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St. Joseph County Bar Association has announced the winner of its annual “Liberty Bell” award. The Centreville-based association has selected Tabitha Wedge, 3B District Court administrator/magistrate, as its 2026 recipient. Wedge follow’s last year’s Liberty Bell Award winners, WLKM radio of Three Rivers and WMSH radio of Sturgis. Wedge has served St. Joseph County Courts for nearly 40 years, starting …

Officials from Kalamazoo Battle Creek International Airport gathered Monday to break ground on its Runway 17-35 Extension project. AZO director Craig Williams said the project is a milestone in the airport’s long-term infrastructure and safety-enhancement efforts. The project will extend the runway 450 feet to the south, providing pilots with additional operational distance and improving overall safety margins. In addition …

Glen Oaks Community College recently conducted its annual awards program, honoring its staff and alumni. During the April 21 event, the E.J. Shaheen Chair for Teaching Excellence was presented to Melissa Blair. Meanwhile, Abby Hurles received the Part-Time Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. Also, Levi Gowan was the recipient of the college’s Outstanding Service Award. In addition, the Fellows Award was …

Sturgis Area Community Foundation officials have announced the search for the agency’s next executive director. Anna Brand, interim executive director, said the foundation is seeking a community-focused leader to build on the organization’s strong local legacy and guide its future growth. Serving Sturgis and the greater St. Joseph County region, Sturgis Foundation plays a key role in supporting local nonprofits, …

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is investigating a possible chickenpox outbreak, Health and Disease Prevention Director Heidi Hazel told board members last week. Hazel said her department is investigating a possible outbreak at a St. Joseph County school, but could not release further information. Chickenpox is a contagious viral disease that causes itchy blisters, fever and fatigue, the agency states. …

St. Joseph County United Way is hosting a pop-up sale coming up later this week. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 o’clock to 2 o’clock Saturday, the agency is selling holiday décor, Halloween costumes and other themed items. The two-day event will be held at the Fraternal Order of Police, on M-86, east of Centreville. More information …

Two Sturgis residents were arrested last week following the execution of a warrant by members of the Southwest Enforcement Team. Sheriff Chad Spence said detectives served the search warrant Wednesday at a residence in the 300 block of St. Joseph Street in Sturgis. Authorities found about four ounces of crystal meth and materials consistent with the use and distribution of …

A coaching decision considered a foregone conclusion was made last week by Colon High School. Robbie Hattan was named varsity football coach of the 8-man Magi team. Hattan announced in February he was returning to Colon to serve as its director of student services and facilities. Now, he adds the roles of coach and athletic director to his duties. Hattan, …

Autism is a developmental disability. Autistic children and adults have differences in social communication and interaction and exhibit restrictive or repetitive patterns of behavior. There is a wide range of presentations among autistic people. Autistic people are diverse and include people of any gender, race, disability, and age. Here are five presentations of autism: — Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings …

After three years as Sturgis city manager, Andrew Kuk announced this week he is resigning. The announcement came following a closed-session meeting Wednesday. Kuk’s resignation will be effective July 24. During Wednesday’s city commission meeting, Kuk said reasons for his resignation and separation are based on personal reflection and consideration of the goals of the commission. He said the separation …