News

A Clare County man was convicted last week in Centreville for sexually assaulting a relative two decades ago. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said 69-year-old Geral Whitney was found guilty by a jury for one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct. The trial concluded earlier this month. Authorities said the Harrison resident …

A proposal to consider divesting a trio of county-owned parks appears to be at a standstill. In response to the proposed plan – pitched last month by commissioner Christina Yunker – a standing-room-only crowd attended last week’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. By a wide margin, those present appeared to oppose Yunker’s pitch. More than two dozen people …

Michigan Department of Transportation and contractor Pavement Maintenance Systems are investing more than $4 million to crack seal, chip seal, and fog seal 38.6 miles of five state highways in a three-county region starting this week. The work centers on stretches of roadway in St. Joseph, Cass and Calhoun counties. MDOT’s Nick Schirripa said area routes include M-216, from M-40 …

Two Indiana residents died in a semi-versus-car crash last week in Constantine Township. Michigan State Police troopers were dispatched at 5:40 p.m. Friday to the intersection of U.S. 131 and North River Drive in response to a crash with injuries. Witnesses told investigators that a passenger car driven by a 22-year-old man from Elkhart was heading east on North River …

A Memorial Day tribute to fallen U.S. soldiers remains on exhibit in Centreville. More than 200 American flags – meticulously placed two yards from one another – were displayed beginning Thursday on the north lawn outside Centreville Public Schools’ junior high wing. The patriotic project was spearheaded by junior high art teacher Kristin Stamp and high school social studies instructor …

Organizers of the 2025 Three Rivers Water Festival said wristbands and tickets for rides at next month’s event are now on sale. Tickets for the rides, provided by Anderson Midway, can also be purchased via an e-ticket. Online ticket and wristband sales can be done through a QR code available through the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce website: trchamber.com. …

A 35-year-old man was arrested earlier this week for drug-related offenses in Cass County’s Calvin Township. Sheriff Clint Roach said deputies executed a search warrant Tuesday at a residence in the 18000 block of Brownsville Street. Roach said deputies found stolen property, methamphetamine, methamphetamine paraphernalia, and a firearm during their search inside and outside the residence. The suspect faces charges …

A number of appointments were made to various panels during Tuesday’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. First, Joshua Shook was hired as the county’s Emergency Management Coordinator. He replaces Erin Goff, who has taken on the role of administrative assistant to county administrator Teresa Cupp. Next, Shook, Andrew Goldberger and Sam Smallcombe were appointed to the Local Emergency …

Here’s a follow-up from the recent twice-a-year collection of household hazardous waste and electronics recycling. The event, which took place May 6 at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds, netted more than one full semi trailer load of tires. A second trailer was brought into service and was filled about one-quarter of the way. In all, more than 800 passenger tires …

South Michigan Food Bank is introducing St. Joseph County Mobile Markets. Offered the first Wednesday of the month beginning in June, St. Joseph County Mobile Markets features meal kits and fresh produce. Pick up dates are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3 and Oct. 1 at Radiant Life Church, 907 Nottawa St., Sturgis. …