Following a preliminary hearing Wednesday in St. Joseph County District Court, it was decided that the case of a former Sturgis firefighter charged with criminal sexual conduct will be heard in Circuit Court. Judge Jeff Middleton ruled that the case against Joshua Snyder move on to the next level on two counts of fourth-degree CSC. The charges stem from a …

A number of items were reported stolen from a building in Leonidas Township. St. Joseph County Sheriff’s officials said a breaking-and-entering occurred in the 32000 block of Depot Street. The incident was reported Monday and it is believed the theft took place within the last two to three weeks of September. Antiques, copper wire and several sheets of particle board …

The city of Sturgis has been awarded a state grant to be used for job training at Sturgis Molded Products, according to State Rep. Matt Lori. The grant is projected to create up to 50 jobs, at least half will benefit low- to moderate-income workers. The $442,000 Community Development Block Grant will allow the company to expand its workforce. Sturgis …

Students at Centreville Public Schools are reminded that the first of eight late starts this year is Monday. School begins two hours later than usual to allow for professional development for its staff members. Elementary students will start the day at 9:43 a.m., while junior high and high school classes commence at 9:48. With the exception of January, the district’s …

HI! My name is Titan and I am a male brown/gray shepherd mix. I’m about two years old and am house-trained and really like people. I like to play with soft toys but my favorite game is tug-of-war. I weigh about 65 pounds and I even carry my leash! And, I am current with my shots and am already neutered. …

Marcia Blackman and Carl Drumhiller Jr. will be honored this weekend as Colon’s Citizens of the Year. The public is invited to bring a dish to pass and help with the celebration. It takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday at Colon United Methodist Church, 224 N. Blackstone Ave. Meat, drinks and table service will be provided. Linda Musall of the …

The proprietors of a new business opening in Centreville are staging a photo contest to help celebrate its upcoming opening. Dan and Jamie Templin said The Local, the recently remodeled bar and eatery in downtown Centreville, is requesting original photographs that represent St Joseph County’s local, historic and rural heritage. Eight-by-ten-inch glossy original photographs will be accepted through Wednesday next …

As part of a project called “Pink Saturdays,” free mammograms are being offered to uninsured women aged 40- 64 during the month of October. Cost for the mammograms is funded in part by Susan G. Komen of Southwest Michigan. A mammogram can be scheduled by calling 800-873-0649. More information is available at the website pinksaturdays.org.

Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees has voted to offer once again free tuition for students age 62 and over. Glen Oaks president David Devier said the Centreville-area college had offered free classes to senior citizens but later started charging 50 percent tuition. After looking into the matter, board members agreed classes will now be no-cost again. Devier said …

Wednesday’s ninth annual Project Connect, hosted by Firm Foundation Ministries in Centreville, featured more than 70 vendors who offered services ranging from housing and utility-bill assistance, to haircuts and food boxes. Anita Schlabach, who organized this year’s Project Connect on behalf of the St. Joseph County Housing Task Force, said more than 500 people attended. New this year was dental …