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…

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…

   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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

“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…

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,…

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)…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…