A Kent County man was arrested after he was involved in a slide-off accident last week in Constantine Township. Sheriff’s department officials said the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, when a car reported stolen out of Grand Rapids slid off U.S. 131 near North River Road. The incident was reported by a passing motorist, who also provided the license …

An Indiana man was taken to the hospital after he was involved in a two-vehicle accident Thursday in Park Township. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, the 51-year-old man was attempting to cross U.S. 131 from Heimbach Road, when his pickup was struck by a southbound semi. The force of the collision tore the bed from the cab …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved a few personnel matters during last week’s meeting. Landon Hackenberg’s status as a corrections officer was changed from full time to part time, while corrections officer Travis Balk was moved from part-time to full-time employment. Balk will be paid an hourly rate of $18.60. Jay Parker was hired by the sheriff’s department …

State police say they have reconstructed last month’s massive pileup on I-94 in southwestern Michigan and are determining whether anybody will face criminal charges. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that police officials plan to meet with Kalamazoo County prosecutors to assess any possible negligent driving that contributed to the Jan. 9 wreck. The chain-reaction crashes involved nearly 200 vehicles on both …

Florence Elvera Nilsson, age 97, of Lake Templene, passed away Thursday, February 5th, 2015 at Thurston Woods Village, Sturgis.   Florence was born in Bridgeport, CT on February 28, 1917, a daughter of Charles A. and Elin C. (Wallin) Berglund.  On May 27, 1939 Florence married John Erik Nilsson in Orange, NJ. He preceded her in death February 2, 1991.  …

Two people were arrested earlier this week following the execution of a search warrant in Three Rivers. Investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit arrested the pair after a traffic stop was made on U.S. 131. SCAN investigators received information about subjects involved in trafficking methamphetamine, and that they would be at the Michigan Department of Corrections office …

State Rep. Aaron Miller participated Thursday in a Capitol news conference to reveal priorities for the current legislative session to foster job growth and strengthen Michigan’s economy. House Republican lawmakers outlined their top priorities as the 2015-16 legislative session got under way. Miller said the plan focuses on continuing the process of balancing the state budget early and eliminating bureaucratic …

Officials from Indiana Michigan Power have announced plans to add solar energy to the company’s generation fleet. The measure follows the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s approval of I&M’s plans for five solar facilities with a combined capacity of nearly 16 megawatts. Three of the facilities will be in the Michiana area, including two in St. Joseph County. Company officials said …

Sturgis resident David Ludders was honored by the Sturgis Exchange Club last month, when it conducted its 72nd annual Book Of Golden Deeds award ceremony at Sturges-Young Auditorium. Ludders was selected for the award in recognition of his volunteer efforts, especially his contributions at Camp Fort Hill. The award is the highest recognition given by the Exchange Club nationally and …

John Alvin Rittman, age 70, of Mendon, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 at his home. He was born in Terre Haute, IN on Aug. 8, 1944 the son of the late George and Delphine (Lawrence) Rittman. He graduated from Garfield High School and took college courses in Terre Haute. He later graduated from Western Michigan University and was a schoolteacher …