News

Locust Grove Church choir is offering a free Christmas concert next month in Burr Oak Township. Event organizers said the program starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the church, located at 29525 Findley Road. Various local artists will perform Christmas music for enjoyment by people of all ages. Meanwhile, contributions from a free-will offering will be turned over to …

Burr Oak Grange and Burr Oak Township Library are partnering to assemble a mitten tree to benefit Burr Oak and Burr Oak-area children and adults. The promotion runs through Dec. 15. Potential participants are encouraged to stop by Burr Oak Township Library and decorate the tree by adding hats, mittens and scarves for kids and adults. In addition to local …

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman will maintain his current job title the next four years, but in a different county. Bingaman, whose term as undersheriff in St. Joseph County concludes Dec. 31, has been chosen to serve as undersheriff in Branch County under its sheriff-elect, Fred Blankenship. Currently Branch County Sheriff Department’s jail administrator, Blankenship will begin his term …

Colon village officials recently issued a public thank you to Branch County Community Foundation for a generous financial donation. The Coldwater-based agency gave a $7,000 grant to Colon Community Park. With the support of Colon Foundation, Healthy Seniors Fund and Healthy Youth Fund, the Colon Community Parks project of a pickleball/half basketball court is now a reality. The additional donations …

St. Joseph County United Way is hosting its annual coat drive. The drive started this week. The public is invited to drop off new or gently used coats. In addition, the agency is collecting new or gently used boots and gloves. New items can be dropped off at the Centreville-based agency between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Used coats, however, …

Kalamazoo State Theatre officials announced Tuesday a pause in operations effective later this month. The closure is intended to be temporary, and will be used to gather interest and identify a new organization – likely a non-profit – to resume operations at the 97-year-old performance venue. Owner Roger Hinman said he remains committed to preserving the cultural and architectural importance …

A 45-year-old Bronson woman died over the weekend following a one-vehicle crash in Branch County’s Bethel Township. Deputies were called at 11 a.m. Saturday to Snow Prairie Road, just north of Lindley Road, in response to a crash with injury. Deputies found the vehicle’s occupant, Kelda Tiller, was unresponsive. A bystander had initiated CPR until first responders arrived. Despite the …

An online campaign has been established to help raise funds to help cover the cost of a funeral for a 2-year-old Sturgis Township girl. Family members have set up a GoFundMe page to assist with burial expenses for Octavia Bohne. The youngster was pronounced dead inside her mobile home Thursday; her mother was arrested. Paige Nichole Bohne, 21, was arraigned …

Camp Eberhart has opened its online store for the holiday season. All items – featuring clothing and accessories – will be available exclusively online and for a limited time. Orders must be finalized by Nov. 24. Items will be processed and distributed after Dec. 13. Items include clothing for youth and adults, winter hats and a plush blanket. A link …

A 21-year-old woman was charged last week with open murder. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said Paige Bohne was charged in connection to an incident shortly before 1 p.m. Nov. 7 at Memory Lane trailer park in Sturgis Township. Deputies and first responders were dispatched to the residence for a report of an unresponsive 2-year-old. Attempts to revive the child, identified as …