News

The murder trial for Zachary Patton, originally scheduled to begin next week in St. Joseph County 45th Circuit Court, was adjourned Tuesday. Patton was scheduled to stand trial for the July 2017 murder of Shane Richardson. The proceeding was delayed so a psychiatrist could evaluate additional medical records to see if Patten is competent to stand trial. No new trial …

A sanitary-sewer overflow was reported earlier this week in Constantine Township. The incident occurred at 10:40 a.m. Tuesday, when a malfunctioning air-release valve caused the overflow along U.S. 131, between Withers and Garber roads. Once the release stopped, the area was vectored of visible liquid and debris by a contractor, and covered with hydrated lime as a precautionary measure. No …

Sturgis Public Schools officials have announced that the original bond to construct Eastwood School has been paid off. The school was built following a 1992 voter-approved bond and opened in 1994 as a facility for fourth through sixth grades. The initial bond was more than $7.5 million, though debt on the 1992 bond was refinanced in 1997 and again in …

A Sturgis woman was arrested on drug-related charges earlier this week. Sturgis officers were notified around 6 p.m. Monday that a woman approximately 30 years old had been loitering in the 200 block of South Street. Officers located the female in question, finding her a short distance away. Through investigation, officers found she was in possession of methamphetamine. Her name …

Centreville Public Schools has offered a contract to Chad Brady to serve as its junior/senior high principal, according to superintendent Stephanie Lemmer. The move was made during Monday’s board of education meeting. Brady replaces Matt Hawkins, who spent two years in the position but has accepted a similar job in Vicksburg. Brady taught at Kalamazoo Public Schools for 11 years …

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 …