The non-profit, Three Rivers-based organization *culture is not optional (*cino) has completed its purchase of the former Huss Elementary School in Three Rivers. As noted in a Tuesday (June 11) post on The Huss Project website, “As of today at 3:15 p.m., we signed the final papers and received the deed to the historic Huss School building in Three Rivers, …

Kira D. VanLeeuwen, age 3, of Constantine, passed away Wednesday, June 12th, 2013 at Elkhart General Hospital. Kira was born in Kalamazoo, on February 10, 2010, a daughter of Christopher and Stacey (David) VanLeeuwen. She will always be remembered for her infectious smile, big brown eyes and long eye lashes. The love she had and shared, not only brightened everyone’s …

James W. Roberts, age 77, of Three Rivers passed away after a short stay at Heartland Healthcare Center on Monday June 10, 2013. Jim was born on July 28, 1935 in Three Rivers, MI the son of Bill and Thelma(Meyer)Roberts. Jim served two years in the U.S. Army and attended Western Michigan University and Eastern Tennessee State. He was united …

Michael Salisbury, 77, of Constantine, died Monday, June 10, 2013 at his home following an extended illness. He was born in Mishawaka, Ind. on July 5, 1935 to Lewis and Alice (Colley) Salisbury, and lived in the White Pigeon and Constantine area since 1943. A graduate of White Pigeon High School, he attended Glen Oaks Community College for one year. …

Norman E. Bentley, age 82, of Punta Gorda, Florida passed away Monday March 11, 2013 in Punta Gorda. He was born October 31, 1930 in Washington, DC son of the late George and Gwendolyn (Egert) Bentley. Norman resided in Sturgis, MI as a child. Norman retired from the U.S. Air Force after a distinguished career which included tours in Korean …

Schmidt’s Family Amusements is back in town with many fun rides and games for the young and daring during this year’s Three Rivers Water Festival! The midway will open at 4 p.m. on Thursday (June 13) and will remain open until 10 p.m.; Friday’s hours are from noon until 11 p.m., and Saturday’s hours are from 11 a.m. until midnight. …

The Lockport Township Board is continuing to move toward signing a 15-year fire protection service agreement with the City of Three Rivers Fire Department (TRFD), beginning in 2014. In keeping with unanimous action during their May 13th meeting to accept a three-point proposal from Three Rivers, board members agreed Monday evening (June 10th) to move ahead with development of a …

If you had placed a wager as to whether or not I’d mention the Water Festival this week, and said that I wouldn’t even mention the parade, you would have lost the bet. Water Festival is probably the biggest event of the year for those living in Wildcat country. It used to be called “Water Carnival”, but because of all …

The village of Colon is nearing a goal of $8,000 to purchase new Christmas decorations. A fundraising effort spearheaded by the village and the Colon Area Chamber of Commerce will result in the purchase of 29 new decorations, which will be put on display in the downtown area for about six weeks starting around Thanksgiving. Chamber and village council member …

Three new appointments to the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging Board will likely be made before the end of the month. Members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week were advised that Jean Skalski of Three Rivers, Beverly Burnham of Centreville and Lillian Carter of Constantine have requested their appointments to the board not be renewed. …