News

Six county positions will feature contested races this summer, as the deadline to file for the August primary election was Tuesday. What might be considered the most high-profile race features five candidates seeking to replace Mark Lillywhite as sheriff. The roster of Republican candidates features Dennis Allen, Jason Bingaman, Joseph Bingaman, Chad Spence and Gordon Evilsizor. Three people are vying …

Troopers from the Marshall State Police Post are looking for the owner of a military surplus portable generator. The item was found April 15 near the intersection of Fremont and Central roads in Branch County. The item can be claimed by contacting state police at 269-558-0500.

A Porter Township man recently won a $1 million Powerball prize from the Michigan Lottery. Cain Bice, a resident of Union in Cass County, matched numbers of the five white balls drawn April 6. Bice said he purchased his ticket online through MichiganLottery.com. Bice said he purchased more Powerball tickets than usual, as its top prize for that drawing was …

Centreville High School varsity football coach Jerry Schultz is moving on after accepting the same post at Mattawan High School. During his four-year run as Centreville’s varsity coach, Schultz amassed a record of 29-12, including a Division 8 state title in 2020. Centreville High School’s 250 students is a fraction of the 1,100 attending Mattawan High School, a Division 2 …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department has recognized five of its staff members as “Employees of the Year” recipients for 2023. Cpt. T.J. Baker said three road patrol deputies – Jeff Bingaman, Travis Miller and Zach Radtke – were involved in a case that warranted their consideration for the award. Baker declined to provide details about the case but noted the …

Investigators with Michigan State Police responded to a report of larceny last week in Constantine Township. Authorities said a deep-cycle marine battery was taken from a property in the 15000 block of Withers Road. Access to the item was gained through forced entry. This incident occurred between 6 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. Saturday, troopers said.

St. Joseph County Prosecutor David Marvin and undersheriff Jason Bingaman have provided details related to the arrest of a man who allegedly sexually assaulted two girls under the age of 13. During a press conference Friday at the sheriff’s department training center, Marvin said Miguel Hernandez-Ruiz, a Mexican national, is charged with first-degree home invasion and two counts of first-degree …

Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke has announced he will not seek a third term to the county’s top law-enforcement post. Behnke started his career with the agency in 1987 as a deputy. He progressed to the roles of dispatch supervisor and subsequently as undersheriff. Behnke is in his eighth year as sheriff. According to a department media release, Behnke has …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a larceny incident reported last week by the victim in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. According to a department media release, the incident occurred at a garage in the area of Oliverda Road. The incident took place on or after April 15 and was discovered by the owner April 18. Details related to what was …

St. Joseph County Road Commission Manager John Lindsey said work at the Langley Covered Bridge will continue at least through the end of the month. Work crews closed the bridge Tuesday last week to address a few finishing touches leftover from a four-month rehabilitation project completed in January. Lindsey said workers will focus their attention on exterior painting, a task …