County Information

The mother of a Colon-area murder victim is looking to open a domestic-violence shelter in Sturgis. Therese McComb, mother of Venus Stewart and founder of the Venus Foundation, is seeking property on which to locate the shelter. McComb said she is in search of a donation of land or funds to construct the shelter. McComb said the 50 percent of …

A handgun belonging to a Battle Creek man was stolen over the weekend from a Branch County restaurant. State police in Coldwater said the man left a .380-caliber pistol in a bathroom stall around 7 p.m. Saturday at Bill’s Steak House in Bronson. Within the hour, he realized the oversight and called the restaurant to report the situation. Employees did …

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department are investigating an arson last week in Colon Township. Authorities said a barn in the 33200 Block of East Palmer Lake Road was intentionally set on fire. The structure sustained significant damage, investigators said.

The St. Joseph County Marine Corps League Detachment 1401 has announced it will be involved in two Memorial Day events next month and is looking for anyone who wishes to be a part of either or both. Lineup for the Three Rivers parade will be at 8 a.m., as the event is starting at 9 a.m., one hour earlier than …

An Ottawa County man was found guilty of 16 counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct following a jury trial that concluded last week. Officials from St. Joseph County Circuit Court said James Zacharko  II, 46, of Zeeland, was accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old St. Joseph County girl over a four-month period in 2012. Over the course …

Organizers of the 45th Michigan Magic Day, staged over the weekend in Colon, hailed the event as a success. The annual gathering marked the first time Colon has hosted the event, which drew more than 100 magicians to activities Friday and Saturday. Ron Carnell, a member of the Colon-based International Brotherhood of Magicians 386, said a Saturday morning magic competition …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a breaking-and-entering incident in Sherman Township. Department officials said the suspects forced entry into a residence in the 24000 Block of Mintdale Road between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. last Thursday. Several items were stolen, including jewelry, a safe, and a 32-inch LCD television. Meanwhile, officials with the state police said a …

The Sturgis Police Department is seeking charges for arson against a 16-year-old boy. The suspect confessed to setting fire to a house in the 100 block of East Congress Street on March 9. Sgt. Amanda Coney said a joint investigation buy Sturgis police, fire and the state fire marshal during and following the incident contributed to pinpointing the suspect. Coney …

The St. Joseph County Transportation Authority is seeking approval for a millage-request renewal in August. During Thursday’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners’ executive committee meeting, CTA director Steve Yorks said the request would ask for renewal of 0.33 mills for a four-year period. Committee members recommended the request appears before the board during its twice-a-month meeting Tuesday. After it …

St. Joseph County officials acknowledged a grant-application request from the sheriff’s department for preliminary-breath-test units. During Thursday’s executive committee meeting, county administrator Pat Yoder said law enforcement agencies in the county use the PBT units to assist deputies with drivers suspected of being intoxicated or impaired. Time and usage has resulted in a need for new units. Committee members agreed …