Sunday storm damages homes, businesses in St. Joseph County
Updated 4:01 p.m. March 31, 2025 By Robert TomlinsonNews Director ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — A powerful thunderstorm rolled through St. Joseph County Sunday evening, causing numerous power outages, downed trees, and property damage in spots around the county. According to…
Sturgis outages reduced to about 300 customers
City of Sturgis electric crews, aided by workers from other communities, continue to work to restore power in the aftermath of the March 30 storm, officials said. Much of the work is within neighborhoods, involves replacing broken poles or is…
Breen named new superintendent at Constantine schools
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CONSTANTINE — Constantine Public Schools has a new superintendent at the helm, and it’s one that’s very familiar with the district already. In a press release Thursday, the district announced that current Interim Superintendent Patrick Breen…
Constantine to seek new boys’ basketball coach
CONSTANTINE — Constantine will be seeking out a new boys’ basketball coach for the 2025-26 academic year.On Monday, the Constantine Public Schools district posted the position of varsity boys’ basketball coach for hiring in a social media post. The posting…
Track and Field Roundup TR opens season with split over Sturgis
STURGIS — Three Rivers’ boys and girls’ track and field teams opened up the 2025 season at the Sturgis Dual, with the boys taking a 94-43 win over the Trojans, and the girls dropping a 121-12 decision.On the boys’ side,…
TR DDA breaks ground on new downtown amphitheater
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — Shovels were dug into the ground for the first time this week on a new project in downtown Three Rivers.An official groundbreaking event for a new amphitheater in downtown Three Rivers was held…
Out and About: A generation gone by, pancakes, and things to make you smile
It’s funny how fast life goes! I was born in 1944 and when I was growing up, hearing stories of people who were born in the 20s and 30s seemed so foreign and old to me. Now, when younger people…
Sturgis commission approves purchase of weather siren, to replace failed unit
By Dennis Volkert After extensive discussion on Wednesday, Sturgis City Commission narrowly approved approved a request from the Department of Public Safety for a bid waiver for purchase of a new weather-alert siren, in the amount of $29,200.Andy Strudwick, deputy…
‘A new chapter in the storied history of Glen Oaks’ Newton inaugurated as ninth GOCC president
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — After just less than a year on the job, the newest president of Glen Oaks Community College was officially inaugurated into the position.On Friday, March 21, an inauguration ceremony was held for Dr. Bryan…
Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area
RECURRING Children’s story time, 10 a.m. each Tuesday and Friday, Sturgis District Library. Additional events at library available at www.sturgis-library.org/events.Sturgis Area Model Railroaders winter hours at Sturgis Historical Museum, 6-9 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Online: sturgismuseum.org. MARCHMarch 28-29“Little Women,”…
Mike’s Musings: Destroying Tesla vehicles and dealerships makes no sense
Maybe someone can explain to me why firebombing a Tesla dealership or a Tesla car makes sense.Over the past week Tesla vehicles have been front and center in the resistance directed at President Trump and his DOGE leader. Elon Musk.…
Sturgis Civic Players set for opening of ’Little Women’
By Dennis Volkert “Little Women,” by Sturgis Civic Players, is presented at 7 p.m. March 28-29 and 2 p.m. March 30 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. “Little Women” is based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel, following the lives of four sisters,…
Bonding narrowly approved for county courthouse renovation project
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Despite opposition from numerous citizen attendees and some commissioners, the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Tuesday narrowly approved bonding up to $6 million to cover a portion of the cost of a renovation…
Two Howardsville basketball stars earn All-BCS honors
HOWARDSVILLE — Two Howardsville Christian boys’ basketball players received First-Team All-Conference Honors from the BCS Conference earlier this month.Seniors Kaden Sparks and John Paul Rose received the honor, while Sparks was runner-up for the conference’s Player of the Year award.For…
Glen Oaks AD offers plans for games, practices while construction occurs Offers general updates on athletic department
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Glen Oaks Community College’s athletic director says there are plans in progress for athletic contests while a renovation to the gym area is completed next academic year.In a presentation to the GOCC Board of…
Out and About: Useless info, armed forces wisdom, and oxymorons
My wife has suggested that I clean up my office. It seems she came in there yesterday and couldn’t find her way out. This prompted me to clear out a couple file folders filled with useless information. I thought you…
Sturgis school board approves science curriculum request, gets update on steering committee, Eastwood driveway project
By Dennis Volkert Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education on March 17 approved adoption of science curriculum upgrades for K-2 and high school.In February, the board received a list of requests from educators to fund educational materials, equipment improvement and…
Hostetler receives ‘Book of Golden Deeds’ award
Kelly Hostetler was honored this week by Sturgis Exchange Club at its 82nd annual Book of Golden Deeds award ceremony, held at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.According to the club, Hostetler was selected for the award in recognition of tireless…
Mike’s Musings: Let’s not spoil special relationship with Canada
President Trump likes to say his favorite word is “tariff.” He hopes to use the word to force corporations to locate in the United States, instead of other countries where they have tax and trade advantages. More corporations mean more…
