On April 13, 2021, Norman (Duke) Zuidema passed away peacefully at home, less than a year after his beloved, Beverly. Born September 2, 1934 to George and Dora Zuidema, Duke lived most of his life in Highland, Indiana. However, since 1974, he spent summers with his family at their cottage on Pleasant Lake near Three Rivers golfing, skiing, taking slow …

The woman responsible for the largest animal-hoarding incident in St. Joseph County Animal Control’s history was sentenced last week. Appearing Friday before circuit court judge Paul Stutesman, Diane Pitone was ordered to pay restitution of nearly $5,000 to the Centreville-based animal-control agency. Taking into consideration a number of factors, Stutesman did not order jail time or probation. Appearing via Zoom …

Stretches of five different rivers will be targeted for the 11th season of the St. Joseph County Conservation District’s River Cleanup program. Scheduled to begin in June, the 11th cleanup season will feature two June sessions, one in July and wrap up with a pair of weekday events in August. Carolyn Grace, conservation district executive director, said the schedule is: …

Dixie Lee (Hagenbuch) Griffith, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at the age of 84. Dixie was born to parents Leslie and Marie (Prutzman) Hagenbuch on October 17, 1936 at the hospital in Constantine. She grew up on the family farm, the youngest of five sisters and lived her entire life in …

For those who are fortunate to live on one of the many lakes here in St. Joseph County, here are several more aquatic plants you might find on and around your lake-front: Lemna (Duckweed) – This is a floating plant so small that a teaspoon could hold a dozen or more plants. At a distance, a congregation of duckweek plants …

A Schoolcraft woman was injured in a two-vehicle accident last week in Cass County’s Marcellus Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies responded around 11:55 p.m. Wednesday to the 10000 block of Pioneer Street. Investigators found that a car driven by 29-year-old Lilith Granberg of Schoolcraft ran into the rear of a vehicle driven by 77-year-old Carol Baldwin. Baldwin was driving …

A vehicle reported stolen was found intentionally set on fire in Lockport Township. Michigan State Police troopers responded recently to an area on Hoshel Road, near Strobel Road, in response to a burning vehicle. Authorities said a silver Dodge Journey was destroyed by the blaze. The owner of the vehicle told authorities it had been stolen. No additional information was …

Members of the Colon Area Chamber of Commerce are moving forward with plans to celebrate the Fourth of July. During their monthly meeting Thursday, members of the chamber board agreed to place donation jars throughout the village, as contributions will help offset the expense of hired attractions to be featured in the village’s Independence Day parade. Board members said Michigan …

Speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in a single-vehicle accident that seriously injured a Three Rivers man last week in Flowerfield Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called around 11 a.m. Friday to Johnson Road, near Pulver Road, in response to a vehicle that had gone off the roadway. Lillywhite said the car was traveling southbound on …

Alice Lucille Crossgrove, age 85, of White Pigeon, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 14, 2021 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born Jan. 10, 1936 In Coldwater. The daughter of William & Charlotte Brown (Sours). On Dec. 5, 1956 She was married to Mr. Leroy Crossgrove, together they raised 4 children until his passing in1974. Alice …