News

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously Tuesday in favor of a 27-year-old Michigan man seeking compensatory damages from Sturgis Public Schools for not providing an appropriate education. The decision, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, allows Miguel Luna Perez to move forward with his claim in federal court after lower courts had ruled against him. Luna Perez claimed he was denied …

Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office wishes to make area residents aware of a telephone scam that has recently resurfaced. Chief Deputy Michelle Greenlee said scammers place a phone call to would-be victims and misrepresent themselves as a member of law enforcement. Greenlee said the scammers use the actual name of an agency employee, typically secured through the internet. In addition, the …

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters has issued a media release detailing bipartisan legislation he has introduced to extend programs to benefit local fire departments. Peters said the legislation ensures Michigan firefighters have the necessary tools, equipment and support to keep communities and themselves safe. He said the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, of which Peters is chairman, voted to approve the bill. …

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the larceny of a camper last week from White Pigeon Township. The incident occurred Thursday night at a business in the 69000 block of U.S. 131. The stolen camper is a 2021 Milestone fifth-wheel, white and gray in color.

A Three Rivers resident and his car were pulled from the St. Joseph River last week in Lockport Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called at 7:21 p.m. Thursday to South River Road near Noah Lake Road in response to a vehicle submerged in the river. Available members of the St. Joseph County Dive and Rescue Team responded to …

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has announced it is working with several entities to conserve the LaGrange Valley property – formerly Lake LaGrange. Efforts to conserve the 425-acre property in Cass County’s LaGrange Township are being done in conjunction with the Edward Lowe Foundation, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, the Michigan and Ohio Departments of Natural Resources, and several community and conservation …

Sturgis municipal leaders wish to remind the public there is still a need for volunteers at the city’s foam recycling events this year. Remaining collection dates are May 6, Aug. 5 and Nov. 4, at the department of public services. The collections take place 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers greet patrons, determine the suitability of the foam for recycling and …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has partnered with a Coldwater business to place a self-serve COVID-19 testing kiosk outside its doors. Agency officials said the kiosk has been placed at Goodwill Store Plaza on Willowbrook Drive. The unit is the first of its kind in the county and is provided in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control. The …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the theft of a propane tank taken earlier this week from a location in Branch County. Investigators said the 20-pound, liquified propane tank with a brush burner attachment was taken around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday from a location near West Chicago Road and Deer Park Road. Authorities said the suspects –- two males – approached …

Here’s a reminder that the St. Joseph County Conservation District is in the midst of its annual tree sale. The 2023 sale features about two dozen varieties of trees and bushes. The inventory includes pagoda dogwood, red oak, sugar maple, white pine, black walnut and common lilac. Prices and varieties are available on the agency’s website. Pickup date is May …