Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport and its airlines continue to recover and return service to Southwest Michigan, according to the airport’s director. Craig Williams said after significant reductions in seats and passengers in April and May, passengers are returning to the skies and the airlines are responding by returning planes to the Kalamazoo market. After the Fourth of July holiday, Williams …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday toughened a requirement to wear masks during the coronavirus pandemic, mandating that businesses open to the public deny service or entry to customers who refuse to wear one. The governor also expanded where people must have a face covering beyond indoor public spaces. Starting immediately, they have to wear one outdoors if they cannot consistently …

A Three Rivers man was sentenced to prison Monday in Hillsdale County’s 1st Judicial Circuit Court. Michael Mercer, 23, appeared in court on charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding police. Mercer was sentenced 23 to 60 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections and given credit for 40 days served. He also was ordered to pay $200 in court assessments. …

Members of the Three Rivers Community Schools Board of Education this week were provided an update on the start of the district’s school year. Curriculum director Nikki Nash said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Return to School Road Map” was reviewed as a guide for suggestions and requirements public schools are advised to follow in advance of classes resuming this fall. The …

Centreville resident Terry Cropper was chosen from a field of five candidates to the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District board. Cropper was selected unanimously Monday to fill the vacancy created after Sarah Vollmer moved out of the county. Cropper currently serves as executive assistant at Kalamazoo Community Foundation and as pastor at Bethel Baptist Church in Three Rivers. He …

A former Mendon Elementary School administrator has been named principal at Ryan Elementary in Bronson. Kristen Frisbie, who previously served as a teacher at Andrews Elementary in Three Rivers before joining Mendon Elementary as its principal, was named to the position earlier this month. She most recently was curriculum and instructional consultant at Constantine Public Schools. Frisbie said she looks …

Gina M. Wagner, age 59, of Constantine, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.  Gina was born in Lansing on April 8, 1961, a daughter of Jack and Barbara (Montgomery) Russell. Gina graduated from Charlotte High School in 1979 and Olivet College in 1986, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree …

Gerald L. Thrams, age 82, of Colon, passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at the Laurels of Coldwater. Gerald was born on July 5, 1938 in Kalamazoo, a son of the late Rex and Ina (Fuller) Thrams. On July 19, 1956 Gerald married Joyce I. Heath in Leonidas. She would precede him in death on October 14, 2019. Gerald attended …

Three Rivers High School has postponed its graduation ceremony, which had been rescheduled to take place tonight. Principal Carrie Balk informed the district’s board of education this week that the persistent threat of COVID-19 has necessitated the delay. Aug. 6 is being considered as the date for the re-scheduled graduation ceremony, Balk said. While members of the district’s class of …

A four-year member of the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department has been awarded the agency’s “Employee of the Year.” Deputy Kevin Brooks, a Vicksburg native, was the recipient of the 2019 award, according to sheriff Mark Lillywhite. Sgt. Brandon Dahl said Brooks is a positive presence at the department, he’s punctual, dependable and an employee who always gives 100 percent …