Dorian Roepel, a journalist and TV producer, is now acting Communications and PR Manager at the Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB. His experience is a great addition to the Visitors Center where he’ll work directly with media, bloggers, and writers to tell the story of Shipshewana and LaGrange County businesses. His journey began in Oklahoma where he worked as a news producer …

Archie L. Hayes, age 79, of Three Rivers, died on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Elkhart General Hospital. Archie was born August 3, 1945 in Flint, a son of Archibald and Marjorie (Preston) Hayes. He received his education from Sturgis Community Schools. Archie was a lifelong truck driver working for several companies. He loved to travel the country and the …

Martin Dwayne Edmisten, age 34, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025 at his home. He was born December 6, 1990 in Three Rivers, the son of Harlan Bontrager and Janet Bender, and graduated from Sturgis High School with the Class of 2009. From his T-ball days on up, he loved baseball, ultimately becoming a catcher for Sturgis High …

Noel Sperry, age 87, of LaGrange, died Saturday, January 18, 2025, at his residence.  He was born on May 27, 1937, in Orland, IN, to Clifford and Lena (Bailey) Sperry. Noel was a loader operator for 15 years at the Brooks Construction Company, Fort Wayne, IN. He was a member of the Union Locals #150 & #103.  He served his …

Carol Ann Cleveland, age 82, of Mendon passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born in Marshall on October 6, 1942 the youngest of six children born to Rex and Florence (Tucker) Clark. She was a graduate of Marshall High School, and was later married to Daniel Cleveland on May 25, …

A tiny dynamo has crossed heaven’s gate. Vera Helen Bippus, born January 8, 1937, age 88, left this world on Friday, January 17, 2025. Vera spent her youth in Blakeslee, Ohio, where she helped her family run Sam’s Place, a restaurant and bar known for miles around for its great steaks, hand-made potato chips, and Mose Hoppers, a dessert drink …

Gregory Keith Swartz, age 53, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 22, 1971 in Dowagiac, the son of Keith Swartz and Mattie (Rains) Beischl, and graduated from Marcellus High School with the Class of 1989. Greg enjoyed football and was very social in his younger …

Sturgis Department of Public Safety is continuing its search for a man involved in an attempted armed robbery last week. Authorities said officers responded at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday to a business in the 700 block of South Centerville Road. Officers were informed that a white man wearing a mask and armed with a knife attempted to rob a store clerk. …

A Cass County man was hospitalized last week after the bicycle he was riding was struck by a car. Sheriff’s deputies responded shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday to a location in Wayne Township. Investigators said Michael Brown, 32, was riding his bicycle north on Rudy Road when it was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by 84-year-old Dowagiac resident …

St. Joseph County Sheriff Chad Spence said Animal Control Division is temporarily adjusting its walk-in services to better accommodate ongoing facility improvements. Effective immediately, Animal Control will be open for walk-in assistance on a limited basis. Spence said hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until further notice. The facility is closed for lunch from noon …