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Two Detroit-area women were arrested after attempting to smuggle contraband into Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater. State police troopers were contacted in February 2019 about a package sent via FedEx to the prison. Hidden inside the package were drugs and cell phones intended for prisoners. A joint investigation was started with the Michigan Department of Corrections, and an inmate and …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the larceny of a generator last week in Branch County’s California Township. The victim said the theft occurred on Delmar Road between Dec. 8 and 10. The Generac brand generator is orange and black.

Members of the Sturgis City Commission opened their Dec. 9 meeting with good news for a longtime resident. The city hosted the annual “Christmas Cash 50/50” raffle, with proceeds to benefit St. Joseph County United Way. Resident Myah Burkey drew the winning name from a basket: Gwen Donmeyer, who was awarded $3,740. Last year’s winner was given more than $3,300, …

St. Joseph County Administrator Teresa Doehring has agreed to a one-year contract renewal. During Tuesday’s board of commissioners meeting, county officials approved a contract for 2021. Doehring, 46, is completing her third year as the highest-ranking, non-elected employee in county government. A lifelong Mendon-area resident, Doehring said she is grateful commissioners think enough of her to keep her on board …

A Three Rivers man was arrested following a vehicle pursuit earlier this week in Park Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called at 1:10 p.m. Sunday to an area on Carpenter Road at Heimbach Road. Authorities said deputies attempted to check on a suspicious vehicle before it sped southbound on Carpenter Road. Deputies pursued the vehicle to the area …

St. Joseph County officials said goodbye to the dean of the five-member county commission board Tuesday. Allen Balog is wrapping up his 10th year on the panel. That follows a four-year tenure as mayor of the Three Rivers City Commission. A resolution recognizing Balog and his contributions to the county board was approved by commissioners. Balog, a 64-year-old Three Rivers …

St. Joseph County Grange Fair is bringing back a popular component from its past. Fair officials said a final-night concert will return in 2021, as it has secured country act Diamond Rio. Fair board member Mindy Timm said the Nashville-based band will perform Sept. 25. Timm said the six-member act was secured to perform in 2020 but the show, like …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration reported progress Tuesday in the fight against the coronavirus, saying new cases continue to decline and Michigan has seen no spike related to Thanksgiving travel. Officials warned, though, that the case rate remains high. Whitmer, a Democrat, said “hope is on the horizon” now that a vaccine is being distributed. She again urged the Republican-led Legislature …

Residents in Branch, Hillsdale and St. Joseph counties will not receive the earliest doses of COVID- 19 vaccine, according to Rebecca Burns, health officer for the tri-county health agency. Burns last week provided an update regarding the vaccine for the health agency board. She said because rural counties do not have an ultra-cold freezer, they will not be receiving the …

Three Rivers police last week arrested a man following the execution of a search warrant in the 300 block of Middle Street. According to a department media release, officers responded Thursday evening to drug-related activity. Accompanied by members of the Southwest Enforcement Team, troopers from Michigan State Police and deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Three Rivers officers …