News

Names of two men who died in a single-vehicle crash earlier this month in Fawn River Township have been released. According to obituary announcements, 28-year-old Brice Fenske of Quincy, and his 30-year-old cousin, Zane Dirr, of Delta, Ohio, died at the scene of the Jan. 12 crash. The two died after the vehicle they were in went out of control, …

The city of Sturgis is accepting permit applications for residents looking to keep urban chickens. Applications are available in the Community Development Department at Sturgis City Hall, according to municipal officials. Residents who have kept chickens prior to obtaining a permit and apply by Jan. 31 will be waived the fee for keeping of chickens prior to having a permit. …

Authorities have identified a man who died in an Elkhart County house fire earlier this month. Indiana State Police investigators said Richard Irwin, 68, of Bristol died in the Jan. 3 blaze. Elkhart County Coroner’s Office officials said the blaze was caused by inhalation of products of combustion. The death was ruled accidental and the county coroner has closed its …

A Sturgis man, armed with a chainsaw, was arrested last week after attempting to break into a residence. Sturgis Police officers were called at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 called to a residence in the 500 block of Susan Avenue in response to a disorderly subject. Authorities said the man was attempting to gain access into a residence but left the …

Michigan Court of Appeals has affirmed the conviction and prison sentence issued to a Three Rivers man charged with attempted murder. The court upheld Lee Parker Jr.’s conviction and sentence to between 17 and 60 years in prison for charges of assault with intent to commit murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The charges …

Glen Oaks Community College officials recently approved the purchase of a center-pivot irrigation system for the school’s Hagen Farm. During a recent meeting, board members agreed to the $118,000 purchase with Advanced Farm Supply of Burr Oak. The new system will enhance agricultural education, research and workforce training opportunities, while aligning with the college’s strategic goals of innovation and collaboration, …

The case of a deputy-involved shooting this week in Branch County has been turned over to Michigan State Police for its review. Sheriff Fred Blankenship said the incident occurred around 5 p.m. Monday following a pursuit in Algansee Township. The situation started after the driver failed to stop for a deputy on Central Road near Ferguson Road. The 18-mile pursuit …

Sturgis Public Schools is eliminating community access to a student-based clinic in one of its elementary schools. According to WWMT, the decision was made less than a week after the clinic opened Jan. 6 at Eastwood Elementary. Dozens of parents voiced their concerns about those up to 21 years old in the greater community being able to come inside the …

A free, online parenting resource, “Birth and Beyond,” will be available starting next month. Taught by certified childbirth educators, the class is open to all birthing partners and their partners. Areas covered include labor and delivery, postpartum planning and newborn care. Sessions will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday in February. Organizers said the classes are most appropriate …

The case of a Kalamazoo County man charged with driving on a suspended license and causing the death of a 10-year-old Amish boy is headed to trial. St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deb Davis said Vicksburg resident Logan Keith Thomas has waived his preliminary hearing. As a result, the case will go to trial. Thomas, 29, was driving west on Banker …