News

Michigan State troopers are investigating the theft of a catalytic converter. The victim’s vehicle was parked in the 18000 block of U.S. 12 in White Pigeon Township. The incident occurred between May 4 and June 9.

With restrictions easing in relation to COVID-19, the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging wants to celebrate by offering something fun and different for its members, and really for any senior in the county who is eager to get out of the house and socialize with others. This desire led to working with a local family known for its “Open …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency said the three counties it represents are close to the bottom in the state in terms of percentage of residents who have been vaccinated.  St. Joseph and Branch counties each surpassed 40 percent. For a matter of perspective, 71 of Michigan’s 83 counties have a higher vaccination rate. As of Friday last week, 21,002 …

The Substance Abuse Task Force is launching its annual Vape Prevention Campaign. It highlights the real cost of nicotine and the negative effects e-cigarettes and vaping have on the teenage body, its brain and health. Agency officials said use of e-cigarettes by teens is on the rise and education is critical for teens to understand the dangers of vaping and …

A group of anonymous alumni has gifted $550 million to Western Michigan University. The school in Kalamazoo will receive the funding over 10 years. It will be divided among scholarships, investing in quality educators, advancing medical research and education, and bolstering Western Michigan athletics. “Thanks to the incredible generosity and foresight of these donors who’ve chosen to bestow this generous …

St. Joseph County Ambulance Committee is close to reaching a one-year renewal with LifeCare Ambulance. White Pigeon Township Supervisor Don Gloy, a member of the 12-person committee, said the agreement is in the midst of being fielded by the dozen entities that are a part of the impending contract with LifeCare. The renewal is for $140,000 and its cost is …

State Rep. Steve Carra recently introduced a plan to strengthen the rights of Michigan election challengers, and expand training for election officials and inspectors. Election challengers are appointed by political parties and other organizations interested in observing Michigan election processes. They ensure election laws are properly followed at polling places and absentee counting boards. House Bill 4963 would specify that …

Elena Breiter, the new director at Three Rivers Area Mentoring, said the agency is working on rebooting and updating programs in 2021. She said she is looking for volunteers interested in mentoring, or helping with a youth club or workshop. Breiter said TRAM is attempting to set up partnerships with other local organizations and small businesses to provide valuable resources …

Rebecca Burns, health officer for the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency, passed along a reminder from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services regarding foam collecting along shorelines and at the edge of bodies of water such as rivers and streams. The foam should be left alone as it could contain unknown chemicals or bacteria. Shoreline foam often has …

A man accused of killing two neighbors in southwestern Michigan told police that he shot them because they were too loud, according to a court document. William Wolfe knocked at the apartment door and shot Virgil Walker, 49, and his wife, Kailey Walker, 30, “without warning,” a Kalamazoo County sheriff’s investigator said in an affidavit supporting murder charges last week. …