Government

Police from multiple agencies in Calhoun County responded when what officers describe as an argument between a man and his girlfriend, ended with a kidnapping and attempted murder. It happened shortly before 2am Friday in Emmett Township. Police say a man arguing with his girlfriend first attacked another woman in the house and then picked up a knife and stabbed …

Members of the Constantine Village Council voted to have the village participate in a 2014 St. Joseph County mutual-aid, police-assistance agreement. The agreement is a collaboration among the St. Joseph County Sheriff ‘ s Department and agencies from Sturgis, Burr Oak, Centreville, Colon, Constantine, Mendon, Three Rivers and White Pigeon. Village manager Mark Honeysett said neighboring communities have always lent …

A Sturgis resident reported his vehicle was vandalized and gas was stolen from it at some point during a five-day period last week. State police said the incident occurred near Ilene and East West streets in Sturgis. The victim said the incident took place between June 16 and June 20. In addition, the suspect broke into the victim’s garage and …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has installed a new phone system in two of its county health department offices, and has plans to install the system into the third office by mid-July. The new voice-over-internet system will improve communication between the three offices, as well as provide significant cost savings for the agency, according to Steve Todd, Health Officer …

A 12-member jury has been chosen in the trial of Andy Brown. The two-day process of interviewing prospective jurors concluded shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday, when Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman announced a jury has been seated. More than 150 people were questioned and considered as a potential juror, before prosecutor John McDonough and defense attorney Michael Hills agreed on …

A public hearing on parking violations in Constantine is on tap next month, following discussion at a recent Constantine Village Council meeting. Council members earlier this month discussed imposing stiff fines, including vehicle impoundment, for improper and overtime parking in the business district. The council set a public hearing for 7:05 p.m. July 21 regarding the issue. Village manager Mark …

A Three Rivers man was charged with a number of motor-vehicle violations following an incident last weekend in Flowerfield Township. State police said a trooper was dispatched to the area of Null and Pulver roads around 6:30 p.m. Sunday in response to a civil complaint. While the trooper was on the scene, a 42-year-old man who was involved in the …

Authorities say a 50-year-old man has been injured in an explosion while trying to make fireworks at his home in southwestern Michigan. Officers were called around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday to the home in Portage. Public safety Lt. John Blue says a suspected methamphetamine lab also was found at the scene, but that’s being investigated separately. Battalion Chief Rick Palmer says …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has signed a contract with a Sturgis-area man to serve as the grounds attendant at Cade Lake County Park. During action earlier this month, the commission and Burr Oak Township resident Richard Dell settled an agreement leading to Dell’s role for the summer and early fall months at the Fawn River Township park. …

St. Joseph County’s Central Dispatch is asking for help to reduce an increasing number of nuisance 911 calls placed by cell phones stored in pockets, purses and bags. These 911 pocket dials calls usually result from an object depressing a key on the cell phone’s keyboard that is programmed to dial 911 in case of emergencies. Most open-face phones have …