I am named “Avery”.  I came into Animal Control as a Stray.  I am tan and white and short haired.  I am about one year old.  I will need my spay surgery.  I am housetrained and love to pose for the picture.  With spring coming I will be a good companion.  My docket number is 54072, at the St. Joseph …

St. Joseph County is contemplating whether to partner with a Coloma-based business for drone services. During Tuesday’s executive committee meeting, commissioners learned Great Lakes Drones Company is offering its services on an as-needed basis for $5,000 a year. Erin Goff, St. Joseph County Emergency Services Director, said drone service could come in handy under a variety of circumstances, including a …

A 47-year-old Vicksburg man was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday on child pornography-related charges. Virgil Knowles III was sentenced to 25 years in a federal prison. In addition, Knowles will be subject to 10 years of supervised release. Knowles in October pled guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of child pornography. Knowles and his girlfriend, Samantha Batts, …

A suspect behind the shooting death of a Sturgis man back in December was taken into custody Monday, ending a six-week search. The Sturgis Department of Public Safety reported Tuesday that Cameron Hope was taken into custody this week in Gary, Ind., by Indiana State Police on a warrant for the Dec. 29 shooting death of Jeremy Lee Lampeart. Lampeart …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a retail fraud incident that occurred earlier this week at a business in Park Township. Investigators said the crime occurred at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Dollar General on U.S. 131, just north of M-216. Troopers are requesting the public’s help in identifying the suspect, described as a heavy-set, black female, approximately 5-foot-8, with …

St. Joseph County Intermediate School District is interested in law-enforcement services with the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. The matter was discussed during Tuesday’s executive committee meeting. County commissioners were advised by undersheriff Jason Bingaman that the ISD would like to begin a contract with the agency starting in March. The potential agreement would result in daytime coverage at the …

Three potential appointments are expected to be made by St. Joseph County commissioners next week. During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, commissioners reviewed the possible appointments of Kathy Pangle to the county’s Community Mental Health Board and Roger Gentz to the Agricultural Preservation Board. During their board meeting next week, commissioners are expected to also discuss an appointment to the …

Centreville Public Schools Superintendent Chad Brady said an advocacy committee is gearing up for an informational campaign in advance of a May 2 millage-increase request. During Monday’s board of education meeting, Brady said a brochure, website and video are all expected to go live today. Breakout videos will then be released Feb. 20, March 6, March 13 and March 20. …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency and Covered Bridge Healthcare are offering self-serve COVID-19 testing at kiosks placed at their respective locations in Centreville, Sturgis and Three Rivers. The units are the first of their kind in the state and were provided in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control. The kiosks offer 24/7 access to COVID-19 testing. After a …

State police troopers are investigating the larceny of fuel from an irrigation system last month in Flowerfield Township. Investigators said the incident occurred between 6 and 7 a.m. Jan. 18 at a farm in the 10000 block of Ayers Road. Authorities said the suspects are believed to have been driving an older-model pickup, red in color.