News

Three Rivers Department of Public Services wishes to remind residents that it is in the second day of a four-day, door-to-door campaign to confirm water service line material inside homes. The effort is part of the “Get the Lead Out” program, in which the city is partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency. The inspection requires a visual check of the …

Sturgis municipal officials said the city is attempting to secure grant funding to support a project at the municipality-owned hydroelectric dam near Centreville. During a recent city commission meeting, council members were presented with the latest details on an incentive grant offered through the Department of Energy. The city applied for the grant a year ago. Sturgis City Manager Andrew …

An annual fundraiser for the St. Joseph County United Way is less than two weeks away. The Mega Raffle, which offers a top prize of $5,000, returns Oct. 10. The drawing starts at 7 p.m. at Covered Bridge Farm County Park. Tickets are $100 each and sales will be limited to 330 tickets. Twenty tickets drawn will be worth $100 …

A Jackson County native has been chosen to serve as Branch County administrator. Frank Walsh, who most recently worked as Meridian Township manager in Ingham County, will replace 18-year veteran Bud Norman, who has retired. Walsh’s previous experience includes administrative roles in the communities of St. Joseph and Cedar Springs. He was chosen from a field of three candidates who …

August’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by a full percentage point from July. Figures from the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget show St. Joseph County’s unemployment rate fell from 6.3 percent in July to 5.3 percent in August. In addition, Cass County experienced a drop in its unemployment figures from July …

An Elkhart man died last week after the bicycle he was operating was struck by a car in Cass County’s Ontwa Township. Chief Douglas Westrick of the Ontwa Township Edwardsburg Police Department said the incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. Friday on U.S. 12, near Garver Lake Road. Authorities said 30-year-old Austin Carter was riding his bike eastbound when it …

Sturgis Salvation Army officials are appealing to the public for help with a need for donations. There is a need for food items. Suggested items include peanut butter, pasta, pasta sauce, canned vegetables and beans, cereal, macaroni and cheese, box mixes and canned meats. Donations can be dropped off between 9 and 5 Monday through Friday at the Salvation Army …

Michigan Department of Transportation crews have started a two-week project on a route between Branch and St. Joseph counties. Agency officials said work is taking place on M-86, from an area just west of Coldwater to the Colon village limits. The task involves milling and paving. In addition, crews will attempt to correct a portion of M-86, near Wheeler Road, …

An anchor in downtown Sturgis for several decades celebrated an impressive milestone. Elizabeth Denman, co-owner of Willer’s Shoes, said the store hosted a celebration Friday in honor of Willer’s observing its 90th anniversary. Throughout its history, Willer’s has maintained a presence in downtown Sturgis – opening two doors to the east then after a few years relocating to its current …

St. Joseph County Clerk Lindsay Oswald is a day away from her final day as a county employee. Oswald, who also serves as register of deeds, chose to not seek re-election to a third, four-year term. Rather than step down when her term expires Dec. 31, however, Oswald is resigning. Friday is her last day. The 45-year-old Three Rivers-area resident …