State officials say they are processing credits to help low-income customers with their winter energy bills. The Michigan Public Service Commission said this week that state treasury officials have mailed instruction booklets and forms pertaining to the Michigan Home Heating Credits for the 2013 tax year. The materials also are available online and at many libraries, post offices and Department …

The St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit gathered 28 marijuana plants and made five arrests during a raid in Sturgis this week. SCAN members executed a search warrant Tuesday at a residence in the 600 block of Jefferson Street, where an additional quantity of marijuana was packaged and appeared to be ready for sale. Arrested were three women, ages 45, …

Electronics and jewelry were reported missing following a breaking-and-entering incident Wednesday in Sturgis. The victim told police the break-in occurred between 4 and 6 p.m. and access was gained by forced entry through a back door at a residence in the 400 block of Center Street.

A 39-year-old Sturgis man was charged with felony retail fraud and felon in possession of a firearm following his alleged role in a retail-theft incident earlier this month at the Three Rivers Walmart. The arrest was made in Sturgis Township in the 25000 block of U.S. 12. The St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit and the St. Joseph County Special …

Could Michigan’s speed limits be going up? Legislation that may be considered soon in Lansing would allow speed limits to be changed, in most cases increased, on many Michigan roads.” One idea being considered would be to base speed limits on the rate of speed in which 85 percent of the cars generally travel. Residential roads would not see speed …

A proposal in Lansing to allow schools to make up snow days by adding minutes onto the end of days within the existing schedule, is drawing fire from the state’s top educator. Superintendent of Schools Mike Flanagan calls it an “insane and silly” idea. He points to the number one education country in the world..Finland, and says they don’t add …

Linda Gayle Frasier, age 67, of Constantine, passed away Thursday, January 30th, 2014 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. She was born in New Buffalo, MI on December 10, 1946, a daughter of Robert and Judith (York) Humphrey. Linda graduated from New Buffalo High School and from Cosmetology school. Surviving are daughters Cheri Ann Landrus of Elkhart, IN, Renee Lynn …

Myra Ellen Beachey, age 79, of Constantine, died Monday, January 27th, 2014 at Riverview Manor Nursing Home. She was born in Three Rivers on September 15, 1934, a daughter of Everett and Ruth (Hoyt) Foust. Myra graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1952. On August 13, 1955 she married Norman Beachey at Ninth Street Methodist Church, Three Rivers. He …

Albert John Filbrandt, Jr., age 86, of Jones, died Tuesday, January 28th, 2014 at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born in South Haven, MI on October 6, 1927, a son of Albert and Leah (Abbott) Filbrandt Sr. Albert served in the US Army. On April 26, 1952 he married Georgia Tolbert in Elkhart. She preceded him in death February 8, …

Governor Rick Snyder says the propane shortage in Michigan has “eased slightly,” however supplies remain tight, and the state is working to alleviate the supply problem which has surfaced with the recent arctic cold snap that has hit the state. The governor says he’s directed state agencies to reach out to consumers affected by the shortage, by offering assistance and …