A new monitor/defibrillator is on its way to the Sturgis ambulance network next year. City commission members last week approved $40,000 for the purchase of a Lifepak 15v4 monitor/defibrillator from Stryker Corp. Sturgis Department of Public Safety Director Ryan Banaszak said the fire division was in need of another cardiac monitor for its third ambulance. Since adding the spare/transfer ambulance …

Glen Oaks Community College has announced the hiring of its new executive director of communications and marketing. Denise DeVries is joining the college, replacing Valorie Juergens. Juergens is retiring in January after more than 11 years with the school. A Portage resident, DeVries was previously the senior manager of marketing and communications for Special-Lite Inc., a custom commercial-door manufacturer in …

A nationally recognized coffee chain is on its way to Vicksburg. Details related to a plan submitted by Biggby Coffee were addressed at Vicksburg Planning Commission’s Dec. 11 meeting. Biggby’s site plan was given a green light and will eventually be developed at the northwest corner of East Prairie and North Richardson streets on property vacant for 30 years. Entry …

A 27-year-old man survived for six days on only rainwater while pinned tightly inside his crashed pickup truck beneath a highway bridge in northwest Indiana. His ordeal ended when two men scouting for fishing spots Tuesday afternoon noticed the badly damaged vehicle, its white airbag deployed, and reached inside. “They touched the body, and the person turned their head and …

Arlene Mae Sorensen, age 89, of Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, surrounded by family. She was born in Grand Rapids, a daughter of Herman and Pauline (Uecker) Otte, on July 13, 1934. Arlene spent her early years in Grand Rapids before moving to Lansing in 1966. Upon her retirement in 1996, she moved to Northern Michigan …

Russell L Black, age 78, of White Pigeon, died on Monday, December 25, 2023. Graveside Services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the White Pigeon Township Cemetery. A celebration of life will begin at 3:00 at the Cass County Conservation Club. Donations to The Cass County Conservation Club or American Legion in Bristol, Indiana. Arrangements …

Iris M Schmidtendorff, age 93, of White Pigeon, died on Friday, December 22, 2023. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, and 10:00 to 11:00 am on Friday. Services will be at 11:00 on Friday, December 29, 2023 at The Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon with interment in Mottville Township Cemetery. Donations to the American Cancer …

Shaun Ashley Stanard, age 53, was born June 4th, 1970 in the Old Three Rivers Hospital. So looking forward to “The Big Fat Red Man” aka Santa Claus, Shaun was fortunate enough to spend his last Christmas with his family, before Jesus got the best Birthday gift of all, bringing Shaun to his eternal home Christmas night, December 25th, 2023. …

Michael Dean Tavernier, age 65, died in Kalamazoo on Saturday, December 23, 2023. In accordance with family wishes, cremation will be conducted. No public services are planned. Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.

St. Joseph County officials agreed to renew a contract with Kalamazoo County for year-round disposal of household hazardous waste. During their monthly board meeting Dec. 19, commissioners OK’d a proposal to continue the arrangement that started in May. County administrator Teresa Doehring said the service is provided to St. Joseph County residents and allows for drop-off of hard-to-dispose-of items such …