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The massive fire that killed 18 horses at Smithfield Stables in Edwardsburg last week is being ruled accidental. Fire investigators from the Michigan State Police believe the blaze was sparked by someone burning leaves behind the barn last Tuesday, but note there is no direct evidence to prove that theory. In addition to the 18 show horses, a donkey and a dog …

I’ve been retired for almost four years and find myself busier than I was when I was punching a time clock. I’ve heard from other retirees that, if you do the right thing after you retire, you don’t have time to work for someone else. I guess I’m doing the right thing, because I still get up early in the …

The city of Sturgis has declared a citywide snow-removal emergency due to snow accumulations of greater than four inches. The snow emergency went into effect at 10 p.m. Monday. By ordinance, during a declared snow removal emergency parking is prohibited on all city streets. Furthermore, the owner of any vehicle parked in violation is subject to being issued a citation …

An 18-year-old Constantine woman was airlifted to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo after a two-vehicle crash last weekend in Three Rivers. St. Joseph County Sheriff deputies said a vehicle driven by Alexandra Harrison pulled in front of a semi driven by a 42-year-old man from Detroit at 2:50 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of U. S. 131 and West Michigan …

Legislation is now before Congress from U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressmen Dan Benishek and Gary Peters to halt a massive electric rate increase in the Upper Peninsula. The three lawmakers are attempting to require additional oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to allow FERC to prevent the 100-million dollar rate increase. Customers in the U.P. would be forced to pay …

A prospective trial date for Raymond McCann has been delayed at the request of his attorney, who also made a request for a change of venue. McCann, 47, is a former Constantine police reserve officer charged with lying in testimony related to the unsolved 2007 homicide of Jodi Parrack. Attorney James Mequio on Friday made the request before St. Joseph …

A too-strong opponent put an end to Mendon High School’s football season over the weekend. Muskegon Catholic Central rolled to a 48-7 victory over the visiting Hornets, who finish their season 10-2. Saturday’s win marks Catholic Central’s third consecutive post-season victory over Mendon. It also gives them four wins over the Hornets in six attempts over the past eight post-season …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has approved a number of personnel matters at its recent meetings. Jacob Fassett has been hired as a part-time corrections officer, while Nancy Franovich has been employed on a temporary basis for victim services. Also, Virginia Trattles’ employment has been shifted to 30 hours a week in the finance department and 10 hours …

West South Street, from South Centerville Road to east of the railroad tracks, was identified in Sturgis’ 10-year street-improvement program and has been selected for significant rehabilitation. City commissioners last week approved the task order with Fleis and Vandenbrink Engineering, Inc. for preliminary design, final design and bidding services for $48,000. Construction for West South Street will be partially funded …

It took only 12 seconds for the Western Michigan Broncos to take the lead in their gridiron contest against cross-state rival Eastern Michigan as Darius Phillips returned the opening kick 93 yards for a touchdown. The Broncos poured it on after that amassing a 51-7 win. Zach Terrell goes over on a one-yard QB sneak in the second half as the …