News

New Constantine Village Council members Joe Faulkner and Josh LaFluer were sworn in to the seven-member panel last week. Meanwhile, Gary Mathers was sworn in as president during Monday’s meeting. Village manager Mark Honeysett told the council he had as many as three applicants in mind for the position of village treasurer. Current treasurer, Helena Baldwin, chose not to run …

A 23-year-old Sturgis man was arrested following an incident shortly after 5 a.m. Friday in the 1700 block of South Centerville Road. Officers were dispatched to a report of a disorderly person and when they arrived, police found the man to become increasingly combative and he struck an officer during the investigation. He was charged with assaulting an officer.

Mendon Township Planning Commission members this week tabled a decision on whether to amend a local ordinance regarding solar energy systems. Following feedback from 35 people at Tuesday’s meeting, the five-member commission agreed to weigh all comments and regroup next month for a potential vote. Its next meeting is slated for 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at the township hall.. Overall, …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this week made an appointment to the county’s Transportation Authority Board. During Tuesday’s meeting, Sarah Beckle was added to the CTA panel. In other action, commissioners agreed to make an exception to the county hiring freeze in anticipation of a retirement within the treasurer’s office. Deputy treasurer Mary Ives is planning to retire …

State Rep. Aaron Miller has been appointed to a key role in helping determine the policy priorities of Michigan House Republicans for the 2019-20 session. Miller was appointed chair of the Policy Action Plan Committee by Speaker-elect Lee Chatfield. The temporary panel will help collect policy ideas toward building the House Republican action plan for the next two years. Miller …

Three people charged in the murder of a truck driver last week remain in the St. Joseph County Jail. They were arrested Friday by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. The suspects are: Theron Hunt, 40; Kayla Lynn Chaney, 24; and Tyler McNeil, 20. Each had bond set at $4 million during arraignment this week. The trio is charged with one …

Tentative agreements were reached Tuesday with nine county unions. The St. Joseph County board of Commissioners approved the three-year proposals, which had already been ratified by the respective unions. The District Court Association remains the only outstanding contract, though county administrator Teresa Doehring said it will likely be resolved soon. In all, the nine unions represent more than 100 employees; …

A donation from renewable energy company Geronimo Energy is helping launch Mendon Community Schools’ 2018 robotics teams. The company announced last week its donation of $1,000 to the Mendon Foundation, which will help fund two robotics teams for Mendon Middle School. Geronimo’s Dave Shiflett said the company is proud to help Mendon Community Schools enhance its STEM program by sponsoring the robotics …

An Indiana man is being sought by Sturgis Police after he intentionally crashed his car into his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle this week. According to a department media release, officers were called around 6:30 p.m. Monday to the 400 block of North Street. The victim told police she was involved in an argument with her ex-boyfriend before he intentionally crashed his vehicle …

Constantine Public Schools Superintendent Steve Wilson said the district has landed a grant in excess of $1.5 million. The funding is courtesy of a grant from the Robert and Ellen Thompson Foundation. Wilson said he and school staff members in April had begun to look for opportunities to support their goal of one-to-one devices for all students. The grant will …