Legislation is now before Congress from U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressmen Dan Benishek and Gary Peters to halt a massive electric rate increase in the Upper Peninsula. The three lawmakers are attempting to require additional oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to allow FERC to prevent the 100-million dollar rate increase. Customers in the U.P. would be forced to pay …

William G. Willer, 75, of White Pigeon, Mich., died Friday, Nov. 14, 2014, at his home. He was born Jan. 9, 1939, in Sturgis, Mich., to Harry and Leone ( Robertson) Willer. He was a Sturgis and White Pigeon area resident all of his life. He attended Michigan State University and was an avid fan of Michigan State sports. He …

Charles E. Kesler, age 87, of Centreville, Mich., passed away Saturday evening, Nov. 15, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born Sept. 9, 1927, in Fort Wayne, Ind., son of the late Walter and Anna ( Jennings) Kesler. Chuck resided in the Sturgis and Centreville area since 1958. Prior to coming to Sturgis, he lived in …

A prospective trial date for Raymond McCann has been delayed at the request of his attorney, who also made a request for a change of venue. McCann, 47, is a former Constantine police reserve officer charged with lying in testimony related to the unsolved 2007 homicide of Jodi Parrack. Attorney James Mequio on Friday made the request before St. Joseph …

A too-strong opponent put an end to Mendon High School’s football season over the weekend. Muskegon Catholic Central rolled to a 48-7 victory over the visiting Hornets, who finish their season 10-2. Saturday’s win marks Catholic Central’s third consecutive post-season victory over Mendon. It also gives them four wins over the Hornets in six attempts over the past eight post-season …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has approved a number of personnel matters at its recent meetings. Jacob Fassett has been hired as a part-time corrections officer, while Nancy Franovich has been employed on a temporary basis for victim services. Also, Virginia Trattles’ employment has been shifted to 30 hours a week in the finance department and 10 hours …

West South Street, from South Centerville Road to east of the railroad tracks, was identified in Sturgis’ 10-year street-improvement program and has been selected for significant rehabilitation. City commissioners last week approved the task order with Fleis and Vandenbrink Engineering, Inc. for preliminary design, final design and bidding services for $48,000. Construction for West South Street will be partially funded …

Deborah A. Mead, 59, of Constantine, died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, from injuries of an automobile accident. She was bornMay 17, 1955, in Holly, to Richard H. and Carol G. (Armstrong) Roberts. She was a Constantine resident many years coming from Holly. She had a master’s degree in health administration and was employed by …

Harold D. Hershberger, 76, of White Pigeon, died Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, at his home. He was born May 18, 1938, in Bristol, Ind., a son of Harold R. and Viola (Gooch) Hershberger. He was a resident of Bristol, Mottville and White Pigeon all his life. Harold worked many jobs including Auto Mechanic, Shipshewana Pallets, Alcona Homes, United Express Line …

Robert Eugene Kipker, 79, of Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Jan. 2, 1935 in Three Rivers, the son of the late Elmer and Barbara (Bryant) Kipker. Mr. Kipker served his country in the U.S. Army from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1963. On …