The minimum-wage rate in Michigan increased by more than $1 an hour with the start of the new year. According to state officials, the standard minimum wage rose from $12.48 per hour to $13.73 an hour. The adjustment is a move to increase Michigan’s standard minimum wage to $15 an hour by next year. Any non-exempt employees must still be …

Fabius Township has renewed a contract for law-enforcement services with St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. According to Three Rivers Commercial-News, township officials agreed last month to continue the partnership for another three years. The new contract went into effect Thursday. Cost for one full-time, contracted deputy and vehicle is about $100,000 annually. That rate will increase by 5 percent next …

Sturgis municipal officials recently issued a media release detailing winter-weather procedures regarding snow removal. Following snowfall of up to three inches, crews will de-ice streets and plow as circumstances warrant. Snowfall in excess of four inches results in the declaration of a snow-removal emergency. On-street parking is prohibited citywide during a snow-removal emergency. The stipulation remains in place until a …

Pamela Kay Penninger, age 78, of Sturgis, died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Skaggs Assisted Living in Burr Oak. She was born February 3, 1947 in Elkhart, a daughter of Robert and Phyllis (Funkhouser) Hudson. Pam graduated from Jimtown High School in Elkhart. On July 25, 1970 she married John Penninger, Sr at Northside Baptist Church in Elkhart. He …

Jerry Lynn Culp of Portage, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 82. Born to Edgar and Margaret Culp on October 30, 1943, he grew up on Donnell Lake in Vandalia. Jerry was inspired by a teacher in elementary school to become a teacher. After graduating from Cassopolis High School in 1962, he attended Western Michigan …

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency officials are reporting an increase in respiratory illnesses. Respiratory illnesses include flu and COVID-19. As a result of this recent jump in cases, CHA Medical Director Karen Luparello is advising anyone six months and older to get a flu shot. She said vaccines for flu, COVID, whooping cough and pneumonia are available at CHA offices, …

Constantine village officials said they are aware a stop sign in town was leveled and are asking motorists to approach the intersection with caution. The sign is at the corner of East Second Street and South Washington Street. It faces westbound motorists on East Second Street at the South Washington Street intersection. South Washington Street has the right-of-way at the …

Christine M Carper, age 67, of White Pigeon, died on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at her home. She was born on April 8, 1958 in Three Rivers, the Daughter of Gene and Suzanne (Thaden) Carper. She was a resident of White Pigeon most of her life. She was employed in trailer manufacturing. Christine is survived by her Children:  Jeffrey (Melissa) …

Charles N Lane, age 60, of Sturgis, died at  home on Monday, December 29, 2025.He was born on September 28, 1965 in Three Rivers, the Son of Charles B and Carma I (Kelley) Lane. Charles was a graduate of Western Michigan University and employed as an Accounting Supervisor for Lake Park Industries in Shipshewana. He was a resident of Sturgis …

John Livingstone McCartney, age 70, passed away at his home in Colon on Sunday, December 28, 2025, having lived a life of integrity and graciousness. John was born on February 22, 1955 to Virginia (Francis) and Richard McCartney. In 1988 he married Valerie J. Schwartz. They and their children, Amanda and Alex, carved a creative and enjoyable life. Together, John …