The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority has a trio of holiday-related events planned to begin Friday. The annual tree-lighting ceremony takes place at 6:15 p.m. Friday in the Mural Mall. From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Santa will be at the Riviera Theatre, where gift-wrapping services will be provided by representatives from Three Rivera Area Mentoring. Cookie decorating at World …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission has announced it is returning to its winter hours starting next week. According to Julie Mayuiers, director of administration, the Centreville-based agency will be open for administrative purposes 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Its summer hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Dobberteen has asked that a letter be sent to state representatives regarding police coverage at night by the Michigan State Police. During the county commission’s November committee of the whole meeting, Dobberteen said he is aware the Branch County Sheriff’s Department cut in half its funding for road patrol. Dobberteen said it’s …

The Sturgis City Commission has agreed to relocate the city’s historic depot building from its current location on Main Street to 400 W. Chicago Road. The decision by city officials this week come after years of discussions related to the relocation. Because it is considered a historic building, the choice was to move the building rather than renovate it. City …

Susan Jane Baker, 58, of Three Rivers, passed away on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 at Borgess Medical Center. She was born on Feb. 9, 1955 in Coldwater the daughter of William Darwin Speese and Lucille Marie Rumsey. Susan has been a lifelong resident of this area. She graduated with honors from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1973. …

Welcome to Thanksgiving week. The day after tomorrow, everyone should take a few minutes to sit back and reflect on the many things that they should be thankful for. This should be done prior to sitting down and stuffing yourself with too much food, then assuming a prone position on the couch and watching your favorite football team lose. A …

A federal grant announced earlier this month will benefit St. Joseph County residents who are without insurance or considered underinsured. Officials from the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County said the $812,000 award will fund the first 15 months of a new, county health center. An annual renewal of $650,000 will be made available in …

National Adoption Day was observed locally in St. Joseph County Tuesday, as Probate Court Judge David Tomlinson administered an adoption proceeding for a Three Rivers family. Taylor and Sara Tompkins, 12- and 8-year-old sisters, were made the legal children of Jessen and Brooke Tompkins. The public procedure marked the 14th year of acknowledging National Adoption Day locally. Tomlinson said the …

Adams Excavating will provide snow-removal and plowing services for St. Joseph County again this winter. The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week renewed a contract for the winter services at the courthouse parking lot, the parks building and animal-control parking lot, and the sheriff’s department/central dispatch parking lot. Scott Adams, a Centreville resident, will provide his services when …

The Three Rivers Area Community Foundation is thanking its contributors for a successful 2013 season. Melissa Bliss, foundation administrator, said nearly $46,000 was designated to 17 local organizations and charities thanks to the financial commitments from donors. Bliss said she encourages contributors to continue supporting the foundation in 2014, as the recipients help make Three Rivers a better community.