News

State police are investigating the theft and subsequent arson of a vehicle. According to a department media release, a 2000 Saturn, brown in color, was stolen from Three Rivers Sept. 29 and found on fire later that day on Garber Road in Constantine Township. In what appears to be an unrelated incident, a pickup was stolen Friday last week from …

Cass County sheriff’s deputies responded earlier this month to an anonymous complaint about animal cruelty in the village of Edwardsburg. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies, along with Cass County Animal Control, executed a search warrant Oct. 8 at a residence in the 24000 block of May St. Law-enforcement officials located numerous animals in varying states of health and living in …

Six people were taken into custody and others are being sought related to the theft of hemp in Mendon Township earlier this week. Sherriff’s deputies were called around 9:30 p.m. Monday to a field near the intersection of Clark and Hass roads in reference to an incident of larceny. Farmers working in the area located a suspicious vehicle parked in …

Twenty-six people were recognized Tuesday for milestone years of service as St. Joseph County employees. Members of the county commission and county administrator Teresa Doehring acknowledged those who attended the annual recognition. The roster featured eight 10-year employees; 10 people who have worked 15 years each; and a quartet for two decades of employment. Jim Jacobs, family division caseworker; Kole …

An exception to its hiring freeze was approved Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite was granted approval to hire a corrections deputy. The vacancy was created with the retirement of Paul Martin. In a memo to commissioners, Lillywhite indicated the position has been vacant since late September and Martin’s retirement makes the corrections department …

St. Joseph County is changing the way payment is distributed for jury-duty service. Commissioners on Tuesday approved an agreement with Rapid Financial Solutions, which is behind a process that provides debit cards instead of a mailed check for people who serve as jurors. County clerk Lindsay Oswald said the agreement with the Utah-based company amounts to 49 cents per payment …

A Lockport Township resident was honored for his longevity on an obscure but important county board. St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a resolution saluting Jim Wetherbee and his 22 years as a member of the county’s Board of Canvassers. Wetherbee, a former teacher and principal, is a member of the Centreville Lions Club. The resolution states …

Michigan Department of Transportation has announced the closing of two routes in the Three Rivers area, with the first project starting next week. MDOT officials said the Norfolk Southern railroad crossing on South Main Street – between Michigan and Pearl streets – will be closed starting Monday for repairs. The week-long project will include reconstruction of the single-track crossing. Then, …

Cass County emergency personnel responded earlier this week to a three-vehicle accident in Jefferson Township. Deputies were called at 5:15 p.m. Monday to the intersection of Dailey Road and Jefferson Township. Investigators found that a vehicle driven by 18-year-old Daquan Brown of Elkhart was heading south on Dailey Road when it failed to stop at the intersection. Brown’s vehicle was …

More than 200 people came out to Hamilton Harley-Davidson earlier this month for the 13th annual Breast Cancer Benefit Ride. The 78-mile ride helped raise $10,500. The day also included games, raffles and a silent auction. Sponsored by the Heritage Trail HOG Chapter in partnership with Hamilton Harley- Davidson, the fundraiser helps provide free breast exams, Pap smears and vein …