News

After 56 seasons, the Wiseman family’s ownership of Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboard Area will be coming to a close. According to a Facebook post, Swiss Valley ownership – led by Jamie Wiseman Stafne, daughter of founders Jim and Sandy Wiseman –is changing hands to out-of-family owners. Wiseman Stafne said Perfect North Slopes, another family-owned team passionate about skiing, community, …

District employees last week got their first glimpse of a long-awaited addition to Centreville Elementary School. Superintendent Chad Brady and nearly two dozen staff members were afforded the opportunity Friday to check out the still-under-construction lunch room and music room. The 5,155-square-foot addition is at the north end of the building and a part of the $17.1 million bond proposal …

Glen Oaks Community College is preparing to host its annual Healthcare College & Employment Fair next week. The event starts at 10 a.m. March 11 on the Concourse. This free event provides an opportunity for job seekers and students interested in advancing their healthcare careers to connect with local and regional employers as well as colleges offering healthcare programs. Highlights …

Michigan Department of Transportation and contractor Anlaan Corp. have begun work to expand the U.S. 131 interchange with U.S. 131 Business Route in Kalamazoo County. The project includes adding new ramps from northbound U.S. 131 on to U.S. 131 Business Route and from U.S. 131 Business Route to southbound U.S. 131. Work on the $19 million investment began last week. …

Here’s a look at March’s Fresh Food Distributions in St. Joseph County. Seventh-Day Adventist Church, east of Centreville on M-86, hosts the first distribution. It starts at 4 o’clock and takes place March 11. First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis hosts the next distribution, starting at 4 p.m. March 13. Its address is 1320 S. Lakeview Ave. The Huss Project in …

Sturgis Walmart later this month is hosting a food collection to benefit the Glen Oaks Community College Food Pantry. Sponsored by the college and St. Joseph County United Way, the collection runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 19.

St. Joseph County Road Commission has announced seasonal weight and speed restrictions on roads under the agency’s jurisdiction are in effect starting today. The so-called “frost law” is in place to help maintain the integrity of county roads that are especially vulnerable during the springtime freeze-thaw cycle. The weight and speed laws are not imposed on all-weather or Class A …

A Grand Rapids-based firm was awarded a three-year contract to aid Vicksburg with an effort to rebrand itself. During a recent meeting, council members approved a contract with The Image Shoppe. Village Manager Jim Mallery said the village back in December had requested proposals for rebranding and updating its website, as well as a wider and deeper look at the …

Glen Oaks Community College is announcing the inauguration of Bryan Newton as its ninth president. The investiture ceremony takes place at 10:30 a.m. March 21 at the college’s gymnasium. A reception will follow. Newton, who assumed the presidency last summer, succeeded David Devier. Newton brings more than two decades of experience in higher-education leadership. His commitment to student success, workforce …

A Cass County destination that hosts an annual Maple Syrup Festival has announced dates of its 2025 event. Maple Row Sugar House, located just outside Jones, plans back-to-back weekends for this year’s Maple Syrup Festival. In addition to fresh maple syrup and pancakes, the festival will include a petting farm, maple store, sugarhouse tours, historical reenactments and a pancake-eating contest. …