Government

State Rep. Matt Lori was recently presented with the “Champion for the Medically Underserved” award for his work to promote and protect quality health care for all Michigan residents. A Constantine-area resident, Lori received the award during the recent Michigan Primary Care Association’s legislative forum. Lori said he was honored to be recognized by the association. Lori, who also serves …

Four men between the ages of 17 and 27 were charged last week with methamphetamine-related offenses in Sturgis. Sturgis police said they responded around 5 p.m. Friday to a report of an unusual odor emitting from a residential unit at the Cato Lane Apartment complex. Officers secured a search warrant and found the four were involved in the production of …

Michigan State Police investigators are looking into a breaking-and-entering incident reported last week in Constantine Township. According to a department media release, a Polaris all-terrain vehicle, a .44-magnum revolver, two televisions, a pair of computers, frozen meat and other items were stolen from the residence, located on County Line Road, south of M-60. The incident was reported Saturday, though the …

A light agenda awaits the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this afternoon. Items under new business are an agreement for renewing a cost-allocation plan; a request to offer AFLAC insurance through payroll deduction; and a request to fill a vacant finance accounting clerk position. Also, Commissioner Rick Shaffer is expected to be nominated to the Templene Lake Board. The …

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced an upcoming closure of M-216 in Flowerfield Township. Starting March 18, the road will be closed west of the U.S. 131 intersection for reconstruction. A detour will follow Pulver, Johnson and Flowerfield roads. The roadwork is set to be completed May 31.

A 14-year-old girl missing from Three Rivers was located over the weekend in Kent County, Three Rivers Police said. Fourteen-year-old Alejandra Rubi had been missing since Feb. 21. After Rubi’s disappearance, police said she had phone contact with her mother the following day and told her mother she was alright, but no longer in Three Rivers. She was found Saturday …

Officials from the city of Sturgis have approved a letter of intent with St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners regarding the development of a senior center. The proposed center is slated to be built on property adjacent to the Doyle Community Center and would be leased to the county for a token $1 annually. County Commission members over the past …

A charge of manslaughter was dropped against a 40-year-old Three Rivers man involved in the explosion of a methamphetamine lab last fall. St. Joseph County prosecutor John McDonough said Frank Pauwee will not seek the charge, as an investigation into the case has concluded and McDonough said he did not find reasonable grounds to pursue the charges. Police identified Pauwee …

Members of the Michigan House approved legislation allowing veterans to receive a special designation on their driver’s license or state ID cards, state Rep. Matt Lori announced Thursday. With more than 650,000 veterans living in Michigan, Lori anticipates the legislation will keep veterans from having to secure paperwork to prove their military service. Lori, a Constantine-area resident, said veterans deserve …

A clerk at the Mottville Stop-N-Go gas station was robbed at gunpoint Monday night. According to the Michigan State Police, around 11:15 p.m., the clerk had closed the store for the night and was confronted by a man as he was walking to his car. The suspect ordered the man back inside the store and demanded the day’s cash deposit. …