St Joseph County

A number of people gathered Friday at Washington Park in Constantine to remember Jodie Parrack on the six-year anniversary of her death. With luminaries displayed around the park, several people in attendance released helium-filled balloons with notes attached, and sky lanterns were also let afloat. The lifeless body of the 11-year-old Parrack was found on Nov. 8, 2007, at Constantine …

A 20-year-old man told police he was shot after refusing to give his money to a pair of would-be robbers. Sturgis Police said a call of gunshots in the vicinity of Main and Jean streets was received around 2 a.m. Sunday. A search in the area found nothing suspicious. The victim, however, went to the emergency room at Sturgis Hospital …

A trio of area high school football teams claimed district crowns over the weekend and are two games away from playing for a state championship. Mendon, Constantine and Schoolcraft all remain in the playoffs, while Cassopolis saw its season come to an end Friday. For the third consecutive post-season, Mendon ended Climax-Scotts’ season. On Saturday, the Hornets won on their …

Carol Dienes  was presented the 2013 Patriot Award last week by the organization Friends and Family Supporting our Military. Staged Tuesday at the Sturgis Armory, the locally founded organization concluded its banquet with the honor bestowed upon Dienes, who was one of five people nominated for the 2013 award. Dienes, of Michiana Snax, was recognized for her continued support of …

The murder case involving suspect Andy Brown will go to trial, District Court Judge Jeff Middleton decided Thursday. During the second consecutive day of Brown’s preliminary examination, additional testimony was given regarding the suspected weapon, Brown’s location the morning of the alleged murder based on cell phone records and a possible motive Brown may have had for allegedly murdering Sturgis …

Three Rivers police took a 14-year-old student into custody Monday after it was reported he had taken a gun to school. According to police, the student showed the gun to classmates on the bus while riding home and allegedly made reference to robbing a bank or people in a park. Police recovered the weapon after making contact with the student …

More than 150 people attended Thursday’s opening night of the 57th Mendon Kiwanis Showboat. “The Not-So-Wild West” is the theme of the music and comedy program, which continues tonight and Saturday. A cast of about 35 members drew audience laughter for its between-song skits and jokes and strong applause for its two dozen musical numbers. The cast paid tribute to …

Testimony was provided by more than a dozen witnesses Wednesday in the preliminary-examination hearing of Andy Brown. Brown, 37, is accused of fatally shooting Sturgis-area CPA David Locey last month at Locey’s Sherman Township office. In all, 13 people testified before District Court Judge Jeff Middleton, with more testimony to be provided today. Middleton will then determine whether enough evidence …

Wisconsin-based Culver’s restaurant has announced it is opening a location in Sturgis next year. Michael and Jennifer Miller, who own Culver’s locations in Coldwater and Battle Creek, are developing the restaurant at 830 S. Centerville Road. It is slated to open in September following a four-month construction period, city officials said. The restaurant’s signature items are its made-to-order ButterBurger and …

Black Gold Farms invites the public to help itself to as many potatoes as it can transport. Ray Baker, manager of the Sturgis Township-based business, said limited capacity means the potatoes would otherwise end up being discarded. Baker said the potatoes are supposed to be a certain size to conform with guidelines preferred by potato chip manufacturers. He said this …