In support of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said the agency is teaming with Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning for a high-visibility enforcement program. Throughout the month, sheriff’s deputies will remind motorists about the dangers of distracted driving while enforcing Michigan’s “Hands-Free Driving” law, which took effect last June. The most common collision …

A Cass County man won a significant windfall thanks to the Powerball lottery game. Marcellus resident Tori Simpson, 55, recently visited lottery headquarters in Lansing to claim his share of a $1 million prize. Simpson’s ticket matched all five white balls selected in the March 16 drawing. Simpson said he purchased the ticket through the Michigan Lottery’s online app. The …

St. Joseph County Conservation District officials have announced details related to the 2024 River Cleanup series. This marks the 14th season of the agency-sponsored event. The four cleanups are: June 22 – Swan Creek. Specific location to be announced. July 19 – Prairie River, from Hoshel Road in Lockport Township to Sauganash Country Club. This event is on a Friday. …

Sturgis Public Schools has reached its funding goal to purchase a video scoreboard. Superintendent Art Ebert announced the news March 21. While the district is paying for upfront costs of the board through its public-improvement fund, revenue from sponsorships will more than pay for the project over the course of a decade, Ebert said. He said the payback period could …

Due to strong interest in a previously scheduled class, St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is providing another refresher training on concealed-pistol carry laws. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman will host the training, 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 17 at the Sheriff’s Training Center, 602 E. Main St., in Centreville. The training will focus on review of laws pertaining to concealed carry, including …

If I act like a bunny and put these eggs around, will someone adopt me?  I like kids, other dogs and cats.  My name is “Bandit.”  I am a lab/retriever mix.  I love playing outside and I am content relaxing in my kennel.  I am leash and crate trained.  I love my squeaky toys!  My Docket number is 48-24, at …

A longtime county employee has announced his candidacy for St. Joseph County Probate Court judge. Kevin Kane, 46, is a Centreville native who lives in Nottawa. Kane said he has a deep-rooted connection to the community and a commitment to fairness, integrity and compassion. The Centreville High School graduate said he brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the …

The St. Joseph County Conservation District is now taking orders for its annual spring seedling tree sale. New this year is a native plant sale. Agency director Carolyn Grace said the order deadline is April 26. Pick up, meanwhile, is May 3 and 4 at the county fairgrounds. Conifer varieties include Fraser and Douglas fir; Meyer, Norway and blue spruce; …

The Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce will once again host its annual “Breakfast With our Legislators.” The 2024 event will start at 8 a.m. April 26 at the chamber’s Event Center. The program will feature State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey, Lee Belding from U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg’s office and State Rep. Steve Carra. Cost is $10 per person and registration …

St. Joseph County Intermediate School District’s Clue Me In competitions were held last week at its Centreville-area office. The annual contest drew nine fourth- and sixth-grade classes, and 10 fifth-grade classes. The nine-round competition yielded different first-place winners from each age category. Fourth grade winners were from Mendon Elementary, followed by Constantine and Colon. Fifth-grade squads were led by Constantine. …