News

St. Joseph County Grange Fair is accepting nominations for its 2026 Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals, groups and organizations that have made significant contributions to the growth and development of any aspect of the fair. Award criteria may include time spent volunteering, quality of work or financial contributions to the greater good of the fair. Up …

Superintendents from St. Joseph County’s nine public school districts have issued a media release regarding state lawmakers’ failure to pass a budget. St. Joseph County Intermediate School District Superintendent Teresa Belote shared the release late Friday. It is addressed to families with children in St. Joseph County’s public schools as well as school district staff members. Belote said the ISD …

Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 80-year anniversary with a celebration next week. The annual chamber dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at Immaculate Conception Catholic School. Dinner starts at 5:45. Meal tickets are $25 each and can be purchased through the chamber’s website: trchamber.com.

Colon village leaders are advising residents of asphalt repairs set to begin this week. Areas impacted by the work are: Colon Police Department’s parking lot; village office parking lot, South Blackstone Avenue; Goodell Avenue in front of Colon Elementary; North Burr Oak Road by Dollar General; and North Blackstone Avenue, just north of State Street. The five-day project is expected …

A tie-in to the recently completed roundabout at Lutz Road and Centreville-Constantine Road in Florence Township features a new, four-way stop. St. Joseph County Road Commission Manager John Lindsey said the intersection of Lutz and Featherstone roads is now an all-way stop. Previously traffic on the north-south Lutz Road had the right-of-way while Featherstone Road traffic faced a stop sign. …

St. Joseph County Road Commission officials have announced the opening of its new roundabout at a busy intersection in Florence Township. The feature is at the intersection of Lutz Road and Centreville-Constantine Road. Agency director John Lindsey said lighting at the intersection has not yet been installed but is expected to be completed by the end of next week. Lindsey …

St. Joseph County officials are expected to approve a 3 percent salary increase for elected officials. The matter was discussed during Tuesday’s executive committee meeting. County administrator Teresa Cupp said 3 percent raises are being suggested for 2026 and another 3 percent in 2027 for St. Joseph County’s drain commissioner, treasurer, clerk/register of deeds, prosecuting attorney and sheriff. With the …

On the heels of what has been labeled a successful Harvest Festival last weekend, Constantine officials are preparing for another community celebration. Oktoberfest 2025 returns to downtown Constantine next month. Staged by the village’s Downtown Development Authority, Oktoberfest will be held for the second consecutive year. The free community event takes place 1 to 8 p.m. Oct. 4 at Shelby …

A Sturgis man faces a number of felony charges for crimes he allegedly committed 20 years ago in Branch County. Michigan State Police Det./Sgt. Matt Berry said 49-year-old Ricardo Arroyo faces first-degree and second-degree criminal sexual conduct charges after the victims came forward in December with details of the alleged incidents. The victims – sisters who were ages 8 and …

Cass County is looking for a new county manager after county commission members recently voted to let go of Patrick Jordan. County officials said the decision to dismiss Jordan as county manager centered on an investigation related to allegations of derogatory comments made in the workplace. Jordan was placed on paid administrative leave a month ago after commissioners were made …