The Rev. Darrell A. Baum, age 93, of Sturgis, passed away early Thursday morning May 28, 2020 at Heartland Health Care Center in Three Rivers. He was born July 11, 1926 in Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania son of the late Don D. and Bessie (Adams) Baum. Pastor Baum resided in the Michiana area since 1972 coming from Marion, Indiana and his …

April’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was 30.3 percent, as every county in the state experienced an increase during what was the first full month of jobs impacted by COVID-19. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, which showed the county’s jump in unemployment, was released Friday. St. Joseph County was above the …

Michigan Department of Transportation has provided a weekly update on its work related to the U.S. 131 redevelopment project. MDOT said Stage 5 traffic pattern continues, with all traffic using a single lane in the southbound side of the highway. Some utility relocation through the length of the project will continue this week. Meanwhile, West Michigan Avenue paving is complete …

Last week I wrote a lot about naps and sleep. Before I continue with this week’s column, I’d like to share a few more ideas that might help you nap a little better. I find it ironic how, as a baby, we all spent a lot of time napping. As we got older, naps were not as welcome, because it …

The identities of a victim and suspect involved in a May 21 incident in Three Rivers have been released by Three Rivers Police. Det. Sam Smallcombe said 59-year-old James May of Three Rivers died during the incident. The suspect was 21-year-old Mohammad Abuhaltam, also a Three Rivers resident. Police were called at 9:43 a.m. to the 300 block of Middle …

The Three Rivers Water Festival is taking the year off for the first time in its 64-year history. Festival committee members made the decision Friday, according to Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Christy Trammell. She said the ever-changing situation regarding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her executive orders related to COVID-19 made it impossible to plan and …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer hinted Friday that she will soon reopen more regions of Michigan, expressing optimism as long as the rate of new coronavirus cases continues downward and testing increases. She did not specify when she may act, alluding to an announcement on additional areas in “coming days.” Her administration will discuss the issue internally Saturday. The governor’s stay-at-home order …

Lois Ann Riggs Johnson, age 84, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2020. Born on Nov. 22, 1935, Lois graduated from Three Rivers High School and Parsons Business School. She worked for Bronson Hospital for 23 1/2 years. She loved square dancing and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Marianne (James) Johnson …

E. Merritt Brown, age 73, of Schoolcraft, portaged his last obstacle in life on Friday, May 22, 2020 with his wife Mary at his side. Born in Petoskey on June 15, 1946, Merritt grew up near Indian River with his loving mother Joy, grandparents Clark and Mary Most, and cousin Mary Carol. Merritt graduated from Indian River High School and …

Karen Kay (Blood) Adkins, age 71, of Portage, passed away in the early hours of Monday, May 25, 2020. She was born in Three Rivers on May 28, 1948 the daughter of John and Bernice (Mellor) Blood. Family was important to Karen and she loved spending time with her grandchildren. She liked to make people happy and in her later …