WLKI 100.3

07/29/2024

SW Michigan Getting Portion Of $11 Million In Disaster Funding
7/29/2024
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(LANSING) – Four Southwest Michigan counties will get a portion of State funds to provide financial assistance following the May 7 tornadoes that struck the area.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday morning that $10,997,209 from the State’s Disaster and Emergency Contingency Fund will be given to 17 counties.

Of that amount, $1,601,555 will be given to St. Joseph, Branch, Kalamazoo and Cass Counties, who applied for the funding following the May 7 storms and tornadoes that moved through the area. The storms caused significant damage to homes, businesses and the power grid.

Whitmer declared a State of Emergency for the four counties.

The majority of the $1.6 million, just over $1.5 million, will be going to Kalamazoo County. St. Joseph County will be getting almost $21,000, while Branch County will receive just over $31,000 and Cass County will get just over $13,000.

Clean up and debris removal from the storms has been going on for several weeks. The funding from the State can be applied toward costs associated with the response to a disaster or emergency, covering overtime for public employees, contracts, shelter supplies, gasoline and repair of public buildings and roads.

(photos courtesy of community members)

07/29/2024

Jessica Bird, Executive Director of The Steuben County United Way, joined me this morning on WLKI 100.3 to tell you about the 46th Annual United Way Golf Outing. It's going to place Thursday, August 8, on the Zollner Golf Course at Trine University.

Get your friends together and plan on a day of fun and laughs while supporting ALL of The Steuben County United Way's agcencies.

And you know it's going to be a good time because lunch will be served by Bon Appetit!

Jessica has more on this WLKI Podcast: wlki.com/blog.php?article=130479

unitedwaysteuben.org
facebook.com/SteubenCountyUnitedWay

07/29/2024

Man Arrested Following Elkhart Standoff
7/29/2024
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(ELKHART) – Authorities say a man is in custody following a standoff that happened on the east side of Elkhart on Sunday.

A call was made to the Elkhart Police Department at 8:15 AM Sunday from a citizen who was concerned about a possible ongoing domestic situation at a home in the 100 block of Witmer Avenue. Officers arrived around 9 AM, and found a female victim outside of the home. They spoke with her and made sure she was all right. Officers then tried several times to call the suspect out of the home, but he barricaded himself inside.

The Elkhart County Regional Swat Team was called to the home. A search warrant for the home was also obtained after officers learned the man may be armed.

SWAT Team members deployed gas canisters inside the home. The man then came out of the house around 12:15 PM and surrendered.

The suspect, a man in his 50’s, was taken to an area hospital due to his exposure to the gas. After being cleared medically the man was taken to the Elkhart County Jail.

The matter is still under investigation.

(photo courtesy of Elkhart Police Department)

07/29/2024

Butler Man Injured In ATV Accident
7/29/2024
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(UNDATED) – A Butler man was injured in an ATV accident over the weekend.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office says 25 year old Colton Edgar was driving his ATV south in the 5400 block of County Road 35 when he lost control of the vehicle. Edgar entered the ditch line on the west side of the roadway and rolled the ATV, which three him off the vehicle.

Edgar was taken to Parkview Regional Medical Center by Parkview EMS to be treated for head and back pain. He is listed in stable
condition.

Assisting deputies were the Auburn Police and Fire Departments along with the Indiana Department Of Natural Resources.

(photo courtesy of DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

07/28/2024

Congratulations to the Fox Lake Preservation Foundation!

And Thank You, Indiana Landmarks, for the honor of using my photo of these smiling faces to help document Fox Lake history.

Groups in Fox Lake and Muncie honored by Indiana Landmarks for preservation work.

07/28/2024

Vermont Settlement Days Continues Sunday
7/27/2024
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(ORLAND) – Sunday is the final day for the 2024 Vermont Settlement Days and there’s a lot of events going on.

The Little League Tournament continues at 9 AM. At 9:30 AM you can see a demonstration of the Jaws Of Life by the Orland Fire Department.

Starting at 11 AM, the vendors, crafters and food booths will also be open, and the silent auction bits will start to be taken, and will be open until 3 PM.

The mud volleyball tournament will start at 12 PM. The inflatables will be open at that time as well, along with the face painting, and there will be balloon animals, carnival games and farm animals for everyone to see.

The dunk tank will open at 12 PM. Then at 2:30 PM there will be an ice cream eating contest, followed by the cookie walk at 3 PM.

The winners of the silent auction, the Little Mister and Little Miss contests and the pedal pull will be announced at 4 PM and the chicken poo game starts at 4:30 PM.

(photo courtesy of Vermont Settlement Days)

07/27/2024

Royal Court Announced For 2024 Branch County 4-H Fair
7/26/2024
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(COLDWATER) – The royal court has been announced for the 2024 Branch County 4-H Fair.

This year’s Queen candidates are Alexa Graham, Alivia Burlingame, Elly Brewer and Olivia Uren.

The only person to submit an application for King was Cameron Converse.

The crowning ceremony will be held on Sunday, August 4 at 7 PM on the Free Stage. The 2024 winners will replace the 2023 Queen and King, Samantha Smoker and Mason Foley.

(left to right) Elly Brewer, Alexa Graham, Cameron Converse, Alivia Burlingame and Olivia Uren (photo courtesy of Branch County 4-H Fair)

07/27/2024

No Injuries Reported In Bronson Township House Fire
7/26/2024
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(BRONSON TOWNSHIP) – No injuries were reported in a Thursday morning house fire in Bronson Township.

Bronson Fire Chief Scott Wilber says his department was notified just before 6 AM Thursday by Branch County Central Dispatch about a structure fire at 376 Prairie River Road. A passerby called authorities and said there were flames coming through the roof of an attached garage. The motorist stopped and woke up the occupants of the house.

Wilber says the home owners told him they had working smoke detectors, but they had not yet gone off. As they were getting out of the house, the fire broke through the ceiling and walls, causing the alarms activate.

The Burr Oak and Colon Fire Departments provided mutual aid in battling the blaze, which was eventually put out.

Wilber says their investigation determined the fire started due to a spark from a charcoal barbecue grill that was on the back porch. Damage estimates stand at $200,000 for the building and $50,000 to the contents.

Wilber says firefighters were on scene for three and a half hours.

(photos courtesy of Bronson Fire Department)

07/27/2024

SW Michigan Unemployment Rates Increase From May To June
7/26/2024
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(LANSING) – The counties of Southwest Michigan saw their unemployment go up from May to June.

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget says St. Joseph County’s unemployment increased from 4.1% to 4.9%.

The biggest jump in the area was Hillsdale County, which went up from 4.2% to 5.4%.

Branch County went from 3.8% to 4.4%, while Cass County saw a rise in their unemployment from 4.2% to 5.1%.

Wayne Rourke, Labor Market Information Director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics, says Michigan regions experienced typical jobless rate gains during June. He says the majority of regions around the State saw labor force levels increase over the month and the year.

(photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget)

07/26/2024

This Little Lime Punch is packing big color and ready to push it out!

Thanks to Kelley Re*****on with Good times Horticulture Company for joining me today on WLKI 100.3.

The Mid-Summer Shrub Sale is on at Good Times: Buy One, Get Another 50% Off!

With the mild weather we're experiencing, now is a Good Time to stop in and see the Little Lime Punch® Panicle Hydrangea. Very easy to maintain and will give you big colors. It starts lime green, then turns white, then variations of pink will put on a show. It's sun loving. So with a little water and a little TLC, these will bloom all Summer and in to the Fall.

Hear Kelley tell you more on this WLKI Podcast: wlki.com/blog.php?article=130469

Good Times Horticulture Company, 3835 West 600 North, Fremont. They have the tools and the talent. You'll benefit from Good Times' decades of knowledge.

Give them a call at 260-570-5496.

Good Times is 'Resource over retail'. Consult the good folks at Good Times to point you in the right direction for expert, friendly advice on plant selections, soil maintenance, as well as landscape design, landscape installation and landscape performance.

facebook.com/GoodTimesHorticultureCompany
instagram.com/goodtimeshortco

07/25/2024

Today is Miracle Treat Day at your Angola DQ Grill & Chill!

07/25/2024

Leslie Angus is with me this afternoon on WLKI 100.3, to tell you about the 2024 Orland Vermont Settlement Festival. July 27 & 28, in The Orland Town Park.

Featuring so much fun, including live local music, mud volleyball, a big parade, 5k Run/Walk and Kid's Day activities on Saturday.

Leslie has more on this WLKI Podcast: https://wlki.com/blog.php?article=130468

Here's the Vermont Settlement Festival schedule: shorturl.at/WKgFH

07/25/2024

E&R Restorations will bring your ride back to life. It's what they do!

E&R Restorations' Eric Erman is with me on WLKI 100.3, and on this WLKI Podcast: wlki.com/blog.php?article=130465

E&R Restorations has been serving the collector car restoration and late model collision repair needs of our area for more than 14.

With their skill and expertise, Eric and the team at E&R Restorations have ben putting well-rested cars and trucks back on the road. It's what they do!

5790 West Kimble Road, Angola, IN 46703 - between Crooked Lake and Lake Gage. 260-668-6036.

Click or tap this link to see what they're working on at E&R Restorations: facebook.com/E&RRestorationsLLC

07/25/2024

FEMA Denies Whitmer’s Request For Help Following Tornadoes
7/24/2024
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(UNDATED) – A Federal agency has said no to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request to declare four counties major disasters following the May 7 tornadoes.

In a letter to Whitmer, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says the storm that struck St. Joseph, Branch, Cass and Kalamazoo Counties was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the State, affected local governments and voluntary agencies.

The storms and tornadoes moved through Southwest Michigan and left a path of devastation in their wake.

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman and St. Joseph County Emergency Management Director Erin Goff said there was significant tornado damage to multiple locations in St. Joseph County, including the central, north central, and northeastern sections of the county. Numerous homes and businesses sustained damage from the storm.

In Branch County, the tornadoes did major damage in Sherwood Township along a six mile path.

Michigan State Senator Sean McCann issued a statement, asking Whitmer to appeal FEMA’s decision. She has 30 days in which to make an appeal.

(photo courtesy of FEMA)

07/25/2024

SBA Says Resources Available For People Impacted By Tornadoes
7/24/2024
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(CENTREVILLE) – Resources are available for St. Joseph County residents impacted by the tornadoes and storms that moved through the area on May 7.

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman and Emergency Management Director Erin Goff says the U.S. Small Business Administration issued a disaster declaration for the May 2024 tornado event that impacted the county. This is separate from any other declaration and is specific to Kalamazoo County, with residents of St. Joseph, Cass and Branch Counties also eligible to apply.

The SBA resources include a variety of low interest disaster loans.

Bingaman says you can apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information by going to www.sba.gov/disaster

Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.

(photo courtesy of U.S. Small Business Association)

07/24/2024

Toy Boat! Toy Boat! Toy Boat!

Nancy McBride and Mike McBride joined me today on WLKI 100.3 to preview The Lake James Antique & Classic Boat Show and Car Show. It's coming up Saturday, July 27, 9 am - 4 pm.

Featuring more than 60 antique boats in the water plus a variety of antique cars and motors, as well as music and vendors on land. This free event is at the old Boat House location on County Road 300 West, near the Lake James/Jimmerson Lake bridge.

Plus, young fans will receive a FREE wooden toy boat to paint and keep forever, as a way to remember this day on Lake James!

Mike and Nancy have more on this WLKI Podcast: wlki.com/blog.php?article=130460

facebook.com/LakeJamesAssociation
indianaacbs.net

07/24/2024

Marvin Baker and Vivian Blankenship are with me on WLKI 100.3 to let you know about Summer at Buck Lake Ranch.

Plan to be at Buck Lake Ranch for Andy Music Fest on August 3&4, Hippe Magic September 13-15, Universal Roots Festival, Weekend Co****le Tournaments, Karaoke, and a lot more family fun!

Vivian and Marvin have more on this WLKI Podcast:
wlki.com/blog.php?article=130459

Bring your friends and enjoy Buck Lake Bar & Grill in downtown Angola. Featuring great food for lunch and dinner, at 114 North Elizabeth Street.

Your next party or get-together can be at Buck Lake Bar & Grill or Buck Lake Ranch, Angola.

Vivian reminds us that you can now DoorDash Subway at Angola Travel Stop Marathon. Enjoy a delicious Subway Footlong. From The Subway Series to Classic Sandwiches to Fresh Melts. Get your favorite Subway Sidkicks, drinks, chips and cookies in one place: Subway at Angola Travel Stop Marathon, U.S. 20 at I-69.

07/24/2024

Trine men’s basketball team honored at White House.
7/24/2024
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(WASHINGTON, DC) – Already celebrated nationally for their NCAA Division III championship, the Trine University men's basketball team made a trip to the White House on Monday, July 22. The Thunder were one of more than 40 championship teams representing all NCAA divisions hosted at the second annual White House College Champions Day. Dr. Rick L. James, chair of Trine's Board of Trustees, flew the team to Washington D.C. and back on his private jets. Trine University Coach Brooks Miller says to be recognized at the White House for all our hard work is very humbling. Miller says it was a great experience and an honor to represent Trine University on such a grand stage. Teams participated in a self-guided tour of the White House, concluding on the South Lawn. One representative from each team was on stage as Vice President Kamala Harris, Jordynn Dudley, a member of the national championship Florida State University women's soccer team, and Lynda Tealer, NCAA senior vice president of championships, addressed the championship teams. Emmanuel Megnanglo, a native of Benin who represented Trine men's basketball on the stage, expressed gratitude to the university for the opportunities it has given him.

(photo courtesy of Trine University)

07/24/2024

Free School Supplies!

Thanks to Pastor Nathan Stroud for joining me today on WLKI 100.3.

To help make going back to school more affordable for families, Nathan invites you to The 12th Annual Back To School Bash. It will take place this Saturday, July 28, at Christ Life Revival Center, 1220 South Wayne, Angola, from noon-2 pm.

Hear Nathan tell all about The Bash on this WLKI Podcast: wlki.com/blog.php?article=130455

Make sure you sign up. Register at this link:
christlifeconnected.net/back-to-school-bash-2024
facebook.com/christlifeUPC

07/24/2024

Indiana Ends FY 2024 With $2.6 Billion In Reserves
7/23/2024
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(INDIANAPOLIS) - The State of Indiana closed fiscal year 2024 with over $2.5 billion in the State Reserves.

State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla made that announcement Tuesday, alongside Office of Management and Budget Director Cris Johnston and Acting State Budget Director Joseph Habig.

Nieshalla says thanks to Indiana’s long-standing conservative stewardship, which includes maintaining a healthy cash reserve between 10 and 15% of budgeted appropriations, Indiana closed out fiscal year 2024 with 11 percent in reserves. She says there was also a slight increase in income and a solid return on investments further supporting the State’s strong financial position.

The year-end fiscal report shows Indiana’s reserve broken down with $655 million in the General Fund; $181 million in Medicaid Contingency & Reserve; $672 million in Tuition Reserve; and $1.03 billion in the Rainy Day Fund.

The Comptroller’s Office coordinates with agencies statewide to complete final transactions for the year and confirm expenditures and revenues are aligned in order to produce the 2023-2024 fiscal year close out statement.

Nieshalla says Indiana’s healthy reserves and standing as the 7th lowest debt per capita state showcases the high level of fiscal responsibility the Hoosier State has, especially during a time when our country is facing a national debt crisis. Nieshalla says as a lead financial officer for Indiana, she sees the national debt at nearly $35 trillion as the greatest looming threat to Indiana’s robust economy.

Indiana State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla (photo courtesy of State of Indiana)

07/23/2024

Work up a thirst and make plans to stop by.

07/23/2024

Thanks to Tabitha Griva for joining me today on WLKI 100.3. She wants to invite you to Commons Park, as Angola Parks and Recreation Department's free concert on Friday, July 26 will feature REkT.

We're on this WLKI Podcast: wlki.com/blog.php?article=130451

At 6 pm, North Wayne Cruise-In classic car show will be on site, concessions will be provided by Beached Boys Grill, Guesswork Brewing Company, Ed's Fish And More plus Fire & Ice Italian Ice.

There will be 3 Kings Inflatable Bounce Houses for young fun.

At 7 pm, REkT will take the stage at the Roman Beer Performance Center in Commons Park, sponsored by Ruoff Mortgage.

Bring your chairs or blankets, your appetite and your dance moves to this great night in the park.

facebook.com/angolaparksandrec
angolain.org/AngolaParksandRecreation

07/23/2024

Three People Injured In Two Vehicle Crash In DeKalb County
7/22/2024
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(DEKALB COUNTY) – A two vehicle crash injured three people in Northeast Indiana.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office says at 12:57 PM Friday, 64 year old Phillip Taylor of Butler, Indiana was traveling east on State Road 8 and was approaching the intersection of State Road 1. Taylor says another vehicle was traveling south on State Road 1, but did not stop at the intersection, and drove into the path of his pick up, and the two vehicle collided.

A witness told deputies they also saw the second vehicle, driven by 77 year old Sandra Hogle of Fort Wayne, not stop at the intersection.

Hogle and her passenger, a 17 year old girl from Harlan, IN. were pinned inside the vehicle and had to be removed by the Spencerville Fire Department. Hogle had head and hip pain and the teen had cuts to her head. Both were taken to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

Taylor was not inured. His passenger, 64 year old Christine Taylor, had chest pain and was also taken to Parkview Regional Medical Center.

Both vehicles are considered a total loss. The camper Taylor was hauling suffered approximately $5,000 damage.

(photo courtesy of DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

07/23/2024

Sturgis Woman Among Four Injured In Two Vehicle Crash
7/22/2024
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(HOWE) – A Sturgis woman was among four people injured in a two vehicle crash.

The LaGrange County Sheriff’s Office was called to investigate a crash that happened at 11:18 AM Friday on County Road 100 East and State Road 120 in Howe.

Deputies say a vehicle driven by 30 year old Renessa Coup of Sturgis was heading south on County Road 100 East. According to witnesses, and the driver of the second vehicle, 41 year old Brett Michael of Bryan, Ohio, Coup stopped at the intersection of State Road 120, but pulled out in front of Michael, who was driving a semi and heading west.

The vehicles collided with Coup’s auto having heavy driver side damage.

Coup was trapped inside her SUV and had to be removed by the Howe Fire Department. She was flown from the scene to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Her condition has not been released.

Three passengers in the Coup vehicle were injured. 57 year old Diana Fraker of Findley, Ohio was also taken to Parkview Regional Medical Center by ambulance. Two children, ages 2 and 1 of Sturgis, had minor injuries and were transported to Parkview Regional Medical Center.

Michael was not injured.

Everyone was wearing their safety belts at the time of the crash.

(photo courtesy of Google Maps)

07/23/2024

June Unemployment Up Around NE Indiana
7/22/2024
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(INDIANAPOLIS) – Unemployment went up around Northeast Indiana from May to June.

According to information released by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, LaGrange County saw an increase from 3.4% to 3.7% over the month.

The largest increase was in Noble County, which went up from 4.1% to 4.6%. Steuben County saw an increase from 3.4% to 3.8% and Elkhart County jumped from 4.1% to 4.5%. DeKalb County had an increase in unemployment from 3.7% to an even 4%.

Cities also had an increase in unemployment from May to June around Northeast Indiana. Elkhart went from 5% to 5.5% and Goshen increased from 3.9% to 4.6%.

Statewide the unemployment rate increased from 3.7% to 3.8%. That’s still below the National unemployment rate of 4.1% for June.

(photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Workforce Development)