News

Officials from the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce announced the agency has hired a new executive director. Kari Hatt, a Sturgis native and Sturgis High School alumna, replaces Roxanne Persing, who stepped down to accept a teaching position at Sturgis High School. Board President Bret Hamlin said the chamber is fortunate to recruit a person with Hatt’s talent and experience. …

Four communities and St. Joseph County are in line to receive annual payouts from the Michigan Department of Treasury. More than $59 million will be distributed among 224 Michigan municipalities and counties that allow recreational marijuana sales. Each eligible municipality will receive $51,800 for every licensed recreational marijuana retail store and microbusiness within its jurisdiction. Funds are part of the …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that took place in Sherman Township. Investigators were called to the 22000 block of Featherstone Road in response to the theft of multiple items – including a firearm – early Wednesday afternoon. Authorities said additional items were taken from a garage.

A bank in Cassopolis was robbed Monday. Cassopolis Police Chief Todd McMichael said officers were notified that a suspect entered Fifth Third Bank on South Broadway Street at 4 p.m. and demanded cash from a teller. After a teller filled some plastic grocery bags with cash, the suspect left on foot. Witnesses said he was wearing a motorcycle helmet. He …

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a larceny from a vehicle incident that took place in Nottawa Township. Investigators said deputies were called Tuesday morning to the 22000 block of Riverside Drive. A number of undisclosed items were taken, authorities said.

St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite was arrested over the weekend on an alcohol-related offense in Schoolcraft Township. Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office officials said the 47-year-old Flowerfield Township resident was arrested after he was involved in a two-vehicle crash shortly before 2:30 a.m. Sunday on U.S. 131, south of West XY Avenue. Investigators said Lillywhite was headed south when his …

Fourteen people were arrested on drug-related charges after a search warrant was executed on Sunday at a location in Lockport Township. Sheriff’s officials said deputies carried out the search warrant in the 18000 block of South River Road. Deputies located and seized a large amount of methamphetamine as well as firearms inside the residence. Deputies also located a male suspect …

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the first influenza-associated pediatric death in Michigan for the 2022-2023 flu season. The reported death involves an Ingham County child who contracted Influenza A/H3. Nationally, there have been at least 111 influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported during the current flu season. MDHHS continues to strongly recommend that everyone six months of …

Volunteers are being sought for the Sturgis foam recycling events this year. Collection dates for the year are March 4, May 6, Aug. 5 and Nov. 4, at the department of public services, 805 N. Centerville Road. The collections take place 9 a.m. to noon. Clean, used polystyrene foam – including post-consumer foam cups and takeout containers, egg cartons, ice …

A St. Joseph County resident is out $8,000 after falling victim to a scam executed last week. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the victim received a phone call from someone who identified themselves as her grandson. The alleged grandson reported he had been arrested and was in need of money for bail. The alleged grandson and a pretend lawyer stated they …