News

Michigan Department of Natural Resources stocked nearly 10 million fish in state waters last year. According to agency officials, it added 9.7 million fish last year to Michigan lakes, rivers and streams. That represents about 700,000 fewer fish compared to 2023, DNR representatives said. Seven different species were stocked in the fall. That includes fingerling steelhead in three locations statewide …

The U.S. Department of Justice this week announced the sentencing of a Sturgis man for selling fake and illegal drugs on the dark web. According to WWMT, 47-year-old Erik Miller will spend more than five years in prison. Authorities said Miller worked with a dark web vendor to distribute fraudulent Xanax pills, along with illegal drugs, such as meth and …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has agreed to maintain the same starting time and days for its twice-a-month meetings in 2025. During Tuesday’s special meeting, the board voted to continue its 4 p.m. start time the second Tuesday of the month for its executive committee-of-the-whole meeting. In addition, it was decided that monthly board meetings will continue to meet …

Sturgis Public Schools later this month will host a public forum centering on the issue of vaping. Superintendent Art Ebert said the district is concerned about vaping at its high school, middle school and even its elementary schools. Ebert said “Response to Vaping,” a drop-in session, will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at Sturgis Central Commons. Ebert …

Destinations, an American Bus Association publication and guide to North America’s group-travel destinations, recently awarded Shipshewana Trading Place Flea Market & Auction a 2024 “Best of the Best” designation in the category of Shopping. Destinations Best of the Best honors travel-industry members who go above and beyond for the group travel industry. Categories include Adventure, Culture, Entertainment, Festivals & Events, Food & Beverage, Lodging, …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners will be led by a new chairman in 2025. During a special meeting Tuesday, Jared Hoffmaster was voted leader of the seven-member panel. As part of their annual, first-meeting-of-the-year process, board members nominated and then voted on a peer to serve as chairman. They then repeated the process to secure a vice-chair. That post …

Three Rivers city officials have issued a media release regarding a watermain break Tuesday at the municipal water tower. In response to the situation, the city’s Department of Public Services has modified the direction of water flow, which is causing water discoloration. The change will also cause variability in the system’s pressure. DPS officials estimate the modified operations will last …

St. Joseph County Commissioner Luis Rosado will host an event centering on parliamentary-procedure training. Rosado said the session will be led by Julie Pioch, of Michigan State University Extension. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 25 at the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department Training Center. There will be no cost to attend, though Rosado …

The city of Sturgis is attempting to fill a job for crossing guard. Under the supervision of Sturgis Department of Public Safety, the position requires a reliable and responsible person to aid with pedestrians in a school zone. Other criteria include 18 years of age or older, U.S. citizen or a resident alien with a right-to-work permit in the United …

Former St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough pled guilty Monday to a charge of operating while intoxicated. Appearing before District Court Judge Jeff Middleton, McDonough owned up to his offense stemming from a traffic stop in late October on West Michigan Avenue and Railroad Drive in Three Rivers. As a result of Monday’s court session, McDonough’s license is revoked. In …