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A Michigan State Police investigator formerly assigned to the agency’s post in White Pigeon was recognized for his work in a high-profile murder case. Aaron Steensma was given MSP’s Meritorious Service Award during a ceremony last week in Lansing. The award was issued for Steensma’s work in the case of Colon-area resident Venus Stewart, whose estranged husband, Doug, was sentenced …

Riley Gill made 33 saves to pave the way for the Kalamazoo Wings to earn their first shutout of the 2011-12 season, as the K-Wings started a four-game road swing with a 4-0 victory over the Toledo Walleye Saturday night at the Huntington Center. After a scoreless opening period, the K-Wings took control of the contest in the second period …

The Toledo Walleye took the first half of a home-and-home series over the Kalamazoo Wings defeating the K-Wings 4-3 Friday Night on PNC Night at Wings Stadium. Trying to kill a penalty, the Walleye jumped ahead when Todd Griffith (7th) registered a shorthanded tally on a breakaway 2:20 into the contest. Storming back five minutes later, Darryl Bootland pulled the …

The Sturgis Department of Public Safety took four Sturgis residents into custody after raiding a house where production of methamphetamine was allegedly taking place. The four people arrested range in age from 18 to 57. Police said they executed a search warrant around 4 p.m. Wednesday at a residence in the 400 block of Walker Street. Arrested were: a 57-year-old …

The Burr Oak Village Council this week hired a part-time police officer. The employment of Sturgis resident Steve Johnson, 44, became effective Wednesday. Pay for his anticipated 20 to 25 hours of work per week is still being negotiated by the village council. Johnson also works as a public safety officer in Benton Harbor and as a member of Tri-Township …

A press conference has been scheduled for 10 o’clock Monday morning by St. Joseph County Probate Court Judge Tom Shumaker regarding a new, proactive drug prevention and educational program centering on St. Joseph County’s teen population. The program is a collaboration between St. Joseph County police agencies, in partnership with the Prosecutor’s Office, Juvenile Court, Community Mental Health Substance Abuse …

The date for the third annual Constantine Chili Throw-Down was announced Thursday by organizers of the cook-off. A roster of four Constantine-based eateries will compete for a traveling trophy, which will be presented following the Feb. 18 event concludes. As it has in the past, the public will decide this year’s winner. A $5 entry fee entitles the public to …

Legislation intended to clarify Michigan’s law banning protests at funerals is headed to Governor Rick Snyder.  The Legislature gave final approval to the bills this week with overwhelming bipartisan support.  The bills prohibit conduct, statements or gestures that would make a “reasonable person” attending the funeral or memorial service feel intimidated, threatened or harassed.  The bills could help clarify Michigan’s …

Amtrak has restored full passenger service between Detroit and Chicago, one day after one of its trains slammed into a truck that was stuck on the tracks in southern Michigan.  Wednesday’s accident happened in Jackson County’s Leoni Township, 45 miles south of Lansing. Authorities say 10 people were injured.  Township Public Safety Director Mike Jester tells the Jackson Citizen Patriot …

Authorities say a suspected diesel fuel spill has been found in the Kalamazoo River at Battle Creek.  The Battle Creek Enquirer reports the spill was found Wednesday in a drainage ditch that’s fed by storm sewers. Officials in the southern Michigan city searched Thursday for the source.  Brian Kelly, an on-scene coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency, estimated that several …