Sturgis Township next year may become home to a commercial poultry operation that eventually could raise more than 1.6 million chickens annually. Gregg Stevens, of Deer Creek Farms Inc., told the Sturgis Township Planning Commission this week that the operation is seeking state agriculture permits for up to six, 600-by-60 foot poultry-raising barns on land near Olnhausen Road, between Shimmel …

Sixteen St. Joseph County restaurants were paid more than $193,000 last fiscal year for nearly 30,000 meals they served to senior citizens participating in a Commission on Aging-sponsored nutrition program. The restaurant program served nearly 1,800 clients last fiscal year and is one part of the COA’s efforts to offer nutrition services to St. Joseph County’s 60-and older population. The …

A commercial mower was reported stolen from a Park Township business. The report was filed Wednesday by representatives from GreenMark Equipment, but it is believed the John Deere zero-turn mower with a 48-inch deck was likely taken during Fair Week last month.

A decision by the Sturgis Planning Commission will allow various types of fencing in the downtown central business district designed to accommodate some new commercial uses. City officials last week said outdoor eating areas, mainly at locations that serve alcohol, must have perimeter fencing to cordon them from general pedestrian traffic. Some commercial fencing also is expected in the area …

Brian Persky, executive director of the Three Rivers DDA/Main Street, announced Tuesday he has submitted his letter of resignation to the board of directors. Persky, whose last day on the job in Three Rivers will be Nov. 25, said he was recently presented with an opportunity to serve as sports sales manager at Discover Kalamazoo. He said the position combines …

Members of the group TR Cares plan to assemble a slate of candidates for the local school board and a county position in elections next year. During what was promoted as a town-hall meeting Tuesday at the JOCO Center in Three Rivers, attorney Kelly Ward addressed more than 60 people who heard a recap of the timeline related to an …

An active case of tuberculosis is under investigation and treatment in the Sturgis area, according to Kim Wilhelm, prevention services director for Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency. The man became infected in April, Wilhelm said. The agency is attempting to find the man’s contacts and is involved in extensive testing, Wilhelm said. Between 20 and 30 people were found to …

The Mendon Village Planning Commission last week recommended acceptance of a plan for a Dollar General retail store. The matter was forwarded to the Mendon Village Council, along with an additional recommendation that specific signage be installed to help negate some of the traffic flow concerns. The proposed development is being eyed at the corner of West Main and Railroad …

Timothy David Riley, age 67, of Three Rivers passed away suddenly on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Borgess Medical Center. Tim was born in Sioux Falls, SD on March 5, 1948 the son of Joseph Clarence and Mae Minnie (Barnes) Riley. He moved from Sioux Falls to join the Job Core where he eventually enlisted in the U.S. Army. He …

Max “Russ” Morlan, age 85, of Marcellus, MI passed away at home on Monday, October 26, 2015. He was born June 15, 1930 in Dowagiac, MI the son of Max Vernon and Edna Blanche (Goble) Morlan. On June 14, 1956 he married Shirley Mae Reigle who survives. Russ served two years in the U.S. Army and was a member of …