News

A 13-year-old Detroit area boy with a visual impairment due to albinism has been denied the use of an easier-to-see baseball during a national Little League tournament. WJBK-TV and MLive.com report that Ryan Huizdos’ Grosse Pointe Woods team was told the yellow baseball he uses while batting in local games was not approved by the national organization. Ryan played in …

Speed and alcohol may have been factors in a one-vehicle crash that injured a woman Tuesday in Nottawa Township, according to the St. Joseph County Sheriff ’s Department. Deputies said Jennifer Ann Bainbridge was driving west on Cupp Road near the intersection of Walterspaugh about 1:30 p.m., when the vehicle left the road just east of Walterspaugh. The car slid …

Members of Colon Community Schools Board of Education recently took a pass on the idea of buying an ice and water dispenser as an income-generating concept. During discussion of the issue at their June school board meeting, district officials agreed that under different circumstances and in more prosperous times, the proposal might receive more serious consideration. Board members agreed that …

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging board has asked county commissioners to reappoint Dawn Everett, Allen Balog, Jim MacTavish, Chuck Thompson and Barb Fisher to new two-year COA board terms. In a related matter, trustees re-appointed officers including Margaret Shultz, chairman; Jon Withers, vice chairman; Charles Willer, treasurer; and Thompson as secretary.

White Pigeon officials have announced the village’s citizens of the year are the Rev. Wilbur Brandli and wife, Gloria. The couple arrived in White Pigeon in November 1968, coming from Paterson, N.J. In their early days in White Pigeon, the couple took on the challenge of a small church ministry along with their son, Tim, and their daughter, Gail. The …

The annual Palmer Lake Flotilla will begin at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Palmer Lake launch just off Burr Oak Road. The rain date is noon Sunday. This year’s theme is “Cartoons and Comic Strips.” Participants will decorate their boats with inspiration from popular cartoons or comic strips. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third places, with a …

Police say a 14-year-old boy had his left hand blown off by a homemade firework device in southwestern Michigan. The Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety says the child and a 12-year-old boy were injured on Tuesday afternoon. Officers responded and the boys were hospitalized for treatment. Police say the 12-year-old had minor injuries to his face. Police didn’t immediately …

A Michigan historical marker now stands at the original site of the store from Midwest retailer Meijer that pioneered the idea of a shopping supercenter. The marker was unveiled Monday at the site of the store in Grand Rapids. Hank Meijer, co-chairman of Meijer Inc., says it’s “just exciting to have the historical significance of this corner recognized.” Frederik Meijer …

Conceding she has big shoes to fill, Lindsay Oswald on Tuesday was sworn in as St. Joseph County’s 29th county clerk. The 35-year-old Lockport Township resident succeeds Pattie Bender, who retired Tuesday after a 45-year career with St. Joseph County. Oswald was hired in 2013 to serve as the county’s grant writer. She was a 10-year employee for the city …

The Schoolcraft Police Department is trying to identify two people of interest related to the theft of a donation jar. The jar was taken from the check-out area shortly after 3 p.m. June 17 at the Citgo gas station, 620 N. Grand St. A male and female have been identified in security video as being people of interest in the …