Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has been notified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development a confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in St. Joseph County. Health officer Rebecca Burns said the discovery underscores the need for horse owners and Michigan residents to take precautions. Burns said in this case, the animal was an unvaccinated, 3-year old filly that has …

A beautiful, nearly cloudless day welcomed participants to the Mackinac Bridge Walk today, likely a big contributor to an uptick in participation over last year. “We’re so glad to have had 26,000 people from across Michigan and beyond join us for this beloved event on such a perfect day,” said Mackinac Bridge Authority (MBA) Bridge Director Kim Nowack. “As anyone who …

Willnetta May “Dolly” Sylvester, age 86, of Mendon, died Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022 at Glen Arbor Hospice in Battle Creek after a brief illness. She was born in Butler, Indiana on May 1, 1936 the daughter of Forest and Evangeline (Evert) Harrison. After graduating from Springport High School, she was married to Richard Sylvester on Oct. 9, 1954 in Auburn, …

Irma J. (Smith) Johnson, age 90, of Constantine, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born August 9, 1932 in Columbia City, Indiana, a daughter of Ralph and Lura (Kneller) Smith. Irma graduated from Centreville High School in 1951. On January 21, 1960 she married Guy R. Johnson in Three Rivers. Irma’s …

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. …