County Information

Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke said his office recently made a donation to Cass County Cancer Services. In 2017, Sheriff Behnke initiated a fundraising campaign within his office that would benefit a local charity. The fundraising was based on casual Fridays for personnel not required to wear a uniform. Participating employees agreed to donate $10 per month. The opportunity was …

A request for an additional one-quarter of a mill by St. Joseph County 911 Central Dispatch passed Tuesday. Unofficial totals reported by the St. Joseph County Clerk’s Office showed 1,364 votes in favor of the seven-year request and 1,323 opposed, with all 20 precincts reporting. The request will bump Central Dispatch’s millage rate to an even 1 mill. Agency director …

A White Pigeon man suffered minor injuries after his vehicle was struck by a deer last week in Cass County. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 5:30 p.m. Thursday to M-40, near Born Street. Investigators said Brian Rudloff was driving south on M-40 when his vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by a deer. Rudloff sustained …

State Sen. John Proos has supported approval of Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund projects for 2018, including six in Southwest Michigan. The trust fund is supported by interest earned on funds generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights, Proos said. Senate Bill 883 would authorize the trust to use almost $50 million in restricted funds to support 34 acquisition …

Three Indiana residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident over the weekend in Cass County’s Newberg Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday to Quaker Street, near Savage Road. Investigators said 20-year-old Elkhart resident Colin Schieber was driving eastbound on Quaker Street, when he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to go into …

Organizers of Sunday’s 55th annual Mendon Dust-Off are declaring the event a success. Heidi Alexander, president of the Three Rivers Classic and Antique Restorers Club, said the event drew about 650 participants and hundreds of spectators. Always staged the first Sunday of May, the Dust-Off serves as the unofficial kickoff to car season, with a major show in Coldwater the …

The U.S. Post Office in Three Rivers will be one of thousands across the country to take part in what is believed to be the largest food drive in the nation. The annual National Association of Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive will be May 12. Post office officials are asking for anyone wishing to participate to leave non-perishable …

The 55th annual Mendon Dust-Off takes place Sunday with the usual impressive variety of old cars, muscle cars and other vintage vehicles. It starts at 7 a.m. and runs until 3 p.m. Three Rivers resident Arnold Alexander is a charter member of the event sponsor, Three Rivers Classic and Antique Restorers Club. He said Sunday’s show marks the 30-year anniversary …

A Cassopolis woman was injured after she was involved in a motorcycle accident earlier this week in Calvin Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly after 5 p.m. Monday to Day Lake Road, near Jeffries Street. Behnke said a motorcycle driven by Debra Hartline, 51, was heading north on Day Lake Road when she attempted to pass a …

The Cass County sheriff’s department handled an accidental death Tuesday on White Temple Road in Penn Township. Authorities said Robert Wright, 73, of Vandalia, was struck by two trees while he was cutting wood. An investigation revealed Wright was cutting a tree that fell into another tree, which uprooted itself. The two trees fell on Wright. Emergency personnel extracted Wright …