The city of Sturgis is accepting permit applications for residents looking to keep urban chickens. Applications are available in the Community Development Department at Sturgis City Hall, according to municipal officials. Residents who have kept chickens prior to obtaining a permit and apply by Jan. 31 will be waived the fee for keeping of chickens prior to having a permit. …

Authorities have identified a man who died in an Elkhart County house fire earlier this month. Indiana State Police investigators said Richard Irwin, 68, of Bristol died in the Jan. 3 blaze. Elkhart County Coroner’s Office officials said the blaze was caused by inhalation of products of combustion. The death was ruled accidental and the county coroner has closed its …

A Sturgis man, armed with a chainsaw, was arrested last week after attempting to break into a residence. Sturgis Police officers were called at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 called to a residence in the 500 block of Susan Avenue in response to a disorderly subject. Authorities said the man was attempting to gain access into a residence but left the …

Michigan Court of Appeals has affirmed the conviction and prison sentence issued to a Three Rivers man charged with attempted murder. The court upheld Lee Parker Jr.’s conviction and sentence to between 17 and 60 years in prison for charges of assault with intent to commit murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The charges …

Glen Oaks Community College officials recently approved the purchase of a center-pivot irrigation system for the school’s Hagen Farm. During a recent meeting, board members agreed to the $118,000 purchase with Advanced Farm Supply of Burr Oak. The new system will enhance agricultural education, research and workforce training opportunities, while aligning with the college’s strategic goals of innovation and collaboration, …

St. Joseph County Grange Fair officials recently purchased two Automated External Defibrillators. According to a media release, purchase of the new AEDs was made possible through a grant from the Sturgis Area Community Foundation. Fair officials said the contribution is instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community and fairground visitors. The new AEDs will be placed throughout …

In response to the Lead Action Level Exceedances experienced during its required lead-copper sampling, Three Rivers has been working with EGLE to improve its corrosion-control treatment program. Beginning Wednesday, the city will make two major changes to chemicals in its drinking-water system, per EGLE’s designations. The first component centers on increasing the amount of chlorine added to the system, while …

January is typically the most challenging time for the Red Cross to collect blood products to meet the needs of patients. Winter weather and seasonal illnesses, including the flu, may also prevent people from making or keeping appointments. According to a Red Cross media release, when fewer people donate, blood products can start to disappear from hospital shelves. January is …

Colon Community Schools is staging a one-week coin drive to help a family who recently lost everything they own in a house fire. Starting today through Friday, the district will accept coins or any form of U.S. currency. A container in the office at Colon Elementary will be set up to allow the community to help support the cause. Event …

Officials from Cass County, St. Joseph County and Michigan State Police are investigating the theft of a walnut tree. Authorities said the standing tree was felled Jan. 4 in the 61000 block of Old Mill Road in Cass County’s Pokagon Township. Two men, ages 51 and 35 years, were taken into custody and charged with larceny after attempting to sell …