News

A former Constantine Public Schools administrator is taking on a high-profile position with a state education program. Kristin Flynn, a Schoolcraft resident and former principal at Eastside Elementary, is resigning her position as Schoolcraft High School principal to take a post with Michigan Virtual University. The 44-year-old Flynn, whose last day in Schoolcraft will be Oct. 31, said she will …

A tax exemption for Michigan Milk Producers Association was passed earlier this week by the Constantine Village Council. The exemption covers a 12-year period and $ 2.7 million for property and personal costs. MMPA plant manager Dave Davis and plant superintendent Mark Hopkins called the council’s support a win-win situation for the dairy industry. MMPA had previously announced plans to …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Tuesday recognized 26 county employees observing milestone years of employment. Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Bruce Morse led the way with 35 years. Friend of the Court caseworker Andi Guy and juvenile register Cathy Coleman were recognized for reaching the 30-year plateau. Road Patrol Deputy Jay Parker and corrections officer Judy Buchner-VanCamp reached the 25-year …

A 27-year-old woman is in critical condition after she was stabbed following an incident in Sturgis Tuesday morning. The St. Joseph Count Sheriff’s Department said a 911 call was received shortly after 3 a.m. from the 1200 block of Laura Drive. Details of the incident are limited, but the victim’s 22 year old sister was arrested and charged with assault …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has agreed to include the village of Centreville for services rendered by the county’s grant writer, Lindsay Oswald. During action at Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners approved a proposal calling for the village to pay about $3,200 annually to receive Oswald’s services. The amount represents about 5 percent of the $64,800 in salary and benefits …

The Sturgis Fire Department was dispatched to 107 W. St. Joseph St. Friday after a report of a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, fire personnel noticed light smoke coming from a sky-lift being used by a masonry crew repairing brick at Sturgis Central Commons. Moments later, something within the sky-lift compartment exploded and the fire intensified. Crews quickly extinguished the fire. Flames …

The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved a grant to help a Cassopolis manufacturer expand its operations, which will create jobs and boost the local economy. State Rep. Matt Lori said the village of Cassopolis was awarded a $127,000 Community Development Block Grant to be used toward infrastructure improvements for the Schwintek Inc. expansion project. Schwintek, a manufacturer of automatic Bimini …

Sturgis police arrested two men last week following a series of vehicle break-ins. Officers were dispatched to Market Street for a report of two men, both wearing hoodies and breaking into cars. Police arrested Sevon Gowen, 18, of Sturgis, and Max Shroyer, 19, of LaGrange, Ind. They allegedly had in their possession items that suggested vehicle theft, police said. One …

A second teenager has been found guilty of murder in the fatal shooting of a Kalamazoo middle-schooler during a gang fight.  A Kalamazoo County Circuit Court jury on Monday convicted 18-year-old Rashad Perez of second-degree murder and firearms charges in the May 26 shotgun death of 13-year-old Michael Day.  Perez faces up to life in prison when he’s sentenced Nov. …

Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is offering grants of $10,000 or less to shelters and other organizations that work to prevent cruelty to animals.  The agency will allocate $175,000 for the purpose next year and is accepting proposals through Nov. 10.  Registered animal control and animal protection shelters can apply for funds to help increase the adoption rate …