Honorees in the Colon Magicians’ Walk of Fame were recognized over the weekend, as a dedication ceremony was staged in the village’s downtown. A ceremonial ribbon cutting took place at 10 of the stars honoring 11 people and their contributions to the field of magic and illusion, as well as their involvement in the annual Abbott’s Magic Get-Together. About two …

Six area football teams, including four from St. Joseph County, qualified for the 2013 state playoffs. Pairings were announced Sunday and starting with Division 3, Sturgis managed to make the cut despite not reaching the six-win level. The 5-and-4 Trojans will play at 8-and-1 St. Joseph. In Division 6, Constantine kept its playoff streak alive, as the 5-and-4 Falcons travel …

A Constantine truck driver was cited for driving too fast for conditions following an accident Friday afternoon in the village of Centreville. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Glenn Miller was ticketed after the 12:18 p.m. incident on West Main Street near West Burr Oak Street. Miller, 63, was driving his rig west on Main Street when he …

Here’s a reminder that the Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County is celebrating National Cat Day Tuesday by initiating a “Cans for Cats” fundraiser during the month of November. “Cans for Cats” will benefit the spay-and-neuter procedure of free-roaming feral cats in the area. ARF is collecting returnable bottles and cans through Nov. 30. Ten-cent cans and bottles may …

Kraft foods is recalling about 735,000 cases of its cheese. The company recalled its Kraft and Polly-O string cheese because they may spoil before their Best When Used By code dates – which leads to discoloration. The products were dated from October 25th, 2013, to February 11, 2014. The cheese was shipped to Kraft customers across the United States. Kraft …

James Herbert “Jim” Shively, age 91, of Three Rivers passed away peacefully on Friday, October 25, 2013 at the Bowman House. He was born in Three Rivers on March 8, 1922 the son of the late Harry W. and Agnes M. (Albrecht) Shively. Jim spent most of his education in the Three Rivers Public Schools. He served his country in …

Ethan Clark “Steve” Stienbarger, age 23, of Mendon died on Saturday Oct. 26, 2013. He was born in Kalamazoo, MI on Jan. 7, 1990 the son of Randy and Betty (Wilds) Stienbarger and was a lifetime resident of Mendon. He graduated from Mendon High School in 2008 where he was active in track, cross country and the wrestling programs. He …

Robert R. (Bob) Wolfinger, age 91, of Burr Oak, passed away Saturday, October 26th, 2013 at his home. Bob was born in Constantine, MI on October 27, 1921, a son of Samson and Amanda (Smith) Wolfinger. Bob attended School in Constantine, MI and served in the U.S. Army during WW II serving in the European Campaign in Africa, Sicily and …

Jaamil (handsome) Naeem (blessing) Drayton passed on Oct. 20, 2013 at the all too young age of four. Only God could’ve inspired a name for such a “Beautiful Blessing.” Jaamil truly epitomized what beauty is inside and out. He leaves to mourn his passing, his parents, Herbert and Yvette Drayton; his brother, Christopher; his sister, Kaamil; his niece, Kamaariah; his …

A former LaGrange County man suspected of setting fire to Welch’s Steak and Ribs in 2009 entered a plea of no contest during his appearance in St. Joseph County Circuit Court Wednesday. Nathan Lumbard, 31, entered the plea in response to the charge of arson in exchange for a plea bargain reached with the county prosecutor’s office. For the charge …