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St. Joseph County Commissioner Gerald Loudenslager has made official his decision to not run for re-election in November. Addressing his elected peers at the conclusion of Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, Loudenslager confirmed media reports last week that he will not challenge Board Chairman Rick Shaffer for a newly drawn district created as a result of the county’s reapportionment. The …

Some state lawmakers are trying to burn holes in Michigan’s two-year-old smoking ban, which has cleared the air in public places and enjoyed support but contributed to cash-flow problems at some bars.  An amendment added to a budget bill by one lawmaker this past week would stop enforcement of the ban at longtime charitable fundraising events. A Senate bill introduced …

The Three Rivers Citizens of the Year, Jim and Vera Bippus, were recognized during a reception Tuesday at Belle Epoque. Hosted by the Three Rivers Lions Club, the banquet attracted more than 100 people and provided an opportunity to formally recognize the lifelong Three Rivers residents for their contributions to the community. The Three Rivers Lions Club has staged the …

A person well familiar with Three Rivers High School has been tapped to speak at next week’s senior honors night at the school. Father William Jacobs, known as Father J, spent 27 years as a teacher, assistant principal and principal at Three Rivers High School. He will be the keynote speaker at the 54th annual event at 7 p.m. Wednesday. …

The Centreville Downtown Development Association has found a seasonal use for the property that previously housed the Village Market grocery store. An attraction called the Centreville Farmers Open Market will start in the parking lot May 4 and run through mid October. It will feature a farmer’s market, crafts, baked goods and flowers. The market is projected to run 2 …

Sturgis firefighters were dispatched to the James and Lorene Eldridge residence on South Lakeview Street Tuesday morning. The fire was located in a hidden attic space across the rear of the home. Heavy fire, smoke, and water damage was sustained by the entire home. Firefighters were on scene for five hours.

The St. Joseph County Bar Association has bestowed its annual Liberty Bell Award to Eva Sylvester. The Three Rivers resident has a 45-year history serving as a legal secretary. She has spent 22 of those years working in St. Joseph County Probate Court under Judge Thomas Shumaker. District Court Judge Jeff Middleton announced Sylvester as the recipient of the 28th …

Rob Olsen, who retired last year as superintendent of Sturgis Public Schools, has been named to the Michigan Association of School Administrators Hall of Fame. The award recognizes a career of outstanding leadership and dedication. The 63-year-old Olsen, who currently works part time as an administrator for Portage Public Schools, was a unanimous selection by his peers from the region …

An art professor at Glen Oaks Community College has been selected as the recipient of the annual E.J. Shaheen Chair for Teaching Excellence Award. Michael Northrop, who joined the Centreville-area college in 2000 and became a full-time faculty member in 2005, was announced the 28th winner of the award. Northrop teaches art history, object drawing, two-dimensional design and several other …

The annual clean-up day at Camp Fort Hill kept about two dozen people busy throughout the day Saturday. Volunteers at the 228-acre camp, at the border of White Pigeon and Sherman townships, cleared paths of brush and downed trees, raked leaves and performed general tasks at the camp’s seven cottages. Dave Ludders, camp director, said Camp Fort Hill doesn’t have …