St. Joseph County Conservation District has announced dates and locations of its 2023 River Cleanup program. Four dates will comprise this year’s effort. It starts June 12 with a weekday cleanup of the St. Joseph River in Leonidas Township. Work will start at Farrand Road and conclude at Jacksonburg Road. Next, on July 15, attention will focus on the Rocky …

Jeffery Dale Brundige of Three Rivers, passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the age of 58. He was born in Three Rivers on August 12, 1964, the son of Dale and Sonya (Bendal) Brundige. He had a love for motorcycles, fishing, hunting, snowmobiles, and horseshoes. More than anything, he enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors with his …

Roger Allen VanAvery, age 72, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, May 7, 2023 in Brady Township, Michigan. He was born June 27, 1950 in Kalamazoo, son of the late Richard and Mary (Euler) VanAvery. Roger’s early life was spent in Sturgis where he was a member of the Sturgis High School class of 1968. Following his graduation he moved to …

James Dale Wagner, age 75, of Mendon, died on April 22, 2023 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Battle Creek. He was born in Three Rivers on Oct. 4, 1947, the son of Owen O. and Kathryn R. (Van Over) Wagner and has been a lifetime resident of Mendon. He was a member of the Mendon High School class of …

Glen Oaks Community College President David Devier recognized several individuals during the college’s 55th commencement last week. The awards and their recipients acknowledged Friday were: President’s Award – Madisyn Tulley; Outstanding Service Award – Christopher Dao; part-time Faculty Teaching Excellence Award – Darci Skrzyniarz; E. J. Shaheen Chair for Teaching Excellence – Lori Hatfield; Distinguished Alumni Award – Kelly Bibb; …

Colon High School’s History Club is collecting pet food and pet items in support of its end-of-the-school-year animal drive. Donations of pet food, treats, leashes and collars, toys and pet beds can be dropped off at Colon Jr./Sr. High through May 30. All items will be taken to St. Joseph County Animal Control on May 31.

Here’s a look at this month’s Fresh Food Distribution in St. Joseph County. Seventh-Day Adventist Church, east of Centreville on M-86, will oversee the first distribution of the month. It will take place at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Next, First Presbyterian Church on Lakeview Avenue in Sturgis will host a distribution at 4 p.m. Thursday. Two distributions will occur May 18. …

On Monday, May 1, we had the privilege of attending a superb organ concert featuring Dr. Michael Burkhardt. Thanks to the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, this hour-long concert featured a festival of hymns with audience participation. The concert was held at the First Presbyterian Church, 320 North Main Street, in Three Rivers. This was the …

Max Duane Barnes, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, May 4, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Oct. 12, 1939 in Coldwater, a son to the late Melvin and Ruth (Bussing) Barnes. Max has resided in Sturgis since building his current home in 1978. He previously lived in Coldwater, Bronson, Burr Oak, and …

Linda Jean Kershner, age 71, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday morning, May 4, 2023 at her home. Following an extended illness. She was born September 29, 1951 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Stanley and Barbara (Werkhaven) Zimmerman. Linda was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1969. She furthered her education at …