St. Joseph County Administrator Teresa Doehring will move forward with the goal of filling a key position. During their Tuesday meeting, members of the county board of commissioners OK’d Doehring’s request to fill the impending vacancy of head of buildings and grounds for St. Joseph County. Incumbent Tim Hochstetler is planning to retire March 31. Doehring said she explored a …

St. Joseph County commissioner Kathy Pangle said the roof over the atrium area inside the county’s Commission on Aging facility in Three Rivers has suffered major leaks and is need of being replaced. The leaks have been so bad that the atrium area was closed for a period, she said. In addition, Pangle noted, the kitchen area has experienced roof …

St. Joseph County Human Resources Commission is sponsoring a virtual “Lunch and Learn” event later this month. The March 16 event will be the first in a series of one-hour “Lunch and Learn” programs covering a variety of human services geared toward non-profits, service leaders, faith-based organizations and others interested in helping others in need. The topic for the upcoming …

Alice A. Kline, age 83, of White Pigeon, died on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Birch Meadows in Three Rivers, following an extended illness. She was born Sept. 19, 1937, in Mendon, a daughter of Otis C. and Emma E. (Rexford) Alber. She had been a resident of White Pigeon since 1966, coming from Mendon. She was a homemaker and …

Connie Sue Jennings, age 63, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully at home late Monday evening, March 1, 2021, after a very courageous battle with cancer and many other illnesses. She was born Jan. 21, 1958, in Sturgis, a daughter of Ted and Donna (Deal) Rickett. Connie was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class …

Judith Brockway Disney, age 89, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at American House in Charlevoix, with her loved ones by her side. She was born July 3, 1931, in Lakewood, Ohio, a daughter of Gerald F. and Elizabeth (Brockway) Disney. Judy graduated from Culver-Stockton University with a bachelor’s degree in education. She taught for several years in …

Larry L. Smart, age 68, of Burr Oak, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Fairview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Centreville. He was born February 23, 1953 in Nottawa, son of the late Leland and Dorothy (Dehoff) Smart. Larry resided in the St. Joseph and Branch County area his entire life and was a graduate of Bronson High School with …

After considering several options, the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recently selected the theme for this year’s Water Festival. Event organizers said “The Wizard of Oz” has been chosen as the theme for the 2021 event, with the tag line, “There’s no place like home.” According to chamber president and CEO Christy Trammell, the theme resonated with …

State Rep. Steve Carra is calling on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to revoke settlement funds of more than $155,000 included in a contract with former state health department director Robert Gordon. Gordon resigned last month under what Carra called questionable circumstances. He said Gordon’s former deputy director, Sarah Esty, has also received a separation payout of an undisclosed amount. Carra said …

A Sturgis couple was recognized Tuesday for their contribution to the county’s veterans affairs office. During their board meeting Tuesday, St. Joseph County commissioners approved a resolution acknowledging Robert and Marilee Yoder and their $10,000 donation. The money was earmarked to the St. Joseph County Veterans Affairs and emergent needs. Needs such as housing, food and clothing will be easier …