BH Commission holds off on ordinance to stop “nuisance parties”
Benton Harbor City Commissioners have postponed a discussion on a proposed ordinance to prohibit nuisance parties in the community. The question was originally on the agenda for yesterday’s commission meeting, but it was pulled a few hours before the proceeding began. The plan now is for the city Public Safety and Public Works Committee to discuss the ordinance on Wednesday. Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety Deputy Director Mike Clark told the Legislative Committee last week some of the large gatherings that police are seeking to rein in have been “utter chaos” that bordered on civil unrest.
Two major road projects start in South Bend this week
Drivers in South Bend will have a major construction project to work around this week. Crews will repave State Road 2 and will shut down the ramps at the Bypass. Yesterday, the eastbound ramps, both to and from State Road 2, were closed. Crews will close the westbound ramps Tuesday. These ramp closures are expected to last through Friday. Drivers are asked to avoid getting on or off the Bypass at State Road 2 while construction is in progress.
More details emerge from Berrien County officer involved shooting
There are new details regarding an officer involved shooting in Berrien County. The sheriff’s office released bodycam videos and photos from the June 30 officer-involved shooting during a news conference yesterday afternoon. 48-year-old Joshua Coffey was killed in the shooting. The video showed the moment Deputy Cal Landon was shot at, and the split second he returned fire. Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit said he stands behind deputy Landon 100% and the actions he took. The incident remains under investigation by the Michigan State Police. Deputy Landon remains on paid leave.
Death toll from Texas floods now over 100
Massive flash floods in Texas over the holiday weekend took the lives of more than 100 people. Many Texas officials are facing scrutiny over preparing residents for the floods. Back home, Elkhart County Emergency Management says an event like the one in Texas happening here is hard to comprehend with so much rain in such a short amount of time. But longer duration events have caused major flooding in 2008 and 2018, and officials say they are always prepared. Executive Director Jennifer Tobey says the county is constantly reviewing and updating flood plans. Elkhart County is currently looking into a mass communication platform to improve emergency communication for residents.
Effort underway to rid affirmative action from SJC tax abatement applications
There is an effort to get rid of all elements of affirmative action from St. Joseph County’s tax abatement application. Currently, companies seeking tax breaks from St. Joseph County must show they’re making efforts to hire minorities, but that could change. The St. Joseph County Council is set to vote on the rule today. Council members Amy Drake and Andy Rutten are sponsoring the bill. They say the move follows efforts on the federal and state levels to get rid of DEI initiatives. Supporters of the bill argue that affirmative action is unfair and can negatively impact qualified applicants, while opponents say removing affirmative action would hinder diversity and inclusion efforts.
Work continues to repair Bicentennial Bridge between St. Joseph and Benton Harbor
The Bicentennial Bridge over the St. Joseph River connecting St. Joseph and Benton Harbor will remain in the open position until at least later today. This means you’ll have to find another way to get to the other side of the river. The Michigan Department of Transportation says a specialist is investigating why the bridge won’t open and close properly. Until it’s fixed, the bridge is being left in the open position so sailboats and large recreational boats can get through.