News

Organizers behind Three Rivers Area Mentoring have declared the organization’s 2025 coat drive a success. About 180 area adults and children took part in the give-away, its 16th drive, which took place last week at First United Methodist Church. TRAM Executive Director Mary Yost said contributions of new or gently used coats, hats, gloves and other winter attire, were made …

Frank Perez was recently re-appointed mayor of Sturgis. The decision by Sturgis City Commission members means Perez will serve a third term as head of St. Joseph County’s largest community. In addition, city commission members voted Jeff Mullins to the position of vice-mayor. According to published reports, Perez said he plans to focus on updating Sturgis’ city charter and taking …

Election inspectors in the city of Sturgis will receive a pay raise for fulfilling duties in future Election Day assignments. City officials last month approved an hourly increase from $11.50 to $14 for inspectors and from $13 to $15.50 for a chairperson. Clerk Ken Rhoades said three inspectors are required at each precinct, which are open for 13 hours any …

Workers at a Three Rivers free store said the business has re-opened under new ownership and after keeping sporadic hours in the wake of COVID. County Closet, located at 901 S. Main St., offers free clothing, shoes, toiletries, toys and a number of other items. Overseen by the not-for-profit organization Homeless Outreach Practiced Everyday, County Closet staged an open house …

A group of Three Rivers High School alumni recently made a donation to the TR Promise. Representatives from the Class of 1975 presented $4,700 to TR Promise President Tom Lowry. TR Promise was established to give college scholarships to every future Three Rivers High School graduate and continues to climb closer to reaching its funding goal.

In honor of Veterans Day, Sheriff Chad Spence and the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department earlier this week honored its employees who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Agency employees recognized during a ceremony Monday were: Undersheriff Dave Northrop, Sgt. Kevin Penn, Det. Davantae Jennings and Deputy TJ Baker, of the United States Marine Corps; Det.-Sgt. Kevin Brooks, Deputy …

St. Joseph County United Way has announced details related to its annual Christmas fundraiser. Tickets for the Christmas Cash 50/50 Raffle are now on sale. The raffle provides an opportunity to win extra Christmas money while supporting a great cause. An unlimited number of tickets will be sold, so the more tickets purchased, the greater the payout. Tickets, which are …

Camp Eberhart is in the final days before closing its 2025 online store. Camp officials invite the public to explore the collection of clothing and accessories, which they said is ideal for Christmas gifts or upcoming birthdays. A number of items, including Camp Eberhart’s annual Christmas ornament, will be available exclusively online, but for a limited time. A link to …

A pedestrian was hospitalized after being struck by a car last week in Cass County’s Howard Township. Cass County Sheriff’s Department officials said deputies responded around 6 p.m. Friday to a report of a car-versus-pedestrian incident at the intersection of Barron Lake Road and Cliffield Court. Authorities said Donald Walsh, 78, was crossing the street when he was struck by …

A Calhoun County man was arrested following a stabbing incident last week in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. Sheriff Fred Blankenship says deputies responded to the 200 block of Wheatfield Drive in response to a report of a subject who had been stabbed. Deputies soon discovered a man with stab wounds to his hands and arm. A 42-year-old Battle Creek man …