News

St. Joseph County officials are expected to approve the lot purchase of a so-called “panic button” for use by county employees under moments of potential distress. During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, county board members heard a report from Undersheriff Jason Bingaman regarding the proposed purchase. Bingaman said the computer system supporting panic buttons already in place is aging and …

Sturgis Director of Public Safety Ryan Banaszak said the agency is in the early stages of investigating attempts to break into three licensed marijuana locations in Sturgis over the weekend. Banaszak said he is unable to provide an extensive amount of information, as the matter is an ongoing investigation. He did note, however, break-in attempts at three different locations Sunday. …

Three Rivers Community Schools has joined the list of school districts across the nation battling ongoing bus driver shortages. WWMT News 3 has reported the district is short two regular drivers along with four substitutes. Like other school districts across the nation, Three Rivers is trying to work around resignations, drivers on medical leave and lack of applicants, WWMT stated. …

A Marcellus woman was arrested following a single-vehicle crash in which alcohol may have been a factor, authorities said. St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said deputies were called shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday to the area of Silver Street and Michigan Avenue in Mendon Township. Investigators said the vehicle was heading south on Silver Street when its driver lost …

A traffic stop last week by the Sturgis Department of Public Safety led to the drug-related arrest of a Mendon woman. Officers initiated a traffic stop shortly before 7 p.m. Friday in the 1700 block of South Centerville Road. K-9 Officer Odin was summoned to the scene and reacted to the odor of narcotics. A search of the vehicle uncovered …

A Branch County man has been sentenced in a case related to an incident dating to January 2020. Jeffery Elliot, 34, was sentenced in Branch County Circuit Court to serve at least 14 months after he plead guilty to assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer. In exchange for the plea, the Branch County Prosecutor’s Office agreed to dismiss charges …

Here’s a reminder that the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 2023 “Treasures of St. Joseph County” event next week. This year’s attraction is a fundraiser to help with renovation of the Langley Covered Bridge. It will take place 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 23 at Covered Bridge Farm Park. Tickets are $60 per person and include …

SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyler Leimbach, a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan, serves the U.S. Navy as a member of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California. Leimbach joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Leimbach serves at Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron 30. “I joined the Navy for the education benefits,” said Leimbach. “My …

Glen Oaks Community College has seen an enrollment increase of nearly 15 percent compared to a year ago, as the fall 2023 semester gets underway. In addition, the Centreville-area college has seen an 18.4 percent increase in credit hours compared to a year ago. College officials said 115 students are enrolled as part of the Michigan Reconnect program, which represents …

Undersheriff Jason Bingaman has announced the addition of Larry Humphreys as chaplain to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. After training for the position, Humphreys has volunteered his time to work with the public during any crisis that may arise, as well as assisting deputies during traumatic events. Bingaman said Humphreys is an asset to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s …