Heat Advisory for today and tomorrow as another heat wave begins
Another heat wave will be making its way into the area today. Most of Michiana and Southwest Michigan will be under a Heat Advisory from 2 PM to 8 PM today. Highs Wednesday will be in the low 90s, but humidity will be very high. This will make us feel as hot as 105. Temperatures this high make it easy for heat related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke, to set in quickly. Limit your time spent outside and stay as hydrated as possible. If you have to be outside, wear lightweight clothes, take frequent breaks and do not overexert yourself.
St. Joseph County Prosecutor backs review of cases tied to ex-magistrate’s conflict of interest
The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office has responded after a probate court judge announced a review of more than 850 cases. Former Magistrate Aric Rutkowski was in a relationship with a deputy prosecutor, Sarah Troyer, who appeared in his courtroom involving those cases. He self-reported and resigned on May 29. The potentially impacted cases date back from June 2021 to December 2022. Troyer’s last day was December 31, 2022 and they were not aware of her relationship with Rutkowski. The prosecutor’s office says they agree with Judge Loris Zappia in reviewing those cases in which Troyer was a part of those proceedings before Magistrate Rutkowski.
New Buffalo lifeguards experience busiest stretch of the summer
Lifeguards have experienced their busiest stretch this summer after a stunning number of water rescues in New Buffalo. In the last two days, 12 people had to be rescued. At the New Buffalo Beach, the recent weather has been ideal, but the water conditions have not been the best for swimming. Two other swimmers needed help just down the road at Washington Park Beach in Michigan City. On both days, waves and winds were not strong but officials say that doesn’t always matter. Even on green flag days, the currents are still present. Officials say beachgoers should know their swimming capabilities, wear life jackets and be aware of dangers in Lake Michigan.
Portage Township Trustee’s Office vandalized again
The Portage Township Trustee’s Office is dealing with vandalism and theft yet again. The township lost more than $50,000 last year in damages. The trustee says they could see similar numbers if the vandalism continues. Just last week alone, vandalism and theft caused $18,000 of damage to the office. Four air conditioning units had the copper pipes stripped right off the units. Portage Township Trustee Jason Critchlow noted that one individual seen wearing a red crew neck approached the building with a brick and damaged the front lobby of the office, even stealing a TV from the waiting area. That same person even threw another brick at another office window later that night. The building is updating its security system by having flood lights on from dusk until dawn.
Lyft ride turns into a nightmare for a woman
It didn’t take long for a Lyft ride to become a nightmare for a woman who was looking to get from Mishawaka to South Bend. Around 6 PM last Friday, the woman says she requested a ride using Lyft. She was traveling from Pin Oak Manor Apartments to Hillside Avenue on South Bend’s southwest side. Instead, she says the driver took her toward the northwest side near the South Bend International Airport. The woman says the driver told her he was taking her to the highway. She then decided to jump out of the car through the back window at Lincoln Way West and Goodland Avenue. The woman says after she reported this case to Lyft, all she got was an email saying they’re not charging her for the drive and the number for an insurance company. The South Bend Police Department says it is investigating after the woman filed a police report yesterday.
Benton Harbor mourns loss of Ralph Crenshaw, city’s longest-serving elected official
Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad has announced the passing of who he calls “a true giant” in the community. Ralph Crenshaw was the longest serving elected official in the city’s history. He’s a former commissioner who also served as chairman of the Benton Harbor Housing Commission. In 2021, a Benton Harbor housing complex was renamed after him after he was credited for obtaining the almost $16 million federal grant to help rebuild the housing development. There’s no official word on the circumstances surrounding his death.