Recent Posts

Youngster dies in Kalamazoo

Authorities say they are investigating the death of a 4-year-old girl on her birthday. Kalamazoo police say officers responded to a home Saturday on a report that the girl wasn’t breathing. She was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the home. Police said more information will be released after an autopsy.  (AP)

Read More »

K-Wings sweep Nailers, inching toward playoffs

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings (33-28-4-1) swept a pair of games against the visiting Wheeling Nailers (34-24-4-4) this past weekend. The wins helped close the playoff gap for the K-Wings to just three points. The K-Wings are currently in 10th place in the American Conference playoff race with 71 points. The Orlando Solar Bears also have 71 points, but …

Read More »

A busy year for Central Dispatch

St. Joseph County’s E-911 Central Dispatch fell short of a goal in 2015 but the objective remains a work in progress, according to agency director Dennis Brandenburg. Presenting his department’s annual report to county commissioners last week, Brandenburg said his No. 1 goal in 2015 was to staff central dispatch fully. Regarding accomplishments last year, Brandenburg said the agency received …

Read More »

Make plans for recycling event on April 23rd

Members of the St. Joseph County’s Solid Waste Committee are asking residents to be mindful of an approaching date as they begin their spring cleaning in coming weeks. The agency’s twice-a-year collection of household hazardous waste, and recycling of electronics, tires paper and latex paint takes place April 23rd at the county fairgrounds. The event will take place 8 a.m. …

Read More »

Restroom project moves forward at Nottawa Park

A quote for work related to the development of a septic system and restroom at Nottawa Park at Sand Lake was awarded last week by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. County administrator Pat Yoder said a $12,000 quote was received from Jones Petrie Rafinski of Elkhart for engineering services to complete the project and ready it for construction. …

Read More »

Wind damage at Edwardsburg

Cass County’s E-911 Central Dispatch fielded a number of calls Thursday regarding structural damage caused by high winds. According to an agency media release, the dispatch center around 3:30 p.m. had received a number of calls from the village of Edwardsburg regarding several reports of downed trees. Many trees were uprooted, several homes received wind damage to shingles and siding, …

Read More »

State police budget up for consideration

The Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee for State Police this week approved a $654 million budget that state Rep. Aaron Miller said improves public safety for all Michigan families. Miller, chair of the panel, said the budget includes funding for a state trooper school that will train 64 men and women to provide law enforcement across the state. The spending plan …

Read More »

Several area students named to honorable mention teams

Six area student-athletes received all-state accolades for their work on the hardwood floor this season. Three girls were recognized: Mendon’s Megan Zinsmaster, a senior, was named to the Class D honorable mention team; Riley Phelps, a White Pigeon High School senior, earned a nod to the Class C honorable mention squad; and Centreville’s Bailey May, also a senior, was named …

Read More »

February sees increase in flu illnesses

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is reporting an uptick in flu-like illness and other viruses. Agency health officer Rebecca Burns said the tri-county health department during February saw an increase in respiratory illnesses and gastro-intestinal illnesses, as well as other communicable diseases. According to Kim Wilhelm, prevention services director, it is typical for flu to peak in February and …

Read More »

K-Wings hold on to defeat Royals

The Kalamazoo Wings (31-28-4-1) scored in the first two periods last night and goaltender Clay Witt held off the comeback minded Reading Royals to pick up their second victory in as many nights. Curtis Valk and Justin Taylor scored just 24 seconds part in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. The goal by Valk was his 16th of …

Read More »