The hardest words to say… For some people it comes easy. For others, not so much. Some people say it way too easily while others refuse. There are people who look at it as a sign of weakness while others just feel there is no need for it. And yet, there are even those who are afraid to say it …

The Boil Water Advisory issued on Tuesday, January 24th, 2017 for those areas in Sturgis affected by the water main break has now officially been lifted. Samples taken throughout the area on Wednesday, January 25th and Thursday, January 26th have returned negative results for coliform bacteria. These results mean that drinking water quality meets the State of Michigan drinking water …

Betty Lou (Castle) Van Wormer, age 79, of Colon, passed away Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, at Sturgis Hospital after a short illness. Betty was born April 8, 1937, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Elwyn “Rex” and Margarette (Hall) Castle. Betty had made her home in Colon most of her life, graduating from Colon High School with the class …

Here I am at St. Joseph County Animal Control. My name is Archer. I am a boxer mix, male, Fawn and white. I sit upon command, I am friendly. The people here noticed that I get vocal for attention. I think I am about two years old. Come visit me. My docket number is B1517-000012, at the St. Joseph County …

Authorities say a semi-truck didn’t stop after fatally striking a man who was putting gasoline into a van along I-94 in southwestern Michigan. The Kalamazoo County sheriff’s department says the 49-year-old Battle Creek man was dragged about 100 yards about 2:40 a.m. Friday along the eastbound lanes. The truck also hit the side of the stopped van before failing to …

Organizers behind the 61st Three Rivers Water Festival have announced the theme for the 2017 event. Slated to begin June 15 as St. Joseph County’s first of eight community festivals, the 2017 Water Festival theme is “TR Looks to the Future.” Water Festival Committee members encourage participants to incorporate a futuristic theme in their events, especially during the opening-night parade. …

State Rep. Aaron Miller has been named to the House Appropriations Committee by Speaker Tom Leonard, and will again serve as chair of the State Police Appropriations Subcommittee. Miller also will serve as a member of the subcommittees on School Aid and Michigan Department of Education; Judiciary; and Higher Education. In addition he was named chair of the House Elections …

Alcohol appears to be a factor in a single-vehicle accident involving a Coldwater man Tuesday in Branch County. State police said John Bertich, 34, was driving south shortly after 8 p.m. on Batavia Road near the intersection of Central Road in Batavia Township. Police said Bertich failed to stop at the intersection and his vehicle crashed into a tree on …

Fire destroyed a home earlier this week in Mottville Township. Just after 8 a.m. Tuesday, White Pigeon firefighters were called to a home in the 13000 block of Anderson Road. Flames were coming from the home when firefighters arrived. Officials believe the blaze began on the east side in a living room area. Two residents were home at the time …

Sharon James “Bookie” Buchner, age 94, of Mendon, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017 at the Birch Adult Care Home in Leonidas. He was born in Mendon on Jan. 9, 1923 the son of Leon J. and Frances (Bloom) Buchner and was a lifetime resident of Mendon. He graduated from Mendon High School in 1943 and then enlisted in the U.S. …