County Information

A proposed village medical marijuana ordinance was discussed briefly at Monday’s Constantine Village Council meeting. The discussion relates to the council’s special meeting Dec. 12, when council members considered whether to adopt the ordinance. Initially it passed, 5-2, but after further discussion was rescinded, also by a 5-2 vote. Council members decided it would be easier to start with a …

The Youth Advisory Council of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation awarded its 2017 Fall Cycle YAC grants aimed at funding youth-serving projects in the Sturgis area. This year’s YAC grant recipients include The Children’s Trauma Assessment Group, receiving $12,500 to continue providing support and resources for children who have experienced trauma. Other recipients were Student Help and Healing Center, receiving $ …

A Bronson High School student was killed Tuesday after the vehicle he was in was struck by a passenger train in Van Buren County. Tyler Wirtz, 17, was the victim in the crash that occurred around 7:30 p.m. on North Nursery Street in Lawton. Lawton Police Chief Jeffrey Mack said investigation revealed the truck was stuck on the west side …

State police are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident in Flowerfield Township. According to a department media release, access to a house and nearby shed in the 53000 block of Bent Road was gained between Nov. 14 and Dec. 14. Authorities said multiple items were stolen from both structures.

The 2018 fiscal-year budget approved Tuesday by St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners features more than $3 million less than the 2017 budget. With a dissenting vote by Commissioner Kathy Pangle, the board approved an $18.6 million general-fund budget for the fiscal year starting Jan. 1. The amended 2017 general-fund budget was nearly $21.9 million, about 17 percent more than …

An Elkhart man died Tuesday morning following a single-vehicle accident on icy roads in Cass County’s Porter Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 5 a.m. to the area of Mason Street and Union Road in response to a rollover accident. Upon arrival, deputies found 48-year-old Daniel Staley had lost control of his vehicle and it left …

State Rep. Aaron Miller this week announced a state agency has recommended funding for two local projects to enhance recreational opportunities. Projects recommended by the Natural Resources Trust Fund Board include the $293,700 development of a canoe and kayak launch site north of the bridge at Memory Isle Park in Three Rivers. The development will also convert lights at the …

With the help of local police and fire personnel, 22 Sturgis elementary students had their Christmas season brightened Saturday morning. The students were selected by staff members from Wall, Congress, Wenzel and Eastwood schools. Sturgis Walmart donated money for the students to shop. The event was organized by Sturgis school resource officer Sam Watson. Representatives from Sturgis, Michigan State Police …

A one-mile stretch of Constantine Road will be upgraded thanks to a state grant and financial contributions from two local entities. During last week’s county commission meeting, Commissioner Dennis Allen said he received confirmation of the funding from Michigan Department of Transportation. The financial help will be provided through a “High Risk Rural Roads” grant. The 80/20 grant will see …

The Constantine Village Council held a special meeting Tuesday to review a medical marijuana ordinance to allow facilities in the village. A resolution and permit application also were reviewed. The ordinance initially passed by a 5-2 vote, but village attorney Howard Bush advised that a criteria and decision on how many such businesses the village will allow should be in place. …