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The first school bell rang on Tuesday for most students in the area. There were first-day jitters for both students, parents, and yes, even teachers, as they all embark on another school year. Some students entered school for the first time or for the last, moving on to a new grade in a new school, leaving elementary behind for middle school, or …

Battle Creek city commissioners have approved ordinances aimed at regulating panhandling and loitering. The proposals outlaw remaining “idly” within 25 feet of an intersection and soliciting money from anyone waiting in line or near building entrances. The Battle Creek Enquirer reports commissioners voted Tuesday on the proposals, which take effect in 10 days. Violations would be considered civil infractions and …

The state of Michigan has sued a local apparel company, alleging it violated state and federal law by trademarking the M-22 highway symbol. MLive reports that the state’s legal action is in response to M22 LLC’s creation of items that display the sign of the popular and scenic Northern Michigan highway. The state says the law doesn’t allow registration of …

A 42-year-old Sturgis woman was arrested over the weekend on a variety of charges and a pair of outstanding warrants. Sturgis police said the woman and an accomplice were on bicycles and stopped around 10:20 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Ulm and Sturgis streets for not having lighting on their bicycles. The woman fled from police as officers were …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Sturgis man last week on a drug-related offense in Burr Oak Township. Deputies made a traffic stop at 9 p.m. Friday on Middle Colon Road, near Burrwood Drive, after the 30-year-old suspect’s vehicle was found to have an equipment violation. A search of the vehicle found an undisclosed quantity of methamphetamine hidden …

A Three Rivers resident was charged earlier this week with possession of methamphetamine following a traffic stop in Fabius Township. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, a vehicle was stopped shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday on U.S. 131 near Millard Road after deputies noticed an equipment violation on the vehicle. As they were initiating the traffic stop, deputies …

Sturgis police last week arrested a man whose blood-alcohol level was more than four times the legal limit. According to a department media release, officers stopped a vehicle shortly after 11:30 p.m. Friday in the area of West West and North Orange streets for having an expired plate. The 41-year-old driver tried to exit and potentially flee from the vehicle …

Two Indiana men whose car broke down along U.S. 12 in Sturgis Township were arrested Sunday morning on drug-related charges. Sheriff’s department officials said they stopped to check on the vehicle, near the intersection of White School Road, and found 18- and 17-year-old male occupants inside. Upon further investigation, deputies also found methamphetamine and a number of items used in …

Police say a distraught teenager killed himself after fatally shooting another teen while playing with a gun. The two shootings occurred Monday night in an alley in Kalamazoo. A witness explained to police what happened. Police didn’t publicly disclose which victim was accidentally shot, but said there was no argument or altercation. The 17-year-old victims were identified as Marsavious Frazier …

I try my best to remind everyone about holidays and trash pickup days. I should have mentioned this last week, but I ran out of column space, so here is that information a week late. Monday was Labor Day, a holiday for just about everyone. Your trash removal person had the day off, but will be working this next Saturday. …