Sturgis Public Schools has approved the hiring of a new assistant superintendent. Britt Gross was one of three finalists from a pool of 12 applicants. She replaces Nicole Gittinger, who retired last month. Britt has a Bachelor’s degree in English and American literature and language from Eastern Michigan University, and a Master’s degree in education for administration and supervision, adult …

Michigan Department of Transportation’s Chris Jacobs has issued an update regarding the second phase of U.S. 131 construction. The project, which started April 15, is concentrated to an area that includes the village of Schoolcraft and an area north to Shaver Road. According to Jacobs, completed work includes road built to grade from Lyons Road to the railroad crossing; storm …

Undersheriff Jason Bingaman and Emergency Manager Erin Goff said resources are available from the May tornado that impacted St. Joseph County. The U.S. Small Business Administration issued a disaster declaration related to the incident. The declaration is separate from any other declaration and is specific to Kalamazoo County, with residents of St. Joseph County also eligible to apply. SBA resources …

A long-term renovation project at Camp Eberhart in Fabius Township has started, as a fundraising effort nears its goal. Renovations for Dave’s House started in early spring. For starters, the building’s roof was replaced, concrete was poured on the back patio to create ADA accessible and the indoor/outdoor fireplace has been replenished. Camp officials said the fundraiser is less than …

Sturgis Area Community Foundation is co-organizing “100 Women Who Care – St. Joseph County.” One-hundred Women Who Care is a group of local women interested in making an impact on their community. The group will meet Aug. 20 and offer $100. The gift gives each donor a vote in selecting a non-profit recipient for the combined group gift of $10,000. …

The Three Rivers Promise is once again sponsoring an all-you-can-eat fish fry and chicken tenders dinner to raise funds for its local scholarship program. The event will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 16 at the First Presbyterian Church in Three Rivers. Last year’s event helped raise more than $15,000. The meal includes Dan’s fish, baked beans, coleslaw, dinner …

Twice-a-month food distribution through Catholic Charities at Immaculate Conception Church in Three Rivers will be changing distribution dates. July will be the last month of distributions on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Starting in August, its distribution will be the first and third Wednesdays of the month. The event is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until …

A Centreville High School alum was drafted last week in the annual Major League Baseball amateur draft. Indiana State left-hand pitcher Jared Spencer was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 14th round. Spencer, picked at No. 432 overall, was a 2023 Missouri Valley Conference all-conference first-team member. He is a 2021 graduate of Centreville High School.

The summer green scum is back in Michigan waters, signaling harmful algal blooms. Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Health Agency Environmental Health Director Paul Andriacchi said nothing has been confirmed yet in the three-county district, but there is a nearby suspected site. Rain and hot weather may mean danger in area waters creating scum, foams, globs, mats and green sheens, possibly indicating harmful …

State police troopers are investigating a larceny incident reported earlier this week from a location in Fabius Township. Investigators responded Wednesday to the 15000 block of Gleason Road, where a camper had been broken into. The victim stated the incident occurred between July 5 and Wednesday. Items stolen included miscellaneous tools and camping supplies.