News

Authorities say a body has been found that’s believed to be that of a man who was reported missing while canoeing in southwestern Michigan. The Berrien County sheriff’s office says 35-year-old Michael Scott of Kalamazoo was last seen canoeing Saturday on the St. Joseph River with friends. Crews searched the river for him with no immediate success. The sheriff’s office …

Drugmaker Pfizer Inc. plans to expand manufacturing in Michigan and add 450 jobs under an incentives deal approved Tuesday by the state’s economic development arm. The company is expected to spend $465 million building a new facility in Portage near Kalamazoo, with production starting in 2024. The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved an $11.5 million package, including $10.5 million in …

FireKeepers Casino Hotel in southern Michigan plans to expand its hotel by building a second tower. The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi announced Monday that an aim is to attract more people from across the Midwest to the casino and hotel near Battle Creek. They also hope to bring in new and larger conventions and business meetings. FireKeepers Casino …

Sheriff’s officials are investigating the theft of a vehicle in Constantine Township. Sheriff Brad Balk said deputies were called at 9 p.m. Saturday to the 11000 block of Quarterline Road regarding the theft of a 1997 Ford F-150. The vehicle’s color is maroon with gold trim. It features an extended cab and has a maroon hard-cover over the bed. The …

The Three Rivers Health Auxiliary team has announced five recipients who will receive medical scholarships totaling $5,000. Students each receiving a $1,000 scholarship are: Kira Ranee’ Wright of Three Rivers, who will be attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College; Maegan Saunders of Mattawan High School. She has enrolled at Grand Valley State University; Joshua First of Dowagiac and a soon-to-be student …

A report of malicious destruction of property was filed with Michigan State Police related to an incident in Branch County’s Coldwater Township. Troopers were told the incident occurred between 9 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday in the 500 block of Concord Drive. Suspects used a sharp object to damage the vehicle, which was parked in a driveway and had …

DTE Energy says it has plans for 50 to 70 wind turbines in southern Michigan’s Branch County. The Daily Reporter says the utility made a presentation Thursday to county commissioners in Coldwater. Commission Chairman Ted Gordon says any key decisions about the placement of turbines will be made by townships. Michael Sage of Detroit-based DTE says 180 people have signed …

A Texas man was arrested late Thursday after a stabbing incident at the Meijer gas station in Sturgis. Jaime Rubalcada, 25, of Harlington, was arrested on a charge of felonious assault. Sturgis police were dispatched to the location just after 11:30 p.m. Upon arrival, police noticed a man with a stab wound to his hand. He was taken to Sturgis Hospital …

Police are warning residents to beware of phone calls that threaten action from the Internal Revenue Service or a federal agency. Sturgis police have received multiple reports of a recent telephone scam. IRS and law-enforcement officials do not contact people by phone to request money or reference outstanding warrants or tickets. Police said residents should not provide personal information, including …

Members of the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging Advisory Board agreed last week to move forward with a declaration of support to get board member Don Eaton reappointed to the board. Wednesday’s vote came a day after the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved five of six reappointments to the COA board, excluding Eaton. Tom Stoll, COA director, …