News

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 …

The Three Rivers Lions Club has named Lion John Bippus as recipient of the 2022 Bruce C. Snook Citizen of the year. Since 1965, the Lions Club has recognized persons who, through a commitment to service, have given unselfishly of themselves for the betterment of the community. In keeping with this tradition, Bippus will receive his honor during a public …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a report of stolen copper wiring from an agricultural pivot. The theft is believed to have occurred sometime between November and April 15 from a location in the 17000 block of Hoshel Road in Lockport Township. Several feet of copper wiring were cut and taken along the pivot towers, causing significant damage, authorities said.

Michigan State Police said two children died in a house fire early Monday in Constantine Township. Troopers and fire personnel responded around 12:30 a.m. to a location in the 14000 block of Timm Road. Authorities said the fire claimed the lives of a 4-year-old boy and 3-year-old girl. By the time authorities arrived on the scene, the home was fully …

The first step in a long and comprehensive process to create a vision for the village of Colon begins tonight. Colon Downtown Development Authority and the village council have partnered to engage in a collaboration with Michigan State University. Together, and with the input of business owners and the public, the focus will center on a project called Sustainable Built …

A 35-year-old Sturgis man was arrested last week following an incident in Sturgis. According to a department media release, police were called shortly after 9 p.m. Friday to the 200 block of Memorial Drive, in response to a suspicious situation. Upon arrival, officers learned that a woman with significant facial injuries was assaulted by the suspect. In addition, it was …