Another high-density housing development slated for the northwest quadrant of the village prompted a lengthy discussion by Vicksburg Village Council members last month. Village Manager Jim Mallery mentioned the proposed development of Homestead at Centennial community, between Trillium Plat and the original Centennial neighborhoods on the west side of South 22nd Street. He said developer Allen Edwin is behind the …

A fast-food destination for more than 25 years in Centreville is closing at the end of the month. Jim and Laura Maynard, owners/operators of the Centreville McDonald’s, announced to staff last week the restaurant’s last day is Oct. 31. Jim Maynard was vague on details, stating only that the move was made as a financial decision. The Maynards have owned …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency was recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services with a 2023 Director’s Award to Local Public Health. The Coldwater-based agency was one of three departments to receive honors at the annual Michigan Premier Public Health Conference earlier this month. The agency was acknowledged for “Excellence in Public Health for providing access …

Gateway Village Apartments of Sturgis has received a generous grant from the Sturgis Area Community Foundation to help fund the Fresh Food Distribution Program, in collaboration with the South Michigan Food Bank. The grant – provided by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation – will enable Gateway Village Apartments to continue supplying fresh food. The Fresh Food Distribution Program is aimed …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the theft of a four-wheeler from a location in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. Investigators recently responded to the 63000 block of Borgert Road to follow-up on the theft of a blue quad stolen from a residence in the 63000 block of Borgert Road. The victim told authorities the 4-wheeler was last seen in his …

Halloween!  Here I am all ready to enjoy Halloween.  I have my human skeleton, my dog skeleton. I am an Akita mix about eight months old.  I have LOTS of energy.  I am ready to learn manners and I get along with most dogs.   My docket number is 55302 at the St. Joseph County Animal Control Shelter located at 652 …

The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is hosting another TSA PreCheck application center. Residents of Southwest Michigan can enroll in the Transportation Security Administration’s TSA PreCheck® program at the Airport from Nov. 6 through Nov. 10. Airport director Craig Williams said AZO is a convenient location to sign up for the program that enables enrolled travelers to experience an expedited security …

Gov. Whitmer has signed a bill making changes to the post-retirement employment window and earnings limits for school retirees who choose to return to work. House Bill 4752 shortens the wait period for a retiree with a bona-fide retirement to work at a school from nine months to six months.  It also allows them to work during the waiting period, …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a phone scam being conducted by a police impersonator. The suspect claims to be “Deputy Brooks” from the Branch County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect advises potential victims they have a warrant for their arrest and immediate payment is required. The suspect is instructing victims the cash-only payment must be wired through Walmart. Once payment …

Twelve Baskets Food Pantry in Portage is in the midst of a donor-match, where up to $10,000 will be matched for every financial donation made between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31. Donations can be mailed to Twelve Baskets Food Pantry, 10332 Portage Road, Portage, 49002. Potential donors should note “No Kids Go Hungry” with their donation. Its website is: twelve-baskets.org. …