One of the 12 people injured in a weekend fire at a northern Michigan ski resort is in critical condition. Spectrum Health Butterworth spokeswoman Beth Cranson confirmed David Chauvette’s condition Monday but declined to discuss his specific health problems. A Facebook page created for Chauvette says the Traverse City man suffered smoke inhalation. The fire occurred around 1:30 a.m. Sunday …

Prosecutors have filed murder and armed robbery charges against a Western Michigan University basketball player in the killing of a fellow student last week. Joeviair Kennedy was due to be arraigned Monday in a Kalamazoo County court in Thursday’s fatal shooting of 19-year-old Jacob Jones in an off-campus apartment. Prosecutors don’t know if the 20-year-old Muskegon man has an attorney …

Albert O. Cappaert, age 99, of Three Rivers, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2016 at the Heartland Health Care Center. Albert was born on November 17, 1917 in Briarbluff, IL. the son of the late Henry P. and Eliza (VanZande) Cappaert. Albert has been a long time resident of Three Rivers. On Dec. 31, 1939 he married the love …

Daniel James Merten, age 55, of Centreville, passed away Saturday, December 10, 2016, at Mercy Health Partners Lakeshore Campus in Shelby.  He was born January 21, 1961, in Hart to Joseph and Mary Ann (Kokx) Merten. Dan graduated Hart High School 1979 and also Spartan School of Aeronautics, Tulsa, OK. Dan married the former Jannine Mieras in Oklahoma City, OK …

Dustin Carl Woods, 37, of Mendon, died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016. He was born in Sturgis on Sept. 6, 1979 the son of William C. and Shirley (Alexander) Woods and was a lifetime resident of St. Joseph County. Dustin attended Centreville Schools, and was the primary in-home caregiver for his parents. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, …

Ruth L. Holmes, age 82, of Sturgis, passed away Monday morning, Dec. 12, 2016, at Adult Nu Care in Sturgis. She was born July 13, 1934, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Walter H. and June A. (Murray) Snyder. Ruth resided most of her life in the Sturgis and Burr Oak area. She attended White School, a one-room schoolhouse, …

We received our first measurable snowfall on Sunday, December 4. Channel 3 News said that the snow would start to fall around 1 PM that afternoon, and for once, their forecast was right on the money. We arranged our Sunday plans so that by 1:30 PM we were secured inside the house, the cars were tucked away in the garage, …

The Three Rivers City Commission has a vacancy to fill in its Third District. The opening comes as a result of Commissioner Diane Clay announcing last week her resignation due to her impending move out-of-district. A six-year board member, Clay will stay on board until after completing next week’s city commission meeting, the commission’s final meeting of the year. The …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners was asked last week to continue its customary funding to maintain in 2017 the services of a local economic-development group. During Tuesday’s commission meeting, board members were urged to allocate their standing $250,000 to Southwest Michigan First economic-development corporation. The five-member board is considering cutting back on its commitment to Southwest Michigan First, …

State Rep. Aaron Miller last week attended three township meetings – in Sturgis, Burr Oak and Wayne townships – fulfilling a promise made two years ago to attend each of the 59th District’s monthly municipal meetings twice, hearing first-hand ideas and how the Legislature can help communities. Miller said he enjoyed meeting with local officeholders and listening to the concerns …