A state environmental official says initial tests haven’t found noxious chemicals in the air or water near a northern Indiana fiberglass factory that caught fire over the weekend. Firefighters continued monitoring the smoldering blaze at the Lami-Plast factory in Elkhart on Monday, a day after it went up in flames and some nearby homes were evacuated. A bulldozer was brought …

The Michigan Lottery is launching its first $30 instant game with top prizes of $2 million and more than $80 million in total prizes available for players. Tickets for the $2,000,000 Cash game go on sale Tuesday at Lottery retailers across the state. Each ticket will offer players 30 chances to win. The introduction of the $2,000,000 Cash game reflects …

The December unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by one-tenth of a percent compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 7.3 percent December unemployment rate was more than November’s 7.2 percent. December’s unemployment rate was three-tenths of a percent less than the same month …

A 41-year-old man from Niles was arrested last week, following an incident of aggravated domestic violence in Florence Township. State police said the man was involved in an incident with a 47-year-old Three Rivers woman at a residence on Constantine Road. The suspect had fled the scene prior to police arrival, but was located a short distance away. The man, …

With the March 31 deadline for mandatory health insurance approaching, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is offering answers to questions people may have about the matter. Steve Todd, health officer for the tri-county health department, said the agency has nine staff members who have met the Medicare/Medicaid training requirements. As certified application counselors, the nine staff members are available …

Some well-known names throughout St. Joseph County are preparing for a first-of-its-kind event in the name of a fundraiser for a child-welfare agency. Eight couples are expected to take part in the inaugural Dancing With the St. Joseph County Stars event March 7 at Glen Oaks Community College’s Nora Hagen Theatre. Organizers are trying to get word out early on, …

Keith Delmas “Bumper” Wing, age 68, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully early Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Keith was born on Nov. 4, 1945 in Three Rivers, the son of the late L.D. and Mildred Pearl (Armstrong) Wing. Keith graduated from Constantine High School in 1966. …

Robert R. (Bob) Gest Sr., age 71, of Mendon, passed away Saturday, February 1st, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 21, 1942, a son of Roy O. and Ruth L. (Waldron) Gest in Sturgis. He graduated from Sturgis High School and later proudly served in the US Army. On March 28, 1996 …

Albert C. Fry, age 91, of Constantine, passed away Friday, January 31st, 2014 at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. He was born in Ramona, MI on March 31, 1922, the son of Andrew and Ida (Chupp) Fry. Albert served in the US Army from 1942 – 1946. He was the husband of Muriel (Tripp) Fry, whom he married January …

Cindy Lynn Doyle, age 63, of Three Rivers, died Monday Jan. 27, 2014 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born in Monroe, MI on July 24, 1950 the daughter of John and Betty (Miller) Doyle. She graduated from Start High School in 1968, attended Sienna Heights College and later received her Masters Degree in Social Work from Western …