News

State Rep. Aaron Miller this week joined his House Republican colleagues in announcing a long-term, sustainable solution to Michigan’s transportation system woes that depends on existing funds and re-prioritizing restricted money to make the state’s roads safer. Miller, who serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Transportation, said he’s pleased a solution to Michigan’s crumbling roads and bridges has been …

The Sturgis Electric Department this week implemented a new, interactive-voice-response system. The IVR system will allow customers to report power outages by calling 659-7255, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The automated system will identify the calling phone number and immediately report the address associated with that number to the electric department. That will allow technicians to find …

A ceremonial groundbreaking in White Pigeon took place Wednesday to welcome an RV manufacturer expected to hire about 400 people over the next three years. Several local and regional dignitaries were on hand for the event, staged to recognize Forest River Manufacturing and its plans to construct three 100,000-square-foot buildings to serve as production centers. The foundation for the first …

Glen Oaks Community College President David Devier received a positive evaluation Wednesday from members of the college’s board of trustees. According to a school media release, board members met in closed session to review a recently completed performance evaluation of Devier. Utilizing a five-point system, Devier received an overall grade of 4.18. He was evaluated in six broad categories of …

A 44-year-old Dowagiac man was arraigned Wednesday on charges of murder and assault with intent to commit murder following an incident Tuesday night in Cass County. According to Sheriff Joe Underwood, Terry Ray Stineback was arrested shortly after police arrived to the scene of the shooting, a location on Flanders Street in Wayne Township. Upon investigation, police found Stineback allegedly …

Sturgis has been selected as one of two Michigan cities to host the 2015 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference, hosted by Michigan State University Extension. The CEC conference is aimed at people interested in fostering entrepreneurial spirit in their communities. Attendees share ideas and learn from others ways to make their communities more entrepreneurial friendly, according to city manager Mike Hughes. …

Glen Oaks Community College presented a number of faculty awards during its 47th graduation ceremony last week. The Distinguished Alumni Award was given to Terry Conklin of Burr Oak. Conklin attended Glen Oaks, part-time, for several years, working his way through while playing baseball, golf and track. Conklin completed his bachelor’s degree at Grand Valley State University then began his …

Constantine Fire Chief Mike Haydon has received bids for a new fire department pumper-tanker. Haydon last week told village council members he has received bids of nearly $318,000 from Halt/Pierce Inc. and more than $285,000 from Rosenbauer for the purchase. Haydon said there is a 20- to 25-year life expectancy for the truck and its purchase comes with financing as …

Fair Housing Center of Southwest Michigan will not launch an investigation of Sturgis city zoning ordinances following the city’s rejection of a rental duplex for homeless individuals sought by Keystone Place. Bob Ells, executive director of the nine-county FHC, said FHC officials recently met with city representatives to review the Sturgis Planning Commission’s mid-March decision and FHC has no plans …

Cass County Sheriff Joseph Underwood Jr. reports that his office is investigating a homicide on Flanders Street in Wayne Township, which is east of the City of Dowagiac. Cass County Central Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from a residence at 24639 Flanders Street at approximately 9:39pm Tuesday. The caller advised that there were shots fired in the residence and there …