News
2-vehicle crash sends one to hospital with serious injuries
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbot reported that on July 10, Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched at 3:38 p.m., to the area of County Road 388 and 68th Street in Geneva Township for a two-vehicle crash. Initial…
Police Chief praised for lifesaving efforts in Ludington possible drowning
The Village of Paw Paw on Monday, July 14, praised the efforts of Village of Paw Paw Police Chief Eric Rottman for his life saving actions in a report of a possible drowning that occurred that day in Ludington, Mich.On…
Mattawan police officer killed in line of duty to be remembered
MATTAWAN – Village of Mattawan Police Officer Scot Beyerstedt, who was killed in the line of duty on July 26, 2005, will be remembered during a 20th anniversary memorial service, Saturday, July 26, at 11 a.m. at Mattawan Memorial Park,…
Centreville-Constantine/Lutz intersection to receive roundabout
Road Comm.: Centreville-Constantine/Lutz roundabout to make intersection safer By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Since its creation, Centreville-Constantine Road has been a heavily-traveled thoroughfare in St. Joseph County, running diagonal from, fittingly, Centreville to just east of Constantine. However, that…
Resurfacing begins on U.S. 12 Jacob-to-Maple segment in Sturgis
Beginning July 14, Michigan Department of Transportation will begin resurfacing of U.S. 12 in downtown Sturgis, from Jacob Street to South Maple Street. Paving takes place from evening until early morning, 7 p.m.-7 a.m., to reduce interruption of daytime traffic…
BHSJ outlines plans, strategies with program to reduce crashes involving Amish
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — According to Michigan State Police’s traffic crash reporting system, at least 78 of the 261 known crashes involving the Amish community in the state between 2016 and 2023 have been reported in St. Joseph,…
Bid for contaminant testing at jail, Animal Control to be considered by St. Joseph County
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Recent detection of a harmful substance in the ground at two locations in Centreville is prompting St. Joseph County officials to consider a bid to test the county jail and Animal Control buildings for…
Albion Community Gardens nourish the community with fresh local produce
By MAGGIE LANOUE Contributing Writer A steady rhythm of planting, harvesting, and sharing is underway at the Albion Community Gardens, located on Jefferson Street between Austin Avenue and West Broadwell. Although the gardens are a bit tucked away, a fresh…
Thayer Marine destroyed in Wednesday morning fire
Thayer Marine was destroyed by a fast-moving fire Wednesday morning. The blaze sent heavy smoke into the air and shut down part of US-127. Units from Summit Township Fire Department were dispatched around 8:30 a.m. for a structure fire. Upon…
Fireworks at Cascades Park marred by teens fighting
By ELIZABETH FERSZT Contributing Writer Hundreds of people gathered at Cascades Park in Jackson to kick off the July 4th holiday with fireworks, food trucks, and live music on Thursday, July 3. At dusk, right before the fireworks show began,…
Red, White and Blue Cruise-In
Albion’s 25th Annual Red, White & Blue Cruise-In Car Show on the bricks was once again a treat for car enthusiasts and the community alike. The annual event takes place every year downtown Albion on July 3 right before the…
Independence Day celebrations bring patriotism, family fun to local area
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — The 249th birthday celebrations for the United States were very much well-attended in a number of local municipalities.On July 4, three local communities held celebrations for Independence Day that brough crowds from all around…
Sturgis Fest: Chamber director reflects on week, looks ahead to ’26
By Dennis Volkert Sturgis Fest 2025 wrapped June 28.It was the festival’s 13th year.As a recap and look-ahead, Kari Hatt, executive director at Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, took part in a Q&A with Sturgis Sentinel, to reflect on this…
Congress School receives recognition on ‘inclusive playgrounds’ list
Congress School in Sturgis was named to Soliant Health’s “10 Best Inclusive School Playgrounds in America.”Congress School is one of six elementary schools in Sturgis to receive an inclusive playground, with help from a community-supported bond passed in 2019.Each playground…
Commission approves special assessment, payment plan for sidewalk repair and replacement
By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday held two public hearings in connection with sidewalk projects. The first hearing was to consider a special assessment district to repair sidewalks in conjunction with “small urban street improvement” along Vinewood Avenue and East…
New assistant prosecutor hired by county
CENTREVILLE — St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deborah Davis announced in a press release Monday the hiring of Angelique Camfield as a new assistant prosecutor with the prosecutor’s office, giving the office near-full staffing levels.Camfield has experience in both private practice…
Multiple illegal drugs, firearm recovered in arrest at TR hotel
THREE RIVERS — A suspect was arrested at a Three Rivers hotel Wednesday, with multiple illegal drugs and a firearm seized.According to Michigan State Police’s Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET), police arrested an individual at the Super 8 Hotel in Three…
Red Cross on site helping fire victims
The American Red Cross is working with local officials and community partners to help meet the immediate needs of 25 people displaced by a fire at the Wagon Wheel Motel on Saturday in Harrison. The shelter at Hayes Township Hall…
Fire at Wagon Wheel motel leaves 26 homeless
By Genine Hopkins A devastating fire at the Wagon Wheel Motel in Hayes Township on July 5, 2025, left 20 people and 6 children homeless but had only one serious injury, the owner, who was burned on their hands and…
Horse Progress Days celebrates another great year at the Yoder farm
By Christopher Johnson If you stuck around town this Fourth of July weekend, you may have noticed Colonville Road had transformed into something of a rural autobahn—buzzing with both motorized traffic and horse-drawn rigs, all headed in the same direction.That’s…
