Rita Jo Zerbe, age 64, of Schoolcraft, began her heavenly walk peacefully after a “beautiful fight” with ALS on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016. Although the fight was difficult, her last breath was pain-free, surrounded by her immediate family, her greatest joy. She was born to her earthly journey on March 13, 1952, in Muncie, Ind., a daughter of the late …

Happy Thanksgiving! Our names are Curry, Caldo, Chowder and Chili. We are about 6 weeks old and full of curiosity and energy. If the picture is kind of blurry it’s because we were having so much fun exploring that we couldn’t sit still. Please come in and give us the best thing for which we could be thankful – a …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission is encouraging residents to shake their mailboxes this month. Agency manager Chris Minger said a mailbox post over the years can rot or become wobbly. The annual shaking test is a solid way of determining whether a mailbox is secure and its post strong. The test is suggested to ensure mailboxes and posts are …

The Salvation Army is still in need of volunteers willing to man kettles at collection sites. Service clubs, churches, youth groups and students in need of volunteer hours are encouraged to consider partaking in the bell-ringing duty. In St. Joseph County, the need for bell-ringers is especially great in Colon, Centreville, Sturgis, Three Rivers and White Pigeon. Prospective participants are …

After five years, someone other than Ken Malone will serve as leader of Sturgis City Commission meetings. Robert Hile, 59, was named mayor after serving five years as vice-mayor under Malone. Hile said he and Malone had discussed a change in leadership a year ago. Meanwhile, Jon Good, at-large commissioner, was appointed vice mayor in a 6-3 vote over Mark …

The Constantine Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, recently awarded its fall grants. Recipients included Constantine Middle School Peer Mentoring, presented to Shannon Underwood; Children’s Concerns of St. Joseph County body safety awareness class, represented by Jill Bobalik and Jill Modert; Youth for Christ Inc., Southwest Michigan and Campus Life of Constantine, received by Ken …

Automotive tools and antique firearms were taken from a residence in Park Township this week. State police said the breaking-and-entering incident occurred Monday in the 20000 block of M-60. The incident took place during a two-week period when the homeowners were out of town, according to authorities.

Pregnancy Helpline of St. Joseph County recently purchased an ultrasound with funds it was provided through donations. More than $16,000 was given thanks in part to the Knights of Columbus Council 2508 of Sturgis. During a dedication program last month at Christian Fellowship Center Church in Sturgis, Pregnancy Helpline director Carol Stuckey said the ultrasound will allow it to provide …

A 300-gallon propane tank was stolen last weekend from a residence in Flowerfield Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the tank was taken between 4 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. Saturday from the front yard of a residence in the 10000 block of Floating Bridge Road. Authorities said the tank was white and had no additional markings.

Wava Jane Chapman, 66, of Jones, died on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at her home. She was born June 25, 1950 in Mishawaka, a daughter of James and Gloria (Bang) Simpson. Wava attended country schools and Mendon Schools. She was employed at Crocker Limited in Three Rivers for 30 years retiring in 2009. Wava, along with her boyfriend Jerry Potter, …