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Deputies from the Cass County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a breaking and entering at 7 a.m. Friday last week at Marcellus Elementary School. It was discovered that the school, an outside greenhouse and the concession stand had been vandalized and items taken, including electronics and a small amount of money. Marcellus School officials stated that repairs from …

A well-received component to the annual Three Rivers Water Festival will return in 2012 following a six-year absence. Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners this week approved “Bratfest,” which is to be in operation during the Friday and Saturday of the Water Festival. Rick Daniels, chairman of the Bratfest, told the commission during Tuesday’s meeting that he headed up the attraction …

Area fire departments wish to remind residents that due to the mild winter, vegetation is unusually dry for this time of year. As a result, the risk of grass fires is especially great. Fire officials in White Pigeon and Constantine stated that they believe discarded cigarettes triggered grass fires Tuesday in Constantine and property surrounding a residence on Mintdale Road. …

Three Rivers Police are reporting that a 46-year-old man believed to be from Indiana has been approaching women in downtown Three Rivers and acting in a suspicious manner. Police said they believe the man is Jerry Hillegas. They said Hillegas over the weekend confronted a woman at a downtown business and asked if she would contribute to the Children’s Museum …

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 …

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 …

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, …