News

Officials from Colon Area Chamber of Commerce have added a daytime meeting periodically to accommodate people who may not be available for the chamber’s monthly evening meeting. Its regular meetings are at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. However, to better serve members and residents, daytime gatherings will be held at noon on various dates. The first daytime …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department wishes to acknowledge a resident for her help with a special project. Sheriff Chad Spence gave a shoutout on Facebook to Karla Arvizo, who led a project organized by Deputy Veronica Hoggard and Undersheriff David Northrop. Spence said Arvizo, who owns the Sturgis-based business Costuras Karla, created teddy bears for children who have been victimized …

Gilmore Car Museum is hosting “Pints With the Past,” a special Valentine’s Day theme and event. From 7 to 10 p.m. Feb. 14, participants are encouraged to dress in 1920s style clothing and head out to the Barry County museum, where appetizers, live music, adult beverages and many other offerings will be available. Prizes will be awarded for best retro …

Branch County Sheriff’s Department has announced its receipt of a $100,000 grant to help offset the cost of body-worn cameras. The funding was provided by Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority. A portion of the money will go toward in-car camera projects, according to Sheriff Fred Blankenship. He said the grant lessens the impact on Branch County taxpayers while enhancing accountability, …

Constantine’s interim village manager is inviting residents to take part in a community-pride competition. Jim Bontrager said he is challenging Constantine residents to help create a “Village Creed,” a statement that reflects the community, its residents, values and future. The writing contest is open to all village residents and features two categories: youth (18 and under) and adult. Bontrager is …

The boil-water advisory in effect the past week in Constantine has been lifted. Village officials said the situation was the result of a water-main break Jan. 23. All required water testing has been completed within the required timeframe and results have met state of Michigan standards for drinking water. The advisory was lifted late Wednesday.

A Colon church is staging a shoe collection through the end of February. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church has placed bins outside its main entrance for anyone wishing to donate shoes or boots in any condition. The fourth annual drive is in support of the Indiana-based organization Changing Footprints. St. Paul’s has accumulated more than 2,000 pairs of boots and shoes …

Glen Oaks Community College is seeking nominations for four awards presented annually: Distinguished Alumni Award, the Fellows Award, the Part-Time Teaching Award and the E.J. Shaheen Chair for Teaching Excellence Award. Recipients will be honored during a ceremony April 21. The Distinguished Alumni Award is offered by Glen Oaks Foundation to an alum who has demonstrated achievement in their career …

White Pigeon Township Library officials provided encouraging news related to a project currently underway. Director Perri Saunders said the “104 Project” allows the library to add a fenced-in greenspace with pavilion on property it purchased at 104 N. Kalamazoo St. A house on the property – located just north of the library – has been demolished and the land excavated. …

An innovative concept involving the use of recycled rubber from old tires recently brought some positive attention to St. Joseph County Road Commission. The measure was applied to a half-mile stretch of Old M-103 in Mottville Township. Instead of a costly rebuild, road commission officials in 2024 tested a road treatment in which a flexible layer that includes recycled tire …