News

Michigan Court of Appeals has affirmed the conviction and prison sentence issued to a Three Rivers man charged with attempted murder. The court upheld Lee Parker Jr.’s conviction and sentence to between 17 and 60 years in prison for charges of assault with intent to commit murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The charges …

Glen Oaks Community College officials recently approved the purchase of a center-pivot irrigation system for the school’s Hagen Farm. During a recent meeting, board members agreed to the $118,000 purchase with Advanced Farm Supply of Burr Oak. The new system will enhance agricultural education, research and workforce training opportunities, while aligning with the college’s strategic goals of innovation and collaboration, …

The case of a deputy-involved shooting this week in Branch County has been turned over to Michigan State Police for its review. Sheriff Fred Blankenship said the incident occurred around 5 p.m. Monday following a pursuit in Algansee Township. The situation started after the driver failed to stop for a deputy on Central Road near Ferguson Road. The 18-mile pursuit …

Sturgis Public Schools is eliminating community access to a student-based clinic in one of its elementary schools. According to WWMT, the decision was made less than a week after the clinic opened Jan. 6 at Eastwood Elementary. Dozens of parents voiced their concerns about those up to 21 years old in the greater community being able to come inside the …

A free, online parenting resource, “Birth and Beyond,” will be available starting next month. Taught by certified childbirth educators, the class is open to all birthing partners and their partners. Areas covered include labor and delivery, postpartum planning and newborn care. Sessions will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday in February. Organizers said the classes are most appropriate …

The case of a Kalamazoo County man charged with driving on a suspended license and causing the death of a 10-year-old Amish boy is headed to trial. St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deb Davis said Vicksburg resident Logan Keith Thomas has waived his preliminary hearing. As a result, the case will go to trial. Thomas, 29, was driving west on Banker …

Dorian Roepel, a journalist and TV producer, is now acting Communications and PR Manager at the Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB. His experience is a great addition to the Visitors Center where he’ll work directly with media, bloggers, and writers to tell the story of Shipshewana and LaGrange County businesses. His journey began in Oklahoma where he worked as a news producer …

Sturgis Department of Public Safety is continuing its search for a man involved in an attempted armed robbery last week. Authorities said officers responded at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday to a business in the 700 block of South Centerville Road. Officers were informed that a white man wearing a mask and armed with a knife attempted to rob a store clerk. …

A Cass County man was hospitalized last week after the bicycle he was riding was struck by a car. Sheriff’s deputies responded shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday to a location in Wayne Township. Investigators said Michael Brown, 32, was riding his bicycle north on Rudy Road when it was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by 84-year-old Dowagiac resident …

St. Joseph County Sheriff Chad Spence said Animal Control Division is temporarily adjusting its walk-in services to better accommodate ongoing facility improvements. Effective immediately, Animal Control will be open for walk-in assistance on a limited basis. Spence said hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until further notice. The facility is closed for lunch from noon …