News

Heavy thunderstorms in the area Wednesday brought heavy precipitation and power outages. By all accounts, it appears Branch County was hardest hit with power outages, with 3,315 Consumers Energy customers — about 20 percent of Consumers accounts there — reporting a disruption in services. The southern portion of Branch County alone had 1,644 customers without service. St. Joseph County had 1,401 …

St. Joseph County’s Parks and Recreation Department is seeking the public’s input regarding its five-year master plan. Located on the county’s website, the 14-question survey will help guide department officials with assembling the agency’s master plan from 2024 through 2028. Aside from questions about township or community of residence, the survey is anonymous. The county’s website is: stjosephcountymi.org.

A proceeding to determine whether a recall effort against three White Pigeon Township officials can move forward has been ruled in favor of the petitioners. During a clarity/factual hearing Wednesday before the three-member St. Joseph County Election Commission, the language of recall petitions against township clerk Lacie Pletcher, and trustees Jean Tefft and Vince Schroen, was deemed factual. As a …

More than 200 people enjoyed a milestone event put on Wednesday by the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging. The COA’s annual summer picnic took place at Building 49 at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds. Agency director Pam Riley said the summer picnic is always a popular draw but this year’s event was extra special, as it celebrated the 50-year …

Polystyrene foam recycling returns to Sturgis next week at the city’s department of public services. Used foam, including post-consumer foam cups and to-go containers, egg cartons, ice chests, rinsed meat trays and other foam with the No. 6 recycling symbol will be collected 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 5 at 805 N. Centerville Road. Organizers are also looking for volunteers …

Glen Oaks Community College next week is offering a program that will give incoming students a jump-start on college English and math. “Ready, Set, Go!” is a down-to-basics program being offered 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday next week. College officials said the first three days will cover English, math, resources and support services. The fourth day will …

A 69-year-old Oakland County attorney, facing charges for allegedly bringing contraband into the Lakeland Corrections Facility in Coldwater and possessing a controlled substance, has been arraigned. Eric Clark was arraigned Friday following his arrest at the prison the day before.  He was released on a $20,000 recognizance bond. Clark waived the preliminary hearing within 14 days. In statements to investigators, Clark …

A Calhoun County woman has been sentenced after admitting to threatening violence against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Tabitha Davis, 33, of Marshall, was recently sentenced to four months of probation and a suspended sentence of 20 days in jail for posting an online threat. Davis was further ordered to complete recommended mental-health treatment and undergo a substance-abuse evaluation. Authorities said Davis …

The search for a 73-year-old Three Rivers woman – missing since late May – has concluded with the discovery of her body. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said search-and-rescue personnel with Christian Aid Ministries located a body believed to be that of Marilee Furlong in a wooded area off Miller Road in Cass County’s Marcellus Township. The body was discovered around 7:30 …

Here’s an update on work being done on U.S. 131 in St. Joseph and Kalamazoo counties, according to Michigan Department of Transportation’s Christopher Jacobs. Recently completed work includes storm-sewer installation from the Rocky River bridge, near Hoffman Road, north to XY Avenue in Kalamazoo County. Meanwhile, ditching to XY Avenue has also been completed. The two-week outlook includes continuing topsoil …