News

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is issuing its annual, end-of-year appeal in support of the Galesburg-based agency. SWMLC officials said membership from companies and individuals over the past decade has helped secure 20,000 acres of now-conserved prairies, wetlands, forests, dunes and savannas. Recent examples of member-supported achievements include repairs to the crumbling causeway at Portman Nature Preserve in Paw Paw, development …

St. Joseph County United Way invites the public to a free Christmas concert this weekend in Burr Oak Township. Hosted by Locust Grove Church, the concert will feature festive music from local artists. Financial donations collected through a free-will offering will be turned over to the United Way’s “Cancer Patients Assistance” fund. The holiday program starts at 7 p.m. Saturday. …

Constantine Downtown Development Authority is ready to celebrate Christmas. The village is hosting its annual lighted parade and holiday celebration this weekend. Event organizers said highlights of the Saturday gathering include free hot chocolate in Shelby Park, caroling at 6 p.m. on South Washington Street, a parade at 7 o’clock, followed by pictures with Santa. There is no sign-up to …

Here’s a reminder that Littman Insurance in Sturgis is asking for help in supporting local students in need over the holiday season. The business is sponsoring a food drive for Glen Oaks Community College’s Campus Cupboard to benefit its students with food insecurities. Donations will help those in need better focus on their education and not on where their next …

St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deb Davis provided more information this week related to the case of a Vicksburg man who faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty to operating while intoxicated causing death. Davis issued a media release Wednesday detailing the case of 30-year-old Logan Thomas. Thomas entered a plea in the fatal crash that killed 10-year-old Anthony …

A Three Rivers man won the grand prize in a promotion overseen by Arbor Financial Credit Union. In celebration of its 90th anniversary, Arbor awarded a $9,090 cash prize to James Kern. A Vietnam veteran and lifelong mechanic, Kern was selected in a promotion in which members were automatically entered based on the Arbor services they use. Arbor officials said …

Centreville celebrates its annual “Hometown Christmas” celebration this weekend. Activities Saturday include a tree-lighting ceremony at 4 o’clock at the courthouse gazebo, a lighted parade at 7:30 and business-wreath competition, with all proceeds dedicated to St. Joseph County United Way. Elsewhere in the village, crafts, games and giveaways will be offered.

A Battle Creek man was taken into custody following a two-hour standoff against authorities earlier this week in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. Branch County Sheriff’s Department officials said deputies were dispatched at 10:30 p.m. Tuesday to a location on Arney Road, where a man inside was wanted on a warrant for parole absconding. When officers made contact, the man refused …

Three Rivers Community Schools Superintendent Nikki Nash received high marks during her recent annual evaluation. Board of education members met in a two-hour executive session before announcing Nash’s rating was 2.939 on a 3-point scale. Nash’s rating of “effective” is the highest level available under such an evaluation. Over the course of her four years as Three Rivers superintendent, Nash …

Here’s a reminder of three public daytime warming centers in St. Joseph County. In Sturgis, Commission on Aging Enrichment Center is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. It is located at 306 N. Franks Ave. There are two locations in Three Rivers. The first is at Commission on Aging, 1200 W. Broadway St. Its hours are also 8 to …