The murder trial of suspect Westly George concluded after closing arguments Wednesday. Jurors started the deliberation process at 1:30 p.m. to determine the fate of George, who is on trial for the August 2015 fatal shooting of Eugune Jackson in Three Rivers. The final prosecution witness was Three Rivers Police Det./Sgt. Michael Mohney, who served as lead investigator in the …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating the apparent arson of a stolen vehicle. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. Tuesday in Constantine Township. Deputies said a passerby noticed smoke coming from the state game area on Williams Road, just south of Harder Road. The motorist, who was on Harder Road at the time, followed the smoke to Williams Road, where …

The duty of police protection in the village of Centreville will return to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to accept a contract making the responsibility official. The service will begin Oct. 1. A team of two deputies will be assigned for police coverage at a cost of more …

Troopers from the Michigan State Police are investigating the larceny of farm equipment from a location in Park Township. The incident took place at Greenmark Equipment on Heimbach Road between noon Saturday and 5:30 a.m. Tuesday. Details about what was taken were not included in a department media release.

The first school bell rang on Tuesday for most students in the area. There were first-day jitters for both students, parents, and yes, even teachers, as they all embark on another school year. Some students entered school for the first time or for the last, moving on to a new grade in a new school, leaving elementary behind for middle school, or …

Battle Creek city commissioners have approved ordinances aimed at regulating panhandling and loitering. The proposals outlaw remaining “idly” within 25 feet of an intersection and soliciting money from anyone waiting in line or near building entrances. The Battle Creek Enquirer reports commissioners voted Tuesday on the proposals, which take effect in 10 days. Violations would be considered civil infractions and …

The state of Michigan has sued a local apparel company, alleging it violated state and federal law by trademarking the M-22 highway symbol. MLive reports that the state’s legal action is in response to M22 LLC’s creation of items that display the sign of the popular and scenic Northern Michigan highway. The state says the law doesn’t allow registration of …

Robert W. Roach, age 75, of Colon, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2016, at Three Rivers Health. Bob was born Jan. 29, 1941, in Sturgis, a son of William J. and Mary B. (McLatcher) Roach. He had lived all his life in the Sherwood and Colon area, graduating from Colon High School with the class of 1959. In 1974, Bob …

Leslie Clyde “Droopy” Schrader Jr., age 55, of Kalamazoo, and a former longtime Colon resident, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 6, 2016, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born July 2, 1961, in Sturgis, a son of Leslie and Kathie (Shear) Schrader. Les resided in Kalamazoo for the past six months. The rest of his life was spent …

Marian Laurene Kipker, age 83, of Three Rivers was carried home by Angels on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. She was born November 4, 1932 in Marcellus, MI the daughter of the late Willard J. and Gleeola (Bent) Griner. Marian was a graduate of Marcellus High School and was united in marriage to James Kipker on …