The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority/Main Street program plans to launch its inaugural “100 Friends of Downtown Three Rivers” campaign in February. The campaign is designed to hit on three of the four goals of the DDA/Main Street program: Building Relationships, Communication, and Education and Awareness, according to Brian Persky, Three Rivers DDA/Main Street executive director. All new members of …

Pat Yoder, who holds St. Joseph County’s highest, non-elected position, was given a $10,000 raise last week. Two weeks after commissioners agreed to renew Yoder’s contract for 2015, his salary for the 12-month period was set at $115,000. He is also given a vehicle allowance of $6,000 annually. The matter was addressed during last week’s county commission meeting. Yoder, who …

State Rep. Aaron Miller was joined Tuesday on the House floor by Cass County Prosecuting Attorney Victor Fitz for Gov. Rick Snyder’s State of the State address in Lansing. The governor outlined his plans for his second term during the speech. Lawmakers are allowed one floor guest during the annual speech. Fitz is also president of the Michigan Prosecuting Attorneys …

A few personnel matters were approved during last week’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. Erin Goff was hired as community corrections coordinator at more than $18 an hour, while Travis Balk was hired as a part-time corrections officer at a rate of more than $16 an hour. Also, a pay increase of 29 cents per hour was approved …

User fees are what keep Michigan state campgrounds running, and officials say the first rate increases in seven years are needed to cover the rising costs of maintaining and operating the facilities. The amount of the increase at a particular site depends on its popularity, said parks and recreation chief Ron Olson of the Department of Natural Resources. At those …

Richard David “Rick” Potts, age 38, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, at his home. He was born June 5, 1976, in Sturgis, a son of David and Janice (Machan) Potts. Rick was a lifelong Sturgis area resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1995. He continued his education at Kalamazoo Valley Community …

Kenneth L. Airgood, 78, of White Pigeon, died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, following an extended illness. He was born Aug. 28, 1936, in White Pigeon, a son of Leland K. and Katherine J. (Rudloff ) Airgood. He lived all his life in White Pigeon, except for four years in the U.S. Navy, where he …

The city of Sturgis has delayed the opening of its downtown ice skating rink because of damage and vandalism. The rink liner was damaged when someone entered the fenced-in area before it was ready for use. Vandalism included panels that were pulled up. City officials are seeking tips from the public as they work to open the rink. (AP)

Marilyn Ruth DePlanche, age 83, of Mendon, died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. She was born in Mendon on Jan. 28, 1931 the daughter of Donald C. and Alma G. (Bartholomew) Happel. She graduated from Mendon High School where she later worked as a custodian. Marilyn was a homemaker who also worked at G-W Pizza …

Robert Lee “Bob” McClish, age 71, of Leonidas died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015 at his home. He was born in Battle Creek, MI on April 11, 1943 the son of Cecil and Audrey (Bastian) McClish and was a lifetime resident of the area. He graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1961. Bob worked as a millwright for …