
Obituary: Evelyn Ann Gyllstrom
Evelyn Ann Gyllstrom, 88, a lifelong resident of Marcellus, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at White Oaks Assisted Living in Lawton.She was born November 7, 1935 in Three Rivers, Michigan, the daughter of Ernest Richardson and Lela M. (Worthington)…
Out and About: Cooking, Memorial Day, and love
Next Wednesday, May 29, Chef Brigitte Romanelli will offer a cooking class at the Immaculate Conception Church, 645 S. Douglas St., in Three Rivers. This “Cook for a Cause” will feature preparing Homemade Pasta and Meatballs. The cost is $55.…
Veteran De La Fuente receives proclamation from city
City of Sturgis on Wednesday presented a proclamation for Joseph De La Fuente, a veteran of the Korean War, who recently attended the Talons Out Honor Flight.He was presented with a plaque Wednesday at the city commission meeting.On May 4,…
Welc named principal at Eastwood Elementary
By Dennis Volkert Christine Welc has been named next principal at Eastwood Elementary School.She was introduced formally Monday at a meeting of Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education.Fourteen people had applied for the position.“I’m excited to start a journey with…
And two more makes six
Sturgis High School’s boys’ and girls’ track and field won Wolverine Conference titles this season. It brings to six the number of league championships for SHS during the 2023-24 academic year. Also finishing at the top were boys’ bowling, soccer…
Gitelman named regional Orchestra Teacher of the Year
By Dennis Volkert Eliot Gitelman, orchestra director and strings teacher at Sturgis Public Schools, was selected as Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s “Orchestra Teacher of the Year” for District 11.District 11 comprises band and orchestra programs in the counties…
Life as Performance Art
When I was growing up, some of The Olds still called it Decoration Day. They were participating in a tradition that dated back to the 1860s, just after the Civil War. Late each May they went to the local cemetery to clean…
Mike’s Musings: The school end is here, thoughts for our graduates
Our newspapers, for the most part, are filled with photos of high school graduates and some college graduates. It is indeed a milestone to graduate, and it will be a feat you, your parents and grandparents will remember for years…
‘An endearing, genuine person that you just want to be around’: Family, friends and former teammates remember life of Sam Brown
By Robert TomlinsonNews Director THREE RIVERS — One of the most gifted athletes to ever compete in Three Rivers High School history passed away earlier this month. Sam Brown, a key member of the 1990 Wildcats boys’ basketball team that…
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…