News

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency was recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services with a 2023 Director’s Award to Local Public Health. The Coldwater-based agency was one of three departments to receive honors at the annual Michigan Premier Public Health Conference earlier this month. The agency was acknowledged for “Excellence in Public Health for providing access …

Gateway Village Apartments of Sturgis has received a generous grant from the Sturgis Area Community Foundation to help fund the Fresh Food Distribution Program, in collaboration with the South Michigan Food Bank. The grant – provided by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation – will enable Gateway Village Apartments to continue supplying fresh food. The Fresh Food Distribution Program is aimed …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the theft of a four-wheeler from a location in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. Investigators recently responded to the 63000 block of Borgert Road to follow-up on the theft of a blue quad stolen from a residence in the 63000 block of Borgert Road. The victim told authorities the 4-wheeler was last seen in his …

The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport is hosting another TSA PreCheck application center. Residents of Southwest Michigan can enroll in the Transportation Security Administration’s TSA PreCheck® program at the Airport from Nov. 6 through Nov. 10. Airport director Craig Williams said AZO is a convenient location to sign up for the program that enables enrolled travelers to experience an expedited security …

Gov. Whitmer has signed a bill making changes to the post-retirement employment window and earnings limits for school retirees who choose to return to work. House Bill 4752 shortens the wait period for a retiree with a bona-fide retirement to work at a school from nine months to six months.  It also allows them to work during the waiting period, …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a phone scam being conducted by a police impersonator. The suspect claims to be “Deputy Brooks” from the Branch County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect advises potential victims they have a warrant for their arrest and immediate payment is required. The suspect is instructing victims the cash-only payment must be wired through Walmart. Once payment …

Twelve Baskets Food Pantry in Portage is in the midst of a donor-match, where up to $10,000 will be matched for every financial donation made between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31. Donations can be mailed to Twelve Baskets Food Pantry, 10332 Portage Road, Portage, 49002. Potential donors should note “No Kids Go Hungry” with their donation. Its website is: twelve-baskets.org. …

An Edwardsburg woman and a Three Rivers resident were injured in a two-car crash Monday in Cass County’s Calvin Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 8:30 a.m. to Calvin Center Road and Calvin Hill Street in response to a personal-injury crash. Authorities said Elizabeth Weber, 65, was driving east on Calvin Hill Street and failed to …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the larceny of a firearm from a location in Leonidas Township. The incident occurred between noon Oct. 2 and 6 a.m. Oct. 4 in the 30000 block of King Road. No additional information was provided in a department media release.

Great Start Collaboration of St. Joseph County is seeking anyone interested in hosting a Little Free Library. The free book exchange is typically set up outside a residence or business and features a quantity of books available to anyone. The motto of Little Free Libraries is “If you see something you would like to read, take it. When you’re finished, …