Michigan’s top election official said Tuesday that absentee ballot applications will be mailed to all 7.7 million registered voters for the August primary and November general election. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said the step — announced as the state continues to confront the coronavirus pandemic — ensures no one “has to to choose between their health and their right …

Constantine Public Schools has chosen one of its own to serve as the district’s new superintendent. Jim Wiseley was unanimously selected as head of the 1,400-student district following interviews with a pair of finalists Wednesday. Wiseley, who was hired last summer as principal at Constantine Middle School, was interviewed along with Rohn Peterson, retired superintendent from Roanoke-Benson school district in …

A Lockport Township woman was arrested after she allegedly stabbed her boyfriend last week. St. Joseph County sheriff’s deputies were called at 1:15 p.m. Friday to the 57000 block of Oak Park Road in response to a domestic-disturbance complaint. Investigators said the couple had been arguing over the victim having used the suspect’s car to go to work. The victim …

Three items of new business will be discussed by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners today. During their twice-a-month meeting at 5 o’clock, commissioners will consider approving a grant for animal control. Other agenda items center on an Emergency Management/COVID-19 update from Emergency Management Services director Erin Goff and potential approval of a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response plan. The …

A surveillance camera was stolen last week from a business in Lockport Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident took place around 2 a.m. May 11 at a business in the 57000 block of North Main Street. Investigators found that the suspect unsuccessfully attempted to enter the closed business. The suspect then stole the store’s surveillance camera. Authorities said the …

While the situation regarding large scale sporting events remains in limbo, the Kalamazoo Wings and the ECHL are moving forward with plans for the 2020-21 hockey season. The K-Wings released their home schedule for their 47th season of professional hockey. The 72-game season consists of 36 home and 36 away games. The home opener will kick off on October 17th …

The Associated Press has detailed the phone calls St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough made following the single-vehicle accident in which he was involved May 11. According to the news agency, McDonough said in the first of his two calls to St. Joseph County Central Dispatch that he experienced a coughing fit and, as a result, lost control of his …

Here’s the weekly update from Michigan Department of Transportation regarding its redevelopment of U.S. 131 in Three Rivers. Agency officials said Stage 5 traffic pattern remains in effect, meaning two-way traffic in the southbound lane of U.S. 131 will continue throughout the length of the project. Also, work related to some utility relocation is possible this week. Westbound traffic on …

Tyler Royce was recently promoted to White Pigeon fire chief. He succeeds Troy Andrews, who recently left the department to pursue another opportunity. Royce was assistant chief for 13 years and has spent 20 years in the fire service. A 2002 White Pigeon High School graduate, Royce is also village president, owns a business and operates the local food pantry. …

A five-year, $3 million project undertaken by St. Joseph County Central Dispatch was completed last month. Director Dennis Brandenburg said the process led to the agency’s transition from Very High Frequency to Ultra-High Frequency, an 800 megahertz system. Brandenburg said including St. Joseph County, about three-quarters of the state’s 83 counties now operate on a system featuring the UHF signal. …