News

A longtime fixture in Cass County has announced he will not seek re-election later this year to another four-year term. Sheriff Joe Underwood Jr. stated in a media release he plans to retire after 40 years in law enforcement. He has served as sheriff the past 24 years. Underwood said he spent a significant amount of time weighing the decision …

Sturgis city commissioners last week reviewed a proposal for a $200,000 expansion at the Doyle Community Center. If approved, the additional funds would provide dedicated space for strength and cardio-training equipment, and open the possibility for future 24-hour access to the health site. On the table is a proposed 45- by 60-foot expansion to the northeast corner of the building, …

Plans are moving forward for an Indiana Michigan Power solar power project in southwestern Michigan. The Herald-Palladium of St. Joseph reports an estimated 50,000 solar panels are planned for a 35-acre site in Berrien County’s Watervliet Township. Plans call for it to generate enough electricity to power an average of 700 homes. Local officials are reviewing a permit request for …

Two people found in a car in a creek in southwestern Michigan died from drowning. The autopsy result was announced Monday, a day after the car was found upside down in Brandywine Creek in Niles. The victims were Autumn Mehl and Steven Rough, who were last seen leaving a bar early Saturday. The road above the creek was snow-covered and …

A 15-year public servant has announced his candidacy for the Fabius Township Board of Trustees. Lucas Allen issued a press release stating his intention to run for trustee after learning current township trustee Dave Brueck and clerk Kathy McDonough are not seeking re-election. Allen said if elected, he will strive to not only fill the role of trustee in a …

An Adrian native with a Mendon connection will be the recipient of a Purple Heart medal and other honors to be presented this week by Congressman Fred Upton. World War II veteran and Portage resident John Butler, 89, will be at the center of the event at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Community Room of the Centre Meadows Apartments in …

Three Rivers High School will host an important meeting this week for current eighth-grade students and their parents. High school staff on Tuesday will provide information on the Michigan Merit Curriculum and 9th grade scheduling options. Principal Carrie Balk said students with last names beginning with the letters A through H will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. …

A man faces charges in the deaths of a woman and her son in an icy, chain-reaction crash last month on I-94 in southwestern Michigan. Carol and Andrew Griesemer died in the pileup in Van Buren County. The crashes on Jan. 17 spread to more than 40 cars and trucks. Timothy Martinez, a 40-year-old from the Grand Rapids area, appeared …

Bitterly cold weather has made its way into Michigan and wintry conditions are creating hazardous driving conditions in parts of the state. The National Weather Service issued wind chill advisories into the weekend, with temperatures forecast to drop below zero at times. The Van Buren County sheriff’s department reports numerous crashes Friday along a stretch of I-94 in southwestern Michigan. …

The first person to publicly announce his candidacy for the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners is a longtime Centreville resident and public official. Dennis Allen said he will seek the Third District seat currently held by 20-year board member and Fishers Lake resident Rick Shaffer. Shaffer has already stated he will not seek re-election for an additional two-year term. …