Sturgis Fire Department union agreement ratified
Sturgis City Commission held a closed session Aug. 27 to discuss union negotiations in connection with the city’s fire department. Commissioners ratified the contract as presented. City manager Andrew Kuk said the agreement is “fair and mutually beneficial.” “We were…
Schoolcraft football survives against stingy Centreville team in season opener
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Centreville’s football team brought out the pomp and circumstance to its 2025 home opener Thursday against defending MHSAA Division 7 semifinalist Schoolcraft, with a community tailgate, balloons, the whole nine yards. But, in what…
Variety of music in store for 2025 HarmonyFest music festival
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Music, food and fun will be on the docket this coming weekend, as HarmonyFest will return to downtown Three Rivers Sunday, Aug. 31. The annual all-day music festival in downtown Three Rivers features…
Mendon sweeps their way to St. Joseph County volleyball title
STURGIS — The Mendon Hornets played as well as one could hope, winning the St. Joseph County volleyball tournament held in Sturgis on Monday.The Lady Hor nets played to a perfect 5-0 record, and did not drop a single set.…
Volleyball Roundup Three Rivers 1-3 at Gull Lake Invite, Southland reaches 3k assists
GULL LAKE — Three Rivers’ volleyball team played to a 1-3 record Friday, Aug. 22 at the Gull Lake Invitational.The team lost to Battle Creek Lakeview 25-15, 22-25, 10-15, lost to Niles 25-15, 22-25, 13-15, defeated host Gull Lake 25-23,…
Out and About: Rehab, safe exercising, and a break from the heat
“One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.” ~ Hans Christian AndersonThis is the last week of my second session of “Heart Healthy” at the Beacon Wellness Pavilion. We will have the week of Labor Day off before we…
Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Village Council members Thursday got their first look at a newly-renovated wastewater treatment plant prior to its launch in the next couple of weeks.The $20 million facility, which took a couple of years…
TR schools making progress with financial corrective actions
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Several months after four corrective actions were recommended in their 2023-24 financial audit, Three Rivers Community Schools has reportedly made progress in implementing corrections to its processes.TRCS Director of Business and Finance Mandi…
Groundbreaking begins process for SNP/CTE home-building project
On Aug. 20, Sturgis CTE Construction Trades students, in partnership with Sturgis Neighborhood Program, broke ground on the collaborative’s sixth construction project.It will be the sixth home built through SNP/CTE partnership.The project involves 38 juniors and seniors from four St.…
Rate plan approved for city utilities
Sturgis City Commission this month reapproved rates for electric, water and wastewater service. The electric rates are for billings that begin Oct. 1, 2025, Oct.1, 2026, and Oct. 1, 2027. Water and wastewater are for billings beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and Oct.…
Doyle Community Center to adjust rates, membership options
By Dennis Volkert Sturgis City Commission on Wednesday approved restructure of membership options and rates at Doyle Community Center.The committee has recommended changes to membership options, along with a 5% rate increase across the board. Changes include:
Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area
RECURRINGSturgis Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday through Sept. 27, Oak Lawn Park. AUGUSTAug. 29No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend). SEPTEMBERSept. 1No classes held at Sturgis Public Schools (Labor Day weekend).Sturgis Township Board of Trustees…
Constantine leaders get first look at wastewater treatment plant Facility expected to go online within next two weeks
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Village Council members Thursday got their first look at a newly-renovated wastewater treatment plant prior to its launch in the next couple of weeks.The $20 million facility, which took a couple of years…
Mike’s Musings: Is Cracker Barrel’s new strategy, doomed?
With Congress on vacation for the entire month of August (how dare they) and very little else happening, the Cracker Barrel rebranding hit center stage in last week’s news cycle. The CEO and Marketing Manager rolled out a new contemporary…
Three Rivers, Sturgis football teams to battle for trophy in new ‘War for the Oar’
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director STURGIS — The Swine Bone. The Silver Football. The Tomahawk. The Bullhorn. There have been a lot of notable trophy games involving St. Joseph County high school football teams over the years. However, there has never…
TR boys’ tennis wins one matchup in loss to Coldwater
COLDWATER — Three Rivers’ boys’ tennis squad opened its season on the road in Coldwater, dropping the match 7-1.The lone victory for the Wildcats came at No. 1 singles, where Alex Nowak defeated Coldwater’s Logun Fisher 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.Two other…
TR girls’ golf 16th at Scott Family Invite
GULL LAKE — Three Rivers Girls Golf opened the season Wednesday by playing in the Scott Family Invitational at Bedford Valley Golf Course hosted by Gull Lake.The team finished 16th with a team score of 472. Leading the Wildcats was…
Out and About: Open house, restoring your gut, and Labor Day
“Every act of love is a work of peace, no matter how small.” -Mother TeresaA brief reminder about the upcoming open house at the American Legion this Saturday, August 23. The open house will run from noon until 4 p.m.…
Nottawa Community Schools launches new GSRP program
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director NOTTAWA — Prior to this year, every school district in St. Joseph County offered the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) for pre-kindergarten learning, except for one district.Now, that one district is fully on board.Nottawa Community Schools…
Public encouraged to comment on updated city master plan
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Residents of Three Rivers, as well as the surrounding area, will have a chance to weigh in on the city’s plans for the future. On Tuesday, the Three Rivers City Commission approved a…
