News

Sturgis Public Schools is eliminating community access to a student-based clinic in one of its elementary schools. According to WWMT, the decision was made less than a week after the clinic opened Jan. 6 at Eastwood Elementary. Dozens of parents voiced their concerns about those up to 21 years old in the greater community being able to come inside the …

A free, online parenting resource, “Birth and Beyond,” will be available starting next month. Taught by certified childbirth educators, the class is open to all birthing partners and their partners. Areas covered include labor and delivery, postpartum planning and newborn care. Sessions will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday in February. Organizers said the classes are most appropriate …

The case of a Kalamazoo County man charged with driving on a suspended license and causing the death of a 10-year-old Amish boy is headed to trial. St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deb Davis said Vicksburg resident Logan Keith Thomas has waived his preliminary hearing. As a result, the case will go to trial. Thomas, 29, was driving west on Banker …

Dorian Roepel, a journalist and TV producer, is now acting Communications and PR Manager at the Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB. His experience is a great addition to the Visitors Center where he’ll work directly with media, bloggers, and writers to tell the story of Shipshewana and LaGrange County businesses. His journey began in Oklahoma where he worked as a news producer …

Sturgis Department of Public Safety is continuing its search for a man involved in an attempted armed robbery last week. Authorities said officers responded at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday to a business in the 700 block of South Centerville Road. Officers were informed that a white man wearing a mask and armed with a knife attempted to rob a store clerk. …

A Cass County man was hospitalized last week after the bicycle he was riding was struck by a car. Sheriff’s deputies responded shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday to a location in Wayne Township. Investigators said Michael Brown, 32, was riding his bicycle north on Rudy Road when it was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by 84-year-old Dowagiac resident …

St. Joseph County Sheriff Chad Spence said Animal Control Division is temporarily adjusting its walk-in services to better accommodate ongoing facility improvements. Effective immediately, Animal Control will be open for walk-in assistance on a limited basis. Spence said hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until further notice. The facility is closed for lunch from noon …

The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority has a new executive director. During their Jan. 9 meeting, DDA board members chose Angie Metty to fill the position created when Cameron Mains resigned in September. Metty, owner of Reflections Hair Studio on South Main Street, is a former DDA Board member and most recently served as its administrative assistant. Her employment took …

Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek, the Housing Assessment and Resource Agency for St. Joseph County, will conduct the annual Point-in-Time Count later this month. The annual event aims to identify and survey individuals and families experiencing homelessness in St. Joseph County. The PIT Count is a nationwide initiative mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Event organizers …

A suspect is in custody in connection with a hit-and-run incident Wednesday afternoon in Three Rivers. Three Rivers Police Chief Scott Boling said officers responded at 4:35 p.m. to the intersection of West Michigan and South Douglas Avenues in response to an injured pedestrian. Officers were advised that the driver of the vehicle involved in the incident had left the …