News

The race for Branch County sheriff is now a three-person contest. Branch County Sheriff’s Department Captain Fred Blankenship, who also serves as jail administrator, and Coldwater Police Department School Resource Officer Robin Swartz recently announced their intent to pursue the four-year position. Current Sheriff John Pollack is retiring at the end of the year. Swartz was a member of the …

A 38-year career-scoring mark at Colon High School was broken last week. Senior Reese Williams scored 24 points in Friday’s home game against Burr Oak, making her the school’s all-time leading basketball scorer, boys or girls. She surpassed the 1,528-point mark set in 1986 by Tracie Craver-Somerset. Williams’ two dozen points in the game put her at 1,532 points with …

The city of Three Rivers is seeking to fill several vacancies that currently exist on a number of its commissions and committees. Open positions are being experienced on the city’s Board of Appeals, Board of Review, Historic District Commission, Housing Cooperation, Planning Commission and the River Country Recreational Authority. Multiple seats are available to the city’s Airport Advisory Board, Industrial …

Vicksburg municipal officials last week conducted their first meeting inside their new village hall. Led by village president Tim Frisbie, the council assembled Jan. 29 for the first time at its North Richardson Street location. The council over the years previously met in a variety of locations due to its former village hall being too small to conduct meetings. Vicksburg …

St. Joseph County United Way is hosting a new 50/50 raffle. Tickets for the Valentine’s Day-themed raffle are $5 each or five for $20. They are available at the agency’s Centreville-based office, over the phone at 467-9099, and at the United Way’s temporary storefront in downtown Sturgis. In addition, tickets will be available at special events, including the Feb. 23 …

Three Rivers Police are leading an investigation into a bank robbery that occurred over the weekend. Chief Scott Boling said two black men robbed the Sturgis Bank at 115 North Main Street shortly before 11 a.m. Saturday. A K-9 unit was brought to the scene, and a scent was picked up and followed to a nearby parking lot. Investigators said …

Metal pieces of a Michigan icon are being offered for sale. The Mackinac Bridge Authority is selling 5-by-11-inch pieces of metal grating for $20 each. Bridge director Kim Nowack said the metal grating featured on the inside lanes toward the center of the bridge used to go to scrap until officials became aware of the public’s interest in owning pieces …

A Constantine man died in a two-vehicle crash on Friday in Fabius Township. Michigan State Police troopers were called to an area near the south intersection of U.S. 131 and M-60 in response to a head-on crash. Investigators said a Ford Escape was traveling south on 131 when it crossed into the northbound lane. The Escape collided with a semi …

Five months ago this week, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners sent a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer seeking her aid in removing Mark Lillywhite as sheriff. A copy was included to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. County officials said they have not received word from anyone at the state regarding the Aug. 31 letter, which was sent Sept. 1. …

Three Rivers High School Athletic Director Matt Stofer said the district is starting its search for a new head varsity football coach. The announcement was made after news broke that Chris Gilliam would not be returning to coach in the fall. Stofer shed little light on the matter, stating the decision to let Gilliam go was made at the discretion …