Sponsored in part by state Rep. Aaron Miller, a plan to ensure teacher and administrative evaluations are not unfairly based on student growth and assessment was approved by members of the Michigan State House last week. Since a law enacted prior to the 2015-16 school year, 25 percent of year-end teacher and administrator evaluations have been based on student growth …

The Michigan Department of Transportation is awarding a grant of $252,000 to the St. Joseph County Road Commission to improve North Centreville and Wait roads. Located in Sherman Township, both routes are north of the city of Sturgis and are seasonally restricted roadways serving as a link between U.S. 12 to M-66. According to an MDOT media release, several businesses …

The task of finding a new location for Colon’s village office continues to be a topic of discussion amongst municipal officials. During last month’s council meeting, it was agreed that a committee to further research the issue be established and updates provided at the council’s subsequent monthly meetings. The current double-wide has served as the village’s municipal headquarters for more …

The Kalamazoo Wings started the month of December with a 6-10-0-1 record. Since that time, the K-Wings have won seven of their last eight games to move above the .500 mark and jump into a third place tie with the Fort Wayne Komets in the Central Division standings. Playing on home ice the entire weekend, the K-Wings won all three …

David Wayne Harmon, age 65, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully at his home following a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. He was born on Feb. 21, 1953 in West Memphis, Arkansas, the son of William Harvey (Rosa Lee Bryant) Harmon. Mr. Harmon served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. He was a former member …

Charles John Underwood, age 59, of Leonidas, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2018. He was born on December 29, 1959 to Pearl (Underwood) Raney in Three Rivers. Charles was a jack of all trades having worked in many fields throughout the course of his life. He loved spending time with friends and family. Charles is preceded in his passing …

William “Bill” Rohrer, age 66, of Otisville, Michigan, formerly of Three Rivers, died Friday, November 9, 2018 at his residence. A memorial service was held at on Friday, November 30, 2018 at the West Forest United Methodist Church, with Pastor Bruce Malicoat officiating. Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. Bill was born on March 17, 1952 to Malcolm and …

Michigan State Police has announced that Michigan residents with an existing concealed-pistol license can now renew their license online at www.michigan.gov/CPLrenewal. Online renewal requires a personal identification number. In addition, if a CPL holder’s renewal notification letter does not contain a PIN, they may request a new renewal notification letter directly from the county clerk who issued the CPL. St. …

State Rep. Aaron Miller said a plan approved this week by the Michigan House will provide more transparency for voters and enhance the integrity of the state’s citizen petition initiative process. The bills – sponsored by members of both parties – make much-needed improvements to Michigan’s grassroots lawmaking process while boosting accountability and giving voters in rural areas and small …

Employees from Sturgis Hospital attended Wednesday’s Sturgis City Commissioners meeting to seek support in calling for transparency and accountability from the hospital’s top executives. The group of employees included nurses from the Michigan Nurses Association, and members of the Sturgis Hospital General Employees Association and Technical Employees Association. Recent cuts have eliminated the OB unit and approximately 60 hospital employees …