News

Farm animals and several items were taken last week from a location in White Pigeon Township. State police said troopers were called to the 1800 block of U.S. 12 in response to a larceny incident that occurred between Wednesday and Friday. Stolen items include Stihl and Husqvarna chainsaws, a Simplicity riding lawn tractor, a yellow tri-axle implement trailer and three …

Teresa Doehring, St. Joseph County administrator, announced that Tuesday’s county commission meeting has been canceled. County officials are scheduled to not meet again until their March 11 executive committee meeting, followed by the next regularly scheduled county commission meeting March 17.

Michigan Republican congressman Fred Upton says he will seek re-election to his Sixth Congressional District seat. In announcing his re-election bid, Upton says there is “unfinished” business that has to be completed, including fighting the opioid epidemic and immigration reform. The 66-year-old Upton Upton was being watched closely as a potential House retiree as Republicans struggle to try regaining the …

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is urging residents to follow simple steps to limit the spread of a new type of virus that hasn’t been confirmed in the state but could be eventually. She says people should wash their hands, not touch their face, replace handshakes with elbow or fist bumps and cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing. Whitmer activated …

A group has launched a ballot drive to replace Michigan’s flat personal income tax with a graduated system. Supporters say the proposed constitutional amendment would cut taxes for more than 90% of residents and raise them on higher earners. The 4.25% income tax would have to be reduced for individuals making $175,000 or less — $350,000 for joint filers. The …

Constantine Public Schools Board of Education recently approved the hiring of Michigan Leadership Institute to conduct a search for a new superintendent. MLI was one of two organizations to apply for the search job. John Jarpe currently serves as interim superintendent at Constantine schools following the resignation of Steve Wilson, who was hired as superintendent at Bronson Community Schools in …

A Craftsman power washer and toolbox were stolen earlier this month from a garage in Fabius Township. Sheriff’s deputies were called to the 58000 block of Loop Road and were told by the victim the breaking-and-entering incident occurred sometime in the past two weeks.

Transferring to a four-year college or university from Glen Oaks Community College may become simpler, with help from transfer agreements signed with 25 Michigan colleges and universities. The initiative, directed by the Michigan Community College Association, provides clear direction and guidelines to assure students a smooth transfer, according to president David Devier. Transfer agreements allow Glen Oaks students to transfer …

The Michigan House has approved state Rep. Aaron Miller’s plan to designate Dr. T.K. Lawless County Park in Cass County as a dark-sky preserve. Miller’s legislation, which received overwhelming bipartisan support Tuesday, is expected to create educational and recreational opportunities. Miller said there is a high demand for dark-sky preserves. Michigan was the first state to establish dark-sky preserves, he …

A moped was stolen from a location in Constantine Township last week. State police troopers were called to the 14000 block of Riverside Drive, where the Tao Tao brand moped was stolen Feb. 18. The moped, which is black and silver in color, was taken between 7:30 and 10 a.m.