News

Michigan State Police and the Branch County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a recent phone scam going through the area. According to a state police media release, Branch County residents are receiving calls from a phone number that appears to be local and the caller claims to be a deputy with the Branch County Sheriff’s Department. The caller proceeds to say …

Glen Oaks Community College plans to feature a “Health and Education Career Fair” later this month. The event is set for 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 22 at the concourse. Organizers said the career fair is geared toward people interested in learning more about health-care education. Representatives from health-care facilities will explain what they offer. Also involved are universities that …

A Michigan ballot drive that was launched Monday would make it easier to vote, creating more than a week of early voting, letting all voters request an absentee ballot for future elections and requiring prepaid postage on return envelopes. The proposed constitutional amendment also would prohibit legislative or other attempts to “unreasonably” burden the right to vote and would enshrine the duties …

December’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by three-tenths of a percent from November. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget was released recently. It showed St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 4 percent in November to 3.7 percent in December. The rate was 6.2 percent 12 months earlier. Meanwhile, Cass County …

Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Community Health Agency and the Area Agency on Aging have received KN-95 masks, which are ready for distribution. Community members can receive a package of 10 masks starting Tuesday at their local health department office. There is a limit of one, 10-mask package per person and they will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while …

Members of the Constantine Village Council last week discussed several topics related to the municipality’s fire-protection services. The discussion included representatives from Constantine and Florence townships, who help supervise the fire department. Municipal attorney Catherine Kauffman provided details about how the village and townships could institute a fire authority and explained the steps involved in such a collaboration. One funding …

COVID-19 testing and vaccine clinics offered each week at Glen Oaks Community College will be moved to the foyer of Ken Schuler Court beginning Tuesday. The relocation stems from temporary closure at Dresser Business Development Center – where the clinics have been held – due to a water-line break. Weekly clinics are offered 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to …

South Michigan Food Bank has announced its 10 Fresh Food Distributions this month in St. Joseph County. Starting next week, the first event of the month will be at 3:30 Feb. 7 at Burr Oak High School. Next up will be 4 o’clock Feb. 8 at Seventh Day Adventist Church in Centreville. A distribution will follow at 4 p.m. Feb. …

Incumbent State Sen. Kim LaSata will face at least one challenger in her pursuit of a second, four-year term. Branch County native Jonathan Lindsey announced earlier this month he will seek the state senate seat for the newly formed 17th District, a portion of which features what is currently the 21st District. Lindsey, 37, is a Bronson High School graduate …

A Three Rivers man was cited for his role in a three-vehicle crash last week in Elkhart County. Elkhart sheriff’s officials said deputies were called shortly before 3:30 a.m. Monday to a location where Allen Burch Jr., 49, was attempting to turn onto County Road 12 but had stopped after noticing a load he was hauling was unsecured. Deputies said …