St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department is expected to begin a five-year partnership with Centreville Public Schools. During Tuesday’s county commission executive committee meeting, undersheriff Jason Bingaman gave details of a potential agreement that would place a school-resource officer in the two-building district. Commissioners agreed to put the matter on the agenda for their monthly board meeting Tuesday next week, when …

St. Joseph County United Way has opened a tornado-relief fund to help local victims with expenses related to recovery from last weeks tornadoes that struck St. Joseph County. Every dollar donated to the fund will stay in St. Joseph County and benefit individuals and families in need of relief. Agency director Kelly Hostetler said a number of people, businesses and …

Olen A. “Jr.” Rifenberg, age 88, of Jones, a lifetime Newberg Township resident, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 23, 1935, the son of Olin A. and Mary (Cunningham) Rifenberg. While a freshman at Cassopolis High School he was struck with polio but fought through a six-month hospital …

Laura June Krick, age 79, of Sturgis, passed away early Monday morning, May 13, 2024, at her home. She was born August 4, 1944, in Sturgis, daughter of the late John and Ann (Halsey) Kelly. Laura resided most of her life in the Sturgis area except for the 21 years she lived in Goodrich, Michigan. She was a graduate of …

Three Rivers municipal officials recently completed the purchase of a house that will benefit U.S. veterans who find themselves in a state of transition. City Manager Joe Bippus said the municipality closed on the house, at 308 S. Main St., on April 25. In turn, the city will lease the six-bedroom house to St. Joseph County Veterans Affairs. It plans …

The Abiel Fellows Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently honored recipients of the “DAR Good Citizens.” Recognized during the April 28 ceremony at the Carnegie Center for the Arts in downtown Three Rivers were Hannah Lennard of Centreville High School, Amaya Walker of Constantine High School, Dylen Cupp of Mendon High School and Rachel VanMarel of Howardsville …

Sturgis City Commissioners last week approved an amendment to its animal ordinance related to dogs running at large. Revisions put additional requirements for dogs living on private property. It requires that dogs must reside inside a house, an electronically fenced area or tethered securely on the property. A dog would not be considered at-large if it is secured inside a …

Constantine Police Department has extended an employment offer to bring a new, full-time officer aboard. During their May 6 meeting, village council members authorized Chief Dan Thayer to extend a contract to Cole Lusby. Lusby emerged as the preferred candidate following a series of interviews. A federal grant will provide the village $125,000 over a three-year period to cover salary …

Downtown Sturgis was filled Friday with classic and custom vehicles, marking the opening of the 2024 Spring Car Cruise-In and Eats. The Sturgis Downtown Development Authority hosts several events downtown throughout the year. Friday’s event included several dozen cars, food trucks, acoustic musicians and the unveiling of the Art Around Town displays.

Vicki A. Budd of Sturgis, was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. She faced her diagnosis with grace and dignity, the same way she lived her life. A devoted caretaker to the end, she worried less about herself and more about those she would leave behind. …