A man accused of setting a woman on fire in Kalamazoo is facing an assault with intent to murder charge. Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 2 o’clock Friday morning and learned the victim and the suspect live together and had been arguing. Investigators say the man doused the 44-year-old victim with rubbing alcohol and then set her on fire. She …

Bryan Kenneth Happel, age 41, of Caledonia, and formerly of Mendon, died Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI on July 17, 1973 the son of Bernard C. and Catherine M. (Jones-Reed) Happel. He graduated from Mendon High School in 1991 where he played all sports , was a state champion …

In a plea deal accepted Wednesday in St. Joseph County Circuit Court, prosecutors dropped four perjury charges against Constantine resident Raymond McCann II. In exchange, the 47-year-old McCann pleaded no contest to a single perjury count. Under a sentencing recommendation included in the agreement, he would be eligible for release after serving 12 to 20 months. McCann has been in …

The Centreville location of FirstMerit Bank is one of four Michigan branches the Ohio-based financial institution plans to close this spring. Meanwhile, Constantine will also be losing a bank this spring. Officials from Old National Bank plan to consolidate the South Washington Street branch with an Indiana-based location. Rob Townsend, media relations officer with FirstMerit, said the Centreville branch is …

Sheriff’s officials responded to a three vehicle collision Thursday in Mottville Township. According to a department media release, a 22-year-old Vandalia man was driving west on U.S. 12 when he entered a white-out section. The man unknowingly crossed the centerline and stopped his vehicle in the shoulder of the eastbound lane. An eastbound semi, driven by a 45-year-old man from …

Downtown Three Rivers will be the scene of a Winterfest event taking place Saturday this weekend. Starting at noon Saturday, the four-hour event will feature turkey bowling and a snowman contest, if weather conditions allow. In addition, World Fare will have a sampling of tasty treats made with fairly traded chocolate and other downtown merchants are offering a variety of …

A southwest Michigan man was killed when he was struck by a car late Thursday night. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department says 22-year old Joshua Yahne of Dowagiac was walking along M-51 in Pokagon Township when he was struck by a vehicle driven by 21-year old Jamika Morgan of Elkhart, Indiana. After striking Yahne, the vehicle ran off the road, hit …

Jared James Sutton, age 21, of White Pigeon, passed away Thursday, February 12th, at Three Rivers Health.  Jared was born on August 12, 1993 to Aaron Sutton and Bobbie Jo Backus in Kalamazoo.  He attended White Pigeon and Constantine Schools and liked to spend his time hunting, fishing, and loved listening to music. Jared is survived by his father Aaron Sutton; sister …

Estella Marie Lash, age 92, of Three Rivers, died Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015 at Riverview Manor in Three Rivers. She was born in Mendon Township on Feb. 3, 1923 the daughter of Ezra and Dessie (Ogle) Butler and was a lifetime resident of the Mendon area. She was married to Victor Leroy Lash in Oshtemo on Sep. 22, 1942. Victor …

Betty Ann Bolender, age 84, of Centreville, passed away Wednesday, February 11th, 2015 at her home.  Betty was born in Centreville, MI on September 27, 1930, a daughter of Clarence and Lillian (Grimes) Schrader. She graduated from Centreville High School in 1948.  On July 10, 1948, she married Paul William Bolender in Angola, IN.  Betty owned and operated Bolender Clothing …