News

A Michigan man who was serving life sentences for the 1972 killings of four women in the Kalamazoo area has died after being found unresponsive in prison, a correction official said. Staff found Danny Ranes, 78, unresponsive on Jan. 29 at the Lakeland Correctional Facility in Coldwater and he was later pronounced dead at a hospital, Chris Gautz, a spokesman …

A Centreville woman was injured in a two-vehicle crash last week in Nottawa Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday to the area of M-86 and Rambadt Road. Investigators found that a 65-year-old woman was driving west on M-86 when her vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a semi-tractor trailer heading east. The woman …

Officials from the Three Rivers Water Festival have announced a new addition will return to the 2022 community celebration. Shredder Motor Sports and an upgraded version of their Monster Truck will participate in the festival’s opening-day parade and then offer rides in the parking area near the railroad tracks, just east of Scidmore Park. Rides will be offered following the …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a car-versus-pedestrian incident that occurred last week in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. State police said troopers were called at 8:40 p.m. Thursday to M-60, near Stanton Road. Investigators said a vehicle was parked and facing the wrong direction on M-60. The investigation shows a person was stopped to retrieve their mail. The driver of …

A 41-year-old Three Rivers man was arrested on drug-related charges after he attempted to elude authorities last week. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies attempted to stop a vehicle at 8 p.m. Jan. 31 in the 63000 block of Lutz Road in Florence Township. The vehicle stopped briefly but its driver sped away and led authorities on a seven-mile pursuit in …

Three Rivers officials made a significant decision this week, as the city commission on Tuesday approved demolition of the old Three Rivers Hospital. A bid just more than $1 million was approved for the task. The job will be conducted by Bay City-based Dore & Associates. Mayor Tom Lowry said money will come from the city’s general fund. In addition, …

The city of Sturgis this week launched its Sturgis Splash Pad fundraiser as part of an effort to raise $160,000 through corporate and community donations. Meanwhile, one sponsor has already pledged its commitment. Omni Community Credit Union was acknowledged by the city for a $10,000 “Splash Level” sponsorship. All donations will be used to construct the splash pad and make other …

Law-enforcement officials are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident in Branch County’s Bethel Township. Michigan State Police troopers earlier this week were dispatched to the 100 block of South Snow Prairie Road to investigate. The breaking-and-entering is believed to be an ongoing issue, dating as far back as November. No additional details were included in a department media release.

The Constantine Village Council recently voted to sell a commercial lot. The property in question is at 1047 Canaris St. Village officials set a price of $500, plus closing costs. Last month’s action followed a public hearing on the sale of the property. The sale includes demolition and removal of a derelict structure on the property, including asbestos removal. The …

St. Joseph County Road Commission Manager John Lindsey said the department has employed a strategy to handle the two-day winter storm that started Wednesday. Lindsey said the storm first appeared on his radar about a week ago and as it approached, its magnitude was as significant as predicted. Accumulation became significant enough early Wednesday morning to justify sending out its …