Government

Charges have been filed against a 19-year-old man and his pregnant wife in connection with the shooting death of a Michigan State Police trooper. Eric Knysz is charged with murdering a peace officer, felony firearm, concealed weapons violation, unlawfully driving away an auto, and being a habitual offender. His 21-year-old wife Sarah, who is six-months pregnant, is charged with being …

A new member of the Three Rivers Police Department’s K-9 unit will be on the job before the end of the year. Following approval last week by Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners, Jake will replace K-9 officer Bedo. Bedo has been on the job 16 years and is retiring, according to his handler, officer Tom Hicks. Jake is a 14-month-old …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has agreed to work with an Ohio-based firm to prepare a study of potential locations for a new senior center. As a result of last week’s vote by commissioners, Lifespan Design Studio will evaluate three potential locations for a new Sturgis senior center. The $11,000 approved for the undertaking will provide commissioners opinions …

Three grants were recently funded by the White Pigeon Area Community Foundation. The Richard and Mary Magee Fund awarded $1,000 to the White Pigeon Downtown Revitalization Association. The Adele M. Gray Fund contributed $4,000 to White Pigeon Caring Families. And a proactive grant was made to the Edds  Memorial Fund for a Civil War memorial project at Wahbememe Park. The …

The Three Rivers City Commission last week recommended paving-related expenses for two micro-surfacing projects. Nearly $32,000 was approved for work to be performed on South Douglas Avenue, from West Michigan Avenue to Millard Street, and Sixth Avenue from Wood to Jefferson streets. The $14,900 Douglas Avenue job was a budgeted project; funds from the city’s 2014 fiscal year will be …

Police officers and other first responders are in mourning following Monday’s shooting death of a Michigan State Police Trooper in Ludington. The Michigan State Police say Paul Butterfield died late Monday night during emergency surgery, after he was shot during a traffic stop. A man and woman exchanged gunfire with Butterfield during the stop. The pair fled but were captured …

The Michigan Department of Transportation Southwest Region is holding informational open houses at each of its three Transportation Service Centers this week. MDOT’s Nick Schirripa said TSC staff will be present at each location to discuss project selection, transportation funding, construction projects and other issues. Whether it’s highway and bridge conditions, project types, traffic signals and speed limits, snow removal …

A Cassopolis man died as a result of a motorcycle crash Monday evening at 8pm. The victim was identified as 50-year-old Ronald Turnbow. He lost control of his cycle on Chain Lake Street and crashed. Turnbow was not wearing a helmet.

A Vandalia man was injured in a motorcycle crash Monday evening on Daily Road. 19-year-old Connor Wright lost control of his cycle. He was taken to Lakeland Niles Hospital for treatment. He was wearing a helmet.

A forum hosted by the Fabius Township Wetlands Committee, will focus on regional efforts to inform area landowners of available tools, programs and financial incentives to protect the area’s remaining wetlands and restore some that have been lost. The forum, entitled “River Country Riches: Landowner Incentives to Preserve Private Wetlands for Regional Benefit,” will take place Sept. 24 at 6:30 …