Following release of commission probe, Sturgis mayor Perez expresses apology, affirms commitment

Following release of commission probe, Sturgis mayor Perez expresses apology, affirms commitment

Dennis Volkert Oct 2, 2026 3 min read

A week after release of the findings of an independent investigation of Sturgis City Commission, mayor Frank Perez expressed an apology regarding his actions and affirmed commitment to recommendations made in the report. On Sept. 23, the city commission agreed…

Plainwell edges Sturgis swim/dive; Sturgis takes win over Marshall

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 2 min read

STURGIS — The Lady Trojans welcomed Plainwell to town last week for a swim meet, and the visitors came away with a close 93-87 win.Earning first-place finishes for Sturgis was Ainsley Gump in the 200 IM (2:20.94) and the 100…

Soccer Roundup TR splits with Dowagiac, Niles

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 1 min read

Soccer RoundupDOWAGIAC — Three Rivers’ boys’ soccer team split its games this past week, winning 6-0 over Dowagiac and losing 7-1 against Niles, both on the road.Against Dowagiac, Yahir Lopez Chacon had four goals and two assists to lead the…

Out and About: Hugging, high blood pressure, and lifestyle interventions

Out and About: Hugging, high blood pressure, and lifestyle interventions

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 2 min read

“If wrinkles must be written on our brow, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.” -James A. GarfieldI am a believer in hugging. Hugging is the most beautiful form of communication. It allows…

Sturgis City Commission agrees to release results of independent investigation

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 6 min read

Sturgis City Commission on Sept. 23 agreed to release findings of an independent probe, prompted by a resolution for “investigation of wrongdoing,” presented to the board in a resolution at the May 27 meeting of the commission. According to a redacted…

City seeks prospects to revive health care services in Sturgis

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 4 min read

By Dennis Volkert The city of Sturgis is pursuing options to restart some health care services for the community, in an attempt to fill a void left by the June 19, 2026, closure of Sturgis Hospital. At the public comment segment…

‘Strong’ turnout for 175th county fair despite early weather, sparse concert crowd

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 6 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — The 175th anniversary of the St. Joseph County Grange Fair is in the books, and for new fair manager Regina Schinker, she said the milestone anniversary fair was an overall successful one.“It was so…

Fred’s Pharmacy suddenly closes its doors in TR, Vicksburg

Fred’s Pharmacy suddenly closes its doors in TR, Vicksburg

Editorial Staff Oct 2, 2026 3 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — A longtime pharmacy in the Three Rivers and Vicksburg area closed its doors for good this week without much, if any, warning to its customers. On Tuesday, both locations of Fred’s Pharmacy in…

Mike’s Musings: The cruelest part of the jury duty scam

Mike’s Musings: The cruelest part of the jury duty scam

Editorial Staff Sep 30, 2026 3 min read

A very good friend of mine was recently reduced to tears by a stranger on the phone. The caller claimed she was in trouble over jury duty and demanded that she show up with cash (credit card payments were not…

Boil water advisory in place for Constantine after water main repair, gas line rupture

Boil water advisory in place for Constantine after water main repair, gas line rupture

Robert Tomlinson Sep 28, 2026 3 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — A boil water advisory is in place for the time being after a water main break was repaired Monday, along with a gas line rupture that occurred and was repaired during the work. Constantine…

Independent probe of Sturgis City Commission reveals no violation of open meetings act, but notes gap in procedural policy

Independent probe of Sturgis City Commission reveals no violation of open meetings act, but notes gap in procedural policy

Dennis Volkert Sep 25, 2026 6 min read

Sturgis City Commission on Sept. 23 agreed to release findings of an independent probe, prompted by a resolution for “investigation of wrongdoing,” presented to the board in a resolution at the May 27 meeting of the commission.  According to a…

Lady Shamrocks defeat Coloma Comets 3-0!

Lady Shamrocks defeat Coloma Comets 3-0!

Editorial Staff Sep 25, 2026 1 min read

The Berrien Springs High School varsity volleyball team defeated the Coloma Comets 3-0 by scores of 25-16, 25-23, 25-12, Coach Jake Skelly reported. Emma Stuckey had four aces and Rowan Beebe had three aces, Dylan Rospierski had 12 kills, Roslyn…

Game of the Week: Constantine spoils Schoolcraft homecoming, undefeated record with rivalry victory

Editorial Staff Sep 25, 2026 6 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director SCHOOLCRAFT — A tenacious defensive effort and a powerful Wing-T run game that chews up the clock and shortens games are staples of Constantine football.Both of those ingredients were on display in full effect last Friday…

Cross Country RoundupSturgis fourth at Holly Invite, split against Paw Paw

Editorial Staff Sep 25, 2026 5 min read

SPRINGFIELD — Both the Sturgis girls and boys cross country teams ran at the 58th Annual Holly Invitational last Saturday, with all teams having to contend with rainy and muddy conditions on the course. The Lady Trojans placed fourth, finishing…

Out and About: Dickens, getting out of depression, and fall colors

Out and About: Dickens, getting out of depression, and fall colors

Editorial Staff Sep 25, 2026 2 min read

“The sun himself is weak when he first rises, and gathers strength and courage as the day gets on.” -Charles DickensWith the world in its current situation, it’s not difficult to feel a little depressed. With a little help, the…

County Fair rolls along

County Fair rolls along

Editorial Staff Sep 25, 2026 1 min read

The St. Joseph County Grange Fair opened this week, and runs through Saturday, Sept. 26 with harness racing taking place on Sunday, Sept. 27. Pictured at left is a performer from The Steamers Thrill Show balancing on five stacked chairs…

Results of Sturgis Public Schools community survey released Priority, scope of proposed projects may have brought failure of bond proposal  

Editorial Staff Sep 25, 2026 7 min read

By Dennis Volkert Sturgis Public Schools this week released results of a survey that explored priorities, concerns and expectations of community members in the district and surrounding communities.The goal was to identify areas of common ground and build a clear…

Road Commission employee faces ‘Super Drunk’ charge in June crash

Editorial Staff Sep 25, 2026 4 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — A now-former high-level employee with the St. Joseph County Road Commission is facing drunk driving charges, including a “Super Drunk” charge, stemming from a crash that occurred back in June in Burr…

Fire destroys garage, cars at local auto parts store

Editorial Staff Sep 25, 2026 2 min read

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — A fire at a local auto parts store Tuesday morning destroyed a garage building and a couple of cars.According to Three Rivers Fire Department Assistant Chief Chad Witt, firefighters were called to Eagle…

Citywide brush collection schedule set in Sturgis

Dennis Volkert Sep 25, 2026 2 min read

Brush pickup in the city of Sturgis begins Oct. 5.  Crews from Department of Public Services will begin the collection process on the north side of the city and work southward.   Only one pass will be made through the…