A southern Michigan community is getting an $11 million gift to build an aquatic center and expand an area recreation facility.   Coldwater city leaders on Monday announced that Dr. Robert W. Browne, and his wife Lynn, are donating the money.  The aquatic center is planned for the grounds of Legg Middle School. The Heritage Independence Recreation Gym is to …

Sarah Abbs, age 80, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at her home. She was born March 7, 1932, in Eden, Ohio, a daughter to the late Homer and Opal (Bayes) Smith. Sarah graduated from Blanchard Michigan High School where she was active in sports and band. She had been employed by the Blanchard Paper Company and …

Susan D. Kauffman, age 64, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away early Saturday morning, Dec. 8, 2012, at Sturgis Hospital. She was born Aug. 1, 1948, in Sturgis, Mich., a daughter of the late Leo Joseph and Golda Viola (Ross) Hudson. Susan resided most of her life in the Sturgis area. On Dec. 9, 1967 she married Larry Joseph Kauffman in …

Richard L. “Rick” Earl Jr. age 52 of Huntsville, Ala., and a former resident of Constantine and Three Rivers, went to be with his Lord and Savior early Saturday morning, Dec. 8, 2012, at his home following a lengthy illness. The family will receive friends from 3–7 p.m. Wednesday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. …

A 24-year-old Sturgis woman has been jailed on charges of child endangerment after leaving her 2-year-old at home alone. According to the Sturgis Police Department, Hollyann McBride was arrested Thursday night after a patrol officer noticed her vehicle being driven in an erratic manner. McBride allegedly disregarded a stop sign and sped up briefly while police were signaling for her …

Three Rivers City Manager Joe Bippus said he and a group of municipal representatives received a warm welcome from American Axle Manufacturing officials during a goodwill visit last week to the company’s Detroit-based headquarters. Bippus said the scheduled meeting provided an opportunity to thank AAM President David Dauch for the company’s commitment to Three Rivers. The Three Rivers facility is …

Three vehicles parked in the employee lot at a Sturgis factory were broken in to last week. Sturgis Police were called to Sturgis Molded Products in response to larceny incidents. In all cases, car windows were shattered and a number of items were taken from the vehicles. The incidents occurred between 8 and 11:30 p.m. Dec. 5.

State Rep. Matt Lori praised the passage of freedom-to-work legislation that he says will allow Michigan workers to earn a living regardless of union membership. Lori said workers should have the freedom to work any job without being forced to pay for that right to work. He added that unions will have the freedom to make their case to workers, …

Suzanne Marie Beurmann, age 50, of Marcellus, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio. She was born on August 19, 1962 in Ypsilanti, MI. the daughter of John and Judy (Bates) Gavin Sr. Suzanne was a bright and vibrant soul. Her journey found her very active in caring for special needs adults and …

Vicki Jean Bethuram, age 67, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. She was born April 30, 1945, in Richmond, Ind., a daughter of the late Mack and Midge (Whalen) Bethuram. Vicki had resided in Sturgis most of her life and was once married to Patrick G. Barrone in Three Rivers. She had been employed for …