Jon Zimney
Verified
Program & News Director for News/Talk 95.3 Michiana's News Channel @953mnc
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Jon Zimney
Cease and desist order sent to Marshall County Commissioners after vote to cover Flock cameras
Marshall County commissioners have received a cease and desist order from the Marshall County Prosecutor after their vote on Monday, Oct. 19, to cover the county’s six publicly funded Flock license plate-reading cameras. Marshall County Commissioner Jesse Bohannon tells 95.3 MNC they’re talking with their attorney to see whether the prosecutor has the right to stop the cameras from being bagged. Monday’s vote gave the county 14 days to cover the cameras. (Photo supplied/Commissioner Jesse Bohannon)
Goshen Vigil to Remember Domestic Violence Victims
A community vigil honoring victims of domestic violence is planned Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Goshen College. The event, hosted by YWCA North Central Indiana and Goshen College, runs from 6 to 7 p.m. at Schrock Plaza. Organizers say the vigil will remember those who have died and show support for survivors and their families. The Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports 100 people in the state died as a result of domestic violence in 2025.
Elkhart City Council Approves Demolition Funding
Plans to transform a vacant downtown Elkhart building into a public safety headquarters are moving forward. The City Council approved nearly two million dollars on Monday, Oct. 19, for interior demolition work at the former Chase building. The facility would eventually house police, fire administration, 911 dispatch and other city departments. Mayor Rod Roberson says renovating the building will save taxpayers more than 20 million dollars compared to new construction.
Man killed in hit-and-run crash on 933 in St. Joseph County
A man in his mid-60s has died after a hit-and-run crash on State Road 933 in St. Joseph County. Police say the crash happened around 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Oct. 20, in front of Birch Hill Suites. The man was taken to a hospital with severe injuries and later died. The vehicle involved left the scene. The St. Joseph County Fatal Crash Team is investigating. Police have not released the victim’s name. Anyone with information is asked to call county police at 574-235-9569.
Mishawaka man, 19, charged after standoff in Elkhart
A 19-year-old Mishawaka man is facing felony charges after a standoff at an Elkhart home last week. Police say Efren Oregon Jr. was arrested after officers responded to a domestic disturbance on Fremont Street on October 16. He’s charged with aggravated battery, intimidation with a deadly weapon and domestic battery in the presence of a child under 16. His initial hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Shooting investigation underway in South Bend
South Bend Police are investigating a shooting on the city’s west side. Officers were called to the 3600 block of West Washington Street around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 19. St. Joseph County Dispatch confirmed one person was injured, but the severity of their injuries has not been released. Police were also investigating a report of shots fired nearby, in the 100 block of North Illinois Street. Authorities have not said whether the two incidents are connected.
Elkhart County couple plead guilty to animal neglect
Elkhart County couple plead guilty to animal neglect Share0 (Tommie Lee/MNC) An Elkhart County couple has pleaded guilty to felony charges after authorities searched their home in April. Laura and Thomas Duncan each admitted to all ten charges, including several counts of neglect of a dependent and cruelty to an animal. Authorities say they removed three children, 23 dogs and two cats from the home on Roxbury Park. Another animal was found dead in a trash bag.
Elkhart City Council approves $127 million budget for 2027
Elkhart has approved a balanced 127-million-dollar budget for 2027. The City Council passed the spending plan, with funding aimed at supporting continued growth, infrastructure improvements and economic development. Mayor Rod Roberson says the budget will help the city maintain momentum from ongoing public and private investments, including projects tied to the ASPIRE initiative.
Off-duty Hammond officer under investigation after deadly crash
An off-duty Hammond police officer is under investigation following a deadly three-vehicle crash. Indiana State Police say 34-year-old Alonso Lopez was driving a pickup truck at a high rate of speed on Friday night, Oct. 16, when he struck an SUV pulling onto Columbia Avenue. The SUV’s driver was killed, while Lopez and another driver suffered minor injuries. Investigators believe alcohol and excessive speed were factos.
Nearly 3,000 early voters casting votes so far in St. Joseph County
Nearly 3,000 early voters casting votes so far in St. Joseph County Share0 Nearly 3,000 people have already voted early in St. Joseph County ahead of the November midterm elections. Local officials say about 15 percent of those voters didn’t vote in the previous midterm election. Competitive races in Clay and Harris townships may be helping drive interest.
Eight detained during Elkhart County odometer fraud investigation
An investigation into suspected odometer fraud in Elkhart County has led to eight people being taken into immigration custody. Indiana State Police assisted with search warrants Thursday at three locations, including two in Bristol and another along County Road 15. Investigators did not locate the suspects connected to the odometer fraud case. However, police say eight people at the properties had active immigration warrants.
Michigan suspends diesel restrictions for farmers
Michigan is giving farmers and logging operations temporary relief from high diesel prices. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared an energy emergency, allowing certain agricultural and forestry vehicles to use dyed diesel fuel on state highways. The move follows similar action by Indiana Governor Mike Braun. However, GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan says the change is unlikely to make a significant difference in overall fuel costs.
Police search for suspect after shots fired during Elkhart disturbance
Police are searching for a man who fired multiple shots from a home during a domestic disturbance response Friday morning in Elkhart. Officers were called around 9:59 a.m. Oct. 16 to a home in the 800 block of Fremont Street after a report of a domestic disturbance involving a possibly armed person, according to the Elkhart Police Department. While officers were at the scene, a man inside the home fired several shots from an upstairs window. One bullet struck an occupied Dodge Charger on the street.
Man rescued after being trapped underground in Penn Township
Man rescued after being trapped underground in Penn Township Share0 Photo by Scott Rodgerson A man is recovering after being trapped about 10 feet underground in Penn Township. Firefighters say the man was pinned by soil from his knees down. Because of the depth and difficulty of the rescue, the MABAS 201 Technical Rescue Team was called in with specialized equipment and additional personnel. Crews were able to free the man, who was taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Savannah Bananas coming to Notre Dame in 2027
Savannah Bananas coming to Notre Dame in 2027 Share0 https://pixabay.com/images/search/baseball/ The Savannah Bananas are bringing their wildly popular brand of baseball to Notre Dame next summer. The team will make two appearances in June of 2027, playing at Frank Eck Stadium on Thursday, June 24th, and Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, June 26th. Fans hoping to attend must enter the Banana Ball ticket lottery by October 31st.
South Bend Police provide update on Bissell Street shooting investigation
South Bend police say they’re making progress in their investigation into last month’s deadly shooting on Bissell Street. Three people died following the September 19th shooting. During a public safety meeting Thursday, police said detectives have conducted numerous interviews and continue to execute search warrants. Investigators say they’re withholding certain details to protect the case.
Indiana man falsely convicted of murder sues state, Elkhart, police officers
Indiana man falsely convicted of murder sues state, Elkhart, police officers Share0 Photo Supplied / Pixabay A man who spent nearly 27 years in prison for a murder he was wrongfully convicted of is suing the city of Elkhart, the state of Indiana, police officers and former prosecutors. Reginald Dillard’s lawsuit alleges officers fabricated evidence and pressured witnesses to lie in the 1998 murder of Christopher Thomas. Dillard’s conviction was overturned, and he was released in February.
Indiana High School athletes cashing in on brand deals
Indiana High School athletes cashing in on brand deals Share0 unsplash.com High school athletes in Indiana are beginning to make money through advertising and endorsement deals. The Indiana High School Athletic Association says 54 student athletes have reported personal brand agreements since the practice was approved in May. Some deals involve social media promotions, while one cross-country runner received a five-thousand-dollar shoe endorsement.
Data center opposition becomes election issue
Growing opposition to artificial intelligence data centers is becoming a major issue in elections across the country. Voters in several states will decide ballot measures next month that could restrict or ban new data center developments. Critics point to concerns about electricity costs, water consumption, pollution and the loss of farmland. A recent University of Massachusetts poll found 65 percent of Americans oppose having an AI data center built in their community.
Mishawaka begins fall leaf collection next week
Mishawaka’s annual fall leaf collection program gets underway on Monday, Oct. 19. City crews will pick up leaves ahead of residents’ regularly scheduled trash collection days. For households with Monday trash pickup, leaf collection will take place Friday. Residents should rake leaves to the edge of the curb and remove branches and other debris that could damage collection equipment. City officials also ask residents to wait until their scheduled collection before raking leaves into the street.
Indianapolis man arrested for driving while suspended
An Indianapolis man was arrested after a deputy clocked him driving 83 miles per hour in a 60-mile-per-hour zone on U.S. 30. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department says the deputy pulled over a westbound vehicle near State Road 331 around 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14. The driver was identified as 25-year-old Alkia Edwards of Indianapolis. Deputies say Edwards had a prior driver’s license suspension.
Michigan woman sentenced in methamphetamine case
A Three Rivers, Michigan, woman has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine in northern Indiana. Audra Sweet, 40, was sentenced Oct. 8 by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady. Sweet pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine. She received a 130-month prison sentence, followed by five years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Adam L.
No injuries in West Franklin Street house fire
One person is without a place to live after a house fire on West Franklin Street in Elkhart. Firefighters were called to the home around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, and found flames coming from the back of the house, including the entire back porch. The fire was put out in about 20 minutes. The person inside got out safely, and the Red Cross was called to help. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Indiana Toll Road pursuit ends with Roseland arrest
A police pursuit that began on the Indiana Toll Road ended with an arrest in Roseland. LaPorte County deputies were pursuing a suspect on the toll road around 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. The suspect exited at the South Bend-Notre Dame exit and ran on foot. Officers used K-9 units and drones to search the area. The suspect was taken into custody on Rhode Street, behind a building. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity or the circumstances that led to the pursuit.
Elkhart studies potential data center regulations
Elkhart officials are studying how the city should regulate data centers and other similar industrial developments while a one-year moratorium on new projects remains in effect. The city has identified two potential areas for future development: the Tech Park tax increment financing district and the Aeroplex district near the Elkhart Municipal Airport. Elkhart is working with nonprofit organization enFocus to review research, gather public input and help develop a planning process.
Elkhart Courthouse property redevelopment proposal approved
Plans to redevelop the former county courthouse property in downtown Elkhart are moving forward. The Elkhart Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to accept a proposal from Barrett Realty Investments and Prince Property Group. The developers will now negotiate an agreement with the city. The proposed 37-million-dollar project includes 124 apartments, six townhomes, 10-thousand square feet of commercial space and a parking structure with 300 spaces for residents and the public.
Michigan man charged in child solicitation and kidnapping case
Michigan man charged in child solicitation and kidnapping case Share1 (Photo supplied/ABC 57) A Michigan man is facing felony charges after police say he was found with a child at a hotel in Kalamazoo. Twenty-seven-year-old Austin Tylor Birtel of Port Huron is charged with child solicitation, a Level Four felony, and kidnapping, a Level Five felony. He was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail with bond set at 70-thousand-500 dollars.
Man acquitted in South Bend homicide
Man acquitted in South Bend homicide Share0 Photo supplied / https://pixabay.com/images/id-6485824/ A man has been acquitted of murder in a South Bend shooting that left Carl Bates Junior dead. Court records show a jury found Riley Morgan-Reed not guilty last week. Police were called to West Dunham Street early March 15th and found Bates with a gunshot wound to the head.
Rising diesel prices prompt Elkhart County Highway Department funding request
Rising diesel prices prompt Elkhart County Highway Department funding request Share0 Higher fuel prices are putting a strain on the Elkhart County Highway Department’s budget. County commissioners have approved a request for an additional 200-thousand dollars to cover gasoline, diesel and motor oil expenses. Officials say higher diesel costs, particularly during last winter’s snow removal operations, have driven up expenses.
Rep. Bauer joins effort to clarify sexual assault laws
State Representative Maureen Bauer of South Bend is joining lawmakers from across the country in an effort to strengthen sexual assault laws involving drugs or alcohol. Bauer is among 22 lawmakers from 16 states working to address uncertainty in how those cases are handled. Indiana House Democrats say state courts have recognized that a person who is voluntarily intoxicated cannot legally consent, but state law does not clearly spell out those protections.
Trial in false CPS report case delayed
The trial of a woman accused of making a false child protective services report involving a St. Joseph County councilwoman has been postponed. Court records show Gloria Niedbalski is now scheduled to go to trial January 19th, 2027. The trial had been set to begin today. Niedbalski is charged with false informing and identity deception. Prosecutors allege she made a false report about Councilwoman Amy Drake, leading to a police response at Drake’s home on December 9th of last year.
No injuries after house fire in Edwardsburg
No injuries after house fire in Edwardsburg Share0 Pixabay - https://pixabay.com/photos/firetruck-fire-emergency-siren-6820125/ No injuries are reported following a house fire in Edwardsburg Tuesday evening. Firefighters were called to the area of Cass Street and Elkhart Road shortly after 7 p.m. Crews arrived to find heavy flames coming from the front of the home and requested help from neighboring fire departments. Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 45 minutes.
Berrien County reports Hand, Foot and Mouth cases
The Berrien County Health Department says several cases of hand, foot and mouth disease have been reported at Stewart Elementary School in Stevensville. The common virus can cause fever, mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet. It spreads through respiratory secretions, fluid from blisters and contaminated surfaces.
Distraction cited in crash involving Elkhart police squad car
UPDATE: An Elkhart police sergeant was treated for minor bruising after his squad car struck a parked vehicle and rolled onto its side Tuesday evening in Elkhart. The marked Ford Explorer was traveling west on West Franklin Street when it hit an unoccupied Chevrolet Impala parked on the north side of the street between South Fifth Street and Franklin Court, police said. The sergeant got out of the vehicle and was taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Plymouth council delays vote on yard parking restrictions
A proposal to fine Plymouth residents for parking vehicles on their lawns is on hold. The Plymouth City Council voted six-to-one to delay action on an ordinance that would restrict parking on residential grass and yards. The proposal calls for fines for vehicle owners, with additional penalties possible for property owners. Supporters say the restrictions would improve neighborhood appearances. Opponents argue homeowners should have more freedom to use their property.
More Than $370,000 in South Bend school supply funding goes unspent
More than $370,000 set aside for classroom supplies went unused in the South Bend Community School Corporation during the last school year. That’s more than 34-percent of the district’s supply budget. The District’s Chief Financial Officer tells WNDU the amount is unusually high, especially when some teachers are spending their own money on classroom materials. He says the district needs to do a better job making educators aware of available funding.
Indiana lawmaker renews push for firing squad executions
An Indiana lawmaker wants to make firing squads the state’s primary method of execution. Republican State Representative Jim Lucas plans to bring back legislation that narrowly failed earlier this year. Lucas argues firing squads would provide a quicker and more humane alternative to lethal injection. However, fellow Republican Bob Morris is taking the opposite approach, proposing legislation to eliminate Indiana’s death penalty altogether.
Penn-Harris-Madison school board approves new contract, teacher salary increases
The Penn-Harris-Madison school board has unanimously approved a new teachers’ contract that includes a 1.75% base salary increase for teachers with at least one year of experience. The agreement also provides a $500 retention stipend for teachers rated “effective” or “highly effective,” along with a 0.5% stipend increase for teachers who lead sports teams or extracurricular activities. The deal also includes a sick leave buy-back program and will take effect for the 2026-27 school year.
Man injured in Benton Harbor restaurant shooting
A 47-year-old man suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a shooting at a Benton Harbor restaurant. Police say an argument broke out early Saturday inside “Just Like Mommas” on Fair Avenue. During the investigation, officers learned someone had been shot and had left the scene. The victim drove himself to a hospital. Police have not announced any arrests. Benton Harbor Public Safety is investigating with help from state and federal agencies.
- 95.3 MNC
An Elkhart police officer was taken to a hospital after a squad car struck a parked vehicle on West Franklin Street. Police said the marked patrol car was traveling west just before 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, when it hit an unoccupied vehicle parked along the north side of the street, between South Fifth Street and Franklin Court. The impact caused the squad car to roll onto its side. The officer got out of the vehicle and was treated at the scene by Elkhart Fire Department medics.
Man sentenced for BB gun shooting
A Starke County man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for shooting another person several times with a BB gun. Edwin Barker of Grovertown pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery. The nine-year term is the maximum sentence allowed under his plea agreement. The investigation began in January. Authorities say a neighbor took the victim to a Plymouth hospital with severe injuries. Several BBs were lodged under the victim’s skin and in the head, including one that struck the right eye.
South Bend house fire sends resident to Indianapolis for treatment
A South Bend resident was flown to Indianapolis for treatment after suffering burn injuries in a house fire late Monday night. South Bend firefighters were called to a home in the 1300 block of College Street shortly before midnight. Flames were coming from the back of the house and the backyard, and fire was also found inside. All residents had gotten out before firefighters arrived. Crews brought the fire under control in about 40 minutes.
Ballinger Jr. found guilty of killing 14-year-old boy in Michigan City
Ballinger Jr. found guilty of killing 14-year-old boy in Michigan City Share0 A 19-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering a 14-year-old boy in Michigan City. Marcus Ballinger Junior was arrested back on May 19th, four days after police found Devin Porter with a gunshot wound. Porter later died. Ballinger is scheduled to be sentenced on November 5th.
Changes proposed to allow easier quorums of South Bend Community Police Review Board
South Bend is proposing changes that would let new Community Police Review Board members start voting after just a six-hour orientation, with additional training completed during their first year. The changes are intended to help fill vacancies, reach a quorum, and review complaints against police officers. City Council President Canneth Lee says vacancies have made it difficult for the board to gather the minimum number of members needed to conduct business.
South Bend home prices rise 13% as Indiana listings reach seven-year high
Home prices in the South Bend area continued to climb in September, even as fewer buyers signed contracts and the number of homes for sale across Indiana reached a seven-year high. The median sale price in the South Bend market rose 13% from September 2025 to $277,250, according to the Indiana Association of Realtors. New pending sales fell 18% year over year. Elkhart was among the areas with stronger growth in new listings, which increased 9% from a year earlier.
South Bend man sentenced in methamphetamine case
A South Bend man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. The U.S. Department of Justice says 47-year-old Kumar Bishop received a 121-month sentence after pleading guilty to a controlled substance offense. Court documents show Bishop conspired with two others to distribute methamphetamine in Northern Indiana between September and November 2025.
Dump truck vs SUV crash at Elkhart County intersection
A dump truck and an SUV collided at County Roads 11 and 32 in Elkhart County. The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office said the crash happened around 7:40 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12 when a northbound dump truck driven by a 41-year-old Plymouth man went through a stop sign and was struck by an eastbound Chevrolet Traverse driven by a 58-year-old Mishawaka man. The Traverse left the road and came to a stop in a field northeast of the intersection, facing south.
Lafayette Boulevard closing for county building roof work
A section of Lafayette Boulevard in downtown South Bend will close on Monday, Oct. 12, for roofing work at the St. Joseph County Building. The closure will run between Jefferson Boulevard and Washington Street and is expected to continue through November ninth. Drivers will be detoured onto William Street and should watch for signs and possible delays. County officials say the building will remain open throughout the project, including during early voting.
Goshen Powerball ticket worth $50,000 nears expiration
A Powerball ticket worth 50-thousand dollars, purchased in Goshen, is about to expire. The ticket was sold at Handy Spot Liquor Number Four for the April 15th drawing. The winning numbers were 13, 21, 27, 43 and 45, with a Powerball of 26. The winner must claim the prize by 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, October 13th, at the Hoosier Lottery Prize Payment Office. Anyone who purchased a ticket for that drawing is encouraged to check their numbers before the deadline.
Trial set for man accused of shooting LaPorte County Deputy
The trial of a man accused of shooting a LaPorte County sheriff’s deputy inside a hospital emergency room is tentatively scheduled for early February 2027. During a hearing this past week, a judge set Feb. 1 or Feb. 8 as possible start dates for Sharod Grafton’s jury trial. The defense’s request to move the case to another venue was denied. The court is pursuing potential jurors from four counties outside the area affected by pretrial publicity.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Jon
Contact Jon, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack