News

An arraignment was held last week for Centreville’s village treasurer, who is charged with two counts of embezzlement. Court officials said Carol Kotschevar, 59, was arrested March 5 on the charges, and released on bond the following day. Kotschevar was arraigned Thursday on separate charges of embezzlement of funds $20,000 or more. The charges stem from incidents at two area churches. Personal …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Sturgis man last week on charges related to the suspect allegedly holding a woman captive for nearly two weeks and assaulting her. According to sheriff’s deputies, 37-year-old Rocky Gardner has been charged with assault to do great bodily harm less than murder, domestic violence and unlawful imprisonment. Following his arrest March 20, …

After taking the year off in 2020, a longtime family event in Constantine returns later this week. The village’s annual Easter egg hunt takes place for three different age groups Saturday. At 11:30 a.m. toddlers will have the chance to secure eggs at the east end of Riverview Park. Event organizers said children in kindergarten and first grade will begin …

Colon Community Schools has benefited from the Nola and George Cummings Family Foundation Fund. Five teachers in the district received funding from the December grant cycle of Cummings Family Foundation, a total of $14,000. Brendan Hoekstra, band director, submitted a grant application and received some needed items, including a sousaphone and baritone for marching band; 50 new music stands and chairs …

As the weather gets warmer and the sun is shining, color is brought  back into the world. DeNooyer Chevrolet wants to do just that with their first ever Chalk the Lot event. Ryan DeNooyer, General Manager, says of the event “DeNooyer Chevrolet believes in supporting families and the community and this event is aimed at doing just that. It has …

Michigan, which not long ago had among the country’s lowest COVID-19 infection rates, is confronting an alarming spike that some public health experts worry could be a harbinger nationally. The resurgence is being fueled by loosened restrictions, a more infectious variant and pandemic fatigue. While rising vaccination rates provide protection for seniors, the upswing is boosting hospitalizations among younger adults …

A months-long road project will begin next week in downtown Constantine. Michigan Department of Transportation officials said work on the U.S. 131 Business Loop bridge over the St. Joseph River will start Monday. MDOT’s Nick Schirripa said the $4.4 million project will include bridge deck and superstructure repairs, water-main and lighting replacements, and 2.2 miles of chip-sealing from Spring Street …

St. Joseph County Commission on Aging has reopened in-person activities at its centers in Sturgis and Three Rivers. COA executive director Pam Riley said the sites re-opened March 15 and so far, all is going well, she noted. Limited activities include exercise classes and bingo at both locations. The agency is adhering to a limited capacity of 25 percent per …

Nearly 370 students attending Glen Oaks Community College this semester will receive federal emergency grants through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. While the process of awarding grants is almost complete for this semester, any remaining funds will be available to assist students enrolled over the summer as well. …

Three Rivers Community Schools Superintendent Ron Moag has announced the district’s middle school and high school students have returned to everyday, in-person learning. Moag explained the district stayed true to its Extended COVID-19 Learning Plan. The plan stated that when the county’s health agency’s School Risk Assessment reflected a seven-day average of positive COVID-19 tests in St. Joseph County of …