News

The pairings for the 2014 high school football playoffs were announced Sunday night. Four area teams will play in the post season. In Division 4, Three Rivers will take its 6-and-3 record to Vicksburg Friday night for a Wolverine Conference rematch with the 7-and-2 Bulldogs. Three Rivers won the regular-season battle, 25-12, earlier this month. Constantine, with an 8-and-1 record, …

Colon-based FAB Magic Co. is sponsoring its third annual benefit magic show Saturday in support of the Colon Food Pantry. Event organizer Rick Fisher said the show will feature five acts and admission to the 7 p.m. event is the contribution of non-perishable food items or a financial donation. The show was moved from the high school to the elementary …

A 27-year-old man was arrested this week on a felony warrant from Elkhart County. According to authorities, a White Pigeon Police K-9 unit on Monday stopped a driver on a 4-wheeler in the 400 block of Elkhart Street. Police said a check on the subject revealed a warrant for delivery and manufacturing methamphetamines. The suspect was found to be in …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this week renewed a three-year contract for indigent-defense services. County administrator Pat Yoder said a pool of nine area attorneys were accepted to represent defendants who cannot afford legal services during their judicial process. The agreement, between the county and the Michigan Municipal Corporation, comes with a cost averaging about $480,000 each year …

Sturgis police said a 45-year-old man was arrested this week for attempted breaking and entering into a residence, possession of burglary tools, malicious destruction of property, and resisting and obstructing police. The incident happened just after 1:25 a.m. Wednesday, as officers were dispatched to the 800 block of East Chicago Road for a suspected breaking and entering. The suspect fled …

Bond for a Sturgis woman accused of allegedly stabbing her sister earlier this week has been set at $1 million. Erica Gosnell, 22, was arrested following the incident, which occurred around 3 a.m. Tuesday at an apartment in the 1200 block of Laura Drive. Police arriving on the scene found a 27-year-old woman who had been stabbed several times. Gosnell, …

The executive director of St. Joseph County’s Commission on Aging made some clarifications Tuesday regarding the proposed Sturgis Senior Center building, its funding and related issues. Addressing the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, Lynn Coursey noted the $2.6 million the commission fronted to the COA Oct. 7 was a loan and set aside in an account as a fund …

A former Constantine Public Schools administrator is taking on a high-profile position with a state education program. Kristin Flynn, a Schoolcraft resident and former principal at Eastside Elementary, is resigning her position as Schoolcraft High School principal to take a post with Michigan Virtual University. The 44-year-old Flynn, whose last day in Schoolcraft will be Oct. 31, said she will …

A tax exemption for Michigan Milk Producers Association was passed earlier this week by the Constantine Village Council. The exemption covers a 12-year period and $ 2.7 million for property and personal costs. MMPA plant manager Dave Davis and plant superintendent Mark Hopkins called the council’s support a win-win situation for the dairy industry. MMPA had previously announced plans to …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Tuesday recognized 26 county employees observing milestone years of employment. Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Bruce Morse led the way with 35 years. Friend of the Court caseworker Andi Guy and juvenile register Cathy Coleman were recognized for reaching the 30-year plateau. Road Patrol Deputy Jay Parker and corrections officer Judy Buchner-VanCamp reached the 25-year …