News

Due in part to the COVID-19 shutdown, the Salvation Army thrift store in Sturgis has closed. Company officials, however, said Salvation Army will continue to offer its other services. Sharyn Tennyson, who oversees the Salvation Army in St. Joseph and Branch counties, made the announcement Monday. She said the thrift store has historically struggled to financially meet the expenses of …

Michigan’s top election official said Tuesday that absentee ballot applications will be mailed to all 7.7 million registered voters for the August primary and November general election. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said the step — announced as the state continues to confront the coronavirus pandemic — ensures no one “has to to choose between their health and their right …

Constantine Public Schools has chosen one of its own to serve as the district’s new superintendent. Jim Wiseley was unanimously selected as head of the 1,400-student district following interviews with a pair of finalists Wednesday. Wiseley, who was hired last summer as principal at Constantine Middle School, was interviewed along with Rohn Peterson, retired superintendent from Roanoke-Benson school district in …

A Lockport Township woman was arrested after she allegedly stabbed her boyfriend last week. St. Joseph County sheriff’s deputies were called at 1:15 p.m. Friday to the 57000 block of Oak Park Road in response to a domestic-disturbance complaint. Investigators said the couple had been arguing over the victim having used the suspect’s car to go to work. The victim …

Three items of new business will be discussed by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners today. During their twice-a-month meeting at 5 o’clock, commissioners will consider approving a grant for animal control. Other agenda items center on an Emergency Management/COVID-19 update from Emergency Management Services director Erin Goff and potential approval of a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response plan. The …

A surveillance camera was stolen last week from a business in Lockport Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident took place around 2 a.m. May 11 at a business in the 57000 block of North Main Street. Investigators found that the suspect unsuccessfully attempted to enter the closed business. The suspect then stole the store’s surveillance camera. Authorities said the …

Restaurants, bars and other retail businesses can reopen in much of northern Michigan starting Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Monday — a key step for the tourism-dependent region before the Memorial Day weekend and summer season. Bars and restaurants, which have only been able to do pickup and delivery, will have to limit capacity to 50%. Groups will be required …

During its scheduled meeting Monday morning, the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Board of Trustees approved a 3.6% increase in tuition and fees (in-district residents) for the 2020-2021 academic year. “This overall package of tuition and fees provides students an affordable option when compared to other colleges and universities,”said Dr. L. Marshall Washington, college president. “In response to the increasing student demand …

The Associated Press has detailed the phone calls St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough made following the single-vehicle accident in which he was involved May 11. According to the news agency, McDonough said in the first of his two calls to St. Joseph County Central Dispatch that he experienced a coughing fit and, as a result, lost control of his …

Here’s the weekly update from Michigan Department of Transportation regarding its redevelopment of U.S. 131 in Three Rivers. Agency officials said Stage 5 traffic pattern remains in effect, meaning two-way traffic in the southbound lane of U.S. 131 will continue throughout the length of the project. Also, work related to some utility relocation is possible this week. Westbound traffic on …