New attorneys for murder defendant Michael Lafler will have four weeks to file motions before the case is again set for trial. St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman granted Lafler’s motion to use Kalamazoo law firm of Levine and Levine. The 35-year-old Colon man was held after his arrest on a $1 million bond for the October 2021 …

The Three Rivers Lions Club has named Lion John Bippus as recipient of the 2022 Bruce C. Snook Citizen of the year. Since 1965, the Lions Club has recognized persons who, through a commitment to service, have given unselfishly of themselves for the betterment of the community. In keeping with this tradition, Bippus will receive his honor during a public …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a report of stolen copper wiring from an agricultural pivot. The theft is believed to have occurred sometime between November and April 15 from a location in the 17000 block of Hoshel Road in Lockport Township. Several feet of copper wiring were cut and taken along the pivot towers, causing significant damage, authorities said.

Michigan State Police said two children died in a house fire early Monday in Constantine Township. Troopers and fire personnel responded around 12:30 a.m. to a location in the 14000 block of Timm Road. Authorities said the fire claimed the lives of a 4-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl. By the time authorities arrived on the scene, the home was fully …

The first step in a long and comprehensive process to create a vision for the village of Colon begins tonight. Colon Downtown Development Authority and the village council have partnered to engage in a collaboration with Michigan State University. Together, and with the input of business owners and the public, the focus will center on a project called Sustainable Built …

A 35-year-old Sturgis man was arrested last week following an incident in Sturgis. According to a department media release, police were called shortly after 9 p.m. Friday to the 200 block of Memorial Drive, in response to a suspicious situation. Upon arrival, officers learned that a woman with significant facial injuries was assaulted by the suspect. In addition, it was …

A Cass County man was charged with possession of stolen property after a camper was recovered by authorities. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies responded around 5 p.m. Sunday to the 55000 block of Gards Prairie Road, where investigators identified a camper stolen from a location in St. Joseph County. During the course of their investigation, deputies also discovered an undisclosed …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a fatal structure fire in the 14000 block of Timm Rd in Constantine Township. St. Joseph County dispatch received call of the fire at 12:24 Monday morning. By the time the first trooper arrived on scene, the structure was fully engulfed in flames. Two young children perished in the fire. At this time, the …

Saturday’s collection of electronics and household hazardous waste was deemed a success by event organizers. Sponsored by the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Committee, the four-hour collection saw cars lining up an hour before the 8 a.m. start. Pat Kulikowski, secretary of the solid waste committee, said electronics and tires were the most popular stations Saturday. Kulikowski said 1,280 tires …

Centreville’s board of education interviewed four candidates for the its top position last week and in the end, two candidates – Chad Brady and Jerome Wolff – were selected as finalists. The candidate pool also featured Jeremy Wright, Plainwell High School principal, and Barry Younghans, assistant superintendent of Goshen Community Schools. Board president Jeff Troyer afterward said the district was …