Adrienne M. Tracy, age 81, of Three Rivers, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 19, 2024 in Chicago while visiting family. She was born July 17, 1942, in Chicago, the daughter of Connie and Bernice (Obszarny) Szczublewski. Adrienne and her future husband, Ronald Tracy, grew up in the same neighborhood; in a classic case of a “good girl” meeting a …

Valetta Mae Bender, age 92, of Sturgis, passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She was born on September 24, 1931, in Metamora, IL to George and Mabel (Morningstar) Sharick.  On September 24, 1949 in LaGrange, she married LaVern E. Bender. He died September 11, 2006. Surviving are two daughters, Cheryl Foster of South …

Michigan Department of Transportation’s Chris Jacobs has provided an update on the U.S. 131 reconstruction project in southern Kalamazoo County. Work completed includes storm sewer and culvert installation south of the railroad tracks in Schoolcraft, crossovers added at four locations and resolution of watermain conflicts. The two-week outlook includes milling and hot-mix asphalt paving, storm sewer work on the southbound …

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman has announced the newest member of the sheriff’s department – a facility dog named CJ. Bingaman said facility dogs are companion dogs trained to enhance stress-management techniques and be a calming presence. He said research shows the relationship between dogs and law-enforcement officers can have positive influence on the ability to prepare for and …

Mary J. Johnson, age 86, of Mottville, died on Friday, May 17, 2024 at Birch Meadows following an extended illness. She was born on August 16, 1937 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Otto F. and Marian Schuman. She lived in the Mottville area most of her life. She was a Homemaker, member of The Board Directors of the Families …

A proposed lighting project in downtown Sturgis has been brought back to the forefront. Sturgis Community Development Specialist Jeff Coney recently presented details for the proposed project to the Sturgis City Commission. The Sturgis Downtown Development Authority and some interested downtown business owners have been investigating a project to light downtown Sturgis buildings over the last few years. Through investigating …

A Flowerfield Township woman has announced her candidacy for Probate Court judge. Attorney Kelly Ward currently serves as a referee and indicated she is the right person for the six-year position. Incumbent David Tomlinson is unable to seek re-election due to age limitations. A county resident of more than 40 years, Ward previously worked for Van Buren County Circuit Court …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a larceny incident involving a high-end bicycle in White Pigeon Township. A Jamis bicycle was taken between 5:45 and 9:30 a.m. Friday in the 17000 block of Indian Prairie Road. The bicycle is gray in color and is attached to a white pull cart.

Next Wednesday, May 29, Chef Brigitte Romanelli will offer a cooking class at the Immaculate Conception Church, 645 South Douglas Street, in Three Rivers. This “Cook for a Cause” will feature preparing Homemade Pasta and Meatballs. The cost is $55. per person and will begin promptly at 5PM. It is advised to register early at iccatholicschool.com, because the class size …

Jane Orcilla Loudenslager, age 92, of Burr Oak, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Bronson Methodist Hospital of Kalamazoo. Jane passed peacefully surrounded by family. Jane had an interesting life.  She was born in Topeka, KS on April 22, 1932, daughter of Ben and Ida (Greaser) Haney.  Born during the dust bowl and the Great Depression, Jane lived in …