Local health officials say there is no concern to the general population for any health-related hazards or risks associated with lingering smoke from last week’s Mottville Township fire. The fire at Green Stream Recycling began June 26 and has affected an area of about 15 acres. Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has been in contact with the Kalamazoo district office …

Property owners in the city of Sturgis will see no property tax increase this year. City commissioners last week sidestepped adding nearly a half-mill to hire an additional police officer and a fire marshal. The commission set the 2017 operating tax rate at 10.0285 mills, the same millage levied in the city for more than a decade. A millage hike was …

If hunters have their way, a long-legged wetlands bird and an oft-spotted gray dove in southern Michigan could become the latest game species in the state. The Detroit Free Press reports that Michigan United Conservation Clubs passed two measures at its annual convention earlier this month to seek sandhill crane and mourning dove hunting seasons in Michigan. Department of Natural …

With a smile on his face and the taste of his favorite whiskey on his lips, Dennis A. Newcomer, age 74, of Jones, died peacefully Monday, June 26, 2017 at home in the comfort of his family’s presence. He was born October 14, 1942 in Mishawaka, Indiana to Arthur and Kathleen Newcomer. He married Pat Rolfe June 9, 1973 in …

A former board member and treasurer for the White Pigeon Parks and Recreation Department has been arrested on charges of embezzlement. Anissa Long, 46, was charged after she was arrested earlier this month. White Pigeon police said the current president of the parks and recreation department contacted police in April. In the course of investigation, authorities reviewed banking transactions and …

Constantine Village Council members have approved an ordinance authorizing the use of golf carts on village streets. An operator must be at least age 16 and licensed to operate a motor vehicle, must comply with signal requirements and may not use the sidewalks. By ordinance, the speed limit is 15 mph. In addition, carts are not permitted on the street …

Jackie Bowen, human resource manager at Kadant Johnson, was recently presented with a Paul Harris recognition by Three Rivers Rotary. A Paul Harris Fellow is recognition for an outstanding commitment to the Rotary Club or to the community. In Bowen’s case, however, it is both. Paul Harris recognition is the highest distinction that a club may bestow on a Rotarian …

Mrs. Jane Elizabeth Swartwout, age 85, of Three Rivers, passed away at Three Rivers Health on  Monday, June 26, 2017. Jane was born on August 1, 1931 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Michael and Mary (Zellak) Boggio. After earning her Associate’s Degree, Jane worked as a registered nurse for many years at Three Rivers Hospital and in short term …

A smoldering mulch pile is suspected of triggering a massive blaze that destroyed a Mottville Township business this week. Investigators remain on the scene at Green Stream Recycling to confirm the source of the fire that leveled the business Monday afternoon. In all, the services of 19 departments – including five from Indiana, eight from St. Joseph County and four …

More than $400 in cash was taken and more than $1,000 worth of damage caused as the result of a breaking-and-entering incident earlier this month in Mottville Township. State police said the crime occurred between 6 and 8:30 a.m. June 16 at Dirt Buster Car Wash. The business is located in the 14000 block of U.S. 12. The culprits used …