Government

With extremely cold weather continuing this weekend and into next week, the City of Sturgis Department of Public Services is asking residents to be conscious of freezing water lines. With the extreme temperatures forecast for at least the next seven days, conditions are suitable for water lines to freeze. In order to help citizens prevent their water lines from freezing, …

Two Calvin Township residents suspected of being involved in a number of burglaries throughout the area have been arrested by deputies from the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Richard Behnke said a large quantity of stolen property was recovered from an address on Brownsville Road after the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team and deputies executed a search warrant related to …

Constantine Village Council members this week discussed allowing recreational marijuana businesses to operate in the village. Village manager Mark Honeysett said an ordinance needs to be adopted against it or recreational marijuana businesses can come in if they so desire. Michigan became the 10th state to legalize recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over, when Michigan voters approved the measure …

A Niles man died on icy roads earlier this week in Cass County’s Milton Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called to a three-car accident shortly before 6 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. 12 near Frantz Drive. Investigators said Ryon Koth, a 31-year-old Niles resident, was driving east on U.S. 12 when he lost control of his vehicle. It crossed into …

Sturgis police arrested a 35-year-old Vicksburg man after he attempted to leave a business without paying for several video games. According to a department media release, officers responded at 4 a.m. Tuesday to Meijer on South Centerville Road regarding a theft-in-progress. Store security told police the same man earlier in the week was seen concealing items and not paying for …

A Three Rivers woman was injured in a multi-vehicle accident Tuesday morning in Three Rivers. Sheriff’s department deputies were called at 10:10 a.m. to the intersection of U.S. 131 and Broadway Street. Investigators said a southbound car driven by an 87-year-old woman from Three Rivers turned left onto eastbound Broadway in front of a semi driven northbound by a 73-year-old …

The road map for St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department’s next half-decade was approved by county commissioners last week. The agency’s five-year plan includes one major development and a variety of minor tasks. With a portfolio of nine parks, however, the highest priority going forward will center on adhering to a consistent maintenance plan, according to department director Jaymes …

Police say two people have died but their 5-month-old son survived after carbon monoxide apparently filled a house from a generator and portable heater. Det. Sgt. Todd Elliott says it appears to be a “terrible accident” in Battle Creek. The victims were a 20-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman. Elliott tells the Battle Creek Enquirer that they were helping a …

Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke said the department has fielded an extraordinary number of burglaries in the past month. He advises the public to be especially vigilant in locking their homes and vehicles in order to prevent from being a theft victim. From December 25 through January 15, 20 burglaries and 23 larcenies were reported to the agency. There was …

A Colon firefighter was injured Thursday battling a blaze at Kountry Corner Discount Store. Authorities said the owner of the Colon Township business believes a wood-burning stove caused the fire, which destroyed the building and its contents. The fire was reported just after 9 a.m. Flames were coming from the structure as first firefighters arrived, according to authorities. The business …