After 42 years under the leadership of the Bayer-Loshbough family, ownership of the Tri-City Record has passed to Joshua Coffin, turning the page in the 144-year-old newspaper’s history. Karl and Anne Bayer’s tenure began when they moved their family from Dryden to Watervliet in 1984, after which daughter Amy Loshbough later carried the family legacy forward as owner and editor. The transfer became official Aug. 1, 2026. Joshua is a lifelong Watervliet resident; born, raised

Rick L. Rasmussen, an 83-year-old local historian, author of several books on the history of Paw Paw Lake, and Michael J. Hall, 79, a retired senior manager who spent 40 years with Whirlpool Corporation, both reside in a nursing home in southwest Michigan. Although the two men come from different backgrounds, life experiences, and interests, they discovered a common purpose and set out to work together on a meaningful project to benefit Berrien County.

8U CHAMPS... Watervliet Panther 8U team beat the Coloma Comet 8U in a Sunday afternoon championship at the Watervliet All Star tournament at Hays Park on July 19, 2026. Panther Player Hudson Prestidge clinched the win with an out-of-the-park home run. The Watervliet team is coached by Willy and Brook Loshbough and Kevin Eastman. Congratulations to both Tri-City area teams! (Contributed photo)

INAUGURAL... Watervliet Boys All Star Tournament this past weekend at Hays Park! After the smoke cleared on Friday the Saturday morning tournament was packed with athletes and families ready for the last tournament of the season. Watervliet’s #13 Bryson Holwerda is safe in Sunday’s early game against crosstown rival Hartford. The Watervliet 10U team came home with the championship rings after they beat Buchanan. (TCR photo by Amy Loshbough)

Coloma Charter Township Board met on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at the Coloma Charter Township Hall. Township Supervisor Ken Parrigin called the business meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

MURAL OF MANY HANDS… Community members helped create a vibrant mural celebrating Watervliet, each contributing a uniquely colored square to the finished artwork. Participants selected a numbered square, colored it in their own style, and placed it at the corresponding location on the mural’s grid board. The 200-piece project, organized by Josh Coffin, was completed during Watervliet’s Independence Day Festival and the following Thursday at Oasis Park. (TCR photo by Josh Coffi

BRIDGING SUMMER HUNGER GAP… On Monday, July 13, 2026 Coloma Community Schools gave an opportunity for local news media to have a behind the scenes look into how the district is providing breakfast and lunch meals to area students each week throughout the summer. Approximately a dozen adults and students workers were involved in constructing boxes and then packing them with a combination of fresh fruits and veggies, along with frozen main dish entrees to be consumed throughout

HARTFORD LIBRARY EXPANDING… The Hartford Public Library proudly accepted a $50,000 Hometown Grant from T-Mobile on June 29, 2026. The grant will fund the construction of a new pavilion on the library grounds, creating an outdoor gathering space for community programs and events. Its impact will strengthen community connection and create an inclusive hub for learning, creativity and engagement. This Hartford Library project is one of 26 selected from more than 2,000 applicants

In 50 years, the future Watervliet community of 2076 will open a time capsule filled with pieces and snapshots of life as we know it in 2026.

On Thursday, June 18, 2026, Justin Heim, consultant, addressed approximately 45 local residents concerning the findings of the Fire Emergency Services Master Plan and Consolidation Study. Heim, of Heim and Associates, explained the findings of the original 161 page draft study that explores the potential for shared fire services between North Berrien Fire Rescue (Coloma, Coloma Charter Township, and Hagar Township) and the Watervliet / Watervliet Charter Township fire departm