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This week...
Press Box Player of the Week
Press Box Player of the Week: JT Isbrecht
JT Isbrecht, an 11th-grade varsity soccer midfielder, has helped lead his team to a strong start and is the Oct. 8, 2026 Press Box Player of the Week. He is the son of Kimberly and Thomas Isbrecht. Through the first six games of the season, JT has recorded an impressive 11 goals and two assists, marking his third consecutive season with 10 or more goals. As one of the team’s captains, he has also taken on a leadership role both on and off the field. “JT has been a big part
Heather Jarvis
2 days ago
Press Box Player of the Week: Aiden McDonald
Aiden McDonald, a senior at Hartford High school is this week’s press box player of the week. The son of Amanda and John McDonald, Aiden has made his mark both on the soccer field and in the classroom. Aiden carries an impressive 4.13 GPA, with physical education being his favorite subject. His dedication extends beyond soccer, as he also competes in track and cross-country, demonstrating his commitment to athletics throughout the school year. After graduation, Aiden plans
Heather Jarvis
Oct 1
Press Box Player of the Week Johnny Dahlquist
Coloma High School sophomore Johnny Dahlquist is the Sept. 24, 2026 Press Box Player of the Week. The son of John and Christina Dahlquist, Johnny is a dedicated student-athlete who brings his hard-working attitude to everything he does.
Heather Jarvis
Sep 24
Press Box & Sports Reports
Watervliet Press Box
Panther girls 3rd, boys 7th at Berrien County meet
Tyler Ledesma
2 days ago
Hartford Press Box
Hartford Football
Jerrod Birmele
2 days ago
Coloma Press Box
More than the scoreboard: Comets continue to compete
Quinten Johnson
2 days ago
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Community Calendar
Obituaries
JANE G. WETZEL
Jane Gay Wetzel was the youngest of nine children and was preceded in death by her parents: Melvin and Agnes (Harreld) Smithley; eight siblings and three of her children. Surviving her is husband, Larry Wetzel and her children: Stephanie Warford, Bob (Susie) Warford, Chuck Warford, Edwin Guthrie (Geoff), along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jane lived in Hartford for most of her life and attended Hartford High School. Jane found great joy in reading and garden
PAUL J. HELGESON
Paul J. Helgeson, 80, of Coloma, passed away on Sept. 27, 2026, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Nov. 15, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the South Haven American Legion Post 49. Memorial donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the South Haven American Legion Post 49. Those wishing to leave an online message for the family may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com Paul was born
Death Notices
Geoffrey R. Flippo, 59, of Garner NC, formerly of Watervliet, died Sept. 16, 2026. Dorothy A. Kirk, 88, of St. Joseph died Sept. 16, 2026, at home. Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph Perry Danny McNew, 70, of Coloma died Sept. 15, 2026, at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma John H. Martin, 64, of Lincoln Township died Aug. 24, 2026, at home. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford
JOSEPH DEAN AKINS
Dean’s life began on March 14, 1967, in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He grew up in Coloma, where he graduated from high school before continuing his education at Lake Michigan College. Dean dedicated more than 32 years of his career to Lane Automotive, where he worked as a project manager. He loved his time at Lane Automotive, especially representing the company at trade shows and building relationships throughout the automotive industry. His passion for racing and his commitmen
PENNY HANKS
Penny Kosick Hanks of Watervliet passed away on Sept. 4, 2026 after receiving hospice care. A proud graduate of St. John Catholic School in Benton Harbor, Penny continued her education at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She later earned a Master of Science in Librarianship from Western Michigan University. Penny dedicated her life to serving others through education and social work. She worked as a social worker in Omaha; tau
RICK H. KINZLER
“Trashman” Rick Harold Kinzler, 79, of Watervliet, Michigan, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Rick and his twin brother, Vick, began their lives together on May 2, 1947, born to their loving parents, Roy “Roy Boy” and June Kinzler. Rick was proud to call Watervliet his home. Rick was truly a legend when it came to being a family man. He spent his life being a strong, kind, and steady presence for those he loved. He devoted himself to being peaceful, lovi
Death notice
Maria Bock, 91, of St. Joseph died Sept. 6, 2026. Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph
Death notices
Lillian M. Moss, 80, of Coloma died Aug. 30, 2026, at home. Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Coloma
LULA BELLE MAY GILBERT
Lula Belle May Gilbert, 88, of Watervliet, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Aug. 18, 2026. Belle was born Aug. 31, 1937 in Hartford, to the union of Chester and Luella Swisher. She married the love of her life, Eugene Gilbert on March 2, 1954. Belle worked many years at Shafer Lake Fruit but her most important role was that of Mom and Grandma. She was more than a mother and grandmother; she was a safe place, a listening ear, a warm hug, a second home, and one o
MICHAEL ELSNER
Mike was born July 8, 1964, in St. Joseph, Michigan, to Theodore and Gwendolyn (Lepker) Elsner. He grew up in Coloma with his two siblings and graduated from Coloma High School in 1982. After high school, Mike found his calling working with computers. He was self-employed for several years, his business was Allied Computer Experts where he had a client turned good friend, Chuck Murphy. Mike also worked in IT at Modern Plastics, served as trades show manager at Heathkit, work
Obituary Assistance
If you or someone you know has lost a loved one, the Tri-City Record offers obituary space to honor their memory.
Glimpses from the Past...
Glimpses from the Past
The Carter house with fall colors bursting out… Do you enjoy the first hints of fall weather? Do you have other fond memories of autumn weather? Would you share your memories with the North Berrien Historical Museum at 269-468-3330, info@northberrienhistory.org? North Berrien Historical Museum is staffed, Monday through Friday 9-5. From the photo collection at the North Berrien Historical Museum - 300 Coloma Avenue, Coloma
Glimpses from the past
Washington School’s 1951 8th grade class appears to have been whisked away by Greyhound Bus on an adventure. Does anyone know where the class went? Do you have memories of a school trip you took? Or, if you have other memories you would like to share, please contact North Berrien Historical Museum at 269-468-3330, info@northberrienhistory.org. North Berrien Historical Museum is staffed, Monday through Friday 9-5.
Glimpses From The Past
Virgil Dorstewitz (left) and Wesley Biastock (right) are off for their first day of school in 1920. They most likely walked to the school and are carrying their lunch pails and have a book or two tucked under their arm. What do you remember about your first day of school? Did you walk? Ride the bus? Or did your parents drive you in the car?
Tips & Info
Five ways seniors can prepare for open enrollment
For many seniors, Medicare open enrollment season can feel overwhelming. Between changing prescription costs, doctor networks, and new benefit options, it is important to take time to review coverage carefully before making decisions. Preparing ahead of time can help avoid costly surprises and ensure you have the healthcare coverage that best fits your needs for the coming year.
Angela Widdis
2 days ago
The bitter truth about sugar and sugar substitutes in recognition of No Sugar Day – October 3, 2026
On Oct. 3, 2026, the nation observes No Sugar Day — a reminder that even lifelong habits deserve a second look, especially when it comes to everyone’s health. For many senior citizens, sugar has long been tied to cherished memories: homemade pies, garden jams, and a spoonful in morning coffee. Years ago, sugar was an occasional treat, not something hidden in nearly every packaged food. Today, that reality has changed. As people age, the body processes sugar less efficiently
Angela Widdis
Oct 1
Strengthening Naturally: How Seniors Can Fortify Their Immune System for Flu Season
As flu season approaches, senior citizens face increased risk because the immune system naturally weakens with age. While no strategy guarantees complete protection, simple daily habits can significantly strengthen the body’s natural defenses.
Angela Widdis
Sep 24
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