Government

Murder suspect Marie Williams accepted a plea agreement Tuesday, a day after jury selection for her trial had started. Williams, a Burr Oak area resident, pled guilty to second-degree murder before Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman. By taking the deal, Williams avoids the chance of being convicted of first-degree murder and receiving a life sentence without parole. Williams was about …

State Rep. Aaron Miller this week voted for a legislative package that blends existing money and new revenue to provide sustainable, long-term funding to repair and maintain Michigan’s roads and bridges. The House, which originally approved the legislation last week, received the amended package from the Senate Wednesday before approving the bill and sending it to the governor. Miller said …

The Three Rivers DDA/Main Street program next week will welcome representatives from National Main Street and Michigan Main Street back to Three Rivers for their annual visit. Every Michigan Main Street program undergoes a yearly evaluation to assess the program’s progress in addressing downtown revitalization issues. Brian Persky, DDA/Main Street executive director, said because all Main Street programs vary considerably …

A 24-year-old Indiana man was arrested in Cass County earlier this week after leading authorities on a pursuit that started in Indiana. State police said they became involved in the incident shortly after 1 a.m. Monday, when the suspect entered Mottville Township then continued into Cass County’s Porter Township. The suspect eventually crashed through a gate, drove onto private property …

A Marcellus man was cited for driving on a suspended license after the vehicle he was driving rolled onto its top last week in Mendon Township. Sheriff’s deputies said Leslie Moreland was driving south on Nottawa Road shortly before 4 p.m. Friday when an eastbound vehicle on Michigan Avenue failed to yield the right of way. Moreland was forced to …

A cat survived being shot with a crossbow and authorities are trying to find the person responsible. Laurie Sullivan tells the Battle Creek Enquirer she found the cat in Battle Creek with a crossbow arrow, known as a bolt, stuck through his neck. Sullivan, a former Battle Creek commissioner, says she was “mortified.” Benjamin Huelsbergen at Turner Veterinary Clinic removed …

Not surprisingly, a low voter turnout was recorded in three municipalities where elections took place Tuesday. In Three Rivers, about 5 percent of the city’s 5,100 registered voters participated in an uncontested election that saw Mayor Tom Lowry secure an additional two-year term. The 59-year-old Lowry, who has served as mayor of St. Joseph County’s second-largest community for 16 years, …

Voters in Burr Oak Community Schools were in a generous mood Tuesday, as a sinking-fund millage was approved by nearly a three-to-two margin. The 3-mill, five-year sinking fund request was supported by a vote of 116 in favor to 71 opposed. Tuesday’s request is identical to what was on the ballot in the May 5 election, when voters defeated the …

A proposed ordinance allowing more than two dogs in a single-family residence was defeated Tuesday by Sturgis voters. The proposed measure, which would have allowed up to three dogs in a residence, was defeated, 245 opposed to 132 in favor. In May, voters rejected a proposed ordinance amendment that would have lifted any limit on the number of dogs at …

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners has thrown its support behind an event – believed to be the first of its kind locally – in which disabled veterans will have the opportunity to deer hunt. Organized by the county’s veterans services director Stoney Summey and parks and recreation director Jaymes MacDonald, the so-called Veterans’ Hunt 2015 will be conducted now …