State Rep. Aaron Miller participated Thursday in a Capitol news conference to reveal priorities for the current legislative session to foster job growth and strengthen Michigan’s economy. House Republican lawmakers outlined their top priorities as the 2015-16 legislative session got under way. Miller said the plan focuses on continuing the process of balancing the state budget early and eliminating bureaucratic …

Officials from Indiana Michigan Power have announced plans to add solar energy to the company’s generation fleet. The measure follows the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s approval of I&M’s plans for five solar facilities with a combined capacity of nearly 16 megawatts. Three of the facilities will be in the Michiana area, including two in St. Joseph County. Company officials said …

Sturgis resident David Ludders was honored by the Sturgis Exchange Club last month, when it conducted its 72nd annual Book Of Golden Deeds award ceremony at Sturges-Young Auditorium. Ludders was selected for the award in recognition of his volunteer efforts, especially his contributions at Camp Fort Hill. The award is the highest recognition given by the Exchange Club nationally and …

John Alvin Rittman, age 70, of Mendon, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 at his home. He was born in Terre Haute, IN on Aug. 8, 1944 the son of the late George and Delphine (Lawrence) Rittman. He graduated from Garfield High School and took college courses in Terre Haute. He later graduated from Western Michigan University and was a schoolteacher …

Susan J. Blue, 54, of Three Rivers, passed away Tuesday, February 3rd, 2015 at Borgess Medical Center. Susan was born in Three Rivers, MI on July 4, 1960, a daughter of Anthony and Joyce (Thornton) Witek. She graduated from Constantine High School in 1978 and attended Glen Oaks Community College. Susan worked as a sales associate at Seelye Automotive in Kalamazoo for …

Marie M. Holderman, age 88, formerly of Colon, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, in Stevensville. On Sept. 19, 1942, she married Lloyd Holderman in Goshen, Ind. He preceded her in death Sept. 12, 1967. Marie had an unwavering faith in God. She was a member of Colon Baptist Church for most of her life. She is survived by her …

Maryann Keller, 78, of Three Rivers, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 at home. She was born Aug. 31, 1936 in White Pigeon, a daughter to the late August and Marie Bender. Maryann was raised in White Pigeon and Kalamazoo and after marriage has resided in Three Rivers. On March 1, 1958 in Constantine, she married Ralph Keller. She attended …

Hi there. My name is Rover and I am a Cattle Dog mix. I’m about 5 years old, a male and am a tri-color with cute freckles on my legs. I am very sweet and friendly with people. I walk nicely on a leash and am fine with cats. Being a cattle dog I do like to go out and …

Members of the department responsible for clearing the roadways and making vehicular movement possible earlier this week were acknowledged Tuesday by Sheriff Brad Balk and members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. During the citizen comments portion of the commission meeting, Balk said communication between road commission manager Chris Minger, commission Chairman John Dobberteen, emergency management director Scott …

A Kalamazoo man was issued a traffic citation following a two-vehicle accident this week in Lockport Township. State police said 21-year-old James Matlock was driving south on U.S. 131 shortly after 10 a.m. Tuesday, when he turned left onto North Main Street in front of a northbound vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle, 58-year-old Joseph Mrocezk was unable to …