Phyllis M. Hines, 80, of Marcellus, passed away at her residence Monday evening, Feb. 20, 2012 following an illness. She was born Nov. 13, 1931 in Steuben County, Ind. the daughter of Cecil L. and Rena R. (Perkins) Hanes. On July 28, 1951 in Auburn, Ind. she married Edward L. Hines, who preceded her in death on March 28, 2006. …

Three Rivers Police on Tuesday apprehended a man who allegedly stole a car from the Riverside Townhouses. Police said the vehicle was found abandoned in the parking lot of a nearby convenience store. With the aid of investigators from the Michigan State Police post at White Pigeon, the man was found at an undisclosed location several blocks away from where …

Members of the Constantine Village Council are closer to approving new rates for its sewer service. A 20-percent increase for all businesses and residences in the village could be in effect once the seven-member council follows due diligence in approving the measure. On deck is a public hearing on the matter, as required by state statute. Village Manager Mark Honeysett …

A single-car crash in Lockport Township Tuesday night led to a 24-year-old Marcellus-area woman being airlifted to a Kalamazoo hospital for injuries she suffered.  The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Leslie Leer was driving north on Constantine road when she lost control of her Jeep at 10:30 p.m. near Shorewood Drive.  The Jeep struck a street sign and cable …

An English teacher at Sturgis High School has been placed on administrative leave after he was charged with possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor. Travis Neville was arrested Monday at his LaGrange County residence, according to the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department. The department executed a search warrant at his residence and found an undisclosed quantity of marijuana. He was additionally charged …

Progress on a $15 million district-wide building upgrade project is being made in Colon Community Schools. Superintendent Lloyd Kirby said a second group of students at Colon Elementary School returned to the building Tuesday after more than six weeks of instruction in portable trailers. The relocation was necessary while the third- and fourth-grade classrooms were being overhauled to include new …

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners on Tuesday accepted the resignation of a longtime employee in the prosecutor’s office. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeanette Jackson plans to retire March 30, capping a 31-year career. Prosecutor John McDonough sought and was given approval to fill Jackson’s position. McDonough indicated he plans to appoint Joshua Robare, who is expected to join the office …

Stephen Leroy McMaster Sr. went home to be with the lord Friday, February 18, 2012 at Riverview Grace Manor in Three Rivers, MI. Stephen was born June 5, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois to Clarence McMaster Sr. and Clara Rosaleigh (Blackwell) McMaster. He was their second child joining and older brother Clarence McMaster Jr. He is proceeded in death by both …

Trinity Episcopal Church, 321 North Main Street, Three Rivers, is hosting a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper this evening (Tuesday, February 21)  at the church’s fellowship hall from 5 to 7. Pancakes, sausage, apple sauce, and a beverage will be served. Tickets may be purchased at the door. The cost for adults is $5, children $2, and if you have three …

A man’s body was found in the rubble of a barn fire early Monday in Fabius Township. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, a bicycle was discovered near the scene of the fire, which took place near the intersection of Millard and Roberts roads. Though the matter remains under investigation, officials indicated they believe the mountain bike likely …