Government

Colon municipal officials are debating whether to raise the hourly rate for newly hired police officers. During Tuesday’s village council meeting, interim village manager Tom Tenney said a proposed starting rate of $15 an hour is being considered. The current starting hourly rate is $13. Sgt. Joel Herr said he and chief Mark Brinkert are hoping to get some help …

A Branch County man was shot accidentally earlier this week in Union Township. State police troopers were called at 11 p.m. Wednesday to Hodunk Road in Branch County, where the man was shot in a field behind a residence. Investigators said the hunter was lying down in the field, as he was varmint hunting. A resident of the home mistook …

A motorist who disregarded a “Road Closed” sign was injured in a single-vehicle accident Thursday afternoon in Cass County’s Wayne Township. Deputies were called at 3:15 p.m. to Marcellus Highway, west of O’Keefe Road. An investigation showed that a vehicle driven by 51-year-old Lawrence resident Roberta Craft disregarded a “Road Closed” sign and her vehicle struck a ditch made in …

Colon’s interim village manager gave an ultimatum Tuesday to the seven-member village council. Tom Tenney said he would give up the post if the council decided to let someone else develop an ordinance regarding docks in public areas. The issue that sparked Tenney’s comment centers on an offer from a group of local residents and business owners who have agreed …

A Dowagiac woman was injured in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday in Cass County’s Wayne Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called at 11:40 a.m. to Dewey Lake Road, near Roth Road. Investigators found that 31-year-old Trisha Smith was driving west on Dewey Lake when her vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree.  Consequently, her vehicle overturned and caught fire. …

A golf cart was stolen last week from a location in White Pigeon Township. State police troopers responded to the 19000 block of Dickinson Road, where an EZ-GO golf cart was reported stolen. It was taken between noon July 6 and the early morning hours of July 7. The golf cart has a lift kit, off-road tires, the number “34” …

State police troopers are investigating the theft of a snow plow from a location in Branch County’s Coldwater Township. The incident was reported at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 600 block of East Chicago Road. Authorities said the theft of the Boss DXT plow occurred in a parking lot between 1 p.m. June 30 and 7 a.m. July 2.

Three Bronson teens were injured in a single-vehicle crash early Monday in Fawn River Township. Sheriff’s deputies were called at 2:30 a.m. to Plumb School Road in response to a vehicle that had left the roadway and overturned near the intersection of Big Hill Road. Investigators found the 18-year-old driver had misjudged a curve and the vehicle he was driving …

A Jones man was seriously injured Sunday morning while doing maintenance at Bair Lake Bible Camp, located just south of Jones. Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke identified the victim as 44-year-old David Stiles, who is reportedly the facilities manager at the camp. Stiles was working on a propane tank when it exploded. He was airlifted to South Bend Memorial Hospital. Due to …

Sturgis city commissioners will interview potential candidates for second precinct commissioner at a work session prior to their regular meeting July 25. The successful candidate will be sworn in and seated immediately to fill the position of Ina Taulbee, who resigned June 8. Applications are due by July 19 to the city clerk’s office. Only registered voters in the second precinct are …