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 …

A full-size pickup truck was reported stolen this week from a residence in White Pigeon Township. State police investigators said a 2008 Toyota Tundra was taken between 8 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday from a residence in the 1500 block of Lake Road. The vehicle was parked inside a pole barn and features an extended cab, four doors and …

Annette Smitley has been named the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District employee of the year. An educational consultant, Smitley plays a key role in professional development for new teachers as well as mentor training. Other nominees for the award were school nurse Kim Robertson, speech therapist Lynelle Garvey, assistant instructor Karrie Frederick and office assistant Mandy Dodson.

A 37-year-old White Pigeon man was arrested Thursday night after Sturgis police attempted to stop him for not having lights on his bicycle. The incident occurred in the area of North Clay and Washington Streets. The subject attempted to ride away after police activated emergency lights. The subject then got off his bicycle and ran. After a lengthy foot pursuit, …

Hello out there. I am a male, tan and white lab mix with a cute, freckled nose. My eyes match my tan fur and I am very cute. I’m less than a year old and I know how to sit on command. I’m fun to take on walks because I’m good on a leash. The ladies say I am a …

Constantine village and township plan to reimburse more than $200,000 owed to a former manufacturing plant following a reassessment of its property taxes. Village officials this week were told Rexam Closure Systems appealed its 2011 tax assessment. The assessment was $11.2 million but reduced to $4.5 million following its appeal. As a result, the village and township owe a total …

A potluck dinner last weekend was staged to honor Colon’s 2013 Citizens of the Year, Linda Musall and Frank Fisher. The two longtime area residents received plaques and were saluted by many of the 70-plus people in attendance. The pair also served as grand marshals during the village’s Fourth of July parade. Though the village typically has just one Citizen …

Rob Kuhlman is one of four finalists for the position of superintendent of Paw Paw Community Schools. Currently superintendent of Mendon Community Schools and Centreville Public Schools, the 57-year-old Kuhlman was the first of the four finalists to be interviewed, as he met with district officials Wednesday evening. An interview with another candidate followed, and the other two finalists will …