A northern Indiana hospital has fired eight employees who refused to get flu shots the hospital says are needed to protect patients from the potentially deadly illness. IU Health Goshen Hospital officials told its staff in September that flu shots would no longer be optional for staff, affiliated physicians, volunteers and vendors. Hospital spokeswoman Melanie McDonald says the new requirements came as …

KALAMAZOO- If the Kalamazoo Wings (13-15-2-1) continue playing into the New Year like they did to end the last, things could get real interesting in the ECHL’s North Division. Taking on the first place and affiliated player heavy Cincinnati Cyclones (19-10-2-0) for the 11th Annual New Year’s Eve Bash at Wings Stadium on Monday, the K-Wings used a full court …

Lindsay Howes, Three Rivers city clerk, plans to announce her resignation from the position in order to take a job working for St. Joseph County. A four-member interview committee has chosen Howes to serve as St. Joseph County grant writer, a job vacant since Marcia Saunders left the post in April 2011. Howes’ appointment to the job is contingent on …

Members of the White Pigeon Village Council took a look ahead to 2013 and, during their December meeting, identified areas they hope to address in the coming 12 months. Council President Dan Czajkowski (chi-KOW-ski), said the projects ranged from painting the exterior of the village’s water tower and park improvements, to curb and building repairs, and reviewing and enforcing signage …

Fawn River Township officials were recently informed the value of agriculture land is climbing steadily. Assessor Dale Hutson shared with township officials at their December meeting the average selling price of farmland in other area townships. He said property in Leonidas Township has topped $8,600 per acre, $8,000 an acre in Mendon Township and about $7,500 an acre in other …

Sturgis officials have approved city staff to purchase a portable ice-skate-rink kit. The $5,000 was a budgeted item, as city officials have indicated their interest in the purchase and use of such a community-friendly attraction. Though a firm location has not yet been identified, commissioners agreed two high-profile places where the rink could be set up are at Oaklawn Park …

Robert L. Hempel, Sr. age 91, of Mendon, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 at Three Rivers Health. He was born near Niles, MI on July 16, 1921 the son of Simon and Gertrude Hempel. Following High School, Bob joined the U.S. Navy and served overseas during WWII. He was married to Sally Thoresdale on March 27, 1942 in Chicago. They …

Harold Eugene Dodgson, age 80, of Three Rivers, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 at Heartland Healthcare Center where he had resided the past 3 months. He was born in Three Rivers on Jan. 1, 1932 the son of Charles and Frances (Roe) Dodgson. He attended Three Rivers Schools and graduated from Mendon High School. He was a radar technician while …