and seized approximately $800 worth of Crack Cocaine and other evidence of illegal narcotic trafficking.

The officers also seized $140.00 in U.S. Currency under the State of Michigan's Civil Forfeiture Law.

Mary Anzetta Kelly of Benton Harbor was arrested and lodged at the Berrien County Jail on charges of Possession of Cocaine with the Intent to Deliver and Maintaining a Drug House.

The 33 year old male subject was released with no criminal charges being sought against him.

Coloma Arrests

This investigation began after the Berrien County Sheriff Department and the Coloma Township Police Department had received tips from concerned citizens in regards to suspected narcotic activity at this residence.

At the time of the search warrant execution, the officers located Jeremie Estkowski inside of the residence. During the course of this search warrant execution, Uriah James Collard and two juveniles (ages 3 and 9), who reside at this residence returned to the residence.

During a search of the residence, the officers located and seized a small amount of processed methamphetamines, a small amount of marijuana, and components/ingredients commonly used in the manufacturing of methamphetamines.

As a result of this investigation, Uriah Collard and Jeremie Estkowski, both of Coloma, were arrested and lodged at the Berrien County Jail on their above mentioned respective charges pending their arraignments in the Berrien County Trial Courts.

The two juveniles (ages 3 and 9) were taken into protective custody by the officers and they were turned over to the custody of the State of Michigan's Childrens Protective Services.

Niles Robbery

The Suspect is described as a Black Male, approx. 5'8 ft, and 150 lbs wearing a bright blue bandana covering his face and a black hooded sweatshirt with black pants.

If you have an information on this Arm Robbery please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-342-STOP or contact the Berrien County Sheriff's Department Detective Bureau D/Sgt. Fred Laesch 269-983-7142 Ex. 6287

BCYF Market Beef Registration Deadline is February 1

All beef and dairy animals must have a Radio Frequency Electronic Identification (RFID) tag number listed on the exhibitor entry form, which is issued by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and can be obtained by calling 1-866-870-5136 or on-line at www.michigan.gov/mda.

Completed registration forms may be:

dropped off at the fair office 
(Monday – Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
 
mailed to the fair office 
(Berrien County Youth Fair, P. O. Box 7, Berrien Springs, MI 49103)
 
faxed to the fair office (269-473-4203) 
placed in the drop box located near the entrance to the fair office 
e-mailed to bcyf@bcyf.org

BCYF Wins Nine Awards

Communication Awards Chairperson, Carol Britten, said the purpose of the competition is to “improve the advertising and publicity programs of fairs and events and to provide recognition for those fairs and events doing an outstanding job.” Criteria for judging the advertising material was based on utilizing a central theme and appropriateness to the activities, audience, and media used. The advertising materials were required to be motivational, informative, and indicative of creative excellence. Ribbons and plaques were awarded in three divisions, according to the fair attendance. BCYF was in the large fairs division, with attendance over 100,000 people.

BCYF took top prize with the ‘Best of Show’ award which was determined by the best use of fair theme or logo throughout all of the eight categories. BCYF Marketing and Sponsorship Coordinator, Sandie Lieberg, said “I am very proud of all of the hard work the staff and board members put in to be recognized with these awards.” Lieberg said there are over 80 fairs and festivals in Michigan. The 2009 fair theme was “A Blue Ribbon Celebration” and a blue ribbon with many fair animals was used for marketing theme.

Awards received by BCYF include:

1st Place:  Website Home Page (second year in a row)
1st Place:  Advertising Specialties & Merchandise (second year in a row)
1st Place:  Printed Promotional Material: Brochure
1st Place:  "Any Other" Communication, for Expo Arena marketing pieces
2nd Place:  Promotional Material: Multi-Page
3rd Place:  Poster
4th Place: Printed Promotional Material: Fair Book
5th Place:  Newspaper Ad: Black & White or Color 

Indoor Marijuana Grow-operation

During this investigation, the deputies located Jack Daniel Curran inside of the residence.

During a search of this residence, the officers located and seized ninety-five (95) "live" marijuana plants in various stages of growth. (According to DEA statistics a mature marijuana plant is capable of producing $1,000 worth of processed marijuana). Thus the street value of the seized marijuana plants is estimated at $95,000.

The officers alslo located and seized a quantity of processed marijuana from inside of this residence, as well as other items of evidence indictive of marijuana trafficking.

Under the State of Michigan's civil forfeiture law, the officers seized numerous pieces of electronic equipment as well as the lighting fixtures used in this indoor marijuana grow-operation.

Jack Daniel Curran was arrested and lodged at the Berrien County Jail on his above mentioned charges pending his arraignment in the Berrien County Trial Courts.

St. Joe Fire

Fire crews cleared the scene at 5:09 PM.

Suspect Arrested

On 03/24/07, Berrien County Sheriff's Office (Niles Twp. Patrols) responded to a Home Invasion and Shooting at 2006 Ontario Lt # 68, Niles Twp.

Once at this location, Sheriff Deputies found Jason Rosenhagen, who was living at this location Shot in the facial area and Jesswin Bryant was beaten.

They advised two subjects broke into their residence early hours of the 24th of March 2007, Armed with hand Guns, Demanded money. Both victims rushed both of the intruders, and a fight ensued with all four subjects, resulting in Mr. Jason Rosenhagen being shot in the facial area and Bryant being assaulted.

Both Suspects at that time fled the scene.

Sheriff Detectives started the investigation and from Forensic Evidence left at the scene and from interviews arrested the first suspect Daniel Thomas Pierson 23 yrs of age, giving an address of 2741 Reynolds on multiple Felony Warrants on Sept. 09 and this DATE, Sheriff Deputies, assisted by Michigan State Police from the Niles post arrested Joran Leon Holmes at his residence of 2249 Redfield Rd. just into Cass County without incident.

CHARGES

DANIEL THOMAS PIERSON 2741 Reynolds St. Niles, Mi. (age 23) Robbery Arm-Assault With intent to Rob while Armed 2) Home Invasion 1st Degree 3) Weapon Felony Firearms 4) Assault With Intent to Murder 5) Assault With Dangerous Weapon.

Both Suspects are lodged at the Berrien County Jail.

D/Sgt. Fred Laesch was the lead investigator.

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

your upcoming event at your school, church or civic group...It's free!

Stargazer Retreats for Women

www.stargazer-retreats.com

Weekend Retreats for Women - Union Pier, Michigan

It’s amazing to believe that another busy summer is passing before our eyes! Whatever happened to the lazy hazy summer days of our youth? Taking time out to enjoy the moment is something we all have to work on and paying attention to ourselves is usually the last thing on our “to-do” list. The above quote from Susan Jeffers reminds us that we must listen to our inner voice (intuition) and recognize that we really do deserve an occasional break in the action. A little hiatus of sorts, in order to rest, relax and renew our souls.

Stargazer Retreats offer an opportunity for women of all ages to allow themselves an opportunity to simply relax and unwind. Included is an incredible one-hour private massage, an Art project taught by a local Artist, an Introduction to yoga and meditation, as well as wonderful information from a remarkable Speaker who’s full of wisdom! The retreats are held one weekend a month in various Bed & Breakfasts in the southwest Michigan area. The weekend package includes overnight accommodations and meals.

Visit www.stargazer-retreats.com for full details, or phone me at 269-357-1608.

Don’t you deserve a break today?

**Average price for Weekend Retreat: $525.00 - All-Inclusive. Price may vary according to season and location of Retreat.

Future Retreats planned by Stargazer

2009 Upcoming Retreats

** “A weekend of Silence and Contemplation”

** “The Power of Personal Presence”

** “Let’s Talk Money”

** “Creating a Successful Business – First Take Care of the Owner”

THE ACORN THEATER SCHEDULE

www.acorntheater.com

107 Generations Drive, 49128

All Info and Ticket/Reservations Info: 269. 756. 3879

Tickets can be purchased by Visa or MasterCard at www.acorntheater.com