State Rep. Aaron Miller announced that a Three Rivers orchard has received a grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to expand and increase its production. Miller said Corey Lake Orchards in Three Rivers was awarded more than $48,000 through the “Value Added and Regional Food System” grant program. The money will be used to enable the …

Members of the Colon Community Schools Board of Education this evening will continue deliberating their plan to trim as much as $500,000 from the district’s $5.7 million budget. The board, which met a month ago before a standing-room-only audience in excess of 80 people, is considering options that include the privatization of its transportation services, the elimination of up to …

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 …