St. Joseph County Emergency Services Director Erin Goff recently had the opportunity to reinforce a message of safety and preparedness, as she addressed more than 60 fifth-grade students at Centreville Elementary School. During the hour-long presentation Monday, Goff shared with students the importance of being aware of potential weather dangers, being prepared if such conditions materialize and having a plan …

Crossroads Mall in Portage is searching for assistance with funding to fix the crumbling roads surrounding the mall. Kalamazoo-based WWMT recently reported on the pothole-riddled state of the circular road, sharing that mall owners are turning to Kalamazoo Metro Transit for help with the estimated $700,000 project. Buses travel nearly 800 routes a week along Ring Road, surrounding the mall, …

Centreville Board of Education members recently recognized the district’s Clue Me In participants. During a relatively light board meeting Monday, members paid tribute to the fourth-grade squad, which finished in eighth place; the fifth-grade team for finishing in fourth place, and the sixth-grade representatives, who placed third and brought home a trophy for their top-three finish. Fourth grade was coached …

U.S. Sen. Gary Peters recently received a special acknowledgment from the Center for Effective Lawmaking. According to a media release, the agency named Peters “the most-effective U.S. senator.” It marks the second consecutive year Peters has been bestowed such an honor. The non-partisan center bases its rankings on how effective lawmakers are at advancing and enacting legislation, as well as …

Steven Lee Gearhart, age 75, died in Nottawa on Thursday, March 30, 2023. In accordance with family wishes, cremation will be conducted. No services are planned. Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.

Amy Marie Myers, age 39, of Constantine, suddenly passed away at 7:25 pm on Friday, March 24, 2023 at her home with her family. Amy was born on September 16, 1983 in Elkhart to Timothy Jay Myers and Kim Marie Freshour. Surviving Amy are her three children: Omar Villeda, Oliver Villeda and Orlana Villeda all from Constantine; her mother Kim …

Connie Sue Carlisle, age 61, of Constantine, died Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at her home following a brief illness. She was born in Three Rivers on May 21, 1961 the daughter of Clifford E. Bingaman, Jr and Catherine (Miller) Bingaman and was a lifetime resident of the area. She graduated from Constantine High School. She worked at American Axel in …

Harold Wayne “Bud” Lash, age 84, of Vicksburg, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 19, 1938 in Vicksburg, the son of Leonard and Eugenia (Mohney) Lash, and fell in love with farming from an early age. Bud graduated from Vicksburg High School with the Class of 1956 and worked …

Camelia Hernandez-Sanchez, age 48, passed away at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo on March 22, 2023. Camelia was born in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico on May 19, 1974, the daughter of Manuel and Belen (Garza) Sanchez. Camelia loved life, her family and her friends. She had a wonderful smile and great sense of humor which made her a joy to know. She …

Howard L. Griner, age 95, of Marcellus, passed away Sunday, March 26th, 2023. He was the son of Willard and Gleeola (Bent) Griner. He served in the US Navy during World War II and was a Life Member of the Masonic and Eastern Star Order and a member of The Eagles and Elks Lodges. On May 19, 1951, he married …