News

A state House committee has heard from people who say they worry about the health effects of radiation from smart meters that utilities use to measure consumption.  Rochester Hills Republican Rep. Tom McMillin chairs the House Oversight Committee and led Tuesday’s hearing.  Michigan utilities are installing smart meters as a way to make it easier to measure customers’ use.  The …

A Sturgis police officer has pleaded not guilty on charges stemming from a traffic crash last month in Kalamazoo County. Bryan Stuck, 29, entered the plea Wednesday at an arraignment in Kalamazoo. His attorney, David Butler, entered the plea of not guilty on charges of operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.17 or higher and driving while …

A Centreville native was specially recognized by the Future Farmers of America during its national convention last month. During a ceremony staged in Louisville, Ky., Mark Trowbridge of the Centreville FFA Chapter received the highest degree possible for an FFA member, the “American Degree.” As a longtime FFA participant, Trowbridge worked his way up through the various levels of FFA …

Colon Police Chief Mark Brinkert has issued a media release indicating a telephone scam is being reported by a number of village and Colon-area residents. The perpetrator making the calls claims to be from Consumers Energy and says the recipient of the phone call is delinquent in their payment. The caller then threatens that power to the residence will be discontinued unless they …

Michigan’s 16-day firearms deer hunting season came to an end Sunday across Michigan and by most accounts, it was, as predicted, not the best of seasons for hunter success. Brent Rudolph, Deer and Elk Program Leader at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, says the number of deer checked at its various stations was down significantly from last year. He …

Officials are investigating after a man’s body was found at the scene of a house fire in Kalamazoo County. Firefighters got a call about 3:00 Monday morning about a fire at a home in Pavilion Township near Comstock, where they found flames covering the home and siding melting on a neighbor’s garage. Authorities say the man found dead was 65-year-old …

While many shoppers will be scanning the internet searching for bargains this “Cyber Monday,” local retailers say if you’re more a “hands on” shopper, you should head to your local shop. Michigan Retailers Association President and CEO Jim Hallan says some shoppers like to browse online but still like that face-to-face interaction you get at a local retailer. He says …

The largest school district in the county is considering raising its pay rate for substitute teachers. Meanwhile, Three Rivers Community Schools has already taken that step by approving the first pay increase in 14 years for its substitute teachers following action last week. District officials in Sturgis said a shortage of subs this school year has promoted a look at …

The Sturgis Police Department will receive a new squad vehicle. Anticipating the department would need a new cruiser, the city budgeted $ 27,500 for the 2014-15 fiscal year. Bill Snethkamp-Fleet in Lansing was the low bidder at $22,643, plus a $200 charge for delivery. The vehicle is on the lot and available immediately, a factor that influenced commissioners to accept …

Colon Community Schools is attempting to find new ways to gain input from parents and the community. To that end, district officials have posted on the district’s home page a link to an input survey. The survey can be accessed by going to colonschools.org. Prospective participants should look for and click on a tab that says “Quick Links.” Doing so …