Betty Jane Webb, age 81, of Sturgis, died Sunday, March 14, 2021, peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving care givers, grandchildren and daughter. Betty was born September 1, 1939, in Three Rivers to OK and Francis (Dimmick) Lunger. She graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1957. During her senior year she earned the “Betty Crocker …

The removal of decades-old restrictive covenants assigned to property in Centreville could potentially spur economic growth in the county seat. Zoning administrator Doug Kuhlman told county commissioners during their executive committee meeting last week that the covenants were put in place by a committee that doesn’t appear to exist anymore. During their board meeting Tuesday, commissioners approved a measure that …

St. Joseph County commissioners have approved a budget amendment necessary to fix a leaking roof at a county facility. During their board meeting Tuesday, commissioners were brought up-to-date on the status of a roof leak over the atrium area at the Three Rivers Commission on Aging property. County finance director Angie Steinman said the correction was originally slated to be …

St. Joseph County commissioners have approved a request to use courthouse property for a local, community festival. During their board meeting Tuesday, the five-member commission OK’d a request from Covered Bridge Days officials. Festival organizers asked to use the courthouse property for the two-day event, which would begin July 9. Commissioners indicated they hope the festival will go on as …

Anthony Arlen “Tony” Hudson, age 34, of Kalamazoo, passed away Friday, March 12, 2021, in Kalamazoo Township, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born Jan. 3, 1987, at Fort Bragg, N.C., a son of Anthony and Diana (Wheeler) Hudson. Tony resided most of his life in Kalamazoo and was proud to be a descendant of Little …

Jean C. Holtz, age 79, of Sturgis, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 16, 2021, at The Laurels of Coldwater in Coldwater. She was born Nov. 19, 1941, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Fred and Alma (Brothers) Holtz. Jean resided most of her life in Sturgis, with the exception of a few years when she lived in Utah. …

Beverly Bowen of Vicksburg, passed away Sunday, March 14, 2021, at the age of 83. Beverly was born Feb. 17, 1938, in Sturgis. She was the daughter of Archie and Esther (Gest) Sites. She always had a smile on her face and a welcoming hug. Bev’s life started out rough from the very beginning. Her father died when her mom …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has announced more individuals are invited to schedule their COVID-19 vaccination. The expanded group now includes all essential workers, people age 50 years and older, and people age 16 and older with a chronic healthcare condition. The agency has received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, and with additional doses of Moderna and Pfizer being …

The Constantine Fire Department oversaw a controlled burn last weekend along Haybridge Road, near Block Road, in Florence Township. Central dispatch said it received several calls from residents curious about the plume of dark smoke that filled the sky as a result of Saturday’s prescribed burn. The burn was set intentionally with the intent of fostering the regrowth of native …

St. Joseph County officials have endorsed the continuation of a law-enforcement agreement with two communities. Contracts related to sheriff’s department-contracted services with the villages of Burr Oak and Centreville were approved at Tuesday’s county commission meeting. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite told commissioners the agreements are renewals and both cover a five-year period. Lillywhite said with a few minor exceptions, terms of …