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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will unveil an ambitious budget plan this week that addresses Michigan’s educator shortage, as well as mental health and learning needs for students. Whitmer is proposing to provide the biggest increase in education spending in 20 years. The governor’s budget director is set to present the spending recommendations to lawmakers Wednesday. Whitmer’s $18.4 billion pre-K-12 spending plan …

Sheriff’s department deputies are investigating the theft of a vehicle last week from a location in Leonidas Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident occurred in the evening or night hours Jan. 31. The vehicle is a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. It is blue in color and was stolen from a residence in the 30000 block of Longnecker Road. The vehicle …

A Michigan man who was serving life sentences for the 1972 killings of four women in the Kalamazoo area has died after being found unresponsive in prison, a correction official said. Staff found Danny Ranes, 78, unresponsive on Jan. 29 at the Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater and he was later pronounced dead at a hospital, Chris Gautz, a spokesman …

A Centreville woman was injured in a two-vehicle crash last week in Nottawa Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday to the area of M-86 and Rambadt Road. Investigators found that a 65-year-old woman was driving west on M-86 when her vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a semi-tractor trailer heading east. The woman …

Officials from the Three Rivers Water Festival have announced a new addition will return to the 2022 community celebration. Shredder Motor Sports and an upgraded version of their Monster Truck will participate in the festival’s opening-day parade and then offer rides in the parking area near the railroad tracks, just east of Scidmore Park. Rides will be offered following the …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a car-versus-pedestrian incident that occurred last week in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. State police said troopers were called at 8:40 p.m. Thursday to M-60, near Stanton Road. Investigators said a vehicle was parked and facing the wrong direction on M-60. The investigation shows a person was stopped to retrieve their mail. The driver of …

A 41-year-old Three Rivers man was arrested on drug-related charges after he attempted to elude authorities last week. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies attempted to stop a vehicle at 8 p.m. Jan. 31 in the 63000 block of Lutz Road in Florence Township. The vehicle stopped briefly but its driver sped away and led authorities on a seven-mile pursuit in …

Three Rivers officials made a significant decision this week, as the city commission on Tuesday approved demolition of the old Three Rivers Hospital. A bid just more than $1 million was approved for the task. The job will be conducted by Bay City-based Dore & Associates. Mayor Tom Lowry said money will come from the city’s general fund. In addition, …

The city of Sturgis this week launched its Sturgis Splash Pad fundraiser as part of an effort to raise $160,000 through corporate and community donations. Meanwhile, one sponsor has already pledged its commitment. Omni Community Credit Union was acknowledged by the city for a $10,000 “Splash Level” sponsorship. All donations will be used to construct the splash pad and make other …

Law-enforcement officials are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident in Branch County’s Bethel Township. Michigan State Police troopers earlier this week were dispatched to the 100 block of South Snow Prairie Road to investigate. The breaking-and-entering is believed to be an ongoing issue, dating as far back as November. No additional details were included in a department media release.