News

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the theft of catalytic converters from two Dodge Ram pickup trucks. According to Trooper Jason Sylvester, the trucks were parked at a business in the 52000 block of U.S. 131 in Park Township. The incident occurred sometime between June 16 and July 19, Sylvester said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday resumed wearing a mask at indoor events, citing revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a recommendation from Michigan’s chief doctor. The Democratic governor, who is vaccinated, said she does not anticipate reinstating a face covering requirement, though “not in the near future and maybe not ever.” The CDC on Tuesday reversed …

A man who stabbed a police dog has been shot to death by a sheriff’s deputy in southwestern Michigan. Deputies were called to a home in Gobles about 7:30 p.m. Monday for a reported assault, the Van Buren County sheriff’s office said. The police dog was sent inside about 9:30 p.m. to force the 39-year-old man out, but was stabbed …

Glen Oaks Community College has been selected to participate in a National Science Foundation program that provides training and support to assist the college’s expertise in grant-writing. Glen Oaks is one of 13 two-year colleges nationally chosen to participate in the program in which Project Vision’s staff and its teams work with local faculty and staff to put together strong …

St. Joseph County Commission on Aging Advisory Board members are considering a collections policy for Rivers Enrichment Center and Residence in Three Rivers. The issue, raised at last week’s board meeting, centers on the fact that more than $5,000 is owed for damages and unpaid rent from three former tenants. Board chair Deb Davis said the county doesn’t use a …

Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County recently reached a financial milestone. Over the course of its 23-year existence, ARF has helped fund $500,000 in services and assistance, said Loralee Knepper, a charter member of ARF. Knepper, a Mendon-area resident, said ARF has a small-emergency program but its main focus and biggest outlay has been spay/neuter, which accounts for the …

St. Joseph County United Way Executive Director Kelly Hostetler said the agency is in need of help for its 2021 Silent Auction at the upcoming county fair. The Silent Auction is a major fundraiser for the Centreville-based agency, Hostetler said. In addition to the option of attending the Silent Auction in person, the United Way has teamed with ReMax Elite …

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport has been awarded a Small Community Air Service Development grant of $1 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Craig Williams, airport director, said the grant will be used as a revenue guarantee and marketing tool to recruit and support an air carrier for nonstop service to Charlotte, N.C. The SCASD grant is an important tool …

St. Joseph County authorities have identified the Sturgis man who died in a traffic collision last week in Florence Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said Florin Gavril Olarean, 47, died after the motorcycle he was driving was struck by a Ford F-150 at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in an area on Lutz Road near Dickinson Road. Investigators said Olaraen was driving a …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a motor vehicle theft that occurred last week in Constantine Township. Investigators said the incident occurred between 7 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday. The vehicle was taken from a residence in the 15000 block of Connie Street. It is a 2004 Mercury Monterey, bronze in color and has a broken reverse light on …