News

St. Joseph County Road Commission officials have announced the opening of its new roundabout at a busy intersection in Florence Township. The feature is at the intersection of Lutz Road and Centreville-Constantine Road. Agency director John Lindsey said lighting at the intersection has not yet been installed but is expected to be completed by the end of next week. Lindsey …

St. Joseph County officials are expected to approve a 3 percent salary increase for elected officials. The matter was discussed during Tuesday’s executive committee meeting. County administrator Teresa Cupp said 3 percent raises are being suggested for 2026 and another 3 percent in 2027 for St. Joseph County’s drain commissioner, treasurer, clerk/register of deeds, prosecuting attorney and sheriff. With the …

A Sturgis man faces a number of felony charges for crimes he allegedly committed 20 years ago in Branch County. Michigan State Police Det./Sgt. Matt Berry said 49-year-old Ricardo Arroyo faces first-degree and second-degree criminal sexual conduct charges after the victims came forward in December with details of the alleged incidents. The victims – sisters who were ages 8 and …

Cass County is looking for a new county manager after county commission members recently voted to let go of Patrick Jordan. County officials said the decision to dismiss Jordan as county manager centered on an investigation related to allegations of derogatory comments made in the workplace. Jordan was placed on paid administrative leave a month ago after commissioners were made …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission has announced the upcoming closure of a bridge in Mendon Township. Agency officials said the Prairie Corners Road bridge – which crosses the St. Joseph River – is being replaced. Work on the project is expected to begin Monday. Recreational use of the St. Joseph River during construction will be maintained throughout the project, …

Sturgis Civic Players recently presented former business owner Doug Bates the Star Sponsor Award in recognition of his support to the theatre group for more than a decade. During auditions for the upcoming fall musical “Shrek,” participants joined the Sturgis Civic Players and paused for a few minutes while SCP President Colin Eastman recognized Bates. Bates recently closed Designs by …

St. Joseph County Grange Fair officials said they are optimistic the 2025 edition will be another crowd-pleaser. Mindy Pleune, a fair board member and its marketing director, discussed the impending 174th event and its many offerings during last week’s media luncheon, held Thursday at the Centreville-based fairgrounds. New events this year include announcement of St. Joseph County’s “Homemaker of the …

A 26-year-old man deemed a violent offender was taken into custody last week in Mottville Township. Sheriff Chad Spence said the eight-member St. Joseph Valley Special Response Team assembled around 6 p.m. Wednesday to assist in locating and apprehending the suspect. He was taken into custody at a residence in the 11000 block of Riverside Drive. Spence said the man …

Three Rivers Area Mentoring plans to start a new service thanks to a grant from Three Rivers Area Community Foundation. TRAM officials said a new transportation program features a free ride home. A $2,500 grant will allow the agency to fund the transportation initiative. TRAM provides after-school services and activities for students in second through eighth grades. Program dismissal falls …

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now involved in a seven-year-old Michigan missing person case. WWMT reported this week that the case centering on Sturgis resident Brittany Shank, 23, includes the federal agency. Shank disappeared in November 2018 after she and her boyfriend were involved in a car crash on Fawn River Road, according to investigators. Earlier this month, newly …