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The Mendon Downtown Development Authority is hoping it can find a buyer for the Wakeman House, believed to be the oldest building in the village. The DDA recently completed the purchase of the one-time hotel for $170,000 after it was foreclosed. The purchase price includes all contents. Operated most recently as the Mendon Country Inn bed and breakfast, the 10-bedroom …

A husband-and-wife team has been approved to occupy a historic house on the grounds of a popular county park. The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week reached an agreement with Dave Ludders and Caitlin Haring to live in the Dolly Reed House at Rawson’s King Mill Park. In lieu of paying rent, the couple will be responsible for …

Organizers of a benefit dance in Burr Oak over the weekend are calling the fundraiser a success, as more than 60 people attended Saturday’s event. Committee members for the Burr Oak Heritage Festival staged the dance. Proceeds will cover the fourth annual community celebration in St. Joseph County’s smallest community. The 2012 Burr Oak Heritage Festival is slated to take …

An annual art show in White Pigeon will have a new name and location later this year. After three years at Wade Park, the Art in the Park event will take place at Klinger Lake Country Club for a one-day show June 10. Newly named Art on the Green, the showcase of 20 to 25 high-end artists is a move …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this week approved a request for use of its property for the annual Centreville Covered Bridge Days festival. From 10 a.m. June 22 to 6 p.m. June 23, use of the north area of the courthouse lawn will be turned over to committee members, who typically incorporate a variety of vendors into the …

A pair of employees from the Three Rivers Clean Water Plant were recently recognized for their dedication and longevity for reporting weather observations. Twenty-year veteran James Shears and Joseph Madaras, a 15-year employee, were acknowledged with plaques issued by Brentley Lothamer, representing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In addition, plant director James Baker accepted recognition from Lothamer for Three …

A Michigan State Police investigator formerly assigned to the agency’s post in White Pigeon was recognized for his work in a high-profile murder case. Aaron Steensma was given MSP’s Meritorious Service Award during a ceremony last week in Lansing. The award was issued for Steensma’s work in the case of Colon-area resident Venus Stewart, whose estranged husband, Doug, was sentenced …

The date for the third annual Constantine Chili Throw-Down was announced Thursday by organizers of the cook-off. A roster of four Constantine-based eateries will compete for a traveling trophy, which will be presented following the Feb. 18 event concludes. As it has in the past, the public will decide this year’s winner. A $5 entry fee entitles the public to …

Legislation intended to clarify Michigan’s law banning protests at funerals is headed to Governor Rick Snyder.  The Legislature gave final approval to the bills this week with overwhelming bipartisan support.  The bills prohibit conduct, statements or gestures that would make a “reasonable person” attending the funeral or memorial service feel intimidated, threatened or harassed.  The bills could help clarify Michigan’s …

Amtrak has restored full passenger service between Detroit and Chicago, one day after one of its trains slammed into a truck that was stuck on the tracks in southern Michigan.  Wednesday’s accident happened in Jackson County’s Leoni Township, 45 miles south of Lansing. Authorities say 10 people were injured.  Township Public Safety Director Mike Jester tells the Jackson Citizen Patriot …