News

More than a dozen people gathered Saturday in Centreville for a low-key observance of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The public observance was put together by village resident Marlene Hagerman. She said the veterans’ memorial on the courthouse lawn was an ideal location and served as a stoic backdrop for the 15 participants. Simplistic in its …

Oct. 1 is the deadline for application to the Constantine Competitive Grant. The grant supports charitable, and educational programs and projects in the Constantine area. Grants are offered through a branch of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation. Applications can be submitted online at: sturgisfoundation.org.

Kalamazoo County officials have announced that a Schoolcraft man was sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for producing child pornography. After pleading guilty earlier this year, Ryan Ahren was sentenced last week on one count of felony production and attempted production of child pornography. Three charges were dismissed in exchange for a guilty plea. Authorities said Ahren used …

Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees have approved a three-year contract with Glen Oaks Support Services Employees. Clarice Green, GOSSE president, said she has a number of issues with the contract but GOSSE members approved it by a slim margin, nonetheless. President David Devier said the agreement allows for a percentage wage increase annually: 4 percent the first year, …

St. Joseph County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the theft of a 4-wheeler from a location in Mottville Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident occurred at an undisclosed time in the 69000 block of Blue School Road. The 4-wheeler in question is a Polaris brand quad, red in color with a black cargo rack.

A three-week investigation into thefts from motor vehicles in the area of Lake Templene concluded with an arrest. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies started fielding reports from the Lake Templene area Aug. 24. Most centered on thefts from vehicles and garages in Nottawa Township. A suspect was ultimately arrested in Kalamazoo County. Agencies participating in the investigation were Sturgis Police …

St. Joseph County officials have agreed to tap into the expertise of a consulting firm for assistance with how to spend nearly $12 million. Commissioners on Tuesday approved a request from county administrator Teresa Doehring to seek help with the county’s handling of federal money it will receive through the American Rescue Plan. Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants was recommended by …

Members of the Constantine Village Council have approved a two-year contract for Dan Thayer to serve as chief of police. Thayer, a retired state trooper with 25 years of experience, had been employed part-time as an officer with the Constantine agency. Mark Honeysett currently serves as chief of police and village manager. He will step down as police chief when …

New coronavirus cases rose in Michigan in the week ending Sept. 5, up 15.8 percent, as 16,254 cases were reported. St. Joseph County reported 123 cases and zero deaths in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 119 cases and zero deaths. Throughout the pandemic, it has confirmed 6,777 cases and 104 deaths. Cases fell in 23 counties, …

The community is invited to join Domestic and Sexual Abuse Services at a candle-light vigil next month. The annual vigil is staged to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence, and to stand in solidarity with survivors and their children. This Year’s theme for the vigil is “Remember My Name.” It will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 …