St. Joseph County officials are optimistic that State Sen. Kim LaSata’s effort might help the county secure “state of emergency” status. LaSata on Wednesday called for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of emergency in St. Joseph County in the aftermath of the recent storms that left significant damage throughout the area. In her message to Whitmer, LaSata said the …

Here’s a reminder that the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a “Legislative Luncheon” with Congressman Fred Upton. The event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 30 at the chamber’s event center, 116 N. Main St. Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Price includes lunch. RSVP to the chamber by phoning 278-8193.

Annie Mary Grover passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Birch Meadows Adult Foster Care in Three Rivers, surrounded by members of her family. She was 105. Born on April 10, 1916 in Willowtown, Kentucky, Annie was the daughter of William and Irene Oda (Abell) Kirtley. As a child, she saw one of the parades for Charles Lindbergh’s …

St. Joseph County officials are asking the public to complete a survey related to damage from last week’s storms. E-911 Director Dennis Brandenburg said the county is interested in receiving damage reports as a result of the severe weather last Wednesday and Thursday. The county is looking to find resources to help residents. Brandenburg said knowing the locations where damage …

Caleb Wing of Sturgis will serve a minimum of 19 months in prison after entering guilty pleas in three separate felony cases. The sentence was imposed recently in Branch County Circuit Court. Judge Bill O’Grady sentenced 28-year-old Wing to 16-24 months for resisting arrest when stopped outside Coldwater in June 2020 for officers to serve a warrant for his arrest. Wing …

Art and Soul, a peer support group for people 18 years of age and older, is starting a new session later this month. Organized by Cassidy Graber, Art and Soul will focus on different forms of art to explore emotions, thoughts and inner-feelings. The sessions are at 2 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Aug. 31 through Sept. 28. Meanwhile, Graber will also …

Harry W. Niebling, age 95, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at Sturgis Hospital. He was born August 19, 1925 in Erie, PA a son to the late Harry A. and Florence (Rung) Niebling. On Sept. 21, 1946 at the Sacred Heart Church in Erie, PA he married Rosemary Heberle. She preceded him in death on July 13, …

Deputy Sheriff Ryan J. Proxmire succumbed to injuries sustained while involved in a vehicle pursuit while on duty with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office. Ryan passed away on Sunday, August 15, 2021, at the age of 39. He was born October 7, 1981, in Kalamazoo to Mark and Dawn (Hodgemire) Proxmire. He was a 1999 graduate of Three Rivers High …

Elizabeth “Betty” Chupp, age 89, of Constantine, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at her home.  Betty was born on February 15, 1932 in Rogers, ND, a daughter of Ruben and Amanda (Bontrager) Yoder. On April 5, 1951, she married Paul Chupp; he preceded her in death on May 27, 2015. Betty loved being a …

Stephanie A. Harris, age 30, of Edwardsburg, died on Thursday, August 12, 2021. Arrangements by Farrand Funeral Home.