S. Jane Eicholtz, age 90, of Three Rivers, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016 at New Friends Assisted Living in Kalamazoo. She was born in Akron, Indiana on Nov. 14, 1925 the daughter of Russell L. and Hazel D. (Tullis) Rader. Jane graduated from Three Rivers High School and later attended Western Michigan University. Following her marriage to Clyde Donald Eicholtz, …

Mrs. Linda Sue Schug, 61, of Marcellus, passed away suddenly on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital following a brief illness. She was born in Baldwin, MI., on Feb. 10th, 1955 the daughter of the late Eugene and Shirley (Weiborn) Nichols. Linda graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1973 and continued her education at Davenport University. She …

Ione Emma Pappas, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at Sturgis Hospital. She was born July 30, 1932, in Chicago, a daughter of the late Gustav and Emma (Wolter) Zerbs. As a teen, Ione moved to Burr Oak, where she graduated from Burr Oak High School. She has since resided in the Burr Oak and Sturgis …

Mendon Community Schools is losing a coaching icon, as varsity football coach John Schwartz has announced his retirement. School board officials Monday accepted Schwartz’s letter of resignation. The Hornets won 10 state championships under Schwartz, who compiled a record of 274-48 in 27 years at the helm of Mendon football. A Colon High School graduate and Long Lake resident, Schwartz …

A longtime fixture in Cass County has announced he will not seek re-election later this year to another four-year term. Sheriff Joe Underwood Jr. stated in a media release he plans to retire after 40 years in law enforcement. He has served as sheriff the past 24 years. Underwood said he spent a significant amount of time weighing the decision …

Sturgis city commissioners last week reviewed a proposal for a $200,000 expansion at the Doyle Community Center. If approved, the additional funds would provide dedicated space for strength and cardio-training equipment, and open the possibility for future 24-hour access to the health site. On the table is a proposed 45- by 60-foot expansion to the northeast corner of the building, …

Plans are moving forward for an Indiana Michigan Power solar power project in southwestern Michigan. The Herald-Palladium of St. Joseph reports an estimated 50,000 solar panels are planned for a 35-acre site in Berrien County’s Watervliet Township. Plans call for it to generate enough electricity to power an average of 700 homes. Local officials are reviewing a permit request for …

Two people found in a car in a creek in southwestern Michigan died from drowning. The autopsy result was announced Monday, a day after the car was found upside down in Brandywine Creek in Niles. The victims were Autumn Mehl and Steven Rough, who were last seen leaving a bar early Saturday. The road above the creek was snow-covered and …

A 15-year public servant has announced his candidacy for the Fabius Township Board of Trustees. Lucas Allen issued a press release stating his intention to run for trustee after learning current township trustee Dave Brueck and clerk Kathy McDonough are not seeking re-election. Allen said if elected, he will strive to not only fill the role of trustee in a …

An Adrian native with a Mendon connection will be the recipient of a Purple Heart medal and other honors to be presented this week by Congressman Fred Upton. World War II veteran and Portage resident John Butler, 89, will be at the center of the event at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Community Room of the Centre Meadows Apartments in …