News

Here’s a look at this month’s Fresh Food Distribution in St. Joseph County. Seventh-Day Adventist Church, east of Centreville on M-86 will host the month’s first distribution. It will take place at 4 p.m. Sept. 12. St. Joseph County Transportation Authority will provide a free ride to and from the event with 24-hour advance notice. A ride can be secured …

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency officer Rebecca Burns said new cases of COVID-19 are on the rise. During the health agency’s board meeting last week, Burns said the first U.S. case of a new variant was reported from a sample collected Aug. 3 by a lab at the University of Michigan. The adult lived in Washtenaw County and had not …

Three dogs perished in a structure fire over the weekend in the village of Constantine. Chief Mike Haydon said the agency was notified shortly after 4 p.m. Sunday about a fire in the 200 block of Plum Street. Crews arrived in a matter of minutes and found the back porch of the residence fully engulfed in flames. Haydon said crews …

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters is encouraging former members of the military to consider signing up for VA benefits to toxic-exposed veterans. The benefits are the result of the PACT Act, signed into law in 2022. Peters said there is no deadline to apply but his public appeal is being made in hopes of bringing awareness to the potential benefits. PACT …

Here’s an update on work being done on U.S. 131 in St. Joseph and Kalamazoo counties, according to Michigan Department of Transportation’s Christopher Jacobs. Recently finished work includes storm sewer northbound from the Rocky River to Michigan Avenue, and median restoration and permanent signs in the median. Meanwhile, northbound traffic is being maintained in the median lane. Jacobs said curbing …

Michigan Department of Transportation has approved a transportation plan covering a five-year period, and a number of local roads are included. The window, from 2024 through 2028, includes reconstruction of portions of M-60, M-86 and the U.S. 131 Business Route in the Three Rivers area. In addition, the Portage River bridge on East Michigan Avenue is targeted for replacement, while …

Sturgis municipal officials have announced a segment of Lafayette Street, between North Lakeview and North Franks avenues, has a new speed limit. City Commission members this week approved a recommendation to adjust the maximum speed limit on the one-mile stretch between the eastern border of Wall Elementary School and the new roundabout next to Spence Softball Complex. The new speed …

St. Joseph County Human Services Commission is looking for agencies that wish to participate in the upcoming St. Joseph County Project Connect event. The annual Project Connect and Veteran Stand Down is Oct. 6 at the county fairgrounds. It is the largest collaboration of community agencies and organizations the county offers to connect individuals and families to resources. Project Connect is …

A suspect shot during an attempted armed robbery at a Cass County convenience store was arraigned last week. Meanwhile, Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz said the customer who fired seven shots at the would-be robber will not be charged. Cordelius Anthony Martin, 35, was arraigned Thursday on charges of armed robbery, assault with intent to rob while armed and felonious …

Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the date of its 2023 “Fall Color Tour.” The annual, regional event will take place Oct. 8. Event organizers said this year’s Fall Color Tour will feature hay rides, pumpkin painting, scenic walking trails, fall-food samples and more. Additional details are forthcoming, chamber officials said.