County Information

Two national agencies that advocate for people in need of mental-health treatment recognized U.S. Rep. Fred Upton during a ceremony Monday in Centreville. The National Association of County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disability Directors, and the National Association for Rural Mental Health, awarded Upton their “Outstanding Legislative Leader” acknowledgment. It was presented by Liz O’Dell, chief executive officer of Community …

State police troopers are investigating a break-in at a residence in White Pigeon Township over the weekend. The victim told police someone broke into an attached garage in the 19000 block of Fawn River Road and stole a Yamaha Bruin four-wheel, all-terrain vehicle. The victim told police the incident likely occurred around 5 a.m. Sunday.

A residence in Lockport Township was broken into over the weekend. Sheriff’s deputies said the incident occurred overnight between Saturday and Sunday in the 19000 block of Hoshel Road. A rear window was broken out and numerous items were taken from the residence. An adjacent shed was also entered by force and items were taken from it, as well, investigators …

A 28-year-old Bronson man was killed Thursday when his motorcycle struck the rear of a pickup truck in Fawn River Township. Zachariah Himebaugh, was declared dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred just after 3:30 p.m. Michigan State Police said both vehicles were westbound in the 30000 block of U.S. 12, near Sweet Lake Road. The driver of …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is requesting boaters to abide by a no-wake request until at least midweek. The agency issued a media release and made the request in light of an abundance of rain during the past week, which has elevated lake levels in the region. No-wake boating practices will ensure docks, boats and shoreline objects remain in …

Two Colon Township residents are being charged with drug-related offenses following an incident last week in the 30000 block of Coohon Road in Colon Township. St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday to the residence regarding a tip about narcotics. Once inside, deputies located several marijuana plants, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and firearms. Charges are being reviewed …

A vehicle being driven possibly without its headlights illuminated is the potential cause of a collision last week in Fabius Township. Deputies from St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department were called shortly before 1:30 a.m. Friday to the intersection of U.S. 131 and West Michigan Avenue in response to a two-vehicle accident. A Chrysler minivan driven by 22-year-old Joseph Branch of …

The weekend’s 29th Mendon Riverfest saw some popular events canceled due to the St. Joseph River’s high water and fast-moving current. Roger Cupp, chair of the Riverfest Committee, said Saturday’s canoe race, canoe swamp, and duck and toy-boat races were canceled for safety reasons. The high water and swift current were the result of a heavy day of rain Wednesday …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this week approved accepting a grant on behalf of the sheriff’s department to fund secondary road patrol. County administrator Pat Yoder said the grant, in excess of $185,000, is awarded through the state police agency’s office of Highway Safety Planning. It covers the cost of two deputies dedicated to patrolling the county’s secondary roads …

Four people were reappointed to the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Management Planning Committee this week. Commissioners on Tuesday renewed the terms of Eric Shafer and Aaron Cuillifer, representing industry; Lee Zimmerman, representing environmental; Robert Robinson, representing the general public; and John Dobberteen, representing municipalities. Their terms are for two years, expiring Sept. 1, 2018.