County Information

A number of seasonal residences in the area of Long Lake in Colon Township were burglarized last month. Troopers from Michigan State Police said the incidents occurred between 4:15 p.m. Oct. 22 and 5:30 p.m. Oct. 25 in the 61000 block of Bass Lane. Investigators said suspects gained entry by using a prying instrument to open the front and rear …

A Cassopolis man died after he was struck by a train last week in Cass County. Cassopolis Police Department Chief Brian LaValle said officers were called shortly after 5 a.m. Friday to railroad tracks at East State and Wolfe streets for a report of a northeast-bound train that struck a pedestrian. Police located the 63-year-old pedestrian, identified as Garry Shouse, …

State Rep. Aaron Miller last week said he will continue exploring options to lower car insurance rates for all Michigan drivers. Miller voted ‘yes’ on House Bill 5013, which would guarantee lower car insurance rates for all Michigan drivers – with the greatest savings going to seniors. The bill, however, did not pass in a vote late last week in …

A man charged with two murders in July has been found competent to stand trial. Zachary Michael Patten, 32, of Portage, also waived his preliminary during a recent hearing in St. Joseph County District Court. Prosecutor John McDonough said a status conference will be held by the end of November. Patten was found competent following a psychological evaluation at Center …

State Rep. Aaron Miller this week voted for a bill that paves the way for Michigan to join the Interstate Library Compact and allow local libraries to enter into agreements for full access to libraries across state lines. Currently, Michigan is not a member and residents who live close to state borders have been denied the use of library facilities …

The St. Joseph County Grange Fair Board has added two volunteers to its Hall of Fame. Honorees were Joan Lindsley and Jim Gushwa. Lindsley has served the St. Joseph County 4-H program for more than 50 years. During that time, she was actively supporting youth with various projects. Lindsley for the past several years has organized the annual market livestock …

Three teenagers were charged with a variety of offenses after they were found to be in possession of stolen firearms and burglary tools. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, a minivan was stopped around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday on Liberty Street near Michigan Avenue in Three Rivers for a moving violation. While on the stop, the deputy observed a …

A Vicksburg woman won a substantial amount of money recently thanks to a scratch-off lottery ticket. Amanda Dietz claimed the $300,000 prize Tuesday at state lottery headquarters in Lansing. According to a media release from the agency, the 35-year-old Dietz won the money playing a Multi-Prize Bingo instant game. She purchased the winning ticket at the Speedway gas station in …

A 33-year-old Colon man was charged with attempted murder of a law-enforcement official following an incident Tuesday afternoon in Colon Township. State police officials said troopers were dispatched to the 32000 block of Eleanor Drive in response to a suicidal subject with a gun. A family member arrived on the scene and attempted to talk the suspect into surrendering. The …

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved legislation authored by State Rep. Aaron Miller to allow golf carts on state trunk lines in some small communities as long as certain stipulations are met. Currently, a village or city of fewer than 30,000 residents may adopt a resolution allowing golf carts to be operated on streets. However, the law currently …