Following the death of a woman and her 16-year-old daughter last week in a fire in Fabius Township, the family has released a statement. Michelle and Cheyenne Bixler died in the blaze at their home on Harder Road. Three other children in the home were able to escape safely and were taken to Three Rivers Health. “The Bixler family has …

A Sunday morning fire injured one person at an apartment complex in Centreville. Centreville fire chief Dave Miracle said the department was dispatched at 10:43 to Mill Race Manor apartment complex on East Main Street. Miracle said the fire spread quickly through a portion of the complex. When crews arrived, they observed smoke emitting from the window of a unit. …

Webb Miller was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. A caring nurturer, he cherished his years as a father and was delighted with the arrival of his grandchildren and great grand children. Living his life to the fullest and enjoying the company of each and every person who came his way, he leaves behind a wonderful example of accepting all …

Barbara May Nicholas, age 82, formerly of Mendon, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Galesburg following a long illness. She was born in Kalamazoo on Oct. 30, 1937 the daughter of John and Genevieve (Smith) Hiatt. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the class of 1955. Barbara was married to Maurice Nicholas on May …

January’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was one-tenth of a percent higher than the previous month. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed the county’s 3.3 percent unemployment rate in January was down from December’s 3.4 percent. St. Joseph County was slightly below the state’s unemployment average, which was 3.5 percent in …

A vehicle left running in Yoder’s Country Market parking lot in Centreville was stolen last week. Sheriff’s officials said deputies were called at 5:10 p.m. Thursday in response to the incident. The vehicle is a dark-green Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The pickup has a salter on the back that possibly blocks the plate. The plate number is CLB452. In addition, there’s …

A Portage man led sheriff’s deputies on a vehicle pursuit last week in Park Township. According to a department media release, a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle Jan. 26 on Buckhorn Road, near Marcellus Road. The vehicle sped up and tried to avoid the deputy by turning into a driveway. In an attempt to elude authorities, the suspect drove …

A few hundred well-wishers showed up at separate events Friday to recognize Brad Balk on his retirement as St. Joseph County sheriff. The first of two ceremonies took place at Glen Oaks Community College, where State Rep. Aaron Miller, State Sen. Kim LaSata and other dignitaries presented Balk with proclamations and other mementos honoring his 11-year tenure as sheriff and …

Friday was the last day Brad Balk will serve as St. Joseph County Sheriff, and two public events took place to commemorate the occasion. The 66-year-old Balk was recognized by local and state dignitaries during a program at Glen Oaks Community College. A second event, which Balk called a less-formal affair, will followed at the FOP Lodge east of Centreville. …

The village of Centreville is considering adding online payment as an option to pay monthly water bills. Village officials indicated the service could come with a 3 percent fee. Nonetheless, they are asking residents to include a note with their next payment and indicate whether they are in favor of the option or not. Also, village officials said in order …