Frances (Fran) Hanachek, age 87, of Colon, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. Fran was born April 14, 1929, in Chicago, a daughter to the late Theodore and Jennie (Meyers) Bronkema. On Jan. 24, 1948, she married Michael P. Hanachek in Chicago. He preceded her in death on Oct. 3, 2001. Fran had made …

A body recovered last week from the St. Joseph River could be a Three Rivers man who was reported missing earlier this month, according to sheriff’s department officials. Members of the St. Joseph County Dive/Rescue team recovered the body in Three Rivers Friday. Investigators are awaiting autopsy results for confirmation it is the body of Justin Berg, 45, who had …

Motorists in the Centreville area have been given a brief reprieve from a major detour impacting M-86 traffic to the east. Replacement of the M-86 bridge over the Prairie River in Nottawa Township was slated to begin this month but instead will commence in mid July, according to Michigan Department of Transportation spokesman Nick Schirripa. The $4.9 million project is …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff ’s Department explorer post is selling 9-1-1 mailbox signs. The signs are green with reflective numbers on both sides, with dimensions of 6-inches by 17.5-inches. Signs are available in a vertical and horizontal layout. They are $15.50, with all proceeds going to Explorer Scout Post for uniforms and educational training. Signs can be ordered through …

A Sturgis man has been added to St. Joseph County’s Planning Commission Board. During action last week, county commissioners agreed to make Gregg Dohm a member. His appointment fills one of two vacancies on the planning commission. Dohm, who is retired and serves as president of the Pheasant Pointe Condo Association, will serve through 2017, when, the term of his …

Paula Langdon Stump, age 72, of Colon, and formerly of Sherwood, passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2016. Visitations will be Wednesday, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Schipper Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. from the funeral home.

James L. Bedell, age 72, of Klinger Lake, died Friday, May 20, 2016 at his home following a battle with cancer. He was born October 9, 1943 in Durand, MI a son of LaVerne and Almehda (VanAuken) Bedell. Jim graduated from Saginaw Arthur Hill High School in 1961. He served in the US Navy from 1961 – 1963.  On February 4, …

Here are some important highlights from the MSU Extension field crops team this week. IPM BREAKFASTS Crop updates and IPM information shared at the meeting have been incorporated into the SW MI Regional Update – see the link below. The field crops team update from the meeting is attached which also highlights several issues. This week’s meeting featured MSU weeds …

A man charged with killing six strangers in between picking up riders for Uber will go to trial, a Michigan judge said Friday after listening to a dozen witnesses, including a survivor of the random shootings who said it’s his face she sees in her sleep each night. Jason Dalton is charged with murder and attempted murder. He’s accused of …

Alva Bontrager, 82, of Centreville, died Thursday, May 19, 2016, at his home. Mr. Bontrager was born March 21, 1934, in St. Joseph County, to William N. and Lydia Ann (Miller) Bontrager. Living his lifetime in St. Joseph County and LaGrange County, Ind., he was a member of the Old Order Amish Church. He was a farmer for many years. …