News

United Way begins coat drive

St. Joseph County United Way is collecting new or gently used winter coats, hats, gloves and boots. Agency officials said items can be dropped off at the United Way’s office in Centreville. If coats need cleaning, they can be left at Ludders Cleaners in Three Rivers or Sturgis. More information is available from the United Way, at 269-467-9099.

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Constantine man sentenced in plea deal

A 40-year-old Constantine man was sentenced to prison last week on charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. Michael Paul Miller will serve 10 to 30 years after pleading guilty to the charge and as a habitual offender following a series of incidents with an underage girl that ended in 2020. Miller had previously denied anything happened with the now-14-year-old girl until …

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Woman arrested after fleeing police

A 48-year-old Mishawaka woman was arrested Friday afternoon in Sturgis on numerous felony charges after leading police on a brief pursuit through the city. Officers received a call from St. Joseph County Central Dispatch at 3:28 p.m. regarding a vehicle being driven in an erratic manner on U.S.12 and approaching the city limits. Responding officers located the vehicle and witnessed …

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Colon falls in championship game

Colon High School fell short over the weekend in its bid to win its second 8-man football title in three years. The Magi were routed Saturday by Powers North Central, 63-0. The Division 2 contest took place at the Superior Dome in Marquette. The Magi were overpowered after their starting quarterback, Simon Vinson, was knocked out of the game early …

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Colon store celebrates anniversary with give-aways

Colon Shell Mart is observing its 20th anniversary by hosting a year-long series of give-aways. Store owner Pam Gilbert said the next promotion ends Tuesday. The give-away focuses on local women who are artisans and in business for themselves. Gilbert said the first item up for grabs is from Potter’s Perch. Artist Marry Green Rosenberry created a chips-and-dip piece. The …

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Michigan urges masking indoors, vaccines as COVID-19 surges

Faced with spiking COVID-19 infections, Michigan health officials issued a public health advisory Friday recommending that everyone over age 2 wear a mask at indoor public settings regardless of their vaccination status. The guidance also says public-facing businesses and other establishments should implement masking policies and encourage compliance. Unvaccinated or immunocompromised people are urged to avoid large crowds and gatherings. The state …

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Constantine fire station in need of repairs

Members of the Constantine Village Council this week reviewed a report by structural engineer Nick Barnitz, who reported on building damage at the fire station. Barnitz said the building is 84 years old, and there is significant vertical cracking on the north and south walls, a corner of an east wall, and significant deterioration of steel lintels of the four …

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Man arrested following armed robberies

A suspect was arrested following two armed robberies in the village of Marcellus Tuesday afternoon. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 6 p.m. to the Shell Gas Station. While information was being taken, a second armed robbery call came in from nearby Mega Liquor. Authorities said information taken at the time gave a basic description of the …

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Sturgis man faces up to 50 years in prison

A Sturgis man involved in a fatal shooting last year could serve up to 50 years in prison following his sentencing Monday by St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman. Erik Davis, 36, was sentenced to between 15 and 50 years for the October 2020 shooting death of Doug Smith, 33. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Gary Gabry said Davis pleaded …

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United Way fundraiser raffles free pizza for a year

Five Star Pizza in Colon has partnered with the St. Joseph County United Way for a chance to win free pizza for a year. In support of Five Star’s Adoption Fund, the pizza raffle winner will be drawn Dec. 8 at the United Way’s Centreville office. Tickets are $5 each of five for $20. Tickets are available at any Five …

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