Kathy Regina Freeby, age 66, of Three Rivers, went to be with the Lord Jesus on May 14, 2021 after a nine-month-long battle with cancer. She was born November 25, 1954 in Oneonta, Alabama to Euel and Robbie (McCay) Faile, who preceded her in death. Kathy leaves behind her husband of 31 years, Michael Freeby; three siblings, Debbie Faile, Tina …

A White Pigeon man was injured this week after the motorcycle he was driving was involved in an accident in Florence Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called at 4:30 p.m. Monday to Banker Road and Burgener Road in response to a-car-versus-motorcycle incident. The 53-year-old motorcycle driver was traveling north on Burgener Road when he disregarded a stop sign …

The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport conducted an emergency drill starting on Friday (5-21-21). Area police, fire and emergency agencies converged on the airport to practice procedures necessary in the event of an actual emergency. It was part of a drill to support the requirements to exercise the Airport Emergency Plan every three years, according to Anton Bjorkman, assistant director of …

Members of the Three Rivers City Commission approved a pair of ordinances to allow recreational marijuana facilities. Two ordinances approved Tuesday will allow recreational marijuana establishments as special-exception uses. Meanwhile, the second detailed how and where they are able to locate within the city. Municipal officials said it’s likely applications for permits by November. In addition, stipulations will require that …

Sharon Lou Griffin-Connelly, age 70, of Constantine, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. She is forever in our hearts and her legacy of love will live forever in all of us. Sharon was born on October 15, 1950 in Detroit, the first born to Gerald and Pamela (Anderson) Griffin. She graduated from Wayne Memorial High School …

A St. Joseph County steering committee, formed to identify the fate of nearly $12 million in federal funds, held its first meeting this week. Though specifics of the meeting weren’t stated, St. Joseph County Administrator Teresa Doehring told commissioners Tuesday that the gathering was a good starting point. It took place earlier in the day Tuesday. The parties involved were …

The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has been awarded $1 million from Kalamazoo River Natural Resources Damages Assessment settlement funds to purchase a 140-acre property in Allegan County. The property, the Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve, is located just outside downtown Allegan and along the west bank of the Kalamazoo River. Conservancy officials said the heart of the property features 100 upland acres of mostly …

A number of minor details were taken care of at Tuesday’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. First, commissioners approved the $8,900 purchase of a mobile/video recording system for animal control officer Greg Musser and his vehicle. Commissioners also approved an exception to the hiring freeze, granting undersheriff Jason Bingaman’s request for a typist/clerk. The position pays about $57,000 …

Area law-enforcement agencies responded this week to a report of mail theft. Sheriff’s deputies and state police troopers responded Monday to an area of Mintdale Road near Burg Road in Florence Township regarding mail scattered along the roadway. Investigators found mail throughout the area, which appeared to have been taken from mailboxes in Florence, Sherman and White Pigeon townships. Authorities …

Cheryl R. Bouterse, age 59, of Colon, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Saturday, May 15, 2021. Cheryl was born on September 10, 1961 in Sturgis, a daughter to the late Paul and Mary (Schweitzer) Lederman. Cheryl attended and graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1980. On October 22, 1983 Cheryl married her husband of 37 …