Dortha Ruth Robbins, 84, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at Heartland Healthcare Center. Dortha was born July 30, 1927 in Paris, Ill., the daughter of Harry and Stella (Reed) Stepp. Dortha was a long time resident of Three Rivers. She was employed as a teacher’s aide at Hoppin Elementary School in Three Rivers for many …

Loranne Marie Jacobs, 91, of Three Rivers and formerly of Bradenton, Fla., passed away peacefully on Easter Morning, April 8, 2012. She was born on Aug. 2, 1920 in Mattawan, the daughter of the late John and Luella (Britton) Butler. Loranne had been a long time resident of this area where she worked for more than 20 years at G.T.E. …

Jose Anjel Castro, age 19 minutes, son of Jose and Katheana (Brown) Castro of Coldwater, passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Sturgis Hospital.  He is survived by his parents; four sisters, Katheana, Kassandra, Leandra and Cecilia; four brothers, Robert, Kyle, Joshua and Jose Alexander; grandmothers Julia Brown of Coldwater and Leandra Castro of El Salvador; a niece, Layliah Deeren; …

Investigators from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said alcohol appeared to be a factor in a single-vehicle accident around noon Sunday in Lockport Township. Deputies responded to the area of Schweitzer and Holton roads following reports of the incident. The 27-year-old driver, whose name was not released, was traveling east on Schweitzer Road when his vehicle left the roadway …

The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority welcomed more than 10 new businesses in 2011 and was awarded a façade grant for two downtown buildings. Christy Trammell, DDA director, recently provided the annual report to the Three Rivers City Commission. Trammell said noteworthy achievements in 2011 included the establishment of a local historic district, a retail incubator program called Project Start …

Cass County Sheriff Joe Underwood Jr. has announced his office is participating in the National Prescription Drug “Take Back” program. The collection will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 28. The event allows people the opportunity to drop off expired and unused medication at a number of locations in Cass County, including Marcellus Township Hall. People who cannot …

Ila Mae Pierson, 80, of Marcellus, died Friday, April 6, 2012 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born on Oct. 9, 1931 the daughter of the late Leo and Florence (Wortinger) Westphal and was a lifetime resident of the Marcellus area. Ila was married to Jack Richard Pierson in Centreville on April 15, 1950. Jack died on Sept. …

Jacquelyn Diane “Jackie” Elliott, 64, of Centreville, passed away on March 29, 2012 at the Borgess Medical Center following a lengthy illness. She was born on Oct. 7, 1947 in Paw Paw the daughter of Robert “Bob” and Mildred “Porky” (Joyce) Rex. Jackie was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Richard Elliott. She leaves to cherish her …

Charles R. “Charlie” Gearhart, age 74, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, April 1, 2012, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, following complications from surgery.  He was born April 23, 1937, in Three Rivers, a son of Harold and Leona (Parker) Gearhart.  Charlie graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1955, where he was a member of the state …

As a patron, it’s always nice to be reminded that your business is appreciated by the local merchants here in Three Rivers. Leslie Ann and Jerry Robbins seem to agree with me, because this Saturday, April 14, they are having a “Customer Appreciation Day” at L.A.’s Coffee Cafe, 145 West Michigan Avenue, Three Rivers. Besides offering a tempting menu, a …