News

New coronavirus cases rose 57 percent in Michigan in the week ending Aug. 8. In all, 7,495 cases were reported statewide. St. Joseph County reported 46 cases and one death in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 39 cases and one death. Throughout the pandemic, it has confirmed 6,373 cases and 104 deaths. St. Joseph County’s vaccination rate is …

St. Joseph County Association of Realtors has named Jennifer Koski as its 2021 “Realtor of the Year.” The award is given in recognition of outstanding commitment and service to the community and the real estate industry. Award-winners are chosen by their peers and recognized both locally and at the state level by the Michigan Realtors. Nominees are evaluated on their …

The remains of a World War II pilot from Lansing who died in 1943 when the military aircraft he was flying crashed during combat over New Guinea have been laid to rest next to his parents. U.S. Army Air Force First Lt. Robert Parker’s remains were buried Monday at Deepdale Memorial Cemetery, with many of his nieces and nephews and …

Southwest Michigan First last week announced the cumulative impact of its economic development and community efforts thus far in 2021 to support job creation throughout the seven-county Southwest Michigan region it serves. Most recently announced July 26 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, economic development grants in support of two new manufacturing campuses in Sturgis were issued for manufacturers Heartland Recreational Vehicles …

A St. Joseph County property has received a notable designation by the National Park Service. The parcel and its residence, located in Constantine, have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Known as the Nettleton-Cond House, the property is at 260 S. Washington St. Nathan Nietering, project coordinator for Lansing-based State Historic Preservation Office, said the label was …

The State Appellate Defender Office issued a media release related to a late-July decision of the Michigan Supreme Court in People v Paul Betts, holding that the 2011 Sex Offenders Registration Act is unconstitutional punishment. With the court’s decision, the registration act’s many requirements cannot be imposed against those whose offenses requiring registration came before introduction of the 2011 SORA. …

A Three Rivers man was arrested last week after leading authorities on a pursuit in Fabius Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies attempted to stop a vehicle shortly after 10:30 p.m. Saturday on Null Road, near Pulver Road, for a traffic violation. The 37-year-old driver of the suspect vehicle failed to stop, and lead deputies and a Three Rivers Police …

The village of Constantine has applied for funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. Village manager Mark Honeysett said all municipalities in the state are eligible. According to the Department of the Treasury, Constantine is eligible for more than $220,000. Payments would be split over two years, with restrictions on how the money is spent. It may be used to invest in …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the larceny of a boat engine from a residence in Branch County last week. Investigators said the incident took place in the night but before morning Saturday on Union Lake in Sherwood Township. Suspects entered the boat from another vessel on the lake. The engine is described as a 2005 Honda, 4-stroke engine. It …

Constantine Village Manager Mark Honeysett said renovation of the U.S. 131 Business Route bridge over the St. Joseph River is a month behind schedule. Honeysett said the delay is attributed to a shortage of materials. Decking will be complete by the end of the month and use of the bridge will switch from one lane on the east side to one lane on the west …