Man could be banned from South Bend city offices Save Email Print
Posted: 6:00 PM Aug 20, 2008
 Last Updated: 10:22 PM Aug 20, 2008
 Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com
171 comments
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A judge will soon make the decision on whether or not a South Bend man should be banned from city offices.

City employees claim 25-year-old Stephan Range has made threats against them and harassed them. Meanwhile Range claims he is only standing up for his rights.

It’s a fight that started more than two years ago over Range's love for pit bulls. The city says he just won't follow the dangerous dog ordinance. Range says he has the right to own the dogs if he wants.

He was denied a pit bull breeding license more than two years ago and since then tensions escalated. In July though problems really started to heat-up and the city pursued a ban.

City employees testified Wednesday in court that he recently sent threatening letters to the South Bend Animal Control shelter and the city’s code enforcement office.

In fact the code enforcement director, Catherine Toppel, says she fears for animal control officers' safety and thinks someone could be killed soon if Range isn't restrained from entering city offices.

Range carries a handgun on his hip that officers say is intimidating. Officers testified about the number of times they had to call police for help after fearing Range would use the gun while visiting the shelter.

Meanwhile Range says he isn't violent or dangerous. He says he is just fighting for his citizen rights. He also says the city is blocking his lawsuit against them.

“It’s not just about the dogs. It’s about property. What they doing is depriving me of my property without due process of law. It’s not just standing up for my dogs. It is about standing up for my constitutional rights... I'm just not the type of person who let them beat on me or let them get their way and I’ve got stand up for it and fight for it,” says Range.

Wednesday afternoon is the second day of the hearing. Friday two people from the mayor’s office and the director of animal control testified.

For now the judge has issued a temporary restraining order against Range. Range can only go to the city attorney's office. The assistant city attorney Ann-Carol Nash and Range will both submit proposed form of orders on what they feel the next step should be in the matter. The judge will be make a final decision in ten days.

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Posted by: Concerned Location: South Bend on Sep 9, 2008 at 04:14 PM
Judge Gotsch made his ruling today in favor of the CITY. I am sure WNDU will soon be posting the story and details.
Posted by: Confused? on Sep 9, 2008 at 04:41 AM
I've not heard anything either? Maybe they haven't had the hearing yet.
Posted by: MJ23 Location: South Bend on Sep 5, 2008 at 10:30 PM
WNDU, any updates???
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Sep 3, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Stephen- "Your President might be a member of this Cult." Are you not a US Citizen? Isn't he your President too? You are ignorant.
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Sep 2, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Mr Range, surely you DON'T believe that the Constitution's version of militia is what YOU belong to. If so, you have been brainwashed by your thug cohorts and there really is no hope for you.
Posted by: MJ23 Location: South Bend on Aug 31, 2008 at 12:31 PM
The ruling in this case will be made this week. WNDU will have to keep us informed........
Posted by: Lucy Location: Mishawaka on Aug 29, 2008 at 11:36 PM
I have been reading all the comments and said nothing but I feel it's time to respond .... Stephen, have you got college funds started for your children or are you sentencing them to a life like yours ? You are already banned from Wal-Marts in North America, is that a good thing ? You are about to be banned from all city offices, are you proud of that ? If you love dogs like you say, why don't you adopt a nice dog that needs a home instead of breeding more dogs to complicate the pet over-population problem ? Is wearing a visible gun in public what you think America is about ? Being up on felony charges is great for your kids ? How did you get a car ? Who pays your rent ? Who buys you clothes ? Who buys your guns ? Who buys your dog food ? For a person that is so against material possessions, you sure seem to have plenty. Do you wear shoes ? Who buys you shoes ? Where you sleeping this Winter ? More important, Where are your dogs sleeping this Winter ?
Posted by: dog lover Location: sb on Aug 29, 2008 at 04:28 PM
sounds like a real nut job with to much time on his hands, lose the gun before someone gets hurt or killed by mistake.the law is for everyone,you have to much time on your hands if you can keep writing all these comments.if you dont like the laws here move.and take your dogs. too many people brag or show off because they have a gun.just look what is happening all over south bend lately.OBEY THE LAW!!!!
Posted by: lucy Location: south bend on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:33 PM
Darn straight---his only 'love for pitbulls' is the money he'd make from breeding them and putting them in dog fights. Ban him!
Posted by: Ed Location: SBI on Aug 29, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Strange- a term you want to learn is "binding precedent." Look that up, and then try to find some case law that applies to Indiana. Don't go away mad, just...
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Lets stop responding to this blabbering idiot. We are only giving him the attention he is looking for. So he knows how to copy from a dictionary, very impressive.
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Aug 29, 2008 at 08:02 AM
No, Stephen, NO. The 2003 Supreme Court ruling found that no ONE dog can be considered MORE inherently dangerous than ANOTHER dog, NOT simply that pit bulls are not inherently dangerous- THAT line was stated by the attorney as his interpretation of the court ruling. Don't spin the story to suit your needs. All you have to do if do a "goggle" search. Common sense tells you that dogs are animals, and all dogs have some bit of inherent danger. You don't need a LAW to tell you that. Get over it, no one cares about your quest- people are just enjoying mocking you. You are not sawying anyone's opinion- you are just getting caught in your own falsehoods.
Posted by: Confused? on Aug 29, 2008 at 07:46 AM
I agree, not all pitbulls are dangerous, However, I do believe that every pitbull in this county needs to be monitored by the animal agencies. Not because I think it's a dangerous breed, but because of people abusing the breed. If you are a responsible pitbull owner, your dog is social, you don't allow it run lose and is treated as a family member, I don't believe you should be penalized. Saying that, there's a lot of people who fight them, abuse them and use them as muscle dogs, these are the ones who need to be monitored and licensed. It's a difficult issue to approach, but blanket laws for all are not always the right way to go. As far as breeding goes, I don't think anyone should be backyard breeding, leave the breeding to the facilities who are doing it to better the breed (of any breed of dog). We simply have too many dogs and not enough homes.
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:36 AM
I suffer stupidity, the same people I pledge to protect does not know their Constitutional Rights and hate me for trying to protect them.
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:31 AM
IC 10-16-6-1 Age of personnel Sec. 1. Under Article 12, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana, the militia consists of all persons who are at least eighteen (18) years of age except those persons who are exempted by the laws of the United States or of Indiana. As added by P.L.2-2003, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.115-2003, SEC.17. IC 10-16-6-2 Classes of militia Sec. 2. The militia shall be divided into two (2) classes, the sedentary militia and the national guard, as follows: (1) The sedentary militia consists of all persons subject to bear arms under the Constitution of the State of Indiana who do not belong to the national guard. (2) The national guard consists of those able-bodied citizens between the proper ages as established by this article who may be enrolled, organized, and mustered into the service of the state as provided in this article. The organized militia of the state constitutes and shall be known as the Indiana national guard.
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bned on Aug 29, 2008 at 03:30 AM
PREAMBLE. TO THE END, that justice be established, public order maintained, and liberty perpetuated; WE, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the free exercise of the right to choose our own form of government, do ordain this Constitution. ARTICLE 1. Bill of Rights. Section 32. The people shall have a right to bear arms, for the defense of themselves and the State. ARTICLE 12. Militia. Section 1. A militia shall be provided and shall consist of all persons over the age of seventeen (17) years, except those persons who may be exempted by the laws of the United States or of this state. The militia may be divided into active and inactive classes and consist of such military organizations as may be provided by law.
Posted by: Me Location: Mishawaka on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Love for pit bulls for what??? Dog fighting??? Go get a job THUG!!!!
Posted by: Mr Pepsi Location: Everywhere on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:57 PM
It seems you think you know me but I seriously Doubt It, post what ever you like about me young man (if you can) but that does not take away from the fact that you are a liar and an evil person, and in a few more months a convicted Felon, you have just ruined your life and it hasn' t hit you yet! I pray that God not only shut your proud lips, but deliver you unto repentance that you may escape the condemnation of all sinners! So please, Mr. Range consider the damage you are doing to yourself and don't make this any worse for yourself! You are going to lose, and you are going to prison, and if you don't stop with all these Blashemis Comments(THE GOSPEL OF STEPHEN) you are going to Hell! "He that is constantly reproved and harden his heart shall be suddenly destroyed and without a remedy" Son I speak this to your shame that you may see your error and repent, God does not send Judgement before he sends warning! Young man you have been warned, prepare yourself for Judgement! Goodbye Son!
Posted by: Mr.Pepsi Location: EVERYWHERE on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Now lets rip down your theory you are saved, to show you, you abominable sinner that you have no understanding, "Jesus left us an example that we should follow" When Pontus Pilate question Jesus He said I FOUND NO FAULT IN THE MAN! Also The Jews were being persecuted by the Roman Empire, Jesus told them Render to Ceaser what is Ceaser and unto God what is God! "A broken reed shall he not break, and smoking flaks shall he not quench!" Do you need an explanation, Jesus didn' t come here to over throw none of the worlds power BUT TO SAVE MEN form the wrath (upon this world, that judgement has already been pronounced aginst) to come! Also you are suing for 1.5 million dollars, but Jesus said "it is easier for a camel to walk through the eye of a needle THAN FOR A RICH MAN TO ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!" "Money is the root of all evil" Paul Says "For Christ pleased not himself, But The reproaches of them that reproached thee Fell upon him!" But let me guess you are above these right!
Posted by: Mr. Pepsi Location: Everywhere on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:21 PM
So wait you think people want you dead because you want to breed pits, and you want to sue some people! I have asked you a question and still have not recieved an answer, now everyone who reads these pay attention! HOW DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY WITHOUT ANY MONEY, HOW DO YOU NURTURE YOUR CHILDREN WIHT OUT ANY TIME, YOU HAVE 4 CHILDREN, DID YOU SEE THEM OFF TO SCHOOL, CHECK THERE HOMEWORK, SPEND TIME WITH THEM, HOLD YOUR SON, HAVE YOU SPENT $1 DOLLAR ON YOUR CHILDREN IN THE LAST YEAR? ANSWER THIS QUESTION PLEASE. IF YOU HAVE ALL THIS TIME TO BLOG FIGHT THE CITY AND SEEK THE TRUTH (AS YOU SO PUT IT) WHY DON'T YOU HAVE TIME TO DO WHAT THE BIBLE CLEARLY STATES IS YOUR RESPONSIBILTY BY RAISING YOUR CHILDREN. THERE ARE OVER 1,000 SCRIPTURES ABOUT RAISING YOU CHILDREN PROPERLY! DO YOU N OT HAVE TO OBEY THAT DIRECT COMMANDMENT! HE THAT KEEPTH THE WHOLE LAW AND OFFENDETH IN ONE POINT IS GUILTY OF THE WHOLE LAW! ANSWER THAT AND NOTHING ELSE! DO YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY AND HOW?
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Constitutionality is the status of a law , a procedure, or an act's accordance with the laws or guidelines set forth in the applicable constitution. An act (or statute) which is enacted as law either by the council of a city or county, by the legislature of a state or province, or by a national legislature, may be declared unconstitutional. When the proper court determines that the act in question conflicts with the constitution, it finds that law unconstitutional and declares it void in whole or in part. This is called judicial review. The portion of the law that is declared void is considered to be struck down, or the entire statute is considered to be struck from the statute books.
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Why don't you stop plagiarizing, stop crying, and get a job?! You SHOULD be crying for wasting everyone's time and tax money! I am pretty sure the Indiana...Militia is not the LAW, so don't say you take that oath by LAW. Oh, wait, you mean YOUR law, right? You are so confused/confusing- you need psychiatric help. Let me do my small part to help- it is "or worse", NOT "or worst". I could have picked a hundred of your typos, but that is a pet peeve of mine.
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:40 PM
City of Huntsville v. Sheila Tack, et al. (2003) Supreme Court of Alabama The Court affirmed the lower courts ruling that pit bulls are not inherently dangerous. Shall I continue, the City of South Bend Ordinance about pit bulls is Unconstitutional. Now Create a blog on that!
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Carter v. Metro North Associates (1999) Supreme Court of New York The Court ruled that courts cannot take judicial notice of a dog breed's particiular behavior when a dog's "propensities" are not "authoritatively settled." In plain English, this simply means that a court cannot rule your dog vicious simply due to its breed. The court cannot say, "Oh, its a pit bull, it must be dangerous." Proof of the dog's dangerous propensities must be offered. If the coutrs cannot do it the City of South Bend can not do it.
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: SOUTH BEND on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Altman v. City of High Point, N.C., 330 F.3d 194 (4th Cir.(N.C.) 2003) United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit The Court held that dogs qualify as property protected by the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:37 PM
I am not a educated person, but i do know right from wrong and I know how to seek the Truth.
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:25 PM
You all continue to try to make me look crazy! When I said, “I am going to shock the World.” I was repeating Muhammad Ali. “I am the greatest of all times. I am going to shock the world.” Said Ali. He is one of many that I admire. When I typed “I am prepared to Fight if Need Be to Defend and Perpetuate the God Given Rights…” This is the oath you take by law when you become a member of the Indiana Citizens Volunteer Militia. “America will collapse and our children will be converted into slaves or worst. Death in the security of this purpose is the supreme Glory anyone in this generation can attain. I must prepare for this Glory.” Is quotes from the move 300. I am sorry if I frighten anyone. I will never unlawful harm or threaten anyone. I think because I have so much evidence about the City wrong doing they have to find away to make me look bad. I am not as tuff as i thought because you all got me crying.
Posted by: Confused? on Aug 28, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Thanks MJ23 for posting that other blog article. Do you have any more links that are discussing this?
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Aug 28, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Finally the words we all want to see come from his fingertips- he IS the crazy one. Maybe you ought to listen to "the people" and leave, Mr. StRange! I do not see any threats on your life, but I sure do see that you are crazy enough to invent them. I am sure you don't have insurance on your car (which, by the way, is a material possession and I thought you didn't need them? Hypocrite) so sucks to be you- maybe you shouldn't have thown the brick through your own windshield, eh? And who cares who Pepsi is- we wouldn't believe a word that came out of your mouth about him/her so your threats mean nothing!
Posted by: MJ23 Location: South Bend on Aug 28, 2008 at 09:22 AM
This WNDU story has spawned blogs on the subject matter on other websites. Here is a link to one of those http://www.dogsbite.org/blog/2008/08/pit-bull-owner-may-be-banned-from-south.html I hope WNDU continues to update and follow this story.
Posted by: dahann on Aug 28, 2008 at 08:00 AM
Steve: How much to you hate boredom? I mean, would you say it's something you try to avoid a lot? Thanks.
Posted by: Holy Cow Location: MI on Aug 28, 2008 at 01:53 AM
That kc9 guy, I'm assuming that is your Ham Radio callsign? qrz.com will let anyone who wants to know who crazy #2 is, all you have to do is put his callsign in the little search thing. Onto crazy #1, man, I can't even read half of the posts you have posted because of your HORRIBLE spelling, it was giving me a headache! Instead of studying the laws why don't you study Hooked On Phonics?? That'd do you more good!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:06 PM
I'm sorry, but these posts are NOT helping your "cause" Mr. Range. Whether intentioned or not, you're coming across as a kooky conspiracy-theorist with too much time, too much internet access, and not enough education. If you truly wan to further your "cause" bone up on some good public relationships reading.
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:47 PM
I have received multiply death threats on my life since this post. Someone has thrown a brick to the front windshield of the car I drive, and 41 comments. But I am the crazy one. I bet they kill me and come up with some stupid story of how I was killed.
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:36 PM
41 are you threatening me? If the City wants me disappear and you all want me out your city dismiss the false charges give me my bond money back so I can go be with my wife and children. Pepsi I bet my kids love and respect me more than your children will ever love and respect you. You do not want me to post your personal issues on the post, I am not stupid I know who you are GET OUT OF MY LIFE!!! My wife and children love me. I only been in one marriage, how many relationships have you been in? Tell the people here what you been in jail for. One more post from you and I will tell everyone here who you are and the evil things you have done in your life time. I have only tried to show you all the truth and you all hate me for it. I give you evidence about the corruption in government and you love and protect it. My God Bless you All, I pray for all, and love you all. I only tried to inform people of the truth.
Posted by: Verity Chastain on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:35 PM
After going through all these messages it seems that 2 of the posters are in dire need of psychiatric help and possibly straight jackets. One of them is definately a ticking time bomb. Who in their right mind would think that breeding pit bulls within the city would be a good thing?
Posted by: 41 Location: elkhart on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:27 PM
I am going to bet that Mr Range will be going away pretty soon....anyone else agree? 3 2 1....see ya!
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Save these posts, WNDU, he is counting down to do something bad. Hey Stephen- June 2 was a long time ago. You have been FREE to leave for a while now, so don't act like you have been held hostage here. Your court date is over, MOVE ON. Take the Snyders with you! Anyone get it that if you combine his first and last names you get STRANGE?!! Who are YOU to claim you know the truth, you holier than thou loon? I AM free, I don't need your "truth" to make me free.
Posted by: Confused? on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Any true, responsible dog lover would never consider breeding pitbulls, or any other breed. Look at the bigger picture... Big pitbull fighting problem here in St. Joe County!! Our overpopulated shelters!! Not enough homes for all our unwanted pets!! Five million animals euthenized in this Country every year for lack of homes!! Outcome of the bigger picture... Breeding pitbulls = A longer euthenasia list and more pits put at risk of being fought!! And people wonder why ordinances are put into place?
Posted by: Mr.Pepsi Location: Everywhere on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:11 AM
What about you lack of financial, emotional, and physical support for your family? Everyone knows (with the exception of a small percentage of people, which are lacking in intellect like yourself) knows that you are an uneducated, unrepented, unGodly, evil, no Good person! Who is using this as a platform to preach your Blasphemis Gospel, and to gain some vain recognition. The real truth of the matter is you are a no good father, a horrible husband, and a wicked person! "God is not the author of confusion!" You have created one big ball of it! Gods face is set against you and DEC 1st, God will "Prepare you for glory" 2peter Chapter 2 verse 1 and verse 9! It is ashamed how Satan has blinded you, that you can't see what you are up against! You are about to lose all your freedom for about 15 years! I just cant believe how stuid you are!
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 10 9 8 7 we are running out of time.6 5 4
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I want to go away, the day I was about to leave (June 2nd) I was false arrest at Wal-mart. I went to Wal-Mart to pick up a money transfer to move out the City of South Bend. But instead of them letting me leave they falsely arrested me. As soon as I get the type from Wal-mart I will release it to WNDU so everyone can see what really happen. I will be posting all of my arrest on u-tube so everyone can see the truth. I have nothing to hide.
Posted by: Hey Stephen Location: osceola on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:15 PM
Are you really that ignorant and selfish? Do you really think anybody with intelligence above that of a potato chip will listen and/or follow your ideals??? Seriously, if what you want is attention you've got it, now it's time to go away before you do something you'll regret sooner than later. p.s. Learn to spell and learn the proper way to speak the English language...not your way, it makes you seem even less intelligent.
Posted by: H on Aug 26, 2008 at 07:10 PM
WNDU, a Judge denied some of his lawsuits and he had his day in court two days ago. I cannot believe you have not pulled this nonsense from your website yet and published up to date news. WSBT posted an update to this nonsense two days ago.
Posted by: kc9ixv Location: scumbag bush on Aug 26, 2008 at 03:06 PM
stephen you are correct about the toilet paper dollar. its not backed by anything! the federal reserve is not federal in any way at all its a private bank just like you said. the sheep cant handle the truth! sue the city its what they deserve. the criminal illegal aliens get free health care food stamps and ssi and they didnt pay into the safety net. we live in disneyland people. its worse than the old communist russia. the good that comes out of municipal lawsuits is they have to tighten their budget and stjoe needs to use tax money more responsibly and we all can agree on that.
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Have any of you ever heard of a cult called Skull and Bones? You should goggle it and view its members list. Or visit my massage board at http://groups.msn.com/TheTruthShallMakeYouFree/messages.msnw to learn more about it. Your President might be a member of this Cult.
Posted by: Stephen Range Location: South Bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Someone who calls themselves Pepsi is attempting to challenge me with scriptures from the bible. First, everyone needs to know there are two different kinds of Christians. Christians that are children of God and Christians that are children of the Devil, also known as Hypocrites. I am a servant of the True and most high Authority. Concerning the Law, he that had made us created man to have dominion over the earth. Man has dominion over the earth and not Law. Laws and ordinances are not made for righteous men (1 Tim. 1:7). Gods Children are commanded to do his judgments, and keep his ordinance, to walk therein