News

The number of new COVID-19 cases is considered moderate in Branch, Hillsdale and St. Joseph counties, health agency officer Rebecca Burns told her board Thursday. Rates are low compared to three months ago and the levels are nowhere near the spike of new infections reported in January, Burns said. Branch County averaged two new cases a day, the same as …

A Three Rivers man died in a single car crash Saturday afternoon at 4pm just west of Jones. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, 77-year Roger Wyman was driving his car on M-60 near Timberlane Drive, when it left the roadway, struck a tree, and overturned. Wyman, who was ejected in the crash, died at the scene. Wyman’s wife, …

The young victims in last week’s fatal fire in Constantine have been identified by a local news source. Authorities said Liam Lurye, 4, and Lillianna Lurye-Gipson, 3, died after a fire started in their home during the early morning hours April 25. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though authorities have focused their attention on a wood-burning stove.

Legislation that would outline Michigan’s role to formally establish — and permanently mark — the border between Michigan and Indiana, was approved by the Michigan House of Representatives Thursday. Senate Bills 627 and 628, sponsored by Sen. Kim LaSata, would establish a state commission responsible for meeting with representatives from a similar body in Indiana to make recommendations on how …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a two-vehicle crash last weekend on M-66 at the intersection of D Drive South, near Battle Creek. Around 8:30 p.m. Saturday, a southbound Ford Fusion collided with a Chevrolet Trailblazer that had just turned north bound from D Drive onto M-66. The Fusion caught fire in the collision. Authorities said the driver survived the …

Jade Couch Klingler, an entrepreneur and leader in providing health care services in St. Joseph County, will receive the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award at Glen Oaks Community College’s graduation ceremonies May 6. The annual award is presented by the Glen Oaks Community College Foundation to honor an alum who has made a significant impact in their chosen field, their community …

Proposals centering on what it would take to make Colon a destination community were ambitious yet plentiful during a community-input session Tuesday. Ideas were across the board and included the need for more downtown parking, a greater variety of retail options, more community-oriented wintertime activities and additional amenities at municipal parks. Tuesday’s 90-minute session was led by Michigan State University’s …

A St. Joseph County man was sentenced to nine months in jail and five years of probation as a sex offender. Larry Roberts, 19, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under age 13, a 25-year felony. At sentencing last month, Roberts told St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman nothing ever happened with the young …

Michigan State Police troopers are looking in to a breaking-and-entering incident from a location in Mottville Township. Investigators were called to the 68000 block of U.S. 131 after the victim discovered the theft of a camping trailer. Authorities said it appears the incident occurred overnight March 2. Officials noted a padlock was broken on the front gate to a RV-transport …

Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the agency last week assisted LaGrange County deputies with ending a vehicle pursuit. Deputies attempted to stop the suspect vehicle on Stubey Road in Sherman Township, but the driver fled the scene. The suspect’s vehicle was soon located near Sturgis Airport and the pursuit continued. Deputies and assisting officers pursued the suspect into Sturgis Township, where …