Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy Board of Directors has announced its new executive director. Michael Larson was selected to the post with expectations that he will build on a strong foundation when he assumes the role later this month. Board Chairman Bruce Grubb said the agency is excited to have Larson and his 30-plus years of experience in nonprofit administration and …

An arraignment date for St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite is set for later this month. Kalamazoo County officials said Lillywhite is expected to be arraigned April 24 on one misdemeanor count each of operating while intoxicated and carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence of alcohol. The proceeding is to take place in Kalamazoo County District Court. The …

Carl L Stafford of Paw Paw, formerly of Constantine, died Friday, April 7, 2023. He was born in St. Louis, Michigan to Randall and Grace (Bigelow) Stafford on May 15, 1943. He graduated from Constantine High School. He worked for Simplex in Constantine and retired from Parchment Paper Company (James Rivers.) Carl had a good sense of humor and liked …

A White Pigeon man died after the vehicle he was driving collided with a train last week in White Pigeon Township. Several news agencies said the incident occurred shortly before 8:30 a.m. Friday on U.S. 12 at the Grand Elk Railroad crossing, east of U.S. 131. The 76-year-old victim died at the scene, where the vehicle he was driving collided …

Four people were injured after the vehicle they were in left the roadway and rolled over last week in an area west of Dowagiac in Cass County. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, Rhonda Owens, 31, was driving north on M-51 around 6 a.m. Friday, when a deer ran in front of her vehicle. Owens told investigators she swerved …

National Day of Prayer is next month and St. Joseph County organizers have shared details about a local observance. The local National Day of Prayer, spearheaded by Barb Kwiatkowski, will be observed noon to 1 p.m. May 4 at the St. Joseph County Courthouse gazebo, at the northeast quadrant of the courthouse property.

Organizers of the twice-a-year collection of household hazardous waste and recycling of electronics are reminding the public that the spring 2023 event is coming up in less than a month. Pat Kulikoswki, secretary of the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Committee, said this year’s spring collection will take place on a weekday – Wednesday, May 3. It will occur 3 …

A drunken-driving charge, as well as another offense, have been filed against St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite. The charges come from Kalamazoo County, where Lillywhite was arrested in late February after allegedly causing a two-vehicle crash. Charges of operating while intoxicated and carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence of alcohol were made official Wednesday. Both charges are …

Two people were injured following a two-vehicle crash last week in Cass County’s Volinia Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before midnight Friday to the intersection of Marcellus Highway and Decatur Road. Investigators said 28-year-old Marcellus resident Jared Steiner was driving east on Marcellus Highway. Meanwhile, a car driven by 73-year-old Allie Williams, of Dowagiac, was heading …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency nominated a Hillsdale man who will receive a state award this week. Jeremiah Hodshire, president and chief executive officer of Hillsdale Hospital, will be recognized Tuesday for his work supporting the health of the community. A ceremony during which the Hometown Health Hero award will be bestowed, will occur at the new Heritage Hall …