The Michigan Department of Transportation is awarding a transportation economic development grant that will support 750 new jobs in Branch County. MDOT officials said the Transportation Economic Development Fund grant totaling nearly $2.6 million will leverage $255 million in private investment. Pennsylvania-based Clemens Food Group is partnering with a number of family-owned farms in Michigan and Ohio to process pork …

Two area attorneys were added to St. Joseph County’s Contract Defender System. Following action Tuesday last week by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, Luke Nofsinger and Kevin Kane were included to the roster of contract defenders. The change was necessary following Kevin Kleidon’s passing earlier this year. For housekeeping reasons, Kleidon’s name was removed from the roster.

Susan Kay Ransbottom Witty, 54, humble servant of God, went to her heavenly Father’s arms on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015 while in the presence of her loving husband, Paul Witty. Susie was born in Three Rivers. She was baptized and confirmed at First United Methodist Church in Three Rivers, and most recently, attended Webster and Cullowhee United Methodist Churches in …

The Manchester Monarchs (4-4-0-0) made the most of their first-ever visit to Wings Event Center on Tuesday night. The Kalamazoo Wings (4-6-1-0) got off on the right foot as Alex Mallet scored just sixteen seconds into the opening period. Just over two minutes later, the Monarchs jumped on the scoreboard as Troy Power knotted the game at one goal each. …

A clerk at the Admiral gas station at 1207 E. Chicago Road in Sturgis was robbed early Monday. Sturgis police were informed that a man had robbed the station at gunpoint shortly after midnight, taking an undisclosed amount of money. No additional details are available, as police are working with store officials to investigate the incident.

Approval was granted last week for an employee from St. Joseph County Circuit Court to attend four out-of-state conferences in the coming year. Members of the county commission gave consent for Kathryn Griffin to attend conferences related to National Association for Court Management. Griffin, circuit and probate court administrator, is an elected member of the NACM’s board of directors. In …

Due to a delay in curing of concrete, the newly installed Decker Road bridge will not open until Nov. 18, according to the St. Joseph County Road Commission. The bridge, located in Colon Township, initially was scheduled to open this week.

A candlelight memorial for Jodi Parrack took place Sunday at Cannon Park in Constantine. Thirty sky lanterns were released, as more than 40 people attended the event. Parrack was a victim of homicide in 2007. Her mother, Jo Gilson, has held a vigil annually since then. Gilson, however, said this is the last candlelight vigil she plans to stage. Daniel …

Three Rivers Health is pleased to announce the additon of James Maskill, DPM, to the Three Rivers Health Medical Staff. Dr. Maskill will be seeing patients at Three Rivers Bone & Joint. Prior to joining Three Rivers, Dr. Maskill completed fellowship training with New England Foot and Ankle Specialists, where he specialized in complex hindfoot and forefoot reconstruction, total ankle …

Bette “Bette” Ashby, age 97, of Three Rivers, died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015 at Three Rivers Health. She was born in Detroit on Oct. 27, 1918 the daughter of George P. and Jean (Deeg) Steil. She was a graduate of St. Bernard Catholic School in Detroit. Marceline was married to John F. “Jack” Ashby in Detroit on July 25, 1942. …