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Court chosen for 2027 Bud Prince & Princess, Miss Jr. Teen & Miss Teen Blossomtime
Coloma, Hartford, and Watervliet all represented BLOSSOMTIME 2027… Chosen on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Blossomtime Bud, Jr. Teen and Teen pageant are: (from the left) Front – Bud Prince 1st Runner-Up Parker Davis (Coloma), Bud Princess 1st Runner-Up Janet Andrews (Hartford), Bud Princess Sophia Smith (Hartford), Bud Princess 2nd Runner-Up Ellie Clement, Bud Prince Colten Blair; Back – Jr. Teen 2nd Runner-Up Josephine Bishop, Teen Miss Congeniality Brooklyn Grubb, Teen 2nd Runner
This week...
Press Box Player of the Week
Press Box Player of the Week: Aubrey Winnell
Watervliet High School sophomore Aubrey Winnell is earning recognition as the Tri-City Record Press Box Player of the Week for her strong performance on the volleyball court, dedication to her team and commitment to excellence both on and off the court. Playing middle hitter for the varsity volleyball team, Winnell has made a significant impact at the net this season. She leads the team with 13 solo blocks and 25 total blocks, while also contributing 15 service aces, 43 kill
Tri-City Record
3 hours ago
Player of the Week: Miley Price
Miley Price, a sophomore at Coloma High School, is the Press Box Player of the Week for Oct. 15, 2026. The daughter of Laura Price and Ryan and Sarah Price, Miley is already making an impression as a dedicated student-athlete.
Heather Jarvis
Oct 15
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
Oct 8
Press Box & Sports Reports
Coloma Press Box
As fall sports come to a close, Coloma Comets turn their attention to winter As the autumn leaves continue to fall and the temperatures begin to drop across Southwest Michigan, another chapter of Coloma Comets athletics comes to a close. The sounds of marching bands, cheering crowds, whistles, and Friday night football are slowly fading, making way for the squeaking of basketball shoes, the intensity of wrestling matches, and a new season of opportunities. For Coloma’s stud
Quinten Johnson
3 hours ago
Hartford Press Box
Hartford Boys Soccer The Hartford men’s varsity soccer squad hosted Berrien Springs on Tuesday, Oct. 20, for a district semifinal match, looking to make their way into the finals for the 13th consecutive season by knocking off the Shamrocks, whom they knocked out of the postseason by one goal last fall. After eighty minutes of action on the pitch, which was dominated by the home squad for much of the evening, the Huskies moved on by reigning victorious, 4-nil. Hartford stru
Jerrod Birmele
3 hours ago
Watervliet Press Box
Panther’s end season with loss on Senior Night The Watervliet varsity football team fell to Kalamazoo United 47-6 in their final game of a challenging season that finished 1-7. The Panther defense led by Coach Kyle Burke got off to a strong start forcing multiple punts by Kalamazoo United and keeping the score within reach after the first quarter only down 7-0. Sophomore quarterback Brayden Harasewicz ripped off multiple chain moving runs in the first quarter giving the Pant
Tyler Ledesma
3 hours ago
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Community Calendar
Obituaries
GARY TINGUE
Gary’s life began on Aug. 5, 1950, in Watervliet, Michigan. A lifelong resident of the community, he was a graduate of Watervliet High School. Gary had a deep love for his community, which he demonstrated through 13 years of service with the Watervliet Ambulance and 32 years as a member of the Watervliet Fire Department. He retired from the fire department in September 2004. When he wasn’t serving his community, Gary was dedicated to providing for his family. He spent 30 yea
RICHARD L. HARRIS JR.
Richard (Rick) L. Harris Jr., 75 of Hartford, MI, passed away peacefully October 17, 2026. He was born June 4, 1951, in Benton Harbor, MI. Rick was a member of the 4-H Club riding horses and competing. He won numerous Blue Ribbons, that is where he met the love of his life Madeleine Bailey. They were married July 28, 1972. Rick served with the Army Reserves, he owned and operated Caspian IGA until he and family moved to Hartford, MI where he was Assistant Manager at Harding
MICHAEL WHITEHEAD
Michael “Mike” Whitehead, 64, of Watervliet died at his home on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. Services celebrating his life were held Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Bright Star Tabernacle on 5130 Old Pipestone Road in Eau Claire with Pastor Mike Fields officiating. The visitation was on Monday at the Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral and Cremation Service in Benton Township. Burial followed the service at North Shore Memory Gardens in Hagar Township. Please leave memories or message
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
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
Eleven boys are eating watermelon during Virgil Dorstewitz’s 10th birthday party. Do you enjoy watermelon today? 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
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.
Tips & Info
Hold on tight: Choosing a phone case that works for you
As people get older, something as simple as holding a cellphone can become more challenging. Hands may not grip as securely as they once did and today’s larger, smooth smartphones can be especially easy to drop. The right phone case can help prevent that expensive accident while making the phone more comfortable to use.
Angela Widdis
3 hours ago
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
Oct 8
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
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