The St. Joseph County United Way has stepped in to assist the family of a Centreville man and his young son who both died in a car crash last weekend. Director Kelly Hostetler said the agency has established a fund to aid the family of Phillip Parker with funeral expenses and other financial demands. Parker, age 30, and his 5-year-old …

When reflecting on the life of Derek Guthrie, it is easy to see his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was a serving member of his community, and he was always willing to help those around him in ways both great and small. Derek’s resilience and endurance were truly a testament to his inner strength and …

Robert Louis Mathiak, age 64, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021, at his residence in LaGrange. He was born Feb. 16, 1957, in Kalamazoo to George Arthur and Julia Belle (Spalla) Mathiak. Surviving are three children, Robert (Abbie) Mathiak of Angola, Danielle A. Mathiak of Elkhart, Myranda (Korrie) Owen of Three Rivers; six grandchildren; four siblings, Bill (Donna) Mathiak of Detroit, …

A Florence Township resident will replace a long-time member of the St. Joseph County Road Commission Board. County commissioners Tuesday appointed David Miars to the six-year term, replacing David Allen. Allen had indicated he was ready to step down from the road commission board after completing a six-year term of his own. Miars, who is chairman of the county’s Public …

St. Joseph County Transportation Authority is appealing to businesses and individuals willing to help support its annual New Year’s Eve Free Ride Home program. The six-hour service starts at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 and is offered free of charge to New Year’s Eve revelers in St. Joseph County. CTA drivers will pick up and drop off a rider anywhere in …

A Colon business owner is giving a priceless gift to her 10 employees: two weeks of paid vacation. Dawn Furney, owner of Dawn’s Café, said the paid time off was part of a deal she made with her staff. Furney said she adopted a four-days-on, three-days-off work schedule and an hourly pay raise. In exchange, Furney modified the restaurant’s hours …

A Jones man was injured in a single-vehicle crash earlier this week in Cass County’s Newberg Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly after 11:30 p.m. Monday to Bair Lake Street, near Wood Lake Road. Authorities said a vehicle driven by 41-year-old Adam Bistodeau, of Jones, left the roadway and struck a tree. Bistodeau was transported to Three …

Ruth E Kufeldt, age 92, of Constantine, died on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at ProMedica Nursing Home in Three Rivers. She was born March 2, 1929 in Concord Twp., IN a daughter of John and Edith (Edwards) Graybill. Ruth graduated from Jefferson Township High School. On October 2, 1947 she married Donald Kufeldt in Elkhart. He preceded her in death …

John C Miller, age 87, of Centreville, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at his home of 63 years. He was born February 8, 1934 to Clemence and Anna (Miller) Miller of Centreville. John served in the United States Air Force from 1954 – 1957. On June 28, 1958, he married the love of his life, Lovina Borkholder. They …

Troy A. Jankowski, age 51, of Constantine, passed away on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at his home. He was born on April 30, 1970 in Mishawaka, a son of Coy and Linda (Nobles) Jankowski. Troy received his GED in 1993 in Florida. He attended several colleges focusing on the arts, most recently Salem State College in Salem, MA, where he …