Charges have been filed against a 19-year-old man and his pregnant wife in connection with the shooting death of a Michigan State Police trooper. Eric Knysz is charged with murdering a peace officer, felony firearm, concealed weapons violation, unlawfully driving away an auto, and being a habitual offender. His 21-year-old wife Sarah, who is six-months pregnant, is charged with being …

Michael Duane Shufelt, age 59, of Sturgis, passed away Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 20, 1954, in Sturgis, a son of the late Harold and Mary (Alward) Shufelt. Michael grew up on his parents’ farm at 1184 Round Lake Road in Burr Oak and graduated from Bronson High School with …

A new member of the Three Rivers Police Department’s K-9 unit will be on the job before the end of the year. Following approval last week by Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners, Jake will replace K-9 officer Bedo. Bedo has been on the job 16 years and is retiring, according to his handler, officer Tom Hicks. Jake is a 14-month-old …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners has agreed to work with an Ohio-based firm to prepare a study of potential locations for a new senior center. As a result of last week’s vote by commissioners, Lifespan Design Studio will evaluate three potential locations for a new Sturgis senior center. The $11,000 approved for the undertaking will provide commissioners opinions …

Three grants were recently funded by the White Pigeon Area Community Foundation. The Richard and Mary Magee Fund awarded $1,000 to the White Pigeon Downtown Revitalization Association. The Adele M. Gray Fund contributed $4,000 to White Pigeon Caring Families. And a proactive grant was made to the Edds  Memorial Fund for a Civil War memorial project at Wahbememe Park. The …

The Three Rivers City Commission last week recommended paving-related expenses for two micro-surfacing projects. Nearly $32,000 was approved for work to be performed on South Douglas Avenue, from West Michigan Avenue to Millard Street, and Sixth Avenue from Wood to Jefferson streets. The $14,900 Douglas Avenue job was a budgeted project; funds from the city’s 2014 fiscal year will be …

Louis Peter Panczyk, 91, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 at the Heartland Health Care Center. He was born on March 28, 1922 in Three Rivers. He was the son of the late John and Bernice (Ciecerski) Panczyk. Louis has been a life time resident of Three Rivers except for his honorable service during WWII …

Hugh Edward Ream, Jr., age 91, of Sturgis, Michigan passed away early Tuesday morning September 10, 2013 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. He was born October 30, 1921 in Centreville, Michigan son of the late Hugh Edward and Myrtle (Saxman) Ream. Hugh resided his whole life in the Sturgis, Centreville and White Pigeon area. He was first married to …

Patricia Mae Kyle, age 78, of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Sunday afternoon September 8, 2013 at the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room. She was born June 23, 1935 in Sturgis, Michigan daughter of the late Paul and Marion (Rasbaugh) Ankney. Mrs. Kyle resided in Sturgis for many years. Her early life was lived in Burr Oak where she was a graduate …

Margaret Lee Eaton, age 96, of Sturgis, Michigan entered into eternal life early Friday afternoon, September 6, 2013 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Trudy Grabe of Sturgis, following a lengthy decline in health. She was born December 21, 1916 in Wolfe County, Kentucky daughter of the late John Clyde and Darcus (Montgomery) Wilson. The family …