Government

New prosecutor to be assigned in case against former teacher

The Michigan attorney general’s office is taking over prosecution of the state’s case against former Centreville Public Schools teacher Terry Miller. Miller, 47, of Centreville, faces charges of criminal sexual conduct. His trial had been scheduled to begin Feb. 15. At a hearing Monday before St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman, St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough said …

Read More »

Utah fugitive taken into custody

A man wanted for attempted homicide was taken into custody by state police Tuesday in Branch County. A department media release said it acted around 10:30 a.m. on a citizen’s tip regarding Reyfus Graves. He was wanted by sheriff’s officials in Emery County, Utah. He was found at an undisclosed car dealership, where he was employed as an auto detailer. …

Read More »

Miller introduces mental health funds bill

State Rep. Aaron Miller has introduced legislation to more equally designate funds for county mental health services throughout the state. Miller introduced a similar bill last session that had hearings before the House Appropriations Committee, but never made it to the House floor. The bill changes the way money is distributed to Community Mental Health Service Programs based on criteria …

Read More »

Items stolen in Sherwood Township

Antler mounts, furniture and various tools were stolen Jan. 22 from a pole barn in the 800 block of Dunks Road in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. The incident was investigated last week by state police authorities. A department media release did not indicate the manner in which access was gained.

Read More »

Ex-Western Michigan player says home invasion not his idea

A former Western Michigan University football player facing armed robbery and home invasion charges has testified the crime was his co-defendant’s idea. Nineteen-year-old Ronald George of Pittsburgh testified Tuesday in Kalamazoo County District Court in a preliminary examination for 18-year-old Bryson White of Mason, Ohio. The two were due to play for the Broncos last fall, but were dismissed from …

Read More »

Two drug arrests in Three Rivers

Two people were arrested on drug-related offenses last week in Three Rivers. According to a Three Rivers Police Department media release, a vehicle containing three people was stopped Friday at the intersection of South Main and Mechanic streets. The vehicle was involved in an ongoing drug investigation in Three Rivers, according to authorities. K9 Django was summoned and confirmed the …

Read More »

Fire under investigation

State police are investigating what is being called a suspicious fire stemming from an incident last month in Fawn River Township. Coated copper wire was found to be burning at 7 a.m. Jan. 25 in a forested area on private property in the area of Freedom and Carls roads, according to a department media release.

Read More »

Legislature and governor would be subject to added scrutiny

State Rep. Aaron Miller last week joined his colleagues in support of bipartisan legislation that gives people access to public records and makes state government more accountable to the public. Miller took part in a Capitol news conference as an 11-bill package was unveiled. The package will subject the governor and lieutenant governor to provisions of the Freedom of Information …

Read More »

Baby allegedly ingested meth

Sheriff’s officials are expected to charge the mother of an infant hospitalized for allegedly ingesting methamphetamine. According to a department media release, deputies at 9 p.m. Monday were making a welfare check at a residence on Fifth Street in Burr Oak. Deputies learned the person they sought was at Sturgis Hospital’s emergency room seeking treatment for her child because the …

Read More »

Two drug arrests in Colon

Two Colon residents were arrested on drug-related charges following a case executed by the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit. Deputies and SCAN members responded Wednesday to a residence in the 59000 block of Long Lake Road in Colon Township following an anonymous tip. A search warrant allowed SCAN members inside the residence, where they located crystal methamphetamine, marijuana and …

Read More »