Investigators from the Michigan State Police Fire Marshall’s office were back at the scene of a fire Tuesday that destroyed a home in the 13000 block of Riverside Drive in Constantine Township earlier this week. Authorities said the cause of the fire was accidental, possibly from a candle. Constantine firefighters were called to the home about 9:30 p.m. Sunday. First-arriving …

The start of a possible addition to the county courthouse, continued development of the county’s river trail concept and a potential upgrade to the animal-control facility are a few matters St. Joseph County government officials are looking toward in 2016. The opening of a Commission On Aging senior center in Sturgis early in the year also was recognized as another …

State Rep. Aaron Miller this week praised House Republicans for efforts to attain key goals during the first half of the 2015-16 legislative session. Miller said leadership stressed meeting objectives set by the House Republican Action Plan, a document unveiled in February with an unprecedented 78 goals set to continue Michigan’s comeback. At the half-way mark of the legislative session, …

Glen Oaks Community College practical nursing graduates are passing the National Council for Licensing Exam at a rate highest in the nation, according to The Mountain Measurement firm, an assessment firm that serves the K-12, licensure and certification sectors of the testing industry. Out of all the first-year Practical Nursing programs in the firm’s jurisdiction, Glen Oaks graduates had a …

Deborah S. Blue (Debbie) of Naples, Fla. passed away Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, after a five-month illness. She was born April 22, 1955 in Sharon, Pa. She graduated from White Pigeon High School in 1973, and graduated from Blodgett Nursing School, Grand Rapids as an RN in 1973. She worked at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo for two years, in Saudi …

Happy New Year, everyone! I am Zena, a one year old female pit mix. I have a very pretty soft coat of white and brindle and I like to be with people. I have lots of energy but once I can get some of that used up I calm down and love your attention. I am house-trained and, as you …

Neil P. Kentner of Bancroft, Michigan, formerly of Mason, Michigan. Neil was born on August 7, 1954 and passed away, Saturday, December 26, 2015 at the age of 61. Neil was a member of the Michigan Sheep Breeders Association and very active in 4-H and was well known throughout the United States for his judging. Neil loved the farm, minor …

Two Sturgis residents sought medical treatment after they were involved in a one-vehicle accident this week in Fawn River Township. State police said 51-year-old Frank Carney was driving west on U.S. 12 at 3:15 p.m. Monday when the van he was operating lost control due to road conditions near Plumb School Road. The van, a 2006 Ford Econoline, went off …

New Year’s Eve revelers in St. Joseph County will once again have the benefit of a free ride home at the end of the night. For the seventh time in eight years, the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority is providing free rides home, with pick-up and drop-off service anywhere in the county. CTA director Steve Yorks said the program costs …

The Michigan Tobacco Quitline is making it easier for Michigan residents to end tobacco use by offering free telephone coaching and nicotine-replacement therapy to all residents, regardless of insurance status. The free offer is running through the end of the day Thursday. The Michigan Tobacco Quitline provides services such as materials, text messaging, an online program and referral. The telephone …