News

A Burr Oak woman reported missing over the weekend has been found safe. St. Joseph County Sheriff deputies and Michigan State Police troopers said Madyson Vanwormer, 19, was found Tuesday. Details of where and under what circumstances, however, were not released by authorities. Investigators said Vanwormer left her Henry Street residence Saturday. She reportedly was not wearing a coat or …

An Osceloa County man was ordered last week to pay more than $11,000 in restitution for his part in a Cass County situation. Cass County officials said Evart resident Jordan DeWitt, 39, pleaded guilty to receiving, concealing or possession of a stolen motor vehicle. The charge stems from an April 2021 incident in which police found DeWitt and two accomplices …

Three Rivers High School has announced its Class of 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame. The four inductees are: Kirk Mason, who participated in football, wrestling and baseball; Amy Newell, a member of the school’s cross country, basketball and softball teams; Michael Peterson, who played football, and track and field; and Drew Shutes, a three-sport athlete who excelled in football, basketball …

A suspect in a police pursuit was taken into custody last week in Cass County’s Howard Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were alerted at 2:30 p.m. Friday to a fleeing vehicle heading north from Indiana into Cass County. The suspect allegedly stole a Mishawaka Police Department vehicle, Behnke said. The vehicle entered Cass County and subsequently crashed into another …

St. Joseph County United Way is sponsoring its fifth annual Toy Box holiday drive. Agency officials said the Centreville office is accepting new toys and monetary donations used to purchase gifts for local children and teens in need. The local United Way is located at 662 E. Main St. United Way staff members are willing to pick up items. Its …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department issued a media release last week, coinciding with the five-year anniversary of the date Brittany Shank was reported missing. On Nov. 30, 2018, Shank was last seen in the 33000 block of Fawn River Road. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said the office continues to follow up on tips and leads while still considering Shank’s disappearance an …

October’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by four-tenths of a percent from September. Figures from the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget show St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate rose from 4.2 percent in September to 4.6 percent in October. Meanwhile, Cass County experienced a drop in its unemployment figures from September to …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the theft of a four-wheel ATV last week from a location in Branch County. According to a department media release, the quad is a green Yamaha Kodiak 700. It has a neon green bear sticker on the center body and a cargo crate strapped to the front. It was stolen around 6 p.m. Wednesday …

Coldwater municipal officials received some good news last week. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Coldwater is one of 11 recipients of funding for local road work. In all, the grants equal $4 million. Coldwater’s share is $375,000, which it will use to resurface Butters Avenue, between Garfield Avenue and Race Street. In addition, the undertaking will include curb and gutter installation, …

A Colon resident was recently appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to a state agriculture board. Sara Trattles has been named to the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. The committee develops procedures relating to the state’s soybean-marketing program. It also recommends amendments to the program. Trattles is currently vice president of Agribusiness Lending at GreenStone Farm Credit Services. In addition, she works …