News

Constantine accepts FOP labor contract

Members of the Constantine Village Council last week accepted a three-year contract with the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council. The contract, which becomes effective April 1, affects three full-time officers – Lt. Marc Donker, and officers Josh Wiard and Brian Fred – and three part-time officers, Holly Cerny, Jeff Schommer and Dalton Edwards. Village manager Mark Honeysett said …

Read More »

Teen who survived Michigan shootings says first word

The family of a 14-year-old girl who survived a mass shooting in southwestern Michigan says she has spoken her first word in nearly three weeks. A GoFundMe page supported by the family says Abigail Kopf said “pig” on Thursday, and it gave her relatives “great hope” that she’ll fully regain her speech. Police say Abigail was among eight people shot …

Read More »

Potential plan for new park revealed

A boat launch, riverside boardwalk, scenic grounds suitable for weddings and a premier view of the Langley Covered Bridge are part of a potential plan included for St. Joseph County’s newest park. The final draft for the yet-unnamed park will be created by officials from St. Joseph-based Edgewater Resources, who led a public-input session Thursday at the county’s parks and …

Read More »

Pump work causes sewage spill

The Three Rivers Waste Water Treatment Plan reports that a sewage spill occurred around 9 a.m. Wednesday at a Constantine intermediate booster station. Plant director Doug Humbert said the incident stemmed from a contractor attempting to remove and replace a pump. During a pump cycle, Humbert said a valve opened and discharged raw sewage into the building. Most of the …

Read More »

Theft in Sherman Township

State Police said a Stihl brand backpack-style leaf blower was taken Between Monday and Thursday from a residence in the 24000 block of Butternut Drive in Sherman Township.

Read More »

More closures for FirstMerit Bank

FirstMerit Bank has confirmed the closure of two of its St. Joseph County branches, in Colon and White Pigeon, effective June 3. Colon’s branch operation will become consolidated with the Sturgis branch. Officials could not confirm how many employees are affected, but all have been retained and offered positions at other locations, said Rob Townsend, media relations officer for FirstMerit …

Read More »

Apple crop is okay

Michigan apple growers say recent mild weather doesn’t pose a threat to this year’s crop. Most of the state’s apples were ruined in 2012 when March temperatures soared above 80 degrees for several days, causing apple trees to blossom early. Frosty nights the next month killed the buds. Temperatures have been up and down the past couple of weeks, at …

Read More »

Michigan State veterinarians save federal agent’s sick K-9

  An agent with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives credits Michigan State University veterinarians with saving his K-9 partner’s life in late January. Jeff Perryman of DeWitt rushed Ike, a 7-year-old German shepherd, to an after-hours clinic where he underwent surgery for a twisted stomach when he first became ill around Jan. 22 while the two …

Read More »

Cass County man arrested after car, foot chase

A 38-year-old Cass County man was arrested Tuesday after leading authorities on a vehicle chase and foot chase before being apprehended after breaking into a residence. Detectives conducting surveillance in the community of Union noticed a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of U.S. 12 and Kessington Street. The driver of the vehicle drove several miles before abandoning the car outside …

Read More »

House approves Cass County park grant

The Michigan House this week approved a state grant to make the Dodd Park Water Trail in Cass County more accessible. State Rep. Aaron Miller said the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant is included in House Bill 5377 to install new, barrier-free fixtures at the trail. The $277,000 project development grant is one of 44 such recommendations made by …

Read More »