News

  State Rep. Matt Lori issued a statement following Wednesday’s State of the State speech by Gov. Rock Snyder. Lori, whose jurisdiction includes St. Joseph County, said he was encouraged to hear Snyder put an emphasis on improving public safety in Michigan. As a former sheriff, Lori said he understands the importance of reducing crime in Michigan’s largest cities to …

  St. Joseph County’s search for an interim finance director may lead it to someone who has retired from the position in a different county. Though the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners did not discuss the matter during its bi-monthly meeting Tuesday, minutes from the commission’s executive committee meeting show a suggestion was made to consider finding a recently …

The Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County recently announced winners of its Pet Food Drive event, which started Dec. 1 and concluded Dec. 24. Entry into the random drawing was made by purchasing dog or cat food at the TSC store in Three Rivers during the 24-day period. Sturgis residents Larry and Lea Stenli were awarded first prize, a …

Police in Union City say human bones found under attic floorboards of a home may be more than 100 years old.  The bones were found January 12 along with an old corset at the home of Bryant and Teasha McIntosh in Union City.  Lt. Chris Mathis of the Union City Police Department says the find was made when the couple’s …

Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners on Tuesday unanimously agreed to issue an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption Certificate to American Axle Manufacturing. The measure means the Detroit-based company will continue with its $102 million investment in its Three Rivers plant, where expansion will include a line to create components for a passenger/crossover vehicle being developed and introduced by a …

  Sturgis Public Schools was the recipient of a $37,000 gift from the estate of Winifred Chipman. The donation was made in 1994 and pledged at the time to the Sturgis Community Schools Council. The council no longer exists, so district officials agreed to have the money split three ways, with nearly $14,900 each going to Sturgis Public Schools and …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has issued a press release indicating a potential increase in reports of bedbugs. The agency said bedbugs typically attach themselves to luggage, clothing or other items, and the means of transportation help them travel from a warmer climate into a colder host site. Bedbugs are not known to carry diseases, but they can be …

Sheriff Brad Balk reports that the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department responded to a complaint of a breaking and entering of the Nottawa Township Library between 1 p.m. Sunday and 8.30 a.m. Monday. According to a department news release, suspects made entry from the rear of the building by smashing a window. Investigators found that a web camera and four …

The Three Rivers Fire Department is offering a limited number of seats to the public for its upcoming medical first-responder course. The class will meet 6 to 10 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, and at an unspecified time on an occasional Saturday at the station. Chief Dan Tomlinson said the course is a good public-service opportunity for people interested in pursuing …

Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners tonight have scheduled a public hearing on a tax-exemption request being made by American Axle Manufacturing. The company is seeking exemption status on nearly $83 million of a $102 million investment in machinery and building improvements being proposed at its Three Rivers plant. A 12-year exemption is being sought by American Axle, the …