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A Sturgis man was sentenced to at least five years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree criminal sexual conduct. St. Joseph County Circuit Court officials said Semja Laureano, 25, was sentenced earlier this month and could serve a maximum of 15 years. The incident took place in August 2019 at a home in Sturgis and involved a girl under …

A 20-year-old Sturgis woman died last week in a two-vehicle accident in Mendon Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Julia Zimmerman died at the scene of the accident, which occurred at 11:40 a.m. Friday on Silver Street, near the intersection of Hampton Road. Investigators said the front, driver’s side tire of a Jeep Wrangler came off the vehicle, …

We recently had a cottonwood tree removed. The tree was probably eighty years old and had been hit by lightning a couple of times. It stood at least eighty feet tall and the fear of it falling was the main reason for removal. The fact that it shed twigs and other debris on the deck and yard contributed to the …

Michigan Department of Transportation says road crews assigned to the U.S. 131 reconstruction project will have a short week. With the impending federal holiday coming up this weekend, work crews will suspend operations at 3 p.m. Thursday and not return until July 6. The project will see the Stage 5 traffic pattern continue with two-way traffic on the southbound side …

Members of the Centreville Public Schools Board of Education approved the district’s 2020-21 general fund, food service and activity fund budgets last week. Monday’s action was highlighted by uncertainty, as the district anticipates a possible pro-rated reduction of $650 in the 2019-20 per-pupil foundation allowance from the state. The district currently receives $8,111 per pupil. If anticipated cuts occur, the …

Sturgis City Hall reopened last week but it will maintain limited hours indefinitely. Its hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It will continue to remain closed Tuesdays. Anyone visiting city hall should plan to wear a face-covering in compliance with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order. Other changes for the city’s reopening process include electric disconnections …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency and Revolution Health PC of Sturgis are notifying anyone who sought care at RHP June 19 to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. One staff member at RHP has tested positive for the virus. Patients who had close contact with a staff member at RHP June 19 and either the patient or staff member were …

A Colon man was arrested this week after he was caught burglarizing a Leonidas Township residence. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called Tuesday to the 28000 block of Pleasant Road in response to a burglary in progress. Deputies arrested a 47-year-old suspect. He attempted to steal two firearms and other items, officials said. Investigators said the man broke into …

State Rep. Aaron Miller, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid, has joined house and senate colleagues in unveiling a plan to ensure the safety of Michigan students as learning resumes in the fall. The House-Senate plan requires local school districts and health departments to work together to develop health and safety standards that are best for their …

State police troopers are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that occurred earlier this month in Fabius Township. Troopers said the incident occurred at Light and Life Wesleyan Church, in the 15000 block of Hoffman Road. The break-in took place between midnight and 4 a.m. June 16. Numerous items were taken from the building, authorities said.