An extension cord is believed to have started a fire this week at a residence in Sturgis. According to the Sturgis Fire Department, the blaze was reported at 7:50 p.m. Monday in the 300 block of West Congress Street. Crews first to arrive noticed smoke from the upper level of the two-story residence. The fire was limited to a closet …

A Sturgis man suspected of being involved in a number of home invasions was arrested last week. Sturgis police said Warren Hammaker Jr., 29, was arrested and a number of firearms and other stolen property were recovered. Warrants for Hammaker’s arrest stemmed from a series of home invasions on the city’s south side.

A step toward development of a county-owned river trail was taken Tuesday. Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Tuesday agreed to fund $89,000 for services provided by Edgewater Resources. Based in the city of St. Joseph, Edgewater Resources will work with the county in developing a riverfront master plan. An outline and scope Edgewater comprised for county …

Judith Ann Hicks, age 76, of Three Rivers passed away on Monday, June 16, 2014 at Heartland Healthcare Center. Judith was born on January 27, 1938 in Three Rivers, MI the daughter of Herman and Catherine(Boyer)Emmons. Judith was a lifetime resident of Three Rivers. She was worked for many years assisting with the Fabius Township Polls and Census. She also …

A couple of weeks ago, I celebrated a birthday that I had been dreading for about twenty years. I’ve never had a problem with birthdays, but this one really bothered me. To let the cat out of the bag, I finally reached my seventieth birthday. To some of you, I’m just a young kid, because you might be a few …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that occurred recently in Nottawa Township. According to a department media release, someone entered an unlocked outbuilding between Tuesday and Thursday last week in the 60000 block of Lennon Street. A chainsaw and golf bag containing a full set of clubs and golf-related accessories were stolen.

A chain saw, trimmer and riding mower were stolen recently from a shed in Park Township. Sheriff’s deputies said the victim indicated the incident occurred between May 28 and June 3 in the 20000 block of M-60. The building’s doors were shut but not locked.

Edward Bernard Rustad, 86, of White Pigeon, passed away Thursday, June 12th, 2014 at Riverview Manor Nursing Home, Three Rivers. Edward was born in Roulette, North Dakota on July 10, 1927, a son of Edward A. and Ida (Florentine) Rustad. On August 27, 1976, he married Faye (Knight) Burkhead in Middlebury, IN. He helped start Journey Motor Home company in …

Margaret Louise Weiandt, age 95, of Centreville, died Sunday, June 15, 2014 at Fairview Living and Rehabilitation in Centreville. She was born in Three Rivers on Jan. 27, 1919 the daughter of the late Frank L. and Ernestine L. (Ott) Weiandt. She was a graduate for Three Rivers High School and Moody Bible Institute. Margaret dedicated her life to taking …

Dorothy F Plank, age 89, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, May 30, 2014 peacefully at her home. According to her wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine. Pastor Dennis Smith of Messiah Lutheran Church will officiate. Interment will be at Constantine Township Cemetery. …