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Michigan retailers are optimistic about the upcoming holidays, with 3 out of 4 retailers expecting sales to increase. According to the Michigan Retailers Association’s (MRA) Michigan Retail Index, 43-percent of the state’s retailers expect holiday sales to rise by more than 5-percent over last year, while 32-percent expect smaller increases.  MRA President and CEO Jim Hallan says Michigan retailers are …

A preliminary report on the Amtrak derailment in Niles from the National Transportation Safety Board blames a reversed switch for the accident on Sunday.  The NTSB found the switch aligned the tracks the Amtrak train was on with a rail yard instead of the main track, and the train stopped only 21 feet from the nearest freight train car in …

Six area high school football teams have qualified for the 2012 playoffs. Game days and start times were announced Monday by the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Division 4 action will see a 6-3 Three Rivers squad traveling to Battle Creek to take on 8-1 Pennfield High in a 7 p.m. game Friday.  We’ll carry the game live on WRCI …

Four county firefighters from three different agencies were recognized during a ceremony in Colon last week. The St. Joseph County Fireman’s Association honored Burr Oak firefighter Charles Ankney and Centreville firefighter Roger Rumsey and their 51 years of service. Recognized for 54 years of firefighter service for the Mendon Fire Department were Sharon “Bookie” Buchner and Loyd Hart. State Rep. …

Winners of the annual Scarecrow Fest, staged during Sunday’s Three Rivers Fall Color Tour, were announced this week by the St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department. A lower-than-usual number of entries took part in the event at Meyer Broadway Park, where nearly 150 votes were cast. Overall winner was Centreville’s Larry Brueck, who also claimed an award for scariest …

A man has been charged with killing a southwestern Michigan couple, nearly three years after the victims were found in their home.  Keith Lintz of Niles is charged with first-degree murder and a gun crime. Authorities say Carolyn and John Tarwacki were beaten, stabbed and shot in February 2010. They lived in the Niles area.  A statement Thursday by the …

The Colon Magicians’ Walk of Fame has plans to induct three new members next summer. With the inaugural trio of inductees recognized at the 2012 Abbott’s Magic Get-Together, the next class will include Wilma Rench, who has played the organ at the Get-Together for more than 50 years. Two other inductees will be named later. The late Monk Watson and …

Organizers of Sunday’s Three Rivers Area Fall Color Tour said it appears attendance at the annual event was down compared to previous years due to questionable weather. Still, Meyer Broadway Park was the most popular destination, as the scarecrow contest – sponsored by the St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department – complemented a number of activities at the location. …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday recognized 30 people observing milestone anniversaries as county employees. Soon-to-be-retired county administrator Judy West-Wing led the way with 30 years of service. Honored for their silver anniversary as county employees were Larry Diekman, Terry Hammond, Bernice Metzger, Tab Wedge, Pat Kulikowski, Tom Miller and Dan Kennedy. Also singled out Tuesday were …

Members of the Three Rivers Community Schools Board of Education are in the early stages of planning to find a new superintendent after Roger Rathburn retires at the end of the 2013-14 academic year. During their twice-a-month meeting this week, board members agreed to designate a Nov. 19 work session as a time to include presentations from firms that specialize …