Recent Posts

Three Rivers schools – New superintendent is hired

A Grand Rapids-area native currently working in Lelenau County has been selected as the new superintendent of St. Joseph County’s second-largest school district. Ron Moag was chosen Monday by Three Rivers Community Schools Board of Education. After four candidates were interviewed in the past month, board members narrowed the list to Moag and Jonathan Whan. Moag, who grew up in …

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Driver guilty of murder in deaths of 5 Michigan bicyclists

A reckless driver who was on drugs when his pickup truck crashed into a pack of bicyclists, killing five, was convicted of second-degree murder Tuesday in southwestern Michigan. Charles Pickett’s trial lasted just a few days in Kalamazoo County. There was no dispute that he had swallowed painkillers and other drugs before driving, although his lawyers argued that murder charges …

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Out and About – Week of April 30th

While taking a lunch break at home a week ago, I thought I’d watch a little TV while enjoying some cantaloupe. “The Price is Right” was on at the time, so I decided to watch and see how close I came to guessing the price on some of the items. I couldn’t help but notice how excited most of the …

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County unemployment down

March’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was four-tenths of a percent lower than the previous month. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed the county’s 3.7 percent March unemployment rate marked a decrease from February’s 4.1 percent. St. Joseph County was below the state unemployment average, which was 4.6 percent in March. …

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Three Rivers Health Wound Clinic receives award

Three Rivers Health physicians, leaders and clinicians gathered last week to celebrate the Robert A. Warriner III Center of Excellence award. The accolade was given to Three Rivers Health Center for Wound Healing during a ceremony Friday. The center has achieved patient satisfaction rates higher than 92 percent and a healing rate of at least 91 percent in less than …

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No charges in fatal chase after Michigan gun shop burglary

A prosecutor says no charges will be filed against sheriff’s deputies after three suspects they were chasing died following a gun shop burglary in southwestern Michigan. Berrien County Prosecutor Michael Sepic announced the results of his review Monday. A break-in was reported early April 15 at the Black Arsenal Gun Store. A witness described an SUV leaving the scene and …

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Man arrested after fleeing police

A 29-year-old White Pigeon man was arrested after fleeing from police last week. Constantine police said its officers attempted Friday to stop a driver for an equipment violation. The man disregarded police orders to pull over and fled onto Youngs Prairie Road before turning onto Peck Academy Road. His vehicle crashed at the intersection of Peck Academy and Millers Mill …

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Kalamazoo mom sentenced to at least 23 years for girl’s death

A Kalamazoo woman has been sentenced to at least 23 years in prison for the death of her 4-year-old daughter, who was found wrapped in blankets and duct tape. A judge ordered Monday that 34-year-old Kelly Ballinger oserve a sentence of between 23 years, nine months and 50 years. Jurors last month convicted Ballinger of first-degree child abuse and involuntary …

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Jury hears Kalamazoo woman’s account of Copperfield show fall

Jurors in Nevada have heard a Michigan schoolteacher’s account of falling and skinning a knee taking part in a signature David Copperfield illusion at a Las Vegas Strip show just months before a British tourist claims he was badly injured. Amy Lawrence of Kalamazoo, testified by videotape Monday that two apparent backstage staffers asked afterward if she was OK, but …

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Cause of Mendon fire still unknown

Two victims of a house fire last week in Mendon Township were migrant farm workers. St. Joseph County Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite said the cause of the blaze might never be known due to extensive damage to the house in Mendon Township. The home was owned by an area dairy farm, according to Lillywhite. Lillywhite said other occupants of the farmhouse …

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