Members of the Sturgis City Commission have approved the municipality’s 2012-13 fiscal year budget. Featuring projected revenue of about $7.5 million and operating expenses close to $6.4 million, the budget represents an increase of about half a percent from 2011-12. During Wednesday’s commission meeting, city manager Mike Hughes said the city has taken every step it can to keep expenses …

The city of Three Rivers this week recognized Captain Mark Ankney for his 30 years of service to the Three Rivers Fire Department. Mayor Tom Lowry on Monday read a proclamation detailing Ankney’s longevity and accomplishments with the department. Afterward, Lowry presented Ankney a copy of the proclamation while the audience gave a standing-ovation to acknowledge Ankney.

James Robert “Jim” Robinson, 76, of rural Three Rivers, died Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born in Chicago, Ill. on Oct. 5, 1935 the son of Ernest and Jessie (Hunter) Robinson. Jim was a graduate of Chicago Vocational School, and worked as a sheet metal worker in Chicago. After moving to Michigan he …

Larson is still waiting…. Hi all, I am Sebastian, a one year old male Terrier mix. I have a lot of energy and am very curious about everything. I really just need to get out with a fun loving family so I can achieve my full potential. When someone picks me up it settle right down and give nice kisses. …

Mayor Tom Lowry and members of the Three Rivers City Commission have agreed to name a new city street in memory of a community activist and long-time employee of Three Rivers Community Schools. During their regularly scheduled meeting earlier this week, Lowry and commissioners agreed to name a road in memory of Suzy Warner, who passed away in April. Warner …

The St. Joseph County United Way is appealing to the public for items to be included in its 2012 annual silent auction. Staged during the St. Joseph County Grange Fair, the auction is the United Way’s largest fundraiser event annually. Kelly Hostetler, executive director of the St. Joseph County United Way, said the 2011 silent auction was a success, and …

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said a 39-year-old White Pigeon resident was arrested Saturday following a pursuit. Sheriff’s Department officials said deputies attempted to stop the suspect for a moving violation in Three Rivers. According to a police report, the driver failed to pull over and led deputies on a pursuit through Three Rivers and into Florence …

Dana Jeanne Gauntt, age 72, of Sturgis, MI passed away on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Heartland Healthcare Center of Three Rivers. Cremation has taken place and there will be no services held at this time.

Roger A. Hipskind, 75, of Three Rivers, passed away on Sunday Aug. 5, 2012 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born Jan. 21, 1937 in Elkhart to Howard and Katherine (Ives) Hipskind. He married Carrol Sue Graves in Elkhart on Dec. 23, 1955. He is survived by his wife, Carrol Hipskind; sons, Allen D. (Amy) Hipskind, Steven T. …

Fern (Newman) Belt, age 88, of Huntsville, Ala., and a former resident of Sturgis, passed away peacefully July 13, 2012, at Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville, Ala. A memorial service celebrating the life of Fern Belt will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Deb Johnson will officiate. Entombment of the ashes will …