News

A Constantine man was sentenced to six months in jail for molesting a teen-age girl in 2020. Ollie McKinnie, 55, of Constantine, was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman for molesting a then-15-year-old girl at McKinnie’s home. McKinnie, a friend of the victim’s mother, admitted to assault with intent to commit second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Stutesman said there would …

New coronavirus cases leaped in Michigan in the week ending Sunday, rising 46 percent, as more than 27,000 cases were reported. The previous week had nearly 19,000 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19. St. Joseph County reported 55 cases and zero deaths in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 21 cases and zero deaths. Throughout …

Two longtime Centreville residents were named the village’s “Citizens of the Year.” Village council members on Monday announced Doug and Nancy Schwartz will be recognized and receive a plaque during the 2022 Covered Bridge Days in July. The Centreville High School graduates have been married for more than 30 years, and their children and grandchildren have attended or currently attend …

Two White Pigeon men died after the motorcycles they were driving were struck from behind in Cass County’s Porter Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly after 4:30 a.m. Monday to the intersection of U.S. 12 and Baldwin Prairie Road. Investigators said motorcycles driven by Tanner Hull, 20, and William Kunz, 21, had slowed to turn left onto …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has partnered with Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Service of St. Joseph County to offer a free, weekly COVID-19 testing site. The first testing opportunity is today. It will continue 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through the summer at CMH’s Administrative Entrance parking lot, 677 E. Main St. in Centreville. The Centreville …

Americans should get used to “uncomfortable” postage rate increases in coming years as the U.S. Postal Service seeks to become self-sufficient, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said Thursday. The Postal Service Board of Governors sets postage rates, but DeJoy said he’ll advocate for raising prices until “we have accomplished our objective of projecting a trajectory that shows us being self-sustaining.” “I …

A lifelong Three Rivers resident has been tapped to serve as the city’s Downtown Development Authority director. DDA board members last week selected Cameron Mains to replace Tricia Meyer. Mains, 23, is operations manager at GG’s Cookies in downtown Three Rivers. DDA officials said Mains is expected to graduate from Central Michigan University in December, with a business degree. Second …

Sheriff’s deputies were called to a location in Burr Oak Township to investigate the theft of irrigation wire. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident occurred overnight between May 12 and 13 from a location on Hackman Road, near Needham Road.

Sturgis city commissioners last week approved plans for Sturgis Fest 2022. Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce has set Sturgis Fest for June 21- 26. As before, the chamber of commerce and other event organizers are requesting city collaboration for the festival, including street closures and the use of city staff and facilities. The festival will include “Family Night,” “Bike Night,” …

Company officials from Abbott Nutrition said the Sturgis plant could be back at full production soon. A media release from the Ohio-based company said officials from the Food and Drug Administration have completed their investigation at the North Centerville Road plant. The company back in February voluntarily recalled three powder formulas manufactured at the facility. Subject to FDA approval, Abbott …