News

Sheriff Mark Lillywhite wishes to remind residents that the department does not contact residents regarding fines they may owe. The statement was issued after Lillywhite said the sheriff’s office received reports Thursday from residents contacted by a scam artist using the department as a cover. The potential victims said they were told to come to the sheriff’s office and pay …

Three Rivers City Manager Joe Bippus said city clerk Stephen French has tendered his resignation. Bippus said French’s last day will be Friday. Bippus did not elaborate on the circumstances behind French’s resignation, noting only that he leaves Three Rivers on good terms. The position will be advertised online and through other avenues in hopes of attracting a strong roster …

Two men have been rescued from the icy waters of Saginaw Bay for the second time this week after falling through unstable ice. The two were trying to retrieve items they had to abandon during their first rescue Sunday when they needed to be rescued again Wednesday, The Saginaw News reported. Bay County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched after being alerted to two men being …

Michigan reported far fewer coronavirus cases in the week ending March 6, adding more than 7,800 new cases. That’s down 46.8 percent from the previous week’s tally of nearly 15,000 new cases of the virus that causes COVID-19. St. Joseph County reported 20 cases and three deaths in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 57 cases and …

The city of Sturgis raised $552.51 Wednesday as part of its coin-fundraising campaign for its impending splash pad. The collection, held at the Doyle Community Center, will be matched by the Sturgis Youth Advisory Council. The city is using various funding sources to cover the cost of the $1 million project. Change may still be dropped off to Sturgis City …

Branch County Sheriff’s deputies took Dylan Brand, 25, into custody last Saturday on a warrant for armed robbery of a woman at her home near Bronson Oct. 22. The Sturgis resident also faces charges of home invasion, a 20-year offense, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The charge is a life felony with a two-year …

American Pickers is returning to Michigan and plans to film episodes of The History Channel television series throughout the area in May 2022. American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the world of antique picking on The History Channel. The show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited …

Legislation headed to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk would require county clerks to keep processing concealed pistol licenses during state-declared or locally declared emergencies. The Republican-sponsored bill, a response to what happened in 2020 after the coronavirus pandemic struck and prompted government shutdowns, was approved Thursday by the House on a largely party-line 58-43 vote The sponsor, Sen. Lana Theis of Brighton, …

Constantine Village Council members this week discussed benefits of a special assessment to assist funding the village’s fire department and possibly its police department, too. Council members unanimously decided to seek voter approval and put the special-assessment request on the ballot in November. Village manager Mark Honeysett said a special assessment has to specifically state what the tax is to be used …

An annual event recognizing the production of maple syrup takes place the next two weekends in Cass County. Maple Row Sugarhouse is, once again, hosting its Maple Festival. The event is being promoted as “a festival celebrating everything great about maple syrup.” The program takes place 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 19 and 26, and 10 a.m. to 3 …