News

Michigan is waiving more public schools from a decade-old law requirement to open after Labor Day — a nod to increasingly popular year-round schooling, the addition of more mandated class days and other factors. In 2006, the first year in which August start dates were legally off limits, the state Department of Education issued nine waivers. More than 10 times …

Two firearms were stolen from a Colon Township residence this week. State police were called to a breaking-and-entering of a residence in the 58000 block of Lepley Road around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. The victim said a .22-caliber semi-automatic rifle and a 12-gauge “stagecoach” style double-barrel shotgun were taken. A department media release did not indicate how access to the residence …

A Cooper Township man pled guilty last week in Kalamazoo County District Court to poaching-related charges. According to a media release from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 29-year-old Craig Laws was originally charged with seven misdemeanor counts. Under a plea agreement, however, Laws pled guilty to possessing a deer while ineligible to secure a license; possessing a deer without …

Vicksburg residents are one step closer to enjoying a new nature trailhead in their neighborhood with help from a Blight Elimination Program grant awarded by the Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority. The $33,000 grant will be used to demolish an old car wash on the future site of the Vicksburg Nature Trailhead. The proposed trailhead will be a municipal-owned …

Two Kalamazoo officers have been suspended for one day following the accidental death of a 57-year-old man in police custody. Public Safety Chief Jeff Hadley says in a release Wednesday that the officers should have recognized James Dunigan’s medical condition and sought treatment. Medical examiners have determined that Dunigan’s May 6 death was caused by medical issues which included heart …

Part of a path in a southern Michigan city park has been closed due to a wasp infestation. Nests were found near a clearing. Battle Creek officials say areas where the nests are found will be sprayed. Officials initially reported the infestation was by bees. No wasps have been found at a playground near the Linear Park path. The Kalamazoo …

A woman involved in a car-pedestrian accident earlier this week died Wednesday. State Police Det./Sgt. Todd Petersen said 24-year-old Kalan Rider was walking on the shoulder north with the flow of traffic on U.S. 131, near the intersection of U.S. 12, when she was struck from behind. The incident occurred late Monday afternoon. The driver of the car was 37-year-old …

Drug-related charges are being sought against a Mendon man following a traffic stop this week in Park Township. Sheriff’s deputies stopped the car he was driving Tuesday on Michigan Avenue near Buckhorn Road after it was observed speeding. The driver, a 22-year-old Mendon man whose name was not released pending arraignment, did not have a valid license. A passenger was …

A fundraiser to help a Constantine man injured in an alumni football game last year takes place this weekend. The inaugural Rollstrong Golf Outing, to benefit Robert Roll, begins at noon Saturday at Sauganash Golf Course in Three Rivers. Cost is $50 per golfer for the scramble and, furthermore, event organizers said hole sponsorships remain available. Proceeds from the event …

The St. Joseph County United Way is co-sponsoring a “Back to School” event taking place Friday at the Sturgis Walmart store. United Way executive director Kelly Hostetler said the event takes place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is being organized to help children who need supplies and backpack assistance for school. Bins have been set up inside the store …