The city of Sturgis recorded an 8.1 percent gain in its overall financial position last fiscal year, posting a worth of just over $71 million at the end of the 2014 fiscal year, according to a recent independent audit. The audit, presented to the Sturgis City Commission last week, showed the city collected about $16.5 million in governmental operating revenue …

Colon Elementary School teachers Adam and Kylie Bowen won the second annual Dancing With the St. Joseph County Stars competition Friday at Three Rivers High School. Sponsored by the St. Joseph County Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, the event featured five couples. The Bowens – Adam teaches fifth- and sixth-grade science and Kylie is a kindergarten …

Donald Hochstetler, age 90, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Bronson Hospital. He was born November 23, 1924 in Elkhart IN, son of Fred & Iva (Heckaman) Hochstetler. In 1944, he met the love of his life, Martha Garrett, and married June 23, 1946 in Dowagiac, MI. They bought the family farm and continued its operation, with their children, …

A Cassopolis man was killed in a pedestrian traffic accident 3 miles south of Jones early Sunday at 1:20am. The Cass County Sheriff’s Department says 25-year-old Duke Gowens was walking in the northbound lane of M-40, just north of Withers Street in Newberg Township, when he was struck by an unknown vehicle traveling north. Gowens was pronounced dead at the …

Michigan agriculture officials are monitoring a bird flu outbreak that’s affected other Midwest states and say they’re ready to respond if needed. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development spokeswoman Jennifer Holton says in an email that the state don’t have any cases at this time. She says the department is “preparing to respond quickly, effectively and efficiently” if bird …

Robert Montgomery McClain, age 92, of Three Rivers, died Friday, April 24, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Nottawa Township on Aug. 21, 1922 the son of Robert John and Martha (Rench) McClain and has been a lifetime resident of the Mendon area. He attended the Cupp Country School and worked on the …

Joyce Marie Lucas, age 74, of Colon, passed away Friday, April 24, 2015, at her home, after several months of failing health. Joyce was born Sept. 25, 1940, in Leonidas Township, a daughter of the late Vern and Amelia (Diekman) Allen. She had lived most of her life in the Fulton, Leonidas and Colon area, graduating from Colon High School …

George Fredrick Myers, age 81, of Three Rivers, passed away Thursday evening, April 23, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Oct. 25, 1933 in Lancaster, Ohio, the son of the late Carl Mickey and Ruth (Kaumeyer) Myers. George was employed at the Essex Wire/United Technology Company for forty years before his retirement. He also …

County commissioner Don Eaton is questioning a number of matters related to operations of the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County. At the conclusion of Tuesday’s county commission meeting, Eaton said he would like to utilize the services of a consultant with expertise in studying mental health agencies, their budgets and their overall operations. Eaton …

Jon Good was appointed Wednesday to the at-large seat on Sturgis City Commission. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Michael Gay last month. Good, a Sturgis native, was city manager-assessor from 1979-86 and a former city commissioner. He is owner and president of J.W. Good & Associates, a real-estate appraisal firm. Good was among five residents who submitted …