The Centreville Fire Department marked the promotion of two of its officers Monday with a pinning ceremony. According to a department news release, Lt. Bryan Balk was promoted to assistant chief. Meanwhile, Larry Schlabach was promoted to lieutenant. The positions became open after the retirement of longtime assistant chief, Jody McClain. During Monday’s ceremony, members of the Centreville department were …

An audience of more than 100 people crowded into Three Rivers Public Library Wednesday for the culmination of the latest St. Joseph County “One Book, One County” program. The author presentation featured a 90-minute discussion and question-and-answer session by Nick Reding, author of “Methland.” The book was the second chosen this year by the “One Book, One County” selection committee …

The St. Joseph County Fair Board of Directors staged its annual media day Wednesday at the Centreville fairgrounds. Members indicated they anticipate a well-attended fair again this year, with showcase events each of the seven days of the 162nd fair. The nightly events include farm truck pulls, Motocross, monster trucks, a demolition derby, a Beatles tribute band and country/western star …

Harold Elwood Frohriep, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Monday afternoon, Sept. 10, 2012, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born Jan. 5, 1924, in Burr Oak Township, a son of the late Arthur and Agnes (Niles) Frohriep. Harold was a lifelong Burr Oak Township resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1942. …

Lois Elaine Robinson, age 69, of Sturgis, passed away Monday evening, Sept. 10, 2012, at her home. She was born Aug. 18, 1943, in Breman, Ind., a daughter of the late John and Beulah (Young) Metzger. Lois was a lifelong Sturgis resident. She retired from Grumman Olson in Sturgis following 16 years of employment. She had also worked at the …

Robert D. “Bob” Vanderhoof, 67, of Marcellus, passed away at home Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012. He was born May 12, 1945 in Three Rivers, the son of Henry D. and Marion A. (Welburn) Vanderhoof. On June 4, 1966 in Three Rivers, he married Josephine “Joey” Draime , who survives. He graduated from Marcellus High School in 1963 and then went …

Two Indiana residents, suspected of having a role in at least 10 breaking-and-entering incidents in Cass County, were taken into custody last week. The suspects were apprehended Thursday by St. Joseph County, Ind., deputies during an incident at a residence in North Liberty, Ind. Sheriff’s officials in Cass County said the two demonstrated a pattern of breaking into residence during …

Colon Village President Tom Whitford said the long-abandoned Lamb Knit Goods has a new owner. Located at the southwest end of the community, the distinguished, 23,000-square-foot brick building was sold to Mervin Mishler, a 42-year-old Amish man from LaGrange. Whitford said Mishler intends to restore the building and use it as a mercantile center for area vendors. Whitford said Mishler …

No injuries were reported after a vehicle crashed into the side of a house in Three Rivers shortly after 5 p.m. Monday. Police said the 63-year-old driver of the vehicle was headed south on Hooker Street and failed to stop at the intersection of West Broadway Street. The driver continued at a high rate of speed and crashed into the …

School has been in session for a week now. Students are settling in with their daily routines and are realizing that school can actually be fun and educational. The moms, who have sent their little ones off to their first day ever of school, have dried their tears and now realize that little Susie will return home after being cast …