News

Midwest Energy & Communications has announced grant money available to teachers in school districts within the agency’s coverage area. According to Midwest’s community relations specialist Lori Ruff, its “Strengthening Schools” grants will award funds up to $2,500. Grant money can be used for classroom needs, special projects, technology, and academic clubs and organizations. Ruff said school districts may be awarded …

St. Joseph County commissioners appear to favor a traditional form of communication opposed to a modern option. During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners discussed the option of individual iPads as a primary form of communication such as receiving documents, agendas and county-related emails. Finance director Angie Steinman said county administrator Teresa Cupp – who …

St. Joseph County commissioners heard a request for the purchase of a new cargo van for St. Joseph County Commission on Aging. During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, St. Joseph County Finance Director Angie Steinman said the agency’s 2007 cargo van was totaled in a crash. Steinman said the COA employee driving the van was not hurt nor were they …

Michigan Department of Transportation’s Chris Jacobs has issued an update regarding the second phase of U.S. 131 construction. The project, which started April 15, is concentrated to an area that includes the village of Schoolcraft and an area north to Shaver Road. According to Jacobs, recently completed work includes installation of a storm sewer in the northbound lane from Eliza …

Cassopolis Public Schools recently added a trio of electric buses to its fleet. Superintendent John Ritzler said the purchase was made thanks to nearly $1.2 million from the Environmental Protection Agency. The new buses replaced three, 19-year-old diesel buses, according to WSJM Radio. The three electric buses all came with the needed equipment, Ritzler said. He said the district has …

St. Joseph County has nearly $40,000 to offer anyone in need of home improvements, and finance director Angie Steinman said there are circumstances under which repayment is not necessary. Overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Emergency Repair Program offers county residents with legitimate home-repair needs up to $2,500 with no obligation to repay. Steinman said …

A Mendon man at the center of a police standoff last year has been sentenced in St. Joseph County Circuit Court. Authorities said Terrell Reese, 38, will serve at least nine years in prison as a result of the Sept. 17 incident. Reese plead no contest to assault with intent to murder, court officials said. Sheriff’s deputies were called to …

Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Three Rivers celebrated a milestone over the weekend. Its 75th anniversary was observed Sunday with fanfare and an all-class reunion. A celebratory mass was led by Bishop Edward Lohse of the Diocese of Kalamazoo. It was followed by a blessing of the school, a community meal, all-class reunion, school tour and open house.

Amos Sturgis Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution plans to honor an American Revolution soldier buried in a Nottawa Township cemetery. A 2 p.m. ceremony Sept. 28 takes place at Pioneer Cemetery, off Spring Creek Road. The event will honor soldier Pardon Field. DAR officials said Field was 13 when he enlisted in the 5th Connecticut Regiment and …

Three people were arrested for probation violations following a parole-and-probation compliance check last week in Three Rivers. Police Chief Scott Boling said officials from Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan State Police Southwest Enforcement joined forces Thursday to conduct the operation. Seven compliance checks were performed. As a result, three subjects were arrested, Boling said. Additionally, three cases will be …