Administrator

Driver killed in crash following police pursuit

A police pursuit that made its way briefly into St. Joseph County last week concluded when the driver was killed after his vehicle was struck by a semi-tractor trailer. The pursuit started shortly before 4:30 p.m. Friday in Branch County’s Sherwood Township, where authorities attempted to stop a speeding vehicle. The pursuit went into Matteson Township then west into St. …

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Community forum explains potential bond renewal request

A community forum hosted last week by Mendon Community Schools helped clarify details of a potential bond renewal request possibly coming up in the spring. Superintendent Leasa Griffith-Mathews said the focus will center on improvements to buildings and grounds at the two-school district, as well as its bus garage and athletic facilities. Griffith-Mathews said about $20 million worth of work …

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Vicksburg hears information proposed Biggby

A nationally recognized coffee chain hoping to break into the Vicksburg market will have a fair amount of information to present when its plan goes before municipal officials. During the Vicksburg Planning Commission’s October meeting, discussion centered on Biggby’s proposed location at the northwest corner of East Prairie and North Richardson streets. Village Council members in September expressed concerns about …

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Constantine to receive state funds for road improvements

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced funding being made available to 47 communities, including Constantine, for road improvements. The Community Service Infrastructure Fund will provide $250,000 to the village. It is targeting the funds for Florence Road, between White Pigeon Road and Cemetery Street; Industrial Drive; and Meyers Street. Repaving will take place by next summer.

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Central Dispatch employees recognized on First Responders Day

A Kalamazoo County branch of Mercury Broadband played a role in helping St. Joseph County Central Dispatch observe First Responders Day. The national acknowledgment was Saturday, but a four-person team from Mercury’s Schoolcraft location showed up during shift change Friday afternoon to express its gratitude. Mishel Northrop, sales and marketing manager for the Kalamazoo market, said St. Joseph County is …

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Large turnout for household hazardous waste collection

A stronger-than-usual turnout for the fall collection of household hazardous waste Saturday resulted in some impressive numbers. Sponsored by the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Committee, the twice-a-year collection took place over a four-hour period Saturday morning at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds. Preliminary numbers: 20,000 pounds of electronics, nearly 1,400 tires, 15,000 pounds of household hazardous waste and three-quarters …

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Bill Harroun, 68

William Earl “Bill” Harroun, age 68, of Mendon, died Sunday, October 22, 2023 at his home. He was born in Sturgis on November 26, 1954 and was the adopted son of Leonard and Kathleen “Katie” (Bower) Harroun. He attended Mendon Schools, and later enlisted in the U.S. Army. Bill assisted his father as Sexton of Mendon Cemeteries for a short …

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Airline celebrates one year at AZO

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport observed a special anniversary last week. Airport director Craig Williams said Avelo Airlines has served AZO for a full year. The first flight between Kalamazoo and Avelo’s Florida destination in Orlando was Oct. 26, 2022. The non-stop service between the two cities has brought affordable and convenient air travel options to Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan, Williams …

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United Way begins coat drive

St. Joseph County United Way is continuing a longtime tradition to benefit area residents in need of winter apparel. The Centreville agency’s annual coat drive is underway. Items in need include coats, hats, gloves and boots. New items are preferred but gently used items will be accepted. United Way officials said gently used coats can be dropped off at Ludders …

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Coldwater man pleads guilty in larceny case

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said a Coldwater man has plead guilty to stealing money from a client of the law firm where he worked. Nessel said 63-year-old James O’Briant plead guilty last week to four counts of larceny in excess of $20,000 and two counts of failure to file taxes. O’Briant had access to the money of a 95-year-old …

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