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Five-alarm fire shakes South Haven, disrupts Homecoming plans
Area fire departments assist with blaze; Watervliet school offers field for postponed football game A five-alarm fire at East Jordan Plastics in South Haven Friday, Sept. 25, caused propane explosions and prompted a widespread power outage as firefighters from throughout the region responded. No injuries were reported. South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) reported the first alarm at 3:48 p.m. at the facility on Stieve Drive. Smoke could be seen from as far as 30 mile
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
21 minutes 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
8 minutes ago
Hartford Press Box
Hartford Football
Jerrod Birmele
12 minutes ago
Coloma Press Box
More than the scoreboard: Comets continue to compete
Quinten Johnson
15 minutes 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
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
3 hours ago
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