News

Objections raised by Commission on Aging representatives from Branch and St. Joseph counties potentially saved the Meals-On-Wheels and Congregate Meals food programs in both counties after a vote by the health agency board Thursday. Laura Sutter, director of the Area Agency on Aging for Branch and St. Joseph counties, recommended a 10% holdback in allocated grant funds for five programs …

Vicksburg Village Council member Denny Olsen recently expressed concern about two intersections in the area that he said feature an inordinate number of crashes. During trustee comments at the end of the council’s Aug. 19 meeting, Olsen said he addressed the Kalamazoo County Road Commission Board in July regarding Sprinkle Road and TU Avenue. Meanwhile, Olsen said he’s aware of …

A 32-year-old Sturgis man died following a crash Monday. Michigan State Police troopers responded at 7 a.m. to an area of U.S. 12 near Shimmel Road. Authorities said the man was driving a motorcycle westbound when he attempted to pass two vehicles – a passenger car and a semi. While passing the semi, the motorcycle struck an eastbound vehicle head-on. …

St. Joseph County Grange Fair is offering a discounted rate on admission tickets through August. The Flex-Pass rate is $50 through Aug. 30. The cost is $60 starting Sept. 1. Meanwhile, an early-bird special is in place through Sept. 15 and offers a savings of $42. The $120 deal includes seven admission passes and one adult grandstand ticket to each …

Colon Community Historical Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary next month. From 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 8, historical society volunteers will oversee museum tours. Meanwhile, guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy old-fashioned music. The historical society museum is at 219 N. Blackstone St.

An Indiana man was injured after the motorcycle he was driving crashed into a pickup last week in Cass County’s Porter Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday to an area of Sunset Boulevard north of Wayne Street. Authorities said 36-year-old Bristol resident James Tran was traveling north on Sunset Boulevard where the road …

St. Joseph County Conservation District is hosting its final river cleanup of the 2024 season later next month. The next event is Sept. 21 on a stretch of the Portage River, from North Fisher Lake Road in Park Township to Carpenter Road in Lockport Township. Coordinator Eric Pretzlav said anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call the Conservation District …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is in the final week of a two-week campaign targeting drunken driving. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said the agency is participating in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration program “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The sheriff’s department started enhanced patrols Aug. 16 and will continue through Labor Day Weekend. Specially assigned …

A case of epizootic hemorrhagic disease has been confirmed in a deer in St. Joseph County. Chad Fedewa, wildlife biologist with Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said the case was confirmed in late July. Since then, Fedewa said the agency has received a number of calls from people reporting dead deer as well. EHD is a virus transmitted through the …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a larceny from a motor vehicle that took place earlier this month in Mottville Township. The incident occurred overnight Aug. 2 to Aug. 3 in the 10000 block of Riverside Drive, authorities said. Investigators said a wallet was taken from inside the vehicle.