News

A Burr Oak woman is one of 10 volunteers being honored statewide by Michigan State University Extension for 50 years of service to Michigan 4-H. Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension, said St. Joseph County is represented by Sharon Mitchell, who has spent five decades dedicated to local 4-H. Tyler said MSU Extension is grateful for every volunteer in every …

A proposal by Bronson Community Schools to borrow more than $32 million for a number of projects and upgrades was turned down by its voters. Tuesday’s request was narrowly defeated, by a margin of 51.6 percent opposed and 48.4 percent in support. The request was to borrow funds through general-obligation bonds. The funding would have covered an addition and extensive …

An operating millage request sought by White Pigeon Community Schools was endorsed by district voters Tuesday. District officials were asking registered voters to continue to levy an amount not to exceed 18 mills on all property except principal residence and other property exempted by law. The measure was approved 512 to 379. Voters in the St. Joseph County portion of …

Kalamazoo County Household Hazardous Waste facility will be open Saturday. Through an agreement St. Joseph County arranged with Kalamazoo County, St. Joseph County residents are able to patronize the drop-off site at no cost. The collection center is open just one Saturday a month, in addition to Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays weekly. Hours this weekend are 8 a.m. to noon. …

Most water sources in Three Rivers Community Schools meet state safety standards, while fewer than 7 percent will need to be replaced. According to the Three Rivers Commercial-News, Three Rivers Community Schools Facilities Director Brian Leonard recently presented to board of education members a “Drinking Water Quality” report. Leonard said Three Rivers High School had six fixtures out of 50 …

A Branch County man was injured in a two-vehicle crash last week in Bronson Township. Branch County Sheriff’s Department said deputies were notified shortly after 7:30 a.m. April 30 of a crash involving a sport-utility vehicle and a semi on U.S. 12, near the intersection of Holmes Road. Deputies said it appears 51-year-old Bronson resident Greg Hardy was driving west …

A bartender at a Sturgis restaurant recently earned statewide recognition. Alex Weinert has claimed the title “Star Bartender of the Year,” an honor based on popular vote through a campaign sponsored by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. Weinert was nominated by the restaurant’s owners, Eugene and Karee Harrison. The process involved the creation of an introductory video and creating …

Authorities are continuing their investigation into a shooting incident over the weekend at the Harvey House bar in Constantine. Meanwhile, the business has started a GoFundMe collection to help support a pair of shooting victims and a person who suffered a broken leg in an attempt to flee from the gunfire. According to a media release from Centreville-Constantine Police Chief …

The St. Joseph County Diaper Bank quarterly distribution has been suspended. As a result, the May 8 and Aug. 14 events will not be held. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services agency, however, still has a supply and will be given away free. If a family has an open case with MDHHS, they are eligible to receive a sleeve …

Officers from the Centreville-Constantine Police Department responded to reports of a shooting at the Harvey House Bar in Constantine late Saturday night. Upon arrival officers discovered a chaotic scene with several patrons fleeing the area on foot and in vehicles. Officers learned there were three victims with gunshot wounds, and a fourth victim with a broken leg after jumping from …