News

Hunters have streamed to Michigan’s forests and fields for the start of firearm deer season. More than 500,000 are expected to join the annual hunt, which runs through Nov. 30. It’s a cultural and sporting tradition but also a big economic driver, generating more than $2.3 billion in spending on products and services including food, lodging and equipment. Steve Arwood …

The man accused of murdering 11-year-old Jodi Parrack eight years ago has waived his right to a preliminary examination. The matter involving suspect Daniel Furlong occurred during a judicial proceeding Thursday before District Court Judge Jeff Middleton. Furlong, 65, will stand trial for the murder, Middleton ruled. Furlong faces charges of open murder, felony murder, kidnapping and second-degree criminal sexual …

Three personnel matters were handled last week by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. The commission accepted the resignation of Lydia Paille, deputy equalization director. A pay increase from $18.29 an hour to $19.59 hourly was approved for Erin Goff, community corrections coordinator. Also, Joshua Shook has been hired as animal control officer and facility supervisor at an hourly …

A Division 6 regional title is on the line this weekend, when Constantine attempts to join the Final Four in the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s football playoffs. The 7-4 Falcons will take on 11-0 Grand Rapids North Pointe Christian at 1 o’clock Saturday afternoon at Comstock Park High School. Constantine has rolled in the playoffs, knocking off undefeated Schoolcraft …

The St. Joseph County Child Trauma Assessment Group was provided $50,000 to help it meet a projected budget shortfall. The request was pitched last week to members of the county board of commissioners by Probate Court Judge David Tomlinson and probate court director Thomas Robertson. Tomlinson said the state might refund St. Joseph County half of the $50,000, but the …

A pair of local dignitaries led a Veteran’s Day ceremony in Centreville Wednesday morning. Former state legislator Cameron Brown and current State Rep. Aaron Miller took part in a program along East Main Street for the dedication of the village’s Military Freedom Walk. Banners indicating the Military Freedom Walk were unveiled prior to the start of the ceremony. One hangs …

A Jackson-based company was selected last week to replace the existing wireless connection at the county’s Animal Control facility. County commission members have accepted a $6,100 bid from Challenger Technologies LLC to install fiber-optic cable from Animal Control to the sheriff’s department. Teresa Doehring, county human resources director, said the replacement will significantly improve the quality and reliability of data …

The Michigan Department of Transportation is awarding a transportation economic development grant that will support 750 new jobs in Branch County. MDOT officials said the Transportation Economic Development Fund grant totaling nearly $2.6 million will leverage $255 million in private investment. Pennsylvania-based Clemens Food Group is partnering with a number of family-owned farms in Michigan and Ohio to process pork …

Two area attorneys were added to St. Joseph County’s Contract Defender System. Following action Tuesday last week by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, Luke Nofsinger and Kevin Kane were included to the roster of contract defenders. The change was necessary following Kevin Kleidon’s passing earlier this year. For housekeeping reasons, Kleidon’s name was removed from the roster.

A clerk at the Admiral gas station at 1207 E. Chicago Road in Sturgis was robbed early Monday. Sturgis police were informed that a man had robbed the station at gunpoint shortly after midnight, taking an undisclosed amount of money. No additional details are available, as police are working with store officials to investigate the incident.