County Information

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. …

Troopers from Michigan State Police are investigating recent, unrelated thefts. The first incident involved multiple packages left at a home on Patterson Lane, a dead-end street in Three Rivers. The theft occurred between noon and 1 p.m. Sunday, police said. The packages were left on the ground in front of the home and no one was at home. The items stolen …

St. Joseph County’s board of commissioners has approved amendments to the bylaws of the Veterans Affairs Board. During last week’s meeting, commissioners agreed to the changes that include dropping the requirement calling for at least one board member to have served in WW I. The bylaw was changed to read “… at least one member shall represent a congressionally chartered …