The South Haven Tribune is a total market coverage newspaper in southwestern Michigan, delivered weekly to 13,500 homes and businesses in northwestern Van Buren County and southwestern Allegan County. The Tribune is affiliated with The Herald-Palladium.

This Just in...

5.22.12

South Haven man sentenced to prison for CSC conviction

A South Haven man accused of sexually molesting a girl under the age of 10 has been sentenced to prison.

Van Buren Circuit Court Judge Paul Hamre sentenced Keith Nienhuis, 57, Monday. Nienhuis faces a minimum of 10 years in a state correctional facility, and could serve up to 15 years, according to a court clerk. When he is released from prison he will be subject to lifetime electronic monitoring. He was given credit for 144 days served in Van Buren County Jail.

Nienhuis pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct in April. He had originally been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

South Haven Police arrested Nienhuis on Dec. 29, 2011 after receiving a complaint from the girl's family that he had allegedly assaulted her on Dec. 7 and again on Dec. 19. The girl was described as a family friend.

5.21.12

Tribune photo

The finishing touch

South Haven Mayor Bob Burr (fourth from left), Friday, officially opens South Haven's South Beach to the public after the beach was closed to traffic for eight months. During that time, the city undertook $1 million worth of improvements that included new sidewalks leading to the beach; a 12-foot wide beach promenade; a handicap accessible trail mat and beach overlook; painted crosswalks; new playground equipment; and a sidewalk extension to the city's Harbor Walk. From left are State Sen. John Proos, city councilmembers Vickiy Wall and Suzie Fitzgibbon, Van Buren County commissioner John "Mike" Henry, and State Rep. Aric Nesbitt. Similar ribbon-cuttings took place Friday at the city's $3 million Williams Street improvement project and its $1.6 million Kal-Haven Trail extension into downtown.

5.18.12

Film shot along shores of Lake Michigan opens today at Michigan Theater

Chase Maser, a 19 year-old actor who began his acting career on the Kalamazoo stage, plays the role of Justin Faulkner in the father-son bonding drama, WaterWalk. The film opens today at the Michigan Theater in South Haven and plays throughout the weekend. WaterWalk, which was heavily filmed throughout West Michigan, is based on the true story of Steve and Justin Faulkners attempt to become the first single canoe team to retrace the 1,000 mile Marquette/Joliet Mississippi discovery route from St. Ignace to St. Louis along Lake Michigan, the Fox, Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers.

Maser, who attended high school in Portage where he starred in productions like Miss Saigon and All Shook Up, was first discovered by a Hollywood producer when he performed at Kalamazoos Farmers Alley. WaterWalk is his first lead role in a film. Since then, he has acted in six other films that opens this summer, and will appear this summer in AWOL and Family Weekend, with Kristin Chenoweth. He is a protg of the well known Kalamazoo theater teacher and director, Kathy Mulay.

Directed by co-star Robert Cicchini, well known for his film and television career , (Godfather III, Dream Girls, The Mentalist, Law and Order, Six Feet Under), WaterWalk has just been family approved by the Grand Rapids based Dove Foundation.

Cinematographer Bruce Schermer was director of photography on Sundance Grand Prize winner Chameleon Street and shot most of Michael Moores first Film, Roger & Me.

Composer Rod Schaub, produced award winning Up From The Bottoms which appeared recently on PBS. He teaches jazz and guitar at Mona Shores High School in Mona Shores. The films producer, Roger Rapoport, co-wrote the screenplay with Richard Harris. The movie is based on Steve Faulkners book WaterWalk recently republished in a film tie-in edited by Lexographic. WaterWalk has opened to critical acclaim in the Midwest and in select locations nationally and in France. Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office has praised WaterWalk as a family friendly film that shows why our state is a great place to live and make great films.

5.17.12

U.S. Representative Fred Upton

Upton pushes for consistent maintenance of harbors

By BECKY BURKERT
Editor and general manager

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton told a group of South Haven tourism and city leaders this week that obtaining funds for recreational harbor dredging is one of his priorities.
Upton, R-St. Joseph, made his remarks at the annual South Haven/Van Buren County Convention and Visitors Bureau awards dinner Monday at the South Haven Yacht Club.
South Haven's harbor is a benefit to this community, Upton told the 60 people in attendance. Not only do we need to keep our commercial ports, such as St. Joseph and Holland open, we need to have funding for maintenance of recreational harbors, as well. We (the House of Representatives) have passed a resolution to fund that.
The resolution Upton referred to is contained in a short-term highway bill approved by the House in April. The provision would guarantee that funds put into the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund be used for harbor maintenance. Right now, only half of the $1.6 billion collected for the fund each year goes for harbor maintenance.
In the highway bill negotiations, I will continue to fight to ensure they (harbors) are adequately maintained and that the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is fully used for its intended purpose, Upton said.
The legislation is now before the Senate.

5.15.12

City manager job narrowed down to two candidates

By KIM INGALLS

Tribune staff writer

BANGOR The search for a new city manager has been narrowed down to two candidates - one from southwest Michigan and one from mid-Michigan.

Joe Sobieralski from Stevensville and Jared Olson from Clare were chosen from a field of six finalists Monday night during a special city council meeting.

Sobieralski has been village manager of Stevensville since March 2011. He is attending Western Michigan University where he is working on a master's degree in public administration. Currently project manager for Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance, Sobieralsk has successful experience with grant writing and is very committed to becoming part of this community, according to Bangor Mayor Jennifer Carpio-Zeller.

Located in Berrien County, Stevensville is a slightly smaller community than Bangor with a population of 1,200 residents.

Olson is an administrative intern with the city of Clare. He received his master's degree in public administration from Central Michigan University in 2011. After doing his internship with the City of Clare, he was hired to assist the assessor and review and update personal property tax statements, according to Carpio-Zeller, who said that Olson had some great ideas for Bangor and has a "commitment to become part of the community."

Located northwest of Saginaw, Clare is slightly larger than Bangor and has a population of 3,173.

St. Joseph City Manager Frank Walsh has been coordinated the search and narrowed down the 23 applicants to six finalists.

"The council was very pleased with all of the six finalists," Carpio-Zeller said. "Each candidate had valuable strengths and bright futures.

Final interviews will be held Tuesday, May 22.

The new manager will replace Michael Selden, who left April 18 to become Wayland's city manager.

5.14.12

Palisades plant resumes service

Entergys Palisades Nuclear Plant was returned to service this weekend, ending a 33 day, 19 hour, and 8 minute refueling and maintenance outage. The outage started on Sunday, April 8 and ended Saturday, May 12.

During the outage, 64 new fuel assemblies were placed in the reactor, according to plant spokesperson Mark Savage. Other major work completed included an inspection of the two low pressure turbines and four moisture separator and re-heaters; an inspection and cleaning of the main condenser; and an inspection of the reactor vessel head.

A total of 1,200 additional supplemental workers assisted the plants staff in completing the work safely.

5.11.12

Rooster attacks elderly woman; Owner could face criminal charges

A Geneva Township man could face a misdemeanor charge after his rooster allegedly attacked the leg of an 83-year-old woman visiting a grave in a Geneva Township cemetery.

Two roosters belonging to Joe Farrell got loose in Chamber Cemetery, Thursday, while the 83-year-old woman from Spring Lake, and her 53-year-old daughter from Norton Shores were there, according to Sgt. David Walker of the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department.

One of the roosters spurred the older woman's lower leg and drew blood, Walker said. The women went to their car and called police authorities.

The rooster in question is now under a 10-day quarantine to make sure it does not die of disease that could cause concern to the victim who was spurred.

Because the rooster got loose in cemetery grounds, it is in violation of state law. Its owner, Farrell, who lives next to the cemetery, could face misdemeanor charges, according to Walker, who said a report is being sent to the prosecutor's office for review.

5.9.12

Area high schools receive Bronze status in U.S. News & World Report study

South Haven, Bangor and Fennville high schools have something to brag about this week all three have received a bronze award in U.S. News & World Report's 2012 Best High School rankings report.

A total of 204 of Michigan's 838 public, charter and private high schools were recognized by the report with 6 earning Gold awards; 49, Silver awards; and 149 Bronze awards.

Awards were based on the following two main criteria:

How well does the school serve all of its students, not just ones that are college-bound

Does the school produce academic outcomes to show that it is successfully educating its students body in such subjects as math and reading.

U.S. News & World Report teamed up with the Washington D.C.-based American Institutes for Research to conduct the study. High schools throughout America that could supply data for the study, were analyzed, using data primarily from the 2009-10 school year. A total of 21,776 schools were studied.

South Haven statistics

South Haven High School has 724 students. Twenty-four percent of students are minorities, while 45 percent come from economically disadvantaged homes. The school employs 37 teachers. Seventy-two percent of students were proficient in reading while 64 percent were proficient in math.

Bangor statistics

Bangor High School has 435 students and 19 teachers. Thirty-two percent of students are minorities while 56 percent of students come from economically disadvantaged homes. Sixty-percent of students were proficient in reading while 42 percent were proficient in math.

Fennville statistics

Fennville High School has an enrollment of 458 students and 21 teachers. Forty-percent of students are minorities while 67 percent of the students come from economically disadvantaged homes. Forty-nine percent of students are proficient in reading while 50 percent are proficient in math.

5.8.12

2 arraigned for string of break-ins

By TRIBUNE STAFF

Two brothers from South Haven face criminal charges for a string of burglaries involving businesses and a home.

Today, South Haven Police arrested Zachariah Harlie Castoe, 21, and Rocky Lance Alexander, 27. A third person allegedly involved in the crimes is expected to be arrested soon, according to a police news release.

Castoe was arraigned in Seventh District Court today on four felonies arson, safe breaking, home invasion, breaking and entering and being a habitual offender. Bond was set at $100,000. Alexander was arraigned on two counts of receiving and concealing stolen property, which is a felony offense. His bond was set at $10,000.

The arrests came about from an extensive investigation of an arson, home invasion and save breaking that occurred at a residence at 268 Itzen Court in November 2011.

That investigation also led police to solve several break-ins and larcenies that occurred at local businesses this past year, including Barden's Farm Market and Biddy Murphy Celtic Store.

Top photo: Castoe

Bottom photo: Alexander

2 more medical marijuana dispensaries busted

Area police agencies are making it clear they don't trust activities going on at medical marijuana dispensaries.

This past week, two more dispensaries were busted in Waverly Township and Geneva Township. That comes on the heels of busts at TLC and Tranquility Central in South Haven, in April, and more recently, Daisy's Thrift Shop, a South Haven business allegedly selling synthetic marijuana.

The latest busts occurred May 4 at Southwest Michigan Indoor Garden Center, which has two locations 37820 M-40 Hwy., and 65994 M-43 Hwy.

Van Buren County Sheriff's Department's Narcotics Unit obtained search warrants based on an investigation into illegal sales and distribution of medical marijuana. They seized the following items from both stores: marijuana, hashish, packaging and labeling materials, scales, business records, computers and surveillance equipment and $667. Three suspects - a 45-year-old man, 42-year-old female and 34-year-old male - all from Paw Paw, could face charges of distributing marijuana. The report will be sent to the Van Buren County Prosecutors office for review.

5.4.12

SH student named National Merit finalist

A South Haven student, who attends a private high school in Holland, has received a $2,500 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship program.

Danielle Maly, a senior at Black River High School, is one of 91 high school seniors in Michigan chosen to receive $2,500 scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corp. Nationwide, 2,500 students were chosen from more than 15,000 National Merit finalists.

The scholarship winners, according to a news release, are National Merit finalists from each state who were judged to possess a strong combination of accomplishments, skills and potential for success in college studies. They were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors. The scholarship winners can use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. College or university.

Maly is the daughter of Norm and Michelle Maly.

5.1.12

South Haven man dies in weekend accident

A 61-year-old South Haven man died early Sunday after his vehicle went out of control on Red Arrow Highway in Hartford Township.

Gregory Webb was traveling westbound on Red Arrow near 62nd Street, shortly before midnight on Saturday when his 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser apparently crossed the eastbound lane and left the roadway at a high rate of speed. The car rolled over several times in a plowed field. Webb was found by rescue workers and told police he had crawled out his window, and complained of abdominal and chest pain. He had not been wearing a seatbelt and his airbags did not deploy, according to the sheriff's department news release.

Webb was taken to Watervliet Hospital and later transferred to Bronson Methodist Hospital, where he died several hours later of his injuries.

The accident remains under investigation.

4.27.12

Pull!

Tribune photo

A group of South Haven High School seniors pulls a bus full of students to the finish line of today's final Senior Challenge competition. Since the school year began, each grade has participated in three competitions to help build school unity and pride. Approximately a dozen senior leaders have helped Principal Craig McCrumb come up with the activities for the competitions.

4.25.12

SH man arrested on outstanding drug charge

Van Buren County Sheriff's deputies, today, arrested a South Haven man on an outstanding drug warrant.

Following up on an investigation of cocaine drug sales at a mobile home at 73561 Chambers St., deputies obtained a search warrant. Once they entered the home they arrested 33-year-old William Chamberlain, who had an outstanding felony warrant for sale and delivery of cocaine.

While inside the residence, deputies found storage and packaging supplies for illegal narcotics. Chamberlain was taken to Van Buren County Jail. South Haven Police assisted in the execution of the warrant.

The sheriff's office asked people with information about the investigation to contact them at 269-657-3101.

SH man pleads guilty to criminal sexual conduct charge

By TRIBUNE STAFF

A South Haven man accused of sexually molesting a girl under the age of 10 has pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

In a pre-trial hearing in Van Buren Circuit Court, Monday, Keith Nienhuis, 57, took a plea bargain, according to a circuit court clerk. He had originally been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

His sentencing has been scheduled for May 21. He could face up to 25 years in prison.

South Haven Police arrested Nienhuis on Dec. 29, 2011 after receiving a complaint from the girl's family that he had allegedly assaulted her on Dec. 7 and again on Dec. 19. The girl was described as a family friend.

South Haven Police halt suicide attempt

Two South Haven Police officers stopped an attempted suicide from occurring on a bridge over Interstate 196, Tuesday morning.

Acccording to a police report. a citizen told Sgt. Tammy Rumler that a man, with an oxygen tank, was getting ready to jump from the Phoenix Street Overpass bridge. Rumler and officer Antwan Bell, along with other police units, responded. Rumler and Bell approached the man, who by this time was straddling the bridge rail. They began talking with the man, who was starting to become distracted by the traffic and noise. The two police officers took advantage of the moment, and pulled the man off the bridge and placed him into protective custody. Police did not release the man's name, but the report indicated they have dealt with him on previous occasions.

The man was taken to South Haven Community Hospital and later transferred to a mental health facility, according to the report.

4.23.12

Work began in earnest today on the demolition of the former Clark gas station buildings and parking lot, 759 LaGrange Ave., South Haven.

DEQ plans to clean up three contaminated former gas station sites

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

New life may soon be breathed into a former gas station that has sat vacant for more than five years in South Haven.

A Michigan Department of Environmental Quality crew plans to spend this week demolishing the former Clark gas station building and parking lot, 759 LaGrange Ave. Once that is complete, they will dig up contaminated soil and resurface the property.

The $350,000 clean-up project is being made possible through funding from the DEQ's Environmental Cleanup and Redevelopment Program.

For the past several years, the Clark Station has been listed as a priority site for cleanup, according to Mark C. Worrall, an environmental quality analyst for the DEQ's Kalamazoo District. The previous owner of the business had removed the underground gas tanks, but the tanks had leaked causing contamination of the ground underneath.

Several years ago, the City of South Haven asked the Van Buren County Brownfield Authority to conduct an environmental assessment of the site, according to Assistant City Manager Paul VandenBosch.. From the results of the study, the county's Brownfield Authority asked the state to consider cleanup of the site.

The project finally got the green light in 2011 and work began late last week

The new owner of the property, Adawi Adawi of Chicago, said he has not yet determined what he will do with the property once it is cleaned up, but hopes that a commercial building can be established there.

The DEQ plans to clean up two other former underground leaking storage tank sites in western Van Buren County later this year. One is at a convenience store, at the corner of 66^th Street and Phoenix Road, while the other is an abandoned former gas station site on County Road 681 in Lacota. The gas tanks at the convenience store have not been operational in a number of years. The ground underneath the former gas station will be cleaned up, while the convenience store will remain open.

4.19.12

This computer screen shot shows the South Haven Center for the Arts, which is shown in the trailer for the film, "Virginia."

Film shot in South Haven coming to theaters in May

South Haven residents who performed as extras in the 2009 shooting of the film What's Wrong with Virginia? will finally get to see the finished product.

A trailer of the film is now available online and a facebook account www.facebook.com/VirginiaMovie, is now available for viewers. The show will debut May 18 at larger theaters, and will hopefully come to smaller ones later, according to Hopwood DePree, a co-producer for Tic-Toc Studios.

It will premiere in New York City and Los Angeles and other cities in the top markets and then hopefully spread from there, he said.

The trailer shows a number of scenes from the movie, which was written and directed by Dustin Lance Black, who also wrote the popular film, Milk. One of the scenes shows Virginia, played by Jennifer Connelly, running out of the South Haven Center for the Arts building, which was used as a bank in the filming of the show.

Connelly has the title role in the film as a beautiful yet unhinged single mother who struggles to raise her son Emmett (Harrison Gilbertson) while dreaming of escaping her small Southern boardwalk town. Her long-time affair with the very married, Mormon Sheriff Richard Tipton (Ed Harris) is thrown into question when he decides to run for public office. Things are further complicated when Emmett begins a romantic relationship with Tipton's daughter (Emma Roberts). Virginia and the town - populated by Amy Madigan, Toby Jones, Yeardley Smith - are full of secrets and everyone knows Virginia can only keep things together for so long. Producers dub the show as a funny, touching drama that looks at the American Dream and what it takes to keep it together.

4.18.12

Allegan County Dem challenges Upton for congressional seat

A Douglas man who is employed at Herman Miller Inc. in Holland, plans to take on veteran U.S. Congressman Fred Upton in the November election.

Democrat Mike O'Brien plans to announce his candidacy for the 6^th District U.S. House of Representatives in a series of town gatherings on Saturday. His stop in South Haven will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. In Dyckman Park, near the Huron Street Pavilion.

O'Brien is a former marine, who enlisted 28 years ago. When his service duty was completed he attended Washington University while working full-time. He took part in the real estate development of the Holland-based trucking company, USF Holland, and operated a farm where he grew grass-based, organic meats that were sold to local families and restaurants.

During former Gov. Jennifer Granholm's time in office, O'Brien served on the governor's Offshore Wind Council.

I am running as the democratic candidate...because I love my country and believe in service to a larger cause. I am committed to ensuring that all Americans, and particularly the next generations, have all the blessings and opportunities that I have had in my life, O'Brien said.

4.17.12

Falling tree claims Bloomingdale woman's life

A 69-year-old Bloomingdale woman died Monday after a tree fell on her car while she was driving.

Marilyn Remington died at the scene of the accident, which was reported to Van Buren County Sheriff's Department at 2:50 p.m.

The incident occurred on 38 Street, north of Bloomingdale Township, according to a sheriff's report.

Remington was driving southbound on 38 Street just north of County Road 390 when a tree broke off at the base of its trunk, falling onto the woman's 2006 Chrysler van. Remington was pinned in her vehicle and had to be extricated with the jaws of life. Although Air Care flew to the scene, Remington succumbed to her injuries by the time it arrived.

Deputies are still investigating the accident, but believe high winds probably caused the tree to snap. It was approximately three to four feet in diameter and 43 feet off the roadway.

4.16.12

The Van Buren County Sheriffs Department provided this picture following a raid Friday of Tranquility Central, a medical marijuana dispensary in South Haven.

Second medical marijuana dispensary raided in South Haven

By ANDREW LERSTEN

For the Tribune

The second South Haven medical marijuana dispensary has been raided in eight days.

Van Buren County sheriffs officers and South Haven city police executed a search warrant at Tranquility Central, 1505 2nd Avenue, at 10:30 a.m. Friday as part of an investigation into illegal sales and distribution of medical marijuana.

They are conducting sales outside of the law, said Detective Lt. Bryan Stump. There are certain guidelines as to who theyre dispensing to. They need to know the boundaries of who they can sell to.

Stump said Fridays raid was unrelated to the April 5 search warrant for the TLC medical marijuana dispensary on Kalamazoo Street in the city.

Police on Friday said they seized marijuana, packaging materials, a digital scale, business records and a computer. Police said a South Haven man, 23, is a suspect, but no arrests have been made.

Stump declined to provide specific details about the alleged illegal marijuana sales and distribution.

A copy of the police report will be forwarded to the county prosecutors office for possible charges. Michigan voters in 2008 approved the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, which allows for legal medical marijuana sales to people with state-issued cards.

4.12.12

Criminal charges brought against Cheshire dog breeders

Deputies removed more than 350 dogs from couple's home

By TRIBUNE STAFF

Criminal charges have been brought against a Cheshire Township couple who had been operating a dog breeding business in their home.

George and Cheri Burke were arraigned for animal cruelty Wednesday at the Allegan County Jail, according to Lt. Frank Baker of the Allegan County Sheriff's Department.

The Burkes came under investigation earlier this week when Animal Control officers and the sheriff's department deputies removed more than 350 small dogs from the couple's home.

'The conditions at the home were of a concern to the Animal Control Officers and they felt that there was a need to remove the animals due to the conditions the dogs were being housed in,' Baker said. 'The owners were breeders of small dogs such as Pomeranians; however, they had let the number of dogs get to the point that they could not adequately care for them at their home.'

Wishbone Pet Rescue Alliance, which operates the Allegan County Animal Shelter, continues to work toward caring for the animals and the goal of finding homes for the healthy ones, which include Pomeranians, Shih Tzu, and Yorkshire terriers. People who want more information on volunteering to help with the dogs, or adopting them, can call 269-686-5112.

PHOTO CAPTIONS; George and Cheri Burke

4.10.12

State Rep. Nesbitt schedules town hall meetings this week

State Rep. Aric Nesbitt is meeting with local constituents at coffee shops and government offices this week.

"I rely on the perspective of my constituents to guide me as I work to fix state government and get Michigan back to work," said Nesbitt, R-Lawton. "It has been a busy term and as we continue to reinvent state government I look forward to feedback from hardworking Southwest Michigan taxpayers."

Meetings and times follow:

Wednesday

• Bangor: 9 a.m., Railroad Caf, 555 Railroad St.

Thursday

• Lawrence: 9 a.m., Lawrence Community Center building, 205 N. Paw Paw St.
• Covert: 11 a.m., Covert Township Hall, 73943 E. Lake St.
• South Haven: 1 p.m., Julia's at the Pavilion (formerly Cafe Julia's), 561 Huron St.

Appointments are not necessary. Local residents who cannot attend can call Nesbitt's office toll-free at (800) 577-6212; local Lansing number at (517) 373-0839; or by emailing him at AricNesbitt@house.mi.gov. Nesbitt's Lansing office is located at N-1099 House Office Building, 124 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing.

School chief Bob Black dies from brain cancer

By ANDREW LERSTEN

and TRIBUNE STAFF

South Haven Public Schools Superintendent Bob Black lost his fight to brain cancer Monday.

Black, 61, died at 4:27 p.m., at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, according to his son, Dan.

Black was transferred there, Monday, from Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, five weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Black had been South Haven's superintendent for seven years and was scheduled to retire at the end of the school year.

'Bob was a wonderful leader and a great person just to be around,' school board President Bryan Lewis said Monday night. 'He could make anyone feel at ease. He loved most being around students and having an impact on their lives. He is a great loss to our staff and to our community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to (his wife) Cathy and the family.'

A memorial service is scheduled Saturday, April 14 at Listiak Auditorium at South Haven High School, 600 Elkenburg St., according to Janet Lynam of the school district's central office. The time for the service is 1 p.m.

Black was diagnosed with brain cancer in early March, on his 61^st birthday, and underwent surgery one day later.

He had until recently been recuperating at home, and had started cancer treatments. However, on April 3, his condition worsened and he was admitted to Bronson Hospital. He then transferred to Rose Arbor Hospice, according to family members.

In 1969 he graduated from Jackson Parkside, received his bachelor of science degree from Hillsdale College in 1973, andcompleted his master's degree in Educational Leadership at Western Michigan University in 1985. While at Hillsdale College he played baseball and football, and met his wife Cathy, whom he married in 1976.
Black started his teaching career in Albion, Mich. teaching fourth grade, and coaching high school football and baseball. In 1989 he became Principal at North Adams-Jerome Elementary School, and in 1995 was named Superintendent. In 1998 he became Superintendent at Dundee Community Schools, and in 2006 he became Superintendent at South Haven Public Schools.

PHOTOS: Bob Black is shown in the top photo as superintendent at South Haven Public Schools. The photo below is one that was taken earlier in his education career and is posted along with other photos on Caring Bridge, a website Black's family set up to keep the community informed of his condition. The website is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/blackfamily1

4.9.12

Palisades begins annual refueling and maintenance work

COVERT TWP. More than 1,600 additional workers will assist the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant staff during its annual refueling and maintenance outage.

The outage began Sunday and will include a variety of projects, according to Palisades spokesperson Mark Savage. Work includes placement of 64 new fuel assemblies in the reactor, inspection of the reactor vessel head, replacement of five control rod seal packages, an inspection of the moisture separator and re-heater heat exchangers and an inspection of the plant's two steam generators.

3.29.12

Bill would stop employers from asking for Facebook passwords

A bill introduced by State Rep. Aric Nesbitt will prevent employers from asking prospective employers and current workers to supply Facebook and other social networking passwords.

Nesbitt, R-Lawton, introduced House Bill 5523 Wednesday. If approved, it would prohibit employers from seeking passwords and other private account information for social networking websites. The bill also would keep employers from firing someone or failing to hire someone if they do not provide the account details.

"While our technological advances are beneficial, we must ensure that our laws protecting private information advance as well. Social networking sites allow individuals to distinguish between public and private information. Employers and educational institutions should respect that distinction," Nesbitt said. "People have the right to share certain parts of their lives with the public, while sharing other parts with only friends and family. Why should privacy barriers be eliminated due to technological advancements? They shouldn't."

Nesbitt's legislation also prohibits educational institutions from asking for private account information, and penalizes them for dismissing or failing to admit a student who does not provide such details.

Residents can call Nesbitt's office toll-free at (800) 577-6212; local Lansing number at (517) 373-0839; or by e-mail at AricNesbitt@house.mi.gov. Nesbitt's Lansing office is located at N-1099 House Office Building, 124 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing.

3.28.12

Gas prices, locally, top $4 sooner than expected

Motorists beware: gas prices have hit and surpassed the $4 mark in many areas of southwestern Michigan today, including South Haven.

Local gas stations began changing their signs for regular unleaded gasoline to $4.15 this afternoon, with some hovering slightly lower at $4.11 and $4.13.

The spike of 20 cents per gallon reflects gasoline prices elsewhere in the region, including Kalamazoo, according to Gasbuddy.com, an online group that monitors fuel prices throughout the United States.

In January, Gasbuddy, as well as other analysts, had predicted that prices would peak at $4.15 for regular unleaded fuel in May. However, Gasbuddy has now revised its prediction, claiming that prices nationally will peak between $3.95-$4.35 per gallon in May.

3.27.12

Man faces 8 felony charges in weekend stabbing incident

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

A 23-year-old Allegan man who allegedly stabbed four people this past weekend, has been arraigned on eight felony charges.

The arraignment for Levi Robert Nation took place today in 57^th District Court in Allegan.

He faces the following charges:

First victim Assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Second victim Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Third victim Assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Fourth victim Assault with a dangerous weapon.

Nation's bond was set at $250,000 and his preliminary exam is scheduled at 9 a.m., April 3, in district court.

The stabbings occurred at a home in the 3200 block of 102nd Avenue, near Merson Corners, according to Lt. Frank Baker of the Allegan County Sheriff's Department.

Nation had went to a party at the home where he knew some of the occupants. He became belligerent and they wanted him removed, Baker said. When Nation wouldn't leave several people tried to force him to leave and he pulled out a knife and began stabbing and cutting people.

Two people were seriously wounded, including one named Corey Higgins, who was interviewed later in the day by Fox 17 News, according to Baker. The other two victims were not seriously hurt. All were taken to Kalamazoo area hospitals for treatment.

Nation left the party after the stabbings and wasn't located until Sunday afternoon when he tried to receive treatment at Allegan Hospital for injuries he sustained in the fight.

3.26.12

Man arrested for attempted murder

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

A 23-year-old Allegan man could face attempted murder charges after stabbing four people early Sunday morning.

The Allegan County Prosecutor's office, today, is reviewing the criminal investigation against Levi Robert Nation, who police arrested Sunday evening.

The stabbings occurred at a home in the 3200 block of 102nd Avenue, near Merson Corners, according to Lt. Frank Baker of the Allegan County Sheriff's Department.

Nation had went to a party at the home where he knew some of the occupants. He became belligerent and they wanted him removed, Baker said. When Nation wouldn't leave several people tried to force him to leave and he pulled out a knife and began stabbing and cutting people.

Two people were seriously wounded, including one named Corey Higgins, who was interviewed later in the day by Fox 17 News, according to Baker. The other two victims were not seriously hurt. All were taken to Kalamazoo area hospitals for treatment.

Nation left the party after the stabbings and wasn't located until Sunday afternoon when he tried to receive treatment at Allegan Hospital for injuries he sustained in the fight.

3.23.12

South Haven extends beach sticker passes to three years; Will mail them

South Haven city property owners and residents will see a change in the distribution of beach stickers for the 2012 season. City officials and staff say they have reviewed policies and have created a method to offer a smoother, more convenient distribution process for the public.

There are two major changes in the beach sticker distribution policy. Beach stickers will now be valid for three calendar years 2012 through 2014. Secondly, beach stickers will be mailed. In the first year of the parking sticker period, stickers will be mailed to all residential improved property owners, which include boat slips, Basin Park and, the Depot RV Park. All mailings will use the address shown where property tax bills are mailed.

Non-residents and non-property owners who wish to purchase the three-year beach parking sticker may do so at City Hall for $50 in 2012, $40 in 2013 and $30 in 2014.

For vacant, commercial and industrial property owners who do not own any other type of property, the distribution is unchanged. Owners of these properties are eligible for one beach parking sticker per property owner which may be requested at Customer Service at City Hall.

Also remaining the same, non-property-owning residents may request stickers through Customer Service at City Hall and are eligible for a maximum of two resident stickers for each property/apartment unit within the City.

An appeals process has been created to address any issues that may arise from the three-year beach parking sticker distribution. A simple application will be available at City Hall. City staff will make every effort to prepare a response as soon as possible but not more than 10 days. Examples of an appeal may be replacement due to new or damaged vehicles; new owners or residents to the City; or un-received mail.

For more information regarding the beach sticker distribution policies, please contact:

Amanda Morgan, City Clerk, City of South Haven, City Hall, 539 Phoenix Street, amorgan@south-haven.com or 269-637-0750.

3.22.12

Taser bill passes house judiciary committee

LANSING Individuals with Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPLS) would be able to legally carry Tasers under legislation approved Thursday by the House Judiciary Committee, said sponsor Sen. Rick Jones.

My office has been flooded with calls asking when this bill is going to pass, said Jones, R-Grand Ledge, who represents Allegan County. If you can use a gun, you can use a Taser plain and simple. This measure simply offers people an alternative to carrying a gun.

Senate Bill 29 would allow CPL holders to possess and reasonably use an electro-muscular disruption device, such as a Taser. The legislation would also require authorized dealers to provide training to CPL holders on the use and risks of Tasers and restrict use of the devices to self-defense.

Jones measure, SB 30, would require CPL holders carrying Tasers on their person or in their vehicle to disclose so to peace officers. The proposed law would also prohibit qualified individuals from carrying the devices while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.

SB 93 would amend state law to include sentencing guidelines for violating the other measures.

Dealers who violate SB 29 would be guilty of a misdemeanor and could serve up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $500, while individuals convicted of using a Taser for anything other than self-defense would be guilty of a misdemeanor and would face up to two years in prison and a fine of $2,000.

Under current law, individuals who have been trained in the use of a Taser, such as law enforcement peace officers, are only allowed to use one while performing their official duties.

Electro-muscular disruption devices stun people by stimulating the sensory and motor nerves to produce strong involuntary muscle contractions that can temporarily incapacitate people.

SBs 29, 30 and 93 now advance to the full House for further consideration.

3.21.12

Bangor city manager takes new job in Wayland

By KIM INGALLS

Tribune staff writer

BANGOR Bangor City Council will begin the process of finding a replacement for City Manager Michael Selden.

Selden, who has been city manager since 2007, announced Monday that he will be taking the reins as new city manager of Wayland.

Selden submitted his resignation effective April 18.

Wayland, which has almost double the number of residents as Bangor, is located in northern Allegan County, just south of the Grand Rapids area. Wayland has been without a manager since October of 2011.

Selden's starting salary as Wayland city manager is reported to be $75,000. His current salary in Bangor is $55,000.

Selden thanked city council members for their support and said when the opportunity for the new position came up, he felt it was "time to move on."

In the meantime, he said he will help make arrangements for the search for a new manager and suggested that council appoint an interim manager.

3.19.12

Ivory Shaver's girlfriend when she found out about his death: 'I lost it'

By BECKY BURKERT
Editor and general manager

Crystal Cummins waited nearly a month to hear from her boyfriend, Ivory Shaver III.
When she found out his body had been found this past week in a ditch in Covert Township, she said, 'I lost it.'
It was unbelievable to me, said the 28-year-old girlfriend of Shaver, who is five months pregnant with Shaver's baby.
As a Van Buren County special task force studies leads and evidence surrounding Shaver's death, Cummins and Shaver's step-brother Antonio Lewis, are doing some digging of their own.
I've been looking into this over the past few days, said 38-year-old Lewis, who identified Shaver's body this past Thursday.
Neither Cummins nor Lewis know how Shaver could have died. An autopsy this past Wednesday indicated he had not been shot or stabbed, according to Covert Police Chief Rick Winans. Those results have prompted police to turn to a forensic pathologist to conduct more tests.
Until we can determine the cause of death, it could be anything, Winans said.
The investigation began Monday, but as of Monday afternoon no results of it were released.
Some family members think foul play may have been involved.
'I thought why is he doing this?' Cummins said, when Shaver texted her in mid-February to say he was going with several friends to Florida for the weekend.' I was surprised he was going to Florida,' she said. 'Then he texted and said he was coming back. I don't think he was there that long and all of a sudden the texts stopped.'
Cummins said she didn't call police when Shaver failed to return home because she wasn't that worried.
'I can't tell you what my emotions were at that time, she said. I didn't worry because to me he wasn't missing.'
Cummins and Lewis both said that Shaver had been struggling with depression and alcohol use.
'He drank a lot, 'Lewis said, adding that he had also discovered his brother had been taking anti-depressant pills that belonged to a woman that he had been dating on the side.
'He was trying to get his life together. He knew he had this newborn on the way,' Lewis said. 'He was trying to get a divorce from his wife who lives in Arkansas. She was avoiding giving him an address.'
Lewis went on to say that in talking to friends of Shaver's this past weekend, he did discover that he had hung around several methamphetamine and heroin users. Some may have been dealers, as well.
'I'm finding out some different things about him that I didn't know about before,' Lewis said.
Cummins herself has come under scrutiny from Shaver's family members.
'There's a lot of rumors out there,' said Lewis, who is staying at Cummings' home in Grand Junction to provide moral support to her and her two other children. 'A lot of family members don't know the pain and heart ache she's dealing with. She had nothing to do with his death,' Lewis said.

PHOTO: Antonio Lewis, the step-brother of Ivory Shaver III, talks about his brother and his disappearance. Lewis was the one who identified Shaver's body for police.

3.16.12

Family members suspect foul play in Covert man's death

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

Covert police may have a homicide on their hands after finding the body of a 26-year-old man in a ditch earlier this week.

Police are reluctant to say that foul play was involved in the death of Ivory Lee Shaver III, of Covert Township, but family members think differently.

A South Haven woman, who identified herself as Shaver's cousin, claims that Shaver was involved in a love triangle. The woman said Shaver was living with a young woman and her boyfriend in the Bloomingdale area. Shaver reportedly got the girlfriend pregnant. Her boyfriend became upset and family members suspect he killed Shaver. He (the boyfriend) said he was going to poison him and we haven't seen (Shaver) since, the cousin said.

Police, however, aren't speculating yet that Shaver was killed.

Until we can determine the cause of death it could be anything, Covert Police Chief Rick Winans said.

Shaver's body was found in a drainage ditch, Tuesday, by a blueberry farmer. The ditch was located on 72^nd Street, north of County Road 376.

He was looking his property over and saw something floating in the water, Winans said. Police, at first, could not determine the identity of the body and ordered an autopsy, which was conducted Wednesday at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing.

The autopsy revealed that the deceased was African American, and he had a tongue piercing and tattoo on the inside of his right forearm. Still not able to make an exact identification, police then obtained fingerprints. On Thursday, police met with family members, who confirmed Shaver's identity.

Family members told police they did not realize that Shaver was missing because someone had continually used his cell phone to text them.

Shaver's cousin said that family members had last seen Shaver in January at a gas station in Bloomingdale.

Police will continue to study Shaver's body, looking for clues of how he died. The autopsy conducted Wednesday did not indicate a shooting or stabbing. There was no visible cause of death. Winans said.

Police plan to continue talking with family members and hope that anyone with information about Shaver's death will come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Covert Township Police Department at 764-8100 or the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office at 269-657-7711.

PHOTO: Ivory Lee Shaver III

3.15.12

Covert Police try to identify body of deceased man found in drain

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

An autopsy has revealed several clues to the identity of a badly decomposed man found Tuesday in a drainage ditch in Covert Township.

The autopsy, performed Wednesday at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, indicated that the man may have been African American, according to a news release issued today by the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department. He had a beard and mustache, measured 5'8 and weighed approximately 170 pounds. He had a tongue piercing and a tattoo on his inside right forearm that spelled GLEE or something similar. The letters were created in an old English style.

What the autopsy didn't reveal was the age of the victim, his identity, or how he died.

He wasn't shot or stabbed, Rick Winans, Covert Township police chief, said. There was no visible cause of death.

Police now will try to obtain fingerprints from the victim in another attempt to identify him.

The man's body was discovered Tuesday in a ditch on 72nd Street, north of County Road 376, by a blueberry farmer.

He was looking his property over and saw something floating in the water, Winans said.

After discovering the body the man called Covert police, who arrived at the scene at 11:40 a.m. Tuesday.

Winans estimated the body may have been in the ditch since last fall

We'll see if we can get some fingerprints and go from there, Rick Winans, Covert Township police chief, said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Covert Township Police Department 2at 764-8100 or the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office at 269-657-7711.

3.14.12

Tribune photo

So much for winter...at least for now

Dennis and Deanna Martinovich of Battle Creek relax on the benches of a picnic table at Riverfront Park in South Haven this afternoon. Temperatures soared to 80 today, drawing people to South Haven's waterfront parks and beaches.

South Haven man sentenced for spying on woman

By ROD SMITH

For the Tribune

A South Haven man has been sentenced to probation for spying on a young woman.

Van Buren County Circuit Court Judge Paul Hamre sentenced Gregory Elvis Freeman, 61, of Gabriel Court, to 18 months probation, a $200 fine and $800 costs for surveilling an unclothed person during June-July 2011. The sentencing took place Monday.

South Haven Police said the woman, who lived in Freeman's home, discovered a camera in her bedroom and contacted them. In the police report, the investigating officer said that Freeman admitted placing the wireless camera and had watched her six to eight times, including when she was changing clothes. Freeman said no recordings were made.

Freeman pleaded no contest to the charge.

3.12.12

All-night party gets out of hand; 22-year-old man shot

A 22-year-old Chicago area man suffered a gunshot wound in his abdomen, Sunday morning after a 20-year-old man shot him at a residence in the 10000 block of County Road 681 in Geneva Township.

Alfonso Correa was listed in fair condition at Bronson Methodist Hospital Sunday evening, according to a Van Buren County Sheriff's Department news release. Deputies said the bullet from the Springfield 9mm semi-automatic handgun went through Correa without hitting any major organs.

Correa was originally brought to South Haven Health System by one of the home's occupants. Deputies were called to the emergency room and found out that after shooting Correa, the 20-year-old suspect fled from the residence.

The person who brought Correa to the hospital said there had been an all-night party at the home. During the course of the party, the suspect showed Correa his gun at and it apparently accidentally discharged. Deputies went to the home and found blood on the floor and a bullet hole in the wall.

Several hours later the suspect turned himself in and was arrested for discharging a firearm causing injury, a misdemeanor that could carry up to a two-year prison sentence. An investigation is continuing and a report will be sent to the prosecutor's office for review.

Contributed photo

A 1998 Chevy Cavalier crashed into a tree in Geneva Township, Saturday, killing the driver from Fennville.

Fennville man killed in car accident

A 71-year-old Fennville man died this past weekend after his vehicle hit a tree in Geneva Township.

Wendell Knapp was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, which was reported at 10 p.m., Saturday.

Van Buren County Sheriff's Department reported that Knapp was headed east on County Road 388 when his vehicle crossed over the center line, hit a mailbox and then ran into a swampy area before hitting the tree. The crash occurred between 70^th and 68^th streets.

Deputies are still investigating what caused Knapp's vehicle to cross the center of the road, but think he may have suffered a medical problem before losing control of his 1998 Chevy Cavalier.

3.9.12

Photo by Kelly Weber

The Northern Lights

Kelly Weber capatured a glimpse of the Northern Lights Thursday evening. She took this photo near the corner of 8th Avenue and 64th Street in Geneva Township. Clear skies and solar flares that occurred yesterday made it possible to view the Northern Lights. However, the brightness of the moon made viewing somewhat difficult.

Contributed photo

These components to make methamphetamine were found in a Bangor residence on Wednesday.

Police find meth lab in Bangor home

By ANDREW LERSTEN

For the Tribune

BANGOR - Police found meth and a meth lab at a house in Bangor Wednesday after they went there to pick up the homeowner on a meth possession warrant form Kalamazoo County.

And it was a familiar place for narcotics agents: They had found a meth lab there five years ago.

Michael York, 45, was arrested on the warrant when Van Buren County Sheriff's officers came to his house at 401 W. Arlington St. at 6 p.m. on March 7, Sgt. Jim Dietz said.

Police also arrested another woman living there who also had a meth possession warrant from Kalamazoo County, Melissa Burgen, 17.

A Kalamazoo man in the garage, 29, asked police to retrieve his jacket from his truck, and a plastic canister containing three bags of meth fell out of the pocket. Then police obtained a search warrant for the house, and found the meth lab and components inside, Dietz said.

Dietz said police had found a meth lab at the same house five years ago, involving different people. Drug charges will be sought against York, Burgen, the Kalamazoo man and a 31-year-old Kalamazoo woman.

3.8.12

Bloomingdale man charged in accidental shooting death

A Bloomingdale man could be imprisoned for up to two years for an accidental shooting death that occurred in January.

John Michael Dean, 49, turned himself in this morning to Seventh District Court in Paw Paw to be arraigned on Careless Discharge of A Firearm Causing Death. He will next appear in court for a preliminary hearing March 16, according to a district court clerk.

If Dean is convicted of the misdemeanor charge he could face up to two years in prison, or a fine of not more than $2,000 or up to one year in the county jail, at the discretion of the court.

The shooting, which Van Buren County Sheriff's department originally labeled as accidental, occurred Jan. 6 in Lawrence Township.

Dean and several people were looking at a Glock Model 22 .40cal handgun that belonged to a 25-year-old Lawrence man when it went off hitting Ryan Tapper, 29, of Paw Paw, in the head. Tapper died at the scene of the incident.

Newspaper carrier struck and killed this morning

A 26-year-old man from the Plainwell area is dead after his vehicle was struck head-on by a Fennville area man who had apparently fell asleep while driving.

The fatality occurred at 2 a.m. This morning on M-40 Highway near 48th Street in Fillmore Township, according to an Allegan County Sheriff's report.

The Plainwell man and his 17-year-old passenger were northbound on M-40 Highway getting ready to deliver newspapers, according to witness and suspect statements. It was then that they were struck by a southbound vehicle driven by a 25-year-old Fennville area man who told deputies he had fallen asleep.

The 26-year-old man was deceased when first responders arrived at the accident scene. Both the 17-year-old and 25-year-old men were taken to Holland Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies are withholding the names of the accident victims pending notification of the families.

The accident remains under investigation. Alcohol was not believed to be a factor.

3.7.12

Wind plays havoc with city's electrical service

Two-thirds of South Haven's residents experienced a series of electrical power outages yesterday when high winds caused a tree to topple onto a main electrical line.

The tree apparently toppled into AEP's main line at approximately 4 p.m. Tuesday. It took South Haven Department of Public Utilities workers approximately 3 hours to remove the large tree safely from the line, located between 72nd Street and 16th Avenue.

Area residents and businesses dealt with a half-dozen intermittant power surges while workers were trying to remove the tree from the line. High winds kept blowing the limbs back into the line causing the power surges, according to Roger Huff, Department of Public Works director.

"It (the tree falling into AEP's main electrical line) affected four of our six circuits, which is about two-thirds of our service area," Huff said.

Think spring

Photo by Kelly Weber

Area residents, like these teens playing basketball at Lions Park in Bangor, enjoyed unseasonably warm temperatures on Monday, when temperatures soared to 66 degrees. Warm weather is expected again today. However, the warm weather is accompanied by strong winds, which forced several power outages from 4 p.m. through 8 p.m. in the South Haven area on Monday.

3.6.12

State representative requests hearing to have his driver's license restored

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

State Rep. Bob Genetski has requested a hearing to have his driver's license restored following a drunk driving arrest in January.

He believes the officers' claims are not accurate under the law, said Mike Nichols, an East Lansing-based attorney representing Genetski, R-Saugatuck.

The hearing began Feb. 27 and is expected to continue, according to Nichols. A date, however, has not been set for its continuance, however. Until a decision is made regarding the hearing, Genetski is allowed to drive.

At issue is Genetski's alleged refusal to take a portable breathalyzer test after he was pulled over Jan. 19 in East Lansing for speeding and an expired license plate.

Under state law, Nichols said, persons who refuse to take a PBT following an arrest and argue with police can have their driving privileges revoked for a year.

The officer claimed that Genetski was offered the test before and after his arrest, according to Nichols. Genetski maintains that although he refused the test, he did not argue and was cooperative.

Several hours after his arrest Genetski's blood alcohol contest was checked with a breathalyzer test and he reportedly blew .066. The states legal limit for drunk driving is 0.08, however, officers are entitled to use their own judgment in making an arrest based on sobriety tests and observations during a traffic stop.

In February, Genetski pleaded not guilty to operating while impaired. A pre-trial is scheduled March 28, according to a clerk from East Lansing District Court 54-B.

3.5.12

John Weiss expected to be appointed interim superintendent

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

South Haven Board of Education members are expected to appoint Baseline Middle School Principal John Weiss as acting superintendent. He will take the place of Bob Black, who is currently on medical leave.

A school board member told the Tribune today that board members plan to meet Wednesday to name Weiss as acting superintendent and also narrow down a list of candidates to replace Black when he retires in June. Weiss has served as middle school principal for more than 20 years.

Bryan Lewis, school board president, confirmed that Weiss has agreed to accept the role as acting superintendent. "I asked if he would be willing to do it and he said he would. So my recommendation to the board will be to name his as acting superintendent."

Black's health has been threatened by a brain tumor that was discovered this past Thursday, his 61st birthday.

He underwent surgery Friday at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

"He is still weak following surgery on Friday, but he came through that well and is awake, alert and communicating," said Annie Brown, a school board trustee. "He will be transferred to Lakeland Hospitals rehab facility in Watervliet in a day or two to recuperate from surgery. Doctors will then begin his treatment plan."

Black has served as school chief in South Haven for the past seven years.

Suspect leads deputies on a trek through woods and water

Two Bangor area man have been arrested for an alleged larceny that took place early this morning in Geneva Township.

The 36-year-old and 45-year-old were caught after a Van Buren County Sheriff's deputy noticed a riding lawnmower sitting at the end of a driveway of an abandoned residence in the 13000 block of 60th Street at 1:30 a.m.

The deputy discovered two storage buildings had been broken into and called a canine unit to find the suspects. One subject was found hiding behind wood in the corner of one of the buildings. The other suspect fled across a field, heading west.

An extensive canine track was conducted covering seven country blocks, according to a sheriff's news release. During the track, the subject crossed swamps, creeks, woods, fields, and swam the Black River at one point. He was finally found and taken into custody and trying to hide by a residence in the 28000 block of 63rd street.

The two men were charged with breaking and entering an unoccupied dwelling, larceny from a building, and possession of burglary tools.

3.2.12

Tribune photo

The South Haven bowling team is shown. Back row from left are Judah Robinson, Zach Hoyt and Alex Davis. Front row from left are Zach Swiecicki, Michael Wilkinson and William Davis

South Haven bowlers make it to state finals

The South Haven boys varsity bowling team is competing in the Division 3 State Finals today in Jackson. The team qualified for the tournament after placing second at the regional level this past weekend. Two individual bowlers Zach Hoyt and Judah Robinson also qualified to compete in the indivdiual State Finals on Saturday in Jackson. This is the second year in a row that South Haven is competing in the state tournament.

3.1.12

SH superintendent reportedly has brain tumor

South Haven Public Schools staff were told today that District Superintendent Robert Black has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

In an email to staff this afternoon, Janet Lynam of the district's central business office, stated that Black's wife took him to South Haven Health System's emergency department this morning. It was discovered through testing that he had a brain tumor. He then was transferred to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

"We do not yet know the severity of the tumor or what treatment will be done," Lynam wrote in the email. "We will pass information along as we receive it. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. "

2.29.12

Photo by Becky Burkert

Henry Compton of "Jobs and Choices" is shown giving the thumbs up in support of a nwe Meijer store in South Haven. Compton spent part of Tuesday driving in downtown South Haven in his decorated truck to encourage voters to cast a "yes" ballot.

Voters give thumbs up to Meijer

By BECKY BURKERT and

ANDREW LERSTEN

For the Tribune

South Haven city voters made it loud and clear Tuesday They want a Meijer store.

Nearly half of the city's registered voters cast ballots in a referendum to decide whether they wanted to uphold a previous city council decision to rezone property for the proposed 190,000 square foot store.

By a 10-1 margin electors gave a resounding yes, with the vote tally of 1,615-155.

For Save Our Town, the organization that opposed the rezoning decision, the news was disappointing.

We are frustrated that South Haven residents did not embrace the information presented in the impact study and the additional research made available to them to recognize the long-term effects of Meijer building in the community, said Steve Murk, owner of Village Market and a key figure in the Save Our Town efforts.

Save Our Town spent $42,000 to bring a series of consultants to South Haven to warn local residents that another big box store would be detrimental for the South Haven community. South Haven already has a Walmart and Menard's, as well as national retail stores Walgreens, Dunhams, Tractor Supply, Dollar Tree and Dollar General.

Murk said he has no doubt that the results of Meijer opening a store in the community will have alarming results for many local businesses built and managed by hard working South Haven citizens. Its upsetting when we have hard data that shows the devastation this decision will bring to the community, Murk said.

Cindi Compton, one of the owners of the property Meijer is eying, was pleased with the outcome of the election. Compton headed up Jobs and Choices after Save Our Town was formed.

We felt very relieved, she said regarding the election results. It's unfortunate it came to this. I hated feeling that our town was becoming divided over this issue.

According to Murk, in spite of this disappointing loss, he will make every effort to keep Village Market the customer-friendly, service-oriented grocery store it is known for today. I am hopeful we can continue to provide the community with quality products and the best service available in the grocery market. I remain committed to fulfilling the significant number of donation requests to local organizations and charities for as long as we can, he said.

Despite Save Our Town's concerns, citizens, both inside and outside the city limits have expressed a desire for a Meijer store. The Tribune received more than 70 Facebook responses and nearly 40 letters to the editor on the issue, with most writers viewing the store as a positive addition to the community.

Meijer first acknowledged this past year its interest in purchasing land near the northeast corner of Phoenix Road and Blue Star Highway for a store. The city council approved rezoning 19.59 acres of land from residential to major thoroughfare commercial for the store. However, Meijer's efforts to proceed were stalled when opponents gathered enough signatures on a petition to force Tuesday's referendum election.

Meijer plans to submit its site plan to the city by March 14, according to City Manager Brian Dissette. The city Planning Commission on April 5 will then begin its review of the plan as well as a special-use permit application that is required for a planning shopping development.

2.28.12

Photo by John Madill of the Herald-Palladum

Voters in South Haven have crowded into South Haven city hall today to vote in the Michigan Primary election and to vote whether to uphold a city council decision to rezone property for a Meijer store.

Voters to decide Meijer fate today

South Haven city voters are heading to the polls today in large numbers to determine whether to allow a Meijer store to locate near Phoenix and Blue Star Highway.

By 11 a.m., approximately a third of the city 3,400 registered voters had cast ballots either in person or by mail-in ballot, according to City Clerk Amanda Morgan.

Voters have until 8 p.m. tonight to cast their votes. A yes vote means that the elector is upholding a city council decision to rezone the property that Meijer wants to locate their store on. A no vote essentially means the voter doens't want the property to be rezoned for heavy commercial use.

2.27.12

STICKER

SHOCK

South Haven leads the region with $3.99 gas prices

UPDATE: Prices at the pump fell to $3.85 at a number of local gas stations at around noon today.

The price reflects the average price for a gallon of unleaded gaseline at stations in Bangor, Paw Paw and Mattawan that was observed between 11 a.m.-noon.

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

If South Haven motorists weren't too surprised at the 20-cent rise in gas prices this past Thursday, they definitely received a shock Saturday when prices jumped another 30 cents.

As of this morning, the price for unleaded fuel stood at $3.99 a gallon at most local gas stations.

Nothing you can do about it, a clerk remarked at Walgreen's.

Perhaps, but when looking at other areas of Southwestern Michigan, people may want to fuel up out of town.

According to GasBuddy.com, which tracks the gas prices throughout Michigan, South Haven is one of the few areas of the state that has gas prices at $3.90 or higher. The other parts of Michigan with those high fuel costs are in the northern Lower Peninsula and in the Upper Peninsula. On average, motorists today are paying $3.67 a gallon for unleaded gas in Michigan.

For area residents, the news is baffling.

"Holland, Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, Michigan's gas prices remained at approximately $3.65, (on Saturday). Why is South Haven the only city in this area to have raised our prices more than 32 cents per gallon? I do not understand," Helen Garety of South Haven wrote in an email to the Tribune.

South Haven's high prices also proved baffling to a national gas analyst.

"I can't explain why the prices went up like that," said Gregg Laskoski, a senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy, which is based in Tampa, Fla. "That's really suspicious."

Laskoski did say that the Great Lakes region of the nation experiences fluctuations in prices on a normal basis. "There's extreme price volatility," he said.

Fleming Bros. Oil Co., which owns five stations in the South Haven area, currently has the highest prices for fuel at $3.99 for unleaded gas. Prices at other stations range from $3.89 at Village Express on M-140 Highway to $3.97 at BP gas station on Phoenix Road.

Laskoski speculated that if most of the gas stations in an area are owned by one company and their prices go up, other stations may follow suit.

"If they're the dominant retailer that might be what's happening. His wholesale price went up significantly and he had to jack up his prices."

Whether that is the case, remains to be seen.

Tom Fleming, owner of Fleming Bros. Oil could not be reached for comment this morning.

2.24.12

Photo by Becky Burkert

A vehicle is shown laying on its side after going into a ravine this morning off of Blue Star Highway in South Haven Township.

2 injured as a result of slippery road conditions

By TRIBUNE STAFF

Slippery, snowy conditions led to a single-car accident in South Haven Township that sent two people to the hospital this morning.

The accident occurred around 9:30 a.m. When the driver of a vehicle traveling on Blue Star Highway lost control and went into a ravine just south of 12^th Avenue.

It took rescue workers from South Haven Area Emergency Services a half-hour to extricate the first person and 45 minutes to extract the second person from the vehicle, according to Fire Chief Ron Wise. Both occupants of the car were taken by ambulance to South Haven Health System for non-life-threatening injuries they sustained from the wreck.

My husband heard a noise and thought a roof had collapsed, said Olga Stieve, who lives next to the ravine where the car landed. She and her husband Rich went to the scene, while a neighbor called 911. I prayed for them Olga said.

Blue Star Highway, between 12^th Avenue and 14^th Avenue was closed to traffic for several hours while rescue workers removed the two people from the wreck and for two tow trucks that worked in tandem to remove the car from the ravine.

Photo by Don Kark

Snow blankets area

A snow storm that started Thursday evening dumped 4-5 inches of snow on the South Haven area by 7 a.m. today and continues to fall, with an expected total snowfall of 5-10 inches. The heavy, wet snow caused many area schools to close, giving students an early start to the weekend.

2.23.12

Sticker shock

Gas prices spike overnight by 20 cents per gallon

By TRIBUNE STAFF

Area motorists who filled up their gas tanks this morning got a jolt that had nothing to do with their morning coffee.

Prices for unleaded fuel rose more than 20 cents overnight. The prices could even go up higher in some sections of the state over the next few days, tacking on an additional increase of 10-25 cents per gallon.

An attendant who works at the Shell station on Broadway said the spike surprised even her. It was $3.47 yesterday. Now it's $3.69. I wish I would have filled up yesterday, she said.

GasBuddy.com, which monitors gasoline prices throughout the state, predicted late yesterday that gas prices would rise from 5 cents to 20 cents per gallon by the end of the weekend.

Patrick DeHaan, a senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, blamed the higher prices on a refinery fire in Washington that was expected to boost prices significantly throughout the entire West Coast region and an increase in prices in sections of the Great Lakes states.

Prices have also been reportedly rising fast in New England, Florida, and areas of the East Coast.

Gregg Laskoski, petroleum analyst, also cites the refinery fire in Washington for an expected jump in California, saying "prices across the State of California already made significant advances in the prior seven days, and with the refinery fire, motorists should expect prices to rise in similar fashion as last February when the Libyan situation unfolded."

2.22.12

South Haven man arraigned for attempted break-in

A 23-year-old South Haven area man faces several criminal charges after trying to break into a home in Bangor Township earlier this week.

Derrick White was arraigned Wednesday in 7^th District Court for attempted breaking and entering, breaking and entering of a building with intent and resisting and obstructing. He is being held in Van Buren County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

White is accused of attempting to break into a home Monday evening. The homeowner called Van Buren County Sheriff's Department to report that an unknown man was trying to get into the dwelling in the 27000 block of 68^th Street. Four people were in the home when the attempted break-in was reported at 10:09 p.m., including a 21-year-old woman, an elderly man and woman and a teenage boy.

White left the scene before deputies arrived. They later found his vehicle parked along the road -mile from the home. A woman was in the vehicle and said her boyfriend's car had broken down and he was trying to find jumper cables. Deputies discovered nothing was wrong with the car and a set of jumper cables was actually in the vehicle.

Deputies then began to hunt for White, who was found in a nearby pole barn that he had illegally entered. The suspect's motives for the attempted break-in of the home and break-in of the barn were not known immediately. The female passenger was released by deputies.

2.20.12

Proos: Law helps curb meth production

By TRIBUNE STAFF

New legislation that cracks down on the sale of methamphetamine-making products, appears to be paying off.

In the three months since an an online tracking system was launched in Michigan, the system has blocked the illegal sale of 42,955 grams of a key methamphetamine ingredient, according to State Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, who sponsored the law. This means the production of more than 21,000 grams of meth was prevented, with a street value of more than $2.1 million.

Methamphetamine, or meth, is an addictive, illegal drug that is commonly manufactured using ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, which are common ingredients in cold medications.

Public Act 84 of 2011 requires retailers or pharmacies to consult the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx) before selling products containing pseudoephedrine a meth ingredient to make sure buyers have not exceeded a set limit. NPLEx is a real-time electronic logging system provided at no cost to taxpayers or retailers and is used only by law enforcement to track sales of over-the-counter cold and allergy medications containing precursors to methamphetamine.

This online tracking system has been extremely effective for our narcotics officers, Van Buren County Sheriff Dale Gribler said. Before, narcotics officers would have to go to each store to track purchases. Now it's all online. It's much quicker in alerting officers if someone has exceeded limits.

I sponsored this law because Southwest Michigan has been hit hard by this drug and tracking sales is critical to preventing meth manufacturers from skirting the law by going from store to store buying supplies, Proos said.Importantly, e-tracking effectively combats meth production without unfairly impacting a residents access to necessary cold medications.

Sixteen other states have similar e-tracking laws in place to curb the manufacture of methamphetamine.

2.18.12

Pullman resident accused of attacking and stealing money from 57-year-old man

A Pullman man faces felony charges after attacking a man and stealing money from him.

Stephon Freeman Stanfill, 45, was arraigned Friday in 57th District Court on four charges unarmed robbery, assault with intent to rob while unarmed, larceny, and assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

He is accused of attacking a 57-year-old Pullman man on Feb. 7. The victim had planned to purchase an air compressor from Stanfill. The victim drove Stanfill to a residence and then became suspicious when Stanfill asked to be driven to another residence. While traveling to the second residence, Stanfill struck the victim on the head and attempted to put the vehicle into park to shove the victim out the driver's door, according to a report from the Michigan State Police post in Wayland. The victim fought back and was able to stay in the truck, however Stanfill got ahold of the victim's wallet and stole more than $200 in cash before fleeing from the vehicle.

The victim then went to Allegan General Hospital because of the wound to his head. Several days after the incident, state police troopers were able to track down Stanfill, who had several outstanding warrants. He was then arrested.

Missing man found in Galveston, Texas

A 57-year-old man who had been missing for two weeks has been found in Texas.

Terry Flanigan, a Beacon Specialized Living Services adult foster care client, was found Friday afternoon, in Galveston, Texas, according to a report from the Van Buren County Sheriff's department.

Deputies discovered Flanigan's wherabouts after obtaining information that his Social Security card was being utilized at the Galveston Social Security office. Deputies then called the office and discovered that Flanigan was trying to obtain Social Security benefits. Galveston police later talked with Flanigan and determined he was in good health, but did not want to return to Michigan.

Flanigan was originally discovered missing Feb. 1 when he walked away from the Comfort Inn and Suites in South Haven. He had been staying there once a week for four to five months as part of his therapy, according to Ken Ratzlaff, president of Beacon Specialized Living Services.

Whether Flanigan will return to Michigan is not known. Guardian Services, a company that oversees Beacon clients, plans to work with Galveston authorities to determine if Flanigan will stay in Texas or return to Michigan.

2.16..12

Rescue workers line up on a dock on Moon Lake to rescue two Bangor anglers who had fallen through the ice.

Two Bangor men rescued from icy waters of inland lake

Forty-degree temperatures and thin ice sent two Bangor anglers to the hospital this morning.

Richard Abbott, 52, and his father Dean Abbott, 73 had decided to go ice fishing on Moon Lake in Geneva Township, when they fell through the ice at approximately 8:10 a.m., according to a Van Buren County Sheriff's Department news release.

The two men had been on the lake Wednesday and felt it would be OK to do so again today.

As Richard walked onto the lake he slipped through the ice. His father tried to help him but slipped through the ice as well. Richard got to shore and pushed a boat to his dad but was unable to lift him out of the water because his dad's clothing had become water-logged. Emergency responders used additional boats to rescue Dean Abbott. Both men, who were in boats by that time, were then towed safely to shore.

The Abbotts were taken to South Haven Health System to be treated for hypothermia. The news report indicated their injuries were not life threatening.

The incident has prompted the sheriff's department to issue a warning to people to be careful when walking or riding vehicles on ice-covered lakes.

It is somewhat safe to walk out on ice that is 4 to 6 inches thick, however, ATV's or snowmobiles should never be taken out on frozen lakes with anything less than 12-16 inches of ice. Ice fisherman should dress warm, have a flotation device available and a whistle for signaling for help in case of emergencies.

For more tips on ice safety go to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources site at www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing

2.15.12

Nine-county Southwestern Michigan bicycle trail map available

Bicycle trail enthusiasts who wonder where trails are located in southwestern Michigan will soon find out with the debut of a new nine-county trail map.

The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, with funding from the Federal Highway Administration and Michigan Department of Transportation, has just published the Southwest Michigan Road and Trail Bicycle Guide as well as a nine-county planning document, Connecting Communities: A Regional Vision for Non-Motorized Transportation in Southwest Michigan.

There is tremendous excitement about trails around southwest Michigan, from the Kalamazoo River Valley Trailway to the Kal-Haven Trail from the Battle Creek Linear Trail to the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail, Suzann Flowers of the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. These trails are setting the stage for a regional trail network that will connect people throughout southwest Michigan.

The counties included in the map are Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren.

This project would not have been possible without the cooperation of over 200 jurisdictions and without the support of citizens and trail groups from around the region, Flowers said.

The nine county plan Connecting Communities: A Regional Vision for Non-Motorized Transportation in Southwest Michigan presents a common vision which will provide direction for municipalities and organizations to work towards a connected system of trails and bike lanes. The plan will help guide local, state and federal investments in non-motorized transportation systems with a goal of creating a connected system. One key element of the plan is a regional non-motorized system map displaying priority north-south and west-east connections. These priorities were based on local planning efforts, existing facilities and extensive public input. The plan can be downloaded at www.swmpc.org/smart_plan.asp.

The Southwest Michigan Road and Bicycle Trail Guide can be picked up at bicycle shops, city, village, county administration offices, or at county parks departments. Electronic versions of the map can be viewed as either pdf or jpg files at www.swmpc.org/smart_plan.asp.

For more information about the project, map, or non-motorized transportation in your area contact Suzann Flowers at (269) 925-1137 x 17, flowerss@swmpc.org.

2.14.12

State senator wants residents to report scams to attorney general's office

Sen. John Proos is encouraging Southwest Michigan residents to be mindful of phone and email scams, especially those which ask for personal information or money to claim a prize sweepstakes. His warning comes on the heels of several Van Buren County residents who fell victim to a sweepstakes scam. One of the residents lost close to $15,000.

The growth of the Internet, email and social media has increased convenience for consumers. Unfortunately, along with that growth has come an expanding outreach by scam artists looking to take your money or steal your identity, said Proos, R-St. Joseph. I urge all Michigan families to look out for scams and report them to the state attorney generals office.

Residents may report a suspected scam to the Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-877-765-8388 or by visiting their website at www.michigan.gov/ag. There you can click on Complaints to learn how to file a complaint online or by U.S. mail.

Consumer Alerts with advice on numerous consumer issues, include several popular scams, are also available on the attorney generals site under Consumer Protection.

Scam artists are becoming clever in disguising their fraudulent activity, and are increasingly targeting vulnerable populations, like our seniors, Proos said. Two simple rules will help you avoid falling for most scams: Never pay anything to collect a prize; and never give out your credit card number, bank account information or Social Security number over the phone or in an email. No legitimate contest or bank will ever ask for personal information like this.

Any resident who believes they have been a victim of a scam and has experienced any trouble contacting the attorney generals office are welcome to contact Sen. Proos office by phone at (517) 373-6960 or by email at: senjproos@senate.michigan.gov.

2.13.12

Photo by Kelly Weber

The roof of the former Overisel Lumber Co. building comes down this past Friday.

Bangor landmark gives way to new discount store

By KIM INGALLS

Tribune staff writer

BANGOR A century-old landmark site is no more in Bangor.

The building that housed the former Overisel Lumber Co. was torn down Friday to make way for construction of a new Dollar General store.

The nation's largest small-box discount retailer, the store will be built on the corner of Monroe and Center streets.

The site has been home to various businesses over the years including Bangor Lumber Co. and most recently, Overisel Lumber Co. According to Bob Emmert of the Bangor Historical Society, lumber businesses have been located at the corner of Center and Monroe streets since the 1880s.

Crews worked throughout last week demolishing various old buildings on the property. The retail building was the last to go on Friday.

The first Dollar General store opened in Springfield, Ky. in 1955. The concept that no item in the store would cost more than one dollar became a huge success. By 1957, annual sales of Dollar Generals 29 stores were $5 million.

In 2010, the company reported $13 billion in sales, 9,800 stores in 38 states and 91,500 employees.

When completed later this year, the Bangor store is expected to be about 9,200 square feet, according to Bangor City Manager Michael Selden.

2.10.12

Social Security checks by mail soon to be a thing of the past

By KIM INGALLS

Tribune staff writer

The old phrase 'the check's in the mail' soon will no longer apply to Social Security checks.

As of May 1, Social Security checks will become paperless when the U.S. Treasury Department issues electronic payments.

Two options will be offered to recipients - direct deposit or a debit card.

A seminar will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20 at the Covert Senior Center to help seniors understand the new system.

Rhonda Wendzel, branch manager at South Haven Banking Center, a division of Sturgis Bank & Trust Company, will discuss the features and benefits of the two options, show how to set up a direct deposit banking account and discuss some commonly asked questions regarding the Direct Express Debit Master Card.

She will also explain some of the products and services that Sturgis Bank & Trust Company has to offer customers related to their direct deposit needs.

The switch to electronic payments, which won't be fully implemented until May 2013, is expected to save $120 million a year in costs, according to the Treasury Department.

Treasury officials say electronic deposits will eliminate the $93 million in Treasury checks of all kinds that were fraudulently endorsed and cashed in 2010. The department will continue to mail checks for people in some areas, such as overseas, in remote parts of Alaska and on some Indian reservations.

Covert Senior Center is located at 73292 34th Ave., For more information, call 764-8378. There is no charge for the seminar, which is open to the public.

2.8.12

Realtors: South Haven housing market shows steady signs of improvement

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

South Haven's housing market isn't nearly as good as its peak year in 2007, but local real estate agents and brokers have reason to be more optimistic these days.

The number of annual home sales in South Haven (school district) has steadily gained grounds three years in a row, Ron Seiler of Coldwell Banker Weber-Seiler Realtors in South Haven said. In 2008, only 147 homes sold in the South Haven area, however, by 2011, sales increased to 184 sold homes.

That's a 25 percent increase in annual home sales since 2008, and an increase of 4 percent over 2010 home sales, Seiler said.

In another bright spot, the number of days homes stay on the market before being sold has dropped.

The average days on the market (for South Haven School district) dropped to 220 in 2011 from a recent peak of 240 in 2010, Seiler noted. That's an 8 percent decrease in the average length of time it took to sell a property.

A check of the South Haven-Bangor-Covert housing market shows that homes are starting to sell quicker than three years ago when the bottom dropped out of the real estate market locally and nationwide. We had a decrease of 12 percent in the time it has been taking to list and sell a home, said Ryan Servatius, assistant broker for Shores Real Estate in South Haven.

We can clearly see that buyers are buying and the buyers buying are doing so at decreased prices that reflect the true price values of our market, Servatius said.

However, not all the news is good for the local housing market.

Sales prices continue to drop from 2007, according to Servatius and Seiler.

Our South Haven market (which includes Bangor and Cover) saw a decrease of 10 percent (from 2010 to 2011) while Benton Harbor saw an increase of 20 percent. The market hit the hardest was Watervliet and Coloma that saw a 27 percent decrease in average sales price, Servatius said.

Home sales within the South Haven school district were hit a little harder, suffering a 14 percent decrease in average home sale prices from 2010 to 2011, according to Seiler. He went on to say that since 2007, average home sale prices in the South Haven school district have declined 34 percent.

The decline in sale prices though may be deceiving. An increase in the sales of lower end foreclosures can really affect the averages, Seiler said.

In the South Haven market foreclosures accounted for 24 percent of the homes sold in 2011. That really impacts the overall averages, Seiler said. If you separate the foreclosure sales from the non-foreclosure sale figures you can really see a huge difference in prices.

The average sale price of a foreclosed home in 2011 was $68,282 while the average sale price excluding foreclosures was $250,000, according to Seiler.

2.7.12

Red Cross to blood donors: Tattoos no longer taboo

The Red Cross is making it easier for people with tattoos to donate blood.

Previously, people who had received tattoos within the previous 12 months had to be deferred for up to a year from donating blood. Starting March 26, donors who can prove their tattoo was done by a facility that used sterile needles and single-use ink can donate blood without a deferral period.

We are pleased to be able to eliminate the deferral period on those that have received a tattoo at a state-regulated facility, said Sharon Jaksa, CEO for the Great Lakes Blood Services Region. Keeping these donors from having to wait to donate blood helps us maintain a healthy blood supply.

With the implementation of BioArch (R1) at Red Cross Blood drives, the Great Lakes Region will no longer defer donors who have received a tattoo within the past 12 months if the tattoo was applied in a state-regulated facility that uses sterile needles and single-use ink.

Donors will be asked questions during the health history process that will allow them to disclose when and where they received a tattoo. Their eligibility will be determined based on whether or not the tattoo was received in a state that has regulations pertaining to tattoo facilities.

Michigan is the 39th state that does not require deferral because the state now has regulations pertaining to tattoo facilities. There are 11 states, plus the District of Columbia, that still require a 12-month deferral after tattoo application.

If a donor was deferred prior to January 23, 2012 for receiving a tattoo in Michigan (even if it was at a state-regulated facility), he/she will not be able to donate until the end of their assigned deferral period. (i.e. if a donor attempted to donate in August 2011 and was ineligible due to receiving a tattoo, they will not be eligible to donate again until the end of their deferral period, which is 12 months from the date they received the tattoo).

2.6.12

Foster care resident still missing

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

The search continues for a 57-year-old man who was last seen in South Haven on Friday, Feb. 2.

(He) has not been located yet, said Sgt. Scott Schmitt of the Van Buren County Sheriff's office, today. (We've) received multiple tips, however, they were unsuccessful.

Terry Flanigan, a foster care resident of Beacon Specialized Living Services in Bangor, had spent Thursday evening at Comfort Inn and Suites, when he was reported missing at 8 a.m.,, Friday, according to a Van Buren County Sheriff's report.

Deputies describe Flanigan as white, 6'1 and weighing approximately 290 pounds. He has a history of mental illness and is not able to attend to his basic needs. He was last seen wearing a black and grey coat, blue jeans and a hat or skull cap. Deputies think he may have left the hotel on foot because he has no vehicle. He was dropped off at the hotel originally by foster care staff.

Flanigan had been staying at the hotel as part of the foster care program's to socialize clients by having them attend activities or events outside of the foster home setting.

All of our (clients) are admitted by a Community Mental Health Board, Ken Ratzlaff, CEO of Beacon Specialized Living Services said. The board gives us a plan of service (for the clients). Some have unsupervised away visits and some are supervised.

Flanigan's overnight stay at the hotel was unsupervised as recommended by his plan of service, Ratzlaff said. That was all set up in his plan. He has went on unsupervised trips before. He's been doing it for about a year. Until this past Thursday, Flanigan had never walked away or been reported missing from an unsupervised activity outside of the foster care home.

Ratzlaff remains optimistic that Flanigan will return. We feel he will show up soon, he said.

Anyone who has information about Flanigan or his whereabouts is asked to call the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office at 269-657-3101 or any law enforcement agency.

PHOTO CAPTION: Terry Flanigan

Photo by Don Kark

Ice Breaker crowd

South Haven's downtown was packed with pedestrians Saturday during Ice Breaker 2012. Sunny skies and 40-degree temperatures didn't bode well for ice sculptures, however, festival-goers had plenty of time to view the icy works of arts before they melted Sunday. Other events included professional and amateur chili cook-offs, ice skating shows, a Mardi Gras dinner, and pub slide.

2.3.12

Couple loses nearly $15,000 in international scam

A couple in Bloomingdale Township is out nearly $15,000 after falling victim to an international scam, Thursday, and they're not the only ones in Van Buren County being swindled, police say.

The 71-year-old man and 69-year-old female, whose names are not being released, were recently notified by phone they had won $800,000, according to Sgt. David Walker of Van Buren County Sheriff's Department. The couple was also told that $24,000 would immediately be put into their bank account. When the couple checked their account it did indeed have an extra $24,000 deposited.

With such money supposedly added, they (the alleged swindlers) stated administrative fee monies would need to be wired to their offices in the country of Jamaica, Walker wrote in a press release.

The couple sent out nearly $15,000. On Thursday, however, they were informed by their bank that the $24,000 check was from a fraudulent company and no good. So the couple now has to pay back nearly $15,000 to the bank.

The complaint has prompted the sheriff's department to seek assistance from the FBI and Federal Trade Commission, which is now investigating two similar incidents that occurred in Van Buren County.

In January, a resident in Antwerp Township told deputies of a similar scam. The man was told he had been an award winner. He did not send any money, but the caller was so persistent the victim felt he was being harassed and called police.

Also in January, an elderly man in Lawrence lost $1,500 after wiring money by Western Union to a representative in Jamaica. That complaint prompted the sheriff's department to call the so-called representatives, Walker said. The parties contacted became very confrontational, hung up the phone and changed their numbers shortly thereafter, Walker said.

The FBI confirmed that the phone calls were coming from Jamaica, however, they also told deputies that assistance from Jamaican law enforcement is often not successful in solving fraudulent crimes.

People must be aware that won monies from legitimate organizations will not require you to give them any money, Walker warned area residents. He suggested people visit www.ftc.gov to identify and avoid awards scams.

2.1.12

Photo by Becky Burkert

One of two 200-foot radio towers that once transmitted signals for WCSY-AM topples to the ground this afternoon. Mid-West Family Broadcasting, owner of the station, had the towers removed by Great Lakes Tower & Antenna Co.

WCSY-AM's twin towers come tumbling down

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

A landmark, or as some called it an eyesore no longer exists in South Haven.

The twin tower array that once transmitted the music and news of WCSY-AM toppled into the muck of the Celery Pond earlier this afternoon.

It took workers from Great Lakes Tower & Antenna Co. about an hour-and-a-half to fell the 200-foot towers.

They're probably the oldest radio towers in Southwest Michigan, said Zack East, an assistant operations manager for Mid-West Family Broadcasting, owner of WCSY-AM 940, commonly referred to as COSY radio.

On Jan. 2, Mid-West decided to remove COSY-AM from the airwaves, signaling the end for the station that had originally been called WJOR-AM when it first began broadcasting.

These towers have been here since the 1950s, East estimated.

The age of the towers and the cost of upgrading other equipment for the station primarily led to its closure. WCSY's companion station SuperHits 103.7 COSY FM, will remain on the air, and the sales office at 602 Broadway St., in South Haven will continue to be used.

Like a number of AM radio stations, WCSY-AM faced challenges when the FM stations became more prevalent, starting in the 1970s. Over the years, the South Haven-based station changed its formats in an effort to compete. Until 2005, the station's format was Adult Standards, it later switched to an oldies format called "Oldies Plus,"from Waitt Radio Networks, and most recently adopted a sports-talk format featuring Fox Sports Radio and Detroit Tigers baseball.

Covert man arrested for assaulting his brother

A 29-year-old Covert Township man faces domestic violence and resisting arrest charges after allegedly fighting with his brother and leading police on a 90-minute foot chase.

Jose Frias was apprehended at 12:19 a.m. this morning in Hartford Township, according to a Van Buren County Sheriff's report.

The incident started when a person called 911 to report an assault between the suspect and his 20-year-old brother.

While deputies interviewed the younger brother, Frias called him on a cell phone and began taunting him for talking to law enforcement officials. Deputies and a K-9 unit then began tracking Frias who traveled through woods and fields before being apprehended.

The suspect was apprehended for a bench warrant arrest for operating a vehicle while impaired and faces new charges of domestic violence and resisting and obstructing police.

The victim, who had suffered bruises to his face and eye, was treated at Watervliet Hospital.

1.31.12

Albemarle records profitable year in 2011 at South Haven site

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

The year 2011 turned out to be a financially good year for Albemarle Corp. Not only did the Baton Rouge, La.-based company announce record profits, its South Haven location also performed well.

In 2011, South Haven reported sales of $37.9 million, compared to $31.8 million in 2010 and $26.1 million in 2009, the year Albemarle purchased the local pharmaceutical plant.

That's a nice turnaround for the site, said Bo Brantley, plant manager for the South Haven site, 1421 Kalamazoo St. Increased sales have also given the plant a profit for the first time in three years. In 2009, the plant incurred a $2.2 million loss and in 2010 a $100,000 loss. However, in 2011 Albemarle realized a $5.9 million profit in South Haven.

New products are contributing in a big way, Brantley said. And company officials expect sales and profits to improve in 2012 with the construction of new equipment to produce more pharmaceutical products and a new government contract to produce pharmaceutical materials to protect military personnel from bioterrorism.

The new equipment and improvements to the South Haven plant will carry an approximate $5.5 million price tag. The facility updates include new air emissions systems, a new centrifuge to produce more pharmaceutical products, new information management systems and improved fire suppression systems.

The improved performance of the plant has led to more employees, according to Brantley. In 2009, the plant had approximately 130 employees. It now has 156.

Along with improved finances, Albemarle's safety record has been good this past year. In the fourth quarter we had no injuries, no permit violations and no spills, Brantley said. Overall, in 2011, the South Haven plant reported one injury, one spill and one permit violation. A Federal Drug Administration audit in January indicated the company had no violations. The past three inspections have reported no findings, Brantley said.

Its safety record at the South Haven plant has earned the plant Rising Star status from Michigan's Occupational Safety Hazard Administration (MI-OSHA). Albemarle also received a Catalyst award from Southwest Michigan First for creating jobs and private investment in the region.

Albemarle is a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of highly engineered specialty chemicals for consumer electronics, petroleum refining, utilities, packaging, construction, automotive, pharmaceuticals, crop protection, food safety and custom chemistry services. The company employes approximately 4,000 people and serves customers in approximately 100 countries.

1.30.12

Family escapes from burning home

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

A Bangor Township family is homeless after a fire destroyed their home early this morning.

The family of Robert Sefcik awoke at 5:30 a.m. to find their home at 69255 38^th Avenue engulfed in flames. The Sefciks escaped from the burning home and ran across the street to a neighbor's home to call 911, but it was practically too late for firefighters to salvage the dwelling, according to Bangor Community Fire Department Chief Derek Babcock.

When fire trucks arrived, the roof had already collapsed, he said.

Firefighters determined that the fire started in or near a fireplace in the home's basement. It (a fire in the fireplace) had been burning for a few hours, Babcock said. The fire most likely reached the first story of the home by traveling up through the kitchen and back porch wall. Although firefighters know the where the fire started, they don't know how or what caused it to spread.

It's still under investigation, Babcock said.

Six fire departments responded to the blaze. It took 2.5 hours to put it out, the chief said. The extra fire department units were needed because the closest hydrant was located on 70^th Street. The other units were able to use it though to fill their tankers, Babcock said.

The blaze at the Sefcik home is the first structure fire that Bangor Community Fire Department has battled this winter. Knock on wood, Babcock said.

City makes walking a little easier for pedestrians, students during the winter months

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

Snow removal has become a little easier for a number South Haven city residents and businesses.

Street crews are now clearing sidewalks on major streets that are used as walk routes to school buildings and on major roads such as Phoenix Street where sidewalks are piled high because of city snowplows

The sidewalk plowing is now being done in response to concerns of city snowplows dumping heavy amounts of snow on sidewalks and to keep clear paths available for students who walk to school, according to City Manager Brian Dissette. A city ordinance dictates that local homeowners and businesses remove ice and snow from sidewalks in front of their property, however, a number of homeowners have complained over the years that removal is difficult when city snowplows continually shove large amounts of snow on sidewalks during heavy snowfalls. The issue was brought up at a number of previous city council meetings, so the city is now responding with a beefed up sidewalk snow removal program.

Over the past several years the City of South Haven has increased its efforts to assist with sidewalk snow removal, Dissette said.

The efforts first began three years ago when the Downtown Development Authority agreed to pay for sidewalk snow removal in front of businesses in the central business district. The program has now expanded to major streets impacted during heavy snowfalls.

We are attempting to assist in providing walking routes to the various school locations, Dissette said. Further, we are attempting to assist property owners, who live on major streets, where the citys plows deposit large amounts of snow and the sidewalk and parkways.

The sidewalk snow removal program cost the city $6,900 this past year, and to date, the city has spent $4,020, according to Dissette.

Area residents who would like more information about the program can call the Department of Public Works, 637-0737.

1.27.12

Palisades control room operator's federal license taken away

By ANDREW LERSTEN

For the Tribune

COVERT - A Palisades nuclear plant control room operator who left his post without permission will be allowed to get his control room license back, but he'll have to jump through several federal regulatory hoops first.

Entergy, which owns the plant, relieved operator Edward Johnson of his federal-licensed duties at the plant following the Oct. 23, 2010 incident, plant spokesman Mark Savage said Thursday.

Terms of relicensing Johnson were reached recently in two separate alternative dispute resolution processes between the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Entergy, and between the NRC and Johnson.

The NRC issued the terms of the "confirmatory order" this week, and issued a news release on the matter last week.

The NRC investigation determined that Johnson had left the control room without first asking for permission, as required.

The NRC's report on its investigation stated that Johnson "stated..that when he walked out he knew he had violated procedures but was not thinking about that at the time because he was upset."

There was no public safety issue because another worker immediately assumed his post in the control room, the NRC said in the news release.

"He has a lot of things to do (before he can be relicensed)," Savage said.

Johnson will have to complete 200 hours of supervised training, participate in interviews with Entergy managers to assess his eligibility and readiness to resume his prior job, and write an article for an industry publication about the incident and what he has personally learned from his experience.

Meanwhile, the NRC has issued a separate set of orders for Entergy related to the incident. The company will have to issue a letter to all of its licensed reactor operators re-emphasizing their job responsibilities and safety obligations to the public. It will also have to do a review of procedures related to the incident to make sure they are adequate, and inform the NRC how it plans to monitor and manage Johnson's performance if he is restored to licensed activities.

1.25.12

Report: Poverty leads to increase in child abuse in Van Buren, Allegan counties

By TRIBUNE STAFF

As Michigan struggles to improve its economy, a report shows that poverty levels for families and children have increased in the past decade, including those who live Van Buren and Allegan counties.

Child abuse and neglect in Allegan County nearly tripled over the past decade while almost half of Allegan K-12 children now qualify for free and reduced price lunches, the latest Kids Count in Michigan Data Book concludes.

In Van Buren County, child abuse and neglect rose 67 percent in the past 10 years while more than half of K-12 children qualify for free and reduced price lunches.

The findings show that kids in Allegan County, Van Buren County and across Michigan are still suffering the fallout from our long recession, said Jane Zehnder-Merrell, the Kids Count in Michigan director at the Michigan League for Human Services. Poverty in Michigan is as big a threat to our children today as polio was to a previous generation.

This years report, Health Matters, focuses on child health and the role that the social and economic factors in childrens lives play in good health.

The annual Data Book is released by the Kids Count in Michigan project. It is a collaboration between the Michigan League for Human Services, which researches and writes the report, and Michigans Children, which works with advocates statewide to disseminate the findings. Both are nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organizations concerned about the well-being of children and their families.

"Children in poverty often experience hunger, abuse or neglect, extreme stress, depression or anxiety, and other issues impacting their overall health, as well as their ability to learn and grow into successful adults," said Michele Corey, vice president for programs at Michigan's Children. "The best public policies must address the whole child from cradle to career, and this data can help guide these policies."

The report ranks counties on 16 indicators of child well-being (with No. 1 being the best). Trends over time are available for 15 indicators. In Van Buren County nine indicators have been improving over time, while six are getting worse.

Van Buren Countys best ranking was No. 7 of 39 counties for teen deaths with a rate of 41 deaths per 100,000 teens compared with the statewide rate of 56 per 100,000.

The countys worst ranking was 76th for births to teens, ages 15-19, with a rate of 52 births per 1,000 teens compared with the statewide rate of 33 per 1,000.

For abuse and neglect, the county reported 219 cases in 2000. By 2010, the numbers swelled to 344 reported cases. The statistics also showed that in 2009 nearly 23 percent of children 0-17 lived in poverty in the county. And although the state jobless rate declined in 2010, Van Buren's hovered at 12.6 percent, with 47 percent of children, ages 0-18, on Medicaid.

On a positive note, MEAP scores are showing signs of improvement. In Van Buren County. In 2003 35 percent of fourth graders were not proficient in the math test. That percentage dwindled to 7 percent in 2010. Eighth-grade math scores also improved a well as the high school scores.

Allegan Countys best ranking was seventh among the counties for the fourth-grade MEAP tests with only 4.2 percent of Allegan fourth-graders considered not proficient in math, compared with 8.5 percent of fourth-graders statewide.

Allegan County also ranked No. 15 among the counties for children in poverty ages 0-17 with 16.2 percent in 2009 compared with 22.2 percent statewide. For children ages 5-17, Allegan County finished 16th with 14.8 percent compared with 20.2 percent throughout the state.

One of Allegan's worst rankings was 33rd of 39 counties for teen deaths (ages 15-19) with a rate of about 78 deaths per 100,000 teens compared with the statewide rate of 55.6 per 100,000.

In the area of abuse and neglect, the number of confirmed cases in Allegan County jumped from 203 in 2000 to 516 in 2010. The county's unemployment rate was reported as 11.9 percent in 2010, with 36.5 percent of children, ages 0-18, on Medicaid.

1.24.12

Pre-trial set for man facing CSC charges

A South Haven man accused of sexually molesting a girl under the age of 10 may face a jury trial in May.

Keith Nienhuis, 56, pleaded not guilty to three charges of Criminal Sexual Conduct on Monday in Van Buren Circuit Court. He will be scheduled for a final pre-trial on April 23 and a jury trial, May 1, according to county clerk records. A jury trial, however, may not take place if a plea agreement is made.

South Haven Police arrested Nienhuis on Dec. 29, after receiving a complaint from the girl's family that he had allegedly assaulted her on Dec. 7 and again on Dec. 19. The girl was described as a family friend.

Nienhuis faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, while second-degree criminal sexual conduct can result in a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

1.23.12

State Rep. Genetski awaits possible impaired driving charge

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

Spending the night in jail after being arrested for impaired driving proved to be a real eye-opening experience for state Rep. Bob Genetski.

In a news release issued Friday, Genetski, 45, stated, This has been one of the most humbling and eye-opening experiences of my life.

As of today, Genetski has only been charged with a civil infraction for refusing to take a portable breathalyzer test, according to an East Lansing 54B District Court clerk. However, the clerk said that criminal charges are most likely pending.

Genetski, who represents the 88^th District that includes Casco, Lee and Ganges townships, first came under the legal glare when he was stopped for speeding early Thursday morning. He told Michigan State University police that he had left Gov. Rick Snyder's State of the State speech Wednesday evening, visited friends and was on his way to a hotel.

Suspecting that Genetski had been drinking, the officer issued a sobriety test.

The police officer believed I failed a field sobriety test and asked me to take a breathalyzer test. I refused because I felt I had passed the field test. Upon my refusal, I was arrested and eventually lodged at the Ingham County Jail, Genetski said in the news release.

In an interview with the Grand Rapids Press this past weekend, Genetski stated he blew a .066 on a breathalyzer test at 4 a.m. and was released from the Ingham County Jail at 8 a.m. Thursday. The states legal limit for drunk driving is 0.08, however, officers are still entitled to use their own judgment in making an arrest based on sobriety tests and observations during a traffic stop.

Although Genetski said in the news release that his driving ability was not impaired, he went on to say, (Impaired driving) is a serious thing every driver needs to consider and they should make the choice to not get behind the wheel if there is the slightest doubt."

Genetski is being represented by Mike Nichols of Nichols Lawyers, in East Lansing. The company's website refers to Mike Nichols as one of the top OWI-DUI-OUIL experts in Michigan.

Neither Nichols nor Genetski could be reached for comment today.

Genetski is in his second term as a state representative. Prior to being elected, he was a teacher for at-risk students, primarily at Orion Alternative School in the Grand Rapids area. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Auburn University in 1991 and a master's degree in education in 2004 from Grand Valley State University.

BBB issues warning to cell phone texters

By TRIBUNE STAFF

A warning to cell phone owners If you receive a text from address 99716 TXTALTSNOW, don't respond and call your mobile service ASAP.

That warning comes from the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan, which has sent out a news release warning that many people are getting hit with this text message. And it can result in a hefty phone bill.

The SMS (Short Message Service) texts apparently come from an organization known as Silicon Investments. Cell phone users, who have complained to the BBB, say the text message shows up as an unwanted text offering Entertnmnt Alts. for $9.99 a month to be billed to their cell phone.

Apparently, even if you don't reply to the text message you still get billed for it, according to the BBB.

The SMS texts began in December and are continuing. It occurs to a variety of carrier services, including Sprint and AT&T. Cell phone users are urged not to respond in any way to the text messages and call their mobile service as soon as possible to dispute any charges.

1.20.12

Police find one piece of stolen farm equipment; Looking for more

A tip has led Van Buren County Sheriff's Department to partially solve a larceny of farm equipment in Arlington Township.

Deputies recovered a stolen John Deere chisel plow on Thursday from a farmer who had purchased it from a scrapyard in Waverly Township.

The tip came from a caller who had heard the larceny report from area news agencies. After receiving the tip, deputies went to the scrap yard, that they're not naming, and showed a picture of the chisel plow to an employee. The employee told deputies he had sold a similar one to a local farmer a couple of months ago. After going to the farmer's house and seeing the plow, deputies confirmed it had been stolen. Deputies are now looking for the person or people who brought and sold the plow to the scrap yard. Deputies also are trying to locate additional equipment stolen in the past several months from the farm in the 55000 block of 42^nd Avenue.

Items reported missing include John Deere quick hitch systems, John Deere tractor front end spears, 100-foot gray auger cables and hog gestation crate parts. Anyone with information can call the sheriff's department at 269-657-3101, Silent Observer, 866-774-2345 or Crime Stoppers, 800-342-7867.

1.19.12

Forensic evaluation ordered for church B&E suspect

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

A forensic evaluation has been ordered for a 26-year-old South Haven man who admitted to breaking into six area churches in December and early January.

During a preliminary hearing Wednesday, Seventh District Court Judge Art Clarke ordered the evaluation to examine the competency and criminal responsibility of Kirk Krogel.

Krogel faces six counts of breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny and two counts of breaking into safes. He could face up to life in prison for the safe cracking charges and 10 years in prison for each of the B&E charges.

When the exam is completed he will return to district court March 28 for a new preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to send him to Van Buren Circuit Court for his eight felony charges.

Krogel's girlfriend, 19-year-old Kassandra Johnson, also faced a preliminary hearing in district court on Wednesday. She waived the hearing and will now be bound over to circuit court on two charges of breaking and entering. Her circuit court arraignment will be Jan. 30 in Paw Paw.

The churches that were broken in included St. Paul Lutheran Church (and school), First United Methodist Church, First Congregational Church and First Church of God. Two safes were broken into and damaged at the congregational church and First Church of God. Cash was taken from some churches, most notably St. Paul Lutheran School, where $1,000 was stolen along with toys and gifts that had been earmarked for families in need. South Haven Police Detective Darin Mentink said most of the toys and gifts have since been returned by family members of Krogel and Johnson.

Krogel admitted to breaking into all four of the churches and school, while Johnson admitted to the B&Es at St. Paul church and school.

1.18.12

Movie shot in South Haven to be released this Spring

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

South Haven residents who performed as extras in the 2009 shooting of the film What's Wrong with Virginia? may finally get to see themselves on the big screen.

Entertainment One announced Tuesday that it has acquired the North American distribution rights in all media to the drama that stars Ed Harris, Jennifer Connelly and Emma Roberts.

Now simply called Virginia, the film is scheduled to be released in theaters throughout North America in the spring, though no exact date has been set, according to Jackie Rubin, director of corporate communications for Entertainment One.

Written and directed by Dustin Lance Black, who wrote the recently released J. Edgar, the film is described by The Hollywood Reporter this way: Virginia, centers on the tumultuous relationship between a mentally unstable single-mom (Connelly) and her lonely teen son (Harrison Gilbertson), who is on a desperate quest to uncover the identity of the father he's never known. Convinced his real dad is the local Sheriff (Harris), who is by all accounts an upstanding family man, the boy begins some amateur detective work that takes him into dangerous terrain as he falls for the Sheriff's lovely daughter (Roberts). Toby Jones, Carrie Preston, and Yeardley Smith co-star.

Some of the scenes for Virginia that were shot in South Haven (North Beach and the South Haven Center for the Arts), Holland and Zeeland may or may not appear in the newest edition of the film. After the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2010, it received lackluster reviews.

The New York Times for instance, wrote, Presumably a glib attack on sanctimonious small-town religious hypocrisy informed by Black's own strict Mormon upbringing, the film is tonally all over the place, eventually settling in a rut that comes a lot closer to resembling bad camp than edgy satire.

After the reviews and two festival screenings, Black went back to the editing room and took a second look at the film.

In a news release, Black wrote, "Screening this film for audiences in Toronto was an invaluable and enlightening experience, Given what this story means to me it was important that the final cut be one I'm proud of.

Black said he based the screenplay on his own childhood experiences growing up Mormon in the South. During the Toronto Film Festival in 2010, a video from Traileraddict.com quotes him as saying, The film is told from the perspective of a young kid (Virginia's son Emmett, played by Harrison Gilbertson).

Connelly, who plays the role of Virginia also commented in the video, There's a lot wrong with Virginia. She's been dealt a lousy hand. She has her son Emmett who she loves very much but needs a lot. What's really right is she strives for something good and pure.

"We're excited to add 'Virginia' to our 2012 slate and thrilled to have found a film that complements both our Canadian and US line-ups so well," said Dylan Wiley, vice-president of theatrical marketing and distribution for Entertainment One Films U.S., in a news release.

"Since our recent expansion, our U.S. theatrical team has been actively seeking quality independent films with premium talent to bring to the U.S. market. Dustin Lance Black has a unique style and a proven gift for captivating audiences and thus Virginia certainly fits our mandate," Wiley continued.

Several films that Entertainment One is showing in theaters or will soon debut include "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," "The Grey" and "One for the Money."

Photo captions: Ed Harris (Top) and Jennifer Connelly star in "Viriginia."

Police seek leads in new rash of church break-ins

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

Church break-ins apparently haven't stopped in South Haven.

Although police arrested two suspects earlier this month for six break-ins that occurred in December and early January, three more break-ins have occurred since then.

We definitely are dealing with a new suspect or suspects, Det. Darin Mentink said. I don't know if it is a copy-cat crime or someone who saw it on the news and wants attention. Obviously they're not too intelligent or they're desperate.

The latest break-ins occurred at First Congregational Church (which had been broken into previously), Solomon's Temple and a storage building at Peace Lutheran Church. The congregational church and Solomon's Temple were both hit on Jan. 7, while the lutheran church's storage building was broken into Jan. 13.

These break-ins occurred after the first two suspects (Kirk Krogel and Kassandra Johnson) were arrested. In fact, they're still in jail, Mentink said.

Similar to the first set of break-ins, the suspect or suspects break windows or bust into doors to gain entry. Once inside, they look for cash, police say. Some cash, that was in church envelopes, was stolen from Solomon's Temple, but no cash or valuables were taken from the other two houses of worship.

They walked right by three televisions, said Peace Lutheran Church Rev. Bob Linstrom. We use the building as a storage area for We Care in the Name of Christ's furniture ministry and for South Haven Area Habitat for Humanity. There's also some vehicles that are parked inside. As far as we can tell they broke a window, but didn't take anything.

No money was taken from the First Congregational Church in the second break-in, according to Rev. Jeffrey Dick. In the first break-in they definitely were looking for cash. They broke into a safe, Dick said. The second one was just odd...they took miscellaneous things, a two-liter bottle of pop, cheese and pepperoni, scrapbooking materials and a modem.

It sounds like teenagers, said Rev. Simon Harrington of Solomon's Temple.

In light of the most recent break-ins, South Haven Police are increasing nightly patrols, especially at area churches.

Police are also asking church officials to be more vigilant in watching their facilities and to beef up their security.

We need your help, South Haven Police Officer Phillip Poole told a group of a dozen or so ministers who gathered for a meeting on Tuesday. There are 35-40 churches in the South Haven area. Even if we have six officers out at night patrolling, we can't cover everything.

Poole made several suggestions regarding ways churches can improve their security, but he admitted that churches face obstacles that businesses don't.

I can rattle off all kinds of things businesses can do, Poole said, but it's a different atmosphere at churches. There's many things going on at all times of the day and evening.

However, he did make several suggestions:

Increase exterior lighting with motion detection fixtures;

Make sure shrubs do not cover windows;

Plant thorny bushes by windows to deter break-ins;

Install video-surveillance cameras;

Install an alarm system;

Encourage neighbors to call police if they see suspicious activity on church premises;

Make timely cash deposits after church services;

1.17.12

Cleophus C.J. Johnson stands next to a station wagon that Countryside Motors owner Jerry Beckwith temporary has loaned to him so that he can continue making his bread deliveries to area food pantries.

'C.J. The Bread Man' on the road again thanks to used car dealer

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

They say God works in mysterious ways, but not for used car dealer Jerry Beckwith,

When Beckwith read in the Tribune that Cleophus C.J. Johnson needed transportation to continue delivering donated bread to area food pantries, he came to his rescue.

Beckwith is allowing Johnson, commonly referred to as C.J. The Bread Man, use of a station wagon until he can find a new set of wheels.

We're struggling, said Beckwith, owner of Countryside Motors in South Haven, but when I read about his plight, I thought this was something I could do to help.

Beckwith provided Johnson use of the station wagon today and intends to let him use it through the end of the week.

He delivers from Tuesday through Friday, we'll go through that for awhile and then see what happens, Beckwith said. Hopefully something will come up where he can get some permanent transportation or be able to get his car fixed.

Johnson's car problems began two weeks ago when the engine of his 1997 Cadillac gave out. It had 187,000 miles on it. I figure in the past four years I've put about 50,000 on it delivering bread, Johnson said.

Johnson, 70, began his volunteer service shortly after retiring from Genzink Steel in Holland. He had been helping at a ministry at Church of God on M-43 Highway when a woman said that a vendor from Walmart often had leftover bread and gave it to area farmers to feed their hogs.

I preferred that people get it instead of animals, Johnson said, and that was the start of his bread delivery efforts.

Sometimes I've had 400 loaves of bread to pick up, and sometimes 0, he said. Over the years He's dropped off his donated bakery at We Care in the Name of Christ food pantry at First Congregational Church, Emmanuel Community Church, First United Methodist Church's supper ministry, the Pullman food pantry, Church of Christ's food ministry, area senior centers, and even individuals.

Sometimes people see me walking along, they know I'm C.J. The Bread Man, and they';ll ask for a loaf, Johnson said, who's more than once opened up the trunk of his car to disburse bread to individuals in need.

Some people take advantage but there are a lot who truly are in need, he said.

1.16.12

Photo by Becky Burkert

Lem Barney, former Detroit Lions cornerback, was the featured speaker at today's Martin Luther King Jr. service project at South Haven High School.

Former Lions star featured speaker at MLK event in South Haven

Lem Barney addressed an audience of 150 volunteers at today's Martin Luther King Jr. service project at South Haven High School, but he singled out the youth in attendance, mainly.

Barney, who was invited by Lake Michigan College to speak at the event, told approximately 50 youngsters and teenagers to continue serving their country just as the late Martin Luther King Jr. did.

Barney, a former star cornerback for the Lions from 1967-77, made his speech following the service project, in which volunteers packed more than a ton of white and rice into bags to be shipped to five area food pantries.

This is the third year that volunteers have taken part in the project on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to commemorate the Civil Rights leader's legacy.

The South Haven Area Diversity Coalition, South Haven Public Schools and Lake Michigan College coordinated the project.

3 arrested for breaking into Gobles restaurant

Three young adults from Gobles and Bloomingdale, believed to be involved in a string of break-ins, were arrested Friday for breaking into a restaurant.

The three suspects were apprehended at 6:15 a.m. after Van Buren County Sheriff's deputies found steaks, chicken and money in one of the suspect's residence in the Bloomingdale area. The items had been reported missing from Jan's Trail Side Cafe in Gobles, which reported a break-in at midnight.

The suspects are described as a 20-year-old man from Bloomingdale, and a 21-year-old man and 19-year-old man from Gobles.

Deputies indicated they also found other items they believe were stolen from other break-ins reported in the Gobles, Bloomingdale and Gobles area, recently.

The suspects were taken to Van Buren County Jail and deputies are contacting victims of the properties seized from the residence near Bloomingdale.

Bangor Twp. man arrested for assaulting girlfriend

A 31-year-old Bangor Township man is behind bars after reportedly choking his girlfriend this past weekend.

Charles McKinven was arraigned through Seventh District Court and was issued a $50,000 cash/surety bond, following his arrest on Saturday in the 39000 block of 70^th Street, in Bangor Township.

Van Buren County Sheriff's Department reported that deputies were dispatched to the home at approximately 6:30 p.m. after McKinven's girlfriend called saying she was being choked. She went on to tell central dispatch that McKinven had fled the scene armed with a knife.

When deputies arrived they determined the girlfriend did not need further medical attention and used a K9 dog to track McKinven, who was found a short time later in possession of three knives.

This isn't the first time that McKinven and his girlfriend were involved in a domestic assault. Deputies took a complaint previously in which McKinven committed a felonious assault with a knife, causing serious injury to the girlfriend.

1.14.12

Photo by Jody Warner

Mary Wentz, of South Haven, cleans off her car prior to running errands on Friday, Jan 13.

South Haven area experiences first heavy snow of the season

The South Haven area was spared much of the wrath of the season's first heavy snowfall, but even so, many schools were closed Friday and athletic events cancelled.

Approximately 6-8 inches of snow fell on the area, starting late Thursday evening and continuing into Friday. About another inch of snow is expected today and another inch tomorrow as the storm tapers off, according to weather predictions.

The snowfall caused schools throughout Van Buren and Allegan counties to close on Friday, which in turn led to cancellations of most Friday evenings high school sporting events.

The snowfall caused many fender benders throughout the area, mainly on Interstate 196 and along rural roads, according to police agencies.

Within the city limits of South Haven, Jason Assink of the South Haven Police Department reported a quiet evening on Thursday and during the day on Wednesday. However, sheriff and state police patrols were kept busy responding to accidents. On I-195, a semi jack-knifed at approximately 1 p.m. While traveling northbound on the highway just north of 109^th Avenue. The semi ended up facing south in the median, ripping through wire fencing meant to stop vehicles from ending up in the southbound lane. The impact, however, kept the semi in the median away from other vehicles. Between Thursday evening and Friday at 9:30 a.m., Allegan Sheriff's Department reported 15 snow-related accidents.

1.12.12

Alleged child molester bound over to circuit court

A South Haven man accused of sexually molesting a girl under the age of 10 has been bound over to Van Buren Circuit Court.

At a preliminary hearing in Seventh District Court, Wednesday, enough evidence was compiled against 56-year-old Keith Nienhuis to bind him to the higher court to face three charges of Criminal Sexual Conduct.

Magistrate David Becker set a circuit court arraignment for Nienhuis at 9 a.m., Jan. 23.

South Haven Police arrested Nienhuis on Dec. 29, after receiving a complaint from the girl's family that he had allegedly assaulted her on Dec. 7 and again on Dec. 19. The girl was described as a family friend.

Nienhuis faces two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, while second-degree criminal sexual conduct can result in a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

1.11.12

Palisades official pledges the plant's performance will improve; NRC begins second round of talks with plant leaders

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

While Palisades Nuclear Power Plant officials meet with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission today to discuss safety violations, the plant's communications director visited several governmental units on Tuesday to say the company will perform better in the future.

We have to be more aggressive and challenge our employees to do their best, Mark Savage said at the Covert Township Board meeting on Tuesday. Our promise to you is to operate the plant in the safest manner possible.

Although public safety was not an issue in four violations of federal regulatory rules cited by the NRC, an investigation is still underway. Plant officials first traveled to the NRC's regional office in Chicago earlier this month to discuss two of the violations, and are returning today to discuss the other two. The NRC will also conduct an inspection of the plant sometime later this year.

Palisades and its parent company, Entergy, admit to the violations, according to Savage, and have spent the past several months developing a performance recovery plan to ensure effective and safe operation at the plant.

We have violations on activities we did on the plant, Savage said.

The violations include:

In October 2010 the plant staff did not follow proper safety procedures during an outage. A worker lubricated the wrong part of equipment related to an auxiliary feedwater pump during the outage. The wrong procedure caused the pump to trip on May 10, 2011.

In 2009 and later in 2011 use of the wrong type of metal resulted in the sheering of a coupling.

In 2011 an electrical bus arced due to lack of insulation on a copper wire.

In all of the situations, the plant was properly shut down and taken out of service until the necessary repairs were made, however, the NRC wants the plant to make changes in its safety procedures to make sure problems don't occur in the future.

The violations come on the heels of Palisades receiving an Excellence in Performance award from the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations in 2010.

Afterwards, the plant's vice president was promoted to another position with Entergy and the new vice president, Tony Vitale, was not hired until July of 2011, according to Savage.

We lost performance and traction because we lost a dynamic leader for seven months. By the time the new vice president arrived the organization had relaxed...management wasn't intrusive enough, Savage said. Our new manager has formed a recovery plan and he's taking it very seriously.

1.10.12

Sheriff's department investigates home invasions

Allegan County Sheriff's Department believe the same suspects are involved in two home invasions that took place Jan. 6 in Ganges and Saugatuck townships. Cash and electronic equipment were stolen in both instances.

The first complaint was made at 4:18 p.m. When a Saugatuck Township woman called to say she had been feeding her newborn infant when she heard a door open and people inside her home. A sergeant from the Saugatuck/Douglas Police Department responded to the home and stated the suspects had fled to a waiting vehicle on 66^th Street and M-89 Highway.

The second home invasion complaint was made at 7:05 a.m. When a Ganges Township resident called to say that money, electronics and GPS devices were stolen from the home and vehicles.

Later on in the day deputies received a report that a 1970 Mustang had been stolen from a home in Lee Township. The is described as a two-door, white-colored vehicle with a black hood scoop and wide tires. The caller said they had arrived home to find the garage door open and a service door kicked in. Deputies do not think the Lee Township home invasion is similar to the two that occurred in Ganges and Saugatuck townships.

Deputies continue to investigate all three home invasions.

1.9.12

^{Second suspect charged in church break-ins}

The second suspect involved in a series of church break-ins in South Haven faces two felony charges for breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny. If convicted she could face up to 10 years in prison for each charge.

Kassandra Lynn Johnson, 19, of South Haven, was arraigned today on the two charges in Seventh District Court in South Haven. If convicted she could face up to 10 years in prison for each charge. Her bond was set at $500,000.

Her boyfriend, 26-year-old Kirk Allen Krogel of South Haven, was arraigned Jan. 6 in Seventh District Court for eight felony charges in connection with the six break-ins that occurred in December and January at four churches St. Lutheran Church and school, First Congregational Church, First United Methodist Church and First Church of God. He faces two counts of safe breaking and six counts of breaking and entering with intent to commit larceny. He could face up to life in prison for the safe breaking charges, and up to 10 years in prison for each charge of breaking and entering. His preliminary hearing is scheduled Jan. 18 in district court.

Krogel and Johnson were arrested by police on Friday, Jan. 6 following a tip they had received that the couple had taken items from the churches. A police officer had also given Krogel a ride home at 11:30 p.m. Jan. 4 and became suspicious when he saw that Krogel was carrying a sack of tools. When police entered the couple's home early Friday morning they found toys that had been taken from St. Paul School and more than $1,000 in cash.

Palisades back online

After being shut down for nearly four days, Entergy Palisades Nuclear Power Plant returned to service this morning.

Control room operators synchronized the plants generator to the Michigan electric grid this morning at 7:26 a.m., according to Mark Savage, plant spokesperson.

The plant was removed from service on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 8:57 p.m. to conduct maintenance on a control rod drive mechanism seal.

The worn seal was replaced over the weekend. Additional preventive maintenance work was conducted during the outage.

Nuclear plant operators will slowly raise reactor power levels over the next several days to return the plant to full power operation.

Miss South Haven 2012 crowned

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

A 17-year-old Lake Michigan Catholic High School senior was crowned Miss South Haven 2012, Sunday.

Hailey Simmons, the daughter of Carolyn and Kevin Simmons of South Haven, was chosen queen in front of a crowded audience at Listiak Auditorium of South Haven High School. She also was chosen as one of the pageant's two Miss congenialities.

Any one of these girls could have been chosen queen, but I'm glad the judges saw the potential in me to represent the South Haven community, Simmons said after being crowned.

For the pageant, Simmons wore a yellow-, peach- and orange-colored full-length gown. After graduation she plans to attend North Central College and eventually hopes to become a marine biologist.

Her court consists of first runner-up Jenna Goodwin, second runner-up Ashellee Thomas, Miss Co-Congeniality Mollye Sievers, Kathleen Allen and Madison Griffin, who also was honored as the Top Good Luck Ad winner.

First runner-up Goodwin, a 17-year-old South Haven High School senior, is the daughter of Rick and Kris Goodwin of South Haven. She is the senior class president and plans to attend Lake Michigan College after graduation. She wore an aqua blue and green strapless gown for the pageant.

Second runner-up Thomas is a 17-year-old senior at South Haven High School. The daughter of Cora Thomas and Lucius Smith of South Haven, she plans to attend Eastern Michigan University to become a surgical technician. For the pageant she wore a maroon gown, accented with black satin.

Miss Co-Congeniality Mollye Sievers, the daughter of Ron and Val Sievers, of South Haven, is a 17-year-old senior at Michigan Lutheran High School. She wore a shimmering blue gown with a gold band around her waist. She plans to attend Lake Michigan College after graduation and plans to pursue a career in personal and fitness training.

Judges for the pageant included Diana Burge, owner of Dee's Hair Design Studio in Niles and a Miss America Pageant judge for Michigan and Indiana; Dr. Ken Edwards, medical director of surgery for Lakeland Health System, and Rachel Turner, a free-lance photographer and mortgage loan processor from Stevensville.

Paul Layendecker of Midwest Family Broadcasting group, served as emcee. Jane Strebeck was the pageant chairperson, while Michelle Strebeck served as co-chairperson. The theme of this year's pageant was The Cat's Meow.

PHOTO CAPTIONS: From top to bottom - Queen Hailey Simmons, 1st runner-up Jenna Goodwin, and 2nd runner-up Ashellee Thomas (for more photos visit the Tribune's Facebook site).

1.6.12

Man faces 8 felony charges for church break-ins

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

A 26-year-old South Haven man faces eight felony counts for break-ins at four South Haven churches in December and January.

Kirk Allen Krogel was arraigned in Seventh District Court this afternoon on the charges which include two counts of Safe Breaking, which carries up to life in prison and six counts of Breaking and Entering with Intent to Commit Larceny. Each of those counts carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Magistrate James Becker entered a not guilty plea for Krogel and set a preliminary hearing for Jan. 18. Bond was set at $500,000 cash surety.

A second suspect, Krogel's girlfriend, is expected to be arrested, according to Sgt. Tammy Rumler of the South Haven Police Department. The girlfriend told police she was involved in one of the break-ins.

The churches that were broken into include St. Paul Lutheran Church and school, First Congregational Church, First United Methodist Church and First Church of God. Police say the break-ins occurred on Dec. 7, Dec. 13, Jan. 2 and Jan. 4. More than $1,000 and various items were taken from the churches and St. Paul School.

In two instances at First United Methodist Church and First Church of God Krogel is alleged to have broken into safes in an attempt to find money.

St. Paul Church and school were broken into three times. The church was broken into on Dec. 13 and the school on Dec. 7 and 13. It was at the school that toys and $1,000 in cash were taken. According to a member of St. Paul Church who did not want to be identified, Krogel had attended church there periodically and was most recently at one of the Christmas services.

Police, who had issued a plea to the public in helping to solve the string of break-ins, got a break Thursday when they received a tip from one of the suspect's friends. A police officer had also given Krogel a ride home at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4, which was the evening that Krogel broke into the First United Methodist Church and the First Church of God. The officer became suspicious when he noticed that Krogel was carrying a sack of tools with him.

Krogel did confess to police that he had broken into the four churches and St. Paul School, but did not take responsibility for a string of recent break-ins at various businesses in South Haven. The churches and the businesses were broken into in a similar manner in that entry was gained by breaking windows and doors.

Man arrested for meth possession

GRAND JUNCTION A 24-year-old Grand Junction man faces criminal charges in connection with an arrest for methamphetamine possession.

The man, whose name is being withheld pending arraignment, was arrested at 4 p.m., Jan. 5, near the Coffee Lake access in Columbia Township, according to a Van Buren County Sheriff's Department report.

Neighbors had been concerned about suspicious activity taking place at the access, located in the 55000 block of 8^th Avenue. A deputy, who was patrolling the area, noticed the suspect in a vehicle and interviewed him. The suspect was trying to hide something in his hand. After a brief altercation the suspect was handcuffed and arrested. Police found 1.4 grams of meth in the vehicle along with $134 in cash. The suspect was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and resisting arrest. He was taken to Van Buren County Jail.

1.5.12

Two more South Haven churches broken into

By TRIBUNE STAFF

A series of break-ins, including ones at local churches, has resulted in South Haven Police seeking the public's help.

The two latest incidents occurred at First United Methodist Church and First Church of God, sometime between late Wednesday evening and early this morning.

We closed our doors at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday and a police officer discovered a broken basement window around 3:30 a.m. today, so it must have happened in that time frame, said Rev. John Fisher of First United Methodist Church. That's not a very easy window to get into, either.

The suspect or suspects used a couple of screwdrivers from the pastor's desk to pry open a metal box that contained several thousand dollars worth of checks. But they didn't take them, Fisher said. They were looking for cash, but there wasn't any.

The suspect or suspects didn't find any cash at First Church of God, either, a church secretary reported. Entry to the church was gained by breaking in through a door.

I'm not sure why they're targeting churches, Fisher said. If you want to get cash, churches aren't the best place to get it.

Over the past several months, however, the person or persons breaking into churches and businesses has found cash in some instances.

In a three-month period from October through December, police have recorded more than a dozen break-ins of businesses and houses of worship, according to Det. Darin Mentink.

Some of the businesses and churches include First Congregational Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Biddy Murphy Irish Goods, South Haven Steel Supply, Little Oscar's, Lewis Mini Storage, and Barden Farm Market. Several of the businesses have been broken into multiple times.

(The break-ins) are all similar, Mentink said, in that the suspect or suspects break windows or bust through doors and then steal cash.

Police, however, are hesitant at this point, to think that the same suspects are involved in all of the crimes. It could be separate suspects, but we think the church ones are definitely related, Mentink said.

Police do have some evidence from the crime scenes, including finger prints and blood DNA, however, they don't have enough information at this point to lead to an arrest.

Police are not saying how much money has been stolen from the businesses and churches, but warn businesses, especially churches, not to leave money stored in their buildings.

Area residents who have information about the break-ins, are encouraged to call South Haven Police, 637-5151.

1.4.12

SH man faces 3 counts of criminal sexual conduct in alleged molestation of girl

By BECKY BURKERT

Editor and general manager

A South Haven man faces three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a girl under the age of 10.

Keith Nienhuis, 56, was arraigned Tuesday in Seventh District Court in South Haven on two charges of first-degree sexual conduct and one charge of second-degree sexual conduct in connection with the alleged incidents that occurred in December, according to court records.

First-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, while second-degree criminal sexual conduct carries a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.

Nienhuis, who is unemployed, asked magistrate James Becker for leniency in setting the bond.

I've done so much damage to my wife and kids, but I've got to see them and my attorney.

Becker, however, set bond at $1 million cash surety, and set a preliminary hearing for Jan. 11 to determine whether there is enough evidence against Nienhuis to proceed further.

South Haven Police were notified Dec. 27 of Nienhuis's alleged contact with the girl, according to Det. Darin Mentink. Police then arrested Nienhuis on Dec. 29.

Police were told that Neinhuis allegedly sexually penetrated the girl, who was reported as a friend of the family, on Dec.7 and again on Dec. 19.

PHOTO: Keith Nienhuis is shown at his video arraignment Tuesday in Seventh District Court in South Haven.

Police seek public's help in solving church, business break-ins

By TRIBUNE STAFF

A series of break-ins, including ones at local churches, has resulted in South Haven Police seeking the public's help.

In a three-month period from October through December, police have recorded more than a dozen break-ins of businesses and houses of worship, according to Det. Darin Mentink.

Some of the businesses and churches include First Congregational Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Biddy Murphy Irish Goods, South Haven Steel Supply, Little Oscar's, Lewis Mini Storage, and Barden Farm Market. Several of the businesses have been broken into multiple times.

(The break-ins) are all similar, Mentink said, in that the suspect or suspects break windows or bust through doors and then steal cash.

Police, however, are hesitant at this point, to think that the same suspects are involved in all of the crimes. It could be separate suspects, but we think the church ones are definitely related, Mentink said.

Police do have some evidence from the crime scenes, including finger prints and blood DNA, however, they don't have enough information at this point to lead to an arrest.

Police are not saying how much money has been stolen from the businesses and churches, but warn businesses, especially churches, not to leave money stored in their buildings.

Area residents who have information about the break-ins, are encouraged to call South Haven Police, 637-5151.

1.3.12

Contributed photo

First baby of 2012

South Haven Health System's first baby of 2012 arrived on Monday, Jan. 2. The proud parents are Tiffany Scaggs of Bangor and Gaven McDonald. The couple's little boy's name is Malaki Troi McDonald. He was born at 1:09 p.m. and weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces. In honor of the occasion the Shoreline Birthing Center staff donated a gift basket with a variety of baby items.

Police await autopsy results in fatal fire

Police are waiting to identify a person who died in a fatal fire shortly after 8 p.m. on Monday in Decatur.

An autopsy is scheduled today at Spectrum Health Center in Grand Rapids, according to a news release from the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department.

The release indicated that three fire departments responded to the fire, which was fully engulfed when they arrived. After putting out the fire, the victim's bdy was located inside the residence at 47824 78^th Ave.

The Michigan State Police Fire Marshall is working today to determine the cause of the fire.

Men arrested for stealing scrap metal in Arlington Twp.

Two Gobles men found out Friday that scrap metal doesn't always pay off.

The 17-year-old and 18-year-old were caught stealing scrap metal and other property from a vacant residence in the 51000 block of 28^th Ave., in Arlington Township at 4:45 p.m. When Van Buren County Sheriff's deputies arrived they found one suspect, however, the other one fled the scene on foot.

The first suspect told deputies he and his accomplice had been stealing scrap metal and other items to be sold at a metal recycling center in Van Buren County. The other suspect was found later by deputies and confessed to the incidents as well. The two suspects also told police they had been stealing scrap metal and other property from various locations throughout the Gobles and Bloomingdale area for the past several weeks.

Both men were taken to Van Buren County Jail for larceny and trespassing. Victims are being sought who have had scrap metal and property taken from their homes. The case is still open for further investigation.

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