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 …

Raymond L. Simpson, age 66, of LaGrange, Indiana passed away early Wednesday morning September 4, 2013 at his home. He was born August 10, 1947 in Vicksburg, Michigan son of the late John and Leonea (Yeomans) Simpson. Raymond resided in LaGrange since 2010 when he and his wife bought the home of their dreams. Prior to moving to LaGrange he …

Police officers and other first responders are in mourning following Monday’s shooting death of a Michigan State Police Trooper in Ludington. The Michigan State Police say Paul Butterfield died late Monday night during emergency surgery, after he was shot during a traffic stop. A man and woman exchanged gunfire with Butterfield during the stop. The pair fled but were captured …

My office is small. If it were larger, I’d just fill it up with stuff. The late George Carlin once did a bit called, “Stuff”. I can truly relate to this, as can my wife. I think that all of us save, or collect, items that we probably will never use again. At one time, I had a nice set …

A promotional campaign for the locally made movie “The Current – Three Rivers,” began this week. Radio and newspaper spots in support of the full-length feature film started Monday, as the 2-hour, 24-minute film is set to premiere Oct. 18 at the Three Rivers 6 movie complex. Financed by local businessman Tom Meyer and directed by longtime Three Rivers resident …

The Michigan Department of Transportation Southwest Region is holding informational open houses at each of its three Transportation Service Centers this week. MDOT’s Nick Schirripa said TSC staff will be present at each location to discuss project selection, transportation funding, construction projects and other issues. Whether it’s highway and bridge conditions, project types, traffic signals and speed limits, snow removal …