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A Sturgis City Commission member and candidate for county treasurer has withdrawn from the race. Rob Sisson, who was expected to challenge current treasurer Judie Ratering for the four-year term in November, notified Clerk Pattie Bender of his decision earlier this week. Sisson’s move means Ratering, who was appointed earlier this year to fill the unexpired term of Phyllis Bainbridge, …

State Sen. Bruce Caswell will stage an early morning coffee hour with constituents from the 16th District this weekend. From 7 to 8 a.m. Saturday, Caswell will be at Dawn and Phil’s Café in Colon. Caswell has issued a standing invitation to anyone interested in meeting with him to discuss concerns and ideas. The restaurant is located at the northeast …

Constantine police chief Jim Bedell has been appointed acting village manager while full-time village manager Mark Honeysett recovers from a heart attack. Members of the village council last week agreed to the temporary measure, which means Bedell will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the village, as well as the law-enforcement side of the community. It was suggested a …

Saturday’s cleanup of a five-mile stretch of the Portage River drew a small but productive group of volunteers. The first of seven river and river bank cleanups scheduled this season by the St. Joseph County Conservation District drew seven participants. Collectively, the group recovered eight tires, an assortment of cans and bottles, and other forms of debris from the river …

St. Joseph County Animal Control Officer Tom Miller said the last of five threatening pit bulls, thought to have been abandoned late last month at Meyer Broadway Park, has been killed. Miller said the dog was found living in the area around Westside Landfill. It had avoided a number of traps and, as a result, was shot by a deputy …

A pair of St. Joseph County commissioners has asked Sturgis municipal officials to weigh in on the concept of a Commission on Aging facility in Sturgis. Commissioners John Dobberteen and Don Eaton approached city leaders this week and asked for input into the proposed concept. The COA has a fund balance of about $1.4 million and the county commissioners have …

The village of Centreville is looking for a new president to lead its village council. Barb Parker, a council member for 15 years – including the last seven as president – announced her resignation Monday. Parker said she was not planning to seek re-election later this year, but decided to resign for family and other reasons. Parker said she would …

Organizers of next month’s Three Rivers Water Festival parade wish to remind that the deadline for parade entrants is Friday. The parade’s theme is “Ahoy, TR,” with an emphasis on pirates, lakes and boating, event organizers said. Applications for prospective participants may be picked up at the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce. No late or day-of entries will be …

Michigan State Police at White Pigeon are warning residents to be aware of a driveway-paving scam that was unsuccessfully executed recently in White Pigeon Township. Investigators said a group of workers claiming to have excess asphalt from another job use a high-pressure tactic in hopes of scamming thousands of dollars from unwitting victims. A phony estimate is presented to potential …

Organizers of the 49th Mendon Dust-Off old-car show said Sunday’s annual event drew more than 900 participants and at least 2,000 spectators. Don Mourey, president of the Three Rivers Classic and Antique Restorers Club, said a combination of perfect weather and owners of old cars eager to show off their winter work for the inaugural car show of the season …