News

Shipshewana will once again become home to more than two million LED Christmas lights displayed in a mile-and-a-half long symphony this Christmas season. Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy, a drive-through experience, will begin its fourth season this weekend, opening Friday and available again Saturday. The spectacle will also be open every Tuesday thru Sunday, from Nov. 26 through Dec. 31. Lights …

A Kalamazoo man was arrested after authorities discovered the motorcycle he was driving had been reported stolen. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies stopped the motorcycle the evening of Nov. 9 after it was observed leaving the Shell Mart gas station in Centreville. The motorcycle was found to have been stolen out of Portage in August. The 54-year-old driver was issued …

New coronavirus cases increased 7.7 percent in Michigan during the week ending Sunday, as the state added more than 37,000 cases. The previous week had more than 34,000 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19. St. Joseph County reported 248 cases and one death in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 233 cases and zero deaths. …

A Burr Oak man was arrested last week after attempting to flee from police in Sturgis. According to the Sturgis Police Department, officers were called shortly before 10:30 p.m. Thursday in response to a vehicle suspected of being used as a get-away car in a burglary at a local business earlier in the day. As officers attempted to make contact …

St. Joseph County United Way is sponsoring a weekly event appealing to students from sixth through twelfth grades. Billed as the “Saturday Night Free For All,” the Saturday night attraction offers an open gym at the Doyle Center in Sturgis. Basketball, volleyball, soccer, wallyball and tennis will be setup and ready to go, available to any participant. The open gym …

Nearly three years after making a noteworthy decision, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners is poised to once again fill an appointment to the county’s road commission board. During their executive committee meeting Wednesday, commissioners discussed the impending expiration of the road commission board seat currently held by Dave Allen. In January 2019, commissioners ignored the recommendation of the road …

One local high school football team remains in the quest for a state title. Colon High School will attempt to win its second 8-man title in three years this Saturday, when it travels to Marquette for the Division 2 championship game against Powers North Central High School of Menominee County. The Magi punched their ticket over the weekend, defeating Au …

Officials from the Pregnancy Helpline in Sturgis have announced a supply of baby food is available at no cost. It also has children’s clothing, maternity clothes and several other baby items in its free boutique. The Sturgis Pregnancy Helpline is located at 1125 N. Nottawa St.

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; …