News

St. Joseph County Intermediate School District board members and staff acknowledged Theresa Danberry last week for her 37 years of employment with the Centreville-area agency. Danberry is retiring from the ISD as administrative manager and last week’s board meeting was her final meeting. Elizabeth O’Dell, president of the board, thanked Danberry for all of her reassurances over the years. On …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the theft of various items – including a firearm – from a residence in Branch County. According to a department media release, the recent, early-morning incident occurred at a residence in Bronson. Items taken during the burglary included an iPad and a 9-mm., semi-automatic pistol.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has launched an online scheduling link for curbside, confidential, HIV testing. The service started a week ago, as June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. Residents can request an appointment at the agency’s locations in Hillsdale, Coldwater or Three Rivers by going to the website: bhsj.org/HIV. Medical director Karen Luparello said knowing HIV status …

One person has died following an explosion during a jet-fueled semitruck performance Saturday at a southwestern Michigan air show, officials said. Emergency crews responded after the explosion happened about 1 p.m. at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival. One death was announced by the Battle Creek Police Department. The Shockwave Jet Truck was going down …

A generator was stolen earlier this week from a location in Lockport Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called to the 17000 block of M-86 in response to the incident. Upon further investigation, deputies were told various additional items were taken from vehicles in the area. Lillywhite said deputies obtained surveillance video of the suspect.

Students interested in studying cybersecurity have an opportunity to apply for $1,500 scholarships at Glen Oaks Community College, thanks to a partnership program involving Microsoft and American Association of Community Colleges. Glen Oaks was one of 14 community colleges to receive “Cyber Skills for All: Community Colleges Lead the Way” initiative. Scholarships will offset, and in some cases, cover the …

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education has approved extending a business-services contract for Colon Community Schools. Sturgis and Colon school districts previously had entered into a short-term agreement, in which Sturgis provided business manager, payroll, accounts payable and accounts-receivable services for Colon schools. Now, services will continue starting today for a full year. Under the agreement, Sturgis director of finance …

A significant renovation project to benefit the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is less than a month from completion. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said renovation of the south half of a building previously occupied by the county’s parks and recreation department should be done before the end of July. The open-floor area has been converted, and consists of two smaller rooms …

An overhaul project is being planned for the Sturgis hydroelectric plant near Centreville. Sturgis City Commission members earlier this month approved a bid from Thompson/Hydro Consulting and Maintenance Services for overhauling hydro-generating units 3 and 4 at the plant. The bid was for nearly $980,000. Commissioners also approved a bid waiver for and the proposal of Hydro Partners for project …

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that occurred within the past week in Sherman Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies responded to a residence in the 24000 block of Mintdale Road in response to the crime. Entry was forced and a variety of items, including power tools and hand tools, and a guitar, were reported stolen. Investigators said the …