News

The former head of the Sturgis Department of Public Safety has been charged with a trio of misdemeanors by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. Geoff Smith was charged Tuesday with operating under the influence of alcohol, unlawful blood-alcohol level and high blood-alcohol content. Smith, 49, was arrested Aug. 16 while off duty. The vehicle he was driving struck a parked …

Members of the Constantine Village Council agreed this week to amend a medical marijuana ordinance. The matter dates to its Jan. 4 meeting, when village manager Mark Honeysett said there are two ordinances regulating medical marijuana in Constantine. Ordinance 238, which was adopted by the council in 2011 to regulate qualified patients or caregivers, as defined by the Michigan Marijuana …

Two local residents were arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with the intent to deliver, following a traffic stop late Monday. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies stopped a vehicle around 11:45 p.m. for a speeding violation. Location of the stop was not indicated in a department media release. Occupants of the vehicle were found to be in possession of 65 …

White Pigeon Township Library has reopened. Director Perri Saunders said the library’s staff is offering a variety of programs for all ages. The library is offering virtual programs on the library’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Programs already underway or starting soon include: “Craft Time with Mrs. Krull,” first Monday of the month; “Gentle Yoga with Alyse,” 10 a.m. Wednesdays; …

Winter hats and scarves, and a variety of other winter wear, are available at Free Church Park in Sturgis. The clothing is being offered at no cost for anyone in need. It is part of ministries at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sturgis and has been available since late last week. In addition to winter items in the park, more …

Sturgis Public School officials recently fielded two offers to purchase the former Park School. Identities of the potential buyers were not released and only differentiated between “offer 1” and “offer 2.” Offer 1, which the board ultimately accepted, is a $17,500 cash offer with a detailed plan to repair the building on Neuman Street and convert it into a retail …

Glen Oaks President David Devier recently provided an update to the board of trustees regarding the college’s COVID-19 plan. Devier said the college is modifying its preparedness and response plan to reflect changes in quarantine guidelines, based on recommendations from the state. Very few employees have tested positive, the result of everyone doing their part to be safe in helping …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency said starting next week, it will post available vaccine appointments on its webpage. Beginning Monday and every subsequent Monday, appointments will be posted at 9 a.m. Current demand for COVID-19 vaccination exceeds the amount of vaccine allocated to the tri-county area. Agency officials last week rolled out an online scheduler that allows citizens to …

A Sturgis man was the victim of an armed-robbery attempt last week in Colon Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident unfolded around 12:30 p.m. Friday in the area of M-86 and Fairfax Road. The 45-year-old victim told deputies he was flagged down by a subject in a Ford F-150 pickup with Illinois license plates. The vehicle was stationary alongside …

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging will offer group exercise classes at both its enrichment centers starting this week. COA director Pam Riley said sessions will begin Wednesday. Class size is limited, so registration is required. COA’s phone number is 279-8083. Masks are required at all times, and there will be floor markings and other signage to ensure social …