Cass County was one of 11 counties in the state to receive a grant for park-related improvements. In all, 13 grants were awarded to 11 counties, which are recipients of funds administered through the Michigan Department of Natural Resource. A total of $7.4 million was allocated in Land and Water Conservation Fund grants. Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park was …

When Justin Taylor signed with the Kalamazoo Wings back in 2010, he had no idea that he would one day write several new chapters in the franchises storied history book,let alone be playing for the same team for 12 years. “In this league it doesn’t happen,” Taylor said of his longevity with the K-Wings.  “Most players usually stay for three …

Centreville Public Schools is inching closer to whether it will turn to voters regarding a potential millage-renewal request. Superintendent Chad Brady said he expects a decision on the matter to be yielded at the board of education’s Dec. 12 meeting. Brady said the district has cast a wide-reaching net in an effort to secure valid input. Besides staff and student …

Sturgis city officials have decided to delay action on whether to use a search firm to help them find city manager candidates. Last week’s shift came after the commission conducted two executive-search-firm interviews Nov. 30. Amy Cell LLC and Walsh Municipal Services were selected by the commission earlier in the month for consideration in guiding the city to replace Mike …

Constantine Village Council members have approved a Michigan Spark Grant application in hopes of developing a splash pad. Administered by the Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Spark Grants support public recreational facilities. The village’s Downtown Development Association has pledged $25,000 toward constructing the splash pad. Its estimated cost is $225,000. It would be constructed by Vortex Aquatic Structures. The proposed …

Wayfinding signs, a block-long social district, in-ground planting strips, rooftop gardens and brightly painted crosswalks were just a few of several ideas presented Tuesday to potentially enhance Colon’s image. The third of a three-part series centering on efforts to make Colon a destination community took place Tuesday at the American Legion. The 90-minute program was led by Michigan State University’s …

The legal case involving former Fabius Township Supervisor Ken Linn appears to be headed to trial. Linn, 57, was charged with four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct Oct. 26. He is accused of assaulting a woman while she was physically incapacitated and unable to give consent following an August 2010 golf outing. The victim, who was 22 at the …

A 51-year-old woman was arrested on drug-related offenses following a traffic stop in Sturgis earlier this week. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies pulled over a vehicle at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Meijer parking lot on South Centerville Road. Deputies suspected narcotics were concealed inside the vehicle and requested the Sturgis K9 unit respond to the stop. K9 Odin and …

St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said speed-enforcement zones at various locations throughout the county will be in place over a three-month period starting Thursday. State funding has been made available to cover overtime costs related to the enhanced patrol, Lillywhite said, adding the enforcement will also be conducted by state police and local law-enforcement agencies. State authorities said there …

The Colon Community Schools Board of Education has an opening for a four-year term. Superintendent Rachel Kowalski said the position is available after no one ran in the Nov. 8 election. Joe Smolarz and Laura Alva’s terms are up and they opted not to run again. Becky Jackson ran for one position. No one petitioned for the second opening. Kowalski said …