Residents on the east side of Klinger Lake will have to adjust their driving times starting Wednesday, when a bridge-replacement project starts. The $415,000 task centers on the nearly 20-foot-long bridge that straddles Sherman Mill Creek, which flows into the 830-acre lake. St. Joseph County Road Commission Managing Director John Lindsey said the replacement was a budgeted expense and work …

Sturgis officials are preparing for a first-of-its-kind event this weekend. The joint efforts of Sturgis Historical Society, Sturgis Civic Players and Sturges-Young Center for the Arts have led to the Oak Lawn Cemetery Walk. In addition to the event set for Saturday, it will be repeated Oct. 16. Members of Sturgis Civic Players will portray 12 “Notable Firsts in Sturgis …

Six re-appointments to the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Management Planning Committee were made last week. County commissioners supported a motion to renew for two years the terms of John Smits and Glenn Nissley as industry representatives, Frank Kalasky as environmental representative, Doris Ripplinger and Carol Higgins representing the general public, and Mark Ripplinger representing municipalities. All terms expire in …

The Three Rivers Department of Public Services has started its twice-a-year hydrant flushing. DPS Director Amy Roth said flushing started last week and will continue through Oct. 8. Flushing will occur 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday during that one-month period. Due to many variables, Roth said the department is not able to determine the exact date flushing …

With just under 40 days until opening night, the Kalamazoo Wings roster continues to take shape. Several signings were announced recently and two of them have ties to Kalamazoo.  Forward Kyle Blaney is returning to the team while goaltender Trevor Gorsuch played for Western Michigan University. Blaney is returning for his fifth season with the K-Wings.  The 30-year old native of …

More than a dozen people gathered Saturday in Centreville for a low-key observance of the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The public observance was put together by village resident Marlene Hagerman. She said the veterans’ memorial on the courthouse lawn was an ideal location and served as a stoic backdrop for the 15 participants. Simplistic in its …

Oct. 1 is the deadline for application to the Constantine Competitive Grant. The grant supports charitable, and educational programs and projects in the Constantine area. Grants are offered through a branch of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation. Applications can be submitted online at: sturgisfoundation.org.

Kalamazoo County officials have announced that a Schoolcraft man was sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for producing child pornography. After pleading guilty earlier this year, Ryan Ahren was sentenced last week on one count of felony production and attempted production of child pornography. Three charges were dismissed in exchange for a guilty plea. Authorities said Ahren used …

Glen Oaks Community College Board of Trustees have approved a three-year contract with Glen Oaks Support Services Employees. Clarice Green, GOSSE president, said she has a number of issues with the contract but GOSSE members approved it by a slim margin, nonetheless. President David Devier said the agreement allows for a percentage wage increase annually: 4 percent the first year, …

St. Joseph County sheriff’s deputies are investigating the theft of a 4-wheeler from a location in Mottville Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said the incident occurred at an undisclosed time in the 69000 block of Blue School Road. The 4-wheeler in question is a Polaris brand quad, red in color with a black cargo rack.