News

A 43-year-old St. Joseph County man was arrested after sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant last weekend in Flowerfield Township. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said deputies served the warrant at a residence in the 15000 block of North Street after authorities investigated activity involving controlled substances. The search yielded an undisclosed quantity of methamphetamine, three firearms and approximately $90,000 worth of …

White Pigeon Township Library made a major announcement this week regarding its ongoing fundraiser for a bookmobile. Director Perri Saunders said the $185,000 goal was met last month. She said the library is still accepting donations and hosting periodic fundraisers for bookmobile support. The truck and trailer are purchased, and awaiting graphics and specialized shelving. Saunders did not indicate when …

Kevin Kroehler, case manager for Sturgis Salvation Army, said the agency is accepting applications from people requesting donated Christmas toys through Nov. 1. The stated wants or needs are picked up by people interested in helping fulfill requests for children whose family is experiencing a hardship. Applicants may apply online at: saangeltree.org, or in person 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. …

A number of resources and amenities geared toward senior citizens are included in next week’s annual Project Connect. The event runs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Fred Henningsen Show Arena at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds. Though the event offers benefits for people of all ages, seniors might be interested in learning more about free medical …

Three Rivers Department of Public Services wishes to remind residents that it is in the second day of a four-day, door-to-door campaign to confirm water service line material inside homes. The effort is part of the “Get the Lead Out” program, in which the city is partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency. The inspection requires a visual check of the …

Sturgis municipal officials said the city is attempting to secure grant funding to support a project at the municipality-owned hydroelectric dam near Centreville. During a recent city commission meeting, council members were presented with the latest details on an incentive grant offered through the Department of Energy. The city applied for the grant a year ago. Sturgis City Manager Andrew …

An annual fundraiser for the St. Joseph County United Way is less than two weeks away. The Mega Raffle, which offers a top prize of $5,000, returns Oct. 10. The drawing starts at 7 p.m. at Covered Bridge Farm County Park. Tickets are $100 each and sales will be limited to 330 tickets. Twenty tickets drawn will be worth $100 …

A Jackson County native has been chosen to serve as Branch County administrator. Frank Walsh, who most recently worked as Meridian Township manager in Ingham County, will replace 18-year veteran Bud Norman, who has retired. Walsh’s previous experience includes administrative roles in the communities of St. Joseph and Cedar Springs. He was chosen from a field of three candidates who …

August’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by a full percentage point from July. Figures from the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget show St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 6.3 percent in July to 5.3 percent in August. In addition, Cass County experienced a drop in its unemployment figures from July …

An Elkhart man died last week after the bicycle he was operating was struck by a car in Cass County’s Ontwa Township. Chief Douglas Westrick of the Ontwa Township Edwardsburg Police Department said the incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. Friday on U.S. 12, near Garver Lake Road. Authorities said 30-year-old Austin Carter was riding his bike eastbound when it …