News

St. Joseph County officials recently received an update on the concept of a single entry to the county courthouse. The county’s physical resources committee last month was provided additional details from Bob VanPutten and Stave Jara, representing Landmark Design Group. A review was provided regarding the security officers’ station with monitors, while the two also indicated all exit doors will …

Last month’s massive 193-vehicle pileup on I-94 in Kalamazoo County is prompting an audit by the state. The Michigan Department of Transportation will study the 138-mile stretch of the highway from the Indiana state line to Jackson to see if any upgrades to I-94 are needed. The investigation was requested by state Senator Margaret O’Brien of Portage, whose district includes the crash …

With nine snow days already in the books – three more than the state allows – Sturgis Public Schools will introduce a revised daily schedule that goes into effect next week. Every building in the district will add 20 minutes daily as a way of not extending the school year. Superintendent Tom Langdon said Michigan public schools are granted six …

A Kent County man was arrested after he was involved in a slide-off accident last week in Constantine Township. Sheriff’s department officials said the incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, when a car reported stolen out of Grand Rapids slid off U.S. 131 near North River Road. The incident was reported by a passing motorist, who also provided the license …

An Indiana man was taken to the hospital after he was involved in a two-vehicle accident Thursday in Park Township. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, the 51-year-old man was attempting to cross U.S. 131 from Heimbach Road, when his pickup was struck by a southbound semi. The force of the collision tore the bed from the cab …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved a few personnel matters during last week’s meeting. Landon Hackenberg’s status as a corrections officer was changed from full time to part time, while corrections officer Travis Balk was moved from part-time to full-time employment. Balk will be paid an hourly rate of $18.60. Jay Parker was hired by the sheriff’s department …

State police say they have reconstructed last month’s massive pileup on I-94 in southwestern Michigan and are determining whether anybody will face criminal charges. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that police officials plan to meet with Kalamazoo County prosecutors to assess any possible negligent driving that contributed to the Jan. 9 wreck. The chain-reaction crashes involved nearly 200 vehicles on both …

Two people were arrested earlier this week following the execution of a search warrant in Three Rivers. Investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit arrested the pair after a traffic stop was made on U.S. 131. SCAN investigators received information about subjects involved in trafficking methamphetamine, and that they would be at the Michigan Department of Corrections office …

State Rep. Aaron Miller participated Thursday in a Capitol news conference to reveal priorities for the current legislative session to foster job growth and strengthen Michigan’s economy. House Republican lawmakers outlined their top priorities as the 2015-16 legislative session got under way. Miller said the plan focuses on continuing the process of balancing the state budget early and eliminating bureaucratic …

Officials from Indiana Michigan Power have announced plans to add solar energy to the company’s generation fleet. The measure follows the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s approval of I&M’s plans for five solar facilities with a combined capacity of nearly 16 megawatts. Three of the facilities will be in the Michiana area, including two in St. Joseph County. Company officials said …