David Alan Smith, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather  as well as a beloved friend and middle school science teacher, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.  He had just celebrated his 74th birthday with some of his closest friends and family. Dave was born on August 7, 1948 to Dolores (Borton) and Francis L. Smith. He grew …

David E. Cook, age 55, passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022.  He was born August 29, 1966, in Pittsburg, PA to the late James & Jean (Ivanco) Cook Jr. Surviving are 2 children, Christina (James) Heine, Benjamin (Katelynn) Cook, 4 grandchildren, and a brother, Matthew Cook. David enjoyed the outdoors especially fishing and camping.  He volunteered throughout his life …

A Sturgis man has been convicted of numerous charges stemming from an October incident that originated in Branch County. St. Joseph County Prosecutor David Marvin said Dylan Brand, 27, was found guilty by jury after a two-day trial in front of Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman. At mid-afternoon Oct. 22, Brand was armed with a stolen gun and fled from …

Here’s a look at this month’s Fresh Food Distribution in St. Joseph County. The first will take place at 4 p.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis. Next, Seventh-Day Adventist Church, east of Centreville on M-86, will host an event at 4 p.m. Sept. 13. Three distributions will occur Sept. 15. The first at 10:30 a.m. at Gateway Village …

Three more ways to save money by making something yourself: Campfire starters: Stuff wads of dryer lint into paper egg cartons. Break up leftover candle ends and melt them over low heat. Pour the wax over the lint and let it cool. Cut the egg carton compartments apart. When you are ready to start a fire, set a compartment under …

A suspect wanted on an unspecified warrant managed to elude authorities during a standoff with officers over the weekend in Three Rivers. According to a department media release, officers were called around 5:30 p.m. Saturday in response to a wanted suspect located in the 1200 block of Hov Aire Drive. Police said the suspect barricaded himself inside an apartment unit. …

Dennis Glen Brueck, age 55, of Mendon, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 31, 2022. He was born in Sturgis on June 7, 1967 the son of Donald and Sharlene (Batten) Brueck and was a lifetime resident of Mendon. After graduating from Mendon High School with the class of 1985, he went to work in the auto parts business. He worked …

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has been notified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Laboratories of a confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in St. Joseph County. This discovery underscores the need for both horse owners and Michigan residents to take precautions. “We are reminding residents to take precautions to …

The next step regarding a White Pigeon landmark may involve a rarely used panel to potentially decide the fate of the historic building. St. Joseph County District Court Judge Jeff Middleton and the parties involved in the case of the Tasty Nut Shop met Wednesday to compare notes and decide what happens next. Through their attorney Roxanne Seeber, it was …

A Coldwater man pleaded guilty to drug-related offenses during a recent proceeding in Branch County Circuit Court Judge Bill O’Grady said 27-year-old Dylan Tompkins pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver meth and aggravated stalking. Sentencing on the 20-year drug felony and five-year stalking charge will be Oct. 10. With charges stemming from five drug sales, Tompkins came to the …