News

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident in Branch County’s Girard Township. Investigators responded to a location in the 300 block of Stancer Road. Troopers learned the incident took place Wednesday or Thursday. The victim said the latest incident is the third time the property has been broken into within the last year. During this latest incident, a …

St. Joseph County United Way has announced its Campaign 2023 was successful in reaching its goal. During Tuesday’s celebration event in Sturgis, the agency’s executive director, Kelly Hostetler, said the campaign goal was $1,157,000, United Way’s most ambitious goal yet. Hostetler said the goal was exceeded by more than $22,000. The top five fundraising businesses or organizations were Morgan Olson, …

A 25-year-old St. Joseph County man died earlier this week in a single-vehicle crash in Lockport Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called around 4:15 p.m. Tuesday to an area on M-86 near Holtom Road. Lillywhite said a car driven by Larry Scott, a Three Rivers resident, was heading east when it left the right side of the roadway …

Six major grants landed in 2022 were highlighted during Tuesday’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. James Hissong, who is contracted by the county to serve as its grant writer, provided details during his annual report. Among the grants Hissong helped secure: an $85,000 award to fund a Jail Diversion Specialist position; more than $31,000 to support a campaign …

A Three Rivers man was among the people injured in a two-car crash earlier this week in Cass County’s Silver Creek Township. Sheriff Richard Benhke said deputies were called shortly before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday to an area of M-62, west of Pokagon Street. Behnke said 36-year-old Niles resident Brandon Lodholtz was driving east on M-62 when his vehicle crossed the …

The state of Michigan asked a judge Wednesday to release a man who has served nearly 21 years of a life sentence for the fatal shootings of two hunters, saying critical evidence about an Ohio serial killer’s possible role was never shared before trial. Jeff Titus’ rights were violated by keeping the information suppressed in 2002, the attorney general’s office …

A suspect who led police on a chase from Indiana into Cass County’s LaGrange Township earlier this week has been taken into custody. According to Elkhart Police, deputies were made aware of a shooting around 9 p.m. Monday. Police said a woman told officers that a man had fired several rounds at the sliding-glass door to her apartment while she …

A Branch County man could spend a significant amount of time in prison for charges related to criminal sexual conduct. Jacob Trent, 25, of Quincy, is accused of inappropriate conduct with a child between 13 and 16 years old. The alleged incident occurred between October and December, authorities said. Trent was arrested earlier this month after a felony warrant was …

The Cass County Drug Enforcement Team was successful in executing a search warrant at a residence in Marcellus Township this week. Sheriff Richard Behnke said the search warrant was conducted Monday at a location in the 200 block of West Arbor Street. Upon searching the residence, detectives located methamphetamine and methamphetamine paraphernalia. Behnke said detectives are submitting charges to the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office on occupants of the residence.

Two committee appointments were made Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Mendon resident Kathy Pangle, a former county commissioner, was appointed to the county’s Community Mental Health Board. Pangle will complete the remainder of a term set to expire at the end of March 2024. Meanwhile, Mendon Township resident Roger Gentz was re-appointed to the county’s Agricultural …