Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday announced economic development grants for manufacturers Cruiser RV and Heartland Recreational Vehicles in support of two new manufacturing campuses in Sturgis. State officials said the projects are expected to support 450 new jobs in St. Joseph County. The projects, identified as Project White and Project Black, were announced in March by the city of Sturgis, with state stipulations preventing details …

An arrest related to a shooting incident in Three Rivers earlier this month has been made. Authorities said 21-year-old Sturgis resident Donovan Foster has been taken into custody, as he is the suspect in a shooting July 12 at Paul’s Pantry, 261 E. Michigan Ave. Foster was arrested Thursday at a home in Sturgis and taken to the St. Joseph County jail. A …

A celebration recognizing the new location of Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce took place Monday. The fanfare and ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the $1 million transformation of a previously vacant development known as Maple Lane Plaza, on North Main Street. The rebirth of the former Maple Lane Plaza was detailed and praised repeatedly by a number of speakers who addressed …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the theft of catalytic converters from two Dodge Ram pickup trucks. According to Trooper Jason Sylvester, the trucks were parked at a business in the 52000 block of U.S. 131 in Park Township. The incident occurred sometime between June 16 and July 19, Sylvester said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday resumed wearing a mask at indoor events, citing revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a recommendation from Michigan’s chief doctor. The Democratic governor, who is vaccinated, said she does not anticipate reinstating a face covering requirement, though “not in the near future and maybe not ever.” The CDC on Tuesday reversed …

Bruce Leigh Heywood , age 71, of Tampa, Florida had his heavenly homecoming on July 12, 2021 after a brief illness. Bruce was born in Three Rivers on January 11, 1950. He graduated from Three Rivers High School and Western Michigan University. Bruce was an accountant by trade in various manufacturing facilities. He was a member of Bay Hope Church …

A man who stabbed a police dog has been shot to death by a sheriff’s deputy in southwestern Michigan. Deputies were called to a home in Gobles about 7:30 p.m. Monday for a reported assault, the Van Buren County sheriff’s office said. The police dog was sent inside about 9:30 p.m. to force the 39-year-old man out, but was stabbed …

Kenneth E. Cook, age 78, died peacefully on July 13, 2021 surrounded by his wife, children and sister. He was born in Detroit, and grew up in Tennessee and Anderson, Indiana. He met his future wife at Purdue University, while studying chemical engineering. He and Pat (Priscilla Ogren) married in 1962. Children, Chris and Scott, soon followed. Ken and Pat …

Marjorie R. Shank, age 89, of Sturgis, left the loving arms of her family and into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early Monday morning, July 26, 2021 at her home on Minnewaukan Lake in Sturgis. She was born March 5, 1932 in Pentwater, Michigan daughter of the late Ernest and Harriette (Griffis) Luttrull. Marjorie attended Muskegon …

Edward Patrick Murphy, age 77, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at Edgewood Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born September 10, 1943 in Chicago, the son of David and Catherine (Lally) Murphy. Edward worked as a purchasing agent for Fluor Daniel, and was a member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church. He loved lake life for 20 years, and …