News

Once thought to be dead, legislation that would increase the speed limit to 80 miles per hour on some outstate rural freeway sections in Michigan is being resurrected in the state House. Representative Brad Jacobsen says I-69 between Flint and Lansing, areas north of the Saginaw/Bay City area and US-131 around Cadillac would seem logical for inclusion in the measure. But …

The Three Rivers Department of Public Services has announced details regarding its twice-a-year hydrant flushing. Residents should be advised that the process begins at 11 p.m. April 1, continuing from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. five nights a week through the end of May. The action will take place Sunday through Thursday nights. The department will begin in the Fourth …

A 43-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after investigators from the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit executed a search warrant in the 23000 block of U.S. 12 in Sturgis Township. SCAN officers received information about methamphetamine activity at the residence and upon executing a search warrant, the suspect was taken into custody for numerous charges. Investigators said he was charged …

Centreville Public Schools Superintendent Rob Kuhlman said due to weather-related school closings this year, the district will have to make up three days of school. The district’s final day of school is a half day on Tuesday, June 9. It was originally slated to conclude with a half day Thursday, June 4. Kuhlman said the state forgives six weather-related days …

A seven-year member of the Sturgis City Commission resigned Monday. Michael Gay said personal reasons and concerns associated with the city commission were primary factors in his unexpected decision. After the meeting, Gay said he has disagreed with procedural issues, such as action motions prepared in advance that presume the commission will support administrative recommendations. Gay, 61, also was critical …

A home in the 67000 block of Oxbow Drive in Constantine Township was heavily damaged by fire Sunday. The fire was reported about 4:45 p. m. Firefighters arrived to find flames coming through the roof. Officials said the fire appeared to have an electrical source and had started in the attic. No injuries were reported.

Distraction is the major factor in 58-percent of all crashes involving teenagers, based on a new report from the Triple-A Foundation for Traffic Safety. The report cites video analysis that found distraction was a factor in nearly 6 out of 10 moderate-to-severe teen crashes, which is four times as many as official estimates based on police reports. Researchers analyzed the six seconds …

A man is behind bars after gunfire Wednesday in Kalamazoo. Police responding to reports of gunfire found a car with several people inside, one of whom ran off, throwing away a loaded handgun as he fled. The 18-year-old man was caught and arrested. The pistol was found to be stolen. Police say they also found heroin, cocaine and meth on the suspect when …

State police said 56 Michigan public school districts – including Sturgis Public Schools – will get a share of $4 million in funding to boost school safety. The money announced last week will be used to purchase equipment and technology to improve the safety and security of school buildings, students and staff. Grant recipients have until Sept. 15 to spend …

The Centreville Public Schools Board of Education this week agreed to renew for one year its contracts with three administrators. During action Monday, the board approved contracts for high school/junior high principal Dennis Kirby, elementary principal Becky Stouffer and Covered Bridge School principal Juanita Miller, who also oversees the district’s adult education, community education and jail programs. Contracts for 2015-16 …