A judge has dismissed a murder charge against a 9-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting his mother in their Fawn River Township home earlier this year. St. Joseph County Family Division Judge Dave Tomlinson made the ruling Friday. Under state law, the boy was presumed incompetent for trial because he’s not yet 10 years old. WOOD-TV reports the third-grader hugged …

The August unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was 2.1 percent lower than the previous month. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed the county’s 4.5 percent August unemployment rate marked a decrease from July’s 6.6 percent. St. Joseph County was slightly above the state unemployment average, which was 4.2 percent in August. …

Here’s the weekly update from Michigan Department of Transportation regarding the U.S. 131 reconstruction project in Three Rivers. Two-way traffic continues to follow northbound 131 at the M-60 intersection toward the south end of the project. Meanwhile, two-way traffic on northbound 131 remains in place at the Hoffman Road/Rocky River bridge area. Also, utility relocation work remains ongoing throughout the …

Rolland Daniel Courtney, age 71, of Marcellus, passed away Monday, September 24, 2019 at home surrounded by family. Rolland was born in Kalamazoo on January 12, 1948, the son of Rolland “Curly” John Courtney, Jr. and Ethel Zenzie (DeYoung) Courtney. On Sunday, June 24, 2012, Rolland married Ardith Kay (Bowers) Shepard in Marcellus. Rolland is survived by his loving wife: …

Tire rims and a tire with rim were stolen from a shed in Fabius Township this week. State police said the incident took place at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 50000 block of Stoldt Road. Two suspects driving a red pickup with a white car-hauler dolly on the back were confronted by the property owner. The suspects fled from the …

Three Rivers Elks Lodge held its 15th annual “Captains Cruise” last month in an effort to raise money for scholarships. About 70 motorcyclists took part in the 114-mile ride. Before the ride, this year’s recipients were introduced. Alexandria Deel, who now attends Ball State for pre-med and psychology, received $1,750; Erin Brady, an Olivet College freshman studying actuarial science, received $900; …

Thunk is my name.  I am ready for a new home and a new name.  I am a neutered male, one year old, tiger/white and I am friendly and playful.  Come adopt me please!  My docket number is 46734, at the St. Joseph County Animal Control Shelter located at 652 E. Main St., Centreville, MI.  Animal Control is open Monday …

Resurfacing of a major route in Branch County begins next week. Michigan Department of Transportation’s Nick Schirripa said the $2 million project will cover a stretch of U.S. 12 from St. Joe Road at the county line east to Wayne Street. Schirripa said the construction zone will feature single-lane closures with traffic regulators to manage the flow of traffic. The …

Bronson Healthcare system has selected sites – including one in Three Rivers – for seven new primary-care practices scheduled to open next summer. Construction on five of the buildings started in August, and work on the two remaining sites will begin this fall. As announced in January, the new primary-care practices will be staffed by approximately 60 providers from Portage …

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education members recently approved the sale of the former Fawn River School property. Located at 69090 Carls Road in Fawn River Township, the school was sold for $25,000. Superintendent Art Ebert said the property had not been listed, as a family living in close proximity to the property had long expressed interest in it. Ebert …