News

State Rep. Matt Lori voted in favor of a budget plan supported by both Republicans and an Independent lawmaker that cuts government waste and prioritizes funding for public safety, roads and schools. Lori, R-Constantine, joined a majority of his colleagues in voting Wednesday in favor of House Bills 4228 and 4328, the Fiscal Year 2014 House budget recommendation. Lori, who …

Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County executive director Liz O’Dell said the agency last week received a check for more than $200,000 from her counterpart in Oakland County. O’Dell told board members during their monthly meeting Tuesday that the $211,000 will help cover spin-down costs, which are incurred when the agency fronts deductible or co-pay …

Thirty-two food-service establishments in St. Joseph County were recognized for earning exemplary inspection scores by the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency. Certificates of excellence were awarded to the eateries for meeting criteria set by the state and earning top scores after being inspected at least once annually by the Coldwater-based department. Among the fast-food and sit-down establishments in Sturgis, Mancino’s …

Tickets are now available for the banquet and program to honor Carol Boulette as this year’s Three Rivers Lions Club “Citizen of the Year.” The gathering takes place May 14 at Belle Epoque in downtown Three Rivers. A reception is at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30. Tickets are $20 per person and available at the Southern Michigan Bank …

The St Joseph County Sheriff Department investigated a breaking-and-entering incident last week in Lockport Township. Deputies responded to a residence in the 17000 block of Scott Lane, where prescription medicine was reported stolen. The incident occurred between 4:30 and 10 p.m. Friday.

The BP gas station on West Michigan Avenue in Three Rivers was robbed at gunpoint Tuesday evening. Local police say the gunman forced the clerk into a storage room and bound his hands and legs. The man then stole money and the clerk’s car. Officers were able to locate the man on the Indiana Toll Road traveling westbound. Indiana State …

Three Rivers Police were involved in a chase Monday evening, involving the occupants of a car who were allegedly responsible for a string of thefts from local businesses. The chase began near Wal-Mart and ended when the car crashed into a power pole at the corner of Constantine and Hill Streets. The driver fled on foot, and was apprehended with …

Child welfare workers can’t be sued in the death of a Centreville teen who perished in a fire, even if they knew she was routinely tied to her bed by her parents. According to the Associated Press, Michigan’s federal appeals court has affirmed a decision by a judge in Grand Rapids. The court says the 2008 death of Calista Springer …

A 14-foot fishing boat was knocked off its trailer after it was rear-ended by a vehicle over the weekend on U.S. 12 in White Pigeon. State police said an eastbound car driven by a 59-year-old North Carolina woman failed to use caution after the vehicle in front of her slowed to turn right into a bait shop at 7:30 Sunday …

A Burr Oak Township man was killed in a one-car crash in Colon Township over the weekend. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Charles O’Brien III, 40, died as a result of the 8:55 p.m. incident Sunday on Farrand Road, north of Townline Road . Investigators said O’Brien was driving a 1995 Ford Mustang north on Farrand Road when …