First it was an attempt to steal the “Mitten State” knickname, now they want the lake. There’s a light-hearted petition seeking to rename Lake Michigan as “Lake Wisconsin.” The petition is available online at visitlakewisconsin.com. The web site says Michigan residents have gloated over the lake for years and it’s time to change the name. So far more than 500 people have …

Ray C. Gilbert, 88, of Jonesboro, Ga., passed away March 11, 2015. Born in Three Rivers to Estella & Allen Gilbert. He served in the Merchant Marines during WWII. Worked for Harding’s Friendly Market for 21 years and at Home Depot for 11 years. He leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Joyce. Children, Steve (Pamela) Gilbert of Leonidas, …

Strong storms that moved through Michigan tore the roof off a building in downtown Muskegon, and high winds knocked out power Friday in areas scattered around the state. Straight-line winds flung debris from the damaged building in Muskegon late Thursday, knocking over a street sign and forcing officials to close a road, The Muskegon Chronicle reported. Assistant Fire Chief Ken …

Authorities in Kalamazoo County continue to investigate the possibility that two incidents of gunfire Wednesday night and Thursday morning are related. The first incident happened just after 10 Wednesday night. Around 19 shots were fired at a home in Kalamazoo. No one was injured. The other incident happened early Thursday morning in Osthemo Township. No one was hurt in that incident either. …

Harriett B. Powell, age 91, of Marcellus, MI passed away Thursday, April 9, 2015. She was born June 16, 1923 in Porter Township, Van Buren County MI, the daughter of Elmer Lee and Lillian Agnes (Nye) Kinney. On August 29, 1943 in Lawton, MI she married Ernest “Steve” Powell and he preceded her in death. She has been a resident …

A Cassopolis man died Wednesday afternoon in a crash in Cass County’s Mason Township. The victim was identified as 72-year-old Wayne Owen. He was reportedly northbound on Cassopolis Road when his vehicle left the road and struck a tree. According to Owen’s family, he had a history of heart related illness. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident in Colon Township. Deputies were called at 5:25 p.m. April 2 to the 32000 block of Case Road. It is believed the incident occurred between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. A 12-gauge shotgun and a large amount of money were taken, according to deputies.

State Rep. Aaron Miller is inviting World War II veterans to join him in Lansing May 7 to take part in the 2015 Honor Drive, marking the 70-year anniversary of the victory of Allied troops over the European Axis. Miller said he will recognize World War II veterans from the 59th House District who join him for the celebration of …

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation has awarded six mini-grants to Sturgis Public Schools. Various teachers who were recipients of the grants indicated to the district’s board of education the use of their grant money. Teacher Mackenzie Adams said her $250 grant will go toward Thursday morning athletic trainer taping workshops at Sturgis High School. Pandora Day at Eastwood Elementary received …

The city of Sturgis has approved a new, three-year contract with its 13-member electrical workers union. The deal includes annual pay raises, but places new caps on the city’s long-term retirement legacy costs. City electrical linemen will get a $2.25-an-hour pay raise. All members will get a 1.5 percent boost this year and 2 percent more in each of the …