Recent Posts

Theft from Nottawa Township barn

A chainsaw and a Honda portable generator were reported stolen last week from a barn in Nottawa Township. State police troopers were called Saturday to the 50000 block of Rambadt Road, where someone entered a barn between Oct. 30 and Saturday morning through an unlocked door. Investigators said the suspect loaded both items into a small, pull-behind wagon and left …

Read More »

Police investigate Colon Township break ins

A number of seasonal residences in the area of Long Lake in Colon Township were burglarized last month. Troopers from Michigan State Police said the incidents occurred between 4:15 p.m. Oct. 22 and 5:30 p.m. Oct. 25 in the 61000 block of Bass Lane. Investigators said suspects gained entry by using a prying instrument to open the front and rear …

Read More »

Michigan bill lets teachers carry concealed guns in schools

Republican lawmakers are renewing their attempt to let gun owners carry their weapons inside Michigan schools, day care centers and other gun-free zones. Fast-tracked legislation up for a vote in a Senate committee Tuesday would allow concealed pistol license holders with extra training to carry in nine areas that are currently off limits. The full Republican-led Senate plans to vote …

Read More »

National Weather Service confirms Indiana tornadoes

The National Weather Service says an EF2 tornado that covered 39 miles was among four twisters that hit Indiana.  It says the EF2 storm with estimated peak winds of 134 mph covered 31 miles Sunday in eastern Indiana’s Delaware, Blackford and Jay counties before crossing the state line and ending west of Celina, Ohio. The weather service says survey teams …

Read More »

No criminal investigation after unclaimed cremains found

Officials say the discovery of about three dozen boxes of cremated remains in southern Michigan after the death of a funeral director isn’t being investigated as a potential criminal matter. Calhoun County Medical Examiner Dr. Joyce DeJong says the family of Joy Spencer Spoor discovered the cremains in storage after her Octotober 14 death. Spoor was a former owner of …

Read More »

Hit by train – Man identified

A Cassopolis man died after he was struck by a train last week in Cass County. Cassopolis Police Department Chief Brian LaValle said officers were called shortly after 5 a.m. Friday to railroad tracks at East State and Wolfe streets for a report of a northeast-bound train that struck a pedestrian. Police located the 63-year-old pedestrian, identified as Garry Shouse, …

Read More »

Car insurance bill does not pass House vote

State Rep. Aaron Miller last week said he will continue exploring options to lower car insurance rates for all Michigan drivers. Miller voted ‘yes’ on House Bill 5013, which would guarantee lower car insurance rates for all Michigan drivers – with the greatest savings going to seniors. The bill, however, did not pass in a vote late last week in …

Read More »

Patten found competent to stand trial

A man charged with two murders in July has been found competent to stand trial. Zachary Michael Patten, 32, of Portage, also waived his preliminary during a recent hearing in St. Joseph County District Court. Prosecutor John McDonough said a status conference will be held by the end of November. Patten was found competent following a psychological evaluation at Center …

Read More »

Officer involved shooting was justified, according to prosecutor

Two men were charged with attempted murder and drug-related offenses following an incident earlier this week in Park Township. Prosecutor John McDonough said the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics Unit, along with another deputy, set up an undercover buy for an undisclosed quantity of methamphetamine. The sale was set up to take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday outside a business …

Read More »