Officials from the St. Joe Community Co-op said customer abuse of a drop-off container outside their Sturgis facility has prompted the co-op to no longer accept recyclable paper products. The measure goes into effect immediately. Co-op officials said the drop-off bin was continually filled with household garbage and recyclable items other than paper products. The agency will continue to pick …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week made appointments to a pair of boards. Three Rivers-area resident Connie Stoppenbach was appointed to fill a term on the St. Joseph County Transportation Authority Board. Her term will expire in April 2013. Meanwhile, reappointments of Sturgis-area resident Betty Massey and commissioners Don Eaton, John Dobberteen and Robin Baker were made to …

Speaking for myself only, the nice thing about having a winter like we’ve experienced so far is that the lack of snow has been appreciated. The unfortunate thing is that, because of no snow, the road sides along our major highways show evidence of too many inconsiderate drivers, who think that this is their own private dumpsite. Unfortunately, there just …

The 27th Walk for Warmth, which took place Saturday at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds, raised more than $6,100. The funds will be used to assist people who are elderly, disabled or of low income. Though event organizers were hoping to raise $12,000, they said the amount raised and enthusiasm from the more than a dozen people who participated was …

A 20-year-old Colon man was treated for minor injuries after he was involved in a single-vehicle accident over the weekend in Park Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Kyle Wirgau was driving west on Heimbach Road Saturday night when he lost control of his vehicle on an icy patch over the roadway and went off the south side …

The Three Rivers girls basketball team got its postseason off on the right foot Monday when it rallied to beat Vicksburg. The opening round of district play saw the 18-3 Lady Wildcats top the host school, 43-33. Three Rivers was led by Linsey Masnari’s 18 points, while Teagan Reeves chipped in 11. The Three Rivers squad, which will see action …

Indiana’s motorcycle dealers will be allowed to buy and sell their bikes on Sundays under a change in state law that legislators have approved.  The Indiana House voted 68-31 on Monday in favor of the bill removing the current ban on Sunday motorcycle sales.  Bill sponsor Rep. Ed Soliday of Valparaiso says all the states surrounding Indiana already allow Sunday …

David Daniel Taylor, 32, a lifelong resident of Sturgis, passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at his home. He was born Feb. 26, 1979, in Sturgis, a son of David and Marsha (Jordan) Taylor. On Nov. 10, 2011, he married Tara Walkinhood in Centreville. David truly enjoyed music, especially playing drums and guitar. He also enjoyed hanging out with his friends and …

Richard Neavor, age 54, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at his home. He was born Sept. 5, 1957, in Hillsdale, a son of the late John and Dorothy (Gottschalk) Neavor. Richard had been a resident of Hillsdale most of his life and moved to Sturgis in 1996. He had been employed by Midwest Tool since moving …

The Sturgis Fire Department was called out to a house fire Monday morning on Griffith Street. The homeowner, Joyce Burg, was covered in black soot when firefighters arrived. She said she heard a loud “pop” near the microwave and found flames. She was taken to Sturgis Hospital for evaluation. The kitchen sustained heavy damage, and the entire structure sustained smoke, …