News

Drug store chain Rite-Aid announced this week it is filing for bankruptcy, prompting the closure of 154 stores nationwide, including one in St. Joseph County. In all, 17 stores in Michigan are set to close. The decision will impact the location in Sturgis, at the northwest corner of North Centreville Road and West Chicago Road. The next-closest Michigan location to …

Thirteen St. Joseph County employees were recognized Tuesday by the county’s board of commissioners. During their annual acknowledgment ceremony, commissioners saluted employees from eight different departments. The recipients were: Tab Wedge, district court administrator, 35 years; Kitty Buchner, jail administrator, 30 years, and 25-year employees Sherry Swartz, veterans advisor and Dena Clark, chief deputy clerk. All others were for 10 …

Three appointments were made Tuesday by St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Luke Lori was named to the Community Corrections Advisory Board. Meanwhile, Randy Chupp and Rick Anderson were named to the St. Joseph County Board of Canvassers.

St. Joseph County United Way recently conducted its 12th annual Mega Raffle fundraiser. Agency director Kelly Hostetler said 330 tickets were sold for $100 each. She said 14 of 19 lucky ticket owners received their money back. The draw-down style saw the fifth ticket remaining belonged to Hailey Carter, who won $1,000. The fourth remaining ticket was worth a $2,000 …

Colon Board of Education members were criticized Monday for relieving Paige Smolarz as the school’s varsity track coach. During their monthly board meeting, the board listened to a dozen speakers during Citizen Comments. More than half expressed their disappointment in the decision, which was relayed to Smolarz over the weekend. Smolarz, who has been affiliated with the district for 33 …

Another high-density housing development slated for the northwest quadrant of the village prompted a lengthy discussion by Vicksburg Village Council members last month. Village Manager Jim Mallery mentioned the proposed development of Homestead at Centennial community, between Trillium Plat and the original Centennial neighborhoods on the west side of South 22nd Street. He said developer Allen Edwin is behind the …

A fast-food destination for more than 25 years in Centreville is closing at the end of the month. Jim and Laura Maynard, owners/operators of the Centreville McDonald’s, announced to staff last week the restaurant’s last day is Oct. 31. Jim Maynard was vague on details, stating only that the move was made as a financial decision. The Maynards have owned …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency was recognized by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services with a 2023 Director’s Award to Local Public Health. The Coldwater-based agency was one of three departments to receive honors at the annual Michigan Premier Public Health Conference earlier this month. The agency was acknowledged for “Excellence in Public Health for providing access …

Gateway Village Apartments of Sturgis has received a generous grant from the Sturgis Area Community Foundation to help fund the Fresh Food Distribution Program, in collaboration with the South Michigan Food Bank. The grant – provided by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation – will enable Gateway Village Apartments to continue supplying fresh food. The Fresh Food Distribution Program is aimed …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the theft of a four-wheeler from a location in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. Investigators recently responded to the 63000 block of Borgert Road to follow-up on the theft of a blue quad stolen from a residence in the 63000 block of Borgert Road. The victim told authorities the 4-wheeler was last seen in his …