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St. Joseph County Sheriff Brad Balk and Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite have returned a federal prisoner to Kentucky. The two left early Tuesday with Nathan Lumbard, who was sentenced in St. Joseph County last week on charges stemming from the May 2009 arson of Welch’s Steak and Ribs in Sturgis. He has one year of federal prison time to serve before …

Two budget amendments were made at last week’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioner’s meeting. Commissioners agreed to a $4,030 adjustment from the county’s general fund for an animal-control shelter study. The study will focus on a needs assessment to be performed in coming months. In addition, more than $11,200 was amended from the information technology improvement fund for the …

Three males and two females were arrested Monday as a result of a special sweep conducted by local law-enforcement agencies. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said “Operation Night Hawk,” spearheaded by the Michigan Department of Corrections, found methamphetamine and a parole weapons violation at a residence in the 1200 block of 7th Street in Three Rivers. With assistance from …

Marcellus High School senior Steven McKenzie is one of 32 athletes in the state to earn a prestigious award. McKenzie was named a Michigan High School Athletic Association Scholar Athlete. School officials said there were more than 1,700 applicants this year and McKenzie was one of two class D male athletes to earn the award. The recognition is based on …

Authorities say a man who was shot and killed during a confrontation with officers was wielding an air pistol. Kalamazoo Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley told reporters Monday that “it would be impossible for anyone, including an officer, to distinguish” the air pistol Brad Mason had from another weapon. Hadley said the toy’s orange safety tip and other markings had …

Thirty-one-year-old Nathan Lumbard has been ordered to serve between six and 15 years in prison, following his sentencing last week. Lumbard, a LaGrange County resident, was sentenced Friday in St. Joseph County Circuit Court by Judge Paul Stutesman for setting fire to Welch’s Steak and Ribs in May 2009. Lumbard was also charged with breaking and entering to commit larceny. …

A committee supporting a proposed millage-increase being sought by White Pigeon Community Schools kicked off its campaign last week. The Yes Committee, whose members are promoting participation in the May 6 request, plans to maintain a visible presence at school-related and public functions over the next three months. Co-chair Jody Davidson said the committee is also helping the public understand …

Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority members expect to hear this week whether the agency is awarded a step up to a “Select” level in the Michigan Main Street community. A team of DDA and community members made a presentation before a panel of judges last week in Lansing as part of the process to earn the Select status. If chosen …

A 45-year-old Colon Township woman faces a number of drug-related charges after she was arrested this week by members of the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit. Sheriff’s deputies said SCAN unit members executed a search warrant Wednesday at a residence in the 60000 block of South Farrand Road in response to suspected manufacture and/or use of methamphetamine. The suspect …

A Sturgis man was charged with arson after he was involved in a dispute with his mother Monday night. Sturgis police said they responded to the Fawn River Apartments in response to a man attempting to gain access into an apartment unit. The caller told police the man was looking for his mother. According to police, the man and his …