Midwest Energy & Communications has announced grant money available to teachers in school districts within the agency’s coverage area. According to Midwest’s community relations specialist Lori Ruff, its “Strengthening Schools” grants will award funds up to $2,500. Grant money can be used for classroom needs, special projects, technology, and academic clubs and organizations. Ruff said school districts may be awarded …

Kenneth Lewis “Kenny” Miller, age 40, of Battle Creek, passed away on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Central Christian Church, 713 Riverside Dr., Battle Creek, MI 49015, with Pastor Rob Schwartz officiating and military honors to be presented. Visitation will take place on Monday, …

Phyllis R. Seekman, age 84, of Constantine, died Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born September 9, 1940 in Three Rivers, a daughter of Arthur and Lena (Wagner) Wagner. Phyllis graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1958. On August 28, 1959 she married Jack A. Seekman in Three Rivers. He preceded her in …

Angela Rose Wilkins, age 47, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Ascension Borgess Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 19, 1976 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Joseph and Karen (Schabes) Woods. She attended Three Rivers High School and then went on to Glen Oaks Community College where she received her Associates Degree in Business. …

St. Joseph County commissioners appear to favor a traditional form of communication opposed to a modern option. During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners discussed the option of individual iPads as a primary form of communication such as receiving documents, agendas and county-related emails. Finance director Angie Steinman said county administrator Teresa Cupp – who …

St. Joseph County commissioners heard a request for the purchase of a new cargo van for St. Joseph County Commission on Aging. During their executive committee meeting Tuesday, St. Joseph County Finance Director Angie Steinman said the agency’s 2007 cargo van was totaled in a crash. Steinman said the COA employee driving the van was not hurt nor were they …

Michigan Department of Transportation’s Chris Jacobs has issued an update regarding the second phase of U.S. 131 construction. The project, which started April 15, is concentrated to an area that includes the village of Schoolcraft and an area north to Shaver Road. According to Jacobs, recently completed work includes installation of a storm sewer in the northbound lane from Eliza …

Cassopolis Public Schools recently added a trio of electric buses to its fleet. Superintendent John Ritzler said the purchase was made thanks to nearly $1.2 million from the Environmental Protection Agency. The new buses replaced three, 19-year-old diesel buses, according to WSJM Radio. The three electric buses all came with the needed equipment, Ritzler said. He said the district has …

Deborah Kaye (Royer) Keefer, age 69, of Sturgis, passed away on September 3, 2024, at her home. She was born July 12, 1955, in Sturgis, daughter of the late Richard and Barbara (Tinkham) Royer. Deb was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1973. She furthered her education at Glen Oaks Community College …

Jean Marie (Hass) Rockwell, age 86, left us to be with her beloved Savior on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Birch Meadows in Three Rivers, surrounded by those who loved her. She was born on March 21, 1938, in Benton Harbor to Eamil and Thelma Hass. Jean dedicated her life to her family and community. She married Terryl Clive Rockwell …