Authorities say a sheriff’s sergeant was injured when a burning tire on truck exploded in southern Michigan. Calhoun County Sgt. Brent Lincoln responded to a report of a vehicle fire Thursday afternoon on northbound I-69 in Marshall Township and found the rear tires on the tractor trailer were engulfed in flames. Authorities say one of the tires exploded as he …

Sharpshooters will try to kill deer in and around a Jackson park as part of an effort to control the animal’s population. The city of Jackson says the sharpshooters’ efforts will begin Friday in and around Ella Sharp Park in hopes of clearing the area of deer that pose a danger to motorists. Parts of roadways and trails around the …

Officials say the smell of natural gas on the campus of Western Michigan University prompted the evacuation of about 300 students from their dorm rooms. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports students returned to their rooms around 4:30 a.m. Thursday at Harrison-Stinson halls on the school’s Kalamazoo campus after being evacuated earlier in the morning as a precautionary measure. School spokeswoman Cheryl …

Michael O. Wagner, age 57, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at Bronson At-Home Hospice in Battle Creek. Michael was born Feb. 12, 1958, in Sturgis, a son of Richard and Barbara (Rissman) Wagner. He grew up in Sturgis, graduating from Sturgis High School with the class of 1976. He continued his education at Glen Oaks Community College, …

After spending decades in a basement in the eastern Upper Peninsula, a 1930s-era newsreel from the Michigan State Highway Department has resurfaced to remind us of the challenges — and the fun — of winters past. The film, “Winter Comes to Michigan,” created by the precursor agency to the Michigan Department of Transportation, gives a black-and-white window to the era …

Hi! My name is Bridie and I am a black and white female lab/border collie mix. I am about 1 year old and have more vim and vinegar than the Energizer bunny. I am very smart and if you can give time to me for training, I will be a good pal. Being with people is a treat. Speaking of …

Lockport Township has secured a temporary restraining order in response to the city of Three Rivers on Tuesday annexing an 80-acre parcel of land for development of a multi-field sports complex. The issue is set to be settled before circuit court judge Paul Stutesman at 1 p.m. Feb. 17. The restraining order was signed Wednesday morning by St. Joseph County …

Two Jackson residents were arrested last weekend following a domestic-assault incident in the city of Three Rivers. Police were called to the 200 block of River Drive and arrived to find an 18-year-old man had been stabbed by his girlfriend. The victim was treated at Three Rivers Health. He and his girlfriend were subsequently taken to the St. Joseph County …

St. Joseph County commissioners this week agreed to the hiring of a part-time receptionist for Commission On Aging. During Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners approved the agency to fill the position, which will cost an estimated $17,000. In a separate matter, commissioners OK’d the classification of a lead ranger for the St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department. The position is for …

State Rep. Aaron Miller is encouraging people to take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend, Feb. 13 and 14, by venturing on the ice to a local lake or pond. Miller said no fishing license is required for residents or non-residents during the Free Fishing Weekend. Not only is it a fun time for experienced anglers, Miller said, but it is …