Ethel Mae Ruggles, age 92, of Constantine, passed away December 21st, 2013 at her home. She was born in Constantine, on September 26, 1921, a daughter of Sam and Hazel (Rangler) Whitmore. Ethel graduated from Constantine High School in 1939. On January 26, 1946 Ethel married Harold A. Ruggles in Constantine. She worked as a secretary at Constantine Creamery and …

John Edward Dudd, age 83, of Three Rivers, passed away on December 20, 2013 surrounded by loving family. He was born May 6, 1930 in Three Rivers, the second son of Clarence Merton Dudd and Lillian Ruth (Shafer) Dudd. His early boyhood was spent on their farm on Corey Lake in Fabius Township as well as in Three Rivers. His …

Thomas Rissman, 66, of Bronson, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, at St. Mary of Assumption Church in Bronson, with Pastor Terry Siler and Steven Ivaska officiating. Interment will follow at Bronson Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. …

The fourth White Pigeon snowman-building event is underway. Event coordinator Shireen Cline said she is encouraging residents in the 49099 ZIP code to build as many snowmen as possible and contact her with details about the competition. Cline said with warmer weather in the forecast, now would be a good time for prospective participants to make their snowman. Prizes for …

Members of the Colon Community Schools Board of Education awoke extra early Thursday to thank its staff members. A breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage and fresh fruit was offered to the district’s staff members. Prepared by food-service director Barb Yearling and her staff, the breakfast was made to feed 110 people, though only about three quarters of that many people …

A 27-year-old man, whose name and community of residence was not disclosed, was charged with assault and battery Monday. The man was arrested by Three Rivers police after its officers responded to a situation on West Street. Time of the incident was not included in a department media release.

State Rep. Matt Lori has announced two transportation-improvement projects that will take place in in the 59th House District. Lori said a special legislative allocation to improve Michigan’s roads and bridges will be used for the projects that involve resurfacing a portion of M-86 west of Centreville, and rebuilding the North River Road bridge over Mill Creek in Constantine Township. …

Two Three Rivers residents, ages 37 and 60, were taken to the St. Joseph County Jail after they were charged with retail theft following an incident Tuesday at Wal-Mart in Three Rivers. A department media release said the women were charged with third-degree offenses.

An Elkhart youth has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty in connection with the fireworks-related death of a dog. The Elkhart Truth reports 16-year-old Marquis Gary pleaded guilty to the animal cruelty charge and an unrelated armed robbery charge Thursday in Elkhart Circuit Court. He had been waived to adult court on the charges. Under a plea agreement, Gary will be …

Janette Rose, 81, of White Pigeon, died Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013, at home following an extended illness. She was born June 26, 1932, in Booneville, Ky., a daughter of Scott W. and Beitha (Comb) Bishop. On Dec. 26, 1953, she married Irvin D. Rose in Three Rivers. He died Nov. 9, 1994. She had lived in the White Pigeon area since …