News

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman has announced the newest member of the sheriff’s department – a facility dog named CJ. Bingaman said facility dogs are companion dogs trained to enhance stress-management techniques and be a calming presence. He said research shows the relationship between dogs and law-enforcement officers can have positive influence on the ability to prepare for and …

A proposed lighting project in downtown Sturgis has been brought back to the forefront. Sturgis Community Development Specialist Jeff Coney recently presented details for the proposed project to the Sturgis City Commission. The Sturgis Downtown Development Authority and some interested downtown business owners have been investigating a project to light downtown Sturgis buildings over the last few years. Through investigating …

A Flowerfield Township woman has announced her candidacy for Probate Court judge. Attorney Kelly Ward currently serves as a referee and indicated she is the right person for the six-year position. Incumbent David Tomlinson is unable to seek re-election due to age limitations. A county resident of more than 40 years, Ward previously worked for Van Buren County Circuit Court …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a larceny incident involving a high-end bicycle in White Pigeon Township. A Jamis bicycle was taken between 5:45 and 9:30 a.m. Friday in the 17000 block of Indian Prairie Road. The bicycle is gray in color and is attached to a white pull cart.

Details related to the annual “Meet Up and Eat Up” summer feeding program have been released this week. The free program is for people up to 18 years of age and adults with special needs up to 26-years-old. Burr Oak’s program runs June 3 through Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Colon Community Schools …

A group of federal, state and local officials toured tornado-damaged areas in Portage and other area communities Wednesday. The joint public damage assessment featured personnel from Michigan State Police, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration and local officials. The group was one of three teams assessing damage in Kalamazoo County, with additional teams surveying storm damage in Branch, Cass …

A Cass County man died in a single-vehicle crash earlier this week in Van Buren County’s Keeler Township. Authorities said deputies responded around 6:30 p.m. Monday to the 69000 block of 84th Avenue in response to a personal-injury crash. Investigators said first-arriving personnel reported a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air crashed into a tree. A 54-year-old man from Dowagiac was found …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is expected to begin a five-year partnership with Centreville Public Schools. During Tuesday’s county commission executive committee meeting, undersheriff Jason Bingaman gave details of a potential agreement that would place a school-resource officer in the two-building district. Commissioners agreed to put the matter on the agenda for their monthly board meeting Tuesday next week, when …

St. Joseph County United Way has opened a tornado-relief fund to help local victims with expenses related to recovery from last weeks tornadoes that struck St. Joseph County. Every dollar donated to the fund will stay in St. Joseph County and benefit individuals and families in need of relief. Agency director Kelly Hostetler said a number of people, businesses and …

Three Rivers municipal officials recently completed the purchase of a house that will benefit U.S. veterans who find themselves in a state of transition. City Manager Joe Bippus said the municipality closed on the house, at 308 S. Main St., on April 25. In turn, the city will lease the six-bedroom house to St. Joseph County Veterans Affairs. It plans …