National Day of Prayer was observed locally Thursday, thanks to the efforts of a small group of parishioners from Firm Foundation Ministries. The hour-long program took place around the gazebo on the grounds of the St. Joseph County Courthouse. Vicki Allen, Marlene Hagerman, Barbara Kwiatkowski and Mary Ellen Smith were instrumental in putting together the lineup that featured prayers related …

A Sturgis-area man has been charged with second-degree murder following his arrest stemming from a hit-and-run fatal collision last month in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. Authorities said Daniel Silich, 42, was arrested Wednesday. Investigators said he was the driver of a car that struck 13-year-old Landen Risner and injured his 6-year-old brother and 13-year-old sister. The three were on bicycles …

A four-wheeler was recovered by sheriff’s deputies after it was stolen earlier this week in Park Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were notified around 8 a.m. Sunday that the 2019 Suzuki 500 was stolen from an unattached garage in the 55000 block of Parkville Road. Investigators checked a property in the 21000 block of Pinhook Road and located the …

State Sen. Kim LaSata has announced a St. Joseph County venue has been named the inaugural recipient of her “Small Business of the Month” award. Mendon-based Cowboy Up was named Monday as the award’s first recipient. LaSata said she is proud to recognize Cowboy Up as the first winner of the award, which is issued in conjunction with Small Business …

Raymond, Ralph Rowland was born on Dec. 23, 1960 in Sturgis Hospital, the son of the late Ralph Byron Rowland and Ruby Lorraine (Van Vorst) Rowland, and was a lifetime resident of the area. He attended Colon Schools where he was a member of the Cross-Country team. For most of his working life Raymond worked in the Recreational Vehicle industry …

A ribbon-cutting event 13 months later than planned took place Saturday in Three Rivers. The ceremonial gesture marked the official opening of Armstrong Park, an 80-acre development between Main Street and Buckhorn Road. Jared Hoffmaster, vice president of River Country Sports Commission said the 80-acre development, for generations to come, will be at the center of youth athletics and the …

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the theft of a motor vehicle. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the department was notified last week that a blue, 2013 Buick Encore was stolen from a residence in the 26000 block of Fawn River Road in Sturgis Township. The theft is believed to have occurred sometime between Thursday night and …

A plan to intentionally set fire to a long-abandoned motel north of Schoolcraft has been delayed. Vicksburg Village Council member Denny Olsen said the former Plainsman Motel in Schoolcraft Township was to be intentionally set on fire to provide training for South County Fire Authority as well as other area fire departments. The training was to take place this weekend. …

Look at ME!  I am waiting for my new home.  I am Theodore and I am friendly and affectionate and I love treats and head scratches.  Because I have already had my neuter surgery, my adoption fee is only $10.  Call to make an appointment to see and adopt me at the St. Joseph County Animal Control Shelter located at …

A steering committee is being created to help decide how St. Joseph County will spend its share of a $1.9 trillion federal government incentive. During their executive committee meeting Wednesday, county commissioners discussed the impending payment arriving through the American Rescue Plan. Though the anticipated amount has not been disclosed by county officials, it’s expected to be significant enough to …