News

No-reason mail-in voting has launched in Michigan, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced today, explaining it will make voting easier for people across the state. “If you want to fill out your ballot at home, you should be able to do so. And if you want to avoid the stress of finding time to get to the polls on Election …

Despite the reservations of a few dozen audience members, Mendon Township Planning Commission has recommended an ordinance related to a solar-panel development. A few minor modifications were made during Tuesday’s meeting before the five-member panel voted to recommend the ordinance. The fate of the ordinance now rests in the hands of the Mendon Township Board. If approved, the ordinance will …

The chair of a board that oversees mental-health services in St. Joseph County resigned Tuesday. Tim Carmichael, who took over as head of the 12-member Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Board in 2016, cited dissatisfaction with a personnel issue as the impetus for his decision. At the onset of Tuesday’s monthly meeting, Carmichael elaborated on an issue that …

Members of the Centreville Village Council agreed last week to adjust the expiration dates for terms of office for members of the Centreville Downtown Development Authority. Currently, one member’s term expires in September 2019, another in December 2019, the next in October 2020, two in January 2022 and two in October 2022. DDA member Pattie Bender suggested terms expire Oct. …

Saturday’s Walk for Warmth, the 34th annual fundraiser, raised more than $10,000 for St. Joseph County. With a final tally of $10,316, the amount will be matched by Consumers Energy. The one-mile walk is Community Action’s sole fundraiser each year. Money raised is allocated to help low-income families pay their utility bills when they fall on hard financial times. Event …

An Indiana man was arrested Friday after a high-speed police pursuit that started in White Pigeon. Raudel Nunez, 19, of Ligonier, is being held on charges of driving with a suspended license, resisting law enforcement, possession of stolen property and a warrant from Noble County, Ind., according to authorities. The pursuit began around 2 p.m. Friday in White Pigeon, where …

State police are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that occurred earlier this month in Branch County’s Noble Township. According to a department media release, a barn in the 700 block of Dutch School Road was entered between Feb. 17 and 20. Two firearms, an antique potbelly stove, a grill, a trolling motor and a large assortment of tools were stolen during …

Constantine village officials were advised to scrutinize the municipality’s water and sewer billing, according to accountant Rick Strawser. A Norman & Paulsen representative reviewed the village’s financial statements with the village council last week and read an independent auditor’s report for the year ending March 31. Strawser said the village budgeted well, but needs to continue to keep an eye …

Michigan State Police say three people were killed when their car collided with an Amtrak train near Kalamazoo. Oshtemo Township Fire Chief Mark Barnes says no one on the train was injured, but everyone in the car died in the collision about 10 p.m. Sunday west of Kalamazoo. Police identified the crash victims Monday as 20-year-old Jarmaine Brown, 19-year-old Marcionna …

Indiana Michigan Power has restored power to 94 percent of customers who lost service on Sunday and is working to restore the remainder. Crews have restored power to all South Bend/Elkhart area customers affected by Sunday’s high winds. In Muncie, Marion and Fort Wayne combined, fewer than 100 customers remained to be restored as of 4 p.m.  Monday.  I&M is …