County Information

Members of the Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees recently approved an audit of the college. The audit, presented by Lisa VanDeWeert of Rehman Group, featured a series of reports, including federal awards that were expended by the college for fiscal year 2017 and the communication for those charged with governance. In the end, VanDeWeert issued an unmodified or …

A chainsaw and a Honda portable generator were reported stolen last week from a barn in Nottawa Township. State police troopers were called Saturday to the 50000 block of Rambadt Road, where someone entered a barn between Oct. 30 and Saturday morning through an unlocked door. Investigators said the suspect loaded both items into a small, pull-behind wagon and left …

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 …