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Supporters and opponents of a proposed non-motorized trail way made their feelings clear about a 20-mile stretch of abandoned railway between Sturgis and well into Branch County. The former Indiana Northeastern Railroad Co. route is being sought as a route for bicyclists, joggers and walkers. Residents who live adjacent to the rail bed, however, have cited lack of privacy and …

The Oasis restaurant, a Three Rivers eatery that sustained heavy damage in a Sept. 14 fire, re-opened last week. Owner John Samoilis said the reconstruction process was a laborious task but completed in time for it to open Thursday last week. Though the cause of the fire was not determined, the blaze was confirmed to have started in the kitchen.

Kelly Hostetler, executive director for St. Joseph County United Way, has been appointed as St. Joseph County’s representative on the Department of Human Services Board of Directors for the state of Michigan. The three-year term started Nov. 1. DHS Director Maura Corrigan appoints members from county DHS boards to collaborate with the state DHS to focus on removing social disabilities …

The city of Three Rivers and Three Rivers Community Schools have collaborated to develop a new traffic pattern at Andrews Elementary. City officials said the section of South Street, between Douglas and Grant avenues, is now one-way in an eastbound direction only. In addition, parking is allowed only on the stretch of South Street adjacent to the school. Also, there …

Municipal officials in Three Rivers have approved a plan that will see the city gain more than six acres of land. In exchange for deeding the 6.2-acre plot behind the city’s Department of Public Services facility, Three Rivers Health would benefit from having South Health Parkway included in the municipal street category. Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners last week instructed …

A Nov. 5 motion related to a proposed senior center in Sturgis was rescinded Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. The action came after commissioners discussed the $10,000 they authorized earlier for legal fees and design costs relevant to the footprint of the proposed facility. Commissioners agreed their Nov. 5 action was done too hastily, and a …

The former president of the Three Rivers Little League has turned himself in to authorities after he was suspected of stealing funds from the league’s coffers. Clint Roberts, 37, a Lockport Township resident, was arraigned before District Court Judge Jeff Middleton last week on a charge of embezzlement less than $20,000. Parents of Little League players became suspicious of Roberts …

A public unveiling of a new house for Three Rivers teen Chandler McBride and his family will take place at 3 o’clock this afternoon. McBride, who was paralyzed in a swim pool diving accident in June, was released from an Ann Arbor hospital last month and has been living with his mother and younger sister in an area hotel while …

The city of Sturgis is reminding its residents that Borden recycling pickup scheduled for Thursday will take place this week on Friday instead. In addition, the city has announced leaf pickup will continue through the end of the month. Residents are encouraged to rake their leaves curbside to ensure removal.

A number of city officials and Sturgis residents attended an open house last week to honor outgoing deputy fire chief Scott Hopkins. A 40-year veteran of the department, Hopkins begins working this week in Centreville as the county’s emergency services coordinator. Hopkins will work under Jim Barnes, who is retiring from the position next month. As coordinator of emergency services, …