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A jury was seated Tuesday in St. Joseph County Circuit Court for the murder trial of Zachary Patten. Two jury panels of more than 100 people were needed to seat the jury. The trial began Wednesday with opening statements by St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough and defense council Deb Davis. Patten is accused in the July 2017 murder of Shane …

Fire destroyed a home Tuesday in the 11000 block of Riverside Drive in Mottville Township. White Pigeon firefighters were called to the home around 1:30 p.m., and found heavy smoke and flames coming through the roof. Authorities said the cause of the fire was cooking-related. Fire quickly spread to the attic. The home is considered a loss, while contents sustained …

The County Closet has issued a public appeal in hopes of securing more volunteers to help at its Three Rivers store. Volunteer coordinators said this is an especially busy time with an influx of donations. The County Closet is open to the public 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. There is no pay, but volunteers are able to …

A 54-year-old Sherwood man was arrested earlier this week on charges stemming from a domestic-assault incident. Michigan State Police troopers were called around 6 p.m. Monday to a residence in Sherwood in response to a report of domestic assault. The suspect fled the scene prior to troopers’ arrival. A search of a wooded area on Barnhart Road, near Webb Road …

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging is scheduling tours of model apartments at the future Rivers Enrichment Center & Residence. The renovation of the former Three Rivers Inn into an enrichment center and residence for seniors features 46 apartments and is scheduled to be completed in August. To be eligible for an apartment in the new facility, prospective tenants …

Constantine Village Council members last week adopted a resolution to begin a series of steps to receive funds from USDA World Development for renovation of its sanitary sewer system plant. Estimated cost is $7.9 million. Discussion centered on issuing bonds, one possibility to fund a low-interest rate loan for 40 years to upgrade the plant. Liz Girgen and Brad Lyons, …

Three Rivers Department of Public Services Director Amy Roth said a project involving water-valve replacement will create a traffic shift the next two weeks. The task started Monday at the intersection of South Douglas Avenue and West Michigan Avenue. Consequently, traffic will be shifted to one lane in each direction at the intersection. Roth said there could be brief delays …

State police have provided more information related to a hit-and-run incident last week in Branch County’s California Township. Trooper Kevin Paison said the incident occurred at 10 p.m. Wednesday on Hamman Road near State Line Road. Investigators said a black passenger car traveling north on Hamman Road crossed the center line and struck a southbound buggy head-on. Paison said the …

After 22 years working in education, Sturgis High School Principal Ron Ehlers has announced he is retiring. His last day will be June 30. District officials said Ehlers has been a strong advocate for students. They hope to fill the position by July 1, as it was posted last week internally and externally. The selection process will include application screening, …

Jury-selection begins today in St. Joseph County Circuit Court for the murder trial of Zachary Patten. Patten is scheduled to stand trial for the July 2017 murder of Shane Richardson. According to authorities, Patten drove to a home in the 16000 block of Featherstone Road in Florence Township, where his ex-wife resided. Police said Richardson, along with his pregnant wife …