An Edwardsburg man was hospitalized in critical condition following a fiery crash near Garver Lake…

The crash, early Monday evening, June 23, at the intersection of May St. and Lakeview Drive happened when police say a man veered off the road and collided with a tree, resulting in a fiery scene. Despite attempts by an Ontwa Township Edwardsburg Police Department officer to extinguish the flames, the vehicle remained engulfed in fire.

The officer, alongside an Edwardsburg Ambulance paramedic, moved to extract the 58-year-old driver. The vehicle’s passenger side was engulfed in flames during the rescue, complicating efforts. The driver’s shoes were on fire as he was pulled from the vehicle.

Edwardsburg Fire Department arrived shortly thereafter and successfully extinguished the blaze that had consumed the vehicle. The driver was taken by ambulance to Elkhart General Hospital.

The South Bend School Board tied, 3-3, on a vote to remove St. Joseph County Library Board President Ruth Warren, allowing her to keep her position.

Warren’s appointment last December came from former School Board President Dr. Stuart Greene, who remains on the board.

The board debated whether the appointment followed proper procedure.

School Attorney Peter Agostino said the board appointed Warren before a vacancy existed, violating state law and board policy.