Recent Posts

Judge urged not to reopen case

Prosecutors are urging a judge not to reopen a case involving the 1990 slayings of two hunters in southwestern Michigan, saying an alternative theory of the fatal ambush wouldn’t have led to a different verdict against an aggressive property owner. Jeff Titus is serving a life sentence in the deaths of Doug Estes and Jim Bennett. The Innocence Clinic at …

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Boy saved from possible drowning

A Battle Creek man is being credited for helping to save the life of a 10-year-old spotted at the bottom of a southwestern Michigan hotel pool. St. Joseph police responded Saturday night to Silver Beach Hotel following a report of a possible drowning. They say Melvin Jackson of Benton Harbor was visiting the hotel to celebrate a cousin’s birthday when …

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Horse killed by coyotes

Authorities say an attack by coyotes has killed a horse from the Lapeer County sheriff’s department mounted division. The Flint Journal reports the attack took place around 3 p.m. Sunday at a farm along the line between Lapeer and Oakland counties. Lt. Bruce Osmon, head of the mounted unit, says the horse was feeding around 20 feet from a barn …

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Three Rivers DDA launches new program

The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority/Main Street program plans to launch its inaugural “100 Friends of Downtown Three Rivers” campaign in February. The campaign is designed to hit on three of the four goals of the DDA/Main Street program: Building Relationships, Communication, and Education and Awareness, according to Brian Persky, Three Rivers DDA/Main Street executive director. All new members of …

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County Administrator Yoder given raise

Pat Yoder, who holds St. Joseph County’s highest, non-elected position, was given a $10,000 raise last week. Two weeks after commissioners agreed to renew Yoder’s contract for 2015, his salary for the 12-month period was set at $115,000. He is also given a vehicle allowance of $6,000 annually. The matter was addressed during last week’s county commission meeting. Yoder, who …

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Miller attended State of the State address

State Rep. Aaron Miller was joined Tuesday on the House floor by Cass County Prosecuting Attorney Victor Fitz for Gov. Rick Snyder’s State of the State address in Lansing. The governor outlined his plans for his second term during the speech. Lawmakers are allowed one floor guest during the annual speech. Fitz is also president of the Michigan Prosecuting Attorneys …

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Board of Commissioners approves personnel matters

A few personnel matters were approved during last week’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. Erin Goff was hired as community corrections coordinator at more than $18 an hour, while Travis Balk was hired as a part-time corrections officer at a rate of more than $16 an hour. Also, a pay increase of 29 cents per hour was approved …

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Rate increase at state campgrounds

User fees are what keep Michigan state campgrounds running, and officials say the first rate increases in seven years are needed to cover the rising costs of maintaining and operating the facilities. The amount of the increase at a particular site depends on its popularity, said parks and recreation chief Ron Olson of the Department of Natural Resources. At those …

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Ice rink damaged in Sturgis

The city of Sturgis has delayed the opening of its downtown ice skating rink because of damage and vandalism. The rink liner was damaged when someone entered the fenced-in area before it was ready for use. Vandalism included panels that were pulled up. City officials are seeking tips from the public as they work to open the rink. (AP)

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Man sentenced in shooting death

A 22-year-old man has apologized before being sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison for his involvement in the 2013 fatal shooting of a University of Michigan medical student. Shaquille Jones told a court in Ann Arbor on Wednesday that “I wish I could take it back.” Jones in January pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Twenty-five-year-old Paul DeWolf was …

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