News

The 11th season of the household hazardous waste collection in St. Joseph County ended Saturday on a quiet note. Pat Kulikowski, secretary of the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Committee, said the fall collection historically generates less volume overall compared to the April event. But, she noted, Saturday was a different kind of slow. Approximately 400 tires were collected, slightly …

A mausoleum was vandalized last week at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Police said a substantial amount of spray-painted graffiti was found at 8 a.m. Friday on the Franks mausoleum. Sturgis city commissioner Rob Sisson said he was outraged over the incident. He said whoever is responsible for the vandalism will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent …

Three Rivers officials have announced the city has received a substantial grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The $2 million gift was awarded through the agency’s Stormwater, Asset Management and Wastewater grant. Municipal officials said the money will help the city assess, map and clean its storm and sanitary sewer systems. The funds can also be used to …

Michigan State Police troopers responded last week to a breaking-and-entering incident at a residence in Sturgis Township. Troopers were called Oct. 9 to the 69000 block of Elaine Drive. The victim told police the incident likely occurred around 3 a.m. and entered through the back entrance of the residence. A small safe and a laptop computer were reported stolen.

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an incident in Sherman Township where a number of cows were shot and killed. Sometime between Saturday and Monday, the suspect or suspects shot several cows in the 27000 block of Banker Street. Additional information was not available, as the incident remains under investigation.

Motorists who travel U.S. 131 into the Kalamazoo area are being advised of a notable road project starting next week that will result in the full closure of a section of the highway. The Michigan Department of Transportation announced the railroad crossing at the south end of the village of Schoolcraft will be closed for up to three weeks beginning …

A pontoon boat was reported stolen last weekend from a Lockport Township location. State police said the incident occurred between noon Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday in the 17000 block of South River Road. The boat is a 1989 Ensign, 20 feet in length and includes a 25 horsepower Johnson motor.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a missing-person report in the village of Vandalia. Ramona Huffman, 48, was last seen shortly after 9 o’clock Tuesday night, when she left her home to walk to a nearby gas station. Her family attempted for several hours to find her before calling police. Huffman is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs …

A step toward a resolution in Three Rivers’ attempt to annex an 80-acre parcel from Lockport Township was taken Wednesday during a proceeding before members of a state panel. A recommending body comprised of State Boundary Commission staff and the office of the state’s Attorney General, concurred that the annexation petition filed by the city is legally sufficient. Its recommendation …

A vehicle and an assortment of tools were stolen earlier this week from a Constantine residence. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the victim reported that a 2000 Dodge Ram was stolen from the driveway. In addition, three chainsaws and two nail guns were taken from inside the homeowner’s garage. The incident occurred between 10 p.m. Tuesday and 4:45 …