Recent Posts

William “Butch” Apted, Jr., 72

William “Butch” John Apted, Jr. September 15, 1950 ~ August 13, 2023 William “Butch” John Apted, Jr., age 72, of Marcellus passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023 at home.  He was born on September 15, 1950. Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations may be directed to the Marcellus Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.materralstonfuneralhome.com.

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County projects continue

Work on four major county-backed projects is continuing, though county officials are being advised to prepare for higher-than-projected expenses. During last week’s executive committee meeting, project manager Jennifer Sawyer provided updates on the Three Rivers satellite courthouse, the Centreville courthouse courts building, the historic courthouse roof project and work at the St. Joseph County Jail. Bids for the historic courthouse …

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Sturgis plans for tiny home project

Plans are underway for the city of Sturgis to bring market-rate housing through what is called a tiny homes project. WOOD-TV reported that the property, on Prospect Street between Hatch and West streets, is enough to fit one normal-sized home. But the city’s housing commission plans to fit five “small homes” that are about the same size as a large …

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Ben Wilson named assistant coach for K-Wings

Ben Wilson, who once patrolled the ice as a defenseman and enforcer for the Kalamazoo Wings, is adding a new title to his resume: assistant coach. Wilson, 32, suited up for the K-Wings for seven seasons (2013-2020) and served as captain from 2016-2020.  During his time in Kalamazoo, Wilson played in 377 games, which is 11th in franchise history, scored …

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Pilot noticed loss of power before crash of Cold War plane at Michigan show

The pilot of a Cold War-era jet noticed it was losing power and decided to eject himself and a crew member before the Soviet fighter plane crashed during a weekend air show in suburban Detroit, an official said Monday. The pilot, who also owns the plane, had serious injuries but nothing life-threatening, while a second person aboard the MiG-23 had …

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Cones stolen from Road Commission

St. Joseph County Road Commission is appealing to the public for help in finding property stolen from the Centreville-based agency. Road Commission officials said 92 orange cones were stolen from a recent paving job of Silver Street in Mendon Township. Value of the cones is in the thousands of dollars. Tips can be phoned to the road commission or St. …

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US 131 project update

Here’s an update on work being done on U.S. 131 in St. Joseph and Kalamazoo counties, according to Michigan Department of Transportation’s Christopher Jacobs. Recently finished work includes completion of storm sewer Stage 1, from Rocky River bridge north to M-216. Meanwhile, all hot-mix asphalt leveling is complete for Stage 2. In addition, restoration is completed in areas that have …

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Sturgis farmer reappointed to represent cattle breeders

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has reappointed Sturgis rancher Monte Bordner to the Michigan Beef Industry Commission. Bordner is reappointed to represent cattle breeders for a term expiring in May 2026. Since the early 1940s, the Bordner family has farmed near Sturgis, specializing in Angus cattle breeding. Bordner, a former member of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners, is recognized as …

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Out and About – Week of August 14th

Now that we are in the Dog-days of August, here are a few celebrity quotes that might cheer you up: “Like almost all entertainers, I was out of work for most of 2020-2022. That was tough. At the same time we had a great garden.” – Singer Arlo Guthrie “Are we going to be mean or nice? Unfortunately, people don’t …

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Suspect flees vehicle following chase

Sheriff’s deputies were involved in a pursuit last weekend that originated in Centreville. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said deputies responded to the 300 block of West Main Street at 2:30 a.m. Saturday in response to a fight involving a number of individuals. Investigators said several subjects ran to a vehicle, which fled the scene when deputies arrived. Deputies, with assistance from …

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