Faced with spiking COVID-19 infections, Michigan health officials issued a public health advisory Friday recommending that everyone over age 2 wear a mask at indoor public settings regardless of their vaccination status. The guidance also says public-facing businesses and other establishments should implement masking policies and encourage compliance. Unvaccinated or immunocompromised people are urged to avoid large crowds and gatherings. The state …

Members of the Constantine Village Council this week reviewed a report by structural engineer Nick Barnitz, who reported on building damage at the fire station. Barnitz said the building is 84 years old, and there is significant vertical cracking on the north and south walls, a corner of an east wall, and significant deterioration of steel lintels of the four …

Roger J. Stoner, age 78, of Jones, passed away at his home surrounded by his wife and daughters on Wednesday, November 17, 2021.  He was born February 6, 1943 in Constantine, a son of Walter and Bessie (Hoover) Stoner. Roger graduated from Constantine High School in 1961. He attended Michigan State University earning an Associates Degree in Agriculture. He later …

Evelyn L. Gordon, age 91, of Sherwood, passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the home of her daughter, Becky. She was born March 7, 1930 in Battle Creek and had lived all of her life in the Sherwood area, graduating from Athens High School with the Class of 1947. She married William James Gordon May 28, 1948 in Battle …

On Tuesday, November 16, 2021 Jack A. Stauffer, surrounded by his family, went home to be with his Lord and Savior.  Jesus paid for Jack’s ticket on the “Glorybound Special”.  Jack passed away at the Select Specialty Hospital in Battle Creek after a short illness. He was born November 7, 1952 in Sturgis, a son to Roy Freeman ”Sonny” and …

A suspect was arrested following two armed robberies in the village of Marcellus Tuesday afternoon. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 6 p.m. to the Shell Gas Station. While information was being taken, a second armed robbery call came in from nearby Mega Liquor. Authorities said information taken at the time gave a basic description of the …

A Sturgis man involved in a fatal shooting last year could serve up to 50 years in prison following his sentencing Monday by St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman. Erik Davis, 36, was sentenced to between 15 and 50 years for the October 2020 shooting death of Doug Smith, 33. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Gary Gabry said Davis pleaded …

Five Star Pizza in Colon has partnered with the St. Joseph County United Way for a chance to win free pizza for a year. In support of Five Star’s Adoption Fund, the pizza raffle winner will be drawn Dec. 8 at the United Way’s Centreville office. Tickets are $5 each of five for $20. Tickets are available at any Five …

Jack is a neutered male, very sweet. 4 years old. Does okay with other cats, but would prefer to be the only one. He has lazy lap cat down to a science.  My docket number is 51299, at the St. Joseph County Animal Control Shelter located at 652 E. Main St., Centreville, MI.  Animal Control is open Monday – Friday, …

Thomas D. Hensell, age 71, of Bronson, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Select Medical Hospital in Battle Creek. Thomas was born in Three Rivers on August 18, 1950, a son of Harold and Pollyanna (Hooten) Hensell. He graduated from Centreville High School in 1968 and then from Glen Oaks Community College in 1970 with an Associate’s degree …