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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: 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
10 hours ago
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 Player of the Week: Ava Hobson
Ava Hobson, a senior at Watervliet High School, has been selected as this week’s Press Box Player of the Week for her strong start to the volleyball season. Ava has taken on the libero position this season and has quickly become a key part of the team, currently leading the squad in digs. Her versatility doesn’t stop there, as Ava is also capable of making an impact as an outside hitter, giving her team another valuable option on the court. Coach Edie Daugherty praised Ava’
Heather Jarvis
Sep 16
Press Box & Sports Reports
Coloma Press Box
New energy, new chapter for Coloma Football The Coloma Comets varsity football team may not have gotten the Homecoming victory they were hoping for Friday night, Sept. 25, but there were still signs of fight as the team entered a new chapter in its season. Coloma fell to Schoolcraft 29-13 in its Homecoming matchup, dropping the Comets to 2-3 on the season. LIKE IT WAS MEANT FOR HIM… Coloma junior Kane Howell (No. 7) hauls in an interception Friday night, Sept. 25 against Sc
Tri-City Record
10 hours ago
Hartford Press Box
Hartford Football The Hartford varsity football team traveled to Cassopolis on Friday, Sept. 25, for a conference game, looking to end their two-game losing skid and avoid falling below .500 for the first time this year. They played against the Rangers whom they have defeated two straight years by a mere two points. When the final seconds ticked off the scoreboard after four quarters of fierce competition on the road, the Huskies would be heavily on the losing end of the fin
Jerrod Birmele
10 hours ago
Homecoming stage set for Coloma-Schoolcraft clash
STELLAR MOMENT… Coloma junior Kane Howell (No. 7) returns an interception Friday night, Sept. 18 in the varsity football game against South Haven. Howell finished with seven tackles and an interception in the Comets' 27-6 loss. (Contributed photo) The Coloma varsity football team will look to put a tough road loss behind it when the Comets return home Friday night for Homecoming against Schoolcraft. Coloma fell 27-6 at South Haven on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. While the Comets
Quinten Johnson
Sep 24
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Community Calendar
Events
Obituaries
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
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?
Investing & Finances
Stay one step ahead of cybercriminals
Your financial security is only as strong as your digital security. A single stolen password, convincing scam or fraudulent investment offer can lead to lost savings, damaged credit or hours spent recovering compromised accounts. As our financial lives move increasingly online, protecting your personal information is part of protecting your financial future. Cybercriminals are getting smarter, and technology like AI is making their job easier. But fortunately, some consisten
Brian Smith
10 hours ago
Simple budgeting tips that fit real life
If you’ve just started managing your own finances, recommitted to doing it well or noticed your spending isn’t making you as happy as you’d hoped, a budget might be exactly what you need. When you know where your money is going, you’re likely to feel more in control and more confident your finances reflect what actually matters to you. A simple budgeting framework to start: The 50/30/20 rule One of the easiest ways to structure a budget is the 50/30/20 rule. The concept is r
Brian Smith
Sep 17
Building your child’s education fund, one brick at a time
Every solid house starts with a good blueprint and a strong foundation. Saving for a child's education is very similar.
Brian Smith
Aug 20
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