This is the best time of the year to live in Michigan. The days of heat and humidity are behind us and the days of icy roads and freezing temperatures are still a month or two away. This is the season of multiple colors in the foliage and pleasant scents of fall in the air. I long for the days …

A St. Joseph County judge has ordered a stay related to proceedings of a proposed sports complex in the city of Three Rivers. District Court Judge Jeff Middleton on Monday oversaw the hearing regarding the June 21 decision by the Michigan Boundary Commission. The state agency ruled in favor of the city of Three Rivers and its right to annex …

Saturday’s 34th annual Sturgis Toy Run raised more than $2,600 and an abundance of toys to be distributed to St. Joseph County kids this Christmas. The motorcycle rally attracted 125 bikers, who made the 60-mile trek around the county as a way of bringing awareness to the benevolent event. Toy Run president Victor Hargett said the field where the Toy …

Thomas G. Fisher, age 55, of White Pigeon, died Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, at his home, following an extended illness. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, at Three Rivers American Legion Post #170. Arrangements are by Farrand Funeral Home of White Pigeon.

Mr. Walter Roy Fenwick, age 86, of Three Rivers, went to be with his Lord peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Sept. 9th, 2017 at Three Rivers Health.  He was born on February 12, 1931 in Portage, the son of Lester and Ethelyn (Bradford) Fenwick. Mr. Fenwick attended Vicksburg Community Schools, where he excelled at track and field, …

John J. Bontrager, age 91 years, 8 months and 16 days, of Centreville, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, at the Allen Yoder residence. John was born Dec. 25, 1925, in Dodge City, Kan., a son of the late John M. and Elizabeth (Mullet) Bontrager. John lived in Centreville most of his life and was a member of the …

Arthur L. Ellinger, 67, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, in Angola, Ind. No services will be held at this time. Arrangements are being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home. Arthur was born March 12, 1950, in Toledo, Ohio, to Gloria (Symington) Tammarine. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving with the U.S. Marine Corps from …

Joanna Sibbery, age 90, of Sturgis, and formerly of White Pigeon, died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017, at Sturgis Hospital. She had been in failing health since June. She was born Jan. 6, 1927, in Yorktown, Ind., a daughter of Arthur and Inez (Davis) Franklin. She was a Sturgis resident for the past two years, coming from White Pigeon, where she …

Sandra L. Todd, age 65, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday afternoon, Sept. 9, 2017, at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence in Battle Creek. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends to honor and celebrate Sandy’s life will be held at a later date, to be announced. The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral …

The St. Joseph County Conservation District staged its final river cleanup of the season Saturday with a joint effort by two groups. More than two dozen people took part in an effort on the Prairie River. One group started at the Centreville Canoe Park at the north end of the village, ending at Hoshel Road Canoe Park. The other group, …