News

Firefighters from the Sturgis Department of Public Safety responded to a structure fire last week in the 500 block of North Nottawa Street. According to a department media release, firefighters were called shortly after 4 p.m. Friday and, upon arrival, observed a detached garage at the rear of the residence was ablaze. Suppression efforts successfully extinguished the fire. The adjacent …

An Indiana man was convicted last week on charges that he shot at two people last year in Cass County’s Calvin Township. Britt Weaver, 59, was convicted following two hours of deliberation stemming from a May 2025 incident involving his AR-15 rifle. Prosecutor Victor Fitz said the two people – a married couple – were fishing on Christiana Creek. Fitz …

Alcohol and speed were cited as potential factors in a weekend crash that killed two Kalamazoo County men in northern Park Township. Sheriff Chad Spence said deputies were called at 12:08 a.m. Saturday to the area of Parkville Road and Mint Road regarding a one-vehicle crash. Investigators said a 27-year-old man was driving north on Parkville Road when his vehicle …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office has announced details related to its annual Boater Safety Education Course for 2026. The sessions are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 4 and April 18 at the Sheriff’s Office Training Center in Centreville. Potential participants need only attend and complete one of the sessions. The course is free of charge but limited to 30 …

Officials from First United Methodist Church of Sturgis are hoping to draw renewed attention to its weekly “Clothing Sanctuary.” The church offers free clothing 3 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday and noon to 2 p.m. every Friday. Clothing styles and sizes are available for people of all ages. Anyone wishing to donate clothes is encouraged to consider the weekly drop-off, …

State Sen. Jonathan Lindsey has introduced legislation to eliminate the 24% wholesale tax on marijuana. The tax was created during budget negotiations late last year. According to a media release from Lindsey’s office, Senate Bill 810 would repeal the new tax and revert marijuana taxation to the structure set by voters who approved legalization of marijuana. Lindsey said he objects …

Centreville Public Schools Superintendent Chad Brady issued a media release Wednesday detailing upcoming construction that will impact student drop-off/pick-up, parking, and parking-lot traffic flow at the high school. The start of the district’s Series 2, 2023 Bond Construction project includes the addition of a multi-purpose gymnasium and air-conditioning at the jr/sr high school. Work is set to begin Monday, Brady …

Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be aware of an uptick in scam phone calls and emails related to failure to appear for a court case. Scammers falsely claim a would-be victim missed a court date, failed to show up for jury duty or owe a fine. In all cases, the messages are not legitimate, authorities said. The …

St. Joseph County Intermediate School District Board members plan to meet with three finalists for the job of ISD superintendent. During board action last week, the list of three candidates was established from a pool of eight people who applied to replace Teresa Belote, who is retiring in June. The candidates are: James Berry, director of career and technical education …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week addressed the merits of livestreaming their once-a-month meetings. Commissioner Rick Shaffer said at the board’s Feb. 17 meeting he would like the county board’s Physical Resources Committee to take another look at the option of livestreaming. The issue was raised earlier in the meeting by Mendon resident Robin Burpee, who said more …