Zachary Justin Shafer, age 25, of Ault, Colorado, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, December 31, 2020 as the result of a motor vehicle accident. Zachary was born on May 10, 1995 to Justin and Heather (Harshberger) Shafer in Battle Creek. He grew up in Overland Park, Kansas and graduated from Blue Valley West High School in 2013. He …

Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a hit-and-run, property-damage incident that occurred earlier this week in Park Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said authorities were called at 1:15 p.m. Monday to the 20000 block of M-60, where a vehicle crashed into a gas station. The driver of the vehicle assaulted a clerk after being confronted about the crash. The suspect then drove from …

Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cathi Garn Abbs is a week away from retirement. Abbs, who has overseen the chamber for more than 18 years, will retire Jan. 15 and is to be replaced by Michael Wilson. Abbs said she is impressed by the high number of members for a community the size of Sturgis. She expressed her …

St. Joseph County Prosecutor David Marvin appeared Tuesday before county officials with hiring requests. Two days into his new job, Marvin was successful in his appeal to hire Gary Gabry as chief assistant prosecutor. As a result, Josh Robare will pivot to the role of assistant prosecutor, joining Casey Johnson. A third assistant prosecutor position remains vacant, though Marvin indicated …

St. Joseph County commissioners addressed a number of annual housekeeping items during their inaugural meeting of 2021 Tuesday. The five-member panel agreed to keep their twice-a-month meetings at 5 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Executive committee meetings will also stay unchanged: 8 a.m. the Wednesday before a commission meeting. Also Tuesday, commissioners approved their annual appropriations. …

The initial 200 doses of COVID-19 vaccine received by the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency are expected to be administered within the next week. Health officer Rebecca Burns told the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday there is a demand for more Moderna vaccine to satisfy the number of people in the highest category of need in the …

Three Rivers municipal officials have announced city hall will remain closed to the public, and employees will continue to work remotely when possible. City officials will remain available by phone or email weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to mail payments or use one of the drop boxes at city hall. Bills can also be …

Beverly D. Whitney, age 63, of Mendon, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 at her home. She was born in Sturgis on Dec. 22, 1957 the daughter of Charles A. and Lena (Yurkovich) Hinchen. She graduated from Mendon High School in 1976 and earned her Associates Degree at Glen Oaks Community College. Bev was married to Robert L. Whitney …

Andrew Jay Trattles, age 62, of Constantine, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Heartland Health Care Center in Three Rivers. He was born in Sturgis on June 1, 1958 the son of the late Elmer and Kathryn (Randel) Trattles. He attended school at the Roys Elementary School, Huss Elementary School, and Three Rivers High School. He graduated with the …

Michigan will begin issuing coronavirus vaccines to seniors and front-line workers such as teachers and police next week, state officials said Wednesday while announcing accelerated access for people who are at least 65 years old. The state had planned to next immunize people 75 and older and essential workers including first responders, prison guards and child care providers. But residents …