County Information

The Michigan Court of Appeals earlier this week upheld Doug Stewart’s conviction in connection with the April 2010 slaying of his estranged wife. A decision on the matter was rendered Tuesday by a team of three judges in Grand Rapids. The ruling affirmed Stewart’s convictions for first-degree premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder in St. Joseph County. …

A Burr Oak-area man was sentenced to at least 13 years in jail for a knife attack on his grandmother last year. During his sentencing before Judge Paul Stutesman in St. Joseph County Circuit Court last week, 18-year-old Michael Lorich was ordered to between 13 and 30 years in prison on a charge of assault with intent to commit murder. …

The 162nd St. Joseph County Grange Fair kicks off Sunday. The seven-day event, which averages about 150,000 people over the course of the week, is once again offering a variety of activities and attractions. Though not officially a fair day, Saturday will feature an 8:30 a.m. dog show and 4:30 p.m. poultry show. Sunday’s opening day begins with large-mule pulls …

The St. Joseph County Emergency Management Office has announced it is giving away weather radios at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. Members of the agency said early warning of severe weather events can lead to better preparations and accurate information before and during severe weather. This year at the fair, the Emergency Management/Homeland Security display will offer to those …

State Rep. Matt Lori this week invited Constantine Fire Department Chief Mike Hayden to be his guest to a special program Tuesday at the Capitol. Lori and other House lawmakers Tuesday honored first responders on the 11th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The ceremony also honored members of the military who gave their lives in the line of duty …

The Three Rivers Police Department responded Wednesday morning to Three Rivers High School after being made aware of a threatening message posted on a social-media website. Officers said the message was found to be left by a 17-year-old student at the high school. Though the exact content of the message was not indicated in a department press release, it did …

The Centreville Fire Department marked the promotion of two of its officers Monday with a pinning ceremony. According to a department news release, Lt. Bryan Balk was promoted to assistant chief. Meanwhile, Larry Schlabach was promoted to lieutenant. The positions became open after the retirement of longtime assistant chief, Jody McClain. During Monday’s ceremony, members of the Centreville department were …

An audience of more than 100 people crowded into Three Rivers Public Library Wednesday for the culmination of the latest St. Joseph County “One Book, One County” program. The author presentation featured a 90-minute discussion and question-and-answer session by Nick Reding, author of “Methland.” The book was the second chosen this year by the “One Book, One County” selection committee …

The St. Joseph County Fair Board of Directors staged its annual media day Wednesday at the Centreville fairgrounds. Members indicated they anticipate a well-attended fair again this year, with showcase events each of the seven days of the 162nd fair. The nightly events include farm truck pulls, Motocross, monster trucks, a demolition derby, a Beatles tribute band and country/western star …

Two Indiana residents, suspected of having a role in at least 10 breaking-and-entering incidents in Cass County, were taken into custody last week. The suspects were apprehended Thursday by St. Joseph County, Ind., deputies during an incident at a residence in North Liberty, Ind. Sheriff’s officials in Cass County said the two demonstrated a pattern of breaking into residence during …