News

St. Joseph County Clerk Lindsay Oswald is presenting a review of election-inspector duties for anyone curious about the integrity of the election process in the county. During the county commission’s executive committee meeting Tuesday, Oswald agreed to conduct the hour-long informational session 3 to 4 p.m. April 9 in the third-floor commissioners’ room at the county courthouse. The demonstration will …

Re-appointments to the county’s Agricultural Preservation Board and its Veterans Affairs Board are expected to be made next week. County commissioners on Tuesday reviewed the re-appointments of Henry Miller and Carolyn Grace to the Agricultural Preservation Board. Meanwhile, Bill Walters, Nathan Brown and Stoney Summey are expected to be re-appointed to the Veterans Affairs Advisory Board. The re-appointments will be …

Centreville village officials recently adopted a resolution pertaining to the use of golf carts within village limits. The resolution authorizes operation of a golf cart on village streets. However, a cart pass must be acquired from the village office. The pass is issued free of charge after proof of insurance and a driver’s license are provided. Copies of the resolution, …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that took place earlier this week at a business in Coldwater Township. Troopers were dispatched around 1 a.m. Monday to the 600 block of Marshall Road in response to a break-in and malicious destruction of property. The incident occurred at Broadhead and Bullets guns, archery and professional outdoor outfitter. The suspect …

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education recently approved installation of new flooring and painting throughout the middle school. The $800,000 project will be done by Magala Inc. In addition, the board approved the purchase of new classroom furniture from Great Lakes Furniture for $970,000. Cost includes installation and the furniture will be placed in the history, social studies, science, math, …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is providing refresher training on concealed-pistol-carry laws. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman hosts the free training 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 4 at the department’s training center, 602 E. Main St., in Centreville. Training will focus on a review of laws pertaining to concealed carry, including new laws that went into effect a month ago. Enrollment …

Burr Oak Heritage Days organizers have announced a theme for the 2024 event. The theme is “Living in a Small Town Can be a Circus.” It will center on the book “The Long Road to the Circus,” written by Betsy Bird. The non-fiction book captures the story of Madam Marantette and her ostrich, Gaucho. Its setting is in Burr Oak. …

Michigan State Police and officers from Michigan Department of Corrections Lakeland in Coldwater have conducted a joint investigation into attempted drug smuggling into the prison through the mail. The incident started in May 2023 when the prison received a book addressed to an inmate. An inspection of the book revealed drugs were concealed inside it. The investigation led officials to …

An Elkhart man died last week following an incident in Cass County’s Calvin Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday to Cassopolis Road and Bullhand Street in response to a two-vehicle crash. Authorities said Alyssa Handschu, 20, of Osceola, Ind., was driving north on Cassopolis Road when her vehicle struck a deer in the …

Three Rivers Police Department recently recognized Bryann Books, who became the 11th certified First Responder Counselor in the state. The counselor program was developed to give mental-health clinicians tools needed to effectively reach and support first responders with cultural competence, expertise, confidence and empathy. Coursework blends the latest mental health and leadership approaches with real-world relevance. Police officials said Books …