News

A Decatur resident was injured in a motorcycle crash last week in Cass County’s Volinia Township. Cass County Sheriff’s officials said deputies were called shortly before 11 a.m. Thursday to Lawrence Road in an area near McKenzie Road. Investigators said James Hurd, 67, of Decatur, rode his motorcycle over loose gravel, resulting in him losing control of his motorcycle. Hurd …

Two Kalamazoo residents were arrested following a pursuit that started last week in Branch County, stemming from an incident in Coldwater. According to Branch County Sheriff’s deputies, the incident started around 11 a.m. Friday on Old U.S. 27 near Central Road. Deputies were investigating a larceny incident in Coldwater and the vehicle fit the description of a car involved, investigators …

A rabid bat has been identified in Van Buren County, according to Van Buren-Cass District Health Department. The bat was collected from a home in Lawton. Authorities said the situation is the first case of rabies in an animal in Van Buren County since 2021. The health agency is reminding residents that bats are more active this time of year, which …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the larceny of an electric bicycle from a location in Calhoun County’s Tekonsha Township. Investigators responded to the 1400 block of 13 Mile Road, where it was reported the bicycle was taken between 1 a.m. and noon Saturday. The bicycle, a Nakto Ranger, is black and features 26-inch, all-weather tires.

Ford Motor Co. said Monday that it’s pausing construction of a $3.5 billion electric vehicle battery plant in Marshall until it is confident it can run the factory competitively. The move comes as the company is in the midst of national contract talks with the United Auto Workers union, which wants to represent workers at battery factories and win them top wages. …

Officials with the St. Joseph County Grange Fair said a week of relatively good weather should help the seven-day event reach its average of 150,000 people. Mindy Timm, a fair board member, said figures will be tabulated this week to confirm attendance figures for the event. The 2023 fair concluded Saturday. Timm said a late-afternoon rain shower opening day Sept. …

A Constantine Township man died as a result of a house fire last week. The victim was identified as 66-year-old Delbert McCallie. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said deputies and fire crews were dispatched shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday to the 13000 block of Riverside Drive, in response to a structure fire. Upon arrival, deputies …

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport Director Craig Williams has announced expanded flight options on existing air carriers, as the airport works to regain air service to pre-pandemic levels. With the newly announced flights, Williams said the airport will be at 65 percent of pre-pandemic levels for seats in October 2023, and at 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels for seats in March …

Organizers of the 2023 Constantine Harvest Festival are issuing a last call for potential vendors and volunteers. The one-day event runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 30th on East Water Street. It will feature food, crafts, face painting, pumpkin painting, carnival games, prizes and inflatables. More information is available from the village: 435-2085. Meanwhile, the village has also …

A jury has awarded $14.5 million to a wrongfully convicted man, saying a Michigan State Police sergeant violated his constitutional rights as he pursued a perjury case against him. WOOD-TV is reporting the seven-person jury this week decided that Ray McCann Jr. was due $12.5 million in compensatory damages, plus $2 million in punitive damages. The verdict, McCann said, will …