The St. Joseph County Emergency Management Office has announced it is giving away weather radios at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. Members of the agency said early warning of severe weather events can lead to better preparations and accurate information before and during severe weather. This year at the fair, the Emergency Management/Homeland Security display will offer to those …

State Rep. Matt Lori this week invited Constantine Fire Department Chief Mike Hayden to be his guest to a special program Tuesday at the Capitol. Lori and other House lawmakers Tuesday honored first responders on the 11th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The ceremony also honored members of the military who gave their lives in the line of duty …

Maxine Ellen Wertz, 87, of Colon, Mich., arrived safely home with Jesus Christ her Savior on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012, at Sturgis Hospital following an extended illness. She was born March 8, 1925 in White Pigeon, Mich., the daughter of Arthur and Myrtle (Sullivan) Dowty. She was a Colon resident since 2003, coming from Mottville. On April 20, 1947, she married …

One of the Kittens was adopted. I am Bentley and just I wanted to say hi! I am a three year old neutered male Lab mix. I am a very nice little boy, I know to sit when I’m told and walk nicely on a leash. I love to go for walks and play with toys. I would be very …

The Three Rivers Police Department responded Wednesday morning to Three Rivers High School after being made aware of a threatening message posted on a social-media website. Officers said the message was found to be left by a 17-year-old student at the high school. Though the exact content of the message was not indicated in a department press release, it did …

The Centreville Fire Department marked the promotion of two of its officers Monday with a pinning ceremony. According to a department news release, Lt. Bryan Balk was promoted to assistant chief. Meanwhile, Larry Schlabach was promoted to lieutenant. The positions became open after the retirement of longtime assistant chief, Jody McClain. During Monday’s ceremony, members of the Centreville department were …

An audience of more than 100 people crowded into Three Rivers Public Library Wednesday for the culmination of the latest St. Joseph County “One Book, One County” program. The author presentation featured a 90-minute discussion and question-and-answer session by Nick Reding, author of “Methland.” The book was the second chosen this year by the “One Book, One County” selection committee …

The St. Joseph County Fair Board of Directors staged its annual media day Wednesday at the Centreville fairgrounds. Members indicated they anticipate a well-attended fair again this year, with showcase events each of the seven days of the 162nd fair. The nightly events include farm truck pulls, Motocross, monster trucks, a demolition derby, a Beatles tribute band and country/western star …

Harold Elwood Frohriep, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Monday afternoon, Sept. 10, 2012, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born Jan. 5, 1924, in Burr Oak Township, a son of the late Arthur and Agnes (Niles) Frohriep. Harold was a lifelong Burr Oak Township resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1942. …

Lois Elaine Robinson, age 69, of Sturgis, passed away Monday evening, Sept. 10, 2012, at her home. She was born Aug. 18, 1943, in Breman, Ind., a daughter of the late John and Beulah (Young) Metzger. Lois was a lifelong Sturgis resident. She retired from Grumman Olson in Sturgis following 16 years of employment. She had also worked at the …