County Information

State Rep. Kim LaSata announced Tuesday she has filed paperwork to be a candidate for the 21st State Senate district in the 2018 election. LaSata, a Republican from the Berrien County community of Bainbridge, hopes to replace Sen. John Proos, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits. The 21st Senate District encompasses St. Joseph, Cass and Berrien counties. LaSata …

State police investigators out of the Coldwater detachment are looking into an explosion earlier this week in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. The incident occurred at 9:50 p.m. Monday inside a dumpster in the 100 block of Oliverda Drive. Authorities said the explosion was heard up to half a mile away and scattered debris more than 60 feet out of the …

The Michigan Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway program will kick off its 2018 season across the state beginning this weekend, concluding April 22. Volunteers pick up litter three times a year. The next two pickups will be July 14 to 22 and Sept. 22 to 30. The AAH program began in Michigan in 1990. Today, more than 2,800 groups have adopted …

A Sturgis school teacher initially charged with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct was sentenced last week by St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman. Keith Lang was sentenced to four days with credit for time served and assessed $358 in court costs. In February, Lang pleaded no contest to one count of aggravated indecent exposure. As part of the plea …

Area agriculture students will soon gain valuable experience by farming more than 65 acres of ground on the campus of Glen Oaks Community College. More than 60 people attended a dinner meeting in late March to hear about the new opportunity for students and to learn about two agriculture-related programs on campus. Reid Leaverton, Ag Equipment Technology instructor, said the campus …

Constantine Fire Chief Mike Haydon was recently presented with the agency’s 2018 “Firefighter of the Year Award” by Bryan Hughey. Haydon was honored March 18 at an awards banquet at the station. Also honored with service pins were assistant fire chief Mark Moore, 25 years; Trevor Arnold, 10 years; Blake Piper, five years; and John Hofmeister, five years.

A Three Rivers teen will appear in court this week on a charge of armed robbery. St. Joseph County court officials said 17-year-old Austin Palmer has a preliminary examination scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday in St. Joseph County District Court. Palmer was arrested March 19 after he was confronted by security personnel at the Three Rivers Menard’s after allegedly attempting …

Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry was recognized for a special honor during Tuesday’s city commission meeting. Lowry last month was named the recipient of the Bruce C. Snook Citizen of the Year, an award bestowed by the Three Rivers Lions Club. Fellow city commission members this week took a moment to salute Lowry, as he was presented a proclamation from …

Constantine Village Council members this week approved an amendment to the code of ordinances as it applies to grass, weeds, brush and other vegetation. The ordinance states such growth will be cut by the village if the length exceeds 8 inches, with expenses charged to the property owner. Previously, if a violation was reported, a property owner was notified by …

The few remaining residents at a White Pigeon Township trailer park have been given a move-out date, set by St. Joseph County District Court Judge Jeff Middleton. During a March 21 hearing regarding the situation at River Forest Mobile Home Park, Middleton said 26 tenants in the still-occupied 16 units have until May 15 to abandon their residences. Water and …