Recent Posts

Legislation would help make police windows bulletproof

State Rep. Christine Morse recently introduced legislation that, if approved, would ensure windshields and side windows of police vehicles are bulletproof. The legislation, introduced to the state House last month, calls for a $25 million allocation to retrofit vehicles to comply with the bulletproof requirement. The concept was originally brought up by the father of Kalamazoo County Sheriff Sgt. Ryan …

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Police investigate Bethel Township thefts

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that took place in Branch County’s Bethel Township. Troopers said the situation is ongoing, as thefts have been occurring from a location in the 500 block of Rierson Road since August. Items taken from the property include electronics and tools, as well as a catalytic converter. Authorities said a male and …

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Local church donates quilts

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Colon has more than 200 quilts destined for shipment by Lutheran World Relief. The congregation yesterday celebrated the completion of the quilts at the annual dedication service. A group of devoted quilters gather Tuesdays for the project. Quilts from St. Paul’s have been used in hospitals in India; refugee camps in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and …

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Out and About – Week of October 3rd

Everyone complains about the weather, but there is very little we can do about it. All we can do is pay attention to the forecasts and prepare for the worst. A good example is living in Florida and dealing with Hurricane Ian. Mother Nature must have been really upset when she unleashed the wrath on the Gulf Coast and other …

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Health department has flu shots available

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency wishes to remind the public that October is the optimal month to receive a flu shot. Kali Nichols, director of personal health and disease prevention, said an annual, seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. She said flu vaccination is recommended for anyone ages six months and up. Also, …

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Constantine plans public hearing on Sunday marijuana sales

Constantine Village Council members have set a public hearing for input regarding Sunday marijuana sales and consumption lounges. The hearing will take place at 7 p.m. Monday. During its September meeting, the council heard a request from Dominic Iemma, founder of Prosper Cannabis Co., the largest cannabis provisioning center in southwest Michigan. Iemma’s request centered on Sunday sales of marijuana. …

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Three Rivers hosts Vicksburg tonight

The Swinebone Trophy is up for grabs tonight, as Three Rivers varsity football welcomes Vicksburg High School to town. Three Rivers, 3-and-2 on the season, is coming off a humbling loss to previously winless Gull Lake a week ago. Vicksburg, meanwhile, is also 3-and-2. It defeated Niles last Friday, 31-to-14. Tonight’s games will be carried live on WRCI 97.1 FM …

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Michigan lawmakers approve early absentee ballot processing

Michigan election officials would begin processing absentee ballots two days before the Nov. 8 election under legislation approved Wednesday in hopes of avoiding delays in counting, with absentee voting expected to remain a popular option. Michigan is one of several key swing states that allows no-excuse mail-in ballots but doesn’t allow local election offices to begin processing ballots until 7 a.m. on …

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One injured in US-131 crash north of Constantine

An Indiana resident was hospitalized after being involved in a two-vehicle collision Tuesday in Constantine Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the 26-year-old Mishawaka resident was driving north at 12:30 p.m. on U.S. 131, near Graber Road, when their vehicle crossed the center line and collided with a southbound semi tractor-trailer driven by a 56-year-old Florida resident. The driver of the …

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The Covered Bridge has re-opened following damage

The Langley Covered Bridge re-opened to traffic Tuesday, eight days after it was closed due to damage caused by a horse trailer. St. Joseph County Road Commission Manager John Lindsey said the height restrictor at the north end of the bridge was knocked off its base Sept. 19 by a trailer attached to a southbound pickup. Lindsey said the height …

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