News

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging will offer in-person activities, such as group exercise classes and bingo, at both its enrichment centers beginning Monday. Class size is limited, so prospective participants must call the COA to register. Masks are required in the centers, and there will be markings on the floors and other signage to help ensure social distancing. …

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a destruction-of-property and hit-and-run incident. Investigators said a pickup struck a fence in the 55000 Block of Franklin Drive, near an industrial park, in Park Township. The vehicle also appeared to have driven through a large entrance gate in the same area, causing extensive damage. Authorities said the incident occurred around March 1. The suspect vehicle …

A former state senator, whose jurisdiction included St. Joseph County, has died. Jack Welborn passed away Sunday at the age of 88. Starting in 1975, early in his political career, Welborn represented a district that included most of St. Joseph County, as well as portions of Cass and Van Buren counties. He represented the district for eight years. After district …

The coronavirus made 2020 Michigan’s deadliest year, driving a 17.9% increase in deaths over 2019, according to preliminary data. It was the largest annual percentage jump on record, surpassing a 15.6% increase in 1918 — when the flu pandemic struck. More than 115,300 people died in Michigan last year, up from about 97,800 the year before, according to an Associated …

Speed is being blamed for a one-vehicle, roll-over crash early Tuesday in Sherman Township. State police officials said a 30-year-old-man was driving north on M-66 around 1 a.m. when his 2016 Mustang left the roadway near Northland Drive and overturned several times, investigators said. The man, whose community of residence was not mentioned in an agency media release, was taken …

A Centreville official was arrested last week on two charges of embezzlement from area churches. Sheriff’s officials said the woman was arrested Friday and released on bond the following day. The suspect faces charges of embezzlement of $20,000 but less than $50,000. Her arraignment is set for March 25.

A pursuit through Sturgis led to the arrest of a 43-year-old wanted felon. The incident started around noon Friday, when officers attempted to stop the driver of a vehicle near the intersection of Chicago Road and Grove Street. The suspect fled at a high rate of speed before eventually crashing his vehicle into a power pole near South Street and …

St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation officials helped oversee a controlled burn last week at Plumb Lake County Park in Burr Oak Township. Agency director Jaymes MacDonald said a company that specializes in conducting controlled burns, and in projects that promote indigenous habitat growth, was secured to execute the task. MacDonald said last Wednesday’s burn will help remove layers of …

Michigan State Police troopers responded to a larceny-from-a-motor-vehicle incident in Mottville Township. Investigators said the incident occurred during a 12-hour period Feb. 18 in the 6000 block of U.S. 131. Troopers said 28 power cords were stolen from 27 different recreational vehicles. Each RV sustained damage to a side compartment door lock that housed the electrical power cords.

Here’s a reminder that COVID-19 vaccine appointments are posted to the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency at 9 a.m. every Monday. Agency officials said the public is also welcome to check the website’s appointment schedule throughout the week in case any appointments are posted due to cancellation. People currently eligible for immunizations include healthcare workers, long-term care workers and residents …