Glen Oaks Community College has been selected to participate in a National Science Foundation program that provides training and support to assist the college’s expertise in grant-writing. Glen Oaks is one of 13 two-year colleges nationally chosen to participate in the program in which Project Vision’s staff and its teams work with local faculty and staff to put together strong …

St. Joseph County Commission on Aging Advisory Board members are considering a collections policy for Rivers Enrichment Center and Residence in Three Rivers. The issue, raised at last week’s board meeting, centers on the fact that more than $5,000 is owed for damages and unpaid rent from three former tenants. Board chair Deb Davis said the county doesn’t use a …

Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County recently reached a financial milestone. Over the course of its 23-year existence, ARF has helped fund $500,000 in services and assistance, said Loralee Knepper, a charter member of ARF. Knepper, a Mendon-area resident, said ARF has a small-emergency program but its main focus and biggest outlay has been spay/neuter, which accounts for the …

St. Joseph County United Way Executive Director Kelly Hostetler said the agency is in need of help for its 2021 Silent Auction at the upcoming county fair. The Silent Auction is a major fundraiser for the Centreville-based agency, Hostetler said. In addition to the option of attending the Silent Auction in person, the United Way has teamed with ReMax Elite …

Wade Lavoris Baugh III, (affectionally called Lil Brain Bleap), age 60, died on July 8, 2021. Wade was born in Brooklyn, New York to Wade and Ernestine Baugh. In 1975, the family moved from Chicago to Three Rivers for a better life. Wade was energetic and the life of the party, with a big smile and a booming personality. Lil …

Debra Sue Kirk, age 66, formerly of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 24, 1953 in Three Rivers, the daughter of E. Cleyon and Marilyn J. (Milholin) Clark. Deb graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1972. Upon graduation, she attended Ferris State …

Jimmy Dale Hemenway, age 82, went to be with his Lord Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Fairview Nursing Facility in Centreville.  He was born to Ralph and Mary (Weatherwax) Hemenway on April 24, 1939. Jimmy grew up in Three Rivers, and attended Three Rivers Schools.  On December 19, 1959, he married the love of his life, Mable Spicer.  Together they …

Rita J. Reed, age 83, of Centreville, passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Fairview Nursing Home.  Rita was born in Indiana on January 12, 1938, a daughter of Floren and Kathryn (Wilson) Reed.  She graduated from Burr Oak High School and then attended Kellogg Community College.  Rita worked for the Newberg State Hospital as an aid.  She enjoyed …

Terry Lee Betcke, age 76, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, July 22, 2021 at his home. He was born July 25, 1944 in Sturgis, son of the late Harry and Margaret (Whyman) Betcke. Terry was a lifelong Sturgis resident. On August 5, 1967 he married Roberta “Bobby” Smoker in Chicago. Terry was a talented welder by trade and had been …

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport has been awarded a Small Community Air Service Development grant of $1 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Craig Williams, airport director, said the grant will be used as a revenue guarantee and marketing tool to recruit and support an air carrier for nonstop service to Charlotte, N.C. The SCASD grant is an important tool …