Thunder Country 105.5 WTHD

02/07/2024

02/07/2024

Wanna win 4 tickets to Cedar Point?! If you're 18+ you can register NOW at Pinon Auto Sales, across from Hot'n Now on S. Centreville Road in Sturgis. NO purchase necessary. We'll draw the lucky winner on the Thunder Country 105.5 WTHD Morning Show on Friday, July 26th!

02/07/2024

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, SAL Post 215 provided additional flags for the "Protect our Flag" project. Pictured with Sheriff Tracy Harker is Cole Frost and Craig Connelly.

If you have a Torn or Tattered American flag and proof you are a LaGrange County resident, Sheriff Tracy Harker will replace your American Flag at no cost to you.

Bring in your old flag to the LaGrange County Sheriff's Office, (call prior to arriving), to meet with Sheriff Tracy Harker, receive your new flag and have your old flag properly retired.

Let's all work together to protect our American Flag.
Limit one per household.
LCSO is a drop off location for Torn Tattered Flags.
Contact LCSO for more information. 260-463-7491

02/07/2024

Lilly Endowment Scholarship Apps Open For Steuben Co. Students
7/2/2024
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(ANGOLA) – An application is now open for Steuben County students in the Class of 2025.

The Steuben County Community Foundation has announced that applications for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship are now open to be filled out.

To be eligible, you must be a high school senior, graduating by the end of June 2025 with a diploma from an accredited Indiana High School in Steuben County. You must also be a resident of Steuben County for a period of at least three continuous years prior to graduation.

Applicants must plan on being a full time student studying for a Bachelor’s Degree at a public or private college or university in Indiana. They must also have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or an 8.0 on a 12.0 scale.

To apply, go to the Foundation’s website, www.steubenfoundation.org Then click on the green “Apply” button, then click on “Scholarships”, create an account and go from there.

Your application and all additional materials need to be submitted through your account by 11:59 PM on August 22 of this year.

If you have any questions, please contact Grants & Scholarship Manager Silby Kayst at 260-665-6656.

(photo courtesy of Steuben County Community Foundation)

02/07/2024

One Person Injured In Four Vehicle Accident
7/2/2024
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(DEKALB COUNTY) – One person was injured in a four vehicle crash Monday morning.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office says 80 year old Herbert Inch of Eaton Rapids, Michigan was driving south on I-69 near the 326 mile marker at 9:15 AM, and didn’t realize that both of the southbound lanes were slowed down. Inch failed to stop in enough time and tried to go around a vehicle operated by 86 year old Marvin Arnold of Fort Wayne, but ended up striking the automobile.

Arnold was pushed into a third vehicle, operated by Dale VanderVennen of Grandville, Michigan. Inch also struck the VanderVennen automobile, and then hit a fourth vehicle that was pulling a trailer, before coming to a stop.

Arnold complained of lower leg pain.

The Inch and Arnold vehicles are considered total losses. The VanderVennen vehicle suffered $3,000 in damages while the fourth automobile, a transit trailer, has $10,000 in damages.

Assisting at the scene were the Auburn Police and Fire Departments, the Indiana State Police and the DeKalb EMS.

(photos courtesy of DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

02/07/2024

Nicole Gittenger Retiring As Sturgis Schools Asst. Superintendent
7/2/2024
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(STURGIS) – A long time member of the Sturgis Public Schools family is retiring.

Sturgis Superintendent Dr. Art Ebert announced Monday that Assistant Superintendent Nicole Gittinger is retiring after serving the District for the past 15 years.

Before coming to Sturgis, Gittinger had been a teacher and coach in the White Pigeon School District.

Gittinger was hired in 2009 to be the Principal at Wall School. In 2015 she became the Principal at Eastwood School, and in 2017 she was hired to be the Assistant Superintendent.

Gittinger is an engaged member of the Sturgis community, cares deeply for others and relentlessly advocates for the unique needs of each and every student.

To fill Gittenger’s Assistant Superintendent position, Ebert says the District will be engaging in the following selection process. From July 1 to July 12, the position will be posted. As applications are submitted, phone screening interviews will be taking place, through July 13.

On July 16, Round 1 interviews will be taking place with a panel of stakeholders. Round 2 interviews will happen on July 18. Then on July 22, during a special Board of Education meeting, a candidate will be recommended for hiring.

Anyone interested in applying for the position should e-mail Ebert at [email protected] with a letter of interest and a resume.

Nicole Gittinger (photo courtesy of Sturgis Public Schools)

02/07/2024

Lakeland Correctional Officer Arrested Twice
7/2/2024
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(UNDATED) – An officer at the Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater was arrested twice on different charges.

On June 12, the Michigan Department of Corrections requested the assistance of the Michigan State Police from the Marshall Post regarding an investigation into a corrections officer.

The officer, identified at 43 year old Mark Everett Goodlock of Hillsdale, was contacted before the start of his shift. A subsequent search lead to the officer being arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance, and he was taken to the Branch County Jail.

Goodlock was able to post bond and was released. On June 21 he was arrested once again for an alleged violation of his bond conditions. He is being held in the Branch County Jail and is scheduled for an appearance July 15 in Branch County Circuit Court for a pre-trial conference.

The matter is still under investigation.

(photo courtesy of Lakeland Correctional Facility)

02/07/2024

Update On Bronson Boil Water Advisory
7/2/2024
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(BRONSON) – The City of Bronson has provided an update on the Boil Water Advisory that was issued Monday.

City Manager Brandon Mersman says that the first water sample from July 1 did come back POSITIVE from a home in the advisory area.

Mersman says the City will draw a sample today with results expected July 3rd. The City will also sample on July 3rd as well. The City needs two negative tests in a row in order to lift the advisory. These tests are taken 24 hours apart per the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Mersman says the earliest possible release of this advisory is now July 4th.

The advisory was issued Monday for the following areas of Bronson: All of South Douglas Street; the 100 and 200 blocks of South Walker Street between Compton Street and U.S. 12; the 200 block of Compton Street between South Walker and South Douglas Streets; West Chicago Road at 139, 215, 245 and 307 West Chicago Road; and 139 and 140 West Corey Street.

Mersman says the advisory was issued due to a drop in water pressure in the system.

In you live in these areas, please do not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil for at least one minute, then let it cool before using it.

You can also use bottled water.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food.

(photo courtesy of Pixabay)

02/07/2024

The City of Bronson has provided an update today on the Boil Water Advisory issued Monday.

UPDATE: July 2, 2024- The first water sample from July 1, 2024 did come back POSITIVE from a home in this area. The City will draw a sample today with results expected July 3rd. The City will also sample on July 3rd as well. The City needs two negative tests in a row in order to lift the advisory. These tests are taken 24 hours apart per the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The earliest possible release of this advisory is now July 4th.

01/07/2024

MSP Investigating Counterfeit Money In Tekonsha
7/1/2024
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(TEKONSHA) – Michigan State Police are investigating incidents of counterfeit bills that were passed at some Tekonsha area businesses in the last month.

Troopers say the suspect entered the stores, provided fake cash and then had the money put on an online card.

The suspect is a black female in her early to mid 20’s. She has been wearing a black sweatshirt and a yellow hair wrap. She is believed to be working with a crew of people to pass these fake bills.

The Michigan State Police are urging businesses in the Tekonsha area and around Southern Michigan to be mindful when receiving large amounts of cash, and to take extra steps to determine if the money is real.

If anyone has information on these incidents, they are asked to call the Michigan State Police Post in Marshall at 269-558-0500.

(photo courtesy of Michigan State Police)

01/07/2024

Woman Arrested For Kidnapping Child
7/1/2024
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(ANGOLA) – An Angola woman is charged with kidnapping following an incident last week.

Steuben County Chief Deputy Sheriff Michael Meeks says just before 5 PM on June 27, deputies responded to the 4700 block of West County Road 100 South in Pleasant Township, on an initial report of a small child taken from a residence. When they arrived, deputies gathered information and determined that a 5 year old boy was allegedly taken by a female relative from the child’s father after the father refused to willingly allow the child to go with that relative. The woman then left the residence with the child in a red passenger vehicle.

Sheriff’s detectives were also called to the scene and gathered further information, indicating the suspect was possibly going to a hospital because the child’s mother, who was divorcing the child’s father, was having a medical procedure. Detectives learned the child’s mother was at Cameron Memorial Hospital.

Deputies arrived at the hospital where they found the child and the suspect, 49 year old Patricia Reffeitt. The child was returned to his father. Reffeitt declined to speak to authorities and was taken into custody.

Reffeitt was booked into the Steuben County Jail on a felony charge of kidnapping. The matter remains under investigation.

Patricia Reffeitt (photo courtesy of Steuben County Sheriff's Office)

01/07/2024

One Man Killed In Two Vehicle Crash
7/1/2024
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(TOPEKA) – A two vehicle crash claimed the life of one of the passengers.

LaGrange County Chief Deputy Sheriff Juan Arroyo says deputies were called out to a personal injury crash just before 5:30 AM Thursday. The investigation determined that 74 year old James Goodwin of Syracuse was driving south in the 5400 South block of State Road 5, when it’s believed that Goodwin fell asleep and crossed the center line into the northbound lane.

A vehicle, driven by 61 year old Martin Rodriguez of Ligonier was heading north, and told deputies he attempted to avoid the collision but was unsuccessful, and was struck by Goodwin.

53 year old Abel Salazar of Ligonier was a front seat passenger in the Rodriguez vehicle. He was trapped in the auto and had to be removed by the Topeka Fire Department. While on scene, Salazar became unresponsive and despite all life saving measures, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A backseat passenger in the Rodriguez vehicle, 58 year old Rafael Beccerra had multiple injuries and was taken to Parkview LaGrange Hospital.

All four individuals were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash. Assisting at the scene were the Topeka Police Department and the Indiana State Police.

(photo courtesy of LaGrange County Sheriff's Office)

01/07/2024

July is here! Am I the only one who feels time passing by more quickly??

01/07/2024

🎆🎇 Just a friendly reminder 🎇🎆

In Indiana, residents can shoot off fireworks on their property or another location with permission. Fireworks are allowed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round and from 9 a.m. to midnight on Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and New Year's Eve.

01/07/2024

Wanna win 4 tickets to Cedar Point?! If you're 18+ you can register NOW at Everage Auto in Lagrange & Topeka. NO purchase necessary. We'll draw the lucky winner on the Thunder Country 105.5 WTHD Morning Show on Friday, July 26th!

29/06/2024

More Information Released On Shooting Of Hillsdale Deputy
6/29/2024
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(HILLSDALE) – More information has been released about the shooting of a Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Deputy.

Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire says the deputy who was shot is 51 year old William Butler Jr.

Hodshire says on Thursday afternoon, Butler heard a call for assistance during a traffic stop at the intersection of Beecher and Lamb Roads and went to help. The passenger in the car that was stopped, 34 year old Eric Fiddler of Jonesville, was not cooperating with the officers, as there were warrants out for his arrest.

Hodshire says a fight broke out between Fiddler and the deputies, who tried to use a taser Fiddler, but were not successful. Fiddler was able to pull out a handgun and shot Butler and then ran away from the scene.

Butler was taken to an area hospital, and later died from his wounds.

Michigan State Police and other law enforcement agencies used K-9 officers, aviation and ES teams to search the area and finally found Fiddler around 6:15 PM in the area of Culbert and Osseo Roads.

Hodshire says Troopers ordered Fiddler to surrender. He produced a weapon and fired at troopers who returned fire and struck Fiddler, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

(photo courtesy of Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office)

29/06/2024

Ohio Man Injured In Boating Accident In NE Indiana
6/29/2024
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(FREMONT) – An incident on Jimmerson Lake near Fremont Thursday injured an man.

At 7:08 PM, Indiana Conservation Officers were called to a report of a boat accident with injuries near the Nevada Mills area of the lake. Officers discovered that 56 year old Randy Peters of Bryan, Ohio was operating a hydrofoil when he lost is balance and fell off, causing his hand to strike the vehicle’s propeller.

Peters was taken by ambulance to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He is in stable condition with a serious hand injury.

(photo courtesy of Google Maps)

29/06/2024

Auburn Man Injured In SUV v Bicycle Accident
6/29/2024
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(DEKALB COUNTY) – A man received multiple injuries when he was struck by an SUV while riding his bicycle.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office say 81 year old Leo Sarrazine of Auburn was driving east in the 1900 block of County Road 66 at 9:10 AM when his vehicle struck a man on a bicycle that was exiting a driveway. Due to a hill crest in the area, it was difficult for Sarrazine to see the bicyclist.

Deputies say 61 year old Michael Delauder of Auburn was riding the bicycle. He suffered a broken leg, a head injury and lacerations all over his body. He was transported to an area hospital by Parkview EMS.

The LaOtto Fire Department also assisted at the scene.

(photos courtesy of DeKalb County Sheriff's Office)

29/06/2024

Three Suspects Charged In Kalamazoo Assault
6/29/2024
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(KALAMAZOO) – Three men have been arrested in connection with an assault that happened in Kalamazoo.

According to WWMT TV, Caiden Adams of Kalamazoo, Isaiah Hinojosa of Mendon and Salvador Alcantar Jr., of Three Rivers have all been charged with aggravated assault. They are being held in the Kalamazoo County Jail.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety says the alleged assault took place on April 13 on West Michigan Avenue near Howard Street just after 6:30 PM. A man was knocked unconscious. Witnesses say the attack was unprovoked.

The victim was taken to a hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

Investigators say multiple tips lead them to the three men.

(left to right) Isaiah Hinojosa, Caiden Adams and Salvador Alcantar Jr. (photos courtesy of Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety/WWMT)

29/06/2024

SJC Sheriff's Office To Enforce Local Speed Limits
6/29/2024
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(CENTREVILLE) – A collaboration between organizations will be enforcing local speed limits.

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman says his department will work alongside the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to enforce local speed limits around the County.

Bingaman says the Sheriff's Office will be adding extra patrols through the month of July. The extra patrols will be funded through the Office Of Highway Safety Planning.

(photo courtesy of St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office)

28/06/2024

Wanna win 4 tickets to Cedar Point?! If you're 21+ you can register NOW at The Dude Abides on S. Centreville Road in the Walmart Plaza in Sturgis, and in Coldwater on Willowbrook Road. NO purchase necessary. We'll draw the lucky winner on the Thunder Country 105.5 WTHD Morning Show on Friday, July 26th!

28/06/2024

Hillsdale County Deputy, Suspect Dead Following Incident
6/28/2024
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(HILLSDALE COUNTY) – A Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Deputy and the man who shot him are both dead following an incident Thursday afternoon.

Michigan State Police say the incident started Thursday afternoon when the deputy made a traffic stop in the area of Beecher and Lamb Roads, just southeast of Hillsdale. The suspect in the shooting, Eric Fiddler, ran away from the scene.

The deputy was taken to an area hospital, and later died from his wounds.

Michigan State Police and other law enforcement agencies used K-9 officers, aviation and ES teams to search the area and finally found Fiddler around 6:15 PM in the area of Culbert and Osseo Roads.

Troopers say Fiddler was ordered to surrender. He produced a weapon and fired at troopers who returned fire and struck Fiddler, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say Fiddler was wanted on multiple warrants.

The name of the fallen deputy has not been released, pending notification of his family. The matter remains under investigation.

Eric Fiddler (photo courtesy of Michigan State Police)

28/06/2024

Randy Small hired to be Vicksburg boys basketball coach.
6/27/2024
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(VICKSBURG) – A new coach has been hired to lead the Vicksburg boys varsity team, and it’s someone well known around West Michigan. Vicksburg Schools has announced that they have hired Randy Small to coach the Bulldogs starting with the 2024-2025 season. Small, who has coached at Marcellus in the past, is probably best know for this two tenures as the head coach of the Schoolcraft boys team, leading the Eagles to the Class C State Championship in 2011 and then the Division 3 Championship in 2022.

(photo courtesy of Vicksburg Schools)

28/06/2024

Steuben County Authorities Searching For S*x Offender
6/27/2024
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(ANGOLA) – The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public's assistance in locating a wanted non-compliant registered s*x offender.

Chief Deputy Sheriff Michael Meeks says on Wednesday, an arrest warrant was issued by Steuben County Circuit Court charging 40 year old Johnny Edward Kendrick with three counts of a Level 6 felony failure to register as a s*x or violent offender.

The warrant comes after a Sheriff’s Office investigation into allegations of Kendrick not living at his registered address, and failing to report a change in address to the Sheriff's Office as required by law.

Kendrick is a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing approximately 165 pounds. He has brown eyes, short brown hair and usually wears a beard or goatee. He also has numerous tattoos covering the majority of his upper body.

Kendrick was last known to be in the Ashley, Indiana area and could be armed.

If anyone has information on the location of Johnny Kendrick, they are asked to call the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office at 260-668-1000, extension 4000, or your local law enforcement agency.

Johnny Kendrick (photo courtesy of Steuben County Sheriffs Office)

28/06/2024

Sturgis BOE Approves Contract Extension For Ebert
6/27/2024
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(STURGIS) – The Sturgis Schools Board of Education has unanimously approved a contract extension for Superintendent Dr. Art Ebert.

During Monday’s special meeting the Board was presented with an extension for Ebert. The new deal is a four year contract, which runs from July 1, 2024 until June 30, 2028. It is subject to extension, non renewal and termination, as provided by the conditions in the contract.

The extension comes following the Board’s annual review of Ebert during their June 17 meeting, and presenting him with a highly effective rating. Board of Education President Emily Halling says the Board is grateful for Ebert’s leadership and ability to keep Sturgis Public Schools moving in the right direction. She says the Board is confident Ebert will continue to do so.

As part of the contract extension, Ebert will maintain through the term of the contract all certificates, credentials and qualifications required by law. He will also faithfully and diligently perform the duties of Superintendent as required by law.

Under the new contract, Ebert’s salary for the 2024-2025 school year will be $178,500.

Ebert has been the Sturgis Superintendent since 2018.

Sturgis Superintendent Dr. Art Ebert (file photo courtesy of Mike Stiles/Swick Broadcasting)

28/06/2024

Jobless Rates Increase From April To May Around Southern MI.
6/27/2024
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(LANSING) – Jobless rates around Southern Michigan went up from April to May.

The State of Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget says that St. Joseph County’s jobless rate increased from 3.8% to 4.1%.

Branch County went up from 3.4% to 3.8% while Cass County increased from 4% to 4.2%. Hillsdale County saw their unemployment go up from 3.9% to 4.2%.

The statewide unemployment also went up from April to May from 3.8% to 4.1%.

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

28/06/2024

NE Indiana Jobless Rates Up In May
6/27/2024
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(INDIANAPOLIS) – Jobless rates went up around Northeast Indiana from April to May.

Information released by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development shows LaGrange County’s jobless rate went from 2.9% to 3.3%.

DeKalb had the largest increase in unemployment in the area going from 2.9% to 3.6%. Steuben County rose from 2.9% to 3.4% while Noble County saw an increase from 3.5% to 4.1%.

Elkhart County saw a slight jump in their unemployment from 3.8% to 4.1%.

Some of the cities in Northeast Indiana also saw an increase in their unemployment over the month. Fort Wayne went up from 3.2% to 3.9%. Goshen saw their unemployment go up from 3.5% to 3.9%.

The City of Elkhart saw their unemployment go down slightly from 5.1% to an even 5%.

Statewide the unemployment rate in Indiana went up from 3.6% to 3.7%. That’s better than the National unemployment rate for May which was 4%, up from 3.9% in April.

(photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Workforce Development)

28/06/2024

Ruiz Has Case Bound Over To Circuit Court
6/27/2024
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(CENTREVILLE) – A suspect arrested in connection with a March break in and s*xual assaults has had his case bound over to St. Joseph County Circuit Court.

District Court officials say 25 year old Miguel Hernandez-Ruiz of Sturgis is charged with two counts of first degree criminal s*xual conduct with a person under the age of 13; along with first degree home invasion and an immigration detainer.

On March 20, the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office was called to the Sweet Lake Mobile Home Park east of Sturgis on a report of a home invasion. The investigation determined a man broke into the home between 12 AM and 5 AM and s*xually assaulted two girls under the age of 13.

Detectives determined a person of interest, Hernandez-Ruiz, and located him, but while waiting to take him into custody he fled the area. Authorities worked relentlessly to track him and finally located him in Fort Wayne. Surveillance was set up and officers were finally able to arrest him.

Detectives determined that Hernandez-Ruiz is a Mexican National who was living in Sturgis. He came to the United States in 2021 on a temporary work Visa, that expired in December 2021, and Hernandez-Ruiz remained in the United States.

Hernandez-Ruiz is being held without bond. No date has been set yet for his first appearance in Circuit Court.

Miguel Hernandez-Ruiz (photo courtesy of St. Joseph County Jail)

28/06/2024

City Commission Approves Lower Millage Rate Than Proposed
6/27/2024
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(photo courtesy of Mike Stiles/Swick Broadcasting)

28/06/2024

Trine University Seeking New President
6/27/2024
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(ANGOLA) – The search is underway for a new President for Trine University.

In a media release the Trine University Board of Education announced that after careful consideration and thorough analysis, they have accepted the resignation of Dr. John Shannon. He served as President since June 1, 2023.

In the release, Dr. Rick L. James, Chair of the Trine University Board of Trustees, extended the appreciation of the Board and the University at large for Dr. Shannon's deep commitment to Trine, and they wish him and his family the best in the years ahead. James says Shannon has fostered a culture of academic excellence in his years with Trine as President and formerly as Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Effective immediately, Dr. Earl D. Brooks II, current Trine Chancellor and former President, will serve as university President while the board of trustees plan for a comprehensive, nationwide search for a permanent President. In announcing Brooks' appointment, James says they are indeed fortunate that Brooks has offered to serve as President during the search and subsequent transition, and they are more than confident that this thriving university will continue to prosper under his leadership.

Brooks served as Trine President for 23 years, and helped transform the university in every possible way. Since retiring as president in May 2023, Dr. Brooks has served in the role of university Chancellor where he worked on special projects for the Board of Trustees.

The Trine Board has assembled a working group to begin the search process, and while no timetable has been set, it is expected that the new President will be selected within the next 12 months.

(left to right) Dr. John Shannon and Dr. Earl Brooks II (photos courtesy of Trine University)