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Current and past Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy board members have added another $100,000 toward their joint challenge for SWMLC’s “Force for Nature” membership campaign. The total challenge amount now stands at $250,000 to help build the organizational strength, range and flexibility necessary for SWMLC to keep doing its conservation work of protecting and restoring ecologically important natural areas in southwest …

SNOW, SNOW, SNOW !  I am waiting for snow for Christmas!  I am “Onyx”.  I am a male, bull terrier about two years old.  I was lost in Sturgis and someone brought me into Animal Control.  I am glad to be in a warm, safe place.  My friend “Frank” is still here waiting for his new home also,   My docket …

St. Joseph County officials this week were given a follow-up on a growing homeless encampment in the Three Rivers area. During its monthly meeting Tuesday, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners heard from undersheriff Jason Bingaman. At the board’s Dec. 12 executive committee meeting, commissioner Rick Shaffer raised concerns about the situation – his apprehension centering on whether children were …

A downed electric wire left 7,500 Consumers Energy customers in Branch and St. Joseph counties without power for about an hour Wednesday morning. Consumers spokesperson Brian Wheeler said all customers were back in service by 8 a.m. The affected area stretched from just east of the Branch County Memorial Airport, to the west and south of Barnhard Road, to the …

Glen Oaks Community College has announced its holiday schedule. The Centreville-area campus will be closed Friday through Jan. 1 for the winter holiday break. Student services, including admissions, advising and the cashier’s office, will reopen at 8 a.m. Jan 2 albeit with limited staffing. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Online course registration for current students will continue throughout the …

Thirteen people were recently recognized for their milestone years of service as employees of Glen Oaks Community College. Five-year recipients were Anne Fries, Karen Goodman, Vonda Marrow, Cheryl Schmitt and Robert Stuck. Honored for 15 years of service were Tonya Howden, Michael Sandelin and Chad Worthington. Three employees were recognized for two decades of service to the school: Trista Nelson, …

A $200,000 donation was made by an Indiana couple last week to St. Joseph County Animal Control. The gift was presented by LaPorte County residents Stephanie and Terry Strawbridge, on behalf of Stephanie’s brother, Dave Ritzer. Ritzer, who died in 2020, was a longtime resident of St. Joseph County. In addition, he was active in the business community and had a …

An annual tradition in Sturgis was deemed a success last week by its organizers. Saturday morning’s “Shop with a Hero” was held at Meijer in Sturgis. Plenty of local law enforcement and first responders were on hand to help youngsters looking for some Christmas spirit. Sturgis Director of Public Safety Ryan Banaszak said he is grateful for community partners such …

A waiver of special assessments for the Sturgis Improvement Association was approved last week, opening the door for another local improvement project. The Sturgis City Commission approved a waiver in excess of $15,000. The Sturgis Improvement Association is in the process of acquiring 104-106 N. Nottawa St., with the intent of revitalization. The first project will be to remove the …

St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department helped a Three Rivers Middle School student celebrate an unforgettable birthday. Braylen Green, who turned 12 earlier this month, was named “Deputy for the Day” Dec. 9. Captain TJ Baker said he was contacted in November by Green’ mother, Rebecca Linn. She shared how Braylen, from a young age, has decided he is going to …