Bette “Bette” Ashby, age 97, of Three Rivers, died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015 at Three Rivers Health. She was born in Detroit on Oct. 27, 1918 the daughter of George P. and Jean (Deeg) Steil. She was a graduate of St. Bernard Catholic School in Detroit. Marceline was married to John F. “Jack” Ashby in Detroit on July 25, 1942. …

What’s in a name? Are you happy with your last name, or do you wish you could change it for some reason? My last name is one of those you have to spell out, if you’re speaking to someone on the phone. I don’t know if it’s because of the “tes” or what. Maybe it’s because there are two “Ts” …

St. Joseph County officials have amended a food-service contract with Canteen Services of Tekonsha. County commission members last week endorsed the restructured agreement, which replaces wording in the previous pact that dated to 2000, county administrator Pat Yoder said, adding that an updated agreement reflecting current sheriff’s department administrators is in place. The new contract reflects a five-year agreement with …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has issued a statement in which it is estimated about half of all cases of shingles occur in men and women 60 years of age and older. Consequently, the agency is recommending people in that age group consider getting vaccinated. The department may be able to help people who are older than 60 years …

The Centreville Downtown Development Authority is taking steps to ensure its area veterans are acknowledged on more than just a few occasions through the year. Coinciding with a ceremony taking place Wednesday, the DDA plans to unveil a pair of banners and dedicate a portion of village sidewalk as a symbolic thank you to local residents for their military service. …

Two experienced candidates have offered their services to fill a vacancy on the Sturgis City Commission. Meeting last week’s application deadline were Jeff Mullins and Steven Shevick. Both are residents of Precinct 1, located on the city’s southeast side. Each is vying to succeed Michael Austermann, who resigned Oct. 14. Mullins was appointed to Sturgis Planning Commission earlier this year …

Events this week are marking the 10th anniversary of the Kalamazoo Promise free-tuition program. The anonymously funded plan, announced in the fall of 2005, pays the college tuition of students who graduate from Kalamazoo Public Schools in Michigan. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports PromiseNet 2015 takes place Tuesday through Thursday. The conference brings together communities emulating the Kalamazoo Promise. Education and …

A sister of a man who was fatally shot by police in southwestern Michigan has been sentenced to time-served and probation for her role in a standoff. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports 34-year-old Michelle Pelletier learned her sentence Monday. She was earlier convicted of two counts of resisting and obstructing police. She says she doesn’t feel like she got a fair …

A 27-year-old western Michigan hunter has pleaded guilty to unlawfully taking a bear in the death of a mother bear that was with her cubs. The Muskegon Chronicle reports that Derek Hassevoort of Zeeland entered the plea Monday in Oceana County District Court. Judge H. Kevin Drake sentenced Hassevoort to five days in jail. The time will be served over …

Roger Lynn Coleman, age 60, of Three Rivers, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2015 at his home. He was born in Three Rivers, MI. on Oct. 1, 1955 the son of Claude and Evelyn (Meadows) Coleman. Mr. Coleman moved here from the Georgia area four years ago after retiring as a Butcher. He was preceded in death by his …