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 …

Hazel Joan (Harbeson) Parker, 81, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. Hazel was born Oct. 24, 1933 in Sturgis to Lawrence and Rachel (Eicher) Harbeson. She spent most of her life in the Nottawa area before moving to Kalamazoo in 2007 to be near her family and her beloved grandchildren. …

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.

As moderating temperatures melt snow and ice on Michigan lakes, officials are warning people to be prepared for the unpleasant sight of dead fish and other aquatic animals. Fisheries habitat specialist Chris Freiburger of the Department of Natural Resources says it’s common for many fish, turtles, frogs, toads and crayfish to die over the winter — especially when there’s been …

Authorities in Allegan County say they’re trying to find homes for more than 100 cats that were turned over to an animal shelter. Undersheriff Frank Baker says a couple in the Otsego area started feeding stray cats and the animals reproduced at a speedy rate. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports the cats became costly to feed, so they reached out to …