News

Hand tools and audio equipment were among the items taken during a larceny-from-a-vehicle incident last week in Constantine Township. Sheriff’s deputies responded to an area near North River Road and U.S. 131, where the incident occurred between 4 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. Friday. The theft occurred from a Ford SUV, silver in color, which was parked along North River …

Two area high school volleyball teams are state champions. Bronson High School won its fourth consecutive Division 3 crown after sweeping Unionville-Sebewaing Saturday at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. Meanwhile, the Division 4 title was claimed by Mendon High School. It also needed just three sets to defeat top-ranked Leland High School. It marks the Hornets’ first volleyball state-championship team …

State police are investigating a shooting incident that left one person dead Thursday in Flowerfield Township. Sheriff’s officials said the incident occurred shortly before 3 a.m. at a trailer on South Street off of Flowerfield Road in the northeast corner of the township. Investigators said the victim, a 42-year-old man, was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said …

A Coldwater man was arrested this week for his part in a July incident involving an attempted abduction/felonious assault. State police said Jason Rodgers, 27, was arrested Wednesday in connection with the July 27 incident in Branch County’s Kinderhook Township. Authorities said a 54-year-old female exited her vehicle to remove debris from the end of her driveway early in the …

Two area high school volleyball teams have made it to the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s final four in Battle Creek. Bronson High School earned the right to play in its fourth consecutive state final in Division 3, as the Vikings on Thursday defeated Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central in five sets. Bronson has won the Division 3 state championship …

Authorities said a Vicksburg man died Tuesday following a single-vehicle crash in Leonidas Township. State troopers responded at 11:55 a.m. to an area on Fulton Road near Longnecker Road. Upon further investigation, it was found that Bryan Smith, 30, was driving a Ford F-250 in an unknown direction on Fulton Road when it left the roadway and struck a tree. …

The executive director of the Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority has announced he will be stepping down from the position next month. Dave Vago said he plans to concentrate on his health and other personal affairs, prompting his need to resign effective Dec. 10. Vago has also served as head of the city’s Michigan Main Street program.

Eight months to the day they declined to renew the contract of their village manager, Colon municipal leaders finally found the long-sought replacement. A contract for Patricia Rayl was approved by the Colon Village Council during Tuesday’s meeting. The $60,000 contract will secure Rayl’s services for at least one year. Council member Ruth Ann Kuhlmann said four applications were received …

An Edwardsburg man was injured after the vehicle he was driving struck the rear of a car Wednesday morning in Cass County’s Porter Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called at 5:40 a.m. to an area on U.S. 12, east of South River Road in Porter Township. Investigators said a car driven by 56-year-old David Wolfe struck a deer. …

St. Joseph County Sheriff Brad Balk is seeking young men and women interested in serving in the department’s explorer program. Open to people 14 to 21 years of age, the explorer program is encouraged for people who have an interest in law enforcement as a potential career. Prospective participants must have completed eighth grade at least. More information is available …