A citizen donor has sponsored St. Joseph County K-9 Skyler, enabling the department to supply the dog with needed protective gear. Skyler will receive a bullet- and stab-protective vest from Vested Interest in K9s Inc. Skyler’s vest is sponsored by Sharon Peters of Grosse Pointe Shores and will be embroidered with “In memory of Det. Lt. Richard J. Scott.” Scott …

A Bronson man died in a two-vehicle crash earlier this week in Branch County. Authorities said Michael Hyska died as a result of the 5 p.m. Monday incident, which took place just west of the Coldwater city limits. Authorities said 43-year-old Elton Yeazel of Goshen was driving east on U.S. 12 when the car Hyska was driving attempted to turn …

The village of Vicksburg is investigating potential elevated manganese levels in its municipal water system. Vicksburg officials said there is currently no state or federal requirement to test for manganese in a municipal water system, and the village is ordering a precautionary advisory only. Vicksburg officials are conducting additional testing to determine if the village’s water meets all health advisory …

Members of the St. Joseph County Road Commission recently approved a resolution with Consumers Energy for lighting of the new roundabout at Farrand and Colon roads. The cost of about $25 per month is below the road commission’s typical threshold for approving a resolution, but the paperwork was required by Consumers Energy because it will be a regular-occurring bill. After …

Glen Oaks Community College and the Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology have collaborated to increase access to agriculture-related education in lower Michigan. Applications are being accepted for the fall 2020 semester for students to take MSU agriculture courses at Glen Oaks Community College. Students will have an opportunity to gain practical understanding of agribusiness, crop production and farm …

The Centers for Disease Control recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the most-important step in protecting against flu viruses. Getting a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season will be more important than ever, according to the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency. Flu vaccines will not prevent COVID-19, but will reduce the burden of flu illnesses and conserve scarce medical …

St. Joseph County Clerk Lindsay Oswald has announced a recount of a township supervisor race from earlier this month. The recount will take place at 9 a.m. Thursday in the History Room at the courthouse and be overseen by the St. Joseph County Board of Canvassers. The recount centers on a three-vote difference in the Aug. 4 primary race for …

Michigan Department of Transportation officials said progress is being made on work related to the U.S. 131 redevelopment project in Three Rivers. Improvements on Broadway Road are finished and it will re-open Wednesday. Meanwhile, westbound traffic on Millard Road will move to the southbound side of the road today. MDOT officials ask eastbound motorists to please follow the posted detour. …

An Edwardsburg man was hospitalized, and later died, after he was involved in a one-vehicle crash over the weekend in Cass County’s Pokagon Township. Sheriff Richard Behkne said deputies were called at 7:35 p.m. Sunday to a location on Barron Lake Road, south of Pokagon Highway. Investigators said 27-year-old Aaron Marquardt was traveling north on Barron Lake Road when his …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has issued a reminder for residents to take measures to prevent tick bites while still enjoying the outdoors. Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months, including September. The agency said families spending more time at home and social distancing might be outdoors more than usual, increasing chances of …