News

  Butterflies have arrived at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park for an annual event at the western Michigan attraction. Thousands of butterflies will be on view starting Tuesday as part of the Fred & Dorothy Fichter “Butterflies Are Blooming” exhibition, which runs through April 30 at the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. About 60 butterfly species are part of the …

The final pieces of a 2012 sinking-fund millage renewal are falling into place in White Pigeon. Members of the school district’s board of education Wednesday approved what amounts to about $1.7 million worth of bids. Superintendent Jon Keyer said the action nearly exhausts $5 million from what was a five-year extension of a sinking-fund millage originally approved in 2007. The …

St. Joseph County’s emergency management director was given approval last week to attend a national conference this summer. The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners passed a motion to allow T.J. Baker to attend the 2016 National School Safety Conference in Orlando in late July. According to a memo from Baker to commissioners, the conference will focus on all aspects …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission repaired potholes in more than 800 miles of roads and removed snow from more than 1,000 miles of roadways in 2015. The information was presented last week to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners as part of the road commission’s annual report. Past board chairman John Bippus said other work completed last year …

A prosecutor says no charges will be brought after state troopers fatally shot a man during a November standoff at a motel in southwestern Michigan. Berrien County Prosecutor Michael Sepic announced the decision Thursday following a review of police reports, lab reports and autopsy results. Police say Marcus Meridy was fatally shot Nov. 18 after firing at police. Meridy had …

Authorities say a 6-year-old girl has died following a three-vehicle crash on a snowy roadway in southern Michigan. State police say Harlyn Radley died after the crash Wednesday afternoon in Calhoun County’s Leroy Township, near Battle Creek. Investigators say a car driven by the child’s mother lost control and collided with another vehicle. A third vehicle then struck the wreckage. …

Funerals and memorial services have been planned for the six people slain in a weekend shooting rampage in southwestern Michigan. A memorial service is set for Saturday for Mary Lou Nye at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bridgman. Her sister-in-law, Mary Jo Nye, will be memorialized Sunday at Battle Creek’s Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. A service for Barbara Hawthorne has …

A lawyer for the family of a man charged in a deadly Michigan shooting rampage tells ABC’s “Good Morning America” that he was acting depressed in the days before the shootings, but they know no motive for the killing of six people and injuring of two others. Lawyer Paul Vlachos says Jason Dalton, of Kalamazoo Township, was asked by his …

The St. Joseph County Grange Fair plans to showcase local talent instead of a big-name act as part of its entertainment lineup at the 2016 event. Fair manager Bill Johnson said the new approach involves a partnership with the county’s eight incorporated communities and their respective summer festivals. He said the concept involves vocal performances at each of the county’s …

Meijer is announcing 280 job openings for its new supercenter in Sturgis. The company seeks candidates in all departments, as the store is scheduled to open this summer. Available positions include clerks, cake decorators, customer service, cashiers, receiving and meat cutters. Starting pay is based on experience level and specific skills. Potential candidates may begin the hiring process by applying online …