Administrator

Woman arrested on resisting and arson charges

A Three Rivers-area woman was arrested last week after she refused to exit a house and subsequently set it on fire in Sherman Township. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said deputies responded Friday to a residence in the 67000 block of Ottawa Drive to assist Branch County authorities in locating a wanted subject. Bingaman said deputies approached the residence and attempted to …

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TR Library plans summer series

The first of a four-part summer series sponsored by the Three Rivers Public Library takes place in July. The July 11 event is “A Taste of History: Suds and Civilization, a Social History.” It will be held 5:30-6:30 at Useless Creatures Brewing Co. in Three Rivers. On July 18, the library will host “Discover Falconry.” It, too, will be from …

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Recall petitions rejected

A three-member panel decided Tuesday that wording of petitions seeking the recall of four White Pigeon Township Board members lacked clarity. As a result, the petitions to recall supervisor Don Gloy, treasurer Trudy Gloy, and township trustees Jean Tefft and Vince Schroen were rejected. The matter was fielded by the St. Joseph County Election Commission, whose members – Probate Court …

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Centreville school board extends superintendent’s contract

Centreville Public Schools Superintendent Chad Brady received an encouraging evaluation of his first year as the district’s highest-ranking employee. During their meeting Monday, Centreville Board of Education members rated the 46-year-old Brady highly effective for the 2022-23 academic year. The board agreed to extend Brady’s contract one year, keeping him on board through the 2025-26 academic year. Brady was also …

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County officials mark start of courthouse project

St. Joseph County officials took part Tuesday in a unique event to mark the start of a construction project related to its satellite courthouse in Three Rivers. In lieu of a traditional ground-breaking ceremony, sledgehammers and a sheet of drywall were used to conduct a “demolition event.” County officials and project team members donned hard hats and took a whack …

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Local schools offer summer food program

Here’s information related to the “Meet Up and Eat Up” summer food program for schoolkids. Burr Oak School offers lunch 11:30 to 12:30 through Aug. 11. Centreville Public Schools serves breakfast 8 to 9 a.m. and lunch 11 a.m. to noon through Aug. 3 at its elementary school. Colon Elementary hosts breakfast 8-8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11 to 11:30 …

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County commission hears conservation district highlights

St. Joseph County Conservation District Executive Director Carolyn Grace recently addressed county commissioners regarding highlights from the past year. During the commission’s monthly meeting last week, Grace said the conservation district received grants to target invasive species, fund macroinvertebrate collection and support five river cleanup events. Grace said the agency’s services to the community include irrigation-pivot evaluations, monitoring of five …

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Colon man sentenced following plea deal

A Colon man accused of killing his girlfriend in October 2021 will serve at least seven years in prison. Michael Lafler, 37, was sentenced Friday to between seven and 15 years by Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman. Lafler’s sentencing was in connection to the death of 33-year-old Chelsea Wallen, who died at the Colon residence she shared with Lafler. Prosecutor …

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TR’s Pride Festival well attended

Organizers of this weekend’s Pride Fest in Three Rivers said the one-day celebration was well received and well attended. Co-organizer Cameron Mains estimated more than 1,000 people showed up Saturday to the downtown celebration, promoting diversity and acceptance. Live music, dozens of vendors, food and numerous other attractions were a part of the inaugural event. It concluded with Kitten’s Drag …

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Multiple injuries in off-road vehicle crash

Four men were injured after the off-road vehicle they were in crashed over the weekend in Cass County’s Penn Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly after 8:30 p.m. Saturday to the 16000 block of Donnell Lake Street regarding a crash with injuries. The vehicle was driven by 34-year-old Ryan Chris of Vandalia. Authorities said Chris lost control …

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