WSJV - NEWS

SBPD swears in 5 new officers

Amanda Johnson — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:42:00 EDT

It was a big day for the South Bend Fire and Police Departments. Five new officers were sworn in Wednesday morning. Anuar Velazquez, Andrew Jackson, Jarveair Bourn, Calon Naragon, and Ricardo Ramirez-Juarez

Gay youth group files suit against BMV

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:45:00 EDT

The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana is taking the battle over specialty auto license plates for a gay and lesbian youth counseling group to federal court.

Indiana Toll Road rates increase for some July 1

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:23:00 EDT

The cost of driving on the Indiana Toll Road is going up for motorists not using transponders to pay.

Indiana teachers ask Ritz to support Common Core

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:13:00 EDT

A group of Indiana teachers says requiring teachers to use two sets of education standards will disrupt learning for students.

Campeau Street closed until late June

Matt Gard — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:34:00 EDT

Another road project will get in the way for South Bend drivers starting Wednesday morning. Crews from Phend and Brown will be out reconstructing part of Campeau Street, which is just east of the downtown

Sequester takes chunk out of Meals on Wheels funding

Amanda Johnson — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:33:00 EDT

Many organizations are feeling the impact of federal budget cuts, or the sequestration, and Meals on Wheels is no different. Linda Strohl, executive director of Meals on Wheels in Benton Harbor says they

Akron says farewell to beloved town marshal

Adam Ziegler — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:50:00 EDT

In a town of roughly 1,100 people, one death can touch a lot of lives. "In a place like Akron, Indiana, this leaves a hole in everyone's hearts," said Pat Brasi. That is especially true when that death

Mishawaka officials stress train safety

Amir Abbas — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:34:00 EDT

When trains are involved in vehicle accidents, the consequences are often grave and can be fatal. That's why officers from Norfolk Southern and Mishawaka PD are out teaching people about dangers of railroad crossings.

Indiana BMV renews fight over gay youth group plates

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:40:00 EDT

Indiana's Bureau of Motor Vehicles is continuing its battle over specialty auto license plates for a group that counsels gay and lesbian youth.

Clay Fire Department hosts fire camps

Tom Shaw — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:21:00 EDT

Clay Fire Department is hosting a fire camp from June 17th until the 22nd. It is a summer camp for children between the ages of ten and thirteen years old, who might want to experience and understand

Missing Illinois woman found in Osceola

Matt Gard — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:49:00 EDT

A missing Buffalo Grove, Ill. woman is back home safely after being found in St. Joseph County Tuesday morning. Dispatchers say police found the woman, who they estimate to be in her late 60s, near the

Semi rollover closes down multiple intersections in St. Joseph County

Anna Bockelman — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 07:32:00 EDT

An early morning semi rollover closes down the roundabout at Cleveland Rd and Bittersweet Rd. To help the clean up process crews also closed down several intersections: Douglas Rd. and Bittersweet Rd.,

Group promoting education fairness in St. Joe County

Katie Lathrop — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:29:00 EDT

An effort to promote fairness in education is already underway in St. Joe County. It's thanks to a coalition known as "L.E.A.D.E.R.S." That stands for Learning Effective Approaches Designed to Educate

Elkhart Jazz Festival introduces smart phone app

Katie Lathrop — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:26:00 EDT

How can you make the Elkhart Jazz Fest even more fun than it already is? Well, now it has its own app! The new Elkhart Jazz Fest app engages people in the festival before and during the event. You

U-93's Roofsit raises money and awareness for child abuse prevention

Amanda Tetlak — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:12:00 EDT

It's a week long event called Roofsit.The goal is to raise money and awareness for child abuse prevention.U93's annual event is underway right now and the cause hits close to home for many in Michiana."I

Wilk will not be tried a third time for neglect

Adam Ziegler — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:33:00 EDT

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's office will not push for a third trial in the neglect case against Jacqueline Wilk. Wilk was indicted back in May of 2012 on two counts of Neglect of a Dependent.The

Elkhart sewer compact proposals head to committee

Amanda Tetlak — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:25:00 EDT

They're another step closer to finding a solution to the sewer dispute in Elkhart.County residents and businesses who use the city's sewer service have not been pleased with the compact agreement proposed

Emergency closure of Lincolnway starts at 7:00pm

Adam Ziegler — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:07:00 EDT

Lincolnway West between Bendix and Ardmore will be closed tonight starting at 7:00pm for emergency repairs.The road is not expected to reopen until Tuesday morning, and there will be lane restrictions

UPDATE: Ballot fraud conspirators sentenced; Morgan going to prison

Adam Ziegler — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:05:00 EDT

The four people who were found guilty of forging signatures and creating false documents all have learned their fates.

Elkhart offers citizens academy on police operations

Adam Ziegler — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:11:00 EDT

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at your local police department? The Elkhart Police Department is opening those doors to the public this summer.You can be a part of the Elkhart

State warns people to be alert at fairs, festivals

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:02:00 EDT

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and state police are reminding state residents to be alert for safety concerns when attending county fairs and other local festivals.

Michigan gas prices fall 27 cents over past week

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:20:00 EDT

AAA Michigan says gasoline prices have fallen about 27 cents during the past week to a statewide average of about $3.95 per gallon.

Benton Harbor Riots: 10 Years Later

Amanda Tetlak — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:03:00 EDT

Sunday marks ten years since riots broke out in Benton Harbor.June 16th 2003, Terrance Shurn died in Benton Harbor after crashing into an abandoned building while riding his motorcycle.He was being chased

Small town celebrates "World's Largest Flag Day Parade"

Amanda Johnson — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:12:00 EDT

It may be a couple days delayed,but one small town celebrated Flag Day in a big way Sunday. Three Oaks, Michigan hosted the 61st annual Flag Day Parade. With over 95 units in the parade, organizers say

Cars on display for Father's Day Festival

Amanda Johnson — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 19:04:00 EDT

What's better than wine and fancy cars to celebrate Father's Day? Sunday was the 29th annual Father's Day Festival and Corvette Show at Lemon Creek Winery. Organizers say it's the longest running wine

South Bend fireworks usage laws

Adam Ziegler — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:20:00 EDT

Here is the exact text of firework rules for the City of South Bend:(a) Consumer fireworks may be used within the corporate limits of the City of South Bend only under the provisions of this section. (1)

South Bend holds second anti-violence meeting

Tom Shaw — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:35:00 EDT

South Bend's Anti-Violence Commission held their second meeting on Tuesday. The featured speaker was Chris Mallette of The City University of New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He spoke

Bicyclist injured in head-on collision with car

Adam Ziegler — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:35:00 EDT

A bicyclist is in a South Bend hospital following an accident involving his bike and a car early Wednesday morning near Millersburg in Elkhart County.The Elkhart County Sheriff's Department says Jason

Indiana official: Lake flake material made at plant

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:40:00 EDT

Indiana officials say a substance found floating on Lake Michigan that led to beach closures is made at a nearby plant shipped out on barges.

Feds warn public about rules on cash at border

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:08:00 EDT

Federal agents are reminding the public that anyone entering the U.S. from another country must report cash exceeding $10,000.

Campaign underway to save the Tri-Way Drive-In Theatre

Tom Powell — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:10:00 EDT

There is a campaign underway to save the Tri-Way Drive-In Theater in Plymouth. From the business's website: It is project that at the end of 2013, 35 mm film which we use to show our movies, will no

Share your State Theater story

Tom Powell — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:01:00 EDT

Do you have a fond memory of the State Theater in Downtown South Bend? Maybe you have an album full of pictures of the fun times you spent at the theater. If so... the folks behind the Story Corps Project

Cass County man airlifted to hospital after tractor overturns

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:57:00 EDT

A Cass County man was flown to the hospital after a farming accident Tuesday evening.

Woman who drowned in Mishawaka pond identified

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:50:00 EDT

Police have identified an elderly woman found dead in pond in Mishawaka Monday morning.

Man suffers minor injuries in LaGrange County boating accident

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:43:00 EDT

Indiana Conservation Officers say Keith Platter II of Garrett was slowing down his bass boat to enter a no-wake zone between Witmer Lake and Westler Lake when another boat following him ramped up and over his boat.

DNR: Stay out of water at Porter Beach

Adam Ziegler — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:51:00 EDT

The DNR is urging beach-goers at Porter Beach to stay out of the water after reports of a "suspicious chemical" in the water. The DNR began preliminary testing after the report came in Monday afternoon.Chemists

Pools open in Elkhart

Adam Ziegler — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:40:00 EDT

Families can start getting wet and wild in Elkhart right now. The city is opening parks and recreation water facilities. Below is a list of hours and dates of operation for the pools and parks along

Police investigating elderly Mishawaka woman's drowning

Adam Ziegler — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:29:00 EDT

Mishawaka police are investigating the drowning death of an elderly woman. The woman was found some time before 7:30am on Monday. She died in a pond near the Waterford at Edison Lakes retirement home

Roofsit 2013 fights child abuse

Amir Abbas — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:29:00 EDT

It's a week long event called U93's Roofsit. The goal -- to raise money and awareness for child abuse prevention. South Bend firefighter Brian Replogle knows about child abuse. His adopted son Austin

NSA director defends surveillance program

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:36:00 EDT

By KIMBERLY DOZIERAP Intelligence Writer The director of the National Security Agency said Tuesday the government's sweeping surveillance programs have foiled some 50 terrorist plots worldwide, including

Sen. Coats: Stop NSA Grandstanding

Adam Ziegler — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:10:00 EDT

In today's edition of The Wall Street Journal, Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.), discusses the mischaracterizations of the National Security Agency's (NSA) counterterrorism programs and the consequences of damaging

Elkhart Central baseball coach lets players shave his head

Adam Shear — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:45:00 EDT

After a community-wide celebration wrapped up Monday evening, the 2013 State Champion Elkhart Central baseball team had a little bit of an after party for themselves.The team shaved head coach Steve Stutsman's

Statement from Secretary of State Connie Lawson on Butch Morgan sentencing

Adam Ziegler — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:34:00 EDT

"I commend the court's sentencing of former St. Joe County Democratic Chairman Butch Morgan and three other Democratic staffers for vote fraud," said Secretary of State Connie Lawson. "It is particularly

Elkhart Central Baseball State Champions celebrated by community

Adam Shear — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:29:00 EDT

For the first time in 20 years Elkhart Central High School will celebrate a state championship.The Blazers baseball team won the school's first state title since the 1992-93 boy's track team when they

Councilman Henry Davis Jr. and Father to pay $1 for driving charge

Amanda Tetlak — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:15:00 EDT

South Bend Common Councilman Henry Davis Junior and his father, Henry Davis Senior owe the courts $117 dollars for an incident that happened back in October.Fort Wayne Prosecutor Michael McAlexander handled

Indiana agency sued over cuts to program for disabled

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:37:00 EDT

A lawsuit filed against Indiana's social services agency claims it wrongly barred a developmentally disabled woman from Medicaid waiver programs and left her without enough income to survive.

Northern Indiana lake resort opens after 5-year closure

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:36:00 EDT

A lake resort in northern Indiana that shut down five years ago has reopened following an extensive renovation.

Woman and man in custody on coin theft charges

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:20:00 EDT

A second person has been arrested in connection to a burglary in Plymouth. On June 10, a home on the 300 block of N. Plum St. was broken into, and a large amount of coins were taken.Those coins were cashed

Construction projects to begin Monday

Amanda Tetlak — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:16:00 EDT

We have a few construction projects to tell you about that could affect your morning commute.Beginning Monday morning, the westbound driving lane on the Cleveland Road bridge over St. Joseph River in South

AP IMPACT: Bites derided as unreliable in court

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:34:00 EDT

A judge's ruling expected this month in New York could help end the practice of using bite mark analysis in courtrooms.

Lansing arts community embraces sick photographer

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:34:00 EDT

Artists and art collectors are rallying behind a Lansing photographer who will undergo a kidney transplant to fight a disease that killed her father.

Electronic proof of auto insurance coming to Ind.

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:32:00 EDT

Indiana drivers will be able to prove they have auto insurance with the click of a smartphone starting July 1 under a new law that signals a shift toward the use of technology in insurance laws.

Evacuations end for area around Indy building fire

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:31:00 EDT

Firefighters are still monitoring a fire that engulfed a sprawling, mixed-use building near downtown Indianapolis this weekend.

Diving into the search for lost 17th-century ship

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EDT

In a remote part of northern Lake Michigan, divers have started looking at an underwater pit, hoping to find the resting place of the Griffin, a ship commanded by the 17th century French explorer La Salle.

Disparate Ind. pols agree ISTEP answers needed

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:29:00 EDT

Indiana Statehouse leaders want some answers about why the provider of the state's high-stakes ISTEP+ exam ran into trouble administering the online portion of the test.

Urban Garden Market brings fresh produce to South Bend

Patrick Scally — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:04:00 EDT

The Urban Garden Market opened up for the first time this season Saturday. This year they've partnered with the St. Joseph County Minority Health Coalition in order to address a "food desert" in South

Memorial held to honor slain girl

Melanie Yuill — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 21:32:00 EDT

The Michiana area is still reeling in disbelief over the brutal murder of six-year-old Shirley Mundia at the hands of her father two weeks ago. Saturday afternoon a memorial was held in her honor at the

Urban beekeeping in South Bend

Patrick Scally — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:09:00 EDT

Bee keeping has become a hot topic in South Bend. The Common Council is considering an ordinance that would make urban bee keeping easier.The new proposal would allow people to have bee colonies on lots

Father's Day events in Michiana

Patrick Scally — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 15:38:00 EDT

If you're still trying to figure out what you want to do with Dad tomorrow, you're in lucky because there are some awesome events going on in Michiana for Dad's special day.Bacon and Brews for DudesThe

From roads to schools, Michigan budget touches you

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 14:29:00 EDT

The state budget that takes effect in 3 ½ months will impact everything from Michigan's roads and the school calendar to its hunters.

'M' or 'F'? Outdated IDs worry transgender people

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 14:25:00 EDT

Most people don't think twice about the gender printed on their driver's license. But those "M'' or "F'' markers - and the legal and administrative prerequisites for switching them on passports, birth...

Some residents to be without power until Sunday evening

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 23:09:00 EDT

Indiana Michigan Power crews continue to restore power to customers in southwest Michigan following the strong storms of Wednesday night and Thursday morning. More than 250 additional personnel are working

Teens give up weekend for service projects in Mishawaka

Patrick Scally — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:35:00 EDT

In Mishawaka, middle and high school students will be spending the weekend doing community service. Bethel College is hosting a Summer of Service or SOS weekend that about 500 teenagers and volunteers

Immigration reform a hotly debated topic in Michiana

Patrick Scally — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:26:00 EDT

Immigration has a lot of people fired up, including some in Michiana. The so-called "Gang of 8" in the US Senate thinks they have the solution to the seemingly never ending debate.The Northern Indiana

Painting for a cause in South Bend

Patrick Scally — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:10:00 EDT

It was a great opportunity to get creative for a good cause Friday night. Riverbend Cancer Services in South Bend held a painting event at U Can Paint 2 studio. The proceeds from the event go towards programs

Students master robotics at summer camp

Patrick Scally — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:52:00 EDT

A lot of kids hit the canoes and bunk beds for summer camp this year but some local kids had something else in mind. If you thought programming your TV was hard, this is not the summer camp for you.Technology

Elkhart Central heads to state baseball finals

Patrick Scally — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:51:00 EDT

After ending their season 31 and 1, Elkhart Central's baseball team is headed to the state finals. Fans, family, and students cheered the Blue Blazers on as they departed for Indianapolis in hopes of winning

Heavy smoke damage in house fire in Mishawaka

Patrick Scally — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:07:00 EDT

Mishawaka fire crews responded to a house fire on the 1000 block of Geyer Avenue Friday afternoon. The call came in at approximately 5:45pm Friday afternoon. Units reported heavy smoke damage in the home.

Michiana golfers hit the links at the Indiana Amateur Tournament

Adam Shear — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:31:00 EDT

Nestled away in the woods of South Bend is one of the best kept secrets in Michiana this week as dozens of the best golfers in Indiana play for the Indiana Amateur Championship.

Ethan Shelton still swinging away on the golf course at 109 years young

Allison Hayes — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:41:00 EDT

Year after year, Ethan Shelton shows us you're never too old to live. He is 109 years old and appreciating everyday he gets on the golf course. "I'm trying to play a little golf," Ethan Shelton says.

Elkhart Central wins 1st baseball state title

Allison Hayes — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:59:00 EDT

The 2nd ranked Elkhart Central baseball team won it's first ever baseball state championship Saturday, defeating #1 Indianapolis Cathedral 1-0. Blazers pitcher Tanner Tully hit a solo-home run in the

It's all about baseball for now in Hoosier State

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:52:00 EDT

The College World Series opens in Omaha, Neb., on Saturday with Mississippi State facing No. 3 national seed Oregon State in the afternoon and Indiana playing Louisville at night.

Relay for Life participants walk for family members

Amanda Johnson — Sat, 8 Jun 2013 17:44:00 EDT

It's the season for Relay for Life and Saturday participants took the track in New Carlisle. Over 100 people including cancer survivors will be walking all night long as they team up to raise money for

Former education leader Arthur Ellis dies at 80

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 14:28:00 EDT

Arthur Ellis, who had a long career in Michigan state government and higher education, has died at age 80.

National standards skeptic named to Indiana board

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:33:00 EDT

One of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's new appointments to the State Board of Education openly questions the statess adoption of a national set of reading and math education standards.

Old 2 Gold sale returns this weekend

Amir Abbas — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:46:00 EDT

One man's trash is another man's treasure. In this case, it's not even trash it's really good stuff. Notre Dame's annual old to gold sale will take place this Saturday. The event features thousands

House okays bills allowing schools to be dissolved

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:55:00 EDT

State officials could dissolve a deficit-ridden school district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation advancing quickly in Lansing.

Elkhart schools fight summer learning loss

Patrick Scally — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:53:00 EDT

This summer marks the first year that Elkhart Community Elementary Schools will have their own summer lab program.The new program is a partnership between IU South Bend, Saint Mary's College, Ethos Science

Pence fills 6 seats on state school board

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:11:00 EDT

Gov. Mike Pence is filling six seats on the 10-member State Board of Education.