News

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that took place earlier this week at a business in Coldwater Township. Troopers were dispatched around 1 a.m. Monday to the 600 block of Marshall Road in response to a break-in and malicious destruction of property. The incident occurred at Broadhead and Bullets guns, archery and professional outdoor outfitter. The suspect …

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education recently approved installation of new flooring and painting throughout the middle school. The $800,000 project will be done by Magala Inc. In addition, the board approved the purchase of new classroom furniture from Great Lakes Furniture for $970,000. Cost includes installation and the furniture will be placed in the history, social studies, science, math, …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is providing refresher training on concealed-pistol-carry laws. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman hosts the free training 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 4 at the department’s training center, 602 E. Main St., in Centreville. Training will focus on a review of laws pertaining to concealed carry, including new laws that went into effect a month ago. Enrollment …

Burr Oak Heritage Days organizers have announced a theme for the 2024 event. The theme is “Living in a Small Town Can be a Circus.” It will center on the book “The Long Road to the Circus,” written by Betsy Bird. The non-fiction book captures the story of Madam Marantette and her ostrich, Gaucho. Its setting is in Burr Oak. …

Michigan State Police and officers from Michigan Department of Corrections Lakeland in Coldwater have conducted a joint investigation into attempted drug smuggling into the prison through the mail. The incident started in May 2023 when the prison received a book addressed to an inmate. An inspection of the book revealed drugs were concealed inside it. The investigation led officials to …

An Elkhart man died last week following an incident in Cass County’s Calvin Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday to Cassopolis Road and Bullhand Street in response to a two-vehicle crash. Authorities said Alyssa Handschu, 20, of Osceola, Ind., was driving north on Cassopolis Road when her vehicle struck a deer in the …

Three Rivers Police Department recently recognized Bryann Books, who became the 11th certified First Responder Counselor in the state. The counselor program was developed to give mental-health clinicians tools needed to effectively reach and support first responders with cultural competence, expertise, confidence and empathy. Coursework blends the latest mental health and leadership approaches with real-world relevance. Police officials said Books …

Organizers of the twice-a-year collection of household hazardous waste and recycling of electronics have announced an important message regarding the spring 2024 event. Pat Kulikoswki, secretary of the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Committee, said the county is working with the same drug and lab company that collects household hazardous waste as it did in 2023. Kulikowski said the company …

Michigan Department of Transportation’s Nick Schirripa said the second phase of work on U.S. 131 will take place exclusively in Kalamazoo County and impact traffic flow in and around the village of Schoolcraft, as well as at a key intersection further north at Shaver Road. The seven-month project is expected to start April 15. The first phase of the $51 …

St. Joseph County Prosecutor David Marvin has issued a statement related to the January dismissal of Deb Davis as assistant prosecutor. Marvin said most people recognize right and wrong, and there are consequences for people who confuse wrong for right. He said it would have been a disservice to the county and its law-enforcement community if he had not fired …