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Michigan drivers will have the option to renew their vehicle registration every two years instead one under a new law that will take effect in October 2022. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill Wednesday. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said two-year license plate tabs “will add yet another convenient service to our catalog.” Michigan once implemented two-year registrations in the …

An investigation centering on controlled substances resulted in eight arrests. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the investigation started Monday and concluded Wednesday. He said deputies initiated eight separate incidents involving violations of controlled substances. As a result, eight suspects were found to be in possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, or Hydrocodone. Investigations took place in Fawn River, Constantine, Mottville and Park townships; …

A seasonal fundraiser for the St. Joseph County United Way has started. Agency director Kelly Hostetler said tickets for the Christmas Cash Raffle are now available. They are $5 each or five for $20. Tickets can be purchased online, and are also available from Sturgis city employees, Sturgis City Hall and the United Way’s Centreville office. Winner of the 50/50 …

A stretch of roadway closed the past two months in White Pigeon Township is re-opening. St. Joseph County Road Commission Manager John Lindsey said a 20-foot-bridge on Klinger Lake Road is set to officially re-open any day. For now, there are a few minor details to address and he is aware motorists are driving around a barricade in place until …

The public is invited to join students at Glen Oaks Community College traveling to Italy for the 2022 Study Abroad tour. During the 12-day excursion, the group will visit six major cities, including Venice, Florence and Rome. The trip will be hosted by Michael Northrop, professor of humanities and study abroad director at Glen Oaks. He said the trip had …

A Kalamazoo man fatally shot in an exchange of gunfire with police following a standoff has been identified as the suspect in a recent shooting that critically injured a woman. Alex Rawls, age 35, was found dead in a house in Kalamazoo where he had been holed up during an armed standoff lasting more than 16 hours, Michigan State Police …

The name of a man who died in a single-vehicle crash Monday in Park Township has been released by law-enforcement officials. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said Douglas Mowat, 51, a Three Rivers resident, died after the vehicle he was driving left the roadway and struck a number of trees. Investigators said Mowat was driving south on U.S. 131 shortly after 2 …

New coronavirus cases leaped in Michigan in the week ending Sunday, rising 23 percent, as 34,552 cases were reported. The previous week had 28,080 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19. St. Joseph County reported 233 cases and zero deaths in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 229 cases and zero deaths. Throughout the pandemic it …

After voting in favor of the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill on Friday, Republican Congressman Fred Upton of Michigan received a threatening voicemail in which the caller repeatedly called him a “traitor” and said he hopes the congressman, his family and staff all die. The voicemail, provided by Upton’s office, was played during an appearance by the Michigan Republican on CNN’s “AC360” and is …

A Michigan high school runner who finished second in a state championship race was disqualified for expressing four-letter words of joy as he crossed the finish line. Garrett Winter, a senior at Parchment High School, ran the 3.1-mile course in 15 minutes, 27 seconds, a personal best. But officials said his profanities Saturday at the end of the Division 2 …