Government

Grant awarded to help reduce Amish buggy crashes

A $70,000 federal highway-safety grant has been awarded to the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Health Agency in an effort to reduce vehicle crashes with Amish buggies. The goal, according to terms of the grant, is to reduce crashes by 15 percent over the next 10 months. Grant coordinator Josh Englehart explained that since 2016, there have been 261 crashes statewide, with 78 …

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Grain bin re-ignites during inspection

Personnel from Central Cass Fire Department said a fire that started in a grain bin at Community Mills in Cassopolis earlier this month re-ignited last week Following the Nov. 3 event, insurance company Chubb Agribusiness was on the scene last week to address the issue. According to South Bend’s ABC 57 News, insurance officials on Friday morning drilled into the …

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Schoolcraft’s football season ends in playoffs

An area high school varsity football team in Michigan High School Athletic Association’s playoffs was defeated over the weekend in a semi-final contest. Schoolcraft High School saw its 10-game win streak snapped and its season conclude Saturday in a 38-7 loss to Monrose St. Mary Catholic Central. The Eagles finish their season with an 11-2 record. St. Mary, meanwhile, is …

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Contract extension for road commission manager

St. Joseph County Road Commission Manager John Lindsey received a positive review and contract extension in the wake of his annual job-performance evaluation last week. Following a closed session at the conclusion of their twice-a-month meeting Wednesday, road commission board members said Lindsey was offered and accepted a two-year contract extension. It expires at the end of 2026 and will …

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Arrest made in Newberg Township larceny

Cass County Sheriff’s deputies responded last week to a larceny complaint from a business owner in Newberg Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said investigators were summoned Nov. 12 to Pro Dock Inc., located on M-60, west of Jones. Following an investigation, authorities executed a search warrant Thursday in the 24000 block of North Shore Drive in Cass County’s Ontwa Township. A 45-year-old woman …

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One area football team continues in playoffs

Two of three local high school varsity football teams bowed out of the state playoffs last weekend. The surviving team – Schoolcraft High School – will attempt Saturday to continue its march to Ford Field for a potential state title. In 8-man, Division 1 action last weekend, Mendon came up short in a 49-32 defeat at Deckerville High School. The …

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Raffle fundraiser will support the United Way’s Adoption Fund

Five Star Pizza is providing an opportunity for someone to win free pizza for a year. The promotion is in support of the Adoption Fund, a program backed by St. Joseph County United Way. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20. The winner will receive a 16-inch pizza every month during 2025. Event organizers said the winning ticket …

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Bingaman will become Branch County undersheriff

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman will maintain his current job title the next four years, but in a different county. Bingaman, whose term as undersheriff in St. Joseph County concludes Dec. 31, has been chosen to serve as undersheriff in Branch County under its sheriff-elect, Fred Blankenship. Currently Branch County Sheriff Department’s jail administrator, Blankenship will begin his term …

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Local general election results

The biggest prize up for grabs Tuesday in St. Joseph County was claimed by Nottawa resident Kevin Kane. Kane, 46, was the top vote-getter in the contest for St. Joseph County Probate Court judge. His opponent for the six-year, non-partisan position was Three Rivers native Kelly Ward. Kane will replace 73-year-old David Tomlinson, who has aged out after a 12-year …

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Fall leaf pickup in Three Rivers

Three Rivers begins its fall leaf pickup today. Final collection dates by district are: Dec. 9, Third District; Dec. 11, Fourth District; Dec. 13, Second District; and Dec. 16, First District. City officials said leaves should be in the street and not in the yard. Brush, sod, bricks, rocks, trash or other materials should not be included. Municipal officials said …

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