Mary J. Austin, age 72, of Marcellus, MI passed away Friday, November 13, 2015 at home. She was born December 29, 1942 in Lawrence, MI the daughter of Arthur P. and Pauline L. (Johnson) Carney.  In April of 1961 she married Edwin R. Austin who preceded her in death in 2008. Mary was a bookkeeper for most of her adult …

Hello. My name is Izzy and I am a male grey and white kitty, about 1 year old. I love people and the attention they give to me and really like to talk to you a lot. Right now I am in the cat condo in the lobby of Animal Control. I love looking out the window at the big …

The man accused of murdering 11-year-old Jodi Parrack eight years ago has waived his right to a preliminary examination. The matter involving suspect Daniel Furlong occurred during a judicial proceeding Thursday before District Court Judge Jeff Middleton. Furlong, 65, will stand trial for the murder, Middleton ruled. Furlong faces charges of open murder, felony murder, kidnapping and second-degree criminal sexual …

Three personnel matters were handled last week by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. The commission accepted the resignation of Lydia Paille, deputy equalization director. A pay increase from $18.29 an hour to $19.59 hourly was approved for Erin Goff, community corrections coordinator. Also, Joshua Shook has been hired as animal control officer and facility supervisor at an hourly …

A Division 6 regional title is on the line this weekend, when Constantine attempts to join the Final Four in the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s football playoffs. The 7-4 Falcons will take on 11-0 Grand Rapids North Pointe Christian at 1 o’clock Saturday afternoon at Comstock Park High School. Constantine has rolled in the playoffs, knocking off undefeated Schoolcraft …

The St. Joseph County Child Trauma Assessment Group was provided $50,000 to help it meet a projected budget shortfall. The request was pitched last week to members of the county board of commissioners by Probate Court Judge David Tomlinson and probate court director Thomas Robertson. Tomlinson said the state might refund St. Joseph County half of the $50,000, but the …

Robert Eugene Edson, age 56, of Jones, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 at his home. He was born on May 6, 1959 the son of the late Harold Thomas and Marian Elizabeth (Still) Edson. Bob has been a long time resident of the Jones area. He loved riding his motorcycle, hunting, fishing, …

Florence L. Murray, age 94, of Marcellus, MI passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2015. She was born August 31, 1921 in Danville, IL the daughter of James Frank and Agnes (Ambrose) and stepmother Anna (Ambrose) Bailey. On May 5, 1940 in Detroit, MI, she married Lloyd W. Murray who survives. An avid, life-long learner, Florence studied French, Italian and Chinese …

A pair of local dignitaries led a Veteran’s Day ceremony in Centreville Wednesday morning. Former state legislator Cameron Brown and current State Rep. Aaron Miller took part in a program along East Main Street for the dedication of the village’s Military Freedom Walk. Banners indicating the Military Freedom Walk were unveiled prior to the start of the ceremony. One hangs …

A Jackson-based company was selected last week to replace the existing wireless connection at the county’s Animal Control facility. County commission members have accepted a $6,100 bid from Challenger Technologies LLC to install fiber-optic cable from Animal Control to the sheriff’s department. Teresa Doehring, county human resources director, said the replacement will significantly improve the quality and reliability of data …