News

State police troopers responded recently to a report of breaking and entering, and larceny in Branch County’s Noble Township. Troopers were called to the 1200 block of Sielkens Road to investigate a situation that occurred between Feb. 22 and 27. Investigators said suspects stole a John Deere mower, lawn equipment, woodworking tools and scrap metal. Troopers are continuing to investigate …

Republicans who control the Michigan Legislature agreed Tuesday on a plan to cut taxes by $2.5 billion annually, advancing a bill that will be vetoed because there is no deal with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The House voted 62-42 to cut the state income tax from 4.25% to 3.9%, lower the age for filers to exempt up to $20,000 individually …

The state of Michigan sued the owner and operator of a hydroelectric dam, alleging that its mismanaged drawdown of a lake to do repairs created sediment that has choked a 30-mile stretch of the Kalamazoo River, impeded recreational use and threatened public safety. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Ingham County court, seeks compensation for damages and fines along with an order …

Jerry Dowell, a 40-year-old St. Joseph County resident, will serve at least six years in prison after pleading no contest to second-degree criminal sexual conduct as a second offender. St. Joseph County assistant prosecutor Deborah Davis said a girl and boy, now teens, lived with their mother and Dowell in various locations since 2007. Much of that time was in …

A Cassopolis man died over the weekend following a single-vehicle crash in Cass County’s Jefferson Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly after 4:30 p.m. Sunday to the area of Calvin Hill Street and Turpin Road in response to a personal-injury traffic crash. Investigators said 36-year-old William Jones was traveling south on Robinson Road and failed to negotiate …

A weeklong fundraising campaign for Camp Eberhart has reached its midway point today. The Fabius Township camp is attempting to raise $10,000 as part of its annual “Week of Giving” campaign. The event was previously a single-day drive, but this year was expanded to a full week. YMCA Camp Eberhart, which has been around 110 years, is attempting to purchase …

Rep. Fred Upton began airing his first 2022 campaign ad last week, spending more than $200,000 and signaling that the moderate Republican is more likely to seek reelection to a 19th term in Congress. He has not announced whether he will run in the new 4th District in western Michigan. The GOP primary for the Republican-leaning seat that was created …

One of the three vacant school superintendent positions in St. Joseph County could soon be filled. Three Rivers Community Schools plans to interview Nikki Nash next week for the post. She has served as interim superintendent since Ron Moag vacated the position last fall. Board members appear poised to bypass a search process and interview Nash next Monday as the …

The public health advisory on indoor masking, including use in schools, has been withdrawn. Recognizing the COVID-19 case rate is declining, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency changed its response to the “recovery post surge” status. Health Officer Rebecca Burns told her board last week she’s following state health guidelines for the ongoing virus cycle. The recovery phase is characterized …

Road commissions from Branch and St. Joseph counties will place seasonal weight restrictions on most county roads beginning Tuesday morning. The limits are for pothole prevention, officials said, noting heavy trucks cannot use restricted roads without a permit from the county road commission. In addition, effective Friday, weight restrictions will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways from …