Government

A Kalamazoo Democrat is jumping into the race for Michigan’s 6th Congressional district in 2014. Paul Clements is planning a tour of the entire district on Saturday, including stops in Buchanan, Benton Harbor, Cassopolis and Union Pier. He calls himself an “independent Democrat” on his campaign website and says Congressman Fred Upton has become “part of the problem” after 26 …

The identity of a Sturgis man who died in a crash last week in Florence Township has been confirmed. Corey Michael Draime, 27, was declared dead at the scene of the one-car crash just after 1 a.m. Oct. 27 in the 65000 block of Lutz Road. St. Joseph County Sheriff’s deputies said Draime was driving a vehicle stolen from the …

A two-vehicle collision Wednesday afternoon in Lockport Township resulted in occupants from both automobiles seeking medical treatment. State police investigators said a northbound car on U.S. 131 was approaching North Main Street when the driver of a southbound Ford Contour attempted to turn left onto Main Street in front of it. A 17-year-old Three Rivers girl was driving the Contour. …

State Rep. Matt Lori and state Sen. Rebekah Warren, of Ann Arbor, introduced resolutions Thursday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s signing of the Community Mental Health Act. In February, Lori and Warren were appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder to the Mental Health and Wellness Commission, and the two have been working to identify and address gaps in …

The St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department has announced the winners of the annual Meyer Broadway Park scarecrow contest. The displays were one of many attractions at the park as a part of the Oct. 13 Three Rivers Area Fall Color Tour. A variety of categories were in place and winners were: funniest, “The Three Rivers” by Andrews Elementary …

A 23-year-old Sturgis man was arrested following his role in an assault incident Tuesday in Sturgis. Investigators said police responded to a call for help at an apartment in the 300 block of North Clay Street regarding an assault in progress. The suspect was gone by the time officers arrived, but he was found around 8:30 later that night inside …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department has announced it is hosting a Community Emergency Response Team class starting next month. Sheriff Brad Balk said the CERT class educates program participants about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact the area. Balk said participants are trained in basic, disaster-response skills such as fire safety, search-and-rescue, team organization and disaster-medical operations. The …

The St Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in trying to find the party responsible for a malicious destruction of property incident in Sturgis Township. The incident occurred between 11 p.m. Tuesday and 7 a.m. Wednesday at the drive-up window at Hot and Now restaurant on South Centerville Road.

The preliminary examination set for Thursday in the matter of People vs. Andy Brown has been adjourned until next week. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office said the matter will be delayed until 8:30 a.m. next Wednesday before Judge Jeff Middleton. The preliminary exam will determine whether enough evidence exists to bind the case to circuit court for trial. Brown …

Members of the Sturgis City Commission last week approved tax-break requests for three businesses. The requests for Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificates were granted to Mayer Tool and Engineering, Americraft Carton and Burr Oak Tool. Mayer Tool’s request was for a 12-year abatement of almost $55,000 on the purchase of new equipment. Americraft Carton sought $6.2 million was for new equipment …