I’m sure it was more than a couple of years ago that I mentioned the fact that Bowman Park, on North Main Street, doesn’t contain a single bench. Lafayette Park, which is also located on North Main Street, across from Hoppin School, has at least two benches. I mention this only because a reader asked me why this was the …

Two public hearings and four matters of new business will be fielded by the Three Rivers City Commission this evening. An IFT application for a 10,000-square-foot expansion by Metal Technologies and a zoning amendment to a B-2 Zoning District for light industry will be staged during the public-hearing process. New business to be discussed by the commission features a boundary …

Organizers of Sunday’s Mendon Dust-Off said more than 300 cars were on display at the 53rd annual event. Heidi Alexander, president of the Three Rivers Car and Antiques Restorers Club, said considering the cold weather and steady drizzle, she was happy that so many people decided to be a part of the show anyway. She said the event, which took …

Iola June Holtz, age 94, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Sunday morning, May 1, 2016 in the presence and comfort of her family in Cass County Medical Care Facility in Cassopolis. She was born March 28, 1922 in Volinia, Michigan to Leon and Mollie (Hoffmeister) Rice. She married James Lorel Holtz December 9, 1944 in Penn Township, Michigan. After almost forty …

St. Joseph County officials are expected to approve a few amendments to their municipal loan fund process. County administrator Pat Yoder said the matter arose through discussions with various townships. One in particular is looking into the purchase of a fire truck, an expense projected to be about $500,000. The township, Yoder said, has saved $100,000 and it will likely …

A 36-year-old Sturgis man was arrested last week after he was discovered unauthorized inside an apartment unit. Sturgis police were called shortly after 1 a.m. Friday to the 200 block of North Clay Street in response to a break-in. Officers entered the unit and discovered the intruder. He was charged with second-degree home invasion, possession of methamphetamine and possession of …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency’s Board of Health released its annual “Certificates of Excellence” in food service for the year 2015. Award recipients represent food establishments that met stringent criteria to adhere to safe food-handling practices. Ninety-two tri-county food service establishments, including restaurants, bars, catering kitchens and schools, received this year’s award. In St. Joseph County, the 35 award-winners …

A 30-year-old White Pigeon man was injured in a single-vehicle accident last week in Cass County. Sheriff Joe Underwood said deputies were called at 7:45 p.m. Thursday to the intersection of U.S. 12 and Sunset Boulevard for a roll-over accident. Deputies said Thomas Defreese, was heading west on U.S. 12, when his vehicle drove off the right side of the …

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings are in the market for a new assistant coach as Sam Ftorek is leaving the K-Wings to become the head coach of the Roanoke Rail Yard Dogs of the SPHL. Ftorek became the assistant coach of the K-Wings this past season after retiring from playing, which he did for 17 years. The native of …

Charlotte May Nicholas, age 69, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Saturday, April 30, 2016, at the home of her daughter Monica in Sturgis. She was born May 1, 1946, in Battle Creek, Mich., daughter of the late Clyde F. and Edna Charlotte (Morse) Whipple. Charlotte had resided in Sturgis for the past 38 years. She also lived in Union City …