Government

Janell Hart, a Three Rivers resident, has resigned her position as president of the St. Joseph County Health Center Board. Hart announced her resignation in a letter last week to health center officials and fellow board members. It was effective Wednesday. In her letter, Hart stated that during the process of building and rebuilding the board, the focus seemed to …

A downtown Sturgis redevelopment project on the city’s drawing board for nearly 18 months received unanimous final approval by the Sturgis City Commission last week after changes to the initial plan. Inquire Partners, developer for the planned Moso Village site bounded by Clay and John streets, recently modified the plan approved by the city in 2013, requiring both the city …

Police say a passenger in a vehicle who was shot to death by police following a chase in southwestern Michigan had been wanted on a warrant for trespassing. State police say 37-year-old Sean Michael Pelletier of Portage had a high-powered military-style rifle and was shot Thursday afternoon following a crash. Police say he was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police …

A Marcellus man, who police said was distracted by his cell phone while driving, was involved in an accident earlier this week that resulted in injuries to two people. Cass County Sheriff Joe Underwood said deputies were called shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday to Volinia Township, where the incident occurred on Penn Road, just north of Dutch Settlement Road. Andrew …

State Rep. Aaron Miller this week joined his House Republican colleagues in announcing a long-term, sustainable solution to Michigan’s transportation system woes that depends on existing funds and re-prioritizing restricted money to make the state’s roads safer. Miller, who serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Transportation, said he’s pleased a solution to Michigan’s crumbling roads and bridges has been …

The Sturgis Electric Department this week implemented a new, interactive-voice-response system. The IVR system will allow customers to report power outages by calling 659-7255, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The automated system will identify the calling phone number and immediately report the address associated with that number to the electric department. That will allow technicians to find …

A ceremonial groundbreaking in White Pigeon took place Wednesday to welcome an RV manufacturer expected to hire about 400 people over the next three years. Several local and regional dignitaries were on hand for the event, staged to recognize Forest River Manufacturing and its plans to construct three 100,000-square-foot buildings to serve as production centers. The foundation for the first …

A 44-year-old Dowagiac man was arraigned Wednesday on charges of murder and assault with intent to commit murder following an incident Tuesday night in Cass County. According to Sheriff Joe Underwood, Terry Ray Stineback was arrested shortly after police arrived to the scene of the shooting, a location on Flanders Street in Wayne Township. Upon investigation, police found Stineback allegedly …

Sturgis has been selected as one of two Michigan cities to host the 2015 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference, hosted by Michigan State University Extension. The CEC conference is aimed at people interested in fostering entrepreneurial spirit in their communities. Attendees share ideas and learn from others ways to make their communities more entrepreneurial friendly, according to city manager Mike Hughes. …

Constantine Fire Chief Mike Haydon has received bids for a new fire department pumper-tanker. Haydon last week told village council members he has received bids of nearly $318,000 from Halt/Pierce Inc. and more than $285,000 from Rosenbauer for the purchase. Haydon said there is a 20- to 25-year life expectancy for the truck and its purchase comes with financing as …