News

State Sen. John Proos is applauding the Natural Resources Trust Fund board of trustees for including two St. Joseph County development projects among its recommendations for 2017. The trust fund is supported by interest earned on money generated from the development of state-owned mineral rights. Included in the 2017 recommendations is $254,000 to extend the Three Rivers Health Trail. The …

State police are investigating the theft of a vehicle that took place earlier this week in Branch County. Troopers were called at 5 a.m. Monday to White Supply Company in Coldwater after a commercial truck was reported stolen. The 2006 International truck featured “White Supply” and the company’s logo printed on the doors. Authorities suspect two males were involved in …

Glen Oaks Community College has announced Grace Muller is taking over the softball program as head coach. Athletic director Courtney Ivan said Glen Oaks is in a talented area and the school needs to capitalize on that talent. The Vikings since 2009 have totaled only 18 wins. Ivan said Muller may hold the key to turn the program around, as …

One of the 12 people injured in a weekend fire at a northern Michigan ski resort is in critical condition. Spectrum Health Butterworth spokeswoman Beth Cranson confirmed David Chauvette’s condition Monday but declined to discuss his specific health problems. A Facebook page created for Chauvette says the Traverse City man suffered smoke inhalation. The fire occurred around 1:30 a.m. Sunday …

Prosecutors have filed murder and armed robbery charges against a Western Michigan University basketball player in the killing of a fellow student last week. Joeviair Kennedy was due to be arraigned Monday in a Kalamazoo County court in Thursday’s fatal shooting of 19-year-old Jacob Jones in an off-campus apartment. Prosecutors don’t know if the 20-year-old Muskegon man has an attorney …

The Three Rivers City Commission has a vacancy to fill in its Third District. The opening comes as a result of Commissioner Diane Clay announcing last week her resignation due to her impending move out-of-district. A six-year board member, Clay will stay on board until after completing next week’s city commission meeting, the commission’s final meeting of the year. The …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners was asked last week to continue its customary funding to maintain in 2017 the services of a local economic-development group. During Tuesday’s commission meeting, board members were urged to allocate their standing $250,000 to Southwest Michigan First economic-development corporation. The five-member board is considering cutting back on its commitment to Southwest Michigan First, …

State Rep. Aaron Miller last week attended three township meetings – in Sturgis, Burr Oak and Wayne townships – fulfilling a promise made two years ago to attend each of the 59th District’s monthly municipal meetings twice, hearing first-hand ideas and how the Legislature can help communities. Miller said he enjoyed meeting with local officeholders and listening to the concerns …

Colon High School students were witness to a “Courts In the Schools” program last week. Staged by St. Joseph County District Court Judge Rob Pattison, Friday’s session followed previous in-school court sessions in Three Rivers and Sturgis. The two cases heard Friday centered on sentencings of suspects related to drugs and alcohol. Pattison said he is an advocate of the …

Leonidas resident Clay Decker is a new junior member of the American Angus Association. Junior members of the association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association, take part in association-sponsored shows, and other national and regional events. The American Angus Association is the largest beef breed association …