Ronald (Ron) W. Hicks, age 65, of Marcellus, was resurrected on Sunday, August 18, 2019 surrounded by the comfort of family in his home. Ron loved God, his family and friends deeply. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as Private First Class (E-2). Ron enjoyed Fishing, NASCAR, Golfing, and spreading the word …

Here’s the weekly update from Michigan Department of Transportation regarding its work on the U.S. 131 improvement project in Three Rivers. Stage 2 traffic pattern remains in place, as two-way traffic continues in the area of the M-60 junction as well as in the area of Hoffman Road at the north end of the project. Meanwhile, roadbuilding and box-culvert construction …

A Cassopolis woman was injured over the weekend in a traffic accident. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called at 2:10 p.m. Friday to the intersection of M-152 and North Street in Silver Creek Township. A pickup driven by 55-year-old Deborah Ganser lost control in a curve, left the roadway and struck several trees. Ganser was hospitalized for her injuries.

Organizers of the 32nd annual Mendon Riverfest declared the three-day community celebration a success. Starting with a dozen acts in Thursday’s lip-sync contest and ending with a crowd-pleasing fireworks display Saturday, the 2019 Riverfest featured strong crowds throughout the balance of the day Friday and Saturday. Riverfest chair Spencer Howe said more than 80 teams participated in Friday’s cornhole tournament …

Michigan Department of Transportation has issued a media release regarding a project this week impacting traffic east of Colon. M-86 will be closed for culvert replacement between Matteson Lake Road, in Branch County’s Matteson Township, and Snow Prairie Road in Batavia Township, near Coldwater. The closure begins today and continues through Friday. Motorists are advised to follow the posted detour …

Willard Dee (Bill) Bender, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Aug. 26, 1930, in Goshen, Ind., to Elmer and Mary (Troyer) Bender. He was one of 16 children (full, half and step). He was preceded by brothers, Elmer and Lavern Bender; half-siblings Lydianna (Troyer) Kaufman, …

Ms. Sally Lee Mast, age 68, of Three Rivers, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Borgess Medical Center following a lengthy illness.  She was born in Three Rivers on May 5, 1951 the daughter of LeVant Mast and Gene (Messinger) Mast. Sally graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1969.  Following graduation she was employed at Three Rivers …

Richard Ray “Brink” Rood, Jr., age 32, of Mendon passed away early Tuesday morning, Aug. 13, at Three Rivers Health. His death was very unexpected and was due to natural causes. He was born on June 29, 1987 in Elkhart, to Richard, Sr. and Jo  (Sigman) Rood. On June 1, 2013 in Bristol he married Brandy Barnett, she survives. Survivors …

A Shipshewana woman died Tuesday in a swimming accident in Cass County’s Porter Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called at 7:30 p.m. to a location at Long Lake, where a group of seven people from Indiana were wakeboarding. The group stopped for a break when one of the participants, 19-year-old Janelle Miller, left the boat to swim. Shortly …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is encouraging parents to keep pre-teen and teenage students prepared for school by being fully immunized. Whenever children are brought into group settings, there is a chance for diseases to spread, according to Yvonne Atwood, director of Personal Health and Disease Prevention at the tri-county agency. The health department offers immunizations by appointment, and …