News

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 …

Centreville’s Summer Learning Program is taking shape, interim superintendent Chad Brady reported. Brady on Monday updated board of education members on the program, which will start June 21 and end August 3. He said the district has put together a strong and beneficial opportunity for potential participants. The program will be structured to half days with no Fridays. Also, there …

New attorneys for murder defendant Michael Lafler will have four weeks to file motions before the case is again set for trial. St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman granted Lafler’s motion to use Kalamazoo law firm of Levine and Levine. The 35-year-old Colon man was held after his arrest on a $1 million bond for the October 2021 …