July and August are usually the hottest months of the year in Michigan. The sun might not always be shining, but the heat and humidity are still present. As far as the sun goes, the sun does not always have to be directly on you to get sunburned. Many folks are proud to be called sun-worshipers. This is great as …

Theodore F. “Ted” Rickett, age 86, of Sturgis, passed away Friday evening, August 20, 2021 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born October 20, 1934 in Sturgis, son of the late Grover and Norma (Bailey) Rickett. Ted was a lifelong Sturgis resident. On December 19, 1953 he married Donna Deal in Sturgis. Ted retired October 1, 1992 from …

Jane Harker Tallmadge, age 61, died peacefully in her sleep, at her home in Sturgis on Thursday, August 19, 2021. Jane was born November 24, 1959 in Sturgis to Larry W. Harker and the late Judy (Lamont) Harker. Jane is survived by her husband Brian Tallmadge, daughter Olivia (Andew) Oberc, and her two beloved grandchildren, Genevieve and Griffin, all of …

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.

Robert Eugene Afman, age 84, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Wednesday, August 18, 2021 in his residence. His life began April 7, 1937 in Plainwell, one of eight children born to Martin and Martha Afman.  He married Hilda Jane Giesbrecht on August 3, 1957 in Plainwell. Robert, known as Bob, was devoted to his wife and children.  He was a dedicated …

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 …