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Beacon Health System, owner of Three Rivers Health, has signed an agreement to acquire the Ascension healthcare system in southwest Michigan. The transaction is expected to close this summer, subject to standard regulatory approvals. Once the arrangement is complete, Beacon Health System will own Ascension’s network of four hospitals, 35 outpatient clinics and an ambulatory surgery center. The hospitals include …

A Branch County man was charged with a number of drug-related offenses following his arrest last week. Members of the Southwest Enforcement Team responded Thursday to a residence on Burr Oak Road. A search warrant was executed and investigators discovered a variety of suspected drugs. Bronson Township resident Robert Daggs, 35, was arrested and charged with delivery and manufacture of …

We are approaching the festival season here in Three Rivers. From May through November, you’ll find many events to attend that will interest every member of the family. I suggest you get out your calendars and mark these dates so that you won’t miss anything. — Saturday, May 3, everyone is invited to come down to the Main Street business …

MSU Extension is hosting an online session covering how to prepare and sell foods to the public under Michigan’s Cottage Food Law. The two-hour workshop combines education about the state’s Cottage Food Law, and the food-safety aspects of preparing and selling cottage foods. Michigan Cottage Food Law allows residents to manufacture foods in home kitchens and storing products at home. …

A Coldwater man faces a number of charges, including offenses related to criminal-sexual conduct. Branch County Sheriff Fred Blankenship said deputies arrested Ray Zierle March 28 at his residence on Bidwell Road after they executed a search warrant at his home. Authorities said Zierle is a night custodian with Union City Community Schools. Blankenship said deputies found electronic devices containing …

Sturgis City Commission members recently approved the $30,000 purchase of a new siren as part of the municipality’s emergency network. The new siren will replace a vintage siren that has been offline for several months. In fact, the antiquated siren, atop the Sturgis Department of Public Safety building, seized up during a tornado warning for St. Joseph County last summer. …

“Summertime Tunes,” an annual music series hosted by White Pigeon Township Library, has confirmed its 2025 lineup. The series kicks off July 9 with high-energy country music performed by Kevin Wolff Band. A week later, JP & the Energy will perform modern pop and rock. On July 23, cover band The Hipposonics will play tunes from the ‘80s through today. …

Two people were injured in a two-vehicle crash over the weekend in White Pigeon Township. State police officials said troopers responded shortly before 9 a.m. Sunday to U.S. 12 and Sevison Road regarding a crash with injuries. Investigators said a 27-year-old White Pigeon resident was driving north on Sevison Road and failed to yield the right-of-way at U.S. 12. The …

A Bronson man faces several charges following a police pursuit that started in Branch County and ended in Indiana. Steuben County Sheriff’s Department authorities said its deputies were made aware around 4:30 p.m. Saturday of a pursuit in Branch County heading south onto State Road 327. The suspect vehicle, reportedly stolen from St. Joseph County, crashed just south of U.S. …

A trio of former township supervisors was recognized during an annual awards program staged last week by St. Joseph County Road Commission. The trio – Don Gloy of White Pigeon Township, John Kroggel of Fabius Township, and Mark Brown of Constantine Township – received the agency’s “Recognition Award.” The ceremony took place during the road commission board’s March 19 meeting. …