News

Because it takes about two weeks after receiving the flu vaccine to be fully protected against the flu virus, state health officials urge Michiganders to get a flu shot before they head to holiday parties and other gatherings where infections can spread rapidly. Angela Minicuci, of the Michigan Department of Community Health, says influenza can lead to serious illness and …

A big name in the country/western music genre will bring her talent to Centreville next year. Officials from the St. Joseph County Grange Fair announced Reba McEntire will be the headline entertainer at the Sept. 20, closing-night performance. The 58-year-old Oklahoma native has won 15 American Music awards, 13 American Country Music awards, nine People’s Choice awards and two Grammy …

The St. Joseph County Community Action Agency is taking appointments for assistance with heat, electric and deliverable fuels. Community Action officials said no DHS decision notice is required and prospective recipients need only to present a past-due notice. For deliverable fuels, a fuel-storage tank must be at or below 25 percent. An appointment may be scheduled by phoning 877-422-2726.

Members of the St. Joseph County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 106 presented $500 checks to the Sturgis American Legion Post 73 and Three Rivers American Legion Post 170 during a ceremony Thursday at the FOP lodge, east of Centreville. Treasurer Kathy Pangle presented the money to Al Phillips, of the Three Rivers legion, and Norm Brown, representing the Sturgis …

Thirteen stores in the Three Rivers downtown business district will be a part of a contest this weekend. Free homemade cookies will be available at each location and the public is asked to vote on its favorite. Each vote qualifies as an entry into a drawing for a $50 “Downtown Dollars” certificate. The event is Saturday and Sunday at Love …

Two men from Nappanee, Ind., were identified Thursday as the suspects in an alleged armed robbery attempt at Village Pharmacy in Colon. St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough said David Brandys, 22, and Benjamin Dodson, 24, have been charged with two counts of assault with intent to commit armed robbery, one count of fleeing and eluding, and felony firearm. They …

A judge has sentenced a northern Indiana teenager to 65 years in prison for the fatal drive-by shooting of another teen. Seventeen-year-old Jesus Macedo-Perez of Elkhart read during Thursday’s court hearing from a handwritten letter apologizing to the family of 16-year-old Braxton Barhams for the June 22 shooting. Macedo-Perez pleaded guilty to murder charges in exchange for Elkhart County prosecutors …

As lawmakers have ended their work in Lansing for the year, Governor Rick Snyder admits he didn’t get everything he wanted in 2013, but he still appears satisfied. He had asked that the Legislature fund repairs to Michigan’s ailing roads this year, and while that never happened, the governor says he feels they had a very positive, constructive year. He …

October’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased half a percent from a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 7.8 percent October unemployment rate was up from September’s 7.3 percent figure. The agency said certain summer recreational businesses, including the golf industry, and the loss of seasonal …

Ann Bird has been appointed to head the Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education. Bird will serve as board president, filling the void left by Tom Robertson. Robertson resigned last month after accepting a job as juvenile court director, a position Robertson said could create a conflict of interest. With Bird sworn in as president, Ray Sterling was appointed vice …