News

A drunken-driving charge, as well as another offense, have been filed against St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite. The charges come from Kalamazoo County, where Lillywhite was arrested in late February after allegedly causing a two-vehicle crash. Charges of operating while intoxicated and carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence of alcohol were made official Wednesday. Both charges are …

Two people were injured following a two-vehicle crash last week in Cass County’s Volinia Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before midnight Friday to the intersection of Marcellus Highway and Decatur Road. Investigators said 28-year-old Marcellus resident Jared Steiner was driving east on Marcellus Highway. Meanwhile, a car driven by 73-year-old Allie Williams, of Dowagiac, was heading …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency nominated a Hillsdale man who will receive a state award this week. Jeremiah Hodshire, president and chief executive officer of Hillsdale Hospital, will be recognized Tuesday for his work supporting the health of the community. A ceremony during which the Hometown Health Hero award will be bestowed, will occur at the new Heritage Hall …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is announcing an impending closure to its lobby. Due to construction at the Centreville-based agency, the entrance to the lobby will be closed Monday through Friday next week. With the closure, the jail will be unable to allow visitors, take fingerprints or conduct the purchase of permits. Anyone in need with assistance regarding court-ordered …

St. Joseph County Road Commission recently received a statewide award from a state agency. The IMPRESS award was bestowed at the 2023 County Road Commission Highway Conference last month. IMPRESS awards acknowledge county road agencies that demonstrate innovation on notable projects in the categories of communications, operations and collaboration. The award recognized the agency for its Shimmel Road project centering …

St. Joseph County Conservation District announced its “Conservationist of the Year” during its annual meeting last week. Agency director Carolyn Grace said Don Preston was the recipient of the conservation district’s highest honor. Preston, who works for the St. Joseph County Road Commission, learned to identify the various invasive species of plants invading the road commission’s right of way. Preston’s …

The deadline for orders for the St. Joseph County Conservation District’s annual tree sale is approaching. 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 5 and 6 …

Centreville village officials have announced details related to the 2023 Covered Bridge Days community celebration. The two-day festival starts July 14 and this year’s theme will be “Hometown Country.” The annual American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” cancer-awareness event will coincide with Covered Bridge Days and take place July 15. In addition, a worship service will occur Sunday, July 16, …

Constantine Public Schools Superintendent Joe Holloway recently hosted an informational session regarding the district’s upcoming bond proposal. Holloway said if the May 2 request is approved, the district will incur no millage increase, as it would refinance its 2002 bond set to expire in 2029. If the measure is approved, the district would have $3.9 million to address leaking roofs …

St. Joseph County Road Commission officials continue to work on the preliminary stage of an impending road-improvement project. Crews since March 20 have been removing trees along Lutz Road between M-86 and Fairchild Road in advance of this summer’s work. The current phase is expected to be completed on or before May 1. Traffic is limited to local residents and …