News

A hit-and-run incident in Lockport Township was reported to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department shortly before 7 o’clock Saturday night. According to a department media release, a vehicle drove into a garage door at a residence in the 20000 block of Schweitzer Road, then left the scene in an unknown direction. The door incurred heavy damage, while a vehicle …

A citizen’s tip led the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team last week to a Porter Township residence, where marijuana and hashish were discovered. Sheriff Joe Underwood said a report of suspected illegal activity at a residence in the 15000 block of U.S. 12 led detectives to the address around 11:30 a.m. Thursday. After investigators discovered the drugs, 27-year-old Melissa Goodman …

The St. Joseph County United Way is hoping a late push in sales of its $1 raffle tickets will help the Centreville-based agency meet its 2013 season fundraising goal. Between now and Jan. 31, the United Way is offering a $1,000 Meijer gift card with the purchase of a ticket. The drawing will take place during the agency’s Feb. 7 …

A Sturgis man was arrested last week after he fled from police during an early morning incident. Around 2 a.m. Thursday, Sturgis Police were called to the 600 block of East West Street for possible drug activity involving a person with outstanding warrants. Officers observed the man walk out the back of the residence but he fled after noticing police. …

A 33-year-old Sturgis woman was charged with felonious assault with a firearm and malicious destruction of property following an incident early Thursday in Sturgis. According to the Sturgis Police Department, officers were called at 4:48 a.m. to a residence in the 600 block of East West Street in response to a complaint of a woman refusing to leave a residence. …

A partner in a Three Rivers legal firm has joined St. Joseph County’s contract defender system. Following action by county commissioners Wednesday, Laurie Hines will join the court rotation as a public defender. She replaces David Tomlinson, whose services are no longer available through the system due to his election as Probate Court judge. Hines is a partner with the …

A panel discussion on the effects of global warming will follow Sunday’s matinee presentation of the movie “Chasing Ice,” to be shown at 3 p.m. at the Riviera Theatre in downtown Three Rivers. Organized by Mendon Township environmentalist Carol Higgins and Sturgis resident Rob Sisson, Sunday’s session will be moderated by local personality Bruce Snook. Sisson, president of ConservAmerica, a …

Three Rivers Police Chief Tom Bringman said area residents should take extra care in making sure their vehicles are locked overnight. Bringman said his warning comes on the heels of a rash of break-ins Sunday and Monday, centered in the city’s First District. Chief Bringman said 10 incidents were reported over the course of the two days, and it’s likely …

In a housekeeping matter Wednesday, the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners agreed to keep its twice-a-month meetings at 5 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Also, executive committee meetings – during which matters on the county commission meeting agenda are discussed in detail – will remain at 8 a.m. the Friday before a county commission meeting. …

Sturgis resident and former mayor John Dobberteen was selected Wednesday to succeed Rick Shaffer as chairman of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. By unanimous vote, the 53-year-old Dobberteen was chosen to preside over the five-member board for 2013. As chairman, Dobberteen’s primary duty will require him to facilitate the board’s twice-a-month meetings. Dobberteen, a plumbing inspector, joined the …