On Thursday, September 3 and Friday, September 4, the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging delivered an ice cream treat to every senior who receives home-delivered meals. COA staff delivered the ice cream treats, which included drumsticks, strawberry shortcake bars, ice cream sandwiches and push pops, to more than 200 homes over the two-day period. “We try to give our …

Michigan Department of Transportation workers are getting into final stages of the U.S. 131 reconstruction project in Three Rivers. According to agency officials, traffic this week will continue to travel in single lanes on the newly created northbound side of the highway. Other updates include news that Millard Road is now open, some utility-relocation work remains ongoing and access will …

A Coldwater woman died after she was involved in a two-vehicle incident on Interstate 69 last week. Authorities said 44-year-old Shannon Risner was driving a car heading north in the southbound lane of the interstate near the M-60 interchange around 6 p.m. Aug. 30. Investigators noted Risner may have been despondent at the time and her actions could have been …

Southern Michigan Bank & Trust has announced the successful processing of more than 600 small-business-loan applications for local business customers, totaling approximately $75 million. The loans were funded under the Paycheck Protection Program, a federal program established to help small businesses retain employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bank officials said more than $9 million of the funded loans were allocated …

St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman has ruled against a request to suppress evidence in the dismemberment case involving defendant Wade Allen. During a 70-minute proceeding Friday, Stutesman went into lengthy detail about the extensive research he conducted to help reach his conclusion. Allen’s attorney, David Marvin, had requested evidence a Sturgis Public Safety officer and then-director Geoff …

Sheriff’s deputies were recently called to a larceny incident at a barn in Burr Oak Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident was investigated Aug. 28 in the 62000 block of Burr Oak Road. Investigators said a number of items, including a Simcoe horse saddle and several tools, were stolen from outbuildings on the property.

A semi tractor-trailer became engulfed in flames on Interstate 94 in Calhoun County near Marshall this week. Michigan State Police troopers were dispatched to an area near Portello Road on the westbound side of the interstate. Authorities said the semi was hauling a trailer with car parts. It caught fire and the trailer became engulfed in flames, as well. No …

A White Pigeon man was arrested this week following an incident in Mottville Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called Monday to the Mottville Township Marathon gas station in response to a disorderly subject. Deputies subsequently located a vehicle speeding westbound on U.S. 12 from Vistula Road. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop, however it took off at …

A Sturgis man was injured after losing control of the motorcycle he was driving this week in Sherman Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly before 8 p.m. Monday to Shimmel Road, in an area near Storms Road. Investigators said a 29-year-old man was traveling south on a motorcycle at what appears to be a high rate of …

A Marcellus woman was injured after she was involved in an accident Wednesday in Cass County’s Volinia Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called at 4:45 p.m. to the area of Marcellus Highway and Russ Forrest. A vehicle driven by 77-year-old Nancy Hurley was traveling east on Marcellus Highway when it left the roadway and struck a culvert at Dowagiac Creek. Hurley’s vehicle …