St. Joseph County officials have announced that starting today, all county departments within the Historic Courthouse and Annex 2 will be closed to the public. The measure is in place until at least Dec. 8. Most services can be accomplished online, by phone or email. In addition, departments will still be staffed during regular business hours.

Deborah Jean Spealman, age 69, of Constantine, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2020 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born in Sturgis on Sep. 7, 1951 and was the daughter of William and Mary (McClain) Spealman. Deb was a lifetime resident of St. Joseph County and the Mendon United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Mariam …

A Branch County man was arrested last week after authorities said he fired a gun in the direction of a relative. Michigan State Police troopers were called shortly after midnight Thursday to a residence in the 900 block of West Colon Road in Matteson Township. Authorities said a family member arrived unannounced to the house and was upset that the …

Three Rivers municipal leaders last week approved the sale of the Carnegie building. City officials said the sale to the Carnegie Center for the Arts was for $54,000. The deal also means the end of a lease agreement between Carnegie Center for the Arts and the Three Rivers Woman’s Club. The breakdown that led to the lack of continuing the …

The suspect in a Three Rivers murder case has pled guilty. Randall Miller, 34, appeared before St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman last week. The occasion stems from the March 2019 death of Lori Norman. Miller pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a plea deal, which calls for the dismissal of all other charges related to …

Due to new COVID 19 restrictions that will take effect on November 18, 2020, limiting 10 persons in a building, those wanting to attend the special meeting of the Park Township Planning Commission on Thursday, November 19, 2020 will need to attend virtually. The public may participate in the meeting through Zoom access by computer and smart phone using the …

I’m sure we all know of at least one person who has very low self-esteem. They have a low value of themselves and feel that no matter what they do, it just won’t measure up to the norm. If you feel that this problem fits you, here are some things that just might correct that feeling about yourself: Sing in …

St. Joseph County officials heard an update this week on committee appointments. During Tuesday’s executive committee meeting, board chairman Dennis Allen noted the St. Joseph County Road Commission Board has one member whose term expires at the end of the year. Allen noted two people have applied for the six-year position. He and commissioner Dan Czajkowski will represent the county …

A Battle Creek man was arrested this week following a standoff at an abandoned Nottawa Township residence. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said a woman driving west on Findley Road noticed a man entering the house, which had been abandoned since being destroyed by fire two years ago. The passerby is a relative of the homeowner and, around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, notified …

The Three Rivers Woman’s Club is expanding a project of warmth this winter, as its members are gearing up for their “Socks for the Sole” campaign. The effort calls for collecting and distributing new or gently-used socks to those in need who come into the Three Rivers Food site. Organizers said member Waneta Truckey volunteered at the site and saw …