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The Sturgis Department of Public Safety was dispatched Wednesday evening to the corner of Hatch and Maple streets in Sturgis in response to a structure fire. Crews extinguished a fire that had engulfed a two-story house and attached garage. North Nottawa Street was closed to allow water lines to be added to support tanker trucks at the scene.

Here’s a reminder that the re-scheduled Three Rivers Chili Cook-Off event will take place this weekend. The event is set for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday in the downtown district, where chili connoisseurs will have the opportunity to sample portions at participating businesses. Then, voting will determine the top three best chilis in the event. Tickets to participate as a …

Officials from the St. Joseph County Grange Fair have announced details related to the annual garage sale and vintage market. The 2026 event is planned for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2 at the Centreville property. Popular items available for sale typically include clothing, books, toys, furniture and vintage items. In addition, the event also features the annual St. …

A theme for Constantine’s annual Fourth of July celebration was recently chosen. Municipal officials said “Stars, Stripes and Small-Town Life” will honor the 250-year anniversary of the United States later this year. Event organizers said the day-long observance will be a patriotic celebration reflecting the heart of the community, neighbors helping neighbors, creativity and hometown pride. The village is in …

A Branch County man was arrested last weekend after he was involved in a police pursuit that started in Sherwood Township. Sheriff Fred Blankenship said deputies attempted to stop a vehicle due to an equipment violation shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday. The driver allegedly sped away from deputies. The pursuit concluded a short time later, however, after the suspect attempted …

St. Joseph County Road Commission received confirmation it will receive a federal grant to help cover a project in Constantine Township. The funding is part of a package approved at the federal level Tuesday. The legislation secured funding to help the road commission make improvements to North River Road. The 131 bypass, which opened west of Constantine in 2013, has …

December’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by two-tenths of a percent from November. Figures from the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget show St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 4.4 percent in November to 4.2 percent in December. The county’s December rate from a year earlier was 5.1 percent. Meanwhile, Cass …

Three Rivers American Legion is hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner event. Organizers said the $50-per-couple meal features a 10-ounce steak, shrimp, potato and salad. Meals are served starting at 4 p.m. at the American Legion Hice-Shutes Post on South Main Street.

A 57-year-old Sturgis man was arraigned Monday on charges related to multiple counts of criminal-sexual conduct. St. Joseph County Prosecutor Deb Davis said Raymond Bontrager allegedly sexually assaulted a minor from 2016 to 2025, starting when the victim was 6-years-old. According to investigators, the alleged abuse continued until the summer of 2025, when the now-15-year-old victim disclosed the alleged assaults …

Officials from Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County have announced the family selection/partner family application process is now open. Nick Metzger, executive director for the Centreville-based agency, said volunteers are nearing completion on three potential partner homes. The residences are located in Sturgis, Constantine and Mendon. Metzger said all homes built by Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County are …