Government

Fatal crash south of Three Rivers

Authorities said speed appears to be a factor in a fatal crash late last week in Florence Township. St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly before 5 a.m. Friday to an area of Lutz Road near Roys Road in response to a single-vehicle crash. Investigators found a vehicle – driven by 20-year-old Gerardo Menendez of Three …

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The Michigan Senate moves to repeal Gov. emergency powers

Republican state senators on Thursday approved the repeal of the Michigan law that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used to order emergency lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic, when Michigan was among the states hardest hit by COVID-19. The state Senate’s 20-15 vote along partisan lines came two days after the Board of State Canvassers certified Unlock Michigan’s petition drive to repeal the …

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Fatal crash in Cass County

A South Bend woman died over the weekend after the vehicle she was driving swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with another vehicle in Cass County’s Pokagon Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called around 4:30 p.m. Sunday to an area of M-51 and Crystal Springs Road. Investigators said 43-year-old Denise Lamb was driving south on M-51 when her …

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Man injured in bicycle hit and run

Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke said a Mason Township man was injured when the bicycle he was riding was involved in a hit-and-run incident in Mason Township. Deputies were called to an area of Calvin Center Road, north of Starbrick Street, at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Investigators said 76-year-old Howard Watson Jr. was bicycle riding southbound on the side of the …

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Fuel theft in Florence Township

Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies responded to a report of larceny earlier this week in Florence Township. Deputies responded at 1:30 p.m. Monday to the 18000 block of Banker Street, where fuel was reported stolen from farm equipment. The amount and value of the fuel was not disclosed in a department media release.

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Police pursuit from south of TR into Elkhart County

A Constantine man was arrested last week after leading sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit into Elkhart County. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly before 11 p.m. June 27 regarding an incident of shots fired. As deputies responded, they noticed a vehicle coming from the area of the incident. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop for an equipment …

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White Pigeon resident injured in crash

Cass County deputies responded last week to a two-vehicle collision in Porter Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 7 o’clock Wednesday morning to an area of U.S. 12 near South River Road. Investigators said a vehicle driven westbound on U.S. 12 attempted to pass a semi in a no-passing zone. The vehicle, driven by Nicole Bielak, …

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SJC to discontinue virtual county meetings

St. Joseph County officials appear ready to discontinue the format of virtual meetings. During their executive committee meeting last week, commissioners agreed to not renew the state of emergency that allows them to meet virtually only. The declaration is set to expire July 5. While commissioners have been using a hybrid format – in-person and via Zoom – for their …

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Michigan launching $5M sweepstakes to boost vaccinations

About $5 million in cash and college scholarships will be given away in lottery-style drawings aimed at raising Michigan’s COVID-19 vaccination rate, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday. The incentive program features a $2 million jackpot, a $1 million prize and 30 daily drawings of $50,000 for residents ages 18 and older who have received at least one shot. Vaccinated residents …

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Biden goes in for cherries on campaign-style Michigan trip

President Joe Biden stayed mum on policy during a Saturday trip to Michigan, focusing instead on cherries — and cherry pie and cherry ice cream — and voters who were mask-free as coronavirus restrictions have eased. It had all the hallmarks of a campaign stop that he couldn’t make last year. Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer greeted Biden when he arrived …

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