Local News Archives

From the Associated Press — Officials say hundreds of gallons of potentially toxic coolant fluid have leaked from two electric power cables in the waterway that links Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. American Transmission Company says the fluid is a mineral-based synthetic oil
used for insulation that can be harmful if released into the environment. District Supervisor Joe Haas of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality says the agency is investigating but it’s too early to know the extent of the damage in the Straits of Mackinac. The company says the cables have been taken out of service. They carried electricity between Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula.
Spokeswoman Jackie Olson says it hasn’t been determined what caused the leak of about 550 gallons, which was discovered after two circuits went offline Sunday night.. ...Read Full Story

Health agencies around the country are hoping everyone will take some time this week to think about how much of a difference their efforts have made. Berrien County Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News it is National Public Health Week, noting a handful of the things the department does to protect the public.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Authorities say a Michigan State Police trooper has shot and wounded a man who refused to drop what turned out to be an airsoft gun. Police say the 36-year-old was being sought on felony warrants and authorities got word he was in a church parking lot Monday evening in the Hastings area, about 115 miles (185 kilometers) west of Detroit. Police tried to block the man from driving away and arrest him. Police say the man got out of a vehicle, showed what appeared to be a handgun and refused to drop the weapon, so a trooper shot him. The man was taken to a hospital with what were described as non-life-threatening injuries. Police say the weapon was a realistic-looking pistol that shoots nonlethal pellets. The shooting is under investigation.. ...Read Full Story

Congressman Fred Upton is pleased the federal government is putting up some of its resources to help those affected by floods this year in Berrien County. Last week, the Small Business Administration announced it will offer low-interest loans to those who suffered losses in flooding in several counties. Upton tells WSJM News this is a positive development.. ...Read Full Story

Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski is still waiting for final numbers on this year’s foreclosures. The last day to pay property taxes for 2015 was Monday, and Witkowski tells WSJM News he expects the foreclosures to be down from last year.. ...Read Full Story

Now in the running for Michigan Senate in the 26th District is former state Representative and Michigan Lottery Commissioner Aric Nesbitt. The Lawton Republican tells us he’s throwing his hat in the ring because he wants to continue recent state progress.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor City Commissioners have gotten an update on plans for this year’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores. At Monday’s meeting, the PGA’s Ryan Ogle told them the event will attract thousands to the area.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — Federal funding is expected to help with the construction of a proposed river barrier aimed at controlling sea lamprey access into a western Michigan waterway. The Great Lakes Fishery Commission expects a $7 million increase to its annual
budget that would help pay for the barrier in the Grand River. The barrier is part of a Grand River restoration project and would deny sea
lampreys access to more than 1,900 miles of new stream habitat. The adjustable hydraulic structure would be upstream of a dam that currently serves as a barrier to the eel-like parasites that attack fish such as trout, salmon and whitefish. They invaded the Great Lakes in the last century and decimated native fish until a poison was developed that brought them under control.. ...Read Full Story

Ice breaking operations are continuing on the St. Mary’s River in the eastern Upper Peninsula. That’s because of an ice jam at Rock Cut. Lieutenant Sean Murphy is with the Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie. He spoke with Michigan News Network about the ice breaking operations.. ...Read Full Story

Credit and debit card customers of Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue are the latest victims of a credit card breach. A hacking group called JokerStash has announced it had put up for sale more than five million stolen credit and debit cards from the store’s customers. Rehmann Group’s Bill Kowalski says take whatever precautions to protect yourself.. ...Read Full Story

Benton Harbor City Commissioners have to decide what they want done with the vacant Alreco Metals property, and now they have solid information on one of their options. At Monday’s meeting they learned the Berrien County Land Bank has two bids for the foreclosed property, one for $72,000 and one for $400,000. That second one is from the Harvest Foundation, a medical marijuana producer. Representative Larry Lemons told WSJM News his outfit wants to use the site for cultivation.. ...Read Full Story

The Speakers Series of South Haven will have its opening presentation of 2018 at Lake Michigan College’s South Haven Campus on Thursday, April 19th. The featured speaker will be Professor Fred Johnson of Hope College. “While Black People Slept” will assess how the much hoped for post-racial America heralded by Barack Obama’s 2008 election has been eroded. Johnson is recognized as a vibrant speaker and an effective teacher and a well-known author. Tickets are ten dollars including the reception. There is no charge for students, educators and clergy. You can find out more right here.. ...Read Full Story

A Kinexus program that works with at-risk young people to make sure they graduate high school headed to Lansing last week to have some of its kids show off the skills they’ve learned. Youth Solutions, Incorporated Director Kristin Harrington tells WSJM News about 40 students from Benton Harbor and Hartford attended the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates Career Development Conference last Thursday. There, they competed to display employability skills.. ...Read Full Story

The Orchards Mall has paid its taxes, avoiding foreclosure for another year. Berrien County Treasurer Bret Witkowski tells WSJM News the mall paid its 2015 property taxes Monday, which was the deadline. The tax owed was about $275,000. Witkowski tells us he wouldn’t have allowed the mall’s owners to enter a payment plan like he does for other delinquent property owners. However, he says as long as they paid up on Monday, they had a right to hold on to the property.. ...Read Full Story

A presentation set for next week at the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph will focus on the history of Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor. Heritage Museum Curator Tracy Gierada tells WSJM News author Julie Weiss will present “The Legacy of Jean Klock Park” on Thursday. Weiss has published a book about the park.. ...Read Full Story

Firefighters were able to contain a blaze at Padnos Recycling Center in Benton Harbor on Monday. It broke out in the afternoon hours when a crane was moving around some scrapped vehicles. Staff tell us it looked like one of them must have had some gas still in its lines. Firefighters responded quickly and got the fire under control. It was contained to the scrap yard and did not spread to any buildings. Firefighters remained on scene in the early evening hours just to make sure the blaze would not reignite.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — The U.S. Supreme Court has turned down an appeal in a dispute over a pole that can be turned into a cross on public land in western Michigan. The city of Grand Haven stopped the cross display in 2015 after critics said it was an illegal endorsement of religion. Michigan courts have said the city has the power to manage the property along the Grand River. The Supreme Court on Monday declined an appeal by cross supporters, who said their free speech rights are being violated by Grand Haven. The Dewey Hill monument was donated to Grand Haven as a memorial for soldiers who served in the Vietnam War. The pole was turned into a cross during summer
concerts sponsored by First Reformed Church.. ...Read Full Story

The Orchards Mall in Benton Township has paid its taxes, avoiding foreclosure for another year.. ...Read Full Story

Auto insurance rates are going up in Michigan in July. The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association is raising the fee it charges every driver for catastrophic health care by $22. State Representative Peter Lucido of Macomb County told Michigan News Network that means drivers are now paying $192 a year to the association, the highest the fee has ever been.. ...Read Full Story

The clock is ticking on 2015 property tax payments in Berrien County, with a deadline of the close of business today to either pay those in full or get into a payment plan to avoid being foreclosed. The Orchards Mall in Benton Township owes $275,000 in taxes for that year, and if that money isn’t paid in full by the end of the day, County Treasurer Bret Witkowski says he’ll foreclose. Witkowski says that property is not being offered the chance to get into a payment plan, but everyone else IS. The mall paid its 2014 property taxes last year at the deadline to stave off being foreclosed. Witkowski says another property that’s been in the news of late is also facing foreclosure, and that’s a home at the corner of Niles Avenue and Hoyt in St. Joseph with a tarp on the roof. The owner of the home and the city of St. Joseph have been fighting in court over repairs that haven’t been made, with the city trying to get permission to knock the house down.. ...Read Full Story

Van Buren County Sheriff’s deputies are trying to find a motorcycle driver who got away from officers at a high speed early Sunday morning. Officers called off the pursuit due to the speed just after 1 a.m. Sunday in Paw Paw Township, and later found the wreckage of the bike in a corn field at the corner of County Road 358 and 70th Avenue. The driver left behind a Nike shoe and was unable to be tracked by a sheriff’s department K-9.. ...Read Full Story

The city of St. Joseph will hold off until next year to pursue a state grant for improvements at Whirlpool Centennial Park. At Monday’s meeting, the commission was asked to allow the public works department to seek a $111,000 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for the work. The problem is that if the grant were to be approved this year, the city would have to come up with its roughly $260,000 match, and Mayor Michael Garey didn’t want to commit until the budget is done. He spoke with WSJM News about the issue.. ...Read Full Story

A 17-year-old who has been picked as the Michigan Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America says he thinks all kids with an interest should stop by the Benton Harbor club. Quincy Sulton is a junior at Benton Harbor High School who first went to the club when he was about 12 to play basketball. Ever since, he’s grown his involvement, now even working to teach drama and dance to younger kids who go. He tells WSJM News the club has enriched his life.. ...Read Full Story

When the Senior PGA Championship takes place this summer at Harbor Shores, lovers of fine wines and other beverages will have a chance to check of what’s made right here in southwest Michigan. The Southwest Michigan Tourism Council’s Makers Trail has set up what will be known as the Makers Trail 19th Hole between the 16th green and 17th tee at the golf course. That’s where you can sample locally-made products, including wine from Domaine Berrien Cellars. The winery’s Wally Maurer spoke with WSJM News about the opportunity.. ...Read Full Story

We’re down to the final four in state Senator John Proos’ annual Southwest Michigan Spirit Tournament. Each year, Proos asks students throughout his district to submit photographic evidence of their school spirit to his social media accounts. He told WSJM News more.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan State University interim president John Engler speaking following charges against Dean William Strampel. Engler told Michigan News Network their focus is to create one of the safest, if not the safest campus environment when it comes to sexual misconduct.. ...Read Full Story

The Berrien County Parks Department is preparing for a busy summer, and it’s looking for some help. Parks Director Brian Bailey tells WSJM News they need the usual lifeguards for Silver Beach, but also staff to do a wide variety of temporary work at all of the other county parks like Love Creek and Rocky Gap.. ...Read Full Story

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has taken another shot at the Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign. Mackinac Center Policy Analyst Michael LaFaive tells WSJM News a Michigan Auditor General review found more than $13 million in state tax dollars were excluded from the return-on-investment calculations made by the state’s tourism consultant for Pure Michigan in 2016. The Mackinac Center views the Pure Michigan program as not worth it.. ...Read Full Story

Congressman Fred Upton is waiting for the latest word on the fate of Ibrahim Parlak. The Kurdish immigrant has been fighting deportation to Turkey for years with Upton on his side. Upton tells WSJM News he went to a reception at Parlak’s restaurant in Harbert this past weekend, just days after an immigration judge in Detroit considered Parlak’s appeal to stay in the United States.. ...Read Full Story

Prescription drug prices must come down. That’s the message from Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow is is introducing a three bill package to lower the cost of medicine. She told Michigan News Network there are more lobbyists in Washington for drug makers than any other industry.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — The state of Michigan has declared a winner in its contest to find new ideas for preventing Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes. The top award of $200,000 in the “Carp Tank” competition goes to Edem Tsikata, a software consultant at Harvard Medical School in Boston. He proposed using specially designed propellers to generate a wall of bubbles that the fish would find noisy and painful, causing them to turn away. Tsikata suggested installing the mechanism on a carp-infested Illinois river that could provide a pathway to Lake Michigan. Three other proposals also received cash awards. Scientists say if Asian carp become established in the Great Lakes, they could out-compete native species. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is considering stepped-up defenses at an Illinois navigation lock.. ...Read Full Story

South Haven Public Schools are signing on to the “Be Nice” program that started in Grand Rapids and is making its way around Michigan. Sandy VanderRoest of South Haven Public Schools spoke with WSJM News about the program.. ...Read Full Story

The first ever 40 Under 40 list has been released, and it includes a cross section of southwest Michigan’s best and brightest go-getters under the age of 40. Announced on Monday’s Moody in the Morning show, the 40 Under 40 represent the future of the region in a new program just started by Moody on the Market and Mid-West Family Broadcasting. The United Way’s Charlotte Becker told WSJM News the 40 Under 40 come from the world of big business, small business, non-profits, and community groups.. ...Read Full Story

State Senator John Proos has introduced legislation designed to provide relief to small distillers who use Michigan-grown grain. He tells WSJM News his plan would change how liquor sales are handled in the state by reducing Michigan Liquor Control Commission markup prices for small distillers that use at least 40% of Michigan-grown grain.. ...Read Full Story

St. Joseph City Commissioners have indicated their support for installing life rings along the north pier. At Monday’s meeting, the city commission instructed the city manager to work out a maintenance agreement with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department for life rings to be installed at the pier. The sheriff’s department has said it could use its manpower to check the rings daily if the city installs them. St. Joe Mayor Michael Garey spoke with WSJM News about the proposal.. ...Read Full Story

A local fruit grower has been picked by Governor Rick Snyder to sit on the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission. Herb Teichman, owner of the Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm in Eau Claire, will be on that body created in 2014. Teichman’s appointment to the commission was announced by the governor last week. Also announced for Michigan Tree Fruit Commission will be James Nugent of Suttons Bay and Christopher Kropf of Lowell. Members will serve three-year terms expiring March 1, 2021. The appointments must be approved by the Michigan Senate. The governor says, “I thank these individuals for their commitment to enhance Michigan’s tree fruit industry.”. ...Read Full Story

To celebrate Easter, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s Four Winds Casinos have announced the donation of about 1,000 meals to people in need around southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. The Pokagons tell us many of the meals will be delivered through Feeding America, and each one includes a whole ham, green beans, corn, potatoes, and lemon bread. Feeding America will distribute the Four Winds donations to food pantries, meal programs, and senior centers in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties in southwest Michigan, and in northern Indiana, Feeding America will distribute the Easter meals to soup kitchens and food pantries throughout St. Joseph County. Pokagon Elders are also receiving meals. Pokagon Chairman John Warren tells us the Pokagons are proud to work with Feeding America to help people out in an area where the band has lived for hundreds of years.. ...Read Full Story

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is planning some clean-up events at west Michigan state parks this Saturday, and it could use some volunteers. Specifically, it tells us those who show up will be removing invasive plant species from dune areas. The work will be taking place on Saturday, March 31 at Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Warren Dunes State Park. Volunteers are invited to stop by at 10 a.m. to work through 1 p.m. at both parks. They will be removing honeysuckle, Japanese barberry and other invasive shrubs that threaten the dunes. In each case, volunteers are reminded to dress for outdoor work. Volunteers can show up to either state park at 10 a.m. on the 31st and go to the parking area.. ...Read Full Story

With new tax laws now in place, the Internal Revenue Service wants to make sure everyone is paying the right amount in taxes from their paychecks. Spokesperson Alejandra Castro Nunez tells WSJM News they have an online service that enables you to check if you are taking the right amount out.. ...Read Full Story

Michigan’s Tobacco Quit Line is giving away free nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges through May 31. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services tells us all new enrollees in the quit smoking service can get a two-week supply. The tobacco quit line is open 24 hours a day seven days a week, and calling will put you in contact with a coach who can talk about quitting smoking. The quit line is available for people of all ages, but you have to be at least 18 to get the free nicotine replacement products. The number to call is 1-800-QUIT NOW, or 1-800-784-8669. Health officials say using nicotine replacement therapy greatly increases someone’s chances to quitting smoking successfully. You can find more information right here.. ...Read Full Story

The Michigan Supreme Court has weighed in on the Coloma gun range lawsuit, declining to overturn an appeals court ruling that suspended shooting at the range by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.. ...Read Full Story

Auto insurance rates are going up in Michigan in July. The Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association is raising the fee it charges every driver for catastrophic health care by $22. State Representative Peter Lucido of Macomb County told Michigan News Network that means drivers are now paying $192 a year to the association, the highest the fee has ever been.. ...Read Full Story

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department is inviting all area residents to take part in a statewide tornado drill next month. It tells us Governor Rick Snyder has declared April 8 through April 14 as Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the statewide tornado drill will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11. Businesses, organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to take part. Van Buren County Director of Domestic Preparedness Lieutenant Robert Kirk tells us tornadoes develop quickly with little or no warning. That’s why he says it’s important for everyone to know what to do when one does occur. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Department tells us the best course of action in tornado conditions is to know lowest place to take cover, go under something sturdy, and keep a close eye on the latest weather reports. Families are also encouraged to do regular tornado drills. You can find more emergency preparedness information right here.. ...Read Full Story

The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved a disaster declaration for four Michigan counties affected by severe flooding in February.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — The University of Michigan’s Comprehensive Cancer Center in Ann Arbor has been gifted $150 million to boost research. University regents are expected Thursday to approve renaming the facility the Rogel Cancer Center after Richard and Susan Rogel. The school says the gift is one of the largest to the university. It is expected to help attract and support researchers from around the world and provide grants to teams developing new approaches and technologies to advance early cancer detection, monitoring and treatment. Endowed professorships and scholarships also will be created. Richard Rogel is president of investment firm Tomay Inc. He graduated in 1970 from the university’s business school. His wife, Susan, is on the steering committee of the Victors for Michigan National Campaign Leadership Board.. ...Read Full Story

Information given to WSJM News and other media outlets this week by the acting superintendent of Benton Harbor Area Schools about a resolution approved by the school board to not renew the contracts of five administrators was wrong. Patricia Robinson told the “Herald Palladium” yesterday that what the board actually approved was a resolution to consider not renewing the contracts, and a final vote will happen on April 17. Robinson told us Wednesday that financial issues were prompting the district to eliminate the job of assistant principal at the Arts and Communications Academy, which remains factual, and also post the other jobs. That is not actually the case, and WSJM News has reached out to Robinson for further clarification. At this point, we have not received a response.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A woman and her boyfriend have been convicted in the death of her 4-year-old daughter, who was found wrapped in blankets and duct tape at their Kalamazoo home. A jury convicted Matthew Longenecker Wednesday of first-degree murder and first-degree child abuse in the asphyxiation death of Desaray Thompson. A separate jury found Kelly Ballinger guilty of involuntary manslaughter and first-degree child abuse in her daughter’s July death. They both were convicted of possession of meth. Authorities say the couple restrained Desaray with blankets and duct tape the night she died, including a blanket placed over her face. A medical examiner says there was evidence of past abuse, such as bruising, cuts and likely a skull fracture. Ballinger’s sentencing is scheduled for April 30 and Longenecker’s for May 7.. ...Read Full Story

Almost 90% of drivers are worried about distracted driving. A new survey by AAA finding that it’s the top concern among drivers. That’s even more so than drunk driving and aggressive driving. Susan Hiltz is a spokesperson for AAA Michigan. She spoke with Michigan News Network about the issue.. ...Read Full Story

Thursday marked the first annual Vietnam Veterans Day in Michigan. The state legislature designated March 29th as the day to honor their service. Lynn O’Brien is the Director of Veteran Affairs for State Senator Mike Kowal.. ...Read Full Story

One man is facing charges following a meth bust in Cass County this week. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department tells us its drug enforcement team searched a home in the 70,000 block of Kenmoore Drive in Ontwa Township Wednesday. It was aided by the Ontwa Township Edwardsburg Police Department. During the search, officers found methamphetamine, marijuana, and meth paraphernalia. A 41-year-old man from Goshen, Indiana was arrested. His name is being held pending arraignment in the Cass County District Court. Police say they were aided in their search by Cass County Sheriff’s Department K9 Faust, along with Cass County Animal Control. Anyone with information on drug activity in the area is asked to report it to Crimestoppers.. ...Read Full Story

The streets were lined with well-wishers as the triumphant Benton Harbor Tigers basketball team rode atop a fire engine through the city Thursday in a parade to celebrate their state championship. It ended at the high school where a packed house greeted the team. Sophomore star Carlos Johnson tried to speak with WSJM News over the marching band when we asked how he felt.. ...Read Full Story

A recent book drive undertaken by the United Way of Southwestern Michigan collected more than 10,800 books for kids from kindergarten all the way through the 12th grade in Berrien and Cass counties. The United Way’s Julee Laurent tells WSJM News they set up collection boxes at businesses and other organizations throughout the region so folks could drop reading materials for kids in need. The United Way will now get them into the hands of kids who need them.. ...Read Full Story

The Allegan County Health Department has received a $20,000 grant from the state to increase hepatitis A vaccinations. It tells us the money comes from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, which set aside a total of $500,000 to help fight the state’s hepatitis A outbreak. 25 counties are receiving grants. The Allegan County Health Department tells us high-risk populations for acquiring hepatitis A, which is a liver disease, are individuals with histories of injection and non-injection drug use, the homeless, inmates, and men who have sex with men. The Allegan County Health Department tells us it will work with the Allegan County Jail, as well as other community agencies, to distribute the hep A vaccine. Anyone interested in getting the shot should call the Allegan County Health Department.. ...Read Full Story

As threats shut down schools across southwest Michigan following last month’s Parkland, Florida shootings, police want the culprits to know they’re making a big mistake. Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey tells WSJM News someone who threatens a school faces real consequences if caught.. ...Read Full Story

An arrest has been in made in the case of a threat made this month to the Countryside Academy in Benton Township. The police department tells us officers were called to the charter high school on March 14 when a handwritten threat laced with racial language was found in a men’s room. That caused the school to be put on lockdown and then closed the following day. On Thursday of this week, the Benton Township Police Department arrested a 15-year-old boy for making the threat. He was placed at the Berrien County Juvenile Center on a charge of terrorism. Police have not said how they identified their suspect, and the investigation continues.. ...Read Full Story

With hundreds of thousands of young people having held demonstrations around the country this past weekend, Congressman Fred Upton is hoping there can be some kind of gun legislation approved in Washington soon. He tells WSJM News he was out there talking with the kids protesting in St. Joseph on Saturday.. ...Read Full Story

The Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees has approved a tuition hike. At a Tuesday meeting, the board voted to raise tuition for in-district students by 2% and out-of-district students by 5%. LMC leaders say increased operating expenses and expanding programs were the cause. Tuition for in-district will go up to $104 per contact hour. For out-of-district students, it will be $165 per contact hour, and for international students, it will be $242 per contact hour. LMC officials note it is still much cheaper to attend Lake Michigan College than most other higher education institutions in the state.. ...Read Full Story

Police are looking for a suspect in the robbery of the Family Dollar store in Benton Township Wednesday night. The Benton Township Police Department tells us it happened at the store in the 1,200 block of M-139 around 8:50 p.m. Employees say a man walked into the store, pointed a handgun at an employee, and demanded money. He made off with an undisclosed amount. Police say the suspect did fire a shot while in the store, but it didn’t hit anyone. There were no injuries in the robbery. A search of the area by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department with a K9 didn’t turn up anything. The suspect is described as a thin black male, about five foot seven. Anyone with information on the robbery should call the Benton Township Police Department.. ...Read Full Story

From the Associated Press — A Michigan class that teaches residents how to build their own semi-automatic AR-15 rifles drew protests from gun control advocates following recent mass shootings involving the weapon. Organizers say the class held Tuesday in Marshall was planned months before the February school shooting in Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 people. The shooter used an AR-15. It’s the third year the Michigan program has been held at a veterans post, but the event received negative attention this year from protesters who said the timing and the idea of creating more guns is unwelcome. Resident Pam Daume says it’s “a slap in the face to the kids who have died.”
Chris Walden teaches the class. He says participants must undergo a background check and that the guns are registered and sold only to people who can legally own them.. ...Read Full Story