After five years, someone other than Ken Malone will serve as leader of Sturgis City Commission meetings. Robert Hile, 59, was named mayor after serving five years as vice-mayor under Malone. Hile said he and Malone had discussed a change in leadership a year ago. Meanwhile, Jon Good, at-large commissioner, was appointed vice mayor in a 6-3 vote over Mark …

The Constantine Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, recently awarded its fall grants. Recipients included Constantine Middle School Peer Mentoring, presented to Shannon Underwood; Children’s Concerns of St. Joseph County body safety awareness class, represented by Jill Bobalik and Jill Modert; Youth for Christ Inc., Southwest Michigan and Campus Life of Constantine, received by Ken …

Automotive tools and antique firearms were taken from a residence in Park Township this week. State police said the breaking-and-entering incident occurred Monday in the 20000 block of M-60. The incident took place during a two-week period when the homeowners were out of town, according to authorities.

Pregnancy Helpline of St. Joseph County recently purchased an ultrasound with funds it was provided through donations. More than $16,000 was given thanks in part to the Knights of Columbus Council 2508 of Sturgis. During a dedication program last month at Christian Fellowship Center Church in Sturgis, Pregnancy Helpline director Carol Stuckey said the ultrasound will allow it to provide …

A 300-gallon propane tank was stolen last weekend from a residence in Flowerfield Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the tank was taken between 4 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday from the front yard of a residence in the 10000 block of Floating Bridge Road. Authorities said the tank was white and had no additional markings.

Wava Jane Chapman, 66, of Jones, died on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at her home. She was born June 25, 1950 in Mishawaka, a daughter of James and Gloria (Bang) Simpson. Wava attended country schools and Mendon Schools. She was employed at Crocker Limited in Three Rivers for 30 years retiring in 2009. Wava, along with her boyfriend Jerry Potter, …

State police have cancelled the missing-persons alert for a 28-year-old Coldwater woman. A department media release issued Wednesday stated Ricquelle Allemon has been located.

Karen Marie Blonde, 64, of Constantine, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016, at her home following a two-month battle with cancer. Karen was born March 5, 1952, in Detroit, Mich. At the age of two, she moved with her family to the shores of Klinger Lake in the White Pigeon area. Karen’s childhood at the lake included time with …

This Thursday is Thanksgiving, a day when we should all reflect on the many things for which we are thankful for. It’s also a time for families to get together and enjoy each other’s company and share a little love. We should all do this more than just once a year. The family unit is not what it used to …

A Burr Oak-area woman was arrested on a number of charges over the weekend after allegedly attempting to run over her boyfriend while a child was inside the vehicle. State police said troopers were dispatched around 5 p.m. Sunday to Maple Lane in Burr Oak Township regarding a domestic situation. Upon arrival, troopers saw the 31-year-old woman was attempting to …