St. Joseph County Administrator Teresa Doehring has agreed to a two-year contract renewal. During Tuesday’s board of commissioners meeting, county officials approved a contract for 2023 and 2024. Doehring, 48, is completing her fifth year as the highest-ranking, non-elected employee in county government. A lifelong Mendon-area resident, Doehring also serves as the county’s human resource director. Her 2023 salary will …

The Branch Hillsdale St. Joseph Community Health Agency is urging residents preparing for the weather to also prepare for potential power outages and be aware of the dangers of carbon-monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, tasteless and odorless gas formed when fuel is burned, and can build up to deadly levels within minutes in enclosed spaces. Symptoms of carbon …

Mary Jane Beers, age 60, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born September 25, 1962 in Three Rivers, daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin and Gloria Louise (Bennett) Holderman. Mary resided her whole life in the Sturgis area. On January 12, 1991 she married Harry William Beers in Sturgis. He …

Schoolcraft 78,  Three Rivers 36 Addison 66, Burr Oak 38 Comstock 75, Marcellus 56  

Kevin Arlin Neal, age 65, of Kalamazoo, passed away Saturday, December 17, 2022 at home. He was born in Kalamazoo on July 27, 1957 the son of Stanley Neal-Beverly Arlene (Perkins) and devoted step-father, James L. Perkins, Sr. On May 4, 1991, in Portage, he married Janet Marie Oestrike who preceded him in death. Kevin was a retired technician, working …

Brent Thomas Whetter, age 56, of Kalamazoo, passed awayon November 10, 2022 at home. He was born August 18, 1966 in Kalamazoo, the son of George and Kay (Whitney) Whetter. Often described as a gentle soul, Brent was an avid reader and musician. Remaining to cherish his memory are his daughter, Katrina Whetter; parents, George Whetter and Kay Whetter; sister, …

Velvon E. Miller, age 84, of LaGrange, died Saturday, December 17, 2022, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, as the result of a single car accident on Friday. He was born on September 17, 1938, in Arcola, IL (Moultrie County) to Eli J.K. and Elizabeth (Plank) Miller. Velvon was the owner and operator of the Sunset Motel on …

Vera Jeanette Price, age 96, of Sturgis, and a former longtime resident of Erie County passed away on December 14, 2022 at her home. She was born July 29, 1926 in Blair County, PA daughter of the late Carl and Dorothy (Kephart) Schenk. Mrs. Price resided in Sturgis since 2009 coming from Zephyrhills, FL where she and Wayne lived for …

The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) would like to thank all supporters and volunteers who have made it possible for this volunteer-based organization to enter their 25th year of animal rescue here in St. Joe County. ARF members are unpaid volunteers who give their time and often their own money to keep this much needed group alive. ARF is a unique …

Esther Lorene (Eicher) Bowman passed at home in Three Rivers. Esther was born on Oct. 8, 1963 and died on Dec. 10, 2022 at the age of 59. She was born to Jacob Eicher and Joe and Barbara Rasbaugh. In her later life she spent her time in the garden and riding bikes with her husband. She loved camping, fishing, …