Authorities say a driver who drowned with a passenger in southwestern Michigan had a blood-alcohol level that was above the legal limit. The Berrien County sheriff’s office says Autumn Mehl’s level was 0.14. The threshold for drunken driving is 0.08. A car was found upside down Sunday in Brandywine Creek in Niles. Mehl and Steven Rough were last seen leaving …

A 75-year-old man has been sentenced in the fatal shooting of his ex-wife at their western Michigan home. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that a Kalamazoo County circuit court judge ruled Tuesday that Jimmy L. Thrasher will spend 14 years to 25 years in prison for the slaying of 74-year-old Grace Thrasher. Thrasher pleaded no contest in January to second-degree murder …

Ronnie E. Hawkins Sr. of Sturgis, age 60, died Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at his home after losing his battle with cancer. He was born December 9, 1955 in Sturgis, a son of Junior and Marjorie (Westphal) Hawkins. He graduated from Constantine High School and served in the Army National Guard from 1974 to 1982. On November 29, 1986, Ronnie married …

A man who authorities say pointed a gun at his brother-in-law in an apparent joke has been sentenced to more than 18 years in prison for second-degree murder in the man’s death. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports Timothy Salo this week learned his punishment. He pleaded guilty in January and admitted that he fatally shot 29-year-old Jason Vanostran in April 2014 …

St. Joseph County’s Parks and Recreation Department is asking the public for input into the development of a master plan for a newly acquired piece of property on the St. Joseph River. Working in conjunction with the design firm Edgewater Resources of St. Joseph, the county has scheduled what is being promoted as a public-visioning session next week. The property …

The Three Rivers High School band program will perform its annual pre-festival concert at 7 p.m. Thursday in the high school’s performing arts center. The concert will feature the Three Rivers concert band and its symphony band. Each band will perform the three selections they are preparing for the MSBOA District 11 Band and Orchestra Festival. The festival will be …

A Three Rivers resident said he plans to challenge county commission chairman Allen Balog for his board of commissioners seat in the November general election. Cody Sharpe, who plans to run as a Democrat, is seeking the First District seat, which represents the city of Three Rivers, and Fabius and Flowerfield townships. Sharpe said his primary concern is the accountability …

North Lakeview Avenue in Sturgis will be closed beginning at 7:30 this morning in order for a city crew to repair a water break, weather permitting. City officials said Lakeview will be closed at Griffith Street and East Hatch. Arden Park will allow traffic to avoid the closure. East Hatch Street, west of North Lakeview, will be closed at Susan …

If you’re not busy Wednesday, February 17, between the hours of 11:30AM and 5:15 PM, you should stop by the JOCO Center, 805 Wood Street, in Three Rivers. The JOCO Center is sponsoring a blood drive, along with the American Red Cross. Stop in, give some of your blood, have some juice and a cookie, and feel great about what …

A World War II veteran from western Michigan has received medals for his service nearly 71 years after he was honorably discharged. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports 89-year-old John Butler of Portage was presented the medals by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton during a gathering with family and friends. The medals include a Purple Heart medal for wounds suffered in combat. Butler …