News

An Indiana man was injured in a single-vehicle crash over the weekend in Cass County’s Milton Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 8 p.m. Friday to U.S. 12 and Conrad Road in response to a personal-injury crash. Investigators said 55-year-old James Harker Jr., of Osceola, Ind., apparently fell asleep while driving. His vehicle left the roadway …

The spring 2024 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27, at locations throughout St. Joseph County. The bi-annual event is described by organizers as a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs. According to a flier shared by the Pivotal substance abuse prevention department, St. Joseph County residents can drop off medications …

A long-time White Pigeon village employee died last week following a brief illness. Oliver “Dutch” Baker passed away March 28. He served as White Pigeon Police chief from 1995 to 2015. Baker, who was 73, was a Dowagiac High School graduate and previously a member of Howard Township Police Department before he accepted the job in White Pigeon. He also …

St. Joseph County officials on Tuesday discussed the re-appointment of four people to the board previously known as St. Joseph County Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The agency has been rebranded and now goes by the name Pivotal. Recommended for re-appointment to the board were: Carol Naccarato, Kathy Pangle, Katherine Decker and Rick Shaffer. In another matter Tuesday, …

Van Buren/Cass District Health Department is sounding the alarm on rising cases of syphilis and urging residents to get tested. April marks Sexually Transmitted Infection month. The department is focused on raising awareness about the importance of routine screening for STIs, particularly syphilis. Dr. Larry Wile, medical director at VBCDHD, said he encourages individuals to take proactive steps by getting …

Retiring Glen Oaks Community College President David Devier received special recognition over the weekend from a distinguished organization. Devier was honored by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society with the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award. It was presented Saturday in Orlando. According to the honor society, the award is given to retiring college presidents who have shown support of student-success initiatives …

A 25-year-old Sturgis man has been arrested following his alleged role in a home invasion and criminal sexual conduct case in Fawn River Township. The incident occurred March 20 at Sweet Lake Mobile Home Park, where two females under the age of 13 were sexually assaulted. Investigators were able to quickly determine that the suspect was the driver of a …

White Pigeon Township Library officials said a critical change to its preferred bookmobile vehicle will save about $95,000. During a special board meeting last week, library officials approved a change in their bookmobile vehicle from a Sprinter van to a pickup-and-trailer combination. The move means a revised fundraising total from what was $279,000 to about $184,400. As of April 4, …

Bronson Police Chief Steve Johnson said the department has finally relocated its offices to the former PNC Bank on West Chicago Road. The four-officer department moved in March 1, leaving smaller quarters in the fire department building on South Matteson Street. Bronson City Council members late last year approved the purchase of the former bank for $40,000. Johnson and Deputy …

Three Rivers High School has named its new varsity football coach. Jeff Awe, a 1990 Three Rivers graduate, replaces Chris Gilliam. Gilliam was let go in February after his team posted a 1-8 record in 2023, his lone season as head coach in Three Rivers. Awe played on Three Rivers’ Wolverine Conference championship teams in 1988 and 1989, and was …