In support of National Districted Driving Month, the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is teaming up with Michigan Office of Highway Safety and Planning for a high-visibility enforcement called “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” During the month of April, law-enforcement officers will remind motorists about the dangers of distracted driving while enforcing Michigan’s “texting while driving” law. Deputies plan …

St. Joseph County Road Commission members last week staged a public hearing regarding a proposed traffic circle at a heavily traveled Florence Township intersection. The concept focuses on the intersection of Lutz Road and Centreville-Constantine Road. The proposed circle would cost about $500,000 to construct and could be constructed as soon as 2024. It would feature 20-foot-wide lanes, according to …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the larceny of a lawn mower and kayak from a residence in Calhoun County’s Newton Township. Troopers were dispatched to the 10000 block of G Drive South to investigate the theft of a Toro zero-turn lawnmower and an Ascend brand sit-on kayak. Both were stolen between March 10 and March 25.

Legal proceedings against a suspect accused of killing a man last year in Sturgis will continue indefinitely, as a new public defender conducts an independent investigation into the December shooting. Cameron Hope, 32, was arrested Feb. 14 in Gary, Ind., Sturgis police said. He is charged with open murder, using a firearm during a felony and possession of a firearm …

Three Rivers City Commission this week approved a motion to censure one of its members. Tuesday’s vote condemns commissioner Lucas Allen, whose conduct during the commission’s March 7 meeting prompted the measure. During this week’s meeting, Allen issued a statement, apologizing for his conduct, taking ownership of his outbursts and use of foul language March 7, and accepting the actions …

Green street signs in Constantine will soon be replaced by signs reflecting the school district’s red and white color scheme. Village council members agreed to the measure March 20. The process will be slow, however, as village manager Mark Honeysett said the old signs will be replaced as circumstances warrant and it could be as many as three years before …

It is the first day of Spring and I am looking for the flowers to start popping out.  I am “Trapper” and I would like to become your companion.  I am a six month old, brindle male mix.  I am partially house trained and I like other dogs.  I had to give up my home and come to Animal Control.  …

A Washington, D.C., man was arrested after a high-speed chase through southern St. Joseph County earlier this week. Sheriff’s officials said deputies were alerted around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to a vehicle pursuit initiated by White Pigeon Police Department. White Pigeon authorities attempted to stop an SUV speeding through the village. The suspect vehicle fled eastbound on U.S. 12. Authorities said …

WOOD-TV is reporting that St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite crawled over the center console into the passenger’s seat and then denied being the driver of his SUV after a suspected drunken-driving crash last month, Michigan State Police reports say. The crash happened shortly before 2:30 a.m. Feb. 26 on U.S. 131, south of Schoolcraft. Authorities said a vehicle driven …

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously Tuesday in favor of a 27-year-old Michigan man seeking compensatory damages from Sturgis Public Schools for not providing an appropriate education. The decision, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, allows Miguel Luna Perez to move forward with his claim in federal court after lower courts had ruled against him. Luna Perez claimed he was denied …