News

An annual fundraiser for the St. Joseph County United Way is less than two weeks away. The Mega Raffle, which offers a top prize of $5,000, returns Oct. 10. The drawing starts at 7 p.m. at Covered Bridge Farm County Park. Tickets are $100 each and sales will be limited to 330 tickets. Twenty tickets drawn will be worth $100 …

A Jackson County native has been chosen to serve as Branch County administrator. Frank Walsh, who most recently worked as Meridian Township manager in Ingham County, will replace 18-year veteran Bud Norman, who has retired. Walsh’s previous experience includes administrative roles in the communities of St. Joseph and Cedar Springs. He was chosen from a field of three candidates who …

August’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by a full percentage point from July. Figures from the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget show St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 6.3 percent in July to 5.3 percent in August. In addition, Cass County experienced a drop in its unemployment figures from July …

An Elkhart man died last week after the bicycle he was operating was struck by a car in Cass County’s Ontwa Township. Chief Douglas Westrick of the Ontwa Township Edwardsburg Police Department said the incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. Friday on U.S. 12, near Garver Lake Road. Authorities said 30-year-old Austin Carter was riding his bike eastbound when it …

Sturgis Salvation Army officials are appealing to the public for help with a need for donations. There is a need for food items. Suggested items include peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce, canned vegetables and beans, cereal, macaroni and cheese, box mixes and canned meats. Donations can be dropped off between 9 and 5 Monday through Friday at the Salvation Army …

Michigan Department of Transportation crews have started a two-week project on a route between Branch and St. Joseph counties. Agency officials said work is taking place on M-86, from an area just west of Coldwater to the Colon village limits. The task involves milling and paving. In addition, crews will attempt to correct a portion of M-86, near Wheeler Road, …

An anchor in downtown Sturgis for several decades celebrated an impressive milestone. Elizabeth Denman, co-owner of Willer’s Shoes, said the store hosted a celebration Friday in honor of Willer’s observing its 90th anniversary. Throughout its history, Willer’s has maintained a presence in downtown Sturgis – opening two doors to the east then after a few years relocating to its current …

St. Joseph County Clerk Lindsay Oswald is a day away from her final day as a county employee. Oswald, who also serves as register of deeds, chose to not seek re-election to a third, four-year term. Rather than step down when her term expires Dec. 31, however, Oswald is resigning. Friday is her last day. The 45-year-old Three Rivers-area resident …

Cass County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a shooting incident that occurred Wednesday in the village of Vandalia. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were advised of an incident that occurred shortly before 2 a.m. in the 18000 block of State Street. Authorities said two males were involved in a disagreement when the argument turned physical. Behnke said a 24-year-old man was shot …

St. Joseph County Road Commission has announced a road closure in Nottawa Township. Agency officials said North Angling Road will be closed indefinitely from Centreville village limits to Butler Road. Work crews are pulverizing the road for a re-pavement job. Work will then continue from Butler Road to Nottawa Road. Road commission officials said a public notice will be issued …