County Information

State police were called last week to a Branch County business in response to an armed robbery. According to a department media release, a man described as a skinny white male entered A.J. Butler’s General Store on Clarendon Road in Butler Township around 6:45 p.m. Friday. The man, wearing sunglasses and a bandana over a portion of his face, displayed …

For the third time in three months, Florence Township Supervisor Gordon Evilszior asked members of the county commission to consider funding a rehab of what is generally considered the worst road in St. Joseph County. Evilsizor has been seeking assistance to help correct a stretch of Constantine Road in White Pigeon and Florence townships. The north-south route forms the border …

Hoping to get a sense of how strongly the public is willing to support a higher millage, the St. Joseph County Road Commission is preparing to stage a countywide survey. Managing director Chris Minger said the opinion poll is being prepared by a company that specializes in public-opinion surveys. He expects all means of media and social networks to be …

Jeff Mullins was chosen last week to fill the Precinct 1 vacancy on the Sturgis City Commission. The 43-year-old Mullins is an account executive for LTi Printing. One vote was cast for Steven Shevick, the other Precinct 1 resident to express an interest in the appointment. Mullins was one of five candidates who stepped forward in April when former at-large …

Demolition and site cleanup at four properties will be discussed by members of the Three Rivers City Commission this evening. The parcels in question are located at 304 Jackson St., 909 River St., 318 E. Michigan Ave., and 512 W. Michigan Ave. Also before Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners is a matter related to the sale of city-owned property at …

A White Pigeon High School student has been arrested on a terrorism charge after allegedly making threats last week at school. Phillip Duane Stephenson, 18, is accused of making what school officials call threats to building safety. Stephenson has been suspended indefinitely, officials said. White Pigeon Superintendent Jon Keyer said he and school administrators determined valid statements were made and …

A federal agency and a firearms trade association are offering a reward of up to $4,000 for information leading to the prosecution of the party responsible for the theft of 21 guns last week from a Sturgis business. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is teaming with the National Shooting Sports Foundation to offer the reward. It is …

More than two dozen families were assisted Saturday thanks to a semi-annual event staged by the St. Joseph County Great Start Parent Coalition. Parent liaison Matie James said the Communitywide Baby Shower program, staged at Firm Foundation Ministries in Centreville, has been in place for more than five years and provides families help with their newborn. During the 2 1/2-hour …

St. Joseph County’s lone remaining representative in the high school football playoffs was eliminated Saturday. Constantine, which eked into the playoffs with a 5-4 record, bowed out in a 35-34 overtime loss to undefeated Grand Rapids North Pointe Christian in the Division 6 regional title contest. The Falcons forced overtime on their final possession of regulation, then went for the …

The man accused of murdering 11-year-old Jodi Parrack eight years ago has waived his right to a preliminary examination. The matter involving suspect Daniel Furlong occurred during a judicial proceeding Thursday before District Court Judge Jeff Middleton. Furlong, 65, will stand trial for the murder, Middleton ruled. Furlong faces charges of open murder, felony murder, kidnapping and second-degree criminal sexual …