Weather may have been a factor in a car-versus-deer collision earlier this week in Branch County’s Algansee Township. Sheriff Fred Blankenship said deputies were called shortly before 10:30 a.m. Monday to South Ray Quincy Road, near Lester Road, in response to a crash with injury. Investigators said a car driven northbound on South Ray Quincy Road swerved to avoid colliding …

Constantine municipal officials have announced details related to its “Music in the Park” program Event organizers said three performances highlight the 2026 series. Sponsored by Constantine Downtown Development Authority, the season kicks off June 5, featuring Y Naut Band. There will be merchants in the park and food available from vendor Recippi’s Italian Ice. Julia James will provide entertainment July …

Four area school districts are asking their taxpayers to weigh in on bond proposals today. Sturgis Public Schools, St. Joseph County’s largest school district, is pitching a $98 million bond proposal. If passed, the proposal will extend a current bond with no increase in taxes, according to district officials. Superintendent Art Ebert said the district is nearing the end of …

Colon Community Schools is asking its registered voters to continue the district’s sinking-fund millage for an additional eight years. District officials said the sinking fund – initially OK’d in 2019 – supports long-term building repairs, renovations and safety improvements. The current millage rate of 1.2906 mills would be renewed if today’s request is supported. If the millage is approved, the …

Vicksburg Community School District, which extends into northern St. Joseph County, is asking voters to pass a $64.1 million bond. If approved, the bond would levy 3.83 mills in 2026. The millage rate would be replacing mills that are expiring, so voters would not see a net increase in their tax rate, according to assistant superintendent Steve Goss. Goss said …

In Branch County, Coldwater Community Schools district voters will decide on a $64 million bond proposal focused on modernizing the nearly 70-year-old Coldwater High School. According to district officials, the initiative seeks to fund a new 62,000-square-foot wing featuring updated science labs and a media center, while also addressing infrastructure needs such as replacing leaking roofs and installing the school’s …

Cass County Road Commission has information related to upcoming roadwork in Howard and Pokagon townships. Michigan Department of Transportation plans to widen shoulders, install curve-warning signs, add center rumble strips and perform guardrail upgrades starting May 18 on M-51 between White Street in Howard Township and Crystal Springs Street in Pokagon Township. Traffic will likely be narrowed to one lane …

Monday’s strong winds took their toll on county services in St. Joseph County this week. Erin Goff, from the county’s administrator’s office, said loss of power forced a number of county agencies to close Tuesday and Wednesday. In light of the power outage that struck Centreville late Monday, non-emergency county buildings in the village were closed for the day Tuesday. …

White Pigeon Township Library invites the public to participate in a new program offered Monday mornings starting next week. Director Perri Saunders said the popular game Mahjong will be taught starting at 9:30 a.m. every Monday through the summer. Overseen by Suzi Puckett, demonstrations will center on how to play the game in its American and Chinese versions. Saunders suggested …

A 39-year-old Coldwater man was arrested earlier this week on several charges related to drugs and failure to comply. Branch County Sheriff Fred Blankenship said deputies attempted to stop the man shortly before 10 p.m. Monday on Fiske Road, near Newton Road, in Coldwater Township. Authorities said the man was being pulled over for a license-plate violation. However, the suspect …