A Constantine residence was declared a total loss after it was destroyed by fire early Monday. Chief Mike Haydon said the department was alerted at 4:41 a.m. to a fire in the 100 block of East Third Street. Upon arrival, crews noticed flames coming from the windows and doors on the east side of the structure. The fire, which was …

State police troopers were called over the weekend to a home in Branch County’s Sherwood Township regarding a domestic disturbance Troopers were dispatched Sunday to a residence where they learned the suspect had injured himself and fled on foot. A K-9 unit was summoned and led to the apprehension of the suspect in a nearby field. The suspect was transported …

Anne H. Eymer, age 87, of Sherman Township, Sturgis, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, at Heartland Health Care in Three Rivers. She was born Dec. 14, 1931, in Norfolk, Va., a daughter of Jasper and Irene (Travis) Price. She had been a Sturgis area resident since 1972, coming from Gurne, Ill. She was employed in child care and as a …

Eric Jay Large, age 56, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at home after a courageous battle with FA (Friedreich’s Ataxia Neuro-Muscular Disorder). He was born January 4, 1963 a son to Charles and Edith (Bickle) Large. Eric was born in Sturgis and later moved to Jones and Centreville,  graduating from Three Rivers High School with the class …

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, …