A Sturgis-based, independent-living facility celebrated its 60th anniversary Sunday, when more than 100 people attended its open-house celebration. Thurston Woods Village was the scene of a morning worship service, which was followed by a tour of the facility and its new garden area.

A two-vehicle crash over the weekend in Colon Township led to emergency care rendered to a Colon woman. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Amanda Merkle, 27, was airlifted to Bronson Methodist Hospital following the incident Saturday at Wattles and Stowell roads. Merkle was driving east on Wattles Road when she allegedly turned left in front of a …

Lillian Mary Phillip, age 98, of Three Rivers, died Sunday Aug. 25, 2013 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She was born in Chicago, IL on April 26, 1915 the daughter of Joseph and Teresa (Hattan) Vicha and attended schools in Chicago. She was married to Peter S. Phillip on May 20, 1940 in Chicago. The family later moved to …

Audrey M. Smith, age 73, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away late Friday afternoon, Aug. 23, 2013, at the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence in Battle Creek, Mich. She was born May 24, 1940, in Sturgis, Mich., only child of the late Floyd E. and Betty J. (Hollister) Smith. Audrey was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High …

William Allen (Bill) Miller, age 79, of Nottawa, left this world and loving family behind and went to his heavenly home on Aug. 24, 2013, following a lengthy illness at his home.  He was born Feb. 1, 1934, in Hartville, Ohio, to the late Atlee P. and Susanna (Cross) Miller. Retired from his own fiberglass company, he then had a …

The July unemployment rate in St. Joseph County rose by more than a full percent compared to the previous month. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 9.8 percent July unemployment rate was more than June’s 8.4 percent. Still, the July 2013 unemployment rate was one-tenths of a percent less …

Names of the seven suspects arrested during a pair of drug-related raids at neighboring homes last week in Mottville Township have been released. White Pigeon residents Kenna Patterson, 21, and Timothy Patterson, 27, were released on $10,000 personal recognizance bond. Terri Lynn Nowicki, 40, of White Pigeon, remains in the St. Joseph County jail with a $50,000 bond. Gary Nowicki, …

A 68-year-old Three Rivers man sought medical attention after he was involved in a three-vehicle crash last week. According to Three Rivers Police, Richard Crandall and 56-year-old Debra Edwards, of Marcellus, were stopped on southbound Main Street at Hoffman Road Thursday morning, when a southbound SUV driven by 49-year-old David Hembree rear-ended Edwards’ vehicle, which crashed into the back of …

Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners have granted requests to fill two court positions. Commissioners OK’d District Court to fill a deputy clerk position to replace Sally Wickum, who plans to retire later this year. The entry-level pay is $13.46 an hour. Meanwhile, Probate Court was given clearance to fill the position of juvenile register. The post …

Rosa M. Miller, age 80, of Burr Oak, passed away late Thursday evening, Aug. 22, 2013, at Heartland Health Care Center in Three Rivers. She was born Aug. 12, 1933, in Burr Oak, a daughter of the late Levi and Hattie (Schallhorn) Hill. Rosa was a lifelong resident of Burr Oak and a graduate of Burr Oak High School with …