Government

State Reps. Matt Lori and Dave Pagel announced Oronoko Township and Cass County have been awarded grants to help offset costs associated with consolidating some services. The money is part of $6 million in funding through the Competitive Grant Assistance Program, awarded to 17 local units of government across Michigan this year. Oronoko Township will receive a $28,800 grant to …

Here’s a reminder from the Constantine Area Foundation: the deadline for grant proposals for the foundation’s fall 2013 grant period is Friday. Eligible recipients include 501(C)(3) organizations, public schools and governmental entities. The foundation encourages potential recipients to focus on improving working and living conditions in the village; youth and recreation opportunities; public, educational, charitable or charitable purposes; and care …

Two people were injured in a 2-vehicle crash Wednesday evening on the southwest side of Three Rivers at the intersection of US-131 and M-60. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, 38-year-old Eli Schwarts of Jones was turning westbound on M-60 from US-131, and failed to yield to Jeremy Thurmand, age 26, of Three Rivers. Schwarts was flown to …

State police investigators are looking into a report of a larceny last week from a barn in Constantine Township. The incident occurred in the 10000 block of North River Road, where a drill, impact driver, air compressor and other hand tools were taken. Investigators said the situation likely took place Friday. A department media release did not indicate how access …

A 41-year-old woman from Climax was charged with drug-related offenses following a traffic stop last week in Fabius Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the woman was stopped for speeding. While interviewing the woman, deputies noticed inside the vehicle were methamphetamine, meth precursors and paraphernalia used to smoke meth. The woman, whose name was not released prior to …

A show-cause hearing for a property in Three Rivers was set last week by Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners. A hearing at 6 p.m. Tuesday next week will center on a property at 815 N. Main St. Concerns about its condition and whether it is fit for habitation will be heard at that time. Afterward, commissioners will consider …

Authorities say a motorcyclist struck a deer in southwestern Michigan, causing a crash that killed the rider as well as another motorist. The crash happened early Tuesday in Cooper Township, near Kalamazoo. Authorities at the scene in Kalamazoo County say the motorcyclist, Theobald Metzer, 55, of Kalamazoo, was thrown from the bike and hit by the other motorist, who then …

A boa constrictor and an aquarium to house it were stolen during the breaking-and-entering of a business over the weekend in Sturgis. The back door of a business in the 1100 block of South Centerville Road was pried open between 9 p.m. Saturday and 7:45 a.m. Sunday, allowing access to the store. Sturgis Police said the Colombian Red-Tailed constrictor was …

Three dirt bikes were stolen from a storage shed last month in Constantine Township. State police investigators were called Friday to the 11000 block of Riverside Drive, where the Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha motorcycles were stolen, likely between Aug. 6 and 27. An extended-cab Chevrolet pickup towing a black trailer was spotted in the area and is suspected of being …

State police were involved in a pursuit of an alleged intoxicated driver Monday afternoon shortly after 3pm. The pursuit wound along county roads in Fabius Township and the city of Three Rivers. As the driver approached a densely populated area, the Precision Immobilization Technique maneuver was successfully deployed, and the 23-year-old Three Rivers man was taken into custody.