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DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Launches SWAT Team
(DEKALB COUNTY) - The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office has announced the creation of a Special Weapons and Tactics, or SWAT, team. The department made the announcement this week, marking the completion of a year-long effort to form the unit.Eight deputies were selected for the team and completed mo...
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Indiana Bill Would Require Ten Commandments Displayed in School Classrooms
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A bill introduced ahead of the 2026 legislative session would require Indiana schools to display the text of the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library.House Bill 1086 would require school corporations to place a durable poster or framed image showing the Ten Commandment...
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New Year - New Laws for Hoosiers: Property Taxes, SNAP, Health Care, and More
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Several Indiana laws approved between 2023 and 2025 officially took effect January 1, bringing changes across multiple areas of daily life.Under a new property tax law, homeowners will receive a ten percent credit on homestead property tax bills, capped at $300. Additional credi...
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Michigan Rolls Out New Cannabis Tax as Wholesale Levy Takes Effect
(LANSING) - A new wholesale tax on cannabis is now in effect in Michigan.The tax sets a 24 percent rate on cannabis at the wholesale level and was included in the state's fiscal year 2026 budget. The final rate is lower than a 32 percent wholesale tax proposed earlier by Senate Democrats.The Mich...
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(Slight) Hike at Michigan Gas Pumps, State Fuel Tax Changes Take Effect
(COLDWATER) - Michigan's new fuel tax system is now in effect, shifting how road and bridge repairs are funded statewide. As of January 1, 2026, the state eliminated the 6 percent sales tax on gasoline and replaced it with a higher flat fuel tax per gallon.Under the new system, the state fuel tax...
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Coldwater Utilities Turn to Drones for Power Inspections
(COLDWATER) - The Coldwater Board of Public Utilities is transitioning to full-scale use of drone technology to inspect its electric infrastructure in 2026. The utility recently approved a five-year, $248,000 contract with Norwegian technology company eSmart Systems following a successful year-lo...
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Bellino Named Michigan Senate's Most Conservative Lawmaker for 2025
(LANSING) - State Senator Joseph Bellino has been named the most conservative member of the Michigan Senate for 2025, according to the Capitol news organization MIRS.The ranking is based on voting records from the 2025 legislative session. MIRS reported that Bellino voted in line with conservativ...
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Cash on the Line This Weekend - Ice Fishing Season Opens with Lake Switch
(BRANCH & HILLSDALE COUNTIES) - Ice fishing tournaments return to Branch County this weekend as the Branch County Panfish Club opens its 2026 season with back-to-back events January 3 and 4.Saturday's tournament will move from Messenger Lake to Craig Lake due to ice conditions. Club officials...
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DeKalb Central School Board to Hold Special Meeting Monday
(WATERLOO) - The DeKalb Central School Board will conduct a special meeting Monday, January 5, at 5 p.m. at the Central Administration Office, 3326 County Road 427 in Waterloo. According to the agenda, board members will interview candidates seeking appointment to the school board. The public wil...
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Ten Commandments Monument May Return to Indiana Statehouse
(INDIANAPOLIS) - A Ten Commandments monument could be placed at the Indiana Statehouse for the first time in 25 years if a federal court lifts a long-standing injunction blocking its installation. The monument, which also includes the Bill of Rights and the Preamble to the Indiana Constitution, h...
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