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Michelle Cromwell, licensing agent with the St. Joseph County Department of Health and Human Services, said there is a higher-than-usual need for placement of area teenagers right now. Cromwell dispelled some common myths about foster care, including foster parents do not need to be married, they don’t have to live in or own a house, and children in foster care …

Doyle Community Center officials in Sturgis said the facility will reopen after stipulations in the governor’s orders are examined, city manager Mike Hughes said. Hughes said the city has remained in a holding pattern, offering limited outside fitness classes. Once the city reviews requirements, it will open the Doyle Center as soon as possible. It closed March 16, less than …

On Thursday, September 3 and Friday, September 4, the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging delivered an ice cream treat to every senior who receives home-delivered meals. COA staff delivered the ice cream treats, which included drumsticks, strawberry shortcake bars, ice cream sandwiches and push pops, to more than 200 homes over the two-day period. “We try to give our …

Michigan Department of Transportation workers are getting into final stages of the U.S. 131 reconstruction project in Three Rivers. According to agency officials, traffic this week will continue to travel in single lanes on the newly created northbound side of the highway. Other updates include news that Millard Road is now open, some utility-relocation work remains ongoing and access will …

A Coldwater woman died after she was involved in a two-vehicle incident on Interstate 69 last week. Authorities said 44-year-old Shannon Risner was driving a car heading north in the southbound lane of the interstate near the M-60 interchange around 6 p.m. Aug. 30. Investigators noted Risner may have been despondent at the time and her actions could have been …

Southern Michigan Bank & Trust has announced the successful processing of more than 600 small-business-loan applications for local business customers, totaling approximately $75 million. The loans were funded under the Paycheck Protection Program, a federal program established to help small businesses retain employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bank officials said more than $9 million of the funded loans were allocated …

St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman has ruled against a request to suppress evidence in the dismemberment case involving defendant Wade Allen. During a 70-minute proceeding Friday, Stutesman went into lengthy detail about the extensive research he conducted to help reach his conclusion. Allen’s attorney, David Marvin, had requested evidence a Sturgis Public Safety officer and then-director Geoff …

Sheriff’s deputies were recently called to a larceny incident at a barn in Burr Oak Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident was investigated Aug. 28 in the 62000 block of Burr Oak Road. Investigators said a number of items, including a Simcoe horse saddle and several tools, were stolen from outbuildings on the property.

An auto-theft ring originating in LaGrange County was broken up by authorities and three St. Joseph County residents have been arrested. An investigation by LaGrange County, Shipshewana Police Department and Michigan State Police led to the arrest of Kyle Miller, 33, of White Pigeon; Joshua Webb, 31, of Constantine and 26-year-old Katie Ann Shephard of Three Rivers. They were arrested …

Fall sports have been approved by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. The Lansing-based organization announced Thursday the authorization of full fall sports competition, which had been on hold because of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s orders. Whitmer last week gave the go-ahead to open up gyms and pools and subsequently, the MHSAA took action and decided to proceed. Football practices can …