News

St. Joseph County Transportation Authority has announced it will not offer Free Ride Home this New Year’s Eve. Operations manager Chris Yorks said the decision was not a surprise, as COVID-19 was the culprit. He said businesses that typically offer New Year’s Eve packages are not doing any promotions this year. The free service has been offered 12 of the …

State Rep. Aaron Miller last week voted in favor of funding to help Michigan distribute the COVID-19 vaccine and boost testing, while helping those whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the virus and economic shutdowns. Highlights of the $465 million measure include: Unemployment benefits and additional help. The measure includes $220 million to temporarily extend unemployment benefits for those who …

A Three Rivers man was recently sentenced to prison for second-degree murder. Randall Miller, 34, was sentenced to 20 to 60 years for his involvement in the death of Lori Norman, 32. She was murdered in March 2019 at their 5th Street home. Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman accepted a plea Nov. 10 following a conference with defense attorneys John …

The Michigan High School Athletic Association has announced dates and time for the continuation of fall playoffs. The news impacts three local teams, Centreville and Constantine in football, while Schoolcraft High School’s volleyball team remains in the playoffs. Centreville and Constantine will host their playoff games, both at 1 p.m. Jan. 2. The Bulldogs will take on Sand Creek while …

A regional education agency named for former U.S. Sen. Lewis Cass is dropping the name. According to the Associated Press, trustees last week voted unanimously to change the name of the Cass Intermediate School District. A new name will be selected in January. The AP story said Cass, who died in 1866, was a U.S. senator as well as governor …

Sturgis Area Community Foundation has announced recipients of its 2020 competitive grant awards, funding that amounts to more than $100,000. Representing nonprofit and charitable agencies was St. Joseph County Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. The council will receive funding to provide “Welcome Home’ baby bags to new parents. CASA of Southwest Michigan was another recipient. With …

Two people were injured in a collision involving four vehicles last weekend in White Pigeon Township. Sheriff’s deputies responded at 5:20 a.m. Saturday to U.S. 12 near Oak Street. Investigators said a semi tractor-trailer driven by 60-year-old Joseph Nelson of White Pigeon Township, was backing into a residential driveway on U.S. 12. Authorities said a Ford Edge traveling eastbound on …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a property-damage situation involving a mailbox in Colon Township. The crash occurred at 2 p.m. Dec. 6 near M-66 and Tyler Road. Investigators said it appears the suspect vehicle was southbound, left the roadway to the right and struck a mailbox. Evidence gathered at the scene indicates the suspect vehicle is a 2016 to …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a property-damage incident that occurred last week in Sherman Township. Authorities said the crash happened sometime Wednesday on M-66 near Wait Road. The time frame is between 4 a.m. and 4 p.m. Investigators said the suspect vehicle left the roadway, entered a nearby yard and struck a porch. Troopers believe the vehicle is a …

A 35-year-old Three Rivers man was arrested last week after fleeing in a vehicle at a high rate of speed in Fabius Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies attempted to stop a vehicle at 3:30 p.m. Thursday on County Line Road near Coon Hollow Road for a traffic violation. The suspect did not stop and fled in the vehicle at …