Latest news with #ElkhartCounty
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elkhart dam will not receive additional advocacy funding
GOSHEN — The Elkhart County Council on Thursday voted against additional funds that would support measures to preserve the Elkhart dam. Elkhart County Commissioner Susie Weirick told the council that RJL Solutions, an advocacy and lobbyist group out of Terre Haute, was working with the county to advocate for the protection of the dam as the licensure is up for renewal in 2025 and federal operating license is set to expire in 2030. 'We needed some assistance in lobbying and advocating for the Elkhart dam and it's retention and relicensure,' she explained. The current owner of the dam, AEP, has since made a public announcement to make 'permanent repairs' to stabilize the dam. Weirick said they will drive piles into the riverbed to stabilize the dam. 'They cannot announce yet that they will keep this in their plan but we are very hopeful and we are anxiously awaiting some situations outside of Indiana to find out what that is, and when they do announce it, we have a lot of support from them. So we're expecting them to move along positively,' she said. So far, commissioners have funded RJL with about $36,000 toward advocacy for the dam and they requested from the council from the General Fund an additional $16,000 as they begin discussions with Indiana's Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 'The current goal is to hope that the federal regulation commission will support the application for more than the minimum — the minimum is 10 years,' Weirick said. 'It would be a great goal to have them extend the permit for up to 50, although that's unrealistic. We will be needing to advocate for that. We will also need to advocate with the Indiana [Utility] Regulatory Commission on their timelines as well as all the regulations that go around repairing the structure, the utility powerhouse and the area around the dam.' Weirick said the process is cumbersome and having the support of RJL Solutions in Indianapolis would be of great benefit. Councilman Doug Graham said he believed the advocacy group was originally engaged to convince AEP to tackle the project, with the agreement ending back in June. When asked how they help, Weirick said they've answered questions, helped prevent legislation to protect commissioners from broad removal without due process, advocate for the wheel tax and worked against SB 1. Weirick said she's also been told there is environmental pressure to remove the dam, but she doesn't know for sure. Councilman Graham also noted that the company was hired for the dam, but used for other things. Councilman Tom Stump said the council should support the appropriation because entities that are skilled in certain issues should handle those issues. Councilmen Doug Hess, Randy Yohn and Stump voted in favor of the appropriation, but Adam Bujalski, Steve Clark, Graham and Darryl Riegsecker voted against it, so the motion failed. OTHER BOARD ITEMS • The council also did not approve final design and bid documents to bid the Lily Greenway project from the C.R. 6 and C.R. 17 Improvement TIF. Elkhart County Redevelopment Director May Kratzer explained that the tax increment finance district captures $7.4 million per year and isn't expected to change much with the new tax laws related to SB1 so the money, $125,000 requested, wouldn't create a burden for the TIF. Still, the council did not approve the funding, less concerned about the immediate cost and more concerned about future maintenance costs. The property has been considered as a future county park, with a possible memorandum of understanding that the Osolo Township Trustee's Office would be responsible for maintaining the property. Councilman Clark said he's worried about what happens if the trustee's office becomes unable to maintain it financially due to tax decreases, as they are likely to see a much larger impact than the TIF district there will. The council seemed to mostly agree with Clark's concerns, with Clark, Riegsecker, Graham and Stump all voting against it and Bujalski, Hess and Yohn voting in favor. • The council reviewed and had hearings for five CF-1 forms compliances for local businesses to determine whether they should be held in compliance. Dynamic Metals and Furrion were both unanimously determined to be substantially compliant. Smoker Craft was determined substantially compliant as well but, it was not unanimous with Councilman Graham voting against it. Smoker Craft did not, in fact, meet their goals, however, it was noted and determined by the council's vote that it was due to factors beyond the company's control, namely current international relations with Canada. Steel Harbor and General RV Center were both unanimously deemed substantially not compliant. • Several appropriations for the IT Department were approved including funds to cover a gap with the county's Microsoft server license found through audit for $150,000 and funds to purchase shelf hardware for repairs rather than being charged a maintenance fee by CISCO at $75,000 • The Elkhart County Assessor's Office was approved funds to purchase, rather than lease, a copier for $17,000. • The council approved funds from an interlocal agreement with the city of Elkhart of a paving package on C.R. 6 between C.R. 9 and C.R. 11 for about $280,000. • The council approved $5,100 of donation from the commissioners for maintenance to the Parks & Recreation Department to cover the cost of part-time maintenance at Six Span Landing. • They also approved the annual contribution of $2,500 from the Elkhart County Historical Society for the department, which helps cover the cost of operations at the Elkhart County Historical Museum. • The council approved three items, totaling about $97,000, a supplemental fund that coincides with the initial grant setup for the fiscal year 2026 grant. It's the Juvenile Community Corrections Project Income Fund, correlating with the Juvenile Community Corrections Grant, supplementing salaries due to the grant no longer covering the total cost. Councilman Graham asked why the numbers should be approved, given the county's current policy that if the grant goes away the position goes away. Elkhart County Court Administrator Ross Maxwell said cost has to do with increasing pay scales and that grant used to cover payroll as well as some operational budget items which have also had to be moved to the project income budget. He said it's the first year they'd had to dip into the money to cover the costs. He also noted that it's not general fund money, but money garnered from fees from the department. • The Juvenile Detection Alternative Initiative Grant, totaling about $80,000 — an increase from last year, was also approved for the Elkhart County Judiciary. It contributes toward items like Teen Court at Bashor, some Boys & Girls Club programs, Lifeline programming, therapy dogs at the detention center and various ways to keep low-risk juveniles in the system engaged without being placed into the detention facility. • The health department requested approval of a grant that helps combat vaping and nicotine in the school systems. The council approved a grant for about $173,000 and another for $1,750 for staffing and programming from the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Fund. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bristol's annual tradition, Homecoming, returns this weekend
BRISTOL — The Bristol Homecoming Festival continues a century-old tradition this weekend. While the exact start date remains a mystery, many believe the tradition began in 1883, making this year 142nd anniversary, having only been paused twice — during the year of World War II and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's Bristol Homecoming Festival promises an array of exciting activities for everyone. The festivities kick off on Thursday evening and include the queen pageant. Rides, concessions, crafts and food at Congdon Park begin at 5 p.m. Thursday is also Wristband Day, with rides unlimited for $25. Otherwise, ride tickets are $1.25 each. There will be live music by Surf Inc on the Main Stage from 7-9 p.m. The park closes at 10 p.m. The Miss Bristol Homecoming Queen and Bristol Homecoming Teen Queen pageant will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 10 at Bristol Community Church. This year, 11 young women of Elkhart County will compete in two divisions: the Teen Division for contestants aged 13-15 and the Miss Division for those aged 16-22. Each contestant will bring her unique talents and spirit to the stage, all hoping to earn the coveted crown. TEEN DIVISION * Ruth Boomershine, Electric Pineapple * Avery Wilson, Evan's Sidewalk Cafe * Elizabeth Kantz, Bristol Fire Department * Noelle Fry, Camille's of Bristol MISS DIVISION * Kloe Mills, TruBeauty Salon * Breanna Wormuth, Bailey's Auto Parts * Shalom Boomershine, Electric Pineapple * Gabbee Kantz, Bristol Fire Department * Jaylin Binkley, Bristol Police Department * Keelee King, Beulah Missionary Church * Julia McClimon, Barrick Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Beyond the prestige of representing Bristol, both the Miss Bristol Homecoming Queen and Bristol Homecoming Teen Queen will earn the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Indiana State Festival Association Pageant later this fall. The contestants will also be participating in a variety of fun-filled events throughout the Bristol Homecoming Festival this weekend including at the Bristol Homecoming Parade. On Friday evening, the park opens again with rides, concessions, crafts and food. Children's activities sponsored by One20 Church begin at 5 p.m. at Congdon Park. There will also be a pulled pork and coney dog sale at Tri-State parking lot sponsored by the Masonic Lodge. The tractor pull begins at 5:30 p.m. on Elkhart Street, from Apollo Street to Washington Street. There will also be a food booth provided by St. Mary's Knights of Columbus and a Job's Daughter's bake sale both at the tractor pull. From 7-10 p.m. Groupies Wanted will perform live at the Main Stage in the Gazebo at Congdon Park. The park closes at 11 p.m. The final day of the Bristol Homecoming celebration brings a full day of activities, starting at 7 a.m. with breakfast at Bristol Community Church, 201 S. Division St., until 11 a.m. Adults are $8, kids under 12 are $4 and those under 5 are free. Coney dogs and pulled pork are for sale at the Masonic Lodge beginning at 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. Parade registration is from noon to 2 p.m. at Bristol Church of the Nazarene. Judging of the parade is at 1 p.m. and the Bristol Homecoming Parade itself begins at 2 p.m. During the parade, the Knights of Columbus food booth will be in St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, and strawberry shortcakes will be available, free limit one per person, at St. John's Episcopal Church. After the parade, the rides, concessions, crafts and food open at Congdon Park. At 4 p.m., the Quilt of Valor will be presented at the Main Stage gazebo, and at 4:30 p.m. Steve's Gym will have a tae kwon do demonstration. From 4-9 p.m. there will again be children's activities sponsored by One20 Church. There will be live music from 7-10 p.m. by The Super Kools at the stage. The voting for the Eastern Star Cutest Baby Contest ends at 6 p.m. and the winner announcement will be made at 8 p.m. at the gazebo. At the same time, on the Main Stage, there will be a boy and girl bike giveaway, sponsored by the concessions on food row. Fireworks will begin at dark. The park and festivities end at 11 p.m No pets will be allowed in the park and no alcohol will be permitted. Sponsors include the American Legion Post #143, BAJA Amusements, Niblock Excavating, Virgil Provisions, Alliance Sheets, Bristol Self Storage, C.F.B. Inc., Bill Evans Insurance and Elkhart Gravel.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
Family and friends rally at courthouse in Goshen in support of murder suspect
GOSHEN — The sister of a man accused of killing a convicted pedophile right after his release from prison, led a rally near the Elkhart County Courthouse Wednesday. On June 24, Nicolas Stanley, 35, allegedly shot and killed Allen Cogswell, 35, at the Daylite Inn in Elkhart. Police were called shortly after midnight with reports of a shooting. According to police reports, a witness told investigators a man with a long gun, later identified as Stanley, looked in the window of a room and knocked on the door. When Cogswell opened the door, the armed man began shooting, the report reads. Stanley was taken into custody later that day without incident. It was soon revealed that Cogswell was a convicted sex offender who was recently released from prison after serving six and a half years of a 12-year sentence for child molestation. The victim was a relative of Stanley's. On Wednesday afternoon, Stanley's sister, Jessica Stanley, led a rally on the sidewalk adjacent to the Elkhart County Courthouse in Goshen. She was hoping to draw as many as 100 supporters, although about half that number was present 30 minutes after it began at noon. Many of those in attendance held handmade signs while others wore shirts bearing a anti-pedophilia logo and the hashtag '#freenic.' Although many drivers honked their horns in obvious support of the demonstrators, a few also hurled derogatory insults toward them as they passed by. Both types of actions were met with in-kind reactions from those gathered on the sidewalk. 'My brother is a very good dad, obviously; he cares about both of his children,' said Jessica Stanley. 'Had Allen Cogswell not been released so soon, I don't think we'd be here in this position. It's been really difficult for our family, but we stand behind Nic 100%. We just need better reform and stricter laws when it comes to sentencing of child sex abusers.' Stanley said the abuse of the child took place over an eight-month span during 2017. Cogswell was caught and arrested in January 2018 and sentenced that April. According to Stanley, Cogswell was a distant relative of the victim, which was how he gained access to the child. 'We are advocating for my brother,' Stanley said. 'We are hopeful for a minimal sentence. We're hoping for 10 years at most, but we understand that it could be upwards of 65 years. We've got hope that the prosecuting attorney and the jury will see that, due to the circumstances of the case.' She has had the opportunity to speak with her brother, who is being held without bail at the Elkhart County Jail. He has seen both of his children. She said her brother has received a lot of support from the community including Bikers Against Predators whose president attended the rally. Supporters have even made financial contributions to his commissary account. She said he knows he has received numerous messages of encouragement, as well. 'Right now he's remaining hopeful,' she said. 'He's pretty cheerful despite the circumstances. He's remaining positive that this will get down to the lowest possible sentencing time. My brother needs to be here with his children instead of being in jail.'
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
POLICE NEWS: Three injured in head-on collision
Three people were hospitalized during a head-on collision on the south end of Elkhart County, near Syracuse, Friday morning. According to Elkhart County deputies at 5:16 a.m., Nathaniel Goffinet, 47, of Lakeville, was traveling east on U.S. 6 approaching the intersection at C.R. 25 in a 2012 Dodge Ram. According to police, Goffinet's vehicle then traveled left of center, directly in front of a 2022 Nissan Sentra driven by Ruth Woodcox, 63, of Ligonier. The head-on crash resulted in Woodcox's vehicle spinning off the northern edge of U.S. 6 into the guardrail before coming to a stop in the middle of the roadway. Goffinet's vehicle continued east on U.S. 6 leaving the northern edge of the roadway before coming to a stop in a field. Goffinet was transported to South Bend Memorial Hospital for a leg injury. Woodcox was transported to Elkhart General Hospital for chest and neck pain, and a passenger in her vehicle, Eric Woodcox, was also transported there for chest pain. Goffinet was cited for driving without a seatbelt and left of center. ARRESTS • A 48-year-old woman was arrested and jailed by Elkhart County deputies at 1:45 a.m. Thursday after police were called to a vehicle in a ditch in the 20000 block of C.R. 50 in New Paris. The woman was taken to the Elkhart County Jail for outstanding warrants after being found in the vehicle. • A 34-year-old man was arrested and jailed by Elkhart County deputies at 10:57 a.m. Thursday on charges of resisting law enforcement, driving without a license, possession of marijuana and paraphernalia after he was stopped for traffic violations at Elkhart Road and Greene Road. SEX CRIME • A rape was reported to Elkhart County deputies at 8:03 a.m. Thursday. • Elkhart County deputies received a report at 7 a.m. Wednesday of a sexual assault. • Elkhart County deputies began an investigation into a sexual assault at 2:08 p.m. Thursday. RESIDENTIAL ENTRY A 22-year-old man reported to Elkhart County deputies at 10:02 a.m. Thursday that someone attempted to enter his home without permission in the 61000 block of C.R. 17 in Goshen. CRIMINAL MISCHIEF • A 25-year-old woman reported to Goshen police at 12:07 a.m. Friday that her vehicles were damaged by someone she knew in the 61000 block of C.R. 17 in Goshen. Charges have been sent to the prosecutor for review. • A 51-year-old man reported to Goshen police at 1:05 a.m. Friday that two vehicles at his home were vandalized in the 61000 block of C.R. 17 in Goshen. • A 41-year-old man reported to Elkhart County deputies at 7:44 a.m. Thursday that someone he knew punched and broke two windows at his home in the 29000 block of Santa Cruz Drive in Elkhart. Charges are being forwarded to the Elkhart County Prosecuting Office. • A 22-year-old man reported to Elkhart County deputies that between 10 a.m. Wednesday and 10 p.m. Thursday someone damaged tires on his 2021 Ford Escape in the 22000 Pine Arbor Drive in Elkhart. HOMELESS ASSIST A person experiencing a mental health crisis encamped at Mullet Park, 550 S. Indiana Ave., reported a battery to Goshen police at 12:21 p.m. Thursday. The person declined medical assistance, but later accepted transport to a local crisis center. The person was offered shelter but declined. THEFTS • Great Clips, 2024 Lincolnway East, reported to Goshen police at 9:18 a.m. Thursday a theft from the building. • A 23-year-old woman reported to Goshen police at 12:09 p.m. Thursday someone breaking into her car at Brookside Manor. • Elkhart County deputies at 4:27 a.m. Wednesday were called about a suspicious vehicle parked in the grass in the 70000 block of C.R. 11. The vehicle was found to have been stolen out of Elkhart. It was recovered and the owner was notified. • A woman reported to Elkhart County deputies that on May 20 or 21 someone took the license plate from her vehicle in the 27000 block of C.R. 4 in Elkhart. • Mid City Trailers, 51401 Ind. 19, Elkhart, reported to Elkhart County deputies that on May 15 two men came to the business and picked up a 2025 dump trailer using a fraudulent check issued by a fake business. • A 56-year-old woman reported to Elkhart County deputies at 12:30 p.m. Thursday that someone stole her silver 2014 Chevrolet Impala from the 25000 block of Medford Street in Elkhart. • A 47-year-old man reported to Elkhart County deputies at 3 p.m. Thursday that his license plate was stolen from his RV in the 23000 block of C.R. 45 in Elkhart. • Elkhart County deputies responded to a report of a found firearm in the 29000 block of C.R. 22 in Elkhart at 11:20 p.m. Thursday. The firearm was confirmed stolen from South Bend and placed into evidence.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cycle shop break-in suspect found incompetent
GOSHEN — A Granger man accused of smashing up a motorcycle dealership with a bat will receive mental health treatment after he was found incompetent to stand trial. Adrian Graves, 34, is charged with burglary as a Level 5 felony after his arrest in January 2024. Police said he broke into Hoosier Harley-Davidson, 720 W. Bristol St., on Jan. 8, 2024, and caused an estimated $8,700 worth of damage with a baseball bat. That included breaking a glass door in order to get into the business and destroying four glass display cases containing eyewear plus a total of around 75 pairs of protective eyewear, police said. Graves also allegedly poured motor oil on the floor and threw shoes out through the front door. Graves swore at a judge after being ordered into mental health treatment at a state hospital on Thursday. Elkhart County Circuit Court Judge Michael Christofeno determined that Graves is not competent to stand trial based on one examiner's opinion, which was the only one under discussion because Graves allegedly refused to cooperate further. The doctor reported that Graves made statements that 'were not factual or clearly rational,' according to the judge. Christofeno chose not to hold Graves in contempt for the outburst. Graves insisted during the hearing that he was competent and there was no need for the evaluations in the first place. He also told the judge he had fired his attorney weeks earlier, though court records do not reflect the claim. Police allegedly found Graves still in the building and arrested him without incident. He claimed that he recently learned he had inherited the business and that someone named Junior told him he could break in since he owned it, according to police. He allegedly said he smashed the display cases because he wanted to remove anything that wasn't 'real Harley-Davidson.' Russ Saputo, general manager at Hoosier Harley-Davidson, said Graves was a former customer who completed an application for employment days earlier. 'He seemed like a nice enough guy – maybe a little off, but a nice guy,' Saputo said. 'We can only speculate about his motivation.'
