By Robert TomlinsonNews Director FLOWERFIELD TWP. — The St. Joseph County Road Commission officially has its gravel operation in Flowerfield Township. In two separate 3-2 votes, the Flowerfield Township Board of Trustees approved the conditional rezoning of 65 acres of…

George Richard Diethrich, of Marcellus, a man of unwavering strength and a sharp engineering mind, passed away on June 10, 2024, in Cassopolis, at the age of 86. Born on August 16, 1937, in Constantine, MI, to Wilbur and Marjorie…

By Dennis Volkert “Sturgis Fest” takes place June 18-22.Theme for this year’s festival is “Disney Days.”Festival week opens with the kick-off dinner at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. This year’s Citizens of the Year, Mary Kay Schultz and Doug VanMeter,…

By Dennis Volkert During public comment Wednesday at the Sturgis City Commission meeting, resident Greg Lomax addressed the board regarding a problem of speeding in areas near the roundabout, Thurston Woods Village and Doyle Community Center. He said drivers continue to…

By Steve Eldridge JACKSON — With Tuesday’s 12-0 state quarterfinals win over Dansville, the Mendon Hornets got the rematch they wanted. The Hornets will take on the defending state champion Unionville-Sebewaing Patriots in semifinal action on Friday afternoon in East Lansing.…

(I wrote this a year ago but wanted share it again. Heck I might share this column over and over for years to come. The man meant so much to me) This week I give pause to reflect on my…

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director MENDON — Sometimes, when it drizzles, it pours. In Saturday’s MHSAA Division 4 softball regional final game between Mendon and Burr Oak in Mendon that had brief periods late of off-and-on rain, the metaphor was even…

Burr Oak wins district championship COLON — The Burr Oak varsity softball squad won its second consecutive district championship last Saturday, taking the first game in dominant fashion against the Athens Indians 14-4, then edging the Colon Magi, 5-4. In…

EAST KEN TWOOD — Keyanna O’Tey of Sturgis has been one of, if not the fastest high school female runner in the state of Michigan all season. And once again, the junior has the hardware to go with that title.With…

Paul William Coffman, 50, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024 in Jefferson Township.Paul was born April 4, 1974 in West Palm Beach, Florida, the son of Daniel Coffman and Cathrine Anne Baker. Paul grew up in Berryville,…

Linda Marie Leensvaart passed into the arms of Jesus peacefully in her sleep on Friday, May 24, 2024 at her home in Three Rivers.Linda was born in Harvey, Illinois to Wray and Rhoda Davis on November 23, 1954 and married…

“America is another name for opportunity. Our whole history appears like a last effort of divine providence on behalf of the human race.” -Ralph Waldo EmersonThis month is filled with days of remembrance. Eighty years ago, June 6, 1944, allied…

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — The kickoff to summer in St. Joseph County is almost here. The 67th Three Rivers Water Festival will kick off on Thursday, June 13 and goes through Saturday, June 15. It is presented…

By Dennis Volkert For the past few years, Sturgis Downtown Development Authority and business owners in the city have explored a concept to light downtown buildings and surrounding areas. DDA assessed several options to support the project through grant funding.…

Coming events Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area. June 7“Movies on North,” 5:30-9 p.m., downtown Sturgis. Featured film is “The Rocketeer,” begins at 7 p.m.June 8Foam recycling, 9 a.m.-noon, Sturgis compost site, 27751 E. Fawn River Road.June 10Sturgis Public…

     Five, ten, or more centuries ago, the whole purpose of etiquette was to demonstrate partiality, respect, and submission to one’s “betters.”  That is something of an offensive way of saying being respectful to someone simply because he or she was of…

Have you ever been trapped in an elevator?Until last week, I could unequivocally say “no.” Now having been around for a while, I have ridden up and down on my share of elevators and never gave it a second thought…

By Robert TomlinsonNews Director DOWAGIAC — It appeared for the longest time that Friday’s MHSAA Division 3 girls’ soccer district final between Three Rivers and South Haven in Dowagiac was going to go to overtime. For approximately 78 minutes and…

PAW PAW — Three Rivers’ softball team upped its winning streak to eight games by sweeping Paw Paw and Coldwater this past week on the road.On Wednesday, May 22, the Wildcats defeated the Red Wolves 10-0 and 16-5. In Game…

Terry W. Kline, age 66 of Centreville, passed away Monday, May 27, 2024 at his home following a hard fought battle with colon cancer. He was born January 5, 1958 in Three Rivers, a son of Wayne and Mary Lou (Gross)…