News

The Court Appointed Special Advocate Program is seeking volunteers to advocate for the best interests of local foster children. CASA executive director Jamie Brooks said the agency attempts to make sure the voice of foster children is heard, their needs are met while in care, and provide a consistent, caring adult to walk with them through their journey. Volunteers must …

Constantine Village Council members reviewed a bond anticipation note timeline by Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors for construction of a new sewer plant. The action took place at Monday’s council meeting. More than a year ago, the village applied for a $13.4 million rural development/ USDA 40-year loan to recommission its treatment facility. The bond anticipation note essentially is a bridge …

A Vandalia man was injured earlier this week following a single-vehicle crash in Cass County’s Calvin Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called around 1 a.m. Monday to the intersection of Dry Lake Street and Paradise Cove. Investigators said a vehicle driven by Michael Deweerd was traveling north on Day Lake Street when it left the roadway and struck …

Constantine Public Schools recently honored a number of teachers for years of service and “Teacher of the Year” winners were announced. Held Friday, the district’s last day, the honors ceremony was based on an earlier vote by teachers and staff in each building. They voted for their school’s teacher of the year. Recipients were Dan Sorensen, Eastside Elementary; Bryce Ingram, …

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 …