A Centreville native was specially recognized by the Future Farmers of America during its national convention last month. During a ceremony staged in Louisville, Ky., Mark Trowbridge of the Centreville FFA Chapter received the highest degree possible for an FFA member, the “American Degree.” As a longtime FFA participant, Trowbridge worked his way up through the various levels of FFA …

Colon Police Chief Mark Brinkert has issued a media release indicating a telephone scam is being reported by a number of village and Colon-area residents. The perpetrator making the calls claims to be from Consumers Energy and says the recipient of the phone call is delinquent in their payment. The caller then threatens that power to the residence will be discontinued unless they …

John E. Middling, 67, of Constantine, died Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, at Heartland Health Center in Three Rivers. He was born Dec. 8, 1946, in Sturgis, Mich., the son of John and Betty (Kindig) Guipe and was adopted by Harry and Drucela (Webber) Middling. He attended White Pigeon Schools and lived in the Constantine and White Pigeon areas all of …

Gerald Walton, 76, of Three Rivers passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2014. The family will recieve friends from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2014 at Hohner Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Hohner Funeral Home. Intemerment will take place at Flowerfied Cemetery, Flowerfield Twp., MI. Memorials …

Imogene Bickel, age 91, formerly of Vicksburg, died Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014 at Heartland Healthcare Center in Three Rivers where she had resided the past year. She was born in Cutcheon, MI on Dec. 15, 1922 the oldest daughter of Hallett H. and Hazel M. (Sheldon) Bickel. After graduating from Lake City High School, Imogene worked at B.F. Goodrich in …

Michigan’s 16-day firearms deer hunting season came to an end Sunday across Michigan and by most accounts, it was, as predicted, not the best of seasons for hunter success. Brent Rudolph, Deer and Elk Program Leader at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, says the number of deer checked at its various stations was down significantly from last year. He …

Officials are investigating after a man’s body was found at the scene of a house fire in Kalamazoo County. Firefighters got a call about 3:00 Monday morning about a fire at a home in Pavilion Township near Comstock, where they found flames covering the home and siding melting on a neighbor’s garage. Authorities say the man found dead was 65-year-old …

While many shoppers will be scanning the internet searching for bargains this “Cyber Monday,” local retailers say if you’re more a “hands on” shopper, you should head to your local shop. Michigan Retailers Association President and CEO Jim Hallan says some shoppers like to browse online but still like that face-to-face interaction you get at a local retailer. He says …

The largest school district in the county is considering raising its pay rate for substitute teachers. Meanwhile, Three Rivers Community Schools has already taken that step by approving the first pay increase in 14 years for its substitute teachers following action last week. District officials in Sturgis said a shortage of subs this school year has promoted a look at …

The Sturgis Police Department will receive a new squad vehicle. Anticipating the department would need a new cruiser, the city budgeted $ 27,500 for the 2014-15 fiscal year. Bill Snethkamp-Fleet in Lansing was the low bidder at $22,643, plus a $200 charge for delivery. The vehicle is on the lot and available immediately, a factor that influenced commissioners to accept …