Area police agencies and their personnel were saluted during a special ceremony Saturday. Nearly 200 people attended “Back the Blue,” a first-of-its-kind event in St. Joseph County organized by a member of the White Pigeon Police Department. It took place outside Riverside Church in Three Rivers. Ashley Zimmer, a sergeant with the White Pigeon agency, said the idea for “Back …

A new service offered through Three Rivers Health begins operation today. “New Vision,” which provides drug and alcohol medical-stabilization service, is a process to manage withdrawal through the use of medication under the care of nurses and doctors. It is available to anyone 18 years of age and older who is misusing certain substances, including opiates, alcohol, illegal drugs and …

Darrell David Stricker, age 54, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2020 at his home. He was born December 25, 1966 in Three Rivers, son of the late Forest Eugene and Alice Pauline Stricker. Darrell resided nearly his entire life in the Three Rivers, Mendon and Sturgis areas. He enjoyed riding motorcycles. Darrell is survived by two brothers: Wallace …

Dave Ritzer, long time resident and business owner, passed away at his home in Constantine, Friday, September 25, 2020, following a brief illness. He was 60 years old. Preceded in death by his parents, Steve and Marilyn, and sister Lynn. He is survived by sister Stephanie (Terry) Strawbridge and nephew Kris. Also, special friends Sam and Rhonda Albano. Dave had …

Deborah Joanne Bingaman-Kline, age 34, of Lansing, entered eternal peace with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at her home. Debbie was born on March 1, 1986 in Three Rivers, daughter of Jerry and Phyllis Bingaman and Donna (Tom) Douglas. Debbie attended Three Rivers Public Schools and was married to Amos Kline, but later divorced. She brought joy …

A situation Thursday involving an armed person in the 500 block of South Clay Street in Sturgis was resolved peacefully. Police were dispatched shortly after 2 p.m. following a report of an armed person who was barricaded inside a home. According to a department media release, officers were able to make contact by phone and convince the person to leave …

Three people were arrested last week in Sherman Township as part of a drug-conspiracy case. A handgun, a large amount of money and more than five pounds of methamphetamine were confiscated, authorities said. Michigan State Police located and arrested the three people while the suspects were in a suspected drug transaction. The suspects are a Sturgis man in his 50s, …

Centreville Public Schools Superintendent Stephanie Lemmer said the district on Friday was informed a junior/senior high student was confirmed positive for COVID-19. According to the district’s Facebook page, Lemmer said the student will be isolated and those within close contact will be quarantined for 14 days. Close contact is defined as someone who has been within six feet for 15 …

Sheriff’s deputies responded to a three-vehicle collision last week in Lockport Township. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called at 2:20 p.m. Thursday to Buckhorn Road, near Arizona Boulevard, in response to a multi-vehicle crash. Authorities said a GMC pickup, driven by a 25-year-old Three Rivers man, was southbound on Buckhorn Road and the driver apparently did not see a …

Sandra Marie Dentler, age 76, of Three Rivers, died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born in Chili, Wisconsin on Feb. 11, 1944 the daughter of John D. and Edna C. (Perrin) Jansen. Sandra graduated from Three Rivers High School and was married to Gerald “Jerry” Dentler on Sept. 24, 1964 ; they were …