The Substance Abuse Task Force is launching its annual Vape Prevention Campaign. It highlights the real cost of nicotine and the negative effects e-cigarettes and vaping have on the teenage body, its brain and health. Agency officials said use of e-cigarettes by teens is on the rise and education is critical for teens to understand the dangers of vaping and …

St. Joseph County Ambulance Committee is close to reaching a one-year renewal with LifeCare Ambulance. White Pigeon Township Supervisor Don Gloy, a member of the 12-person committee, said the agreement is in the midst of being fielded by the dozen entities that are a part of the impending contract with LifeCare. The renewal is for $140,000 and its cost is …

State Rep. Steve Carra recently introduced a plan to strengthen the rights of Michigan election challengers, and expand training for election officials and inspectors. Election challengers are appointed by political parties and other organizations interested in observing Michigan election processes. They ensure election laws are properly followed at polling places and absentee counting boards. House Bill 4963 would specify that …

Elena Breiter, the new director at Three Rivers Area Mentoring, said the agency is working on rebooting and updating programs in 2021. She said she is looking for volunteers interested in mentoring, or helping with a youth club or workshop. Breiter said TRAM is attempting to set up partnerships with other local organizations and small businesses to provide valuable resources …

Rebecca Burns, health officer for the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, passed along a reminder from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services regarding foam collecting along shorelines and at the edge of bodies of water such as rivers and streams. The foam should be left alone as it could contain unknown chemicals or bacteria. Shoreline foam often has …

A three-month-long road project in Branch County’s largest community began on Monday. Michigan Department of Transportation officials said a 2.2-mile stretch of U.S.12 in the city of Coldwater will be resurfaced. The construction zone will stretch from Western Avenue to Michigan Avenue. According to MDOT, the $1.4 million investment includes sanitary sewer repairs, sidewalk ramp upgrades and pavement markings. There …

A number of items were stolen during a breaking-and-entering incident last week in Constantine Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called Thursday to the 66000 block of Constantine Road in response to a breaking and entering. Deputies said suspects gained entry to a building on the property by breaking the door handle and prying open the door. Once inside, …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has issued a reminder that weekly curbside COVID-19 testing will continue through June. The screenings are free and the only requirement is a photo ID. They take place 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Coldwater branch, 570 Marshall Road, and 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays at the Three Rivers office, 1110 …

A Marcellus man shot by his father last week has died. Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke said 29-year-old Cody Gonder died Saturday, three days after he and his father, Russell Gonder, 55, were involved in a fight. Deputies were called around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday to the 11000 block of Van Buren Street in Marcellus Township in regards to a shooting …

A 34-year-old Sturgis woman and a 12-year-old passenger in her vehicle were hospitalized following a two-vehicle accident last week in Nottawa Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly before 10 a.m. Saturday to the intersection of Nottawa and Findley roads. Investigators said a 23-year-old man from Naperville, Ill., was driving east on Findley Road and crossed Nottawa Road …