A house in the 100 block of East Congress Street in Sturgis was destroyed by fire early Monday. The Sturgis Fire Department said flames and heavy smoke were observed coming from the front half of the residence upon their arrival. There was nobody in the residence at the time of the blaze, and neighbors told firefighters it had been unoccupied …

The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority has provided an update on its status as one of three Michigan Main Street “Select Level” recipients. Christy Trammell, DDA director, said representatives from Lansing-based Michigan Main Street will be in Three Rivers April 2, 3 and 4 to conduct some formalities and begin their services that Three Rivers will receive for its standing …

Researchers at Michigan State University say tourism spending in Michigan was strong in 2013 and is poised for another robust year in 2014. Dan McCole and Sarah Nicholls, of MSU’s Department of Community Sustainability presented their annual report today (Monday) at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference in Traverse City. The MSU researchers say factors fueling the upswing include an improving …

The Home Builders Association of Michigan is confident in its prediction of another good year for residential home construction. There was a 28-percent year-to-year increase for single-family home permits in the state for 2013. And it’s predicted that there will be a 20-percent jump this year when all is said and done. Hillan Homes President Patrick Raye says his business …

Harvey James Bupp Jr., age 77, of Mendon, died late Saturday March 8, 2014 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born in Sturgis on Feb. 21, 1937 the son of Harvey J. and Irene (Staples) Bupp, and attended Sturgis Schools. After serving in the U.S. Army, Harvey returned to work at Castle Quick Service in Sturgis, and for …

Charles R. McFaden, age 61, of Marcellus, MI formerly of Shelbyville, TN passed away Saturday, March 6, 2014 at home. He was born March 6, 1953 in La Crosse, WI, the son of Charles Roland and Frances Mary (Powers) McFaden. He had moved to Marcellus about five years ago to be near his sister, Vickie Halifax. He formerly worked for …

Cynthia K. (Cindy) Lewis, 57, of White Pigeon, died unexpectedly Friday, March 7, 2014, at the Sturgis Hospital emergency room. She was born Nov. 14, 1956, in Elkhart, Ind., to Charles and Betty (Flauding) Eger. She lived her early life in Elkhart, later moving to Constantine and White Pigeon. She was a homemaker, babysitter and caregiver. She enjoyed her family, watching her children play sports, …

The process of hiring a new superintendent continues tonight for Colon Community Schools. Four of the seven candidates chosen for first interviews will be on the clock this evening. The remaining three will be interviewed Tuesday. Set to take place at Colon High School, the interviews start with Gladstone resident Victor Bungi at 6:30. Mattawan’s Mike Campbell is slated for …

Three Rivers City Manager Joe Bippus and his wife, Cheryl, were crowned the winners of the inaugural Dancing With the St. Joseph County Stars event Friday. Staged at Glen Oaks Community College’s Nora Hagen Theater, the fundraiser featured six teams. The couples and their respective coaches volunteered their time as part of the fundraiser to benefit the St. Joseph County …

The village of Centreville has announced it is seeking nominations for its annual Citizen of the Year recipient. Candidates are typically chosen based on their community standing and involvement. Committee members ask that nominations also include details about organizations, hobbies and other factors to consider in selecting the citizen of the year. Nominations should be made in writing and delivered …