Government

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department has issued an alert to residents in the area of Wilbur Road in Park Township. Earlier this month, a number of unlocked vehicles were entered and many items, including a GPS unit, cash and a cell phone accessory were stolen. In all cases where vehicles were entered, doors were left unlocked. The sheriff’s department …

Colon firefighters were called out to a house fire Monday afternoon on Willow Drive. One home was engulfed in flames, and strong winds sent flames to a neighboring home. Both houses sustained heavy damage. Firefighters were on scene for about 4 hours. The Colon Fire Department was assisted by Burr Oak, Leonidas, and Mendon. The Centreville Fire Department was dispatched …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department has received a state grant to help promote traffic safety with the use of new and upgraded equipment. Sheriff Brad Balk said the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police recently awarded the grant as part of an Excellence in Traffic Safety award. A $3,000 grant from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety and Planning …

Fire crews from White Pigeon and Constantine responded Friday afternoon to Mottville Township, where an abandoned house was on fire. The residence, on Riverside Drive, was already partially collapsed. A cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but fire officials said embers from a nearby burning leaf pile could have triggered the blaze. The structure was completely destroyed.

The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority has announced it was awarded a $750,000 grant for making handicap-accessible upgrades, and lighting and sidewalk improvements. Bestowed by Michigan Strategic Fund, the grant will cover a large portion of expenses related to making the Downtown Mural Mall ADA-compliant to ensure easy access between Railroad Drive and Main Street. Steps currently in place will …

The field of candidates expected to run for St. Joseph County Probate Court judge grew more crowded Thursday. Colon attorney David Tomlinson said he plans to seek the position currently occupied by Tom Shumaker, who plans to retire at the end of the year after serving for 24 years as judge. To date, the other potential candidates for the position …

St. Joseph County treasurer Judie Ratering announced Thursday she plans to seek the treasurer’s position for its full, four-year term in the November election. Ratering earlier this year was appointed to the post after Phyllis Bainbridge retired Jan. 31. The unexpired term left by Bainbridge concludes Dec. 31. Ratering, a 52-year-old Park Township resident, said she plans to file her …

A $3.5 million tax abatement for a building addition and equipment was expected to appear before the Sturgis City Commission. Sturgis Molded Products was scheduled to appear Wednesday night before municipal officials in hopes of gaining approval of the request. The company plans to invest $ 2.9 million in equipment and $600,000 in the proposed building addition. Company officials said …

Constantine Public Schools has announced the date for an annual faculty-versus-police benefit basketball game for a fifth-annual fund rais¬er. The game is at 7:30 p.m. March 23 at the Constantine High School gym. Proceeds go toward the Michigan Concerns of Police Sur¬vivors organization. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted at the door. A fundraiser bake sale also will …

The Cass County Drug Enforcement Team on Tuesday arrested two people following an investigation into methamphetamine production and stolen property in the 11000 block of Born Street in Newburg Township. Officials said a search warrant was executed at the property and investigators located two adults inside the residence. Detectives found components to manufacture methamphetamine, used and discarded meth lab materials, …