News

More than two dozen people assembled last week to witness the re-opening of the Langley Covered Bridge. A ceremonial ribbon cutting and speeches highlighted Friday’s event. Within minutes after participants cleared the area, St. Joseph County Commissioner Dennis Allen was the first to drive over the fully rehabilitated bridge. The $3.2 million project was overseen by Grand Haven-based Anlaan Corporation. …

Two people were treated for minor injuries following a two-vehicle crash last week in Schoolcraft Township. Michigan State Police investigators said the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of U.S. 131 and U Avenue. Authorities said a semi tractor-trailer was heading south on U.S. 131 and rear-ended a Dodge Ram that was stopped at the traffic signal. …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners are poised to make two re-appointments and one board appointment when its members meet Tuesday. During last week’s executive committee meeting, commissioners discussed the re-appointments of Robert Horton and Gerald Loudenslager to the county’s Board of Public Works. Meanwhile, commissioners also discussed the appointment of Kathleen Carr to the county’s Building Authority Board.

A proposed temporary residence for former military members is gaining momentum, as St. Joseph County officials discussed the concept in detail earlier this week. During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, county commission members heard a report from Veteran’s Affairs Director Stoney Summey. The proposal, which centers on the purchase of a residence at 308 S. Main St. in Three Rivers, …

Van Buren/Cass District Health Department is offering free radon-testing services throughout January. Agency officials said they are committed to raising awareness about the dangers of radon gas during Radon Action Month. Radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that can pose health risks when present in elevated levels. Radon Action Month provides an excellent opportunity for residents to …

A new pool scoreboard and a high school locker room roof will be put in place this year at Sturgis Public Schools. The board of education on Monday approved a bid from Colorado Time Systems for the new pool scoreboard. The $49,000 cost includes installation, with the money to come from the public-improvement fund as part of the 2024-25 fiscal-year …

The driver of a vehicle involved in a crash earlier this week in Cass County left the scene on foot while abandoning his injured passenger. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 3 p.m. Monday to a location near Flanders Street and Twin Lakes Road in Wayne Township. Deputies arrived on scene to find 63-year-old Teri Abiney of …

A five-year strategic plan developed by St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department focuses heavily on the county’s 150 miles of navigable rivers and creeks. Details were presented to county commissioners during their executive committee meeting Tuesday. Parks and Recreation Department director Jaymes MacDonald provided a four-page summary outlining goals and objectives through 2028. MacDonald said in addition to serving …

St. Joseph County Road Commission and other county officials plan a ceremonial ribbon cutting Friday afternoon to commemorate re-opening of the Langley Covered Bridge. The 282-foot-long span is expected to re-open to traffic hours later following a closure that began Sept. 11. Crews from Grand Haven-based Anlaan Corporation, contractor for the $3.2 million overhaul, were adding siding to the west …

A jury has been assembled in Branch County for a case centering on a Coldwater Township woman charged with shooting her daughter. Court officials said 66-year-old Kathleen Rowe faces felony-related charges stemming from a January 2023 incident involving Kacey Rowe, 34. Rowe, who declined to accept a plea bargain in October, has maintained she shot her daughter in self-defense. Proceedings …