News

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave final approval Monday afternoon to a red flag law that aims to keep firearms away from those at risk of harming themselves or others as the state grapples with ways to slow gun violence in the wake of its second mass school shooting. Michigan joined Minnesota as the second state in under a week to implement a red flag …

A crane being towed on a barge hit the main span of the Mackinac Bridge, although an official says inspectors found no significant damage to the span linking the Michigan’s lower and upper peninsulas. The incident happened May 7 to the 5-mile-long span when the barge passed under the bridge over the Straits of Mackinac. The barge operator didn’t realize …

A Sturgis man was found guilty of felony offenses stemming from an incident last summer in Sturgis. Prosecutor David Marvin said Brandon Forbes, 29, was found guilty by jury of one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and three counts of resisting/obstructing police after a one-day trial last week in front of St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul …

A request to raise chickens in the city received considerable attention at last week’s Sturgis City Planning Commission meeting. The planning commission is tasked with drafting an ordinance to send on to the city commission for its consideration. A number of residents had asked the matter be revisited after previous proposals died for lack of support at the city level …

Three Rivers municipal officials estimate more than 50 people took part in the city’s annual downtown cleanup project. The May 13 event featured tidying several areas in the community, including the old farmers market around Scidmore Park, the East Alley area, Memory Isle Park and Mural Mall. Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Cameron Mains thanked volunteers and the …

Downtown Three Rivers is expected to transform an unused portion of Memory Isle Park into a community dog park, according to city officials. Municipal leaders said a group of volunteers is working to make downtown Three Rivers a welcome place for dogs and dog owners. The park is made possible due to the success of a crowdfunding campaign through the …

Starting next week, St. Joseph County residents can dispose of electronics and household hazardous waste without charge in Kalamazoo County. During their monthly board meeting Tuesday, commissioners approved an agreement with Kalamazoo County for year-round disposal of household hazardous waste. County administrator Teresa Doehring said demand for such services is greater than what the county offers every spring and fall …

Three Rivers Area Community Foundation awarded a grant to St. Joseph County this week. County commissioners on Tuesday accepted $5,000, presented on behalf of specialty court financial officer Melissa Bliss. The financial gift will be dedicated to support community corrections and problem-solving courts.

Former St. Joseph County Undersheriff Dennis Allen has announced his candidacy for sheriff. Allen, 67, plans to file his paperwork this morning with the St. Joseph County Clerk’s Office. He said he intends to run as a Republican in the August 2024 primary. The position is a four-year term. Allen has been a member of the St. Joseph County Board …

Sturgis Eagles, in conjunction with St. Joseph County United Way, are sponsoring an inaugural, double-elimination cornhole tournament. The tournament starts at 6 p.m. May 25 at 70808 S. Nottawa Road, Sturgis. Cost is $20 per person, teams will be set up through a blind draw, registration starts at 5 o’clock and participants should bring their own beanbags. Boards will be …