A $200,000 donation was made by an Indiana couple last week to St. Joseph County Animal Control. The gift was presented by LaPorte County residents Stephanie and Terry Strawbridge, on behalf of Stephanie’s brother, Dave Ritzer. Ritzer, who died in 2020, was a longtime resident of St. Joseph County. In addition, he was active in the business community and had a …

An annual tradition in Sturgis was deemed a success last week by its organizers. Saturday morning’s “Shop with a Hero” was held at Meijer in Sturgis. Plenty of local law enforcement and first responders were on hand to help youngsters looking for some Christmas spirit. Sturgis Director of Public Safety Ryan Banaszak said he is grateful for community partners such …

A waiver of special assessments for the Sturgis Improvement Association was approved last week, opening the door for another local improvement project. The Sturgis City Commission approved a waiver in excess of $15,000. The Sturgis Improvement Association is in the process of acquiring 104-106 N. Nottawa St., with the intent of revitalization. The first project will be to remove the …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department helped a Three Rivers Middle School student celebrate an unforgettable birthday. Braylen Green, who turned 12 earlier this month, was named “Deputy for the Day” Dec. 9. Captain TJ Baker said he was contacted in November by Green’ mother, Rebecca Linn. She shared how Braylen, from a young age, has decided he is going to …

St. Joseph County Veteran’s Affairs Department is eyeing a Three Rivers building as a temporary residence for former military members. During their Dec. 12 executive committee meeting, county commissioners were advised Veteran’s Affairs Director Stoney Summey is negotiating with owners of the former Twin County Probation Center, 308 S. Main St. The building once served as part of Immaculate Conception …

Troopers are investigating a one-car fatal crash in Calhoun County. The incident occurred over the weekend on Verona Road, east of 12 Mile Rd. The vehicle was discovered by a passer-by, off the south side of the road and into the trees. The vehicle’s lone occupant and driver was identified as Brady Pritchard 22, from Charlotte. He was pronounced dead …

Bronson Methodist Hospital is expanding healthcare services in Three Rivers with the opening of Bronson Imaging & Lab. The facility, located at 403 S. U.S. 131, opens today. Lab services such as blood draws, previously available at Bronson Primary Care Partners in Three Rivers, is moving to the new location. In addition to lab services, the site will offer imaging …

Camp Eberhart, a YMCA operation, has announced the release of its 2023 Christmas tree ornament. This year’s exclusive ornament features a rocket design and the wording “2023 YMCA Camp Eberhart.” Cost is $25 and includes shipping. Limited stock is available. Product can be purchased through the camp’s online store or by phoning the Fabius Township camp at 269-244-5125. Or email: …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last week signed a bill that would give dogs used in painful experiments, a chance at a happy life. “Teddy’s Law” was named after a beagle used in an unnecessary, one-year pesticide test contracted by Dow Agrosciences in Michigan. Following a Humane Society investigation into the laboratory, Teddy was released from the experiments. Teddy and beagles who …

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman has announced the agency’s “Employees of the Month” award recipients for September. Road patrol deputies Kevin Penn and Travis Miller were acknowledged during an in-house ceremony Sept. 12. On Sept. 8, Penn and Miller seized ammunition and numerous guns during the execution of a search warrant at a residence. Their actions not only guaranteed …