
Conflict of interest discussion held by county commissioners after Allen ouster from law enforcement committee
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director CENTREVILLE — Nearly a month after Dennis Allen’s surprise ouster from the county’s Law Enforcement Committee, a discussion was had among county commissioners regarding conflicts of interest, while Allen blasted the move made last month. The…
Sewer, water commodity rate increase, new road projects highlight city budget preview
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — An incremental hike in sewer and water commodity rates and new road projects highlighted a preview of what is to come in the budget for the City of Three Rivers. City Finance Director…
‘Cruise-In’ features vintage cars, music and ‘Art Around Town’
By Dennis Volkert “Spring Car Cruise-In and Eats” took place May 10 in Sturgis. It was presented by Downtown Development Authority.It featured more than 100 classic automobiles. Live music was provided by Marjorie Beryl-Shelito, Bethi Lewis and Ben Prowett.“Cruise-in” also…
Details amended for downtown social district
At its May 6 meeting, Sturgis city Commission amended details of the downtown social district, in connection with a new event that begins this month. On April 10, a seasonal “Two-Wheel Tuesdays” was approved by commissioners. The gathering takes place at…
Roundup of happenings in the Sturgis area
Coming events May 17“Wacky Trivia Night,” with Craig Tornquist, 7 p.m., Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.May 18Inaugural “Spring 5K Run/Walk for the Residents,” 9 a.m., Thurston Woods Village; registration period begins at 8:30 a.m.May 20Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education…
A big day for local runners
By William A. BaltzSpecial to the Commercial-News KALAMAZOO — Few things are more rewarding to a runner than achieving a much sought-after goal, especially when it’s overcoming challenges to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Nicolette Cole of Three Rivers did…
TR girls’ tennis splits doubleheader, win against South HavenWildcats finish 7th at Conference Tournament
THREE RIVERS — Three Rivers’ girls’ tennis team wrapped up their regular season this past week, with a win, loss, draw, and participation in the Wolverine Conference tournament. On May 8, Three Rivers played a weekday doubleheader against Sturgis on…
Out and About: Riding bikes, toothbrushes, and phone scammers
“Success is a journey, not a destination.” –Arthur Ashe A few rules to remember, when out riding bicycles: The St. Joseph County Conservation & Sportsman Club, located at 23640 Featherstone Road, Sturgis, has activities available for every member of the…
Obituary: ANN DONNELLY
ANN DONNELLY of Fisher Lake passed away at the age of 90 on Sunday, May 5, 2024 in her home and with her family by her side. She was born in An Siléar Rosmuc, County Galway, Ireland, on June 28,…
Obituary: Olen A. “Jr.” Rifenberg
Olen A. “Jr.” Rifenberg, 88, of Jones, a lifetime Newberg Township resident, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 23, 1935, the son of Olin A. and Mary (Cunningham)…
Mike’s Musings: Homeless woman found in sign, RFK’s brain eaten by worm
I thought I’d take time out from writing about politics to offer a few weird, or absurd items that appeared in the news last week. It seems some news stories are getting weirder and weirder as weeks and months go…
Softball Roundup White Pigeon defeats Bloomingdale in slugfest, swept by Hartford
WHITE PIGEON — White Pigeon’s softball team squeaked out a win Thursday, May 2 against Bloomingdale before being swept in a doubleheader against Hartford Monday.Against Bloomingdale, the Chiefs got a 16-15 victory. Emily Miller finished a triple short of the…
Obituary: George H. “Beagle” Rice
George H. “Beagle” Rice, age 82 of Centreville, passed away Saturday, May 4, 2024 at his home. He was born in Three Rivers on Dec. 6, 1941, a son of Jack and Naomi (Freese) Rice. George attended Centreville High School.…
Obituary: Brenda Lynne Samson
Brenda Lynne Samson, age 76 of Mendon, passed away unexpectedly at her home on April 29, 2024. She was born in Three Rivers on September 25, 1947 the daughter of Shirley “Bill” and Veryl (VanNess) Batten. Brenda attended Mendon High…
Obituary: Ervan Leroy Taylor
Ervan Leroy Taylor, 61, of Three Rivers, Michigan, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital.He was born July 11, 1962 in Three Rivers, the son of Charles and Agnes (Brooks) Taylor, and graduated from Three Rivers High…
Obituary: Mark Anthony Ames
Mark Anthony Ames, 67, of Three Rivers, passed away April 22, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital.He was born on October 1, 1956 in Three Rivers, the son of Claude and Amy (Parker) Ames. He graduated from Constantine High School.Mark spent…
“Out and About” Bell ringers, Mother’s Day and snacking
“I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” -Helen KellerOne hundred…
Storms pass through St. Joseph County with widespread damage State of emergency declared by governor; storm assessment ongoing
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director COLON — Strong storms that were possibly tornadic in nature passed through St. Joseph County Tuesday night.The storms caused widespread damage to businesses and homes in the central and northeast parts of the county, particularly in…
St. Joseph County tornado confirmed as EF-2
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — An assessment was made Thursday on the severity of Tuesday’s storm system that barrelled through St. Joseph County, damaging homes and businesses along its path. The National Weather Service in Northern Indiana…
Mike’s Musings: Taxes just keep piling up
Like many of us I struggle with having to pay taxes each year. I often wonder why I put aside more and more each year to pay the government yet get lesser and lesser services.For instance, I’m drawing social security.…