Mrs. Carol Elaine Hartman, age 72, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. Carol was born July 2, 1944 in Dowagiac, MI. to Orlo B. and Dorothy M. (Potter) Fox. She was one of five children. She grew up in Volinia, MI. where she attended Volinia-Newton Woods Schools. She then attended …

Bruce C. Heslet, Sr., age 62, of Three Rivers, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Borgess Medical Center. He was born in Three Rivers on December 19, 1954, a son of Calvin and Thelma (Kohler) Heslet. Bruce attended Three Rivers Schools with the class of 1972. He worked at Postal Distributions in Elkhart for the past 8 years …

St. Joseph County could be in line to secure a wooded parcel with river access in Fabius Township. Parks and recreation director Jaymes MacDonald told commissioners during their executive committee meeting Wednesday that a 60-acre property was willed to three siblings. The so-called Kettles parcel is on the east side of U.S. 131, just south of Gleason Road. It abuts …

A Niles man died this week after he was struck by the engine of a freight train in Cass County’s Pokagon Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the rail crossing a half mile south of Pokagon Highway. Investigators said a Norfolk Southern train traveling north came across a subject on the tracks who …

Two government entities in St. Joseph County have agreed to extend their participation for services with the county’s grant writer. Park Township and the village of Centreville have indicated their interest in continuing to pay $3,714 each annually for the services and expertise of James Hissong. County administrator Pat Yoder said the contracts with both parties are up for renewal …

The start of county commission meetings from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. has not resulted in greater attendance. Commissioners during their executive committee meeting Wednesday were provided attendance details by board chairman Allen Balog. The commission for years had met at 5 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. With three new members joining the five-person board at …

Flossie A. Sawyer, 81, of Constantine, died Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at Riverview Manor Grace Health Care in Three Rivers following an extended illness. She was born Aug. 2, 1935, in Constantine, the daughter of Eugene and Bernice (Layman) Sawyer and lived in St. Joseph County most of her life. She was employed at Arch Workshop and enjoyed her family, …

Remodeling the courts building and upgrading the kitchen at the county jail were identified Wednesday as the highest priorities by county commissioners. During a work session following their executive committee meeting, commissioners reviewed five projects that have been on the drawing board for years but are currently in a holding pattern. After an hour of discussion, commissioners agreed the courthouse …

Three award winners were recognized during the St. Joseph County Conservation District’s 69th annual meeting Wednesday. Executive director Carolyn Grace and board president Carol Higgins presented awards for “Volunteers of the Year,” “Farmer of the Year” and “Supporter of the Year.” In awarding Mendon Boy Scouts Troop 427 as “Volunteers of the Year,” Higgins said the Centreville-based agency is always …

A request for funding by representatives from a well-used temporary housing shelter was taken under consideration by county commissioners. Kelli Tackett, director of Centreville-based Keystone Place, made a request for $60,000 during Wednesday’s executive committee meeting. Commissioners commended Tackett for the role Keystone Place plays in helping people at a time when help is greatly in need. They were told …