News

St. Joseph County’s largest employer has received incentives from the state to upgrade its Three Rivers facility. American Axle & Manufacturing is working on a $133 million upgrade project at its facility in Three Rivers, according to Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The project includes new machinery, upgrading its roof and HVAC system, and wastewater treatment system. Also, impending work includes …

St. Joseph County Road Commission will have a vacancy on its board starting Jan. 1. Any county resident interested in being considered for the six-year term is invited to complete a Citizens Interest Form, which can be located on the county’s website. The board meets twice a month at the agency’s Centreville-based headquarters. Its members are paid $7,500 a year.

Three Rivers Health Auxiliary is encouraging the public to remember or honor someone while supporting a local cause at the same time. Lights of Love has returned for the 2025 Christmas season. Donations will help support the purchase of a Senaptec Sensory Station, a vital tool to enhance motor skills for rehabilitation patients. A monetary gift of $5 will place …

St. Joseph County is participating in an event spearheaded by the National Association of Counties and National Association of County Veterans Service Officers. The 2025 Operation Green Light starts Tuesday and continues through Nov. 11. The Historic Courthouse in Centreville will shine bright in green as part of the national initiative recognizing the service and sacrifices of America’s veterans. County …

A step toward a growing facility for a local marijuana dispensary was OK’d by Three Rivers City Commission members last week. The potential agreement provides Confluence Cannabis the right to purchase 5.5 acres of land on the west side of the city’s industrial park. The transaction is predicated on Confluence’s commitment to build a licensed cannabis-cultivation facility on the parcel. …

A promotion to boost holiday commerce in downtown Vicksburg is making its debut in 2025. Vicksburg Village Manager Jim Mallery provided details related to “Burg Bucks” to members of the Village Council Oct. 20. The program is offered thanks to a $25,000 grant the municipality secured through the Vicksburg Foundation. Mallery said Burg Bucks is a gift-card program specific to …

A Vandalia man died in a two-vehicle crash earlier this week in Cass County’s Porter Township. Sheriff Clint Roach said deputies responded at 6 p.m. Monday to the intersection of U.S. 12 and M-217 in response to a crash with injuries. Investigators said 42-year-old James Hettmansperger was driving east on U.S. 12 when he lost control of the Jeep Liberty …

St. Joseph County Road Commission members will receive a pay raise for the first time in more than two decades. During last week’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting, a rate of $4,680 per year was increased to $7,500 per member. The new rate covers all regular, monthly board meetings. In addition, road commission board members will receive an …

Constantine municipal officials recently OK’d an evaluation of its employee structure and staffing needs, with a focus centering on the post of village manager. A 30-day study will be conducted by Jim Bontrager. The $6,000 review will help council members determine whether there is a need to replace longtime village manager Mark Honeysett. He is retiring at the end of …

An Upper Peninsula airport will soon be offering direct flights to and from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. United Airlines has announced the new route between ORD and Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport. Service will start in late May with three flights daily. Flights are scheduled to take place on a Bombardier CRJ-550. Marquette is the Upper Peninsula’s largest city.