U.S. Sen. Gary Peters has provided an update about new Department of Veterans Affairs resources available to Michigan veterans. Peters said he is proud to have helped pass the “Honoring Our PACT” Act into law to ensure veterans and their survivors can obtain health care and benefits through the VA. Peters said he has traveled across Michigan to raise awareness …

My name is “Sharkie.” I am an intact male mixed breed, and I am housetrained. I know SIT. I’m very gentle, not rough at all when I play. I like other dogs, and I am very curious of cats. I’m really hoping to find my forever Ho-Ho-Ho-Home for the holidays. My docket number is 53558, at the St. Joseph County …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the theft and crash of a stolen vehicle in Branch County’s Bronson Township. According to a department media release, troopers were dispatched shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday to a single-vehicle crash in the curves of Holmes Road, just north of U.S. 12. The vehicle, a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado, was reported stolen from an address …

A two-month bridge project in the Centreville area wrapped up last week. Michigan Department of Transportation officials said the M-86 bridge over the Prairie River reopened this week after construction limited access to one lane at a time. A timed traffic signal monitored eastbound and westbound vehicles. Work centered on correcting dips before both approaches to the bridge. MDOT officials …

A Sturgis felon will spend at least five years in prison for leading authorities on a high-speed chase that included a stretch of roadway in downtown Sturgis. Dylan Brand, 27, was sentenced last week by St. Joseph County Circuit Judge Paul Stutesman to a period of five up to 17 years. Brand turned down a plea bargain for a five-year …

In light of the resignation of Kenneth Linn, Fabius Township Board members last week appointed Dan Wilkins to serve as its new supervisor. Wilkins has served as a trustee for eight years and is the vice chair of the township planning commission. Wilkins’ appointment was made during a special meeting Friday, a meeting called to accept the resignation of Linn. …

September’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by one-tenth of a percent from August. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 4.2 percent in August to 4.1 percent in September. Meanwhile, Cass County experienced a drop in its unemployment figures from August to September. Its …

A 6-month-old child died this week in a two-vehicle crash involving an alleged drunken driver in Mendon Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called around 7 a.m. Tuesday to the intersection of M-60 and Angevine Road. Investigators said 30-year-old Samantha Adams, of Mendon, was driving a westbound vehicle on M-60 but was stopped waiting for oncoming traffic to clear …

State police officials are investigating a larceny incident that took place this week in Branch County’s Algansee Township. Troopers responded to a location in the 500 block of South Ray Quincy Road. The victim told authorities the incident occurred between Sunday and Wednesday. Items taken include an industrial-sized air conditioner.

Tickets for a 50/50 cash raffle sponsored by the St. Joseph County United Way are now available. Cost is $5 per ticket or five for $20. Tickets are available from Sturgis City Hall and the United Way office in Centreville. The winning ticket will be drawn at the Sturgis City Commission’s Dec. 14 meeting.