Government

A Burr Oak woman, who faces pornography charges, had a preliminary hearing adjourned until next week. Meadow Marie Woodman, 33, is charged with one count of possession of child sexually abusive material and one count of using a computer to commit a crime. She is currently free on bond after turning herself in to authorities. Her preliminary hearing will take …

The June unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by four-tenths of a percent compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 6.1 percent June unemployment rate was more than May’s 5.7 percent. June’s unemployment rate was 2.2 percent less than the same month one year …

The former Rexam building in Constantine is getting a new owner. Village manager Mark Honeysett stated during last week’s village council meeting that Central Manufacturing Services of Three Rivers closed on the purchase of the building July 15. Honeysett said he has had extensive conversations with CMS owner Jamie Clark, who indicated the building will house a logistics center comprised …

A 30-year-old Marcellus man suffered injuries as the result of a one-vehicle accident last week in Mottville Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Charles Harris indicated he was driving on Barker Road around 5 a.m. Thursday when he dropped his coffee cup. Barker told police he leaned over to pick it up, lost control of his truck, drove …

Authorities say a 43-year-old Chicago man was electrocuted while doing work at a home east of Cassopolis. The Cass County sheriff’s department says Michael Koranda was found Sunday afternoon by family members at the home on Diamond Island, which is located in Diamond Lake in Penn Township. The department says he was pronounced dead at the scene.  (AP)

A 23-year-old Indiana woman died and four other people were injured when a speeding vehicle went out of control while passing another vehicle and flipped several times. The Cass County sheriff’s department says it happened about 9:50 p.m. Saturday in Howard Township, northeast of Niles. Sgt. Philip Esarey identifies the dead woman as backseat passenger Rayna Dobrodt of Mishawaka, Indiana. …

Jonathan Uribe, who was hired in November 2011 to serve as director of St. Joseph County’s 911 Central Dispatch, was relieved of his duties Thursday. Particulars about the issue were limited. County administrator Pat Yoder said he was not at liberty to elaborate on the matter, as details regarding personnel matters are proprietary. Yoder said human resources director Elishia Arver …

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office was advised Thursday by the White Pigeon Police Department that Charles Rusher was found in the St. Joseph County community. White Pigeon Police advised that Rusher had broken into a residence during the nighttime hours and fell asleep on a couch. The homeowner discovered Rusher around 8:30 a.m. and notified authorities. The homeowner is not pressing charges and …

Here’s a reminder that the Secretary of State office in Sturgis is closed this week for remodeling. The office will remain unavailable through Aug. 1. Staff members said the South Centerville Road office will be remodeled to include a fresh coat of paint and new carpet. The office is slated to re-open Aug. 4.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is hunting for suspects after a teenager was shot and killed. Police arrived on the scene Wednesday night on reports of gunfire on the city’s northeast side. Cops say everyone had fled the area, but soon after a car carrying 19-year-old Christopher Adams of Kalamazoo arrived at Borgess Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. …