News

Officials from the agency formerly known as Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County are moving forward with the idea of a potential addition to their Centreville-based office. Now called Pivotal, the agency is contemplating additional building space at its current site or potentially securing an existing building larger than its current facility. CEO Cameron Bullock …

A 35-year-old woman was arrested on drug-related charges last week after authorities raided a daycare facility in Branch County. Michigan State Police Southwest Enforcement Team detectives and MSP’s canine unit served a search warrant on a licensed Bronson daycare center Thursday. According to a department media release, detectives seized several illegal narcotics, including cocaine and a large amount of hydrocodone. …

A Niles man died following a one-car crash last week in Cass County’s Milton Township. Sheriff Clint Roach said Michael Jasper, 60, was driving west on Bell Street when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree in the vicinity of Ironwood Drive. Jasper was taken to Niles Lakeland Hospital and subsequently transferred to South Bend Memorial Hospital, where …

December’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by more than half a percentage point from November. Figures from the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget show St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate rose from 4.6 percent in November to 5 percent in December. In addition, Cass County also experienced growth in its unemployment figures …

A Cass County man was convicted of weapons-related charges following a jury trial last week. County prosecutor Victor Fitz said 34-year-old Robert Allen Scott Jr., of Dowagiac, was convicted of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, carrying a concealed weapon, larceny of a firearm and two counts of felony firearm, Fitz said. Scott chose to represent himself during the …

A preliminary report on the Dec. 30 airplane crash in Ohio that killed the general manager of Elite Air Service at the Branch County Airport reveals a witness heard both engines quit just before the crash. According to media reports, the National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary investigation said 46-year-old Vicksburg resident Rob Cole was piloting a 1960 twin-engine Cessna when …

Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce is less than a month away from hosting its 23rd “Ice Breaker” event and silent auction fundraiser. Doors open at 6 p.m. Feb. 22 at Armstrong Recreational Hall, 1015 Maple St. Cost is $20 per person, and includes food and beverages. Tickets are $30 the day of at the door. More information is available …

American Airlines will soon add larger, dual-class aircraft on its flights out of Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport to and from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. Airport director Craig Williams said the airline will operate Embraer 170 aircraft on all daily departing and arriving Chicago flights starting June 5. American’s E170s feature 65 seats with 12 in first class and 53 …

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education has re-appointed a trio of members to key roles of the seven-member panel. During their Jan. 13 meeting, Emily Halling was voted to continue serving as board president. Meanwhile, Lynn Brand maintains her role as its vice-president. Finally, Gwen Donmyer retains her position as board secretary. In addition, Ben Myers was chosen for the …

St. Joseph County Fairgrounds has issued a media release to recognize Glen Oaks Community College. Fair manager Christina Yunker said the college’s welding department recently completed the task of fabricating 27 sign bases. Yunker said the skill and dedication demonstrated by the students and faculty have enhanced the fairground’s ability to provide clear and informative signage throughout its property. She …