News

A 40-year-old Sturgis man was arrested after he was found to be in possession of items taken during a breaking-and-entering incident last week in Burr Oak Township. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said deputies responded Thursday to a residence in the 29000 block of Kelly Road. The victim told authorities that a four-wheeler and more than $1,000 worth of tools were stolen. …

Early voting in St. Joseph County is now in effect. The process started Sunday and continues through this weekend at the county’s training facility, 602 E. Main St., in Centreville. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 7 o’clock Wednesday, 9 to 5 Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to …

Three Rivers Police Deputy Chief Sam Smallcomb said a local woman who had been missing for more than two weeks was found and is safe. According to a department media release, 46-year-old Melanie Jo Loree was reported missing July 8. She had been last seen in the 300 block of South Erie Street. Chief Scott Boling issued a media release …

St. Joseph County officials were notified last week that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has determined the damage caused by the May 7 tornadoes in a four-county region does not warrant supplemental federal assistance. A request was made by Gov. Whitmer for a major-disaster declaration to secure aid for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties. FEMA has reviewed paperwork …

June’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by nearly a full percentage point from May. 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 4.1 percent in May to 4.9 percent in June. The county’s June rate from a year earlier was 4.5 percent. In …

Sturgis City Manager Andrew Kuk received a positive review of his work as city manager during a recent closed session by Sturgis City Commission members. The city manager’s performance evaluation is a constructive review that includes 33 questions to determine the strength of Kuk’s work. City officials agreed Kuk goes above and beyond in his duties. Vice Mayor Aaron Miller, …

Cass County authorities were unsuccessful in saving a man from drowning last weekend at a lake in Mason Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday in regards to a man who fell off a kayak and into Juno Lake. Investigators found that the man was fishing when he fell from the watercraft and was …

Vicksburg Community Schools Superintendent Keevin O’Neill said the Vicksburg Foundation has partnered with the district to purchase a digital sign to be placed along South Kalamazoo Avenue outside its administrative building. O’Neill said the need for such a communication has long been a part of his “want list” for the district. He said Kalamazoo Avenue is a heavily traveled route …

White Pigeon Community Schools has hired a new principal for its junior/senior high. During Tuesday’s board of education meeting, district officials offered a contract to Damien Loveless. The 29-year-old Olivet native has spent the past six years as a math teacher at Bronson Middle School. He has served as Bronson High School varsity boys basketball coach the past seven seasons. …

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters is continuing to push for support of a bill banning members of Congress, the president and vice-president from trading stocks. It also prohibits Congress member spouses and dependents from holding, buying or selling stocks. Peters, who is a co-sponsor of the bill, will consider the ETHICS Act with bipartisan changes at a business meeting overseen today …