Pealer Street bridge, which spans the Rocky River in Three Rivers, was filled with diners and music Saturday at this year’s installment of Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce’s “Discover the Treasures of St. Joseph County” series. Christy Trammell, president and CEO of the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, said the event was a success. Ribs, chicken, sides, doughnuts and …

Businesses in Cass, Lenawee and St. Joseph counties will share in $33.8 million in grant money, leading more than 21,000 homes and businesses to modern broadband internet in rural areas. The Federal Communication Commission announced last month the winning bids. In fall 2018, it allocated more than $1.4 billion in support to expand broadband to more than 700,000 unserved rural homes …

Municipal officials in Colon have passed an ordinance prohibiting businesses that grow, produce, market or sell marijuana for recreational purposes. The door to the marijuana industry in Colon may not be shut completely, however, as council members tabled voting on a resolution to opt-in for marijuana sold for medicinal purposes. The vote was made to the dismay of more than …

Centreville Public Schools Board of Education on Monday approved the hiring of new staff members. They are: Alison Marek, third-grade teacher; Meredith Spicer, elementary special-education teacher; John Salem, junior high/high school science teacher; Matthew Price, Spanish teacher, junior/senior high. Price will also serve as boys’ varsity basketball coach. In addition, second-grade teacher Bart Schrader was hired to serve as varsity cheer …

The Kalamazoo Wings have named John Peterson as their new Broadcaster and Director of Public Relations. Peterson replaces Issac Berkey, who after one season behind the microphone, left the organization to pursue an opportunity outside of hockey. Entering his 11th season in the broadcast booth, Peterson, a native of Andover, Minnesota,  is familiar with the ECHL and the K-Wings. After …

James Lewis Gage, age 86, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 14, 2019 at the Bowman House.  James was born on January 8th, 1932 in Kalamazoo, the son of the late Beryle and Dorothea (Yeomans) Gage. James was born and raised in Three Rivers where he graduated with the class of 1949.  On July 1st, 1956 James …

Gregory B. Staines, age 61, passed away in the late hours of  Monday, August 5, 2019 at his stepdaughter’s home. He was born Oct. 25, 1957, in Anderson, to Austin and Betty (Kurtz) Staines. Both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a nephew, David. He is survived by two stepchildren, Justin Cripe, Goshen, and Amber …

Carolyn J. King, age 84, formerly of Colon, passed away Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, at Amber Way in Kalamazoo. Carolyn was born June 14, 1935, in Detroit, to the late James and Della (Gustafson) Merrifield. She lived most of her life in Colon, graduating from Colon High School with the class of 1953. She then continued her education at The University …

A long-vacant business in Centreville will soon be razed. Marcus Gleaton, owner of Gleaton-Swanwick Agency in Centreville, has purchased the former Village Market property. Gleaton recently indicated he plans to tear down the old grocery store, since repairing damage from a fire and fixing the roof could cost well over $500,000. Two other units in the plaza, the former Habitat …

Scholastic and St. Joseph County United Way are partnering with the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District to support a book drive. The goal is $100,000, which would allow for the purchase of books for all nine public school districts in the county. The United Way has agreed to match the first $10,000. In addition, Scholastic will donate free books …