Stephen R. Grusell, age 36, of Kalamazoo, passed away unexpectedly Friday, May 27, 2016 at home. He was born June 30, 1979 in Montreal, Quebec the son of John Luther Grusell and Susan Fournier. On April 20, 2011 he married Victoria A. Owens, who survives. He was self employed as a maintenance person. He enjoyed watching movies, Star Wars, walking …

As part of GreenStone Farm Credit Services’ commitment to youth in agriculture, the cooperative recently awarded $40,000 in scholarships to 22 incoming college freshmen through the association’s scholarship program. Two area students were among the recipients of the scholarships. Loren King, currently homeschooled, plans to attend Michigan State University to pursue a dual degree in foreign agribusiness management and biosystems …

Sturgis Public Schools will once again offer a summer meal program. It will run June 13 through Aug. 19, except for the week of July 4. Free meals will be made available to ages 18 and under, or up to age 26 for people who are enrolled in an educational program for the mentally or physically disabled, if the program …

How to keep students reading at third-grade level was the focus of a recent presentation before the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District Board of Education. Diane Talo, director of instructional leadership, and Carla Osborn, educational consultant, were the presenters. Their focus was tied to a new state law requiring that all third- grade students who do not meet grade-level …

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St. Joseph County sheriff’s deputies responded this week to a report of larceny from a motor vehicle in Fabius Township. According to a department media release, deputies were called Tuesday to the 57000 block of Gearharts Landing, where power tools were stolen from the back of a pickup. Investigators concluded the culprit broke into the cab of the truck and …

Volunteers and participants are sought for the Memorial Day observance in Sturgis this weekend. A Memorial Day parade begins at 10:30 a.m. at the VFW hall on Fawn River Road, then proceeds to Oak Lawn Park, where a ceremony starts at 11 a.m. Veterans, recently discharged and current service members, are invited to walk in the parade. Meanwhile, a flag-placement …

Glen Oaks Community College President David Devier recently received an alumni career achievement award from Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology. The award was presented in Columbus at the college’s annual alumni awards ceremony. Devier was recognized for developing technical-training programs based on regional needs, connecting with manufacturing companies to create programs that train students to meet …

Sturgis city commissioner Jon Good wants to investigate whether the municipality should impose restrictions on the public’s use of some herbicides, as a means to protect groundwater. Good said he has done preliminary research on communities that have set restrictions on the use of chemicals that can pose health hazards when concentrations are found in groundwater supplies. Barry Cox, city …

Dale Henry Tavernier, age 79, of Three Rivers passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, May 23, 2016 at his home.  He was born in Three Rivers on July 9, 1936 the son of Chester and Lillian (Zerby) Tavernier. Dale was a graduate of Three Rivers High School.  He served in the National Guard for eight years.  Dale …