A media release issued Thursday by the St. Joseph County Road Commission indicates a roadway in Fawn River Township, closed since December, is now open. Department officials said Kime Road was slated to open at 6 a.m. today, as crews have finished work on a bridge spanning the Fawn River. The bridge is between Fawn River Road and Stoney Road.

Martha D. VanNess, 80, of Goshen, Ind. and formerly of Otsego and Three Rivers, passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at The Maples of Waterford Crossing in Goshen, Ind. Mrs. VanNess was born March 3, 1932 in Chicago, Ill. to George and Margaret (Wright) Fox. Martha is survived by her children, Vicki (LeRoy) Holdread and Andrew (Kris) Friend; four grandchildren; …

LeRoy Dale “Bud” McKale, age 90, of Sturgis, passed away Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at Sturgis Hospital.  In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service and burial of the ashes will be held at 11:30 a.m. Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, at Nottawa Cemetery in Nottawa. Pastor Michael Bristol, a close family friend will officiate.  …

Ferris has been adopted! I am Bullet I have been around for a pretty long time and I am still having fun. I have good house manners and love kids. Really I love anyone especially if you would like to play. You see, my people could no longer care for me so I had to come here for awhile. Please …

KeyStone Place, a shelter for individuals and families without a permanent residence, is wrapping up its goal to collect $5 from every employee at a number of businesses in the county. The agency is operating on a tight budget and KeyStone officials are hoping the $5-per-employee drive will give it some much-needed financial relief. Its goal is to raise $20,000. …

Members of the Sturgis City Commissioners recently awarded an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate toLTiPrinting, Inc. The 12-year certificate is to not exceed $874,000 Company officials said LTi is investing in equipment for a new six-color offset printing press, fork lifts and air conditioning unit. LTi representatives said the investment in the press will open new markets and industry segments currently …

The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy invites the public to a grand opening of the Spirit Springs Sanctuary, a 124-acre natural property of rolling forest and wetlands with scenic views. Located north of the Corey Lake area in Cass County along the St. Joseph county line, the property includes a 2 1/2-mile trail and is the first publicly accessible SWMLC property …

Organizers of the 2012 Three Rivers Water Festival have announced Alan Turner and the Steel Horse Band will perform the final night of the three-day celebration. The group will take the stage at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, June 16. Turner, a Michigan native, is renowned for his connection with fans and his rich, baritone vocals. The band gained prominence in 2009 …

Members of the Three Rivers Education Association and the district’s Board of Education have reached an agreement on a two-year contract. Approved by the board Monday, the contract results in no raises but factors in step increases for teachers who reach certain levels of seniority, according to Superintendent Roger Rathburn. Another item of note is the adjustment of extra-duty pay …

Recommendation for a liquor license was given last week by Three Rivers Mayor Tom Lowry and city commissioners. The license request, made by a microbrewery considering a location at 56 N. Main St., will go before the state for its approval. During last week’s city commission meeting, an official from Zapf Brewing Company indicated a time frame of about eight …