Government

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 …

State Rep. Aaron Miller of Sturgis will host district office hours next week in order to meet with residents of the 59th District. Miller said next Monday’s events are a great opportunity to directly hear thoughts and questions about state government. As the district’s voice in Lansing, Miller said it is a top priority to be accessible and accountable to …

A resolution honoring a St. Joseph County veteran was approved by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week. In recognition of his impending 100th birthday, Richard Freeman was honored during Tuesday’s meeting. Freeman was born Feb. 17, 1919, in Detroit. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from May 1941 to October 1945. He is …

Three Rivers officers arrested a wanted fugitive last week outside a residence near the intersection of 9th and River streets. According to a department media release, the department received a tip about the location of Nathaniel Poole. He was wanted in connection to charges of first-degree home invasion and felonious assault. The St. Joseph County Special Response Team obtained a …

A Mendon man died in a two-semi crash which happened at 1am Thursday on westbound I-94, west of 11 Mile Road, in Calhoun County’s Emmett Township. State police say the lead semi, driven by a 40-year-old male from Bellville, MI was merging onto I-94 westbound from the 11 Mile entrance ramp when it was struck from behind by another west …

Republicans who control the Michigan Senate are making the reduction of auto insurance rates a top priority. The first bill introduced in the new two-year session could let older drivers use Medicare or other health insurance to cover their medical costs in an accident. Younger drivers could opt out of Michigan’s mandatory unlimited medical coverage and choose less coverage. The …

St. Joseph County Road Commission Board member Dave Allen said he is willing to give up his seat if the county commission will appoint Rick Anderson in his place. Allen’s proposal comes in the wake of county commissioners Wednesday choosing Vince Mifsud over Anderson, a 12-year incumbent on the road commission board. Allen said Anderson has a less-demanding work schedule …