Human Trafficking Investigation Leads to Arrests in Berrien County
BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. — Authorities are releasing additional information about a human and sex trafficking operation that led to arrests Wednesday in Berrien County.
The investigation involved the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, Pokagon Tribal Police, Michigan City Police and the Michigan State Police Southwest Enforcement Team. Sheriff Chuck Heit said the case developed after human trafficking enforcement training initiated by the Pokagon Tribal Police.
Heit said one victim has been identified and will be offered support services. All arrests occurred at the same location over the course of the day, although Heit did not specify where. The suspects range in age from 28 to 70.
New Carlisle Opposes Proposed Data Center
NEW CARLISLE, Ind. — The New Carlisle Town Council has formally opposed a proposed data center project through a newly filed resolution.
The action follows a unanimous vote by the St. Joseph County Area Plan Commission against a rezoning request tied to the development. Residents have voiced concerns related to water and electricity usage and the conversion of agricultural land.
No vote on the project itself has been scheduled. A committee meeting is set for Tuesday to continue discussions.
Family Seeks to Block Husband from Inheritance After Woman’s Death
BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. — The family of a Berrien County woman found dead in a Chicago high-rise has filed a petition to prevent her husband from inheriting from her estate.
The Berrien County Probate Court filing comes after Adam Beckerink was sentenced this week to 93 days in jail and two years of probation for domestic abuse stemming from a 2024 incident involving his late wife, Caitlin Tracey, at her home in New Buffalo.
The petition also asks the court to prohibit disclosure of Tracey’s burial location to protect her memory and her family’s privacy.
No Bids Received for Elwood Shopping Center Redevelopment
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — South Bend’s Redevelopment Commission is planning to move forward with demolition of the vacant Elwood Shopping Center after developers declined to bid on revitalization plans.
The plaza off Portage Avenue has deteriorated since Martin’s Supermarket closed its location there in 2017. Officials said Thursday was the deadline for redevelopment proposals, with no expressions of interest received.
The shopping center remains scheduled for demolition this winter.
Boil Water Advisory Issued in South Haven
SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. — A boil water advisory is in effect for about 800 customers in the northern portion of South Haven’s water system following a water main break late Thursday morning.
City officials said the break caused a loss in pressure on a large pipe feeding the area. The advisory is expected to remain in place until sometime Saturday.
The affected area extends from East Wells Street north to 107th Avenue in Allegan County, and is bounded by I-196 on the east and Lake Michigan on the west. Residents are instructed to boil water used for drinking, cooking or making ice until further notice.
Cass County Man Charged After Drug Seizure
CASS COUNTY, Mich. — A Cass County man faces multiple drug charges following a narcotics investigation by the Southwest Enforcement Team.
Police reported seizing 315 methamphetamine pills, 150 grams of psilocybin mushrooms and smaller quantities of MDMA, LSD and methamphetamine. Forty-year-old Brett Owen Boone was arrested and taken to the Cass County Jail.
Boone faces three counts of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine or ecstasy, one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and one count of maintaining a drug house.
Posted On: Friday, October 24, 2025 9:41 AM
