News

Centreville’s former department of public works director was sentenced to two years of probation after his involvement in the theft of gasoline from the village DPW garage. District court officials said 50-year-old Randy Baker, a Colon resident, was sentenced earlier this month after he earlier pleaded guilty to a charge of embezzlement of less than $200. The misdemeanor and subsequent …

Two cheer-team squads from Three Rivers had a successful experience in a national competition last weekend in Virginia Beach, Va. Caroline Goodall, coach for the Three Rivers Young Champions Cheer team, said its 21-person Division 4 team took first place in the national championship round Saturday. Meanwhile, its 27-member Division 5 team took second place in the nation. The age …

A riding lawn mower was stolen between July 13 and 23 from a residence in Sturgis Township. Michigan State Police investigators said the mower was stolen from a barn on Fawn River Road, west of South Centerville Road. Tire tracks in the area indicate the mower was driven in an eastbound direction.

An employee who almost ruined a small grocery chain in southwestern Michigan has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison for embezzlement. Christopher Pratt admits he stole more than $6 million from Village Market Food Centers, based in South Haven, while handling the financial books. He was sentenced Monday in Kalamazoo federal court. The 42-year-old Portage man had …

A Sturgis man died and another suffered serious injuries during a single-car crash in Sturgis Saturday morning. Sturgis police said Mark Edmisten, 28, died after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a tree at the intersection of Hatch and Jean streets. A passenger, 42-year-old Juan Ortiz, was airlifted to Bronson Methodist Hospital. Police said speed and alcohol appear to …

Three Rivers city officials celebrated the opening of the first business on the former Essex Wire site with a ceremonial ribbon cutting last week. Friday’s media event centered on a business called The Shop at Sheffield, owned by Central Manufacturing Services. The Shop includes maintenance and washing services, as well as an operations office for CMS. The 11,000-square-foot facility is …

Organizers of the fifth annual Burr Oak Heritage Festival said despite rain and cool temperatures during key events, the 2013 community celebration was a success. Sunday’s community worship service and hog roast had to be moved indoors due to wet conditions. Also, temperatures only in the upper 50s resulted in Saturday’s fireworks display drawing a smaller crowd than last year. …

A 32-year-old White Pigeon man was airlifted to Borgess Medical Center Friday evening after he was involved in a motorcycle crash in Mottville Township. The incident occurred on U.S. 12 near Mann Road. The victim was identifed as Cheyenne King. He reportedly collided with the rear of a minivan which had stopped for construction.

Sixteen area children between 8 and 13 years of age spent several hours Friday in the Fishing With A Cop program at Camp Fort Hill. Organized by White Pigeon Police officer Jim Story and Michigan State Police trooper Matt Lackey, the 17th annual event included fishing, swimming and a meal of hot dogs and burgers cooked and donated by the …

A Three Rivers man died Thursday in a 1-car crash in Illinois. The victim was identified as 71-year-old Tom Quake. The crash happened on I-57 near Kankakee when Quake reportedly lost control of his convertible, and the car flipped several times. Illinois State Police say Quake was not wearing a seat belt.