News

Sturgis District Library has announced initiatives to encourage residents to read more with less pressure on potential overdue fines. The library is encouraging the spirit of sharing and generosity by eliminating fines on children’s books and collecting food in lieu of fines on all other books. “Food for Fines” is a program where patrons may donate unexpired, nonperishable goods to …

Glen Oaks Board of Trustees has announced the formation of a Presidential Search Committee to select a new college president. Current president David Devier plans to retire in June 2024. Devier has held the position since January 2014. The board last month approved moving forward with using the Association of Community College Trustees as the presidential search firm. College officials …

Saturday’s Veterans Day program in Centreville was declared a success by event organizers. Sponsored by the Centreville Downtown Development Authority, the morning program featured a sidewalk procession along the village’s Military Freedom Walk from South Clinton Street to Yoder’s Country Market. Nearly 50 people took part in the walk, and about 30 veterans were present and recognized during a social …

Michigan’s minimum wage is scheduled to increase on Jan. 1, 2024. The state’s minimum wage will increase from $10.10 to $10.33 per hour, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. In addition, starting Jan. 1, the 85% of the minimum hourly wage rate for minors ages 16 and 17 will increase to $8.78 per hour. The tipped …

St. Joseph County’s lone representatives in the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s football playoffs were eliminated over the weekend. White Pigeon finishes its season with an 11-1 record. It lost Friday night in a Division 8 contest to Ottawa Lake Whiteford, 54-6. The Bobcats are now 12-0. Meanwhile, in Division 6 action, Constantine had the homefield advantage but lost to …

Area police agencies seized more than six dozen illegally possessed firearms during a raid on a Sherman Township home Tuesday in the 25000 block of Hiawatha Drive, according to a release from Michigan State Police. No arrests were made but evidence will be forwarded to federal officials and the St. Joseph County prosecuting attorney for possible charges, investigators said. During …

Kellogg Community Credit Union declared its 2023 coat and winter-wear drive a success. KCCU branches in the region – including its Three Rivers site – took in 435 new and gently used winter coats during its month-long drive in October. In addition, 186 cold-weather items were donated. The credit union partnered with local charities and non-profits throughout West Michigan to …

Incumbent Tom Lowry was elected to serve two more years as mayor of Three Rivers. Unofficial results of Tuesday’s election show Lowry earned 479 votes. His challenger, Vernis Mims Jr., captured 428 votes. Lowry has served as the city’s mayor for 26 years. Meanwhile, all three incumbent city commission members were re-elected to two-year terms. First District incumbent Pat Dayne …

Constantine Township received the green light to create a special-assessment district in support of fire protection and ambulance service. The request received 124 yes votes to 97 opposed. Full details of how the half-mill will be allocated is to be a topic of discussion this morning during a special meeting by township officials. The township’s other request, which would have …

Burr Oak Community Schools taxpayers Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a renewal request centering on a sinking fund. Renewal of a nearly 3-mill amount came in the form of 127 votes in favor to 35 against. Projected to raise about $160,000 annually over the course of its four-year life, the newly approved sinking fund will take effect in 2025. District officials said …