Recent Posts

Guilty pleas for 2 in fairgrounds robbery

Two of four Ohio men linked to a September armed robbery at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds have pleaded guilty to the charge. During a court proceeding earlier this month, 35-year-old John Gregory and Robert Howe, 55, pled guilty and as part of a plea agreement that included dismissal of additional charges. Corderrius Cook, 27, pled no contest, while Samuel …

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Hotel robbed at gunpoint

A clerk at a motel outside of Schoolcraft was robbed at gunpoint earlier this week. Kalamazoo County officials said the incident took place at 4:30 a.m. Monday at the Plainsman Motel, on U.S. 131 in Schoolcraft Township. Investigators said a man with a bandana over his face and a woman with several piercings on her lip and face entered the …

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November unemployment numbers

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates in November declined in 14 of the state’s 17 major labor market regions. According to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget, total employment and labor force levels rose in the majority of areas over the month. 12 of Michigan’s major regions posted unemployment rates below the national seasonally unadjusted rate of 5.5 percent. The Ann Arbor area …

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Influenza cases are increasing

Cases of influenza are growing rapidly across Michigan, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declares a national flu epidemic, with widespread outbreaks in 22 states, so far. The C-D-C reports 15 children have died already this season of complications from the flu, which is peaking much earlier than normal in December instead of February or March. National officials say about …

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Out and About – Week of December 29th

It’s hard to believe that 2015 begins on Thursday. I hate to wear out a phrase, but I just don’t know where this year has gone. I have to think hard to remember the seasons that have passed. Our summer was quite normal, with temperatures staying below ninety degrees most of the time. I’m not sure if we did have …

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HAPPY NEW YEAR! My name is Chance and I am a male black lab mix, about 4 years old. I have a lot of energy and love to play. I know how to play fetch and how to sit – and I really like belly rubs. I have already been neutered, too. People are very fun to play with but …

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MSU Extension active in St Joseph County

The MSU Extension Service has played an active role in St. Joseph County during 2014, according to an annual report presented earlier this month to the county commission. Its role with children and youth included a “Grow Your Own Pig and Sell Your Pig” commodity carnival as a simulation of what it takes to raise a hog for market. Other …

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State Rep Lori honored by crime-prevention organization

Outgoing State Rep. Matt Lori was honored earlier this month by a number of dignitaries and representatives from a crime-prevention organization. Officials from the group “Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Michigan,” a non-profit organization led by more than 500 of Michigan’s police chiefs, sheriffs, prosecutors and crime survivors, honored Lori with a “Crime Fighter Award” during a reception at the …

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Sturgis man dies following head-on crash

A 47-year-old Sturgis man died following a two-vehicle accident Dec. 20 in LaGrange County. The LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department said Hugo Fernandez died at the scene after the car he was driving was struck head-on by a vehicle on State Road 9, just south of Howe. Sheriff’s investigators said 44-year-old Christopher Yoder of Sturgis was traveling south on State Road …

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Engine stolen from barn in Burr Oak Township

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office investigated a breaking-and-entering incident last week at a location in Burr Oak Township. Investigators were called at 2 p.m. Dec. 21 to the 66000 block of Halfway Road. It was reported that someone entered a barn and took an engine. The engine had aluminum valve covers with the word “Avenger” on it. …

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