News

A 40-year-old Cass County man was arrested on charges related to animal cruelty, according to sheriff’s department officials. Robert Archer II faces five misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty following his arrest over the summer at his residence in Howard Township. Investigators were called in June to Archer’s residence, in the 2000 block of Lilac Avenue, after a neighbor reported her …

Five Mendon High School graduates were inducted into the district’s Hall of Fame during an annual all-class reunion over the weekend. Joseph Taylor, class of 1998; Gary Huff, ‘53; Keith Campbell, ’72; Monica Wagner, ’95; and Nathan Bombrys, ’93, were honored during Saturday’s program at the high school. The event drew more than 60 people. Reunion organizer and alumni association …

The water level in the Sturgis Dam reservoir starts its drawdown today as part of repairs to the Langley Covered Bridge. The city of Sturgis will oversee the drawdown of the reservoir area upstream of their dam and hydroelectric plant on the St. Joseph River near Centreville. The drawdown is expected to impact the river by lowering water levels in …

Burr Oak-based Carter Associates has received a $100,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Awarded as part of the Michigan Business Development Program, the grant will support a project expected to generate $3 million in capital investment and create 20 new jobs. Carter’s three Michigan locations now employ 18 people to manufacture reusable, green packaging products, including shipping totes, …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that occurred over the weekend in Constantine Township. Investigators responded Saturday to a residence in the 63000 block of Brick Chapel Road. Authorities said suspects stole numerous construction tools and building material from the residence. Neighbors said it appears the suspects were in an older-model Chevy Blazer or GMC Jimmy.

Sturgis Police this week arrested a motorist driving a stolen vehicle. Officers said they noticed a 2006 GMC Sierra that had been reported stolen earlier in the week. It was spotted Wednesday evening in the 1200 block of East Chicago Road. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver fled the area and nearly struck several people in the …

The St. Joseph County United Way is in the final stages of collecting items for the 2023 Silent Auction. The annual auction takes place during the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. Agency director Kelly Hostetler said donations of new merchandise, gift cards or cash to purchase items are still being accepted. The auction takes place in Barn 45 and is …

An effort by St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners to remove Sheriff Mark Lillywhite from office took a step forward last week. A letter expressing the board’s concerns about Lillywhite was mailed Saturday to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. A copy was also submitted to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners agreed Aug. 15 to initiate the …

The Salvation Army of Kalamazoo County has a volunteer opportunity through a program called The Kickback. It is a weekly, after-school program starting Sept. 19 and will continue 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday throughout the school year at its Kalamazoo location. The after-school program will engage kids in physical, educational and imaginative activities that encourage the exploration of who …

Michigan State Police are investigating the death of a 2-year-old boy hit by a trailer last week in Cass County’s Porter Township. Troopers were called at 3:30 p.m. Friday to Carter Lake Street, near Robbins Lake Road, after receiving reports that a child had been hit by a trailer. He was identified as Jackson Crager. Investigators said life-saving measures were administered …